BACK IN THE DOUGH

Bonjour Everyone!

It’s old news but I’m back, I’m back and can’t wait to get cooking, baking, writing and blogging! There’s so much to tell about our Europe adventures but I guess you will just have to read about them in detail at www.jenthecookingtourist.blogspot.com. Yes, I know, I know, my postings didn’t go up as planned but the point is that, hey, I’m still writing. Thank you to those who have been over for a visit to my blog, the letters of encouragement I have received, the invites to write for events and magazines; and interviews I have yet to jump into.

So how in total has this trip been, you asked? Well, the thing about travelling for long periods of time is that somehow when you get back you will inevitably fall into either, or, 2 states! There are - The Melancholy State or The Restorative State. For a while I guess I kinda felt both these symptoms; melancholy because there’s so much to be inspired by but for now it has come to an end, “nothing is forever” and restored because I done what was to me, so hard to do - “to go away and remap”. You see, I’ve always like to think that I’m a planner, year in year out, our entire family, we sit down and we plan our goals - BUT - for the year or at the most, the year after! The trouble with that is, that’s only part of our big picture. After like many many years and after being so caught up with LIFE, we sort of fail to realise, really realise, that our goals and dreams dreamt long time ago might no longer apply, are kinda forgotten or to hit the nail smack on the head, are terribly, terribly OUTDATED and that includes our very own selves! I mean consider this, middle aged, spiritually drained, mentally screwed, physically out of shape and emotionally depleted. So in retrospect, the trip was food for my soul!

What can you say about Europe? For the countries, this is how I would describe them in short.  

Paris is where you should be if you are a romantic and when you are passionate about fine foods, cheese, wine and pastries. The food, the pastries and bread are by far the best I’ve sampled, I mean where on earth (apart from my kitchen) can you get a Fresh Strawberry and Marshmallow Tart that tastes so exquisite. Or, find a patisserie or boulangerie on every street? And by romantic, well, what I really mean is, about finding and/or being the best. Also, If you like gazing at beautiful women, why, take the next Air Asia flight out! Mr Palencia says French women in comparison are “beautiful” and reluctantly; I tend to agree.

Now, if you want to witness and see for yourself - true love - you must go to Lourdes. There love is FREE and everywhere, even amidst the sick and dying. There is no generation gap. Lourdes is where Faith, Hope and Charity live - where you go to soften your heart.

For anyone who wants to go shoe shopping, experience talent, view fashion, observe mafia at work, eat the best Pizza Margherita and Gelato or soak in scandalous History, Italy is totally where you ought to be.  

Switzerland on the other hand is a preview of Heaven, blessed by nature, you have to go there to believe it! The whole kingdom was designed with Feng Shui (common sense) in mind. Have you ever seen mountains that were formed during the Jurassic era? Luscious Vineyards growing all the way up to heaven and nurtured by the triple sun? Seductive, melt in the mouth chocolate to eat and die for? Country villages, medieval towns, majestic castles, chalets and glaciers?  Gardens and flowers tucked in every corner? Magnificent lakes, indescribable alps and valleys? One would say “fertility as far as the eye can see”! All of these you will find in order, precision and harmony. And that is not all, you have to go the Montreaux Jazz Festival! Also, make sure you go to Tuscany before you go to Switzerland and not the other way round. So, that’s about what I can fit in a nutshell.

So what now? Well, we wake up and we’re back in Malaysia and back in business! We have many new classic cooking classes. We are also happy to mention that apart from our cooking adventures in Europe, Brabon and I have in our procession, 50 treasured recipes from seventeen of the most elite and legendary patissiers and boulangers in Paris. Needless to say, I’ve been going through them at every chance I get. Just for a moment, wouldn’t you think it will be a thrill to follow in the footsteps of these eighteenth-century pastry patrons?

Homemade Marshmallows

LITTLE HOMEGROWN CHEF SERIES

Believe it or not but my little Chefs have grown and blossomed, indeed they are all ready to take on their apprenticeship. Parents, please take note of their remaining schedule for the year while you cheer them on 23rd October, 30th October and 20th November

WEEKLY SERIES FOR OCTOBER

11th October - Tuesday Citrus Roast Chicken 

13th October - Thursday Spaghetti Bolognaise 

18th October - Tuesday Bruschetta 

20th October - Thursday Beef Burgers 

25th October - Tuesday Cottage Pie 

27th October - Thursday Strawberry Pavlova   

PARIS MACARONS CLASS

Happening on 29th October for 3 hour class (2 spots available)

STRICTLY FRENCH PASTRY CLASS

Happening on 4th November for 3 hour class (2 spots available)

EUROPEAN SECRETS

French Symphony 9th October 2011, Sunday 

Eggplant and Tomato Confit

Chicken made in Normandy

Peaches baked with Olive Oil and Fresh Basil 

NOTE : IF WHITE PEACHES ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DESSERT WILL BE REPLACED WITH APPLE CRUMBLE 

Swiss Betty Bossi 13th November 2011, Sunday 

Solothurn Boats

Salmon served with Mango Salsa and Rosti

Chocolate Trifle with sweet Pesto 

Cooking In Tuscany 19th November 2011, Sunday 

Eggplant Parmigiana

Spinaci Ravioli served with Classic Tomato Sauce

Tiramisu

BABY SERIES COOKING CLASS

Our babies did pretty well last 17th September cooking up Pizza and it got me thinking about those adults who have enquired and contemplated but alas, have not got started! Brave and courageous at 5 and 6 years of age, what does it really take for antiques like us huh? Nevertheless, the babies are moving forward with Potato Boat and Ice-Pops come 22nd October, Mommas and Papas, take note!

APPRENTICE COOKING CLASS

We kicked off after a long break on 10th September with (Malaysian Cuisine) Nasi Lemak. The following dates are our remaining schedule for the year, 15th October (French Cuisine) 6th November (Moroccan Cuisine) and 3rd December (Spanish Cuisine) 2011. Thereafter, Apprentices’ Classes will resume in February to November 2012. Dear Parents, thank you for making it your priority to register with Natasha.

YEAR END HOLIDAY CLASSES

Yes it’s happening and I’m happy to announce that our holiday classes starts on the 28th November to 9th December taking place every Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm. This time I’ve broken the classes down into the following categories. There are:  Starters, Soups, Bread, Sides, Mains, Pasta Making, Salads, Cakes, Cookies and Desserts. We are taking 10 students only so please sign up early to secure your child’s place. This will also be on a first come first serve basis and we will close as soon as the numbers come in.

JEN’S CHRISTMAS MARKET

We are delighted to announce that this year we have decided to include a NEW THING that we have named "Jen's Christmas Market". It is a 3 day event happening at Jen's HomeKitchen starting 16th (Fri) to 18th (Sun) December 2011, the last weekend before Christmas. During this time we will be featuring goodies such as, The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World, Butter Cookies in Assorted Shapes, Raspberry Cookies, Grand Marnier Christmas Cakes, Christmas Wares, Gifts and Hampers AND including the list of our Bakery items.

All these will be up for GRABS.

You are invited to drop by anytime on the following days,

16th December, Friday from 7pm to 10pm

17th December, Saturday from 10am to 6pm

18th December, Sunday from 10am to 6pm

Please call Natasha if you wish to make any pre orders @ 03 7728 7909 or 016 916 8598. Otherwise, everything will be on a first come first served each day.

Love and Peace, Jen