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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Chocolate Sponge Cake



Another cupcake recipe to Aspiring Bakers #13: Enjoy Cupcakes! (November 2011) hosted by Min of Min's Blog.



Ingredients :
(A)
2 egg whites
30g sugar
 
(B)
2 yolks
15g vegetable oil
 
(C)
35g cake flour
10g cocoa powder
*sift and set aside
 
Method :
1. With electric mixer beat the whites till foamy. Gradually add in the sugar and continue beat till soft peak.

2. In another bowl whisk yolk and oil till well combine. For easy mixing scoop some of the whites from step 1 into yolk mixture and stir to mix. Pour all back into whites in step 1.

3. Fold in sifted flour in 2 batches and gently stir to combine.

4. Scoop into lined muffin cups or paper cups till 80% full.

5. Bake in preheated oven 180C for 12 minutes.
* Adjust according to your oven temperature

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Old Fashioned Butter Cake in Cup


I read this old fashioned butter cake recipe in Nasi Lemak Lover blog and they are very tempting! Therefore I like to give it a try. They are simply delicious! This butter cake is very rich and buttery fragrant. My sons like them too. Sure will bake again in future.

 



I'm submitting this post to Aspiring Bakers #13: Enjoy Cupcakes! (November 2011) hosted by Min of Min's Blog.

Adapted and slightly modified from Nasi Lemak Lover
Ingredients:
(A)
250g butter
100g sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
 
(B)
5 yolks

(C )
230g cake flour
50g cornmeal (optional)
1 tsp double action baking powder
*Sift and set aside
4 tbsp milk
 
(D)
5 egg whites
50g sugar

Methods:
1. Put all ingredients (A) into mixing bowl. Beat till light and creamy.

2. Then add in yolks one by one into the butter mixture. Follow by dry ingredients from (C). Beat till well combine.

3. Fold in the milk and mix well. Set aside.

4. In another bowl, beat the egg white till foamy. The, add in the sugar gradually and beat till soft peak.

5. Fold 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into butter mixture. Fold gently till well combine. Follow by the rest of egg whites.

6. Scoop into lined muffin cup. Bake in preheated oven 180C for 20-22 minutes.
* You can bake in 8" square baking pan.


Friday, November 25, 2011

Stuffed Chilies


These chilies are special as they are grown from my garden. I don't have garden fingers. Vegetables that I try to grow not success. These chillies are exception as it grows on its own with the seeds that I dump :D I just water it as and when I want (lazy me). I surprise the tree gave fruits.


I can take hot dishes. Sadly the chillies are not spicy at all. Since is very fresh it gives bonus to this dish. I can taste the 'crunch' when having this dish. I added some kind of teriyaki (my way) sauce to go with it.
 
 
Recipe from Vivian Pang Kitchen
Ingredients:
5 big chilies(all I have so far)
1 tbsp cooking oil


~ Filling
100g minced pork
1 tbsp cooking wine
Salt and pepper to taste
 
~ “Teriyaki” Sauce
1 tbsp soya sauce
1 tbsp cooking wine (I used Chinese white cooking wine)
1 tbsp mirin (Normally used in Japanese cooking)
1 tbsp sugar
Mix and set aside
* the key is equal amount of the above ingredients.

Method:
1. Cut the top of the chillies. Loosen the membrane by running a chopstick around. Then remove the seeds. Set aside.

2. Mix all ingredients for the filling in a bowl till well combine.

3. Put inside a plastic bag (for easy filling process). Make a small cut at one end. Pipe into the chillies.

4. Heat up wok with low-medium heat. Put in the oil and arrange the stuffed chilled inside. Cover with lid and cook for about 2 minutes.

5. Open the lid and turn chillies to the other side for even cooking. Cover and cook about 2 minutes or till done.

6. With the chillies inside, pour in the sauce mixture. Stir and cook till sugar melt. Dish out and serve !


Thursday, November 24, 2011

Sponge Cupcake


 

I have several bad experiences on baking sponge cake in mini cups. They are not well bake. Most of them will shrink after remove from oven, like these...


Ever since I have no courage to bake these type of cakes. Since this month Aspiring Baker’s theme is cupcake I read a lot of lovely sponge cupcake in blogger friends post. Therefore I want to have my own success sponge cupcake.
 
I failed in my 1st attempt. Just like previous baked, shrink terribly. Although is not good looking, still soft and edible.
 
Another bake? Yes after few days of struggling I decide to bake again. This time I used higher temperature instead of low which used to bake sponge cupcake.  It works! These cupcakes are so meaningful to me as this is my 1st success sponge cupcake :)



Adapted and slightly modified from Carol Sponge Cupcake
Ingredients:
2 eggs
30g castor sugar

40g cake flour
10g corn flour
*sift and set aside


40g melted butter
 
Method:
1. Soak the eggs (with shell) in warm water (about 50%) for 5 minutes.

2. Put the warm eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer till thick and white (check with ribbon test).

3. Fold in the sifted flour in 2 batches and mix to combine.

4. Spoon some of the batter into melted butter. Stir to combine. Pour the butter mixture back into the batter and mix well.

5. Spoon into lined paper cup till 80% full. Bake in preheated oven 180C for 12-13 minutes.
 * Adjust according to your oven temperature.



I'm submitting this post to Aspiring Bakers #13: Enjoy Cupcakes! (November 2011) hosted by Min of Min's Blog.


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Banana Chocolate Chips Cupcake with Melted Chocolate Topping


Adding fruits into cake is always my favourite especially banana. It not only give fragrant but also moisture to the texture. The melted chocolate on top create some crust if having on the same day. Hope you all will like it.



 
I like to share this recipe via this month Aspiring Bakers.
  
Reference from Carol banana chocolate cake
Ingredient :
(A)

110g butter
80g brown sugar

2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
*slightly beat to mix. Set aside.
 
200g mashed banana

(B)
160g cake flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
*sifted and set aside
 
30ml milk
 
1/2 cup chocolate chips

(C) Topping
50g cooking chocolate
*cut into small cube and bring to melt(I used double boiler method)
 


Method :

1. Cream butter and brown sugar till light and creamy. Slowly add in the mixture of egg and vanilla essence. Beat till well combine.

2. Add in mashed banana and mix well.

3. Fold in sifted flour in 2 batches alternative with milk. Add in the chips and slightly fold to mix.

4. Fill the batter into lined muffin cups about 80% full. Add about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate by drizzle evenly on top.

5. Bake in preheated oven 180C for 25 minutes.


Monday, November 21, 2011

Cheddar Cheese Cupcake with Chocolate Rice


I won’t miss this month AB theme- Cupcake!
I’m submitting this cupcake to Aspiring Bakers #13: Enjoy Cupcakes! (November 2011) hosted by Min of Min's Blog.



Adapted and slightly modified from local bakery supply baking class
Ingredients:
(A)
150g butter
90g castor sugar

2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
* Slightly beat and set aside

(B)
200g cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
* sift and set aside
 
80ml milk
30g chocolate rice (keep some for topping)

(C)Topping
50g grated cheddar cheese
 
Method :
1. Cream butter and sugar till light and creamy. Slowly add in the egg, vanilla essence mixture.

2. Add in the sifted flour in 2 batches alternative with milk. Follow by chocolate rice. Mix till well combine.

3. Scoop into lined muffin cups. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and chocolate rice evenly on top.

4. Bake in preheated oven 180C for 25 minutes.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Braised Trotter with Soya Bean-Can Foods Make Milk ?


Like other breastfeed mother I will eat types of food that will help on lactation. Most people believe having papaya as part of the diet can help. Well I had try but it seems not working for me. It seems I’m lack of milk for my 3rd child…well not because she not gain well, she seems not happy although after feeding time. She demands more! I guess she is big drinker compare with her two brothers. Ha..ha..

I owned series of books, What to Expect. It comes in the first year, when you’re expecting and the toddler years. I guess mothers are familiar with these books. It is a comprehensive guide packed with reassuring and practical advice. It contains dozens of Q&As, reader friendly and fun to read.

I came across this question in "the first year", CAN FOODS MAKE MILK ? I’m sure we all eager to know. Here is the explanation.

Every breastfeeding mother has heard about at least one: foods, drinks and herbal portions with the supposed power to increase milk production. They run the gamut-from milk and beer, to teas made from fennel, blessed thistle, anise, nettle, and alfalfa; from chickpeas and liquorice, to potatoes, olives and carrots. Though some mothers swear by these cultural traditions and old wives’ standards, some experts say that the effects of such ‘milk-making portions are largely psychological. If a mother believes that what she eats or drinks will make milk, she will be relaxed. If she’s relaxed, she will have a good let-down. If her let-down reflex is good, she will interpret it to mean she has more milk, and that the portion worked its magic after all. Remember : the best-and only proven-way to increase your milk supply is to have your baby nurse frequently.

I always believe nursing frequently can increase milk flow. However feel pity for my girl when seeing her frustrated sucking for more milk. If this happen I will try to distract her by taking a break. Swing to comfort her back to sleep. If this can’t help will get back to nurse. Sometimes this can long for several hours…and definitely very tiring. How I wish I have more milk.

I read about stew trotter with soybean soup in one of my cookbook collection, Medical Recipe & Thick Soup. It said will help on lactation. Without any hesitate I try out. I believe it helps as I can feel the increase of milk flow. The recipe is very simple. Just put trotter, soya bean and dried lily bud (I omit) inside a pot and stew till tender and soft. I used to cook this soup during my confinement. However the taste is very bland.


Not long ago a cooking show recipe using trotter and soya bean as well. It used braising method (红烧‏). I tried too and this is tasty than the soup. Is braising method with the same ingredients working? Well not so magical compare with the soup. Could it because the “book” said stew trotter with soya bean and not braised trotter with soya bean??? :D

Actually I’m not enjoying having trotter but soya bean yes. Having soya bean as part of daily diet is good as it is high in protein. Ever since I taste the soya bean in cooking (before this only used in making soya milk) I love it! If the beans are cooked well it is kind of melt in your mouth.


Using soya bean in daily cooking can be very versatile. You can even just add into your daily soup as part of the ingredients. Since the beans are hard, it needs to be soaked and cook in advance before adding into any dishes or soup. I used to cook more than one portion and pack into individual, store in deep freezer for later used.

Now I like to share on tasty way of having soya bean with trotter.

Recipe source: Vivian Pang Kitchen
Ingredients:
1kg trotter, cut into pieces (I used front part)
1-2 tablespoon oil
Few slices of ginger
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
200g cooked soya beans (refer below)
Water (enough to cover meat)

Seasoning :
3 tablespoon soya sauce
2 tablespoon white wine (Chinese cooking wine)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Method:
~ Soya beans
(I cook about 400g soya beans at one time. Use any amount you like.)
1. Wash by rinsing the beans. Put in a pot and cover with clean water. Soak several hours (mine overnight).

2. The next day, rinse to clear any impurity. Put inside the pressure cooker and top with clean water (enough water to cover the beans). Cook about 22 minutes or till soft (do adjust according to your cooker).

3. Drain and ready to be packed individually for storage. Keep in deep freezer if not using within 3 days. Just store in lower fridge a day before you use it.
 
~ Trotter with soya beans
1. Heat up the wok. Add in the oil and ginger. Place the pieces of meat inside and cook till lightly brown.

2. Pour in the soya sauce by the side of the wok. Follow by wine. Stir well. Add in water about to cover meat.

3. Add in star anise, cinnamon stick, cooked soya bean, brown sugar, salt and stir to mix. Cover and cook till meat tender (I cook about 25 minutes with pressure cooker). Serve.








Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Homemade Fishcake II - Step by Step and Video


A lot of readers are interested on making own fish cake. This time I will show with the pictures and video. Hope it helps.


I roll the fish paste with bencurd sheet. Then fry till golden brwon.


Do refer to here for method on shaping fishcake.
Ingredients :
Fresh mackerel fish (weight about 1.5kg)
* Not all mackerel fish is suitable for fishcake. Do ask the seller for the right fish.

~Salt water mixture
150ml water
2 tsp salt
* Dissolve and set aside. Not all is used.


Some pepper


1. This is the type of mackerel used for fish paste. This fish is big, more than 2kg. It can’t fit into my 32cm wok. Ha..ha..

 


2. Rinse well to clean. With a sharp knife cut the sides of the fish. Then remove the meat with the skin still attached as shown.


3. Scoop out the meat from the skin and bone with spoon. Do scrape from tail towards head direction. This is to avoid removing meat with the 'strings' attached. It will affect the texture of the fish cake.




4. Place the meat on the chopping board (do it by batches). Sprinkle some salt water, pepper and chop the meat with“BACK” of your knife (not the sharp edge). Adding salt water little by little during the chopping process. The paste is ready once turns very fine (as below). Remove and put in a big bowl (I used wok). Repeat this process till all finished.


5. Lift up the fine meat and bounce against the wok (bowl). Hope this video will help.


video

6. You can do it in batches. If you find the fish paste stick on your hand scrape away with spoon. Then, wet your hand with salt water and continue the “bouncing”process. Fish paste is ready once turns springy.

 



7. This fish paste is ready to be stored.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Purple Sweet Potatoes Chiffon Cake




This chiffon cake is slightly different with others that I had baked. The ingredients more or less same but the sequence added are different. I’m glad the chiffon cake still turns out soft and fluffy.


I omit the lemon juice as I want to retain the purple colour in my chiffon cake. I omit the chunks of potatoes too as my family prefer plain chiffon cake. Do visit Happy Home Baking blog for smaller portion chiffon cake (17 cm tube pan) recipe.

Adapted and slightly modified from
Happy Home Baking
Ingredients:
(A)
4 egg yolks
110ml milk
90g purple sweet potatoes(mashed)

35g vegetable oil
80g cake flour (sifted)
20g sugar
1/4 tsp salt



(B)
4 egg whites
45g sugar

10g cornflour (sifted)


Methods:
1. In a mixing bowl, hand whisk the egg yolks, milk, mashed sweet potatoes till well combine. Add in the oil, stir to mix. Follow by sieved flour and whisk till well incorporate. Add in sugar, salt and stir to combine.

2. In other bowl, beat the egg whites till frothy with electric mixer. Add sugar gradually (1 tablespoon at a time) and beat with high speed. Add the cornflour together with the last tablespoon of sugar. Beat the egg white till reach soft peak stage.

3. Fold in 1/3 of the whites into the yolk mixture till well incorporate. Pour in the remaining egg whites and fold gently till well combine.

4. Pour into 20 cm chiffon mould. Bake at 160C for 40 minutes.

5. Immediately invert it after removal from oven. Leave to cool. When cake is cold, remove from mould.



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