聖誕節常備甜點: 老奶奶牌蘭姆巧克力雪球-Christmas Rum ball (old lady guarantied)

蘭姆巧克力雪球-Christmas Rum ball

市面上食譜琳琅滿目, 但平時有在使用的人就會知道, 很多食譜中看不見得中用. 也可能是被家裡的真人版食譜百科寵壞了, 總覺得坊間食譜僅供參考為多, 真正想要做出像樣的作品, 還得請高手私相授受. 像演奏樂器, 光靠紙上談兵是學不來的.

Christmas greeting-The Nutcracker, Queensland Ballet (聖誕節常備節目: 胡桃鉗, 昆洲芭蕾)

2010 Queensland Ballet-The Nutcracker

It was the opening night for 2010 Queensland Ballet's Nutcracker last night, presented together with Queensland Symphony Orchestra.  I have seen another production just a couple of years ago.  Nonetheless I must say this is a delighted choreographic I enjoyed just a little bit more than the previous one.

It is the kind of performance you expect to received audiences from the age 7 to 77.  The audiences come to share some Christmas spirit, they expect the performance to create the right atmosphere. 

NEW~Espresso bar-Glow (Campos coffee beans) 布里斯本新義式濃縮咖啡吧 GLOW

 

This fresh new expresso bar probably only has been a week old, 'Glow' the name.  Took me by surprise, when I saw people walking down Grey street with the green 'CampoS' cup--one of my favourites.

There are only that many places to have a caffeine fix around south bank, even fewer if you want something more than a cup of browned water.

無盡的春風-王羽教授

不知道要多少時間, 才能把對老師您的感念寫盡?

回到布里斯本後, 便一直在打聽王老師的消息, 以前一起上課的同學早已各奔東西, 身邊沒有人和老師還保有連絡的. 直到上星期, 拜現在網路資訊發達之賜, 及網友熱情相助, 終於讓我得知王老師的近況, 卻不知道是不是寧願不知道的好?

-----------------------------8<----------------------------8<-----------------------------

上面這短短的幾行字, 是回到澳洲後幾次機緣巧合之下再度得到王羽教授的近況時所寫下的.  老師當時已纏綿病禢有段時間, 意識也不清楚了, 無緣再見一面.  寫了幾行, 心酸難盡, 一直沒有完成.

Simply No Fuss Berry Semifredo-簡易莓果冰淇淋蛋糕

戰鬥版莓果冰淇淋蛋糕

前幾天在這裡的超市 Coles (不知道為什麼網路上還找不到) 看到一份只需要打蛋器, 菜刀及冰箱就可以做的簡易版冰淇淋蛋糕, 相信會深得許多留學生及忙碌上班族的心.  今晚看來得熬夜打譜, 順便試做, 有小小改版以符合個人喜好.

治癒系食譜: 發洩鬱悶的蔬菜燉煮羊排-Braise Vegetable& Lamb Chops: A Psychotherapy

蔬菜燉煮羊排

記得在唸榮譽學士那年, 為了論文弄到大病一場, 曾信誓旦旦涕淚交橫的對朋友說此生再也不搞研究, 再不寫論文了, 天底下只有想不開的瘋子才會做這種事.

所以說...人啊, 話千萬不能說得太滿, 講得太死, 眼下看來, 當這個想不開的瘋子的時間真是愈來愈長了.

La Renaissance Café Patisserie, The Rocks, Sydney--雪梨岩石區 "文藝復興" 法式咖啡座

La Renaissance Café Patisserie 47 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney

前幾天看到相簿裡這幾張照片才想起年中去雪梨時, 還有一家岩石區的咖啡店沒記.  La Renaissance 的官網上有說, 這是一家始於 1974 年的家族事業.

Strawberry Mille Feuille Simplified Version (簡易草莓千層派)

戰鬥版草莓千層派

上上個月學校前輩來家裡吃便飯, 甜點一直沒記下來. 那陣子草莓正當令, 正是做草莓千層派的時候.  派皮買現成冷凍的, 沒花工夫做, 天氣熱得要命不適合做派皮, 更沒有足夠時間.

Tetsuya on TV 11 Nov Thursday Night

Photo: Jennifer Soo, taken from 'Sydney Morning Herald' http://www.smh.com.au/news/

One of the internationally recognised chefs Tetsuya is going to be on TV Thursday 11 November (tomorrow night) at 7:30pm on SBS One. "Tetsuya's Pursuit of Excellence" it's called, apparently going to look at his life since his arrival in Sydney.  According to the chef, when he first arrived in Australia, he has no money, no skills and no English, "But somehow, I like this place" (Dianne Butler, The Courier-Mail, Wed. Nov. 2010 p.12)

Simple principle for managed funds

So called 4433 principle

• within the same sector, find the top 1/4 of the current year ranking list.
• Filter them through the 2, 3 and 5 years ranking list by the top 1/4.
• leave out the one did not make into the top 1/3 in the last 6-3 months.

Lunch at San-Kai South Bank, Brisbane (布里斯本南岸公園--山海日式午餐)

San-Kai Japanese restaurant has opened for over just a month or two.  When it first started the waiting period during the lunch rush was too long to bear.  It was not caused by the amount of people waiting, but the slow service at the counter.

威爾第晚期大作-阿依達 Giuseppe Verdi-Aida

托同事的福, 昨晚去看了 Aida 的閉幕演出.  Grandioso, Brillante, Maestoso.  這幾個音樂術語不自主跳出來, 拿來用在 Aida 上真是再合適不過.

Max Brenner-South Bank Brisbane 布里斯本巧克力專賣店

The Counter-Brisbane

The word-wide chocolate brand Max Brenner now opens a new cafe at South Bank, Brisbane. For Brisbane people that's an exciting news.  More dining out choices around town with an expected steady standard will not do any harm.

Facilitating skills

Have been looking for facilitating resources after the workshops.  Spotted 2 books yesterday, although not ideal, it did have a noteworthy list of facilitating skills.

"2 in 1" Japanese Bakery, Adelaide Street, Brisbane-part 2 布里斯本日式烘焙坊

Have been to this Japanese bakery a few times now since it opened.  The cake & sweet selections are very nice.  Here goes some of my favourite.  Mousse cakes are generally delightful.

Adjudicating & Forum

Started working by 8am on Sunday, fortunately it was still cool in Brisbane.  No cars nor people on the street.  Went to the awards ceremony with the boss, just a few things to jog down for future references.

• When giving comments, be general and positive.  Address the attendees and prise the effort.  
• Short comments on the prize wining work (in another word, note down the qualities could be mentioned while examining).  
• Is there a general movement or feature?  Isn't there?  The reason?  any deduction/induction from the signs?
• breaking down the phrases' regularities by giving pre-set number of beats/notes.  random numbers e.g. phone no#.
• practice the establishment of tonal centre use the same scale.

After Workshop

戰戰兢兢的上完今天學生的大班課, 讓我想起剛入國中時, 在眾人面前發言就會緊張臉紅的往事. 據說因為微血管靠近表皮的關係, 臉紅又快又明顯. 這件事若講給國中後才認識的朋友聽, 大概沒幾個人相信吧.

"Garrick Ohlsson On Technique: Mastering the Paradoxical Element of Control" by Kathleen Riley with John Chong

Picture taken from http://www.claviercompanion.com/access 9 Oct 2010 Clavier Companion September/October 2010 Vol 2 No 5

The cover of the latest Clavier Companion September/October issue had "Garrick Ohlsoon Talks Technique" printed bold and large with his photo.  Ever since I went to his concert last July in Sydney, my curiosity of this great pianists floods by admiration.  This article claimed to reveal Garrick Ohlsson's playing magic by measuring his muscle tension and biomechanical movement.  Sounds just too interesting to be missed.

"2 in 1" Japanese Bakery, Adelaide Street, Brisbane

The 'green tea and red bean' bun from the recently opened Japanese Bakery '2 in 1' on Adelaide Street.

green tea & red bean bun

"Don Quixote" by Ballet Nacional de Cuba in Brisbane 2010

Live music performance by The Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Went to the opening night of Ballet Nacional de Cuba's performance yesterday. Choreography by Alicia Alonso, Marta Garcia and Maria Elena Llorente after the Marius Petipa and Alezander Gorsky's version.

爸爸的食譜

看了幾天前獻醜的家常食譜, 爸爸今天又多寫了兩道容易下飯的菜色給我. 不禁讓我想到十幾歲剛到國外當小留學生, 爸爸一開始寫過40幾道食譜給我的事. 雖是家常料理, 但許多是在國外不易取得的食材, 嚴格說起來不太常用. 之後因為我撒賴說不實用, 太花時間, 又再寫了一本留學生30分鐘上菜的食譜. 幾年來因自己對吃有興趣, 看節目, 吃餐館, 翻食譜上課. 東一點西一點, 會做的菜色是漸漸多了起來. 開伙時, 要是一個月間吃到重覆的菜色, 就會覺得日子過得不太好, 做菜時該更用點心思.

身邊朋友很多向我討過這份食譜, 總覺得這是屬於我個人的特別的東西, 千百般不願意. 其實也沒什麼特別的, 不過是家常料理. 坊間食譜何其多, 一點也不稀奇. 但是爸爸為我寫的的食譜, 用的計量器是家裡伸手可及的工具, 一匙瓷湯匙的量, 一個拳頭大小, 像大姆指的長度, 除了我, 誰能清楚明白呢? 因為孩子遠在異鄉, 不能現場示範, 所以盡其可能的交待細節. 除了爸爸, 誰會在食譜裡說熱鍋時 "可用布把水擦乾, 節省瓦斯", 把薑片炒到8分熟是要炒到 "濃濃的薑味"?

訪雪梨金唐海鮮酒家 (Golden Century Seafood Restaurant)

幾天前在線上看見朋友招秋季食蟹團, 忍不住聊了幾句, 肚裡饞蟲大動.  想到前陣子去雪梨食帝王蟹還沒記下, 回來補.

前兩個月去雪梨除了一場銷魂的音樂會外, 還難得湊到一桌人, 去了聞名遐邇的金唐海鮮酒家. 其它菜色不看也罷, 大老遠去當然是吃帝王蟹, 可選兩吃或三吃, 就是椒鹽, 蔥薑, 意麵.

薑汁豬肉燒 (仿料理東西軍家常版)

這兩天心血來潮, 突然想吃薑汁豬肉, 可能是近幾週中午都吃波菜沙拉的關係, 好想吃溫暖身體的料理. 前天晚上把料理東西軍翻出來看, 美其名是想依樣畫葫蘆, 不過是一懶得找食譜, 二是只要是料理東西軍做的食物, 看起來都特別好吃, 大大提高食慾.

家常版薑汁豬肉燒

Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, A major, Op. 92, II movement

Clips taken from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uOxOgm5jQ4&feature=player_embedded
For people who is not familiar with the score, this might be an interesting way of reading the piece.

布里斯本近郊一日去處: Queensland Montville 'The Edge Restaurant'

從 'The Edge Restaurant' 往海岸線眺望的景緻

It has been a very stressful and unproductive month. To release the tension I have decided to note down the nice place where I went with H last month.

Boulez Structures - Structures I (1952)

Went to S's place and typed the music examples for Boulez's 'Structures I' last Sunday night.  Very inspiring.  The vertical design of the sonority immediately attracted my attention.

Garrick Ohlsson-Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 (蕭邦第二號鋼琴協奏曲)

大師親筆簽名樂曲解說及會後所購蕭邦全集

上個月底去雪梨時順道去歌劇院聽了場音樂會. 訂票時猶豫了一下不知如何取捨.  歌劇院演的是 Mozart 的 Le nozze di Figaro (莫札特-費加洛的婚禮). 音樂廳則是有美國當代作曲家 John Adams 的 Dr. Atomic, Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2, Beethoven Symphony No. 5 (亞當斯原子博士, 蕭邦第二號鋼琴協奏曲, 貝多芬第五號交響曲).

Realising another thing on 2010 list

One of the 2010 plan is to learn a string instrument.  Thanks to H, I have finally own a violin.  Personally, I would love to learn the cello but there is simply no space to store a cello in my room.

Queensland Ballet 2010 Gala 6-8 August

Programme for Queensland Ballet 50th Anniversary International Gala 2010

Arron Copland (1930) Piano Variations-Theme Study

Analytical note

Copland, Aaron. Piano Variations. Boosey & Hawkes. New York: 1955.

墨爾本維多利亞國立美術館 (National Gallery Victoria)

維多利亞國立美術館

上為維多利亞國立美術館外的展覽海報.

墨爾本之行新訪巧克力店: Gânache Chocolate, South Yarra

上半年來墨爾本前 L 便大力推薦過這家巧克力店, 礙於行程短促, 沒有到訪. 這次正好來 South Yarra 吃火鍋, 跟 Gânache 就在同一條街上, 星期五營業到十點, 不去真是說不過. 雖已吃喝不了任何東西, 還是去帶了記念品.

真正踏進店門是頭一遭, 但卻不是第一次吃到他們家的巧克力了. 這次帶的以水果口味偏多.

墨爾本行新造訪店家之一: 天府川菜館 (Sichuan Hot Pot, South Yarra, Melbourne)

上週再度造訪墨爾本, 續年初的毛血旺之後, 再和 O 約出來吃辣.  O 的表弟推薦了一家在 South Yarra 火車站不遠的川菜館-'天府'. 墨爾本天氣極冷, 又時不時飄個小雨, 正是吃火鍋的天氣.

自由即興草莓優格乳酪蛋糕-Strawberry Yoghurt Cheese Cake

前兩天收到 T 送的 "食物與廚藝" 套書, 驚喜十分. 事實上盯著這套書已有一陣子, 只是不敢下手, 居處空間有限, 汗牛充棟, 向來是我很大的煩腦. 但朋友相贈畢竟不同, 順著這個藉口可以毫不心虛的收入書櫃.

布里斯本法式烘焙店: Chouquette-New Farm Brisbane

小天鵝泡芙

Chouquette
19 Barker Street, New Farm QLD 4005
左為小天鵝泡芙, 帶在車上顛簸一陣, 拿出來沒在店裡來的漂亮了.

天有不測風雲

最近一星期明顯的比較冷, 中午有時不到二十度, 算是布里斯本的冬天了. 這個月是澳洲結稅大打折的月份, 卻什麼也沒添購, 忙到連出門逛街買東西的時間也無. 從學期開始到現在, 除了期中非常短暫的幾天有老同學來訪出門走走之外, 便是滾陀螺一般一直沒停過. 好不容易學生的作品改完, 報告交給學校, 才有時間見到自己的教授.

Peach & Cream Cake Roll-水蜜桃鮮奶油蛋糕捲

試作幾次戚風蛋糕後, J 弟有一天語重心長的說 '我覺得為了要保持你做戚風蛋糕的水準, 你應該要常常練習, 最少一星期一次.'

把這段話解碼後是這樣的 '我吃不慣洋風重口味的海綿或磅蛋糕, 可是戚風蛋糕像台灣蛋榚店的蛋糕, 而且你做的還不賴, 我希望有機會一星期吃一次.'

Steven Isserlis Schumann Cello Masterclass

念 Schumann

昨天提到今年也是 Schumann (舒曼) 200年, 為什麼都沒見到什麼活動. 今天徵得朋友同意, 把我為上個月音樂會寫的曲解拿來一用, 音樂會詳情可見連結.

希望有一天能在此一併附上音樂會演出的現場錄音, 對舒曼略表敬意.  有興趣的可以先上 youtube 找這組小品來聽, 有著舒曼特有的抑鬱掙扎中隱約浮現甜美的氛圍, 禁得住一聽再聽的作品.

Year of Chopin...it's also the year of Schumann too

(Picture taken from ABC) Just about the time that I start feeling had more than enough about Chopin and this article came up from Limelight under collaboration with Gramophone magazine in the June 2010 issue.

Blue Berry Rolling Sponge-藍莓蛋糕捲

繼戚風蛋糕後打鐵趁熱再做一個類似的甜點, 上次倉促中沒在藍帶糕點聖經中找到食譜著實讓吃驚了一下. 事後認真回去一找果然在 'Sponge' (海綿蛋糕) 類目中找到, 不就是用了個不一樣的稱呼, 被歸到 '分蛋海綿蛋糕' 名下.

藍帶給的基本食譜只用到蛋, 麵粉及糖, 業餘的我看了有點心驚驚,  深怕一個不巧成品會淪落到銷不掉的下場.  暴殄天物不是件好事 (題外話, 才沒兩天前在新聞裡看到阿基師在比賽評論中嚴正提到不該浪費食材, 看得我直點頭).

I Concurs Internacional de Composició

Montserrat Church June 3rd @ 1300
directly broadcast
www.radioestel.com

Sunday June 6th TV3 Catalan Television
www.tv3.cat/directes

Abadia de Montserrat

Easy Chiffon cake recipe/超好記戚風蛋糕食譜

本來想趕在今天交出的曲子寫不好, J 弟說 '塞翁失馬, 焉知非福', 失馬的是我, 得福的是所有室友及 J 弟的胃.

下午死心不寫之後, 忍不住手癢想做蛋榚. 這學期到現在還沒做過一次蛋糕, 可見有多忙. 放下筆後真的也感到是該休息一下, 很想出遠門一趟.  前陣子重感冒拖了很久, 也許就是在警告我, 別想這樣硬撐一學期.

Chia Latte (印度?) 辛香料茶

Chia Latte time!  It is getting cold and really feels winter approaching.  Also it is the perfect time to have a cup of home made Chia latte.

冬天漸漸近了, 上個月去緯度高的墨爾本時已經很有冬天的氣氛. 但在布里斯本還只有秋天的微涼. 不過近來晚上已經連續掉下不及攝氏15度過一週, 晚一點唸書或早一點寫曲子時, 已經可以確確實實的感到寒意, 正是可以享受 Chia Latte (辛香料茶-也有人稱印度香料茶) 的時刻.

Property Market Watch Update

May 29-30, 2010 Andrea Lunt, The Courier-Mail Property: Auctions rate in tough market.

Just spotted some interesting points in this weekend's property section:

The tittle actually said 'tough market', no wonder I found the market seems much quieter than last year.  It also stated: 'Agents across the city have reported tougher conditions this year, with an average of one in four properties selling under the hammer at weekend auctions of late.'  This sounds to me that at the moment the market are steady and slow.  Wonder how long the market is going to remain steady, hopefully another half an year...but looks not likely to be that long.

五月音樂會後小記, 中菜館: Toowong-China Kitchen, Stanthorpe-Golden Grove 白酒

好吧, 其實根本不是音樂會後真的有什麼值得大書特書的心得感想或反省, 單純只是寫了半分鐘的四重奏怎麼樣也寫不下去而來逃避現實,  順便把一些生活中的零碎小事記錄起來.

以前寫的日記不知道收到哪裡去了? 中學同學 C 在我出國前夕送過一本那種用硬紙盒封上可以落個小鎖的精美古典日記本, 現在還收伸手可及的書架上, 大概是唯一留在身邊的一本吧.  看看以前寫的東西, 當時的感想, 是一件有趣的事.

A Theory of Colours-amazing experience

It's already the end of May.   How did this month pass so fast?

Many thanks to many people that made this concert possible.  Putting on a concert involves million things an every detail need to work together to present a piece of work in the end.  I can't thank more for taking a small part of this exciting event.

For people who were there I wish that you all enjoyed it.  For people who were not there, wish to see you next time.

It has been a while to find myself in the middle of projects one after the other and I seriously miss it!

Brisbane Concert Information

For more detail please visit: 

www.soundingout.com.au


facebook link

Melbourne 二日行食記-胡同, Box Hill, Brunetti 甜點

夫妻肺片

自上次回國, 不知不覺過了兩年半, 雖說在布里斯本要吃中式料理很容易, 食材也幾乎要什麼有什麼. 若是想什麼不特花時間, 工夫粗淺的, 自己弄弄是一點也不難. 偏生愛吃的盡是些要花時間, 或講究工夫的菜式.

迷你同學會食記補- Mt Tamborine, Montrachet

趁這次同學來訪, 再把一兩個離布里斯本不遠可吃可玩的地方記起來.

直奔大海後的隔天驅車上山, 這裡山上最流行的不是農莊果園, 就是酒莊了.  車程大約一小時的 Mt. Tamborine 是一個方便的去處.  每一次上去都發覺酒莊愈開愈多, 工藝品店也是愈來愈多.  有乳酪, 啤酒, 冰淇淋工廠, 有手工巧克力,  這次去連薰衣草園都有了.

Many thanks

Owing great gratitude to many people for today's performance.  The administration of putting together the event, performers, audiences, etc.

Been placed right after Benjamin Britten's composition is a great honour, also a great horror.  It is a thrilling opportunity to hear this work live and have the score right next to my hands.  Still many to learn from the performance, the professionals and from the writing of the others'.  Best of all, I am still writing and still enjoy the process.

Brisbane Concert Infomation

Date: 3 May 2010 (Tuesday)

Time: 1305-1400

Encounter Series

Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University - Ian Hanger Recital Hall

140 Gray Street, South Bank

Free Admission

難得的同窗相聚-Brisbane 一日遊 Mooloolaba

夏末秋初的四月, 布里斯本雖還是一片艷陽高照的藍天白雲, 但日照時間漸短, 陽光烈度也緩了許多. 這樣嫵媚的季節裡, 三位闊別多年的中學同學, 約在南半球聚首. 見到老同學從機場裡伴著秋初舒爽閒適的輕風走出來時的開心, 筆墨難以形容.

畢業, 入社會, 進職場, 不是沒有交朋友的機會, 但那種從憂鬱青澀年少就相遇, 見過自己最笨拙最單純時期的同學還是有點兒不同.

馬卡龍小圓餅: Adriano Zumbo-Macaroons, nice to meet you.

Anriano Zumbo

Adriano Zumbo 甜點店也是因為 MasterChef 這個節目引起一探究竟的興致, 不過對這家店的滿意度大幅超過之前提到的 Aria, 大概是到讓人萬分懊腦為什麼這家店不是開在住處正對面, 又或是萬分悔恨為什麼沒有拿個小冰櫃下去雪梨多帶幾塊烤派回來的地步.

雪梨三帽餐廳: Est. Sydney- The amazing journey

Est. Sydney

早在雪梨行尚在計劃中, 便打定主意要去拜訪 est. 飯店的高級餐廳. 自從 L 在 est. 用餐過後回來讚賞有加, 講得讓人心動不已, 這個名字就被釘在用餐名單上.

Refreshing Morning at Sol Bread Café

What is the best way to release oneself from a few stressful weeks of working, working and more working?  Take an early morning walk to a nice café, enjoy a cup of nice coffee and a great almond croissant.  This proposal seems to have a great chance of fixing the problem.

詠嘆調裡凝望歌劇院-Gazing the Sydney Opera House while enjoying dessert at Aira

夜裡的雪梨歌劇院

上面是小藍 Canon IXUS 110 IS 廣角隨手拍雪梨歌劇院夜景, 我傻瓜它聰明, 非常好用.

Benjamin Zander on music and passion | Video on TED.com

Simply Brilliant. Comprehensive understanding and explanation for the structure and the plan of the piece. Moreover, loving it with heart and life.

By the way, it's Chopin's Prelude in E minor, Op. 28 No. 4

Benjamin Zander on music and passion | Video on TED.com

Guylian Café at The Rocks -雪梨岩石區比利時吉利蓮巧克力專買店

The Rocks 這一區的地型感覺有點像縱向拉長再放大幾倍的台中東海藝術街. 小街小巷從望著歌劇院的達令橋下, 彎彎轉轉沿著坡度繞上去.

據說只有作曲博士生才看得懂的曲解...

其實真的沒有這麼難, 如果能現場稍微示範一下, 加個圖解之類的, 我相信就算沒學過音樂的也一定可以理解...這裡的音樂會有會前講解, 很多人會提早個一小時半小時來聽. 可是台灣的情況...嗯, 不清楚.

An $150 million question

Picture taken from www.artnews.com

Esterow, Milton. 'The Real Thing?: A fingerprint has intensified the debate about the origin of a mysterious drawing sold at auction for $21,850.  Experts don't agree whether it's a 19th-century German work or a genuine Leonardo worth $150 million'. ARTnews. Volume 109, Number 1. January 2010. pp82-87.

580 George Steert Sydney-Passionflower Ice Cream 雪梨冰淇淋何處吃?

Passionflower Ice Cream

從坎培拉下來雪梨, 頓時覺得又悶又熱. 停留兩天, 兩天都忍不住想吃點冰品. 冰淇淋專賣店 -- Passionflower (網頁做得不錯, 值得一看) 最早開在 'Darling Harbour' (達令港) 的商店區,  不過現在移到市區, 而且多了一家分店.