5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE

What you do if you're craving a chocolate cake in a middle of the night? The quick solution is go for microwave cake. Tried this famous cake and am totally bowled over. Delicious and chocolaty cake in 5 minutes. What else you can ask for.

I doubled the recipe, got  a  tray of  6 x 6 in cake out of the dough. It's so addictive and had baked them twice already. You have to try out yourselves to taste this amazing cake!

SELKIRK BANNOCK

There are many versions of bannock but this  selkirk bannock was first introduced in Selkirk market place on 1859. It is a famous Scottish fruit loaf loaded with sultana and mixed peel.

The dough is heavy and won't rise much. The baked texture is more like a yeast cake than a bread and it is best served with your coffee/tea. Since it is easily browned, do watch out after 20 minutes of baking .

VEGAN BANANA PANCAKE

Vegan Banana Pancake  is a wonderful breakfast to start your day. By adding mashed banana to the ordinary pancake, you have created a flavorful and delicious meal. You can make perfectly good pancake without milk or even eggs.  Vegan Banana Pancake is adapted from here produces a light and fluffy pancakes. Originally it uses strawberry but I have substituted them with banana.

BANANA CHIP COOKIES

After going through a few of  the  cookbooks, randomly selected this unique cookies to bake. It uses tapioca flour, mashed banana and banana chips, on top of that it does not use any leaving agent.

This egg free dough was so easy to handle, adding banana made them really moist and pleasant to munch with.  Also added a tablespoon of instant coffee in place of banana essence.  They are absolutely delicious with subtle hint of banana in them. They cooked beautifully in the oven despite using very low temperature @ 120 C..

RICOTTA MONKEY BREAD

Have been itching  to try my hand at monkey bread for sometime but what I had baked today is a special bread using ricotta adapted from here. Instead of shaping them into a loaf, halved the recipe and  turned them into monkey bread. I went for 7 in round tin instead of bundt pan.  Make sure you grease you pan generously because it tends to stick..

So glad I did, it was so inviting in its gooey deliciousness  when you invert it and place onto a platter. As soon as it was out from the oven,  my children started to devour them non stop!

RICOTTA MONKEY BREAD

DOUGH
3 and 1/4 C  all purpose flour
1/2 C  warm water
1  TB  instant yeast
2  TB  softened butter
3/4  C  whole milk ricotta
1 1/2 tsp salt

SUGAR COATING
1/2 C  melted butter
3/4 C   brown sugar

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and forms into soft dough or use your stand mixer.

Transfer dough onto floured board, knead for 10 minutes until smooth.

Place dough onto oiled and covered bowl, let rise until doubled for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Grease your pan. Divide dough into 4 balls. Pinch each ball into 5 of 1 in ball. Dip each ball with melted butter then coat with brown sugar.  Stack the balls onto greased pan.  Let rise for 1 and 1/2 hours in a warm place. Toward the end of rising time, preheat oven @ 190 C.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool on pan 5 minutes, invert on a plate to serve..

Linking to  Yeastspotting 5-27-11 
                 Bread Baking Day 40 

ZUCCHINI BANANA BREAD

Everyone love banana bread but have you tried zucchini and banana bread combo?  In my case, I never tasted zucchini before so this is my first time tasting them.

Zucchini Banana Bread  was not difficult to make and grating the zucchini is not a problem at all. It tasted really good too and very moist due to the over ripened banana I had used. What a clever way to eat your veggie and fruit in a single bite.

SPICY FRESH PASTA W/TOMATO

Never made pasta from scratch, pretty curious how pasta is made. After searching the net for the recipe, I had chosen this Eggless Pasta by Allrecipes with addition of olive oil. It is simple but the hardest part is shaping them without pasta machine. Anyway, managed to get it done. Used a combination of all purpose flour and semolina flour for the dough.

Drying your fresh pasta is the perfect way to preserve it for later use, ensure the pasta is dry enough that it does not stick together when placed in an airtight container. Properly drying your pasta will avoid a sticky pasta disaster, you can hang them on your cabinet door lined with towel or place them on lined  baking sheet.

Sadly unable to snap any photo showing the process since my camera battery went flat but have a look at the dough after 10 minutes of  kneading below. Though not perfectly shaped but it is quite delicious after adding spices and vegetables.


EGGLESS PASTA
Adapted from Allrecipes

1  and 1/2 C all purpose flour
1/2 C  semolina flour
1/2 C   warm water
2 tsp  olive oil
1/2 tsp of salt



METHOD
Combine both flour, oil  and salt in a mixing bowl.

Gradually add water  to form into soft dough. Knead by hand for 10 minutes. Keep covered for 30 minutes.

Divide dough into 4. Roll out each ball  into 1/16 in thick on a floured board using rolling pin or use pasta machine, roll up the dough jelly roll style.  Cut log into small roll. Unroll the dough  into long strands. Make sure to coat them with enough flour.  Drop them in salted boiling water for 2-4 minutes until the pasta begin to  float.   Drain and cook them as per your taste. Hang them on the rack for 1 hour or more for later use Store fresh pasta in a an airtight container up to 4 days in a refrigerator or in a freezer for 1 month.

SPICY FRESH  PASTA W/TOMATO
Makes       4 servings

4 C  cooked pasta
1 Onion chopped
3 cloves garlic mince
3 green chili sliced
1 tsp chili flake
4  tomato chopped
1/4 C basil leaves chopped
1/2 tsp sugar
salt to taste
2 TB olive oil
Diced tomato for garnish
Extra basil leaves for garnish

METHOD

Heat the oil in a pan, fry onion until translucent. add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add in green chili, tomato  and chili flake, fry until tomato turns soft.

Pour in pasta, salt, sugar and basil leaves, stir until well combined.

Remove from heat,  garnish with diced tomato and basil, serve hot.

Linking to Monthly Mingle - Fresh Pasta

YOGURT BREAD

I had baked yeast rolls before but never with yogurt. This is my first experience using them. Well, not much difference with other rolls, Yogurt Bread was easy to handle.

These rolls require longer time to rise but nevertheless, they are fantastic and so fluffy! My children devoured them in no time and  never fails to get  appreciative comments from them. You can shape Yogurt Bread according to your likeness either into round or as a loaf.

POTATO SALAD

This Potato Salad may be simple but it has plenty of flavor from mayonnaise, sweet corn. potato and lemon juice.  It is perfect for potluck or cookout activities. Potato salad can be flavored in a variety of ways with or without vegetables.

You can tweak this recipe by adding spicy sauces, boiled egg or even mustard. Best potato salad  is made  by experimenting  with different ingredients as you put it together This is a quick and easy way to enjoy your salad less than 20 minutes.

LEMON COOKIES

These sweet and buttery  cookies are always a favorite for not only you can tailor the shape but also dress them simply with granulated sugar or decorate them with your favorite frosting. They  can be kept  for several days in an airtight container. Adding corn flour ensures it has soft texture. Use softened butter and not easily spreadable ones for easy mixing.

These cookies are divine! They were delightful, crisp and crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle, full lemon flavor. Also great for parties and  as a gift too.

LEMON COOKIES
Yield    :    36 cookies

1  cup all purpose flour
1/4  cup  corn flour
1/2  cup  butter
1/4  cup + 2  tablespoon  powdered sugar
1   tablespoon  grated lemon rind
1 1/2  tablespoon  lemon juice
1/4 tsp  salt



METHOD

Combine flour, corn flour and salt in a mixing bowl.

Cream butter and sugar, add lemon juice and lemon rind..

Gradually add flour to the butter, forms into soft dough. Preheat oven @ 160 C.

Pinch dough and shape into small balls or roll out dough 1/4 in thick  and cut out shape using a cookie cutter. Place onto baking sheet.

Bake cookies for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned.

Transfer and cool on rack.




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POTATO PIZZA

All along I have baked regular pizza topped with tomato based sauce and looking for something simple without any meat or cheese so this recipe is really fits my requirement. It uses simple ingredients and the main item is potato which must be sliced paper thin using a mandolin if you have.

Have sprinkled  little bit of chili flakes but this is optional. Despite its simplicity, it turned out amazing and tasty. My children gave this pizza  the thumbs- up  and we intend to bake them often.

POTATO PIZZA
Yield    :    2 - 12 in pizza

3 C  all purpose flour
2 tsp rapid rise yeast
3  TB oil
1 tsp salt
1 C plus 2 TB lukewarm water
1/4 C  olive oil for applying on top

FILLING

2 large potato thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
3 TB olive oil
2  onion sliced
salt and pepper
2 tsp fresh/ dried rosemary
100g  parmesan / mozzarella  cheese (optional)

METHOD

Place water, yeast and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir and mix in flour until a soft dough is formed.  Knead by hand for 10 minutes or use your stand mixer. Place dough in an oiled and covered bowl, let rise for 2 hours.

Slice potato thinly using mandolin or sharp knife, Place in a bowl, sprinkle salt and cover with water for 1 hour. Drain and pat dry. Combine potato, olive oil, salt. black pepper,  rosemary  and onion  in a bowl.

Preheat oven @ 190 C. Divide dough into 2 balls. Roll out into round and place onto baking sheet. Lightly coat with olive oil,  cover with potato slices  and cheese (if using).  Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are brown. Serve hot.

Linking to Yeastspotting 5-13-11 

SAVORY POLI

Spicy poli is an Indian flat bread stuffed with savory filling  Normally it uses vegetable such as mushroom, potato, bean  or  carrot.  It is famous in a state of Gujarat and Maharashtra. They are best serve during breakfast as well  as a  mid afternoon snack.

When preparing the dough, it must has a right consistency that is very soft and pliable so shaping is so much easier using your hand.

EGGLESS CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

Baked these Eggless Chocolate Brownies as requested by my son. I choose eggless version,  had used chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate and added chopped almond. You can also use walnut or pecan, omit them altogether if you are allergic to nuts.

This is the best Eggless Chocolate Brownies recipe ever, the results were amazing and loved by everyone, truly moist with deep chocolate flavor!

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BUTTERHORN ROLLS

I love to bake my own bread and buns, it  is really challenging and satisfying. Most butter horn rolls found on the net used heavy dose of shortening/ butter.

Now I had baked them using reduced fat, these Butterhorn Rolls  turned out light, tender and buttery. Might try to stuff them with cheese or chocolate for my next project.

SZECHUAN FRIED RICE

If you enjoy Chinese food, you have definitely eaten Chinese fried rice. There are so many recipes out there with different ingredients. This simple dish is very  popular in many parts of the world. It can be cooked according to your taste and availability of items from your pantry.

For non spicy version,  you can reduce the chili paste used. Have added cauliflower and peas but carrot, french bean, capsicum  or mushroom are best alternative. You could  add  more vegetables or may be throw in some chicken or prawn if you want.  Even without those it is so tasty,  fulfilling  and a great meal on the go..

SZECHUAN FRIED RICE
Serves    :     4-5

2   C  cooked rice (leftover rice is perfect)
1/2 C peas
1/2 C carrot finely chopped
1/2 C  cauliflower/ french bean sliced
4 spring onion chopped
3 T cooking oil
3  cloves garlic minced
1 tsp ginger minced
2  T  chili paste
1/2  tsp ground pepper
1-2 T vinegar
salt to taste
extra spring onion for garnish

METHOD

Heat the oil, fry garlic, ginger and spring onion for a minute. Add chili paste, fry until fragrant.

Add in vegetables, salt, pepper  and sprinkle with water, cook until vegetable is cooked.

Now add the cooked rice, stir until well coated with the spices. Add the vinegar and more salt if required.

Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped spring onion, serve hot.

BUTTERMILK OAT MUFFIN

Muffin is a part of our regular breakfast and teatime snack we really enjoy. Not only it is fast to prepare but at the same time you can never fell bored to have it again and again each time with different and endless flavorings.

This time I had used buttermilk and oat which is nutritious and good for the heart too. If buttermilk isn't available at your place, you can make your own by mixing a cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice/vinegar, stir and let sit for 15 minutes or until the milk is curdled, stir briskly, it is now ready to use.

So pleased with the result,  Buttermilk Oat Muffin  was  moist and fluffy with right sweetness. I would highly recommend this if you have buttermilk to use up or just looking for an easy and flavorful muffin.

TOFU PIZZA

The Tofu Pizza  is inspired by my son's love of bird's eye chili. It is now a staple in our household. We are now shifting to using them almost in all our our dishes.

This is especially made to his liking that includes bird's eye chili and tofu as its topping. Addition of chili really enhance the taste of this healthy pizza but this is entirely up to your preference.

If you are not a fan of bird's  eye chili replace it with paprika or black pepper.

You can also include other veggies such as thinly sliced broccoli florets , shredded carrot or mushroom. Despite its simplicity Tofu Pizza turns out fabulous and very tasty. They are now become my family favorite pizza.

CHICKEN DOPIAZA

Chicken Dopiaza is a famous Indian dish orginated during Moghul empire using heavy dose of onion, simmered in a mixture of spices and yogurt. Half of the onion is fried until golden brown,  later added to the gravy lightly crushed and the balance of the onion is blended.

For milder curry, you can reduce the chili powder used.  This gravy can be cooked with lamb, king prawn or even vegetarian style. It is best taken with  flavored rice or flat bread...

FRESH FRUIT MUFFIN

Fresh fruit muffin is a healthy breakfast, healthy snack for your kid or as an afternoon snack with your favorite drink. You can add almost any fruit in your muffin but most popular choice are banana and  blueberry.

This muffin is great anytime of the year, much healthier than the store bought ones since you can control the amount of sugar and fat to use. Make sure you cut the fruit into tiny bits and line your tins with muffin cup liners to avoid sticking.

FRESH FRUIT MUFFIN
Yield    :      12 muffin

1 1/2 C all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 C brown sugar
1 C fresh fruit chopped (I use apple and plum)
5  TB  melted butter
3/4  C  milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
extra sugar to sprinkle on top (optional)

METHOD

Preheat oven @ 190 C. Sift flour, salt and baking powder. Line muffin pan with muffin paper cases

Place flour, sugar in a mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter and milk, stir well.

Pour milk mixture into flour, mix until just combined.

Add in fruit and vanilla extract. stir until just moistened.

Spoon 3/4 full into paper lined muffin pan, sprinkle sugar on top (optional). Bake for 20-25 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Cool on pan 5 minutes, transfer onto rack to cool.

STIR FRIED PASTA WITH VEGGIES

My children love spicy pasta whether they are penne, linguine, macaroni or spaghetti. This meal is delicious and ready in matter of minutes. You can add whatever veggies you have and omit the chili powder for non-spicy version. Feel free to add chicken, meat or seafood if your prefer.

STIR FRIED PASTA WITH VEGGIES
 Yield     :      3-4 servings

200g uncooked pasta
1 Onion chopped
2 carrot julienned
3 C mixed veggie (babycorn, mushroom, french bean, brocolli, bell pepper)
2 TB olive oil
2 cloves garlic crushed
3 medium tomato chopped
2 tsp chili powder/black pepper
salt  and sugar  to taste

METHOD

Bring a large pot of water to boil with salt and  a tsp of oil, cook pasta until aldente according to the package, drain.

Heat the oil, fry garlic until fragrant, add onion , fry for a minute.

Add in tomato and salt, cook until tomato turns soft,  add the chili powder/black pepper and a tablespoon of water, stir for a minute.

Pour in carrot,   the rest of the vegetables, cook until soft about 3-5 minutes..

Add in cooked pasta, sugar and more salt if required. Stir until pasta is coated with spices.

Serve hot.

Linking to  Pasta Dishes

Linking to Finally Spring

SWEET KOLACHE

Kolache is a pastry of Czech and Slovak,  made of  semi sweet yeast dough top with sweet or savory filling. Most commonly used are apricot, cream cheese, prune,  poppyseed., nuts or even sausages.

This is my eggless version of kolache but nevertheless it is so addictive, everyone who tried them asking for seconds. Be careful  not  to stuff too much jam/preserve if not it will create a  mess when baking. The size is up to you, it can be bigger piece of 4 x 4 in square.

These are also great for party or picnic, more fun if you thread them on skewer to be served  to your guest.

SWEET KOLACHE

2 C all purpose flour
2 TB  sugar
5 TB  melted butter
1 tsp rapid rise yeast
3/4 tsp salt
1/2  C  plus 2 TB  warm milk
1/4 C fruit preserve/jam
extra butter for brushing

METHOD

Place milk, sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl. Stir well. mix in flour, salt and melted butter by cupful, forms into soft dough. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if it is too dry. Knead by hand for 5 minutes, place dough into oiled and covered bowl. Let rise for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Roll out dough about 1/8 in thickness, cut into 2 x 2 in square. Place a teaspoon of  jam/ preserve,  bring the corners  to the center.  Lightly press so it sticks well. Let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven @ 190 C. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Brush with butter. Cool on rack. You can also thread on skewer if you want. Enjoy!

Linking to Yeastspotting 4-22-11
                Food on skewer

Linking  to  Recipe Contest

DATE SQUARES

A healthier change from your regular bar or slice bought from the store. Despite using only  4 ingredients, Date Squares are so easy and quick to whip up but you'll amaze how this tasty treat turned out. Addictive and satisfying!

Date Squares are filling and tasty snack for parties, camping or meal on the go even you could serve them during festive events.

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SWEET YEAST ROLLS

Have you ever tried baking yeast bread using ice water? This is what my experiment  is all about for making these Sweet Yeast Rolls. Using ice water instead of warm water normally called for.

The method is the same but it takes slightly longer time to rise but this method produces much softer and fluffier bread. You can shape them according to your imagination.

Sweet Yeast Rolls are  a keeper, my son quickly grabs the roll fresh from the oven without hesitation. That's the power of homemade rolls, simply irresistible!

ORANGE BLACK SESAME CAKE

This is almost a fat free and low calorie cake. It  is best served for those looking to watch  their waistlines. These are so amazing and easy to make.

So far I never tried the combination of orange marmalade, banana and black sesame seed in a single cake but surprisingly they work well together,  fantastic yet so light. Give it a try then you know what I mean...

ORANGE BLACK SESAME CAKE
Yield    7 in loaf

1 1/2  C  all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2  TB  orange marmalade
1/4  C caster sugar
1/4  C  milk
2 TB melted butter
1/4  tsp salt
3 medium banana mashed
2  TB  toasted black sesame

METHOD

*   Preheat oven @ 180 C and grease 7 in pan.

*   Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Combine flour, sugar and 1 tablespoon sesame seed in a mixing bowl.

*  Whisk together banana, milk and marmalade in a small bowl.

*   Combine dry and wet ingredients, stir until just incorporated.

*   Pour into greased pan, sprinkle with remaining black sesame seed  and cook for  25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

*   Let sit 5 minutes in the pan, transfer onto rack to cool.

Linking to  Recipe Contest

KOLEH KOLEH / GREEN BEAN PUDDING

It is a traditional dessert of Malaysia and Singapore, made of green bean flour, coconut milk and palm sugar. If  palm sugar unavailable, you can use dark brown  sugar instead.

This can be prepared by steaming or stirring over stove top until thicken. I use 2nd method. Traditionally they are garnished with coconut crumbs but I omit this, just sprinkle with toasted sesame seed for garnish.

My mum used to prepare them but at that time, you can't get the green bean flour so you've to do it from scratch. It's tedious process but it tasted fabulous  and so fragrant. Now I tried to re-create them using Zarinah Anwar's recipe from the book called The MPH Cookbook.

DINNER ROLLS IN ONE HOUR

Dinner Rolls in One Hour are fantastic rolls and a tasty companion to many a meal.  I made a trial batch, they disappeared in no time.

Another tip is, instead of using more flour, grease your hand with butter that makes shaping such a breeze. Dinner Rolls in One Hour are perfect if you need fresh home made rolls in a snap.Yummy!

MINI QUICHE

In French cuisine, a quiche is an oven baked dish made with milk or cream and egg in a pastry crust. The . pastry shell is filled with cooked vegetables or  precooked  meat and cheese are often added to the egg mixture before it is baked.  It is normally served during lunch, dinner or breakfast according to your personal preference.

This is my first attempt baking a quiche. For a healthier choice, I had cut down the butter used but overall they are excellent and a big hit with my family.  Precooked fresh vegetables if you're using them but now I'd added canned corn kernel and green peas  for this recipe..


MINI QUICHE
Yield  9 portion

PASTRY
1 1/2 C self raising flour
1/2  C milk
5  TB butter
1 TB sugar
1/4  tsp salt

METHOD

*  Heat together in a pot, butter, milk, sugar and salt until butter is melted.

*  Remove from heat, quickly add the flour, forms into a dough..

FILLING
3/4  C  milk
1  onion chopped
5  TB  corn kernel
5  TB  green peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp oil
1/2  tsp fresh/ dried  basil
3/4  TB  corn flour
1/2  C  grated cheese
1  tomato cut for decoration

METHOD

*   Heat oil, fry onion until light brown, add corn and green peas.  Fry for a minute, sprinkle with pepper  and salt. Remove from heat.

*   Combine together milk and corn flour, make sure no lumps. Keep aside.

TO ASSEMBLE

*  Grease your muffin pan. Roll out dough, cut out into round using 2 in cookies cutter, Press dough into side and base of muffin pan. Prick bottom with fork. Preheat oven @ 180 C.

*  Place  1 1/2 tablespoons of filling, pour the milk mixture up to 3/4 full. Sprinkle grated cheese and basil, dot with small piece of tomato.

*  Bake  @ 180 C for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and filling is set.

*  Cool in pan 5 minutes, remove and cool on rack.

Linking to  Aspiring Bakers 6
Linking to  Quiche

FRUITY AGAR AGAR

We're experiencing hot weather recently and the this is the best time to enjoy cold dessert. My son volunteered to cook this simple agar agar since this is also his favorite dessert.

This Fruity Agar Agar is the most basic and easiest way to prepare. Mix up everything and bring to boil, That's it. Pour into rinsed mold and let them set. My son uses clear agar agar but added fresh fruit to them. You can add any flavoring of your choice. The possibilities are endless as to the shape and color, just use your imagination and creativity to create.

PLUM PIZZA

This amazing home made Plum Pizza has a mouthwatering taste. It has a delectable combination of flavors that are sweet and tangy. This delightful dessert uses pizza dough as its base and is not short crust pastry.

To avoid sogginess, brush butter and arrange the sliced plum just  5  minutes  before you are about to bake them. Try this scrumptious dessert where everyone ask for second helping.