Thoughts throughout this blogging period for the Singapore Blog Awards

Seriously, this blogging period for the Singapore Blog Awards did kind of stressed me up. It is not just about the voting only but also coming out with recipes that is not too costly and time consuming for people to make.

I did learn that baking with prima bread flour and bake king flour is a lot of difference cos the moment i ate the bread. Though I am someone who prefers to cook rather than bake,  i get to learn more about baking. Like the teaspoon , it can't be a heap must be level. Oh, one thing must make sure in baking dun ever use granulated sugar .. it is supposed to be caster sugar.

However, I also get to know new supportive blogger friends and also got to know who are really my true friends. I did actually get to learn more about myself cos entering into this blogging scene onto the big scale involves lots of courage. It is no longer about just writing for the sake of entertaining my small circle of friends.

Anyway, just wan to say a big thank you to all who have voted for me!

 

Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin- I know it says Marley ( sorry it...

Hope you guys out there have a happy midweek... Enjoy

Review of the book of David by Charles Swindoll-Part 2

In this part, I would like to cover chapter 5-8. As there are 24 chapters, I thought it might be good to develop it into 6 part series  rather than 1 whole lump chunk.

Quoting from Charles Swindoll, he wrote that God is always good cos He never shows us tomorrow. This stems out from Matthew 6:33-34. What comes out from reading the verse of Matthew 6: 33-34 was that we do not have to worry about what tomorrow will happen and not to worry on what we will eat and just be merry.

As he wrote about the issue of intimate friendship, he states that an intimate friend is willing to sacrifice, will be there to assist in whatever and whenever is needed. It reminded me of the relationship of david and johnathan, the relationship between God and me and also the relationship between veron and me. I am thankful that I do know that in this life I am able to find an intimate friend cos not everyone is able to be blessed to find an intimate friend.

In terms of relationship, can one find loyal defense in the partner ? There ought to be a need to give each other complete freedom to be themselves and be a constant source of encouragement for the partner. As in we can never reach a level where we are above criticism or we no longer need the input of others.

In life, there are bound to be some pillars or so called known crutches in our lives. However, there are 3 warnings we ought to beware of . The first one is that the crutches become substitutes for God - Deut 33:27 and Isa 41:10. The second one would be crutches keep our focus horizontal as we tend to lean on one person or another thing, our focus is not on God and hence that the human crutches paralyze the walk of faith. The third thing is that crutches only offer temporary relief whereas God gives a permanent solution.

When the crutches in our lives are gone, what do we actually do ? Do you actually change?
Change is needed . First and foremost, are you being hurt enough to admit  your own need? Secondly,are you honest enough to cry to God for help. Thirdly, are u humble enough to learn from God?

The need of coming back to God for refuge are simply because we are in distress and sorrow accompanies us, because of we are sinful and guilt accuses us and because of we are surrounded by adversaries and misunderstanding assault us.

So help yourself to identify your crutches today and submit to God on the issues.  Have a blessed weekend!

Ribena Berry Bread Recipe and Chicken Curry Party

Ingredients

100g of mixed berries- dried cranberry and blue berries
250 g of bread flour
2 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of milk powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1.5 teaspoon of instant dry yeast
10g of butter
150ml of cold water
40ml of ribena

Method

Firstly, I put all the necessary ingredients in the bread pan except for the yeast and mixed berries.
Secondly, I select menu 2 for it and also select raisins with music. So as to facilitate the putting in of the berries at 32 min. Last but not least, set the timer to bake and press start. It will end at 2 hrs later.

As for the chicken curry party, it was an impromptu decision last night between me and my friend cecilia. I offered to bake the basic bread to her house while she cook the curry. It was a day of baking 3 loaves at one go  with less than 1 hr apart from each loaf . You can't use it straight after baking one loaf for another loaf else the machine will prompt the word U50 to prevent you from using.

Here's the pictures of the chicken party.

My friend's kid even mentioned this is the first time that I would eat the bread crust.The curry cooked by my friend was super nice. Long time never had nice chicken curry. Next time , I shall share with you my friend's chicken curry recipe.

Food Review of Maggie Thai Chinese Restaurant at 1 Liang Seah Street

I am glad that I have been invited to this food review for Maggie Thai & Chinese Restaurant recently. The hospitable Ms Maggie made me and fellow bloggers so at home as she shared with us the history of Maggie Thai & Chinese Restaurant and a little about Liang Seah Street where no one knows.

History of Maggie Thai & Chinese Restaurant

  

Maggie Thai & Chinese Restaurant has been established since 1998. It was conveniently located at the heart of the city, only minutes away from Bugis Junctions .

Maggie started her first Thai food stall at Queen Street hawker centre. It soon became a famous eatery outlet. Customers packed up in an endless queue at busy hours. Encouraged by customers, Maggie and her family decided to move the business to Liang Seah Street in 1998 starting with only one shop unit. Maggie Thai & Chinese Restaurant was established since there. Years later, it was expended to two shop units. Despite the high rent of the city central area, Maggie insists to provide “cheap and good” food for loyal customers. 

Accolades won over the years by Maggie Thai & Chinese Restaurant

 

Upon arrival at the shop, one can see the decorations on  the walls via painting and the big sign board of their specialities.

 

 

Ms Maggie's hubby's collections~~~unique right

 

 

Here comes the actual food review of the food that Ms Maggie prepared for us

 

Thai Steamed Grouper

 

For me, this dish does not struck a chord with my taste buds even though I am someone who loves sour stuff. Perhaps, it was due to that the fish seems to be fresh water fish and not sea water fish. However, the sauce that was used to steam this fish was pretty good. The meat was very tender.

 

Rating of this dish is 3/5

 

Assam Fish

 

This dish is really appetising . The sauce when pour onto plain rice was so appetising that one could have a few bowls of rice if not controlled. The brinjal that was cook to just nice for its softness and lady fingers were well cooked that it was crunchy and yet not slimy. The fish meat was not filmsy at all and could taste the freshnesss of the fish. Ms Maggie also told us tat she used all the fresh ingredients daily from the wholesalers instead of the frozen ingredients.

 

Rating for this dish is 5/5

 

Salted egg prawns

 

What I liked about this dish is that the prawn is not heavily coated with flour when fried before stir frying with the salted egg .

 

Rating for this dish is 3.5/5

Cereal Prawns

 

As for this dish which I usually get to eat it at home, I feel that this dish is a bit not on par with my home standard. Perhaps it was the lack of the chilli padi in the cereal mix and the buttery taste.

 

Rating for this dish is 2.5/5 

Red Curry Beef

 

This dish though named red curry beef is not exactly spicy and the meat is really tender . I wonder if they have added any meat tenderizer. It kinds of melt in the mouth that kind of feeling.

 

Rating of this dish is 5/5

 

Thai Fried Grouper

 

The fish was deep fried till it was so crunchy and the sauce that was with it could not be more than awesome. 

 

Rating of this dish is 5/5.

Butter squid

 

This is one of the signature dishes in Maggi Thai. It does not taste like calamari cos it feels very qq and not a lot of batter was being added to fry. You are supposed to dip it with either the sweet thai chill sauce or mayonaise sauce to eat.

 

Rating of this dish is 5/5

 

There are also a lot of other items which are available for lunch time special. So people who is working around the gateway west or gateway east you guys can go and try.

 

Lunch Time Special Menu would be Black pepper udon noodles, Taiwan dry minced meat mee tai mak,  Thai mango fried chicken rice, Hong Kong style orange fried chicken rice, fried hokkien mee, Thai prawn paste chicken rice. This is solely applicable at the Liang Seah Street outlet.

 

For those working at the west, you may wan to head down to their food court outlet store for the cravings at  50 Jurong Gateway Road, Jem Food Court, #05-14 Singapore 608549

 

 

Address of the 2 outlets of Maggie Thai & Chinese Restaurant
(Main Outlet)
1 Liang Seah Street, #01-01/02
Singapore 189022

(2nd Outlet)
50 Jurong Gateway Road,
Jem Food Court, #05-14
Singapore 608549

 

 

For more info, please visit their website http://www.maggiethai.com. Do remember to make reservation on the weekends if u are heading down there.

 

Last but not least , I would like to thank Maggie for her generousity to treating us the bloggers for wonderful food and also street directory for arranging this event

 

*** Disclaimer: all the opinions of the food are of my own personal opinions.*****

 

Please remember to vote for me if you have yet to vote for me today ...Click on the finalist badge to link to the voting system.

 

 

 

Sch reopens for me

Today is the first day of my school reopen for my final semester in Unisim. First time getting around the block C.  Haven gotten around block c to see if there is any canteen anot ...This term I am going to take positive psychology. As for next term , I will be taking work stress and creative psychology.

Today's lesson was practically just mostly on the definition of positive psychology and on the concept of broaden and build theory by barbara fredickson . There is also something called the flow experience and savoring.

Actually, in life which type of emotions do u focus more on ? Positive or negative?  Positive emotions help ppl to expand the perspections to view things whereas negative emotions tend to narrow the views as negative emotions will trigger fear which will cause us to go into fight or flight mode mainly for survival.

Indeed when i feel loved, i tend to perform better and also find more opportunities in life. So keep yourself happy and you will find better opportunities in life.

 

Gals , Important to know between a date vs a hook up

Sometimes , when you are interested to get involve into a relationship you forget to check it out whether the man you are going to date is really interested in you as a person or dating you just for hook ups. The picture below explains it all . Dun just blindly date

 

If you like my blog, please kindly vote for me by clicking on the best cooking blog finalist badge on the right to help me vote. Many thanks in advance.

 

 

Retro Sunday

Today I just have the urge to listen to this song called Lemon Tree . It was rather popular during my teenage years. It is so different from the current kind of songs that singers are listening. I still feel that there are lesser and lesser talented song writers... Sometimes I feel that my generation's songs are better than this current generations.  To each of his or her own taste, enjoy your sunday with this cute and catchy song.

If you like my blog, please help me by voting daily via clicking on the badge of the cooking blog finalist at the side to vote for me. Many thanks!!!!

Recipe of Lemon grass ginger drink

A few stalks of lemon grass smashed
2  gingers being smashed
some rock sugar from eu yang sang

Method

Just put the ingredients in add some water and boil it. After that , let it cool down . If  you like it chilled, then put it inside the fridge and dun put ice cubes in cos it will dillute the taste.

How to do winged eyeliner for 4 types of eyes?

Celebrating mom's birthday by making home-made focaccia bread using Panasonic bread maker

Today is my mom's birthday so i decided that yesterday night that I will bake her focaccia bread so that she could bring to office to sort of treat her colleagues.

I would very much like to show the photos of my mom cutting the bread in place of the birthday cake but I think i shall keep it for private viewing. My mom was so excited about it cos it is first time she does not have birthday cake but birthday bread for cutting . She was so cute that she made a wish before cutting the bread. After she cut her first slice, I helped her to pack the bread into ziplock bag for her to bring to work.

You know it is like the kind of feeling preparing those goodie bags for kids when kids have parties at school.

Here's the recipe

Ingredients

225g of bread flour
25g of plain flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of mixed herbs from master foods
2 tablespoons of  olive oil
170 ml of cold water ( reduce water by 10ml if rm temp is above 25 degrees Celsius)
1/2 teaspoon of instant dry yeast

After which , i used the menu 4 and set it on timer for 5 hrs to go on baking.

End results

Ladies , how would you want to build your man with $5?

Recently, I saw this picture from facebook. It says that ladies you have $5 to build your man. So what are the attributes that you ladies out there need in a man ?

As for the men if you chanced upon this blog, do take a look what ladies are looking for and start to build on those attributes to help yourself get a partner or build a long lasting relationship. In a relationship, both parties play a part. So do let me know what are your thoughts after this in the comments box ?

For me , I would choose 2, 6 and 8 cos i think that is what i needed in a man .
 

Want to have natural black hair from shampooing , no longer will you need to dye your hair?

Seriously, nowadays we are getting too stressed up and often you will find yourself getting more white hair even you are in your 20s. I happened to find a solution for that. Thus , I would like to share with you people out there on how to get natural black hair from shampooing.

Here's the product picture

Uniquely formulated, it holds the secret to healthier hair follicles and growth. Enhanced with Nano-Technology, nutrition included can immediately reactivate your melanin-producing melanocytes to naturally give your hair the healthy and lustrous look.

A non-dye product, the oxidation concept employed restores your premature white hair to its original natural black hair within 5 minutes and safely even after long term usage.
A product of scientific R&D, it combines both eastern herbs with western technology to help repair and rejuvenate both your hair follicles and scalp, whilst promoting hair growth, thus giving you a healthy, lustrous looking hair and a youthful look.

Main features of this product:

• Reactivate melanocytes
• Promotes hair growth
• Restore white hair to original colour
• No harmful chemicals
• Natural herb ingredients
• Vitamin A , C, & B5

Frequently asked questions
I    It turns white hair to black hair in 5 minutes using oxidation concept, and may also assist hair growth in 3 to 6 weeks. It helps to reduce dandruffs, hair loss and enhance to restore, repair and reactive the melanocyte cells, nourishing and regain healthy natural black hair. Follow the instructions of usage to enhance the effect and obtain a good result.

INSTRUCTION
1) 12 hours before and after using Shampoo Black, do not use other brands of shampoo; or else it will damage the nutrition.
2) Do not use hot or warm water to wash your hair with Shampoo Black; or else it will damage the nutrition.
3) Rinse your hair and scrub your scalp lightly with water to wash away the dirt, oil and hair gel about 2 minutes.
4) Dry your hair with towel to about 60% dried to avoid diluting the nutrition.
5) Do not shake Shampoo Black bottle before and after used and tighten the cap properly to avoid oxidizing.
6) Wear a pair of gloves.
7) There are TWO methods to use Gene Peptide Nutrition Shampoo Black:

1. Use Shampoo Black A & B in equal proportion dosage (1:1) according to the hair volume. Mix them and apply on your hair immediately. Massage the scalp for 5 minutes, rinse your hair and scrub your scalp well with plenty of water.

OR

1. Use Shampoo Black A &  B in equal proportion dosage (1:1) and mix them in a bowl. Use a comb to comb the hair and scalp with mixed shampoo for 5 minutes, rinse your hair and scrub your scalp well with plenty of water.

8) If the shampoo in contact with skin and oxidize to form black stain, use damp cotton wool to get some form from your hair and rub the blackened area. It will be removed.
9) To avoid irritation or itchiness, rinse your hair and scrub scalp well with plenty of water thoroughly to ensure the scalp and hair are clean.
10) Dry your hair with towel and dry it naturally without using hair dryer, to avoid the nutrition damaged by heat.
Suggestion: Use Gene Peptide Nutrition Shampoo Black 1 to 2 times per week for treatment.
Reminder: Rinse your hair and scrub your scalp with plenty of water thoroughly to avoid itchiness.
PRECAUTIONS

• Keep out of reach of children.
• For external use only.
• Tighten the cap after used.
• Store in a cool and dry place.
• Please rinse with plenty of water thoroughly, if the shampoo gets into the eyes.
• Once the Shampoo Black has opened, should be finished within 2 months in order to avoid oxidation.
• Beware of imitation.

REASONS OF CAUSING LIGHT ITCHINESS

• You did not rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly clean, or
• You have dandruff / dead skin, or
• You had dyed hair and the hair dye’s chemicals still on your scalp which may cause reaction with nutrition.

CAUTION
Not recommended for people who are sensitive allergy to flower or have sensitive scalp or skin. (If encounter any irritation or redness, please wash and rinse with plenty of water without using any shampoo. If still persist please discontinue and further consult doctor if necessary.)

If you are interested to purchase, I am retailing it at $50. Please email me at akimoto_emi05@yahoo.com.sg .

I

 

My own recipe of Organic Chocolate Museli Bread

As all out of you out there knows that I am into the best cooking blog award , therefore I am supposed to create recipes out from the panasonic bread maker. I have been cracking my head on what kind of recipe should i bake . Then this idea came to me as I thought it would be easy for the parents to coax kids to try out museli

Here's my own recipe of organic chocolate museli bread.

Ingredients
75g of whole wheat flour -best to get the brand bake king
175g of bread flour
10g of SCS butter
1 tablespoon of milk powder
1 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of instant yeast
60g of organic museli
190ml of chocolate milk

Method
1. Place the above ingredients expect the organic museli and yeast into the bread pan.
2. Place the yeast into the yeast dispenser and organic museli into the nuts dispenser
3.Select Menu no.2 for the rapid mode and select raisin mode and press start
4. Once ready , remove the bread from pan and leave it for cooling before cutting.

Do take note for those who have nuts allergy, please do not try this as I do not know if it contains nuts within the museli.

 

Cooking demo by Panasonic for public and bloggers by Theresa Wong

Yesterday, I attended the cooking demo as organized by the Singapore Blog Awards committee for my category which is the best cooking blog award. The instructor of the day was Ms Theresa Wong.
She taught 4 recipes for the day. They are the mixed wheat raisin bread, bbq char siew buns , tuna pizza and mango smoothie.

First, she showed us  how the bread maker works. Like how easy it was for us to bake bread at the comfort of the home. She mentioned that if you have forgotten to put in some ingredients, one does not have to worry. As the bread maker can still in ingredients when it is in the kneading stage.

Next, we have the char siew bun made with bbq chicken. The char siew sauce that she make for the char siew sauce was superb. I felt that the char siew could be eaten it on its own as a dish.

Here's the recipe for the char siew

Char siew filling
150g of roast chicken
50 g of diced yellow onion
1/2 tablespoon of tapioca starch with 3 tablespoons of water add
2 tablespoons of cornflour

Char siew sauce
20g of castor sugar
1 tablespoon of superior light sauce
1/8 tsp of salt
1 and a half tsp of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1/2 table spoon of superior dark sauce
120ml of water

To make the char siew of this version, you got to cook the onion with 1 tablespoon of oil in high power in microwave for 3 mins in which you do not cover. Next, you add the sauce and cook on high power in microwave for 3 mins in which you cover. Then you add cornflour to mixture and cook
on high power for 2 mins in microwave oven and leave it aside. Lastly, add in the bbq meat to sauce.

While waiting for the char siew bun to be made, she made us some mango smoothie. She also started using the bread maker to do the pizza dough. Most of the participants have a great time enjoying the food.

For me, it was more of a learning experience as I don't really bake and I am more prone to cooking chinese or fusion meals. For once, I know that bread that is home made can last for 4 days without preservatives. However, for the bread maker to work effectively it is best to use the measuring spoon and cup provided from the panasonic bread maker itself . The best flour to use for baking with this panasonic bread maker that is to be on loan to me is the bake king bread flour.


 

2 dishes using one big bitter gourd

Usually when I planned my meals on a budget for a week , I would usually make these 2 dishes cos it is more economical.

First dish- egg omelette

ingredients
1. 2 eggs
2. half of a bitter gourd de seed
3. one teaspoon of sugar
4. one teaspoon of light soya suace
5. a dash of black pepper

I would first whisk the eggs . Then add the de seeded bitter gourd which has been diced into some cubes. Add the sugar , light soya suace and the dash of black . Next , heat up the wok with some oil  and pour the mixture in . Once it has been browned, flip over to next side and serve.

 

Second dish - stir fry bitter gourd with lean meat

ingredients
1.  a piece of pork loin
2.  half of a bitter gourd de seed
3. 3 small chilli padis
4. 1 tablespoon of light soya sauce

5. 1 tablespoon of dark soya sauce
6. half rice bowl of water
7. a teaspoon of corn flour
8. some garlic

I would stir fry the garlic with some oil then add the sliced pork loin in with the sliced bitter gourd then further on add the light soya sauce, dark soya sauce , corn flour and water to fry. Last but not least add in the chilli padis to enhance the taste.

Recipe of ice mocha drink

Ingredients

1 packet of cabury hot chocolate
1 teaspoon of nescafe gold
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of condensed milk
Some ice cubes

1. Firstly mix all the ingredients except ice cubes and mix it with hot water .
2. Add some water
3. Lastly, add some ice cubes.

I usually like to have this drink when I am having some snacks during exams. It is a cheap and good quick fix to get ur ice mocha fix.

10 ways to reduce belly fat

The following picture I guess is the most concern to all of us out there who wants to lose the belly fat. Hope it helps you after reading.

 

All about bread making ~~~~my first attempt

 

Today I am using the Panasonic bread maker sd-p104 to bake wholemeal bread for my mom .

I am really excited about the fresh wholemeal bread that is coming out later from the breadmaker.

 

Ingredients that I use based on the user manual to make the wholemeal bread

1. 75g of wholemeal flour from phoon huat

2. 175g of breadflour from prima flour

3.10g of SCS salted butter( there are 9 pieces)

4. 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

5. 1 tablespoon of skimmed milk powder from phoon huat

6.1 teaspoon of salt

7.190 ml of cold water ( cos my room temperature is 28 degree celsius as mentioned in the manual if the room temperature is more than 25 degree celsius must minus 10ml from 200ml)

8. 1 teaspoon of instant dry yeast.

 

After putting in all the ingredients, i left it to work on its own for 5 hours.

 

End Result

 

I din have a bread knife so I just pinch it. My mom love the taste of it.  The freshness of bread is so nice and sweet ... I am really excited to attend the cooking demo to ask the instructor on my next recipe that I have in mind. I shan't say what is my next recipe....

 

 

 

 

 

Right to Brag- a theme of the day from word press

Tell us about something you (or a person close to you) have done recently (or not so recently) that has made you really, unabashedly proud.

For once, I would just wanted to say this is the first time when I register myself under SG blog awards and I got in as a finalist under the advertisers' choice under the best cooking blog. I have never expected that I would be in as a finalist since this is my maiden registeration.

 

If you guys out there like my blog, kindly vote for me daily for the best cooking blog  at http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/2014/vote/advertisers-choice.html for the best cooking blog award.

This has made me to be more inspired to get more recipes to cook. Next week, I will be doing wanton soup. I shall upload the recipe then.