Showing posts with label Desserts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Desserts. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Penang - Thaipusam (Nava-K's Spiritual And Religious Journey)

Some friends I believe are really peculiar. Perhaps I should also label them as weirdos. Wanna know why? No, no, I am in no way referring to the fake social media friends, but my most to most 5 to 10 closest friends whom I thought knew me at the back of their hands. How wrong. When I told a few of them that I will be fulfilling my spiritual and religious vows at Waterfall Temple/Balathandayuthapani Temple for Thaipusam, they burst out in laughter. Why? Seriously, I didn't know what were they tickled about? Do I look like a misfit? Not as far as I know. Despite asking over and over again, none actually could spill a concrete reason. I of course was agitated. Then again, it can't be my fault if friends judge me wrongly. Maybe because I am modern and outgoing, I can’t be religious, is it? Whatever, I've come to a point  I care too hoots how people perceive me. My life, my choices, my happiness and my relationship with god.  

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Cempedak Goreng Rangup

Cempedak Goreng Rangup. Like Pisang Goreng. Almost in fact. Only maybe the fruit. Pisang goreng is crispy fried banana cased in crispy batter. And cempedak goreng is cempedak, if I am not mistaken the aunty or uncle of jack fruit, also cased in a crispy batter after frying. My Cempedak Goreng on the other hand? The traditional frying of cempedak given a tiny bit of new lease of food and dessert life. Why?  I added black sesame seeds in the batter mixture prior to dipping cempedak and frying. Not bad right? Most probably. After all, like I always tell you, we don't have cook like others. We can actually set our selves apart. Even in cooking mind you. In which Malaysian food category must cempedak goreng rangup be placed? Of course alongside our, the rest of our kuih-muih/local delicacies (Malaysian Banana Flambe, Pulut Inti, Wajik Pulut, Pumpkin Sago DessertKuih Kosui & Kuih Buah Melaka). Of course, I can go on, and on, and on, and quote the rest of our local delicacies, then again? Cempedak Goreng Rangup. Natural burst of cempedak sweetness inside and like I have already told you, crispy crunchy batter outside.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Malaysian Rava/Semolina Kheer

The Indian side of me is out today (Sardine Varuval/Dry Style & Pepper Garlic Rasam). Actually, not really today, I made this Indian dessert (Mango Kulfi) two months back. As usual, my recipes are, sadly ditched aside due to blogging time constraint. Trust me, who ever said blogging is as simple as perceived? It is not. My plate is forever filled up with endless chores at one go. One minute is cleaning, the other minute cooking, so on and so forth. Not easy right? I know. There is no end to housework right? I know again (Curry Leaves Hummus, Indian Chicken Curry & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry).  So, how can I park myself right in front of my laptop constantly, and mind you too much of laptop staring is also ruining my health (Gobi 65, Chilli Potato, Indian Fish Achar, Tapioca Poriyal & Black Lentil Vadai).So, I have no other choice but cut down on blogging.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Peach Raisin Bread Pudding (Eggless)

Who ever said writing is easy? Maybe it is for those professional qualified writers, editors or journalists. Then again, who ever said you can't polish or work on your writing skills by practicing on your own? Remember, perseverance, determination and will power? I definitely am not doubting, but the hours of practicing by sitting in front of the laptop has almost broke my backbone and my reading glasses. Glasses power ranger sincerely have gradually gone up, and mind you, some days writing is really a major struggle. Maybe we should call it writer's block or blogger's block? Today is one of those days I am still till this moment constantly staring at my laptop and at the sky, hoping god will shower me with words of wisdom (Pandan/Screwpine Poached PearCream Puffs, Soft RollsAlmond Brownies) . Even so, words just won't roll out of my mind and with too many people calling out to god, I think god is being selective on who he should help first. What about me and god right now, are you asking? 

Friday, January 16, 2015

Thapthim Krop

Thapthim Krop, or Tab Tim Krob. Both the same fact to making this Thai dessert. Making the red rubies, or water chestnut soaked in red coloring, thereafter coated in tapioca flour and prior to cooking in simmering water. Once red rubies float atop, remove and submerge in ice water. That's it. Red rubies definitely are the centrality for Thapthim Krop and for our dessert pleasure, we just need to easily assemble (Khao Niaow Ma Muang/Mango Sticky Rice). Basically assembling red rubies alongside coconut milk and sugar syrup, and you can if you want to, add jackfruit. Done and over and me accomplishing my mission to making a Thai desserts instead of the usual savoury dishes I have been sharing one after the other (Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Vegan Tom Yum Soup & Thai Style Eggplant). Overall, Thapthim Krop is absolutely one of the best sweet delights of Thailand. Must try if you have not. Either make or head to any Thai restaurants where I bet Thapthim Krop will be on their menu.  

Friday, November 21, 2014

Nescafe Chocolate Cake (Eggless)

Buying ingredients is one thing, the other of course is making sure we use or finish them up. Potentially we should right? Otherwise, don't you think its such a waste to our money? I know. I in fact have been trying to finish up the box of quality cocoa powder I bought and seemingly there is no end (Eggless Molten Lave Cake, Chocolate Genoise & Cocoa Butter Cake). Greedy me actually. Instead of buying a small box, me the hero bought a big box. Henceforth, I am like racing in finishing it up and thank god, I decided to let go of the brakes towards this Nescafe Chocolate Cake (Milo Cake Eggless). But instead of getting excited again by buying coffee, I told myself. What the hack. I will make do with Nescafe which is by our favorite coffee brand. Not at all a regret. Nothing in fact was regrettable. Obviously, Nescafe instead of coffee, plus cocoa powder (Chocolate Cheesecake, Marble Cake & Chocolate Rum Tart) and the rest of the ingredients listed below for this eggless cake (Eggless Mandarin Orange Cake). Nescafe Chocolate Cake? Like a dark knight splendid attractiveness. Coffee and cocoa in one, super moist (Easy Banana Bread, Traditional Butter Cake & Sujee Cake) and vanilla scented winning eggless cake. 

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Mango Kulfi

The second round of me making ice cream (Nescafe Ice Cream) and specifically these rich, creamy and super attractive Mango Kufli, aka Indian ice cream. Damn and darn tempting and absolutely a temptation right? I know. Of course. I made, so I must blow my own trumpet. Just kidding. Regardless, since I don't owe any kulfi moulds, I was supported by cup cake cases. Not a bad idea actually for easy serving and instead of kulfi dripping and messing and creating work to wiping and mopping the floor. Mango Kulfi. The pleasure is always ours. Fresh milk, condensed milk, cardamom, mango puree, saffron strands and pistachios. 

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Eggless Molten Lava Cake

Hunny Bunny sugar rush and candy crush sweet treat. Literally for rushing and heightening your sugar rush (Chocolate Genoise, Easy Banana Bread & Cocoa Butter Cake). Believe me. Believe me as well that I have been baking. I have. Unsure I am what got into me, but when it gets in, I am on the go for baking (Lemon Bars, Traditional Butter Cake, Sujee Cake & Marble Cake). Daily meals cooking of course shouldn't be forgotten. In fact, it is an utmost priority and every now and then when time permits, I get down to baking. Most probably when my hormones won't stop raging and I think after baking, hormones sort of settle down without me realizing. During this round of my hormones like twisting and turning me, I quickly looked for a recipe and after reading through a couple of few, I decided I will make Eggless Molten Lava Cake. The microwave using concept instead of oven inside (Chocolate Rum Tart). Easy-preasy, like easy on the go, within minutes making and once Eggless Molten Lava Cake out came from my microwave oven, oh what a joy. Oozy gentle eruption of lava (Chocolate Cheesecake) once you fork in and surrounded by soft melting moment cake (Milo Cake Eggless, Mandarin Orange Cake Eggless & Cayenne Chocolate Cookies Eggless). 

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Chocolate Genoise

On the go. Baking is still on the go? Looks like it, but perhaps sooner or later, most probably sooner I foresee I will be pulling the brakes to baking (Easy Banana Bread & Cocoa Butter Cake). Enough. I think enough of practice and trying to make perfect, and also putting some much of effort on baking. Done it and I am quite satisfied actually (Lemon Bars, Mandarin Orange Cake, Milo Cake & Sujee Cake). Pretty much satisfaction attained, but I thought I will still do one for the road and out came from the oven this Chocolate Genoise. The other side of the coin to Classic Genoise. Of course the intention was also for finishing up the box of cocoa (Chocolate Cheesecake & Cayenne Chocolate Cookies). Chocolate Genoise as you can see is an ultimate sweet delight right? And the technic to making? Remember, the folding must be done daintily and without rushing. Otherwise? You tell me please (Traditional Butter Cake). 
Ingredients
3 eggs (room temperature)
80g sugar
30g warm melted butter 
70g cake flour
15g cocoa powder
15g corn flour

Method
Create a double boiler (a bowl placed on top of a pan simmering with water)
Whisk eggs and sugar (on the bowl) till slightly warm and foamy.
Remove from heat.
Whisk to the ribbon stage (drop to see a line)
Combine/mix cake flour, corn flour and cocoa together. 
Sift the flour mixture over the egg mixture.
Carefully fold in. Do not over fold but ensure there's no lumps. 
Stream warm melted butter inside and fold in.
Tip cake mixture onto a greased baking pan (size depends on how thick or thin you prefer the cake)
Bake at 170C (preheated for 5 mins) for about 40 mins or until cooked.
(Note; adjust heat according to your oven and baking time, depending on the size of the pan).
Remove from oven, cool down and optional - dust some icing sugar atop. 









Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Easy Banana Bread

I think, most probably I am temporarily still wearing the baking crown (Cocoa Butter Cake, Cocoa Cake, Classic Genoise & Chocolate Rum Tart). Or maybe I accidentally wore it. Whichever, instead of storing back the baking utensils which were still crowding my kitchen top (Mango Cheesecake), I decided to give them another lease of life by making this Banana Bread. Thanks to "Simply Recipes" at once I knew I will have no qualms to mixing all the ingredients, prior to baking. Such is by far my simple baking concept. All about mixing the ingredients basically. How did Easy Banana Bread turned out to be? Not overly sweet and for putting to good use those bananas which if I didn't save, would have hit their grave. I mean,  throwing definitely would have been the next cause of action within a day or two. How about you now making my this version of Banana Bread before pleasuring in (Lemon Bars, Classic Genoise, Mandarin Orange Cake, Milo Cake, Sujee Cake & Marble Cake)?

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Pumpkin Sago Dessert

Tell me then? The common ingredients for our Malaysian local desserts (Kuih Gula Melaka, Payasam & Pandan Coconut Jelly)? Coconut, sago, Gula Melaka/palm sugar, daun pandan/screwpine leaves and other local produce right? Of course if you are asking me (Malaysian Sago Pudding, Saffron Poached Pears & Sago Gula Melaka). Play around with these ingredients and without you realising, you will be a Malaysian dessert winner. Pretty much what I do mostly (Coconut Panna Cotta, Bubur Cha Cha & Bubur Kacang Hijau), of course, there is the baking I do whenever my baking mode is alerted (Lemon Bars). Otherwise, like I have already told you, nothing can come to our locality. Take this Pumpkin Sago Dessert for the matter. Easy-preasy and never will ever let us down (Honeydew Sago). 


Ingredients (or as per taste) 
1/4 pumpkin - remove skin, seeds and cut into medium size pieces
1/2 cup sago - soak for 1/2 hour and gently rinse under running water. 
1 cup coconut milk 
1 medium piece palm sugar (or white sugar)
4 to 5 pandan/screwpine leaves

Method
Simmer sago with enough water till translucent.
Drain off water, rinse and keep aside.
Add pumpkin and pandan leaves in a pot with enough water (about 2 cups)
Simmer till tender.
Remove leaves and add translucent sago.
Stir and pour in coconut milk.
Stir, heat through and remove from heat. 
Simmer palm sugar with enough water for a thick syrup and serve with pumpkin sago. 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Eastern & Oriental Hotel - Georgetown, Penang (Buffet Breakfast)

 
I definitely looked forward to breakfast in Eastern & Oriental Hotel. I did. I wanted to find out if buffet is gonna be worth, mind you, our premium suite did not come cheap. So, logically, for the price we paid, of course buffet is already billed, next morning (Deluxcious Spa & Red Garden Food Paradise), at about 9.15, after a lazy hop out of bed and showering, we walked into the dining area. Lovely! Akin we have walked into a classic, those days Chinese coffee shop, we decided to sit outside, across the sea. Nice view. Beautiful spot on view for gazing at, while tucking into breakfast. Coffee came cruising soon, we then, I mean what else is there but to opt for our choices between the spread of local and western dishes. Salad, fresh juice, toast, dips, noodles, nasi lemak and the rest.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Nescafe Ice Cream

Me and ice-cream making. Shocker right? I know. I myself couldn't believe it. No words to describe why I made ice-cream. Must be one of my mood swings. The right pendulum swing until I decided. Not just any ordinary ice-cream, but ice-cream made from my favourite coffee. Nescafe! I mean, I told myself. Why should I buy a specific brand of coffee just for making ice-cream when I already have stock of Nescafe. Always and forever ((Milo Cake With Milo Glaze). After all, there is no such a thing as you must bring out your money each time you make something and me of course, as always, believe in starting with whatever ingredients I have stocked up at home (Bingka Pisang/Malaysian Banana Cake, Poached Pears In Citrus Syrup & Pineapple Bread Pudding). Possibly? What else shall I say then? Perhaps, you like to help me out (Malaysian Sago Pudding, Thai Mango Sticky Rice & Bubur Cha Cha) or best will be getting down to making Nescafe Ice Cream. Like any other ice cream made without the ice cream maker and alongside the ingredients listed below, Nescafe Ice Cream sincerely and definitely is a home made chilled, creamy and not overly sweet pride (Watermelon Milk Sorbet). 

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Classic Genoise

Me and baking again? Honestly, I really don't know what got into me. But seemingly, I was still gamed for baking (Mandarin Orange Cake & Oatmeal Raisin Cookies). I guess sometimes we don't have answers to what we do or badly want to do? Supposely! Nevertheless, the dilemma or deciding fact couldn't be none more except which kinda cake and out of somewhere, in fact after referring to my own recipes and one shared by my friend, my baking enthusiasm spiralled towards Classic Genoise. Which requires further whisking of eggs and sugar once they have been whisked till slightly warm and foamy over double boiler (water boiling in the bottom pan, eggs and sugar in a bowl atop). A prerequisite crucial technic before gently folding cake flour and corn flour, and alternating between warm melted better for the outcome of such a really soft, crumbly and heaven taking you Classic Genoise (Traditional Butter Cake, Milo Cake & Sujee Cake).

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Mandarin Orange Cake

The heat is one and the heat ignited for baking (Oatmeal Raisin Cookies & Chinese Peanut Cookies). Not something I planned actually, but when you receive loads of mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year from your Chinese friends despite telling them enough is enough, yet they won't stop. Honestly, I am not sure if the giving is out of goodwill or as a clearing stock by dumping on us, or for them receiving bounds and bounds of prosperity. Beats me and we on the other hand, just can't refuse because this oranges giving is supposedly like we are receiving gold in return. Oh-god! Wish the oranges will churn into real gold, but dream on and if you continue to gobble down as many oranges, cold and cough will end up being your best friend. Thus, tell me when. What should we possibly do? Of course, we can't offend our Chinese friends by refusing, but potentially we can use some for the oranges for this Mandarin Orange Cake. Sounds logical, isn't it? Easy-preasy and without having to use the cake mixer (Traditional Butter Cake & Sujee Cake), all you got to do is mixing and gently incorporating all the ingredients. Eggles  Mandarin Orange Cake? Sincerely a soft appreciated bliss in our mouth (Eggless Orange Cheesecake & Lemon Buttermilk Cake).

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Milo Cake With Milo Glaze (Eggless)

Cake time ladies and gentlemen. Looked like I was in the mood? I was in fact. Most probably because my cake making utensils were lying around instead of me putting them back in the cupboard. Great valid reason I told myself before moving on to thinking and deciding which kinda of cake it should be this time (Traditional Butter Cake & Eggless Orange Cheesecake). Thanks to instructables for the recipe which caught my attention the moment I started searching online. Thank you once again, but me being someone who don't fancy a totality in replicating a recipe, I made the change. The change to using Milo instead of cocoa and despite doing so, cake turned out as a fantasy coming true. Recipe definitely can't be disputed compared to those other cake recipes I have taken from the virtual and which turned out witches from hell. This one must be utterly praised. Soft melting moment and beautiful to look at and once I did the glazing with Milo too, and after some of the store bought pink sugar flowers going atop, oh-my, what a beauty to the eyes and fantastically fabulous in the mouth. 

Friday, January 10, 2014

Traditional Butter Cake

So I baked after a lapse of few months and I baked traditionally. In other words, I baked a Traditionally Butter Cake. Why traditional? Well, because traditional will always be in demand and traditional also means the recipe has been existing for many, many years and still cherished till this day (Sujee Cake, Eggless Orange Cheesecake, Lemon Buttermilk Cake, Lemon Cream Pie & Marble Cake). Where did by the way the  recipe for this traditional butter cake derived from? From my friend. My friend who bakes like nobody's business and she sharing her recipe on the phone. To tell you the truth, initially I hesitated. I doubted myself if I can do a real-deal baking job for ensuring that I will not be a failure in making this traditional butter cake, though generally I never doubt myself when other types of sweet delights are a concern (Malaysian Sago PuddingKuih Buah Melaka, Rava Laddu Payasam). In the end, as much as I wasn't really sure what will be the outcome, Traditional Butter Cake that came out of my oven I must say was a winner in my own category (Baked Rice Pudding). Soft, crumbly, not overly sweet and honestly, awesomeness.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Malaysian Sago Pudding

Such is so that when you coin your own dessert, you must proudly profess and where else is a better place except in the virtual world. Specifically, for food bloggers, it must be in our blog. True enough. Yes indeed. I was in the mood of making a dessert and me being someone who love to definitely showcase our Malaysian ingredients (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles, Malaysian Chilli Crab & Malaysian Fish Curry), trust me, our ingredients are mostly affordable, in fact you just pay a couple of dollars, I decided I will twist, tweet and modify my previous Sago Gula Melaka. Furthermore because me and my preference for our easy to put together desserts we are proud of and known as kuih-muih (Kuih Buah Melaka, Bingka PisangBubur Kacang Hijau, Poached Pears & Pandan Jelly), instead of baking or getting down to tremendously dessert works. Malaysian Sago Pudding? Obviously, sago is the main highlight (Sago Payasam) and of course, how can run away from coconut milk, Gula Melaka/palm sugar and for this my version sago pudding, drops of rose essence and red coloring. What a way to go for a delicious and an ultimate Malaysian Sago Pudding right? Wouldn't you agree Malaysian Sago Pudding is also so eye catchy as a a sugar sweet attraction?

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Parippu Pradhaman

Another sweet treat? Sure, why not? You tell me (Rava Laddu & Rava Kesari) why not? But definitely not because I wanted to jump inside the backwagon of the millions who are via blogging, sharing recipes on sweets or sweetness profound recipes. I actually made this Indian, specifically Kerala style (Kiri Hodi, Malabar Fish Curry & Palakura Pappu) sweet porridge for god and we may have totally and outrightly put a stop to celebrating Deepavali by inviting friends, or enemies within, yet god is very much important to us. Are you right now asking me why my Pradhaman is not like those really dark brown ones? Those made by others? Let me tell you why. Basically because its a no show to sugar (Custard Caramel) in Pradhaman, also known as payasam, or you call it kheer as well. Of course sugar is still needed, which I actually served separately so that you can tip according to how much you want or you may not want sugar at all, and being a typical Malaysian I opted for Gula Melaka/palm sugar instead of jaggery/sakkara. Also, no condensed milk for sugar killing us. Regardless, nothing is compromised in terms of Parippu Pradhaman being a memorable luscious sweet treat. In fact I must say that my version to my Parippu Pradhaman is heightened due some sago (Honeydew Sago, Green Bean Sweet Porridge & Bubur Cha Cha) and saffron strands playing a role in giving a buttery golden hue and rich aroma. Of course, we need ghee (Ghee Rice) as well for further depth in scent and richness, and who ever in the right frame of mind will ditch coconut milk aside for Parippu Paradhaman. 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Rava Laddu

Me and making sweets? God! Wonder what got into me for a change (Kuih Buah Melaka, Mango Cheesecake & Lemon Buttermilk Cake). Must be the Deepavali,, Diwali or Festival Of Lights spirit. Or maybe since I had some semolina or rava in stock, I thought I might as well. I might as well use it up  (Sujee Cake & Rava Kesari) and the type of sweet that popped up on my mind  was Rava Laddu, also known or spelled as Ladoo. Rava Laddu? Round sweet rava made and ghee loaded and scented by cardamom and mine as you have already noted, are the small, cute adorable ones instead of huge balls which by far are such a waste. I mean, honestly, tell me, can we like finish off the one huge ball? Seriously, I can't understand why people make big laddu balls? I think these people don't understand the concept to wasting or they must be rich until they can't less about whether laddu is eaten or after taking a few bites, thrown. Rava Laddu by the way, definitely is a sugar rush pleasure amongst Indians and without laddu, Indian festivals are not complete. 

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