A few of the bakes this Xmas

Did a special edition of Darn Good Choc Cake with a layer of Hazelnut Praline Feulletine
& a newly designed logo *Xmas pressie courtesy of K*

Signatures Cupcakes w/flags

More Macarons - w/Feulletine, Ganache, Lemon &; Nutella

Besides getting busy with the bakes, we're also preparing for the arrival of our second child (sometime near CNY). Heychocolat Bakeshop will not be taking orders temporarily from FEB2011-MAR2011 with regrets (or till we figure out her/our daily routine) but do feel free to email us as we could perhaps squeeze in an order or 2.

Speaking of special requests, I've received emails requesting for fondant-theme cakes or cupcakes with fondant figurines. I've always shy away from fondant mainly because I don't bake something which I don't eat and also, they don't hold up well in our climate.

Recently, I've read online that certain brands of fondant and methods could preserve the fondant cake/figurines for longer periods. I decided to give it a try and trial-test a batch of fruit cupcakes before I commit to taking in orders and also, I'm in the mood for some play-doh!

Don't be fooled by these minis, it took me 4 hours  One WHOLE day to complete. Santa's topsy turvy hat already took half hour to complete. These batches were left to dry on the tabletop in the living room and the figurines still look good after 24 hours but you could see the fondant-covered cakes 'weeping' - still ok.

The next batches were stored covered in the fridge. It kept the shape well but condensation forms on the figurines and cakes (not to mention the color runs) as soon as they were removed from the fridge - bad.

Verdict: I will just stick to making fondant figurines instead of covering the whole cake w/fondant - personal palate issue and also the time/effort spent on a cake. The figurines will go on top of cakes last/on the delivery day itself.  If consumption is on a later date, best to remove the fondant pieces, wipe clean/dry and keep in airtight bags/boxes at room temperature before keeping the cupcakes separately in the fridge. This will keep both the cakes fresh and the fondant pieces intact.

(PS: Dear Readers, if you've ideas on handling fondant to share with us, we will be glad if you cld email us at heychocolat@gmail.com - Thank You and Enjoy this Festive Season!!!)

Here's wishing all a Blessed Xmas and a Prosperous New Year filled with Joy, Love & Happiness!!!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

We're fully booked till Xmas! We are very grateful to all our supporters out there and we regret not being able to take in your orders for the time being till Jan 2011. Thank you all for your support once again!!!

Selamat Hari Raya Haji

Enjoy!

Strawberry Cheese Dessert

S$18 for a box of 20 nibbles

Or S$22 for 5 boxes (4 pieces each)



Heychocolat Cupcakes Bake Sale Survery 2010

We love to hear your thoughts! Click here for survey *All info will be kept anonymous*

Bake Sale 2010 - 2nd Batch Done!

Fresh out of the oven - Look! Perfect Dome!!

waiting for pickups....cya guys later!

Bake Sale 2010 - Orders Closed

The Bake Sale Order is now closed! Thank you all for your support!! Looking forward to baking and seeing everyone next weekend! Have a great weekend all!!

Weekend project

Macarons wedding favors sampling. Congratulations Renee!

choice of fillings - chocolate, lemon, hazelnut or cream cheese

with personalised boxes
 @ $5.00 each
(mininum order of 20 boxes)

Bake Sale 2010

Tea Time Carrot Cupcake w/Cream Cheese Icing + Darn Good Choc Cupcake w/Choc Ganache



topped with macarons



Close up

Yummmmmmmmmy!

For all heychocolat friends - check your mailbox for details!

Private Bake Sale

To all heychocolat friends - Visit our FB Page and 'Like' us today! Check your mailbox for details!

Chocolate macarons + crunchy cocoa nibs

made another batch using parchment paper - shld have just used silpat mats instead...

cocoa nibs added a welcome contrast

Packed for the boss

it's been a while - cupcake 101

Gave a private lesson at my home kitchen last Sunday to a good friend of mine...

came out a little cracked but still tastes great!


dark chocolate cupcakes (adapted from Joyofbaking)



smoothed with dark chocolate ganache + white choc chips sprinkles

tip 101: replace boiling water w/coffee granules dissolved in hot water

I've been thinking of teaching cupcakes/cakes decorating lessons but the kitchen still needs a little work (actually needs an island to store all my bakes proper) and install a sliding door to keep the little ones out of the kitchen. But all reno plans have to be shelved till the second one pops out!

Hail Macarons!

Attempt no. dunno what - taste the success!

waiting for the skin to form

out comes the feet



sandwiched with chocolate ganache - yum!



the big lemony feet

oohh--weee-ahhhh

Chocolate macarons w/chocolate ganache + Lemon macarons w/lemon curd

Ta-dah! These packs are given to top 3 heychocolat fans. Check your mailbox! Enjoy!

Look who's here!





Sorry for the late post Vik!

Children's Day Party!

for Shanen's preschool...  

Shortbread cookies eaten plain or

sandwiched with ganache

(recipe adapted from Joyofbaking)

Dark Chocolate Brownies w/Nutella



 (recipe adapted from Jamie's Blooming Brilliant Brownies)



All set and ready to go party!

 More pics on flick flick...

Can't import all my previous posts from wordpress

Another bad mistake/judgement of mine, i simply gave up importing my posts over at wordpress. Couldn't believe the design and setting of the blog provider is that rigid!

[Afternote: still in the process of reactivating my old blog, All updates will be posted here from now]

All plans shelved (for the time being)

or after my second one pops out! she will be arriving *hopefully and cross my fingers* after CNY on 14 Feb (V-Day!).

Thousand apologies to all who had sms-ed /called / emailed and i took darn too long to reply - I'M TERRIBLY SORRY!!! & extremely grateful to all for your concerns and well wishes. Unfortunately, I will not be taking bake orders anytime soon as doctor had ordered plenty of bedrest after having gone through amnio test - got poked twice (ouch!) which is another story...might as well share it here:

Nightmare begun when i went to this so-called reputable clinic, located at Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. He happily scanned, printed pics and took my blood without explaining to me what the test is for (just said it's 'very advanced and very important'), the costs, what to expect from the results. i'm so so dumb (i know) considering it's my second pregnancy and i shld have taken the initiative to check w/him first. I didn't because i assumed all doctors are kind and have the onus to explain to patients without asking and i thought nothing wld go wrong.

FIRST SHOCK: Bill came up to $500++ (got to know from the staff the special blood test = OSCAR test) went back home straightaway and spent hours to google about OSCAR.

SECOND SHOCK: Results came back high risk and they didn't inform me straightaway - i called them! Here's the conversation b/w me and one of their staff:

Staff: yeah your result came back but i can't tell you over
the phone. you've to make appointment to see the doctor.

Me: you mean he can't tell me now? Can i see him tomorrow
then?

Staff: tomorrow he's fully booked (almost impatiently).
you can come in to wait.

Me: you mean it's not urgent? then can i stick to my
appointment date (which is a month later)?

Staff: can if you like (hanged up!).

oh yes, i'm still cursing and swearing as i type this. I hope none of you will meet irresponsible people like them *pui*. Anyway, my hubby called the clinic straightafter (from San Francisco) and demanded to talk to the doctor (after losing his temper and screaming at the staff). The doctor eventually told him the news that we dreaded and we immediately went for a second opinion. i shld have just trusted my instincts and not gone to see this doctor considering he freely advertises his abortion services online (what can be expected from someone who don't even believe in or treasure life?).

anyway, long story short, we found a specialist at Camden Medical who told us the results are totally inaccurate and nothing's wrong w/our baby. But perhaps my own anxiety and inability to cope w/the 'what-ifs', we still went ahead w/the amnio test. we got hold of another professional gynae who took time and patience to explain to us on our results and gave us the option to do the amnio test or wait for the 20wks' scan for better judgement. Luckily, the test went well (albeit the 2 needling pokes - doctor said my baby keeps moving towards the needle) and hopefully, everything will go smoothly from now...

God bless everyone!

For a dear colleague and friend...

all the best, happiness and success in your new endeavours!!!



chocolate chips, oats & mixed nuts cookies

 oh yes, i've finally learned how to put the pics together in Photoshop, from the very reluctant ex-designer K.

Gifts

wrapping is never my forte...



Stuff i Baked

over the weekend...



Cream Cheese Pound Cake w/Orange Zest



Shorter baking time on mid rack would have been perfect!



for my niece! been too long and end up alittle dry...sad...




yes they are macarons - attempt no. 3 failed again....nasty little no-feet cookies



attempt no. 4 - got feet but not high enough...

oh yes, i need alittle more time and patience...

casual days with cakes, coffees and teas

i don't drink coffee till recently. have been sipping quite a fair bit these days, to keep myself awake. missed those days when i could just spend time testing recipes and having fun messing around with my little one in the kitchen.

am delighted though to receive some well-wishes and requests for my bakes. thank you my dear friends...i'm happy to know you all still remember! I will start baking soon or rather, i'm hoping to if everything goes well.

Friends close to me know i've been thinking or deliberating to start my own cafe/knick knack store. People around me gives me the inspiration to go all out and realise the dream. Veron, sweet young lady whom i've met online by chance and Delcie, awesome and driven baker whom i hope i will be able to work with one day.

another inspiration comes from her, wished i had visited her cafe before it was closed late last year. she's thinking of re-opening her cafe and some suggested Ann Siang Hill. what do you guys think?

A little too quiet, maybe?

Went there last Saturday and absolutely love the nostalgic heritage buildings there, which offers the kind of warmth and comfort to the dog-tired souls, longing for a break from the hustling and honkings in the city - that's me!

But then again, is the area too quiet for comfort? *crows flying past*

Anyone keen on a cup of tea / recce trip (again) this weekend? i know she does :)

Me!

Happy Mother's Day

what i got for myself & my mom

Clockwise - Mont Blanc, Strawberry Shortcake, Mango Cheesecake, Choco Renga

Been wanting to try their cakes esp after all the rave reviews in the media and food blogs. my tastebuds verdict:

Mont Blanc ♥♥

Strawberry Shortcake ♥

Mango Cheesecake ♥♥♥

Choco Renga ♥

Strawberry Souffle ♥♥♥♥♥

Strawberry Souffle (not in pic) is by far the best mix of sponge and cheesecake with just enough strawberries as toppings. it's the only piece that will make me reach for a second slice. This is followed by the Mango cheesecake (my mom's fav) with the tangy mango sauce and light cheese base. As for Mont Blanc, my heart remains with Agnes B's.

As for the 2 with the least votes, have you tried my Strawberry Shortcake or Darn Good Chocolate Cake?

i'm a pompous cow homebaker.

Family Day @ Jurong BIrd Park

Pose #1

Pose #2

Pose #3

where we got our genes (& cheeky looks) - Mommy dearest!