Tea

It was a huge effort to put together E's afternoon tea. The baking frenzy started 3 days before. Thankfully most of the bakes turned out quite decent, so I thought I should put down the recipes I used here for future reference...

1. Japanese Souffle Cheesecake

Recipe: http://justonecookbook.com/recipes/japanese-cheesecake/

Modifications: I used 5 eggs instead of 6 as the husband said it was too eggy the first time round

2. Crepe Pancakes

Recipe: http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/CREPES-5303

Notes: ensure that the pan is super hot before starting out; the first crepe is usually a disaster.

Fillings: Fresh Strawberries, fresh bananas, nutella, honey, cheese, anything!

3. Mini scones with/without raisins

Recipe: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4622/classic-scones-with-jam-and-clotted-cream

Notes: Heat milk first before adding lemon juice! Always bake and serve fresh the same day.

4. Chocolate Brownies

Recipe: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/chocolate-recipes/bloomin-brilliant-brownies

Notes: Use good quality chocolate (green & black's) and good quality pure cocoa powder

5. Banana Walnut Cake

Recipe: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/700633/banana-and-walnut-cake

Notes: Roast Walnuts first, I only used 100g, also probably better to chop the ones inside the cake up. Also use overripe bananas or the taste will not be as strong/sweet

The whole works, including the sandwiches which my mummy lovingly prepared (egg mayo & watercress; honey roasted ham and cheese)

Baking success, yay! Next time I can try the cupcakes as well but wasn't brave enough this time so they were store-bought from Lola's (buy 9 get 3 free) and Candy Cakes (9 for £7.50, mini-sized)and oh-so-yummy!

Who is that girl I see...

...Staring straight back at me?

I think it must be a really scary feeling being new to mirrors. As I carry E in her favourite position, being upright against me, I cannot see her face and have to use the mirror to check what she's up to. I think I see a crazy, almost petrified, look in her eyes as she stares at the mirror, for I know she recognises me but then hears my voice come from a different direction. Worse, she sees a stranger, that is, herself, being carried in my arms. Of course she's too young to grasp the concept of mirrors, so this line from the Mulan song holds literal meaning for her. She doesn't recognise herself.

In another literal application, I look in the mirror and see double sometimes. I catch little expressions and actions that are exactly identical to mine own, but performed by my little girl. In fact, I think she looks a lot like me when I was little, but people who knew me when I was little don't seem to think so.

In deeper reflection, what have I become? A mother. The high calling that demands more, more and more. Thank God for seeing me through 3 whole months. On the monthsary we "celebrated" by having Indian takeaway for dinner, just like on the night E was born. Glad to report that we are all still alive and kicking (E more so than us) with no major ailment befallen yet! Watching her daily brings so much joy, that renders all the other troubles quite small. Cliché, but true.