A Game-changing challenge I wish to undertake

4:30:00 PM

Many times I question myself, what is that one thing that I would like to accomplish? Something that will not only benefit me, but to those around me as well? Quite frankly, a new objective or goal. 

With the help of my best friend Google, it is said that the definition of goal would be "the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result." However, a goal in my context isn't far off. In short, I would love to learn how to cook. Not just boiling rice and steaming fish. Something more complex and well, acceptable. 

Being a food blogger, I've tried countless restaurant over the years of my participation. There were some memorable restaurants in which they'd served delicious food and some I wish to forget due to its quality and taste. However, I can't eat out on a daily basis. A few times a week, sure, but definitely not every day. 

I believe by learning how to cook properly, I would be able to satisfy my own palette with that vast amount of ingredients, spices and herbs. Creating different flavours, texture, aroma not only for myself, but for those around me. I wouldn't say that this goal that I'm trying to achieve will be a game-changer in any way, but the skills will definitely be very useful in the future. 

Over the years, even before the inception of my own food blog, I've been a big fan of cooking shows. Well, a few to be more precise; Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, Michel Roux Jr, Jamie Oliver, Guy's Big Bite and several Youtube home-cooks. Coupled with some friendly encouragement and the pressure of the Internet (thank God), I've finally decided to take up the challenge of cooking. 

So I moved on to the next big question - What is it that I should cook? 
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I mean, I can cook Maggie, sausages and eggs but I wouldn't consider them anywhere complete. With the help and cravings of my girlfriend, I've decided to go with a aglio-olio with bacon. Now, I've mentioned several times that I'm not exactly a big fan of Aglio-olio pastas, but my girlfriend and her family are. So what the heck. 



To prepare myself of what to expect in an acceptable bowl of Aglio-olio, I went to several different restaurants, trying out their take on the Aglio-olio. Understand the foundation of flavour and how to accomplish it. I've also spoken to several Italian chef regarding their version of a perfect aglio-olio. I've also re-watched some of the videos about 'how to cook aglio-olio' on Youtube and what now. Conclusion? The simplicity of it - do not over complicate it. 

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With that in mind, I went and purchase the necessary ingredients which I do not have at home - pastas, garlic, chilly flakes and one of my favourite ingredient - bacon. There is no need for bacon but I thought I would like to try something different. 

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Broadband Internet, Mobile Internet
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I started out with the ridiculous amount of garlic. Spending more than 30 minutes peeling and slicing them into thin pieces. At that point, I've also realized that I bought way too much garlic. Amazingly, this was the most difficult part of the entire process. I'm not even kidding, the process was so tedious that I almost gave up halfway and opt to purchase peeled garlic instead. But being a stingy Chinese has proved helpful as I will not spend unnecessarily. 

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Broadband Internet, Mobile Internet

After centuries spent on the garlic, I went on slicing the bacon into their appropriate sizes. Followed by heating up the water for the pasta along with the pan for the aglio-olio sauce. 

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Broadband Internet, Mobile Internet
Broadband Internet, Mobile Internet
Broadband Internet, Mobile Internet
Broadband Internet, Mobile Internet

1. Began with pouring some olive oil into the pan, be generous.
2. Start to sear my sliced pork bacon, give them colour as colour means flavour. 
3. Add a scoop of butter for added richness and flavour infused within the bacon. 
4. After the bacon has browned to my liking, I went on and poured in the sliced garlic. 
5. Wait till the garlic starts bubbling and transferred the spaghetti from the pot into the pan. 
6. Add some of the salted starch water from the spaghetti pot into the pan to help it bind. 
7. Mix thoroughly and seasoned with salt, pepper and chilli flakes according my liking. 
8. Serve. 

The steps were fairly simple and straight-forward but getting the seasoning and spiciness right was a challenge. The first serving I did was slightly bland and the second was a little bit too salty. After my third trial, I was quite satisfied with the results. 

Having said that, I wouldn't say that I've achieved my goal as I believe there are much more to learn. This is the first lesson that I'm undertaking and I do plan to pursue further. To cook dishes beyond our daily household and to perfect a few recipes I have in mind. Some of which includes bolognese sauce, pesto sauce, shepherd's pie, mash potato and many more. 

I've also realized that, with a little push, determination and will, the impossible may no longer stay that way. With that, I would love to cook more often, probably once a week or once in two weeks. Regardless, it's hard to say for now but it's definitely worth the shot. 

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I would also like to thank my friends, my girlfriend and her family (for accepting the terms of being my lab rat) and #P1, for their everlasting encouragement on this game-changing achievement. Just like their #ReadyToP1ay game-changing campaign, currently with no upfront payment upon registration, you too can experience 1-month free broadband internet or mobile internet, applicable to all #P1 plans - ForHome®, ForBiz® or even ToGo® with a 24-month contract. 

P1 also runs contests on their social media platforms all the time . To find out on how to win those amazing prizes, do visit their Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, remember to hashtag #P1Connect and #ReadytoPlay! 

Here is also an embedded video for your amusement.

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