The stage is set

We recently moved a stone table and bench into our garden, but so far, it has only been used to read newspapers on. Quite underused, you would say. I think that table is perfecto for breakfast and tea. Just imagine sitting there with a hot plate of freshly-baked scones and cupcakes, a basin of real cream and strawberry jam, with the scent of fruit tea wafting to you from a freshly-poured cup. Mmm.

Those images have inspired me to start cooking and baking again. Ever since coming back to S’pore, I’ve been too lazy to do any real cooking, aside from the occasional cake and cookies. And of course discovering this whole profusion of local foodie blogs has further fuelled my inspiration and I have decided to roll up my sleeves and get back into the kitchen.

The grand event that will mark this lofty ambition? My mother’s birthday in two weeks. She’s notoriously difficult to buy presents for. She doesn’t like spas, hates getting massages, doesn’t go for manicures and pedicures, doesn’t wear perfume, dislikes little knick-knacks, and is extremely persnickety in her taste of shoes, clothes and skincare. Every year (actually twice a year, because of Christmas) I have to rack my brains thinking of a worthy present. But I think this year, I have hit on the right one. I went to a cooking class recently, and learnt how to make cherry tomatoes and garlie tarte, pork involtini stuffed with spring onion and green asparagus rolled in bacon with fresh plum sauce and a soft milk chocolate cake with fresh strawberry and vanilla seeds salad. (What a mouthful eh?)

So come two weeks, I will be rolling out pastry, trying to separate yolks from egg whites, and in general, as I refer to the typed-up recipe sheets with charmingly misspelt words (“70 grams of cherry tomatoes cutted in half”, the chef’s Italian), trying not to ruin dinner. Wish me luck.

Update: Bah, so much for the planning. Last night, my mother decided to veto the idea of staying home for dinner, and instead wants to try The Line at the Shangri-La. Since that's what the birthday girl wants, I'll have to shelve plans for grand meal 'til another day. Maybe I'll do it next weekend. hehe.