EZepicure

Marmite Soup

2011-07-28T02:18:00.000-07:00

I remember this when I was young :)

Ingredient

1 pint of fresh milk
1/2 oz of margarine or butter (I prefer butter)
l tp flour
salt and pepper to taste
1 tp of Marmite
Cheese (option)
Preparation
In a saucepan, melt the butter in slow heat. After that, add in flour and cook together for a few minutes. Next add milk and (cheese) bring it to boil. Add in Marmite, cook slowly for 5 minutes, season and serve. Best eat with garlic bread or toast bread.

2011-07-28T02:06:00.000-07:00

Ingredient:
Chicken marinade
1/2 tbsp marmite
1 tsp light soy
black pepper to taste
Some sesame oil

Chicken coating
3 tbsp corn flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp chicken stock powder

Marmite sauce
2 tbsp marmite
2 tbsp hot water
1 tbsp honey
black pepper to taste

Preparation:
Marinade the chicken for at least an hour. You can use chicken breast or thigh.

Take out the chicken and mix the flour and stock powder. Coat the chicken pieces in the beaten egg before rolling lightly with flour mixture.Shake off any access flour. Lay in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake in pre-heated oven 200 degree celcius for about 30 minutes (depending on how large your chicken pieces are) flipping them over halfway through to ensure crispy chicken all round. Check to see chicken is cooked by piercing a thick part and the juices run clear.

In a pan, heat through the marmite sauce ingredients. Adjust taste of the sauce to your liking. You may add more marmite or honey. Once it’s well mixed, heated through and bubbling, removed from heat and add in the cooked chicken pieces to coat. You are ready to eat.

Uniquely Sarawak- A Must-Have Food

2011-06-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

Somehow today I missed all my favorite food in Sarawak. When you travel to Sarawak, there are a few food or delicacies that you shouldn't missed, or at least try it.

Sarawak Laksa
This a one of the signature dish from Sarawak. It is freshly made vermicelli submerged in a concoction of deliciously thick soup rich in 'santan' (coconut milk) and spices, topped with tasty chunks of prawn, chicken slice and slices of omelets. It finishes with mint leaves with belacan on the side and calamansi limes.

Laksa Sarawak

This mouth-watering delight is a Sarawak original and best-taken piping hot. You have not savored Sarawak until you have tasted Sarawak Laksa. A gastronomical delight that is easily available and served in most coffee shops and hotels. It's price around RM3.50 at normal coffee shops.

Mee Kolok
Mee Kolok is a of the favorite noodle dish commonly found in Sarawak. It is served throughout the day. Be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or supper. It is made of egg noodle, blanched in water that looks like instant noodle and served in a light sauce with some condiments like shredded beef or pork. There are some made to cater for Muslim patrons.

Mee Kolok

The difference with Mee Kolok and Wantan Mee, commonly found in Peninsular Malaysia, is that Mee Kolok is not drenched in dark soy sauce and water is not added to the noodles when served. But the taste is still pretty amazing. All Sarawakians in Peninsular Malaysia will hunt high and low for the original taste of Mee Kolok. A must-try! Price around RM3 to RM3.50 per bowl.

Manok Pansoh
One of the best known Iban dishes is manok pansoh (chicken pansuh). Chicken pieces are cut and stuffed into the bambo together with other ingredients like mushrooms, lemongrass, tapioca leaves etc and cooked over an open fire - similar to the way lemang is cooked.

Manok Pansoh

This natural way of cooking seals in the flavours and produces astonishingly tender chicken with a gravy perfumed with lemongrass and bamboo.

Kek Lapis Sarawak
Sarawak modern layered cakes was said to be commercially introduced to people in Sarawak about 16 years ago. But Kek Lapis Sarawak has been around much longer than that, as it is traditionally the main staple for the Malays as they celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. It is now famous among Malaysians and provided good income for Sarawakians.

Kek Lapis (layered cake)

The cakes are interesting as it was almost always colourful, sweet and use lots of eggs and kept stored in the refrigerator for six months!

Umai
This is my favorite. Umai is a raw fish salad popular among various ethnic groups of Sarawak, especially the Melanaus. In fact, umai is a traditional working lunch for the Melanau fishermen. Umai is prepared raw from freshly caught fish, iced but not frozen. Main species used include Mackerel, Bawal Hitam and Umpirang.

Umai

It is made mainly of thin slivers of raw fish, thinly sliced onions, chilli, salt and the juice of sour fruits like lime or assam. The lime or assam act as cooking agent. It is usually accompanied by a bowl of toasted sago pearls instead of rice. Its simplicity makes it a cinch for fishermen to prepare it aboard their boats.

Midin
Midin is a jungle fern grown greatly in Sarawak food. The midin (quite similar to pucuk paku that is popular in the Peninsular) is much sought after for its crisp texture and great taste. Midin is usually served in 2 ways -fried with either garlic or belacan and both are delicious!

Mee Suah
Mee Sua is traditionally famous among the Chinese. It's basically a breakfast dish, much like Mee Kolok. It is a variety of rice noodles served with a chicken drumstick in chicken/mushroom clear soup and usually some Chinese white wine.

Mee Suah

Bubur Pedas
A unique signature dish for Sarawak is the Bubur Pedas. Unlike many other porridge that we know, Bubur Pedas Sarawak is cooked with a specially prepared paste. It is quite spicy thanks to its ingredients, which include spices, turmeric, lemon grass, galangal, chillies, ginger, coconut and shallots.

Bubur Pedas

Like the famous Bubur Lambuk of Kuala Lumpur, Bubur Pedas is also prepared most often during the month of Ramadan and served during the breaking of fast.

Tabaloi
The Melanau has their biscuits called Tabaloi, which is a mixture of desiccated coconut, sago and sugar. Tabaloi can easily be bought at most shops. Today, it is produced in several flavour including cocoa and vanilla.

Tabaloi

Bamboo Clam
Another unique dish in Sarawak is ambal or bamboo clam. It is usually cooked in a mild curry or steamed in Chinese wine. Though it looks like worms in a bamboo shell, it is very delicious.

Bamboo Clam

Bird Nest
Bird's nest, a Chinese delicacy touted to maintain youth and beauty, is harvested from designated caves of Sarawak by special permits. The bird responsible for this delicacy is the Swallow. Try a bowl of this jelly-like delicacy at upmarket Chinese restaurants.

Bird Nest Soup

Malaysian Banana Cake (Bengkang)

2011-05-03T03:46:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
20 small bananas
400g flour
1/2 cup coconut milk (if unavailable, fresh milk can be used)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 teaspoon of baking powder
a pinch of salt
half a cup of sugar

Preparation
1. Mash all the bananas in a large bowl.
2. Add flour, milk and the rest of the ingredients slowly while stirring the mixture in one circular direction.
3. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour into a square cake tin and bake in a moderate oven for 45 minutes.

This cake is best serve with tea and great for afternoon snack.

What are the Anti-ageing food?

2011-04-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

Everyday we are exposed to toxins in our environment from pollutants such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust fumes and radiation. Our food filled with preservatives, colourings and artificial sweeteners and our diet consist of fatty and refined food. This leads to many diseases such as premature aging, heart disease, cancer, arthritis and others.

Here's a list of great anti-aging food that good for your body.

Avocado
Avocado is high in fat but much of it is the good mono unsaturated type which resists oxidation and helps to neutralise fat in other food. It is a good source of vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, E and potassium.

Berries
Blackberries, cranberries and all the berries contain a great amount of antioxidants. Blueberries and cranberries is said to help prevent urinary tract infections.

Broccoli
This green vegetable provides an excellent array of antioxidants as well as vitamin C and beta-carotene which help protect against cancer and disease. It's also rich in foliate and fibre. This is my fav green and it's best when lightly cooked.

Cabbage
Cabbage including Bok Choy contain antioxidants compound. It's said to be good for your colon and excellent source for vitamin C and dietary fibre.

Carrot
Carrot is high in vitamin A and C and dietary fibre. The beta-carotene in carrots act as powerhouse against ageing and disease. Remember not to over-eat carrots or you might end up with yellowish skin.

Citrus fruit
Orange is one of the best fruit, it's pack with a complete package of natural anti-cancer inhibitors. It's an great source of vitamin C which give a healthy skin.

Fish
Salmon, swordfish, anchovies, mackerel, tuna and sardines is best known source for omega 3 fatty acid.

Ginger, turmeric and black pepper
Ginger improves blood circulation and help prevent nausea as well as release 'gas' in our body. Turmeric act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for the liver. Black pepper helps stabilise bloog sugar levels.

There you go. Now you know why you need to eat these food.

Steam Fish

2011-03-22T03:52:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
1 fish (normally I use Siakap)
1 thick stalk spring onions, cut to 2 inch lengths
5 slices ginger, cut to strips
1 chilli padi, cut (adjust or use normal chilli if you like)
1/2 to 1 tomato, cut to small wedges
2 shiitake mushrooms, cut to stripes
2-3 sour plum (aka salted plum)
1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
2-3 tbsp water (or more if you like more watery)

Directions
Clean the fish and place it in a plate with a bit of depth. Drizzle light soy sauce and water over the fish. Make sure the fish in room temperature for better cooking result.

Scatter the rest of the ingredients evenly over the fish.

Steam on high heat for 10-15 minutes (for medium size fish, no more than 15 minutes)

2010-08-12T02:43:00.000-07:00

A milo-based mousse with rich chocolate flavours, this is a sure hit among kids. Adjust the level of sweetness to your preference.

Serve 6

Ingredients:

2 eggs, separated

50g chocolate couverture (50% cocoa)

100g Milo powder, plus a little extra for dusting

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons salted butter

3 tablespoons fine (or castor) sugar

½ cup whipping cream

Small marshmallows, for serving

Method:

1. Over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate, water, Milo powder and butter in a metal bowl.

2. Once melted, allow to cool slightly for a few minutes before stirring in the egg yolks.

3. Refrigerate while you whip the cream and egg whites.

4. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, adding the sugar halfway through.

5. Add a few spoonfuls of the egg white into the Milo mixture at a time, gently folding it and incorporating it along the way.

6. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

7. Gently fold in the whipped cream until no white or brown steaks are left.

8. Serve with the marshmallows and a dusting of Milo powder.

Enjoy!

Beauty tips with food

2010-05-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

This is a compilation. However, I haven't the time to translate it to English.

Awet Muda

Jika anda inginkan muda, sering tersenyum adalah salah satu petuanya. Selain daripada itu, cubalah ikut petua berikutnya:
* Kisar beberapa jambul nanas dan rebus dengan air selama setengah jam. Anggarkan air rebusan tinggal satu cawan. Setelah sejuk barulah diminum. Amalkan meminumnya seminggu sekali. Wanita hamil dilarang mengamalkan cara ini.

* Amalkan makan sayuran jenis daun dan ulam-ulam untuk awet muda.
Melentik Bulu Mata
Mata adalah salah satu daya penarik bagi seseorang. Untuk memiliki mata yang cantik, di sini ada satu cara yang boleh diamalkan :-
* Ambil daun lidah buaya. Sapukan lendirnya pada bulu mata sebelum tidur. Lakukannya berterusan
Melebatkan Bulu Kening
Bakar dua biji buah keras hingga hitam. Kemudian tumbuk hingga halus. Sapukan pada kening setiap hari sebelum tidur. Keesokkannya bersihkan dengan air. Kening akan nampak lebih lebat dan menarik.
Melebatkan Bulu Mata
Rendam satu sudu besar teh di dalam air panas. Setelah sejuk sapukan air teh di bulu mata anda. Amalkan selalu.
Mencantikkan Rambut

1. Daun limau purut juga boleh digunakan untuk mencantikkan rambut. Caranya

* Ramas beberapa helai daun limau purut, sedikit air dan bunga raya.

* Apabila sebati, tapis airnya dan lumurkan pada rambut anda.

* Di samping memberi keharuman pada rambut ia juga menyejukkan kulit kepala.

2. Campurkan beberapa helai daun rambutan dengan sedikit air. Ramas sehingga keluar airnya. Ketika mandi, lumurkan pada rambut dan biarkan selama 15 minit. Kemudian bilas dengan air bersih.
Hindari Rambut Gugur

1. Masukkan tiga sudu besar serbuk teh ke dalam secawan air mendidih. Kemudian tapiskan. Bancuh air teh bersama sedikit serbuk inai dan sebiji putih telur hingga sebati. Apabila sebati, sapukan pada kulit kepala dan biarkan selama tiga jam. Seelok-eloknya amalkan dua minggu sekali.

2. Tumbuk sedikit arang sehingga lumat. Kemudian campur dengan minyak kelapa. Sapukan ramuan ini pada seluruh rambut dan biarkan selama dua jam. Basuh rambut dengan syampu dan keringkan. Lakukan seminggu sekali.

3. Campurkan air asam jawa dan santan ke dalam satu bekas. Masukkan beberapa kuntum bunga kenanga atau bunga-bunga yang wangi. Basuh rambut menggunakan campuran tersebut. Rambut akan berbau harum tanpa disyampu.
Melebatkan Rambut

1. Setelah selesai makan, basuh tangan hingga bersih. Tangan yang masih basah itu, lapkan pada rambut dengan berselawat tiga kali.

2. Ambil arang dari pokok getah, keringkan beberapa hari dan tumbuk hingga lumat. Lumurkan ramuan ini pada rambut dan dicuci. Lakukan setiap hari.
Menghilangkan Kelemumur

Kelemumur menyebabkan kepala gatal dan mengotorkan rambut. Cara untuk mengatasinya ialah :-
1. Selepas rambut dibasuh, lumurkan dengan beberapa potong limau nipis. Biarkan selama 15 minit. Kemudian cuci dengan air sehingga bersih. Kelemumur bukan sahaja dapat diatasi bahkan rambut menjadi lembut dan bersinar.

2. Kisar tiga batang serai bersama dua biji limau nipis hingga lumat. Kemudian tapis dan ambil patinya. Sapu pada seluruh rambut seperti menggunakan syampu. Gosok rata-rata dan biarkan selama 15 minit. Bilas dengan air biasa hingga bersih. Amalkan dua kali seminggu.

3. Rendam halba dan kacang hijau selama setengah jam. Kemudian tumbuk sehingga hancur. Campurkan ke dalam secawan santan pekat dan sapukan pada rambut. Biarkan selama 15 minit sebelum dibilas dengan air bersih. Lakukan dua kali seminggu.

Rambut Berbuah

Ramas daun pinang. Kemudian campurkan sedikit garam kasar dan air. Sapukan pada rambut. Bairkan selama 30 minit. Bilas dengan air bersih. Lakukan dua minggu sekali.

Meluruskan Rambut

Ambil santan perahan pertama dari sebiji kelapa tua. Kemudian masukkan sebiji air perahan limau nipis ke dalam santan tersebut. Sapukan sekali sehari. Setelah itu cuci rambut dengan air sejuk. Amalkan selama seminggu.

Mencantikkan Payu Dara
Ramai wanita yang inginkan payu dara yang cantik. Cara untuk memilikinya ialah :-
1. Panaskan dua sudu besar minyak sapi kemudian sejukkan. Sapu dan urutkan di sekeliling payu dara selama 15 minit. Basahkan tuala dengan air suam, kemudian lap sehingga bersih.

2. Tumbuk sepuluh ulas bawang merah hingga halus. Kemudian sapukan di sekitar payu dara. Jangan terkena pada putingnya. Biarkan selama 15 minit. Kemudian bilas dengan air bersih seperti biasa.

Payu Dara Membengkak
Daun kacang panjang dan daun sirih dibersihkan. Ramaskan kedua-duanya hingga hancur dan tampalkan pada buah dada. Buat berulang-ulang kali sehingga kering. Cuci dengan air bersih.

Menegangkan Payu Dara
Ibu-ibu yang menyusukan anak bimbang payu dara mereka akan menjadi kendur. Cara untuk mengatasinya ialah dengan cara :-
* Sapukan sedikit minyak kelapa pada permukaan daun sirih yang segar.

* Kemudian layurkan di atas api yang sederhana panasnya.

* Setelah layu, ramas dan sapukan pada payu dara kecuali putingnya.

* Lakukan selama tiga hari berturut-turut.

Mengempiskan Perut

1. Jika anda makan nasi jangan disulami dengan air. Ini untuk mengelakkan perut buncit. Sebaiknya minum air dua atau tiga jam selepas makan.

2. Selepas bersalin, sesetengah wanita mengalami masalah perut buncit. Cara untuk memulihkannya kembali ialah :

* Campurkan sedikit kapur makan, lima helai daun sirih, beberapa titik minyak kayu putih dan satu sudu besar air limau nipis.

* Sapukan ramuan ini pada perut dan pakailah bengkung. Lakukan sehingga nampak perubahannya.

3. Tanak kelapa hingga menjadi minyak. Setelah sejuk, sapukan pada perut. Biarkan selama 10 minit. Lakukan setiap hari sehingga menampakkan hasilnya.

4. Didihkan jadam dengan sedikit air asam jawa sehingga pekat. Apabila suam, lumurkan pada perut sebelum memakai bengkung.

5. Bancuh sedikit asam jawa, segelas air panas dan garam. Embunkannya semalaman. Keesokkan paginya minum air tersebut sebelum membasuh muka.

Kaki Bersisik

1. Gosok buah mengkudu pada kaki yang bersisik. Biarkan selama 15 minit. Kemudian baru dibersihkan. Selain daripada kaki bersisik, petua ini boleh juga dilakukan pada jari kaki yang luka.

2. Campurkan segenggam hampas kelapa dengan sedikit asam jawa. Gosok berulang kali di bahagian kaki yang bersisik. Amalkan selalu.

3. Setiap hari sapukan sedikit minyak kelapa yang belum digunakan pada kaki yang bersisik.

Urat Timbul Di Kaki

1. Campurkan sebuku ragi, sedikit air limau nipis dan air sehingga sebati. Sapukan pada urat yang timbul pada setiap malam. Apabila tidur, letakkan kaki di atas bantal.

2. Campurkan sedikit asam jawa dan air sehingga pekat. Sapukan pada kaki pada setiap malam. Tinggikan kaki sedikit ketika tidur.

3. Rebus kacang hijau, minum airnya setiap pagi dan petang. Buatlah senaman angkat kaki selama 10 minit sebelum tidur.

Tumit Kaki Pecah

Pelbagai petua boleh diamalkan untuk menyembuhkan tumit kaki yang pecah. Antaranya ialah :-
1. Rendamkan kaki dalam air suam beberapa minit. Kemudian gosokkan batu asah pisau pada tumit yang pecah tadi. Lakukan sehingga berlaku perubahan.

2. Ambil getah betik yang masih muda. Sapukan pada tumit yang pecah dan biarkan kering. Selain getah betik, ubat gigi juga boleh digunakan.

3. Campurkan sedikit air perahan limau nipis dengan bawang putih yang telah dihancurkan. Sapukan pada tumit kaki yang pecah. Lakukan secara berterusan sehingga sembuh

4. Geselkan kaki anda di rumput yang masih berembun pada waktu pagi. Lakukan tiap-tiap hari sehingga anda merasakan perubahannya.

5. Bawang merah dibelah dua. Sapukan pada tumit kaki yang pecah sehingga kering. Ulangi setiap hari sehingga sembuh.

6. Hancurkan gambir dan campurkan dengan air. Sapukan campuran ini pada tumit yang pecah.

7. Sapukan minyak lebihan mengoreng ikan pada tumit yang pecah.

Kaki Bengkak Ketika Hamil

Rebus segenggam bulu jagung bersama sedikit air. Biarkan sehingga menjadi satu gelas. Kemudian tapis dan minum setaip hari.

Kematu di Tumit Kaki

1. Campurkan sebiji buah belimbing buluh dengan air limau nipis. Sapukan pada tempat yang kematu dan pecah-pecah.

2. Sapukan sedikit ubat gigi. Biarkan selama lima minit. Kemudian basuh seperti biasa dengan sabun dan air biasa.

Cengkam Kuku Kaki

Panaskan beberapa biji limau pada api kayu. Titiskan pada kuku yang mencengkam. Ulangi dua atau tiga kali sehari.

Ubat Sakit Kaki

1. Salai daun mengkudu beberapa minit. Kemudian balutkan pada kaki. Lakukan beberapa kali sehingga kaki sembuh

2. Tumbuk kunyit dan panaskan bersama minyak masak. Sapukan pada bahagian yang sakit. Kemudian balut dengan daun tembaga suasa.

Merawat Kuku Kaki
Titiskan cuka secukupnya di sekitar ibu jari kaki. Kemudian bersihkan dengan air suam. Anda akan dapati kotoran yang melekat pada kuku akan keluar dengan sendirinya.

Mengilatkan Kuku Kaki
Buang kulit bawang putih dan potong dua, Gosokkan pada kuku kaki sekerap yang mungkin sehingga kelihatan berkilat. Ulangilah selalu sehingga anda benar-benar berpuas hati.

Tips for beautiful eyes (Pertua rawatan mata)

2010-05-06T00:27:00.000-07:00

Tip 1: Dark Circle (Bulatan hitam bawah mata)

Crash or blend the mint leaves and place it around the eyes. Let it for 10 minutes and rinse it.
Hancurkan/tumbuk daun pudina segar dan letakkannya di sekitar bahagian mata. Biarkannya selama 10 minit sebelum mencucinya menggunakan air sejuk.

Tip 2: Flabby Eyes (Mata Sembab)
Flabby eyes can be reduce using potatoes slides. Just cut the potatoes and place it on your eyes for 10 minutes.

Mata sembab boleh dikurangkan dengan menggunakan potongan ubi kentang segar. Caranya adalah dengan meletakkan potongan ubi kentang di atas mata selama beberapa minit.
Tip 3: Tired Eyes (Keletihan mata)

For tired eyes, place 2 used and cool tea bags onto the eyes for 15 minutes.
Lembabkan 2 uncang teh ke dalam air panas. Setelah itu, sejukkan uncang teh tadi dengan memasukkannya ke dalam peti ais. Setelah ia sejuk, letakkannya ke atas mata selama lebih kurang 15 minit.

Note: this is a personal tip, result may vary for everyone and depending on skin sensitivity

Fresh and Clear face tips (Wajah bersih berseri)

2010-05-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

Tip 1:

Wash your face with rice water once a day. Use the rice water from the second wash. This will make your face softer and clearer.

Cuci muka anda dengan air basuhan beras. Saya menggunakan air basuhan kali ke-2. Air basuhan kali pertama biasanya agak gatal. Lakukannya pada setiap hari, sehari sekali. Kulit muka bukan sahaja bersih berseri, malahan akan menjadi bertambah cerah dan lembut

Tip 2:

When your cooking rice almost dry, took 2 table spoon of the liquid or water from the rice (the liquid is thick). Spread it over your face and the liquid still warm (not hot). Let it dry and rinse off.
Setiap kali nasi yang dimasak hampir kering, ambil 2 sudu makan air nasi tersebut (airnya kelihatan agak pekat). Lumurkan pada seluruh wajah dan leher ketika masih suam. Biarkan sehingga kering, kemudian barulah dibilas

Note: this is a personal tip, result may vary for everyone and depending on skin sensitivity

Skin Tightener for Sagging Skin

2010-05-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

This tip is for improving sagging skin or Menegangkan Kulit

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of egg white
1 tablespoon powdered milk
1 1/2 teaspoon honey

Direction:
Mix together all the above ingredients. Beat until mixture is well blended.

Gently pat this blended mixture all over your face and throat. Allow it to dry on your face and then rinse with water. Finally, splash some cold water on your face and blot dry.

Note: this is a personal tip, result may vary for everyone and depending on skin sensitivity

Clear Skin Tip

2010-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 egg white
lemon or lime juice

Beat together the white of 1 egg with an equal amount of lemon (or lime) juice. Place the mixture in a cup then put the cup in a pan of hot water over a very low flame.

Stir or beat the mixture until it develops a custard consistency. Let it cool before applying on your freshly scrubbed face.

Wear this mixture for 1 or 2 hours in the daytime, or overnight.

Note: this is a personal tip, result may vary for everyone and depending on skin sensitivity

Banana Smoothie...and banana is good for you

2010-02-18T04:51:00.000-08:00

Are you a smoothie lover? Looking for some new smoothie recipes that use bananas? Here are some recipes that's easy to make and finished within minutes. Bananas are high in potassium and low in sodium making them the ideal healthy fruit. Bananas are great for reducing depression, achieving bone and intestinal health, and for regulating high blood pressure. Forget about the myth that banana make you fat.

All of these smoothie recipes use bananas, along with some additional ingredients. If you are looking to cut calories, you can substitute the milk with skim milk, or the ice cream with low-fat yogurt.

If you like your smoothies sweet, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of honey to your recipe. I always serve my smoothies in a chilled glass but you can serve them any way that you like. You can drink them straight from the glass, use a straw or eat them with a spoon. It is best to always serve your smoothies immediately.

Banana Mango Smoothie
1 c. cubed peeled ripe mango
3/4 c. sliced ripe banana
2/3 c. milk
1 tsp. honey
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine all of the above ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
1 medium banana
1 1/4 c. milk
1 c. chocolate ice cream
1/4 c. creamy peanut butter

Cut the banana into 1" pieces. Wrap pieces in foil and freeze. Unwrap the banana pieces. In blender container combine banana, milk, chocolate ice cream and peanut butter. Cover and blend until smooth.

Blueberry Banana Smoothie
5 oz. Frozen blueberries
2 bananas
2 c. ice
1 c. water

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Kiwi Banana Smoothie
1 c. milk
2 scoops vanilla ice-cream
1 ripe banana, sliced
2 Kiwi fruit, peeled and finely diced

Blend the milk, ice-cream, and banana together in a blender till smooth. Add the Kiwi fruit, blend briefly, then pour into glasses.

Banana Cantaloupe Smoothie

1/2 sliced cantaloupe melon
1 peeled banana
1 c. vanilla ice cream
1 tbsp. honey

Mix all of the above ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth.

Buttery Cooked Carrots

2010-01-28T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots

1/4 cup margarine

1/3 cup brown sugar

Directions

Cook carrots in a large pot of boiling water until tender. Drain off most of the liquid, leaving bottom of pan covered with water. Set the carrots aside.

Stir margarine and brown sugar into the water. Simmer and stir until the margarine melts. Return carrots to the pot, and toss to coat. Cover, and let sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to mingle.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls

2010-01-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Creamy Peanut Butter

2 tablespoons Strawberry Jelly, Jam

2 slices bread

Directions

Remove crusts from bread. With a rolling pin or large soup can, completely flatten bread.

Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of fruit spread on each slice of bread.

Roll each slice into a tight spiral. Cut each spiral into 4 pieces.

Gingerbread Men Cookies

2010-01-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons McCormick® Ginger, Ground

1 teaspoon McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Nutmeg, Ground

1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

Directions

Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured work surface. Cut into gingerbread men shapes with 5-inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just begin to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

2010-01-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup mashed ripe bananas

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, oil, yogurt and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in bananas and chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

2010-01-24T05:11:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

3-1/3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

In a large heavy saucepan, cook mushrooms in the broth with onion and thyme until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.

In blender or food processor, puree the mixture , leaving some chunks of vegetable in it. Set aside.

In the saucepan, melt the butter, whisk in the flour until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, half and half and vegetable puree. Stirring constantly, bring soup to a boil and cook until thickened. Adjust seasonings to taste, and add sherry.

Mashed Potato Soup

2010-01-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

6 ounces ground beef
1/4 large onion, diced
1-1/2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup diced celery
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cold mashed potatoes (prepared with milk and butter)
1/4 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
salt and pepper to taste

Direction
In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the cubed potatoes, water and celery; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add milk, mashed potatoes, evaporated milk, salt and pepper. Heat through but do not boil.

Garlic Potato Soup

2010-01-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

8 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

8 cups milk

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Place potatoes, carrot and garlic in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Place 3 cups potato mixture in a bowl and mash. Set aside mashed potatoes and remaining potato mixture.

In a skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain and set aside. In a soup kettle, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until soup is thickened.

Add the parsley, salt, bouillon, seasoned salt and pepper; mix well. add the mashed potato mixture; cook and stir until heated through. Add the reserved potato and sausage mixtures. Heat through.

Pasta Zanmai at Mid Valley

2009-12-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to go to Mid Valley for my Christmas shopping. When we arrived there, I told my sis to go for a brench at Pasta Zanmai on the first floor, next to Madam Kuan restaurant. This is the second time I was there and the food was delicious that I had to bring my sis there.

Today I had Unagi pasta and my sis had their December Special. You can choose to have set or ala-carte. I chose ala-carte because of the big portion. So, it's really worth the money. They serves generous unagi too.

The Menu...

Neatly display chopstick

Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast

2009-12-04T02:51:00.000-08:00

Ingredients
4 pounds chuck roast salt and pepper to taste
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 stalk celery, chopped

Directions
Take the chuck roast and season with salt and pepper to taste. Brown on all sides in a large skillet over high heat.

Place in the slow cooker and add the soup mix, water, carrots, onion, potatoes and celery.

Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.

Miso Soup

2009-12-04T02:49:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

2 teaspoons dashi granules
4 cups water
3 tablespoons miso paste
1 (8 ounce) package silken tofu, diced
2 green onions, sliced diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces

Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine dashi granules and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and whisk in the miso paste. Stir in tofu. Separate the layers of the green onions, and add them to the soup. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Ham and Potato Soup

2009-12-04T02:47:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes

1/3 cup diced celery

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

3/4 cup diced cooked ham

3 1/4 cups water

2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk

Directions
Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.

Basic Chicken Stock

2009-12-04T02:46:00.000-08:00

Ingredients
1 pound chicken parts
1 large onion
3 stalks celery, including some leaves
1 large carrot
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 whole cloves
6 cups water
1/4 cup cold water (optional)
1 egg

Directions
Quarter onion. Chop scrubbed celery and carrot into 1 inch chunks. Place chicken pieces, onion, celery, carrot, salt, and cloves in large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add 6 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.

Remove chicken and vegetables. Strain stock. Skim fat off the surface.

To clarify stock for clear soup, removing solid flecks that are too small to be strained out with cheesecloth, follow this method. Separate the egg white from the egg yolk, and reserve the shell. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup cold water, egg white, and crushed eggshell. Add to strained stock, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Strain again through a sieve lined with cheesecloth.