Tofu Cheeecake

Two to three years ago, tofu cheesecake became popular and is touted as a healthier version for cheesecake lover. For myself, I love it simply because I love soya. The love degree increases further when I adjusted my version to include lemon and pairing it with mixed berries compote. Hence, the actual name for my cake should be, "Lemon Tofu Cheesecake with Mixed Berries Compote"!

I have also made a much lighter version by adding layers of vanilla sponge in between. This is to cater to people who don't like heavy cheesecake or for first timer who are new to cheesecake. This version is so light and refreshing that I can't resist eating 2-3 big slices at one go myself!

I like the versatility of this cake in that it is easy to vary the design presentation, on top of adjusting the inside content to suit individuals needs. This include optional cookie base, vanilla sponge, lemon juice and zest. Having said this, if there's an order to have all the options, it is also a cake which requires much work due to the different components.

This cheesecake is a simple presentation, without the usual digestive cookie base.

This cheesecake is with birthday wordings and digestive cookie base.

This cheesecake is what I would call a classic presentation, with big piping of cream encircling the mixed berries compote. 

A cut view of the cake showing all the differen layers. It is a lot more time consuming to prepare but the result is awesome! 

Waffles

I love waffles, especially the pandan ones. The combination of coconut and pandan is so irresistible that I never fail to like any desserts or pastry with these two ingredients. Naturally, I was very delighted when we had a school lesson on it during my course. As fate would have it, I fell sick during that lesson and missed it. Nonetheless, I was comforted that I had the lesson material and recipe with me.

Since then, I had been debating whether to buy my own waffle maker... what's the use of having the recipe and not having the tools to make it! A decent one from a reputable brand is not cheap however, and so I held back my buying urge.

Two years later, I finally had the chance to make a very special batch of waffles - dairy and egg free for the Angels, to go with the special ice cream I made for her (I had posted this in an earlier blog: http://little-bake-shop.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-hall-of-fame.html). The waffle machine belongs to the Angels' mum. Today, it sits in my home, short term adoption while the Angels' family is away for a year plus. The first opportunity I had, I made a batch of my favourite of pandan waffles.

Pandan Waffles - first batch of waffles I made specially for myself. Ate 2 big slices of it for brunch on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Some weeks later, I hosted a tea and waffles party for two of my friends family. The kids are overjoyed, especially when they get to choose their own favourite ice cream to go with the waffles.

Tea and Waffles Party - the children really enjoyed their waffles with ice cream more than anything else!