A Bundle of JOY!

My girlfriend, Reena has just given birth to a baby girl and I am so happy for her. Look at this pretty little angel!

Yesterday, I went to get a bouquet of flowers from my regular florist to whom I have been giving business for the past 5 years.  Due to weather conditions, we did not get to visit Reena and had to delay our visit until today.  So I replenished water to the flowers, and kept the flowers in an air-conditioned room for the night but guess what? This morning when I got up, most of the roses were droopy.  I decided to take those flowers back to the florist to get them changed. Instead of being apologetic, the florist who is also the owner asked me what I did to the flowers.  DUH???  I guess this is how she put up her defense to deter me from asking her to change to another bouquet or a refund.  Then, after much finger pointing, she said that she will see what she can do to salvage the flowers and rearrange another bouquet but her last word was, “You won’t keep them for a day before you send to your friend, will you?” MORE DUH!!! At this point, I lost my patience with her. I told her that her sacarsm was uncalled for. I pointed out to her that if the bouquet of flowers was to be send to my friend yesterday, they would have withered in her house and not mine. This prompted me to think that this is the best way to have your customers discontinue patronizing your business.  I wonder if she realized that she has just lost a loyal customer. 

Many businesses still do not realize that customer relations are becoming more important. People today are more mobile, more knowledgeable, and more discriminating in their purchases. They are more willing to try new shops and services when they feel dissatisfied.  Businesses that failed to recognise the importance of service are missing sales opportunities. I guess that’s why I see many retail shops in my neighbourhood open for a short period and closed down. 

I can think of three reasons for me to discontinue patronizing a retail or service.  One, my favorite brands are not in stock and no one bother to introduce me to the available brands. Two, the sales stuff showing me impatience or rush me while I am trying to make a decision to purchase. Three, the sales people talking among themselves without even offering their assistance. What about you?

In any case, let's forget that for the moment and get back to the happy occasion that I started to write about. In addition to the flowers, I had baked these cup cakes to bring with me to visit Reena and her new little “BUNDLE OF JOY”.   

I would like you to meet my cup cake critic, Papu, who is the big brother of sweet baby Emily. He tasted one immediately and said it is delicious. I am very pleased.

Orange cup cake with peanut butter frosting

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cup brown sugar


2 beaten eggs


2 tbs grated orange peel


1/4 cup Orange Juice
1

1 tsp vanilla extract


1 cup sour cream

3 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour


2 tsp baking powder


1 tsp baking soda


1/4 teaspoon salt


1 cup chopped nuts, (I use chopped almond)

Mehod:

Thoroughly cream together butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, orange peel, orange juice, vanilla, and sour cream. 

Sift together dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Add nuts. 
Preheat oven at 350 degrees F or 180 degress C. Spoon cupcake batter into paper liners until 1/2 to 2/3 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in pans then remove and place on wire racks to cool completely. Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with peanut butter frosting and decorate as you desire.

Peanut butter frosting

Ingredients:

2 ½ cup (70g) icing sugar

1 cup peanut butter

¾ tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup whipped cream

Method:

Have butter at room temperature. Mix all ingredients except  cream in an electric beater and beat until smooth and creamy.  Add the cream and beat on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.  

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