Thursday, 30 October 2014

Steamed sugarless black sesame mantou







































Recipe:
150g pau flour
10g toasted and blended organic black sesame
2 Tbsp olive oil
65ml mixed beans water (from mixed beans soup i cooked)
1 tsp instant active yeast

(1) Put water in a bowl, stir in yeast bit by bit and mix well. Let stand for 5 minutes.

(2) In a mixing bpwl, mix flour and sesame powder together, Add in olive oil and mix till dissolve. Pour the yeast water onto the mixture and mix in.

(3) Manually knead the mixture till a soft and smooth dough is formed - around 15 minutes. Rub some oil on the bowl surface and all round the dough. Cover with cloth and let stand to proof for 1 hour.

(4)Remove dough to a working table. Punch the air out and knead for few minutes. Form a long log and roll the dough into a flat rectangle shape using a rolling pin, thickness as preferred.

(5) Roll it into a swiss roll shape and divide into 4 portions, starts from the middle. Rub some oil at the bottom of each dough, cover and let stand to proof for 20 minutes.

(6) Steam in preheated steamer for 15 minutes.

Yields: 4 small to medium size pau


Sunday, 26 October 2014

Bangkok Trip (21st Oct 2014 to 25th Oct 2014)


My quick summary about Bangkok:

It has been a good experience as a first time traveller to Bangkok, Thailand. It is a place of multi-faceted sights and things are extremely cheap considering the quality especially the materials at touch -superbly soft. Our itinerary are roughly jotted as followed:

Baby food i packed along to the trip:
















Food preparation tools that i brought along are:
3-tiers Tefal electrical steamer (hand-carry)
1 metal bowl (check-in)
1 hand knife (check-in)
1 0.35L food thermos (hand-carry)
1 set toddler spoon and fork (hand-carry)

Others:
sea baby stroller (hand-carry)
babies 'r' us mobile booster seat (check-in)


21st Oct 2014:
630am - We leave the house to airport, KLIA2 - flying via Air Asia.

7am - Baby food: 1 slice of homemade rice flour bread, plain water.

930am - We managed to pop by Jaya Grocer, KLIA 2. Food that i bought are as such
3 ciku (rm3), white dragon fruit  (rm4.90), cut honey dew and winter melon (rm5.90). We grabbed some items from MPH for baby to play on flight too: mini animal story book (rm13.90 - 50%), animals flash cards (rm8.90 - 10%)

1130am - Board on plane.
130pm - Arrival at Bangkok. (Thailand Time minus 1hr)

3pm - We checked into Ibis Hotel. It is a 3 stars hotel with some basic facilities such as children pool, adults pool, 3 public computer desktop w/ wifi, cafeteria, laundry service, shuttle service every 45 minutes. For the hotel room, we were equipped with a queen size bed, 1 plasma tv, 1 mini fridge, filtered water, electrical water pot. They provided us with baby cot and baby pillow. We did not utilise the baby cot because of the tight space.

4pm - We had lunch near to our hotel, approximately a road walking distance from our hotel. Baby food: 1 ciku, heinz diluted baby cereal. Note: No baby chair in the restaurant.

6pm - Hotel shuttle car sent us to lrt station. We took the train near to a ferry terminal. We walked approximately 15 minutes to reach the ferry terminal. In between, we passed by stalls similar to Petaling Street Malaysia. A lot of pound dogs were seen around the ferry terminal. Sky was dark and road was not properly lit.

630pm - We were lining up to wait for free of charge free to popular Asiatique Night Market. We reached in 15 minutes. It was humid and hot. We made a wrong decision by covering up baby totally in long pants and long sleeved top. There were mosquitoes felt.

730pm - Fed Bella Thai coconut water. It was very sweet and tasty.

830pm - Fed Bella freshly bought mango mix with mixed grains that i cooked in hotel.

9pm - We were walking around the place. I fed baby bellamy teething biscuit.

930pm - We stopped by at one of the restaurants and settle down to have dinner. We ordered dishes with rice. I fed the remaining mango mix with mixed grains to Bella. There was no baby chair, we gladly use the booster seat we brought along.






















1115pm - We reached lrt to return to Hotel. We took lrt back to Station 15, which we initially came.

1130pm - We crossed over pedestrian bridge and walked back home. It took us a good 30 minutes to arrive. There were no taxis else we were ignorant and decided to walk.

12am - We reached hotel. Between 1am to 2am, Bella fell asleep. We called it a day.

22nd Oct 2014:

930am - We woke up.

10am - I fed Bella alphabets cereal and a small bowl of diluted Heinz cereal.

11am - We had breakfast at the same restaurant near to our hotel. I fed Bella 1 whole white dragon fruit.

1230pm - We walked around the hotel vicinity, at the pool area. There was a children playground, we decided to settle Bella for a while there. We return to the Hotel lobby, where we sat at a coffee table behind internet access computer. I fed Bella some alphabet cereal and 1 mini slice organic quinoa rice biscuit.

130pm - Hubby's client office driver came to pick us up. Me and Bella will be following hubby for a quick meeting. The journey took us 45 minutes.

215pm - Arrived at client's office, CIDB office. Bella slept after nursed in the car. She slept comfortably in Seebaby stroller. which we bought during baby fair few days ago. Mummy had coffe and cold water while waiting.
























340pm - Driver sent us to a nearby lrt station. I cannot remember the name as they were quite a lot and can be confusing. We took the train to Siam Paragon, they called it the pride of the Thais. Indeed, it was a mall which is many times bigger that ones seen in Malaysia.

We walked around the mall. Most importantly, i topped up some vegetables bought from an exclusive supermarket there.

From top left: green apple, organic banana, green kiwis, assorted cut vegetables 3 packs

From top left: champagne grapes, natural yogurt, fresh tofu wrapped in banana leaves (eggs bought separately in a supermarket near to hotel)

Same as previous except showing the tofu clearer

23rd Oct 2014:

I forgot to record down the memo for this day. Few activities that i remember will be as followed.
In the morning, we had breakfast in the hotel. Bella had grapes with yogurt and cereal. After about an hour rest, i brought Bella for swimming in the hotel, there were floats provided - while hubby having a discussion with his business introducer.

For lunch, we had soup noodle near to our hotel. Few of our friends travelled together felt sick and 1 kid particularly vomited and had fever. (to be elaborated). Bella had steamed vegetables, hard boiled egg with mixed grains porridge. She basically had the same cooking styles but different vegetables for the next few days till we leave.





















Subsequently, we went to Siam Paragon for the second time because our friends with us did not go on previous day. We had a short walk there, had lunch at their food court and left to Platinum Mall which everyone claim you find the best bargain in Bangkok. We managed to buy some new year clothes :) The jam was hilarious, it was a whole street filled with shopping malls. From hotel to Siam Paragon, we took a taxi that cost us about 103 baht. But on our way back, there were no metered taxis and it cost us around 250 baht.

24th Oct 2014 (to be continued):

We went Platinum Mall the second time and continue our shopping spree. Bella had steamed vegetables for lunch. At night, approximately 10pm we went to Patpong Night Market. I carried Bella in a carrier after a quick observation of the area. Hubby dragged along the mini pram as well in case we needed it. This place is similar to Petaling Street Malaysia but smaller in scale and mostly selling Thailand's products. The only different is there are many go-go bars along the markets.

25th Oct 2014:

Hubby's introducer brought us to a temple in Arun, Wat Arun Temple in Chao Phraya. The moment we stepped into the temple, Bella who was sleeping on the pram was awaken and vomited continuously. We were shocked upon seeing this and immediately lifted her up. She had only banana and cereal for breakfast. At that time, i suspected it was due to the water. But after giving some thoughts, it may be due to the banana. She may have indigestion. After vomiting, i nursed her for a little while as she was crying. Shortly, she wanted to walk around. We brought her around the temple to take some photographs.

Around 5pm, we went to the popular Chatuchak Weeked Market. It was amazingly large and happening. It is a destination to go, things varies from local food to handmade souvenirs and merchandises. We enjoy this place very much although we only have 30 minutes to walk around before departed to airport. There were some local performers in the market and it attracts the crowd in a very special way.

We bought one set of Thai dress for Bella. We bought some quick munching food for ourself such as garlic butter toasted bread, seafood bread and coconut ice cream with peanuts and sweet corns toppings. I have seen a few handmade handbags but it was too rush to make a decision to buy ! On the other hand, there were not many handmade paintings seen. We made an attempt to buy paintings when we travel.

Approximately 530pm, we departed to airport. Our flight is at 840pm. Me and hubby had Macdonald pork burger (non halal), before we board on plane. Bella only had breast milk for the entire day as she was not feeling too good. On the other hand, she managed to have a little fun at a mini playground at the airport before we leave. The last merchandise we bought was a tissue paper box holder that cost us 200 baht. It was a souvenir for ourselves :)


Monday, 20 October 2014

Almond rice flour bread
























Recipe:
180ml room temperature, boiled water
200g bread flour
50g rice flour
180ml almond (de-skinned, finely chopped and toasted)
1 tsp molasses sugar (put on one side)
1.5 tsp instant active yeast (make an indent in the middle and put on it)

Add in 1.5 Tbsp to 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter 5 minutes after the first mixing. (refer note below)

(1) In a breadmaker, put the ingredients as according to the list above.
Mode: Quick
Crust: Light
Weight: N/A
Breadmaker: Tesco breadmaker

(2) Timeline for the breadmaker:

At 1:40 - start mixing, scrape the sides using spatula is necessary (add in butter 5 minutes after mixing)
At 1:33 - resting
At 1:28 - start kneading, can add in dry nuts or raisins (ideally can wait till 1:24 to add them)
At 1:20 - start baking

Results:

This is an attempt to incorporate rice flour as part of the ingredients to make the bread more tasty and fluffier without using milk or egg. It is suitable for babies or toddlers who are yet to start with dairy.

I was rushing to leave the house to airport and took out the bread 15 minutes earlier which was a mistake because the bread texture was slightly wet after it cooled out. Suggest to wait till the programme end because the baking was only that short for this mode. I have confidence it will taste great and soft !

Steamed black sesame pumpkin muffin





















Recipe (makes 2):
1/4 cup cake flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp black sesame powder
3 Tbsp pumpkin puree
3 Tbsp natural yogurt
1 tsp olive oil

(1) Mix wet ingredients together, but stir in oil last.

(2) Mix dry ingredients together.

(3) Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients and foil till the flour no longer visible.

(4) Steam in preheated steamer for 15 minutes.

Notes: Double or triple the quantity of ingredients for more muffins.

Results: The texture is overly soft (not wet). Will try adding baking soda and sugar in the future.


Carrot pancake with pumpkin dip





















Recipe:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 Tbsp blended rolled oats
1/2 cup shredded carrot + 3 Tbsp natural yogurt (blended)
1/2 cup water
1 tsp olive oil
1 Tbsp sultanas

Mix all ingredients, sultanas last and pan fry both sides till cooked. Serve with pumpkin dip.

Pumpkin dip: Steam some cubed pumpkin till soft - around 5 minutes and mash using a fork.

Yields: 8-10 medium size pancakes

Garlic butter fried rice with broad beans




















Recipe:
1/2 cup cooked rice
1 whole garlic (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp butter, slightly melted
1/2 cup broad beans (soaked and skin removed)
2 kampung egg (lightly beaten)
1 Tbsp of cheddar cheese (shredded)
Few Tbsp homemade soup stock

(1) Pan fry eggs with some oil and set aside.

(2) Melt butter and heated cooking pan, stir fry garlic till fragrant. Add in broad beans and cook till soft - around few minutes.

(3) Pour in cooked rice and stir fry. Add some soup stocks. Pour in egg cooked earlier and stir well.

(4) Stir in cheese and off fire.

Yields: 1.5 adult portion

Results: I like this simple and fragrant fried rice. Will definitely make this again.

Vegetables rice pancake























Recipe:
1 small bowl cooked rice
some shredded carrot
some finely cut shitake mushroom
1/2 piece of soft tofu (mashed)
2 mustard leaves (finely cut)
1/2 brinjal (finely cut)
2 shallots (finely chopped)
2 eggs (lightly beaten)

(1) Chop or shred all ingredients finely. Remove or drain any excess water.

(2) Combine all ingredients with cold cooked rice and eggs. Mix well. The mixture should look wet due to the eggs, of too dry the mixture may fall apart when fry.

(3) Scope onto preheated frying pan with some oil and pan fry. Press the mixture to form a consistency pancake alike shape. Flip over once it starts to harden and turned brownish - cook the other side and repeat.

Yields: 10 medium size pancakes

Steamed banana cranberries muffin (sugarless)




















Recipe:
1/2 cup cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 kampung egg (beaten)
2 medium size banana
1 Tbsp natural yogurt
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp dried cranberries

(1) In sequence, mix egg, banana, yogurt and oil.

(2) Separately, stir together flour, baking powder and baking soda.

(3) Pour the wet ingredients onto dry ingredients and fold till all mixed. Roughly stir in dried cranberries.

(4) Steam in preheated steamer for 15 minutes.

Yields: 4 medium size muffins

Results: Simply soft, fluffy and naturally sweet

Thursday, 16 October 2014

Banana yogurt with organic cereal






















Ingredients:
1 banana (sliced)
2 Tbsp natural yogurt
1/2 cup little bellies organic cereal

The organic cereal was bought by our couple friend from Australia when they visited us few months back. The packaging says it is suitable for baby above 1 year old. Therefore, lo only started having this after she turns 1. Overall, it is a crunchy cereal and do not post any choking hazard especially after dip with yogurt. However, it is recommended to introduce only when lo has gained some skills in chewing.

Rice in beef celery soup




Recipe:
1 piece lean beef (thinly sliced and marinated with some lemon juice)
2 stalks celery (diagonally cut)
2 baby corns
1 large tomato (quartered)
1/2 yellow onion (quartered)
1/2 carrot (cubed)
1/2 cup cooked rice

(1) Boil all ingredients for 15 minutes except beef.
(2) Add in the beef last 5 minutes.
(3) Serve with cooked rice.


Black pepper pumpkin chicken with chinese wine




















Recipe:
2 chicken drumsticks (marinated with 1 Tbsp black pepper and 1 Tbsp dried oregano flakes)
1 bowl pureed pumpkin
1/2 yellow onion (quartered)
5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
handful of enoki mushrooms


Seasonings
Mixed together -
1 tsp black sauce,
1 Tbsp soya sauce,
2 Tbsp chinese wine,
1 tsp corn flour,
2 cups water

(1) In a wide sauce pan, stir fry garlic and onions till fragrant.
(2) Add in marinated chicken and fry till cooked. Add in pumpkin pureed and stir fry a short while.
(3) Pour in seasonings and bring to boil for 5 minutes. Put on lid and change to low temperature, simmer for 15 minutes or till chicken is soft and tender. Add more water if required.
(4) Pour the chicken with gravy into a bowl. Top with enoki and steam for 3 minutes. Serve immediately.




Pumpkin oat sticks with cranberries










































Recipe:
2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
4.5Tbsp blended rolled oats (and extra for dusting)
1Tbsp chopped cranberries

Mix everything to form a dough. Divide and cut into sticks size. Cook in rice cooker till it is hard and chewy.

I cooked for 30 minutes and kept in "keep warm" mode.

Yields: 10 sticks

Steamed cheesy pumpkin rice






















Recipe:
cooked basmati rice
steamed pumpkin
1 pan fried egg
pan fried shitake with broccoli
mozarella cheese

(1) Mixed pumpkin puree (removed excess water -mix with cooked basmati rice). Scope and lay flat onto a steam able square bowl.

(2) Separately, pan fry some chopped garlic till fragrant, add in mushroom and pan fry a while. Add in brocolli and pan fry till 70% cooked.

(3) Pan fry 1 beaten egg and set aside.

(4) Return to the steam able square bowl. Lay the pan fried mushroom and broccoli on it. Top with egg. Lastly add some slices of mozarella cheese.

(5) Steam for 5 minutes or till broccoli is soft and cheese melted. Serve immediately.


Wholemeal black sesame and cranberries bread




















Recipe:
7/8 cup water
1 cup wholemeal flour
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 tsp molasses sugar (put on one side)
1 tsp active dried yeast (make an indent and put in the middle)

Halfway kneading, add in 1/5 Tbsp butter (sliced small)
10 minutes after beeping sounds, add in 1 Tbsp dried cranberries (roughly chopped)

Mode: Whole wheat
Crust: Light
Size: 1.5lb or 700g