30
Mar

How Diamond Hotel made two of my dreams come true

Sometime four years ago, I created this program with 2 more girls that will allow a mobile phone user organize an event with just a few clicks. In this J2ME program, you can actually pick your venue, theme, book suppliers, and create your guest list in less than 10 minutes. The idea appealed to me because I love organizing events but hate the hassle of talking to a third party who will cut you out the last minute.

What does this geeky story have to do with my entry? Well that’s sort of dream #1: be able to organize an event to the last detail sans the headache. Just last Friday, Diamond Hotel invited me together with other members of the press to “get married.” I know it sounds silly but hey, where can you actually get married without the cost and the jitters? :mrgreen:

“Getting married is probably one of the most important decisions a person will make in his lifetime – saying those vows and committing to an eternal relationship. This milestone deserves nothing less than a memorable wedding ceremony fitted to your needs and taste,” says LA Popa, Diamond Hotel’s Banquets Sales Manager.

That said, Diamond Hotel came up with a handful of pre-nuptial festivities and wedding (reception) themes that’s sure to appeal to those who just got their left ring finger rocks.


Ting Hun

Diamond Hotel offers a Chinese engagement party giving couples a chance to experience an authentic Ting Hun. From the ceremonious serving of tea to the doling out of engagement gifts, let everyone know that a commitment of love is about to be sealed inspired by a culture that gives utmost importance to the announcement of their engagement as much as the wedding itself.


Spa Inspired Bridal Shower

Diamond Hotel offers the bride and her friends a rejuvenating celebration of the big day. They can relax under the skillful hands of Diamond Hotel’s trained masseuse as they give soothing hand, foot, back and head massages as well as enjoy other wellness treatments that will definitely relieve all wedding anxieties.

Read the rest of this entry »

24
Mar

Lesson #1: Hot Vanilla Souffle

Sometime last February, Jayvee and I had this x deal where I’ll get this if he can prepare a 5 course meal by the end of April. We weren’t supposed to start with the dessert but one, am better off with sweets rather than main course and two, the cover of my new cookbook was too enticing. :mrgreen:


Please excuse our messy kitchen!

Hot Vanilla Souffle (adapted from The Cooks’ Bible by Le Cordon Bleu)

125g butter
60g flour
500ml milk (heated)
1tsp vanilla essence (original recipe calls for 1/2tsp but it was too mild for us)
125g caster sugar
8 eggs, separated

Triple coat 6 125ml ramekins. This ensures even rising and prevents burnt edges.

  • Brush the ramekins with softened butter
  • Chill until set
  • Brush another layer of softened butter
  • Chill again
  • Evenly coat the ramekins with caster sugar
  • Chill until your souffle mix is ready

Make a white roux sauce

  • Add the flour into the melted butter. Stir constantly.
  • Remove from heat and gradually add milk. Beat continuously to blend.
  • Bring to boil then lower the heat until you reach the desired thickness.
  • Stir in the vanilla essence and 2 tbsp. caster sugar
  • Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Blend in the egg yolks.
  • Set aside

Create a soft meringue

  • Whisk egg whites to soft peak stage
  • Whisk in the remaining caster sugar to form a soft meringue

Gently fold in the soft meringue into the white roux using a large metal spoon. Spoon the mix into the ramekins prepared earlier. Bake at 190C for 15-20minutes (we baked ours for 15minutes). Sprinkle some icing sugar. Serve immediately.


Weeeee it rose and the texture’s PERFECT!


15 seconds after pulling out


20seconds after pulling out

Photos were by Jayvee, save for the first and the third. ;)

17
Mar

A Classic Example on Why Plating is (almost) Always EVERYTHING

Dear Mocha Blends,

While I really, really love your Australian breakfast, I think it would be great if you do something about your plates and your plating ASAP:


MB, Santana Grove


MB, BF Homes

Thank you,

Phoebe