Matcha More To Life

Hello everyone! I’m finally back after a long long hiatus. The past few months have been a season full of change and interesting experiences as well as opportunities. This has led to this blog post which I hold close to my heart. (I probably say that for every post but it's true!!)

Here is my question of the month!

What if there was matcha more to life than we realised?

As someone who loves the umami flavour that the Japanese cuisine brings, MATCHA TEA is no stranger to Japan (And me!). I for one, find it to be one of the most unique tasting teas that pairs so well with many savoury dishes and sweet desserts, both complementing and enhancing the flavour of Matcha. For those who may not know what Matcha is, or have never tried it, it is described as a form of tea that at first glance, is striking to the eye. The iconic, bright, vegetal green pigment of the powder has a slightly bitter taste, followed by notes of sweetness and umami.

So why Matcha? To me, there is something about it that just encapsulates what life is. From the flavours to the texture and colour! Especially with our world being surrounded by chaos, uncertainty, pain and sorrow, I felt that this was a good representation of the life we should live.

So back to Matcha, there are so many different types of desserts one can make with Matcha. From cakes, mousses, cookies to bread and pastries. After much consideration, I decided to go with this

Let’s call this dessert “Life in Matcha"

It consists of a chocolate tart crust, layered with a Matcha sponge, filled with Matcha mousse and topped with swiss meringue and yuzu.

This dessert has layers and notes of bitter, sweet and sour. There is also a variety of textures that complement one another. From a thin and crispy tart crust to a soft, aerated sponge, topped with light, silky matcha mousse and Swiss meringue. Finally, to bring that punch of zest and citrus, yuzu on top.

I believe that it is easy for us to fall into the spiral of life. Maybe we got too comfortable with our work, school, environment and friends that we don't want to change or see changes made in our life. This can be dangerous as we start to get too used to what we desire life to be and not challenge ourselves to explore new means, whilst listening and following when God calls us to do something different.

I once heard an interesting analogy on the importance of cutting away the old and making way for the new. Just like how plants need to be pruned to allow for fresh leaves and flowers to grow, our lives call for the same thing. Sometimes we just need something different in our lives. That nudge in the right direction can lead us to what God has called for us to do.

Chocolate Tart Shell

Just like the tart shell, our life calls for the importance of foundation. The question would be what we are putting out foundation in. Who do you trust, what defines your life, what is your purpose on this earth? All these questions will allow you to understand how your mind and heart work and the direction it focuses on.

Matcha Sponge

Next, the delicious, soft, fluffy sponge cake. This light cake reminds me very much of a pillow- something comfortable and welcoming (who doesn’t love a good ole pillow to sleep with). This to me represents the comfort and joy of life. God wants us to live a life with rest. Through my interactions with friends, colleagues and family members, it is evident that sleep is something everyone claims to lack. The question is why?

“There is virtue in work and virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither” - Alan Cohen

It is not just about physical rest. There is mental, emotional and spiritual rest. It takes identifying the rest you need and intentionally putting time aside to rest.

Matcha Mousse

With a Matcha custard whipped cream base, the mousse is light, creamy and silky. This represents what you fill your heart with. The light, creamy and silky texture reminds me of the patience and gentleness one person has towards others. If the mousse was grainy or too stiff, it would not be very pleasing to eat. Just like how our values and actions play a huge part in how we can be a blessing to others, the texture of the mousse affects whether the consumer would enjoy it.

Swiss meringue & Yuzu

Every dessert calls for some garnish, or something to make it look 'aesthetic'. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. Sometimes, it can be a pop of colour, some fruit, or shaved chocolate.

Swiss meringue is just egg white and sugar, the yuzu is just a small piece of the skin of the fruit. It is how you used those ingredients you have on hand to make things look beautiful.

God doesn't need us to look 'atas' or 'expensive' to inspire others. Being simple and letting your true personality shine is what matters most.

"Life in matcha"

Every individual has gone through different experiences, both encouraging and discouraging. As I love to say and remind myself,

“The experience may be terrible. But that doesn’t mean the lesson is.”

How one lives their life is dependent on their perspective and direction of life. There will be some who view life as a chore or burden, for others, life is a blessing and something to be joyful in.

The similarity between the both is that it is ultimately your choice. You decide how you live your life and where your view of life comes from. The difference is the outcome.

The world will constantly throw different ideas, concepts and worldviews on life and how you should gain the most from it. However, as a Christian, I believe that it is through surrender and by giving that we can gain. Not just material or emotional gain, but spiritually, being able to understand more about God’s character and the bigger picture of the world Christ wants us to live in.

I guess the question of this season would be, what kind of life do you want to live?

It is not an easy task. Even making this dessert was a challenge for me. However, that does not mean that one should stop trying. As cliche, as it sounds, doing it with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, is what will allow you to realise that with God, you can do anything he calls you to do. Even the most humanly impossible!

This dessert is not perfect. There are so many things I would change if I were to make it again. But that is life, nothing is going to be easy. Every roadblock you hit is an opportunity you can learn from.

Hope that you will continue to persevere and reflect on how you can place God in every aspect of your life:)

God bless,

Eleanor