December 7, 2007 (Friday): Time really flies! Three more weeks and it'll be Christmas! I am so glad that I've submitted my writing to the Editor for the Handbook who will be publishing my work. Now I can do some star-gazing and home-peeping. I have looked into the homes across mine. Some are already beautifully lit for Christmas--but that's all I can guess because the homes in my estate are designed in such way that you cannot see through the house. There is this home which has suspended a big bright star at its veranda. The star emits red rays that fall on the foliage and the walls of the veranda. It's a soothing sight. There's also another home with a Balinese interior whose glittering Christmas tree top I can see when I look up from my veranda... I can do all these because I feel more relaxed now. I haven't done my Christmas shopping yet,though. Cyril, my Swiss friend, told me he's finished his last weekend. Already! I have to do mine this weekend, i.e. tomorrow. I don't wish to repeat what I did last year. Last year Singapore registered the highest rainfall in 35 years and all my Christmas gifts went out in January this year because every day after work, I would rather relax at home. This year is certainly a little warmer and not so wet.
I prepared some salmon, five-grain onigiri and boiled kailan tonight. The orgnanic five-grain onigiri turned out really delicious. I am glad I've used the improved onigiri mould with a tap in the middle that enables the rice to be pushed out easily. It is non-stick as well so that you'll be assured of beautifully carved out rice moulds. I think the Japanese are fantastic craftsmen!
Salmon is probably one of the most frequent fish I cook at home. It is very easily done. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees ( a bread toaster is fine too) and then place the salmon (about 250 g) on a foil or in a baking plate to bake for about 6 minutes and it's all ready to be served. I couldn't find chive butter sauce when I did my grocery last night. What I use is my normal salad dressing- the Mentaiko from Japanese Cupie's Tasty Dressing Series. The sesame dressing from the same maker and series is another convenient but delicious seasoning to have in your fridge.
The sweet black grapes are also in season. They are cheap as well. I had some leftover unsweetened beancurd with Haagan Daaz Melon and these grapes together. The result: an unforgettable dessert which I will make tomorrow again.
I love the salmon pan-crust pizza at da Paolo along Bukit Timah. It costs SGD 7.50 for a small slice but it makes a wonderful appetizer. I also enjoy my salmon with Russet mash potatoes and golden kiwi and pine nuts. Pretty uncommon I think but it is better eating mash potatoes with fish than grilled red meats. My wine tonight was Two Oceans 'Pinotage' - another uncommon combo, I suppose.
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