... I seriously think my eye sight needs to be fixed really soon.
First I read a recipe wrongly and now I am seeing colours. I really don't know why my blog text has turned to blue!!! Am I the only one seeing this? Gosh ..... I was going through the content and I don't seems to be able to spot where I had put an additional code that turned my blog post toblue!
While shopping with my sister today, I had a black out. Geesshhhh... what is wrong with me? I don't feel ill at all but ......
Help!!!!!
Update: I went for my eye check and the result was great. I just need to change a new pair of reading glass. Yea.
After my holiday next week, I am going for a full body check up.
Thanks for all your concern.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
In search of
This morning, I rose with happy thoughts that we are going to spend a wonderful Sunday with some good friends yakking over our pizza lunch and discussing a possible year end holiday together.
It is the perfect day to chill out by the pool. Nice breeze and a cloudy sky!
After cleaning up, I wanted to have some fluffy scones for breakfast as we might be having a late lunch.
As you might have read numerous posts from my blog that I am searching for THE scones that I first fell in love with.
Thus today, I set upon Do What I like's recipe which has gotten really good reviews. As I was preparing it, I was hoping and hoping that it is close to my favourite.
The recipe is relatively easy and it does yield a very fluffy texture but I find that the buttery taste to it is absent. I seriously now believe that the one that I tasted and in love with might not be the authentic scones.
Nevertheless, this goes so well with clotted cream and jam. I will definitely bake this again.
What you need:
200g self-raising flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
50g cold butter cut into small pieces
150ml buttermilk or full cream milk with 2 tbsp lemon juice, stand for 30 mins)
Some milk for glacing
Method:
Sieve flour into a big mixing bowl, stir in the salt.
Rub in the butter till crumbs-liked (do not over do this part).
Stir in the sugar.
Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture, pour in the buttermilk, holding back a little just in case it is too much.
Stir to mix with a pair of chopsticks. Dough should be sticky.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured working surface. Pat dough into 2cm thick (use a ruler for accuracy.
Note: When working on this, if dough is too dry, add in the buttermilk which is on hold from (3).
Cut dough with 5.5cm floured cutter. Pressed cutter firmly onto dough and do not twist or turn the cutter.
Glaze the surface of each scone with some milk. I used my finger to glaze them and smoothen the cracked surfaces along the way.
Bake on a lined tray in a preheated oven at 220 - 225C for 13 - 15 minutes.
Serve warm with clotted cream and jam.
**************************
Since I am going to spent the whole day there, I also baked some Swedish Visiting Cake to bring along.
To save my muscle from developing further into a bigger sack. I actually used a mixer to beat into ribbon stage as the recipe called for and I did use my spatula to fold in the melted butter as I didn't want to over mixed it.
Like what Little Teochew mentioned, this cake is so easy to prepare, ridiculously aromatic and utterly delectable. Hubby was actually surprised that I managed to churn out these little cuties so fast.
I don't know whether it is the beating or the heat from my oven. My cuppies roses much more than what was mentioned. It didn't have a nice flat top at all. Nevertheless, this recipe is definitely a keeper.
Verdict: It is soft and yet has this crusty “shell”. I love the lemon zest that comes with it and my friend gives a thumb up to it.
What you need:
208g castor sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp pure almond extract
138g all-purpose flour
114g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
30g sliced almonds (blanched or not)
Method:
Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (about 175 degrees celsius). Greased the muffin tray.
Pour the sugar into a medium bowl. Add the zest and blend the zest and sugar together with your fingertips until the sugar is moist and aromatic. (I really love this step)
Whisk in the eggs one at a time until well blended.
Whisk in the salt and the extracts.
Switch to a rubber spatula and stir in the flour.
Finally, fold in the melted butter.
Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
Scatter the sliced almonds over the top and sprinkle with a little sugar.
Bake the cake for 15 - 20 mins or till golden brown and a little crisp on the outside; the inside will remain moist.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool for 5 minutes, then run a thin knife around the sides and bottom of the cake to loosen it.
You can serve the cake warm or cooled, directly from the skillet or turned out onto a serving plate.
It is the perfect day to chill out by the pool. Nice breeze and a cloudy sky!
After cleaning up, I wanted to have some fluffy scones for breakfast as we might be having a late lunch.
As you might have read numerous posts from my blog that I am searching for THE scones that I first fell in love with.
Thus today, I set upon Do What I like's recipe which has gotten really good reviews. As I was preparing it, I was hoping and hoping that it is close to my favourite.
The recipe is relatively easy and it does yield a very fluffy texture but I find that the buttery taste to it is absent. I seriously now believe that the one that I tasted and in love with might not be the authentic scones.
Nevertheless, this goes so well with clotted cream and jam. I will definitely bake this again.
What you need:
200g self-raising flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
50g cold butter cut into small pieces
150ml buttermilk or full cream milk with 2 tbsp lemon juice, stand for 30 mins)
Some milk for glacing
Method:
Sieve flour into a big mixing bowl, stir in the salt.
Rub in the butter till crumbs-liked (do not over do this part).
Stir in the sugar.
Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture, pour in the buttermilk, holding back a little just in case it is too much.
Stir to mix with a pair of chopsticks. Dough should be sticky.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured working surface. Pat dough into 2cm thick (use a ruler for accuracy.
Note: When working on this, if dough is too dry, add in the buttermilk which is on hold from (3).
Cut dough with 5.5cm floured cutter. Pressed cutter firmly onto dough and do not twist or turn the cutter.
Glaze the surface of each scone with some milk. I used my finger to glaze them and smoothen the cracked surfaces along the way.
Bake on a lined tray in a preheated oven at 220 - 225C for 13 - 15 minutes.
Serve warm with clotted cream and jam.
**************************
Since I am going to spent the whole day there, I also baked some Swedish Visiting Cake to bring along.
To save my muscle from developing further into a bigger sack. I actually used a mixer to beat into ribbon stage as the recipe called for and I did use my spatula to fold in the melted butter as I didn't want to over mixed it.
Like what Little Teochew mentioned, this cake is so easy to prepare, ridiculously aromatic and utterly delectable. Hubby was actually surprised that I managed to churn out these little cuties so fast.
I don't know whether it is the beating or the heat from my oven. My cuppies roses much more than what was mentioned. It didn't have a nice flat top at all. Nevertheless, this recipe is definitely a keeper.
Verdict: It is soft and yet has this crusty “shell”. I love the lemon zest that comes with it and my friend gives a thumb up to it.
What you need:
208g castor sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp pure almond extract
138g all-purpose flour
114g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
30g sliced almonds (blanched or not)
Method:
Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (about 175 degrees celsius). Greased the muffin tray.
Pour the sugar into a medium bowl. Add the zest and blend the zest and sugar together with your fingertips until the sugar is moist and aromatic. (I really love this step)
Whisk in the eggs one at a time until well blended.
Whisk in the salt and the extracts.
Switch to a rubber spatula and stir in the flour.
Finally, fold in the melted butter.
Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
Scatter the sliced almonds over the top and sprinkle with a little sugar.
Bake the cake for 15 - 20 mins or till golden brown and a little crisp on the outside; the inside will remain moist.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool for 5 minutes, then run a thin knife around the sides and bottom of the cake to loosen it.
You can serve the cake warm or cooled, directly from the skillet or turned out onto a serving plate.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Hitting the half year mark
Time really flies and we are hitting the half year mark of 2010. Thinking about it scares me. How on earth can time fly by so fast? Seems like yesterday, my son started his secondary school education.
Did we really fully utilised our time? Did we really maximise it? Well for me, I really hope I did.
After this June holiday, I might have to slow down even further on Cupcake Fantasies as I need to re examine the time needed to spend with my little one. No two children are the same and I can no longer ignore the fact that my little one needed me much more than my first born.
So I am going to devote a lot of time with her. Helping her to start all over again on the ground work since the teacher cannot provide that for her. Let's hope that I am good enough to assist her in her learning journey.
Then again, God makes women really good at multi tasking. So perhaps I will be even better than what I am doing with some careful planning. hahaha. I must spend some time to re-examine my current schedule and make some adjustment. Actually, last year, I had to willed myself away from Facebook game addiction and I am glad that I done it. Phew.
I had a very good night sleep and this morning, I got up early to prepare this wonderful Cheese Wallet . Since my kids are cheese lovers especially for my son. I think this will be a welcome breakfast treat for them.
The recipe is really easy just that you needed to spend some time whipping up the eggs and the sugar.
I add a dash of cinnamon as I love cinnamon.
Initially I thought the flour portion is little and had my doubt as to whether it will turn out well but my doubt was uncalled for. Just make sure you fold in the flour thoroughly as the volume of liquid is much more than flour.
Also I noticed that by the end of the last Cheese Wallet, the batter has deflated but it didn't do much damage as I just pour everything into the pan. Turned out okay too.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe Cosy Bake.
Serve 6
What you need:
3 large eggs
30g castor sugar
30g plain flour
1 tsp cinnamon
12 wedges Cream Cheese
Method:
Beat egg and sugar to reach Ribbon Stage takes about 10 mins.
Sieve in plain flour and cinnamon. Use a rubber spatula to fold in gently to the egg batter. (take note as liquid is more than flour).
Heat up a non stick pan and brush with butter.
Pour about 2 big ladle of batter to the centre of the pan and let the batter spread to a circle by itself. The batter supposed to stay thick and looks like a pillow.
Cover the pan and let the batter cook in lowest flame for 7 minutes.
After the 7 minutes, add in cheese wedges and cover the lid again for 1 min.
Flip half of the cake to make a semi circle and let it cook for 3 minutes without lid.
Serve with either fruits, cream or jam.
Did we really fully utilised our time? Did we really maximise it? Well for me, I really hope I did.
After this June holiday, I might have to slow down even further on Cupcake Fantasies as I need to re examine the time needed to spend with my little one. No two children are the same and I can no longer ignore the fact that my little one needed me much more than my first born.
So I am going to devote a lot of time with her. Helping her to start all over again on the ground work since the teacher cannot provide that for her. Let's hope that I am good enough to assist her in her learning journey.
Then again, God makes women really good at multi tasking. So perhaps I will be even better than what I am doing with some careful planning. hahaha. I must spend some time to re-examine my current schedule and make some adjustment. Actually, last year, I had to willed myself away from Facebook game addiction and I am glad that I done it. Phew.
I had a very good night sleep and this morning, I got up early to prepare this wonderful Cheese Wallet . Since my kids are cheese lovers especially for my son. I think this will be a welcome breakfast treat for them.
The recipe is really easy just that you needed to spend some time whipping up the eggs and the sugar.
I add a dash of cinnamon as I love cinnamon.
Initially I thought the flour portion is little and had my doubt as to whether it will turn out well but my doubt was uncalled for. Just make sure you fold in the flour thoroughly as the volume of liquid is much more than flour.
Also I noticed that by the end of the last Cheese Wallet, the batter has deflated but it didn't do much damage as I just pour everything into the pan. Turned out okay too.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe Cosy Bake.
Serve 6
What you need:
3 large eggs
30g castor sugar
30g plain flour
1 tsp cinnamon
12 wedges Cream Cheese
Method:
Beat egg and sugar to reach Ribbon Stage takes about 10 mins.
Sieve in plain flour and cinnamon. Use a rubber spatula to fold in gently to the egg batter. (take note as liquid is more than flour).
Heat up a non stick pan and brush with butter.
Pour about 2 big ladle of batter to the centre of the pan and let the batter spread to a circle by itself. The batter supposed to stay thick and looks like a pillow.
Cover the pan and let the batter cook in lowest flame for 7 minutes.
After the 7 minutes, add in cheese wedges and cover the lid again for 1 min.
Flip half of the cake to make a semi circle and let it cook for 3 minutes without lid.
Serve with either fruits, cream or jam.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Long time ago
My daughter ends school early yesterday. After picking her up, I swing over to the nearby wet market to get some gold fishes for my girl's fish tank.
I decided to buy some chicken as well since the stall was still opened. As I was crossing over to get the gold fish, I saw this big juicy cuttlefish by the Yong Tau Fu stall.
Seeing these cuttlefish brought back fond memories.
When I first got to know my hubby and have dinner at his house, I remembered his mom once awhile will serve this sambal cuttlefish.
She is nice in this sense that if she knows that I like a particular dish, she will always buy that for me when she knows that I will be having dinner at his house.
Since she shifted out from that house, I no longer see this dish served. Such a pity, I really don't know whether because the vendor already closed shop or because she actually gotten it from her work place nearby and since she has stopped work, it is not feasible just to travel that far to buy this.
Anyway I really miss it but I don't see this be sold in any nasi padang shop.
Since I have asked my helper to make sambal, I decided to ask her to incorporate cuttlefish into it. A slip of mind, I forgotten to teach her how to cut it, thus ended up she cutting in into strips!
I was hoping that I can recreate that taste. Though it is far cry but it was enough to bring back fond memories.
I decided to buy some chicken as well since the stall was still opened. As I was crossing over to get the gold fish, I saw this big juicy cuttlefish by the Yong Tau Fu stall.
Seeing these cuttlefish brought back fond memories.
When I first got to know my hubby and have dinner at his house, I remembered his mom once awhile will serve this sambal cuttlefish.
She is nice in this sense that if she knows that I like a particular dish, she will always buy that for me when she knows that I will be having dinner at his house.
Since she shifted out from that house, I no longer see this dish served. Such a pity, I really don't know whether because the vendor already closed shop or because she actually gotten it from her work place nearby and since she has stopped work, it is not feasible just to travel that far to buy this.
Anyway I really miss it but I don't see this be sold in any nasi padang shop.
Since I have asked my helper to make sambal, I decided to ask her to incorporate cuttlefish into it. A slip of mind, I forgotten to teach her how to cut it, thus ended up she cutting in into strips!
I was hoping that I can recreate that taste. Though it is far cry but it was enough to bring back fond memories.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
I am cooked
I am just wondering whether we had break our record being the hottest period. I pray for rain but rain ain't coming. I am beginning to see the green scenery turning to brown. Oh please God, have mercy on us. Just a little shower will do, at least to quench and moist the earth.
I want to bake I want to cook but I am being baked and cooked. Words can't describe how I feel at this moment. Once you stepped out of the room, you are hit by this intense heat wave.
As usual, whenever it is hot, my migraine will come. I really hated it. Guess I also can’t complaint too much because some where on earth, it is even hotter. So at 30+ degrees Celsius, we are indeed considered lucky.
I am looking forward to my short getaway but yet I am wondering if Singapore is so hot, I think my holiday destination is going to be worst. Anyway, it will be another two weeks more to go. Let's think about that later.
Okay, we definitely needed something cool. Nah, ice cream melts too fast. Jelly is too much trouble at this point of time. We wanted something that is fast and easy and takes the least effort. Bingo! Lychee Ice will be great! Since my daughter of late has been crazy over it.
To me, I won't even want to pay for that. It is merely just ice and canned lychee but being the little one, one just simply can't say no with those pitiful eyes starring at you. Call me unfair! but life has never been fair right?
So for one moment, forget about this darn hot humid weather and let this icy cool dessert quench our bodies. Yay!!!
I want to bake I want to cook but I am being baked and cooked. Words can't describe how I feel at this moment. Once you stepped out of the room, you are hit by this intense heat wave.
As usual, whenever it is hot, my migraine will come. I really hated it. Guess I also can’t complaint too much because some where on earth, it is even hotter. So at 30+ degrees Celsius, we are indeed considered lucky.
I am looking forward to my short getaway but yet I am wondering if Singapore is so hot, I think my holiday destination is going to be worst. Anyway, it will be another two weeks more to go. Let's think about that later.
Okay, we definitely needed something cool. Nah, ice cream melts too fast. Jelly is too much trouble at this point of time. We wanted something that is fast and easy and takes the least effort. Bingo! Lychee Ice will be great! Since my daughter of late has been crazy over it.
To me, I won't even want to pay for that. It is merely just ice and canned lychee but being the little one, one just simply can't say no with those pitiful eyes starring at you. Call me unfair! but life has never been fair right?
So for one moment, forget about this darn hot humid weather and let this icy cool dessert quench our bodies. Yay!!!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Generation gap
Last week, while we were waiting for my little one to finish her Speech and Drama, a little argument arose between son and I.
Here is our little dialogue.
Mom: Can you stop fiddling with your phone?
Son: Nope I didn't (trying to hide the phone)
Mom: Told you how many times not to do so many sms. If you need to, just call your friend.
Son: Nope (still denying)
After 5 mins,
Mom: Stop it, if not the bill will be huge.
Son: I told you to sign me up for the student plan and they are giving unlimited smses and an iphone free.
Mom: Don't be naive, student plan don't give you iphone for free.
Son: Yes they do. So and so gotten the deal.
Mom: Please, don't be naive.
Son: Yes they do give out free iphone.
Mom: Son, I checked and it is not true.
Son: You checked with all your OLD friends! You are behind time. You and I really have generation gap!
Mom: Startled! Pause. Think.
Hey, boy hold it. What generation gap?
Son: You don't even know what is psp, wii or x box? You know nothing.
Mom: More startled!
Ha, you must be kidding right? You have got a blogger mom and a die hard Facebook user.
Son: So? you don't even know what is chat box!
Mom: Excuse me, I do know chat box is. Doesn't mean I don't have one in my blog makes me know nothing. Do you know what skype is? do you have msn? do you have yahoo chat?
Son: pause for a long time.
Haiz... my son is definitely growing up and just this morning, my predicament come true from M1. My phone bill is tripled my normal usage.
He sure has a long way to pay me back.
Tomorrow is result day and I am seriously wondering how he fared as he seems to be so laid back while preparing for his exam.
As they grow, there is only so much we, parents can do. Can no longer take out the cane and give that scare tactic as when they were young. I have to let go and pray that they don’t fall too hard. This is even tougher than when they are kids.
The weather of late has been really bad. I think I jumped into the shower at least three times a day and I still feel horribly sticky.
I think this month's electricity bill will be rocket high.
Since it is so hot, I didn't really have any mood to bake so I decided to try something that I meant to do so for the longest time and that is Ginger Milk Pudding (姜汁撞奶).
I love this so much and I find that HK's has one of the best. Each time I am there, I won't miss it. Usually have this and egg custard in one go. Greedy right?
Thus I set upon doing it. Looked and sounded simple but ...... unfortunately mine didn't turn out well at all. In fact, this didn't set even though I chilled it in the fridge for 2 hours!
I was utterly disappointed. Not too sure whether it is the milk that I used or that I left the ginger juice seated for too long before dividing it into the bowls as I noticed that there is a film of starch left behind. The starch was supposedly to set it.
If you reader out there tried this before and has been successful, do leave me a note as to where I went wrong.
I won't give up, I will keep trying as this is one of my favourite dessert. Yum.
In the meantime, I will leave you with this recipe for those who are game to experiment.
Serve 2
What you need:
250ml Fresh milk (full cream) (I used Greenfield fresh milk)
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp ginger juice (i like it spicy) from old ginger only
Method:
Peel the skin from a knob of ginger. Grate the ginger and squeeze out the juice over a strainer and into 2 bowls.
Heat milk till bubbles appeared at sides. Add the sugar, stir till sugar melted.
Cool the milk by pouring the milk from one bowl to another, back and forth. About 10 times to lower the temperature of the milk (like teh talik)
Pour the milk gently over the ginger juice in the bowl.
Leave the mixture standing for about 5 minutes. The ginger will coagulate the milk to form a soft pudding.
Serve warm or cold.
Note: I read that only full cream milk works and ginger has to be the old ginger.
Here is our little dialogue.
Mom: Can you stop fiddling with your phone?
Son: Nope I didn't (trying to hide the phone)
Mom: Told you how many times not to do so many sms. If you need to, just call your friend.
Son: Nope (still denying)
After 5 mins,
Mom: Stop it, if not the bill will be huge.
Son: I told you to sign me up for the student plan and they are giving unlimited smses and an iphone free.
Mom: Don't be naive, student plan don't give you iphone for free.
Son: Yes they do. So and so gotten the deal.
Mom: Please, don't be naive.
Son: Yes they do give out free iphone.
Mom: Son, I checked and it is not true.
Son: You checked with all your OLD friends! You are behind time. You and I really have generation gap!
Mom: Startled! Pause. Think.
Hey, boy hold it. What generation gap?
Son: You don't even know what is psp, wii or x box? You know nothing.
Mom: More startled!
Ha, you must be kidding right? You have got a blogger mom and a die hard Facebook user.
Son: So? you don't even know what is chat box!
Mom: Excuse me, I do know chat box is. Doesn't mean I don't have one in my blog makes me know nothing. Do you know what skype is? do you have msn? do you have yahoo chat?
Son: pause for a long time.
Haiz... my son is definitely growing up and just this morning, my predicament come true from M1. My phone bill is tripled my normal usage.
He sure has a long way to pay me back.
Tomorrow is result day and I am seriously wondering how he fared as he seems to be so laid back while preparing for his exam.
As they grow, there is only so much we, parents can do. Can no longer take out the cane and give that scare tactic as when they were young. I have to let go and pray that they don’t fall too hard. This is even tougher than when they are kids.
The weather of late has been really bad. I think I jumped into the shower at least three times a day and I still feel horribly sticky.
I think this month's electricity bill will be rocket high.
Since it is so hot, I didn't really have any mood to bake so I decided to try something that I meant to do so for the longest time and that is Ginger Milk Pudding (姜汁撞奶).
I love this so much and I find that HK's has one of the best. Each time I am there, I won't miss it. Usually have this and egg custard in one go. Greedy right?
Thus I set upon doing it. Looked and sounded simple but ...... unfortunately mine didn't turn out well at all. In fact, this didn't set even though I chilled it in the fridge for 2 hours!
I was utterly disappointed. Not too sure whether it is the milk that I used or that I left the ginger juice seated for too long before dividing it into the bowls as I noticed that there is a film of starch left behind. The starch was supposedly to set it.
If you reader out there tried this before and has been successful, do leave me a note as to where I went wrong.
I won't give up, I will keep trying as this is one of my favourite dessert. Yum.
In the meantime, I will leave you with this recipe for those who are game to experiment.
Serve 2
What you need:
250ml Fresh milk (full cream) (I used Greenfield fresh milk)
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp ginger juice (i like it spicy) from old ginger only
Method:
Peel the skin from a knob of ginger. Grate the ginger and squeeze out the juice over a strainer and into 2 bowls.
Heat milk till bubbles appeared at sides. Add the sugar, stir till sugar melted.
Cool the milk by pouring the milk from one bowl to another, back and forth. About 10 times to lower the temperature of the milk (like teh talik)
Pour the milk gently over the ginger juice in the bowl.
Leave the mixture standing for about 5 minutes. The ginger will coagulate the milk to form a soft pudding.
Serve warm or cold.
Note: I read that only full cream milk works and ginger has to be the old ginger.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Catching up with time
Yesterday I had a parent -teacher session in my little princess's school. Besides knowing her results, I didn't leave the school in great comfort. I was bothered by the results as well by the attitude the teacher gave.
When I found out that the teacher has 18 years of teaching experience in her sleeve, I was definitely not impressed by the way she handled my concerns.
Just so, the principal walked past just as I was leaving the classroom. I took the opportunity to have a few words with her.
Though I learnt a few parenting tips from her but I was still not very at ease on how my daughter's development for the following half year. I guess to be fair, I will give her advice a go for the next 3 months.
Anyway, this June, we will have a lot of catching up to do with little one.
The weather has been really taunting, it is practically like getting a steam in the sauna. I decided not to do any baking but I was craving for something spicy.
This recipe was used when I had a recent gathering at my place and was well loved. Instead of using beef, I replaced it with chicken and it tasted just as good.
Pardon the poor quality of the presentation as I only realised that I was supposed to post this recipe in my blog for R and CT but we already started eating.
Sorry gals that I took so long with the Chicken Rendang recipe. Hope you enjoy it.
Update:
I received a call two days later, the teacher sounded keen to work with me now. She also hinted that the principal had a talk with her. To be honest, I don’t really care as long as we can work together to help my little one. I am already happy about it.
What you need:
1kg beef shin or chicken
200g dried chilli
180g onion
100g garlic
2cm tumeric
100g ginger
100g blue ginger
2 stalks lemon grass
1.5 coconut (squeeze juice with 1.5 cup of water)
4 kaffir lime leaf
4 daun salam
salt to taste
Method
Grind or pound spices to paste.
Heat oil and fry till fragrant. Add in meat and stir till well coated.
Add in 1 cup of light coconut milk.
Add in lemon grass, kaffir lime leaf and daun salam. Bring to boil and lower heat to a slow simmer for 1/2 hour.
Add in the remaining coconut milk.
Serve with rice.
When I found out that the teacher has 18 years of teaching experience in her sleeve, I was definitely not impressed by the way she handled my concerns.
Just so, the principal walked past just as I was leaving the classroom. I took the opportunity to have a few words with her.
Though I learnt a few parenting tips from her but I was still not very at ease on how my daughter's development for the following half year. I guess to be fair, I will give her advice a go for the next 3 months.
Anyway, this June, we will have a lot of catching up to do with little one.
The weather has been really taunting, it is practically like getting a steam in the sauna. I decided not to do any baking but I was craving for something spicy.
This recipe was used when I had a recent gathering at my place and was well loved. Instead of using beef, I replaced it with chicken and it tasted just as good.
Pardon the poor quality of the presentation as I only realised that I was supposed to post this recipe in my blog for R and CT but we already started eating.
Sorry gals that I took so long with the Chicken Rendang recipe. Hope you enjoy it.
Update:
I received a call two days later, the teacher sounded keen to work with me now. She also hinted that the principal had a talk with her. To be honest, I don’t really care as long as we can work together to help my little one. I am already happy about it.
What you need:
1kg beef shin or chicken
200g dried chilli
180g onion
100g garlic
2cm tumeric
100g ginger
100g blue ginger
2 stalks lemon grass
1.5 coconut (squeeze juice with 1.5 cup of water)
4 kaffir lime leaf
4 daun salam
salt to taste
Method
Grind or pound spices to paste.
Heat oil and fry till fragrant. Add in meat and stir till well coated.
Add in 1 cup of light coconut milk.
Add in lemon grass, kaffir lime leaf and daun salam. Bring to boil and lower heat to a slow simmer for 1/2 hour.
Add in the remaining coconut milk.
Serve with rice.
Monday, May 17, 2010
A beautiful Monday
We had a lovely weekend. Went to a nice restaurant and watch a performance in Esplanade.
Due to the afternoon heat, I developed a migraine. For the past two nights, I didn't really sleep well because of the rain. I was woken up by the rain and went round the house to make sure all windows are closed as my helper is like dead log when she sleeps.
After sending my boy to school, I actually went back to sleep this morning. Hoping my tense muscle will relax. Thankfully, it did and I felt much better.
After the heavy downpour last night, the weather is great this morning. I really hope it will sustain. It started off very well as I had a long conversation with DC. It added even warm feel to a beautiful Monday. After all, our topic of conversation was December holiday. Now I must ask my dear hubby whether it will be the appropriate time for him to take his annual leave.
It will be so nice if two or three families can go holidaying. I am sure my daughter will be so delighted. After all, our kids kind of grew up together.
After that phone call, I logged onto my blog and receive yet another nice surprise from Lavender Blue. She has given me an award! And this is what she said about me :
"seeing your lovely decorated cakes and all of your other amazing baked goods always makes me want to run to my kitchen and start baking something"
I am delighted that my blog actually inspires other bloggers. Just like what other bloggers inspired me on. The world will be such a nice place to live if everyone is nice towards each other.
As part of the Happiness Award, I have been asked to list 10 things that make me happy.
I am happy that:
1) I am blessed that God listens to my prayer 14 years ago and sent me with two lovely angels.
2) I have a hubby that doesn't need me to worry about putting food on the table and a roof over my head.
3) I am still happily married.
4) my parents are still mobile and enjoy their life.
5) I wake up with my heart pumping happily and am in good health despite a little troublesome rash and an ad hoc migraine.
6) I am able to experience ups and downs in life so that I can appreciate each experience when I looked back in life.
7) I am able enough to travel and see the world and experience different culture and immense myself in their history and mingle with the people.
8) I can bake as much as I like and able to spread my tried and tested recipes in this wonderful blogging world.
9) I found a group of friends that taught me what how to enjoy life and makes me special in my own way. That won’t take me for granted. Yea, and we are going on our first virgin trip together this June.
10) I am fortunate to have my family and friends around me, to support me and to encourage me. Thank you all.
Sometime I really wish that Singaporeans are a little warmer in personality. Greeting strangers with a good morning definitely brightens one’s day.
Thanks Heather! You are a sweet person and you definitely chase away the Monday Blues.
As I haven't really been blog reading these past few months due to my poor eyesight (Yes I really need to get another pair of glasses). I am really at lost who I should pass this on.
So to all my wonderful readers, please treat this as a special invitation. I am sharing this wonderful award with all of you.
Enjoy the week ahead.
Due to the afternoon heat, I developed a migraine. For the past two nights, I didn't really sleep well because of the rain. I was woken up by the rain and went round the house to make sure all windows are closed as my helper is like dead log when she sleeps.
After sending my boy to school, I actually went back to sleep this morning. Hoping my tense muscle will relax. Thankfully, it did and I felt much better.
After the heavy downpour last night, the weather is great this morning. I really hope it will sustain. It started off very well as I had a long conversation with DC. It added even warm feel to a beautiful Monday. After all, our topic of conversation was December holiday. Now I must ask my dear hubby whether it will be the appropriate time for him to take his annual leave.
It will be so nice if two or three families can go holidaying. I am sure my daughter will be so delighted. After all, our kids kind of grew up together.
After that phone call, I logged onto my blog and receive yet another nice surprise from Lavender Blue. She has given me an award! And this is what she said about me :
"seeing your lovely decorated cakes and all of your other amazing baked goods always makes me want to run to my kitchen and start baking something"
I am delighted that my blog actually inspires other bloggers. Just like what other bloggers inspired me on. The world will be such a nice place to live if everyone is nice towards each other.
As part of the Happiness Award, I have been asked to list 10 things that make me happy.
I am happy that:
1) I am blessed that God listens to my prayer 14 years ago and sent me with two lovely angels.
2) I have a hubby that doesn't need me to worry about putting food on the table and a roof over my head.
3) I am still happily married.
4) my parents are still mobile and enjoy their life.
5) I wake up with my heart pumping happily and am in good health despite a little troublesome rash and an ad hoc migraine.
6) I am able to experience ups and downs in life so that I can appreciate each experience when I looked back in life.
7) I am able enough to travel and see the world and experience different culture and immense myself in their history and mingle with the people.
8) I can bake as much as I like and able to spread my tried and tested recipes in this wonderful blogging world.
9) I found a group of friends that taught me what how to enjoy life and makes me special in my own way. That won’t take me for granted. Yea, and we are going on our first virgin trip together this June.
10) I am fortunate to have my family and friends around me, to support me and to encourage me. Thank you all.
Sometime I really wish that Singaporeans are a little warmer in personality. Greeting strangers with a good morning definitely brightens one’s day.
Thanks Heather! You are a sweet person and you definitely chase away the Monday Blues.
As I haven't really been blog reading these past few months due to my poor eyesight (Yes I really need to get another pair of glasses). I am really at lost who I should pass this on.
So to all my wonderful readers, please treat this as a special invitation. I am sharing this wonderful award with all of you.
Enjoy the week ahead.
Friday, May 14, 2010
3 times jinx?
Despite the little “accidents” of my last two days' bake, my Barcelona Brownies was good but the imprint was not there. My Light Butter Cake was good too but it wasn't fully baked in the centre. So I decided to break that 3 times curse (hahaha), I went on to bake Tina’s Kitchen Chocolate and Macadamia Nut cookies.
I promised my boy that I will bake a batch for him after the exam.
So here I am....
It was a big mistake to dump two trays in my 56 litre oven. The top tray turned out beautifully but for the bottom tray, it kind of spread too much and ended up sticking to one another.
Then I overlook the timing for the lower tray and it browned a little too much.
Nevertheless, it is still good and as usual, I am sure my son will munch all these up in no time.
So now, I believe I broke that 3 times curse. LOLz. Hopefully my next few bakes will be perr...fect!
Thanks T, it is really good.
What you need:
110 g unsalted butter
115g castor sugar
43g brown sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
170 g plain flour
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
½ teaspoon salt
175 g unsalted macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
225 g white/plain chocolate, chopped
Method:
Preheat oven to 190°C. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment.
Cream the butter and sugars together until well combined and slightly fluffy.
Stir in the egg and vanilla extract.
Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt. Add into creamed mixture and stir in until a soft dough is formed. Add the chopped nuts and chocolate chips and mix till they're evenly distributed.
Drop 1 tablespoonful of dough onto the lined baking sheet. The cookies will
spread, so leave 2" gaps between each ball. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly
golden brown.
Cool one minute on the sheet; transfer to a wire rack to finish
cooling.
I promised my boy that I will bake a batch for him after the exam.
So here I am....
It was a big mistake to dump two trays in my 56 litre oven. The top tray turned out beautifully but for the bottom tray, it kind of spread too much and ended up sticking to one another.
Then I overlook the timing for the lower tray and it browned a little too much.
Nevertheless, it is still good and as usual, I am sure my son will munch all these up in no time.
So now, I believe I broke that 3 times curse. LOLz. Hopefully my next few bakes will be perr...fect!
Thanks T, it is really good.
What you need:
110 g unsalted butter
115g castor sugar
43g brown sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
170 g plain flour
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
½ teaspoon salt
175 g unsalted macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
225 g white/plain chocolate, chopped
Method:
Preheat oven to 190°C. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment.
Cream the butter and sugars together until well combined and slightly fluffy.
Stir in the egg and vanilla extract.
Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt. Add into creamed mixture and stir in until a soft dough is formed. Add the chopped nuts and chocolate chips and mix till they're evenly distributed.
Drop 1 tablespoonful of dough onto the lined baking sheet. The cookies will
spread, so leave 2" gaps between each ball. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly
golden brown.
Cool one minute on the sheet; transfer to a wire rack to finish
cooling.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Didn't get a chance
We didn't get a chance to have a good bite of my dad's birthday cake which was a Macadamia Butter Cake. By the time we had the cake cutting session, we were way too full with our Japanese dinner. What kind of birthday celebration if without candle blowing and cake cutting right?
We didn’t have the standard servings. Each of us just had a small slice but it was enough to get a good feedback from my family. I was happy to near that it was good. Everyone in my family loved it.
My kids were asking for the cake the very next day and when I told them that gong gong (公公) (grandfather) took it home, I can sense a tad of disappointment.
I wasn't in mood to repeat the same recipe and thus I search for another and chanced upon Table for 2's recipe.
Actually I was captivated by the word "light" and "honey" as we have been having too much sugar intake this week.
My attempt didn't turn out well. The batter was really thick and I had a hard time incorporating the 1/3 egg white into the batter. Was worried that I will deflate it but yet, it was tough to mix in.
After I put into the oven, the cake initially rose beautifully. Done a cake test after the required time of baking and it came out clean.
As I was about to turn it over, I sense something was wrong. I can't put a finger to the problem. Once the cake cooled, as I was cutting it, I saw batter oozing out. Oh gosh, I put it back into the cake tin and quickly dump it back into the oven to further bake for another 20 mins.
By then, I was hoping that my cake will not be dry. Butter these days is expensive and since I am using Golden Churn, my heart aches if I had to throw this cake away.
Luckily I managed to salvage the cake. I just threw a small portion of the cake that was still damn as I didn't want to continue baking it till 100% baked.
It is light as it claimed and the hint of honey was there. In actual fact, I love the smell of the honey.
Overall, despite the small incident, I still think this Light Honey Butter Cakeis a keeper.
What you need:
225gm butter
120gm sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp honey
5 egg yolks
200gm flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp salt
5 egg whites
45gm sugar
Method
Preheat oven at 160C/180C. Greased and lined a 8" round baking tin.
Cream butter, 140gm sugar, vanilla and honey on medium speed for 5 minutes.
Put in egg yolks one by one, beating well after each addition.
Sift flour and baking powder and mix into the batter.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks, add in 45gm sugar gradually and beat until stiff.
Fold egg whites into batter.
Bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
We didn’t have the standard servings. Each of us just had a small slice but it was enough to get a good feedback from my family. I was happy to near that it was good. Everyone in my family loved it.
My kids were asking for the cake the very next day and when I told them that gong gong (公公) (grandfather) took it home, I can sense a tad of disappointment.
I wasn't in mood to repeat the same recipe and thus I search for another and chanced upon Table for 2's recipe.
Actually I was captivated by the word "light" and "honey" as we have been having too much sugar intake this week.
My attempt didn't turn out well. The batter was really thick and I had a hard time incorporating the 1/3 egg white into the batter. Was worried that I will deflate it but yet, it was tough to mix in.
After I put into the oven, the cake initially rose beautifully. Done a cake test after the required time of baking and it came out clean.
As I was about to turn it over, I sense something was wrong. I can't put a finger to the problem. Once the cake cooled, as I was cutting it, I saw batter oozing out. Oh gosh, I put it back into the cake tin and quickly dump it back into the oven to further bake for another 20 mins.
By then, I was hoping that my cake will not be dry. Butter these days is expensive and since I am using Golden Churn, my heart aches if I had to throw this cake away.
Luckily I managed to salvage the cake. I just threw a small portion of the cake that was still damn as I didn't want to continue baking it till 100% baked.
It is light as it claimed and the hint of honey was there. In actual fact, I love the smell of the honey.
Overall, despite the small incident, I still think this Light Honey Butter Cakeis a keeper.
What you need:
225gm butter
120gm sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp honey
5 egg yolks
200gm flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp salt
5 egg whites
45gm sugar
Method
Preheat oven at 160C/180C. Greased and lined a 8" round baking tin.
Cream butter, 140gm sugar, vanilla and honey on medium speed for 5 minutes.
Put in egg yolks one by one, beating well after each addition.
Sift flour and baking powder and mix into the batter.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks, add in 45gm sugar gradually and beat until stiff.
Fold egg whites into batter.
Bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
End of Exam Fever
Yea I am really relieved that exam fever is over. Although my dear son still has one last paper to complete. I think by now, he should be confident enough to sit for his last paper.
I really pray hard that my little one will take her exam seriously and not just giving throw dice answer as she had done for all her revision papers given out by her teacher. I nearly fainted when I saw those scores.
By the time hubby hit the road, exam is done and out. I don't have to nag and nag at son to complete his revision and I don't have to sit and monitor my little one to finish her assessment practise. Yea!
My kids don't understand how much I hate nagging. It makes me feel old and after a session, I actually feel tired.
I wonder how many mommies out there who don't nag? I really would love to meet up with you and learn a trick or two.
Not only I need to nag at my kids, I also have to do so at my helper. Gosh!!!! No wonder I look like an old auntie. Why can't they remember instructions given to them? Why can't they follow rules? Haiz....
Today’s weather wasn’t good too. On my way home after dropping son in the early morning, along the ECP, I can hardly see the Singapore Flyer. It was so hazy. Then it started to rain but it was miserable few drops. I wish it was a wholehearted rain. With the humidity, I was feeling lazy and hot.
I am not going to lose steam over the humans and the weather. I am going to channel my energy into something more productive! I am going to bake a cake! In fact, I am going to bake brownies as my family loves them. It will be just nice for hubby to sample before he leaves for a short trip tomorrow.
This is the first recipe that I tried from Rose’s Heavenly Cake. Actually I bought this book quite some time back but haven’t really had a chance to really go through it. In fact, this is not the only book I buy and didn’t pluck one recipe to attempt. I had her Cake Bible which I read through but yet to attempt on those recipes. Don’t ask me why I bought it. I guess this bug is in all keen bakers’ systems.
Anyway, I also wanted to use my latest bake ware that was sponsored by Silikomart Itay via Baker’s Choice. It has a really cute design. Unfortunately, because of the nuts or the recipe, the pretty design didn’t come out well. Next attempt, I will try it with a pound cake recipe instead.
With the silicone mould, I didn't even have to grease the mould. The cute brownie bites are so easy to remove. I no longer worried that it will have a chemical reaction to the high heat anymore since now I can tell the difference between the fake and the real stuff.
The recipe is awesome, my kids love it so much and even hubby commented that it is good. It is also easy to put together and in my context, fool proof.
It has this cakey yet fudgy texture. The chocolate flavour is intense even though it was just a small portion of chocolate being used.
It tasted even better then next day. Too bad I didn’t have any vanilla ice cream at home. If not, it will be best combination!
Now would you like to share some Barcelona Brownies?
What you need:
75g pecans, chopped
130g unsalted butter
56g dark chocholate, chopped
33g cocoa powder
156g castor sugar (reduce by 20g)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
56g cream cheese
50g plain flour
Method
Preheat oven to 160 deg. Prepare muffin pan.
Melt the butter and chocolate over double boiler. Cool completely.
Beat the melted chocolate mixture with the cocoa and sugar on med speed. Beat in the eggs and vanilla for about 30 sec.
Beat in the cream cheese.
Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed until flour is incoporated.
Add pecans and mix for 3 secs.
Pour into pan and bake for 12 - 15 mins.
I really pray hard that my little one will take her exam seriously and not just giving throw dice answer as she had done for all her revision papers given out by her teacher. I nearly fainted when I saw those scores.
By the time hubby hit the road, exam is done and out. I don't have to nag and nag at son to complete his revision and I don't have to sit and monitor my little one to finish her assessment practise. Yea!
My kids don't understand how much I hate nagging. It makes me feel old and after a session, I actually feel tired.
I wonder how many mommies out there who don't nag? I really would love to meet up with you and learn a trick or two.
Not only I need to nag at my kids, I also have to do so at my helper. Gosh!!!! No wonder I look like an old auntie. Why can't they remember instructions given to them? Why can't they follow rules? Haiz....
Today’s weather wasn’t good too. On my way home after dropping son in the early morning, along the ECP, I can hardly see the Singapore Flyer. It was so hazy. Then it started to rain but it was miserable few drops. I wish it was a wholehearted rain. With the humidity, I was feeling lazy and hot.
I am not going to lose steam over the humans and the weather. I am going to channel my energy into something more productive! I am going to bake a cake! In fact, I am going to bake brownies as my family loves them. It will be just nice for hubby to sample before he leaves for a short trip tomorrow.
This is the first recipe that I tried from Rose’s Heavenly Cake. Actually I bought this book quite some time back but haven’t really had a chance to really go through it. In fact, this is not the only book I buy and didn’t pluck one recipe to attempt. I had her Cake Bible which I read through but yet to attempt on those recipes. Don’t ask me why I bought it. I guess this bug is in all keen bakers’ systems.
Anyway, I also wanted to use my latest bake ware that was sponsored by Silikomart Itay via Baker’s Choice. It has a really cute design. Unfortunately, because of the nuts or the recipe, the pretty design didn’t come out well. Next attempt, I will try it with a pound cake recipe instead.
With the silicone mould, I didn't even have to grease the mould. The cute brownie bites are so easy to remove. I no longer worried that it will have a chemical reaction to the high heat anymore since now I can tell the difference between the fake and the real stuff.
The recipe is awesome, my kids love it so much and even hubby commented that it is good. It is also easy to put together and in my context, fool proof.
It has this cakey yet fudgy texture. The chocolate flavour is intense even though it was just a small portion of chocolate being used.
It tasted even better then next day. Too bad I didn’t have any vanilla ice cream at home. If not, it will be best combination!
Now would you like to share some Barcelona Brownies?
What you need:
75g pecans, chopped
130g unsalted butter
56g dark chocholate, chopped
33g cocoa powder
156g castor sugar (reduce by 20g)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
56g cream cheese
50g plain flour
Method
Preheat oven to 160 deg. Prepare muffin pan.
Melt the butter and chocolate over double boiler. Cool completely.
Beat the melted chocolate mixture with the cocoa and sugar on med speed. Beat in the eggs and vanilla for about 30 sec.
Beat in the cream cheese.
Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed until flour is incoporated.
Add pecans and mix for 3 secs.
Pour into pan and bake for 12 - 15 mins.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
When I was young, I remembered my mom to be a very hard woman especially to me, being the eldest. As the first child, I was taught to set good example for my siblings. I resented the way she brought me up as I was punished so often for wrong doings from my siblings.
As she is a homemaker, she takes no nonsense of misconduct. We were taught to have manners, to be cordial, to be independent and to be hard working. We were taught to have values and moral. Mom believes spare the rod spoils the kid attitude.
My mom was strict about boy girl relationship too. I started dating only when I was 21. Curfew was at 10pm!
40 plus years passed on. Looking back .... I no longer cry when I think about my childhood. I no longer resented the way she brought me up. The strict upbringing that she gave me actually makes me a better person today. I think I turned out not too bad and I am thankful to her.
Instead, I think about the hardship she went through. Being a mother now, I know how much strength to bring up 4 kids and how difficult it was. Mind you, we were good kids in today’s context.
The good 5 - 7 years of her marriage, she used only charcoal as fuel to cook. To look after a household of 7 without washing machine or gas stove. A husband works in the day and teaches in the night. Now, I know how tough it is to manage the household and kids without a hubby to help out in the evening so that she can take a breather.
Her yearning to learn more as she didn't have a chance to go to school. The drive to acquire knowledge. (yes, I am the only child who took on her habit of reading). Thank God that I took on her thirst for knowledge.
When I got married and started my own family. She is always there to support me. When my kids were ill and I don't know how to nurse them, I can always turn to her for help. She has this amazing touch to bring down persistent fevers of my kids.
When I was ill and hubby was out of town. She is always there to bring me herbal medication and even to the A&E!
She not only loves her children but their spouses as well. My sister in law can attest that she got the best Mother in law! She treated my hubby like a son as well. Lucky hubby isn't he?
At 69, she is frail and weak. Her respiratory system is so weak that she is plague by cough so often. Her bony frame pains me whenever I see other lady of similar age.
She is always telling us to look after ourselves well. Not too push ourselves too hard, if not, we will end up like her.
Mom, I wanted to tell you that I love you dearly. Not just on Mother's day but everyday of my life.
Thanks for being my mommy.
As she is a homemaker, she takes no nonsense of misconduct. We were taught to have manners, to be cordial, to be independent and to be hard working. We were taught to have values and moral. Mom believes spare the rod spoils the kid attitude.
My mom was strict about boy girl relationship too. I started dating only when I was 21. Curfew was at 10pm!
40 plus years passed on. Looking back .... I no longer cry when I think about my childhood. I no longer resented the way she brought me up. The strict upbringing that she gave me actually makes me a better person today. I think I turned out not too bad and I am thankful to her.
Instead, I think about the hardship she went through. Being a mother now, I know how much strength to bring up 4 kids and how difficult it was. Mind you, we were good kids in today’s context.
The good 5 - 7 years of her marriage, she used only charcoal as fuel to cook. To look after a household of 7 without washing machine or gas stove. A husband works in the day and teaches in the night. Now, I know how tough it is to manage the household and kids without a hubby to help out in the evening so that she can take a breather.
Her yearning to learn more as she didn't have a chance to go to school. The drive to acquire knowledge. (yes, I am the only child who took on her habit of reading). Thank God that I took on her thirst for knowledge.
When I got married and started my own family. She is always there to support me. When my kids were ill and I don't know how to nurse them, I can always turn to her for help. She has this amazing touch to bring down persistent fevers of my kids.
When I was ill and hubby was out of town. She is always there to bring me herbal medication and even to the A&E!
She not only loves her children but their spouses as well. My sister in law can attest that she got the best Mother in law! She treated my hubby like a son as well. Lucky hubby isn't he?
At 69, she is frail and weak. Her respiratory system is so weak that she is plague by cough so often. Her bony frame pains me whenever I see other lady of similar age.
She is always telling us to look after ourselves well. Not too push ourselves too hard, if not, we will end up like her.
Mom, I wanted to tell you that I love you dearly. Not just on Mother's day but everyday of my life.
Thanks for being my mommy.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Dad's birthday
When I was growing up, dad was hardly home. He was busy bringing the dough home to a stay home wife and three young kids. He got married early. In fact, in this era, he got married real early. He was only in his early twenties.
He lost his dad when he was just into his teens. As he was the eldest, he was tasked be the acting dad as well as to support his mom to bring home the dough.
Thus, he didn't get a chance to go university despite him being a very bright child.
He didn't complain about his life. In fact, he worked really hard. Towards his later years in life when the kids all grown up. He went on to take a long distance degree course.
He started his degree course when he was 50. By 53, he completed his studies with a doctorate! Amazing isn’t it?
He actually didn't need this qualification anymore as his career was already very well established. I guess it is the Maslow's hierarchy model; he was only filling his self actualisation needs.
According to mom, dad wasn’t a hands-on dad. Thus we weren't close in terms of emotion or physical. What I admired him was he is brilliant in everything. From sewing to even dismantling a car and re assembled it back and he is not even a car mechanic! When we moved into Marine Parade, I recalled him building his own kitchen cabinet and even bed! He is a jack of all trade and master of ALL.
Dad is well versed in Chinese as well as English and he got a set of fantastic hand writing. He is in charge of every one’s wedding invitation cards.
We always joke that nothing is impossible for him. He is our handy man in the family. Whenever my kid's toy broke down, it is always "I am sure Gong Gong can fix it".
Anyway, my dad turned 69th today. As he is a die hard Nikon man, I done this for him. Hopefully it will bring a smile.
Happy Birthday Dad.
He lost his dad when he was just into his teens. As he was the eldest, he was tasked be the acting dad as well as to support his mom to bring home the dough.
Thus, he didn't get a chance to go university despite him being a very bright child.
He didn't complain about his life. In fact, he worked really hard. Towards his later years in life when the kids all grown up. He went on to take a long distance degree course.
He started his degree course when he was 50. By 53, he completed his studies with a doctorate! Amazing isn’t it?
He actually didn't need this qualification anymore as his career was already very well established. I guess it is the Maslow's hierarchy model; he was only filling his self actualisation needs.
According to mom, dad wasn’t a hands-on dad. Thus we weren't close in terms of emotion or physical. What I admired him was he is brilliant in everything. From sewing to even dismantling a car and re assembled it back and he is not even a car mechanic! When we moved into Marine Parade, I recalled him building his own kitchen cabinet and even bed! He is a jack of all trade and master of ALL.
Dad is well versed in Chinese as well as English and he got a set of fantastic hand writing. He is in charge of every one’s wedding invitation cards.
We always joke that nothing is impossible for him. He is our handy man in the family. Whenever my kid's toy broke down, it is always "I am sure Gong Gong can fix it".
Anyway, my dad turned 69th today. As he is a die hard Nikon man, I done this for him. Hopefully it will bring a smile.
Happy Birthday Dad.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Revisting
Since I started blogging in Jan 2005, I did receive some awards from fellow bloggers. Up to the day that I accidentally deleted 300 over posts, I haven't been getting any there after. I was sad not because I was getting an award but rather that I wasn't able to retrieve many of the award posts that I lost. A recollection of what were in my thoughts then.
Somehow, blog awards died along the way for me till Bakericious came by. I was like "wow". At long last, my blog is not forgotten. hahaha..
Looking back, many of the bloggers that I known back then, either stopped blogging or just vanished into thin air.
So when Bakericious dropped me a comment to say that she has an award for me, I was happy.
Thanks for thinking about me, Bakericious.
The rule of this award is as follows:
(1) thank the person who passed you the award.
(2) paste the award to your blog.
(3) pass it to another 12 bloggers or more if you prefer.
(4) write 10 things about yourself.
So here is the list of my 12 favourite bloggers.
1. Piggy's Cooking Journal
2. Do What I like
3. Sugar & Everything Nice
4. Dodol & Mochi
5. Quinn's Baking Diary
6. All That Matters
7. East meets West
8. CakeJournal
9. Tina's Kitchen
10. Almost Bourdain
11. køkken69
12. The Little Teochew
Okay gals, have fun with this award.
Now a little about myself
1. Bred and born in sunny Singapore. My better half is also a Singaporean.
2. I am petite and I have a nick name Chilli Padi. So go figure out my temper (luckily I have mellowed down due to age).
3. I picked up baking out of boredom when I started to become a stay home mom. A good way to destress too.
4. In 2006, I pick up sugar crafting as well as cupcake deco. A hobby that turned into a passion and a little venture along the way. Now I am into fondant cakes.
5. Besides food, we love to travel as well. We spent the first 6 years of our marriage travelling. When we have our first and second kids, it didn't slow us down. Only when our first child started mainstream school, our travelling bugs started to slow down. With school in the way, I can't wait for my two little ones to be independent and old enough to care for themselves.
6. During my younger days, I am a dare devil. With age catching up, I, now a coward that am not game for adventure anymore.
5. Used to be a 80% bookworm but with my eyesight now, I go for pictures instead.
7. I can't sit still for long, thus I have no patience for internet surfing. Thanks to all my wonderful cyber friends who are damn good with their fingers and provided me with tons of new information and links, my son dare not say I am a stay home mom who knows nuts about the outside world. hahaha
8. TV bores me unless it is educational and with good taste humour. I used to be a big fan of CSI and Criminal mind though. Hated slap stick comedy, my hubby thinks I have no sense of humour.
9. I love talking. I enjoyed talking to anyone who gives her a chance to yak. Thus I love entertaining people in my little house.
10. These days I don't buy shoes and clothes. I go for baking accessories. Wait till my hubby check on my little private corner. He will faint I supposed.
Thanks to Janny (she doesn't blog anymore), without her, I most likely ended up being a mom who hides in her well and slowly becoming a dementia. Without her, Precious Moments will not exist. Thanks my friend.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Swealtering heat
We have been getting extremely humid weather this week. It is killing me slowly. With the noise and dust of some constructions nearby, it didn't make life any better. I was supposedly to bring down a parcel to be mail off but it is still sitting on my desk as the car park next to the post office is still under renovation and I am not willing to walk under this sweltering heat as I know I will get a migraine if I try.
Examination fever has just started. Thus "we" are spending a lot of time revising. It is a norm these days that we, parents are being a part of our kids' school life.
When my son was young, coaching him was bliss. He is able to comprehend concept in lightning speed. As for my daughter, I am experiencing tremendously pressure. I can't pinpoint what is wrong with her. She is able to read and able to learn her spelling very quickly as she is pretty good with her phonic. Somehow, she is not able to express herself as well in the subject of comprehension.
Upon friends' advices, I did ask her to narrate what she read in story books and she is able to!!! Now where and what is wrong? Her grades are showing and I am a little jittery now.
Should I send her to a tutor or should I continue to teach? Perhaps this Primary 2 standard has gone up that I am no longer qualified or have I deteriorated to the stage that I can't even cope with Primary 2? My mind is going crazy but I must stay calm and wait till result time?
With the exam fever and that bloody hot weather, I am trying my best to finish the toppers for Mother's day as well as a birthday. The temptation of crawling back to my cool bedroom and sleep was great.
I just need to have a strong will today. I must conquer; I must reach the end of the line. I must not give up.
To cushion the "low" feel. I need to distract myself. Not too long ago, GU shared a very interesting recipe in a forum. It was initially named Orange Chocolate Cake but I was also told that it is a Jaffa Cake. Hey didn’t I hear of Jaffa Cake from JM when we last met? I was curious enough to give it a try as it is extremely easy to do and not so taxing on such a hot day to bake a cake.
The cake is soft and moist and has this lovely hint of orange to it. A perfect blend with chocolate. Though I find it a little sticky to the teeth but it still manageable.
Hubby had a first bite when it is still warm and it it great. I waited for it to cool and the consistency is still the same.
Verdict:
I wonder whether I should decrease my orange juice a little. Overall it is an easy and delicious cake.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, just add in another 30g of sugar. For us, this is good enough.
Do give this a try and it is so easy and not much cleaning up.
What you need:
192g cake flour
155g castor sugar
49g cocoa
1 cup milk
2 eggs
50g softened butter
1tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
70g orange juice
zest from 1 large orange
1 tsp choc emulco
Method:
Preheat oven to 160˚C (fan mode) or 180˚C.
Put all the above in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
Mix with an electric beater until creamy.
Pour into 8" greased pan and bake for about 1 hour.
Examination fever has just started. Thus "we" are spending a lot of time revising. It is a norm these days that we, parents are being a part of our kids' school life.
When my son was young, coaching him was bliss. He is able to comprehend concept in lightning speed. As for my daughter, I am experiencing tremendously pressure. I can't pinpoint what is wrong with her. She is able to read and able to learn her spelling very quickly as she is pretty good with her phonic. Somehow, she is not able to express herself as well in the subject of comprehension.
Upon friends' advices, I did ask her to narrate what she read in story books and she is able to!!! Now where and what is wrong? Her grades are showing and I am a little jittery now.
Should I send her to a tutor or should I continue to teach? Perhaps this Primary 2 standard has gone up that I am no longer qualified or have I deteriorated to the stage that I can't even cope with Primary 2? My mind is going crazy but I must stay calm and wait till result time?
With the exam fever and that bloody hot weather, I am trying my best to finish the toppers for Mother's day as well as a birthday. The temptation of crawling back to my cool bedroom and sleep was great.
I just need to have a strong will today. I must conquer; I must reach the end of the line. I must not give up.
To cushion the "low" feel. I need to distract myself. Not too long ago, GU shared a very interesting recipe in a forum. It was initially named Orange Chocolate Cake but I was also told that it is a Jaffa Cake. Hey didn’t I hear of Jaffa Cake from JM when we last met? I was curious enough to give it a try as it is extremely easy to do and not so taxing on such a hot day to bake a cake.
The cake is soft and moist and has this lovely hint of orange to it. A perfect blend with chocolate. Though I find it a little sticky to the teeth but it still manageable.
Hubby had a first bite when it is still warm and it it great. I waited for it to cool and the consistency is still the same.
Verdict:
I wonder whether I should decrease my orange juice a little. Overall it is an easy and delicious cake.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, just add in another 30g of sugar. For us, this is good enough.
Do give this a try and it is so easy and not much cleaning up.
What you need:
192g cake flour
155g castor sugar
49g cocoa
1 cup milk
2 eggs
50g softened butter
1tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
70g orange juice
zest from 1 large orange
1 tsp choc emulco
Method:
Preheat oven to 160˚C (fan mode) or 180˚C.
Put all the above in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
Mix with an electric beater until creamy.
Pour into 8" greased pan and bake for about 1 hour.
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