Before all these fancy french petite fours and luxurious chocolate, it was the humble tin cookies and biscuits that were used as gifts at events such as visits to relatives or new year gatherings. A lot of people have forgotten how these simple treat has once dominated the heart (and tummy) of masses, myself included! 

Having said that, I have always wanted to try out these cookie recipes that have been sitting on my shelf for as long as I can remember. With a little reminder from a friend, I have finally took the effort to bring them out to give them a go!

Chiffon cake brings back a lot of childhood memories, with visits to the UCC cafe with my parents. Their chiffon cake hasn't change at all since then! Still a lot of cream and still fluffy... I wouldn't have ever imagine then that I would be working as a chef and making one of these! 

Many people have feared making them, mostly because of the meringue and/or the possibility of the cake being deflated after it is out of the oven. However, once you understand the basics and the problems behind it, you will be able to tackle this cake without any worries (well, maybe less worries!!!)

Four days and four roll cakes. I haven't made these in awhile and as you can see, they still need some work.. Nevertheless, they were still very tasty! 

From top-left corner going clockwise: Coffee, Greentea/red bean, chestnut and hazelnut. All the cream fillings were creme mousseline based with flavour added into it. This cream really complemented the nuts and coffee flavours well. It had a texture between a mousse and a buttercream. and holds its shape pretty well. 

I just can't get enough of making these little almond cookies! Ever since learning how to make them 5 years ago, I have set myself a goal of making the "perfect" batch of macarons..

My first batch of macarons were chewy and slightly soggy - didn't understand why they turned out the way they were at that time. They were still edible of course, so I finished them off with a simple dark chocolate ganache. 

Finally have a chance to try Peninsula HK's afternoon-tea, haven't been here for tea in ages!  

The building is as prestige as always. Situated in a prime location facing the Victoria Harbour, you get a great view of the Hong Kong side from the second floor and beyond. This hotel is considered sort of a landmark and a that's why tons of people from around the world come visit every year just to check it out. Another famous attraction of the hotel is its famous 3-tier English-style afternoon tea at the lobby lounge. Hundreds of people queue up, sometimes up to an hour, for a table just to try out the afternoon tea. I heard that they sometimes have to serve more than a thousand covers a day... just for afternoon tea!