This year, I’ve had a few pop-ups and they have all been very memorable in one way or another. To me, pop-ups are a great way to interact with online readers in person and put a face to them beyond just the mere Internet. It also offers an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, as well as support other local start-ups.
Part of creating food is sharing them with others. It’s a priceless feeling when I know that people enjoy my creations. Baking is intrinsically rewarding to me. It’s something I love to do and am passionate about and so I would gladly set aside time from my schedule for it.
My pop-ups would usually be with my other baker girlfriends (Jolene of Cupcake Weekend, Caleen and Yalin). We started a humble project known as #bakingfordaisy, and the idea is to donate part of our proceeds to the SPCA. Daisy is a dog from the SPCA and as dog lovers, we wanted to give more meaning to our initiative.
Over the span of 6 months, we held 3 pop-ups. For the first one at Rendezvous Hotel, I made Matcha granola and assorted scones.
The second pop-up held at Bincho was more interesting as we had a local flavours-inspired theme. This time, I made Matcha granola and Gula Melaka granola. The folks at Bincho were very kind to lend us their space, as well as the front of the store, which is an unassuming old school mee pok stall. If you haven’t heard, Bincho is a great modern open-concept yakitori and cocktail gastrobar, tucked away in the Tiong Bahru enclave.
The queue for our pop-up. We’re very humbled. Thanks Denise for the shot!
An assortment of cupcakes (gula melaka, black sesame, coconut-vanilla, etc), Kopi tart, Milo cake and Salted caramel & Matcha swissroll
We had Tannie from Second Helpings with us this time. Second Helpings does amazing homemade peanut butters. I can’t decide if I like the Cocovan (coconut-vanilla peanut butter) or Original one more – I’ll be greedy and say I love them both! They are great for spreading on bread, baking and even eating on its own (yes, straight from the jar!)
The most recent pop-up was held at The Local People Night Market (TLPNM). We had Second Helpings and Rachel with us. Rachel made her signature banana bread, which was really moist, wholesome and delicious! And instead of my usual granola, I went with something different this time – Matcha brownies, as per a friend’s suggestion (you know who you are!)
I tweaked the recipe twice before getting it right. The first attempt was a more fudgy version (left), while the second was more cake-y (right). It made me realize that I’ve a preference for brownies that are more cake-y. Although brownies are not my favourite dessert, I personally enjoyed these Matcha brownies a lot.
Second Helpings’ with their bottles of edible goodness that contains no preservatives or artificial flavouring. They will be setting up a physical store in the Havelock area soon, keep a look-out for them!
A groupie with the rest of the girls
A collage of the lovely pictures taken by those who purchased from the pop-up
With the year coming to a close, I’m very thankful that it’s been an eventful and great one. I was given opportunities I could never have imagined and I also met many amazing individuals through this digital space. I may have forged new friendships, but I’ve also strengthened many old ones. Also, a huge thank you to those who came by to support me for my events, it means a lot to me.
Thank you for being part of my year, and for inspiring me in so many ways. With that, I’m already looking forward to what 2015 will bring.
Happy New Year everyone!
For more information on:
V’s Kitchen, visit our Facebook and Instagram,
Cupcake Weekend, visit their Facebook and Instagram,