Castle Rock State Park – 18th November 2007

I love to indulge in one of my favorite weekend activities – hiking :). I love to feast my eyes on the beautiful sceneries, to bask in the sunshine and to breathe in the fresh clean air of the surroundings.

I went to Castle Rock State Park with J. J suggested talking the small roads. We were adventurous today, we took CA-17 S then exit Black Rd to Skyline Blvd. I distinctively remembered that we took Bear Creek Rd exit then Black Rd. But when I checked Google Maps, it was Alma Bridge Rd exit then Black Rd. Oh well…. Guilty! I am directionally challenge, what’s new ;) On the way back, we took CA-9 my preferred route.

Castle Rock State Park is popular for rock climbing. This state park is composed of sandstone weathered by wind and water, also called “tafoni” (coral –like). On a good day, there are always rock climbers in the park. We saw them in action near Caste Rock Falls and Goat Rock.


The state park has interesting rock formations and beautiful views. There was a boulder that looked like Quasimodo. See picture below, don't you think so too ?









We took the trail to Castle Rock Falls then we hiked Saratoga Gap Trail, Ridge Trail, Goat Rock Trail and back to the park entrance. It was a moderate hike. I won't encourage hikers with knee problem to hike here. We heard sounds like fireworks towards the end of Saratoga Gap Trail and beginning of Ridge Trail. We agreed that the noise might very well came from a quarry nearby. Truth to be told, the noise came from a gun club about 1 mile north of the park entrance on Skyline Boulevard.


View along Saratoga Gap Trail:







Goat Rock Trail: Rock Climber in action.







Scenic pictures taken along Goat Rock Trail to the parking lot:










Overall, this was a good hike. We had our workout, a nice long chat and a beautiful afternoon.

Mango Soufflé my way

Soufflé sounds French. Interestingly, I found that most of the mango soufflé recipes on Indian websites. I picked the simplest from my searches and tried it out several times.
My girlfriends and co-workers love it :)

Here's Mango Soufflé recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 3 Eggs
• 3/4 cup Cream
• 1 Packet of KNOX Unflavored Gelatine with 1/4 cup of water
• 1/2 cup Mango Puree ( preferably from Alphonso Mangoes )
  

How to make mango souffle:
Separate egg yolks and whites.
On a double boiler:

1. Dissolve the gelatin in 1/4 cup of water.
2. Add mango puree, egg yolks and sugar
   

NB: The mixture needs to be a thick and smooth. No little tiny crystals.

Cover and cool the mixture in the freezer.
Beat the cream and then add the mixture.
Beat egg whites stiff and fold into the mixture.
Set in freezer for at least two hours.