Danderma's Blog, page 45

Elements Guilt-Free Bakery

A while back I was browsing different instagram profiles when I came upon a mouth-watering picture of a white sponge fruit cake. I’m a sucker for a good food picture, it can do wonders to my cravings so I checked out the rest of the pictures in that instagram profile. Not only were the pictures good, they also were about desserts from a healthy and low-calorie bakery called Elements! I knew it was a matter of time until I placed my order.

Last Friday morning I decided that it was time, and the good thing about Elements bakery is that you can order on the very same day you want your food, before 6 P.M., and you will get it. Not a contact me a week in advance kind of home business at all, which I highly appreciated. Update: Turns out Elements Bakery is not a home business, rather an actually  licensed business operating from a factory. I asked for my order to be delivered between 2 and 3 P.M. and it did arrive on time.

My first order was the “Sweet & Savoury”. A selection of low fat saj sandwiches with four different fillings and a selection of four different mini desserts. On the box, the calories contents were displayed.

Opening the box…

Each saj piece had a label displaying the contents and calories per sandwich, you couldn’t have been more aware of the calories were consuming if you tried.

There were four different fillings: Cheese & Greens, Mixed Veggies, Tuna, and Roast Beef. I tried the vegetarian ones and I liked the cheese and greens the most. My husband thinks the roast beef is the best one.

As for the sweet part of the order, there were four mini dishes: Mango Kiwi, Mixed Berries, Dark Chocolate, and Milk Chocolate. All four were notably not overly sweet and very light. The fruit ones had a white sponge and cream base. The sponge was a tad dry, not dry as in old, dry as in not laden with butter, but it was more than fine if it meant keeping the calories at bay.

The milk and dark chocolate ones were extremely chocolate-y. If you are a chocolate lover you will be happy. The taste was also richer and the texture more smooth than the fruit based ones.

Next order? The one that started it all, the Fruit Salad Cake. Not a very large cake, enough for ten -or more- and packing 200 calories per portion/slice as per the package label.

Why hello there… it looks gorgeous, doesn’t it?

Cutting myself a slice…

Digging in through the layers of sponge, light cream, and fresh fruits. I was reminded of the birthday cakes we used to eat in our childhood, but with fresh fruit instead of canned ones between the layers.

How was it? Extremely good, the cream was really light, the fruits were very fresh, and most of the sweetness is derived from the fruits themselves. Most importantly, it was light and guilt-free even though the sponge had a hint of dryness from the lack of butter, just a hint. To be frank the moment I was done I was still hungry and wanted seconds, it was very light indeed. The fruit salad cake doesn’t keep well though, two days maximum or the fruits would spoil so its better to order it for a gathering where you know people will eat it entirely without leftovers.

I also wouldn’t recommend the sweet and savoury order for a gathering of men or else they would be done eating in 3 minutes. Its best to order the sweet and savoury for a small gathering of girl friends, 4 or more could easily share. Good job Elements Bakery! The food is fresh, delicious, and very light indeed. We need more items on your menu especially that the holy month of Ramadan is upon us.

The items on Elements Guilt-Free Bakery’s menu have been developed alongside a team of licensed professionals. For more information or to place an order you can Whatsapp them on +(965) 9728008 or follow them on instagram (@Eat_Elements).

Aunt Marie’s Salted Pecan Caramels

When I passed by Shakshooka farmers market a while ago (post), one of the things I got for myself was a jar of wrapped sweets. I frankly just grabbed it when it was laid on the table when I knew it was “caramels” and I’m not a big fan of caramels. Fudge, yes, caramel OK but my husband is a devoted fan so I thought I’d get that for him. 

Then I took one piece of caramels, and noticed something… there were salt particles on the surface of the caramels!

Yes! Big fat salt particles, sea salt by the looks of it, which means this little caramel is actually a salted caramel! 

But then just because it was salted caramel pecans doesn’t guarantee it was going to turn out any good, does it? Well, the moment I popped that lovely golden salted piece of caramel in my mouth, I knew I was in big trouble. It was so chewy, sweet, soft, salty, crunchy pecan, grainy salt, smooth buttery caramel, so succulent your hand automatically reaches for another piece to unwrap and before you know it, the little jar is empty! How did that happen?

If I hadn’t polished off that jar of caramels I would have chopped pieces off and sprinkled them on top a scoop of really good vanilla ice cream. Perhaps blended them in a milkshake or hid them inside some cookie dough then baked them. All I know is, these little gems are out of this world and they come from a Aunt Marie’s artisan bakery which should be opening soon. They are beyond recommended, they are a must try even if you, like myself, don’t like caramels. Once you take a bite you will know what I’m talking about.

The lovely salted caramel pecans and the excellent olive and rye bread I used for breakfast in this (post) are both bought from Aunt Marie’s Artisan Bakery. They are not open yet but you can follow them so you will keep up to date and believe me, the moment those caramels are announced, you must get a jar to feast on. Wishing you the best of luck, we can’t wait for you to be open for business. For more information about Aunt Marie’s Artisan Bakery you can check their website (link) or follow them on instagram (AuntMariesKuwait).

Movie Review: Man of Steel

Superman was my favourite childhood superhero. I grew up watching Superman movies, one movie in particular the Superman III we watched over and over and over again whenever we had a meal. My father was a big Superman fan and he bought us all the VHS tapes except for Superman III which he recorded off KTV2 on our VHS video. After Christopher Reeve, no one could fill in his Superman shoes, and after watching Man of Steel, I personally believe no one can. 

This remake of the Superman story is much, much better than the attempt that was made at a remake a few years back, I don’t even recall the actor or the movie name. The actor is better suited to be Superman even though he was too bulky, Christopher Reeve wasn’t that bulky. The movie also comes with a star-studded cast: Russell Crowe as Jor-El and Kevin Costner as Clark Kent, but it also comes with a very weak story. It begins by sending Kal-El to earth as a baby – of course- then his childhood story is told in flashbacks and later on General Zod comes back to earth to finish what he started by killing Superman. But that’s basically it. Nothing more, nothing less.

I expected much more of this movie, and it’s missing three very VERY important Superman basics: Clarks infatuation with Lana, Superman’s vulnerability to Kryptonyte which wasn’t mentioned at all in the movie, and last but not least: his name! He is Superman, but you get to hear his name once, maybe twice in the movie. I’m not sure why is this remake allergic to the title Superman but he is Superman! He was Superman, he is Superman, and he will stay Superman! I also watched it on 3D IMAX, which was totally unnecessary as you pay extra expecting to duck when Superman flies right at you especially with all the fight scenes which ate up half the movie but you end up just paying extra and not even flinching once.

The Dark Knight’s remake of Batman was awesome, this remake of Superman is OK-ish. If there is a sequel I will go see it, but I’m not sure I will be very thrilled about watching it. Perhaps it would get better now the foundation of the story is laid out the sequel would have a more sophisticated story line. Maybe, hopefully.

Breakfast at C-Omar in the Avenues

Growing up in the 80′s meant watching a lot of Egyptian movies and TV serieses. Whenever I was watching and they had breakfast, I’d wish I was joining them at the table and eating from their breakfast, always plates laden with food and people sharing. Therefore when I knew that the modernised Egyptian-themed restaurant C-omar began to serve breakfast, I wanted to go and see what they had to offer. 

It was a Friday morning, C-Omar opens at 10 A.M. but by the time we were there (10:05 A.M.) all the tables were taken except one which we made a beeline for. It took a while to get the servers into gear and get us some menus, but eventually we placed our orders. We started with drinks: Koshari Tea for me. Strong loose-leaf Egyptian tea.

Freshly squeezed orange juice.

Lemon with mint.

All breakfast come in big sharing platters with many miniature dishes that differ according to the order. We ordered the “Tant Bakinam” breakfast.

Looks delicious and the tray is very cute! The best part is the basket of bread in the middle with the long hot dog like bread, which is always used to make breakfast sandwiches on Egyptian TV!

What’s in the breakfast? A plate of falafel and another of foul of course. Both delicious and went well with the Egyptian bread.

Scrambled eggs. They were supposed to be made with tomatoes and onions but I asked for them without tomatoes. They were OK, too scrambled for my taste though.

And labna wraps, spread with labna, olives, tomatoes, and Za’atar.

The presentation is fun, the food is good, the location is excellent sitting outside on the walkway of the Aveunues Souk watching shoppers walking by, yet the service is still a bit slow and they also gave us the bill of another table but I’m sure with time and a bit of patience the service will run smoothly again.

C-Omar is located in the Souk District of the Avenues mall right down the walkway from Cafe Bazza. For more information you can check their instagram account (@C_OmarKW).

My Newest Buys at the f2o Shop

[image error]@f2oDesigns).

Or Bakery Shop in Burj Jassim

I’ve been a fan of Or Bakery ever since I’ve bitten into my very first chocolate brownie with an oozing liquid chocolate centre (post). Many chocolate brownies later, Or remained my favourite Kuwaiti-made chocolate destination and I always wondered why they didn’t open their own shop. I think 2013 deserves to be called the year where Kuwaiti businesses expanded from homes to actual stores, for Or Bakery has finally opened up a shop in Burj Jassim. 

The moment I knew they were operating and serving customers, I grabbed my camera and car keys and made my way to Burj Jassim. Or Bakery is located in the basement and you cannot get lost for there are signs everywhere leading to the bakery. Or Bakery looks amazing! All glass, wood, white, and black. Very modern and befitting the elegance of Or with. It was also very busy with customers so I couldn’t take many pictures without bothering them.

The first and most important display was the chocolates display. I was planning on checking out the new Ramadan flavours and getting myself 6 pieces of the chocolate brownie. Sadly, they cannot provide you with chocolates unless you place an order one day in advance so I’m going to place mine and go back again soon.

What else? Well, baskets of packaged baked goodies like meringues and cookies are on display.

They also have salads, mini pastries, waraq enab (stuffed vine leaves), hummus, moutabbal, wraps, sandwiches, and amazing looking croissants.

I wanted to buy everything! I went home with a big bag of freshly baked goodies to feast on.

What did I get? A selection of mini pastries: cheese, za’atar, and pizza.

The stuffed vine leaves, which are very good and sour, just the way I like them.

The moutabbal as a dip.

And croissants, cheese, plain, za’atar, and nuttella! Yes, Nuttella croissants.

I highly recommend Or Bakery’s croissants, they are really really good! I would be going back for more of those -and the vine leaves- when I place my chocolate order for sure. Congratulations Or Bakery on opening your first shop, keep up the good work

Or Bakery is located in the basement of Burj Jassim, Kuwait City. The bakery is on the soft opening phase from 9 A.M. till 5 P.M. For more information you can contact Or Bakery on +(965) 97571012 or +(965) 2244299, check their website (link), follow them on Twitter (@OrBakery) or on Instagram (@OrBakery).

The Silence Room at Selfridges of London

one reason why I consider Selfridges to be my favourite department store ever is the fact that you never know what to find the next time you pass by! The last time I’ve been in Selfridges I was in the lower ground lever floor I heading towards the little yellow cafe when I saw the sign for “The Silence Room”!

Intrigued, I could tell the idea of the room from the name but I had to ask how exactly does it work. There was a sign at the door with leaflets and a very helpful and sweet Selfridges employee was at the door, explaining the concept of The Silence Room once you get inside.

Shoe cabinets, you don’t have to let go of your shoes though.

You are handed a pair of ear plugs to ensure total silence.

And going in…

Dark, broody, modern corridors, dark plush carpets so your feet won’t make any noise while walking, faint lights at the bottom of walls so you’d know the way.

The lockers to put your shopping bag and your phone or whatever that might make distracting noise, you don’t need to though.

Then at the end of a maze-like corridor, you will find the opening to the room.

Big, white, vast, dimly lit, and with cushioned benches going all around the room for people to sit on. I saw a couple of people fast asleep next to their shopping bags, a woman was reading a book in peace, another was just there, sitting calmly. Not one person lifted their eyes to gaze at me, each in their own little calm and quite bubble of a world.

The room wasn’t completely sound proof though, I could faintly hear the rest of the Selfridges’s hubbub around me, but if I used the ear plugs I’d be in a world of my own insulated from all sounds. I loved The Silence Room, it was a nice quiet place for people to take a well deserved rest especially after walking around the city of London. I wish the Silence Room was a permanent fixture in Selfridges but sadly I was told it would be removed by the end of May 2013.

I wish more silence rooms are introduced around department stores and shopping malls around the world. It would be an ideal destination for peace seekers and would definitely rub some of the stress off people’s shoulders. Well done Selfridges, maybe one day you will bring The Silence Room back to stay.

Breakfast at Fauchon Cafe in the Avenues

The count down to the holy month of Ramadan has started and I cannot wait for that special time of year to be here, but I know for sure that the one thing I will miss most is having breakfast in the morning. Hence, I’m trying to have a lavish breakfast whenever the occasion rises. One lavish, extremely delicious breakfast I’ve had recently was in the newest branch of Fauchon Cafe located in the Avenues.

Everything that comes out of Fauchon’s kitchen is delectable, there is no question about that. I’ve always enjoyed Fauchon’s breakfast food wise but wasn’t much of a fan of their locations until the Avenues branch opened in the Prestige district. For one thing, the area is calm and very quiet. You sit on the table bathed in the sunlight streaming in from the glass ceiling and everywhere you look, the ceiling is reflect somewhere. The last time I was there I could see the sun peeking from between the cloud directly reflected on the surface of my coffee cup! How lovely!

I always have the Fauchon breakfast, with the pastries, the bread, the selection of cheeses, the fruits, the eggs, and the salmon which I give out to whomever is dining with me. My favourite part of the breakfast is the bread glass pyramid.

I like my eggs scrambled and I always get perfect scrambled eggs in Fauchon.

Happy pyramid of cheese

And some fruit to add a sweet touch to the meal.

These guys I don’t eat but I’ve heard they are good :p

Delicious cappuccino, doesn’t reflect the sun though

I don’t mind having breakfast at Fauchon everyday for the next month until the arrival of Ramadan. Just looking at the picture makes me want to go and have breakfast right now!

The most recent Fauchon Cafe is located in the Prestige district of The Avenues mall. For more information you can follow them on Facebook (link), Twitter (@Fauchon_Kuwait), or instagram (@Fauchon_Kuwait).

The Food Prejudice

One of my life’s greatest regrets is when I have a childhood prejudice against a certain food items which becomes delicious obsessions to me when I try it as an Adult. One such example is my misconception regarding the taste of KDD’s ice cream sandwich. Growing up, I avoided it like the plaque. If it was the last ice cream in the freezer and I was craving ice cream, I wouldn’t touch it. It’s the biscuit, I thought to myself. It tasted like rough sand.

I’m not sure if the ice cream sandwich was always that good or if something in the recipe was changed, but I recall a few years back – a couple perhaps- when I decided it to reach out for it as part of my program to reconnect with foods I’ve sworn off.

The ice cream sandwich had been in room temperature for a bit so it wasn’t as hard as it’s usually is when first taken out of the freezer, and the chocolate biscuit which I used to think tasted like rough sand was too chewy, chocolatey, velvet cushion smooth, and melting in the vanilla ice cream with every bite. Was it always this good, this soft, this insanely addictive?

I don’t understand, how could I not have loved that ice cream concoction before? How on earth did it taste like sand? As a matter of fact, I now think that one 90-calorie per sandwich ice cream is not enough. It’s impossible even, not to reach for at least two when you are feasting on the gorgeous ice cream.

Now me and the sandwich ice cream have got a lot of catching up to do. With every passing day I realise how wrong I was about it and how insanely good it tastes. If anything, I think the flavour is getting better with each purchase, if that is even possible. Or maybe that’s regret towards not liking a Kuwaiti classic talking, which is most likely.

Some of the things I’ve hated from my childhood days but re-tasted are dates, tabasco, rahash, and peanut butter. Now I’m a big BIG fan of peanut butter but still don’t like dates, tabasco, or rahash still. Have you ever avoided a food item because of a childhood experience and reconnected with it as an adult? Or disliked a food item without even trying it, just because?

P.S. I paid for my own sandwich ice cream featured in this post, I just was thinking visually as I was devouring it and decided to “capture” the images via camera and the thoughts via post. It cost 100 fils.

Print your Photographs on Metal with Metal Fusion

I was shopping in Life Center in Shuwaikh the other day when I saw a store with lots of hanging photographs at the basement next to the car park and I decided to check it out. The colours on those photographs were really vibrant and they stood out lively on the white walls of the shop. If you have pictures you want to print, why not upgrade from the good old canvas and print them on shiny metal instead? Metal Fusion will print it for you.

I remember once seeing a printed black and white picture on an aluminum base, the white was actually colourless so all that metal was see through. The result was so gorgeous but came with an overpriced price tag so I decided to let it go and one day print my own and I think the time has come, I just need to decide which picture to choose.

The printing can include a piece of metal on the back to hang the prints on the wall for an extra price. They however don’t do the hanging, you have to arrange it yourself. The metal is light, durable, scratch resistant, and waterproof so it will definitely live for a very long time.

They can also print table tops that adhere to your coffee table, instantly transforming them into a work of art, I have the exact same table from Ikea below and now I want to print something on it!

They also print coasters and customise trays with your printed pictures. If you are looking for a Ramadan giveaway or a customised gift, you can print whatever you want on the tray with coasters for example, add a few flowers or chocolates, and you are good to go.

I’m currently going through my photos trying to decide which ones would go on my wall next. I’ve hung a lot of my photographs on my living room wall before (post) but I now I have a long empty wall that I intend to liven up with my photo prints.

If you have a lot of photographs just sitting there in your memory cards or hard drives, why not print them out? Metal Fusion is located in the basement of Life Center, Shuwaikh. For more information you can check their website (link) or give them a call on +(965)-24925635.