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AmelieLucan:
AdriC93:
From what I understand, in an interview early in his career, he explained that a friend had suggested he choose a stage name and filled a wall with different options. When he looked at the characters Cheng and Lei, considering their visual appeal, how they sounded, and their meanings, he felt they were the right combination
Thanks. That's really interesting. I looked up the characters and got this:
丞 (chéng). Traditionally means "to assist," "to support," or "to help." In ancient China, it also served as an official title for a deputy or high-ranking minister (such as chéngxiàng, meaning Prime Minister).
磊 (lěi). Literally depicts a pile of three stones (石). It symbolizes a heap of rocks and carries the figurative meaning of being open, upright, honorable, and straightforward (as in the idiom guāngmíng lěiluò, meaning open and aboveboard).
I think the name depicts him really well!
Wow, I love that interpretation! It’s fascinating how much meaning can be hidden in a name. And I agree, it seems to suit him perfectly! The combination of strength, integrity and kindness really does capture his character. Thanks for this!
Japanese Castella Cake (Kasutera) – A Sweet Promise from
100 Days of Deception
🍰
After watching episode 7 of 100 Days of Deception, I found myself curious about the castella cake Seok-jung asked Ga-kyung to buy for So-ran.
And what initially seemed like a simple request turned out to be one of the most touching details in the drama.
It was a reminder of a promise made years earlier. Before leaving home, Seok-jung had told his wife:
“When spring comes, we’ll take Seo-hee to Gyeongseong and eat castella together.”
A simple family outing that they never got to experience.
So, naturally, I thought it would be lovely to share the recipe for this delicate Japanese sponge cake with everyone!
A Little History
Castella, or kasutera (カステラ), was introduced to Japan by Portuguese traders and missionaries in the 16th century, through Nagasaki. The Japanese gradually adapted the original recipe, creating the soft, moist and wonderfully delicate cake we know today.
Its name is believed to derive from Castella, the Portuguese word for Castile. So, this little Japanese cake has a rather lovely connection with Spain, too!
Traditional Japanese Castella Cake (Kasutera)
Makes: 8–10 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45–55 minutes
Resting time: 8–24 hours
Ingredients
6 large eggs
180 g sugar
150 g bread flour (strong flour)
40 g honey
2 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon sugar for the bottom of the tin (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the eggs: Place the eggs and sugar in a large heatproof bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for about 10–12 minutes until the mixture becomes very pale, thick and fluffy. You can start by gently warming the bowl over a bain-marie, making sure the water doesn’t touch its bottom.
Add the honey: Mix the honey with the warm water until dissolved. Gradually add it to the beaten eggs, mixing gently.
Incorporate the flour: Sift the flour and fold it into the mixture in three batches, using a spatula and gentle movements. Try not to lose the air you’ve incorporated.
Prepare the tin: Line a rectangular cake tin (approximately 20 × 10 cm) with baking paper. Pour in the batter and gently tap the tin against the counter to release any large air bubbles.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F), using conventional heat, for approximately 45–55 minutes. Check with a skewer to make sure the centre is cooked. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminium foil.
The Japanese secret – resting: Remove the cake from the tin and let it cool. Once completely cool, wrap it tightly in cling film and refrigerate for 8–24 hours. This resting period helps develop its characteristic moist, even texture.
How to Serve
Cut the cake into thick rectangular slices, about 2–3 cm wide, and serve with Japanese green tea or black tea.
No cream, no filling and no elaborate decorations needed. Its charm lies in its simplicity!
A Little Tip
For the best texture, don’t skip the resting time. Castella tastes even better the following day, when its moisture has distributed evenly throughout the cake.
And there we have it! A little taste of Japan, inspired by one of the most bittersweet moments in 100 Days of Deception.
It’s amazing how a simple cake can hold so many memories. Perhaps that’s why Seok-jung’s request was so heartbreaking: he wasn’t asking for a dessert, but for one last reminder of the ordinary family happiness they had once dreamed of.
Happy baking, everyone!
Sunshine Through the Rain – Episode 15 ☀️🌧️
OH. MY. GOSH! 🫣🔥
How on earth did she manage to resist the temptation to nibble on his neck just a little? Because I honestly don’t think I would have had that much self-control!
I swear, I could never be an actress in a Chinese romantic drama. Give me a handsome co-star, put me within kissing distance, and forget about the script! I’d be kissing him at every opportunity, whether the scene called for it or not! 😂
Some people deserve an award for their acting skills. Others deserve one for their self-restraint! 🤣
🌵 Tigers Sniff the Rose – More Cactus Than Rose!
Well, I’ve finally finished this one, and I think the feeling it inspired in me more than any other was boredom. Pure, unadulterated boredom! And reaching the point where yawning became the highlight of the viewing experience was quite an achievement. 😂
Let’s just say this tiger didn’t exactly leave me roaring with enthusiasm!
My full review is up!
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