Recipes I luv

Ahhh December!

2011-12-01T12:30:00.000+08:00

Today is the first day of December and (cue music)... soon it will be Christmas day! :) Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. Anyway, it has been months since my last post. Yeah... I'm not going to give excuses. I didn't have anything worthwhile to write on this food-related blog of mine. Sure I could just copy and paste some recipes that features loads of monosodium glutamate to keep the blog alive but I didn't feel like doing that.

These days I find it much easier to keep myself occupied with work and keep things to myself. And running truly has taken over my life so much that if I don't get to run for one week, I'd get depressed. Running is therapeutic and a great way to lose excess weight... of course you know that right ;)

Another passion of mine is cooking. Nah, I'm no master chef but I think I can cook pretty decent meals compared to some of the food I've tasted at food courts in shopping malls around town that is totally so bland with hardly any MSG, as long as it's in moderation, that is. I had sweet and sour chicken the other day... it was really tasteless, watery, ... so bad that even my kids refused to eat it! We ended up having burgers at McDonald's instead. Fast food is really not the healthiest for kids but as long as you don't have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper then it's fine. I believe one can eat anything as long as it's in moderation but I really can't tolerate bad food.

Gosh December... plenty of 'makan-makan' sessions. I really have to remind myself not to over-indulge!

Wondermilk!

2011-08-05T23:19:00.002+08:00

Dear oh dear... forgive me blog for I have ignored you for weeks. You see I've been busy, and lazy and so uninspired to write anything lately. But tonight I shall make an effort to post something. :D

There is a new mall in PJ called Citta Mall (Ara Damansara), not too far from where I stay. I decided to check it out a couple of weeks back and to my surprised I found Wondermilk! I've been hearing great things about Wondermilk cuppacakes especially from Marzie and I couldn't wait to taste their cupcakes. I tapau-ed 6 cupcakes! LOL! Yeah, tamaha (glutton) betul la saya.

Nice cupcake box design

Top row... Red Velvet cupcakes, Blueberry cheese cupcakes, and bottom row... I forgot the names. A box of 6 cost RM25.00.

The frosting tasted kinda weird to me, a tad bitter... macam chemical-like taste and not too sweet (just the way I like it). I do love the shop though... the decor is English-inspired with quirky accents.

I likeeee!

One of my friends ordered this Beef Rasher sandwich which I managed to grab a bite and ooh-la-la it tasted so fine. Sedap betul... I think the next time I go to Wondermilk I'll order the Beef rasher sandwich instead... and maybe just one cupcake.

GCB

2011-07-01T20:30:00.004+08:00

RM8.30 (excluding tax)

... stands for Grilled Chicken Burger, from McD.

Seriously disappointed with this burger. Keasyikan rasa? Eh, I don't think so. Next time I'll stick with McD's Quarter Pounder.

The Loaf

2011-04-05T21:02:00.000+08:00

It's unbelievable that it has been months since my last post! Where did the time go?? I had better write something before you guys think this blog is a goner.

Let me take you to The Loaf Bakery, Empire Gallery Subang. Their buns and breads are more expensive than the regular bakeries but I just love their Cranberry cheese buns. Simply divine! I always buy 2 because 1 is not enough for me. Occasionally I buy 3 if I have cravings. 4 will be too jelaking.

Tun's Japanese Chicken Curry @RM14.80

I tried its famous Tun's Japanese chicken curry and it's delish! The serving is not too big, not too small either. Just enough to satisfy the tummy but if you're really, really hungry memang not satisfying la. It's rich and flavorful and I find it not spicy at all. I think the Japanese are not into spicy stuff eh.

Kitchens Of The Future?

2011-01-28T11:59:00.002+08:00

We take a break from all the recipe postings and have a look at something slightly different... but still related to cooking of course :)

Imagine 29 years from now, somewhere in 2040... how different do you think kitchens would look like? It can either be totally out of this world or pretty much the same. Kitchen gadgets will definitely look more sleeker I suppose.

Here's what the 'experts' at The Future Laboratory came up with when they teamed up with IKEA. Behold the kitchens of the future!

Ikea's Intuitiv kitchen

As you walk into the INTUITIV kitchen of the future, LED light projections adjust to your mood - it will know if you have a hangover via sensors that will read your brainwaves. Aromatherapy infused walls will be synced to your calendar, calming you before a big meeting or energising you before a gym session. The fridge will have selected some breakfast options, identifying the essential vitamins for your day via sensors. When you get home, a hologrammed chef will be on hand for recipe inspiration.

Ikea's Skarp kitchen

This kitchen will be intelligent, predicting its inhabitants' needs with smart technology. Synchronized appliances will make everything happen at the touch of a button, communicating through iPad style devices which will act as the brain of the kitchen, making our lives easier.

Ikea's Elementara kitchen

The ELEMENTARA kitchen will encourage you to grow your own food and be self-sufficient with a garden or mini allotment as a standard extension of the room. Food will be kept cool through cold larders and recycling facilities will be seamlessly incorporated into the kitchen.

Elementara looks like a normal kitchen to me. Only that it looks as if it's been invaded by the jungle! LOL! But I do like the concept description of Elementara though. I've always dreamed to have my own garden where I can grow my own vegetables. No need to pay for exorbitant price for organic produce. Having recycling facilities always gets my vote too. Going Green is the way to go!

So, if you have to choose la kan... which is your pick and why. Hehe... macam assignment seja.

source: ResidentialArchitect

Egg Drop Soup

2011-01-21T12:38:00.002+08:00

Image/Recipe via SimplyRecipes.com

I've made this several times before but my version is slightly different. My kids don't like to eat vegetables and mushroom (I don't know of any kid who does anyway) so I omit those in my cooking.

Basically you can throw in anything you like in your soup... as long as they're edible and your ingredients are fresh, your soup should taste alright and no one should end up in the hospital! :B

ingredients

3 eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups of chicken stock * I use the cube stuff cos I'm lazy
1 tablespoon of corn starch
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
3/4 cup of straw, enoki, or sliced shiitaki mushrooms

method

Reserve 1/2 cup of the stock and mix with the cornstarch until dissolved.

Place the chicken stock, ginger, soy sauce, green onions, mushrooms and white pepper in a pot and bring to a boil. Add the cornstarch and stock mixture and stir. Reduce heat to a simmer.

Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup. The egg will spread out into ribbons. Turn off the heat and garnish with a few more chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-11T13:24:00.001+08:00

Oh OK, I know I'm late... 11 days late to wish everyone a happy New Year. But hey, better late than never right? ;)

I'm not posting a recipe for my first ever post for the year 2011. Instead I'll share with you what I had last Sunday. Donashi from Big Apple Donuts & Coffee... come closer la, take a bite. Oh yums... hehe

9pcs of Donashi cost RM11.00

The green colored Donashi tasted kinda bitter and the smell was pretty weird too.... errkkk!

Sweet and Smoky Pecans

2010-12-24T13:40:00.004+08:00

Image/Recipe via Fitnessmagazine.com

Oh my! I haven't updated this food blog of mine for a MONTH now... confirm la sia ni pemalas! Hehe... hey, it's the holiday season so I'm automatically in a holiday mood too. But it's Christmas Eve therefore I must post something Chrismassy!

This is a very simple recipe... pandai cakap simple but I haven't even made these myself. Belum ada oven lagi so how to make?? Maybe next year Santa will grant my wish and get me a supadupa oven for me to bake cookies, cupcakes, chicken, lamb, beef, turkey.... *major drool*

Merry Christmas my dear friends and readers of Recipes I Luv! Remember not to over-indulge in food. Eat slowly, chew many-many times... and if you're driving, don't get drunk!

Prep time: 5 mins, Cook time: 15 mins,
Makes: 6 servings

ingredients

1 1/2 cups pecan halves
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne

method

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients; mix well.
3. Spread the nuts on the baking sheet; roast, tossing halfway through, until browned, 12 to 15 minutes.

4. Let the nuts cool. Serve.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

220 cal; 3g protein, 8g carbs; 22g fat (1.9g saturated); 3g fiber

Strawberry Froyo

2010-11-09T10:37:00.000+08:00

Froyo? It's Frozen yogurt and it's good for you, even better than ice cream (as it is lower in fat)! Frozen yogurt usually consists of milk solids, milk fat, yogurt culture, sweetener, corn syrup, coloring, and flavoring.

Image/Recipe via Prevention.com

ingredients

¾ cup loose-pack frozen strawberries
1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 tsp honey

method

1. On a work surface, carefully cut the strawberries into chunks with a serrated knife. Place them in a blender or the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse 10 times to finely chop.

2. Add the yogurt and honey. Process, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth. (Tiny chunks of berry can remain for texture).

3. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Facts:
151 Cal; 32g carbs; 161mg calcium; 4g fiber

Banana with Dark Chocolate-Honey Sauce

2010-10-22T10:26:00.001+08:00

ingredients

2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
Small pinch of salt
1 small banana, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 teaspoon chopped toasted walnuts

directions

In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate with the honey, butter, and salt, stirring frequently. Serve the chocolate sauce and walnuts in bowls for dipping, accompanied by the banana chunks.

Nutrition facts per serving: (Servings Per Recipe 1 serving)
265 cal; 13g fat; 7g saturated fat; 41g carbs; 4g fiber; 3g protein

Recipe/image via Fitnessmagazine.com

Mango Squid Salad

2010-10-07T11:45:00.001+08:00

Whoaa... has it really been 2 weeks since I last updated this blog??

My connection has been quite pathetic the past few weeks... when I do get connected, it is so darn slow. A slow connection can really drive even the sanest person crazy! Anyway, the connection seems to have stabilized today so yay!! Hope it stays that way.

image credit Mykitchensnippets.com

ingredients

300 gms squid - cleaned, beak, spine and ink sac removed
Half small cucumber - peeled, cored and shredded
1 small unripe mango - peeled and cut into small strips
3 shallots, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 red chilli - deseeded and cut into thin strips
2 sprigs fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped
Lettuce leaves for garnish

for the sauce

2 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoon fish sauce
Salt and sugar to taste
Some grated fresh ginger
4 tbsp of roasted peanuts - crushed
2 tsp of toasted sesame seeds

method

Blanch the squid in boiling water until cooked.
Remove, drain dry and slice into rings.
Add all the ingredients into a bowl and toss with the sauce.
Chill in refrigerator.
Dish onto a bed of lettuce for serving.
Sprinkle on top with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds.

recipe via allrecipes.com

Spiced Nut Clusters

2010-09-20T22:39:00.002+08:00

Nuts contain the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acids, and the fats in nuts for the most part are unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated fats.

Many nuts are good sources of vitamins E and B2 (riboflavin, an antioxidant), and are rich in protein, folate, fiber, and essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and selenium.

ingredients

1 large omega-3-enriched egg white
1 Tbsp honey
1 cup walnuts
½ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cardamom

method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white and honey. Add the walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries. Sprinkle with the cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom and toss to coat well.

3. Drop by 1/8-cup measures on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until browned.

4. Let stand on a rack for about 30 minutes, or until completely cooled.

Nutrition Facts:
91 cal; 5g carbs; 11mg calcium; 1g fiber

Recipe/Image via Prevention.com

Wine Ice-Cream

2010-09-17T12:18:00.001+08:00

Mercer's Premium Wine Ice-Cream

I saw these at Cold Storage in Subang Parade a few months ago. The lovely packaging and the word 'wine' caught my attention. Have you ever tried wine flavored ice-cream before?

This is definitely good news for those who enjoy both wine and ice cream. I wonder if one gets drunk if they eat too much of this...

It comes in 6 flavors ~

* Ala Port
* Cherry Merlot
* Chocolate Cabernet
* Peach White Zinfandel
* Red Raspberry Chardonnay
* Royal White Riesling

With 5 % alcohol content, you must be 21 years of age or older to enjoy... hehe

Auntie Anne's Pretzels

2010-09-14T21:15:00.000+08:00

Auntie Anne makes great pretzels... she's my fave aunt! LOL!

Be warned though as these pretzels are high in calories. My fave which is Sour Cream and Onion pretzel has 340 calories and high in sodium (930mg). So, eat them in moderation. I reward myself with a pretzel once a week!

But who is Auntie Anne anyway??

It all started back in 1988 at a farmer's market in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where Anne Smucker Beiler and her husband Jonas sold a variety of snacks, including hand-rolled, soft pretzels. Anne and Jonas tried different combinations of ingredients to make their pretzels until they found the one recipe that was better than the best, and the pretzel was perfected.

From those beginnings, the company has grown to support over 1,050 locations worldwide, anchored by a Threefold Philosophy: providing premium products, in a sparkling clean store, with friendly customer service.

kuih makmur

2010-09-11T11:11:00.002+08:00

image credit A Daily Obsession

During Raya celebration, I'd always go for kuih makmur or Tat Nenas. Of the two, the former is the easiest to make.

There are so many variations to the kuih. Normally it's just a rounded ball, the shape of a slightly big marble. You may even find them longer (oblong shaped) and some creative and rajin people will shape them like a leaf, or ulat bulu! But whatever shape they're in... they taste awesome. I just love the sweet and buttery taste of the crumbly kuih makmur.

ingredients (pastry)

125g ghee (clarified butter)
200g all-purpose flour
1 tbsp castor sugar
20ml fresh milk

ingredients (filling)

100g peanuts (roasted and grounded)
40g peanut butter
60g icing sugar
10g margarine

decoration

50g icing sugar

method

Combine all ingredients for pastry and knead. Shape pastry into little walnut-sized balls. Set aside.
To prepare filling - Combine all ingredients and set aside.
Flatten walnut-sized pastry. Fill each pastry with filling and crimp edges.
Place on baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180C for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle icing sugar before storing in air-tight containers.

recipe credit Desserts-recipes.com

Fruity Soya Bean Jelly

2010-09-09T12:42:00.001+08:00

I love desserts!

Wouldn't it be nice to have desserts all day and not gain weight... haha! *wishful thinking*

ingredients

500ml Water
30g Agar-agar strands
2 Pandan leaves, knotted
1 litre Soya bean drink
1 tin Mixed fruit cocktail, drained

method

In a saucepan, put water, agar-agar and pandan leaves; bring to boil.
Simmer until agar-agar dissolved.
Add soya bean milk and bring to boil.
Switch off heat, stir well to mix allow to cool slightly.
Place fruit cocktail in a jelly mould and pour over soya bean agar-agar.
Leave to set and chill well before serving.

Nutrition Facts:
Per Serving: 26 kcal; 0.4g fat; 0.8g protein; 5g carbs

Recipe/Image credit Nestle.com.my

Today's Reminder

2010-08-25T18:25:00.000+08:00

Having new eating habits simply means making better food choices... and it doesn't mean starving yourself!

Know Your Spices

2010-08-20T12:05:00.001+08:00

I get confused when buying spices. Here's a list of spices translated from Malay to English, some names are in Chinese. The list is not complete yet... but I will definitely update from time to time.

Asam Jawa - Tamarind

Bawang Merah - Shallot
Belacan - Fermented Dried Shrimp Paste
Buah Keras - Candle Nut
Buah Pala - Nutmeg
Buah Pelaga - Cardamom
Buah Gajus - Cashew Nut
Bunga Cengkih - Clove
Bunga Kantan - Torch Ginger Flower
Biji Lada Hitam - Peppercorns
Bunga Lawang - Star Anise
Biji Sawi - Mustard Seed
Bijan/Muachi - Sesame Seeds

Daun Ketumbar - Coriander Leaf/Cilantro
Daun Sup - Chinese Celery
Daun Kaduk - Wild Pepper Leaf
Daun Limau Purut - Kaffir Lime Leaf
Daun Selasih - Basil
Daun Kesom - Polygonum/Vietnamese Coriander
Daun Pandan - Screw Pine Leaf
Daun Bawang - Spring Onions
Fuchuk - Dried Sweet Bean Curd Strips

Gula Melaka - Dark Palm Sugar

Kim Chiam - Lily Buds
Kiam Chye - Salted Vegetable
Ku Chai - Chinese Chives
Kunyit - Turmeric
Kei Chee - Wolfberry
Kayu Manis - Cinnamon

Jintan Putih - Cumin
Jintan Hitam - Fennel

Lengkuas - Galangal
Limau Kasturi - Musk Lime/Calamansi
Halia - Ginger

Santan - Coconut Milk
Serai - Lemongrass

Peek Kway - Gingko Nuts

cute bee and grasshopper gadgets

2010-08-16T17:32:00.000+08:00

I've been posting recipes after recipes for the past few months and I think it's about time I post about something else. It's also related to food, of course.

The moment I saw this adorable mini honey pot and dipper, and I just fell madly in love! Retailing at USD5.99, I think it's a steal. Sesiapa yang mahu hadiahkannya pada saya, silakan la ye... hehehe

Bright yellow pot (tennis-ball-sized) is shaped like a beehive with a flower handle lid. The decorative dipper features a wee bee on the end.

via Joieshop.com

Another cute kitchen gadget I absolutely adore is this Grasshopper Appetizer Boat Tray. I may not be a fan of the real grasshopper, but this tray is just too cute to be ignored. I'm sure kids and adults will love this!

This hilarious Grasshopper Appetizer Boat will bring fun to your serving table. Made of hand-painted earthenware with metal legs, the hopper boat measures a full 19" long by 3" wide and works well for fruit, veggies, pasta salads, cocktail condiments, cookies, sauces, and much more!

via Thisnext.com

low fat whole grain waffles

2010-08-10T20:13:00.001+08:00

A waffle is a batter or dough based cake cooked in a waffle iron patterned to give a distinctive and characteristic shape. There are many variations based on the type and shape of the iron and the recipe used.

ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup quick oats
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons oil
2 eggs
Syrup, jam, butter, fresh fruit, or whipped cream ~ toppings

method

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk milk, oil, and eggs. Add to flour mixture and whisk briskly to combine.
Let batter set for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Pre-heat waffle maker. Spray hot grids lightly with oil. Spoon waffle batter over grid and close lid.
Cook until done.
Loosen the waffles as you open the lid, remove cooked waffles with a fork.
If necessary, spray grid lightly with oil before cooking more batter.
Serve hot fresh waffles with syrup, butter, jam, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Recipe/image credit Tammyrecipes.com

artsy plates

2010-08-05T12:54:00.001+08:00

Why keep beautiful plates hidden in the cupboard when you can display them?

Beautiful plates are like paintings... show 'em off!

A simple plate rack is elevated to work of art with color-coordinated pieces of simple china. Place dishes you use often on the rack to make it as practical as it is beautiful.

image via BHG.com

cloves

2010-08-02T14:18:00.000+08:00

Cloves (Cengkih) are native to Indonesia and used as a spice in cuisines all over the world.

Did you know you can use cloves to neutralize burnt food odors in the house?

Here's how...

* mix 1/2 cup whole cloves with 2 cups water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil
* simmer cloves for 15-30 minutes
* your house smells wonderful and the burnt odor is gone!

shrimp cobb salad

2010-07-29T12:49:00.000+08:00

Save your waistline and your wallet with this quick and packable low calorie lunch.

ingredients

3 cups chopped hearts of romaine
5 grape or cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced cucumber
1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
5 cooked peeled shrimp
Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons light blue cheese dressing

method

Combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, egg and shrimp in a bowl. Season with pepper. Toss with dressing and serve.

Recipe/image credit Eatingwell.com

watermelon salad with feta cheese and chopped mint leaves

2010-07-23T11:42:00.001+08:00

The title is such a mouthful but this is one of the easiest salads to make, even a child can make this!

ingredients

1 quarter watermelon
1 onion (optional... I don't like onions)
feta cheese
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
salt
pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
mint leaves ~ chopped

method

* cut up watermelon into bite-size pieces
* cut the onion into rings
* in a small bowl, mix red wine vinegar with salt, pepper, mint leaves and extra virgin olive oil to make the dressing
* combine the melon, onions and crumbled some feta cheese in
* pour on the dressing, just enough to coat everything

recipe/image credit Amateurgourmet.com

shrimp & avocado canapés

2010-07-15T12:06:00.000+08:00

A canapé (Spanish/French for couch and known in Italy as tartina) is a small, prepared and usually decorative food, held in the fingers and often eaten in one bite. A canapé may also be referred to as finger food, although not all finger foods are canapés.

ingredients

16 whole-wheat crackers
1 avocado, cut into 16 slices
16 cooked shrimp
Lime wedges

method

Top each cracker with 1 slice avocado, 1 shrimp and a squeeze of lime juice!

Nutrition Facts:
Per piece: 61 calories; 3g fat; 8mg cholesterol; 7g carbs; 2g protein; 2g fiber; 61mg sodium; 95mg potassium

Recipe/image credit Eatingwell.com