2 The Fluffy Pandan Cake

It's fluffy! The fluffiest cake I have ever eaten and now, I can't get it out of my mind. It's probably a blessing that I don't live near the area, otherwise.....

It's non-sugared cream

I'm beginning to realise that the best tasting cakes are not always found in high end bakeries. It's the little obscure stalls that seem to surprise me.

I stumbled across this kueh (cake) stall when I was scouring for food at the Neighbourhood Cafe Food Court in Kota Damansara. The kueh owner had a table of tea goodies on display.

Everything looked so delicious but the pandan cakes attracted me most because of its vibrant colour and interesting take.

I purchased two varieties, one folded with cream and the other, Swiss roll style. Both were extremely light and soft very much like the chiffon cake. It wasn't "dry". Everything went into my mouth so quickly and easily. I had thought that the cream would be sweet, but it was bland on its own. Just the perfect touch on a cake that's already rich in flavour.

Sigh..there goes my waistline. And now, I share this with you with fat hopes that you too will join me in the "No WaistLine Club". Of course not! ^.^

With green custard stripes

We had it for tea

2 Snooping the Neighbourhood in Torrential Rain

21 August 2012, 2.30PM - 4.00PM. The rain has been punishing these past days. Hubs and I were having lunch in Kota Damansara when it poured, swift and hard with gusts of wind that serves only to remind me of Mary Poppins floating in with her umbrella.

Raindrops keep falling on my head ♪♫

"Wanna check out Desa Parkcity's roundabout in this weather? " , I ask from a past experience and a curiosity if things were the same.

Minutes later, we were in our car, drenched but still adamant about going to check out our dream neighbourhood in stormy conditions. We also explored the roads surrounding the area. This includes Bandar Manjalara and some of Kepong.

The main roads were generally flood-ridden, even those leading us out of Kota Damansara. I felt as though we were driving through an obstacle course. Every corner was filled with pools of water, some deeper than comfortable.

The more dangerous ones were the sloped roads with rushing water and traffic lights. No one broke the traffic light rules even though the road was flooded. If anyone thought Malaysians were rogue drivers, they would have changed their minds after seeing this phenomena.

Stranded at the roundabout outside Desa Parkcity

Smaller cars owners chose to wait by the roadside against angry honks by those who owned larger vehicles. I root for the sensible. Some drivers braved the waters, only to be stranded.

We are a long way from a proper drainage system and a clear head for the little people.

I just wonder if we should start planning for an underwater city instead.
My statement isn't meant to be taken seriously of course, but it would certainly put an end to flooding woes.

More photos:

The roundabout at the main entrance, Jalan Residen Utama, Desa Parkcity

The second entrance into Desa Parkcity from Persiaran Residen 3, facing Bandar Manjalara 62B

More roads flooded along the way

Jalan 3/36, near SRJK (C) Kepong 3

4 My new oven.. (★.★) and the beehive cake

Note from a fan

The first thing I did when I got my new oven was to look for a recipe to try. No I didn't, of course.

Honestly, I updated my Facebook status and tweeted about my new kitchen toy because I could not contain my excitement.

It was something I wanted to shout to the world although it meant nothing to them. That's how thrilled I am about it.

It was only after that, that I started to think about what to bake. I settled on the beehive cake after pouring through a ton of recipes.

Not because it looked attractive on Google Images.

I just recalled that it was my late aunt's signature cake. She was considered the "sifu" (guru) in our family because she could always get the honeycomb-like texture to form beautifully. It was a talent everyone admired.

The recipe I chose is called the "Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake". It's pandan based and should have been green but I used real leaves without any colouring.

As I gathered the ingredients, feelings of trepidation started to overwhelm me. Bah! I soldiered on. Off my two baking trays went into the oven with fingers crossed.

30 minutes later, I took a peek just to check. Liar! My eyes were glued on the oven the entire time. My hand was armed with a torchlight, to shine through the glass for a better look. Every few minutes, my face was warmed as I leaned closer to check on its progress. The cake never had a chance to burn!

I finally took out the perfectly browned baked mounds after what seemed like eternity. I imagine my home smelt as good as the witch's in Hansel and Gretal. The aroma was just heavenly.

A carve and a bite later, I was craving for more. It was so scrumptious that I could not stop eating it, nor could the family. Further woe to waistline. 

I was happy that it turned out well at my first attempt. And happier than happy if there were such a thing, because it was my way of reconnecting to my late aunt.

Into the new, shiny oven you go

The Dark Knight rises..I mean, the beehive cake rises

Tadaa..oh my, it formed!

Side view, cake popped out nicely and easily

0 A Birthday candle for my Aunt

A candle for my Aunt so dear,
Who now walks with the Lord.

It's her Birthday. I've lit a candle in memory.

The night is still. I relive the happy moments we've shared in my mind.

May she rest in peace..