Last day

It seems just like yesterday the world was preparing for Y2K. I can’t believe the decade is ending and a new one is coming. Looking back, I think this year was really well spent. From embracing the fear of my son going through his Primary 6 and the joy of seeing my daughter entering into Primary 1. I should say, it wasn't easy task for my son. From the amount of assessment books that I had cleared before school starts. I am actually amazed how much we had cramped into his tiny brain. Well, perhaps we weren't the paranoid ones and that is why we needed all these. Will I do the same for my daughter? I believe so. Unless it is absolutely no choice that we had to start her on tuition I really hope that will be our last resort. Home wise, we had finally settled down and beginning to adjust back to city life. With past few weeks of proper housekeeping, now, at least I know where all my stuff are being stored and in their proper places. So when the new helper joins us on 4 Jan, I really hope she will follow my system and not messed it up. For hubby, this year was a year that he refrained from travelling too much for son's sake. I am also happy for him that despite the gloomy economy, work for him was good. Next year, I am already mentally prepared that I won't see much of him. After March, perhaps there will be plenty of adjustment for him as well as for the whole family. Let's pray that it will go through smoothly. As for myself going under the knife perhaps was a wrong choice. Though I don't get back pain anymore but the pain has shifted. My other muscles needed to work much harder to support my slanted spine and because of scarring tissue around my nerve, I now experience bad cramps when I had a hectic day, which is for life now. If the situations worsen, I will need to have steroid injected frequently. Thus, my once active lifestyle must now be slow and steady ones. Thus sometime I wonder whether it was a decision wrongly made. Haiz. Having Cupcake Fantasies and my workshops were a great way to distress for this year. It also allows me to pursue my passion with a more objective mind. I thank all friends that had supported it. Will I slow down next year? I seriously don't know because the schools are in total opposite direction. I will need more travelling time. We will definitely have to wait and see how good time management I can produce. On a social note, I am happy to connect with many old friends and also lucky to find new ones as well. Despite the busy bee I am, I am glad that I find time to catch up. There are few incidents that taught me that never to take things for granted. There is no such thing as there will be another day. The usual phrase, time really flies. Time and tide wait for no man and thus each moment, each opportunity, we just have to grab and treasure it before it slipped between our fingers. May I end this year with my greatest wishes to all family, relatives and friends. May the new year brings you plenty of good health, peace and happiness that filled your heart to the brim that each day is charge with plenty of energy and zest in life. Now let's end this year with a big bang.

2 days to go

AL and I had been friends since primary school. We hanged out together often in our early teens and somehow lost touch when we left the school.

I was so happy to see her again last year. As you see, her girl and mine are now in the same school and she recognised me on the first day of school while we both were hanging out in the school canteen.

It was so cool because I had been thinking of her alot prior to that. Since then, we always bumped into each other during our pick up for our kids. We chatted about old times and new.

Always wanted to gather together but me being me, I am ALWAYS busy. Wait no longer, we just have to have a gathering.

Since A's daughter likes vanilla cake, I baked a Vanilla Sponge cake . Yet again, I tried another new attempt at a recipe.

I bought this book, Okashi many months ago. When AK told me about this book, I knew that I just had to have it.

Actually I heard about Keiko Ishida before but I just don't have the liberty to attend her classes. So the next best thing is to get a book written by her.

Lucky for me, I managed to get hold of a copy before it was out of stock. I am a little happier with this chiffon attempt.

At least it is still good enough to eat unlike a previous attempt that it was beyond recognition when PW came over.

Again, I don't know why my cake sinks. Actually by the time it reaches AL's house, the cake has shrunk so much and it kind of collapsed on one half of the cake.

I was shy to take my camera out as AL had a guest with her too. Nevertheless, the cake was still soft and cottony and it was good to taste. In fact, AL was already asking for another one next round.

Now I wish I can contact Ms Ishida on why my cake's result is such.


A good afternoon well spent as the little ones had a great time playing together.

Have I told you lately

... that I love you. Recently, during a conversation between hubby and me, he mentioned that 10 years seems to be THE number for him. He worked on his first job for 10 years, we took our first loan from the bank for 10 years (though we repay it in half the time), we stayed in our first private home for 10 years. His little venture is also hitting its 10 years mark. Then he followed cheekily by saying that "well at least his wife is more than 10 years". LOLz. I wouldn't say that my marriage is a perfect one. If I tell you this, I am actually lying. We had our ups and downs. We had our little cold wars. We had our differences but I am happy to say that at least, we trashed it out and made up. I had very fiery temper when young but somehow over the years, he is able to "tame me" down. He accepted my flaws and most of my demands. When I decided to become a stay home mom 7 years ago, he was extremely supportive. When I do away with a helper and run the household for 5 years alone, he is always there with a helping hand. When I decided to take up baking as hobby, he was supportive to "sponsor" me with many of my toys. He even gave me a dream kitchen with enough space to bake up a storm. Usually for his birthday, it is a low key event as I am generally wasted after the Christmas. For this year, I decided to make it special as he never had a birthday party before and his years' of effort will be marking its 10th year in 3 days' time. I took the opportunity to give him a surprise birthday party. Prior to that, I wasn't sure I had the capacities to pull it through with my health condition. After getting the assurance from my kids that they will pitch in to help. I went ahead. I quickly contacted hubby's colleague R to ordinate it with the invitation and our little “secret”. Thanks guys for making the time to come and join us on this very special occasion and many thanks for those lovely presents. It indeed makes hubby happy. I wanted to make Chicken Curry as hubby likes it. I went on to search for a the recipe. You might have read in my much earlier post during my early blogging days and knew that I have "lost" our favourite Chicken Curry recipe due to the man who sells the rempah has since closed shop. Thus I wanted to find one that enables me to make the curry from scratch. It was hard or perhaps I am a impatient one that finds it extremely tiring to surf on the net. All ends up with either store bought rempah (which differs from vendor to vendor) or it wasn't what I think it should be. Based on my gut instinct and with a basic recipe, I recreated one. I am glad that it was pretty close to what we like. Thanks dear for being my hubby and hopefully our relationship will have many more 10 years to go. Happy Birthday. P/S: Sorry no pictures as I was too late to take out my camera before the guests arrived. What you need: 2kg Chicken, cut into pieces A. Pound to paste 10 cloves garlic 1 thumb size ginger 1/4 thumb sized turmeric 2 tbsp curry powder mix with 4 tbsp water 1 tsp salt 500g coconut milk (divide into two portions) B. Pound to paste 3/4 tsp cumin powder 8 cashew nuts 8 almonds 115ml oil Grind together 285g shallots 15 dried chillies 3cm belachan 1 stalk curry leaves Method Season chicken with A and salt. Set aside in the fridge for 1 hour. Mix 250g coconut milk with 3/4 cup of water. Add to B. Heat oil and fry the shallots, chilli paste, belachan and curry leaves till fragrant. Add in chicken, and coat well. Reduce heat and cook for 1/2 hour with lid on. Add in coconut/water mixture and bring to boil. Simmer for 20 mins till chicken is tender. Add in the other half coconut milk (thick) and bring it back to a boil. Serve with either bread or rice.

A shoulder to cry on

4 years ago, I was a helpless lady who is always crying. I was so stressed out by my son's behaviour but do not know how to handle the situation.

Phone calls from school were like a weekly affair. Can you imagine how paranoid I was when the phone rung.

I will normally break down once I sent my daughter to school and dread the moments that I have to pick up my son from school. Though I love my son very much but the thought of facing him was daunting. Why, because I don't know how to handle him.

S's son, J was in the same class as my daughter. So very often, when S saw me crying, she will come and comfort me. She is always giving me a listening ear and a shoulder for me to cry on. Our friendship formed.

In fact, it was S's friend who is a vice principal recommended that I seek help from the school and medical bodies. Thus, my son was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). Something that I didn't even know exists.

From there onwards, everything just falls into places. We (the teachers, parents and friends) learnt to manage our expectation. Our home become much more harmonious and we were happier being together.

I have to thank S. Without her guiding hands, I believe I am still lost and not able to be a better mom.

Though our kids had moved on to different school and haven't seen each other for a year but we were always a phone call away.

A year passed, S said that no matter what, we need to catch up before the New Year. I totally agree.

Thus tonight, we are having dinner with them and I bring some Red Velvet Cupcake with Cream cheese frosting to share. I always wanted to try this but the thought of red colouring added to it always puts me off.

For this Christmas season, I think it is the perfect excuse to load on the colours. This recipe is so easy and has received many positive reviews.

It is hard not to give this a try and it is delicious too. Thanks S for always being there for me.



Cake recipe adapted from Bake Space.com

What you need

250g cake flour
240g castor sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
22.5g cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
2 tsp white distilled vinegar
2 large eggs
3 tbsp red food colouring (I used only 2 but you may add more for darker red)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Mix milk with vinegar and let it sit for 10 mins till curdling occur.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tray.

Sift flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder.

Whisk milk mixture, oil, eggs, colouring and vanilla extract.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients with the paddle until just combined.

Divide batter evenly into the tins. About 3/4 filled.

Bake for 10 - 12 mins or until cooked.

Cream cheese frosting

What you need:

284g cream cheese, room temperature
50g butter, soften
1 tsp vanilla
175g icing sugar, sifted

Method

Whip all the ingredients till it is smooth and fluffy.

Boxing Day

Initially we wanted to join in the Boxing Day sales thus I prepared our lunch the night before by using the crockpot.

When we were newly wed, our dinner is usually made via the crockpot. Even though it is just a one dish meal, it is definitely better than eating out. We got so sick of eating out subsequently.

I like this method of cooking because by the time we are home, the food will be cooked and still piping hot. Also the aroma filled the house!

Anyway, we didn't shop as we were so tired and decided to stay in and rest instead. Afterall, we need to send the kids down for taekwondo lesson in the evening. We can use that time to run some errands.

Thus a simple lunch is what I prepared. Crockpot Pork Roast with a mixed of vegetable.



What you need:

4 potatoes, cubed
8 carrots, cubed
1 onion, halved
6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 litres of vegetable broth
1/2 cupca white wine
1 kg Pork shoulder roast
Salt and pepper to taste
6 tbsp flour for thickening (optional)

Place half of the vegetable in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle half garlic.

Pour half of vegetable broth and wine.

Place roast in the croockpot above the vegetable.

Pour the remaining vegetables and broth.

Slow cook for 9 - 10 hours.

Remove meat and vegetable just before serving.

Pour 1 cup of the gravy to the flour and mix till well blended.

Pour the remaining gravy into a pot, bring to boil and season with salt and pepper.

Pour in the flour mixture. Cook till thicken.

Pour thicken sauce over roast meat. Serve hot.

Another year

Just seems like yesterday that we ushered in the New Year and getting all ready for son's most important year - that is sitting for his National examination. Now it is all over and coming to the end of 2009. When we are going through it, it seems like a never ending challenge. Now that it has past and as we reflect on it, it seems so fast. As usual, I invited my family over for Christmas dinner. Mom was initially worried that I am managing everything on my own. I have to ensure her that I will not tire myself too much. Thus I planned for a simple dinner. Nothing fanciful. Avocado, Mango and Prawn Salad. I can’t recall why I had a bottle of Thousand island dressing. I went with a simple green salad to compliment it. Initially I wanted to roast beef but I found out that my youngest sister boyfriend doesn't take that. Thus I changed it and baked two types of chicken. I was given many bottles of Tahini. I don't really know what to do with it. After researching on the internet, I came up with my own version of Baked Tahini Chicken. A blunder I made as I forgotten to tell the poultry seller not to remove the skin as what I usually requested. Too late, I have to improvise in order not to burn the chicken. I added bacon to recreate the layer of fats. Spicy chicken with Tahini Yoghurt Sauce Hubby bought a ham and a turkey steak. It was a little salty but nice. After our last KL trip, somehow I fell in love with a Carbonara Pasta. Unfortunately, mine is a little too dry. Or was it that it was too much pasta? Nevertheless, my Ham, Bacon and Mushroom Pasta tasted good. How can we not have egg nog on a Christmas Day? It is okay to pamper ourselves with this sinful drink on a merry occasion. As for dessert, I went for another attempt on that Strawberry Shortcake as I wanted hubby and family to try it. I have yet again failed in my frosting. It is just too soft to frost. I think I have to rework on the recipe. After a bad encounter with Korean Strawberry, I was turned off by it for a while but I just couldn't resist getting a few packs when the prices were so attractive during this festive season. Now my faith of it renewed. A fruitcake that I needed to bake no matter what for this year as my mom likes it alot. This year I baked these into minis. Lastly, we ended the party with a round of Durian Ice Cream. I just discovered that I have a Ice Cream bowl that was lying in my cabinet! Yea, I don't need to buy a maker after all. We ended the party on a high note with exchanging of presents. This year, my kids also participated in getting presents for their aunts, uncles and grand parents. They had "worked" and saved up money so that they can also buy presents. I am actually very proud of them. Let's hope my family love their gifts. Of course, I had a nice surprise from hubby. Merry Christmas. May this festive season brings you lots of joy and happiness.

Mom rang

Perhaps it is bad of me but I don't visit my parents on a weekly basis. As hubby is always travelling, I really treasure the time (weekends) he spent with the family.

I have extremely understanding parents. When my mom doesn't hear from me, she knows that I am extremely busy either with my classes, my orders or my family. She will generally call me to ask about my well being and the family.

Today is Dōngzhì Festival or Winter Solstice Festival (冬至), mom usually will cook and have us over for dinner. With her ailing health, we told her not to bother anymore. After all, in a few days' time, we will have a Christmas celebration at my place.

Thus this morning, she called to remind me and requested me to get a packet of Tangyuan (湯圓) and feed the kids. Dōngzhì is like Thanksgiving for the Chinese, a time for gathering family members. Eating tang yuan symbolize reunion.

I used to like Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice balls) and my favourite is sesame. My fridge was never short of it. I guess I had just too much of it that I am sick of it now.

For my kids' sake, I decided to make some.

Getting them involved is another way of making them understand the root of being a Chinese. As usual, the kids get to pick two colours each and mommy sticks to the traditional white. Don't they look like play dough?



Not too long ago, PW came by and gave me a pack of gula melaka. This definitely comes in handy. Though I don't like coconut but this one is definitely an exception.



We managed to complete the whole task with one story telling. Happy Dong Zhi everyone. Very soon it will be Lunar New Year.



What you need:

200g Glutinous Rice Flour
1 tbsp sugar
180g water (pour till slowly, once flour comes together as dough, stop)
Colouring of your choice.

Filling

Gula Melaka

Syrup soup

400g water
60g brown sugar (increase if you like it sweeter)
3 pandan leaves
3 slices of ginger

Method for dumpling

Mix glutinous rice flour, sugar and slowly pour the water. Stop once the flour comes together as dough.

At this stage, you can divide the dough, colour and blend them into the dough.

Divide dough into 10g each.

Roll into ball and flatten.

Put a piece of gula Melaka in the centre and fold. Roll into a ball. Set a side.

Bring a boil of water to a brisk boil.

Drop balls into the water. Once it starts to float, remove with a ladle.

Serve with the syrup soup.

Method for Syrup Soup

Put all ingredients into a pot and brings to boil.

Let it simmer for 5 – 10 mins.

What ifs

CL, VA and I had a great time on Friday gathering. In fact, we chatted till 2ish before we head home. On the way home, VA was telling me that she will be going to the Book Feast the next day. I decided to join her and her girls.

Firstly, it will be my first time visiting this book fair. Secondly, VA has more experience in parenting as she has two teens. She obviously is good at guiding her kids’ educations as well as they are doing well.

Gosh, the place was huge. When I stepped in, I didn't know where to start. My purpose there is actually to get some assessment books for my kids.

With the help of VA as she knows what is best to get for her gals. With her little gal's experience, she was quick to identify which one is useful and which one is just simply crap.

You won't believe how many choices are there for just one subject. Some are really good and some are just "out there to earn quick bucks". Yes, in Singapore, parents always load the kids on assessment books. The theory is that the more they practise the better they become.

I am actually saddened to say that I will be joining this wagon of parents. As much as I refrained, guess now I cannot help it. Imagine my poor son is starting a 9 - 10 subjects’ education in two weeks' time. Even with one assessment book per subject, my basket was getting heavier and heavier. I am appalled to think what life is going to be for him.

Just this morning, I read that even under graduate are taking tuition to help them through. I am very sure a lot of people will be joining this "tutor industry" as the money is really good and bloody hell it is tax free.

Just take a classic example of one lousy tutor my son had not too long ago. He charges S$50/hour and a minimum of 2 hours per trip. Two sessions a week and he doesn't even have to issue receipt. Who to know how much he earns?

If I didn't remember wrongly, not too long ago, the government was tracking down food hawkers who do not pay taxes.

They are slogging away 12 hours or more under the heat and sweat where as these tutors are in the comfort of a home and they are not even under the "radar". As I always tell my kids, life is never fair. Anyway, with the advancement of my country, we can only hope that our kids will try their best so that they will be able to have a footing in our highly competitive environment.

Perhaps today is such a lovely and relax day that I am actually reflecting on life and my role as a parent. I seriously am afraid of what my kids will face but if I were to tell my hubby about my doubts, I am so sure that he will brushes me off and tells me that the kids will be able to adapt, manage and cope.

Well enough of my "what ifs".

I am going to whip up some royal icing and get my kids to frost some cookies. By now I am sure you have seen plenty of gingerbread recipes.

The last time I tried this was 3 years ago. This time round I have chosen a recipe that I took from Ikea's newsletter and done a little modification.

I also baked it longer so that it is harder to withstand our high humidity. With a harder cookie, it is also easier for the kids to work on it without breaking.



Have fun as we prepare to welcome Christmas.

What you need:

137g sugar
60g water
75g Molasses
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 tsp Ground ginger
1 tsp Ground cloves
100g butter
290g plain flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tbsp brandy

Method

Bring to boil sugar, water, molasses and spices. Cool mixture.

Add butter little by little and brandy. Stir vigorously.

Add flour mixed with baking soda.

Work dough quickly and let it rest int he refrigerator till the next day.

Roll the dough to 1 - 2 mm thick.

Cut to desired form with cookie cutters and baked for 5 - 8 mins at 200 degree celcius.

Cool and frost.

I don't believe it

When I was in college, I have two very good buddies. We were like three musketeers, inseparable. We do so much stuff together and it left really good memories for me.

Soon after school, I lost touch with one. Can’t really recall how it happens. My guess could be because of her extremely possessive boyfriend.

Since the day I discovered Face book, I always wanted to find her. All these years, we wonder how she has been faring.

Finally luck was on my side. A month or two ago, I found her in Face book. Thankfully, she posted her picture and she didn't change much at all. I quickly contacted her and I am glad that she remembers me.

After a few communications, I decided on a date to catch up. I think it is more warm and personal rather than over cyber world. After all, it sure been a long time we lost touch.

I was getting really excited. Let's hope this evening meet up will rekindle the good old times that I treasured so much.

As C is a good baker as well, I asked her to prepare dessert. Yes, I have introduced baking to my dear friend and she has since gone crazy with it. Now she owns more gadgets and books than me and she is definitely now a better baker than me.

Unfortunately, she didn't have the time as she is rushing out cake orders and since I had completed my commitment for Cupcake Fantasies today. I decided that I will bake a Snow flecked brownie for them. I missed out on this event last month as I was busy. Keeping it in my to-do list, I just couldn't help but try it out.

I didn’t really succeed. When I cut up the brownies, the middle was still gooey. I was extremely conscious of the time as brownies are really sensitive to it. A few minutes can make the whole lot differences.



I seriously doubt mine was cooked properly but the sides were okay though. As you can see, these are the sides of what I salvaged. Imagine the other half the portion was fit for the bin. Ouch, my chocolate.

I am a little disappointed in myself. This is the second batch of brownies that I failed. Perhaps it is time to relook at the temperature of my trusty oven or was it the non stick pan that I used this time round.

So I will be a waiting for my guests’ comment to see whether I should go for another try. Boy I am excited already on this gathering.

What you need:

188g best quality dark chocolate
188g unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
175g castor sugar
1/2 tsp salt
113g plain flour
125g white chocolate buttons
1 tsp icing sugar for dusting

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degree celcius and grease a 8" square pan.

Melt butter and chocoalte in a large bowl.

In another bowl, beat eggs with castor sugar and vanilla extract.

Allow the chocolate mixture to cool a little and then add in the egg and sugar batter and beat well.

Fold in the flour and salt.

Stir in the white chocolate. Beat to combine well.

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 mins.

Note: Top should be slightly paler and centre should be dark dense and gooey.

To serve, cut into square while still warm and sprinkle icing sugar using a sieve.

Long distance

I befriended TG in a forum many years ago. Even though I left that forum, we still continue to keep in touch. Each time when she is back home for a holiday. We always make an effort to catch up. I like T as she is warm and sincere. She is also a very caring lady. Despite the distance, I remembered her calling and asking me how I am after my operation. I am truly touched by her gestures. Wondering how she finds me? hehe. DW on the other hand is a blogger that I befriended. We weren’t close then but last year, I realised that I know DW's aunt (her dad’s brother’s wife) and another DW's aunt (her uncle's wife) is my classmate. What a small world. Having our girls in the same school kind of draw us closer too. Since this trip will be a very short one for TG, together with DW, we gathered at my house for a catch up session. Coincidentally, it is also her birthday and thus I decided to bake a cake to celebrate. I decided on strawberry shortcake as I found some really cheap strawberries from NZ. Hopefully it is sweet and my first attempt at this cake will yield an edible one. The cake rose beautifully in the oven but shrink after cooling. I had to trim off the unevenness to make it presentable. Texture wise, it looks soft. I also had problem frosting it. I over whipped the first batch and had to throw it away. Second batch yield a better texture but upon putting in the liqueur, it kind of deflate again. I wasn't game for another batch to be thrown out. I whipped the third batch, this time omitting the liqueur. I then mixed in with the "deflated" cream. After our lunch, we had this lovely Strawberry Shortcake. It was really yummy and I am glad that the cream is alright and the cake was delicious. In fact, I think DW’s daughter had 2 helpings. I love it too and am definitely going to make another for hubby who missed this out as he is away. Thanks WH for sharing with me this wonderful recipe (I won't be posting this recipe as I respect WH's request). I had a great afternoon with TG and DW. I can’t wait for August to come for another round of tea. Happy Birthday T. May all your dreams come true and thanks for being my friend.

A productive day

Yesterday I was feeling so shitty but I can't explain why. I hardly can keep my eye lids open. I have to struggle to sit through with my kids while they give an hour of study time. Perhaps I am a bad mom who doesn't give my kids a break? Yes, for the second part of their holiday, I didn't want them totally to be out of touch with school so they devote an hour each day to do some writing or reading on school text. Anyway, today I am feeling good. The weather is surprisingly cooler than yesterday. My kids also chipped in to help with the vacuuming, mopping and I was doing all the packing. The sunny weather also helps with the laundry. Boy don't I love the smell of good sunshine on my clothes. I was happy despite me still can't unable to find that bloody ant nests and they are clever not to take up the ant pellets. The smell and feel of a clean neat house is such a blissful feeling. (I must remember to find out which brand of ant pellets is good). My empty jars also had enough of waiting. They are all eager for me to fill them up for this festive season. Luckily I got back energy to bake some cookies as giveaways. My sister and I were just talking about how tough it is to buy someone a gift. Everyone seems to have everything they needed. For me, I think my kitchen is well equipped but one can never get enough of books right? :) Anyway, I think giving away food is the best choice. Which Singaporean doesn't like food. LOLz. So here I am, my first batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies, which I always believe is a hot favourite for chocolate lovers. I took this from a forum member, C. Chocolate Chip Cookie (Crunchy) What you need: 125g Butter 70g Castor sugar 70g Brown sugar 1/2 tsp Vanilla essence 1 Egg 260g Self-raising flour 130g Chocolate chips 60g chopped walnuts Method 1. Pre-heat oven to 180C. Sift the flour, set aside. (I didn't) Cream butter, essence and sugars using mixer until smooth. Add egg and beat until well combined. Stir in sifted flour and the remaining ingredients. Using a small teaspoon, scoop the batter and roll into balls. Place balls about 4cm apart on slightly greased oven trays or line with baking sheet. Bake in pre heated oven for 15 minutes or until browned. Cool in trays for short while and transfer to wire rack for cooling. ************************* Next is an item that I wanted for the longest time to try. Biscotti which believe me, I have never eaten one before and am really curious to know. You see, I am not a hard cookie lover, poor gum. I rather have chewy cookies but I read so much about biscotti lately that I know I just have to try it. Sometime, we have to be a little adventurous to explore new stuff don't we? This one is from Piggy's Journal, one of my favourite blogger. This recipe, Lenox Almond Biscotti, I believe is from Dorie Greenspan. Yes, I am still eyeing on her book but I seriously doubt I will be like Piggy, diligently trying every recipe from this book. I had a hard time coping with the dough as it is really sticky and soft. Having cup measurement isn't easy for me as cup size is different from countries to countries. So here is my closest conversion which seriously I hope I am right. This one has some bites to it because of the cornmeal. Overall, it isn't that hard that I had imagined. I love the buttery smell to it as well. Lenox Almond Biscotti adapted from Baking From my Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan What you need: 200g (1½ cups) of flour 1½ tsp of baking powder 1/ 4 tsp salt 80g (½ cup) of yellow cornmeal 115g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup) of sugar 2 large eggs 1½ tsp of pure almond extract 100g (¾ cup) of sliced almonds, blanched or unblanched Method Preheat the oven to 180 ˚C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and cornmeal together. Cream butter and sugar together at medium speed for 3 minutes until very smooth. Add the eggs and continue to beat, scraping down the bowl as needed, for another 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light, smooth and creamy. Beat in the almond extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients, mixing only until they are incorporated. You'll have a soft, stick-to-your-fingers dough that will ball up around the paddle or beaters. Scrape down the paddle and bowl, toss in the almonds and mix just to blend. Scrape half the dough onto one side of the baking sheet. Using your fingers and a rubber spatula or scraper, work the dough into a log about 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. The log will be more rectangular than domed, and bumpy, rough and uneven. Form a second log with the remaining dough on the other side of the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden but still soft and springy to the touch. Transfer the baking sheet to a rack and cool the logs on the baking sheet for 30 minutes. Using a wide metal spatula, transfer the logs to a cutting board and, with a long serrated knife, trim the ends and cut the logs into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Return the slices to the baking sheet, setting them again on the same sides as before and slide the sheet back into the oven. Bake the biscotti at 180 ˚C for another 25 minutes, or until they are golden and firm. Transfer them to racks and cool to room temperature. **************************** Next is another recipe that I chosen from Joy of Baking. I love this site as it has both cups and metric. I really hope one day, all recipes are like this. Definitely save some confusion and time. I attempted Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti as JM gave me a bag of pistachio when she visited me from the States. This is such pretty looking dough and it is easier to handle as well. I should have make it flatter but hey this is my first time, so I think I didn't fare that badly except that I got distracted by a phone call and it turned out slightly browned. Okay the rain had stopped and I am off to the mall to get my little gal a Christmas Present - a bicycle. Don't I love a productive day like this? What you need: 2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated white sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 cups (245 grams) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60 grams) shelled, unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries or cherries Method Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Beat the sugar and eggs on high speed until thick, pale, and fluffy (about 5 minutes). (When you slowly raise the beaters the batter will fall back into the bowl in slow ribbons.) Add in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the egg mixture and beat until combined. Fold in the chopped pistachios and cranberries. Transfer the dough to your parchment lined baking sheet and form into a log, about 12 inches (30 cm) long and 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) wide. You may have to dampen your hands to form the log as the dough is quite sticky. Bake for 25 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Transfer the log to a cutting board and cut into 3/4 inch (2 cm) slices, on the diagonal. Place the biscotti, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, turn slices over, and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 16 - 20 biscotti.

Twice in a row

Three months back when we decided to terminate the contract of the last helper. We went to the agency to pick a new one. Waited, a month passed, still no news. Just when we are about to go for our holiday, agency called to say that she is unable to get the passport. We reselect another one and left for our holiday with agency promising that the new helper will be able to come onboard by end Dec. A day ago, I received another bad news. She is not coming! For the past weeks, I have been coping without one. Though tired but I am happy. At least, the emotional part is erased. For physical, I guess I just have to become stronger to handle it all. The goodness about a home without a helper, the kids shared the responsibilities. Now my son helps with washing of the toilet and after dinner washing. He also shown great interest in cooking. (superb isn't it?) They done up their own bed (of course a helping hand to straighten it out). Little one is still lacking but I hope in another week or so, she will get the message that no one else is going to do it for her except herself. As for son, for the past two nights dinners. He has been greatly involved. Thus last night, initially I wanted Honey Baked Chicken but the oven is being used for my cupcakes and thus, with little supervision, he was fan frying the Honey Chicken instead. I am glad that my kiddo is growing up and able to lend a helping hand. What you need: 1kg chicken mid joint 5 tbsp honey 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp salt 2 tbsp soya sauce 1 tbsp wine

Superwoman No More

My energy level is extremely low today. I think it must be the medication that I took last night or is it my blood count.

I have been feeling dizzy and listless. Tired but can't nap. My shoulder is giving me problem again. Perhaps I hurt it while working. Though it is not in extreme pain but I can feel it. Somehow uncomfortable and sometime it hurts.

The kids are getting more and more rowdy. The weather hasn't been great too. Though it is not hot but it is wet.

Too much rain definitely makes me moody. Nothing motivated me.

I am so sick and tired of seeing a disorganised home. Oh dear, where is all my energy gone too.

The hardest part about being stay home mom is that even though you are not up to it, you still needed to feed your family. Looking at what I have in the fridge and definitely no energy to cook up a storm.

I decided on a simple dish of Seafood Mui Fun.

I remembered during my young days, my dad used to order this dish of Mui Fun sometime when we dined out. Believe it or not, this dish never appealed to me. Perhaps I don't really like having gravy in my rice.

EG chatted with me on msn and she reconfirmed what I had in mind on how to prepare this dish.

Extremely easy as I already had chicken stocks left over. Somehow I think Mui Fun is like an Asian Risotto except that it is much easier.

The kids love it and I am glad that try it.



What you need:

Overnight rice
Seafood of your choice
Minced Garlic
Corn starch
Oyster sauce
Soya sauce
Pepper

Method

Warm rice. Set aside

Mix corn starch, oyster sauce, soya sauce and pepper. Taste accordingly. Set aside.

Sautee garlic till fragrant. Add in seafood.

Pour corn starch mixture and bring to a boil. Sauce will thicken.

Pour cooked seafood over rice.

Serve hot.

Work work work

I am still trying so hard to clean up the house, it seems like a never ending job. Having the kids around the house don't help at all because they are bored, they are listless and they messed up. Actually to be honest, a home without a helper makes me understand and trained my kids. They have been so dependent on the helper than they don't understand the meaning of tidiness, organise and independent! I have to admit that I am getting "old" or my physical strength will never be the same as before. I can't even complete mopping the house by myself. I needed my little prince to complete the task. Good news is the he is training to take more responsibility but bad news is I am disappointed in myself. Gone is the superwoman that "can't do" never exist in her dictionary. I am admitting defeat. Already mid week of December and I haven't even baked my Christmas Fruit cake. I am getting desperately low morale now. So cheering myself with a cup of Raspberry Smoothie. And here is yet another simple dinner of Buckwheat Vermicelli with Chicken Soup.

After a good break, I turned superwoman

We took our year end holiday earlier this year as we needed to be back before 26th November. It was an extremely good trip. As usual, we headed off to some destination that most tour company won't provide and we enjoyed it tremendously. At one stop, we even got upgraded to a suite. Though the kids can't take spicy, I am glad that we have enough adults to share the spicy dishes. In fact, I think I put on at least 2kg! This is definitely bad for my spine. LOLz. Good stuff must come to an end and reality bites. Just before I depart for my holiday, I sent my helper home after bearing with her bad attitude and poor performance for 15 months. My patience was wearing thin and I think I had enough. Unpacking 4 luggage and washing two weeks of clothing are not fun but it allows me to see how much damages the helper had created. My cleaning areas were in a mess. My washing machines is now seems slightly malfunction, clothe pegs seem to be "eaten up". My kids' clothing was brown and black due to improper scrubbing. In fact, on the surface, it seems to be done but if you see the grimes growing on the nooks and corners, you were be in shock. I saw plenty of ants but I can't locate the trail. I guess it is time to get some pellet to terminate these pests. After spending a week of washing, packing and cleaning, the kids' room and the hall are finally presentable enough to welcome guests. In between, I managed to complete two cupcake orders too. I must be out of my mind when I accepted the request! As for the reason why we came home early is because of son's PSLE result. Though he didn't perform up to our expectation, I couldn't complain much as he erased my worst fear of him going into Normal stream. We knew he could have done better, in fact, his form teacher thought that he will achieved higher marks but well the reality is he didn't. We had a tough time deciding on his Secondary school education, after consulting his school counsellor; we felt at ease that he will be at a safe and healthy environment for the next 4 years. Just before the trip, I had PW over for a baking session. My chiffon failed but I was glad that my cookies turned out well. Too bad, I didn't have time to take pictures but it was a good afternoon with her. I didn't get a chance to pick up my baking mood besides orders from Cupcake Fantasies. I was eager to bake a brownie but shelf the plan too. Though I didn't bake anything for the family but I definitely needed to feed them. Here is our simple dish of Crabmeat Fried Rice for our dinner. During our trip, this dish is also the top of mind for my hubby when we were ordering our meals. Blunder: Accidently added a little dark soya sauce and hence the rice wasn't white. Enjoy.