PB N' J Bread & Butter Pudding

Past week has been chaotic. Not to mention the weather has been rather crazy too. One moment it was sunny and hot, which literally burns the skin [metaphorically speaking] and then the next, it rains like cats and dogs. Somehow, I believed the craziness affected my mood swings or hormones too as I was easily agitated [sigh...]. So whenever I'm down, apart from running to the fridge to grab a bar of chocolate, I thought wouldn't it be nice to make a small tray of PEANUT BUTTER N' JELLY BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING. And the rest was history!

Pear & Bourbon Vanilla Bean Custard Tart + Happy New Year 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013 y'all!

Birthday, Christmas & New Years was a quiet affair where it felt good to unwind, taking a deep breath to think calmly reflecting all that has happened throughout the year. It was great to be able to catch up with close friends for my Birthday, planned 2 hearty lunches for the family; one on Christmas and the other on New Year's Day where I placed my camera aside and enjoyed a meal, had heartfelt conversations which was much needed.

Earl Grey Creme Tart with Golden Almond Brittle & TGIF!

Toasting almonds in a flat pan, sugar boiling away in another saucepan, praying, wishing and sweating profusely hoping that I would not burn my sugar and my idea of Almond Candy Brittle would work. Phew! a sigh of relief. For once I paid extra care, extra attention, being careful, and to not walk away; cause we all know how fast sugar goes from golden in colour to a burnt stage. Been there several times and the thought of scrubbing a burnt saucepan isn't exactly what I have in mind this time. Part 2 of mission accomplished. You will soon find out why I labeled it Part 2.

To my surprised it added extra oopmh and charm to the EARL GREY CREME TART with GOLDEN ALMOND BRITTLE. A combination of dark crumbly chocolate tart shell, with luscious creamy smooth soft Earl Grey infused custard then topped with crunchy Almond Candy. Perfect for any cool day or any day!