Cupcakes Party

Valentine's Day Sweet Treats

2012-02-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is drawing near again. How about spoiling your other half with some sweet treats?

Never go wrong with moist chocolate cake.

Red velvet is girl's favorite choice of cupcakes

Churros is always a good option, yet it's so underrated

Macaron is quite in these days. Don't pick funky taste though (eg. wasabi)

A simple ice-cream on cone can melt the heart

Afternoon tea perhaps. We really love colorful cakes, don't we?

Muesli and fruits for the healthy girl

We wish you a sweet Valentine's Day and enjoy yourself.

Are you ready for Super Bowl?

2012-02-06T08:45:00.001-08:00

Award Winning Gelato Il Dolce Freddo

2012-02-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

Check out the crowd at Il Dolce Freddo....

I have never seen this shop empty before. True story. And it is always crowded. Always! That is because Il Dolce is famous for their award winning gelato and was made the winner in International Gelato Fair in Longarone Italy in the year 2000.

All of their gelatos are made freshly daily. I heard that they really throw away all the gelatos that couldn't sell at the end of the day. Such a waste. But I guess they really have to keep their food fresh for reputation.

There are almost 50 different flavors for you to choose from. I personally love the Ferrero Roche and Green Tea. If you're not a faint hearted, like me, do try their durian flavor.

It is located at Lygon Street where most of the Italian Restaurants are. It's a good choice of place for dessert after dinner.

Il Dolce Freddo
116 Lygon St
Carlton VIC
3053 AUS

Chinese New Year Cookies

2012-01-31T07:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the typical Malaysian CNY cookies you can find when visiting relatives or friends house.

Cornflakes with mixed fruits

Almond cookies

Kuih kapit

Bee hives cookies

Kuih bangkit

Cornflakes cookies

Peanut cookies

Pineapple tart

Ribbon kuih

Happy Lunar New Year to those who are celebrating!!!

High Society in Singapore

2012-01-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

Here's another new and glamorous place for afternoon tea.... High Society at Marina Bay Sands. We really love the interior and that's the reason why we checked it out.

The bain marie is conveniently located at the entrance of the restaurant for you to try resist the temptation.

After being lured by the deliciously looking desserts, we finally took our seat and ordered the afternoon tea set.

The afternoon tea set comes with:

bacon, ham and cheese with foccacia (whatever that is) and egg mayo sandwich with a touch of truffle.

bacon quiche lorraine (super fantastic!) and seasonal lobster on toast.

And the last tray comes with chef's choice of assorted French pastries. This depends on your luck what you will get for the day. Here's ours:

Berry tart, moist dark chocolate cake, lemon cake, green tea macaron, toffee macaron and I can't tell what is the last piece.

What I love about their tea set is that it comes with 2 choices of tea, with your own pot each. Just in case your friend has a different taste in tea as you, you can have your own pot. And there's enough savory and not too many sweet selections, so you won't feel guilty of overeating sugar.

However, the macaron is just ok. I thought it would melt in your mouth and send me directly to heaven. Nope, it didn't. There are other shops that sell better macarons. But overall, their artisan desserts are worth trying.

The ambiance is also a great place to hangout. I actually feel like I was back in the 1920s as I stepped inside. Love the deco!

Their name is quite misleading as to their price. I would expect a sky rocket high bill but surprisingly, our afternoon tea set only cost somewhere around SGD25.

Great place! We will be back to try their other desserts, especially those tempting us on the bain marie.

*Photos are from my personal blog, that's why the watermark. Sorry if it appears annoying.

Christmas dessert ideas

2011-12-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

Need some help on what to prepare for dessert this coming Christmas? Here's the list of some classic holiday desserts:

Gingerbread cookies

Apple crumble

Chocolate log cake

Christmas cupcakes

Cinnamon rolls

Eggnog pudding

Raspberry pie

We hope you have a sweet holiday and joyful Christmas this year. Merry Christmas and happy new year.

Happy Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

This time of the year, the Chinese will make tang yuen to celebrate the coming of winter. It is a soup type dessert, served hot and the main ingredient is made of glutinous rice balls.

Chinese myth believes that if you don't eat tang yuen, you won't be able to grow one year older.

Have you had your tang yuen yet?

Charlie Brown Cafe Penang

2011-12-05T11:45:00.001-08:00

First of all, sorry if the photos don't turn out nicely. It was an impromptu outing. I thought I was just going to have a cup of tea with friends around my neighborhood... but suddenly we found this really cool cafe with a lot of Snoopy characters in it. It's called Charlie Brown Cafe located at Straits Quay, Penang.

Let's check out the desserts and cakes bain-maries!

All their cakes are decorated with really pretty Charlie Brown characters. I picked the tiramisu and green tea cheesecake to try.

The tiramisu is pretty awesome! It would be perfect if there's rum in it. I guess because they have to maintain their halal standard, so no rum. Too bad...

The green tea cheesecake doesn't have any green tea taste at all. Those little chocolate balls on top are pretty interesting. They pops in your mouth! And I thought the Woodstock is made of icing sugar so I skipped that since too much sweets won't do me good. My friend picked it up and ate it. It's actually white chocolate. Damn!!! I made a pretty stupid mistake.

They also have a souvenir shop where you can buy Charlie Brown merchandise.

Possibly the worst cupcake store in Melbourne

2011-10-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Few days before my birthday, Yvonne wanted to give me a surprise. I felt a little bit suspicious that she left the house early. She told me she had to do something in QV. She didn't tell me what she wanted to do, neither did she asked me to accompany her. Anyway, I found out later that she went to The Cupcake Family located at QV Centre to pre-order my birthday cupcakes.

On the same day, (I had no idea she just went there at that time) I went to the same shop to get some macarons after my lunch. Since I had my camera with me, I thought of taking some photos so I could post up in this blog. The sales lady in the shop asked me to delete the photos I took with a stern face. She didn't bother to ask me what I wanted to do with the photos. I could have written a nice review on their shop for free publicity. Too bad, they probably assume that I am some spy that trying to copy their stuff. They could have asked.

On my birthday, I found out Yvonne had gotten me four cupcakes, custom made into Tiffany & Co. and Chanel design. Really lovely...

The day we collected the cupcakes, there were unpleasant experience too. There was a clueless man before us, making up his mind which cupcakes he wanted to get. As he was trying to figure out his choices, Yvonne passed the collection slip to the lady. She looked at Yvonne and said, "Wait!". As a sales lady, I think she should be more courteous and polite instead. We felt that she was ordering us in a way she was trying to execute his discretion.

All she needed to do is to take the collection slip and retrieve our cupcakes to us. That probably will take less than a minute. Instead, we had to wait 15 minutes or more for the man to finally decide what he wants. I know they have first-come-first-served policy. But times like these, you really have to bend the rule so that you'll be more efficient. Don't you think so? If the man is going to take half hour, it doesn't make sense for other customers to wait there without getting served.

We weren't that happy with the cupcakes too. Yvonne ordered two blueberries and two vanillas, and each of the flavor for each design. So we can get different design for different flavor. Instead, they gave us two blueberries for the Chanel design and two vanillas for the T&Co. They totally fucked up the order.

I could have forgive all the misfortunes if the cakes very nice. Sadly, they're not. The cakes were too dry. And the frosting was too sweet. I felt like I just put a cup of sugar into my mouth as I was chewing. The frosting was too hard, I had to peel them off and throw them away to avoid getting diabetes.

If you're wondering... No, I will not go back to this shop. There is a better cupcake store in Melbourne (which I will blog about it after this).

The only credit I will give to this shop is their fabulous design on the cupcakes. The customer service sucks big time. And the most disappointment is the cupcakes taste itself.

The Cupcake Family
22 Red Cape Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

(03) 9650 6485

Tok tok rock candy

2011-10-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Still on Malacca.

If you happen to hear some "tong tong tong" sound from afar, you'll know that the tok tok candy cart is somewhere around the corner.

My grandma told me that this is one of the classic candy and was really popular in the 1940s. It takes a lot of strength to hit that rocky block of sugar, so if you happen to see one, please buy a packet from the girl. I feel so sorry for her because at such young age, she could have go out and have fun with her friends but yet, she's spending her time making a living out of selling rock candy.

The candy is really hard. Do not attempt to bite it with your teeth. It taste like peanut and I believe it has peanut base. If you're allergy to nuts, avoid it.

Jonker 88 Cendol in Malacca

2011-10-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

While I'm still on the topic of Malacca desserts, I must show you guys the very famous Jonker 88 Cendol. For those of you who are not from Malaysia, Malacca is also known as Melaka. And Cendol is sometimes spelled as Chendol.

Look at the queue! I didn't lie when I say it's super famous. People from all over the country for the Cendol and your Malacca trip is not complete if you don't take one.

Cendol is made of fresh coconut milk in shave ice, the main ingredients are green slimy stuff, red bean and palm sugar.

The great thing about Joker 88 is that they use fresh coconut milk and the palm sugar are 100% genuine and homemade. This stall also has durian flavor cendol, which I think sucks because I naturally hate durian. Durian lover might find it a bliss though.

Besides Cendol, they also sell local noodles and hot meals.

Jonker 88
No. 88, Jonker Street,
Malacca
(No reservation, line up the rest)

Nadese Japanese Cake

2011-10-18T04:25:00.000-07:00

Ever tried the famous crepe cake from Japan? If you're living in Malacca (or going there for a visit), be sure to visit Nadese Bakery for the super fantastic Japanese crepe layer cake.

Nadese Bakery only sells this cake to keep their business going. Can you imagine the popularity? Although they only sell one type of this layer cake, it comes in different flavours.

If you're a first timer, I would advise you to take the Original flavour first. The white chocolate cheese isn't that nice though. But every other flavours are quite ok. The green tea one is not bad. And the blackforest (or is it the strawberry and chocolate) one is also highly recommended.

Now, what is so special about this layer cake? Other than it's Japan product (everything Japanese is nice ne?), it is very soft. I mean very very very soft. The cake isn't baked from flour and egg like normal cake. They actually layer every single thin crepe and spread the cream in between.

Photos from Jason Mumbles

One tip to eat this cake. You must always start from the tip of the cake. Slice them with a fork downwards. Do not use a spoon, it will ruin the cake. If you want to take away on a long journey, they do sell an icebox and it comes with dry ice to keep the cakes fresh.

Sadly, the cake is quite expensive though. It's about RM8.50 or RM9.50 per slice, depending on the flavour.

Nadase Patisserie is located at Plaza Mahkota. Currently they have another branch at Dataran Pahlawan. Both in Malacca.

Super sinful stuff you shouldn't look at

2011-09-30T02:06:00.000-07:00

The most therapeutic window shopping is to look at the bain-marie in beautiful bakeries. Sometimes I don't intend to buy anything, even when I'm not hungry, I will be tempted to buy one or two cupcakes, maybe some croissants. Here are some beautiful photos of bakery bain-maries for your eyes only...

Feeling hungry yet?

Perfume Giveaways

2011-09-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

I am giving away 2 bottles of perfume - Chloe's Signature perfume 50ml and Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! 100ml.

Do find out how to get it from my personal blog <<here>>.

Good luck and have a nice day!

Chinese Sweet Man Dao

2011-09-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Bun for desserts anyone?

It's kinda weird to have buns for desserts. Normally we all have it as entree. But when you have these buns in your mouth, it's just not weird anymore.

The buns are typical Chinese man dao, lightly pan fried so the skin is crusty. At the same time it's soft and warm on the inside. Then it is glazed with caramel. They just melt in your mouth.

I don't know what the sauce is made of. It looks pretty much like condensed milk. But I taste custard, honey, milk and butter.

I am so sorry I can't tell you where to get this because the shops in China are all homogenous. And I can't read Chinese, so it doesn't help at all.

COOKING WITH LIQUID NITROGEN IN DESSERTS

2011-09-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

Introducing the new (but yet not so new) technique in molecular gastronomy (is it the correct term?). Anyway, it's a combination of science technique integrated into cooking method. I believe this method came from France and currently not many chefs use it in their cooking. Do check out the video how cool it is:

If I'm the one enjoying such desserts on my table, it will definitely brings a smile to my face. It is something fresh, something new and something interesting.

Also check out my friend's blog. He's quite a fan of liquid nitrogen cooking and I've seen it in his "Exploding Strawberry Milkshake" and also "Nayarit Chocolate Creameux".

J.Co Donuts & Coffee

2011-09-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

I love J.Co Donuts even if people tell me it is too sweet. Who cares, as long as I love it.

So, I recently visited J.Co at Bandung, Indonesia and I was surprised to see these choices as I don't recall seeing any of it in Malaysia (correct me if i'm wrong!). Super cute and it kind of reminded me of McDonald's for some reason!

On the first day, I did not make myself try because I wanted the Oreology instead. Later on I wanted to pack for supper but they ran out of "J.Club Donuts" already. I should have tried the J.Club Cheese and J.Club Katsu!!! It is too late for me to get it now... :(

Now somebody tell me whether it's good or not!!

*Note : J.Co is also available in Malaysia, Singapore and China (Shanghai).

J.Co Donuts & Coffee

Bandung Supermall

Jalan Jeneral Gatot Subroto,

Bandung Indonesia

GUIDE TO HARI RAYA COOKIES

2011-09-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Selamat Hari Raya to all our Muslim readers. Hope you enjoyed your celebration.

Here's a list of typical cookies you can find in most open houses during Raya celebration.

Kuih Makmur - Cookies filled with crushed peanuts and dusted with icing sugar on top.

Kuih Batik - Chocolate cake with crackers in between.

Kuih Suji - It's like Kuih Makmur without the peanut filling and icing

Cornflakes cookies

Almond chocolate - Chocolate coated cookies with whole almond inside

Pineapple tart

Kuih Siput - It's like Sicilian cannoli but without the fillings

These are the usual cookies you can find during raya visits. Of course there are also the usual chocolate chips cookies, butter cookies, chocolate cookies, etc.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday. 'Til then, have a sweet life.

Alexis

2011-08-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Alexis's cakes are very nice. I love their Pavlova. The crust melts in my mouth. I suppose the downside of this cake is it is too sweet.

Alexis

Bangsar

Great Eastern Mall

Bangsar Shopping Complex

The Gardens

Sushi Zanmai

2011-07-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

I love their Chocolate Banana Parfait. Inside this cup you'll get to taste chocolate ice cream, cream, cookie crumbs, cornflakes and banana put together. I personally feel it's the cookie crumb that makes the entire cup tastes extraordinarily delicious. Of course... it's much better to eat them all together.

I think the Taiyaki Fish Ice Cream is nothing to shout about. I mean.. it tastes almost the same, green tea ice cream with red bean in the middle covered with waffle. Nothing special, but I still love it. I just have to order this everytime I visit Zanmai.

Sushi Zanmai (Located at a few places)

Sunway Pyramid

Lowyat Plaza

Fahrenheit 88

One Utama

The Gardens

Mont Kiara

Cacao Fine Chocolates & Patisserie

2011-06-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

They have a range of handmade chocolates. Some of it comes in really cute shape, like the pyramid.

Their macarons are awesome.. which is why they won the Melbourne 2010's Best Macaron.

I've tried most of their macarons and I simply like the strawberries and cream.

The first macaron on top is their latest addition, French Vanilla.

If you happen to be in the CBD, drop by and grab a box of 4 for about $10. Highly recommended!

*Note : It's at the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Street. It's the building behind the huge purse.

Cacao Fine Chocolates & Patisserie

Ground Level Melbourne GPO

Melbourne VIC 3000

Australia

Lindt Chocolate Cafe

2011-06-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

Lindt, another cafe that you should go if you are a fan of chocolate. They serve really good hot chocolate.

2 macarons for 7 aud, milk chocolate and strawberry macaron. If you are not willing to pay so high for macarons, you might want to go to GPO at Bourke Street (just a street away) and they have great macarons there too, slightly cheaper.

Lindt famous waffle, topped with white chocolate ice cream. Perfect dessert after lunch. I love the chocolate at the side. I personally find Max Brenner's waffle nicer. :)

Lindt Chocolate Cafe

271 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

VIC Australia

*Note : You can also find Lindt at Chadstone and Chapel Street.

Simple desserts, extraordinary concept

2011-03-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

There's a new concept cafe in e-Curve, Mutiara Damansara that based on Japan Akihabara maid cafe style.

It is totally a new thing in Malaysia and I was really excited to check it out myself.

The dessert menu was really classic - double scoop ice-cream, banana split and mango sago. The mango sago was a little bit too sweet.

However, they are going to change the menu soon. I am looking forward more desserts on the menu.

On the other hand, they have really cute kyaraben bento set. They were the highlight of the day.

If you're planning to go there soon, I have to let you know that Tenshi Cafe is having promotion on Hahah Deal from 29 Mar - 3 Apr.

Choice of any Japanese Rice Choice of Kawaii Bento Tenshi Dessert Ice & Shaky (drinks)

All of the above for only RM38!!!! The usual price is RM83. You will get to save 55%.

Log on to http://www.hahah.com.my/ during the time to buy the voucher. You are able to purchase multiple vouchers and they are transferable.

Tenshi no Cafe LG18, North Side,

e@Curve, Mutiara Damansara,

47810 Petaling Jaya,

Malaysia

Daifuku at J Restaurant

2011-03-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

J Restaurant is famous of their Sushi Burger. An invention that leaves you craving for more! Besides the awesome sushi burger, they have awesome daifuku as well.

The strawberry daifuku is really rare to find. Only authentic Japanese restaurant has it.

I love the red bean daifuku. There's no artificial sweetness at all.

If you happen to be there, do try out their daifukus. Perfect way to end your meal.

Restaurant J
167, Exhibition St
Melbourne 3000
VIC Australia

We're on Facebook?

2011-03-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Although we hope to update this blog regularly, there's just too much to do. To make things easier, we just registered a page on Facebook so that it is more convenient for us to share some sweet stuff with you. Do "like" us on the right bar corner. From there we will update you frequently.

I must credit Facebook for being so awesome!