Mochi Pancake

Son came home yesterday to announce that he flunked three subjects.  Seeing how he worked for it, I am not surprised with this result.  Naturally, I am disappointed because he is capable of much better results but he is just not motivated to work for it.  Till yesterday, he is still clueless what he wanted in life or what is his inspiration.  Was it that I was engrossed dealing with his ADHD that I overlooked to teach him inspiration and dreams?  

Today, his VP talked to him and he told me that he is actually worried that he might not be able to get promoted.   As his mom, I suddenly felt a tinge of joy that he realised by now that not every time is play time.  There are moments in life that you got to be dead serious.  

Now I can only surrender son totally to HIM and pray that all will be well and a chance for son to show his potential.  He is already asking for tuition and I am really surprised.

Today will be the last home bound day for my girl.   I am glad that she took it quite positively despite all the extra tuitions and revision that she done. At least, she has tried her best effort and that is the most important. Whatever results that she attained no longer matters to us.  

Having said that, I wished that the school will hold the exam earlier than later, it is hard to have the big one playing and the small one having to study but I am glad that my little one did try her best to hold her attention.  

When exam spread out into 3 weeks, it is really tough.  She seems to be studying all the time.  Lucky for me, this little one is really easy to motivate and sensible for her age.  She is able to sit all by herself to do her revision without me worrying whether she is focusing or playing.  I am truly blessed that I have a balance between these two kids.

The weather has been awesome as well.  Though wet but not terribly humid. 

These 4 days, girl and I enjoyed each other's company tremendously.  I will rope her in our meal preparation and baking during her study break so that she can de-stress and I think she enjoyed it for last night, girl requested that we made breakfast together this morning.

I took out a mochi pancake recipe that I have been keeping and waiting for opportunity to make.   We sure had fun making these.  Instead of making them in a pan, we turned them into balls in my Ebleskiver pan that VA's hubby gave me during his trip here.

Now we are off to some shopping before yet another tuition. 

I am praying hard that he will mature in time for his “O” level next year.  

Source: Adapted from LaFuma

What you need:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup mochiko (sweet rice flour)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Method:

Whisk together the flours, granulated sugar, baking powder, allspice, and salt in a large bowl.

Separate the egg whites into a medium-size bowl, and the yolks into a small bowl. Whisk the egg yolks with the milk, oil, and orange zest.

Stir the milk mixture into the the flour mixture until just combined.

Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff, but not dry, peaks form. (When the beaters are lifted, the egg whites should hold a firm peak that droops slightly at the top.)

Put about a third of the beaten egg whites on top of the batter. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. (Slice down through the center of the mixtures with a rubber spatula, then pull the spatula up along the side of the bowl and over the top, gently incorporating the beaten egg whites with the batter. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the process until the egg whites have been incorporated.)

Add the rest of the egg whites and gently fold them in until no white streaks remain, taking care not to deflate the batter too much. Use the batter right away.

Preheat a pan medium heat and add in a little butter or oil.

Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the batter into the greased pan and let it cook.  Flip over the ball and continue cooking till the dough is done and golden. 

Serve with chocolate sauce or maple syrup.

Feathery Rum Pancake with Creamy Brown Sugar and Rum sauce

My childhood friend CC and with SL came over for a visit last week.  I seriously welcome them especially when I was literally bored to death lying down all day long.  SL shared with me her back pain experience and was telling me this sinseh that knows how to help me shift back the disc.

Though accupuncture helped me tremendously, at least to remove the acute pain but somehow, I know deep inside, it is still not healing well.

When JC came to know about my health problem via Facebook, she messaged me about this sinseh that she knows might help me.

Just imagine two persons sharing the same information on the same day!  I think God is really watching out for me by sending me angels to deliver the good news.

On Monday, CC was really sweet, she actually went early to the clinic to queue so that I don't have to wait long.  Aren't you jealous that I have such great friend?  Yes this is the same girl that actually fetched me down for an interview many donkey years ago when I was too ill to travel down for an interview that I cannot missed.   Can't recall the in between story but if I am not wrong, I did get the job!

Just before hubby left town, I made another round batch of pancakes.  This time, it is Feathery Rum Pancake with Creamy Brown Sugar and Rum sauce.

The fragrant while cooking the pancakes and while making the sauce is really awesome. 

My son initially wasn't keen on it was literally lapping up the sauce.  My girl who smelt the aroma couldn't wait to dig in before she heads off for her Sunday school.

You be the judge and let me know whether you felt the same way too.

Feathery Banana Pancakes

Morning is always a "rush for time" scenario.   To give my kids a few more minutes of beauty sleep, they need to forego time for a proper breakfast.   So the easiest is for them to have sandwiches.

My kids were having bread with either peanut butter or nutella for breakfast for the past weeks.  Though my son will not get sick of it but I think my girl already getting tired of it.  

I decided to give them a change since now I am feeling much better and being a weekend, I try to give them a proper breakfast.  Thus this morning, I prepared Feathery Banana Pancakes.

Am glad that it was finished with a smile on their face.  Love the texture of this as it is fragrant with the banana as well as fluffy.

 So are you having a good family bonding time this weekend?

Source: Lisa Yockeson (Baking by Flavour)

What you need:

105g plain flour

33g cake flour

1¼ tsp baking powder

31g sugar

1/8 tsp salt

¼ tsp nutmeg

52g melted butter

158g mashed banana

3 tbsp melted butter

1 large egg, separated

2 tsp vanilla

¾ cup milk

pinch of cream of tartar

Method

Sift flours, baking powder, sugar, salt and nutmeg into bowl.

Whisk the melted butter, egg yolk, vanilla and milk.

Beat the egg white till frothy and add in cream of tartar.  Beat till firm peak.

Pour the whisked liquid into the dry ingredients to form a batter.

Fold in the beaten egg white along with the banana. 

Heat pan and cook batter as per pancake method.

Serve hot with warmed maple syrup.

Japanese Crepes with Durian

Actually I am quite surprised that my younger gal is having a school break today.  I thought Youth Day was only meant for secondary school kids.  Memory is definitely fading fast these days.

Today I decided to try a new recipe.  I tried making French crepes before but I was curious how a Japanese crepe taste like (Rice crepe). 

I was a little heavy handed with the batter and ended up with a thick crepe but I make up by using Durian cream.

I will definitely retry this recipe for I believe it is even better if it is thinner.

Happy Youth Day son.

BTW, I am organising a blogger's get together.  If you are keen, kindly leave me a comment over here.

Am targetting this event to be in end July.
Sorry, the event is fully taken up. Invitation closed.

What you need:

120g rice flour
40g castor sugar
390g milk
4 eggs

Method:

Mix all ingredients together till you get a smooth paste.  Let it rest for 5 mins.

Heat a shallow pan with butter, pour half a ladle of batter to form a thin crepe.

Cook till it turn brown and flip to the other side and continue cooking.

Dress your crepes with your favourite fillings. 

Cheesy Waffle Bites

The past weeks were just simply horrible.  Despite the pain, I continue to be crazily busy.   First trying to get the maid to help out, and ignoring her foul mood.  I was desperately trying so hard to get all things settled down so that I can release her as soon as possible. 

Not only the pain was affecting my whole well being, having to put up with all her nonsense makes matter worse. 

Finally the day came for her to go.  I was in for more shock.  After done with all the release paperwork, I found more money on her all wrapped in tissue and plastic, tucked in the same pair of shoes that I already found our missing foreign currencies!  Unbelieveable to think that she has more hidding place till she thought was safe to "smuggle" it out.  Though it is not much but the thoughts of having a thief under our roof all these while irked me.

I regretted not calling in the police.   Then again, we couldn't as we have another important appointment to attend after dropping her off to the agency.

I couldn't sleep that night.  I should have filed a police report so that she won't be able to come in the fourth time and cause so much stress to future employers.  Yes, I found out that I was actually her third employer, she broke all previous contracts and I, was the her longest serving employer!  One of them even as short as three months.

Aren't we, Singaporean employers the victim of irresponsible workers who takes us for a ride.  We paid money, spent time training them and letting them share our life.  In the end, these are what we gotten.  Who gives a thought for us?

Thinking about my fellow countrymen and seriously didn't want them to go through what I went through.  Finally, I wrote to MOM and tell them about my experience.  Let's hope they will take serious view to such workers and be more selective when issuing work permit.   I hope our government will see our plight too, it is not always the maid is right or the victim.

Anyway, my new maid came onboard last night.  Yes right after my KL trip to support my kiddos' taekwondo competition, I was frantically clearing all the laundry, vacumming and tidying.   Wanting to set the right standard and to hand over a clean house for the new maid.

I was on a breakdown as my teen was slacking around the house and I, slogging away as if I was invisible.  I question his upbringing, what on earth had I done to raise such terrible son.  One who only cares about himself and his PSP.

As for the new helper, I didn't get to pick her up till 15 mins before the agency closing time because I just couldn't complete all the task.  Luckily hubby came home early and insisted that son repacked his wardrobe.  Sometime I wonder what is the point of washing, folding and ironing when everything just dumped into one pathetic pile in the end. 

The new maid looks gentle and seems to have the right attitude.  I pray that she will honour her contract and able to live happily with my family.

She is a smart girl and let's hope she will pick things up quickly.  Then I can really slow down, relax and recuperate fully. 

Oh the pain is slowly easing off.  I am seeking chinese medical treatment and it is definitely helping.   I still need to watch my posture though but at least now I can sit for half hour with ease.

To welcome myself back to the blogging world.  I  couldn't resist Honey Bee Sweets's cheesy waffle bites.  After all, it looks simple!

As what HBS suggested, I done a double batch and up my cheese to 80g.  Still I finds it not cheesy enough and added some grated cheddar cheese. 

My girl and I have a great time.  It's sure been a while since I last "baked" with my princess. 

Verdict:

The texture is cookie like.  The smell is awesome when it is cooking.  Something new and very easy to prepare.

I also shared this with my classmates whom I met in the evening.  All loved it.

Thanks HBS for sharing.

What you need:

400g cake flour, sifted

160g powdered sugar
200g unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
80g grated Parmesan cheese
40g milk powder
2 whole beaten egg

Method:

In a large mixing bowl, add in the flour, powered sugar, milk powder and cheese in. Stir in to mix well.

Then add in the chilled cubed butter and rub it in with your fingers. When the mixture resembles bread crumbs, you can then add in the beaten egg.

Stir well to form a soft pitiable dough.  Divide the dough into small ball portions of about 1.5cm diameter.

Cook till golden brown in the waffle maker.

Brownie Pancake/ Chocolate Snicker Ice Cream

As I am moving my Fujioh hood to the new place, I need to find a replacement for my current home.

The delivery men came for the installation. They told me that I have to top up another S$60 as mine was a NON standard model. What to do? I didn't know how to remove.

After much bargaining, he lowered it down to S$50.

So they went about setting up the new machine and guess what, they didn't even need a screwdriver to remove the old one. All it takes it two men to lift and bring it down!!!! I was shocked!

Okay to comfort myself, it was indeed a heavy machine and I and the helper won't be able to do it alone!

These days, workmanship is really expensive!

Enough of my foolishness, today is Shrove Tuesday also known as Pancake Day.

How time flies and I am also getting older. I already saw Easter Chocolate being sold in the supermarket.

Seeing my son grows into this teenage phrase, I can't help but wonder what had I done wrong in the past.

He was into his nonsensical behaviour again and this time round, I suspended his phone line. Seriously I wonder when he will grow up and learn some form of respect. Luckily I am not depending on him during old age! It is soooooo painful with him going through this phrase. It is hurting all of us!

On a positive note, daughter got another 90% score for her 听写. I can see the happiness in her when she gets such achievement. She sure been working really hard as Chinese is her weakest subject. As she doesn't do CA1 anymore, I really am not too sure how to find out how she is coping. I pray she does and am enjoying the learning process.

To reward her, today I am making Brownies pancake . I hope it will go well with the new tub of Chocolate Snicker ice cream we have. Yes again, I took Kitchen Corner recipe. So you can guess it is really that good.

Verdict: This pancake has a brownie like texture

Source: Tracey's Culinary adventures

What you need:
Brownie Bater Pancakes

136g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
22g cocoa powder
54g castor sugar
1/2 tsp salt
44g canola oil
2 tsp vanilla
216g milk

Method

Mix everything into a bowl and whisk till it is smooth.

Heat pan and using a ladle, scoop batter into pan and cook pancake till cook on both sides.

I serve it with chocolate ice cream.
********

Chocolate Snickers Ice Cream

4 egg yolks
75g caster sugar
1 tsp cornflour
300ml milk
150g dark chocolate
300ml whipping cream
2 Snickers bars

Method:

Put the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour in a bowl and whisk until thick and foamy. Pour the milk into a heavy pan, bring just to the boil, then gradually pour the milk into a heavy pan, bring just to the boil, then gradually pour the milk on to the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

Return the mixture to the pan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and is smooth.

Pour back into the bowl and stir in the chocolate until melted. Cover the custard closely, leave to cool.

Pour into the ice cream and make accordingly to manufacturer's instruction.

Fold in chopped chocolate snickers transfer to a freezer container. Freeze for 5 - 6 hours until firm.

Ebleskivers

Lately, I haven’t been able to feel motivated to blog. I just realised that I neglected my blog for over a week.

Though I did bake for Cupcake Fantasies but other than that, I was not inspired, not motivated and not driven.

After two days of spending some beautiful time with friends, my spirit finally picked up. Thanks to them for cheering me on. How can I live without you girls?

Talking about friendship, during my college days, we were known as the three musketeers. After school, I lost touch with one and that is VA. Been looking for her for years and thanks to Face book, I finally found her last year.

Of course I was delighted to reconnect back with her. Surprisingly, it seems like we went through a time machine. Nothing changed, we still clicked on well and our wave length never changed after all these years. She is still sincere and true.

When VA announced that she was getting married, I had mixed feeling. On one hand, I felt really happy for her but on the other, I am sad. I went through so much to locate her and when I finally found her, our reunion was short lived.

In November, her hubby to be, TW came to Singapore to “fetch” her back to the States. For the first time, I met this man who was able to put butterflies into my dear friend's tummy, making her feel loved. He is just like VA, down to earth, humble and sincere. A perfect match.

They just got married on 11 November 2011.

Here I wish them a blissful marriage and happiness always.

Now let me present to you Ebleskivers. You see, I got interested in this one when I watch AFC one day and just couldn’t get it off my head. Google and found that they actually sell this pan in Amazon. I immediately got TW to hand carried one back for me. So sweet isn't he?



This recipe is really awesome. Soft and fluffy. I did spend quite a fair bit of time experimenting the batter to get it in a ball shape.

Didn't have bananas as shown in AFC so I added chocolate instead.

For this one, it was the last bites of chocolate I had left, thus it didn't ooze melted chocolate but next round, I will made sure every one has a big chunk of it.

Will definitely make these again soon.



Enough said, dig in.

Source: Brassfield bites

What you need:

2 cup of buttermilk
258g plain flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
57g castor sugar
3 eggs

Method

Separate eggs.

Whisk egg white till stiff.

Mix yolks with buttermilk.

Add in dry ingredients to the milk mixture.

Fold in white.

Pour batter in ebleskiver pan and add in chocolate chunk, cooked till golden brown on one side and flip over to brown the other side.

Serve hot with a dash of icing sugar.

Oatmeal Cream Cheese Pancake

Warning: This is going to be a long post. I scratched my head and wonder why at times, people can be so nasty. My blog is a place where I document all precious moments in my life. Like a little dairy of what I had accomplished and a glimpse for hubby to know what we had been up to when he is not around. Of course, I can always make this a private space for myself and for my family but because of the generosity of other bloggers. I have learnt to improve on my baking and cooking over the years. Not that I am a guru in these fields but for a homemaker whose basic knowledge is from those that I acquired through Home Economic lessons as well as by watching how my mom cooks. I have the cyber world to thank to. Thus I believe in passing on this kind gesture just like others had. I do receive many encouragements and friendly comments and emails. For some, we even become friends. What I can't comprehend is that for some who hates it so much. You have the option of not visiting my blog. If you don't like what you read, you don't have to come into my blog. It is your prerogative! I certainly do not like strong languages being used and a cowardice act of not even leaving a name when you want to be nasty. By the way, you are not the only one who knows such vocabulary. It not only reflects badly on your personality but it also shown that you have inferiority complex when you behave in such manner. We, human have to deal with Mother Nature such as drought, flood and etc. Why be so hard on mankind which is sometime that you can control? Life is unpredictable and short. Be nice. Do make peace with yourself so that you are less angry or with others. I am sure you have better things to do in life then to spend your time leaving nasty and rude comments. Well, enough being said, I seriously hope that this place is for friendly people. For those whose opinion differs, I welcome constructive criticisms and with a name please. Now back to what we have been doing yesterday. We spent 4 hours biking away, of course inclusive of lunch (they have a really nice potato salad which is spuring me on to locate a nice recipe to try). I really needed to train my little one to build up her stamina. Though she is strong with her upper torso but her lower one definitely needs some training. A near accident by her caused me to have a badly bruised shin. Ouch! But luckily she wasn't hurt and didn't develop a phobia if not; I seriously don't know how we are going to make it home if she did. I am beginning to have a hard time with prince's attitude too. I don't know whether it is the teenager phrase but he seems not liking his sister's company anymore. He has been bossing her around and often with a hard tone when he command her around. Can kids change in such a fast span of time? I kept telling myself that I have to be calm but it is so trying. Perhaps I hate loud noise because it definitely irritates me. I was really looking forward to this weekend as the helper is already on board. At least it ease my mind on housework. Anyway, for the past weeks, mornings are such a rush that it is hard to prepare nice breakfast. All they have been eating are cereals and sandwiches. So when I saw East meet West's Oatmeal Cream Cheese Pancake, I immediately know what is going to be my breakfast this morning. Thanks S, we had a good time making our breakfast. The kids were eager to help out and that is nice. As for the pancake, it was good! I am going to make another batch and deep freeze it so that the kids will have more choices for the breakfast. What you need: 250g Self-raising flour 3 Tbsp Sugar 2 Tbsp Oats 1 small/medium Egg 250ml Milk 2 tbsp condensed milk 125g Cream cheese 1/4 Tsp Vanilla extract A pinch of Salt Method: Mix the flour, sugar, salt and oats. Make a well in the flour and add in the egg. Add in the vanilla extract. Mix with a whisk, adding in the milk bit by bit. Stir in the cream cheese. Set aside to rest for at least 30 minutes before starting to cook them in a lightly-buttered crepe pan. Served with fruits, honey or maple syrup.