Creme Brulee

chocolate mini muffins

2007-03-19T11:17:00.000+08:00

CHOCOLATE MINI MUFFINS

Ingredients :

(A) 2 cups full cream milk ~ lukewarm

1 cup melted butter

2 cups brown sugar

(B) 1 egg (Grade B)

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon bicarbonate soda

Method :

1. Get the steamer ready on medium heat.

2. Melt the butter and add the milk.

3. Add the sugar and mix well.

4. Pour the mixture into

(B). Stir well.

5. Add in (C) and mix well. I used my mini whisk to do this job.

6. Arrange the small paper cups in the petitin.

7. Pour the mixture into each cup, full.

8. Steam for 15 minutes on medium heat.

Source's note : 1. I used margarine. 2. Made half the recipe and I manage to get about 48 mini muffins.

My note : I made one whole recipe and got 20 normal size muffins. Texture is different from baked muffin. Not necessary to reduce sugar unless using white sugar. The bigger the size if the muffin, the longer you have to steamed it.

Source : http://mamafami.fotopages.com

Seaweed Soup

2007-01-12T23:00:00.000+08:00

Just saw some chinese dried up seaweed in the shelf - and then, just tot, ah- why not?

Ingredients:
Dried seaweed
Chicken pieces (preferably chicken breast)
Salt to taste
1 table spoon Oyster sauce(optional)
Half a potful of Water
1 egg

Instruction
1)Put water to boil
2)Add in chicken pieces
3)Add in dried seaweed
4)Lightly beat egg and when pouring, disperse the egg mixture so that eggs come out fluffy in the water
5)Salt to taste

I've added oyster sauce because the salt is not salty enough and the oyster sauce makes is somehow, taste yummy.

Mmm..shld take a pic - maybe later. mMM..mm. tummy feels good.

Roti Canai

2006-10-22T11:29:00.000+08:00

Galzz..you won't believe it but I made roti canai!

:) My Fijian Indian friend taught me.

Ingredients
1) Approx 2 cupful of flour
2) Approx 4-5 tbs of olive oil
3) Approx 3-4 tbs of salt
4) I added a pinch of baking soda because I don't know how to make it puff up
5) Pour Approx 2.5 cupful of hot boiling water onto mixture (1)-(4) and roll.

Instructions, as per picture. It's the dough making texture and rolling part I find tricky.Note: Before rolling, dip the dough into flour so that it doesn't stick to the board.Enjoy!

lemon cheesecake with choco topping - worth a try

2006-10-21T11:54:00.000+08:00

Ingredients
225g cream cheese, at room temperature
60g butter
80g castor sugar
¾ tsp vanilla essence
½ tsp grated lemon rind
1 egg yolk
1 whole egg
80g plain flour
¾ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
4 tbsp UHT milk
1 egg white
¾ tbsp castor sugar
25g cooking chocolate

Method
Grease, line and grease again a 18cm round baking tin. Preheat oven at 170°c.Cream butter, cream cheese, sugar, essence and lemon rind. Beat in egg yolk and egg, beating well in between additions. Fold in flour, alternating it with the milk. Beat the egg white and sugar until just stiff then fold into the creamed mixture with a spatula. Mix until well combined.Melt cooking chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl on power high for 20 – 30 seconds. Remove bowl and stir well. Leave to cool. Take 1 tablespoon of cooled melted chocolate and mix with 2 tablespoons creamed mixture.Turn out creamed mixture into prepared tin and pour over this the chocolate mixture.using the pointed end of a chopstick, swirl the surface of the top layer around until a marble effect is created for the topping.Bake for 50 – 60 minutes, baine marie style. (place baking tin over a larger tin filled up to a third with hot water.) after baking, remove the tin with the water but leave the cheesecake in the oven with the oven door ajar.

Sushi

2006-01-01T08:55:00.000+08:00

Well...guess I have to scout for hands-on experience. :)
Sushi is really easy!Something not familiar...once tried out,it's AIYAH,LIKE TAT
ONLY AH!hahahah :)

Take seaweed sheets,put about 3-4 tablespoon of cooked rice,spread it out,
put crabstick,cucumber,spread mayonnaise/thousand island/wasabi...and
wrap it around using the bamboo thingy.Cut the edges and then start chewing!
If the seaweed sheets don't stick,just tap with water and put in the fridge.
But don't leave it overnight in the fridge,coz when I eat it this morning,
the rice hardened....

The rice, I use olive oil to mix together,I heard using vinegar tastes even better.
And, sprinkle sesame seed is good too!

But,in short,easy-to-make and easy-to-bring to work for LUNCH!

jaffa cake

2005-12-24T19:07:00.000+08:00

try this..i don know whats the meaning of "jaffa" but it looks like a marble cake and taste a bit orangy.

185g(6oz) butter, chopped, softened
1 cup (250g/8oz) caster sugar
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1/3 cup (80ml/ 2 3/4 fl oz) orange juice
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups (185g/6oz) self-raising flour
1/3 cup (60g/2oz) rice flour (or cornflour)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder

preheat oven to 180 degree celcius/350 farenheit
brush a 23 X 13 X 7 cm loaf tin with melted butter/oil. line the base with baking paper (for me, the baking paper is optional. alternatively, the pan can be lightly dusted with flour after brushing it with butter)
place the butter, sugar, rind, juice and eggs in a bowl and beat until combined.
add the sifted flours; beat on low speed to combine. increase speed to medium and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy
spoon half the mixture into a small bowl. sprinkle with cocoa, mix well and spread evenly over the base and sides of tin
spoon the remaining mixture into the tin and smooth the surface
bake for 45 minutes or until skewer comes out clean when inserted into centre
set aside for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool

Gingerbread Drop Cookies - Servings

2005-12-14T10:51:00.000+08:00

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 8 min
Carbs: Carbohydrate 8g
Source; Betterhomes

This recepi was found on the MSN, they have got aload more other cookies.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/FoodandEntertaining/Recipes/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=133895&GT1=7462

Have not tried them out yet, will eventually *winks*

These cookies taste like gingerbread men without the work of rolling and cutting.

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup molasses
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk
3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat until well combined. Beat in molasses, eggs, and milk until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Stir in raisins and nuts.
2. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree F oven about 8 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 90.
Make-Ahead Tip: Up to 1 month ahead, make and bake cookies. Cool, place in a freezer container, and freeze. To serve, thaw at room temperature for 1 hour.

Hideki Bangsar

2005-12-13T17:27:00.000+08:00

I had a strange craving. I want to eat "wasabi".
Shin suggested Hideki, BUT thats alot to pay for a little wasabi.

A typical quiet Japanese restaurant, invited us in with a wooden Japanese bridge with a small stretch of wooden planks and rocks.. that gave the impression of a Japanese garden. Only it lacked colourful flowers..?

The main attractive features were the serene, and nice plates, saucers , cups and bowls.Mostly made of pottery, very unique.

Lunch started off with this picture the Plate.
Then with a trail of orders warm Ebi Maemee and dash of salt, soft shell crabs, the likes but in sushi , chawan mushi, and a whole chopping board full of sushi with side dishes ( miso soup and fruits) :

And ended off here: The sushi which put me into misery of indigestion for the past 4 hours..This is the rawest piece from the whole dish.. There were more pieces on this chopping board, only again have forgotten to take the pictures "Before" eating...

to contact :

Hideki Japanese restaurant

One Bangsar 63B, Jalan Ara Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.

tel: (603)2282 1111 ,fax: (603)2282 5959

* Lunch set meal at RM20++

Oh~ Just so yummy!

2005-12-13T15:40:00.000+08:00

Can you believe it... I am eating again. Yes and my width is expanding while my height remain constant. That's a very bad sign. Yes yes yes.. it is a very bad sign. Almost everyone I know says it behind my back... "oh she has put on lots of weight"

That is just so crazeee... but I won't blame them. I love to eat so.. well I gotta bear the consequences. AND yes.. I hate people who eat a lot yet they don't gain weight. Sigh... they give me tensions.

Okay.. I divert too much away from my intentions of this entry. I went to dinner with my mum and sis nearby ampang. Ermmm.. this shop call "Suzi's Corner" nearby Flamingo. Hemm.. they have loads of stuff to eat here. But well, I must say, I find that their satay daging is very nice. It's got that tender yet juicy feel to it. Hemmm.... yummy~

The otak-otak... okay.. I'm rather picky when it comes to food.. but I do eat all of them (that's the pathetic and weird part). I'm not sure if this is the first time I eat it hot.. but it does taste good. Yes.. I actually never liked otak-otak.. coz it gives me this weird aftertaste. Hemmm.. I gotta eat some other hot otak-otak from other place.. to be sure the otak-otak here is good.

The steak... I don't think I need to say much about it. The picture already tells it all. Yummm... for the price (RM26), it does taste good. Yes.. The portion is quite big, yeah... big eater like me can't finish. *Burpz* *rub my tummy*

Fasta Pasta

2005-12-11T10:23:00.000+08:00

Pasta (preferably fusili)
Minced meat
1Cheese slice
1 tbsp Cottage Cheese (but if u want thick uey guey cheese,use mozarella cheese)

Ingredient X
Pasta Sauce or Tomato Paste
1/4 can Button Mushroom (canned)
1 diced/sliced Tomato
Half diced Onions
Capsicum(Optional)
Shredded Carrot(Optional)
3-4 tbsp Milk (Optional)

Steps
1)Put pasta with water to boil in pot A. Add Salt and Olive oil
2)Once pasta's cook,take it out and put in another pot B in cold water so it won't stick
3)Drain away the water in pot B so it's only pasta in it
4)In pot A,put in minced meat already seasoned with pepper and salt and put to boil
5)In pot B-where pasta is,add Ingredient X and just heat it up

Before serving,
Sprinkle minced meat (from PotA),cottage cheese and cheese slice. Normally,I will heat the plate in microwave so that the cheese melts as well.

The blog-thing

2005-12-09T12:40:00.000+08:00

Wow , this picture sure looks delicious, but me being a springroll filled with vege ? hm....i don know..

Anyways have your share of the fun too, check out what kinda food you'R ;) from the blog thing, by the clicking on the link below..*winks to Verse* don say i didnt warn ya, but the quizzes plentiful gets addictive..

You Are Chinese Food

Exotic yet ordinary.
People think they've had enough of you, but they're back for more in an hour.

What Kind of Food Are You?

Chocolate Crazeeeeeeee

2005-12-08T16:12:00.000+08:00

I think I finally know how to do this. Ermmm.. well I decided to tempt everyone with chocolates as my first post. Yup. I love chocolates.

Yum..yumm.... Yeah.. okay this is my first attempt to write down what each one taste like.

Crème Brûlée
Yes... To my tastebuds, this one does beats every other chocolate from it's crowd. It has this thin chocolate on the outer layer. It melted when I tried to pick it up. So yes, make sure you do ice your hand if you doesn't wanna eat melted chocolates. Okay.. looking at it right now... it somehow looks like "eggtart" It tasted like one too.. the middle stuff was rather soft and creamy. It has this quite strong milk taste to it while have bits of... I have no idea what it is.. felt rather nutty.

Brownie
When I first open the box, and look at it, this is the chocolate that somehow look the ugliest. Well.. yeah... I mean look at the others, It seems like it has been crafted. This one.. hahaha just give me the "simply whack" feeling. But well... like mama always say, "Don't judge a book by it's cover." I guess that apply to chocolates too. It tasted good. Have the brownie texture with some bits and pieces of nuts. Okay... It somehow tasted as if there were some alcohol content inside. Yes, and I think that's what that really adds in the kick to this piece of chocolate.

Tiramisù
Mmmm..... tiramisu.. yeap... my first thinking, it's gotta be somehow soft and have this hint of alcohol taste. Yeap.. gotta be light and fluffy. But somehow I was disappointed. The hint of coffee wasn't enough to light up everything. Not to mention it not being soft and fluffy enough. The taste somehow just taste like any other ordinary coffee chocolate. Well.. but I must really give credit to the details. All of them just looks identical.

Tarte aux Noix
By first glance, this I think is by far the most interesting one in the box. I dun just say it coz I say it, well I have prove. Once I take out the box and offer only.. This chocolate was immediately a goner. I guess people and nuts... inseperable. It has this think outer layer as the Crème Brûlée. However the it's a little different. It has some hazelnut cream and being topped with chopped hazelnuts. It does look pleasant to the eyes, however it taste just so ordinary. Just so same as other Hazelnut chocolates.

Genovese Pesto Chicken

2005-12-08T15:26:00.000+08:00

-Shopping list-

Recepi from coles, i got when was studying, but never tried it only until me got back here, and moved into PJ..but tastes good :)

Leggos Italian Cooking sauce, Genovese Pesto Chicken, 575g
Betty Crocker,
Roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, 215g ( I think get own potatoes, boil &
mashed with them while hot with butter tastes better)
1 tsbspn Oil
1/2 cup
Perfect Italiano Parmesan cheese
500g chicken breast fillets
100g baby spinach leaves
1.5 cup hot water
0.5 cup milk
2 tbspn butter

-Serves 4-

Steps

1. Heat half the oil in a large saucepan over medium to high heat. Add half the chicken. Cook for 5-6 mins or until chicken is brown. Remove and set aside. Add remaining oil and chicken is brown. Cook for 5-6 minutes.

2. Return chicken to pan. Blend in sauce. Simmer to 2-3 minutes. Stir in spinach and cheese. Cook for a further 1-2 minutes or until spinach has wilted.

3. Combine water, milk and butter in a medium saucepan. Bring to rapid boil over medium heat. Remove from hear. Stir in 1 sachet of potatoes. Stir until just moistened. Leave to stand for 1 minute or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork until smooth. Serve potato with genovese chicken.

White- chubby=) babies

2005-12-08T09:20:00.000+08:00

Marshmallow Cream Fudge

20 pcs Marken burg large marshmallows
1 can (30ml) sweeten condensed milk
7 oz ( 200g) Semi sweet choc. chips
50 grams butter
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1.5 tsp vanilla

-steps-
In microwave oven, over med. heat, melt markenburg large marshmallow with condensed milk and butter for 2 -3 mins or until melted. Remove from heat. Add chocolate chips and stir until melted. Stir in peanuts and vanilla.

Spread mixture evenly in waxed-lined square pan. Chill until firm. Cut into squares and serve.

GOrRENg PiSang

2005-12-04T10:57:00.000+08:00

I miss home food so much,I went and browse for this.Haven't tried it yet,though.Waiting for the bananas to rot...(normally,it doesn't last tat far..coz it goes into my tummy before that.Sigh)

1/2 cup self-raising flour
1/4 cup corn flour
1 tsp rice flour (where m i gonna get this?!sigh)
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
180ml water or just enough
1 1/2 tsp oil
5-6 bananas, halved

Enough oil for deep frying.

Pancake

2005-12-04T10:53:00.000+08:00

Wao Joice!We're thinking pancakes this season!haha!
Galss..u know what?Our team leader forgot her p/word to this blog?!GEEZ!hahaha!!

Ok,serious stuff:
Pancake(Great for breakie...but oily,though)

100g plain flour
10g castor sugar
2tbsp plain yoghurt (i added baking powder as well..to get tat 'lift'
1 small egg
100ml reduced fat milk (dunno why,i use FULL cream milk..yea go milk...)
1/8 tsp vanilla
Olive oil cooking spray

Mix em all,fry. (Yea, shld use less oil,but hard to get that round shape if it's less oil).As usual,I have probs with shapes!haha!
Happy variety for breakfast.... (oh,as usual,add honey/strawberries/yoghurt/cheese/blabla bla as toppings)

Instant Noodle Pancake :)

2005-11-29T11:42:00.000+08:00

Few days ago, I had nothing to do at home and decided to cook *again* :)
So I came up with my old time fave.. The ingredients are quite simple and the methods are about the same with cooking okonomiyaki that has been taught by my Japanese friends back when I was in China.

Ingredients:
2 Eggs
half cup of frozen veggies mix
a pack of instant noodle (break it into smaller pieces)
flour

Method:
1. Boil water and cook instant noodle and frozen veggies.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix flour with water then mix well with eggs.
4. Put instant noodle and veggies into the flour mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Use a bit of oil/butter and heat the frying pan.
6. Pour a bit of the mixture into the frying pan (Depending on the thickness that you want)
7. Serve with either mayo and bulldog sauce or chilli sauce.

I like thick one with mayo and bulldog sauce or thin and crispy pancake with chilli sauce.. Yummm...

No Fail Cake

2005-10-28T08:33:00.000+08:00

This cake,tried and tested: exceptionally easy and really will not fail.(in my case,i think the oven has good heating system)

half cup milk
1 tbsp butter
2 eggs, well beaten
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla @ lemon extract

Just mix all up and bake! (I use self raising flour instead of plain flour to get tat extra lift)I added some raisins as well-but if u do this, pls don't mix it together,it will sink at the bottom like mine.I suggest, sprinkle on top instead before putting it into oven.

Mushroom Chicken

2005-10-06T09:09:00.000+08:00

Ahem.Today's recipe is 'chicken lauk which goes with rice'

Normally,I cook chicken following my mom's style-loads of cornflour.And..it's similar to Joice's chicken rice,except,rice is separate.But,hear me out:

1)Soak mushroom earlier(black ones which smells so good)
2)Cut chicken to bits
3)Pour oil and fry chicken with chopped garlic
4)In a separate bowl,pour bout' 3 tablespoon cornflour and mix with water
5)Pour in the mixture above and add in the mushrooms
6)It should be sticky and add salt to taste.

For colour,normally I cut celery leaves or coriander(i dunhave)..or watever green on top. hahah!!being colourful mah.

Then ,I eat with steamed rice.
Yummy..

Review

2005-10-06T08:58:00.000+08:00

So far, I tried the recipe of
1) Bread pudding by-MY.
2) Cheese tart-I have yet to post the recipe up
3) Rock bun -I have yet to post the recipe up

Bread pudding-very nice!Don't put too much sugar,coz the apricot tat i bought was soaked in sugar water I think,so,it's very sweet.Too sweet.But easy to make and nice to eat.Recommended!

Cheese tart-the pastry came out from the mould by itself!(MY will know wat I'm talking bout coz we had problems with it the last time).Meaning, I have a good oven,I think.Reliable temperature.(ANDDD...i didn't use mixer yknow.I used a spoon and fork all the way)

Rock Bun-mentioned in my blog,comments of the shape,tat's all.But,it taste great.Crunchier than my last bake.The margarine used is important.I use 'original'butter-fatty ones.

Ppl..pls post more recipes up ya.I'm in baking mood this weekend.
Muaachks!

rotini pasta

2005-09-24T19:23:00.000+08:00

Short pasta twisted into a spiral shape, similar to fusilli. Rotini adds a decorative affect to salads and other dishes. If not available substitute gemelli, penne or torchio.

my conclusion - its a kind of pasta...different shape (guessing only lah)

cooking spray

2005-09-24T19:19:00.000+08:00

Using cooking spray is a great way to cut the fat in cooking, but have you thought of making your own? Here's how. Buy a new plant mister. Wash it thoroughly before using. Add two tablespoons of canola oil followed by 1 cup less two tablespoons of water. Create an olive oil spray, too. Use these sprays the same way you would use commercial cooking sprays. Just make sure you shake it before each use.

A commercial sprayer that dispenses a very fine mist of oil to coat unheated pans to prepare them for grilling, sautéing, broiling, roasting or baking. A device called a mister can be manually filled with olive oil and used for the same purpose.

i actually don know what is a cooking spray, so i search n this are few answers tht i think/hopefully wil give a picture of cooking spray. shld be able to get in mel or DIY lah:)

source:internet

Simple chicken rice for lazy gals like me :P

2005-09-20T12:39:00.000+08:00

I used to cook this when I was in Melbourne when I missed chicken rice and too lazy to go out to city to have a nice chicken rice at Chinatown.
There is no fixed recipe on this so here it goes:

1. Cut chicken fillet into bite sizes
2. Soak dried mushroom and cut into bite sizes
3. Wash rice and put into rice cooker
4. Add water as normal
5. Add chicken and mushroom and mix
6. Add seasonings (sesame oil, etc to taste)
7. Mix well and switch on the rice cooker

Once it's done, open up and mix it well. If the rice is not fully cooked yet, you can add some more water and switch on the rice cooker again. Garnish with sliced cucumber and some coriander leaves.

Do take note that you need to cook for at least 3-4 servings at one time otherwise, the water is not enough to cover the ingredients and rice.

Enjoy!

one pot meal

2005-09-14T19:34:00.000+08:00

Chicken 'N Peppers Pasta Skillet (For Two)

1 cup rotini pasta, uncooked
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 of a medium green pepper, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup spaghetti sauce
2 KRAFT 2% Milk Mozzarella Singles

COOK rotini is directed on package; drain. Set aside.
SPRAY large skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 minutes. Add green pepper and onion; cook until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are crisp-tender.
ADD spaghetti sauce and rotini; mix well. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Top with 2% Milk Singles; cover. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes or until 2% Milk Singles are melted.

Cobinations for juices

2005-09-13T09:52:00.000+08:00

The fruit juice industry seem to be booming..!
here's some combinations :p

pineapple, apple, watermelon
papaya, pineapple and milk
banana, pineapple and milk
cucumber and lime
apple , beetroot and celery
carrot, beetroot, celery , cucumber

Yayyy

2005-09-05T01:28:00.000+08:00

i LIKE where this blog is heading..but..too serious la!Type something out la.
Before that..Let me introduce fellow contributors..

We have... **drrrururummm roollll plzz** cheng!
1) Our 'boss' aka 'leader' Misty-ful JoANne!
2) Yours truly SONGIEpongiemongie
3) The look-serious-but-not, pikachu QMY(MeiYin)!!
4) The adorable & lovely, currently keeping silent but will show true colours soon.......the otHer JO-ice!

Welcome aboard gals.Oncoming recruitment is in progress.Your patience is v.much appreciated.If you don't get a reply from us,I'm sorry to notify that you have not succeeded in the interview this round.Do try again next year!

Meanwhile,the ones around -Wat u waiting for?Keep posting!
^_^ (hehe, welcome note mah)

Lasagne

2005-09-01T10:23:00.000+08:00

Beef/Chicken/Lamb mince
Onions & carrots
Pasta sheets
Peppercorn/mushroom/spaghetti sauce or pasta sauce
Mozzarella cheese

1)Put pasta sheets to boil.
2)Cut onions to small cubes,and carrot-any shape,and fry with mince meat adding pepper,salt and olive oil
3)Lay pasta sheets onto square aluminium container
4)Spread sauce with mince meat,and add few slices of mushroom/peppercorn
5)Cover with bit of mozzarella cheese and pasta sheet
6)Repeat step 4&5

Put to bake.Voiilahh..!
PSST: I used to layer with potatoes and tuna(from the can)because it is easier and faster(and more convenient).Tuna in chilli taste good as well!!
It's good to keep in the fridge,convenient and fills the tummy.

recipes that don need a mixer

2005-08-31T18:55:00.000+08:00

here are some recipes that do not need a mixer.

Chocolate Nut Cake
125g hazelnuts
125g almonds
75g cooking chocolate
75g mixed peel
62g castor sugar
1/2 cup honey
60ml water
Sift:
95g plain flour
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2tbsp cocoa powder
Method
blanch(don know what is this) the almonds, then remove and place them on double layers of paper kitchen towels. pat dry and roast them in a preheated oven at 150'C-160'C for 10-15minutes or until lightly browned. chop the almonds coarsely.Put hazelnuts on a shallow baking tray and roast in a preheated oven at 160'C for 15-20minutes or until the skin begins to darken. remove, cool slightly then rub the hazelnuts to loosen the skins. chop the hazelnuts coarsely. put sifted dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and add chopped nuts and mixed peel. combine honey, sugar and water in a sausepan and stir over gentle low heat to dissolve sugar. when sugar has dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. after this stage, simmer the mixture at a rolling boil without stirring until it comes to a soft ball stage. to test, drop a little mixture into a small bowl of cold water. when the mixture forms into a soft ball, the consistency is correct. put the soft ball mixture into the flour-nut mixture to combine, working into it rapidly. transfer the combined mixture to a lined baking tray. spread out evenly with the back of a wet spoon and bake in a preheated oven at 160'C for 40-45 minutes or until cooked through. cool the cake in the tin, then cut into slices.

this is a short crust pastry recipe. it can be used as the base for any pie filling.
short crust pastry
500gm flour
250gm margarine or butter
3tbsp cold water
pinch of salt
Method
sieve the flour and salt into a mixing bowl. rub the fat in to a sandy mixture. make a well in the centre and add the cold water. the pastry should br fairly firm. add more water if nesessary to bind the mixture. try not to over work the pastry. leave in a refrigerator to cool and to soften. roll the pastry out to about 5cm. to avoid the pastry from sticking to the table surface or to the rolling pin, sprinkle both sides of the dough generously with flour.
note: the butter/margarine is always half of the flour's measurement. so its easy to remember. water, just add until enough.

this recipe came together with the short crust pastry as the filling.
Steak and mushroom pie
700gm diced beef-steak or topside
200gm shallots-peeled
200gm button mushrooms
1tbsp mixed herbs
3 bay leaves
3 tbsp olive oil
50gm flour
0.5 litre beef stock, or water or guiness
4 or 5 shakes of Worchester Sauce
salt and pepper
short crust pastry to top the pie
method
in a pan, heat the oil. add the cubed beef together with the mixed herbs and bay leaves. cook to seal the meat. add the flour to brown stirring so as not to allow it to burn. add the stock/water/guiness and allow braising. braise till tender before adding the mushrooms. add a little Worchester sauce with salt and pepper(according to yr liking). pour the contents into a pie dish. roll out the short crust pastry to cover the top of pie dish. tuck and using fingers, seal the pastry down to the rim of the pie dish. make a few slit on the pastry to allow the steam to rise. bake in moderate oven for about 30 minutes or till the pastry is brown. (moderate temperature shld be around 180 lah). serve hot.

dutch apple pie
short crust pastry
6 apples
50gm sugar
1 tsp mixed spice

usind a detachable flan based tin, line the flan tin with the short srust pastry. in a saucepan, place 4 skinned and cored apples to stew. puree the apples and line the base of the pastry. sprinkle the pureed apples with mixed spice. core and peel the remaining apples and cut into lengthwise in even slices. arrange on top of pureed apples. sprinkle with sugar and bake in a moderate oven for about 30min or til brown. serve hot or cold cream or ice cream.

bread pudding
6-7 slices wholemeal bread
just enough of butter
2 large eggs
400ml UHT milk
3tbsp yoghurt(strawberry)
50g castor sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
50g golden raisins
1 slice tinned apricot or peach, chopped coarsely

cut bread into triangles and butter the slices. whisk the eggs until fluffy and add in the milk, yoghurt, sugar and essence to combine. lightly butter an oven-proof dish and arrange the bread slices so that they overlap each other slightly. scatter the chopped apricot or peach and raisins all over the mixture. pour egg mixture over and allow the mixture to run into the bread slices soaking it thoroughly. bake the pudding in a preheated oven at 180'C for 40-50min or until cooked through.

Espresso cake
3 eggs
160g caster sugar
150g butter, melted
Sift: 140g self -raising flour
1 tsp cocoa powder
mixed well: 1 tbsp hot water
1 tbsp instant coffee
coffee syrup (bring to boil until sugar dissolves completely)
160g caster sugar
180ml water
1 tbsp instant coffee

grease a ring cake tin. line with grese-proof baking paper. set aisde. whisk eggs and sugar until mixture is thick and fluffy. gently add sifted flour and cocoa powder, followed by the butter and coffee mixture. mix well until smooth. place batter into prepared tin and bake in preheated oven at 180'C for 40min or until done. turn cake out into wire rack. drizzle coffee syrup over when the cake is stil warm. cool cake for 10 mins b4 serving.

choc-hazelnut mud cake
250g butter, chopped
200g dark chocolate, chopped
2 cups caster sugar
1 cup hot water
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1/4 cups self raising flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 eggs, beaten lightly
1 cup coarsely chopped roasted hazelnuts
Ganache: 200g dark chocolate
1/2 cup thickened cream

grease a deep, 20cm round cake pan, line base and side with baking paper. preheat oven at 160'C. combine butter, chocolate, sugar and water in a pan. stir over low fire until chocolate melts. remove, cool for 20mins. whisk in sifted flours and cocoa, then eggs. stir in hazelnuts. pour into prepared tin. bake for about 2 hours. cool cake on pan. meanwhile prepare the ganache. melt chocolate and cream in a pan over low fire. remove from fire. cool at room temperature until the mixture is of spreadable consistency. spread ganache over cake top.

below is a recipe tht i think u would like to try.
carrot and potato pancakes
1/2 cup carrot, peeled and grated
1 1/2 cup raw potatoes, peeled and grated
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup grated cheese (any type)
2tbsp chives, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp plain flour
3 eggs beaten
1tsp salt
black pepper to taste
1 tbsp oil

put grated carrots and potatoes in a large sieve. press both carrots and potatoes with yr hands to remove moisture. mix the pressed potatoes and carrots with onions, cheese, chives anf flour in a bowl. pour in beaten eggs, a little at a time, stirring well. add salt and pepper.
heat oil in a flat pan over medium fire. spoon 1 tbsp of batter into the pan and spread into a circle. cook for 3 minutes on one side, then turn over and cook for another 2 min. serve hot.

just fyi, i didnt try any of the recipes, but for those who do not have a electric mixer, they are useful.

Mash Potato

2005-08-28T14:19:00.000+08:00

I love potatoes....mash em up ....

1)Cut potatoes and put to boil. Low heat so the potatoes can get soft.
2)Wait for potatoes to be really soft
3)Wait some more
4)Then,take water off, and then,add:

pepper, salt, butter AND MILK..

Voilah! Done.

Yummy mashed up potatoes.....

tried and tested

2005-08-28T00:13:00.000+08:00

i have tried the recipes below (from kuali.com) and all turn out okay. it doesn't take a long time, except for the yoghurt but you don't have to watch over the yoghurt for 8-10 hours. just leave it to set. happy trying;)

Banana Cake
Ingredients
250g butter
175g castor sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
240g self-raising flour, sifted
3 ripe bananas, approx. weight about 170–175g
1 tsp lemon juice

Method
Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease the sides and base and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla essence until light and creamy. Add in eggs one at a time beating well after addition. Puree the bananas with the lemon juice in a food processor then add to the butter mixture. Mix well to blend. Fold in the sifted flour to mix. Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for an hour or until cooked through when tested with a wooden skewer.
Note - i didnt puree the banana because it means another machine needed to be washed, so i chop them into small pieces, as small as i can and blend it together with the batter.

Moist Carrot Cake
Ingredients
175g grated carrot
50g sultanas
50g currants
100g walnuts - chop
175g butter
175g castor sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
3 eggs
Combine and sift:
200g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 mixed spice
1/4 tsp salt

Method
Line and grease a 20 x 14cm cake tin with baking parchment. Preheat oven to 180°c. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla essence. Fold in the sifted ingredients gently. Stir in carrot, sultanas, currants and walnuts. Turn the mixture into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven at 180°c for 40 minutes and 160°c for 10 minutes.

Yoghurt
Ingredients
250ml milk (low fat or regular)
1 tbsp natural yoghurt (use any brand as the 'starter' for yoghurt culture)

Method
Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it begans to boil. Bring saucepan away from heat and pour into a heatproof jar or a small bowl. Allow the milk to cool for about half and hour or until it feels comfortably warn to touch. (there will be a shiny layer on the surface of the milk, just skim it off with a spoon). Spoon the natural yoghurt into the warm milk. Cover the jar or bowl and leave in a warm place to allow the culture to set (do not stir or blend the mixture). the process will take about 8-10 hours depending on room temperature. If the yoghurt does not coagulate or set after this time, it is likely that the temperature of the milk is too high and the culture has been destroyed. It should be refrigated once it has set into a think custard-like consistency. If it is allowed to ferment longer, the yoghurt will turn more sour.

Note - lassi can be made by blending yoghurt, choice of juice/puree and a bit of condensed milk for sweetness. (not tested yet)

Cooking Memories

2005-08-23T10:28:00.000+08:00

I remember what inspired & stirred up my interest to cooking and baking the most, was during the times, when I was in Perth. Didnt know how to cook apart from cooking the common instant noodles and fried eegs with steam rice. Relatives get so worried, on what we Asians will survive on when we go abroad...

I didnt have any rice cooker for the first half of the semester, until mom bought me a nice new small rice cooker, which I rarely used till the end of semester. I was suprised , when some of the American housemates didnt know how to cook rice with that cooker.. but that only open my eyes more, on how much we asians love and appreciate rice above so many kinds of food.. * But they inturn, showed me how to really consume peanut butter .. :D

Not forgetting, da Aussie flatmate who brought alot of delicious beef from her farm..Well she gets that for free, isnt that great? :D

I was exposed to many kinds of flavours from Italian food to wonderful Asian dimsums :D , mainly from my ex-housemate pumpkin curry to delicious bake rice from my buddy2 from college.. Farewell cooking at a friend's house which i made really disastorously huge currypuff looking dumpling.. It always starts with the statement " Very esy one.. " and viola*a new invention everytime.

My hangout buddies loved to cook, and they cooked for thier love.. & with many a grateful heart, I have managed to taste the wonderful taste of love.. I learnt the joy of cooking and sharing , experimenting and played around my other housemate who baked at the wee-hours of the night..close to midnite!!! One time , which I will never forget@ baking party at our flat..

Also so many wonderful meals, from gracious Elaine who never failed to cook us so many many course meals, with soup, steamboat.. party food, finger food... everything, She is such a doll .

I will never forget times spent with Audrey and Jasmine, and Amely on teaching little kids cooking and baking... well its sounds like a food ministry to me.. Life's too precious to let go , when love can go around... >> simply with the gesture of food...........

Is Perth a land of cooking angels or what :D

Well I hope this blog page will bless many..in many many ways..

Lo Mai Kai rice

2005-08-22T11:32:00.000+08:00

What we will need:

1 small pack of Glutineous rice
Some chicken (whole leg)
butter
Light Soya sauce,dark soya sauce, salt , sugar.

Steps:

Boil rice in a rice pot, normal procedures with slightly more water.
Take chicken - cut it up into bite sizes , put in tupperware, rub kicap , a pinch of salt + sugar all over the chicken. ( like Bodyshop bath salt hehe)
Get cooking pan ready, put a little butter in it. Heat*it-up , put chicken pieces in stir in butter till cook.
Open the rice cooker pot, put in the chicken under the rice. Let it boil.
For better effect, cut some little vege ( carrot/long beans small) into the pot. * hence a balance diet :D
Once the rice is cooked, dinner is served. Normally this glutenous rice, is so filling it can last more than one meal, 2 or more! :) need a fridge*

Honey Chicken Recepi..

2005-08-22T11:29:00.000+08:00

For those who need it:D
Honey Chicken Recepi..

What you need:
Honey
Medium Chicken - not too big ( the whole leg would be best)
Mixed herbs (in bottle)
salt/sugar( little bit) /pepper
plastic tupperware ( doesnt matter if it is recycled eg icecream tupperware), as long as it can hold the chicken)
a basic toaster/griller- that opens up in the front
a piece of foil

Clean the chicken, with water, dry it put in tupperware.
Rub small amount of sugar and salt and pepper on chicken to taste.
Pour herbs on chicken, rub it on.
Pour honey on palm of hands, rub on chicken like moisturizer.
Once done, put back in tupperware and put it in the fridge over night -for stuff to soak into chicken.

Next day: Heat toaster/griller for 10 minutes.
Next day, take chicken out, put in foil, pour juice in there too.
Put in toaster for 30 minutes , then turn it around (leave for 30 more minutes)- so that heat can go around chicken evenly. * but keep watch, in case burn. Minutes varies with size of chicken and kind of griller/toaster!
Take out poke with fork. try some. if good then eat, if still not cook, leave in the griller for few more minutes.. :)

For side dish, boil egg, potato, and use fresh green salad, and buy dressing of your choice to make salad. :D