Gobi Manchurian

The dry style Gobi Manchurian (Tofu Manchurian) instead of in a sticky and gooey sauce. Personally, to tell you the truth, I don't like the sauce. Sauce which will absorb into batter fried gobi/cauli (Shahi Gobi, Cauliflower Curry & Aloo Gobi) and for making them soggy even before you tuck in. I in fact actually prefer Gobi Manchurian for their crunchy crispiness and when eaten hot-hot once out of the frying pan, oh-my-mamma-mia (Cauliflower Pakora & Cauliflower Fritters). Furthermore, I must mention that we sort of to a certain extent have a sincere love towards gobi/cauliflower which these days are really affordable. How do we make Gobi Manchurian? My style Gobi Manchurian? Almost like making Gobi 65, but this is the kid friendly non spicy, maybe optimal level of spiciness and curry leaves and cumin seeds scented Gobi Manchurian (Bengali Begun Bhaja). 

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). 

Vegan Tom Yum Soup

Thai cuisine or even tom yam/tom yum for the matter. A big Thai matter actually for me. You name it, I have it (Thai Fried Chicken, Thai Steamed Fish, Thai Crispy Fish & Shrimp Pad Thai Salad) and tom yum by itself has been a good and great making exploration on the whole. Basically, because we simply love slurping into tom yum soups or other Thai conclusive soups. Just so satisfying to our palates mind you, especially for their big, profound and utterly magical spicy, tangy and aromatic tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Tom Yam Goong, Tom Kha Gai, Thai Carrot Soup & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). Today, ladies and gentlemen, its Vegan Tom Yum Soup. In fact, can be regarded as a vegetarian version as well. Make the broth and then go ahead by adding the rest of the ingredients as listed for a sincerely appreciated Vegan Tom Yum Soup (Tom Yam Fried Rice, Tom Yam Chicken & Tom Yam Mee Hoon). 

Kerabu Taugeh

Kerabu? Remember those kerabu or Malaysian raw salads I have already shared with all you guys (Kerabu Kacang Botol, Kerabu Mangga & Kerabu Kaki Ayam)? Plus of course, the rest from this and that part of Asian Continent (Cambodian Green Mango Salad, Sri Lankan Carrot Salad & Asian Watermelon Salad) and me, the Indian who just so love our ulam, local herbs and Malaysian local produce for my cooking and eating pleasure (Nasi Ulam, Kacang Buncis Cili, Sambal Belimbing, Gado Gado & Nasi Dagang)? Tell me please and I will return willingly tell you on this Kerabu Taugeh, aka, Bean Sprouts Salad. Obviously, point blank said, you need beansprouts which you just need to break the brown bottom of them and then, if you asking me, just buy the kerisik (pan fried and pounded grated coconut). What's next? Quickly blanch bean sprouts (Bean Sprouts Omelette & Bean Sprouts Salted Fish) and tossed alongside kerisik, shallots, red chillies, coriander leaves, spring onion, lime juice, sugar and salt. Refreshing, crunchy, spicy, tangy and aromatic Kerabu Taugeh/Bean Sprouts Salad is ready. Go ahead everyone. Devour in.  

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. 

Mathi Achar

Mathi Achar. Kerala Sardine Fish Achar or Kerala Sardine Fish Pickle. Says it all. Me and my love for fish achar (Nyonya Acar Fish) or even salted fish pickle (Pada Salt Fish Pickle & Salted Fish Pickle). And so, you think I would have had major kitchen struggle in making Mathi Achar? I don't think so because I have to some extent, mastered my cooking skills towards Kerala cuisine (Nadan Meen Curry, Fish Puttu, Tuna Thoran & Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry). Of course, I must admit I did refer to a couple of recipes, but at the end of it all, I decided I will stay true to my own Mathi Achar cooking invention and fish by themselves, do I have to repeat myself again and again (Fish Ball Noodle Soup, Malu Kirata/Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Stew, Indonesian Fish Balado, Mauritian Fish Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap)? Moreover, sardines are not only a popularity in Kerala, but here in Malaysia too. So, sardines they were. Masala enhanced fried sardines tipped into a spicy and full of utmost power packed vinaigrette. Oh-My! What a fish pleasure. Made ahead and having Mathi Achar as you wish whenever you yearn for, for your rice meals (Sardine Masak Lemak).

FIsh Ball Noodle Soup

Fish Ball Noodle Soup. No, no. Not market bought fish balls, but made from a scratch, home made fish balls. Yes. Indeed. I made fish balls for a change. Can you believe it? For someone like me who is, if not always, sometimes taking the door to ready made ingredients (Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup, Sichuan Noodle Soup &  Bee Hoon Soup), I actually did it for these fish balls in noodles and soup. Why, are you asking me? Well, what should I tell you? Maybe because I wanted fish broth (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup & Vietnamese Fish Soup) from the bones after carefully stripping away fish flesh (Yong Tau Foo) for fish balls. Not bad right? I know. In fact, we had a ball of a time over this Fish Ball Noodle Soup. Really bouncy and no smell soft fish balls, and as I have already told you, fish bones and skin simmered for extracting the broth (Nyonya Spicy Fish Noodle Soup, Salted Fish Bone Soup, Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Assam Laksa). Next? Hand crafted and hand rolled fish balls cooked in the broth till they floated atop and together with the broth, generously poured over noodles, garnished with fried shallots and fried basil leaves atop just my invention at the spur of the moment from the basil leaves grown in my garden. Of course, you can use spring onion or even coriander leaves. Conclusively, Fish Ball Noodle Soup, wouldn't you agree is making your hungry right now and imagine, what a feeling when tucked in during and after rain has fallen down from the sky (Hokkien Hae Mee, Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup)?

Oslo, Norway

We made it, Hallelujah!! We made it even earlier for our overnight cruise to Oslo (Copenhagen Day 2, Copenhagen Day 1 Part 2 & Copenhagen Day 1 Part 1). Nothing! Literally nothing to do neither to see, of course  you can stare at the sea for the longest time. Into our tiny, basic and well maintained cabin for putting our things aside, thereafter, pretty much an earlier dinner. Aplenty seafood, obviously you can eat till you drop buffet in the wide dining area, it will be nice if you sit near the windows for the sea view while tucking in. And then what? As I have already said, nothing much, maybe most to most 30 minutes of walking the ship. Even then, it is back to doomed. Boredom. Henceforth, I decided to shower and practically forced sleep on me, whereas other half-half got together with the guys for poker and some drinks. Don't know what time he returned because surprisingly, I slept like a log of wood, every now and then, I did feel as though I was sea floating. A tiny bit of rock and roll which I don't think got to me. Thank god. Our morning was broken with, before anything else, showering, prior to tucking into breakfast, subsequently, clearing our room and awaited for an hour for safe landing in Oslo. Right off, sightseeing started.

Malu Kirata

There is Kiri Hodi and there is also Malu Kirata, or Sri Lankan fish coconut stew. Furthermore, when we speak about Sri Lankan food on the whole, how can not include coconut milk mostly (Sri Lankan Carrot Salad) for whichever dish for the matter (Sodhi)? You bet. Of course, we Asians pretty much love the concept of coconut milk tipping into our cooking as well. In fact, why go so far. Even for our Malaysian savory dishes (Salted Fish Pineapple Coconut Stew & Shrimp Coconut Milk) and even for our desserts (Pumpkin Sago Dessert) and I think fish is a diet for maybe everyone around the world regardless whether we are surrounded by sea or not. Over in Malaysia too (Malaysian Fish Sambal) and in my house particularly, we are fish dependent at least twice or once a week and who can be a better Malaysian to speak about fish except Nava K. Various types of fish dishes from near and far beyond has already been my cooking skills (Nadan Meen Curry, Malabar Fish Curry, Meen Puttu & Thai Fish Noodle Soup) and I don't think there will be a full-stop to fish for as long as forever (Burmese Fish Biryani, Mauritian Fish Curry, Vietnamese Fish Soup & Bengali Fish Curry). This Malu Kirata was the latest trended in my kitchen. Perhaps not really the authentic kinda, but trust me, without compromising on Sri Lankan food fab. Masala fried fish tipped into a creamy and tangy coconut milk stew.

Wajik Pulut

Nothing like our Malaysian sugar and sweet delight. A big yes from me personally of course (Pumpkin Sago Dessert, Malaysian Sago Pudding, Kuih Buah Melaka & Bingka Pisang). Not to say I am anti Western desserts, but by far the joy is forever Malaysia made desserts, aka kuih-muih and I might as well include other close to us Asian desserts (Thai Mango Sticky Rice) though so little from other Asian continent I have made. Perhaps who knows in the near future? Maybe. Today, the dessert card I have drawn is this Wajik Pulut (Sweet Glutinous Rice Cakes). Nevertheless, not the traditional or typical one like those made by my mum. Those stirred for almost hours and really heavy sugar loading. I on the other hand decided I can limit the amount of sugar and who said you can't? Not me, lemme repeat myself again. Oh please! Gone are the days we think unless we go heavy on sugar, our Malaysian desserts will not turn out to be as expected. Not so true. Look at this Wajik Pulut. Says it all right? Made within like an hour and without my arms breaking into two. Ingredients for Wajik Pulut? Obviously, glutinous rice which you have to prior steam and later, tipped into the palm sugar, coconut milk and pandan leaves syrup and stirred till you obtain a thick rice mixture. Thereafter, tipping mixture in a tray before spreading evenly. Wajik Pulut? Sedap! Deliciousness! Hail our this, one of it as part of our kuih-muih/local delicacies.

Cocoa Butter Cake

Me and my baking story? I think you already know it (Traditional Butter Cake)? My pastime and not hobby. Baking definitely can't be my hobby (Lemon Bars, Mandarin Orange Cake & Milo Cake) and me and baking are not even distant cousins. In fact, we are like touch and go, hit and run, acquaintances. Wish I can actually develop my interest in baking, but trust me, seemingly still inconclusive. What then to the outcome of this happy-tummy, soft and moist Cocoa Butter Cake? The calling for using up the ingredients and maybe, practice must make perfect. Absolutely. Cocoa Butter Cake actually is the other side of the coin to my previous Marble Cake. And pretty much, we need the same ingredients right? Of course. But instead of doing the swirling, I decided I want to a contrast between the dark brown tone (Chocolate Cheesecake) and yellow buttery tone (Sujee Cake). Not at all a letdown. I am sure you are agreeing?

Maggi Goreng Mamak

Maggi Goreng Mamak. The number fried noodle selling. In fact, each time we head to the mamak stalls, its like a habit or food lingo we must call for a plate of Maggi Goreng Mamak. My knees too can wobble for this style. Quickly fried on the spot, there and then noodles (Mee Goreng Udang, Char Kway Teow, Anchovies Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fried Mee). Maybe not always, yet, I do yearn for and I usually request for lotsa veggies in Maggi Goreng Mamak. Can be a satisfying mind you even when we make it in our kitchen and of course, without compromising on cleanliness and according to our taste (Nyonya Mee Siam, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Hokkien Mee). Whichever and whatever ingredients we prefer, regardless, the essentials have to be Maggi instant noodle or noodles, chillies, soy sauce, and like I have already told you, throwing in lotsa vegetables.

Nyonya Acar Fish

Nyonya (Nyonya Mee Siam & Ayam Pongteh) and Acar (Aam ka Achaar & Penang Acar) and Fish (Indonesian Grilled Fish & Malaysian Fish Head Curry). Like a rhyme and rhythm especially for me and I just so somewhat love sour notes. Whichever and however, sourness is something I can't give up no matter what (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup) and this Nyonya Acar Fish? A splatter on our taste buds. In fact, can rekindle your appetite and of course you need a plate of rice. Nyonya Acar Fish made from the quintessential and like must have ingredients for Nyonya cooking or even for our other savory dishes, made ahead and stored in the fridge and the next course of action of course is tucking in during your daily meals.

Lemon Bars

Made once before but it headed to almost to disaster. Not to say couldn't be eaten, but I personally didn't like how the pictures of the previous lemon bars.  So, I deleted the recipe after leaving it uploaded in this space of mine for a year. Not at all regrettable because when I decided to make Lemon Bars again, I already knew it. Which and what ingredients and also keeping the oven temperature in control for the birth of these Lemon Bars. Lemons of course, tell me about it? Scent and their tanginess and tartness (Lemon Cashew Rice &  Baked Lemon Chicken). Oh my, I can feel my tongue being tickled right now, and pretty much lemons jiving and dancing well in savory and sweet pleasures (Lemon Cream Pie & Lemon Buttermilk Cake). Naturally then, do we have say anything else when these Lemon Bars are a concern? Oh-my-my. Simply the melting and crumbling moment. The moment you daintily bite in and the scent of lemon an ultimate dessert time (Nescafe Ice Cream, Classic Genoise, Mandarin Orange Cake, Saffron Poached Pears & Chocolate Cheesecake).

Mee Goreng Udang

Mee Goreng Udang, or prawn fried mee. The frying technic which by far is not a brain cracker, but when we speak about frying noodles on the whole, we must have all the ingredients on stand by and as close to us possibly. Otherwise? We may end up over-cooking the ingredients we have already put in the big wok and then, it can turn out to be a disaster or we ending up stressing ourselves, and let's not forget about sweating when frying. Of course. Ask me about sweating and I can go on and on (Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon, Hakka Noodles, Chow Mein & Hokkien Mee & Char Kway Teow). That's about it I think the cooking tips for Mee Goreng Udang which is definitely another one of our Malaysian food show stealer. Noodles fried alongside prawns (Hokkien Hae Mee, Shrimp Pad Thai & Shrimp Pho), cabbage, eggs, garlic, spring onion and soy sauce (Nyonya Mee Siam, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles, Mee Rebus, Laksam Kelantan & Malaysian Fried Mee).

Nyonya Mee Siam

Upgraded and updated. The simply fried Mee Siam heightened and enlivened to another style for the birth of Nyonya Mee Siam. Moreover, in between I also gave a good run to my cooking knowledge by making the gravy/kuah Singapore Mee Siam. Nyonya Mee Siam, aka Mee Siam Goreng personally for me, I think you know it. Me and my Nyonya cooking I picked up by lending my ears to my friends, watching cooking programs (Siamese Laksa Lemak) and of course, my own experience of testing and trying and making those Nyonya dishes. Also, when we speak about the Nyonya community, we have the Malacca Baba Nyonya and Penang Nyonya clan (Penang Acar, Penang Curry Mee & Penang Assam Laksa).

Nadan Meen Curry

Back and forth, to and fro, bouncing here and there, finally, after like thinking again and again, I decided it will be a fish curry from the land of Kerala and known as Nadan Meen/Fish Curry (Meen Puttu, Malabar Fish Curry, Tuna Thoran & Kerala Fish Fry). Thank god I decided. Otherwise, I would have most probably taken the easy way out by making a similar fish curry like before. Which by far would have been still be accepted in my house (Fish Head Curry, Salted Fish Bone Curry, Meen Muringgaka Kulambu & Assam Fish Curry). Then again, don't we long for a change, even when its our food tucking in? Of course, if you are asking me. Moreover, I too like the cooking challenge in inventing new dishes for like automatically upgrading my food knowledge (Burmese Fish Biryani, Mauritian Fish Curry & Bengali Fish Curry) and pretty much Kerala cuisine is quite a familiarly to me (Tapioca Stir Fry, Cabbage Thoran & Beans Thoran).  Nadan Meen Curry. Canned sardine, brinjal, coconut milk, tamarind juice and the power house of made from a scratch masala paste.

Hokkien Hae Mee

Sometimes, don't we have the tendency to cook the same dishes again and again? In fact, if you are asking me about our daily meals, we usually repeat the dishes. Of course, the practically to cooking. I mean, how many new dishes do we actually initiate in a month or even every forth night considering our crisis for time and maybe because we have a certain liking for a specific dish? Mind you, its the same cooking story in my house as well regardless of the fact that since I started this space of mine, I have been exploring a whole lot of new dishes (Singapore Mee Siam, Siamese Laksa Lemak, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup). Not because I want to impress all of you, but for my own cooking pride and also I want to improvise on the dishes I have cooked before. Take this Hokkien Hae Mee as an example. Made before (Penang Mee Yoke) and I guess there's always such as thing as another round of another style or version.

Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup

Roots, barks, herbs and chicken. Pretty much the centrality for Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup. Of course, we do have a choice to the high rank and grade Korean ginseng (Korean Radish Soup), but for me personally, its a big no due to its bitterness and strong content. I in fact have tasted Korean ginseng tea and soups which I really couldn't digest and trust me, I almost not only throw up, I actually felt as though my body is on fire. Chinese ginseng (Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup) on the other hand is mild even in soups and I also fancy those home made healthy and nutritious Chinese soups, including the vegetarian variants (Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Old Cucumber Soup, Chinese Tofu Soup & Burdock Root Soup). 

Meen Puttu

Meen Puttu, aka Fish Puttu. What is Meen Puttu? Meen Puttu is basically fish simmered alongside turmeric powder and salt, thereafter shredded/flaked and stir fry with the customary or must have Indian ingredients. Of course when we refer to Indian cooking (Indian Spiced Salmon & Indian Fish Curry), chillies, spices and curry leaves are part and parcel of our cooking, and for meen puttu, we add fresh grated coconut. Pretty much that is the food cooking lingo for Meen Puttu and if you are asking me, I must admit there are other varieties to this fish dish which, do I have repeat myself is a popularity amongst us Indians? Furthermore, sura or shark (Sura Meen Kuzhambu/Shark Curry) is usually the choice, but nothing should stop you from using any other firm fish and even for the Kerala (Tuna Thoran, Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry) or Sri Lankan style (Sri Lankan Coconut Gravy) Meen Puttu, the ingredients are more or less similar. For my version, I opted for tenggiri/Indian mackerel which by far you shouldn't discount against for the outcome of a crumbled and a role play of the favourite Indian tastes Meen Puttu (Tandoori Salmon, Fish Head Curry, Bengali Fish Curry & Meen Kulambu).  

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).

Singaporean Mee Siam

When you have already achieved your mile stone to an ordinary simply fried Mee Siam, the next course of action must be crossing beyond the Malaysian boundary for heading to the neighbouring country. Singapore or Singapura where there is no limits to noodle dishes (Char Kway Teow, Prawn Curry Laksa & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup) and of course, Singaporean Mee Siam inclusive. Honestly, will you believe me if I say I have not stepped into Singapore ever? I have not pretty much and don't ask me why or why not. I myself can't conclude despite planning and making a couple of attempts, but nothing took place. Regardless, I quite know about their noodles dishes. Of course, from tv programs and listening to friends who have worked or visited Singapore. Henceforth, I didn't have much trouble in coining this Singporean Mee Siam or Mee Siam Singapura (Singapore Laksa) and tell me please, how far different can the ingredients be (Sarawak Laksa, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon, Laksam Kelantan & Thai Fish Noodle Soup)? We still need the quintessential ingredients which by far, as far as I know, for this Thai origin and originality soupy noodle dish (Thai Mee Hoon Salad & Spicy Thai Noodles). Singapore Mee Siam. Perhaps not so close to other types of Mee Siam, yet its still rice noodles soaking in a spicy, aromatic, wondrous and tasty red hue gravy (Shrimp Pad Thai, Penang Curry Mee & Lamb Pho). 

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).

Oatmealll Raisin Cookies: A Delightful Twist on Traditional Treats

The anticipation mounted as I stood in my kitchen, contemplating whether to embark on one final baking venture (Semperit Cookies) before returning to the daily grind. With just three days left of my much-needed break, I found myself drawn to the allure of homemade cookies (Vanilla Butter Cookies) once more. This time, the spotlight fell on Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - a classic treat with a comforting charm.

 

Unlike some of my previous cookie escapades (Cayenne Chocolate Cookies & Nyonya Pineapple Tarts), the recipe for these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies promised simplicity and ease. Yet, as I soon discovered, even the seemingly straightforward can hold unexpected challenges. Armed with a recipe from a popular site, I dove into the baking process, only to encounter a sticky dough (Chinese Peanut Cookies) that defied all attempts at shaping.

Semperit Cookies: Crafting Sweet Memories, One Ribbon at a Time

Ah, the delightful rhythm of baking continues in my kitchen! With each new creation, I find myself drawn deeper into the enchanting world of homemade treats. Despite the challenges that may arise, I refuse to be discouraged. So, when the urge struck to craft Semperit Cookies-a beloved member of the Malay cookie family -I dove right in. Little did I know, this venture would test my patience like never before.

 

As I set out on this culinary journey, memories of past triumphs filled my mind. From the delicate Vanilla ButterCookies to the bold Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, and the detailed NyonyaPineapple Tarts to the comforting Chinese Peanut Cookies, not forget, the crunchy crumbly Suji Cookies, each creation had its own story to tell. Yet, none had prepared me for the meticulous process of shaping Semperit Cookies.

Vanilla Butter Cookies

With some days still ahead of me during my leave from work, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to dust off my baking skills and whip up some homemade cookies. It's been ages since I last made cookies, mainly because neither I nor my husband are big snackers. But with time on my hands, I felt inspired to dive into the world of cookie making once again.

 

After trying my hand at Suji Cookies, Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, and Chinese Peanut Cookies, I was on a roll and couldn't resist the urge to try another recipe. This time, I decided to go for something classic and comforting: Vanilla Butter Cookies. There's something special about these cookies—they're simple yet delicious, and making the dough is a breeze.

Suji Cookies

Suji Cookies, an integral part of our Indian heritage, hold a special place in our hearts, especially during the festive season of Deepavali. Fond memories flood my mind of gathering with loved ones, rolling dough and delicately placing cherries atop each cookie, a cherished tradition that remains etched in my memory. Following the recent successes with Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, NyonyaPineapple Tarts, and Chinese Peanut Cookies, the allure of Suji Cookies was undeniable. With their humble yet captivating aroma, these buttery delights promise to evoke reminiscence and delight with every crispy, sweet bite.

Moroccan Pea Soup

I wouldn't and couldn't stop. In fact, I don't want to. I want to put my hands to as many cuisines from throughout the globe. Most probably because of this burning desire within me for learning to cook and these days, you can sit in front of your laptop and learn. So simple and so easy to learning and also picking up the vital tips to cooking. Of course, you can't do it in a jiffy. Instead, you have to put your heart and soul in firstly searching for recipes and then whether you are apt for copying exactly or allowing your thinking to wonder for coining your own dishes. So far I have achieved quite a good bit. The types of dishes I have made (Mongolian Prawns & Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal) from my own initiative and I must also thank the virtual world because admittedly, the food research in the virtual world did help. Moreover, when soups are a concern, should I, must I blow my own trumpet (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup, Chinese Vegetable Soup, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup, Korean Radish Soup & Japanese Lotus Root Soup)? No right right? Your reading action and reaction I think will unveil all of it?

Cayenne Chocolate Cookies

Indulging in chocolatey delights became my next irresistible temptation after mastering Nyonya Pineapple Tarts and Chinese Peanut Cookies. With my partner away on travels, the kitchen was my playground, and time was on my side. So, why not dive into the world of cookies again?

 

As someone who prefers a hint of spice over overwhelming sweetness, I decided to embark on crafting Cayenne Chocolate Cookies. Armed with cocoa powder and a mysteriously acquired bottle of cayenne pepper, I set out to create these eggless treats that promise to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds. The thought of their rich, chocolaty aroma filling my kitchen with warmth and comfort was simply irresistible.

Nyonya Pineapple Tarts

After crafting Chinese Peanut Cookies, I found myself drawn to another delightful treat: Nyonya Pineapple Tarts. What led me to these delectable delights? Simply put, it was my curiosity and desire to explore the sweetness of Nyonya cuisine (Nyonya Lam Mee) that beckoned me forth.

 

The journey to perfecting Nyonya Pineapple Tarts was fraught with setbacks. Despite consulting various recipes, I found myself grappling with failed attempts and wasted dough. Yet, from these failures emerged a recipe uniquely my own. What sets Nyonya Pineapple Tarts apart? It's all in the crumbly, buttery pastry and the distinctive open-face design, a departure from conventional tarts.