Sightseeing Sacramento Post IFBC 2017 - visit to El Dorado Wine Country with food and…
The 7 Links Challenge
I was recently tagged by Adora’s Box for the 7 Links Challenge that has been going round the blogosphere. The objective of the challenge is to list a post in each of the 7 categories prescribed and then pass it on to 5 other bloggers. After blogging for almost 2 years now, it is a good time for me to revisit some of my earlier posts. Here are my 7 links…
1. The most beautiful post
To me the Matcha Checkerboard Cookies is my most beautiful post. This was my first attempt at making checkerboard cookies and I was really pleased that it turned out so well. I made these for a contest and although they did not win, I still think they are beautiful. They also tasted really good. I should make them again soon.
2. The most popular post
This is a toss-up between Sour Cream Cookies with Mangoes and Pistachios and Hasselback Sweet Potatoes depending on which analysis tool I am are using. They are neck-to-neck in popularity and are the most searched for recipes on this blog.
3. The most controversial post
This is again a toss-up between Spicy Chocolate Rojak and Chocolate Pasta with White Chocolate Liqueur Sauce. Both are desserts involving chocolate. Rojak is a very popular Malaysian snack and one of the most crucial ingredient in this dish is thick, black shrimp paste (hei ko) which I could not find here in the Midwest. I resorted to using dark chocolate to get a similar effect. Many will probably find it strange but it turned out really well and I enjoyed the dish. The other was the chocolate pasta I bought on a whim. For a long time I did not know what to do with it. Eventually I turned it into a simple dessert using white chocolate chips and chocolate liqueur for the sauce. The alternative will be to use a savory chili sauce for it.
4. The most helpful post
I think the most helpful post should go to Spiral Butternut Squash Mooncake with detailed step-by-step pictures on assembling the mooncake. I made these when my trusted helper was away at work and I had to clean my hands at each step before handling the camera. Some of the pictures were taken using a tripod with timed exposure. It was all very tedious but I felt it was necessary as the written explanation may not convey the message as clearly. It would have been best to use a video camera but I am not qite there as yet.
5. The post that was surprisingly successful
This Char Kueh Kak (Fried Rice Cake) post really surprised me. The dish itself is very tasty and delicious, but it has a very plain and homely look. I was a little reluctant to post it as the pictures were not particularly pretty. After several tries, I eventually managed to get some decent pictures and to my pleasant surprise, it was very well received. It is one of my top 10 posts. I really should not judge a book by its cover.
6. The post that did not get the attention it deserved
Ebony n Ivory Dessert is an earlier post and one of my favorites. This dessert is a fusion of a Malaysian drink and dessert – grass jelly drink also known as cincau and sago gula melaka, a sago pearl dessert with coconut milk and palm sugar. This is a simple and very tasty dessert that can be whipped up in short notice. I remember struggling with the photography on this one and finally, Ro-Ri San helped take this picture which became the main shot in the post.
7. The post I am most proud of
This Orange Coconut Cake with Orange Frosting is a cake I have made many, many times. I am most proud of it because it made it to FoodGawker, TasteSpotting, and Foodbuzz Top9! It was also one of my earlier posts and I had fun taking it out to the snow for the photo shoot with my then, brand new Panasonic FZ35 camera, a gift from my dear Ro-Ri San.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my 7 links. Now, it is my turn to pass this challenge on to 5 other bloggers. I have chosen the following
1. Mina of Authentic Vegetarian Recipes
2. Jeannie of Baking Diary
3. Jessica of Kitchen Belleicious
4. Julie of Mommie Cooks
5. Jamie of The Unseasoned Wok
Enjoy…..and have a wonderful day! 😎
Jill@MadAboutMacarons says
Wow, Biren! What a roundup of your posts. I never saw some of these and so thank you for drawing them to our attention – especially that incredible Ebony ‘n’ Ivory Dessert. Fabulous and what talent all around. J xo
Biren says
Thanks Jill! It’s hard to believe that this blog is almost 2 years old and I am still at it. There are close to 300 recipes here now. 🙂
Elin says
Yea it is good to revisit some of our old posts….I have been tagged by Kristy and I still have not done mine yet.. time to get my butt off the seat watching dramas and get it done 🙂 I am having a good time drooling over yours :)) Some dishes, I have not seen yet from your blog 🙂 Thanks for reintroducing us to these scrumptious dishes 🙂
Biren says
I had fun doing this post. I have cooked some of the dishes more often than others but it is nice to have a collection of recipes all in one place. 🙂
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
Wow. I wasn’t reading your blog for some of those posts, which makes me realize that I need to go back and have a look. I love the look of the Ebony n Ivory Dessert. Maybe people didn’t think they’d be able to duplicate it? It’s awesome.
Shu han says
love that twist on my fav chinchow dessert !
Jay says
owooooooooww…
wonderful recap of your delicious posts Biren..
loved all your recipes..:)
Tasty Appetite
Blackswan says
It’s really nice to see all your hardwork! Kudos to u!
Biren, u may wanna chk out this magic antidote that I’ve just tried & did a review: SK-II Wrinkle Specialist Review Cheers!
Lyndsey says
Biren, I love seeing everyones 7 links post…so good to see yours. It is nice to be able to check out some great posts that were made before I was an avid reader. I think your Ebony n Ivory Dessert is absolutely stunning!!!! I wish I would of seen it when it was first posted! 🙂 and your fried rice cake sure doesn’t look plain and homely to me…it looks yummy!
(I was kicked off my internet yesterday and it’s so good to be back!)
Joanne says
I love this challenge because it’s so fun to revisit some of my favorite bloggers’ recipes! I WANT those mooncakes!
Mina Joshi says
I have always been impressed with all your Posts but this one must be the best as it has such a lovely selection of recipes. Thank you for passing on the challenge to me. It’s going to be hard to choose between some of my recipes.
Tina (PinayInTexas) says
Awesome choice of 7 links, Biren! Everything looks so gorgeous and delicious!
I find it really nice to be able to put some old posts back into the limelight!
momgateway says
Biren, I truly enjoyed these 7 links –they are great posts that should not be forgotten..I specially liked the Matcha checkerboard cookies and Spiral Butternut Squash Mooncake!
Liz says
Oh, I love reading 7 Links posts…and yours is no exception. Your checkerboard cookies are phenomenal…and I enjoyed seeing your other posts again, too. Have a wonderful weekend~
Quay Po Cooks says
Biren, all the 7 links looks awesome especially the Ebony and Ivory dessert. Looks like some jewels in the glass. I am surprise it did not get the attention it deserved.
elisabeth@foodanthrift says
OMG Biren-your 7 Links is truly a “showcase”…a masterpiece, and a labor of LOVE! Loved each and every one of your roundup dishes, and desserts. The checkerboard Matcha cookies were amazing, not to mention the “ebony, and ivory” dessert that should have gotten more attention, I do agree on that one!
Your beef and bean stew are making me so hungry right now, it’s lunch time and I would welcome a hearty and delcious stew like that. Yumm!
Lyn says
Great 7 links post, Biren! Your Matcha Checkerboard Cookies is really beautiful and very unique bcoz so far this is the first checked cookies I’ve seen. Well done! 😉
Spicy Chocolate Rojak and Chocolate Pasta with White Chocolate Liqueur Sauce indeed sound a little weird but worth trying bcoz I just love to try out new dishes esp when it’s highly recommended! 😉
Too bad your Ebony n Ivory Dessert didn’t get its attention but don’t worry, I’ll go over right now for the recipe bcoz it looks so delicious and refreshing! 😉
Magic of Spice says
They are all amazing, as everything you do is! The checker board cookies are a very favorite of mine, but not sure I saw the Ebony and Ivory…will check it out 🙂
Adora's Box says
Those are all truly lovely posts. I do agree that the chequerboard cookies and its setting are beautiful. The fried rice cake has masses of appeal and just screams “eat me!”