Travel: Sunset at Aonang Beach, Krabi (Thailand)

Hello month October! I think this is a long over due post which it won't do justice by just sharing with you all the photos in just one post. So I might break it down for you.

I was fortunate recently to be able to step away from the office for a short beach vacation. A much needed vacation that is. All I was dreaming of was the sun, sea, sand and spa. So we headed off to our neighbouring country, Thailand and visited the beautiful untouched Krabi. I have to say most of Thailand is heavily commercialised, and sometimes that causes a reverse effect on nature. When I was 15 years old, stop [counting my age :P].. and now yonks ago, I visited Krabi together with my family during my dad's company trip. Then Krabi was still quite isolated, however it did have all the fabulous resorts.

Now all grown up, returning to Krabi had left a complete different feeling in me once more. It's still beautiful, full of lush green forests, crystal clear blue sea and perfect soft white sand. Just the way I remember it. Can you imagine yourself sinking your toes into the white soft sand right now?

A sneak peak of Sheraton Krabi, where we stayed during our 4 days 3 nights holiday. This hotel is so beautiful. The moment you arrive, you are greeted by the spacious lobby. Immediately you know you're in vacation land. It has the most beautiful view over looking lush green gardens, then the beach and ocean. Lots of structured pillars, and wood structure. Interior ambient is influenced by a little Balinese decor but still Thai in every way. During check in, you will be greeted with complimentary cold drink and a cold towel sprayed with refreshing lemon grass scent. This immediately awakes your senses and you will be fresh all over.

For dinner, we head over to Aonang Beach, where it is at a different area and to enjoy the sunset. The hotel provides shuttle for about THB 200, return for approximately MYR 20.00. To us it's convenient plus drop off and pick up schedule is punctual. The drive to Aonang from Sheraton Hotel is about 20-30 minutes.

Didn't manage to take the others, as we were too busy enjoying our meal ;).

Of course, I will not leave you without any photos of food. Hey, I'm a foodie myself.. hehehe.. We had Thai Chinese seafood for our dinner at Wangsai Seafood Restaurant. My honest opinion, the food is not too bad. Not great [no haters here, a matter of personal preference or taste] but with the breath taking view and spectacular sunset, this makes my dinner to my first day in Krabi complete. Also don't forget to try out the street food while you're at Aonang. Have a tangerine shake (basically just fresh tangerine juice blended with ice, hint of salt to balance the sourness and sweetness), a MUST cold drink to have, to cool off and have some banana nutella or honey & lemon pancake. It's not your regular pancake. So do give it a go, and I am sure you'll be asking for more.

xx

Food Buzz Top 9: Apple and Blueberry Pie with Vanilla Bean Sauce is #8

What a way to end the month of September for me. This month has been a little slow I admit, as work was really crazy since financial year end is around the corner and I believe most of us are working insanely hours to crunch in the numbers. Lol.. having said that, this is a fantastic way for me to end this month.

Another Top 9; this is what I could only dream of. Apple and Blueberry Pie is Sept 29th, 2011 Top 9 in Foodbuzz [woooHooo]. Having selected amongst all of you great food writers, photographers, cooks or shall I call you Chefs.. makes me feel proud to stand together with or next to you. So much to learn still. ;).

THANKS for buzzing!! Happy cooking and baking everyone.. with lots of food love, buzzes and support from me back to you.

xx

Baking Recipe: Apple and Blueberry Pie with Vanilla Bean Sauce

How does an apple and blueberry pie sound to you right now? Don't you think a freshly baked apple pie served straight out of the oven sounds divine? Would you care to have one? Not only that, I made them in pocket or mini sizes.. is that how I should put it? Instead of a large pie, I wanted them in individual servings. So everyone could have their little pocket of warm goodies.

Each apple and blueberry pie will be served with chilled creamy vanilla bean sauce. I like how this simple pie can satisfy any crave. It somehow makes you feel warm, cuddly and would probably like to snuggle up under a throw over.

For recipe: Click on image + Zoom

This recipe does not really require you to have fresh blueberries. You can use canned or like me; I always keep a stash of the berries frozen in my freezer. So when you need some berry goodness, just take it out and whip up some muffins or bread or a mini pie. If you're feeling a little blue, or coldness of fall is kicking in; try baking some of these. Make some extras, and its good to freeze up to a month. Just heat up the oven and pop them in and bake till they are golden in colour. Serve them with your favourite custard sauce, or have them plain or with some good old fashion vanilla ice-cream. This will certainly help fight those cold nights, or kick some blues away. Till then!!

xx

Food Buzz Top 9: Nutella Banana Bread is #6

Hi everyone!! Thanks for making this possible. Nutella Banana Bread was Foodbuzz's Top 9, September 23, 2011. Yippiee.. A fantastic way to start the weekend.

You have no idea how much they mean to me. I do apologise as I am not able to revert to all responses on my Facebook page, or to all my comments. Please be assured that all of you are always on my mind. Otherwise I wouldn't put in a lot of thought I guess.. to think of something to bake or cook and in hopes that you'll try it out ;).

Because of all of you, that really keeps me going.. So to all of you; I know you put in tons of effort in to your daily meals, from prepping, to cooking or baking and even taking all the fancy photos.. no matter what you are ALL WINNERS in my eyes!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend y'all.

xx

Baking Recipe: Nutella Banana Bread

Recently I had a lot, I mean as much I could possible consume that is.. of banana nutella pancake. Doesn't that sound delish? I had so much of this while I was away in Krabi. It was super light, slightly greasy but the flavour of banana and melted nutella was such a joy. It's indeed a sinful treat to myself.

Since coming back from my short vacation, I couldn't stop thinking about the banana and nutella combo I had. Now to satisfy my crave, I thought why not I make a spin of my treat. Instead of pancake, I have always wanted to give it a try to make my own banana bread. And while it's freshly baked out of the oven and still hot, I will slather generous amount of nutella over the crust of my banana bread and sprinkle the top with some praline for added crunch.

If you have some left over bananas, or just don't know what to do with them? May I suggest to you to give this a try? The Nutella Banana Bread has a crunchy crust on the outside and ultra moist bread-cake like filling.

I assure you this is a great breakfast or tea time treat. Who says we should only have cereals or sandwiches only for breakfast? Lets make Nutella Banana Bread a new grab and go brekkie. Have a slice of nutella banana bread with a hot cup of coffee, latte, tea, espresso or milk. I think this could be a great way to kick start your mornings... Have a good week!

xx