High Tea

Blessings of the Day: His love is deep and His love is wide. There's a cross to bridge the great divide.

Recently I was in the mood of going for High Tea. I've been wanting to go for some nice place to chill out and hang out with my friends and just talk and sip eat hot scones, sandwiches and sip yummy coffee or tea. Weekends are usually out for me - either for ministry work or to accompany KG or family. Finally, I managed to find a day after the Girl's Brigade camp ended. The camp ended on Monday and i concluded i would be too tired to work on Tuesday and needed a few hours of "recovery" me time, i told my friends let's meet for high tea the next day. (It was as if my client knew my camp ends on Monday evening, I need to work on some ad-hoc tasks right after the camp. I was soooo exhausted!)

My 2 friends whom I was meeting were my secondary school classmates cum eca mates. The place shortlisted was Goodwood Park hotel and since they had chose the place, I had the opportunity to go for International Buffet Hi-Tea or Western Buffet Hi-Tea. I opted for the latter because I always get to eat International Buffet in any other meal times like Lunch and Dinner. And I was hungry for scones :)

Strawberry Shortcake

Blessings of the Day: I've been reading OT for the past 2 months and it just made me realize how merciful God is and how deep His love have for us. Thank you Father =)

A Taste Of Surreal Culinary Adventure with Bob Blumer

Blessings Of The Day: God is good. After 2 rejections, we finally won a project from a MNC this year! Unexpected as I didn't pray about it nor think about it. I now pray God to bless this project and the hands who worked on this project. Glory to Him.

Glutton For Pleasure - Gift from Bob Blumer 

An Evening with Samantha Brown

Blessings of the Day: I get to meet a Samantha Brown hahaha :)) I have to blog about this!

Samantha Brown! Host of Passport to Europe, America and Great weekends! She's one my fav host to watch when comes to TLC channel.

When I first watched her host Amazing Homes, the background were pretty boring actually. But I continued watching because of her! Watching her displaying the different kind of expressions and experiences made it so real and you didn't feel it was scripted. (I cringed whenever a host presents when they looked like they memorized a whole chunk of words which didn't appeal to the audience at all! The saving grace was the beautiful place. ) However for her, it was the opposite! Yes granted they did show interesting things but seriously Samantha's personality stealed the whole show! I kept watching because of her! Finally when Passport to Europe and America rolled out, I was thrilled to see her again! She made me want to tour the 2 places even more!

Bak Ku Teh

Blessings of The Day: Great! I've finally finished the project. Hopefully the client give a clear go *cross fingers* Starting to work on the new ones. Hopefully I can keep this momentum going on! Time to search for good Saigon tickets!

Bak Ku Teh for dinner! I think is one of the most easy one dish dinner :) Just that hunting for good pork ribs is kinda of hard. Yum.

Mother's Day

Blessings of the Day: Thank God for my beautiful mom. Even though she's naggy @ times, but I think no one can ever replace her! :) Thank God for also a nice MIL even though yes there are times she does get into my nerves.  haha

Mee siam is my mom's favourite food :) Thus my sister Sllow decided to make mee siam again. From scratch! We wondered why are mee siam are sold so cheap outside, there are definitely lots of work going on! But of course one can tell by the generous amount of servings. Each family member ate at least 2 big bowls of mee siam. We had both the dried and wet version. Both are my favourites but the wet one were kind of too spicy for me to take it. That's when I learned from my sister that she put in 80 chillis? I hope I didn't get the number wrong!

What did i do for my mom? I bake cake (again). This time it wasn't too bad but I know my carrot cake have lots of room for improvement. Love the cream cheese. Yum!

Steamed Goodness

 

Photo and Recipe from Strait Times

One of my fav dish :) Traditional Teochew steamed fish

Counting Down II :: Mini Goal #2

Source

10 more days...

Ran 4km yesterday evening in what? 40 mins. So slow... :S Need to push the timing back to at least 20 mins. 

The Dinner

Blessings of the Day: I've just returned from the tiring 2D1N recruits camp. The camp was good with the ice broke and I got to know my squad girls better - Yun Ting, Dion, Wai Hua and Jaymin. Very sweet angels and active ones too. Looking forward to a good squad outing in June.

As I returned home, KG was very happy to see me. It felt good to see your family smiling at you greeting you at the home door. Perhaps I've never experienced that it in my own home then becos my parents would be busy with something or other things and likewise for my siblings too. This is considered peaceful and good already (becos no one is fighting @ home) So when Kg greet me at the door, I was surprised and frankly speaking I didn't quite know how to react.

As i unpacked my bag and started to wash the clothes and at the back of my mind, I needed a good comfort meal after the camp. I was thinking of something wholesome and warm, just as I wanted to tell KG that let's had the clam chowder soup that was resting in the freezer, He excitedly said to me, "Let me cook you a dinner tonight!" I was like eh, is ok, i can do it. He insisted and said rest and once ready, he would call me out.

Feeling rather stunned (since the greeting), I obliged since my muscles were aching like mad. So i rest and soon there was this nice aroma in the house. I started thinking what was he possibly cooking since the fridge was virtually empty (cos we had Seng Siong @ our home below, we can always get fresh supplies of food below anytime).

Then when he came to me, he said oki dinner ready! *very happily* This time I was really curious what was he up to?! When we walked towards the kitchen, i saw 2 bowls. I laughed.

In the bowl, there were rice and topped with a sunshine fried egg (wah very pretty! Better than mine), one hot dog, chilli and soy sauce. He said ok try it! He told me to mix around with the egg yolk. I lifted up the egg, and i saw more crab meat and stirred around and took the first bite. I know it sounds funny, but it was good. Haha. As I ate slowly, he said there were more hidden surprises below. So i started to stir the rice and lo and behold.. I found scallop. The scallop is not the scallop you are thinking. Is the small dry scallop that Chinese use for cooking soup. Hahaha. As I ate, I noticed he actually took hashbrown and mashed up with the rice!

To me that was a Chinese version of Korean Bim Bim Bap. LOL. A pity I've forgotten to take the picture.

We ate the dinner that Kg cooked for me. I was feeling very comforted. It was indeed a wholesome dinner. The best thing was this guy talked so much as we ate our dinner. He kept saying.

KG: "Wah I can't believe I cook such a delicious dinner tonight"

Me: "..."

KG: "We only have 2 bowls to wash tonight! Because the kitchen is clean! The pots and pans are washed. Including the rice cooker! "

Me: "..."

KG: "This is so delicious! You want to learn how to cook this?" as he continued munching his dinner.

Me: "Can you cook this the next time when I am feeling tired/unhappy/lazy? I like to list this as my next comfort food. Thanks!"

KG: "..."

Hahaha. I am bless to have this wonderful husband.

Full English Breakfast

Looking forward to cook a Full English Breakfast in our new home next year :)

Food never fail to cheer me up.

main courses | serves 2 Recipe by Jamie Oliver, Photo by © David Loftus
Preheat the grill to high. Set the oven to its lowest heat and pop 2 plates in it to keep warm.Put the sausages, mushrooms and tomatoes, scored-side up, on to a large grill pan and place under the grill, about 5cm from the heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning the sausages once or twice.

Add the bacon and black pudding to the pan and grill for 5 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until they are cooked and crispy. Put the baked beans in a saucepan and warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Place a non-stick saucepan over a low heat. Melt 1 knob of butter in the pan, add the eggs, season to taste and stir gently until just scrambled. Remove from the heat. Put the bread in the toaster, and arrange the sausages, mushrooms and tomatoes with the bacon, black pudding and beans on the warm plates. When the toast pops up, butter it, then put a slice on each plate and top with scrambled egg. Serve with HP sauce or tomato ketchup on the side, and a pot of tea.

Served with 1 cup of english tea or Vietnam Coffee! *heaven*

Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe from Rachel Allen

Quite inspired by this simple chocolate cake recipe. Will do one for my da jie this August.




For the cake

• 125g (4 ½ oz) dark chocolate
• 3 tbsp milk
• 150g (5oz) butter, softened
• 150g (5oz) caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• 200g (7oz) plain flour
• 1 tbsp good quality cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• Cocoa powder or icing sugar, for dusting, optional

For the chocolate butter icing

• 75g (3oz) butter, softened
• 1 tbsp cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 175g (6oz) icing sugar
• 1 tbsp good quality cocoa powder

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), Gas mark 4. Butter and flour the sides of the sandwich tins (two 20cm (8in) diameter sandwich tins) and line the bases with greaseproof paper.
• Place the chocolate and the milk in a bowl sitting over a saucepan of gently simmering water and heat until then chocolate has melted.
• Beat the butter until very soft then add the caster sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the melted chocolate.
• Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and the bicarbonate of soda, and fold in gently to mix. Divide the mixture between the two tins and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the middle of each cake comes out clean.
• Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes before turning them out of their tins and placing them on a wire rack to cool.
• While the cakes are cooling, make the chocolate butter icing. Beat the butter, cream and the vanilla extract until very soft. Then gradually sift in the icing sugar and the cocoa powder, beating all the time, until it is all added. Continue to beat until very soft, then whisk the mixture until it is light and fluffy. (I normally make the chocolate butter icing in an electric food mixer, using the whisk all the way through.)
• Once the cakes are cool, sandwich them together (I normally sandwich them together bottom to bottom – if you know what I mean!) with the chocolate butter icing. Place the cake on a plate or a cake stand and dust with cocoa powder or icing sugar if you wish.

Happy Cooking

Look what i have got here?



DAVID ROCCO'S DOLCE VITA RECIPE :)


WHAT EVEN BETTER! HIS AUTOGRAPH!


HEARTS DISCOVERY CHANNEL



His menu absolutely look stunning! Every course was accompanied with red wine (as if i know how to appreciate) and more important his charming personality just melt every single girl's heart (married, single or attached)

But too bad he is a chef with 2 beautiful daughters :P


So do i enjoy? Absolutely.... the recipe book of course.


Guess what? I did not attend the event at all....


All thanks to my sister! *argh* After i discovered the event, the very next day i asked her if she is keen to go with me. She looked at me and said "Aiyo, Py! $188 leh! He is not famous!"

"No lar not as famous as Jamie Oliver, but he is sure one true Italian and I wonder how's the food like! His ways are so different from how Jamie cooked!"

"If i am going to watch David cook there, i might as well catch his show on TV and then spent $188 to buy the ingredients and cook a meal for myself! For all you know you will spent less than $50 in total"

"NOOOO! That different! It is DAVID who is cooking! Come on!"

"Nvm lar Py, save that $! We go see got more interesting events to sign up instead?

*weep*


AND GUESS WHAT! Weeks later Discovery invited her to go for this event! There she was raving away how exciting cos she is going to get up close and personal with David! *weep*

Papers reported - David Rocco event - SOLD OUT

*WEEP LOUDER*

MSN Conversation:
Sister: Should i get his book? It cost about $100+

Me: Nah forget it! Just to get his autograph??

Sister: No lar! But is a book worth to keep....

Me: Later Discovery give you one

Sister: You wait long X10000

Me: Ha!

*a few hours later*

Sister: Don't scream!

Me: ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE ME FREE TICKET TONIGHT?

Sister: I got a free autograph of his BOOK!

ME: .........................

Sister: hehehehehe :P

Me: .......................

Me: I shd had just gone ahead to sign up instead of listening to you ! ARGH!

Sister: Don't like that lar....

Me: EVENT SOLD OUT! I CANT EVEN GO IN :(

Sister: I will give you the book or at most buy you one more book

Me: Nothing beats getting up close and personal with David :(


Later @ Night when she returned home

1 Huge Big Paper Bag - She whipped out his book ! i just whined ... then i turned i saw this....



ok i am a happy but not a very happy girl :)

She didn't buy the book. Discovery gave her another book. Oh my God - I LOVE YOU DISCOVERY! I will buy your channel in my new home for sure!

Oh well, i missed David Rocco. But we are going to attend another world gourmet summit event.

Le Cordon Bleu Culinary & Pâtisserie Masterclass
Learn from the masterchefs of one of the world’s most established culinary institutes. For one day, feel like a student at Le Cordon Bleu in this culinary masterclass instructed by Herve Boutin, Oliver Oddos and Arnaud Guerpillon hailing from schools in Australia, Japan and Mexico.

Ok :) Hope is something yummy :)


Shoot~ 4000 words to go !!! :(

I am not dreaming!

I know i am nuts but I can't believe it! He is coming to SINGAPORE next month!



David Rocco!!!

Aside Jamie Oliver, he is one true Italian chef who cooks really good stuffs ( i mean based on what i see on the TV lar, the food looks good and look @ his wife! She is so gorgeous! Oh no do i sound like a stalker now??)

He is coming to Singapore and attending the World Gourmet Summit 2009 and will be holding 1 workshop and another dining event. Seriously, I want to attend (not both though.. is expensive!) Hello! How often do you have these celebrity chefs from Travel & Living jumping out of the TV box and now you can talk Italian(food) with a chef! Oh my Goodness! I am MAD!

He is conducting 2 events, need to call up tomorrow the first thing and confirm which one is he cooking so I can eat!

AHH I CAN'T BELIEVE! He is coming to SG!!!!

Another celebrity chef is coming but hmmmm not a fan ... but David Rocco ... yes yes yes yes... mmmm....



No silly, i am not thinking of kissing him... I want the food only! Dolce Vita!

Longing to cook

Want to cook a feast :) Got very much inspired by the coming recruits camp. Kwa kwa asked me to be in charge of the Sushi dinner on Saturday. So I began reading the Japanese recipes :P Got me really excited!!! Sushi, Oden, Ramen, Bento, Tempura, Dessert and many more ;)

Moving from pasta to Japanese cuisine *drools*



Just read an article in SHAPE magazine on how to keep 1 happy and contented :)

Once a week target to do something that I love despite how busy I get ... COOK!

Food for Thought: Cakes & Tea with a touch of vintage

Table Grace of the Day: Let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. -Galatians 6:10

Tea Cosy @ Plaza Singapura 5th floor (beside Spotlight)

Last Saturday after studying, Kg and I finally decided to try the little antique bistro shop in Plaza Sing. Everytime we passed by the place, we very much wanted to try but ended up walking away eating elsewhere.

It gave us the feel of "Look kinda of expensive and the type doesnt look too yummy." One reason we decided to go in finally because the little cafe looked really good with all the antique furnitures. The hot favourite would be the little trishaw. However we didn't want to squeeze lar, so we opted for the more spacious bench (The bench looked like those old coffeeshop 60's bench. Price $250++ each). Haha.

I was very excited to see all the mini cakes they were offering. So we got a 2 tier cake stand with small cakes which the lady boss made herself. We were served Mango mousse cake, Chocolate Fudge, Brownie, Banana Cake and Tiramisu. (I think the cakes changes daily) It all tasted quite good except for the last one. The cakes were in bite size so you didn't feel to sinful after a heavy dinner although back of my mind was lusting after this carrot cake from Coffeebean. The cakes cost us at $6.90 which we felt it was abit pricey. But looking at the surroundings, we were paying for the ambience and the good service. We were looking for a quiet place to talk too so the place was really good. We ordered flora tea which I couldn't remember. Rose Mint Tea and Berry something tea. After 30 minutes, the lady boss topped up our tea cups with more hot water. It was a pleasant surprise as we were actually about to go in 15 minutes. Because she topped up more, we stayed for another 45 minutes and just talking. (which was rare for us... we ate fast and talk fast) haha

All the little utensils were all vintage and we were two weridos who kept lifting up the plates to see if it came with price tag. Haha. The reason we did that was this little bell beside me that stated "Ring bell for assistance". So of course I rang as I was ready to order. Then Kg said: "Py don't ring too hard. Later break how?" The bell had a mini price tag (which you can miss easily) that states $69.90. Haha.

I am thinking of bringing the JAP there for our next accountability group. After my exams :)

Food for Thought: Ban Mian

Table Grace of the Day: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights. —James 1:17

Food is part of my life. I enjoy good food (note: not fine dining .... all kinds of food) and too enjoy cooking and baking. Part of the reason why this blog exist is to share good food however I hardly ever really get down to do this. Hopefully this first entry will keep me going so that I won't forget where i been too. Despite the busy madness, I hope this food blogging will keep me sane and distract me from the demanding work and studies.

Been making frequent visits to TTSH for the past few weeks - so I always end up @ Foodcourt to settle my meal. When yesterday waiting for kg, I settled a quick lunchie. Was feeling tired so looking for soupy stuffs that I can eat with minimum effort. I like Ban mian noodles that are not too soft. I loved it and if the food seller is nice... i get extra ikan billis upon... Yum. Most importanly egg must exist in my ban mian.... kekeke.

Nope, i don't know how to cook Ban Mian. haha

Jamie Oliver Show

Blessings of the Day: Hurray!!! Jamie now on Youtube!!! i can watch as many times as I want!!!

Jamie Oliver BBQ Podcast Seabass, Sweet Corn

As a special summer treat Jamie bake Seabass cooked in the ground with a fantastic roasted sweet corn recipe on the side.

The depressed baker

Blessings of the Day: I managed to find some food in the end i had some left over chicken wings for supper...read on...

Sigh. Baking Bug had bitten me. Off i went to bake my favourite honey and banana bread. All went well intially till i notice something not quite right....

After baking... it does not resembled the beautiful caramelized banana honey bread that Jamie had made in his book. Mine look like pale pebbles. Worst.. I think pebbles look better than mine.

One word - Depressed. I am very depressed now. I didn't had any proper dinner and had to head for my class at 7pm. I thought the warm bread would serve nicely with a cup of milk and butter for supper. At 1.30am - the bread did not look promising at all.

After a taste test, i decided to ... discard everything before my family discouraged me from baking. Or worst, ban me from the kitchen. (that feeling is as good as taking the computer away from me) When my dad learnt i was going to bake bread - he PLEADED me not to do it. Come to think of it, my father never plead me. That shows how lousy my bread making skills are.

But i LOVE baking! Maybe is just the oven temperature (is getting old... 12 years old oven). Maybe i need that $400 kitchen baking mixer from LG.

I been buying things like
1) SpringForm Pan for making good cakes
2) Piping bag to make their beautiful icings on cupcakes or birthday intials for friends
3) Measuring Cup (save me from all those headache)
4) Parchment Paper for the cakes and cookies

but none of them help to aid my baking
1) The black forest cake baking was a disaster
2) The Meringue was a failure too
3) Now my honey and banana bread failed me too...

I am a depressed baker.... depressed depressed depressed....

I am determine to become a better baker. After driving lessons - next a baking lesson.

Before then, i will still want to perfect the best honey and banana bread in the world. Ok not in the world but in my home...

*stomach growl*

******************************************

The aftermath..

Dad: Py, where is ur bread?

Py (mumbling): Eat finish..

Dad: Huh? You eat everything by urself?

Py (mumbling): yaya

Dad (obviously don't believe what i had just said) turned to ask the youngest: JY, did you eat Py's bread last night?

JY: No lar.. sleeping already.....

Dad (laugh loudly): HAHAHA Like real! She must had threw it away! HAHAHAHA

PY (run away) trying hard not to laugh...

Parties

Blessings of the day: We finished the impossible task - a project that will take at least 3 working weeks to 4 working weeks. Keegan and I did the job in less than 1.5 weeks time. Really thankful that we worked together as a team. Oh Yes, thanks to Ray so sweet for helping me to paste the CD stickers :)

Last 2 Saturdays - two parties! :) Fun Fun Fun Fun

1) Keegan's Surprise Belated Birthday Party




Pre-booked everyone on 2 Saturdays ago, the plan took me 1 month to plan. In the midst of my exams preparation, Keegan and I almost "killed" each other off. A few times the plan was almost discovered by him accidentally. I had to find some other reasons to distract him. As a result, there were so many misunderstandings - luckily each argument managed to close well *finishing well lol * The results: Keegan was unexpected and he did think i was up to something. He was thinking that I was setting a candle light dinner for him. *faint* of course not! What was he thinking? Keegan told me: I want to cry.. but i am a man.. cannot cry ...



Great my plan was succeeded!

2) Family BBQ

This BBQ is to celebrate belated Father's Day, belated birthdays of - my sister and brother in law.

I like this round of BBQ. The selection of food was yummy and very fun to prepare. There were a few glitches here and there. Guess what my mom actually went to East Coast and "chop" the nearest shelter from our BBQ - 12 noon. Every 15 minutes to 20 minutes, a phone call would ring and often hurried me and my sisters to prepare faster and come down! :( We were so upset with her and nearly want to snap at her. To make matter worse, my kitchen pipes were choked.. and my kitchen was flooded :( The plumber came in at 4pm and managed to fix it in an hour time. After cleaning up, we finally head down to East Coast.

OH yes, I must congratulate myself - i can now set up a decent bbq fire now! Hurray!



My sister special new recipe - lemon grass chilli bbq wings - and i am sad... cos i didnt had a chance to eat!!!! ROOOOAAAARRRR







We prepared kimchee prime ribs... oh man i must really say - they are sooo juicy - finger licking good! I love the burnt part of the prime ribs! My sister really did a fantastic job! I am gonna cooked more of that ribs in future :)






Aspragus wrapped with bacon streaks were mine creation. Nice right? It beautified our bbq instantly. WAHAHAHA. Of course it taste good lar. Didn't you know Aspragus and bacons are best friends? Of course with a streak of fresh herbs like rosemary !!! The wrapped aluminium foil is bbq salmon with fresh herbs like rosemary and dill drizzled lots with black pepper, salt and olive oil. I heart heart heart salmon :) Plus a couple of few pork chops :D





OH yes, what is bbq without otah and satay? Those round stuffs are portobello mushrooms with garlic, butter and of course herbs..



Finally the Happy Family Shot :)



P/S: Pink makes me fat. Sigh why did I buy that pink polo shirt ? :( why am i slouching in the photo too?! :(

Saturday Sisters Outing

Blessings of the Day: Drill Com 2007 - 48th GB is awarded Silver and we have the Best Commander Award! Praise Praise Praise the Lord!

Work pile up like mad... I need to focus + relax.. maybe i should head for a morning jog tomorrow. God grant me creativity!!!!

After class on Saturday, I went to Raffles City and met up my 2 sisters for dinner. My sister treated us a very expensive japanese dinner ... nearly $100 for the 3 of us ... Food was excellent and the ambience was great

Check out Kuriya Market & Restaurant in Raffles City Basement.

Then we head to Esplanade to watch Phantom of the Opera!

The musical was Excellent!Splendid!Wonderful!Fantastic!

The highlight....

• The Opera House Chandelier
• The Labyrinth Underground - where the Phantom & Christine sang "The Phantom of the Opera"

The best best part - we got the best seats in the house! Thanks to my sister who purchased the tickets 6 months ago.. we were seated on the 2nd level right in the middle with zero obstruction and we saw the whole entire musical props. I heart my sister! =) 10 years ago when they were in Singapore I only have the privilege to listen the entire sound track now... I finally have my chance to watch it LIVE! =)

My next wish list... to watch The Phantom of the Opera in London AGAIN!! *whoohoo*