My Third Pie Baking Attempt by Gneb

Those of you who know me would have probably known that I’m a big pie lover. I especially like savoury pies with short crust pastry. Nothing beats a slice of meat pie with a steaming hot cup of coffee.

My love for pies has also driven me to learn baking them. Honestly, I’m not a good cook at all and this will be the only other thing I cook for now, besides packet noodles (which is my other true love, food wise). Sad huh?

I got the short crust pastry recipe from my sister and I have attempted to make the pastry my self twice. After a long suspense since I last made a pie, I bet I’ve become very rusty. Since I have some basic pie ingredients in the fridge and some free time in hand (plus a few friends of mine who have been bugging me to blog about how to make one), I thought I should give it another go and see far I could go. I definitely hope I’m not making a fool of myself in front of all the pastry experts out there :p

This is the short crust pastry that I made last night and left in the fridge over night. It’s rock solid and so I have to thaw it.

Ok, when dealing with pastry, I’d strongly recommend wearing gloves. You definitely do not want to add the “extra flavour” from your fingers into your pastry! And please, do not use rubber gloves as they will leave the rubber smell in your pastry. Use plastic ones instead.

I always wrap my chopping board with aluminum foil so that the pastry doesn’t stick on the board and make a mess of it.

Roll out the pastry and cut it according to the circumference of the dish. Make 2 of this so that 1 goes on top and the other to the bottom. Make some strips to go round the side of the dish. It’s pretty much like playing with “plasticine”, which is quite fun..haha..

Don’t fret if the pastry turns loose and flaky, just need to press it so that it sticks back on again. If the pastry breaks when you transfer it to the dish, just patch it with a small piece of pastry. Told you, it’s "plasticine"..

I know it looks ugly and lumpy, but this is the inside so no one would see. Make it uglier by making some holes with a fork..

Pop the pastry into the oven for 10 min or so to dry up the moisture. I think this also ensures the pie base is cooked properly.

After 10 min, it turns UGLIER!!

While waiting for the ugly pie base to cool down. It’s time to work on the filling. I rummaged through my fridge and found some leftover luncheon meat.

Some eggs

Some condiment to go into the egg to add the extra flavour.

Some pepper

A sprinkle of mixed herbs

A drop or 2 of Lea & Perrins.

The mixture. Doesn't look very appetizing for now..

Lay the luncheon meat slices nicely onto the pastry. And pour the egg mixture on top of the luncheon meat.

Cover the top of the pie with another round shaped cut-out of the pastry. As you can see, I have a bit of the patchwork done on this piece. Spread a layer of egg yolk on top of the pie and trust me, it will not look so obvious when cooked.

Ok, final stage – pop them all on the oven.

The moment of truth…Viola…

Ok, ugly it may seem, but it certainly tastes good and smells great..hahaha..

So, what do you think? Pass?

De Villa Spa by SamT

After a good 5 days work and the cumulated exhaustion, I decided to give myself a good treat. Making an appointment with De Villa Spa in Heritage Club along Scotland Road, Penang was not as tedious as some other spas or massage parlors. The staffs are friendly and the lady masseurs from Indonesia, equiped with good skill sets, are ready to help you to unwind, rest and relax.

De Villa Spa is ‘the’ place for working people like you and me. Apart from body massage, they have foot reflexology and detoxification session as well. Usually, I prefer either the aromatherapy or the Thai herbal press, which I truly believe in its effectiveness to sooth my tired body, mind and soul.

Even though it is being located inside Heritage Club, where its customer bases are mainly from the club house itself and Clark Hatch gymnasium, it is also opened to public. Frankly speaking, its exclusiveness has its advantage; it avoids the intruding of complicated and complex crowds.

Once you enter the main lobby of Heritage Club, on the right side, there is a stair case leading you to the haven of relaxation, which a light aroma of the essential oil, activates your sense of smell, making yourself ready for a deep good rest. Upon entering the spa centre, you will be greeted by a small fountain, dim light, the lullaby smell of the essential oil and of course, the courteous welcome and greetings from the staffs at the front desk.

The interior is cozy; on the left of the front desk is where the ladies’ corner is while the right is for the gentlemen. All rooms are of individual basis, with wooden frame and curtains that serve as dividers. If you are with few friends, you can request to have the curtain drawn; but my advise is, maintain the privacy and at the same time to create serenity during this moment (as the masseurs will tend to converse among each other if the curtains are drawn up) The massage platform is not of ordinary bed but are specialized platform which enable easy breathing, relaxing of neck and head during back message.

Just directly opposite the front desk, there are the places for reflexology. There are few nice and comfy reflexology chair, neatly arranged to create the desired environment in case of too many customers. This will also ensure certain level of privacy during the therapy.

Just choose the type of therapy and essential oil you wish to apply (you can also ask the front desk for some advice if you are not too sure); determine the hours you need; usually I will opt for a 2 hours session for body massage or 1.5 hours session for reflexology, and off you go, into the world of peacefulness and relaxation. You will feel so rejuvenate as if you are just reborn.

Prices are very reasonable and affordable with such a serene ambiance, range from RM80 to RM120 depending on the therapy you choose for body. For foot reflexology, they are definitely much cheaper as compare to the body massage. There are also package deals available; so, check it out with De villa Spa and you will never regret it.

My Scores:
Environment: ☺☺☺☺☺
Service: ☺☺☺☺
Price: ☺☺☺☺
Parking: ☺☺☺☺ (parking spaces available right in front of the Heritage Club)
Address: 2, Scotland Road, 10450 Penang Malaysia
Tel No: +604 2298308
Others: http://www.de-villaspa.com/