Breakfast Coffee Doughnuts

Happy New Year 2015 folks! It's now beginning of February. Can you believe that? Boy! time seems to be slipping through my fingers daily. One moment, I was busy prepping for Christmas, New Years and now my family started talking about Chinese New Year preparations too. Not to mention, Valentines Day seems to be just round the corner. To me, every day is Valentines Day, depending how you see it of course. If you're like me, who may not be keen on paying for overpriced food on a fixed menu, couldn't tolerate a rude waiter or waitress, couldn't get a reservation or better yet would just like to spend simple quality time, fret not. I got you covered with 5 ideas, that I think it not only pleases both you, and your man and for parents alike, you can spend the day with your kids. After all, it's about showing what love is.

First stop, have a coffee or milk with these Breakfast Coffee Doughnuts. Be in your PJ's, have them in bed, or not, the idea is to be casual, grab a semi-light bite to wake up those senses.

Apple, Cranberry & Walnut Pie with Apple Crisps

It's beginning to 'smell' a lot like Christmas [humming the tune in my head] in early September in my kitchen. Ahh! the aroma of cinnamon, vanilla bean, apple, cranberry and walnut lingered throughout the day as I prepared my APPLE, CRANBERRY & WALNUT PIE with homemade APPLE CRISPS. Don't you just love the classics? Rich classic flavours with a twist. Not only these pies are made to individual portions shaping like individual gifts, they are served freshly baked out of the oven; each topped with good ole' fashion vanilla ice-cream, caramel syrup and apple crisps.

Cooking Recipe: Miso Lamb Chop & TGIF

Happy Good Friday everyone!!! What will you all be serving at the table or for family lunches or dinner? For today's post, I am afraid my mind is running dry (metaphorically speaking) right now. I was sure I had lots to share, but suddenly I am left realising that I may not have that much to talk about after all.

Here's another photo I like to share with you and add to my TGIF post.. I love Peonies, and this was taken back in 2008 at Quilin, China. There are quite a number of botanical gardens in Quilin, and this Peony was calling out to me that very fine morning, greeting me with it's beautiful pink. I suppose it might come as no surprise I do adore the colour pink ;). Looking at this photo right now, brings me a sense of calmness.

Oh! apart from that, I am ultra excited to announce that I will be attending Russell Peter's show this coming May, 2012. If you have heard of him, he's an ultra funny stand up comedian. If you don't know who he is, try to Google him up or try to look up for some of his shows which are uploaded onto YouTube. Be sure to watch it with a light heart.

For recipe: Click on image

Now, how can I leave you without a recipe right? Over the last weekend, while I was away in another state, I  tried some miso marinated beef and lamb for lunch at the hotel we were staying. That was my first time having meat marinated in miso. That very moment sparked some fireworks in my brain. The meat was just so tender and extremely delicious. It got me thinking about it non stop and all I wanted to do was to try recreating this dish. So for tonight's dinner, I cooked my family my own concoction of Miso Lamb Chop which was served with simple potato rosti and kani salad. This recipe is perfect for any barbie session, and it's perfect for beef too.

Have a good weekend peeps and I will be back with new exciting recipes!! Stay tune okay.. 

xx

#Welcome 2012 and Great Times

Year 2011 has been an exciting and fun-filled year. There were ups and downs too throughout that year.Not necessary a bad thing.

In a way, I think it made me wiser, shaped my character and made me a better person. I was fortunate to pack my year 2011 with loads of travels and meeting new friends. During Easter, I flew over to Melbourne, meeting up one of my bestie, then to attend my cousin's Greek wedding. It's exactly like how you watched it on My Big Fat Greek Wedding; a loud and huge family affair. Everybody danced the night away and shouted "Yasu" means Cheers. Boy, that night I could feel my legs yearning for a warm bubble soak and lots of gentle massage.

Then finally, I managed to get another bestie who's in Kuala Lumpur [thank god!!] to go for a beach holiday in Krabi and our  yearly Bangkok affair. Towards the end of the year, I flew myself halfway across the world back in November, 2011 to attend my very first Foodbuzz Festival, meeting Elisabeth, Gina, Nami, Visda, Bonnie, Angela, Emily.. and oh! the highlight of it all is having to finally have a photo together with Chef Tyler Florence taken outside the Grand Hyatt.

Melbourne, Australia

San Francisco, California

Krabi, Thailand

Looking at the photos above, I definitely will not be complaining about year 2011. Hopefully there will be more exciting GOOD news, stories to create another chapter in life in this year 2012. Somehow time is just flying by so quickly. So I say let's just live life and cherish every single minute of it when you get to spend time with your love ones. Nothing is more important than that.

While I was over at Lora from Cake Duchess, I just couldn't resist in participating the Virtual New Year 2012 party. This party is hosted by Lora and Sanjeeta from LiteBite. Though, I know I am...say approx. 3 days late, based on Asia time zone, and maybe 2.5 days late in US timezone, but it's still the New Year. My internet connection back home was down. Thus, screwing up my plan on posting on the eve of New Years [boo..hoo..]

For now, I would like to take the time to reflect good times in Year 2011; where THANKS to you who buzzed.. some of which made Foodbuzz Top 9 a couple of times. That is ecstatic. My wish and hope is that you will continue to support me in my conquest to do better in food blogging and photography.

*Sweet & some Savoury Treats for the Soul*

Amanda's Pink Rainbow Cake

Peppermint Chocolate Cookie

Apple and Blueberry Pie with Vanilla Bean Sauce

Jo's Veggie-ish Samosas

Heavenly Mango Mousse Cake

Lemon Curd Pavlova Tart

Pumpkin, Sage and Feta Pasta

Oreo Hazelnut Chocolate Cake

So do stay tune, as I am planning on some exciting baking projects lined up for this year. Though I do not have a new recipe, fret not as I will definitely be baking a lot more since Chinese New Year is approx. 2-3 weeks away. The memories is dear to my heart, and what a great way to usher in the New Year.

May you all have a year filled with great health, and prosperity!!

xx

Cooking Recipe: Juicy Oven Baked Fried Chicken Fillet

You know how we tend to feel a little stuffed over the holiday season? That's because there is just so much good food served around the table. If you have been there.. you are not alone ;). I for one, love to throw parties and tend to over feed my friends.. LOL. Not that they are complaining, but I guess they just need to work out harder after the holiday season.

For this year, I decided that it's going to be different. I wanted us to eat slightly lighter yet packed on flavour. Also it was really nice that 2 of my friends [Thanks ladies..] who were free to join my brother, sister in-law and myself for dinner. Dinner was no frills but definitely tasty where I prepared a simple starter, main-course and of course we ended it with dessert. No perfect meal is complete without dessert.The inspiration? Dinner is very much inspired by a movie night meal. My guests definitely could get comfortable and eat with their hands if they liked. Do you see what I meant by 'no frills'?

For recipe: Click on image + zoom

In a nutshell, it's big on flavour and easy to make. Not to mention you can prepare them in advance and just pop them in the oven when it's time to eat. The Juicy Oven Baked Fried Chicken Fillet is really simple to make, and best part you don't need a hot pot of oil to fry them. See how this is suddenly much lighter? Don't frown just yet... I promise you that it is really tasty. To proof my point on big on flavour, the chicken fillet is marinated in buttermilk, smoked paprika, and some cayenne for that extra kick. Then, I added shredded mild and aged cheddar into panko bread crumbs that adds the light crunch in every bite. Then served my juicy tender oven baked fried chicken fillet with my very own light tangy dip and simple feta baby spinach salad on the side. Yummmmm..yummmmm....Till then!!

xx

Cooking Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie-Cheater's Way

Over this holiday season, it's going to be a quiet one in my family. However, that will not dampen my holiday spirits. It's the best time now that I get to cook more and not only show you that I bake, I could actually cook up a storm. And if I say so myself.. the taste is wicked. It's the holidays, so a little self praised is good for the soul.

While my parents are vacationing in Spain and Portugal along together with my god-parents, I am going to record down every single thing I cook or bake, whenever I possibly can that is.

Lately, it has been raining every single day here. I love rain, but it does make things like running errands difficult. The traffic, getting wet and possibly catching a cold is a pain. Not to mention, the weather around the world is getting stranger by the day. It does cool down and sometimes I experience very cool breeze in the evening. That's really odd.. Anyways, since it has been a wet day, I thought the best pick me up to stay warm and fuzzy is my own quick cheat Chicken Pot Pie. No rue/ roux required. Plus I have promised my brother yonks ago that I will cook him my Chicken Pot Pie.

While I am sure all of you will have your own recipe, and so do I. I do usually make a rue/roux, but this time round I switch it up since I am pressed for time. My recipe? ...again cooking without one. I say so long you know the basics, you can spice up this classic dish any how you like. I thought this one "bowl" dish will make a perfect dinner meal.

For recipe: Click on image + zoom

Instead of chicken breast and heavy cream, I have replaced these two ingredients with chicken fillet and full cream milk. I love chicken fillet, as this meat is usually near the thigh area of the chicken, and it's ultra tender. Also, I don't have heavy cream in the pantry, and since Christmas is around the corner with all the goodies coming up; I thought of eating lighter and substituted it with full cream milk. However, you can replace with Low Fat Milk as well. Works out just as good, but a note: Taste will be much lighter and not as rich compared to using a full cream milk.
No matter how you cook Chicken Pot Pie, it will be delish. The key is to use fresh simple ingredients, and use a good buttery store bought puff pastry. After all, to make our own puff pastry requires a lot of skill. I think for this part, lets just let the pro make us their wonderful buttery flaky puff pastry.

Happy Holidays y'all!!

xx

Cooking Recipe: Baked Parmesan Herb Crusted Pork with Cold Potato Salad and more Awards!!

First of, this has been long overdue. I have not been able to find a perfect post to squeeze the Awards in. Stephanie from Eat. Drink. Love, who I completely adore her blog has been a real sport. She has countless time gave me really sweet compliments too. And now to add to the list, she has given me three awards. There were two awards where I received from a sweet dear foodie friend Elisabeth. The awards were "Stylish Blogger Award" and "Sisterhood Blogger Award". Now I get to add a new one to my belt, "7 Facts Blogger Award". I appreciate that Stephanie, if you're checking out my post anytime soon.

Also Elisabeth at Food and Thrift Finds has given me a shout out in her Fudgy Brownie post. Gosh, you ought to check it out. It's heaven I tell you. YummmmMMmm.. All I could think of was all the chocolatey goodness.

By the way, have you ever been in a position where you don't know what to cook for lunch or dinner? I know I have. And then the very next moment you get an "A-HA" moment? Once more peeps, I'm cooking without a recipe. In my very own attempt to eating healthier, I decided that any meal of mine have to be bursting with flavours. So the flavours I put together in this dish is what I usually have stored in the pantry.

Now I'm no diet queen nor do I classify myself as a complete health freak; however I do think of what I put in my mouth. As much I LOVE food, and do allow myself to treats, I try to avoid anything that is deep fried as much possible. Okay maybe the best is buttermilk fried chicken [slurps] and for that I will give in to it or some others like doughnuts too [slurps again].

For recipe: Click on image + Zoom

Today, I've been dying to share with you my very own simple Baked Parmesan Herb Crusted Pork served with home-made cold potato salad. Something so simple and bursting with flavours. Also, you could save some baked Parmesan herb crusted pork aside and have them for another meal. This baked pork is good to serve as a sandwich too. Have a ciabatta, spread some mix honey dill mustard and light mayo with squeeze of lemon juice, then couple dash of Tabasco and serve in on a bed fresh of lettuce.

For the pork meat, I got the butcher to cut me a good lean part. Instead of frying where the natural juices of the port will get dried up; I've decided to cover my pork with a crust, pan sear them on each side and bake it in the oven until the pork is cook thoroughly. This way, the pork stays juicy and tender. Till then!!

P/S: This recipe works well on lean chicken breast, chicken fillet, beef or on lamb too. I apologise for a Non-Halal post here.
xx

Cooking Recipe: Pumpkin, Sage and Feta Pasta

Here's something that might come as a shock to most of you possibly ;). Of all my years of growing up, I've never really eaten pumpkin and didn't quite like sage. However, this changed when I ordered my very first Pumpkin, Sage and Feta Pasta some months back at this quaint little bistro down town.

For recipe: Click on image + Zoom

After having my first bite, I knew instantly that I love the sweetness of the pumpkin. and the aromatic sage which was use as a veg. Since then, I just had to recreate this dish for myself. To begin, I don't have a recipe nor did I look it up. I just wanted a challenge to myself; and relied a lot on my own taste bud.

Overall, this pasta is light and full of flavour with the combination of spices like cumin, coriander, fennel balanced with the natural sweetness of pumpkin,and saltiness of the feta cheese. Come to think of it, this can be my very first some what vegan recipe? Have a great weekend!!

xx

Cooking Recipe: Grilled Juicy Lamb Burgers served with Homemade Pickled Cucumber

It was time for us gals to have some catch up, unwind and enjoy some summer treats. I thought, let's have a complete meal. So,I've prepared a 3-course meal and served the ladies with my very own refreshing Orange-Lemonade.

For recipe: Click on image + zoom

Plus I don't think my friends ever tried my home made juicy lamb burger patties. The last time I made them were back in uni-days just for myself.. What can I say, I can be a glutton.

To do some justice to my cooking, I will break down my recipes to a couple posts or so? Hopefully to get you coming back for more? Hehehehe.. [ooopsss.. I think I've just shared with you my "evil" plan]

First stop, I will showcase you my lamb burgers served in a fresh sesame bun, layered with melted mild cheddar, saute white and brown button mushrooms and top with my own homemade cucumber pickle. My juicy lamb burgers will be served with baked shoe string fries with homemade aioli dip. Do I sense some drools ;p? After all a burger's best friend will be Mr Fries. Till then folks!!

xx

Tagged: Seven Links!!

Wow.. this is like a trick questionnaire. Elisabeth from Food and Thrift Finds and Sandra Garth from Sweet Sensations tagged me to the latest game called "Seven Links'..How fun is that. I always like how suddenly somebody tags you and you'll be put on the spot to really crack your head to look for the answer.

However, right now in my opinion, I'm having the hardest time to even draft this post.. LOL.. a sudden loss for words or maybe just no clue at all. Instead, I will do my level best to go through all my posts and share with you on what I thought about them. Walking down this memory lane, I now know I've come a long way. So long that at one point I was demotivated to even posts anything, partially busy at work plus I had a mind block. No excuse there.. I know.. especially when I love food, treats or even hosting a cookout or party so much. It's scary, and I hope I will not have another mind block again and start losing all of you readers and supporters.

Also I like to mention this as I still recall that Elisabeth was the very first person to discover me, added me in Foodbuzz and the rest was history. No bias here, and because of her; I'm glad I met all of you lovely foodies. So here goes.. and taking a deep breath [phew...]

1. The Most Beautiful Post

Hmmm... this is tough, as I really love all my posts. Whether the photo is good looking or not. If I had to pick, this is seriously a tough choice... I will pick my Gerbera Daisy Cake. This was an exotic rich cake flavour. Dark rich chocolate cake with light fluffy mango butter cream. Let's just say I'm a sucker for Gerbera Daisies.

2. The Most Popular Post

It has to be the most recent cake I baked for my niece's full moon. My Amanda's Pink Rainbow Cake made to Top 9 and was on the no# 1 spot, then was tweeted or mentioned by Foodbuzz themselves on Twitter. It's my first time ever having so many bloggers, readers stop by leaving me with the sweetest comments ever, and not only that.. it helped shot up my followers from 48 to 61 now. This is real epic, and I feel I don't say it enough.. THANK YOU for making it possible.

3. The Most Controversial Post

I'm not quite sure what it means by controversial, but I believe I was taking a gamble on the ever classic Lemon Meringue Tart. I decided that it was time for a make over, and made it to my very own version of Lemon Curd Pavlova Tart.. still covering the base elements of the lemon tart. I could have either had foodies like it or maybe disliked it as I was changing a classic tart.

4. The Most Helpful Post

Well let me see, I think it could probably be my Homemade Pizza dough post and I hope this is good enough to inspire you to make your very own pizza base. It's light and crunchy and will have you asking for more.

5. Post That Was Surprisingly Successful

I love samosas, but not willing to deep fry and end up with heaps of cleaning up to do. So for the first time I posted my Jo's Veggie-ish Samosas, it surprisingly attracted a lot more readers too. And this was my very first time making Foodbuzz Top 9. This was the day that I decided that I will continue to make more lovely treats or even share with you my cooking recipes.. whether I make it to Top 9 or not.

6. Post That Did Not Get The Attention It Deserved

I think it definitely had to be my Tiramisu tarts, and Scrumptious Strawberry tarts and Heavenly Mango Mousse Cake. Come to think of it they are really lovely and deserve some love and attention too ;). Though one; is thinking out of the box and one is classic or should I say.. maybe common, I feel they are all delish. So I hope you do try them out.. Maybe tarts can be the new trend, just like the macaroons or the cupcakes.

7. Post You're Most Proud Of

For this I'm indecisive, and like to share with you 2 out of 3 of my posts which I truly am proud of since one of them is up there too. For me, kneading dough has been daunting. However, I feel I've overcome this fear of mine, and am definitely going to come up with more recipes or test out any recipes. Right now, I like to share with you my Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts and Tana Ramsay's Bagels. I assure you frozen or store bought ones are completely different from the ones you make on your own. Though slightly more work.. but every single minute is worth it.

Now, I am going to tag a few new 7 blogger friends too. Let me see who's the lucky one ;).

1. LOLA LOBATO
2. Katie's Cucina
3. Amanda @ Baking Without A Box
4. Stacey @ Baker Court
5. Stephanie @ Eat. Drink.Love
6. Sheri @ Homemade Served Here
7. Pierre @ Little Hungry Heart

Till then everyone.. TGIF and have a good weekend.

xx