I loved Gumdrop cakes !  they are awesome to eat and a treat to the eyes and they are very easy to make.   The very first cake I learned to bake was a gumdrop cake,  a friend from college taught me how to do it.  This Christmas, I’m making some for friends and family – so I’m starting early and as soon as Christmas is over – the family and I are heading to Mauritius Island for a few days.

Someone said to me the other day that friendship is like a cupcake. You want it to be pretty, you want it to be sweet- but not too sweet.  You would loved it everyday but if you eat it everyday – you will get tired of it and once you eat it – you are satisfied for the moment and sometimes you remember this friendship but most times you just shit it out.

Not many people survived the trial of friendship and if you have friends who are pretty much deep down inside you know cannot really depend on till the very end – do you still try your best to be good friends to him and her?  I loved my online friendship but you and I know that it’s not worth getting so closed right?  Most people want to make you of your popularity online – and for folks like me who pretty much keeps to herself – I don’t get many online friends but real friends and my real friends are known as friends because they have known me for years now and wouldn’t pull any stunt with me.  Online friendship are hard to keep unless – the other party don’t go crazy on you first.  I loved myself too much – and even though I like my cupcakes – I don’t fancy them as much.

]]> http://www.locombia.org/2011/12/friendship-is-like-a-cupcake/feed/ 0 http://www.locombia.org/2011/10/cookie-in-a-jar/ http://www.locombia.org/2011/10/cookie-in-a-jar/#comments Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:13:01 +0000 Chilli Padi http://www.locombia.org/?p=1319

Inspired by an old favorite – I’m going to do something similar for my kid’s teachers and class this Christmas – wish me luck!  oh i have to clarify – no I’m not doing cake – I’m doing like a candy jar – and some cookies in them.  Pretty easy – but to find the time to do it.  These days – I seems to have a lot on hand.

]]> http://www.locombia.org/2011/10/cookie-in-a-jar/feed/ 0 http://www.locombia.org/2011/10/demonstrable-talent/ http://www.locombia.org/2011/10/demonstrable-talent/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:09:52 +0000 Chilli Padi http://www.locombia.org/?p=1279

Usually we dined at Pete’s Place at the Grand Hyatt because we have a long time friend who works there as the Sommelier – in fact, we met him when he was working in Paris in a tiny cafe there while he did his course in Hospitality industry.  Although his interest was in food and wants a Chef or Head Cook Jobs for the future – he ended up being so interested in wine that he is now a Sommelier in the Grand Hyatt.   But during his off days, we prefer to go to small cafes out of the city and play catch up.

This chic cafe was recently opened but the chef was definitely talented because we had the most tasteful dessert one can find – and it’s so reasonably priced that we’ve decided to make our weekly rest and relax session here.   The coffee, a mexican brand was pretty strong but I loved my coffee this way. I’ve always kept in contact with the people I used to work with in the hospitality industry and am glad that I keep in touch with them because they know exactly where to bring you for the best kind of dessert.

We don’t get many talented chefs or pâtissier around town but in the city, where jobs are a plenty – and if you know your way around – you can get very good desserts and food.  So if you have a friend in the hospitality industry – keep in touch with them – you never know when you will find a gem like I did every now and then.

]]> http://www.locombia.org/2011/10/demonstrable-talent/feed/ 0 http://www.locombia.org/2011/09/precious-find/ http://www.locombia.org/2011/09/precious-find/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:04:51 +0000 Chilli Padi http://www.locombia.org/?p=1247

I never thought I would see coffee art in Nova Scotia but I was wrong – this cafe in Dartmouth sure was surprising and lived up to its name for being the best cafe in Halifax.  I read about the cafe in the Coast and had meant to visit many a times.  I was finally up in the city and went to try out their coffee – although not as good as the ones I had in Paris – it was still excellent.  The next time I’m trying the chocolate croissant with it.   Two If By Sea is going to be one of my favorite place to be when I am in Halifax.

The spouse don’t call me the queen of invitations for nothing – because when my kids were young – I used to get special birthday invitations for their birthdays and summer party – as well as slumber parties – I just loved doing it.  So when my friends have any occasion they call upon me to help with the preparation of the party – whether it is a bridal shower – or a baptism of a newborn – or even a BBQ for the office.   I’m like the cheerleader yer know – the one that gets everyone together – and making everyone become friends – arranging for luncheon – or even match making – without being obvious – oh you get the hint by now.  But I get a little help from a special place to do all my invitation – and with a small price – I come up with the most fantastic looking invitation cards – that would draw just about anyone to your party.   They say I have charisma – but I think – it’s because of the lack of it – therefore I loved getting everyone together – but not putting too much attention to myself – but in the end I get the attention – pretty cool eh.  And yes, I’m quite the Ms Popular wherever I go – even with my kids’ friends.

Saw the new commercial on Pike’s Market in Seattle – so I went out this morning – to get a cup of Caramel Frappucinno – the power of advertisement equals to pure indulgence!  And the taste? absolutely fabulous!

]]> http://www.locombia.org/2011/02/indulgence/feed/ 0 http://www.locombia.org/2011/02/junk-food-of-late/ http://www.locombia.org/2011/02/junk-food-of-late/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:19:36 +0000 Chilli Padi http://www.locombia.org/?p=751

I have been craving for junk food and desserts of late – if I didn’t have my menopause already – I would have thought that I was pregnant again – hahah!!  but yes – I have been craving for junk food and durian and anything sticky – like glutinous rice.   time to get some supplements for weight loss else, I am going to be a fat lady soon and we can’t have that right.

I do love food – don’t get me wrong – but i really have been eating way too much – but how can one help it when the spouse brought back so many goodies during his recent trip in the States.  I would love to exercise more and eat differently but I do need some motivation and will power.

Bacon with chocolate. Weird idea but it is actually very good. $8 a bar fancy stuff.  The spouse was in California recently and bought this home.   The kids loved it so much – we had to get some more of it and found them online  – guess who is ordering some for Valentine’s Day?  no prizes for guessing right though.

For those who are not aware of who or what Side Street Inn is all about – let me share a secret with you.  This is the place where you can get the most delicious snack – beef chips!!!   Yup! you heard me right ! right in Honolulu – Hopaka St.  and since the best friend is in Hawaii – I had asked for some for Christmas.

Chyler’s beef chip is derived from the maker’s daughter – their inspiration – how touching eh? While I am writing this – I’m munching away – and I tell yer – they are addictive!