I love to cook!!

For my momma

2010-09-27T07:38:00.004+01:00

I owe my momma a belated present. What better gift can a daughter give her mother than a hand sewn quilt! Am I right???

I present to you.........

A "Laura Ashley" inspired King size quilt to keep my momma warm..:) *hugs*

I needed a massage badly after making this quilt! It was so heavy and not easy to quilt since it's so big! My shoulders were aching after completing it.

I'm quite happy with how it turned out. A lot of hardwork but rewarding.

I have a little model for it too! They love playing on the quilt. Ryan n Aidan treats it as their playing mat. haha...

DOn't think I will ever do this design ever again. Too much work and time spent on it but for my momma... ANYTIME!!!!

One of the Top 10 chicken rice in Malaysia!

2010-09-26T06:27:00.009+01:00

If you're bringing your kids to Taiping Zoo, do stop by to try this chicken rice! With the help of our little friend Madam GPS, we found Kedai Kopi Kok Beng. It's voted one of the Top 10 chicken rice in Malaysia.

Do come early as the queue can get pretty long!

We ordered a plate of poached chicken, roasted chicken and char siew.

Verdict: I Like the poached chicken more than the roasted. It's not silky smooth like the ones you get back in Ipoh but it is firm and tender. The Char Siew undoubtedly was very yummy. Look at the picture and I shan't say anything more.

Oh... i have to mention bout the chilli sauce!! You can taste it's homemade from fresh chillies, ginger, garlic and limau kasturi!

For Taiping standard, I think it's a little over priced. A plate of chicken rice is priced at RM3 and combination of meats would be RM5.

Location: Kedai Kopi Kok Beng
38, Jalan Kota
34000 Taiping

Opens daily from 11am to 3pm except Monday (Tutup)

I'm Back!

2010-09-25T13:06:00.003+01:00

Dear All,

Yes!!! I'm Back!!!! It's been errr.... 1 half years??? Gosh.. SO much have happened! I'm now living in KL, Malaysia... I've given birth to my 2nd boy Aidan who's 10months and Ryan turned into a monster right after his 2nd birthday. hmmm... What else is new?? Oh yeah!! I fell in love with quilting! I'm crazy over it!! Thinking of selling some too.:)

Apart from quilting, Jon n I have decided we will try to discover Malaysia as much as we can since we're now living here. With 2 active boys n a greedy hubby, I will try to find and share with you places to eat and hopefully some great nature escapes.

Yes!! Finally... It's good to be back!

Crab Tanghoon

2009-04-17T15:55:00.004+01:00

Ingredients:
2 crab
2 bundles tang hoon (soaked to soften)
1 cup seafood stock
2 tbsp hua tiau (rice wine)
2 slices streaky bacon
3 cloves garlic
Oil for frying

METHOD:
Cut crab into bite-size.
Heat oil in a wok and fry garlic and streaky bacon till brown.
Add in stock, crab and rice wine. Bring to a boil.
Cover wok for about 10 mins.
Add in soaked tung hoon.
Add in salt and pepper to taste.

Ready to serve!!!!!

2009-02-21T23:44:00.004Z

It's my father in laws birthday!!!!! What better gift to give but my very own CUPCAKES!!!!!!!!!!! He's a golf fanatic!! This explains why..............

Happy birthday Mr James NG!!! We love you!!!!!!!!! Ryan, mummy n Daddy

GONG XI FA CHAI!

2009-01-30T19:52:00.002Z

I would like to wish all my friends and family a Very Happy New Year! May the Ox year bring you lots of Happiness! Prosperity and excellent Health!

PEANUT Butter Attack!

2008-12-02T13:42:00.008Z

Christmas is round the corner and I need to find the perfect Xmas Cupcakes for 2008!

1st Attempt.. Peanut Butter cupcakes!

Next...... Any ideas for me??????

My little helper...

What's next??

Wedding Bells

2008-11-06T13:42:00.009Z

I finally brought my Kitty(Kitchen Aid) out!! Why??!!

MY BEST FRIEND got married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I HAD to bake for her. It was a surprise and I'm glad everyone(I think) at the dinner enjoyed it!

2008-08-28T11:12:00.000+01:00

Baby Ryan

2008-07-10T08:53:00.009+01:00

Hello all...

Sorry for this long overdue entry! I've been pretty busy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've not been baking or cooking for awhile now. Will try to get my hands back to it's momentum once I've mastered MOtherhood(that will be ages or NevER!!).

Presenting to you Ryan Ng..:)

Baby Ryan was born 30th June weighing 2.76 kg. Mummy was busy shopping in Vivo City when she felt contractions..:) Went home with daddy.. showered, had dinner and we took a slow drive to the hospital. Got to the hospital safely and Ryan was out in 5hours..:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me....

2008-06-05T02:07:00.011+01:00

I would like to say a big Thank you to all of you for all the wonderful well wishes!! I am truly truly touched!!

Even before midnight, I started to receive sms from my ever "one step ahead" cousin sister. Then followed by all my lovely and thoughtful fwens families and lovers...

(This version I unshamely adapt from Robin's blog....:P)
http://stormrobz.livejournal.com/61686.html

4th June
8.38pm Joyce (so early, because she has to put her kids to sleep)

5th June
0000 My Darling...
0001 My dearest sister Li Ping
0002 My one and only Sister in Law (in Singapore) haha
0021 Cousin Raymond (aka Ah Boy)
0024 The other love of my life Bandi
0034 My "Fake" sister Kim
0034 My "Fake" daddy Terence
0047 Very drama Suhaimi
0054 Mui I will always love Mei See
0209 My one and only 'UNCLE' Mr Edwin Sim
0556 Another mui that i will always always love and adore Mei Yee
0647 All the way from Canada Michele
0707 Excellent chef! My aunt Leong Kam Ling
0757 The best DAD!! Richard Key
0811 My Cartier Sister Ms Annie Ng
0813 My fluttery lashes girlfriend Ms Janice
0833 Super efficient colleague Emily OH
0850 Another yummy mummy Clara
1049 Newly wed cousin Joanna
1127 Swiss Ah Mo Olivier
1134 My ONLY Brother In Law Ben
1151 My ever so sweet Mother and Father in Law
1223 Very handsome Uncle of mine Mr Paul Leong
1302 Cute and adorable Chris Chia
1346 Cartier's Number 1 Top Salesperson Ms Samantha Loh
1349 Mr Citibank Terence Kong
1541 Long lost friend Chen Wei
1826 Super Funny colleague Ms Carmen Heng
1904 My Loving brother, sis in law and my favourite Niece Eleena
2143 Ever thoughtful cousin from Dallas who called then sms me Mei Sim
2308 Singapore airlines very own Poster Girl Ms Priscilla Shum

I am overwhelmed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU....:D

2008-05-22T18:02:00.005+01:00

These came as a surprise yesterday and I would like to say a big thank you for the wonderful flowers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LURRVVVEEEEE them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really touched.

Can't believe my 1st customer would send me flowers and thank me! I should be the one sending it to them...:P

THANK YOU!!!

My 1st Official Order!!!!!!!

2008-05-14T01:58:00.008+01:00

I was very excited bout my 1st Official Order until yesterday.....:(

Let me tell you a story..

About 3 weeks ago, I received a phone call for 400 cupcakes order. Each week I have to deliver 100 cupcakes.. I was so so excited!! Of course I jumped at this chance and agreed!! I started to source for the box.. the ribbon.. thought of cupcake designs that would suit the needs of my client.. and there... this was what i came out with!!

My first batch went out on Wednesday and I sincerely hope I get good feedback!! I wouldn't want to disappoint my 1ST official client...:D

*My babies getting ready to be adopted....*

My excitement died when........

I went for my check up (I'm 34 weeks preggy for those who do not know) yesterday and the doctor told me I need more rest(Hard for me to explain over the net but both baby and mummy are fine). My full time job requires me to stand and walk a lot so during my off days i decided I should stay in bed and not bake till I **EXPLODE**!!! I feel really bad because I've promised my client. I know I should just think of my baby but... but... but..

Anyway, I hope I will be able to bake after little junior arrives...

Will see.................

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake..

2008-05-13T01:02:00.006+01:00

Strawberries are so unpredictable!! I have given up hope on them. haha.. Nowadays, it is so difficult to find sweet strawberries(unless I pay a high price for Korean Strawberries). sigh... Can someone help me please.................................... How to choose sweet strawberries???????

Anyway, this is baked for someone special..:) My BIG BOSS!!!....;P
Happy Birthday Boss!! Hope you enjoy the cake.. :D

Mango Cheesecake anyone??

2008-05-05T17:35:00.005+01:00

I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed Jelly Hearts. I think it's because of the Konyaku mango jelly I used. I'm not use to the taste of mango essence but I got good reviews from my colleagues(Thank goodness!).

I made a batch for Terence. He celebrated his er.. 45th birthday?? I lost count! haahahha.....

Anyway,

Happy Birthday Terence!! May all your dreams come true!

Allow me to share with you 2 emails I received last friday that made my weekend 10x better! Thank you so much Ching Yee and Jem!! I'm glad you enjoyed my Jelly Hearts!...;p Oh yeah! Congrats to Jem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elaine!!!OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!Your cakes are really a labour of love huh?They are SOOOOO VERY pretty! I daren't eat it yet. Have to bring home to show hubby and sis-in-law before we savor it.And to think that you actually cut out the strawberries into heart shape.....oh my goodness... I mean, what an effort...tsk, tsk...."hats off".

Ching Yee

Elaine,You can SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sell the cakes. No Kidding. They are soooooooooooooooooooo good. Thanks for celebrating with me in advance. I passed my driving!!!!!!!!
Jem

Corn and Pork Ribs Soup

2008-05-01T17:27:00.005+01:00

I grew up drinking lots of home made soup made by my mummy. It's always a must during dinner. Soup is really nutritious and they are good for your skin. So that's what I've been told/conned since young! haha...

Anyway, I hope this soup gets to warm your heart as much as it warmed Jon's...:D

Ingredients:

2 Carrots

2 Sweet Corn

1/2kg Pork Ribs

Hand full of Red Dates

Hand full of Dried Scallops

1. Break corn into 2 pieces.

2. Cut carrots into bite size.

3. Boil pork in a pot of water for bout 5mins and then drain.

4. Then pour all the ingredients into a pot with bout 1.5litres of water.

5. Boil for about 2 hours and I hope it warms your heart...:)

Jelly Hearts

2008-04-26T20:43:00.007+01:00

At last I did it!!!

I'm not sure why this was so difficult for me. Probably I'm not a step by step person??? Maybe I don't have the patience for each layer to form before moving on to the next step??? I really don't know why but whatever it is.... I did it this time!!!!!!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!!!! (FYI, this is my 3rd attempt!! Now you understand why I'm so proud of myself!) haha...

Jelly hearts is actually a cheesecake with crust layer at the bottom, a thin cream cheese layer in the middle and topped with a heart shaped strawberry "encased" in a layer of jelly...:)

Recently, I've taken up another 2 new hobbies.....:P

1. Photography

2. Quilting!

(Both in these 2 pictures. Any comments???)

Happy baking!!!

Pierre Hermé

2008-04-18T03:29:00.012+01:00

No introduction needed for this Idol of mine!!!

He was in town for the World Gourmet Summit and I was lucky enough to reserve a table at the Grand Hyatt Mezza9 for his special desserts!! Being a dessert crazy fan, I brought his book along for him to autograph...! He was also nice enough to camwhore with his 2 fanatic fans!!!

Some things money cannot buy!!

The following pictures are for you to drool over.....:P

Cookie museum

2008-04-14T17:55:00.012+01:00

Went to watch the musical "We will rock you" on Sunday and I must say I truly enjoyed myself very much. It was shown in Esplanade and because of that I have an excuse to run down to the cookie museum to grab a tin of this! YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love their cookies but I find them too pricey but what the heck! We only live once..:) If you happen to be in that area, do try out their cookies and cakes!! Simply delicious!

www.thevtearoom.com

The very next day was Yvonne's birthday. She's a very fussy lady esp when it comes to food!! I wanted to bake her something and it took me awhile before i decided on what to bake!
She loves cake surabaya!!!! So instead of baking her a whole cake with 3 layers, I made it into cupcakes!!

Quite smart huh?? hehe...:P

Topped it with some strawberry jam. (I couldn't do any butter or cream cheese frosting because she hates it!!)

And decorate it with a nice pink button chocolate!

Pink blue and yellow..

2008-04-05T17:41:00.014+01:00

PINK?? BLUE??? and YELLOW???

Yes yes!! That's the colours I decided for my icing..:P

Over the weekend, I had 2 cupcakes order. One is for my dearest sister-in-law Jenna who turned 19 and the other was for cute little Asher who turned 2!!

This is for little Asher.

Little Asher loves Winnie the Pooh and friends!

And this is for Jenna! Since her party is more adult like, i decided to bake 3 different flavours for her. I hope they all like it..

3 Different flavours:

My favourite double choc cupcakes

Orange and cheese cupcakes

Last but not least Peanut butter cuppies..:D

Recipe for Orange and Cheese Cuppies

227g Butter (unsalted)
4 tbsp Light brown sugar
115g Caster sugar

3 Eggs

225g Plain flour

1/2 tsp Baking powder
Pinch of Salt
4 tbsp Orange juice
1 tsp Vanilla essence
115g Cream cheese

1. Beat butter until soft.
2. Add the brown sugar and regular sugar. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating until incorporated.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
5. Measure out orange juice and vanilla together.
6. Add about a third of the flour to the butter/sugar mixture and beat to combine.
7. Add all of the juice/vanilla mixture and beat until combined.
8. Add another third of the flour mixture and beat to combine.
9. Add cream cheese and beat to combine.
10. Add the rest of the flour and beat to combine.
11. Scoop into cupcake papers.
12. Bake for 20-25mins..:)

Happy Baking!

Strawberry Chocolate Cake

2008-03-31T17:33:00.007+01:00

What better way to celebrate your resignation? ........ a BBQ party with your closest friends!! This is for Edwin Ho!!! After 13 years with the airlines, he decided to quit and be a full time tai tai!!! *envy! envy!*

I promised him I will not be there empty handed and I came out with this!!

Made with lurve.............

VeRy Rich CHoCoLatE CupCaKe..:)

ValRhoNa ChoColaTe FroStinG!!

ToppEd WitH HeaRt ShaPE StrAwbErrY!!

Baked Blueberry Cheesecakes

2008-03-28T16:05:00.007Z

These mouthwatering little cupcakes are specially baked for a lovely couple I know who are migrating to Melbourne on Sunday..:( I would like to wish them Bon voyage and all the best in their future..:P

"The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again"

Charles Dickens

Sawatdee Kaa!!

2008-03-21T12:25:00.011Z

Please forgive me for this long overdue delay in blogging. I have been sick ever since I got back from Bangkok and Hua Hin last week. Have been sleeping early and resting a lot.. doctor's orders. Anyway, I am here now.. being a responsible friend.. telling you a hidden place in Bangkok where it is a MUST to go for YUMMY YUMMY local food!! Cheap too!!

I am very sorry but their name card is in Thai and I can't read Thai....:P You can give them a call for their address and just for your info, not all cab drivers are willing to drive you there. hehe...(they say it's too far)

Tel:678-2768

Some local vege. Juicy and succulent!

This is to die for!!!!!!!

Authentic river prawns with thread bean in claypot

BBQ Snails...:D

BBQ Sotong

There are actually a few more dishes but me being greedy... hehe... Ate everything then only remembered I forgot to snap photos of it..:P

So far their standards have not disappointed me!!! Enjoy...................

Just before I left for Thailand, I came across this recipe while searching for my Passport! Haa... Looked at the ingredients and immediately I started baking.

I shall name it Thumbelina cookies because I use my thumb to indent a hole in the middle of the biscuits!!..:)

Ingredients

225g butter

100g castor sugar
250g plain flour, sifted
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
strawberry jam

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add sifted flour and vanilla essence, and mix well
3. Shape dough into 1/2 inch diameter balls and place on a lined cookie sheets
4. Imprint your thumb in the center to make an indentation
5. Fill it with strawberry jam
6. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown at the edges
7. Remove to cool on wire rack

8. Store them in a nice cookie jar and off they go.........

HAPPY EATING & BAKING!!!!

Double chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

2008-03-07T14:40:00.012Z

I was really excited bout baking these cupcakes because

Number one.... there were 2 new things i just bought and i couldn't wait to try it out!!!

Number two... I was baking for my ever efficient colleagues!!

Number three... I wanted to know how good these recipes were!

Presenting to you my 2 new toys:

1)ORGANIC vanilla essence!!

2)Seedless Raspberry Puree

(Can only be found in Culina shops)

(www.culina.com.sg)

I must say, so far these are my favourite cupcakes. Raspberry and chocolate goes very well together!!

This is now one of my favourite cupcakes! Rich and moist!! yum yum.......

Msg from my colleague Marie Raineiro

The cupcakes were great! I make my boyfriend try and both of us loved the fact that you slowly discover different taste in your mouth, starting with a chocolate mousse and then the choc cake and then you taste the raspberry mixing perfectly with the chocolate. Thanks again for this great culinary experience!! Marie..

CONGRATULATIONS TO WAHONO & SALLY!!

2008-03-05T15:39:00.022Z

Firstly.... updates on "NORMAL" stuff..:D

Fried Tang HooN!!!!

This is one of the many great recipes I learned from Madam Ang. This is a very easy dish and you can add whatever ingredients you like or you can find in your fridge!!

Recipe:

1/2 packet of Tang hoon (soak it in hot water just before cooking)

1 big piece of Fishcake (sliced)

5-6 fresh prawns (shelled)

5-6 pieces of dried mushroom (soak for a few hours till soft and slice it - do not throw away the water)

Sauce: (Mix it in a bowl)

2 tbsp Oyster sauce

1 tbsp Dark soya sauce

"Mushroom water"

Loads of ground pepper

Salt to taste

This is the Brand i normally use..:P

Method:

Heat some oil in a wok. Fry fishcake and mushroom till golden brown and then add the prawns in. Cook for a minute or so.

Add in tang hoon and pour sauce over it. Fry the tang hoon and let it soak up the sauce. Once it's ready.. Serve it on a nice plate and DINNER is served! I have no one to impress today cause this is my lonely lunch but if you do have, don't forget to garnish the dish with some fried shallots, coriander leaves and red cut chilli!! YUMMY!!!!!

Now!! The interesting part!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Story telling time:

It is Sally's birthday today.

Wahono booked the whole cinema(GV Grand) - Movie: PS I LOVE YOU and invited a group of us to be there. He told Sally it was a company "outing" and Sally was a bit furious in the beginning cause she wanted to celebrate her birthday alone with Wahono and not out on a company outing! (I would be furious too). Anyway, just before the movie started..they played a really heartwarming and inspiring Acuvue trailer. Then came his 'home-made' montage slideshow containing all the nice pictures they had taken together over the years!!! At the end of the slideshow... he proposed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How romantic right???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He kneeled down with the 1+++++ carat ring in one hand and flowers on the other!!!!!! I cried even before the show started!! hahahaha..... and of course I cried again during the show! You should catch the movie too.

So... for such a lovely couple I dug deep into my recipe books and decided to bake some 'Moist and nutty Brownies'..:)

This recipe is adapted from Pierre Herme's

"Chocolate Desserts"

ConGratulations Wahono and Sally!!

The Ke-po(busy-body) gang!

This is half of the slideshow just before he proposed!!! (Oh yeah.. I don't remember Sally saying YES! haha) Did she??? hmm.......

(note original music played was by Michael Buble and when the words asking for Sally's hand appeared, you can see the shadow of Wahono standing up to propose)

Enjoy the slideshow!!

Quick and Simple Meal!

2008-03-03T14:44:00.008Z

Jon n I didn't know what we should eat for dinner. Instead of driving to our favourite "makan" places, we drove to our favourite supermarket Cold Storage Jelita!! I picked up a baguette, pasta sauce, salami, mushroom and some gruyere cheese. Immediately we drove back and had "Make do" pizza with salami, mushroom and loads of cheese!! There is no recipe for this cause you can just top it up with basically anything you like!!!

Self explanatory!!!..:D

Happy Cooking!!

Frosting frosting frosting

2008-02-25T14:51:00.009Z

The reason why i love baking so much is because I can have fun decorating my cakes/cupcakes! It is never wrong... never a standard item... never ugly... and you can never fail!!!

Although cakes/cupcakes can be served plain, it is the frosting that makes it The Cake/The CupCakes! There are so many different types of frosting. There is buttercream, ganache, fondant, royal icing and my personal favourite is cream cheese frosting!!

Here are the recipes!

PEANUT BUTTER ICING

60g Crunchy peanut butter

50g Unsalted butter, softened

2tsp Vanilla essence

115g Icing sugar, sieved

2tbsp milk

Combine peanut butter, butter and vanilla in the mixer bowl. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add icing sugar along with milk, and beat until well combined.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

200g Cream cheese(room temperature)

175g Icing sugar

1tbsp Lemon juice

1tsp Vanilla essence

Slowly beat the cream cheese and icing sugar in a mixer bowl until creamy and soft. Add lemon juice and vanilla and beat briskly until well combined. Swirl onto the cupcakes!

CHOCOLATE FUDGE ICING

100g Dark choco

2tbsp Milk

50g Unsalted butter

90g Icing sugar sieved

Gently heat the choco, milk and butter in a small, heavy-based saucepan, stirring until melted. Remove from the heat and beat in the icing sugar. Swirl the icing onto the cooled cupcakes..:D

EASIEST FROSTING OF ALL...

VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

115g Softened unsalted butter

225g Icing sugar, sieved

1tsp Vanilla essence

2 tbsp milk

Cream the butter for 1-2 mins. Add milk, vanilla essence and half of the sifted icing sugar, and beat for at least 2 mins or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the remaining icing sugar and beat for a further 2 mins or until the mixture is light and fluffy and of a spreadable consistency. Add extra milk if the mixture is too dry or icing sugar if the mixture is too wet.

If you wish to colour or flavour the buttercream then this is the time to do it!

Tip: Add a drop at a time(dip the end of a toothpick into the food colouring gel(I like to use Wilton Brand) and beat in until you reach the required colour or flavour!!

HAPPY FROSTING!!

Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

2008-02-18T16:28:00.016Z

I've been baking a lot lately. I'm not sure if it's 'motherly instinct' or fear I'll never bake again when the little one comes along. Hmmm.. I've got so many people telling me "You'll never have the time!" I hope it's not true but I guess It's normal for mummies to wanna spend time with their loved ones whenever they can. Well.. you'll get to find out after June. If you don't see me updating my blog you'll understand. haha...

Maybe after that I'll change the name to BABYMANIA instead of cupcakemania. haha...

Anyway, here's a step by step recipe for those chocolate lovers out there. These cupcakes are so simple to make and it's really rich and moist!!!!!!!!! Enjoy.............

300g Dark/Milk Chocolate(I use valrhona)

300g Unsalted Butter

5 Eggs

115g Caster sugar

115g Self-raising flour

1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence

Preheat the oven to 160C.

In a medium bowl, melt butter and chocolate together in a microwave - 2-3 minutes on medium should be alright, stirring it well. (Or if you're not as lazy as me, have it in a bowl sitting over a pan of simmering water and let it cool before using)

Beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla until pale and thick.

I like to use this!! Highly recommended!!!! If you can't find it in any of your local stores dun worry bout it. Any vanilla essence will do..:P

When the batter is pale and creamy it should look something like this.

Fold the flour into the egg mixture...

Stir in the melted chocolate and butter until well blended

Spoon the mixture into the cases and bake for 20 minutes. (I like to use ice cream scoop in order to have equal distribution)

My chocolate babies ready to be baked!!

ABRA KADABRA!!

You can choose to top them up with choc ganache..

Or pipe them with some simple red icing...

And top it up with sugar dolls..;)

(Sugar dolls can be bought or if you have the time you can craft them on your own. I got these from Jurong East Phoon Huat. I can't remember how much i paid but pls do check out their website for more details www.phoonhuat.com. Altenatively, you can also get better quality sugar dolls from www.b-i-y.com but at a higher price)

My Sugar babies all dressed up for "Lou Hei"tonight....:)

(Wordings were rolled out from fondant)

HAPPY BAKING!!

Happy V Day!

2008-02-14T01:36:00.023Z

Happy Valentines Day to all my loved ones!

Valentine's day is normally celebrated with gifts, flowers, chocolates and romantic love notes. As for me.. I dirtied my fingers and made cookies for my dearest friends. Since it is a day to express my love to them, I baked butter lemon cookies painfully decorated with long hours of piping and then cleaning up!! If you didn't get any from me, well it goes to saying you're not so important after all! (Haha.. just joking)

I have been wanting to try this recipe for a long long time and didn't have the time (full of excuses) and reason to. This was the best opportunity for me!

Fresh from the oven! I can still remember the Smell!! mmmm.....

Slowly and carefully outline the biscuits

Tadah!! End product!

Preparing to pack these babies..:(

Carefully packed them into plastic containers. Tie a ribbon round it and stick it with a hand written message! Personalized and easy..:)

Before i forget, I would like to wish my godson Xander "Happy birthday my darling Romeo". Muacks muacks!! Love you lots!

Specially made beach theme cupcakes cause we celebrated his birthday in Sentosa...:P

GONG XI FA CHAI!

2008-01-29T12:31:00.001Z

I would like to wish all my friends and families A Happy Chinese New Year!! May year 2008 be filled with happiness, prosperity, good health and lots of money flowing in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This year, I will be going back to Ipoh for CNY!! I just can't wait!! I miss Ipoh so so much... I miss the food.. I miss the slowness.. I miss the air... i miss the traffic.. and most of all I miss my parents..:( Anyway, I will be able to see them real soon!!!!!!

Pineapple tarts is a must for CNY. It is because it is called "ONG LAI" in Hokkien and it literally means "Luck is on its way!!" So... I must have these at home!! haa... I came across this recipe and it's really easy! For those of you who stay in Singapore or Malaysia, I'm quite sure you can readily buy pineapple paste from any specialty baking stores or supermarket but for those staying abroad, I'm not sure if it is available. Worse come to worst you have to cook the paste yourself! haa... Good Luck!

For the Pastry

340g Plain Flour
2 tbsp Icing sugar
1/2 tsp salt
200g Cold unsalted butter
1 Egg Yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
5 tsp cold water
1/2 tsp baking powder

Egg wash: Lightly beat 1 yolk with 1 tsp water

Method:
1. Lightly beat egg yolk with vanilla essence.
2. Sieve flour, baking powder and icing sugar into mixing bowl. Stir in salt and blend well.
3. Put all butter into flour mixture and cut up butter into small pieces with a knife in the flour.
4. Use rubbing-in method to rub in butter into the flour until it is bread crumbs like.
5. Add egg yolk and ice water into flour and use a fork to blend well to form a dough.
6. Put dough into freezer bag and refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove dough from the fridge.
7. Cut out the tart bottoms with a pineapple tart cutter or round cookie cutter and place onto a baking sheet prepped with baking paper.
8. Bake at 200C for 10 minutes, remove from oven, apply egg wash and lightly press the pineapple filling onto the indentations of the tarts. Bake again at 180C for 10 – 15 minutes or until the golden colour that you desired.

Alternatively

7.You may make pineapple balls: pinch a small portion of dough, about 25g flatten manually and use it as a wrap around a pineapple jam ball.
8.Place the tarts/balls on a flat baking dish and apply egg wash on the top of the tarts/balls. Bake in a 180C oven for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the crispy-ness of the tart you desire. (i.e. bake longer for a harder, crispier, tart crust) or until the pastry is a pale gold.

HAPPY BAKING!!! and GONG XI FA CHAI once again....

Tenshin Tempura at the Regent Singapore

2008-01-14T13:49:00.001Z

I had a very yummy and $$$$$$$$$ dinner last week! Tenshin tempura at the Regent Singapore. I'm glad i went there at least once in my life!! I don't think I will ever go back there again unless someone out there is willing to date me out and buy me this $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ dinner! haa!!

Still not over yet!

At last the dessert came.....

Frankly speaking, the food there is really good but just that it's a bit too pricy. Guess that's the price you have to pay when you want to dine in a authentic genuine tempura bar. I don't mind going back there again for lunch but definitely not for dinner. (Lunch is definitely cheaper!! he he...)

TenShin
The Regent Singapore
1 Cuscaden Road
Singapore City
Singapore
249715
Phone: +65 6733 8888

Flowers and bees...

2008-01-08T15:13:00.001Z

Hello everyone! I'm back!! (I seriously do hope I'm back for good.. haha..)

Woke up this morning full of energy and inspiration.. I have 2 person to dedicate todays baking to. One is my dearest friend, Patricia who I'm going to see this Thursday and the other is the most efficient colleague i've ever known, Emily! Sorry Pat, since you're in Hong Kong I'm not able to send these cupcakes to you.. instead it was all given to Emily. Happy Birthday to both of you!! May all your wishes come true!!

I made Macadamia Double Choc Cupcakes!!!!!!!!

With Buttercream icing...

Decorate it with some fondant flowers and royal icing bees!

Pack it in a nice box and it's ready for delivery!! (Emily.. I hope it's not too sweet for you..:P)

Recipe time!!
100 gm caster sugar
130 gm plain flour
35 gm Dutch processed Cocoa, preferably Valrhona
50 gm Chopped milk choc, preferably Valrhona
50 gm Chopped Macadamia nuts
3/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp fine salt
1 large egg
125 gm fresh whole milk
50 gm vegetable oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
125 gm hot water

1. Preheat oven to 350F(180C) on fan assisted mode.
2. Sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl or jug, whisk together the egg, milk, oil and vanilla extract.
4. Add this liquid gradually to the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl while blending continuously with a large whisk.
5. Once the mixure is homogenous, gradually add the hot water, stirring with the whisk until well blended - the batter consistency will be quite thin!
6. Add in chopped choc and macadamia nuts.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20mins.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-01T12:42:00.000Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know i know... I have been a missing girl for the past 2 months!! I am so sorry.. I have been so so lazy,,:(

I am still very lazy!! haha.. Just wanted to post this to wish you all Happy new year and May 2008 be blessed with lots of happiness!! Prosperity!! and not forgetting

I WILL BE A MOMMY SOON!!!!

Love you all....:) muacks!

GREEN XMAS PARTY 2007!!

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN AT CLARKE QUAY

Soo Chef!

2007-11-14T02:31:00.001Z

Yes you didn't read it wrongly... it's SOO chef! Not "sous chef!" haha..

Megan SOO and Macy SOO stayed over a couple of weeks ago and I was wayyyy too lazy to cook. They were kind enough to cook dinner!! Yummy yummy penne carbonara!!! It's the SOO sisters' secret recipe and I'm not suppose to reveal! hahahahaha....

Penne Carbonara with lots of bacon, ham and mushrooms

The SOO sisters!

Talking bout food... Patrick (a very old friend) was in town recently and what better food to bring my guest for lunch but the best Singapore PRAWN NOODLES!!!! We indulged ourselves in a big bowl of super high cholesterol Prawn mee with pork ribs!! ohhh...I can still remember the soup stock with plenty of oomph!!! Not forgetting the fresh, crunchy prawns!! Let me warn you this corner shop is always packed!!! But I can assure you it's really worth all the squeeze and waiting.

BEACH ROAD PRAWN MEE
370 East Coast Road

If you've been there before you know what i'm talking about...

For those who have not been there... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?????!!!!! ....:p

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2007-10-27T01:31:00.000+01:00

Good morning!!! I am feeling awfully happy today cause i'm baking my very first batch of Halloween cupcakes.

A few days ago, Val asked if i could bake a batch of Halloween themed cupcakes for her. Without hesitation I said YES! I am so honoured Val!! I know Halloween is supposed to be eerie but i just can't bare to make ugly and yucky cupcakes. Cupcakes should always look sweet and pretty. haha.. I hope she and her friends will enjoy it as much as i enjoyed baking it!

Double Choc Peanut Butter Cupcakes

2007-10-16T08:03:00.000+01:00

Bandi just celebrated 39 years of being OLD. hehe..

Let me introduce to you my best friend in the whole wide world. Mr Bandi!! I remember meeting him 11 years ago on a KL flight where we worked together. He regarded me as a super Bxxxx when he first met me cause he was my senior and I told him off while we manned the cart together... haha... My mother once told me the person you hate most, you will end up loving him/her. I think it's true!! Since that first meeting.. we have become best friends till now. We have shared happy and sad times together.. we have also shared the same bed but luckily we did not share the same men. mua haha....

Bandi, the birthday "boy" posing with all of us..:)

I couldn't decide what cupcake to bake for him so I asked a few girlfriends and Choc cupcake won the vote. I remember one of the many things Bandi loves is Peanut butter so i decided to bake for him Double Choc with Chunky Peanut butter...

With Megan posing wif da Cupcakes..:)

Pandan Jade Jelly

2007-10-11T11:12:00.000+01:00

Just got back from Bangkok recently and the colourful desserts there inspired me to make this...:)

My very own edible Mah jong Tiles..(giggles*)

INgredients: (White Layer)
3 1/4 tsps agar agar powder
80g castor sugar
1/4tsp salt
250ml concentrated coconut milk
500ml water

MeThod:
1. Boil above ingredients till well-dissolved. Sieve mixture and pour it into a square mould. Allow to set.

2. Use a cutter to stamp out patterns.

3. Remove the patterns.

4.It should look like this...:)

Ingredients: (jade layer)
2 1/4 tbsps agar agar powder
230g castor sugar
300ml pandan juice
1000ml water

Method:
Boil above ingredients. Pour this over the hallowed-out patterned layer.

Cool and chill it in the fridge.

My Darling sisters..

2007-10-07T16:28:00.000+01:00

My darling twin cousin sisters just celebrated their 23rd birthday. We went to OOSH for dinner. Ambience is super solid! but service sucks big time! The waiters there absolutely do not go thru any service training! We all ordered appetisers except for Gerald and his main course came together with our appetisers! Can you believe it??!! Sigh.. Anyway, i definately will not be goin back there again. And Jon thinks strongly that the food is 'not worth the money'. Unless you're there for a 'hot date' or group gathering, don't venture there.

I am so happy I got to bake for my sweet little two sisters.

Blast of a BBQ

2007-10-01T15:25:00.000+01:00

My angel Jamie organized a BBQ party at her home on Saturday. The usual gang was invited.

I volunteered the dessert and spent 2 days baking several types of cupcakes.

There was so much food!! As usual, we ate till we dropped! I'm quite sure all was too full to eat my desserts but they were nice enuf to eat them anyway. haha.. how can they resist this!!!! (Flutter eyelashes innocently *wink wink*)

DOUBLE TROUBLE

CITRUS DELIGHT

COOKIES & CREAM

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM

PEANUT BUTTER ATTACK

Thanks Jenna! wink*

Strawberries and Cream..:p

2007-09-27T16:43:00.001+01:00

Jon is away for a night and I am so bored at home. Deciced to get my lazy ass off the sofa and whipped this up. Strawberry Cup cakes with Cream cheese Frosting. Will let my colleagues enjoy it tomorrow. My best friend Jamie is holding a party this weekend and I am in charge of desserts. I shall bake them a few variety of cupcakes. Can't wait for Saturday!!

Ice Cream Cake

2007-09-25T09:05:00.000+01:00

Little Jamie is turning 3 tomorrow and i decided to bake her a cake!

Ice cream cake... At first i thought i was being ambitious but to my surprise everything turned out well. Decided on a strawberry ice cream cake with lots of strawberry coated with white chocolate for her..:) and.... I also made one for myself! hehe.. Macadamia nut ice cream cake with lots of toasted almond flakes on top! I will be selfish this time and will not share the recipe...:p

For Little Jamie

For greedy me...;p

Seafood Linguine

2007-09-23T16:22:00.000+01:00

Jon had craving for Seafood Lingiune. I'm a big hearted girl and will share it with all of you...:p

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 leek, sliced
1 cup chix broth
1 1/2 cup dry white wine
6 uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined
4 bay scallops
12 fresh mussels
12 ounces linguine, freshly cooked

PREPARATION
Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion,garlic, leek and sauté until onion is golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add wine and chix broth and bring to boil, stirring constantly. Add shrimp, mussels and scallops and simmer until shrimp are cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over linguine and serve.

oreo cheese cupcakes

2007-09-20T15:01:00.000+01:00

My itchy hands are back again!! Not for mah jong but i have the mood to bake!! I made oreo cheese cupcakes last night.. brought it to work today and everyone loved it! Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did...

Crust
1 cup crushed OREO Cookies(about 12 cookies)
1 tbsp butter, melted

Filling
2 packets Philaadelphia Cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
15 Oreo Cookies, Quartered

Method

Crust: Mix crushed cookies (Finely blended using a food processor) & butter, press onto bottom of the paper cup. Bake at 160C for 5 mins.

Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar & vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

Add eggs, mixing on low speed just until well blended.

Gently stir in chopped cookies. (Do not blend the biscuit. Break into quarter for each cookie)
Pour over crust.

Bake at 160C, middle rack for bout half hour or until centre is almost set.

Cool and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight..:)

Cameron Highlands..

2007-09-19T15:57:00.000+01:00

I just had one of my best holidays for this year, in Cameron Highlands. Number 1 - because it was with my family!! Number 2 - because i love the hotel and service they gave me!! Last but not least the cool weather!!!

Total there were 9 adults and we drove up in 2 cars. My daddy, mummy, brother, sis in-law, grandmother, aunty moi(grandmother's classmate), Uncle Lok (Aunty Moi's hubby), Jon and I. Yes you read it right!! My grandmother's classmate since primary school!! In case you wanted to know.. my granny is 83 and she is 84!! (hehe)) Shame on some of us!! How many of us still keep in touch with our primary classmates!! I'm NOT one of them... Mua ha ha..

We checked ourselves into Cameron Highlands Resort. I highly recommend this place!! The room is fantastic, the service is 2 thumbs up and the food is not bad for "Cameron Highlands" standard..:) We actually didn't do much there. Most of the time we just EAT!!! Sleep!! Chit Chat!! Eat again.. and eat some more...

My Room

View From my Room

My Beautiful Family

Boh tea plantation was one of the places we visited. We also played Monopoly and boy! it's a tiring game!! haha.. evil family members out there.. you understand what I mean!! We also watched my "Profesional" brother fly his radio control plane. 1st day it was stuck on the tree branch. 2nd day it landed on top of a school roof. 3rd day it dived into the pond!! hahahahaha....

Breath taking
Captain Edwin

On the last day before we drove back to Ipoh, we stopped by the Smoke House for some scones. Not too bad but nothing to shout about. Something to shout about would be their very very bad service!!

Miss Cameron Highlands...haha..

Jon showing off his cannon

Scones with butter, strawberry jam and fresh cream..:p

When we got back to Ipoh guess what we did??? We ate again!! Yummy yummy Ipoh Taugeh Chicken..

I miss Ipoh!!

I miss my family!!

I love you all!!!

Ramly Burger...

2007-09-15T09:13:00.000+01:00

To my dearest cousin Mei Sim...

This is what you've been asking for....:)

Ramly Burger does not need any introduction to Malaysians!!!!

The Ramly Burger, also known as the Burger Ramly, is a Malaysian burger created by Ramly Moknin popular in Malaysia and Singapore. Though the term "Ramly Burger" may refer to any of the hamburgers sold in a Ramly Burger stall, it most commonly refers to the Ramly Burger Special. While the amount and type of ingredients vary greatly depending on location, a typical Ramly Burger consists of a beef or chicken patty, margarine, onions, an egg, cabbage, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce. This list is subjective, however, as Ramly Burgers are famous for being highly customizable.

Burger Ramly started out in 1979 as a small family business operated from a mobile kiosk on Lorong Haji Hussin in Kuala Lumpur. The family recipe soon became a hit among Malaysians.

The Ramly Burger is distinctive from most other hamburgers due to the unique way in which the ingredients are served. Rather than the usual method of stacking the ingredients within the bun, the patty in the Ramly Burger is first covered with the desired condiments, then wrapped in a thin layer of egg. The end result is packet-like and enhances the texture of the burger while simultaneously reducing mess from the condiments.

Nothing beats having Ramly burger with a can of Anglia Shandy!!!

Baby Molten chocolates anyone???

2007-09-05T18:14:00.000+01:00

My maid is back!! i'm so so happy!! I got so excited!! It was even better than closing my biggest sale!! haha...I went home after work and i baked these. Super easy!! very yummy!! and very fattening...(once in awhile it's ok)

Hope you like it as much as i did!! (Wink*)

All you need....

50g soft unsalted butter, plus more for greasing

350g best dark chocolate( I use valrhona)

150g caster sugar

4 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

50g plain flour

How to make::

Unless you are making these up in advance, preheat the oven to 200°C.

Melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly.

Cream together the butter and sugar. Gradually beat in the eggs and salt, then the vanilla.

Now add the flour, and when all is smoothly combined scrape in the cooled chocolate, blending it to a smooth batter.

Divide the batter between the 6 moulds. Cook for 10-12 minutes (the extra 2 minutes will be needed if the puddings are fridge-cold when you start) and as soon as you take them out of the oven, tip out these luscious babycakes onto small plates or shallow bowls. Serve these with ice cream.

Serves 6.

Mushroom Anyone??

2007-08-30T17:01:00.000+01:00

I have been so lazy lately... Let me tell you how lazy I am. I was suppose to bake a cake today. I bought everything.. came back home after marketing and ...................i slept! mua ha ha... I think it's because i didn't have my coffee today. Hmmm... I seriously think that's the reason. I cannot be that lazy right??? Wink wink*!!! (Flutter my lashes innocently)

OK.. i did something good few days ago. I cooked for Jon. haha.. Hey don't shoot me down. It is something good from a lazy bump like me! I made him Portobello mushroom stuffed with onions and prawn spaghetti.

Grilled Portobellos with Olive Oil & Onions

4 Portobellos
Butter
salt and pepper
2 Big White Onions, minced
Olive oil

Preheat grill. Separate mushroom caps from stems, set caps aside. Coarsely chop stems. In a medium saucepan melt butter, add chopped stems and onions; cook, stirring frequently, until stems are tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in salt and black pepper; remove from heat. Place Portobellos rounded side up on grill. Generously drizzle olive oil over...Grill 4 inches from heat until mushrooms are hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn spread each mushrooms with 1/4 chopped mushroom stem mixture; cook until mushrooms are tender, 4 to 5 minutes longer.

EAT EAT EAT

2007-08-19T15:27:00.000+01:00

I have not been blogging actively lately.. I've been so busy with work work work. On top of that, my part time maid went back to China and the PRINCESS has to clean the house, iron the clothes and most importantly i have to take care of the KING.. haha...

He has been pretty nice to me lately(Not too sure why) but i'm sure enjoying it. He has been bringing me to some nice places to eat. One of it is

Sushi Yoshida
10 Devonshire Road,
6735-5014

This place has one of the freshest Sashimi but boy! It is expensive..

Next is Ah yat Abalone

200 Turf Club Road #02-06 Main Grandstand
Turf City Singapore 287994
Tel: 6883 2112

Do go there on weekdays.. they have a special promo where all live seafood is at 50% OFF!! It's really not bad... Not bad at all!!!!

Very YUMMY bamboo clams. Steam with garlic and light soya sauce..

Steam Garoupe Hong Kong style

Drunken Prawns

Just last Saturday, Jon brought me to Mimolette restaurant for brunch. Nice place.. good atmoshpere but service not so good. I think it's the waitress i got. First impression when we stepped into the restaurant was not so good. I think it is also because we didn't make any reservations..

Mimolette
55 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286846
Tel: 6467 7748

Happy Birthday MUMMY!!

2007-08-07T01:59:00.000+01:00

I AM BROKE!!!

My parents were down in Singapore and as usual, they burnt a hole in my pocket!! haha.. It's not their fault! It's mine!! MINE MINE MINE!!!! I always try to give them the best when they are in Singapore. How often do i get to see them right?? Sorry dad and mum.. If you stay in Singapore permanently, you're only getting porridge from me(but i got class lah! i'll buy you Crystal Jade porridge) hehe..

Anyway.. 5th of August we celebrated my mummy's birthday together with my aunt. We went to Valentino's for dinner. I had to call a month earlier to reserve a table for 8! After that night.. I can understand why...

We started out with a round of cocktails before we adjourned to our dining table. We were served a round of warm bread with pesto olive oil. For appetisers, we started with Pizza Fruitti di Mare and fried calamari.

I enjoyed my Main course most!! Fiorentine bisteccona (grilled steaks, enough for 2-3 persons). I still think if it was served with a little bit of sauce it will taste much better. But i guess eating it this way, i get to savour the natural juice of the beef more.

What birthday celebration is without a cake right?? As usual.. mummy got emotional and teared a little. My aunt didn't tear but I know deep down inside she was trully touched!

Ristorante Da Valentino
11 Jalan Bingka
Singapore 588908
Tel: 64620555

Home sweet home..

2007-07-31T14:38:00.000+01:00

At last, after 12 days away I'm home to my stinky bolster!! No holiday or shopping can trade for the feeling i have when i come home to my bed!!

Los Angeles was fun. Did the usual stuff.. Shopping, Eating, shopping, Disneyland, Universal Studio, Factory Outlet and again more shopping.. haha.. I must say for this trip, i did eat a lot. I think I've put on bout 4 kg for this trip(Dare not go on the weighing machine) but i figure it out cause i noticed the extra skin(fats) when i wear my pants that is too tight! haha...

You'll understand when you see what has been happening the last few days.....

The day i arrived in Los Angeles i was put up in Hotel Menage. This used to be a Holiday Inn. They renovated the whole place(more of the interior) and i must say they did a pretty good job. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there.

I had a super yummy meal in K'ya restaurant in Hotel Menage. Started off with Lobster & Grilled Portabello Mushroom and ended up with Seared Sea Scallops in a bed of mashed potatoes, mushrooms and onions.

Day 2

I had to check out from Hotel Menage and check into Crowne Plaza Anaheim because this is the day i meet up with my colleagues. They only arrive bout 6pm so I had about 5 hours to kill. I went across from Crowne Plaza and went into a nice cozy diner call Coco's and i had a long lunch there. I had Steak and prawn pasta combo.

Day 3, day 4 and day 5 came and went quickly. Nothing much...we went to Disneyland, Universal studio and Desert Hill Outlet. Everyone left Desert Hill Outlet with a branded bag, except for me.. haha... i only manage to buy a spatula and silpat(If you bake you know what it is!!) for myself!! sob sob!!

Day 6 is my happiest! After 3 days of Crappy American food.. At last I went to McCormick & Schmick's Restaurant in Beverly Hills and had a sumptous meal!! Everything was good here!! Most importantly.. the service was also TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!

After lunch we headed to Santa Monica and i found something that completed my trip with a sweet note!!

Where's my Cowboy!!??

2007-07-25T04:53:00.000+01:00

Time really flies! I didn't realise i actually stayed in Dallas for 4 days. I ate so so so much!!! I had no choice but to do a little bit of shopping because it's good to walk after a full meal. hehe...(hope Jon's reading this:)

Anyway, here's a summary of what i did and ate in Dallas:

DAY 1

Eggs, Potatoes and bacon. Typical dallas breakfast..

Omelete covered with white yummy gravy and hashbrowns

Mei Sim and I cooked up a delicious MEAL!!!! CURRY LAKSA!!

Yes!! We cooked laksa at home for dinner. (Don't think we're such professionals) LOL.. Yup, we cheated. We didn’t make the laksa from scratch. Why should we when there is prima taste’s ready-to-cook meal kit for laksa?

It's really easy and the best thing is, IT IS YUMMY!!!

Day 2

We went to Fort Worth Stock Yards

For the south Texas drovers herding cattle up the trail to the railheads in Kansas, Fort Worth was the last major stop for rest and supplies. Beyond Fort Worth they would have to deal with crossing the Red River into Indiana Territory. Between 1866 and 1890 more than four million head of cattle were trailed through Fort Worth, earning it the nickname "Cowtown."

We met up with ashley and brandon for dinner at Babes chicken dinner house..Look at the people waiting for a table!! You'll understand how good it is..

They only serve 2 things..
1. Fried Chicken
2. Chicken Fried Steak(It's actually beef steak fried crispy like chicken) er... make sense??

Day 3

Silly me:( I went to cheesecake factory and i didn't eat cheesecake.. sigh.. Doesn't make sense right?? sigh..

Day 4

I love IHOP!! I knew all about it thru the show "I AM SAM". I just love the show. No matter how many times i watch it, I'll cry. Won't you??

Hardest thing to do is to say goodbye to Boey(hehe.. Alex and Mei Sim too)

http://www.ultimatedallas.com/multimedia/dallasmix2.WAV

I survived!!

2007-07-21T02:38:00.000+01:00

I survived my flight from Singapore to Dallas. All in all 25 hrs!!! Lesson I learnt today, PATIENCE!! Er....Singapore airport was a bit of a rush though.. haha cause Bandi and Karrien was kind enuf to send me away. So nice of them hor?? (hugz and kisses) Or is it.. goodbye you crazy woman. some peace and quiet for 2 weeks. hee.. I know you guys love me.

With Karrien and Bandi... (i don't need to tell you who's Karrien and who's Bandi right??) hehe..

For those of you who do not know.. I took EVA air. Yes! EVA!! (YUCKS right??!!) That came to my mind when i first found out but after today I can say, Please go for it. If you don't look at the stewaredess or hear them speak(MY GOD!! especially the announcement), you'll think you're on SQ!! Overall i enjoyed my flight very much.

I bought some kind of preserved egg and bbq cuttlefish from Taipei airport and I dare not eat it them on board because i'm sure all the "kwai loh's" will come kill me. I was smart enough to tear a small portion of the packaging and boy!!! It does smell!! Especially the cuttlefish!! hehe... (I waited till I got to Mei Sim's house.)

My flight from Los angeles to Dallas was short and simple. It was a 3 hours flight and they only offered a drink and a biscuit. Headphones are not provided for this flight but if you want to watch(whatever outdated show they were showing), you have to purchase the headphones at $2 each and they are yours to keep. Luckily I had my ever loyal (part time) boyfriend that never fails to keep me company when i travel(Even to work when i take the bus...;)

Half way to the flight, I fell asleep but this woke me up.....

P/S: Decided to bring my computer along.

Before i fly off....

2007-07-17T16:12:00.000+01:00

Today i'm off again and I told myself i better bake before i lose interest.. If i do lose interest, I will hear Jon's music again!!( I Hate it when he nags).. He always say i'm Jack of all trades, Master of none. I complained about this to my dear old cousin in law, Alex and he told me not to listen to him. It's better to be jack of all trades rather than Jack of NO trades. Hee..I thought bout it and i think what Alex say is very true!! Thanks Alex!!!(Big hugz...) Anyway, this should be my last entry for this month because i'm flying off to Dallas and Los Angeles on friday(20 Jul). I'll only be back on the 31st Jul. (Friends and families: If you would like anything from the States, DON"T ask me!! hehe)

Oki.. back to baking. I'm going to share with you the easiest chocolate cup cake recipe ever!! Not even a mixer is needed!!

Valrhona Dark Chocolate Cupcakes
200 gm caster sugar
130 gm plain flour
35 gm Dutch processed Cocoa, preferably Valrhona
3/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp fine salt
1 large egg
125 gm fresh whole milk
50 gm vegetable oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
125 gm hot water

1. Preheat oven to 350F(180C) on fan assisted mode.
2. Sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl or jug, whisk together the egg, milk, oil and vanilla extract.
4. Add this liquid gradually to the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl while blending continuously with a large whisk.
5. Once the mixure is homogenous, gradually add the hot water, stirring with the whisk until well blended - the batter consistency will be quite thin!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20mins.

Easy right???

I was feeling a little adventurous and i tried something new. I hid a truffle choc in the middle of the cupcake. So when you eat it, the choc will ooze out...:)

Lazy me frosted the cupcakes with heaps of nutella. Then i decorated half with kit kat and maltesers and the other half with pine nuts meringue.

Jon came back from work and we went for dinner at this nice italian deli across my place. It is called Galbiati.

The Rail Mall
400 Upper Bukit Timah Road (S)678050
Opening Hours : Daily: 10.00am-10.00pm
Telephone : 64620926

I had Penne crabmeat cream vodka

Jon had Greens with sundried tomatoes, walnut and goat cheese and.....

Lamb shank!!!

We love the food there. Desserts there are also very very yummy but we didn't order any cause we were way too full. Overall, good food, good atmosphere and price wise is quite reasonable. Two thumbs up!! Wink*

Till I return and update my blog, good bye.

Happy Birthday Angeline!!!

2007-07-15T13:44:00.000+01:00

We celebrated Angie's birthday in this little Italian deli called Ricciotti Italian Deli and Pastry. OH.... the desserts there are HEAAVVEEENNNNNNNN!!!!! You must must must go there and try. It is located on the basement level of Riverwalk facing the river-front. Food there is not so bad. I didn't really enjoy the squid ink pasta i had but i had a bite of Jon's Crab meat pasta and i find it very yummy. Lots of people ordered the Lamb shank. It looks really yummy but I really can;t comment if it tastes good or not. Anyway, I will try to upload some pictures when Angie comes back from Seremban. I don't have any in my camera because the battery was FLAT!! (So angry with myself)

This is the only picture i have taken by my camera phone..:(

Whats wrong with me??!!

2007-07-12T14:55:00.000+01:00

I'm just so moody today. I really don't understand why.. Probably it's because i don't have the time to bake.. or is it because of the terrible heat.. sigh... I think i'm just upset i'm not able to bake a cake for Angeline. She's celebrating her birthday on Sat. We will be meeting up for dinner. I really wish i could bake something for her but i have no time!! I'm going to watch dim sum dollies tomorrow and sat i got to work!!! argh!!! i wish there is 40hrs in a day!! i can do much more things.

Anyway, here is a picture of some chocolate cupcakes i made last week...

Valrhona Chocolate cuppy with Nutella and Giotto or Hanuta

CONGRATS TO JAN AND ANTHONY!!!

2007-07-07T17:39:00.000+01:00

Today is a very special day.. 070707. July 7th year 2007. It is also a very very special day for JAN AND ANTHONY.. They just got married.("jump with joy!!""") It also brings back memories of my own wedding ceremony. I wish i can do it all over again yet i don't wish to go thru all the planning and organizing!! Gives me a big headache... yikes!

Anyway, I've gained some confidence from my past few baking and i challenged myself to bake a cake for the newlyweds... I wanted to make something really special for them but i didn't really have the time to do so cause i started baking at 11pm the previous night, and Jon was already nagging. I had to settle for a single tier butter cake.

Before i show you photos of the beautiful bride and groom, let me tell you bout this yummy place I had lunch at yesterday. Probably all of you had heard of this place.. haha..... It's called Sun with Moon. It serves one of the yummiest SUKIYAKI in town. if you dun like your beef too well cooked, remember to ask them to seperate it. I always do that.

While wating for our desserts.. I tried to ACT Cute??? (Huh?? scratch head) See the pics and you know what i mean! ahah..

Now you understand what i mean?? haha... (blushing!!) I feel like those young girls taking neo print photos trying to act like those japanese J pop! haa!

OK... Enough of those before i spoil your appetite and not read my blog anymore... hee... As what i've promised you earlier...

Last but not least.. The handsome groom and the beautiful bride and of course the gorgeous cake!! haha...wink wink!

Oh yeah.. Lastly, the beautiful bride and the stunning Baker....(Blush blush))):)

The Coast is clear...:)

2007-07-05T18:13:00.000+01:00

Work has been quite monotonous these days. Day in day out the same... nothing really exciting. No big sales...:(

PLEASEEEEEE pleaasssseeeeeee GGGOOOODDDDDDD!!! Give me big sales!!!!! I wanna feel the adrenalin!!! The gush of blood when i receive a cheque of hmmm... 2 million?? hehe... ok God I'm not so greedy, 1 million sales is good enough for me!!...
Enough of day dreaming....

We(Megan, Macy, Jon, Ben, Sann and I) went to Coastes in Sentosa for dinner. I like this place very much. Nice place... food is good but it's a bit pricey.. We ordered quite a lot of food but the 2 things you must must must try is their breaded fried mushroom and their yummylicious CHIX WINGS!!!!!! (just to let you know, it's not cheap. 3pieces for $9 or 6pieces for $16)

Here are some photos .....

Coastes, Sentosa
50, Siloso Beach Walk,
#01-05 & #01-06, Sentosa,
Singapore 099000
Tel/Fax: 6274 9668

The YUMMY chix wings.... taste better than it looks!!! Trust ME!!!!!

From left to right: Macy, ME and Megan

What better way to end the night WITH dessert!!!!! We went to Vivo city in search for dessert!! We found our darling MR Haagen Dazs.......:)

Itchy hands are back!!

2007-07-03T17:40:00.000+01:00

Another fruitful day for me!! Busy busy me made choc cup cakes and "lapis surabaya". Lapis surabaya is quiet different from kueh lapis. Difference is, kueh lapis consist of thousands of layers whereas lapis surabaya is only made out of 3 layers. What i can't believe is i used up 30 egg yolks for this cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eventually you'll understand what i mean after you've tasted it!!

(It does more justice in real life!!)

If you don't mind 30 egg yolks..:) here's the recipe....

Yellow Layer:
20 egg yolks
150g castor sugar
15g sweetened (white) condensed milk
40g plain flour
15g powdered milk
200g margarine, melted

Chocolate Layer:
10 egg yolks
75g castor sugar
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
20g plain flour
15g cocoa powder
1 tablespoon powdered milk
100g margarine, melted
3 × 22cm square cake tins

Preparation
1. Yellow Layer: Beat egg yolks with castor sugar until thick. Add sweetened condensed milk. Beat evenly. Stop the mixer. Sift the plain flour and powdered milk into the mixture and fold in evenly.

2. Pour in the melted margarine and mix slowly. Pour the batter into two 22 × 22 × 4cm square tins which are greased and lined with baking paper.

3. Repeat the above preparation with the Chocolate Layer by using cocoa powder. Pour into a 22 × 22 × 2cm square tin, greased and lined with baking paper. Put all three tins in a moderate oven and bake until cooked. Remove and cool.

4. Brush the surface of the cakes (only on the bottom two layers I assume) with strawberry jam. Using one of the yellow layer (with jam) as the base, place the chocolate layer on top and place the other yellow layer on top of the chocolate layer.

Then after doin this i made Valrhona chocolate cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese frosting...:)

The blue flowers are molded from fondant. I kind of like the contrast between the cream colour from the frosting and the baby blue.

Li ping and ah keong came over to my house for awhile. I realise i don't really like interuptions while i'm baking. As usual, people who don't bake will ask lots of questions and i also guess i'm not a good teacher. I get agitated easily. Guess what Ah Keong said, " So troublesome bake a cake. Why you don't just go and buy one???"

See what i mean?? Ah keong!!!! It's the sense of pleasure money cannot buy. I guess only people who bake will understand.

Anyway, that night we (Me, jon, Bandi, Megan and Macy) went to changi village for nasi lemak. Queue was not too long. Didn;'t understand why.. but who cares!~!!!! As long as we get our food!!!!! Here;s the photo for you to droll over it!! YUMS!!! (licks spoon!@!!)

Msg to jon: Dear i know you don't like me to bake so much but don't you think it's better for me to bake rather than playing mah jong and shopping????? hee...

It's a Cheesy Day...

2007-06-27T10:27:00.000+01:00

Today is a "NOT so Perfect" day for me. Let me tell you why...

My first batch of cup cakes didn't turn out well!! It deflated!! I'm so so angry.. I did some research on it and guess what i found out!

"do not open the oven door for the first 14 minutes or else the cupcakes will deflate"

How would I know!!! Can you believe it or not??!! I brought the cakes out on their 14th minute!! sigh...

Anyway, me being me.. I baked the 2nd batch. I made sure i waited till my alarm rang after 15minutes and Voila!!.... my cupcakes turned out as I imagined them to be. Instead of using buttercream, I used cream cheese to decorate my cuppy cakes...:)

Madagascar Vanilla Cupcakes

...........with Cream Cheese Frosting

For those of you who are interested, here's the recipe..:)

150 gm cake flour,sifted
1 1/2tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp fine salt
200 gm caster sugar
2 tsp MADAGASCAR BOURBON PURE VANILLA BEAN PASTE
115 gm unsalted butter
2 large eggs
125 gm milk

1. Preheat oven to 350F(180C) on fan assisted mode.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter in a mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth and lightened in colour.
4. Add sugar 2 tbsp at a time, taking bout 8-10mins to blend thoroughly - the butter will be almost white in colour.
5. Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl with a fork. Add to the mixer bowl in a dribble. After the eggs have been incorparated, add vanilla paste.
6. Add dry ingredients alternately with the milk.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20mins(depending on your oven), or until cupcake are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out dry.

REMEMBER!!! DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR FOR THE FIRST 14MINS OR ELSE THE CUPCAKES WILL DEFLATE!!!!!!

As for the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 pack Philly Cream Cheese
2 cups icing sugar, sifted

It is that simple!!

Tomorrow Jon will be going to Msia for work for 3 days. It's not really work but some meeting & team building thingy. I have packed it nicely for him to bring along. Show off time!! ........ ;-) (All smiles)

I hope his colleagues will enjoy it as much as i enjoyed baking it!! Oh well... there's always room for improvement if they don't like it..

Msg to Jon: Will miss you dear... Come back home safely. See you on Saturday...

My first...

2007-06-26T03:30:00.000+01:00

This is my first time blogging. I feel like a baby trying to learn how to walk. Everything is so new to me.... It kinda feels weird writting down my thoughts and feelings but i've told myself I WILL TRY!!

Anyway, I am so hooked in this baking thingy because of one huge big REAson!!

TA DAH!!!!!!!

This is the reason!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU TO MY DEAR DARLING FRIENDS FOR THIS!! I LOVE YOU ALLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S MY BEST BDAY PRESENT!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

ok... I am super inspired today and see what I've cooked up.....!!

A VERY SWEEEEETTTTTTT CAKE....

I shall name this cake ....

"SWEET FANTASY"

This is super duper sweet!! I don't mean looks but taste bud sweet!! haha...

I think in terms of looks I did quite a good job..."tee hee" (wink* wink*) Not bad for a beginner right??? (When you're desperate for compliments this is what happens cause jon just looked at it and didn't utter a word!!! He went back to do his work immediately!!!)

Sigh.....Being a good wifey... I still cooked him his fav dishes!! We had onion omelete, fried cod fish with leek, pork fried with french beans, fried fish cake and double boiled pork soup!!! 5 dishes for just 2 people!!!

We finished everything!!!

Announcement to all my Friends and Families: "That is why we've been putting on so much weight!!!"

Now all of you know why...:) Can't blame me right???? ..:)