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Easy Peach Cobbler

2008-09-18T14:26:00.003-07:00

This recipe is so simple and amazing, it takes no time at all to make. Use either peaches or nectarines when they're in season. You can also use strawberries and blueberries combination.

Filling:

4 cups sliced peaches or nectarines
1/2 cup cold water
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Topping:

1 cup plain flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cold milk
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp butter (softened)

How to make Peach Cobbler:

First, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees
TOPPING: Using a bowl, stir in the flour, sugar and baking soda. Add the milk and butter and beat everything till you get a smooth texture
FILLING: Using a saucepan, add all the ingredients for the filling
Cook and stir over low heat till mixture becomes thick and bubbly (5 to 10 mins)
Pour into an ungreased glass baking dish
Spoon filling and spread topping evenly on top
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar
Bake for 30 to 40 mins till topping is golden (or stick a stick into the middle - it should come out clean when it's done)
Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or thick cream

Fat Free Cheesecake

2008-05-14T09:01:00.004-07:00

I absolutely love this dessert! I make this dessert all the time and the best part of this dessert is that it is fat free, containing about 96 calories for the six wafers.

Fat Free Cheesecake

Ingredients

1 cup 1% light cottage cheese
3 tbsp Splenda (make sure it's for baking purpose)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest (chopped fine)
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
6 graham wafers (each broken into four equal parts)
whole small berries or thingly sliced strawberries (garnish)

How to make a fat free cheesecake

In a food processor, add all the ingredients above (except for the graham wafers and berries)
Puree everything for 30 secs
Stop, scrape down size, then pulse for 1 minute
Make sure everything becomes a smooth blend
Chill mixture in the fridge for at least 2 hours or more (make sure mixture becomes firm)
Top each wafer with the mixture and a small berry or strawberry on top

Makes about 24 bites.

Fresh Dilled Lemon Salmon

2007-10-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Fresh Dilled Lemon Salmon

4 salmon fillets
1 tsp olive oil
dash of rock salt
2 tsp lemon peel (grate fine)
1/2 cup fresh dill (chopped fine)
4 thin green onions (sliced thin)
lemon wedges (garnish)
sour cream

How to make Fresh Dilled Lemon Salmon

Preheat oven to moderate heat
Line baking sheet with foil
Place salmon fillet, skin side down on foil
Coat with oil and sprinkle with salt
Stir lemon peel with dill and onions
Make a slit along side of slamon
Stuff about 3/4 of dill mixture into pocket
Place a loose foil over top
Bake in centre rack for 15 mins
Salmon is done when you insert knife into centre of salmon (should feel warm)
Move salmon onto serving plates (leave skin on foil if prefer)
Sprinkle with remaining dill mixture
Serve with lemon wedges and sour cream on side

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

2007-10-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

I love this recipe! Not only is it delicious to eat, it's relatively easy to prepare. Serve on the side with cranberry sauce and gravy, this is a dish made in Heaven!

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

1 bone-in whole turkey breast (4 1/2 to 5 pounds), thawed if frozen
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup dry white wine or apple juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

How to make Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

1. Heat oven to 325ºF. Place turkey, skin side up, on rack in large shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of meat and does not touch bone. Roast uncovered 1 hour.
2. Mix butter, wine, thyme, salt, paprika and garlic. Brush turkey with half of the butter mixture. Roast 30 minutes; brush with remaining butter mixture. Roast about 1 hour longer or until thermometer reads 180ºF and juice of turkey is no longer pink when center is cut.
3. Remove turkey from oven and let stand 15 minutes for easier carving.
4. Meanwhile, pour pan drippings into measuring cup; skim fat from drippings. Add enough water to drippings to measure 2 cups. Heat drippings to boiling in 1-quart saucepan. Mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water; stir into drippings. Boil and stir 1 minute. Serve with turkey.

This recipe is made possible by Betty Crocker

The Kiss of Vampire Drink

2007-10-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

This recipe comes from a friend of mine who hosted a Halloween party last year. She actually made this drink in frosty wine glasses complete with hanging plastic spiders on the rim. An excellent way to treat your adult guest, however, you can make it virginal by using 10 cups of apple juice instead of Vodka and 2/3 cup orange juice instead of orange liqueur.

The Kiss of Vampire Drink

10 cups vodka
5 cups chilled cranberry juice
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
2/3 cup orange liqueur
ice cubes

How to make The Kiss of Vampire Drink

Get a large chilled pitcher
Mix everything together in the pitcher except for the ice cubes
Put ice cubes into chilled martini glasses
Pour Vampire Kiss into glasses
Serve immediately

Pan Fried Trout

2007-10-02T09:45:00.001-07:00

This is an easy and delicious way to pan fry a trout. I like using this because it's no fuss and relatively quick.

Pan Fried Trout

2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 trout fillets
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup pine nuts

How to make Pan Fried Trout

Lightly coat the fish with the bread crumbs then set aside
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat
Add fish to skillet
Cook till fish flakes easily when you test with a fork (about 8 mins)
Turn fish once after 5 mins
Remove fish from skieet and place on a platter, keep warm
Add nuts to the dripping in the skillet
Cook and stir till nuts become lightly toasted
Sprinkle over fish
Serve with steamed vegetables on the side

Pumpkin Spiced Bread

2007-09-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

This is an excellent recipe for using pumpkin. Thank you to PL for this recipe.

Pumpkin Spiced Bread

1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1/2 cup nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons shelled pumpkin seeds

How to make Pumpkin Spiced Bread

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly spritz 9" x 5" loaf pan with vegetable-oil spray and set aside.
Combine both flours, baking powder/soda, spices and salt. In another, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, pumpkin, egg, yogurt, and oil.
Add wet ingredients to the dry and stir just to combine.
Pour batter and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

Cheesy Spinach Burgers

2007-09-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is an easy way to make a quick and delicious burger.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Burgers

1 packet onion soup mix
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 package frozen chopped spinach (thawed, squeezed dry)
1 cup shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese (or combination of the two)
8 slices tomatoes
fresh oragnic greens
8 whole wheat buns

Hot to make Cheesy Spinach Burger

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl
Using damp hands, shape the beef mixture into 8 good size patties
Grill or broil the patties till done
Toast the whole wheat buns
Layer prepared patties onto the buns, garnish with tomatoes and oragnic greens
Serve hot with baked potatoes or baked wedges

How to make Delicious Apple Roll

2007-09-07T10:05:00.001-07:00

This month's recipe comes from my mother-in-law who's an awesome cook. Here is her version of Apple Roll that's just a perfect end to any dinner.

How to make Apple Roll

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup hot water
1 cup plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp shortening
1/3 cup milk
2 apples (peeled & sliced)
dash of brown sugar
dash of cinnamon powder
side of low fat whipping cream (if you wish)

How to make Apple Roll

Combine the brown sugar and hot water in a pot
Stir over low heat till you get a thick syrup (be careful not to burn)
Set aside and cool
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, shortening
and milk
Fold with hand till you get a dough-like texture
Roll the dough on a floured board and flatten into a big square
Sprinkle the pastry dough with sugar and cinnamon
Spread the apple slices on the top
Roll it up and slice into 1 inch thick slice
Put the cut side down on a baking tray
Brush surface with butter and pour the syrup all over
Bake in a preheated oven for 30 mins or till it's brown on top
Serve with whipping cream

You can actually skip making the pastry part by buying ready-to-go pastry that you can get from the freezer section of your supermarket. That is what I usually do and it saves time and energy.

Best Ever Muffins

2007-08-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

Here's my take on the best ever muffins you'll ever bake. They're easy to bake and you can't go wrong. They taste ever so light and fluffy. I use this basic recipe then add in a cup to a cup and half of whatever berries I can find. You can even add chocolate chip to the muffins and make them into chocolate chip muffins.

Best Ever Muffins

100g butter (soften)
2 cups self-raising flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp cinnamon powder
1 to 1 1/2 cup of berries of season

How to make best Ever Muffins

Process butter, egg and sugar till light and fluffy
Gradually add in cinnamon powder
Add in 1 cup flour then 1/2 cup milk and mix well
Gradually add in the remaining half flour and milk
Add in 1/2 cup of the berries
Stop food mixer and fold in the rest of the berries
Pour batter into 12 prepared molds in muffin tray (or line with cupcakes paper)
Bake at preheated oven at moderate temperature till golden brown on top
It's ready when you poke a stick into the muffin and it comes out clean

Banana Caramel Crepes

2007-08-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

This is one of those all-time favorite recipes that you can just whip out for your overnight guests for breakfast the morning after. REally easy to make and just so delicious in every sense.

If you have a steel crepe pan, this is the time to use it otherwise just use a flat level pan. To 'season' the pan, place on medium heat, add 1 tsp of unsalted butter and heat well. Then wipe with a wad of paper towels. Don't wash the pan afterwards otherwise just start the 'seasoning' process all over again.

Banana Caramel Crepes

1 1/4 cups plain flour
3 eggs
1 cup skim milk
1/3 cup water
10g unsalted butter (melted - for cooking)

For the Filling
3 large or 6 small bananas
Juice of 1 lemon or 1 orange

For the Caramel Sauce
10g unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup reduced-fat cream

How to make Banana Caramel Crepes

Sift the flour into a bowl
Add the eggs, stir with a wooden spoon till 1/2 flour is absorbed
Add in 1/2 milk, beat everything till smooth
Stir in remaining milk and water
Cover and chill for at least 30 mins
Slice the bananas into a different bowl
Add in lemon juice and stir gently
For the sauce, place butter, sugar and cream in a saucepan
Stir over low heat till sugar dissovles and sauce becomes smooth
To make the crepes: Brush a non-stick crepe pan with melted butter
Heat pan over medium heat
Using a metal cooking spoon, pour batter into the pan, tilting pan to coat the base
Cook till golden brown underneath
Remember to shake pan occasionally to loosen the crepe
Turn over with a palette knife
Cook other side till golden brown
Remove and keep warm
Cook remaining batter, brushing the pan every 3rd crepe
Spoon banan evenly over centre of the crepes, fold in half
Serve with caramel sauce

Delicious Calzone Recipe

2007-08-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

This recipe comes from a good friend, the divine Ms. P who has granted me permission to publish her recipe. Thank you, Ms. P!!!

This recipe will make enough for four servings. You can fill the calzones with whatever you wish.

Delicious Calzone Recipe

A cup of lukewarm water
2 and a half teaspoons yeast
A teaspoon of salt
Half teaspoon of sugar
3 cups of flour
One Tablespoon of olive oil

How to make Delicious Calzone

In a bowl, combine the water, yeast, salt and sugar, and stir to dissolve
Set aside for 15 minutes, then add the flour, and mix until smooth
Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface, and knead for 10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary
The dough should feel smooth and elastic
Lightly oil a bowl, and place dough inside
Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour
Quarter the dough, and shape each piece into a ball
Cover, and let rise another 15 minutes
Roll the dough into a 1/4-inch thick circle, and place filling on one half
Moisten the edges of the dough with water, then fold the dough over filling
Seal by crimping the edges of the dough with your fingers or the tines of a fork
Brush calzone with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 2 teasponns water)
Trim the excess dough, make a small incision on the top, and bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes at 375

Tip from Ms. P who says, "...the olive oil is to oil the bowl and brush the top of the dough when it is rising".

Cherry Shortbread

2007-08-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting way to serve shortbread made with glace cherries.

Cherry Shortbread

100g butter or margarine
50g castor sugar
50g cornflour
100g plain flour (sifted)
40g glace cherries (chopped)

How to make Cherry Shortbread

Cream together butter or margarine, sugar and cornflour till light and creamy
Add in cherries and flour
Knead lightly to form a soft and smooth dough
Chill in fridge for 30 mins
Pat the dough (on baking tray) into small circles of 8 cm diameter
NOTE: They should not be thinner than .5cm
Prick the circles all over with a form and flute the edges (or mark all around with the prongs of a fork)
Bake in preheated oven slowly for 25 mins till lightly colored and firm to touch
Remove from oven and with a sharp knife, immediately cut into small wedges
Cool on wire tray
Serve with your favorite tea or coffee

Salmon with Garlic Ginger Butter

2007-07-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here's another salmon dish that's pretty easy to make and takes just 10 mins to prepare and another 10 mins to cook.

Salmon with Garlic Ginger Butter

6 salmon fillets
150g butter (chopped)
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 garlic (crushed)
fresh ginger (grated)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp lemon rind (grate)
2 tbsp lemon juice
steamed vegetables (bok choi) and steamed rice

How to make Salmon with Garlic Ginger Butter

Cook salmon on heated oiled grill (or BBQ) till cooked as desire (I usually like mine a little pink in the middle)
Remove and set aside
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter
Add in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, lemon rind and juice
Stir well to mix everything
Spoon butter mixture over salmon and serve with steamed rice and vegetables

I have used this butter mixture over boiled butter. It works for any type of seafood.

German Apple Sponge Cake

2007-07-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor, Mrs. D swears by this cake recipe that's been in her family for ages. So I asked if I could try her recipe and see how it goes. Much to my surprise, it actually worked even for a person like myself who have never made a German cake before.

Mrs. D has given me kind permission to publish her German Apple Sponge Cake Recipe. She offers this advice: "When it comes to choosing baking essence, you should go to a German delicatessen and buy the products that come from German." Good advice.

German Apple Sponge Cake

4 1/2 oz butter
4 1/2 oz sugar
3 eggs
7 oz plain flour
1 to 4 tbsp milk
4 drops of Oetker bakign essence (lemon flavor)
2 tsp Oetker baking powder (Backin)
1 1/2 lbs apple
dash of icing sugar

How to make German Apple Spong Cake

Cream teh butter and gradually add in sugar, eggs, salt and essence to it
Mix and sieve together the flour and baking powder
Add a tbsp at a time to the creamed ingredients
As the mixture becomes firmer, add milk but only use as much milk as required to give a firm dropping consistency
Fill mixture into a well greased round cake tin
For the topping: peel apples and cut into squares
Make a number of shallow slits on back of the quarters lengthways and lay them on the mixture
Bake in moderately hot oven for 40 to 50 mins
When cake is cool, dus with icing sugar

Salmon Quiche

2007-07-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

I hail from a place where salmon is always fresh and available so it is no wonder that we get a lot of beautiful quiche that is made from salmon. Try this wonderful salmon quiche recipe for a change from the usual ham and cheese one. Instead of making the pastry from start, I opt for using those ready-made pastry that you can buy frozen from the store.

Ingredients for Salmon Quiche Filling

2 tsp butter
5 scallions (finely chopped)
1 piece of fresh salmon (chopped) or canned flaked salmon
dash of paprika
salt & pepper
2 tsp parsley
2 tsp dill weed
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk

How to make Salmon Quiche

In a saucepan, melt butter and saute scallions till soft
Remove from heat and set aside
In a bowl, mix the salmon, parsely and dill weed till well incorporated
In another bowl, break the eggs and whisk them
Add in the fish mixture and paprika
Add salt & pepper (adjust to taste)
Add in milk
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 mins or till golden at the top

I usually like to serve my quiche with seasonal green salads.

Mimi's Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-07-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Mimi took one look at my chocolate chip cookies and claims she can do better. She said her's was easy and a sure way to win a crowd. Not that I complained! Her cookies certainly tasted just as good. This is her sercret recipe which never fails.

Mimi's Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2.5 cups all-purpose flour
250g butter
1.5 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
2 eggs
1 small bag of chocolate chips
1 small bag of crushed walnuts (or any nuts you wish) - optional

How to make Mimi's Version:

Cream butter and sugar together till creamy mixture
Add in eggs one at a time
Add in flour (sieve first)
Mix to smooth consistency
Add in chocolate chips and/or nuts
Bake in moderate oven till cookies turn golden brown

Mimi warns that she uses flour within 3 months of opening the package as she's a true believer in using baking items before the expiry date. Plain flour will keep longer stored ina cool dry place however, if you choose to use self-raising flour, she suggests using it within 2 months of opening or else you'll loose its raising agent.

I asked Mimi how you can tell when a flour has gone bad and she says, "It should have an unhealthy smell. But if you're in doubt, just throw the whole thing away and buy a new package."

Thanks, Mimi. I owe you one!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-06-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

Right. The best ever chocolate chip cookie. This was passed down from my mother's mother to her then to yours truly. It has never failed me! So I'm going to break my family's recipe vault and share these delicious best ever Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe with you.

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ingredients for chocolate chip cookie

75g butter (or margarine)
75g white vegetable shortening
150g soft brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla essence
200g all-purpose flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup nuts (chopped) - optional

How to make the Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookie

Preheat oven to moderate
Mix and sift all the flour ingredients (flour, bicarbonate soda, salt)
Set asside
Using an eletric mixer, cream together the butter, vegetable shortening and sugar
Add in the egg and vanilla essence
Continue to beat till the mixture changes color (ie. becomes lighter)
Add the rest of the ingredients (chocolate chips and nuts) and mix well
Using two tsp, drop the mixture into little mounds onto a greased tray
Bake for 12 to 20 mins or till golden brown and firm to touch

These cookies will store well in a tight-lid container for a week or so. Best eaten with a friend or family and a glass of cold iced milk!

Fish and Chips Your Kids will LOVE!

2007-06-20T20:12:00.001-07:00

I kid you not! This twist on the classic fish and chips recipe will have your kids begging for more.

Fish and Chips Your Kids will LOVE!

Ingredients for fish and chips

4 potatoes (cut into even strips)
1 lb fish fillets (cod, pollock even salmon works fine)
2/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp vinegar
2/3 cup water
enough oil for deep-frying

How to make the best ever fish and chips

Heat oil in deep fryer
Deep fry the potatoes (chips) - put in one at a time so they don't stick together in basket
Use a long metal stick or fork to stir to keep them from sticking more
Fry till golden brown
Drain on paper towel
Place potatoes in a single layer on cookie sheet and keep warm in oven
Do the rest till you finish with all the chips
Cut fish fillets into bite-size pieces
PAT DRY with paper towel
In small bowl, mix in baking soda with vinegar
In a larger bowl, add the flour
Slowly add in the water to the flour, whisking as you go
Add in baking soda mix and whisk till there are no lumps
Dip fish into batter, allow excess to drip off
Fry about 4 to 5 pieces at a time (don't use the basket), turning fish once till golden brown
Drain on paper towels
You can broil the fish and chips in oven for a bit to make them warm and crispy
Just before serving, sprinkle with sea salt or kosher salt

Strawberry Crepes

2007-06-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

This delightful recipe came from France. I've made quite a few batch for a morning breakfast. Though it takes a bit of time, the results are well-worth the effort. You can freeze leftover crepes in your freezer.

Strawberry Crepes from France

Ingredients

1 egg
1 1/4 cup milk
1 tbsp butter (melted)
1 1/4 cup sifted flour
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups fresh strawberries (or frozen)
3 firm ripe bananas
3/4 cup water
2 tbsp corn starch
1/2 cup sugar

How to make Strawberry Crepes

Beat the egg, milk, butter, flour and salt till smooth
Lightly grease a small skillet with oil
Heat skillet, remove from heat then pour in 1/4 cup of batter
Tilt pan to cover bottom quickly
Return to heat, browning on 1 side only then cool on paper tower
Makes about 7 or more crepes
Stack between wax paper
Make Strawberry Crepe Glaze: Crush 2 cups strawberries in a saucepan
Add water and bring to a boil
Simmer for 2 mins
Sieve strawberries
In the same saucepan, add in sugar and corn starch
Add in the sieved strawberries, stir constantly till mixture bubbles
Remove from heat
Reserve 1 cup of the glaze
Stir in 1 cup sliced berries into remaining glaze
Spread 3 tbsp on unbrowned side of each creap, place them on a serving dish
Add last cup of halved berries and sliced bananas
Pour remaining glaze over all
Cover and keep warm till serve time

Sesame Cookies from Greece

2007-06-18T04:40:00.000-07:00

Martha from Greece gave me this recipe which was handed down from her grandmother then her mother and now to her. Thank you Martha for letting me share this recipe with the rest of the world.

This recipe makes a lot of cookies, depending on how big you make them so share them out with friends and family during teatime.

Sesame Cookies or Koulourakia

Ingredients

1/2 lb butter
6 eggs (keep 1 egg white aside)
sesame seeds
1 1/2 cup sugar
6 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
6 cups flour
1 tsp vanilla essence or 2 tsp grated orange peel or 1 tsp nutmeg

How to make Sesame Cookies or Koulourakia

In a food mixer, cream the butter
Add in sugar gradually
Beat in eggs one at a time
Add in the vanilla essence (or orange peel or nutmeg)
Sift the baking powder, flour and salt together
Add them to the mixture to make a medium dough so it can be handled
Pinch off pieces to a size of a walnut
Roll the piece between hands and shape into twists (or whatever shape you want)
Brush lightly with beaten egg white
Sprinkle with sesame seeds
Place on a greased cookie sheet
Bake for 20 to 30 mins at 350 degree F. till golden brown

Easy Peasy Short Bread Cookies

2007-06-15T11:52:00.001-07:00

Unbelievable as it may sound, you too can make your own easy short bread cookies. They're so delicious and you can store them in cans or bake enough to impress your boss or co-workers.

Short Bread Cookies

1 cup butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 1/2 cup instant white flour (I use Robinhood flour)
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 cup rice flour

How to make Short Bread Cookies

Knead all above ingredients till soft and blended
Alternatively: use a mixer to mix everything well then place on floured board and knead for 10 mins
Roll out into 1/2 inch thick and cut into small rectangles
Baked them on a greased tray for 1 hour in moderate heat oven

As soon as it comes out of the oven, you can sprinkle with superfine sugar if you want.

The Oh My Goodness Chocolate Cake

2007-06-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

This chocolate cake is unbelievable. If sin is the word, then this chocolate cake fits the profile. I made this the other day and everyone just loved it! I adjusted the sugar quantity so it's a bit less sweet but you can add more sugar if prefer. Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and stawberries on the side and watch this disappear within minutes!

This makes a big quantity of cake so start off slow with your mixer then up the speed and make sure everything's incorporated.

The Oh My Goodness Chocolate Cake aka Rich Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

185g butter
2 tsp vanilla essense
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 cups self-raising flour
2/3 cup cocoa
1 cup water

Chocolate Icing
90g dark chocolate (chopped)
30g butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp hot water (approx)

How to make The Oh My Goodness Chocolate Cake:

Grease a 23cm deep round pan
Combine butter, essence, sugar, eggs, flour and cocoa and water in a large bowl
Beat on low speed till everything's combined
Increase speed to medium till everything's smooth and changes in color (creamy brown)
Spread into pan
Bake in moderate oven for 45 mins or till done
Stand 5 mins on wire rack to cool before you start with the icing otherwise icing will melt!
To make chocolate icing: Melt chocolate and butter in bowl over hot water
Gradually stir in shifted icing sugar
Mix enough hot water to a spreadable consistency
Spread icing on top of chocolate cake

Almond Biscuits

2007-06-10T00:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this recipe is so easy to make and the biscuits taste extra yummy! This is an awesome recipe to make with kids.

Almond Biscuits

Ingredients:

1 egg
225g flour
75g butter
50g sugar
1 to 2 tbsp condensed milk
Handful of almonds (chopped)
Egg yolk for glazing

How to make Almond Biscuits:

Using an electric beater, cream the sugar and butter
Add in egg
Slowly add in flour and condensed milk
Should be a firm dough-like consistency
Roll out dough on a floured board to 1/2 cm thickness
Use a cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits
Glaze biscuits with egg yolk and sprinkle with chopped almonds on top
Place in baking trays
Bake in moderate oven for 20 to 25 mins or till brown
Cool before storing

Nutty Cornflakes Bars

2007-06-10T00:15:00.000-07:00

So easy, your friends won't believe it!

Nutty Cornflakes Bars

Ingredients:

100g chocolate chips
25g sultanas or raisins
25g walnuts (chopped)
75g cornflakes (crushed)

How to make Nutty Cornflakes Bars:

Melt chocolates into a bowl using microwave
Mix sultanas, walnuts and cornflakes into chocolate and stir gently till all cornflakes are covered with chocolate
Lightly greased a 12 cm square tray
Press cornflake mixture into tray
Place tray into the refrigerator to set
When mixture is firm (after about 1 hour), remove tray from refrigerator and cut into bars
Use knife in jug of warm water to cut
Store bars in air-tight container

Souvlaki

2007-06-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

This easy to make souvlaki is one of my favorite recipe. No need to buy store-made marinate when you can make this at home easily.

Greek Souvlaki

1 lb lamb or beef (cut into cubes)

Marinade
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp marjoram
freshly ground pepper

Soak meat in marinade for several hours or overnight. Place meat on skewers and broil 3 to 4 inches from heat source. Broil for about 5 to 7 mins per side till done. Brush with marinade while broiling.

Rosemary Massage Oil

2007-06-04T20:40:00.001-07:00

Found this delightful concoction of Rosemary, Lavender and oil. I made a few batches for a few friends who love them.

Rosemary Massage Oil

1 handful freshly cut rosemary
1 spoonful thyme
1 spoonful lavender flowers
a few mint leaves
1 cup sweet almont or sunflower oil

Mince the leaves and flowers, place in a bottle or a jar. Cover in oil and allow to soak in sun for a few weeks, stirring from time to time. Filter and pour into attractive bottles.

Vietnamese Coffee

2007-05-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

What is a Vietnamese Filter?

A Vietnamese filter is a small coffee pot. It looks like a hat and sits upon the top of a coffee cup. Inside is a chamber for coffee and room for hot water. It is very basic and simple, and works!

This is a great website that shows you how Vietanamese Coffee works. I love this drink but be warned, it can get to be really strong!

Classic Butter Cake

2007-05-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

This basic classic butter cake recipe can be cooked using a variety oc cake pans. All pans should be greased, the base lined with paper and then the paper greased. However, if using baking paper, you don't have to grease it again.

INGREDIENTS:

125g butter
1 tsp vanilla essence
3/4 cup castor sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup self-raising flour
3/4 cup milk

How to make Classic Butter Cake:

Cream butter, essence and sugar in a bowl with electric mixer till light and fluffy
Beat in eggs one at a time
Beat till fully combined
Stir in half sifted flour and half milk, then stir in remaining flour and milk
Pour mixture into prepared pan
Bake at moderate heat
To test for doneness: insert a steel stick into centre, it is done when the stick comes away clean

Honey Mustard Dressing

2005-03-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, this is an excellent dressing for any salad dish! Enjoy!

Honey Mustard Dressing

1/3 cup honey

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup vinegar

3 tbsp mustard

1 cup olive oil

Mix in a jar until all oil is incorporated evenly.

Char-grilled Baby Octopus

2005-03-26T03:17:00.000-08:00

Char-grilled Baby Octopus

Ingredients

1 kg baby octopus
3/4 cup red wine
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 clove garlic (crushed)

Preparation:

Cut off octopus heads, below eyes with sharp knife. Discard heads & guts. Push beaks out with your index finger, remove and discard. Wash octopus thoroughly under running water and drain on crumpled paper towels. If octopus are large, cut tentacles into quarters.
Put octopus in large bowl. Stir in wine, vinegar, soy suace, hoisin and garlic in a jug & pour over. Toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for overnight or several hours.
Heat char-grill plate or bbq hotplate till very hot then lightly grease. Drain octopus, reserving marinade. Cook in batches for 3 to 4 mins or till flesh turn white. Brush marinade over octopus during cooking.
Becareful not to overcook or meat will be tough. SErve warm or cold. Delicious with green salad and lime wedges.

Lobster Mornay

2005-03-24T22:32:00.000-08:00

LOBSTER MORNAY

1 cooked medium lobster
1 1/4 cups (315mL) milk
1 slice onion
1 bay leaf
6 black peppercorns
30g butter
2 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp cream
60g Chedder - grated

Instructions:

Using a large sharp knife, cut the lobster in half lenghtways thru the tail. Lift the lobster meat from the tail & body, reserving both pieces of the shell.
Crack the legs & prise the meat out. Discard the cream vein and soft body matter. Cut meat into 2 cm pieces, cover and refrigerate. Wash and dry shells.
Put milk, onion, bay leaf and peppercorn in a saucepan. Bring to boil, then remove from heat, cover and leave for 15 mins. Strain.
Melt butter in saucepan over low heat, stir in flour and cook for 1 min or till pale and foaming. Remove from heat and gradually stir in strained milk.
Return to heat and stir till mixture thickens. Reduce heat to very low and simmer for 1 min. Stir in cream.
Season to taste with salt & pepper, then fold in meat and stir over low heat for 1 mins or till warmed through.
Spoon half mixture into each shell & sprinkle cheese. Cook lobster under hot grill for 2 mins, or till cheese is golden.
Serve with asparagus.

Apricot & Walnut Muffins

2005-03-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

This Apricot & Walnut muffin recipe is EXCELLENT. They taste sooo good. Recipe by New Zealand's baker Alison Holst.

Apricot & Walnut Muffins

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup water or orange juice
100 gm butter
2 eggs
1 cup yoghurt
1 large orange, rind and juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

To Prepare:

Measure dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix well to ensure that brown sugar is evenly mixed through the other ingredients
In another bowl, microwave the apricots with water/juice until all liquid is absorbed (1 min on high)
Add butter, warming again if necessary, then mix in eggs and yoghurt, grated rind. Make juice from orange up to 1/2 cup with water, if necessary, and add this and the chopped walnuts
Fold two mixtures together, taking care not to overmix
Divide mixture evenly between 12 medium-sized muffin pans that have been coated with non-stick spray (use muffin cups for easier clean-up)
Bake at 190C for 12-15 mins or until muffins spring back when pressed lightly

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

2005-02-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

I found this excellent recipe on Canadian Living magazine and wanted to add this to my Asian Recipe site. Though technically not Asian influence, I thought this recipe deserve some mentioning. I tried it and it works really, really well... especially with the Citrus Mango Dip. See Below.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

2 eggs
3 tbsp/ 50 mL all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp/ 2 mL salt
1/4 tsp/ 1 mL pepper
1 lbs/ 500g jumbo shrimp
1 1/4 cups/ 300 mL unsweetened desiccated coconut
Vegetable oil for deep frying

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, flour salt and pepper until smooth; let batter stand for 30 mins.
Meanwhile, peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on. If desired, butterfly shrimp by cutting lenghtwise along outside curve almost but not completely through. Pat shrimp dry.
Place half the coconut on plate. Holding shrimp by tail, dip into batter, letting excess drip off. Dip into coconut, turning to coat all over and adding remaining coconut as needed. Set on rack on rimmed baking sheet.
Pour enough oil into deep-fryer or deep heavy-bottomed pot to come at least 2 inches up side. Heat to 375 degrees (F).
In batches, deep-fry shrimp, turning once, until golden, about 1 minute. using slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to paper towel-lined rimmed baking sheet to drain.

Citrus Mango Dip

1 cup / 250 mL diced peeled mango
1 tbsp/ 15 mL granulated sugar
1 tbsp/ 15 mL lime juice
Pinch each hot pepper flakes and salt
1 tbsp/ 15 mL finely chopped fresh coriander

In blender or small food processor, puree together mango, sugar, lime juice, hot pepper flakes and salt until smooth. Stir in coriander. Makes about 1 cup.

Drinks Recipes

2005-02-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

At first I started thinking about creating a page just for drinks, you know... ones that go with Asian recipes. But then I got to thinking that in Asia, most people don't really drink alcohol with their food.

Anyways, here are some of my favourite websites for drinks.

DrinkBoy

Bubble Tea

What is Bubble Tea?

Chilli Crust

2005-02-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

CHILLI CRUST

Process 6 slices of fresh white bread, crusts removed, in a food processor for 30 secs to make breadcrumbs.
Combine in large bowl with 3 tsp each of chilli flakes, ground cumin and a pinch of chilli powder.
Season with salt and pepper.
Lightly beat an egg in a shallow bowl.
Pat dry 500g calamari rings (or 750g raw medium prawns - peeled & deveined) with paper towels.
Dust with flour, then dip in egg and roll in the breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.
Refrigerate for 30 mins.
Fill a deep fryer 1/3 full oil and head 180C (350F) or till a cube of bread droppped in oil browns in 15 secs.
Deep fry for 1 min or till golden and cooked.
Drain on a crumpled paper towels & serve.

Recipes from Asia

2004-10-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

My favorite asian recipes are Malaysian... because I grew up in Malaysia and my mother is a wonderful cook. My favorite Malaysian recipes are posted at:
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Market/7773/malaysia.html

Please try out some of these recipes and let me know what you think. I have other recipes from China, Singapore, Japan, Thai, Vietnam and Korea. I'm also thinking of including some Asian-fusion recipes. If you have favorite recipes please post them here for people to share and try.

2006 - New Edit: Wow. I haven't checked into my Blog page in ages and got some great responses. I will have new updates as soon as I'm able to get time. Thanks for everyone's comments and support. Take care!