Steamed Eggs With Tofu

 

Ingredients: (serves 2)

1 tube egg tofu

2 eggs

1 salted duck egg (cooked, peeled and cut into small pieces)

1 tbsp. light soy sauce

1/4 tsp. sesame oil

1/2 tbsp. shallot oil

1/2 tbsp. crispy shallot

Spring onion, to garnish

Methods:

1. Crack eggs into a measuring cup and beat with a fork. 
2. Measure the amount, then add 1.5 times the volume of water to the beaten eggs.  Then, add a pinch of salt and beat the mixture until it is homogeneous.  Set aside.
3. Cut the egg tofu into round cylinders about 1 cm. thick.  Arrange the tofu pieces in a pattern of your choice on a round ceramic dish with raised edges.
4. Pour the egg mixture through a fine sieve over the tofu pieces until almost submerged.  Gently remove any bubbles with a spoon, then sprinkle the pieces of salted egg on top of the tofu.  Cover the dish with a large flat plate.
5. Steam over low heat for about 7 minutes until the egg is fully set.
6. Remove the dish from the steamer.  Drizzle sesame oil, light soy sauce and shallot oil over the top.  For added flavor, sprinkle crispy shallots over the top as well.
7. Finally, garnish with thinly sliced curled spring onion, and serve immediately.

I adapted this recipe  from 'simpledeliciouseats.com.'

Overnight Oats with Banana Slices and Walnuts

It has been quite a while since I make Overnight Oats.  Since I bought some nice bananas and having a packet of Walnuts, as well as the other basic ingredients for making this overnight oats, I immediately make two portions and left it in the fridge.  This settles my next morning breakfast and lunch the next day.

The 5 easy ingredients for making Overnight Oats can be obtain by clicking the link here.  Enjoy this healthy and delicious Oats!

Chicken Wonton Soup

My family always loves Wontons, either cooked in soup or fried.  This recipe of mine is easy to prepare, and I will normally prepare a larger portion for the filling, with the leftover place in airtight container and keep in the freezer.  I will also keep the leftover wonton skin in airtight container in the freezer. If I want to cook again, I will remove both the filling and wonton skin from the freezer into the fridge the night before, and it will be ready for use. 

This time around, instead of using minced pork, I am using minced chicken.  I am using a combination of both chicken thighs and breast meat, cut into chunks and mince it using a food processor.  I do not prefer to over mince my chicken meat, instead with some small chunks is what I am looking for.

Click here for my Wonton Recipe.

Ready to serve!

Ready to cook...

Milk French Toast

 

Ingredients:

4 thick slices day-old bread

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

1 1/2 tablespoon caster sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

Butter or oil (for cooking)

Maple syrup and fresh fruits (for serving)

Methods:

1. Crack the eggs into a large bowl.  Beat them lightly with a whisk or fork until the yolks and whites are well combined.
2. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt to the eggs.  Whisk everything together until the mixture is well mixed.
3. Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat.  Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan and let it melt, ensuring the surface of the pan is evenly coated.
4. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensure fully submerged.
5. Place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated pan.  Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.  Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.  The French toast should be golden brown and cooked through.  Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate.  Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.
6. Top with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or a dollop of whipped cream.

I adapted this recipe from 'Kitchen Cookbook' with a slight adjustment to suit my cooking preference.

Chocolate Lassi

As Christmas Season is not far off, this yogurt-chocolate beverage is just the right drink to make and enjoy as we welcome this beautiful season of the year.

Ingredients: (serves 2)

1 cup chilled yogurt

1 tablespoon unsweetened  Cocoa Powder

2 tablespoons sugar (to taste)

1 tablespoon Dark Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup cold water

Methods:

1. Combine chilled yogurt, cocoa powder, water, sugar and dark chocolate chips in a blender jar.
2. Blend everything until smooth and frothy.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with grated chocolate.
4. Serve chilled!

Old Cucumber Soup

 

Ingredients: (serves 2)

2 chicken legs (cleaned and cut into bite size pieces)

1 old cucumber (medium size)

1 1/2 tbsp. Goji Berries (rinse and drain)

4 red dates (I did not use) - if use, rinse and drain

1/2 carrot (peeled and cut into chunks)

Enough water, for cooking soup

Chicken stock granules (to taste)

Methods:

1. Wash the skin of the old cucumber well as we are cooking with the skin on, cut it into half vertically, use a spoon to scrap off the seeds, and cut it into chunks.  Set aside.
2. Peel the carrot and cut it into chunks and set aside.
3. Heat a medium pot with water, once boil blanch the chicken pieces, then dish it out into a bowl and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add enough water for cooking the soup. Once the water is boiling, add in chicken, carrot, old cucumber, goji berries and red dates (if using) and continue to let it come to a boil, then switch to low heat and boil for one hour.  If you are using pork ribs, you can boil it longer.
5. After the heat is switch off, taste for correct seasoning.  Add some chicken stock granules and the soup is ready to be served!

I adapted this recipe from 'Home Cooking With Somjit' with a slight adjustment to suit my cooking preference.

Classic Gingerbread Cookies

This is the best time of the year to bake cakes and cookies.  What is Christmas without Gingerbread Cookies?? I make this cookies using 3 different cookie cutters: Dove, Gingerbread Man and Christmas Tree. It is so much fun making and enjoying munching this holiday treat!

Ingredients:

113 g. unsalted butter (softened)

1/3 cup + 1 tbsp. light brown sugar (add up to 1/2 cup if you prefers sweet)

1 large egg

1/2 cup golden syrup (use Molasses if available)

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground all spice

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups plain flour (sifted)

Methods:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar.  Mix in egg and golden syrup, followed by all spices and salt.  Scrap the side of the bowl as needed.  Add in flour in small batches, mixing and increasing speed as needed until dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain.
2. Divide dough into 3 portions.  Shape each dough into discs and wrap in plastic.  Chill for several hours or overnight.
3. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.  Add different sized cookies to separate trays for proper baking.
4. Flour the counter top/work station with flour.  Place one disc on the flour, dust with flour and roll to 1/4" thickness.  Cut with desired cookie, and place into the lined tray.  Gather the leftover dough and repeat until all the dough is used up.  Freeze tray with cookies for 10-15 minutes.
5. Repeat with the other 2 dough using different cookie cutter.
6. Bake in a preheated oven of 175 degree Celsius for 7-8 minutes, smaller cookies or 12-14 minutes for larger cookies.
7. Remove cookies from oven and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Store cookies in airtight container for up to a week.

I adapted this recipe from 'Baked by Rachel' with a slight adjustment to suit my baking preference.

Madeira Cake

 

Ingredients:

240 g. unsalted butter (softened)

140 g. caster sugar (extra for sprinkling over the top)

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

3 large eggs

210 g. self-raising flour (sifted)

90 g. plain flour (sifted)

Methods:

1. Cream butter and sugar until pale, and add the lemon zest. Beat using low speed until combined.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time with a tablespoon of the flour for each addition.  Beat using low speed until no streaks of flour is seen.
3. Then gently mix in the rest of the flour and, finally the lemon juice. Beat until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into a lined pan of 9 x 5 x 3 inches.  Smooth the top with a spatula or spoon.
5. Sprinkle the top with caster sugar (about 2 tablespoons).
6. Bake in a preheated oven of 170 degree Celsius for about 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
7. Remove to a wire rack and let it cool in the tin before turning out and remove the parchment paper. 
8. Slice and enjoy!

This delicious cake recipe is adapted from 'Nigella Lawson' with a slight adjustment to suit my baking preference.

Classic Orange Muffins

 

Ingredients: (makes 10)

180 g. plain flour (sifted)

1/3 cup caster sugar

2 tsp. baking powder (sifted)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup Naturel Blend Canola & Sunflower Oil/vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

Methods:

1. In a medium bowl, add in flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until it's well combined.  This helps the baking powder spread out evenly, so all your muffins will rise beautifully.
2. In a mixer bowl, add the milk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, orange zest and orange juice.
3. Using a hand whisk, whisk these together until everything is nicely blended, then pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients.  Gently mix with a spatula until the flour is wet.  Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.  Over mixing can make the muffins tough.  Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin lined with paper liners.  Fill each cup about three-quarters full.
4. Bake the muffins in a preheated oven of 175 degree Celsius for 18-22 minutes, or if a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
5. Remove from oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.

I adapted this recipe from 'Kitchen Cookbook' with a slight adjustment to suit my baking preference.

Fried Cabbage With Chicken

 

Ingredients: (serves 2)

1/4 chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Salt and pepper (for season chicken)

1 bowl cabbage (sliced about 1/2")

Some shredded red carrot

1/2 onion (peeled and sliced)

2 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped)

1/2 tbsp. light soy sauce

1/2 tbsp. oyster sauce

Dash of sesame oil

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Chicken stock granules and ground white pepper (to taste)

2 tbsp. cooking oil

Methods:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoon of cooking oil in a heated skillet.  Add chicken and cook until lightly brown and cooked through.  Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reheat and saute onion and garlic until fragrant.  Add cabbage and stir-fry until tender and caramelized.  Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cabbage.  Add light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil and red pepper flakes (if using).  Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with chicken stock granules and pepper, as needed.
5. Remove from heat and transfer the fried cabbage with chicken to a serving dish.
6. Enjoy!

I adapted this recipe from 'Recipe Yumm' with slight adjustment to suit my cooking preference.

Fried Tumeric Chicken

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 chicken thighs (deboned and skin on)

1 tsp. tumeric powder

1 tsp. curry powder (I use watch brand)

1/2 tsp. chili powder

2 pinch of salt

2 dashes ground black pepper

3/4 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cornflour

1 medium onion (peeled and sliced)

2 cloves garlic (peeled and sliced)

1 red chili (sliced)

1/4 tsp. sugar

A dash of chicken stock granules (to taste)

2 dashes of vinegar

Methods:

1. Clean and cut the chicken thighs into bite-size pieces.
2. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with tumeric powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, sugar and cornflour.  Make sure it's thick and do not add water.  Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes
3. In a heated pan, add cooking oil, just enough for shallow fry.  Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crunchy; do not over crowd the pan.  Remove chicken onto a dish.
4. In the same pan, remove excess oil from frying the chicken, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
5. Reheat the pan, saute onion, garlic and chili using medium-high heat.  Stir in sugar, chicken stock granules and vinegar.  Add in the fried chicken and stir well to ensure the chicken are well coated with all the ingredients.
6. Remove from heat onto a plate and serve with hot fluffy rice.

Tips: This recipe can also include fried beancurd, long beans and cauliflower. If using, add them in (5), before adding the chicken.

This recipe is adapted from 'Geng Masak Masak' from Facebook.  The amount of each ingredients are based on my own taste while cooking this dish.

Matcha Shortbread Cookies

 

Ingredients:

1 cup plain flour (sifted)

1 tbsp. Matcha Powder (sifted)

1/4 cup powdered sugar/icing sugar (sifted)

1 pinch of salt

115 g. unsalted butter (room temperature)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Methods:

1. In a mixer bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Add matcha powder and vanilla, continue to beat until fully combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, and salt, mixing until a dough is formed.
4. Roll the dough into small balls, place them on a lined baking sheet, and use another smaller cutter with clover shape to press over the top.  You can use any shapes of your preference.
5. Bake in a preheated oven of 175 degree Celsius for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven, place on a wire rack to let it cool completely.

This recipe is adapted from 'Quick Recipe.'

Coffee Cookies (Eggless)

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups plain flour (sifted)

1/2 cup caster sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 1/2 tsp. instant coffee powder

3 tbsp. warm water

1 1/2 tbsp. baking powder (sifted)

1 pinch salt

1 packet M&M's Milk Chocolate

Methods:

1. In a small bowl, mix instant coffee powder with warm water, and set aside.
2. In a mixer bowl, add butter and sugar, and beat until creamy.
3. Add in the instant coffee mixture and beat on low speed until combined.
4. Finally, add in the sifted plain flour, salt and baking powder.  Beat on low speed until well combined and a soft dough is formed.
5. Roll the dough into even sized balls and place them on lined baking pan.
6. Place one M&M's chocolate on top of each dough and lightly press it into the dough.
7. Bake in a preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the base turn golden brown.
8. Once done remove from the oven and allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes.  Serve the cookies warm or allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, and store them in an airtight container.

Ready for baking

Done baking

Tips:

• You can mix cookie dough and store in the freezer for two to three months.  Thaw the cookie dough before baking.
• You can add choco chips, nut, dry fruits or bake as it is.
• This cookie dough can be baked crisp or chewy by adjusting the time.

I adapted this recipe from 'platetopalateblog.com' with a slight adjustment to suit my baking preference.

Dessert of Lotus Seeds, Gingko Nuts, Dried Longan, Red Dates, Snow Fungus and Fox Nuts

 

This Chinese Dessert or commonly known as Tong Sui is my favorite dessert, serve either warm or cold.  As fresh Gingko Nuts are only available once a year, just before Chinese New Year, I will buy a kilo of it and slowly prep it, as it takes quite an effort to get it ready, store in the freezer and use it whenever I am preparing a bowl of nourishing Tong Sui.  The steps of prepping the Gingko Nuts can be obtain from my blog by clicking the link here.

This time round, I am cooking this Dessert/Tong Sui with all the available ingredients in my pantry: Lotus Seeds, Gingko Nuts, Dried Longan, Red Dates, Snow Fungus and Fox Nuts. As usual I will have the first bowl warm, and the rest of it cold, as whatever leftover will be put into the fridge.

Soft Butter Rolls

This Butter Rolls are so soft and buttery, and it's crescent shape really tempts my tastebuds. It is good to have it as sandwich with butter, kaya, jam or any filling of your choice, and even eat it plain.

To get the full recipe, click this link here.

I am sharing photos of the making of this delicious rolls/buns below:-

Dough ready for first proofing

The dough has risen

Cut into 16 triangles

Roll it up into crescents

After second proofing and ready for the oven!

Korean Marinated Eggs (Mayak Eggs)

Like any other professions, as home cook, at times, I also feel lazy to do my duty preparing meals.  When such a situation happen, it's time to plan something simple or prepare it a day ahead.  This Mayak Eggs is indeed one of my life saver.  I prepare them a day or two ahead, and leave it in the fridge.

This is one of my favorite egg recipe in my Blog.  Click here for the full recipe.

I am also sharing some photos to further update my blog for this recipe.

Get all the ingredients ready

Mix all ingredients in a bowl

Place the eggs and marinade ingredients
in a container, stir in between to ensure
even marination, cover and place it in the fridge.
Let's enjoy!

Garlic Butter Buns

 

What caught my attention is not the recipe for the bread or buns/rolls; instead it is the 'Garlic Butter'.  Since I have all the ingredients for making the bread as well as the garlic butter, I quickly gather all the needed ingredients and without much ado, out from the oven are these cute, beautiful and delicious Garlic Butter Buns.  I gave some for my mum to try, and she gave a thumb Up!!  A keeper recipe indeed!

Anyway, for the buns, I make use of this recipe which is from my Blog, click here for the link.  

The recipe for the garlic butter is as below:-

• 30 g. softened unsalted butter
• 20 g. chopped garlic
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. dried parsley

In a bowl, mix everything up and keep in a piping bag and set aside.

This Garlic Butter recipe is adapted from 'autumn.kitchen'.

Let me  share some photos here...

Ready for second proofing

After second proofing, make a slit, 
pipe the garlic butter over the slit
and it's time to hit the oven.

It's baked!

Claypot Chicken Rice in Rice Cooker

Claypot Chicken Rice is one of my favorite dinner option, which is popular in our Country.  I have attempted few different recipes from online, and the most favorite one is this recipe which I have shared in my Blog few years ago.  Click here for the full recipe.

This homecooked Claypot Chicken Rice in Rice Cooker is packed with umami flavors.  It is one comfort food which I will cook, over and over again as it never fails to warm my tummy.

Let me share some photos which I captured, during my recent cooking this yummylicious one pot dish.  The photos tells it all...

Getting ready all the ingredients

When the rice is 3/4 cooked,
arrange the ingredients on top of the rice
and continue to cook until it's switch off.

Open the lid, stir to mix the ingredients into the rice

Drizzle dark soy sauce, add salted fish
and stir until well combined, put the lid back 
and let it be on 'cooked mode' for 10 to 15 mins.

This delicious one pot meal is ready to be served with a must-have side condiment of bird's eyes chili, dark soy sauce and lime.
Dinner is serve!!

Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing

 

Christmas is just round the corner... baking this delicious Cinnamon Rolls brings out the Christmas mood and cheers, especially with the whole house flooded with the aroma of cinnamon.

Click the link here to grab this yummylicious recipe; to bake and enjoy during this Christmas Season ~ cheers ~

As usual, I am sharing some photos which I captured during the process of baking these rolls...

Smear the dough with soft butter 
and sprinkle the brown sugar cinnamon mixture 

Roll the dough into a tight log

Baking is done!

Once baking is done, remove the rolls onto a wire rack and let it cool completely. Slader or pipe the maple cream cheese icing over the top of each rolls. I place the maple cream cheese icing into a piping bag with nozzle, and pipe it onto the top for a nicer finished. Let's enjoy!

Moist and Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes

 

Ingredients:

125 g. plain flour (sifted)

57 g. unsalted butter (softened)

100 g. castor sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla essence

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder (sifted)

Pinch of salt

1 tbsp. unflavoured oil

122 g. yoghurt

Methods:

1. In a mixer bowl, add butter and sugar; mix using medium speed until soft and fluffy.
2. Add in eggs, one at a time.  As you add each egg, mix for about 15 seconds before adding the next.  Once the eggs are well integrated, add in the oil, vanilla extract and yoghurt.  Blend these ingredients until they are well combined.
3. Next, gently fold in the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder and salt.  The key here is not to overmix the batter. Simply mix until the dry ingredients are moistened, and there are no lumps left behind.
4. Prep the cupcake pan with liners and generously scoop the batter into each liner, filling them about 3/4 of the way up.
5. Bake in a preheated oven of 165 degree Celsius for about 15 to 18 minutes until a light golden hue, and a skewer inserted into the center come out clean.
6. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
7. Enjoy!

Ready for the oven

This recipe is adapted from 'kitchencookbook.net' with a slight adjustment to suit my baking preference.

Moist Mix Fruit Cake without Cinnamon Powder (Low Sugar)

I love fruit cakes that are less sweet, not overloaded with fruits and without nuts and spices.  This recipe caught my attention while I was online. With all available ingredients in my pantry I get to try it out and the outcome is great!

Ingredients:

4 eggs

80 g. castor sugar

150 g. melted unsalted butter

190 g. plain flour (sifted)

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder (sifted)

150 g. mix fruits

35 g. corn flour (sifted)

1 tsp. vanilla essence

Methods:

1. In a mixer bowl, add eggs and castor sugar.  Beat until pale and fluffy.
2. Add in melted butter and vanilla essence, and continue to beat until well mixed.
3. Gradually add in flour in two additions and stir with a rubber spatula until incorporated.
4. In a bowl, add mix fruits and corn flour.  Stir with a spoon to mix.
5. Add the mix fruits into the flour mixture in (3), mix until well combined.
6. Brush the baking pan with butter and place a piece of baking paper at the bottom of the pan.
7. Pour the cake mixture into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in a preheated oven of 170 degree Celsius for 45 minutes, or when a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
10. Slice and serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

This recipe is adapted from 'Miss Ling's Kitchen' with a slight adjustment to suit my baking preference.

Condensed Milk Loaf With Raisins

This recipe makes 2 loaves of delicious and sweet bread, the sweetness comes from the butter condensed milk spread and raisins.  Just slice and eat as it is without any spread.

The full recipe can be obtained by clicking on this link here.

I am sharing with my readers some of the photos which I've captured during the process of baking this bread.

Ready for first proofing

After first proofing

Brush with butter condensed milk spread,
cut the dough into strips and evenly add raisins

Roll up and ready for second proofing

After second proofing

Brush the top with remaining butter condensed milk spread

Baking in progress

Butter condensed milk spread