Baking Recipe: Oreo Overload Cheesecake (Non-Baked) & Foodbuzz Festival 2011

Wow, I've been so caught up recently with work that I have not been able to update you all with my goodies. I do have a valid reason really and I hope I have not lost you foodie friends. Recently, I've been handed over with some new tasks and I really got to pull up my socks and clear most of it off since I'll be heading off to San Francisco this coming November.

And for what reason you might ask? Well, I'm so terribly excited as I will be attending the Foodbuzz Food Blogging Festival which is happening next month, or to be exact next week Friday, November 4th, 2011. Woooo hoooooo.. Yep peeps, I'll be flying in. So if any of you are going, lets make a date or mark it down. Make sure to give me a holler down over at my comment area. We really ought to meet, greet and chat.

Now back to this Oreo Overload Cheesecake. I made this cake over the weekend to celebrate my sister in-law's birthday. I knew she and my brother loves oreo so I asked her what cake would she like. She mentioned that she likes cheese cake. Instead of the regular cheesecake, I decided to make her favourite cake combining it with her favourite cookie.

For recipe: Click on image

Why is it Oreo Overload? It's because every single bite you get, you will get to taste the oreo bits. So no fighting there  ;P. Everyone gets equal parts love from Oreo. This cake is super simple to make, very minimal washing up, it's light, melts in the mouth and packed with Oreo flavour. No twisting and dunking here, but maybe just some licking?

Till then, don't forget to buzz me over at my e-mail or comments area if you're attending the Foodbuzz Festival (4th-6th November, 2011). It's getting closer, one more week to go..

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

Food Buzz Top 9: Oreo Hazelnut Butter Cream Chocolate Cake is #2

This is amazing.. one of my very favourite pairing of Oreo and Hazelnut Cream has made it to Foodbuzz's Top 9, Oct 11, 2011. Thanks so much everyone who buzzed my posts and making them possible. Also, to my new followers, YOU ROCK.. my aim is to reach 100 followers by end of year 2011; you have made it possible and so much earlier. Right now, I am aiming higher, so stay tune as I have something planned up my sleeves.

Currently, I know I baked a lot of desserts and not so much of cooking recipes for now. However, whenever possible I will definitely squeeze in some of my favourite meals. Trust me, I don't eat like this every single day. Hahaha.. that just wouldn't do. Maybe once a week treat?

Till then..enjoy the rest of your week.

xx

Baking Recipe: Oreo Hazelnut Butter Cream Chocolate Cake

Welcome to part 2 of Donna Hay's chocolate cake switch up attempt. This is a follow up from my previous post. Do you recall that I mentioned that Donna Hay's ultimate chocolate cake gets you an 8-inches, 8 layers round cake? Not anymore..

This is my attempt to think outside the box, showing you 1 great cake recipe, with 3 different simple approach to making some great tea time treats and adding 1 simple decorated birthday cake that will impress your family and friends. Though it's not some fancy-schmancy piped butter cream cake, in my opinion simplicity and balance of taste in a cake is key.

For recipe: Click on image + zoom

I've decided to make this cake a 6-inches, 6 layered cake instead. To bring out the chocolate cake flavour, I frosted the cake with my very own Hazelnut Butter cream (doesn't it sounds like Nutella) and covered the side of the cake with finely crushed Oreo cookie for some added crunch, and topped the cake with dark chocolate Godiva pearls. What do you think? Doesn't it sound divine?

Also, I have go think of a cake for a sweet 21 year old girl. Do you think this cake flavour will make her happy? Might have to change the cake decor though.. Any suggestions?

This post has a lot of questions ;). If not, and like me you like Hazelnut Cream spread or Nutella spread, give this frosting a go. A switch to the classic Chocolate Butter cream. I'm looking forward to hear all your thoughts or suggestions. Have a good week ahead.

xx

Baking Recipe: Strawberry Chocolate Cake-lettes & A Tribute

As you all know this month is the Think Pink month. Yup, it's Breast Cancer Awareness month. Same time round last year, I made my very first Pink Velvet Cupcakes; better known as my own Cupid Cupcakes.

Disclaimer: I do not own this image and is from apple.com. It's not meant for promotional purpose. A heartfelt condolence to APPLE's VISIONARY.

Also it's no longer a shocking news I believe. On Wednesday, the computing world has lost a great inventor and entrepreneur. Someone who really thinks outside the box and gave us lots of vision through his inventions and visions. The person I'm referring to is Apple's Co-Founder, Steve Jobs who has lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. Being in the computing industry and  though I do not work for Apple; we do feel a sense of loss. Lets just say being an IT student, we have looked up to people like them as inspiration and perhaps hope to be a little like them one day. I do not have the perfect words other than a heart felt condolence to his family.

Though this month is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness month, to me the big "C" is still the same, irregardless which type it is. So please take the time, to care yourself and always show heaps of gratitude to your love ones and to those who have family or friends who are battling their big "C" battle right now, give them unconditional support as every little bit helps.

For recipe: Click on image + zoom



In tune with the theme, obviously it just have to be pink ;). I know this cake-lette looks super simple, and that's because it is. The next posts coming or so will be all on chocolate cakes. This time round, I thought I try out Donna Hay's Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe. Now her cake recipe makes 8-inches, 8 layers round cake. However, I've decided to switch it up a bit. That's because I think my family will not be overly crazy over an 8-layered cake, though I've always wanted to bake one. Perhaps next time?

Donna Hay's chocolate cake is slightly different compared to Martha's recipe. From taste to texture. Martha's cake is slightly more dense, where else Donna's chocolate cake has a more springy texture. Both recipes in my opinion are delish, depending which you prefer. Donna's has a little more work too, where else Martha's doesn't require you to cream the butter and sugar. So give it a go, or feel free to stick to your trusted chocolate cake recipe. Have a good weekend!!

xx

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