Cosy Bake

Hokkaido ,Sapporo

2013-06-08T22:34:00.002-07:00

A great breakfast at the hotel to start our day in Sapporo.

Limited orders each morning for crab meat omelet .

Look what I found?! Haiji Bun!!

Tsudomu- Children snow festival playground

Endless shopping street- Tanukikoji

Snow festival at Odori Park

Underground Shopping street.

Kaniten- Crab dinner.
This is not the usual crab house where tourists would go. Japanese Sensei's father recommended this place where is popular among the people in Sapporo.

Bake potato is one of the must have dish in this shop. It is creamy and sweet.

Crab roe porridge

A small and cosy eating place.

Father and son working together for their family business.

We took a slow walk back to the hotel after a sumptuous dinner. And unexpectedly we found another lane with more ice sculptures. A place we would definitely miss.

More shopping at Chitose Airport.

Hokkaido ii

2013-05-13T22:18:00.002-07:00

River Monsters.

Dipping your feet in the hot spring, could be the best thing to do at this snowy season.

A little hot spring for your hot spring boiled eggs.

We took a walk along the street just outside the hotel, there's a small temple, and next to it, there is a hot spring for feet soaking, which it suppose to heal many illness.

Testing out the water temperature. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, the water is a lot hotter than those we soaked in.

Japanese children's day for girls display stand.

On our way to Otaru.

Past by a huge lake on our way to Otaru, and we could see there were fishing enthusiasts camp on the frozen lake.

Daddy explains what that sign means.....

Otaru canal

Musical box house

Le Tao- The best Japanese Double cheese cake!!!!

Places where you and I would not wanna miss.

Red bean soft cream and milk soft cream + custard cream puffs.

The famous 'Kuih Lapis' of Hokkaido. Look at the generous taste portions!

I was hoping I could buy some of the cream puff.........

Sundae is called Soft Cream in Hokkaido. And it is the best sundae in the world ( to me). Merely 3 hours in Otaru, we had 5 soft creams!! I did feel a little guilty to be honest. But it simply too good to resist!! What the hxxx, I would not mind to put on some pounds for the heavenly creamy, milky, smooth Soft cream!!

Sweetst and freshest shell food.

Le Tao cake house

When you go Otaru, you may miss the BBQ sea food, even miss the soft cream. But, please do not leave Otaru without Le Tao's double cheese cake!

Chocolate factory

Ramen street at Sapporo

Why is the a basket of boiled eggs? And it's free of charge!!!According to my friend, the egg is suppose to cleanse our palette to have a better taste of their Ramen soup base.

Salt soup base ramen

Their specialty- Miso soup Ramen. Love the noodle's texture and the rich soup base. This will always be my choice!

Hokkaido

2013-05-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hokkaido, a place that is rich in agriculture , farming is their pride , that they have 200% supply to the locals and to the rest of Japan as well as exportation! Even the locals are having their very own little farm /garden in their backyard. They grow their strawberry, pumpkin, cabbage, sweet corn, tomatoes... simply the best produce from home to home. Though the place is six months white, and six months clear. It definitely bear the best out of each season. My last visit before this was about 14 years ago, and it was about the same period and I always enjoy the white. As I love cold more than the heat!

A trip that certainly enjoyed to the fullest, and makes us missing its every bit till today. I am so blessed to have my schoolmate who is now living there and running a tour company, therefore I was certain that I would have an unforgettable trip. For those who may be keen to take a family trip there ( oh, you should!) Do give this guy a buzz, as he will arrange a great package for you and your family. (Hokkaido Travel Partner .
Mr. Keigo Cheong. Tel: 090-9430-0208, Email: enquiry@hokkaidotravelpartner )

We were having all the time to ourselves, without having to rush from one destination to another, as we had our own car, tour guide cum driver. We had the Onzen ( Hot Spring) hotels during our stay, with breakfasts and dinners was awesome!! I tasted the real freshness of Hokkaido!

Lake Toya

This ice cave is build buy the water of Lake Toya. Amazing Experience!

The seaweed in between the icicles gave the cave a natural scent of the lake and that freshness of green.

and what more, some of the frozen salmons from the lake!! What a piece of art indeed.

Noboribetsu National Park. One of the popular attractions. among the hot spring towns.

A breathtaking view at the hotel lobby.

Night view

Super fresh and sweet shrimps. I could just it them all day !

Hokkaido is famous of their sweet corn. And I really mean SWEET corn. The corn soup is made from their local produce. The smooth and creamy texture.......

Simple and healthy Japanese breakfast choice.

Bear farm at Shin San

The smartest bears ever!! They literately beg for apples that in our hands! That was the highlight of the visit. Any child would just refuse to leave this place. Which I could totally understand why.

A vending machine that sells bear cookies.

It started to snow heavily and we had blizzard throughout the day. Yet, this little boy refused to leave the farm.

Rusutsu Ski Resort

Dog sledge for my 6 year old. It was absolutely cool!!

Bonjour, Lisa!!

Took a break at the mall after all the snow activities.

Jozankei Onzen Hotel

One of the most popular hot spring hotels in Jozankei. We were given a private Onzen session for about an hour all to ourselves, followed by a sumptuous dinner spread.This is the real holidays I was looking for!

Kid's menu

Breakfast...................

Japanese Boys' day

2013-05-06T22:25:00.002-07:00

It was children's day for boys in Japanese last Sunday. Koi is their symbolic animal for the special day. They would make their bento set, bread, fruits and all kinds into the shape of Koi as part of the celebration. I had fun too, making these for my boy's and his friends.

New York Cheese Cake Sticks

2013-04-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Isabelle's First Birthday

2013-04-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

One Dough Many Breads

2013-04-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

One sweet dough churn out assorted buns from savories to sweets. How clever whoever created bread!

This batch of dough gave us our breakfast and lunch. You may think it's rather ''Err!" to have both meals with bread. But, it's definitely a pleasure in our household.

Bread dough recipe from here.

Tinklebell Cake for Alyssa

2013-04-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for Maruti

2013-03-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

Cinderella Carriage.

2013-03-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

Pardon me for the ugly looking princess.

新年快乐，万事如意！

2013-02-08T21:08:00.000-08:00

Cheese PineappleTarts

Cherry Blossom Almond Cookies

Rush and rush... Managed to bake some of Chinese New Year goodies before our long trip. Obviously there will not be any Chinese New Year celebration in the foreign land. But, sure to be an enjoyable one.

I would to wish everyone a Happy New Year, full of health filled with wealth!!! 恭喜发财，身体健康！

Fried Sweet Potato Balls

2013-01-31T20:54:00.002-08:00

It has been so long I wanted to post this delicious little snack. Made them so many times, and yet I couldn't get to snap any picture and they were gone! Love the light and crisp skin , sweet and a little chewy inside. One of my childhood memories found from here. Got the recipe from Jane's Corner. At times, I twitched a little by cutting down some amount of flour, and get a really crispy shell and fluffy texture inside. Enjoy!!

Lacey Cake for Sara

2013-01-29T23:25:00.000-08:00

French Onion Soup

2013-01-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

There are days we simply need just a bowl of soup and a piece of toasted bread, especially garlic bread. It goes well with any course or dish. Making them at home is no longer something far from reach. With age catching up, I noticed I eat less compared in the past. But, I also know that, bread is still very much my staple food of all. Never knew that, I could make my own French Onion soup at home. Ok ok.. I cheated, I did not boil my own beef stock. I guess with the convenience of organic beef stock cubes available in the market these days, many of us who needs a quick fix would probably go for the convenience, right??! :)

There will always be some leftover bread in my freezer most of the time. Many a time, I would base on what I have left in the freezer to decide what would I cook for lunch.

Mixing butter, garlic, salt, pepper and dried herbs is all I have to do to make the perfect garlic toast at home.

Grated Cheddar cheese being grilled and and melted on the toast soaking in a soup that is hot and full of flavor.

Recipe from Lunch Cafe, for the Onion soup. There are many great recipes you would wanna try out, and you will be surprised how simple they can be done at home. Turn your home kitchen to a cafe kitchen and enjoy them without spending extra!!

All Time Favorite for His Birthday - Japanese Strawberry Shortcake

2013-01-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

Every year, when I ask my hubby what kind of cake he would like for his birthday. He'd always tell me one and only - Strawberry Shortcake. He loves the soft sponge, that sandwich with smooth and creamy Chantilly cream.

Just simple and pure taste about what a cake is ( at least for him). He's not much of a fan of fanciful flavor cakes, maybe occasionally he might ask for coffee sponge and simple roll cakes. How boring! :)

My boy is eagerly waiting for daddy's return form work, and got excited about singing birthday song and blowing the candles. As if that is his own birthday! After which, he shall have a good night sleep......

In case you wanna make this cake, you may click here.

Go Go Spurs!! Happy 60th Birthday Grandpa.

2013-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

It was a surprise Birthday cake for Samantha's dad, who was born on Christmas day!!

Homemade Croissant- 4th Attempt

2013-01-18T23:31:00.000-08:00

It's been a long while since my last attempt making these flaky buttery bread. All the past attempts were not quite close to what croissant should be, but I know I will not give up trying! Till lately, our weather has been very cooling, and I knew this is going to be the time I should give it another try. Well, this round it is much better ,after all it's my forth attempt. I managed to keep the butter I between the dough without leaking, all thank to the cool temperature. I am so enjoy the cool weather though there were many rainy days.... With the improvement I have achieved, there will sure to be my fifth try and more, till it's a proper croissant . Hope I won't have to wait till the next cooling season though.

Postman Pat

2013-01-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

Postman Pat, postman Pat, postman Pat and his black and white cat!

Princess Cake

2013-01-06T23:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy 2013

2012-12-28T22:49:00.002-08:00

Wishing everybody Merry Christmas and Happy 2013!!

Baby Cheese Scones & Banana Cake for Children Christmas Party

2012-12-18T23:17:00.000-08:00

Poached Egg with Hollandaise Sauce

2012-12-16T22:42:00.004-08:00

It was my first attempt making Hollandaise sauce for breakfast poached egg. Obviously I did not do it quite right. But this will not be my first and last try for sure.

How is everyone's Christmas preparation so far? I have yet to do much, except baked for my son's Christmas party at school couple of days back. There are still some back lots I have yet to draft. Seems like I have neglect my blog quite a bit.

Golfer's Cakes

2012-12-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Sporty Car

2012-12-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

Flora and Butterflies are Sofia's Love

2012-12-05T18:07:00.000-08:00