#ndp2013

Fun times at NDP 2013 this year. It was more like a rock concert than anything, but I am so happy that Bastien had such a great time and learned more about Singapore (and our military prowness! *POW!*) Also, I never thought I was a BBQ-person. I don't really like feeling mucky and smelling like a burnt charcoal... but I realize I was wrong. I love BBQs, especially so when I get to play host. :) I attended two BBQs this long weekend, first was with Bastien's colleagues, where we had an amazing array of BBQ dishes and we were taught by the gracious chef on how to prepare some special but simple dishes! And what do we do best... apply what we learn! We prepared a very simple cabbage salad with goma tare sauce - which only Bastien and I ate today 'cos there was so much food from our own BBQ... but I am glad (and selfish enough) to say that I get to finish up the remaining chopped cabbage for lunch tomorrow!

Another trick I learned and picked up from the internet is the wonders of buttermilk. We were a little curious and apprehensive but since I was left to my vices to do the marination for this BBQ - I decided to just give it a shot. it was A M A Z I N G. The buttermilk marination kept the chicken breast milk super soft and tender.. even though the outside was slightly charred as our fire got a little too hot at one point, the insides remained succulent and very juicy. Our 2 french guests gave us a thumbs-up... and I walked away feeling super accomplished and happy.

And as affirmed earlier, I love leftovers, simply because it gives you the freeway to create something out of a mish-mash of stuff in your pantry or fridge. Bastien cooked up some pain perdu for lunch today with the (free) leftover wholemeal bread we got. It is essentially what we call, the french toast, but way tastier as it is bursting with a buttery flavour. Check out the recipe of the fancy version here.

I'm delighted to say that my long weekend is going to be extended... and I will be on a break till Thursday! Can't wait to just vegetate, exercise, relax and spend some quality time with my family. Of course, throw in accompanying one of our best friends who is in town, another best friend for dinner and everything else in between.