Food for thought...

Unsettle

2021-06-14T19:29:00.002+10:00

I appreciated my friends.

Thank you, my friend who letting me stay 1 night at her house when I escaped from my husband.

I also appreciated my friend who came to see me to check I am OK.

I appreciated my daughter who was deeply concerned about me and even called my psychologist if I arrived and had a consultation.

It has been and still very unsettle the past few weeks. At first, I had a drink with my staff and eventually my staff L apologised to me for she called me "Cunt". I accepted her apology as she felt bad enough and also she is still young. I also confirmed that she is not interested in my husband. So I decided to let go.

After that drink, few days later, I informed my husband with L that all solved. However, he still called me for performance review, and he asked me to apologise to L and our nurse that I left the medical centre angrily. I was not angry about them at all. I was deeply hurt by him, so I rushed and left the medical centre as I also thought he asked me to leave. Not only that, but I was hurt. In fact, I am still hurt and unsettle that he asked me to apologise to them. I don't understand why I have to apologise to them. I still believed I did not do anything to them, so I do not understand why I have to apologise to them about something I do not believe I did anything wrong. I was upset and hurt by his action. He only thinks about his repetition and face, and he is not thinking about me. So I put my foot down to say I do not apologise to them. So I left.

This matter triggered to have a big argument between us and because of that my son even needed to absent his school I have never seen so stubbornness by him, and he only cared about his face. So I said I leave the house, or I commit the suicide. I did not care at all. I had an appointment with my psychologist, so I decided to go, but I was ready not to come home. At the same time, my son was not easy. he purchased the NIKE shoes, and he paid with our credit card, which I discovered by the seller contacted me. Too much humiliation and disappointment.

My daughter was worry about me and contact friend A. I did not want her to know as she only said negative thing about our situation. So I decided to contact friend M, and she said I can stay in her house. I took the offer as if I use my credit card, my husband will find out where I am. I know I can only do this for 1 night. I need to go back home and discuss with him. So next day I went back home, but since then I am unsettle. I felt like he dropped the nuclear bomb to me. My heart was deserted. I don't know how I can trust him anymore, or I can re-build the trust anymore. I only see him concern about his face. I can not see he cares about me. He is not ready to protect or looking after me.

We have not spoken about our bigger issues for now. It has been 3 months, but I don't know where to start, and also I do not know if I can ready forgive him and move on. I don't have a feeling to save our marriage at the moment and I don't know if our relationship is reparable or even find new balance for our life. I sometimes think be content and just appreciate what I have while my mind said move on and enjoy your single life.

I really don't know anymore...

Up and Down

2021-05-24T10:27:00.007+10:00

I appreciate

My mistake can be forgiven by the owner (after all the complaint though), but I need to work fordo this matter without getting pay.
My decision of taking leadership will result for positive outcome (I think, and I believe) as others are happy to do so.
My daughter to listen to me when I have a most difficult time.

The weekend was up and down. On Sat morning, I worked, but my mood was very dark and down. I did not know what to do, just simply work work work... then I discovered that I made a big mistake for one of the clinician. What a day! Now I need to fix all without getting pay...not many choices.

Then, I had lunch with my friend. This lunch was very helpful to find the way to move forward with the current issue I carry with my husband and "L". After I listened all the story by my friend, I see the light and how to resolve this matter. I called my staff all for girls night out today, and they all agreed to it. This was arranged secretly as I know my husband can not solve this matter.

I was stupid to rely on my husband to solve this matter. This kind of matter, I think he is not good at all to solve this. In fact, I did not want to be flexible or take a leadership to solve the issue, however 2 introverted people are not the best people to solve the problem. They go to their shell and does not know how to handle the matter. So I guess to end this, I have to do it. I will go out with all the girls from the medical centre and finish matter today.

It was so interesting to see my husband's face when I said "I will go to girl's night out". He asked me "who?" I said "L, J and H" His face was shocked. He asked me "Are you seriously?" 3 times... Why he thinks I am not serious? I can not do so if I am not serious about it. It has to end otherwise everything will collapse.

I now know very clearly how to handle it. I won't need his help. In fact his help is not useless so I will do myself.

My husband was very down on Sunday morning. I hate it. I knew when he can not sleep and next day he is tired, and he will be complaining a lot. Several times I think that I can not make him happy. He blame me lots...lots...lots. Then once he finished he wants to do so many things the way he wants, and I have to follow. Yesterday was going to have lunch at 12 sharp, 2 pm to go to beach, 4 pm to go to shopping then do gardening and exercise. The more I see him, the more he reminds me of my friend Rob. He was a nice guy but just before he divorced he was also a control freak. I hope my husband is not the same guy.

We will see next few days..what will happen after the girls night out...

The matter is in the worst situation

2021-05-19T15:42:00.005+10:00

Today, I would like to appreciate:

My daughter's continuing support and listing ear. Without her, I can not be here today.
My son who is here with me tonight.
We have good health and nice sunny day today.

The matter is worsened. Yesterday, I received the email from another staff "H":

------------------------------------

It has come to my attention that recently something I had discussed with "P" back in late march/early april is the cause of the most recent issue around bad mouthing of others.

When I had discussed with "P" the conversation I had with "L", it had appeared that "L" had used a particular name against "M".

I was under the impression that "L" had said this to "M" at a meeting, however I found out yesterday this had not happened and what had actually happened was that "L" had said this in frustration while with nurse towards a certain behaviour that "M" was displaying on that particular day.

It was not said against "M" as a person but rather out of disappointment and frustration at being spoken to and treated in such a manner by someone "L" holds a lot of respect for. "L" had no ill intent towards "M" when this was said and still holds no ill intent towards "M".

I myself hold some disappointment around what I said in confidence towards "P" has come around and been reiterated to "M" and other members of staff when I was under the impression I could have a confidential conversation without the fear of these conversations coming to light to other staff members. I understand that there are some cases where these things need to be clarified with another member of staff however in most cases it does not need to come full circle.

"P", please accept my apologies for passing on information that was not 100 % accurate throughout our confidential conversation. I apologize for any stress and unhappy feelings this may have caused.

"M", please accept my apologies for any mistrust, hurt and disrespect you may have felt upon hearing this information. It was not my intention for this conversation to be used in such a way that it has been.

I would be willing to attend a debrief meeting with management, Nurse and "L" so that we may all have a general conversation and air out any misconceptions, frustrations and disappointments we may hold. It may also give us an opportunity to amend some of the fragmented relationships between staff and helps us achieve an emotionally healthy workplace once again.

I would like this email kept confidential and not reiterated to other staff unless I have been consulted first, thank you.

------------------------------

This email triggered my husband to action on the same day. I have asked several occasions to do something about it which he was procrastinated for many weeks, but now he actioned same day. He spoke to "L" and "L" would like to apologised with attendance of support person.

I won't accept it. In fact, I won't accept any flexibility anymore to anyone. I need to protect myself and I do not need any more humiliation anymore.

My mother told me that just present to not look. I can not do that. I once tried but I already saw my husband is giving so much favour to "L" and even tried to protect her. My husband is still yet to not understand my position and each action he does is hurting me.

I no longer accept someone to hurt me, so I have decided today to leave my job. I was stupid enough to repair my work relationship with my husband. Today highlighted that he still tried to protect "L". I won't need to see anymore. I won't take this shit anymore.

Contagious issues

2021-05-18T11:01:00.004+10:00

I had positive last Sat.

Thank you for the massage by Meri san. This was very relaxing.
Thank you for caring about me, Naomi san. Her call and have a cup of coffee is always enjoyable.
I also appreciate myself that I went to gym to look after my body. This helps me to not think too much about current multiple issues.

I know I am a very fortunate person. I have 2 beautiful children who are very caring about me. My daughter is always supportive and my son even he does not say much, I know he cares. He always stays close to me and when I have a challenging time, he sits with me or even sleep with me.

Yesterday, I told my boss/husband that I would like to solve the matter with "L" official way and I would like to put formal complaint about her for bulling/harassment. He started to be irritable and eventually decided to leave this matter till next Monday as he would like to think about it. I accepted he needs a time for it. In my mind. I have decided that this matter need to be solved by the end of July.

When my husband decided to return and save our marriage, I stated to him that let's see for 3-6 months (that was end of March). As it is now in May, we only spent 2 months to try to save our marriage. So I decided if the matter does not solve by the end of July, I will change my job. I no longer unable to work with him or her.

I would like to save our personal relationship with my husband. However, he was the one who built the feeling towards to "L" and if he can not action about it for me, I am ready to step out to support him for it. I would like to see how he will handle this matter for our relationship if he will do favour to me or "L". I wanted to make it very clear that he can not have both.

Meanwhile, I need to work on my behaviour, especially when I get angry I can not control myself. According to him, I become hostile and stone wall and aggressive verbally. I can recognise myself and I need to work on with my psychologist and hope I can handle better with my behaviour. This is important not only for others, also for me to keep myself calm and handle the situation better way. It was the worst experience for me to face the separation with my husband, but at the same time, it was eye-opener to learn about myself especially my dark side. There is more to learn for sure.

Starting my thoughts and feeling..

2021-05-13T14:20:00.000+10:00

Today, I have decided to write a blog post as I had so much challenges this year.

I am planning to write my thoughts and feeling, however I do not wish to be negative all the time, so I will also write something I appreciate at least 3 of them each time I post the blog.

Yesterday, I appreciate:

Vietnamese BBQ pork Bah Mi was very yummy.
Had a time to shopping with my son.
Had a time to nap bit.

In FEB 2021, my husband, Peter stated that he would not see the medium to long term future with me. I stayed the same that to save our marriage. It was a huge roller coaster ride in my life. He told me that he likes someone and several months he did not tell me who, and finally I discovered that one of my staff member "L".

L is a very kind person. I taught her basic of working as a medical receptionist. I even looked after her when she had a time with her family. But now I also discovered that she spoke nasty thing about me and I can not forgive her anymore. I can not even look at her face. It makes me sick. This is of course I know my husband loved her, and also she said nasty thing about me. I can not trust her anymore and I no longer able to relate with her.

My psychologist said don't do anything unless I have a good solution. To be honest I don't think there is no better solution at all. Once I lose the trust, it is not easy to gain. I simply does not want to see L anymore. I wish I don't have to work with her or even relate with her.

It is same for my husband too. My husband blame that one of the reason why he had a feeling towards to her is because our love died. I understand that he was disappointed about our relationship. At the same time it is his feeling which went to L. He fell in love with her. I did not ask for it. I believe he should take the responsibility to do something about it.

I am getting tired of working with him too. He is not happy with another doctor who he has to be supervised. He is not happy with the government which organise COVID-19 vaccination program. If he is so unhappy, why he continues to work at the medical centre? I don't understand it. I don't mind if he would like to work at the medical centre, however in that case, I would like him to accept whatever happen for it.

I love him. I care about him. But I am no longer able to hear his complaint about work and people. People around him also complained about him but pretend that they are all good and no issue. I can not stand this kind of pretending anymore.

My mother told me last night that how she coped with my father who was cheating on her. She simply said even if you look, just pretend that did not look. I am not sure if I can do that. I know my husband did not have any physical relationship with L, but feeling went to L, and he still has a feeling too. (how much I do not know). L stated that she was not interested in, but she spent the time with my husband several occasions in early morning to chat with him. Even if she was not interested in as boyfriend...etc, she was interested in something too.

For now, I am not sure what to do...all I know is that I can not go on for as it is for long time. I need to remove myself from here but I need a job too. I guess my job hunting start again...

REAL local Vietnamese restaurant

2013-05-28T21:00:00.000+10:00

We left Ho Chi Minh City and drove to the beach resort area call "Mui Ne". It takes about 4 hours to get there by car, however for us took longer as we involved with car accident. Our car (we had a private driver) hit by truck from the back and eventually we had to change the another car.

Because of this event, we asked 2nd driver to stop somewhere to eat a lunch which was not planned...the real Local restaurant.

The menu does not say the price. It's written in Vietnamese. The driver does not speak English at all. So we use Google translate and find out little bit.

We ordered boiled chicken and pork, chicken soup and rice. They eat meat with salt & pepper sauce or fish sauce. The rice is plan white rice. It came with some green vegetable (which I have never tasted) and whole red chilli.

Later on when we arrived at the hotel. The manager of hotel told us that anything at the local restaurant are usually fresh as they kill the animal few minutes before they cook. They don't keep the meat in the fridge, they kill and straight away cook so it's fresh...glad to hear that.

Our food safari in Vietnam will continue in Hanoi...

My food safari continue in Vietnam

2013-05-27T08:49:00.003+10:00

So the cooking lesson time.

I participated the Vietnamese cooking lesson with Cyclo Restro. The reason why I choose this company was one of the most affordable price and we have a trip to go to market with Riki-sha.

This was really fun and enjoyable experience. I realised you need to speak Vietnamese to get best price of products, so we had a tour guide and we did good shopping.

Then went to the restaurant to do cooking lesson. Today I learned

Vietnamese pancake
BBQ pork with rice noodle
Cucumber soup
Spring roll

The lesson start with cutting skill and decoration. We learned to make some decoration with vegetable.

This was made by Tomato...what a cleaver idea.

Something we don't do so I really enjoy it.

What I learned the most was flavour of Vietnamese cuisine. It is similar to Thai food but not so spicy.

In the end we enjoy eating all dishes.

The company was established only 6 months ago so they need to improve many things still, however the price is very reasonable and the food was excellent. The staff tried very hard to make us enjoyable experience.

The food are good everyone happy. :)

My food safari in Vietnam

2013-05-26T08:47:00.001+10:00

I'm in Vietnam now and the food culture is you can't even imagine. This place was mix of French colonial time & still keep tradition of Vietnamese. I have been one of the hidden restaurant for lunch. It was not so easy to find the place but people was there.

My family had very nice European style lunch.

The taste was amazing.

Then at night we went another hidden place to eat traditional Vietnamese. I assume this place is very new. You only have 1 course to eat. But it was great. We signed up for cooking lesson with them too so hopefully we can give you some more info later on.

This place is the mix of 2 culture.

Intelligence　1 Tart base

2012-08-22T11:32:00.001+10:00

Good tart shell (base) makes happiness when you eat it. Crispiness and sweetness of tart shell with sweet and soft cream or any contents makes smile at the table. But there are several trick we need to make good one. You imagine to have not too thick but not too thin layer of tart when you eat. Ideally you can still break the tart base with little effort by spoon. The tart Shell can be use for pear tart, strawberry tart, chocolate tart...the idea is beyond. I usually make 2 shell in one go and freeze them. So when we have unexpected visitor, I can quickly make something I have. So here is my tart shell recipe with my trick. These trick make a shell even better one.

My tart shell (Make 2 shells) by Makiko

Ingredients:

250g Unsalted Butter ( Keep them cold )

200g Icing sugar (Shifted)

Pinch of salt

4 egg yolks

120g Almond meal (If someone has an allergy, please use normal flour )

380g flour (If someone has an allergy, please use 500g flour )

4 tbsp cold milk

vanilla beans

How to:

If you have a food processor: Add chopped unsalted butter, icing sugar and salt and process till become crumble.

If you don't have a food processor: Add the butter, icing sugar and salt and rub all of them with hand and make them to crumble. Please do quickly as butter start to melt.
Add the flour and almond meal and keep mix. It become like bread crumble.
Add egg yolks and mix.
Add milk and vanilla beans and mix. It become dough but still floury. (Don't mix too long as it become chewy and when you cook in the oven, it will shrink.)
Hold in the food wrap and leave in the fridge for about 1 hour.
Cut a dough in half. Roll the dough to little bigger than tart tin. Use more flour if necessary to not to stick on the surface of kitchen.
Little press down in the tin. Careful with side and cut with knife for edge.
Make some hole with folk. (Make lots of holes. It won't raise when you cook.)
Put a tin with a dough in the deep freezer for several hours. (This process will help the tart shell not too shrink.)
Heat an oven 200 degree. If you make baked tart like a pear tart, cook it for 10 mins and add the ingredients then cook extra time. If you add the cream or non cook ingredients, bake the tart shell for 20mins until golden colour.

No-bake Cookies and Cream cheese tart

2012-05-23T09:06:00.002+10:00

There were few request of my recent creation of recipe. So here is my "No-byitsake Cookies and Cream cheese tart" for you to enjoy.

Serves 8-10
300g Digestive biscuits
150g melted unsalted butter
350g fresh ricotta
350g mascarpone cheese at room temperature
50g icing sugar
1tsp vanilla extract
1/4cup (60ml) coffee or chocolate liqueur
300g Oreo biscuits without white filling.
150g dark chocolate

Place digestive biscuits in a food processor and crush to fine crumbs.
Add melted butter and combines well.
Press into base and sides of a 23cm loose bottomed tart pan. Chill for 30mins until firm.
Mean while, place ricotta in a food processor and process until smooth. Then fold in the mascarpone, icing sugar, vanilla and liqueur.
Finely crushed Oreo biscuits and fold through mixture. Spread the filling into the tart shell and chill for at least 1hr.
Mean while, melt the dark chocolate in the bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth.
Then spread over flat tray and set aside at room temperature to harden. Using a sharp knife or vege peeler, draw long strokes across the top of the chocolate to make rough shards.
Remove the tart from the pan, place on a serving plate, then decorate with chocolate shards.

If you prefer not to use Oreo, you can use another 150g dark chocolate but need to be finely chopped.

I'm in Japan!!

2012-01-10T18:59:00.000+10:00

I'm in Japan now. Staying at my uncle who used to be a (pastry) chef, I hardly cook a meal here...

Japan has so many choices of food and dishes, and I would like to share little Japan here.

Although I did not eat the above dishes (mu aunt ordered it), I could not help myself to take a picture of it as it looks soooo beautiful. Above left was some sort of deep fried, above right was home made Tofu. Tofu is so tasty in Japan and I decided to make Tofu making kit so I'm so looking forward to make my own tofu in Australia. The bottom one left is Sashimi and right one is fried fish.

This is Tofu crockett lunch. Very healthy and tasty lunch.

Tempra Udon noodle set

Tofu cheese cake and Yuzu icecream. I would love to have Yuzu and lemon tree at home.

One of the dinner at the hotel. You could choose from so many choices.

Kids had a great time at dark chocolate and strawberry chocolate fountain.

This is only you can buy at the zooracia zoo icecream shop.

Mango madness

2011-11-19T18:04:00.001+10:00

Mango season is here now. This year, we are having a great season. Usually i'd the dry season is cool asnd not so wet, we will have good mango session in Oct to Apr.

Many things you can do with mango. Just eat as it is, mango cheese cake, mango salad, mango ice cream...my new wat of eating is mango misu. It's not tiramisu, mango misu.

There is nice finger sponge was soaked with orange juice & liqure, then mascarpone cheese & cream mixture on top, then full of mango...repeat again, asnd again. Decorate with more mango, blue berry and mint. Just amazing.

Any mango recipe, I'd love to try so, lets mango.

Kenai's 5 yrs old Birthday cake

2011-10-08T12:31:00.000+10:00

Originally my son who just turned 5 yrs old wanted to have Scooby Doo cake. I was contacting icing decoration lady to make a scooby doo. Then few weeks before his birthday, he suddenly said " I want Star Wars cake."...

I thought I have a hearing problem and nearly lost myself. But then, I quickly ask the lady for change plan. She was so kind and actually laugh about his mind changing,

So I could organise the Star Wars cake.

No.5 is a chocolate mousse cake and I add the small cream puff as rock.

It was huge success. One of the thing I was so proud of my son was he asked all friends to bring donation to Friends of Himalayan Children Foundation as his birthday present. 5 Yrs old can be very selfish and not think about other people. But my son was happy to donate the money to Nepalese Children.

Well done, and I'm so happy to make something you can enjoy for your birthday.

Happy Birthday!

Totoro

2011-08-19T20:33:00.000+10:00

We are having a visitor now. They are from Broome Western Australia and they are good old friends. It is great to catch up with them and spend sometimes together.

As they have 3 kids and I have 3 kids, it is very busy. But to enjoy with them, I made Totoro sweet and bread.

Sweet is cream puff (choux cream) and inside there is a mixture of custard create and whipping cream. Bread made by white and cocoa bread dough.

I think I should spend more time to make a shape much nicer. As I did not have much time when I made them, I did not spend enough time to make nice shape both bread and choux. I knew it will not look Totoro much, I now regret little bit that I could have done better and spend more time to make them nicer looking.

Often I have similar situation, not spend enough time and went just OK, not perfect. I need 36 hours in a day to do all the stuff I want to do.

Chocolate Passion Tarts is very interesting.

2011-08-12T09:40:00.000+10:00

I have been like a Willy Wonka last few days. Our good friends are visiting us and I would like to do whatever I can to entertain with food. One of the dessert I made was a chocolate passion tarts by Adriano Zumbo. He is like a contemporary Willy Wonka. Recent appearing of Master Chef Australia was Ginger Bread House. This is not ordinarily Ginger Bread House. Adriano's one is like a real sweet house. (See link for pic)

He created many dessert which ordinarily people can not imagine to make one. His Macaroon tower was one of famous one, his V8 (V stand vanilla not vegetable) cake is well know in Australia. One of his recipe which we can try to make was Chocolate Passsion Tarts. So I have tried one.

Chocolate pastry for shell then painted melted chocolate inside the shell. Add white balsamic reduction at the bottom and top up with passion fruits chocolate ganache. Decorate with caramel pop corn...
I must say I was not convince with combination. But hey, the taste is not bad at all. Interesting and something new His recipe always surprise me. Something I or public does not think it will work, he make it happen. I have to learn his creativity and innovative idea...to my profession for sure.

Alice in wonder land cheese cake by kids

2011-08-10T20:47:00.002+10:00

Alisha saw this beautiful cake on master chef magazine. It made by 2 different cheese mix, one is vanilla and the other over is raspberry. She even made a decoration of white chocolate card. Kenai was helping her to decorated. Well done, kids!

My carrot bread...I think I should make more often.

2011-08-05T12:37:00.000+10:00

When I ate it, I realised I should make more often. This is my version of carrot bread. My friends from Broome WA are coming soon. It has been more than 3 yrs since I saw them. (It was the time we left there.) The husband was a keen fisherman (but a teacher at Senior High there), he was on the cover of fisher man magazine as Local Expert!!

This bread was his favorite at that time. So I decided to try out before they come and perhaps I can make again when they are here next week.

In the bread dough, there are grated carrots and orange juice. And also sultanas soaked in the rum and shaved carrot cooked with white wine and sugar.

This is so yummy!!! I forgot about this recipe simply I was so busy. But upon their arrival, it remind me again. I will definitely make one again!!

Belgian meal No.3 Kep Vol au Vent ( chicken Vol au vent)

2011-07-18T19:09:00.001+10:00

This is very common at the high way stop restaurant in Belgium. I'm not too sure that they really make one at Belgian home, but nevertheless my husband like it very much.

The vol au vent pastry is available even at the Australian supermarket. All I made is cream chicken. Normally in Belgium, they just put chicken, onion, & mushroom. But as I have kids,.I added carrot, spinach as well so they get more vegetable.

As you can see they usually serve with chips. I also had a salad too.

This is easy Tuesday dish for family!

Almond croissant syndrome

2011-07-17T21:11:00.000+10:00

It was on the TV show. I saw it! Another way of enjoying croissant. Some people (especially my brother in law) said this should ruin the real croissant. But I don't believe that kind of outsider's opinion as long as taste good.

Inside the croissant, there are almond cream. This made by almond, butter and creme patissiere. French people loved it and I follow French Chef's recipe. So those of you who would like to try one here is the recipe.

Poh's kitchen Almond Croissant recipe by Chef Emmanuel Mollois

As you can imagine this is VERY time consuming, but the reward is amazing. Sweetness of almond cream and cruchness of croissant and sliced almond...it is perfect. :))
u

Belgian meal No.2 beef bird (headless bird) Vogeltjes zonder kop

2011-07-17T20:47:00.001+10:00

My mother in law & her husband were with us few weeks ago. To show them a respect & teaching my husband's food culture to our children, I taught my daughter to cook Vogeltjes zonder kop, headless beef bird. I have no idea where the name come from or why they call it like that. But the way I cook is absolutely tasty. The sauce made by beer. Many Belgian dish cook with beer. The flaver of beer us outstanding with meat.

We usually make mashed potato with it. But this time we mashed sweet potato was the side. The sweetness of potato made meat yummy. I hope you can try it once.

Summer berries meringues

2011-06-12T15:05:00.001+10:00

My friend from Perth finally arrived last night. Her flight was canceled at first then delay. But she doesn't sotar any tiredness at all.

I wanted offer the dessert last night but I forgot completely so I asked her this today. This is actually Gordon Ramsay's recipe. If you want to try, pleas see the link:
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4630/summer-berry-meringues

Anyway this is not heavy dessert at all because all berries mixed with creme fraiche & yogurt.

Out was good choice as we go to holiday next week do we don't want to keep big cake left over in the fridge while we are away.

Croissant recipe... as you promised. recipe no.001

2011-06-10T12:19:00.000+10:00

I have received few requests about recipe of croissant. There are many recipes available online, yet my friends asked for it.　So here is my way of making a croissant (chocolate, almond...base are all same) with some tips to success!

Warning!!! Before you start...This is VERY time consuming. Be mindful to spend at least half day with it.

Ingredients:

2 egg yolks + milk 340ml
unsalted butter 60g
salt 6g
sugar 60g
plain flour 160g
strong (baker) flour 340g (plus need some extra for dough to handle easier)
yeast 12g
1 egg (just before put in the oven, brush the egg on the dough)
2 cooking dark chocolate (for chocolate croissant)
unsalted butter 250g (not for dough, please do not add in the dough! This is the one to use to create the layer.)

Preparing:

Before you start, add 250g unsalted butter (not for dough) in the large zip lock bag and bring it to room temperature. Then flatted the butter in the bag as you see on picture and keep in the freezer till need it. I usually fold the bag half as we make 2 separate doughs so you need half of butter to one dough and the other half of butter to other dough.

Step1: Making a dough to 1st rest

Add all the ingredients in the mixer or home bakery (bread machine) and start kneading for 20mins or dough looks silky. Please use manufacture instruction for kneading with bread machine. Once it's finish. you need to keep a dough in the warm place (40 degree) for about 40-45mins to be about 1.5 to 2 times raise than original. If you have a kitchen aid mixer or something similar (like me), add wet ingredients first and yeast the last one. Because as soon as the yeast hit the moist, they start to activated.

Tip.1: I add the yeast more than normal bread recipe such as roll or white bread because you need to keep a dough in the fridge for long time, and it is better to add more yeast when you need to cool down the dough.

Step2: Cooling time:

Lightly floured surface, after 1st resting, push the dough to get air out then cut in half. Wrap with clear (plastic) wrap and keep in the fridge for 40mins.

Step3: Adding butter in the dough...

Tip.2: From now on, you need to work the dough with butter as quickly as possible. The Key of success to make beautiful layer, the dough need to be cool. If you take a time to work dough, the dough get warmer and butter start to melt. In case if you make a hole or dough start to break and butter start to come out, put some extra flour to seal and avoid.

Lightly floured surface, roll one of the dough to rectangle, then add the half of frozen butter. then close the dough. That way, the butter will be evenly stays everywhere.

Step4 to Step7: Fold the top third of the dough over the centre then bottom third over the top third. Then turn 90 degree and roll the dough slightly larger than A4 size paper. Then fold the dough again like you did it. Once you fold, wrap with clear (plastic) wrap and put in the fridge for 30mins.

You will do same to the other dough. The resting is better longer. I usually leave the dough for 1hr or until ready to cut the dough, just leave it in the fridge.

Tip.3: You need to do same thing for 3 to 4 times. Do not do more than 4 times. Otherwise the butter will start to mix with dough and does not make a layer anymore.

Step 8: Cut the dough

Roll the dough to long rectangle. If you are making normal croissant, cut in the triangle.

If you are making chocolate croissant, add the chocolate in the centre.

Tip4: When you cut the dough, do not touch the cutting edge. If you touch the edge, you won't be able to make beautiful layer.

Step9: Last raising:
Leave the dough in the oven with 27-30 degree (it is room temp where I live) for 2 hours or 1.5 to 2 times larger.

Tip5: The butter is in there so you can not warm up too quick. Otherwise the butter start to melt and can not make a layer.

Step10: Heat the oven to 220 degree. Brush the egg on the top of the dough (gently!) Then put in the heated oven for 5 mins then lower the temp to 200 degree for 10 more mins or till golden on top.

Good luck everyone! Let me know if you have a question or if you make one!!

Belgian meal No.1 Waterzooi of fish

2011-06-09T18:42:00.001+10:00

Waterzooi is a cream stew. My understanding was this dish is from Ghent area, East Flanders. (if I'm wrong let me know.) Normally you will find a chicken version at the restaurant. Chicken has been poached, so it is very moist & tender.

I like fish version too. Especially in dry season, it is very nice to eat warm stew. Our family eats together as much as possible. We value the family time because we believe it will make us very tight.

Dutch name: Gentse Waterzooi van Tarbot

French name: Waterzooi de Poissons a la Gantoise

Back up birthday cake

2011-06-05T10:10:00.002+10:00

Today is our dog Choco's birthday party. He will be 1 yrs old. Alisha tried very hard to make a Zumbo's chocolate cake, but it turns out like a tart...so here is a back up.

I came home from going out last night at 10pm...made sponge cake. Decorate with cream & strawberry.

Alisha's cake taste very nice. But she didn't want to show to other people. But I believe she shouldn't give up on cooking as she should know that the recipe she tried is not an easy one to do.

My cake was success. But I want her to keep trying & never give up.

Alisha's challenge

2011-06-03T17:45:00.001+10:00

My daughter is now 10 and she needs all sort of challenge. This can be her school work, piano, nippers ( Aussie life saving club)...otherwise she gets bored.

One of the challenge she is doing now is cooking. She cooks every 2 weeks. One week is a meal, the other week is a dessert.

As you know she is making great food from this blog. Today I decided to post her previous challenge.

Adriano Zumbo's "Stock on you mud cake".

Although decoration chocolate was not as beautiful as his cake. She did extreamly well. I tweet to Adriano, he said looks good!

I wanted post this because she will make another his cake this weekend.

To be continue...:)