Brownies on a Rainy Day

I have not been blogging for months and months.  Been busy but also lazy to write and update my blog.  It's been raining for two days now and going out doesn't seem to be appealing at the moment.  Not wanting to brave the rains and traffic in the streets,  I decided to bake after months and months and maybe years. All those times when I couldn't get myself to bake, my trusty friend Bel was kind enough to give me some home baked goodies.  My dad is absolutely a fan of hers. Bel gave us some brownies and chocolate chip cookies.  Let me just say that they were really yummy.  Thanks, Bel for sharing  all that yummyness.

I had a box of unsweetened chocolate stashed in the ref since I have been planning to bake some brownies for quite some time now.  Why brownies? But on the other hand, why not brownies?  First, brownies are fairly simple to make.  If you are a beginner and want to get the most satisfaction with the least effort, this is definitely the way to go.  Secondly, given the right recipe and if you know how to follow instructions, you cannot go wrong.  This brings us to the next question on what makes a good brownie.  It's very basic really- not too sweet and yet choclate-y enough, fudgey but not greasy. I chanced upon a brownie recipe by Smitten Kitchen and based on the description and comments, this looked like a winner. And I am happy to tell you, that it is.  

I would have wanted it with nuts but my dad ate the nuts. So here it is plain but still full of that chocolatey goodness.  Fudgey and yet not greasy.  I knew that this was going to be good as I licked the remaining batter from the wooden spoon. Please wait for two hours before slicing as it makes for more attractive brownies.  My dad and I couldn't wait as we had to just take a bite.

Somtam: A CNN Winner

I wrote about Somtam at Soi 5 sometime ago. Well, I got good news. It's was judged as the best place that served green papaya salad in Thailand. You will be able to find almost every food stall selling somtam so you're probably wondering what makes it different than the rest. Well, you've just got to try it for yourself. Hope you drop by there soon. Be prepared to wait in line.

A Thorny Tree, Adulterers Beware!

Back in those days in Cambodia, lovers caught in an adulterous relationship were made to strip down to their birthday suit and climb a tree full of thorns as punishment.

Surprise!

(Sometime July 2011.)  I celebrated my 39th birthday in Jakarta.  I've always been in Manila for my birthday so this was a first for me.  Thought the day would just be like any ordinary work day but my office mates had a surprise for me. 

Dining at One of Bangkok's Street Corners

(Sometime October 2010.)  S and I decided to have something while waiting for two of our friends. Please take note that even if we ordered the cheapest items, S and I still had to share. This was the most expensive fried rice and shrimp balls I ever paid for.  But you can see why, right?  Presentation is beautiful and the surrounding view is amazing. (Sorry for the awful pictures.)

How Do You Say Goodnight?

(Sometime October 2010).  This is how the Plaza Athenee says "goodnight".  It's all in the details and the "sweet" stuff like this.  I am not complaining and yes, it was good. 

Bangkok at Night

(Sometime October 2010.)  After having some drinks at the Plaza Athenee, my officemates and I decided to take another view of Bangkok.  Enough of the office and work, now it's time to relax.  Someone suggested the skybar Sirocco at The Dome.  You can see that the view is stunning to say the least.  It's sixty-three stories high and there was quite a breeze.  If you ever decide to go, it's best to bring a jacket or a shawl.  Food and drinks are quite pricey.  I think you pay for the view, that's why.