Blogger Widgets

Tuesday, 19 March 2013

AVOCADO CHICKEN PARMIGIANA

I am not a fan of avocado.  What about you?  I remember the first time I tasted avocado was many years ago, dining in an Indonesian Restaurant.  I can't remember who order me the Avocado Juice and one sip of it, eeeeweee, I don't think I like it and I swap the juice immediately with someone else.   Even when at later years, when my brother-in-law made sandwiches with avocado as part of the ingredients, I choose to opt that out.

But now as I have learned the nutrition goodness in avocado, so I got to appreciate this fruit.  

When Hui of Butterfly Waltz made this Avocado Chicken Parmigiana last February, I thought I should give it a try too for an easy way to prepare and cook for my lunch.


 AVOCADO CHICKEN PARMIGIANA 
 Recipe sourced from Hui of Butterfly Waltz & from Esther, The Fuss Free Chef 

Ingredients:
2 Chicken Drumstick (Boneless & Skinless), seasoned with salt & pepper
½ Cup Plain Flour
2 Tbsp Fresh Milk
1 Egg
1 ½ Cups Dried Breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
½ Cup Tomato Pasta Sauce
1 Avocado, Sliced
½ Cup Grated Mozzarella Cheese
Salad Green & Cherry Tomato to serve

Line a baking tray with baking paper; brush the base with cooking oil.  Preheat the oven to 180 celcius.

Mix the beaten egg and milk in a shallow bowl.  Set aside.

Coat the chicken pieces with flour and shake off excess.  Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture and then coat it evenly with the breadcrumbs.

Arrange the meat in the dish, spray or brush the top evenly with cooking oil and bake in the oven for 15 - 20 min, or until the crumbs have turn a golden brown.  Turn the meat over halfway.  You might need to do this probably 2-3 times per side, each time at a shorter interval, depending on the thickness of the chicken meat.    

Once the chicken is just cooked through, spoon the tomato pasta sauce onto the chicken meat and smear evenly.  Arrange some slices of avocado on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated cheese. 

Bake for another 5 min until the cheese has melted and is starting to bubble and brown. Remove from oven and serve immediately with a side salad. 

This recipe also from Cuisine Paradise


 

                         I sprinkle some dried parsley on top; 10 minutes before took out
                         from oven.                                                   



                         A satisfying lunch....oh, of course together with a cup of tea too.







This post is linked to the event, Little Thumbs Up organised by


<

Friday, 15 March 2013

BROWN BUTTER BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

Yesterday after seeing Sonia of NasiLemakLover made her Blueberry Yogurt Muffin and I thought I should start to clear up some of my frozen blueberries in my freezer.

It has been quite awhile now I have not been baking because I thought I have put on a little weight and my tummy gotten a little obvious seen the "3 layers fat"  (every woman fear of!....hehehehe....).  Nevertheless, if you have long not doing any bakes of cakes, pies, tarts or anything.... I just feel like something missing in life for me..... so dull.

Clearing up some of my frozen blueberries in my freezer, herewith Brown Butter Blueberry Muffin ~ With Crumble Topping!


Brown Butter Blueberry Muffins
(Adapted from Emma of Poires auChocolat)
(Makes 12 muffins)

For the muffin mix:
105g butter
90ml whole milk
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla essence
175g plain flour
170g caster sugar (I put only 140g)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
250g blueberries

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.  Put muffin liners in a muffin tin. 
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Keep heating it over medium heat until it has foamed up and brown bits have appeared and it smells nutty and delicious. Make sure you keep an eye on it as it happens - it takes a while but can burn quickly. Take off the heat and leave to cool slightly. 
Whisk the egg, egg yolk, milk and vanilla together, then add the brown butter and whisk again. Put the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in another bowl and combine. Pour the liquids into the bowl and fold in until just combined. Fold the blueberries in. Spoon out into the muffin cups. 

For the crumble topping:
45g butter
60g flour
80g golden caster sugar  (I put only 60g)

Measure out all the ingredients into a small bowl. Rub together until you have a crumbly mixture. Divide between the muffins. Put into the oven and bake for around 20 minutes, until they are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean. Leave to cool on a wire rack for a bit before eating. 


  Like Emma said, "they're crunchy and sweet on top, fluffy with that wonderful brown butter flavour in the middle and studded with juicy blueberries."  
And yes, I agree with her too that they're definitely the best blueberry muffin I've ever made or tasted.


I've browned the butter a little longer therefore resulted the cake texture brownish in colour.






Blueberries provide a variety of benefits to so many parts of the body, and are considered a superfood.  Full of antioxidants, they can have a positive effect on the hearts, the brain, the bladder and many more organs and tissues.




Thursday, 7 March 2013

PUFF PASTRY CHEESE STICKS .....or Cheese Straws

My Sister S made this Puff Pastry Cheese Sticks the other day and thought of sharing it with you since it is so easy to make this.

These cheese sticks or cheese straws are just the right thing for children's party, TV snack time, oh....anytime of the day if you are craving for some munchies!


This photo courtesy from my Sister S


PUFF PASTRY CHEESE STICKS...
OR CHEESE STRAWS

Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry
1 large egg, lightly beaten
40g finely grated parmesan cheese 

Method
Preheat oven to 200 Celcius,  Grease one oven tray.
Brush one pastry sheets with the beaten egg  and sprinkle the grated cheese all over.
Top with other pastry sheet  and lightly press together.
Cut into 1.5cm (1/2") strips and cut each strip into half.  
Twist the strips, and place about 2cm apart on the baking trays.
Bake for about 12 minutes or until strips are browned lightly.


Easy right?



A snap shot pic taken from the "Women's Weekly ~ Baking Day" : Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

BANANA WALNUT BREAD

I loves using banana to bake cakes.  But I just don't get the chance to wait for the banana to get fully ripe for my bakes because it will soon disappear before that.   So this time, I have to hide a few away in order to bake a banana cake. 

That someone in my house loves to eat banana, but has indicated to me that won't eat anything that is called banana cakes whereas my Sister S won't eat bananas, but any cakes that uses banana, she will eat!  So funny, right? 
 



Banana Nut Bread
Recipe source from Joyce of Kitchen Flavours ~ adapted from "The Williams-Sonoma Baking Book")
Makes one 9 by 5-inch loaf


Ingredients
6 tbsp (90gm) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup (250gm) sugar  (I use only 150g)
2 or 3 very ripe bananas, coarsely mashed (1 only have about  200gm)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups (315gm) all-purpose flour (I use 250g)

1 tsp baking soda  (I use only 1/2 tsp)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (90gm) coarsely chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts (I use walnuts only)
 

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. 

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the bananas and eggs and beat until smooth. Add the buttermilk and beat just until combined. 

In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, salt and nuts. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and beat just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. It should be no more than two-thirds full. Bake until the top is dark golden brown and dry to the touch and the edges pull away from the pan sides, about 55-60 minutes. A cake tester inserted into the center should come out clean. 
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. Cut into thick slices to serve.







Since this is a banana related post, I thought I would like to share it AGAIN with you.  I posted this in my previous post, in case you have missed this about banana's fact.






I am baking along with JoyceLena and Zoe, do hop over to see their banana breads and also the rest who are joining us. 

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

KUMQUAT SHAKER PIE

The "Ms. Kumquat", that's me, Mel, is at it again.  Posting another kumquat recipe.  I promise that this will be my last kumquat recipe.  Hope no one is complaining....  I wonder why should anyone complained when I am posting some delicious dessert here, right?



KUMQUAT SHAKER PIE 
Recipe from Food52.com
Makes a 9-inch pie 

Ingredients
6 oz kumquats (about 180 -200g)
1 large lime
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (divided)  (I put in 130g but still sweet!)
4 large eggs (divided)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons tapioca flour/starch
1 tablespoon water
1 All Butter Pie Crust with Almond (see below recipe)

Method
Rinse kumquats and lime thoroughly. Cut kumquats in halves to quarters lengthwise, depending on the size. Remove the seeds. Slice the kumquats into eighth inch thickness. Place sliced kumquats in a small, non-reactive bowl. Zest the lime, and add the zest to the kumquats. Juice the lime into the bowl with the kumquats, making certain not to incorporate any seeds. Add salt and 1 cup sugar to the bowl. Stir to combine. Cover and set aside overnight, or up to 24 hours, stirring once or twice during that time.

Place a rack in the lower middle position of the oven, and preheat the oven to 425º F.
Separate one of the eggs, placing the white into a small bowl, and the yolk into a medium bowl. Set the white aside. Add the remaining 3 eggs to the bowl with the yolk. Whisk until foamy. Whisk the melted butter into the eggs in a steady stream. Whisk in the tapioca flour until no clumps remain. Stir the kumquat mixture into the egg mixture. Set aside.

Roll out the bottom crust of your pie dough, and place in a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the top crust so it barely overhangs the edge of the pie pan. Give the filling a final stir, and pour it into the crust. Gently spread out the kumquat pieces.

Add the water to the reserved egg white, and whisk until combined. Brush the egg white mixture onto the outer half-inch or so of the bottom pie crust. (This will help to create a good seal between the top and bottom crusts.)

Roll out the top crust of your pie dough. Gently drape it over the pie. Trim so there is about a half-inch of overhang. Tuck the overhang over, so the edge is between the top crust and the pie pan. Flute the edges to seal. Brush the top of the pie with the egg white mixture, and sprinkle evenly with the remaining tablespoon of sugar. Cut several steam vents in an attractive pattern near the center of the pie.

Bake pie for 30 minutes. Rotate pie 180º and cover with foil. Decrease oven temperature to 350º F. Continue baking until the top crust has puffed up and a knife inserted into one of the steam vents comes out clean, about 25 more minutes.

Let fully cool on a rack. Can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, but bring to room temperature before serving. 


All Butter Pie Crust With Almond
Recipe from Simplyrecipes.com

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
1/2 cup finely ground blanched almonds or almond flour
16 Tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very-cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 heaping teaspoon brown sugar
3 to 6 Tbsp ice water, very cold

Method
1 Start by cutting the sticks of butter into 1/2-inch cubes and placing in the freezer for 15 minutes so that they become thoroughly chilled.

2 In a food processor, combine flour, almond flour, salt, and sugar, pulse to mix. Add butter and pulse 6 to 8 times, until mixture resembles coarse meal, with pea size pieces of butter. Add water 1 Tablespoon at a time, pulsing until mixture just begins to clump together. If you pinch some of the crumbly dough and it holds together, it's ready, if not, add a little more water and pulse again.

3 Remove dough from machine and place on a clean surface. Carefully shape into 2 discs. Do not over-knead the dough! You should still be able to see little bits of butter in the dough. These bits of butter are what will allow the result crust to be flaky. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

4 Remove one crust disk from the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle some flour on top of the disk. Roll out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface to a 12 inch circle; about 1/8 of an inch thick. As you roll out the dough, use a metal spatula to check if the dough is sticking to the surface below. Add a few sprinkles of flour if necessary to keep the dough from sticking. Gently fold in half. Place on to a 9-inch pie plate, lining up the fold with the center of the pan. Gently unfold and press down to line the pie dish with the dough.

5 Add filling to the pie.


              
                         What do you think the pie pattern shape I made?  Nice ?


                 See the kumquat rind?  Ooo.....I love it! 





Sunday, 3 March 2013

ASSAM PEDAS IKAN KEMBONG

I like to eat dishes that are spicy and sour, but not too spicy; just moderate to my taste.  Dishes like Tom Yam, assam pedas, oooo, yum!  Previously I do not know a thing about cooking this type of dishes,  as I find cooking this dishes are so troublesome and tedious.  So many ingredients required and you need to grind all those spices and herbs in, and moreover some spices I never heard or seen before. 

But eversince I started food blogging and looking at others cooking these yummy food at home, it has prompted me and 'brave' myself to cook this at home.  Homecooked food always the best ~ you eat with at least less worrisome!

I'm sorry the photos weren't good taken as the day has started raining and already turn dark indoor.  


ASSAM PEDAS IKAN KEMBUNG
Recipe sourced from Wendy of Table for 2...or more 

Ingredients
3 whole fish (I used Ikan Kembung)
1 torch ginger bud (half)
4 sprigs daun kesum
2 lemon grass, (4” from the base) smashed
10 lady fingers
2 tomatoes
50gm tamarind paste
700gm water
4 tbsp oil
Salt & sugar to taste

Grind to paste ingredients
12 dried chillies, soaked, cut and deseeded
1 onion
4 cloves garlic
5gm belacan (toasted)
5gm tumeric root
15gm ginger

Method
Mix the tamarind paste and water, stir to mix well.  Set aside.
Heat wok, add in oil and sauté the chilli paste till glossy and oil split.
Put in the lemon grass, torch ginger,  daun kesum,  and tamarind juice.  Bring to a boil.
Put in the lady’s fingers and the fish in.
Let it bring to a boil, lastly add in the tomatoes and lightly give it a stir.
Serve hot with rice.




As long as you have the ingredients or using any fish, I assure you this is still as good, because the spicy sauce simply is so appetizing!



I am submitting this post to Malaysian Food Fest  Johor month 




Saturday, 2 March 2013

FRIED NIAN GAO IN MASHED SWEET POTATO

Saw this "Fried Nian Gao" at Jane's Corner and it just delighted me; because the nian gao was fried in different ways instead of the normal sandwich in between with yam or sweet potato.   



FRIED NIAN GAO IN MASHED SWEET POTATO
Recipe sourced from Jane's Corner

Ingredients:
350g mashed sweet potato (I used a combination of two types of sweet potato)
80g plain flour, 
1 tbsp rice flour
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
200g nian gao, cut into small square pieces

Method:
Combine all the ingredients to form a  smooth dough. 
Divide dough into 12g each.   Wrap in  nian gao as filling and shape into ball.
Coat the balls with flour and deep fry in medium hot oil until golden brown.



                              Ready to coat in flour and into the deep fryer !


          Fry till golden brown






Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Kumquat Butter Cake

I hope when I posted this Kumquat Butter Cake, the word "Kumquat" would not make you jump up saying "Kumquat Again?"  Well, in fact when I text message to my Sister S, she did said it..... Grrrrrr!!

I guess I can called myself the No. 1 Kumquat Lover!  I don't know why, I just loves the citrus aroma and the taste.  It is so delicious.....the jam I made with it, tasted so good on toast, really!!

My family and I loves Butter Cake and in fact I have never posted any butter cake in my blog here.  So here goes for first Butter Cake with Kumquat flavour!   Love it!
I sourced the butter cake recipe from Wendy of Table for 2 ... or more when she posted her Pumpkin Velvety Butter Cake and I made it using kumquat instead pumpkin.




KUMQUAT BUTTER CAKE 
(recipe source with changes from Wendy of Table for 2 .... or more )

Ingredients
200gm sugar
200gm butter
Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla
5 large eggs
300gm cake flour sifted together with 1 tsp baking powder
200gm soft steamed pumpkin flesh (no need to puree )
Handful of pumpkin seeds

1. Preheat oven to 160/180C. Line a 8 inch square pan
2. Beat sugar, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add in half of sifted flour, on low speed then beat until well combined.
5. Put in pumpkin and beat until all mushed up.
6. Put in remaining flour and beat until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.
8. Bake for 50 minutes or until done when tested with a skewer. - See more at: http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/2011/01/pumpkin-velvety-butter-cake_26.html#sthash.pCu0FI0k.dpuf
200gm sugar
200gm butter
Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla
5 large eggs
300gm cake flour sifted together with 1 tsp baking powder
200gm soft steamed pumpkin flesh (no need to puree )
Handful of pumpkin seeds

1. Preheat oven to 160/180C. Line a 8 inch square pan
2. Beat sugar, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add in half of sifted flour, on low speed then beat until well combined.
5. Put in pumpkin and beat until all mushed up.
6. Put in remaining flour and beat until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.
8. Bake for 50 minutes or until done when tested with a skewer. - See more at: http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/2011/01/pumpkin-velvety-butter-cake_26.html#sthash.pCu0FI0k.dpuf
160gm sugar
200gm butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
5 large eggs
300gm cake flour sifted together with 1 tsp baking powder
200gm sweetened kumquat puree

Method
Preheat oven to 160/180C. Line a 8 inch square pan
In a mixing bowl, beat sugar, butter and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add in half of sifted flour, on low speed then beat until well combined.
Put in kumquat puree.
Add in remaining flour and beat until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake for 50 minutes or until done when tested with a skewer. 



Note :  Wendy of Table for Two....or more has advised me that for this Kumquat Butter Cake it is better to add in some baking soda and to reduce 50gm of flour in order the texture of this cake stays buttery moist and soft (in case if you want to make this cake)





After compiling some photos in my computer, I found out that I have made Kumquat Butter Cake before, (why I can't remember that....I guess I am getting old now), in fact I made it using a bundt pan but I do not know why I did not post it ..... here are some pictures ....




Saw a great info from the Facebook and thought of sharing it with you here.....

 





200gm sugar
200gm butter
Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla
5 large eggs
300gm cake flour sifted together with 1 tsp baking powder
200gm soft steamed pumpkin flesh (no need to puree )
Handful of pumpkin seeds

1. Preheat oven to 160/180C. Line a 8 inch square pan
2. Beat sugar, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add in half of sifted flour, on low speed then beat until well combined.
5. Put in pumpkin and beat until all mushed up.
6. Put in remaining flour and beat until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.
8. Bake for 50 minutes or until done when tested with a skewer. - See more at: http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/2011/01/pumpkin-velvety-butter-cake_26.html#sthash.pCu0FI0k.dpuf

200gm sugar
200gm butter
Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla
5 large eggs
300gm cake flour sifted together with 1 tsp baking powder
200gm soft steamed pumpkin flesh (no need to puree )
Handful of pumpkin seeds

1. Preheat oven to 160/180C. Line a 8 inch square pan
2. Beat sugar, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add in half of sifted flour, on low speed then beat until well combined.
5. Put in pumpkin and beat until all mushed up.
6. Put in remaining flour and beat until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.
8. Bake for 50 minutes or until done when tested with a skewer. - See more at: http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/2011/01/pumpkin-velvety-butter-cake_26.html#sthash.Xi10iKyY.dpuf

Monday, 25 February 2013

TOSCAKAKA (Swedish Caramel Almond Cake)

Finally life is back to normal now after the non stop baking and cooking for the Chinese New Year.  And I believe everyone had a good time in ushering the Snake year.

What about me?  Hmmm.......I have been lazying around at home though been cooking some good dishes but unfortunately it has been cloudy days during the CNY and not a good time to take good shots.

Well back to my today post, have you heard of a cake called "TOSCAKAKA"?  No?  Me too, until Hui of Butterfly Walz  posted hers and as I read her comments and she rated this cake to be DEEEEELICIOUS!!  I always take her word when she said delicious, means that is delicious and I won't hesitate to think twice whether should I bake it or not.

I wasn't ready to bake this Toscakaka yet because I am still having my "lazy" moodWell, I accidentally broke two eggs after paying my groceries shopping hence this cake was being baked; all because of the faulty supermarket trolley!!!


TOSCAKAKA (Swedish Caramel Almond Cake)
Recipe sourced from Hui of Butterfly Waltz

INGREDIENTS 
Cake
70ml milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar (= 75ml buttermilk)
3 eggs
150g caster sugar (I used 120g)
1 tsp vanilla extract
150g plain flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder, sifted
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
75g unsalted butter, melted

Topping
150g flaked almonds, preferably lightly toasted  (I used only 120g)
125g butter
125g light brown sugar (I used 95g AND I still find it sweet for me)
50ml milk
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp espresso powder

Cake: 

Whip eggs, caster sugar and vanilla extract on medium high for 5 minutes till mixture is very thick.
Fold in 1/3 sifted flour+baking powder+salt into egg mixture gently using a big spatula. Drizzle and mix in 1/2 the buttermilk. Repeat with the next 1/3 flour+baking powder, the rest of the milk, then the rest of the flour.
Finally drizzle half the melted butter and fold in GENTLY. Repeat with the remaining butter, folding GENTLY and scraping the bottom to ensure mixture is well combined. Pour into a lined 8-9" removable bottom round tin and tap on the counter once to remove air bubbles.
Bake in a preheated oven of 160C/320F for 25-30 minutes or till golden and set.

Topping:
Put toasted almonds, butter, sugar, milk, salt and espresso powder into a saucepan over medium heat and stir as the butter melts. Let it bubble and thicken slightly before removing from heat. Pour almonds over baked cake and spread evenly. Turn oven up to 200C/390F and place cake topped with almonds in. Bake for 8-10 minutes till the topping is browned and bubbling. Remove to cool. Best served when cake is cooled to room temperature.


 After the sponge cake is cooked, pour the caramel almond in and spread evenly over.


                                                                  Bubbling in the oven.


Once the topping is browned and bubbling, you may remove it from the oven.  Let cool before slice.







The verdict, DEEEEEEEEELICIOUS!!   (If you want the topping to be less sweet, do cut down accordingly)


Do give this cake a try if you like crunchy bite on the topping and soft and light on the cake!



I am submitting this post to Chinese New Year Delights 2013 hosted by