2013, The Final Chapter in This Book. 2014, Are You Ready?

Hello Guys!!!

Welcome back. A whole year has gone by in what now feels like mere seconds and looking back, I cannot think I've had a more life-changing year than 2013. I still remember sitting down, to quickly write the last blog post for 2012, reminiscing about the amazing year it was, having achieved one of my grandest dreams: to become a Pastry Chef. And this year, I cannot be thankful enough of the fruits my dream has harvested. I began my year depressed, having parted ways from a beloved city, in which I had never felt more at home, saying adieu to some of my lifelong friends, to establish a path blindfolded. I accepted a job at a bistro, where I learned to accept that sometimes you do need help. Burned arms and hands, blistering feet, eye bags weighing down my face and clothes that no longer fit having lost weight as worked consumed me entirely. I learned that it's okay to quit when you know that you won't get anywhere doing what you're doing and plunged even further down a dark path with barely my two feet to carefully pat the ground I was walking. But even in the darkest corners, one can find a ray of light. 

A year in pictures
Overlooking the beautiful Valley of Angels

And so began my journey into 2013...I bid farewell to the bistro and took up on a business proposition from my now current partners, on opening a Wine and Coffee Bar. It seemed like a smooth road from there on onwards, but it so happens that I was called in for an interview for a Hotel and Beach Resort that will soon be opening and within ten minutes, I was offered to be the second in command in the Pastry Kitchen. The opportunity to be part of the opening of a hotel was incomparable to anything. The fact alone would boost my resume in ways I had not achieved before. So I accepted. But now I had to inform my other party of my choice. While disappointed, they accepted my decision, as it would be key in my career and would work for me in the future. And yet, I felt uneasy. I had two great opportunities, so what was the problem? I came to realize I was scared of the pressure. While I love baking and being in the mess of a kitchen, the pressure in the kitchen is much different than contemplating a deadline for a paper due tomorrow. And I pondered, and I pondered and I pondered, going back and forth with both options, making myself dizzy with overwhelming thoughts.  One morning, I simply woke up and realized that I did not want the job. I did not want to spend 6 days in a kitchen hotel, working myself to death, not being able to cope with the pressure. And so I came to realize that despite my passion for baking, I love baking because I want to bake...not because I have to bake. 

I perfected my roses

So I backed up from the job, thanked the managers profusely for the amazing opportunity and kindly walked out of their lives. I then proceeded to return to the previous business proposition and plunged in dead serious. And suddenly all the time in the world, which I thought I had, evaporated and disappeared. The minutes ticked by, the days grew shorter and the months passed. I never understood my parent's constant "there's no time!" complaints until this year. Yet, I still found time to enjoy life. Zip-lining, re-visiting ancient ruins, getting to know my country and others, sleeping under the sun at the beach, temporarily hating family members and friends, as Cranium nights heated up and everyone seemed to be a cheater and could not be trusted, long wine nights and endless laughter. Despite my breakdowns and low points, I learned to appreciate the little things and short moments, when I could simply stop and laugh, or knowing it was an early Friday night, not wanting to go out, instead, staying in bed reading, until the hour grew late and Saturday arrived.  

(I faced my fears...with a nervous smile)

And as the months passed, I grew up. Slowly, it dawned on me. I got my driver's license and found myself getting around on my own, scared at first and then enjoying it. My orders came in steadily, week after week, and I had earned money. Hard work paid off. The Coffee and Wine bar business began to take form and in no time, we knew how to work the machine, prepare an espresso, absorbing every detail and fact known on coffee, only to do the same with wine. And there's still so much to learn. I have yet to perfect the steaming of the milk, but it will come to me in due time. The business partner in me took shape. I did not know I had it in me. And this aided my confidence in the kitchen. My work grew better, and little by little, word got around. I got new customers, more ideas to experiment with and a name for myself. My blog even turned 1 year old!!!

I appeared on a Food Magazine!!!

By October, January and February seemed eons ago and the following month, we'd be opening. My older sister left to pursue her Master's degree, my younger siblings scribbling their papers away, enjoying their time as students, and here I was, about to open a business. I felt out of place, surrealism encompassing me. And the thoughts resurfaced. Those troubling thoughts, on how every year you complain about your measly problems, to come to realize the following year, that they won't matter. Probably because this year's are bound to be worse. So I faced my fears. November came, we opened and at last, I could breathe. The initial nerves were gone and I had much to do every day. Busy baking away, my days bore hardly any time, but the desserts were selling. And although I wish I could pause the world for a moment and sleep until I am rested I cannot help but smile. I found something I love and I'm actually good at, and I get to enjoy the moments when I am watching the cakes rise and the cookies puff up, and no matter how horribly the burns are, that baking sheet will not hit the floor. I am a warrior in the kitchen, and I have the scars to prove it. And I will continue to fight. There's much more to learn and accomplish.

We welcomed Copa Cafe

And so here we are, another year gone by. With all the ups and downs 2013 had in store, it certainly has been the most illuminating year so far. 

“No, this is not the beginning of a new chapter in my life; this is the beginning of a new book! That first book is already closed, ended, and tossed into the seas; this new book is newly opened, has just begun! Look, it is the first page! And it is a beautiful one!”

C. Joybell C. is right. It pretty much sums up the past year and the years before. I feel I left a broken-hearted, smart girl behind, only to emerge a grown woman with a powerful mind, ready to take on the path that still bears no light. I can only hope that I keep on making decisions that stay true to my path. After all, a new year bodes well for those with high promises and resolutions. 

One of my resolutions: Travel with friends more often!!!

Tomorrow is a new year, a new beginning, and I am ready for it. Are you?

And a cup of coffee to start it all.

Happy New Year everyone. See you in 2014.

xx

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!

Hi Guys!!!

Merry Christmas!!! And welcome back!!! I cannot believe it's been almost two weeks since I posted last, but my life has taken a rather busy turn lately. Despite the weariness and overall tiredness, I am happy that I've been baking non-stop. There comes a time, everyday, when I wish my oven exploded so I can have a break, but then a cake turns out beautiful, and I am reminded of why I fell in love with baking in the first place. So on this beautiful Christmas night, let me enlighten you with my endeavors of late.

A lovely cookie just for me...
it didn't last a minute

When last we met, I was very proud with how the fondant Christmas cupcakes turned out. I still dislike working with fondant, but the holiday theme really got to me. I obviously need to practice more, but so far...not too shabby.  The Saturday that followed, I was happy to attend the birthday party of one of my great friends, providing a batch of the Spicy Cilantro Mousse, which was well received, despite some personal reservations. I was also very happy to catch up with old friends whom I had not seen in a very long time. It's always great to know, that even with time and distance apart, and not speaking on a daily basis, catching up with true friends is as if no time has passed at all. Thankfully I had baked during the day, as I had to wake up early...and very reluctantly to deliver those babies. My aunt gave me a ride and alongside a cousin, the three of us took opportunity to visit a Christmas bazaar that was taking place. We managed to procure several things, among them, 4 beautiful cake stands. Yes...4. I felt guilty as I got home, but hey, the more equipment, the merrier hehehe. 

Nothing like a Mocha to calm you down

I kept trying to fully restock my pastry corner at the Cafe, but to be honest, I did not think it would be as hard as it has been. People really like their sweets. It would be a thousand times easier had I a bigger, better equipped kitchen. Until then, I have my beautiful cozy kitchen to cope with. Now, coffee has always been my friend and ally when I've had my stressful moments, and God knows, I needed it last week. On a happier note, my best friend was flying in from London Friday and I was excited. But I had several events to attend to before we met. Friday morning included a gift exchange, from which I received a beautiful scarf (love that people know me well...albeit I did ask for one...never mind) and more equipment for my lovely kitchen. Which reminds me...I got an early Christmas!!! My dad surprised me over a week ago with another Kitchen Aid!!! This time Big Red met Red II. They certainly add some color to my workplace. But I'll introduce you another time. 

My day passed in a peculiar blur, ending with me rushing out of the house to attend another gift exchange, only to sadly come to the realization that my wallet, entirely, was missing from my purse. No matter how much I retraced my steps, there's absolutely no recollection of how I came to lose it. But I couldn't delay myself further. I showed up, over an hour late, but baring gifts, hehehe. I was assigned the sweet treat for the night (Tiramisu!), and although we never got to glide our forks into it, I was informed later that it was delicious. After many drinks and a lively gift exchange, I met up with another group of friends, among them, my sister from far away, whom I had not seen in a year!!! Since we got to the place quite after hours, we didn't really catch up. Still, the entire evening was splendid and with very sleepy eyes, I met my dreams. 

Rum-glazed, fruit packed Christmas cakes...
the perfect gift

As per usual, I had to wake up early Saturday. Duty called and back to baking it was again. I managed to do so quickly, with enough time to fix and gift wrap several yummy fruitcakes that had been ordered on Monday. So in the late afternoon, I delivered the cakes and visited my friend. Reunited once again, it's funny how nothing has changed. Several wine glasses later, I was heading home. I got to bed as sleepy as I can ever remember. My body no longer bared me anymore. Sunday awoke me with a start and worrying, as I was informed, quite late, that the pastry corner was lacking and I had to, again, leave the comfort of my bed to bake. I had so much to bake, that I was stressing beyond words. I managed to whip up 5 White Chocolate Passion Fruit Cheesecakes, 1 Salted Caramel Cake, 1 Carrot Cake and 1 Chocolate Cheesecake. Dead tired, I passed out. My alarm rang and again, I had to bake. Only 2 Lemon Meringue Roulades to make, I quickly left to deliver the cakes. I was back home in time for lunch. But I had a busy afternoon ahead of me. I accepted an order of decorated sugar cookies, a first for me, and my time calculations were wrong. Because I hadn't considered the equipment I would need, it took me much longer that it would have to bake and decorate the cookies. But despite the late hour, I had so much fun piping royal icing on those beauties. I am happy to announce that my customer was happy.

I was so proud! Absolutely beautiful!!

Tuesday morning I woke up, feeling quite groggy. Nothing a hot cup of coffee couldn't cure. I revised my recipes for the desserts of my second Christmas Eve dinner over at grandma's and jumpstarted my day. In a slight vain effort, I had to throw away the first sponge I made.  Recipes aren't always perfect and my oven did not agree with the time. So I got a dry, sponge that cracked. But I had no time to bake it again. I had several errands to run and I left at noon. I delivered the cookies, got my hair done, shopped for last minute groceries and was back at 3. I baked the sponge, thanking my effort to prepare the syrup in the morning and my mother's, for making the custard for my trifle while I was gone. My sister also helped to prepare another sugar cookie dough for me. So I got busy. I made an Almond Sherry Christmas Trifle, a recipe I found years ago, courtesy of Gourmet magazine and a beautiful Dulce de Leche Christmas Wreath, from another magazine a couple of years old. Quite an eye catcher they both were and were enjoyed by some of us (we had dinner roughly around 1 in the morning, Christmas Day).  My first dinner was at home, and consisted of Pomegranate Glazed Cornish Hens, stuffed with chestnut wild rice, Sweet Potato and Zucchini Latkes, a delicious Avocado, Bacon and Caramelized Walnut Salad, finishing with a Freshly baked apple pie. I was quite full, so thankfully my second dinner was hours later. 

Mmm...Sweet Dulce de Leche Wreath
and Yummy Sherry Almond Trifle

The clock struck 12, we celebrated and ate. I was overjoyed, but the late hour called us all. And on the glorious Christmas morning, I was up like an early bird, baking away for the Cafe, before the turkey to be enjoyed during our Christmas lunch went into the oven. Cakes frosted and ready, they were delivered just in time for lunch: Roasted turkey, with chestnut stuffing, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Potato Salad and the classic Cranberry Sauce. I felt like the turkey just after lunch, completely stuffed. No wonder I needed to lie down. I woke up, had my cup of coffee and headed to grandma's. Still full from the yummy Christmas lunch, I skipped dinner...only to regret it now. But the hour grows late. I shall post the delicious recipes used soon. And with my sleepy eyes, I wish you a lovely week. 

A Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!!!

Until next time.

xx

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Hi Guys!!!

Happy Thursday!!! Thank you for coming back again, week after week, to read about my exploits in the kitchen and my messy adventures. I have to admit that amidst the wrecks I have been making lately, baking constantly everyday, I have not been able to bask entirely in the wonders that this time of year brings round. Although everywhere I look, beautiful lights shine, adorning windows and streets. Even at home, where the lovely tree stands proudly, filling the room with peace and joy, I haven't allowed myself time to revel in the beauty of the holidays. The time will surely come. After all, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 

There's no place like home for the holidays...definitely

So my sleep schedule is less than perfect, I still have managed to keep up with my duties. My face begs to disagree with my accomplishments, but it's nothing a little concealer can, well, make me look slightly better. I have begun to lose track of my days and while I cannot recall for my life what I did on Friday, I'm sure baking till the late hours was involved. Saturday I decided to experiment with a new recipe and try out an old one. The new recipe, a Chocolate Cheesecake, left me with serious doubt Saturday evening, as I wasn't completely sure if had cooked through. Although the recipe stated it was to remain wobbly in the middle, it seemed TOO wobbly for my taste. Baked at 300 degrees Farenheit, I decided to up the time around 15-20 minutes more...not that it made a visible difference to the cake. Eventually I took it out, left it to cool down and chilled it for a least 8 hours. The result was a very creamy and delicious cake!!! WOW...it's no surprise I've made it again. The other recipe was the never failing, triple chocolate cookies I borrowed from a well known website. Too late into the dough making I came to realize I had no chocolate chips in the pantry. So they became Double Chocolate Walnut Cookies. And boy did they please, hehehe. Had to make more eventually. 

Even those who lie about not
liking chocolate will definitely enjoy one of these

Sunday I "slept" in. I woke up early really, but stayed in bed in my PJs until 11:00 in the morning. My cup of coffee kept me warm in the chilly weather. So I showered and had lunch and procrastinated for the better part of the day, realizing I'd be baking late...again, because I decided to be lazy. I whipped up a batch of lovely chocolate cupcakes, made lemon squares, brownies, red velvet layers and proceeded to make fondant. I can't recall if I ever mentioned to you of my past fear of fondant. Well, because I aim for perfection (and achieve it less than 50% everytime), fondant cakes terrify me, because flaws are easily visible. But there's nothing practice can't perfect. And I've perfected my fondant making skills, although I haven't decorated that many cakes with it. I was ordered a dozen Christmas themed cupcakes and fondant was perfect. Although I take pride in my creativeness, I have yet to develop it when it comes to cake decorating. I usually turn to Pinterest or book for inspiration.  And here is what I accomplished. Not bad, being my first time decorating cupcakes (I've only ever decorated one cupcake with fondant before).

They still turned out quite nice :)
...the snowflake requires practice.

Monday came by and left in a hurry, me baking a Lemon Meringue Tart for a customer and going to bed rather early. Tuesday was a quiet day, although several cups of coffee aided in my functioning. Yesterday was one of those days, on which you stress yourself the entire day, wondering if you have to do something, only to realize very late at night, that you did not have to, and could have relaxed for a bit, which I did, although I was worried I had to bake. Buffalo wings and a beer later, I was pretty relaxed and even managed to read my long abandoned book before sleeping. Thursday came by with a gray sky and a chill in the air. I quickly warmed up behind the oven, getting a head start on orders due tomorrow. I left after lunch, popping in the cafe for a coffee and chat for a bit, before heading to the supermarket for a last minute ingredient stop and finally home. A quick bite for dinner, layers baked, a caramel made and layers sliced, here we are. Its after midnight, Friday morning. My body is begging me to continue early tomorrow, and although I'm sure it's a decision I'll regret, I take my leave. And as promised, below are two of the recipes I used last week. Enjoy!!!

Have a great weekend!!!

Until next time.

xx

Mojito Cheesecake

Adapted from The Culinary Chronicles

Ingredients:

Mint Sugar:

1 1/2 C. granulated sugar

1 C. loosely packed mint leaves, washed and thoroughly dried

Crust:

                                                        2 C. graham cracker crumbs

3 T. mint sugar

6 T. butter, melted

Filling:

                                                        24 oz cream cheese, softened 

¼ C. sour cream, room temperature

1 C. mint sugar

1/8 t. cornstarch

3 large eggs

3 T. fresh lime juice

2 T. fresh lime zest

1 oz light rum*

Whipped Cream:

                                                            1 C. heavy cream, chilled

2 T. mint sugar1 T. fresh lime zest

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 ˚F.

Mint Sugar: In a food processor, pulse the granulated sugar and mint leaves until the leaves have been ground down and combined with the sugar.

Crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, mint sugar and butter until moistened and resembles the texture of wet sand. Pour into a 9-inch springform pan and press crumbs into the bottom of the pan and about one inch up the sides. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and cool to room temperature.

Filling: . Using a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the cream cheese and sour cream until its light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the mint sugar and cornstarch. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the lime juice, lime extract, zest, and rum (optional) until well combined. Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven with a pan half full of boiling water on the bottom rack of the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set. Turn off the oven and allow the cake to sit in the oven with the door propped open for about 30 minutes. 

Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool for an additional 30 minutes. Wrap well with plastic film and foil. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Carefully remove the sides of the pan by running a hot knife around the outside of the cake.

When ready to serve, prepare the whipped cream. Using a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the chilled heavy cream on high until it just holds stiff peaks. Slowly sprinkle in the mint sugar until you reach a thick consistency. Add in the zest, rum (optional) and whip until combined.

Pipe the whipped cream on top of the cheesecake and garnish with additional lime slices and mint leaves.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tres Leches

Adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients:

Cake:

1 C. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

5 whole eggs, separated

1 C. sugar, divided

1 t. vanilla

1/3 C. whole milk

1 can evaporated milk

1 can sweetened, condensed milk

1/4 C. heavy cream

Italian Meringue:*

2 egg whites

120 g sugar

50 ml water

Maraschino Cherries for decoration (optional)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.

Cake: Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan liberally until coated. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. 

Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar on high speed until yolks are pale yellow. Stir in milk and vanilla. Pour egg yolk mixture over the flour mixture and stir very gently until combined. Beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. With the mixer on, pour in remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until egg whites are stiff but not dry.

Fold egg white mixture into the batter very gently until just combined. Pour into prepared pan and spread to even out the surface. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan.

Combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream in a small pitcher. When cake is cool, pierce the surface with a fork several times. Slowly drizzle all but about 1 cup of the milk mixture—try to get as much around the edges of the cake as you can. Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture for 30 minutes. Leave in pan.

Meringue: Using a stand-up mixer, with whisk attachment, have the egg whites ready on the mixing bowl. Cook sugar and water to 116 degrees, using a candy thermometer. When it reaches said temperature, set the ready mixer on high. When the temperature reaches 119, remove the soft ball sugar from heat. Allow the bubbles to simmer down, and slowly and with a steady stream, carefully pour the cooked sugar on the egg whites, making sure not to hit the running whisk, to avoid the sugar splattering on the bowl. Let the mixer run until the bottom of the bowl no longer feels hot. The meringue should show stiff peaks.

Assembly: Spread the cooked meringue gently and evenly on top of the cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

*if removing cake from pan to serve in a platter, the meringue needs to be doubled in order to fully cover the cake.

Cheesecake Dreams for the Sleepless Chef

Hi guys!!!

Happy Thursday and welcome back!!! Can you believe it's December already?! I know I keep on repeating how fast time flies, but right now, I just cannot believe that we're in the last month of what has been a very interesting 2013.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. When last we met, I had a beautiful Pumpkin Cheesecake setting in the fridge, getting ready for the festivities that would follow the following day. However, that magnificent beast of a cake wasn't for home...I know. Why, right? Hahahaha, a good friend ordered it for his Thanksgiving dinner, while I decided to make a Pumpkin Roll for mine.

To be honest, the picture doesn't do it justice.

So Thursday came by and many of us here, although not American, did celebrate Thanksgiving. With a beautiful bird, mashed sweet potatoes, potato gratin, stuffing, a delicious salad, corn, bread, gravy and cranberry (of course!), we gave thanks for the wonderful times we've had, the many to come and the amazing feast before our eyes. Despite dinner having been quite late, none of us said no to dessert...at 11:30 in the evening. A pumpkin roll, a pumpkin pie, a pecan pie and a "Romeo and Juliet", we were all ready for bed. 

It broke while rolling it up,
but it got devoured later

I had trouble falling asleep with a full belly (oops!), but I was up early and back in the kitchen once more. I had plenty to bake, as I had a weekend off, and I needed that pastry fridge full. It was well past midnight when I found my bed, but the alarm clock rang in what felt like seconds. I had a hair and makeup appointment at 8, so I got ready and headed out. I got home around 11 in the morning, after running several errands, just in time for a quick bite. I rested a bit, but soon it was time to get ready. I had a wedding to attend and by ten to 2, I was out, with my hair pinned up and shadowy eyes. The day passed in a blur: a beautiful bride, a handsome groom, a glorious ceremony (despite the power going out), pitter patter of rain, drinks, a toast, a dance, more dancing, and more drinks. I should have eaten. Yup. I paid dearly for my mistakes on Sunday, barely getting out of bed to shower and eat, with sore feet, a sore throat, a throbbing headache and aching body. Lesson learned: pace yourself when you're dead tired, lacking sleep and not eating well. Not to mention I am now coming down with a cold, due to the light rain we decided to ignore during the party. But regardless of the horrors of Sunday, I wish the newly wed couple a lifetime of happiness.

I think I'm gonna be hating Passion Fruit soon...
having to make it everyday hahahaha

I actually managed to fall asleep again, around 10:30 Sunday evening, with heavy eyes and a bobbing head. I woke up Monday morning, feeling like a new person. I'm sure my cold tablets helped a ton, and I was only thankful I was able to walk again. My feet no longer hurt, but I'll remember to pack in a pair of flats next time I'm out. I managed to bake a lovely batch of brownies and was in the process of making a Lemon Meringue Roulade. Sadly, this last one failed utterly. For some reason, the meringue stuck horribly to the parchment paper and left me a "holey" mess to "work" with. It ended in the trash. I arrived in the early afternoon to the cafe and enjoyed a delicious Vanilla Latte with a brownie, hehehe. The afternoon flew by and soon I found myself enjoying a lovely glass of Riesling. i left as soon as the traffic jam lessened and with absolutely no energy to bake, procrastinated for the better part of the evening. 

Big Red...meet Lil Red. One of my partners let me
borrow it to lessen my load. Thank the LORD!!!

Despite the overall weariness, sleep eluded me. I tried writing and failed miserably; music lost its meaning and I eventually turned to the TV. A good five minutes were spent browsing different channels and switching programs. I was distracted for an hour with old reruns from Criminal Minds. Then I watched a rather disturbing movie. Okay, perhaps it's an exaggeration, but I'm pretty sure I'm scarred for life after watching the 1997 adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov's novel, Lolita. No, definitely sure I'll be scarred for life. I guess I was rather horrified realizing the depraved man was played by none other than Jeremy Irons (whom I love). I soon drifted off, after watching the film. 

Morning came too soon and I woke up after snoozing several times (a thing I used to never do) and immediately showered before I slept again. My cold felt more present, and yet, I had to bake. And so my day began. A White Chocolate Passion Fruit Cheesecake, a Red Velvet Beauty and violet Lavender Cupcakes later, I was enjoying my lunch before heading out. It was a quiet day for me, something I am thankful for, as usually I'm running around stressing out. However, it was 12:52, Wednesday morning, having been a very busy bee for the past four hours, as I had just finished making a Lemon Meringue Tart, another White Chocolate Cheesecake, a Tres Leches cake and an A M A Z I N G (looks, at least) Mojito Cheesecake!!! 

The homegrown mint was essential :)

I woke up feeling terrible. My cold had worsened and my head felt heavy. With utter reluctance I managed to get out of bed, well past my time. I quickly composed myself, headed to the kitchen, applied the finishing touches on my cakes and left. The day passed in a blur, with many ups and downs. I'll detail you on the ups. The downs...let's leave it at that.  First thing in the morning, we received a message from the manager as we appeared on the social page of the newspaper, regarding our opening night. Nice enough to bring me a smile. Second big surprise came in a subscription. My step-by-step of the Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake was published in a national Food Magazine! So, yes, I had much to be thankful and happy today. 

If you haven't tried out the recipe, please do!!!

And as usual, the clock is about to strike 1. The kitchen is spotless and in the fridge I have lovely Lemon Squares, a beautiful Meringue Roulade and the ever-pleasing Carrot Cake. Waiting to be served is the delicious banana bread, sitting pretty on the counter. Despite the day flying by, I am terribly tired, but feeling cheery and merry. So, with a happy smile, I take my leave. 

Have terrific Thursday and I wish you all a great week!!!

Until next time.

xx

P.S. Be sure to stop by next week for two of the new recipes tried out!!!

Coffee & Cake and A Wine Bar Café!

Hi Guys!!!

Happy Wednesday!!! I realize that I've been late with my posting lately. But please bear with me; much has happened in the past week that has kept me quite busy. For starters: the project finally opened!!!

Say hello to Copa Café!

A Panoramic (rather small) view of the lovely
Coffee Wine Bar Bakery

After months of brainstorming, decision taking, barista training, construction works, menu pricing, arguments and discussions, our baby was born. And we couldn't be happier or proud. Sure, the real work comes now and despite the hesitation, we're more than ready. 

When last we met, I was heading to bed. I woke up well, surprisingly. Wednesday marked the beginning of what were to be two very, VERY, long days. Wednesday was shorter though. To balance off the baking in my kitchen, with one pair of hands and my trusty oven, I began the preparations baking layers, making fillings, blind baking tart bases, you know... the usual hahaha. I did finish a bit past my bedtime, but the bases were finished. Because I was stressed out and worried thinking about the amount of baking ahead, it was no surprise I had baking nightmares and a bad headache. I woke up tired and with contracted muscles, but duty called and before I knew it, it was past 3 in the afternoon. And I still had eleven hours to go. Yes...eleven, because it turns out, I clocked in 17 hours: from 9 am to 2 am Friday morning. I was so engrossed in the baking, washing pans, cleaning up, prepping up, measuring, whipping, pouring and the same over and over and over again, that time flew by. By the time I was done, having just frosted my lovely lavender cupcakes, my legs no longer held my body weight and my feet were killing me. I wanted so badly to take a shower, but I succumbed to my sleep. 

Rosed Out Lemon Meringue Tart

Sadly, five hours weren't enough after what felt and eternity in the kitchen and by the time I had showered and dressed up, I was running late, trying to fit everything snuggly in the car. My overall state felt worse than that after a night of heavy drinking; Yes...worse than a hangover. With a banana in my bag and heavy eyes, I drove over to the project, surprised I made it in time and safely. I ran on automatic the entire day, having eaten only my banana, a slice of pizza and having chugged down more coffee than ever. But the pastry corner looked marvelous and better than I hoped for. I managed to sneak out for less than an hour to get my hair done. Come on! Opening night, dead tired, looking like a raccoon, the least I could do to look presentable was pamper my hair. And thankfully I did. So many pictures were taken, my smile froze my face. I'm sure I look like a freaky clown in some of them. But  we finally opened. With a few words from my partners and myself, we thanked everyone for kindly showing up and supporting us. Bottles of wine later, a short night out, and finally getting to bed, my long day was over. 

Try pairing it with a wonderful fruity Riesling
and you have yourself the perfect marriage!

I slept in for a bit. I woke up feeling rather rested, but still, remains of tiredness remained. I composed my self throughout the day. It was our first day open for the entire public, so I still had to be at the project early. I took in a magazine for baking inspiration, and enjoyed the little I could browse through it with my coffee. I barely sat down to do my baking research. A lot of people popped in to say hello, so it was more of a social day. I left a little before closing time and headed home. I waited until a reasonable hour to sleep, and I was out like a light. I woke up excited Sunday morning as it was Election Day and just before noon, we headed to our designated voting room, made our choices and got our pinkies stained. My duty as a citizen was done and home we headed for lunch. After a short break, the kitchen called and the baking began. A couple of cakes and other goodies later, I was asleep again. Monday came sooner than I wished and before I knew it, I was finishing off the cakes and applying the final touches when we decided to close the place for the day for reasons beyond our control. So I finished the cakes peacefully and visited my grandmother.

I really love the holidays <3

Tuesday morning I was rushing...again, trying to fit everything in the car...again, but the dessert fridge looked positively sweet! I was glad my long days and kitchen hours provided great results. I headed home in the late afternoon and began preparations for today's baking. Thankfully, not much has to be replenished, so I took on a couple of side orders and have been focusing on them instead. I never thought it would be hard to balance my orders and the cafe's but it is. In the near future, I will have help, as I have finally come to realize my two short arms and legs and one oven aren't enough to fulfill the orders and satisfy the many cravings for sweet things. It took me long enough, right? I mean, any other person would take the raccoon eyes and backaches as a hint, but there you have me: stubborn and messy and sleepy, hehehehe. 

The day is quite gloomy and slightly chilly. Can't wait to have my second cup of coffee to warm me up and give me that kick of energy that I need. With a pumpkin cheesecake in the making and another order to fulfill, my day is sure to be sweet and gray. 

I wish you all a lovely week, a Happy Thanksgiving, a safe Black Friday and a wonderful weekend.

Until next time.

xx