不一样的天空

Potato & Hazelnut Cake

2011-10-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

I have not been baking since back from US to Malaysia. Thanks to my hubby bought me a big convention oven and I just had my 1st cake nicely baked in my house :)

Ingredient :

* 125g plain flour

* 1 tsp baking powder

* 1/2 tsp bicarbonate soda

* 1/2 tsp salt

* 2 eggs

* 125g caster sugar ( Add or reduce base on individual taste )

* 100ml corn oil

* 140g grated potato

* 30g grounded hazelnut

Methods:

* Grease and line a 10cm x 20cm ( 4 x 8 Inches) loaf pan. Preheat oven to 180 degree C.

* Combine plain flour, baking powder, soda and salt in a mixing bowl.

* Add in eggs, oil and sugar. Stir into flour mixture until well blended.

* Add in grated potato and hazelnut. Mix well.

* Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake in oven for 30 minutes.

You can decorate with cooked potato slices and hazelnuts . Ready to serve !!!

My Little Princess

2011-08-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a while I didn't update my blog :( I was busy with my little one and also my online business. Time really flies and my little baby growing up became another little princess who able to show her expression and feeling better.

Here are some of her pictures ....^^

Giselle celebrated her 1st birthday at Italian Restaurant, Strait Quay, Penang.

12 months old

13 months old

13 months old
13 months old

13 months old

15 months old

16 months old ( this month )

Is fun to dress her up like my Babbie Doll. But, most of the time, she is not very helpful especially when I put on a nice hairband for her.... :(

However, I would like to thank her for being mummy little model to help show case my kids apparel from time to time....^^ Mummy love you !

Baby Giselle

2010-05-06T02:15:00.000-07:00

11 April 2010

I was having my week 39 check up with Dr Low. After the check up, I went for the famous Curry Mee as breakfast with my elder sister, Janice and my brother in law, Daniel.

My water broke immediately after my meal and we went to hospital again for further details check up. Finally the day I'm waiting for has been arrived :)

This is my little girl Miss Giselle Teh

She was really chubby and cute in this photos.

1st week ...

2 weeks ...

3rd weeks ...

Giselle is suffering from jaundice since the 1st day she was born. Now she is in recovering stage and hopefully everything get well very soon.

Poor Customer Service!!

2010-03-31T02:10:00.000-07:00

Today not a good day for me, so mad about the service from developer and also their lawyer firm.

As you know that Pg Island new property sell like a hot cake even without the showroom. Thinking of our baby girl future, SB & myself got our landed property under Sunway project. I can said is crazy to buy a house without seeing the showroom but both of us did that and yet we need to pay 10% as a booking fees. The sales person said the 10% only will bank in to their account after signing the S&P.

What I'm very angry about is that sales person just informed us that they will bank in the money this week although we haven't sign the S & P. He said this is their normal practice. What the F#@% he talking about??? Anyway, seem we are keen to buy that property so we are agreed with him. In another hand, we asked him to arrange the S&P for us to sign on this coming weekend since it has been delayed for 2 weeks. Today is the 3rd day since we spoke to him and he haven't return call!!! What the hack he is doing???

I will delivery my baby anytime now and wish to settle all this ASAP and I make 2 calls to their appointed lawyer but unfortunately unable to get her. I asked her to return my call but still she didn't . The reason given by her assistance was that lawyer very busy.
Can anyone tell me whether I should cool down and just keep waiting ?

I felt mad, very mad now because I never facing this kind of service. My past experience always a good one which the lawyer will automatically call us to arrange for the appointment instead of we are keep chasing after them. Hopefully I can cool down tonight and not cancelling my purchase with them which I'm thinking to do now !!!

Happy Birthday & Happy 2nd Anniversary !

2010-03-24T00:45:00.000-07:00

I still remember SB proposed to me on my birthday, midnight at 12...and we got registered on the next day :)

For those who know us well, you will know our story...

It has been 2 years, we wanted to celebrate this year with a little travel, but with my big tummy, we decided for something more practical and simple. I easily get tired and need an early sleep. We had Japanese food for lunch and dinner these 2 days.

But, I'm really happy with his simple arrangement even though he was busy with his work lately. Thanks , my dear!!!

Red rose isn't my favorite but it seem so nice when he gave it to me with the vibrant greeting card. Thanks again!

What else I got??? Haha...a brand new apartment in Island with my birthday house number 22-03... Thanks thanks thanks & muak muak!!!

Closer & Closer Now !

2010-03-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

Getting closer and closer, I'm 37 weeks now !!!

We will see our little baby girl soon, very soon.

So excited to wait for this special moment to come...

As a new parent to be, we both got all stuffs done to welcome our baby, we bought a totally new Queen size bed for our little gal, putting together the stroller and carrier, setting up the playpen, washed all the baby new clothes and diapers, and got ready all stuffs that she may need to use when she is back home ...Oh yes! Not forgetting those Chinese medicine @ confinement stuffs for myself :)

And most importantly, as a " Hong So" mummy to be, I'm not forgetting "lepaking" before my due date, hooray!

Daddy really working hard on this stroller and finally done!

We realized that this Ah Mor stroller too big for both of us :(

This is mummy hard work putting it up together for you, my little one :)

CNY 2010

2010-03-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

Times flies... CNY 2010 has finished.

This year was a memorable year for me. Why? Haha...because...

1) 1st CNY in Malaysia as people wife,

2) Precious gift from God, my baby girl,
3) My urine test was normal,

4) SB's mom gave me a very precious Valentine's present,thanks mummy!

5) Big angpow + sweet Valentine's present + lovely homecook dinner from SB :)

Here are some pictures that I would like to share.

Prayer to ancestor, my grand parent & dad

Reunion dinner at Amber mom's place

Yummy and delicious food from my mom :)

My mom prepared this for me to bring home and it was a CNY ornament, it's suppose to be meaningful

The flowers with mom

The bees with mom

Reunion lunch at SB mom's place together with his untie & cousin

1st day of CNY, the Chinese pray to their ancestor as well as to the Gods.Therefore, we went to this beautiful temple. "Ka Lam Teng" to pay respect to SB grand parents

Activities inside the hall

Finally we took a CNY photo at our home before depart to Alor Setar

The 2nd day of CNY is for married daughters like us to visit our mom

Chinese Temple at Kedah

The prayer is done to pray that we will be blessed with good luck and prosperity in this new year

Kek Lok Si Temple. The Goddess of Mercy "Kuan Yim" has a new roof. It took a while but it's almost done now. It looks very beautiful and majestic

The special thing about CNY in Penang is the fact that Kek Lok Si Temple is only lite up during this 1 month period. The temple turns into a glowing city. Full of light and charm. One can actually see this from far

Kuan Yim with her new roof.

SB & his mom

Bad News During 30 Weeks of Pregnancy

2010-02-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

( Back Post )

7 February 2010

It has been a while I stop writing my blog. After pregnant, I easily get lazy...I have no mood in cooking, shopping, online...what I really enjoying is just relaxing in the aircond room doing nothing and feel my baby gal kicking inside me :)

Today, we went for normal check up and the bad news was doctor told me that my urine was high in sugar but luckily my blood test result was normal. However, I know the cause of it :(

I skipped my lunch and just ate lots of "Kuih kapek" and " Kuih Kacang" as my normal meals for the passed few weeks due to my laziness of going out. I totally regret with what I did but now is too late!!! Before it impact myself and my baby, I didn't touch any sweet stuffs from this weeks onwards especially all my favorite Chinese New Year cookies. I wished baby will not increased weight because of my mistake...sorry baby girl.

This is my baby girl 4D ultrasound in her 30 weeks. She look just like me when I'm born ...chubby baby girl :)

Here is a different shot of her.

Bye Bye Our 1st Home Sweet Home In Colorado Springs

2010-02-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

( Back Post )

Date:

27/11/2009 : Shipment out

28/11/2009 : Checked in Marriott

Place we stayed for the passed 2 1/2 years : Spring Canyon Apartment

Packing our stuffs for shipment

Our air shipment ready to ship :)

SB not forgetting to take a picture for memory.

Finally checked in Marriott Studio Room for the next 3 nights before departing to San Francisco.

For My Baby Before I leave colorado Springs

2010-02-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

Back Post
Daddy and mummy 1st home where we conceived you in Colorado Springs :)

Mummy is going to 16 weeks in this picture .

Mummy forgot to bring camara during 1st ultra sound...sorry!

2nd ultra sound during 11 weeks...daddy & mummy felt so happy to see you so active!

3rd ultra sound during NT Scan to ensure you are healthy :) Thank god u are fine.

But, you are sleeping this time...

Annual Hot Air Balloon in Springs

2009-09-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

Colorado Balloon Classic is an annual family event and held on each Labor Day weekend.Last year we didn't managed to attend this event because SB & I went to New York & New Jersey for holidays :) Therefore, we decided not to travel out from Springs and wish to witness this grand event as this was our last chance.

The event is held in Memorial Park off Pikes Peak Avenue . Mass ascensions with over 100 balloons are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings 7 am with a Balloon Glow scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8pm.

SB & I woke up very early just to ensure we arrived the park before 6.30am so that we able to see how the balloon filled :)

The place was crowded. However the mass ascension was cancel that morning, but they filled up their balloons.

In the evening they have the balloon glow, we went on the second day, it was cancelled :(

Neverthelest we were happy to experience the atmosphere of many big balloons on the field.

The place was crowded with peoples even before sunrise.

Fillig up the energizer bunny balloon.

Noah's Ark balloon. This one is unique

Booth selling souviniers

View of energizer bunny balloon from bottom

Happening crowd in the morning.

Eat more chickin'

Colorful balloons

76 balloon, my year of birth :)

SB and me :)

1st BBQ In Summer

2009-09-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

I never try BBQ during summer and I always wanted to do so.

Finally I had a chance because our friend, Eric finally bought a BBQ grill. Last weekend we had our 1st BBQ at his house and we did enjoyed the day because of the nice scenery facing Garden's of The Gods with cool weather, good foods and wonderful company around :)

Eric and I were the cook of the day :)

We had sausages, chickens, fish, bacon and yellow corn for the day ...

The weather was so cool that I need another blanket for protection :)

Soo Beng and Min Jie enjoying themselves drinking and chit chatting while waiting for me & Eric to prepare the food

Min Jie

Chicken!!! Looks great and yummy, right ???

Celine Dion Concert

2009-09-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

26 February 2009 ( Back Post )

I never thought I would get the chance to experience a superstar's concert. What more Celine Dion! This is amazing!

Long " Q " at Pepsi Centre to get into the hall. We were feeling cool outside because it was winter!!!

Finally got our seat :) The hall was fully packed!!!

Opening by Gordy Brown and he was a good joker :)

Nice photo album, the person sitting infront of us is viewing it.

Finally saw Celine! She's looks great!

Her voice was amazing and wonderful!

This was a great concert and memorable day for me.

2009 Chinese New Year Celebration

2009-09-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

26 January 2009 ( Back Post )

My 1st and last Chinese New Year Celebration in United States.

We were so happy attending open house organized for Singaporean and Malaysian in Springs.

From left: SB, Ian, Lisa, Sherley, Tom and myself

New Year Eve : Timsum breakfast at Denver with MJ, Eric and Wai Seong.

We were so lucky to meet these 4 - 5 beautiful Lion Dance.

More happening then Malaysia , right?

I organized an little reunion steamboat dinner with friends.

We had all the great foods :)

Tada!!! Entertainment time...everyone so happily playing cards !

While they were gambling, I played with all these cute kids.

Cute couple!!!

SB likes to play with Michell. I guess he love BB gal :)

1st angpow given away for our 1st year of married.

Bell Pepper Chicken With Lemon Juice

2009-09-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

2 pieces of boneless chicken thigh/ 1 chicken breast ( cut into small pieces )
1/4 green bell pepper ( sliced )
1/4 red bell pepper ( sliced )
5 gloves garlic ( finely chopped )
1/2 gloves small onion ( cut into small pieces )
Salt to taste ( follow your taste )
Dash of white Pepper
Lemon Juice to taste ( follow your taste )

Steps:-

Heat the wok with cooking oil and saute the garlic and onion until fragrance.
Add in chicken, salt and pepper. Stir well until the chicken cooked.
Add in bell pepper and cook until the vegetables getting soft.
Add in lemon juice.
Taste the gravy. You can add in more lemon juice or salt until you get the desired taste.
Dish out and serve.

Lotus Root Soup

2009-09-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

1 -2 fresh lotus root
10 -15 pieces of red dates
1 piece of dried cuttlefish/ 5 dried oyster/ 1/2 cup of dried anchovy( Dried cuttlefish is preferred )
2 pieces of pork ribs
1/4 cup raw Spanish nuts
Salt to taste

Steps:-

Wash the lotus roots and making sure there is no soil in the holes.
Cut the lotus root into slices.
Clean the raw Spanish nuts and removed the skin.
Parboil the pork ribs for 2 minutes. Drain and wash with cool water.
Put all ingredients into your slow cooker and slow cook for 5-8 hours or overnight.
Add in salt follow your taste.

Soy Sauce Chicken + Chicken Rice + Chili Garlic Sauce

2009-09-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

I missed Chicken Rice very much especially the roasted chicken rice. Therefore I decided to make my own for lunch. But the chicken isn't the same as I did Soy Sauce Chicken instead of the roasted chicken or Hainanese Chicken.

Ingredients for Soy Sauce Chicken :-

2 thigh + 1 chicken breast
1 cup water
4 tsp light soy sauce
5 pieces star anise
1 stick cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 inch old ginger ( sliced )
6 cloves garlic ( finely chopped )
Salt to taste

Steps:-

Boil the chicken for 20 minutes or until cooked. Removed the chicken and set aside to cool.
Retain broth for use on rice and chili sauce.
Boil 1 cup of water with light soy sauce, star anise, Cinnamon stick, garlic and ginger at high heat.
When sauce rolling boil, add in brown sugar and chicken then reduce the heat to medium.
Let the chicken simmer in the soy sauce for 45 minutes or until the gravy nearly dry.
Turn off the heat and prepare to serve with rice.

Ingredients for Hainanese Style Chicken Rice:-

2 cups rice ( washed )
2 tsp oil preferably oil from frying chicken/ cooking oil ( I used oil from frying turmeric chicken )
1-2 inch ginger ( finely chopped )
5 cloves garlic ( finely chopped )
2 tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 chicken broth or more ( reserved from chicken that boiled )
2 Pandan leaves

Steps:-

Heat the wok with oil and then saute the ginger and garlic until light brown.
Add in rice and 2 tbsp water. Stir well until rice is coated with the oil.
Pour the rice mixture into rice cooker and add in pandan leaves and chicken broth.
Ensure the chicken broth enought just to cover the rice.
Cook as usual you cook the normal rice.
When the rice is ready, check the rice whether is too hard. If yes, you can add some chicken broth into it but not too many and re-cook.
Ready to serve with the chicken.

Ingredients for Chili Garlic Sauce:-

10 Red Chili ( I replaced with 5 Dried chili )
1 inch ginger
4 garlic gloves
2 tbsp chicken broth ( reserved from the chicken that boiled )
1 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp sugar ( or more )
Dash of salt to taste

Step:-

Just blend all ingredients in the blender.

Teochew Style Steam Fish

2009-09-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

1 Chinese Pomfret ( Tau Dai Cheong )
1/2 gloves small onion ( sliced )
3 gloves garlic ( finely chopped )
2 inch ginger ( sliced )
2 spring onion ( cut into 4 inch each )
2 tomatoes ( cut into 4 pieces each )
1/2 tsp sugar
1/3 tsp salt ( more or less )
1 tsp light soy sauce
2 dried Chinese Mushroom ( soaked and sliced )
Pinch of Tamarind/ Assam Jawa ( Optional : replace by plum or salted vegetable )
Pinch of white pepper
2 dried chili ( soak and cut into small pieces ) / 2 Jalapeno Chili/ 2 Chili Paddy
1/4 cup water

Steps:-

Clean the fish and prepare all the ingredients as mentioned.
Marinate the fish with salt and white pepper. Put inside the steaming plate.
Pour the rest of the ingredients into the steaming plate.
Heat up the steamer to high heat.
Steam the fish for 15 minutes or until cooked.

Ready to serve warm with white rice :)

Kuih Koci

2009-09-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

300g glutinous rice flour
1/2 tsp salt
6-8 pandan leaves juice ( blend with 1 cups coconut milk )
1 cup coconut milk ( blend with pandan leaves )
1/4 cup coconut milk ( more or less )
16 pcs 6" x 8" banana leaves ( soak in hot water and clean it )

Filling:-

300g fresh grated coconut
130g palm sugar
4 tbsp water
1 pandan leave
2 tsp of cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

Methods:-
Fillings:

Cook palm sugar and water until sugar really dissolved.
Add in pandan leave and grated coconut and stir cook until the mixture nearly dry.
Add in cornstarch mixture and still well until thicken.
Dish out and let it cool.

Dough:

Mix flour, salt and coconut milk. Knead well.
If the mixture too dry, add in a bit coconut milk and if too wet, add additional flour.

To Make Kuih:

Pinch a small piece of dough and roll into a ball and then flatten the dough.
Add in 1 tbsp of filling in the center and gather up the edges to seal the filling inside.
Then, grease the banana leaves with cooking oil.
Fold it into corn shape ( oiled is inside ), place dough ball into it and push gently to fill the tip of cone as much as possible.
Fold the edges over the base to close.
Steam for 15 minutes in slow boiling water.
Cool before serve.

I would like to thanks my hubby for helping me in doing all the dough :)

Bell Pepper Chicken

2009-09-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

3 skinless boneless chicken breast ( I replaced with 1 boneless thigh and 3 slices of chicken breast )
2 tbsp light soy sauce ( 1 tbsp for marinate and 1 tbsp for cooking )
3 tbsp ketchup ( 1 tbsp for marinate and 2 tbsp for cooking )
1-2 inch ginger ( sliced )
1/2 bulb garlic ( finely chopped )
2 green onion ( cut into 1 inch pieces )
1 medium red pepper ( cut into small pieces )
1 medium green pepper ( cut into small pieces )
1/2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp cooking oil

Steps:-

Marinate the chicken with 1 tbsp light soy sauce and 1 tbsp ketchup for 1/2 hour.
Heat the wok with cooking oil and saute the garlic and ginger until fragrance or golden brown.
Add in chicken, 1 tbsp of light soy sauce and 2 tbsp of ketchup. Stir well until the chicken cooked.
Add in red pepper, green pepper and 1/2 tsp sugar to taste. Stir until the pepper become soft.
Add in green onion. At this stage, you can add additional light soy sauce follow your taste.
Stir for a while and dish out.

Pregnancy Food Craving :)

2009-08-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Althought still at the beginning stage of my pregnancy, I've start craving for certain food... I felt my stomach is full of air and not comfortable to take my normal diet.

I crave for buns with filling, like those we can easily get from "Bread Story" in Malaysia. Those soft bun....

In Colorado Springs, I could not find this type of bakery shop. Found one Chinese shop in Denver selling few type of buns.

So how? At 1st SB thought of bringing me to Denver just to get the buns but I decided otherwise as driving for 2 hours just to get the buns is too much. No go!!!

But, I really appreciated his effort, muak!

My solution was ...go to Asian Market in Colorado Springs and get those frozen buns :)

Ta da!

Instant Char Siew Bao

Instant Sesame Bao

Instant Mantou

Haha! I didn't get what I really craved for but at least, more then 50% similar, that will do and better then none!!

Now I realized Malaysia such a good place for food and I really looking forward to go back my home :)

Nasi Briyani

2009-08-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

1 cup of rice ( soak for 1-2 hours )
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 packet of Maggi brand Briyani Rice Mix
100 g chicken breast ( sliced or cut into small pieces )
4 star anise
1 tsp cloves
1 small onion ( sliced or cut into small pieces )
1/4 -1/2 cup of dried raisin
Salt to taste
Cilantro / Spring Onion for garnish ( Prefer Cilantro )
2 tbsp cooking oil

Steps:-

Heat the frying pan with 2 tbsp of cooking oil and stir fry the Briyani Rice Mix.
Add in chicken and stir fry until the chicken half cook.
Add in onion and soaked rice into the pan and stir well for 2 minutes.
Pour the mixtures into your non-stick electrical rice cooker and add in water, star anise, cloves, and some salt to taste. Cook as normal you cook your rice.
When the rice boiled, add in raisin and continue to cook until ready.
Let it rest in the cooker for few minutes before serve.

Garnish the rice with chopped cilantro before serve.

Notes:-

If you want an easier way, just put all ingredients into your rice cooker and cook it as normal.

Crispy Almond Slice

2009-08-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

3 eggs white
100 g sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1-2 tsp vanilla essence
200 g whole almonds
120g plain flour

A Steps:-

Preheat oven to 340 degree F / 170 degree C .
Grease a 7"sq baking pan.
Whisk egg white with sugar and salt until thick.
Fold in flour and almonds. Mix well.
Pour into a prepared pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until very light brown.
Remove & place onto a cooling rack to cool.
Wrap the cake with aluminium foil and keep in the fridge for a couple of hours.

B Steps:-

After couple of hours, pre-heat oven to 32o degree F/ 160 degree C.
Slice the cake into thin slices and lay onto a baking tray.
Try to slice the cake to thinner then my slices
Bake for 15 minutes or until crispy.

Cool and store in cookies container.

Cinnamon & Star Anise Chicken

2009-08-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

1 1/2 pound chicken ( I used 2 boneless thigh and some cutted chicken breast )
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp sugar ( or as your taste )
1 1/2 - 2 tbsp light soy sauce ( or as your taste )
4 star anise
1 medium size cinnamon stick
5 cloves garlic ( finely chopped )
1-2 inch old ginger ( sliced )
2 tbsp cooking oil

Steps:-

For Slow Cook:

Put all ingredients into your slow cooker and slow cook for few hours or until the gravy thicken.

For normal cook:-

Heat your frying pan with 2 tbsp of cooking oil and saute garlic and ginger until fragrance or golden brown.
Add in chicken, star anise, cinnamon stick and bring it to boil.
Add in light soy sauce and sugar to taste.
Turn the heat to slow and simmer it until the seasoning and gravy got thinken.

Dish out and serve warm.

Chinese Sausage Fried Rice

2009-08-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

Left over rice
2 eggs
1-2 Chinese Sausage ( cut into small pieces or sliced )
1/2 - 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables ( I used Mexican style frozen vegetables )
1 tsp oyster sauce
2 tsp light soy sauce
1-2 inc minced ginger
1 green onion ( finely chopped )
Salt & pepper to taste
Cooking oil

Steps:-

Heat the wok with 2tbsp cooking oil and saute the minced ginger until fragrant.
Add in chicken, Chinese Sausage and 1 tsp light soy sauce. Stir fry until the chicken cooked.
Add in mixed vegetables and fry until the vegetable soft.
Spread all ingredients to a side of the wok and create an empty space in the centre or another side of the wok. Pour in another 2 tbsp of cooking oil into the wok.
Crack the eggs into it and stir cook, break and scape the eggs with a spatula until you get the eggs pieces are well cooked and light golden in color.
Mixed all ingredients together and add in rice, 1 tsp light soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir well to ensure all ingredients incorporate to each other.
Add in salt and white pepper follow your taste and fry for another 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with spring onion and turn off the heat and dish out.

New Kid On The Block :)

2009-08-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

26 August 2009

Important day in my life!

Finally I am pregnant!

A new baby on the block soon!

Such a great news for Teh & Ooi's families!

Especially...Mr Teh :)

CONGRATULATION MR & MRS TEH !!!

Bakewell Slice

2009-08-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

Crust:-

1 cup flour
6 tbsp cold butter
1 tbsp sugar

Topping :-

6 tbsp butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
2/3 - 1 cup ground almonds
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1/4 cup slice almonds

Steps:-

Pre-heat oven to 375 degree F and grease your baking pan.
Blend crust ingredients until fine and crumbly.
Press it evenly to the base of the baking pan.
Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.
In a medium bowl, beat the sugar, butter and eggs until light and creamy.
Add in flour and ground and mix well.
Add in ground walnuts and mix until combined.
Spread the Raspberry Jam to the cool crust evenly.
Spread the topping filling mixture over the jam and sprinkle the almond slices to the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked.

Cool completely before cutting to serve.

Keep the remaining ones in the Tupperware :)

Soy Milk

2009-08-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Uncooked soy beans
Fresh water
Rock Sugar / sugar
6- 8 Pandan leaves

Methods:-

Wash the beans and soak overnight
Discard soak water, rinse and drain soy beans.

In a blender or food processor, put 1/2 cup soy beans and 1 cup water, blend or grind to a smooth paste.
Pour into sturdy cotton cloth reserved for food use and twist and squeeze as much liquid as possible from the paste into cooking pot.
Repeat the above until finish all beans. If you find your soy liquid too thick, you can reuse the blended beans and blend it again with water.

Boil the liquid and pandan leaves with medium heat and non stop stirring the liquid.
Add in sugar to taste.
Turn off the heat when the liquid cooked.

Sweet Soy Sauce Chicken

2009-08-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

For frying the chicken :-

6-8 pieces chicken of your choice of chicken part ( I use boneless thigh and breast meat )
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp turmeric powder
Oil for deep -frying

Methods:-

Coat the chicken well with salt and turmeric powder and deep fry until golden brown.Keep aside.

For gravy:-

1 in ginger ( sliced )
2 shallot ( sliced )
1 red chili ( I replaced with green chili )
1 onion ( sliced )
2 tbsp cooking oil
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2-3 tbsp thick dark soy sauce ( kicap pekat )
2 tbsp sweet soy sauce ( I skipped this and replace with dark soy sauce )
1/4-1/3 cup water
Sugar to taste ( optional but I did add into my cook as I didn't use sweet soy sauce )

Methods:-

Heat the wok with cooking oil and saute ginger and shallot until fragrance.
Add water and all 3 soy sauce and stir well.
Check the taste and add in sugar /light soy sauce if necessary. Let it boil.
Once boiled, add in chicken, onion and chili.
Flip the chicken so that they are well coat with soy sauce.
Cook until the onion is soft and dish out.

Prepare to serve!

Onde-onde

2009-08-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

250 g Glutinous Rice Flour
A Pinch Of Sea Salt
200 ml Pandan Juice ( Blended from 10 Pandan leaves with 220 ml water )
150 g Gula Melaka (Palm Sugar), cut into small pieces
1 tbsp brown sugar
100 g Grated Coconut with some salt

Method:

For the coating,mix the grated coconut with a pinch of salt and steam for about 2-3 minutes and let it cool completely.
For filling, mix the plam sugar with the brown sugar and prepare to use.
In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with Pandan juice and add in a little bit of salt.
Knead the dough lightly and pinch a small piece of the dough and flatten lightly.
Fill the centre of the dough with palm sugar mixture.
Roll it in your palm to form a smooth ball.
Cook the glutinous rice balls in the boiling water.
When the rice balls float to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon and shake off the excess water.
Coat the rice balls with grated coconut.

Serve immediatly while still warm.

Thai Basil Chicken

2009-08-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

2 boneless chicken thigh ( cut into small pieces )
1/2 - 1 bulb garlic ( finely chopped )
1 stalk Scallion ( finely chopped )
1-2 tomatoes ( cut into small pieces )
1 Green Chili( Jalapeno )/ 1/2 Green pepper ( sliced )
1 stalk Thai basil ( only use the leaves )
2 tsp Lime Juice
3 tsp light soy sauce ( reduce to 2 tsp if u add fish sauce )
1 tsp fish sauce ( optional )
Sugar to taste

Methods:-

Heat the wok with cooking oil and fry the garlic until light brown.
Add in chicken, light soy sauce and sugar. Stir until the chicken is cooked.
Pour in green chili or green pepper, tomatoes and fish sauce. Mix well and bring to boil.
Add in Thai Basil leaves and turn off the heat. Mix well and dish out.

Serve with white rice will be great!

Steam Shrimp Egg Custard

2009-08-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

2 eggs
1 cups low sodium chicken stock or water
1 tbsp light soy sauce
Dash of white pepper
4 peeled shrimps
1 small carrot ( sliced )
Spring Onion for garnish ( chopped )

Methods:-

Cook the sliced carrot in the boiling water until soft.
Add in shrimps and drain out.
Put the carrot and shrimp into small bowl.
Mix the eggs with light soy sauce, pepper and chicken stock and stir well.
After the mixture is incorporate well, pour the mixture into the bowl.
Cover with foil and steam. ( I forgot to cover therefore the surface is not smooth )
Steam for 20 minutes or until the liquid stay clear.

Notes:- If you want a fine texture, do strain the eggs mixture over a fine sieve before pouring into bowl.

Bird's Nest Tong Sui/ Soup

2009-08-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

During my last trip back to Malaysia, SB got his sister to buy me some bird's nest from Kuching, East Malaysia. I brought it back to US because I hope by taking Bird's Nest Tong Sui twice a month, my immune system will be stronger :) This is because bird's nest supposedly rich in nutrients which are traditionally believed to provide health benefits, such as aiding digestion, raising libido, improving the voice, alleviating asthma, improving focus, and an overall benefit to the immune system which I need the most!

Ingredients:-

1 piece of Bird's Nest
10 pieces of Red Dates
3-5 small pieces of Americans' Ginseng
1 medium size of Rock sugar
1-2 Pandan Leaves ( knotted )
Water

Methods:-

Clean all ingredients and put in the slow cooker.
Slow cook for few hours or overnight.
Serve warm.

Ayam Masak Merah

2009-08-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I like to follow my dad to attend Malay wedding ceremony because they will serve great Ayam Masak Merah with tomato rice. Ironnically, my mom is very good in cooking Ayam Masak Merah but she does not cook it often because deep frying the chicken makes the house very oily. We only have it when we persuade her to cook it during special occasion or when she is really in a good mood :(

I miss this dish after being in the States for a year plus. I've decided to make it for myself and here is my Ayam Masak Merah :)

Ingredients:-
For Marinate & Deep Fry:

Whole Chicken and cut it into small pieces ( I use 6 boneless & skinless thigh )
Salt
Turmeric powder

For Blend:

10 pieces dried chili ( as less & as much )
5 fresh red chili ( Optional if you don't like to be too spicy )
3 cm ginger ( sliced )
3 cloves garlic ( chopped )
1 onion ( chopped )
2 stalk lemon grass ( cut into small pieces )
4 tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato ketchup

For Cooking:

1 canned green pea
1/2 onion ( cut into ring )
1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce ( optional )
2 tbsp tomato sauce ( optional )
cooking oil
Sugar to taste
Salt to taste

Methods:-

Heat the wok with cooking oil and deep fry the chicken. Dish out and prepare to use.
Heat oil and cook all blended ingredients until boil.
Add in green pea, salt, sugar to taste. Stir well all the mixture.
I didn't cook too many chicken.Therefore, at this stage, I take out half of the gravy and store in the refridgerator for future use.
Then, add in fried chicken and stir until all ingredients well mixed.
Once the gravy gets thicken, add in onion rings and turn of the heat.
Stir them well and remove from the heat.

I served it with fresh cucumber, boiled egg and coconut milk rice :)

Fried Wanton

2009-08-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Ingredient:-

300 g pork ( blend it )
8 big peeled shrimps ( finely chopped )
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 green onion ( finely chopped )
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 tsp ginger ( finely chopped )
1 small size carrot ( boiled and finely chopped )
2 Chinese Mushroom ( Soaked and finely chopped )
30 - 35 wanton skin
Dash of white pepper ( optional )

1 egg yolk ( lightly beaten for wrapping the wanton use )

Methods:-

Mix all ingredients except egg york and wanton skin.
Marinate for 1 hour or longer.
To make the wanton, put 1 tsp of the filling in the middle of the wanton skin.
Pick one corner and fold it into the diagonal corner and seal it with egg york.
Pick up the 2 ends that have 45 degree angle ( the ones where the fold is ) and wet them with a dab of egg yolk. Then pinch these 2 corner together.
Use as much wanton filling as needed. ( I kept 1/2 of the filling in refrigerator for next round use as I couldn't finished all )
Heat up the frying pan with cooking oil.
Slowly and gently put the wanton into the pan and fry them until golden brown.
Keep turning the wanton all the way through.
Monitor the heat to ensure it's not too hot, this will prevent the situation where the wanton skin is darken but uncooked inside.

Ready to serve! Deep fried wanton :)

You can serve with tomato ketchup, mayonnaise sauce or even chili sauce.

Fried Kuey Teow / Flat Noodles

2009-08-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

1/2 packet Kuey Teoh/ flat noodles
1 bulb garlic ( finely chopped )
8-10 peeled shrimps
1 Chinese sausage ( sliced thinly )
80g cockles, scaled and shelled ( I skipped this )
80g beansprouts
50g Chivas, cut into 3cm lengths ( I skipped this )
2 eggs ( beaten )

Seasoning:-

1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp Chili Paste ( I used Sambal Oelek )
1/2 - 1 tsp dark soy sauce
Salt and white pepper to taste
2 tbsp cooking Oil
Some water

Methods:-

Heat up the wok with cooking oil and fry garlic until light brown.
Add in Chinese sausage,shrimps and cockles. Stir fry well.
Add in Kuey Teow, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce and sprinkle a bit of water. Stir fry the Kuey Teow quickly until all ingredients well mixed.
Spread all ingredients around the wok and create an empty space in the centre, then crack the eggs into it and add a little more oil. Fry the eggs til half cooked.
Cover the eggs with all the ingredients and stir-fry evenly.
Add in chili paste as desired and mix in a handful of chives.
Sprinkle some white pepper and mixed well.
Turn off the heat and serve warm.

Kuih Bakar

2009-08-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup Pandan Juice
1 cup all multi purpose flour
400 ml coconut milk
3 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
Toasted sesame seeds

Methods:-

Pre-heat oven to 360 degree F ( 180 degree C )
Blend all ingredients in the blender except sesame seeds.
Grease the pan and pour the mixture into the pan.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top of the batter.
Bake for 45 minutes- 1.15 hours or until the surface turned brown.

Removed from oven and let it cool completely.

Normally I will take it during my afternoon tea and wish you will like it too!

I love this crispy top :)

Crispy Ban Chien Kueh

2009-08-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

I like to buy this crispy Ban Chien Kueh for my breakfast when back to Penang. Maybe this is easier to get in Island instead of KL. But, in US it's impossible. Therefore ,I tried to make some for myself as dinner :)

Ingredients:-

Starter dough ( mix all and set aside for 1-2 hours )

100 gm. plain flour
140 ml. water
1/2 tsp. instant yeast

Batter for pancake:

100 gm. plain flour
100 gm bread flour
1 egg
250 ml. water
40 gm. sugar
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. alkaline water
pinch of salt

Filling ( mix together )

200 gm. roasted Peanuts
200 gm. sugar

Remarks: For Variations, you can add in additional either cream corn, sliced banana or grated coconut.

Methods:-

Combined starter dough and batter for pancake. Mix well and let it rest for 45 minutes.
Heat a flat non stick pan and pour in 2 tbsp of batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
When surface of pancake is set, sprinkle fillings and continue to cook until pancake is dry and sugar has melted.
Fold pancake into half and serve hot.

Char Yin Yong / Wa Tan Hor

2009-08-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

I came from a small town called Alor Setar and it is located at the Northern side of East Malaysia. However my mom and I moved to Penang Island after my dad passed away at an early age. One of the famous noodle that we always have for our supper is " Char Yin Yong".

Char Yin Yong is similar to Wa Tan Hor but the gravy and the noodle are darker :) That's why you can find my Yin Yong is darker colour compare to Wa Tan Hor. But, I just like it to be that way. If you don't, just reduced your dark soy sauce as well replace the light soy sauce with salt.

Ingredients:-

For noodles:-

1/2 packet of 32 oz fresh Kueh Teow/ Hor fun/ Flat noodles
1-2 tbsp dark soy sauce ( use 1 tbsp if you don't like darker noodles )
1 tbsp cooking oil

For gravy/ "kuah":-

Some pork meat -sliced and marinate with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp light soy sauce
5 -10 Peeled Shrimp ( as less & as much )
2 small bunch of baby Bok Choy ( wash and cut into small pieces )
1 bulb garlic ( finely chopped)
1 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup water mixed with 1-2 tbsp cornstarch (depend how thick the gravy you like)
1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 egg ( lightly beaten )
Light soy sauce to taste ( can be replace by salt )
White Pepper to taste
2 tbsp cooking oil

Steps:-

Prepared all ingredients for use.

Heat the non stick wok with 1 tbsp of cooking oil.
Stir fry the noodles with dark soy sauce until the noodles and soy sauce well mixed or the noodles became soft.
Remove and set aside.

For the gravy, heat the wok with 2 tbsp cooking oil.
Stir fry the chopped garlic until golden brown.
Add in sliced pork and fry until partially cooked.
Pour in the water and bring it to boil.
Add in shrimp and vegetables.
Pour another 1/2 cup of water mixture into it and bring it to boil.
Add in oyster sauce, soy sauce or salt and white pepper to taste.
Turn off the heat and stir in beaten egg and stir it.

Dish the gravy over the fried noodles and serve warm.

You can serve with Chili Paddy or green Chili.

Basil Pork with Ginger

2009-08-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

300g pork sirloin ( sliced )
50g ginger
1 bulb garlic ( finely chopped )
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 stalks fresh basil

Seasoning:-

1/2 bowl rice wine ( I replaced with 1 tbsp shoaxing wine )
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 small piece rock sugar

Methods:-

Prepare all the ingredients to use.
Heat the pan with sesame oil, sauute ginger and chop garlic until fragrance.
Then toss in meat, rock sugar and light soy sauce. Fry until the pork cooked.
Turn off the head and add in fresh basil leaves.

Tips:-

This dish helps to get rid of "wind" in the body and pro-mote blood circulation. Do not over cook so that the essence of basil will not spoiled.

Siew Mai ( Steam Dumpling )

2009-08-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Siew Mai or Shaomai is a traditional Chinese dumpling served in dim sum. It's also referred to as "pork and mushroom dumpling." If talk about Dim Sum, Siew Mai is my favorite among all. He used to bring me for Dim Sum often when I'm still a little girl. He like to order Siew Mai for me and maybe because of that, I just love Siew Mai until now eventhough my dad is no longer with me.

Ingredients:-

250 g pork ( finely chopped )
200g peeled shrimp ( finely chopped )
3 dry shitaki mushroom ( soak and chopped )
2 stalk spring onions ( finely chopped )
3 water chestnuts ( finely chopped )
1 egg white
2 tsp corn starch
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp Chinese cooking wine
salt & pepper to taste
Wanton skin
Green bean for garnish
Carrot for garnish ( finely chopped ) or Roe

Methods:

Mixed all ingredients except wanton skin, green pea and carrot/ roe.
Cover the bowl with cling wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Trim the wanton skin to round shape and cover it with wet cloth to prevent the skins from turning dry.
Put a piece of wanton skin on your palm and add 1 full tsp of filling in the centre.
Wet the edge of the skin with water so that help it stick tightly.
Gather up the side and squeeze lightly.
Press down the filling and smoothen the surface.
Sprinkle with a little chopped carrots or roe and green pea.

Steam for 10-15 minutes or until cooked. Remove and serve warm.

If you cannot finished the Siew Mai at the same time, do not steam all. You can put it in the tupper ware and store in the fridge.

Loh Mai Kai ( Glutinous Rice with Chicken )

2009-08-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

250g glutinous rice ( soak for 2-3 hours )
250g chichen breast ( sliced )
1 Chinese sausage/ Lap Cheong ( sliced )
5-10g chinese mushroom ( soaked and sliced )
4-5 tbsp instant crispy shallots

Seasoning A

1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp oyster sauce
1 tsp ginger juice
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Shoa Hsing wine
1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp cooing oil
1 tsp tapioca flour

Seasoning B

1 1/2 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp white pepper
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1/2 tsp Chinese Five Spice powder

Methods:-

Prepared all ingredients as shown in the pictures.
Mix the ingredient B and ready to use.
Marinate chicken with ingredints A for 1-2 hours or longer.
Slinced the mushroom and Chinese sausage ready to use.

Steam the soaked glutinous rice for 30 minutes.
Heat the wok with some cooking oil and fry the shallot together with mushroom until fragrant. Dish up quickly.
Add in the steamed glutinous rice and mixture Ingredients B into the wok.
Stir fry for 5 minutes or until all ingredients well mixed.
Turn off the heat and dish out.

Prepare 6 small bowl as shown.
Add in mushroom mixture, a few slice of Chinese Sausages and seasoned chicken into the bowl.
Fill up the bowl with glutinous rice and press down with a spoon.
Cover the rice with low sodioum chicken stock or water just enought to cover the rice.
Steam for 30-40 minutes.

Turn over the rice bowl onto plate and ready to serve!

Taos, New Mexico

2009-08-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

15 August 2009

During our last visit to Santa Fe,New Mexico, we planned to visit Taos- Pueblo as it's along the way but we didn't go as after checking from internet the area was closed for religious activities for that month.

This round we checked the internet to make sure there were no religious activity going on and no closure to public, so we went to Taos to visit this area. It was 4-5 hours drive from Colorado Springs, but when we arrived it's closed for visitors because they are having a funeral ceremony...I felt I really do not have any " Yuan Fen" with this place!!! I have no faith to visit this spiritual place :(

( No one can predict the funeral ,right?)

Anyway, here are the some information about this place if you are interested.

Taos Pueblo is located in a valley of a tributary of the Rio Grande and at an elevation of about 7600 feet. Pueblos is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. According to some sources, it is fair to say that architecture began in the United States with the Pueblo cultures.

Seem we both have no luck to visit this place, we just stop by the Taos Historic District for a short walk before drive back to C-Springs. Besides the unlucky stuff, we did enjoy the scenery along our journey especially Eagle Nest Lake and building structure in New Mexico.

Eagle Nest Lake

Finally arrived Taos!

Taos Historic District

Buildings along the Historic District

Restaurant at Historic District

Art Galleries along the road

Restaurant at Taos Plaza

Shops nearby Taos Plaza

Cute Painting

Another restaurant

Dried Chili for home deco

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (Strong wind)

Las Vegas

2009-08-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

27 November 2008 ( Back post )

Fooyoh! Finally we made a trip to Las Vegas during Thanks Giving holiday!! It's the place I've desire to visit when in US. If I didn't go Las Vegas, I'll feel that I haven't been to US.

SB, MJ, Steven and myself started our journey after work on Friday night and we wished to arrived Vegas early in the morning to enjoy Tim Sum.

We did stop by in JJ, Denver for our dinner before continuing our journey.We had a great meal but I'm so careless that I left my mini new pouch in the restaurant.The worst thing was I only realized it after 2 hours drive from Denver!! I must thanks to MJ who kept calling the restaurant to ensure the safety of my bag because my ID, Credit Card and cash were inside the bag! Also thanks to Kok Pin who drove for 2 hours ( round trip) in the midnight just to get back my bag. Really appreciate their help as well the restaurant "Tau Ke" who keep my bag safety.

This trip is kind of adventure because I travel so far without any ID :)

Las Vegas is a vibrant city during the day and night. It's got amazing buildings along the strip. From Piramids to Eiffel Tower. There are many people walking about making the ambience very lively.

The Statue of Liberty at New York New York. This is the hotel we stayed.

Statue of Liberty with Excalibur hotel at the middle. Behind there is a ray shooting up. It's from Luxor.

Casino!

Mini Italy :)

Bellagio Hotel

The arboretum in Bellagio. This indoor garden is very well kept and has nice trees and decorations.

The Eiffel Tower

The Venetian. Inside and outside the Venetian, there's even a gondola ride.

Cheers!

Las Vegas Premium Outlets. We went shopping in the Thanks Giving morning.

Hoover Dam. A scene of the movie Transformer was film here.

Overall, we enjoyed the trip and I love the live shows in Vegas very much especially Cirque Du Soleil. A must see if you're in Las Vegas!

Raspberry Vanilla Cake

2009-08-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm impressed and often admire people who does nice cake decorations. I wish I could do that as well but I've never attend any cooking or baking class. For a start I bought a syringe icing set and this is my 1st try!

Ingredients:-

3 cups Softasilk cake flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 baking soda
1 1/2 cups butter, softened ( High altitude : Reduce to 1 cup )
1 cups sugar
2/3 cup milk
1 1/2- 2 tsp clear vanilla
4 large eggs
1 cup seedless red raspberry jam

Steps:-

Preheat oven to 350 degree F ( High altitude :375 degree F ) and grease the baking pan.
Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl with electrical mixer on high speed until fluffy.
Beat in cake flour,baking powder, baking soda, salt, milk, vanilla and eggs on medium speed until blended, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pans.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and cool completely.

Raspberry Cream Frosting :-

1 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1-2 tsp vanilla essence
2 - 4 cups powder sugar ( I like the cream not too sweet so I just used 2 cups )
1/2 cup Raspberry Syrup ( I replaced with 1/2 cup Seedless Raspberry Jam )

Steps:-

Beat butter and vanilla with electrical mixture until light and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and syrup/ jam.
Blend until well combined.
Decorate the cake and refrigerate cake to set frosting.
Garnish with fresh raspberry.

Allow cake to stand at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.

At the same time, I also did some cupcake for SB. I hope he will enjoy it during his tea break at office :)

Chinese Style Prawn Omelette

2009-08-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

2 eggs
peeled prawn ( as many as you like )
1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 glove onion ( chopped / sliced )
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp cooking oil

Steps:-

Lightly mix the eggs with milk and add in white pepper.
Heat the pan with cooking oil.
Add in onion and fry until transparent colour.
Add in prawn and 1 tbsp soy sauce and stir it well. ( If using big prawn, cut it into small pieces )
When the prawns are cooked, pour the eggs mixture into it and continue to cook until the well mixed.
Turn over the eggs and continue to cook until golden brown.

You can serve this simple dish with white rice.

Fettuccine with Minced Pork & Rosemary

2009-08-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients ( for 2 person ):-

1/4 pack of Fettuccine
1 tbsp fresh Rosemary ( minced )
1 tomato ( cut into small pieces )
Pork meat ( finely chopped )
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 - 1 bulb garlic ( chopped )
1/2 - 1 tbsp light soy sauce
Prego Roasted Garlic Parmesan sauce
1/2 cup water
Cooking oil
salt

Steps:-

Cook the fettuccine in a boiling water and add in salt.
Drain the water after the noodle became soft but not too soft.
Pour in some olive oil to ensure the cooked Fettuccine will not stick together.
Cook the broccoli with boil water and set aside
( optional : Cook together with the sauce. Add in together with tomatoes )
Heat the pan with cooking oil and add in chopped garlic.Cook until the garlic turn into golden brown.
Add in pork meat and light soy sauce. Stir until well mixed and cook.
Add in Prego sauce, tomatoes and Rosemary.
Slow cook for few minutes before turn off fire.

Pour the sauce on top the cooked Fettuccine and serve warm.

Add in ground black pepper if you like more spicy taste.

Notes: You can replace the pork with Shrimp.

Sticky Glazed Honey Pork Ribs

2009-08-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

450g pork spare ribs
3 tbsp clear honey
2 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
Salt
Ground black pepper

Steps:-

Marinate the pork ribs with salt.
In a small bowl, mixed together the honey, soy sauce and pepper.
Pour over the ribs and marinate overnight.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degree F ( 190 degree C ).
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
Do turn the ribs every 15 minutes and spooning over the mixture until coated.
After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425 degree F ( 220 degree C ) and bake for 10-20 minutes or until the sauce mixture turn into thick and sticky or until the pork ribs are cooked.
Remember to turn the ribs every 10 minutes in this stage.

Ready to serve!

Pangat Pisang ( Banana in Coconut Milk )

2009-08-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was thinking what to make for today afternoon tea. Seem I still have some bananas, so I decided to make this Pangat Pisang. Pangat Pisang is also call Banana in Coconut Milk and this dish is great for tea-time, snacks or dessert.

Ingredients:-

4 rips banana/ pisang ( cut into 4 slices for each banana )
1/4 piece palm sugar
1 tbsp sugar ( as less & as more )
1 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 Pandan leave ( knotted if long )
salt ( as less & as more )

Steps:-

Pour the water into a non-stick pan and put all ingredients into the pan except banana,salt and sugar.

When it starts to boil slightly, put the bananas into the pan and let it simmer.
Add in sugar and salt.
Switch off the fire when the bananas are soft but not too mushy.
Serve Warm.

Pangat Pisang also can serve with steam glutinous rice.

Recipe for Glutinous Rice:-

1/2 cup glutinous rice and soak for 1 hour.

After an hour, pour the rice into the small mold and add in some water.

Steam it for 20-25 minutes or until the rice cooked.

Ready to serve with Pangat Pisang.

Coffee & Coconut Milk Jelly ( Agar-agar )

2009-08-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

Coffee Layer

2 tbsp agar-agar powder
1 pack instant 3 in 1 Nescafe
1/2 cup sugar
5 cups water

Coconut Milk Layer

1 tbsp agar-agar powder
1 1/2 cup water
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt

Steps:-

Cook these two layer ingredients at the same time with different pot.

Coffee Layer

Mix agar-agar powder with water and bring it to boil until the agar-agar dissolved.
Add in coffee powder and stir well.
Add sugar and boil until the sugar dissolved and turn down the heat to the lowest.

Coconut Milk Layer

Mix agar-agar powder with water together and bring to the boil until the agar-agar dissolved.
Add in coconut milk, sugar and salt together. Stir regularly to prevent the coconut cream separating.
Boil until the mixture dissolve completely, turn down the heat to the lowest.

After both ready, spoon either one mixture into the mold and leave it set. I put the mold into the refrigerator to speed the process.
Spoon another mixture into the same mold and repeat the steps until the mold is full and store in refrigerator.

Only remove from the mold when you want to serve.

Chinese Five-Spice Salmon

2009-08-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

4 salmon fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
2-3 tsp Chinese 5-spice powder
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp grated lime peel ( I skipped this as I don't have fresh lime )
1/2 cloves garlic ( finely chopped ) / 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes ( Optional )
Pepper ( optional )
Parsley ( optional )
Salt ( as less & much )

Steps:-

Preheat oven to 400 degree F.
Coat fillets with oil and place skin side down in large baking dish.
Sprinkle fillets with 5-spices powder, sugar, lime peel, lime juice, garlic/ garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
Bake ,uncovered, 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Optional:-

You can serve this dish with mushroom-bok choy mixture.

Recipe:-

1 tbsp sesame oil
1 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
1 tsp peeled grated fresh gingerroot
4 baby bok choy, halved and steamed

Steps:-

Heat sesame oil in nonstick skillet.
Add mushrooms and ginger, cook and stir until mushrooms are soft.
Stir in Bok Choy and cook until heated through.
Serve salmon over mushroom-bok choy mixture.

Chinese Herbal Soup

2009-08-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

Pork ( Can add in more )
Dried Longan
Red Dates
Black Dates
Sweet Dates
Lily Bulb
American Ginseng
Bai Mao Geng
Lotus Seed
Ji Zi
Salt to taste
White Corn ( Optional )

Steps:-

Clean all ingredients and pour into the slow cooker or Cast Iron pot.

Slow cook for 6-8 hours.

Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

2009-08-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:-

4 chicken breast/ boneless chicken thigh
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh Rosemary ( minced )
1 bulb garlic ( minced )
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Steps:-

Pre- heat oven to 400 degree F.
Marinate chicken for 3 hours or overnight ( overnight will be better ).
Lay the marinated chicken on the baking pan.
Pour the Olive oil into it and mixed well.
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until cooked.

Do try this if you like spices :)

Vietnamese Garden Restaurant, Colorado Springs

2009-08-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

We always pass by this restaurant when back from Woodland Park or Manitou Springs but never went in, we decide to try it this round.

I was too lazy to cook and clean all the dishes after our trip back home from Telluride.

And... I missed Vietnamese grill chicken!!!

Our feedback after the meal were :-

Food tasted good!

Portion just nice for two Asian like us.

But... too pricey compare to our favorite Vietnamese Restaurant near Albertson which also have good food yet bigger portion as well they gave me FOC Spring roll with my rice.

Sorry to Vietnamese Garden :)

Butter Prawn

2009-08-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:-

300g prawn/ shrimp ( with or without skin )
1 1/2 gloves garlic ( finely chopped )
1 medium Green Chili/ Jalapeno ( sliced )
3 -5 Thai Pepper/ Chili Padi ( I replace it with 2 dried chili because my hubby can't take spicy food )
3 tbsp condense milk
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp cornflour
salt to taste
3 tbsp butter ( 1 tbsp for gravy, 2 tbsp for frying the prawn )
1 tbsp cooking oil

Steps:-

Mix the cornflour and milk with the water for use.
Heat the wok with 1 tbsp cooking oil and 2 tbsp butter.
Stir in the prawn and deep fry until cooked but not too cooked.
Remove the prawn from the wok.

Add in another 1 tbsp of butter.

Fried the garlic until golden brown.

Add in green chili and Thai Chili or dried chili.Mixed well.

Pour in the condensed milk mixture and stir it until the mixture becomes thick.

Pour the cooked gravy on top of the prawn.

Serve warm with white rice.

Black Canyon National Park, Colorado

2009-08-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

9 August 2009

On our back to Colorado Springs from Telluride, we passed Black Canyon and we decided to pay a visit before continuing our journey back home.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison's unique and spectacular landscape was formed slowly by the action of water and rocks scouring down through hard Proterozoic crystalline rock.No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and starting depths offered by the black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Tomichi Point is our 1st top, I wonder how it got it's name, it sounded Japanese.

Gunnison Point

Painted Wall View

How tall do you think Empire State building is compare to the depth of Black Canyon?

The Empire State building is slightly above half if stack from the bottom.

The Black Canyon at Painted Wall is 2300ft deep.

Sunset View, this is our favourite view. Well, the photos taken simply couldn't justify the beauty of this scenery.

Sunset View

Dragon Point, this trail is misleading in the map. The trail looks relatively long to other trails. At 1st we decided to skip it, but eventually found it's only 100 yards. So we went for it.

Dragon Point, this tree looks curvy and majestic

Telluride, Colorado

2009-08-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

8-9 August 2009

Along the way to Telluride, we past Curecanti recreation area. The lakes are simply gorgeous. There are a lot of RV campground along the lakes.

We followed the GPS and the Googlemap trail, it's using 58P trail (Not recommended). It's a dirt road that past ranches and mountains. It was a hell of a ride.

We stayed at Victorian Inn.

Telluride main street.

The gondola ride, below is the town of Telluride. There are free gondola rides between Telluride and Mountain Village that runs daily.

View of Telluride from gondola.

View from our condola

Mountain Village

Accomodations at Mountain Village

Enjoying the gondola ride.

Lodges at Mountain Village

Bear Creek trail head. It's a 2.5 miles hiking trail (one way)

View of Telluride from the Bear Creek trail.

Wild flowers along the trail

Streams along the hike.

Finally we reached the waterfall at the end of the trail. There's actually another fall before reaching the final fall. One can only see the final fall from this photo. The temperature dropped around the fall area, it's chilly.

Coffee Kaya Muffins

2009-08-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Ingredients :- ( For 6-7 muffins )

175 g plain flour/ all multi purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
55 g sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
125 ml milk
45 g butter -melted
1 3 in 1 Nescafe
Kaya Jam

Steps:-

Preheat the oven to 350 degree F.
Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl and add in sugar and salt.
Beat in the egg, milk and butter. Stir the mixture until foam a loose, slightly lumpy batter.
Spoon batter into muffins cups, filling 1/2 full.

Add in 1 tsp kaya.

Top up the remaining batter.

Bake in oven for 20 minutes.

Ready to eat! Serve while still warm.

Yummy!Yummy!