BAKED PUMPKIN BREAD

This is standard quick bread using pumpkin. I used fresh pumpkin but for easy way you can opt for canned pumpkin puree.

This is so far the most healthiest quick bread I've baked! Just imagine it uses only two tablespoons of butter and yields a moist and spongy bread.

Baked Pumpkin Bread freezes well and  make great gifts for holidays!

SWEET SESAME BREAD

I'd been requested by my son to bake a bread again.  Since I had black sesame seed on hand so thought better to incorporate them in my recipe.

After going through the net, I found great recipes but either it is made using bread maker or not to my liking. Since I love my bread to be on the sweet side, I have added more sugar in this recipe. You can also use brown sugar instead of white ones.

Despite of heavy sugar, it tasted just right and very soft. Immediately after baking my son can't resist to have a bite of this lovely bread and I too follow suit. We all love this fantastic bread, this will be regular on our menu.

SWEET SESAME BREAD

2 C all purpose flour
1 1/2 active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
2 T melted butter
1/4 C sugar
1/4 C black sesame toasted
3/4 C warm milk

METHOD

*  Dry roast the sesame seeds. In a small bowl add dry yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar and 3 tablespoons water, keep for 10 minutes or until frothy.

* Place flour, sugar, salt, yeast mixture  and sesame seed  in a mixing bowl. Using stand mixer or by hand, gradually add the milk and forms into stiff dough.

* Remove dough from the bowl, knead 10 minutes on floured board.

* Place dough into oiled bowl, keep covered under double about 1 1/2 hours.

* Punch the air out from the dough, divide into 10 portion.. Shape into ball and place onto greased pan and let rise for 45 minutes. Towards the end of raising time preheat oven @ 190 C.

* Brush tops with butter and bake for 25-30 minutes. Immediately after baking, remove and brush again with butter. Cool on rack.

Linking to Yeastspotting 12-24-10

BANDUNG (ROSE SYRUP MILK DRINK)

Most popular drink in Malaysia and Singapore, made of rose flavored syrup and milk.  Bandung (Rose Syrup Milk Drink)  is normally serves during the wedding or special occasion  This combination gives the drink its distinctive taste

While most of the time we used to buy a ready made rose syrup from the supermarket but now I make my own syrup by boiling the sugar and water then added a food coloring and rose water.  Bandung (Rose Syrup Milk Drink)  is later combines with milk and basil seeds (optional) to prepare the drink. .

SAVORY DIAMOND CUTS

Crispy, flaky and delicious deep fried snack comes in various names, some named  it as mathri, nimki, namak paare or pottiappam. What ever you called them, it is most popular snack throughout India.

This salty fried snack can be eaten anytime of the day with a cup of tea of as finger food. It is a great make ahead snack and to retain its crunchiness, do store them in airtight container. The key of making perfect diamond cuts is to fry them using medium heat so they cook evenly and you get that beautiful golden color. Adding pepper is optional, you can also add other spices if you want.

DIAMOND CUTS

1 C all purpose flour
2 T oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper
1/2 C water (not all)
oil for deep frying

METHOD

* Place all the ingredients except water and oil in a mixing bowl.

* Gradually add water to form a pliable dough. Knead for 5 minutes. Form into a ball. Keep 30 minutes.

* Dust enough flour on your board, roll out into round. Poke the surface with a fork.

* Cut into 1 in strip then cut into diamond shape.

* Heat sufficient oil for deep frying. Slide the diamond cuts and fry until golden brown using medium heat.

* Transfer onto absorbent paper and cool.

* Store into airtight container.

OPEN POTATO TOAST

If you're bored taking bread with your usual butter and jam, you should try this one. It is fast and easy to prepare what you need is to boil and mash the potato then combine the rest of the ingredients. I have used bird's eye chili but do adjust according to your taste.

It is wonderfully tasty, my children already given a green light to make it again. I'm very sure this will be your favorite too if you try this.

OPEN POTATO TOAST

1 C mashed potato
8 bread slices
1 onion chopped
2-3 green chili chopped
chopped coriander leaves
salt to taste
water to bind
cooking oil/butter

METHOD

* Combine potato, green chili, coriander leaves and salt in a bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water just to bind the potato, mix well.

* Spread the potato on the bread slices, place the bread, potato side down on a flat pan and drizzle some oil. Fry until light brown. Flip and cook the other side.

* Transfer onto plate and complete the rest of the bread slices.

* Serve hot.

Linking to  Yeastspotting 12-17-10