Selamat Terima Kasih <(^.^<)

Cute tote!
Spotted while online shopping. Would have bought it if it hadn't been just the day before Thanksgiving. I do heart pumpkin pie~!


Dan Wang hosted a Thanksgiving potluck in Jersey City on Thursday. I was very undecided about what to contribute to the potluck, so I merely told Shar I was bringing 'Gourmet Dessert.' Lol.

Brut, Cordon Rosado - Pink champagne from Spain.

Sharlene told me that she was making 'Beer Butt Turkey.' To go with the whole alcoholic theme, I was set on making some kind of cake containing liquor :)
I got the following recipe off 'Allrecipes.com' >>>

Champagne Cake

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 3/4 cup champagne
• 6 egg whites

Coconut Filling:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon white wine
• 16 large marshmallows
• 1 cup flaked coconut

Fondant Frosting:

• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 drops red food coloring
• 6 large marshmallows

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter two 9 inch round pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until very light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, and then blend into creamed mixture alternately with champagne.
3. In a large clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into batter to lighten it, then fold in remaining egg whites. Pour into prepared pan.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool. In the meantime, prepare coconut filling.
5. Coconut Filling: Over boiling water in double boiler, melt 16 marshmallows, butter and wine. Remove from heat and add coconut.
6. Put cakes together with coconut filling in between.
   
7. Fondant Frosting: Sift powdered sugar in top of double boiler. Add corn syrup and water. Stir over boiling water until smooth. Add the vanilla, salt and almond flavoring. For pink champagne effect, add 2 or 3 drops red food coloring.
8. Keep frosting warm so it spreads evenly. With spoon, carefully pour fondant over top and sides of cake. Slice marshmallows into 4 rounds each, dip in fondant and place at random on top of cake.

*~Bubbly~*

I must say, the aroma of melting marshmallows, butter, and champagne is one of the most divine smells you can ever imagine.

Food coloring packaged like crayons :D

Looks like a sandwich, no?
Almost done; just in need of frosting & deco.

Voila! Le gâteau rose de champagne!

I used sugar roses from a Betty Crocker decorating kit as a finishing touch instead of garnishing it with sliced marshmallows as the recipe suggests, because I recalled Janet telling me that she detests marshmallows. I'm the complete opposite; I could be president of the Marshmallow Fan Club.


It was a bad idea to wear a little black skirt into the city that night; my butt was getting frost bite. I also couldn't stand the way creepy guys leered at me. Eeeee! So I walked into the first Duane Reade I saw to buy black tights. What a small world: I heard someone call, "Sammy," and spun around to see Valentino Dao! Val was one of the first friends I made at Hofstra. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, Sam. The both of them transferred out of Hofstra this semester; financial issues on her part, while he joined the army. We had a little catching up session in a narrow aisle, much to the annoyance of other shoppers who were trying to squeeze through. It was nice to see Val again although we parted on slightly chilly terms last semester. I disapprove of some things she did to cause unnecessary drama. But that's all in the past... I must learn to drop all grudges and adopt the Thanksgiving spirit of being grateful for friendship! After we'd said our farewells, I headed to Jersey City.


At Dan's:-

The Tin Man.

Good plan! Sharlene mummifying Dan's hands with kitchen towels and foil so he could safely carry the turkey.

Grilling the turkey on Dan's sky deck, Manhattan skyline in backdrop.

The beer can which went in the turkey's butt.

I was astounded when I saw the recipe for the turkey; I've never made anything that required so many ingredients! On top of that, Sharlene had to marinade the ginormous bird in beer overnight, causing her fridge to almost flood with alcohol.

'Beer Butt Turkey'

One of the most flavorful turkeys I've ever tasted.

So Asian; someone had to bring a Chinese dish!

Janet's standout Australian Meat Pies.

Green Bean Casserole.

I've seen the recipe for this dish printed on cans of mushroom soup all the time, and have wanted to try making it. It wasn't as delicious as I imagined though.

Lol. Poor stretched out turkey.

Eujern was entrusted to the task of carving the turkey. He Googled how to do it. LoL!

Pictures from last Thanksgiving: This is the giant turkey leg that my ex roommate's German grandfather urged me to finish! Since the leg is dark meat, it's saltier than other parts of the turkey. Most people are divided between white meat and dark meat, but I couldn't say which kind I prefer. I think it's nice to alternate between both to balance out the different flavors and textures.

Cozy fireplace in my ex roommate, Ashley's home.

It's a pity we're not in touch anymore. I heard from Carter, who was in the Hoftra cheer leading team with her, that she betrayed the cheer team big time. Scandal!

This year, I got the turkey neck. It's supposed to be one of the best parts. I do like the chewiness of the tendons :D~

Janet & I ^_^

Eujern's turkey carving skills failed, so everyone pitched in, hacking at and sawing away at the humongous bird.

I insist there was whiskey in the mashed sweet potatoes that Eujern made this year!
Everyone called me an alcy for detecting liquor in all food, but I stick to my conviction!

I also made the stuffing this year! Bread, chicken stock, butter, dried cranberries, heaps of herbs, chopped liver and gibbets, etc etc... It was definitely one of my favorites. I had one too many helpings. Aside from it being delicious, there was the pride factor of having made it.


3 kinds of desserts - Caramel Apple pie, Pumpkin pie, Tiramisu & Champagne Cake. I applaud Simon's Apple pie! The crust was divine.

Joseph looking very satiated.

Janet, being an absolute sweetheart, offered to let me bunk at her new place that night instead of going back all the way to LI. Her new apartment is so quaint. Me loves! Funnily enough, having her apartment all to myself that night was one of the most enjoyable memories of this weekend. I can't wait to have my own apartment in the city too.


I had an absolutely dreamy time in the city on Black Friday~ It was extra chilly, so I bundled up & ran errands in familiar parts of the city which I'd come to miss.

Chanced upon a Christmas bazaar, found cool gifts for loved ones at the HBO store, had lunch at Tao...

Shopped, breathed, lived.

I was highly keen on viewing the Tim Burton exhibition at MoMa, but the museum was a mad house, and tickets for the special exhibit were sold out. A pity, especially since Janet had lent me her Parson's student ID which enabled me to gain free access to the museum.

'Belted' building.

Wrapping up shopping with an Eggnog Latte & Polar Bear Cookie.


It was one of those strange days which made an impact upon me. I spent time by myself, relished in my own company, and took joy in the world. I had time to think clearly, revise my goals in life, and mature like fine wine. The best thing was being reconciled with the writer in me. I have a good idea of what I want for my future, which is a tremendous relief after being lost for so long. I know I can do whatever I want to do, be whomever I want to be.

Do it do it

Just finished watching 'Amelie' for the first time.

Sometimes interference is necessary to set things in motion.

Maybe life isn't a Magic 8 Ball, but an Etch-A-Sketch.

City of Champions

Roaaad trippp~

The night before, Cris & I popped open bottles of champagne to celebrate our upcoming trip :D Everyone cowered as the corks ricocheted around the room.

The boyfriend & the one who played cupid.

I was a drunk fool... I have to try to be more aware of that. We watched 'Team America,' which was way too much for me to handle. I think I love it. Is it possible for a movie to be insulting yet inspirational? Its theme song is one of the most obnoxious and addictive ballads I have ever heard. I'm wondering whether or not to put it on my blog's Myxer. I know it will induce much tutting.

I actually rose before my alarm clock sounded the next morn. As predicted, we left Hofstra slightly before 10AM instead of the planned 8AM.

Meesa had a full breakfast of turkey chutney wrap, OJ & mini pastries. The boyfriend drove & I sat up front with him, while Joey, Cris & Mike got cozy in the back. It was hard to doze off with the rest conversing about Neil Armstrong beating his wife, and Plato being beaten by his wife. The scenery throughout the drive was beautiful... Fields of dusky orange made me reminisce one of Disney's firsts, 'Bambi.' A cemetery atop a hill put me in Nobody Owen 's shoes - the protagonist of Neil Gaiman's 'The Graveyard Book' and possibly one of my favorite characters Gaiman has brought to live. Everyone in our company drives except for me, so they switched around every few hours. On the radio was Ratatat, Switchfoot, and Christmas songs from a CD that Cris had bought at the post office with me the other day. Nowadays, I'm listening to more indie songs under the influence of my friends. Last year it was RnB love.

Compliments of Joey's awesome photography.

We stopped for lunch around noon, and I met Reese Witherspoon at the pet store right next to Paneras!

Me: "Guys, I met Reese Witherspoon!"

Joey: "Where??? Here?"

Me: "Yeah!"

I showed him the picture.

Joey: "Nice! Did she actually come here and autograph the container?"

Oh, Joey.

If you were older, I would think you were you the inspiration for Friend's Joey Tribbiani.

2.5 hours later...

The giant bottle of milk next to the Boston Children's Museum amused me.

The first thing Cris & Joey did when they got to the hotel was to pay a visit to the hotel bar. LOL. Cris has been addicted to champagne ever since our champagne brunch in Vegas! Joey was carded by the bartender and nearly got caught. That would have put a damper on our trip if he'd gotten into trouble...

Joey started giggling like crazy after he took this picture. I'll leave it to your imagination.

Cris: "Look at that nice building! I'm sure it's something."

Everyone had been to Boston before except for yours truly. It's so different from New York. The architecture and streets there reminded me very much of Melbourne. It's more alike Europe than any other city I've visited in America thus far. Cris brought us to her most visited spot in Boston, Quincy Market, a tourist attraction & hub of activity.

Thanksgiving isn't even over, but the X'mas deco has already sprung up!

After a bit of sightseeing, we went in search of a cafe. After asking a local for recommendations, we were directed to Boston's equivalent of New York's Little Italy. We got lost for a bit, but eventually found it. Entered the first cafe we spotted, 'Cafe Paradiso.' Far from heavenly, it was more of a dodgy sports bar (I got hit on by a guy at the bar). But kudos to their genuinely amazing alcoholic coffees!

My first 'Boston Cream Pie' in Boston was disappointing; extremely dry and no oomph whatsoever. However, I relished in my choice of drink: Roman Coffee = Espresso + Sambuca. I don't like licorice, but I adore star-anise in Nasi Briyani and curries. Discovered that it's a treat in coffee too! Jim's Cafe Mocha was Perfect with a capital P. I had never tasted so good a mocha as that.

Sign spotted outside a convenience store.

Mike went berserk when he saw this. It was a mistake to suggest he buy it; he practically flew at me. Hahahah! New York pride.
I kind of understand why the Boston stereotype of A-holes have stuck though. Stereotypes begin because they speak the truth. We were shot to pieces by a near-car accident the following day, no thanks to a reckless local driver. And I thought New York City drivers were notorious.

We just HAD to. Especially since the liquor store guy said they had stopped producing these. Cris was regretful that she'd missed the LA version.

After picking up liquor, we chanced upon a wharf and sat on the shifting boardwalk until we got dizzy.

I spotted a meteorite! Well, at least I'm very sure it was a meteorite. There's a slight possibility it was the 'weak link' of the meteorite shower last Tuesday, explaining its extreme lag. Or maybe it was a signal flare for ships at sea. My exclamation of surprise sounded extra loud in the serene silence, making everyone else look up. Whatever it was, t'was pretty.

More gorgeous architecture in Boston.

Dinner: All in favor of seafood say, "Aye!"
Jim had eaten there before and recommended it.

The bf slighted me for taking a picture of a picture. Whatever! I like being ironic!

Joey being gay. Mike was less joyful.

Cup o' Clam Chowder. Om nom nom...

Too much potato for me, actually.

Lobster Roll!

Like chicken salad, but substituting lobster for chicken obviously.
Good stuff!

We stayed at the lavish Intercontinental Boston.

The bathtub was a mere 'sliding-window' away from the bed.
Not exactly practical, but cool nonetheless!
Everyone kept jumping onto the bed via the partition.

The boys were flabbergasted at the extravagance of the place. The moment they spotted the luxury sports cars in the hotel's parking lot, they joked that we didn't belong there. I admit it was an awesome hotel, but I wasn't completely blown away; I travel a lot and have been to many hotels which are above par. It never struck me how well-off I am compared to some of my other friends... Even the Americans. Perhaps their families just have different priorities.

C.W! :p

Fingering is so yesterday!

Hung out and got tipsy. Absolut Boston tastes almost like bubble tea. Hints of elderflower give it a similar fruity-flowery fragrance. Watched 'The Wedding Singer.' The scene on the plane where Adam Sandler serenades Drew Barrymore with, 'I Wanna Grow Old With You' always gets me.

People who read my blog always tell me that I consistently seem to be having so much fun. True that! But I also confess that my blog posts highlight the awesome moments of my excursions/activities. Blogging helps me to be grateful for my Life. But for once, this blog post does nothing to justify the time I had on this trip. NIL. NADA.

^¿^
Bubble baths.
(How can hotels not supply bubble bath???)
Improvisation.
Bubble-less baths.
A hot hot bath, nonetheless!
Incorporation of sliding partitions ;)
Carnal hunger. Physical hungry.
Walks to 7-11 in the cold, the rare cigarette in hand.
I just realized... Did you buy Menthols just because I'd told you I was craving one?
Midnight energizer snacks.
Me, 'Hostess Cupcakes' and you, 'Lunchables.'
I told you to go for it. We all crave mystery meat sometimes.
Bewildering disappearing items.
Unspoken truths now spoken.
Getting things (or people) off our chests.

The next morning, I learned that Mike didn't get a wink of sleep, because Cristina & Joey had snored all night. LMAO!!! He actually wandered around the hotel in search of a quiet spot to sleep, and resorted to crashing in a public lounge. So kesian!

Also found out about something which revives my hopes of the 'future front porch image.'

Apa khabar?

Since Boston's renown for its seafood, I thought why not indulge in cuisine which uses seafood as a staple? Hence, our last meal in Boston was Japanese. Cris suggested:-

Samurai Boston

827 Boylston Street Boston, MA

Live Scallops~!

Magnificent... Almost creamy-like, with the most delicate taste & texture ever! It came with a garnish of fruity sauce on the side of the plate, which went amazing together.

Breaded oysters.

'Snowball.'

Passionfruit, mango, and raspberry sorbet coated with White chocolate and split down the middle.

As usual, Joey's mind was in the gutter.
It's only because you are my friend that I don't judge you as a creeper like J.Glander.

I was slightly grouchy on Sunday, which usually happens when I know the holiday is coming to an end. We stopped several times - for gas and dinner at a fast-food place called 'Duchess.' Worst. Food. Ever!

Got back to campus at almost 9PM.


My heart melted when you asked if you disappointed me. Far from it, my dear... Far from it. Sure I don't know what's going through your mind, but I know what's going on in your heart. I'm an oldest child too. I truly believe that birth order determines more than people know. Contradict me if you will, with one of your many interesting theories. I love listening to you. Talk geeky to me! It turns me on ;P


I appreciate it... The fact that you came with me. That you actually drove me there. You even stood beside me while we were silently being condemned by everyone. No doubt it was mad expensive, but at least I wasn't alone. It was less of a financial burden before, but a weightier burden on my heart. The ex would never have done the same. He was a selfish bastard completely absorbed in himself. When I analyze everything now, I can see that even his nobleness, which I'd looked up to, was merely a means to feel good about himself. If you'd made me run the errand by myself, I would probably have gotten over it, because I'm so used to being treated like sh*t. That's how bad it was. I will no longer be anyone's toilet bowl.


Equals X!

Why I love my friends

Word.

Cristina... Taco Bell! A fast food joint! What did you expect??

I don't really know this kid, but I cracked up like crazy when I saw this. Randomness!

It's Friday! Another great weekend begins tonight.
Got 2 bottles of bubbly to kick off our road trip to Boston ;)

Brave New Girl

I did the right thing. After years of creating the same silly misunderstandings, I finally took responsibility. You do learn from your mistakes, even if they were more numerous than you would have liked. Instead of cowering and going into denial that I was being unfair (but knowing deep inside that I was), I made a just plan and acted upon it. It was actually far less excruciating than I had always feared. In fact, all those times I delayed the 'announcement' was probably more harsh on my conscience than ripping off the band-aid. But I did it with such tact that it was more like peeling off the band-aid and kissing the boo boo.

When 'David Schwimmer' & i met last night, he brought a bunch of spoons along with him, because my Facebook profile says that I like spooning :)

I can tell that we would have gotten along swell. It was just bad timing.

At this point, I only have eyes for a curly haired Raphael... This angel calls me a 'classic Asian Princess.' Loool. His heavy lidded gaze sends shivers of delight down my back. It pleases me when his green-grey pupils dilate when he looks at me. I like what I'm seeing too.

I'm sticking to my man :)