The Start of Something New...

Yes people it is the start of another glorious week. The weather outside is brilliant, over cast sky and a wind chill that drops the temperature down to rough 13 degree C. What more could I want? Right? Oh and it gets better; I have a quiz and more pies to make today.

Now I know what you might be thinking. Those previous lines are dripping with sarcasm. Enough to make you think that the honeymoon phase is over and reality is slowly creeping its ugly head in to ruin the party. Well you are sadly mistaken.

Nothing really exciting or disgusting happened to me this weekend. Actually to come to think about it there was one thing. I WAS A VOLUNTEER PHOTO-TAKER-OUTER FOR AN BIG EVENT IN PROVIDENCE. Yep you read right. Ok so if they don't use any of the shots I took or pay me. Small details. But if they do it is found on the website or the event programme. The event is called Waterfire. And what the event is that they light basin along the main channel in Providence. Usually it is accompanied by local cultural groups doing to performances in between. There were some other photographer there with some really expensive equipment so I felt like on out of place novice. But I believe I got some ok shots. May be I should find a course or two on photography? I mean RISD is close by. Or just really practice more find for stuff to shot other than food.


Anyway that was Saturday. After getting back home, uploading the photos and wash the smell of smoke off me I hit the hay Sunday morning. Sunday was nothing special. Spent most of the day studying, reading a book that I have been trying to finish for a while and planning out how I am going to take over the world. Oh wait....planning out this week's activities. I have an ice craving club meeting this evening, pastry arts club tomorrow and I believe another event to volunteer for. Oh and I start French classes on Friday. I wanted to do the German but the damn class clashes with my schedule. Oh well I am here for four years I am pretty sure there will be others.

Au revoir, mes amies

I Am Not My Tart....Don't Touch The Rails!!!!

I had trouble actually naming this post because usually I use something odd or strange that had happen to during the day or week. Lucky me I had both happen to me. The first is because I just started my pies and tart section and it is absolutely cool. Thumbs up and high five all around. The other just shows how utterly disgusting people on dorms are...some inbred fool spat on the rails leading up to my room. I'll leave to rest up to you.

Anyway the 'weekend' is here. So well the masses leave for the clubs, bars and their favourite holes in the walls. I am here punching away at keys, writing about my wonderful adventure that is my life. Ah...this is truly the life. Six hours of labs, though not enough in my opinion, is heaven on Earth of me.

Like I said I started pies and tarts and it is going supremely well. I have not burnt anything or myself and well I am making some sweet looking pies. Yup..my favourite word is coming up. Them pies be SEXY!!! There first two days of P + T (pies and tarts) we were introduced to our new chef and made homestyle apple pies. Chef is a dearing old lady. She has been running a small pie shop for the last however many years, I think she said 23 years, but she preaches that you use seasonal fruit and farmer markets fruits when you are making pies and tarts because they are better than frozen, imported and canned fruit. Which is so true. Oh did I mention that she is deaf in her left ear..yup deaf in her left ear. Lol too funny. You literally have to scream CHEF!!!!!! To get her attention so she can come over to make sure you have your pie dough to the right texture. Thus far we have made galettes (free formed pielets), blueberry (yes with actual fresh berries and not Dole frozen packets) and apple pies and strawberry chiffons.





Away from the lab life is still pretty. And yeah I using that simple and generic term to describe it. I have slipped back into my old self again. I have started observing the people around me. I had some time to myself one day while I was waiting for the dining hall to open and I simply watched everyone. The various shapes, sizes and tones. These creatures are, even though some may disagree, interesting to watch. The ones who wear their finest to go to class and the ones who wear their Elmo pjs as well.

I am stuck in a class of girls as I mentioned before. Now in a previous post I spoke word of one them being interested in me. So I did some inquiring and I was right....to an extent. She apparently finds me interesting as she has not come across one such as myself so her curiosity has the better of her. The female also pointed out that she was not interested in a relationship. GOOD!!!! I can't deal with another crazy one (even though she is a different kind of crazy). Oh I have also made acquaintance with a little latin chick..she seem a little more sane but cool for now. And apparently I have been pointed to be a flirt...HA! Me? A flirt. Unintentionally done. I have to watch my interaction with this kind of females . They might get the wrong impression of me.

Do Idle Hands Do Evil Deeds?

Ok I am absolutely bored out of my mind. And it isn't fun. Yes people another rant that does not include any baking adventures. I pause for the boo's and rotten fruits and vegs that might be heaved by the dismayed masses....Actually get over yourself, this blog isn't that special.

It is yet another Saturday and I am bored. Yesterday was not to bad, I went to my first Jbrew brewing club meeting and found it highly fascinating. And I actually found myself research some of the techniques and processes of home brewing. I join the club to get a better appreciation for beer and ultimately alcohol in general since I am not isn't biggest supporter. I saw some actual brewing taking place and got to taste some wort (which just the liquid you get after the steeping the malted grains). I would brew just for the smell. It smells awesome. According to the brewing dude in charge it smells like liquid bread. And sorry Jo I took no pictures but fear not I have plenty time to take some, they will be brewing again. Plus I signed up to volunteer at a beer expo in November, definitely going to take my camera there.

Anyway so after that highly informative morning the rest of the day just flat lined. I wanted to go out to discover more of the city but both the weather and myself were really conducive to any exploring. Unfortunately I believe I fell asleep with my hair wet. Oops..so I am stuck with a bit of a head cold. But I believe the worst is over.

As for today's agenda, one plans to go to CVS and buy some cough congestion drugs, that should help. After the international organisation here has a trip planned to some local picnic park and a bbq would then ensue so I get free food. (Hooray I get to save a swipe.)

On Sunday, however, one is going shopping. The weather has started to dial down a few degrees so I going to start mise en plac'ing myself for the ugliness to come. Just a lighter jacket, more thermals long sleeves and heavier socks. Oh and start on mum's shopping list as well.

On the other fronts I am doing pretty well. Going to the gym. Eating well. Studying and acing tests. So life is good minus the fact that I am a bit bored. Next week I have the last of my Classic Pastry practical exam, so I eagerly await that glorious day when I am back home (the pastry lab). Also I might get a chance to speak to the dean in charge of the France study aboard program, and find out who I would have to screw to get in..oops sorry what I mean what I need to do to insure a place.

And if you'll are thinking to cure his boredom why doesn't he find a job. I am looking into that too.

Dreaded Long Weekend

This is one those dairy entries that is not going to be too much of one my mildly exciting adventures about what I made today; seeing that it is Friday (yep no classes on Friday through Sunday). Big bummer!! On the other hand, it going to have me ranting may be even bitching depending on who is reading this about the strange yet highly typical American youth.

For those who are aware, I love to watch people. They are fascinating creatures. Especially the Americans, moreover the American youth. Even though one has been here just a short two weeks I find that I have already grasped an understanding of how these creatures interact with one another. And to tell you the truth so far what one sees on the TV isn't a far cry from what they are like in reality.

These humans are loud, boisterous and a little hostile at the slightest agitated. The use of JERK, FUCK OFF or even YOU MOTHERFUCKER is just as ordinary as THANK YOU, GOOD MORNING and YOU'RE WELCOME (which I might add they use quite frequently; plus the homo sapiens). Now don't start thinking that I have being hypocritical or just too proper for the natives. Yes I admit that I am a cuss bud but I have never used ten 'FUCKs' in a twenty word sentence or describe a female 'dirty scanky slut or cunt' just because I have seen her talk to some other guys on hall. I don't care how true it might be, that shit should not be used to describe anyone.

Too nice? Yeah I am. Toughen up or get dirty? Sorry I don't lie with pigs, I eat them.

Another ax of mine that I am going to grind. These (trying to restrain myself from cussing actually) um...neanderthals are dirty and disgusting in the worst way. One early morning (ie 5) while on my way to the bathroom (best time to use it) I come across a trail of puke starting for outside to inside a stall and today a similar trial of piss. Apparently, when you let bitches off their leaches all the house training, if they had any to start with, goes out the window.

I was given some advice by a chef before I came to JWU. He said, "Find some serious people and stick close by". Well Chef that is going to be one of those needle in the haystack metaphors times 1200. Yet again these wonderful young homo erect-us take advantage of their new found freedom and party every single day of the week; "Dude where we hanging out tonight", "Frat party over o Vermont Ave". May be it is because I never really got the party scene, where you try to have an introductory conversation over really loud music or bump and grind on some strange girl all night or until she finds someone better or stepping over people who don't know how to hold the alcohol; which leads me into another story. Apparently, I attract the odd ones. Colette Joile Gardner is her name. A rather short obscenely talkative chick, as I believe has taken a shine to me. Yesterday, she shows up at my door with a friend, just to prove that she is not insane as I make her out to be. Low and below her friend, who I never got a name, is drunk. No surprise there. And has been drunk since 5 pm. Instantly I am not a happy camper. As much I would have loved to help this strange rather tipsy damsel in distressed when she whipped out the bottle of crappy vodka I was ready to send her on her way. And that I did, I told Colette get your friend out of my room and sober quickly (hooray Zack stood up for standing). Yeah I have a spine on occasion. Later that night, rather earlier this morning, after coming back for the loo, Colette comes an apologises about the incident.

I think I should end on a good note though..I made Creme Caramel on Wednesday..Lemon and Black Pepper. And it did not taste too bad.

Bye for now.

So That's What A Fresh One Taste Like...

It is the sixth day of Classic Pastry and I am already bummed that it will be over soon. Only three more days to go. :(. On a brighter note I just finished making my products with éclair paste. And they look SEXY!! Yeah that word again SEXY!!! They HOT!!

On the menu for today: Paris-Brest, Cream Puffs, Swans, Éclair, and Cream Horns. I really moved too slow especially since I mise en place'd everything before we started. Though I did finish before the rest of the class. They honestly move too slow. Really. It took everyone 4 hours to complete what should have taken 2 if not an hour to do. Okay so it may sound like I am boasting or complaining but really and truly they take too long. And what makes it worse is that we are paired. I am paired with one guy who I believe is a bit 'challenged' and I mean that in the nicest of ways. So I am happy to help him, guide help along, and let him do stuff instead of fetch tools or ingredients. That got a little annoying today I guess that is how it is.




Anyway back to the SEXY pastries. That best part of being in Baking and Pastry is that walk to the dorm room and everyone keeps asking what's in the bag or box. That and palming some of the tasties off on people in the hall and hear them complain "how you are going to get them fat", while they shove another bit full down they mouths. Then there are the complements that come from your dorm mate; "Man that tasted good!" "Yum..that éclair hit the spot" and the best for the evening "For me to enjoy this I have to take a piss". I don't know how two are connected but apparently they are.

Oh shit I can't believe I forgot to mention the fruit strip! Ok that was the best; got to use fresh strawberries and wait for it raspberries (hence the title).

Vive la Napoleon!!!

So besides the fact that it is my birthday. I had yet another wonderful day. Today we went over eclair paste or pate a choux. This paste was a little different to the ones we are custom to back home. Not light yellow but dark and all but brown. We are going to fill those tomorrow with I believe diplomat cream, creme chiboust (whipping cream and meringue or creme chantilly. One of those.

The piece de resistance of the day was when we got to finish off our Napoleons. HOW SWEET. I finally got to make one properly. A napoleon or mille feuille for those not pastry inclined is just baked puff pastry layers that sandwich diplomat cream topped with poured fondant and chocolate feathering; ie: one sexy ass looking and tasting dessert.



Yes people that is actual picture of my beautiful creation. Isn't she sexy!! Pssht best ting! LOL!!!!!

As for birthday celebration. I walked up the road and got myself some Chinese food which wasn't too bad. Kung Po chicken and Shredded pork in garlic sauce oh and chow mien. I got a shit load of rice though and burnt my tongue too. And the best part of the meal, the fortune cookie read: Genius is eternal patience. LOL. Yeah I know I am boring. Got a couple of suggests on how to celebrate properly; go out and get laid by some loose cougar in the city so she can show me a thing or two. The other was to go out with some of the guys here and have a party. Unfortunately I did neither. Yep I am sad like that.

The Week Is Over Already.....NO!!!

Darn there I was thinking I could have just a few more days in the lab. Oh well I guess I have to wait until Monday, which if I remember correctly is my birthday. Oh well! Life as I know it could not be any sweeter. Today we finally caught up to the work that we were backed up on. On today's menu I made Jalousie (Jah...luwee) and Pithivier.I also got my Napoleon done too. Oh I made some kick ass Orange Diplomat Cream, combination of pastry cream and whipping cream; it was so smooth and stable. HOORAY FOR ME!!!



There are seventeen of us in the lab so work tends to go a bit slow. I am paired with the only other guy in class and let's just say that his isn't fast even for virgins to a pastry lab. But he is a good guy so I try my best to guide him along the way. Um what else? So far I have no complaints, there are a few snags but all in all; JWU is going good and from what I hear it is going to get better. We are currently in the 'old' lab (looks pretty damn new to me) and for the other classes we are going to the 'new' labs. I can't wait for that.

The really best thing is that we can get to do our own products. So you have a feel of what you are doing and what to do when you are asked to do it in a industry kitchen. The downside is that we have limited oven space so you really have to try to get your product finished as soon as so you can get the right spot in the oven (the center). I think today the rest of the gals (yeah everyone else in the class are young ladies) got an appreciation for mise en place. Strange enough though chef did not make us do that from the get-go.

Anyway bye for now. Everyone is rolling out to go party. I going to enjoy a nice hot bath and the silence!!!

Palmiers and Sacristans (Classical Pastry)

Well classes are under way. And I am enjoying to the fullest. Once again I seem like am a rare breed..well at least in my class. I am one of two guys. Anyway today was the second day of class and we are just going through puff pastry. Yesterday, the first day, we started the first few folds of the dough learnt some new things so that's is a plus. Today we demo'ed three applications of puff pastry; palmiers, sarcristans and tarte tatin. Chef said my palmiers could have been a bit better but that kitchen is crazy especially with everyone opening and closing the ovens. I guess we have to arrange the oven so that the items go in at the same time.

The pastry lab is AWESOME!!! There are at 15 Kitchen Aid Mixers and an assortment of bad pastry equipment. AND IT IS TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED!! Take that TTHTI.


Oh I had a quiz today too. Day 2. Pretty sure I nearly aced it. Got some measurements off but hey I know I did not get less than an A- so that is good.

Bye for now. Next day we are going tarte tatins and Chantilly.

Once Is Good Enough

It was both fun and not fun at the same time. I was my first time to a theme park and my first time on roller coasters and other assorted rides. And may be I should not have gone on the biggest rides in the damn park. Met this chick Nicole (got a few cool tats and piercings) and she seriously into rides and suggested we go on that one. BAD BAD IDEA. Aptly name the Scream we waited and waited then got finally strapped in. This is where it goes from bad to "OH FUCK". They lifted the rig to the top and then drop my sorry screaming ass 50 stories in a matter of seconds. Yes I am a pussy, wimp and a girl and screamed "OH FUCK, OH FUCK!!!". But I survived.


Then we went to the mother of all coasters...Biazzro. We waited and waited and waited. So I decided to kill time and engaged in conversation with Nicole; who, though she has been through what I call tough times, seems like a good soul. Anyway, finally got there, all strapped in and locked in place. Then they pulled up the carts up to the top and drop my screaming ass again and again and again. I hated the drops. I have no problem with the hard turns, the twists but you see those drops: FUCK THEM SIDE-WISE!!!!!. We played around the park for a while then came back.




I have co-vocation tomorrow...so I officially become a JWU student. HOORAY for me.

It's Actually Bigger Than I Thought

Yeah I finally got around to taking a picture or two of my living quarters for the next few months. The room itself actually quite larger than expected. My room mate (Kamal) and I live quite comfortably compared to people who live in quads. That shit is going to be hard. 4 persons to a room . Jah! Not me!

Definitely Going To Need A Bigger Fan!!!

Ok so yeah I am finally on the dorm. They room actually is not that small but I tell you it is fucking hot..I mean really hot. Outside on average is 90 F/ 35-35 C and I do not even sweat, but as soon as I got on the dorm I was dripping bloody sweat. Yeah I am in Room 200 in South Hall. And so far the people who are on dorm are international students. There is Kamal (my room mate for Malaysia), David (Jamaica), Mario (Portugal), and NaNu (I think that is how you spell it from Portugal). I also meet Eric (Taiwan), Andy (China). I also met some the RAs...but for the life of me I cant remember all their shitting names so for now it is going to be..RA person.

Some of us even went out for a night out in Providence..went to a place called UNO. Not doing that again....crazy stupid prices. Plus tip a plate of nachos came up to roughly $12 US. Fuck, right? Microwave pasta for me from now on.

That communal bathroom thing is going to get pretty crazy in a few days. Saturday is when the remainder of the internationals and normal folk enter onto Hall. Dred really don't know about that one. Anyway I guess I'll have to make it work.

So things I going to have to do.
1) Get some water and lots of it!
2) Get a BIGGER fan, because it is too stuffy and hot in this damn room. Did not sleep at all tonight.
3) Get some more pictures of Providence during the day and night.

Bye for now.