Triple C - Chocolate Chunk Cookies!

As you can see, Im trying to be a little more artistic with this picture despite E fact I'm far from artistic-ism! :D Anyways, I enjoy playing around with pics....I guess I'll get better with time. Err tht how things supposed to work rite? :D

Anyways, I made these for my nieces and nephew last week. It's E WS recipe but I chopped up chucks of Valrhona instead of chocolate chips. Of coz it was very good! It's not me, its just E recipe and E Valrhona....*modesty mode on* :D

Ingredients:
220g plain flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
125g unsalted butter
125g granulated sugar
105g packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla essence
185g semi-sweet chocolate chips (i used Chopped up Valrhona)

Method:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter till fluffy and pale yellow. Add the sugars and continue beating till mixture is no longer gritty.
Add egg and vanilla and beat on low speed until blended.
Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed or stir with a wooden spoon until just blended.
Mix in chocolate chunks/chips.
With dampened hands, shape the dough into small balls and place on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies until golden brown around the edges, about 15 minutes.
Let the cookies cool briefly on the sheets before transferring them to the racks to cool completely.
Store in an air tight bottle.

Very Berry-ful

All these fruits went into

2 Fruit Pastries!

If you are looking for a super rich cake, this is not E 1 coz this only have 100G of butter. Still E cake was moist and soft. It actually reminded me of those Sara Lee's Pound Cake. E aroma of E cake filled E house when it was baking away. E berries made E cake delightful to eat. This would go very well with peaches too! So here's E recipe for this Berry-ful Goodness :)

Ingredients:

210G plain flour

200G sugar + 2Tbsp for fruits

100G butter

2 tablespoons or 50 gm sour cream

1 Tsp baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon lemon or orange peel

3 eggs

Fruits (apricots, peaches, pears, cherries, plums, orange, pineapple, or any other fruit not to juicy)

Method:
In a strainer place the prepared fruits (pit removed and cut into smaller pieces) and sprinkle them with 2 tbsp sugar.

Preheat oven to 180 C.

Cream butter, sour cream and sugar together

Add eggs one at a time.

Add vanilla and lemon/orange peel.

Fold in sifted flour and baking powder till well mixed.

Mix in fruits bits and pour batter into prepared greased tin.8. Level the batter and add in cut fruits, do not press down the fruits down.

Bake for 50-60 mins

Leave to cool on cooling rack.11. Sprinkle with icing sugar if desired.

Note: If you don't have sour cream, just replace it with 1tbsp mayonnaise and 1tbsp heavy cream. It works just as fine.

Just another Saturday....

Went to shop for some baking ingredients today and I came back a hundred bucks poorer! *Pouts* Anyways, blueberries are still cheap! In fact I think its E season of cherries too! I bought plump gorgeous looking cherries for $4.95 per punnet!! I bought some blueberries and strawberries too....and yah, dried cranberries! Am planning to make some cream scones soon :D

So I was pondering and pondering what to make out of all these berries. Fruit tartlet, cupcakes or crumbles. I went through my "to-dos" list and decided to make Fruit Pastry instead. It’s a very popular recipe in cake in IK Forum. Usually I'm intrigued to try recipes with good reviews. At e same time, I have been disappointed a few times coz E taste was nowhere near what I had imagined. Thing is, I'm surrounded by great cooks/bakers in my family. My aunties and mamis are terrific cooks....for those who bake, they are very good at it thus my taste bud is accustomed to food that is full of flavour. I'm not a fussy eater. A bowl of fishball soup is sufficient....but that bowl of soup better taste good! Haha!

Anyways, I decided to double E recipe so that Mom can bring some for her friend that she is visiting tomorrow. E amount of butter in E recipe makes me a little apprehensive. 100G butter for a cake it kinda little. I'm afraid it won't be rich. Nevertheless, I still gave it a try. You wouldn't know till you tried rite? So it's all done. I didn't try it as yet. Oh ya, I made some Tomato Bruschetta too. I loved it!! Shall update both E recipes tomorrow. Till then....have a look at these UNEDITED pics of E fruit pastry!! :D

An angel was born!

E many2 things you've done...
E teachings you planted in me...
E endless care...
E unselfish love...
If there is knowledge in me, it's because of your teachings.
If there is belief in myself, it's because you put it there.
Yes, you...E rarest and brightest of gems...that is way beyond defining.



He is 10 years older than me. He's E sweetest 1 among all my 3 brothers. A charming gentleman who is always very kind with his words and gestures. He rarely makes negative remarks. Talking ill or against some1 is something that he strongly dislike. He is also E 1 who made sure none of my skirts were above my knees! He is some1 I can count on to eat all E food I cook/bake without a single complaint. In fact, he was also E 1 who used to finish up all E food I cooked during Home Econs and showered me with kind praises despite E fact, E food was nothing to brag abt. He understands my passion for cooking/baking and he has been very supportive about it. Basically hes a total sweetheart! And today is his Birthday!!! :)

So I went to 2nd brother's house today. Mom fried some kway teow and cooked a pot of his favourite sweet dessert. I baked some chocolate cookies for my nieces and nephew and thumbprint cookies for Bro. Since it is his wife b'day on Sunday, I made a cake for both of them to share :p Chocolate Caramel Mousse Cake. It wasn't an easy attempt for me. I gave it my best though and E results were good. E cake and E mousse were very good. E valrhona chocolate was a little too much for me. It's too intense....it hit me right through E head! Nobody seems to have a problem with it though. E bday couple finished a large piece and E kids had 2nd helpings! I guess, it's just that I'm not E biggest fan of chocolates! E cake and caramel mousse were yummy though! Anyways, recipe and pics of cookies coming up later. I didn't really get to snap proper pics. Was busy watching Video Clips with my nieces and nephew!:D

Simple Inari Sushi - Pocket Sushi

I ate Inari Sushi twice courtesy of SK. I loved it! Maybe its coz I'm a fan of naked sushi *seaweedless sushi* I tried to replicate this at home. It was good despite E fact that I skipped a few steps :p E traditional method of preparing it would be to fry E tofu and then soak in hot water to remove E oil followed by boiling E tofu in some sauce. That sounds like a lot of work huh? :D Thing is, I didn't really have E ingredients so I made it MY way, with E ingredient available....but then again, It tasted good. There was a slight crunch in E sushi and I loved it. Even mom who stays away from Sushis, liked it! In fact my sister in law was telling me that this should be on our menu during Ramadan :p Anyways, here's E recipe if anyone is keen on trying.


Ingredients for Simple Sushi Rice:
1 cup calrose rice
1 cup water
3 tbsp vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Method:
Wash rice and soak for 30mins.
Drain and add 1 cup of water and cook in rice cooker.
Once the rice is cook leave it covered for about 15 mins.
Fluff E rice and cover with a kitchen towel while you mix sugar, salt in a bowl. Transfer and spread rice in a non-metallic bowl and sprinkle E vinegar mixture into E rice and fold rice gently while fanning it.
Once rice reaches room temperature, E rice is ready to be used. Keep it covered if you do not want to use it immediately.

Ingredients for Inari Sushi:
1 Packet of fried puffed tofu
A can of tuna flakes - Mix with a tbsp of mayonnaise and a dash of black pepper.
Black sesame seeds - Toasted
Mayonnaise - For topping

In a bowl, mix
1 Tbsp light soy sauce
1/2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp rice vinegar

Method:
Grill or toast E Tofu in a pan.
Brush E tofu lightly with E sauce.
Slit all E tofu and stuff E rice in it.
Top with some tuna and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Arrange on a plate and drizzle with some mayonnaise.
Dig in! Yummeh! :D

Kueh Koci in Coconut Cream

This is one of the traditional kueh that we usually eat during Ramadhan. It is known as "Badak Berendam" which is rather odd and off :p My nieces and nephew just love 'em. Infact I like it too...but only when its home-made. E ones sold outside mostly have too little filling and E skin is way too thick! Anyways, it's more commonly known as "kueh koci berkuah" in our household which literally translate as "Kueh koci with gravy".

These are delicious! It's really simple to make too. Just remember to use good quality gula melaka for E filling to get the best flavour :) Btw, this is very similar to Tang Yuen. Just that its served in coconut cream instead of a sugary syrup.


Ingredients for E skin:
200 g glutinous rice flour
1 Tbsp screw pine leaves juice - Optional
Enough water
Mix all 3 of E ingredients till you get a soft dough.
--------------------------------------------

Ingredients for E gravy/sauce
1.5 cups of thick coconut cream
1/2 tsp salt
2 screw pine leaves
1 tbsp plain flour + 1 cup water
In a pot, lightly simmer coconut cream, screw pine leaves and salt. Add flour mixture to thicken it.
Remove from heat.
--------------------------------------------

Ingredients for E filling.
1/2 coconut - grated
1 large pc of gula melaka - Chopped into smaller pcs
2 screwpine leaves
A pinch of salt
Cook E filling 1st. You can prepare this a day ahead.
Place all ingredients for E filling in a pan and cook for about 10mins.
---------------------------------------------

Method:
Boil a pot of water with 2 screwpine leaves.
Roll dough into small balls and flatten it. Place a bit of filling and roll it into a ball again.
Drop E balls in E boiling water. Once E balls float, drain and transfer it to E pot of coconut cream.
N'joy!

Note: Usually I like to make a batch of this coconut filling and keep it in E freezer so that I can use it anytime I want. It can be used to make coconut buns, kueh dadah, pulot inti...etc 2:)

Gorgeous Butter-cream +Yummilicious Cuppies!

These little morsels of goodness are in season. If you have been visiting E supermarkets, you should have noticed that it's so much cheaper now. If you didn't notice.....plz bring your glasses E on yournext visit to E supermarket. *Grins* Anyways, It's selling for as low as $3.30! If only its this cheap all year round. Blueberry Muffins, Blueberry Cupcakes, Blueberry Tartlets, Blueberry Pancakes, Blueberry Jam! It's an endless list I tell you.

Anyways, I made these with E batch of blueberries I had...

Its SO YUMMY! E cake was yummy and even E butter cream was good! Not E normal butter+icing sugar+ vanilla kinda butter cream. This time I used E Willams Sonoma's Butter cream. I was quite apprehensive initially coz It uses egg yolks...but then again I always had good results with WS recipes so I gave it a go. I was glad that I did coz it was so good. Coincidentally, Nk came over when I made E cupcakes. I'm sure it wasn't pure coincidence from her side. Its E cupcakes I tell u. She's a CUPCAKE MONSTER!! Haha! :D So, she tasted E cake and E 1st thing she said was "The butter cream is so good, it's not like E normal ones" I have to agree with her on that. E addition of E yolks made it so rich and creamy. E only drawback of this frosting is E colour. You gonna end up with a light yellow cream. I wanted a light blue for my frosting but due to E natural yellow of E cream, I ended up with a green frosting! :p As for E cake, it soft and buttery. E addition on the blueberries made it so lovely; infact good enough to eat it on its own. So, here's both E recipes! I just love to share good recipes :)

~Ingredients for Blueberry Cupcakes~

160g butter

3/4 cup Castor sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup plain flour

1/2 cup self raising flour

1/4 cup almond meal

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Cream butter, vanilla and sugar till fluffy. Add in egg and beat for another 1 minute.

Add sifted dry ingredients and fold in.

Mix in fruits and gently incorporate.

Spoon into cupcake cases.

Bake in preheated 160degree oven till surface is golden and centers are cooked through.

Can be eaten on its own, with a dollop of cream or butter cream.

~Ingredients for Butter cream~

4 egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar
12 Tbs. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Method:
In the top pan of a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over but not touching simmering water, combine the egg yolks and sugar.

Whisk until very thick and pale, about 4 minutes.

Remove the pan or bowl from over the water and let cool to room temperature.

In a bowl, combine the butter and vanilla.

Using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, beat until very soft and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Gradually beat in the cooled egg yolk mixture.

Let the mixture stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until spreadable, about 20 minutes.

Use the frosting immediately, or cover and refrigerate overnight or freeze for up to 1 month. Before using, let stand at room temperature until softened, then beat with an electric mixer set on high speed until smooth and fluffy. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

*Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library Series, Holiday Baking, by Jeanne Thiel Kelley

Yes2, this is E Cupcake Monster.

Look at how happy she is!! Even Cookie Monster don't look half
as happy as her when he has a cookie in hand! :p

The Big Day Flew By So Fast.....

When I received these cupcakes orders 2 Months back, I was so happy....tht happiness lasted till a week before the wedding. I then started getting nervous. On E wedding day itself, as I made my way to E clubhouse, I could feel butterflies in my stomach. I was totally freaking out! E icing on my cakes were butter cream. I could have frost it with royal icing or buttercream made with half shortening but I refused to compromise on taste. Nothing beats E taste and richness of butter! Anyways, many negative thoughts filled my mind. Wat if E buttercream melts while waiting for E cab? Wat if E ac wasn't cool enough....and worse still, wat If I tripped and E boxes of cakes just "flew" out of my hands??? Trust me, E IFS didn't just stopped there. I hold E 3 boxes of cupcakes tight like some precious gems and I made sure tht I watched my steps as I walked with my barely there heels. Seriously, I wonder WHO invented these heels?? It makes walking tough! On 2nd thoughts, 1.76m ME looks like a GIANT next to a 1.58 AVERAGE lady, so I guess heels are good. I had enough of ppl complaining that they have to "look up" at me! *Roll eyes*

Yes2, I just realised that I'm digressing....so back to my story. I was totally freaking out! I reached E clubhouse safely in 1 pc and my cupcakes were safely in 60 pcs :D There were a lot of guests when I arrived! I was supposed to be E 1st one! Apparently, E solemnisation ended earlier, so every1 ended up there earlier! There wasn't anything I could do about it anyways, so I composed myself and set up E whole thingy with E help of Shaf and Nor. E 1st comment from E bride's aunty made me feel a little better. More positive comments started pouring in. I was actually beginning to feel a whole lot better. As I stepped back and took a whole look@my cupcakes arrangement, It actually looked nice! It was my 1st. As I was making some final touches while ppl were snapping pics of my cakes, I noticed 2 young men who actually stepped forward to take pics of E cupcakes. A very rare scene I would say. Let's face it, guys are not so into cupcakes. My bro would throw E topper for E cupcakes right in my face and eat E cake! I was happily telling Shaf about E guy who snapped pics of my cupcakes. She said..."Either hes getting married soon or he's gay!" Hahaha! How mean! :p

E Stars of E day!

E wedding cupcakes!

They requested for E "Lil Devils Cupcakes" - Chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate ganache and butter cream.

E flowers made with MMF - E late nights spent melting the marshmallows,
mixing in E icing sugar and kneading it till pliable followed by all E rolling
and moulding the flowers and shaping the petals made it all so worth it
:)

E spread...

The Tiramisu, Talam lauk and Brownies received nice2 comments too. I'm overwhelmed in fact. I love to see smiles on faces when they something they like. Thank you for being very generous with your comments. Only god knows, how much I prayed for everything to go smooth sailing...infact I received new orders from an aunty! :) Alhamdulillah....

Shaf and her half eaten Tiramisu! She disallowed her picture from being publish
on E world wide web. She was only willing to show her hand to E world! I think she had E most tiramisu. If fact I'm sure she had E most! :D

Oh Btw, my cousin aka Nor made these cupcakes! While I made E edible ones, she made E inedible ones! ;) She make other kinda stuffs too and even she received new orders on tht day!! :D Anyways these are actually made of towel and it holds E "Bunga Rampai" too. Bunga rampai is an assortment of flowers, screw pine leaves. At times, perfume is added too. It is often use by E Malays in important occasions. Eg: circumcision, wedding, baby's shower... etc. Oh ya! When I saw E photographer and his super long lenses, I thot how pretty my cupcakes and Nor's towel cupcakes would look under that lens. As i was shy, I told Nor to remind him to take pics of our cupcakes :p She was shy too. In e end, we "shamelessly" approached E photographer as he was looking at us. He was very friendly, he even showed us E pics in his cam. He already took lots of pics of our cupcakes!! Yeah2!

It's so pretty right? If any1 interested in these, feel free to leave a msg. I can pass her contact info to you :)

Isn't she just cute! She looks like E "mini
version" of a bride! Haha *Nor's daughter*

Ppl always said that a bride is always beautiful on her wedding day. Looking at her gleaming in this pic, I've to admit that E statement is indeed true...Keep Smiling like this NurAin!

Tang Who?

Sis in law: What is this?

Me: It's tang yuen

Sis in law: Huh? Tang who???

*Faints*

Haha! Anyways, I made these a few days back. This is plain. I love E 1 with black sesame filling. Will try making those with fillings sometime...

Ingredients:

1 cup glutinous rice flour

water + some food colouring

For E syrup:

Sugar

Water

Screw pine leaves (pandan leaves)

Method:

Boil water, sugar and screw pine leaves till sugar melts. Once it boils, off E heat.

In a bowl, add glutinous rice flour. Mix in coloured water, a little at a time till you get a smooth knead-able dough.

Boil a pot of water with screw pine leaves.

Shape dough into little balls.

Once water boils, add a few balls into the boiling water.

Scoop the rice balls once it floats to E top.

Transfer the rice balls to E pot of syrup.

Repeat till you finish all E dough.

Note: Use different colours to create colourful Tang Yuens.

For E syrup, you can use brown sugar, gula melaka or even rock sugar.

How's E Tang Yuen??

Tht means V.Good by E way! :p

Brownies

Made these for my cousins. These brownies are rich, luscious, chocolatey brownies that satisfy like nothing else. Drizzle/spread more chocolate for an intense chocolate overdose!

Ingredients:

¾ cup butter

1 ½ cups caster sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
½ cup cocoa (Hershey’s is good)
¾ cup plain flour

¾ cup pecans (or any other nuts)
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup dark chocolate chunks/chips

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350 degree F. Butter a shallow 9” tray and line the base with parchment paper.
2Melt butter over the stove top. As soon as melted, turn off the heat and stir in sugar with a wooden spoon. The heat will help the sugar dissolve into the butter. Give it a few stirs and let cool for a bit.
At this time, toast the pecans in the oven on a baking sheet until they turn a dark brown, about 10-12 minutes.
Add in the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture. Beat with the wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth.
Add in cocoa and flour (do not sift). Stir vigorously with the wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and shiny. Stir in chocolate chips/chunks/chips.
By this time, the pecans should have been toasted so remove them from the oven and quickly chop them coarsely. It’s hot, I know, but if you work quickly you won’t really feel it. If for some reason, the nuts are no longer warm either cos the chopping took too long or the toasting was done earlier, just bung the baking sheet back in the oven for a few minutes to heat them up.
Stir in the chop nuts into the batter for about a minute, until you can see the swirls of melted chocolate.
Pour the batter into the prepared tray and bake at 350 degree F for about 20-28 minutes, until the top is flaky and a toothpick/skewer inserted 2 inches from the center comes out with a few crumbs still clinging onto it.
Cool before cutting.

Note: I like to make my brownies a day ahead before serving. Somehow it taste better then next day. It's easier to cut into neat squares/rectangles too.

Yipee!!

I have been wanting to get this for donkey years now. I wasn't sure if I wanna actually spend $38 for these plastic cutters. Went to phoon huat yesterday and saw this again. E last 1!!!! I think this might come in handy soon so I literally grabbed it! :D

Gum paste Flower Making Set

This book is included in E kit.

I'm so in love with those 2 small flower cutters. Too cute!

E kit includes:
24 Plastic Flower Cutters - Wild Rose, Baby’s Breath, Forget-Me-Not, Apple Blossom, Pansy, Small and Large Daisies, Calyx, Orchid Throat, Stephanotis, Small and Large Carnations, Rose Petals (3 sizes), Daffodil Petal, Daffodil Cup, Lily, Tulip Petal, Small and Large Rose Leaves, Holly Leaves, Ivy Leaf, Tulip Leaf.

1 Leaf mold
1 Wooden rolling pin
2 Wooden modeling tools
2 Foam squares for modeling
1 Page protector with stand
40-page Instruction book

There were no stocks for Gum paste at Phoon Huat. I wanted to try making some flowers last night itself, so I made some Marshmallow Fondant aka MMF. It was already midnight and there I was, microwaving marshmallows...mixing in icing sugar...colouring E fondant, kneading...etc2! I'm such a drama queen at times! Anyways, I just tried E very basic designs. Didn't follow E book that was included. That would be some other time, when I have more time in hand.

A medley of whites 'n' pinks

A grp of 3...Sweet! :)

Look at E little ones! Awwwwwwwww!

Seriously, I dunno what this is :p I dunno either wat was E inspiration...but
its kinda nice I guess....

These doesn't look right! :p Need to practice more...

Note to self: No more purchasing of baking related tools for E next 2 Months!

A Fun Filled Day!

Yesterday was an awesome day. Tiring but fun! Got up early, cooked a few Indian dishes for my uncle and family who was coming over in E evening. E 3 happy sisters came over too. We had lotsa fun paying TAI TEE!!! More about tht later. Anyways, in E afternoon, I went out with my cousins. We went to E clubhouse first as my cousins wanted to finalize some wedding decorations. It;'s really a nice place! Look@ my nieces...posing away! We then proceed to B-I-Y. I LOVEEEEEE B-I-Y! Its E perfect playground for a baker! I went on a little shopping spree! Weeeeeeeeeee! :D I bought royal icing decorating stuffs, bottles and bottles of sprinkles, cookie/fondant cutter, a cookie making set with 3 stencils, chocolate/lollipop making moulds, some standing holder/picks for placing msgs/pics on your cake/cupcakes. There's Valrhona too!

I loveeeeee these sprinkles. They are enough to make your bakes pretty! These are so much cheaper! $5.90 each. $15 for 3 bottles!

My 1st Pack of Valrhona! I'm planning to use this precious 1 for E wedding
cupcakes!

A cool cool treat on a hot hot day!

Cool huh?

This 1 min commercial which is reported to have cost up to £500,000 to make shows a team of bakers, model makers and home economists as they set about creating an edible version of the car. I love it! This "car" can knock me down and I won't even complain. :D

Reminiscence. . .

During my primary school days, our kitchen "received" E least visits from me. :p I stayed away from E kitchen except for MEALS! haha! After school and religious classes, I would just sit on E sofa with a storybook in hand. Of course mom used to nag every now and then. At times, I had to help her in E kitchen ....but nothing was done willingly...:p



Everything changed when I went to Sec 1. Home economics changed it all. I started to enjoy cooking and baking. I learnt something new every lesson and everything was intriguing. When I was in sec 4, both my elder brothers got married. Thus there were only me, mom and my other brother@ home. I started cooking for our meals. It helps that my 3rd brother wasn't a fussy eater back then. *Now he is* :p Mom usually cooked on weekends, special occasions and when we craved for her food. It was a decision I made, not her. Mom would be more than willing to cook everyday but I felt that it was time for me to lessen her burden. Given E fact she was a working single parent. Btw, my mom started cooking at E age of 15 coz she was "married off" to my dad at tht age! *Grins*



Mom favourite mantra used to be "No matter how educated a girl is, shes still has to work in E kitchen." I believe it's not just her. Been hearing a lot of tht from most "senior citizens" *heee* Despite all E cooking/baking, I was never too passionate about it. Perhaps it was hard at times. Schooling in E morning and coming back in E late afternoons. After a short rest, I had to cook. I would then get some school work done...iron my uniform and in E evenings I have tuition. A walk home after tutoring and it's already night! Aww Maya....poor u! As I typed this, I feel so sorry for myself. Haha! Kidding! Giving tuition wasn't something that mom encouraged. She didn't object either. Extra pocket money is always good; from a student point of view of coz! After my O levels, I had a few months break. That was when I started to experiment new things. I started to cook my mom "signature dishes" too. Gradually, it developed into a passion without me realising it. I believe it has to do with the ppl around me too. They are always giving me positive feedback and motivating me. I still remember E look on my lecturer's face when he tried 1 of my cookies. He was like "U actually bake this??" I gave a nod which didn't looked convincing at all. He took another cookie and he said "This is so good. You should really consider setting up a F&B business." That was really 1 proud moment for me. On 2nd thoughts, It could mean something negative too perhaps? I mean there we were in C Programming Class and my lecturer aka Mr Ram actually feel that I should go into Biz...maybe indirectly he's hinting that my C programming sucks? Haha!


Anyways, I used to go to Mami Salma's house often as I was tutoring Sk. Would spend at least 2-3 times at her house per week. My late mami was a woman of multi capabilities. She was a great cook, a good baker, she could sew very well and lots more! All the years of tutoring Sk and Nk at times was fruitufl! (Well NK said I was mean which is of coz untrue) If I was really mean, she wouldn't love me this MUCH! *Sheepish smile* :D Anyways I learnt a lot from my late mami. I sew my 1st blouse under her guidance. I still remember that pink blouse with little white polka dots :D I learnt a lot of recipes from her too. I'm blessed to have such good cooks around me, be it my maternal family or paternal family. This is 1 recipe of my late mami that I make quite often. She passed away last year. Her memories, teachings and recipes....these are things tht I cherish and would always preserve 'em...
.

Ingredients:

5 Whole eggs

1 Can evaporated milk

1 Cup sugar - Use less if you prefer it less sweet)

5 Tbsp sugar - (For caramel)

1 Tbsp vanilla extract (I used 2 tbsp coz mom hate E smell of eggs)

1 Tbsp rosewater

A few screw pine leaves

Method:

Get a heavy base saucepan/pan. Warm the pan gently over a medium heat for a few seconds and place the 5tbsp sugar in the pan.

Keep stirring till the sugar melts and you get a nice amber coloured caramel. Pour caramel in a dish/pan and set aside.

Prepare a steamer. Add a couple of screw pine leaves in the water.

Whisk/blend all the ingredients together.

Pour over set caramel.

Steam for 40-50 mins.

Cool in fridge.

Thank U Mommie! :D

I rarely break my fast with rice. I like to start with something sweet and warm. Mom made some sweet potato n red dates dessert for me today. This is something that I love and I make it quite often. I do vary E ingredients though. At times I add dried longan meat, fungus...etc. Do give it a try. It's super simple and I promise, it won't disappoint!

Ingredients:

1 Medium sized sweet potato - Sliced

10 Red dates

Brown sugar

2 Screw pine leaves

1.5L water

Method:

In a pot, boil water with screw pine leaves. Add in sweet potato. Once sweet potatoes are almost tender, add red dates.

Add in sugar when sweet potatoes are tender.

Serve Hot or Cold

Note: Feel free to experiment with different types of sugar. Rock sugar, raw sugar...etc. I love mine with brown sugar or raw sugar. It goes very well with E sweet potatoes and it's just so fragrant!

Oh ya, mom fried a BIG bottle of these for me too! It's enough to keep my mouth bz for a week or so! *Grins* I love these colourful rice crackers but I'm lazy to fry 'em :p

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Yesterday, I wasn't in E mood to eat rice and there was nothing "interesting" in E fridge. I have been craving for pasta, so I thought I will just make some spaghetti bolognese. So I went to get some spaghetti. While looking thru all E different kind of pasta, I saw packets of very cute and pretty chills!!

I can make chili flakes out of this! Instantly Aglio Olio (Italian-named for its base ingredients of garlic and olive oil) came to my mind!! Some of my friends feel that Aglio Olio is too simple and most of them don't really like it. I have to admit that E Aglio Olio served at restaurants ain't that tasty. It's pretty bland. Lack of seasoning I would say and E amount of chili used is minimal. Whenever I made Aglio Olio, I always add cheese and mushrooms which is definitely not very authentic. This time round, I decided to make it as classic as possible. I added some shrimps for added flavour. It turned out so good! I actually had to fry this twice, coz after eating a small plate as a "trial" my brother wanted more. I was of coz elated! Would deff make this again!

I have to say my relationship with Italian cuisine is getting more "intimate" :D

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter/margarine
6-8 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
1 Tsp crushed red pepper flakes -
Salt
1/2 Packet spaghetti - Cooked till Al dente
Shrimps

Method:
In a frying pan, melt butter and add shrimps.
Add a small pinch of salt and cook shrimp until pink and just firm.
Remove shrimp to a plate.
In E same pan, add olive oil.
Fry garlic and pepper flakes.
Add in prawns and toss spaghetti in the pan. Season with some salt.
Top with parsley and DIG IN!


Just thinking about this makes me hungry.....!

Peanut Butter Loaf

Made this loaf of bread yesterday. It's from E Complete Bread Machine Cookbook by Sonia Allison. I didn't have much ingredients in my kitchenette thus this was perfect coz I didn't even need milk and eggs! I had eggs but not vanilla. I'll never bake something that uses eggs without Vanilla :) I also added a teaspoon of bread softener coz I wanted it cotton soft. It turned out nice. Spread with extra peanut butter on E bread slices and its perfect for breakfast!

Ingredients:

300Ml water
3Tbsp crunchy peanut butter (I used 4tbsp)
1Tbsp oil
450G bread flour
1.5 Tsp salt
2Tbsp castor sugar
2Tbsp dried skimmed milk powder
1 & 1/4 Tsp dried yeast
1 Tsp bread softener/improver (I added this)


Method:
Pour the water into the breadmaker bucket. Add in peanut butter, oil and half of flour.
Sprinkle in salt, sugar and dried milk powder. Cover with the remaining flour.
Make a small indent in the centre of the flour, and place E yeast in E indent.
Set the breadmaker to Basic white or number 1.
Once done, leave E loaf to cool for at least an hour before cutting.

Quizzed! :D

Alifah tagged me for this Quiz....Thanks babe, I had fun doing this :)


1) 7 things people do that make you smile.
- Ppl enjoying something I baked or cooked.
- Saying something nice and sweet....and of coz meaning it too!
- An act of courtesy. A thank you after a little gesture of mine is more than enough.
- My brother/brothers coming over with E little ones.
- Sharing of knowledge.
- Kindness from a stranger. Simple things like holding the door open is enough to make me smile.
- Being crazie just like me!

2) 7 things to do to win your heart.
- Showing respect towards others especially towards E elderly.
- Concern towards my family members.
- Follow E teachings of Islam.
- Be sincere, caring and good hearted!
- Err write a poem/song and dedicate it to me! :D
- Some1 who believes that marriage is for life....its about standing side by side an not in front or behind. E need of trusting each other, performing each other duties and growing old together *ahem2* :D
- I can't think of anything else...hmm. Oh ya, Maybe a spending spree@Wilton might perform some magic! :D

3) 7 things i believe in.
- Islam and its teachings
- Respect for other cultures and religion.
- E need to keep bonding with love ones.
- There is beauty in simplicity.
- God never closes all doors without opening a window. In other words, he will never give us a test that is beyond our means.
- 1 should be free to pursue their passion and desire as long it is not something that is morally wrong or illegal.
- Whatever goes around, comes around.

4) 7 things i`m afraid of.
- Hellfire!
- Not livin up to E true Islamic morals and inadequate Islamic knowledge.
- Death of my close ones.
- Ghostly stories!
- Most animals and flying insects!
- Not succeeding in life.
- Being really ill and then burdening others.

5) 7 things I want now.
- A cafe
- Package for 2 to perform E haj.
- A complete kitchen! This includes a Kitchen Aid, an ice cream maker, a walk in oven and pantry! *Grins*
- A comfortable and nice house of my own.(With enough rooms for my cousins!)
- Wakaf in E name of my late dad.
- Have a good bank balance.
- Hmm wat else? Oh Maybe Shakira's body and dance moves? *Guffaws*

6) 7 things i do everyday.
- Personal hygiene
- Housework
- Pray
- Read
- Sms
- Cook
- Surf E net

7) 7 people to do E quiz.
I can't think of 7. Most of my blogging frens are away on a Holiday!
I shall just pass it to Ummi, Diana, Joy n Linda :)

N'joy!

No oven = NO cupcakes :(

My fren aka Norli was asking me earlier as to why I have not been baking cupcakes and cookies. I guess I forgot to mention that my oven is sick? That's why I have been making stove top desserts very often. I miss baking so so so much! I do have a small oven and I could do some bakes there...but I dislike small ovens! I know that beggars can't be choosy, but I am 1 choosy beggar! :p

Apparently Nk was telling me that almost every1 in our family knows that my oven is ill! News about my oven has travelled from Bedok to tampines to woodlands...etc2. I'm telling you...no oven make such news...only mine does. *Grins* Anyways, we took quite a long time to get an oven coz we wanted to get 1 similar to our old 1. That oven had loyally served us for at least 10 years! I guess its time for it to retire. We could not get E exact La Germania oven that we wanted, so we settled for an Elba oven. It's arriving on Saturday and I have BIG list of things that I wanna bake! That has to wait though. I have 2 cupcakes orders coming up. 1 for a wedding and E other 1 for a birthday. Gosh, I really miss baking.........!

Durians!

E king of fruits very distinctive. Some ppl deeply appreciate it and some show intense disgust! :p My family knows how to appreciate E king! :D I guess It all started from my parents who are durian lovers! My brothers and I ended up liking it too. Same goes for E little ones in our family. Sum how we don't eat as much durian as we used to during our childhood days. I guess for health reasons since durians are very rich and has high content of sugar. Anyways our family has an unique way of savouring our durian. Besides eating it on its own, adding in bubor kacang and some other desserts, we also eat it with RICE! Glutinous rice is nice but most of E time we eat it with E normal Thai rice. It all started from my grandparents I believe. When we were small, my late father would make E "durian sauce" and mix in with E rice. A small bowl for each of us! It was indeed yummy and filling! Now, it's mom who often stir up this dessert. :)



It is really simple. You need about 1/2 cup coconut cream and 1 medium sized durian. (more is always good coz it would really be rich!) Mashed E durian into E coconut cream. Just used a fork for this. Then, add 1/4 cup of hot water, a good pinch of salt and about 2-3tbsp of sugar. E amount of sugar would depend on the sweetness of E durians. Pour sauce over rice. Mix and eat! It's SUPER DUPER DELICIOUS! Trust me! :D

Yeah2! Im SUPER sweet!!! :p

You Are Cream Pie

You're the perfect combo of simplicity and divinity. You are a secret hedonist. No one knows how indulgent you can be. You don't indulge often, but when you do, you go for the best. You have expensive taste - even if you aren't rich. Those who like you life for understated pleasures. You're not flashy or trendy, but you have a depth that most people lack. Interacting with you makes most people feel incredibly satisfied. You are gentle, super sweet, and in harmony with those around you.

Javarisi Semiya Payasam - Sago Vermicelli Payasam

This is a very yummy and popular Indian Dessert. I made this for my cousin but she was stuck somewhere else, so she couldn't make it. In E end it was savoured by both mom and me. :D

I love it!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sago

1/4 cup vermicelli -

1 cup evaporated milk

Sugar - start with 1/2 cup and add according to your taste

2 Cardamon

Raisins

Nuts (almonds or cashew nuts)

1 Tbsp Ghee

Method:

Boil E sago till translucent. Stir constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan, until it becomes translucent. Lower the heat and leave it for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Heat the ghee in a pan. Fry the almonds. Add cardamom pods and vermicelli and fry until golden brown.

Remove half of E water from the boiling sago. Add E vermicelli and let it simmer for 1 minute.

Then add sugar, milk, raisins. Stir for few minutes until the sugar dissolves.

Turn off heat and add 1/4 tsp of rosewater if desired.

Note: I didn't use ghee. I just pan fry E vermicelli. I added 2tbsp of ground almonds in E milk instead coz I love the combination of almond meal and milk!

Top with some roasted nuts.

Tapai Milkshake

I was talking to mom's Indonesian friend and was asking her as to how E Indonesians make their Tapai drink. She said "oh its easy. milk, sugar n tapai...just blend" I gave it a try and it tasted yummy! It tasted very similiar to "lassi" which is a popular Indian Yogurt Drink. Only that E tapai milkshake was not as sour. I guess If you want it sour, just add more tapai or less sugar. I like mine to be a balance of both though. For those who do eat tapai. you SHOULD try this!

Ingredients:
300Ml Fresh Milk

1.5Tbsp sugar (Add according to your taste)

5 Pcs of tapai (more if you want)

Method:

Blend all E ingredients.

Keep in the fridge till cold or top with some ice

Yum2!

Cheesy Mushroom Omelette

Want a bite?? :p

All my 3 siblings and mom are big fans of eggs. Im an exception. Nevertheless this Omelette is something that I love. Maybe because I'm a gigantic fan of mushrooms! A few months back, I already included this recipe on my blog. I'm including E recipe again. This time, its an easier version. Or should I say easiest?? It doesn't matter I guess coz it taste Fabz!! :)



Ingredients:
2 eggs (Break in a bowl, add pepper and a tiny pinch of salt)
6 fresh shitake mushrooms - Sliced
Grated Cheese or 2 slices of Cheese Singles
1 Tsp butter /oil
Pepper
1 tsp oyster sauce

Method:
Heat pan. Add butter and mushrooms.
Season with oyster sauce and a touch of pepper.
Pour in eggs and fry like a normal omelette.
Add cheese and fold in half. Serve Hot!


* You can add some veg, ham slices or pineapple in the omelette too.