Christmas Delights

Christmas preparations this year has been sluggish, partly because we are trying very hard to avoid the commercial aspects of Christmas and not to go overboard with the spending. We are, after all, the prudent pair.

Nevertheless, we did manage to do a little bit of decorating by converting Angie's batik painting into a nativity picture.


[The real meaning of Christmas...]

We also "went into business", producing our very own "limited edition" Christmas cookies. They're called Angie and Bart's Christmas Delights.


[All ready for packing]


[The finished product]

Angie and I would like to wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year 2007.

Carolling at Rasa Sayang

On 17 December 2006, we joined the Holy Spirit Cathedral Choir for carolling at the newly renovated Rasa Sayang Hotel in Batu Feringghi.


[Tree at the Lobby]


[Angie strolling along the charming pathways at the hotel]


[Lazy chairs between the pool and the sea]

We are due for another round of carolling on 24 December 2006 at Rasa Sayang Hotel and Golden Sands Hotel.

Cake of Our Lady: Part 3

Yesterday (5 December 2006) was Day 10 of our cake mixture. We added 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of yoghurt (we used 'thairu'), and 2 cups of plain flour. Then, the mixture was divided into 4 equal portions. 3 portions were distributed to 3 of our friends. To our 4th portion, we added 1/4 cup of sugar, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of olive oil and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Finally, it was popped into the oven.


[All set to go into the oven]


[Voila! The cake is ready]


[The texture was soft and moist, and tasted a little eggy]

It was an interesting experience taking care of the mixture for 10 days and we were rewarded with a delicious cake to eat. Yum, yum!

Cake of Our Lady: Part 2

Today is Day 8 of our "cake mixture sitting". Three friends have agreed to adopt portions of the mixture when Day 10 arrives on 5 December 2006.


[Picture at Day 5: Just after adding fresh yoghurt and other ingredients]


[Picture at Day 6: The mixture rose, perhaps due to the friendly bacteria in the yoghurt]

Days 6 to 9 simply involves stirring the mixture. Each time the mixture is stirred, the mixture sinks because the bubbles are broken, only to rise again by the next day.