Cooking with Me

First Attempt - Chiffon Cake

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Mangaon ta!

Food Trip Friday : Homemade Apple Pie

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:56:00 +0000

It's Friday once again. The weather is wet and i know it's still freezing outside. But it won't stop me from posting. I made an apple pie last Sunday to try the mold i bought from the store. It's actually my first time to make a pastry crust so am happy with the outcome. Just needs more practice and play with it. So, tell me what is your favorite pie?

Best Pancakes Ever

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:27:00 +0000

Who doesn't like pancakes for breakfast? Honestly, i seldom or do not make pancakes for breakfast at all until i found this recipe that makes the best pancakes ever. I like american pancakes because it's fluffy, soft and thick. Now, i make sure that i make pancakes once in awhile. Best serve with mapple syrup.

Frozen Ducks

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:06:00 +0000

We bought some frozen ducks around December before Christmas last year. I had tried duck meat in the Philippines so i did not think twice. We were both eager to give this frozen duck a try. While it was inside the oven, you can not resist the smell! It smells like roasted chicken. I picked the wings and after awhile i stopped chewing it. Guess what? Langsa pa sa tanang langsa....

cost €10,00

Caldereta

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:06:00 +0000

It's time to post my first Foodtrip Friday of the year.
Here is my version of Caldereta.

Actually, this was the first time i tried cooking this because i have all the ingredients in my pantry. My husband enjoyed it as much as i do. It's gravy tasted great because of the liver spread that i used.

Crisp Chinese Pork

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:12:00 +0000

If you find the name of this cut off-putting, consider that, when cured and sliced, this is what we know as streaky bacon. Belly is the cheapest pork roasting joint; it's rich, so a little goes a long way.

If you miss the famous roasted pig or lechon in the Philippines, this is the best substitute. I have tried making roasted belly pork in any way but i prefer to just flavor it with salt and pepper to have a nice and crispy skin. My husband is crazy for this every time he sees this one on the table.

Electric Grill & Toaster

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:26:00 +0000

This is one of the most abused (lol) i mean used appliance that i have at home. Because it makes things easy for me. For example when i want to make some bread toasties with ham and cheese or with just any spread that you like. I also use this for grilling my barbecue. It could be a little messy but it is easy to clean as well.

Shepherd's Pie Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:52:00 +0000

If your family like shepherd's pie, they'll love these special baked spuds. You could make these the night before, then simply bake them for 20 minutes when you get in.

You will need:

2 tbsp butter
1 large onion, chopped
500g pack lean minced beef
500ml hot beef stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree
4 large jacket potatoes, baked or microwaved
2 good handfuls of grated cheddar
your favorite veg, to serve

1. Preheat oven to 200C fan/ 180C gas 6. Melt half the butter in a non stick pan. Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes, then increase the heat and add the mince. Fry for a further 3-4 minutes until the beef has browned. Stir in the stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree and some seasoning. Gently bubble for 15-20 minutes until the mince is tender and the sauce has thickened.

2. To assemble, cut the jacket potatoes in half lengthways and scoop the flesh into a small bowl leaving the skin intact. Mash the potato with the remaining butter and seasoned well. Divide the mince among the potato skins, then cover with the mash. Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese then bake for 20 minutes until golden. Serve with your favorite veg.

Christmas Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 19:46:00 +0000

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another
The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.

This was our simple Christmas 2010 dinner with my family. A little bit different from the two previous Christmases that we had. We decided to have gourmet because it doesn't need too much work & effort in cooking. I just made a pineapple upside down cake to go with it & hubby cooked bean ham as well. So, what did you have this Christmas?

Le Chef Icing Kit

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:15:00 +0000

This is not a Sponsored Post. Here's my first every icing kit set from Le Chef . I bought this one to make some basic swirls for cupcakes and cakes. The box contains 8 pieces of tips from small to large sizes, a holder and a piping bag. It is so easy to use! The only problem is that i only used them once and i kind of forgot about it. Hopefully everything will be sorted soon in my humble kitchen.

Peppernoten

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:22:00 +0000

I can say that this is somewhat the same as the eggnogs we have in PI. It is just the taste that differs because of the extra spices that the dutch people add on it. We use this in cake decorating named Speculaas Vlaai.

photo source: google.com

According to wiki : Pepernoten (literally, 'pepper nuts', the Dutch equivalent of Pfeffernüsse) are a cookie-like kind of candy, traditionally associated with the early December Sinterklaas holiday in the Netherlands and Belgium. You will see the pepernoot in two varieties. The first is light brown, randomly shaped, and made from the same ingredients as taai-taai (flour, sugar, anise, cinnamon, and clove) and is fairly chewy, though it hardens gradually when exposed to the air. The other more common variety is hard like a nutshell, hence the name (nut = noot). It is made using the same ingredients used for making speculaas. This variety's actual name is kruidnoot, but people mistakenly call them pepernoot so often, that the distinction is not of much practical importance

How To Make Ensaymada

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:56:00 +0000

I love ensaymada very much!
Especially if it has a monggo filling inside but cheese and sugar is better than nothing.

You will need:

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 soft butter
1/3 cup sugar
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 pack yeast

extra's
cheese & sugar for toppings

Note: I use bread machine in making my dough so it would be easier for me but you can do it manually.

Advent Calendar 2010

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:38:00 +0000

Are you counting days before Christmas? Recently, i bought this Santa Advent Calendar. This is a special calendar which is used to count or celebrate the days of Advent in anticipation for Christmas. It has the dates of December and each day has a special candy or chocolate inside when you opened it. Kids would definitely love it!

Food Trip Friday : Schotel Zuurvlees

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 19:02:00 +0000

It's Food Trip Friday once again! I will be sharing this photo below. Some of you may not recognize it but it's famous here in NL. This is a typical dutch dinner which my husband like as well. Schotel Zuurvlees goes with the fries (w/ fries sauce), zuurvlees (the brown thing) and salade. I do not know exactly what zuurvlees is made but a friend of mine said it's a horse meat. Not sure of that though the taste is very delicious...

Break Time

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:37:00 +0000

Want a bite? Maybe some of you is wondering what is a rijst (rice) vlaai. It is actually a tart famously made only in the province of Limburg. Since i work in a bakery, i have seen different vlaais such as botter pudding (butter), kersen (cherry), abrikose (apricot), plums, aardbei (strawberry), apple, perzin (peaches) and other names that i don't know of. Here is a recipe from a friend who lives in Holland as well.

Rijst Vlaai met Slagroom (whipped cream)

Wishes To All

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:12:00 +0000

I missed going out with friends. Hopefully, we'll have time for some tea or coffee in town and just sit down and relax after shopping around.

Broccoli with Garlic and Chilli Breadcrumbs

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:06:00 +0000

These spicy breadcrumbs are also delicious sprinkled over other vegetables, such as cauliflower or leeks.

Source: Good Food Budget Dishes

You'll need:

500g/1 lb 2oz broccoli
2 tbsp olive oil
a knob of butter
2 small cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 small red chilli, seeded & finely chopped
50g/2oz white breadcrumbs

Procedures:

1. Steam the broccoli for 5 minutes until tender.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter in a pan, then fry the garlic and chilli for 1 minute. Add the breadcrumbs, then fry for 5 minutes until crisp.

3. Season the broccoli, arrange in a dish then scatter over the spicy breadcrumbs and serve immediately.

I made this as a side dish for hubby's dinner. I cut the measurements given above because it is too much for one person. He actually like it. I did not have the fresh red chilli but i substituted it with the chilli powder and asked my husband a question; he said, it could be better & tasteful with the fresh chilli. Well, i do not have it at the moment. This side dish is good for all the Broccoli lovers out there! Me, nah!

Mushroom, Onion and Pepperoni Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:20:00 +0000

A very easy thing to make your perfect pizza base is to buy an instant mixture which are found in boxes. This is my first time to use Koopmans Italian base pizza. Instructions are very easy to follow. I made the crust with the use of my bread machine but you can use it manually. Actually, there are lots of instant pizza base mixture brand in your supermarkets. To make your own dough, click here.

the crust is very crunchy and tasty

After the crust is done, spread a pizza sauce or pasta sauce (which i use) and cheese. Then put your desired toppings like ham, salami, pineapple and mozzarella cheese. Voila the result of my mushroom, onion and pepperoni pizza overload. My husband can eat a 9 inches long pizza if his really hungry.

Buy a Kitchen in 5 Steps

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 17:11:00 +0000

How to : Buy a Kitchen in 5 Steps

1. Get inspired. Browse among our kitchen solutions and discover all the functions. Create the look of your dream kitchen by combining cabinets, countertops, appliances, knobs and handles. You’ll find even more inspiration in our Kitchen brochure and in the store.

2. Measure your room. An essential part of the planning process, accurate measuring helps to ensure that your new kitchen will fit and function properly. If measuring isn’t exactly your cup of tea, that’s not a problem. We can do it for you.

3. Start planning. The planning area in the store has computers you can use to plan your kitchen in 3D by adding cabinets with interior fittings to your room. Or you can use graph paper and paper puzzle. Our kitchen experts are on hand to provide hints and advice.

4. Perfect your kitchen. Complete your kitchen with moldings, lighting, wall and sink organizers, kitchen carts and more from our complete offer of kitchen items. Everything you need for a functional kitchen is available under one roof.

5. Choose services and place your order. Use and pay only for the services you’ll need to make your dream kitchen a reality.

Source : Ikea

Food Trip Friday : Halo-halo

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:18:00 +0000

If you want to see more of Food Trips Friday edition, join us here.

This is my food trip Friday for this week. I bet all of you is familiar with the photo above. Yup in Chow king. The best halo-halo found in the Philippines.

enjoying his share

How To Make Buttercream Frosting

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:04:00 +0000

It has been a week before i used my stand mixer which my husband bought me. Actually, i do not want to use it yet because my cake materials are not yet complete such as having a cake turntable which is necessary in decorating and i am also having a difficult time looking for powdered sugar or confectioners sugar (in per kilo sack) in the market. But i was worried if the mixer is working or not so i tried making a butter cream frosting and decorate it in my chocolate cake.

Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing

You will need:

1 cup butter (2 sticks or 1/2 pound), softened
3-4 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar, SIFTED
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
up to 4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

Beat butter for a few minutes with a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and turn your mixer on the lowest speed (so the sugar doesn’t blow everywhere) until the sugar has been incorporated with the butter. Increase mixer speed to medium and add vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk/cream and beat for for 3 minutes. If your frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add remaining sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinned out, add remaining milk 1 tablespoons at a time.

This recipe is given to me by a friend. I found out that the frosting is too sweet after mixing 4 cups of powdered sugar. My advise is to add the sugar little by little depending on your taste. My chocolate cake recipe is one of the best! I can't find Hershey's Cocoa Powder here so i use other brand. It would have been better. I use some cocoa powder to give color for the frosting and some cake decorations.

How to make Filipino Maja Blanca

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:28:00 +0000

Repost: As promised i made another recipe for Maja Blanca as i get a lot of emails and comments asking for the recipe. Thanks everyone!

You will need:

4 cups coconut milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
14 ounces condensed milk
3/4 cup fresh milk
3/4 cup sugar
15 ounces/small can sweet corn

Click here to get the step by step procedure from my previous post. Don't forget to read my tips! Just make sure you watch it closely and stir occasionally to get rid of the lumps from the cornstarch mixture and the coconut. I made this twice. First time, it over boiled. It scattered all over my cooker top but the result was really good. Not a wet and not a dry outcome! I had to asked hubby's help (as always) to clean up my mess after wards. Second was bad. Knowing what happened from the first time, i lowered down the heat and i think it did not simmer well. The result was wet even after a day in the refrigerator.

Personal Update

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Hello ladies and gentlemen! How was your weekend? I hope you had a great time with your family and friends not like us! It really sucks when you have to go to work early in the morning when it is the best time to spend it with our loved ones. I guess some of you went to the cinemas to watch there favorite movies, visited your friends, went shopping or lying down on your bed until sawa. Hmp, i envy that!

Anyways, just a quick update on my other blog Every Little Thing - this site is underconstruction! I bought my own domain 3 days ago and until now it is still updating. I hope i followed the instructions correctly. Thanks to Sis Chie and Dhemz for the suggestions. So, please please bear with me. And there will be a lot of changes on this blog in the coming weeks (fingerscrossed). I'll just have to manage my time from work, home and school. See you around!

Easy Thai Prawn Curry

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:45:00 +0000

Don't just save Thai for a takeaway - once you've made your own fragrant curry you'll be hooked on home-made.

You will need:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp grated fresh root ginger
1-2 tsp Thai red curry paste
400g can chopped tomatoes
50g sachet coconut cream
400g/14oz cooked frozen prawns
plain rice and chopped corriander leaves, to serve (optional)

Procedures:

1. Heat the oil in a medium pan. Tip in the onion and ginger, then cook for a few minutes until softened. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute more. Pour over the chopped tomatoes and coconut cream. Bring to boil, then leave to simmer for 10 minutes, adding a little boiling water if the mixture gets too thick.

2. Tip in the prawns, then cook for 5 minutes more, until heated through. Serve with plain rice and sprinkled with a little chopped coriander, if you like.

Recipe source from 101 Budget Dishes. I was tempted to make this once because of the simplicity of the procedures and the ingredients were already in my fridge, lol. My husband likes it as always. The sauce is great for any kind of pasta in substitute for rice. When will the resting ancestor toe the line on top of the killer?

Food Trip Friday : Banana Split

noreply@blogger.com (yen) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:28:00 +0000

If you want to see more of Food Trips Friday edition, join us here.

Banana split is one of the desserts famously serve in the Philippines. It is an ice cream-based dessert served in a long dish called a boat. As you can see, the banana is cut in half lengthwise and laid in the dish. There are many variations but this is a classic banana split made of scoops of mango ice cream served in row between the split bananas drizzled with chocolate syrup on top. Best serve in summer!