Bread Flour And Instant Yeast

I have tried using both "Red Man" and "Prima Flour" BREAD FLOUR which turns out equally good with price ranging from S$2.80 - S$3.00 depending on the supermarkets. Whereas for the INSTANT YEAST I have do a swap on my last two recipes from "Bake King" to "Saf instant"(comes in a box of 5 packets each weighing 11g) upon recommended by Sherie and a few baking friends.

BREAKDOWN OF TIME SPENT 
FOR MAKING THE BREAD

I am sure some of you are just like me, whenever we scan through any bread related recipes we are always hesitate to try out the recipe due to the long proofing hours. But physically what it required is about only 15 - 20 minutes of hands-on such as preparation plus kneading of the dough(for those without bread machine at home) whereas the rest of the time taken is more for proofing of the dough. Below is the breakdown for your reference:-

~ Preparing Tangzhong/Water Roux: 3 minutes

~ Preparation plus Kneading: 15 minutes

~ 1st Proofing: 45 - 60 minutes or double it's original size (you can do other household chore while waiting)

~ Shaping: 5 - 7 minutes

~ 2nd Proofing: 45 - 60 minutes or double it's original size
(Check the dough after 45 minutes by pressing it lightly with a fingertip, it is ready when the dent springs back slowly. But if the dent stays as it is, the bread is overproofed.)

~ Adding Toppings/Baking Time: 20 - 30 minutes depending on the recipe.


Below are some Bread RECIPES:-



OR click HERE for more recipes.

3M Scotch Premium Kitchen Scissors

Recently while sourcing for some kitchen utensils I saw these NEW 3M Scotch Kitchen Scissors at one of the FairPrice Xtra hypermarkets. And base on the description from the packaging it seemed that these scissors are made using high quality Stainless Steel and electro-polished blades to resist corrosion as well as for easily cleaned and thus reducing the risk of bacteria growth.

But as you can see the prices of these premium scissors are slightly higher compared to those that we often purchase which is perhaps less than S$8.00. So with such thought I decide to do a survey on facebook (read more HERE) and ask for suggestions and feedback  from those who had bought or current using these scissors.

And  so coincident, just a couple of weeks back I also received these two scissors as sample for selected household homemakers to try out these products.  These Kitchen Scissors comes in two different designs and functions such as - detachable, shown on the left photo above (S$19.90 with GST) and non-detachable (S$15.90 with GST).

As you can see from the above photos, the Scotch Kitchen Scissors is ergonomically designed with a symmetrical shape for comfortable cutting and shearing compared to the rest of the scissors shown. Their soft and comfort handle make it great for those who has bigger palm as well as provide handy grips on the handle for both left and right handed.

For your information these 3M’s Scotch Kitchen Scissors’ used Japan-made JFE SUS420J2 Stainless Steel that is treated using 3M’s unique electro-polishing process for superior smoothness in comparison to generic stainless steel. The metal’s polished coat not only results in a higher tassle and increased hardness, but also enhances the material’s ability to resist corrosion.

From the above photo you can see the comparison result whereby one of the Scotch Kitchen Scissors is put to test together with another 3 different brands of kitchen scissors on 3 weeks daily kitchen chores experiments.  To my surprised, the cutting blades for the Scotch Kitchen Scissors still remains new and shiny compared to the other three pairs with corrosion blades.

The micro-serration blades of these Scotch Kitchen Scissors also add an extra level of sharpness, so the device is strong enough to cut through meat and bones and yet delicate enough to snip fresh herbs and fruits. Furthermore, the detachable blades of the scissor also makes it easy cleaning and quick drying, thus allowing for longer-lasting hygiene and durability.

So I guess it is still quite worth to invest in a pair of durable kitchen scissors whereby it will served multi-purpose from cutting to snipping chores in the kitchen. Example like the photo shown above, you can easily use the Scissors to cut both raw and cooked poultry instead of the old method on using chopper and chopping board.

Fresh Pandan Juice

Pandan or Screwpine is a type of plant that grows in tropical areas of Asia. This Pandan leaves have a sweet, unique flavor that is commonly used to enhance both desserts and savory dishes. The leaves are long and bright green, and when pounded or grind they will release a sweet taste and aroma that found in most desserts and drinks.

Below is a simple recipe on how to make your very own fresh Pandan Juice for making flavour dessert, rice and cake.

Ingredients: (makes 3 Tablespoons Juice)
10 - 12 Pandan Leaves
50ml Of Water

Method:-

1. Rinse and clean the pandan leaves, cut into 1cm size pieces and blend it together with 50ml of water.

2. Using the electric blender, pulse the pandan leave mixture for about 3 minutes till it form paste like shown in the photo above.

3. Strain the leaves mixture over a sieve to obtain the fresh Pandan Juice.

Alternatively:

*3. If you do not have a blender, use the stone pounder to pond the juice from the leaves without add the 50ml of water.

Asparagus

Asparagus is high in vitamins B6 and C plus fiber, folate and glutathione as well as with anti-carcinogen and antioxidant. Although asparagus comes in three different colours such as: white, green or purple but the the green variety is the most common to be found.

Asparagus spears can be thick or thin but most important factor is to select those straight, firm, uniformly sized spears with closed tips. Since asparagus deteriorates rapidly try to select bundles that are refrigerated or on ice. And take note is it best to used it within two or three days of purchase.

You can eat asparagus with nothing more than a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or use them in different dishes like: in soups, salads, stir-fries, scrambled eggs, pasta and etc. Do check up my latest recipe on Caramel Olive Asparagus shown below.

Fermented Black Bean - 豆豉

Douchi(黑豆豆豉)is a fermented black beans commonly used as a flavoring in most Chinese cuisines as well as an key ingredient to make black bean sauce. These fermented black beans are especially used to flavor fish or stir-fried vegetables such as Steamed Spare ribs with Fermented Black Beans(豉椒排骨)and Fermented Black Beans (豆豉鯪魚).

Some of the RECIPES featuring Fermented Black Bean:-



OR click HERE for more recipes.

Yacon - 冰山雪莲果

Yacon(冰山雪莲果) is a sweet and crunchy vegetable that has a flavour similar to an apple. The actual vegetable is called a "tuber" which is a thick stem or root that grows underground which similar to a potato. Yacon grows in a variety of different colors including pink, orange, white or purple. In the United States, Yacon that is sold in markets is typically white compared to the orange type that we have in Singapore.(if you seen any purple colour Yacon do share a photo of it with me as I am curious on how it looks like)

According to some google read-up this vegetable is very high in fiber and low in calories which makes it a healthy and nutritious snack. Furthermore Yacon has also been known to improve digestion by promoting the growth of bacteria beneficial to human health in the intestine too.(more information HERE)

I have used this Yacon to make two different type of soup such as "Yacon And Lotus Roots Peanut Soup" and Yacon with Sweetcorn Pork Ribs Soup. Both these soup taste refreshing with a light and sweet fragrant from the Yacon.

Fried Shallot Oil - Microwave Version

Shallot Flakes Oil is a common fragrance oil use is cooking or as an condiments impart a particular flavor to the dish or dessert which gives it a special touch to perfect the taste. You can always find the dried version of the prepacked crispy shallot(without the oil) from any local supermarkets or grocery stalls in the wet market.

To make this Condiments in a quick and simple without "perfumed" your whole kitchen with oil smell, you may want to try this microwave method which can be done in about 4 minutes depending on your microwave voltage.

Ingredients:
5 Red Shallots (小红葱头)
100ml of cooking oil
Pinch of Salt

Method:-
1. Removed the outer skin of the shallots and sliced it thinly.

2. Place the shallot and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on HIGH heat for 3 - 4 minutes, pause every 1 minute and give it a quick stir till the mixture starts to appear slightly golden brown in colour.

3. Carefully remove the bowl from microwave, add in pinch of salt and stir well.

4. Set the mixture aside for another minute or two as it will continue to cook from the heat to make shallot slightly darker brown in colour.


STOVE METHOD:-

1. Removed the outer skin of the shallots and sliced it thinly.

2. Preheat a small saucepan or frying pan with cooking oil, add in sliced shallot and saute them on medium low heat (stirring on and off to prevent burning) till slightly golden in colour.

3. Remove the pan from heat, add in pinch of salt(this will make the flakes more crispy) and give it a quick stir.

4. Set aside to cool and later use.

Cupcake Pop Mold

Ever since I saw and bought these cute cupcake pop molds it has being sitting in my cupboard got quite sometime until I recently took it out and try making some Assorted Cream Cheese Cake Pops(recipe HERE). I have always wanted to make these Cake Pops which is one of the latest trend among online bakers other than cupcakes and macarons.

What is Cake Pops? Cake Pops can be defined as little/mini cakes on a stick that is coated with chocolate/icing and decorated with all sort of sprinkles or toppings which made famous by Bakerella( read more on the link HERE).

These cute Cupcake Pop Mold can be purchased from "My Little Cupcake" site or "Shop N Bake" or you can refer to more details HERE.

Fresh Lily Bulbs (鲜百合)

Lily bulbs taste slightly sweet and is slightly Cold in nature. It benefits the Lungs and Heart as well as nourishes the Lungs, stops cough and calms the nerves. It has certain effects on cough and helps with anxiety and insomnia. Lily Bulbs are rich in proteins, phosphorous and carbohydrates which is one of the good body tonifying and nerve calming Chinese medicine for those suffering from cough due to coldness and loose stools should not eat.

Fresh Lily bulbs are rich in glucose that promotes digestion and they are commonly used in cooking and desserts. You can purchase Fresh Lily Bulbs at most local supermarkets near the vegetable chiller section. Choose those with white and clean bulbs which can last for at least a week in the fridge.  Price: S$2.20 - S$2.50 per packet

Some of the RECIPES featuring Lily Bulbs:-



OR click HERE for more recipes.

Ginkgo Nuts Vs Water Chestnuts

Gingko Nuts ( Bai Guo - 白果) are mostly beneficial to our respiratory system including asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. And I often use them in cooking soups, desserts, or even in porridge for added flavours. But remember not to over consumed Gingko nuts are it might have some harmful effect on human body especial for younger kids.

Water chestnuts(马蹄) are small, rounded corms with a crispy white flesh that can be eaten raw or use as sweetening ingredients for dessert or soup. Besides they can also be ground into a flour form used for making water chestnut cake, which is common dessert found in most dim sum menu too.

Some of the RECIPES featuring these Ingredients:-

[New Bento Tools] Food Picks, Puncher, Cutter and Drawing Pen

Latest pop flowers and music notes food picks which you can pick up from any Daiso outlets that is near your area. This will come in handy if you are going to prepare some music related bento theme.

This is one of our Cuisine Paradise Fan Page(detail HERE) Christmas Giveaway gift set which consists of to"Food Drawing Pen and assorted Food Picks". I am not sure of the usage of the food pen as I didn't get to try it yet, but those food picks are definitely a keeper.

Gift set 2 consists of "Knife for food decoration and Smiley Face Nori Punchers". This V-shaped food knife is great for carving small objects and patterns. Whereas these nori punchers can help to decorate those plain rice balls or bread with cute facial expressions even if u do not have these complete set shown HERE.

This 3-in-1 mini "circle and oval" shapes food cutter wil be a great tools for cutting out mini circles to form eyes , nose or even create Polka dot designs on bento even if you don't have all these fancy cutters shown HERE.

These colourful assorted Cocktail Umbrellas will sure to turn your drinks into a topical paradise with extra add-on message and design. You can also use these 2” cocktail pick to decorate your bento or add colours to your fruit trays and etc.

Bread Cutter and Mould

These are my collection of Sandwich Sealer and Cutter which I bought it either online or at Daiso. These tools will come in handy if you are making some cute sandwiches for kids party to impress your little guests apart from the usual triangle shape sandwiches.

This is a New square sandwich sealer which I bought from Daiso to add on to our bread sealer/cutter collections.  In order to cut a prefer shaped out from the sealer, you have to purhcase those bread which is slightly bigger than the usual one so that it will fixed well on the cutter. You can see an example on how I use this cutter to make a Bread Pockets Bento Set, HERE. [Update On: 18 April 2011]

I bought this Sandwich Sealer from CP @ bentomarket. But in order to use it correctly you have to find the right size of bread and you can't put too much filling between the two slices of bread or else you won't be able to seal it properly.

Got this new 4-in-1 Transportation Sandwich Cutter from Daiso too. It comes with two different design which is in blue(transports) and pink(animals). But Rey only prefers the Blue one, so we didn't get the pink one to add in our collection.

Can't resists to get this new design bread cutter from Daiso with tulip and heart shape included.

Found this 4-in-1 design Bread Cutter at Carrefour today. Furthermore it was on 10% discount so I got it at a much lower price.... :) (update:21.03.09)