5-30-2011

After re-evaluating my goals with this blog, I've opted to make these posts whenever I have something worthwhile to share, not necessarily every day.  This should bring up the overall quality of the photos here.  I hope you enjoy!

Today I decided to make something for myself. The odd thing is, once the truffles were done, I didn't like the richness of the chocolate. Oh well, white chocolate next time. This jacket with the wings is also one of my favorite jackets.

4-4-2011

Nobody mentioned my birthday in Osaka on Friday, so when my boss ended today's startup meeting with cake for me (a box with a variety of slices for everyone) I was very surprised. It's nice when people remember things like your birthday.

This one had a lot of fruit which is why I chose it, but I regretted the size of it about halfway through and wished I'd taken the less healthy-looking strawberry montblanc.

2-26-2011

To compare my attempt with the Japanese method, I decided to take a seasonal macaroon class at my cooking school. While they look very pretty, these strawberry sandwich cookies aren't nearly as good as the first batch two weeks ago. But it was a fun experience and a good opportunity to meet people at a different school location.

2-12-2011

In preparation for Valentine's Day at my office, here's a pile of origami hearts wearing dress shirts and ties. Not sure if the guys will like them, but hopefully it will show that I made my gifts by hand. If I'm lucky they'll get it...

2-5-2011

Decided to try something different today; instead of always making normal cakes, why not make individual cookie cakes for everyone?  Sure, the ones for the guests were just decorated cookies, but the cookie cake was a hit with the birthday boy, and he seemed to enjoy blowing out the candles too.

10-24-2010

After taking the group Trick-or-Treating, a student gave me the largest chestnut I've ever seen.  I hope it tastes as good as it looks.

EDIT:  It was indeed excellent.  Apparently they go bad quickly though, so if you have some eat them quickly!

10-21-2010

Knitted a hat as a Christmas gift for a friend's daughter.  She doesn't look at this blog so this won't spoil the surprise.  Box Piggy is modeling it for the photo, but the scarf isn't done yet.

8-31-2010

Flowers Moo Cow got at his last day at work.  Flowers are rarely given as date gifts in Tokyo, just as leaving presents, table decorations and grave offerings.  Of course, when Moo Cow gets flowers it means I get flowers.

7-4-2010

American goodies given to me today by the mom of a student.  My student tried to write my name on a card inside but spelled it wrong, so cute!

6-9-2010

Some omiage I got in Yamanashi.  Mochi with kinako (soy flour) and molasses.  Quite tasty.