Fruit Tarts

It was quite a long time that I made my favorite Fruit Tarts and so I decided to make these for a party on 30 Dec 16. Hope the beautiful colours will pave a fascinating New Year 2017 for everyone.

Christmas Chocolate Cake

I am glad that I had this last order for Year 2016 as I was able to practice making the buttercream for the filings as well as the gnanche which I learnt from my Intermediate Cake Baking Class. I was contemplating on how to design for this cake but luckily it came out naturally and satisfactory. Hope my customer will like the cake as much as I did!

Ingredients

4 eggs (room temperature)
2 egg yolk (room temperature)
110g sugar
Pinch of salt

72g milk
100g self raising flour
20g cocoa powder

Buttercream
150g butter (cubed)
2 egg white
60g sugar
2 tsp cocoa powder

Ganache 
120g whipping cream (I used Enborg)
150g conventure dark chocolate

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 170 deg C.
2. Whisk eggs and egg yolk, sugar and salt till pale and ribbon stage.
3. Add milk, follow by flour and cocoa powder until just combined. Do not over beat.
4. Pour into baking tin and bake for 30mins or until skewer comes out clean.

Buttercream :
1. Cook egg whites and sugar over double boil.
2. Stir with a whisk until sugar dissolves.
3. Take away from heat and beat with electric whisk till stiff peak.
4. Add butter, cocoa powder and beat till creamy.
5. Spread buttercream on cake and decorate as required.

Ganache :
1. Cook whipping cream till boil.
2. Add dark chocolate, stir until completely melts.
3. Leave aside to cool and spread over cake. Decorate cake and keep ready cake in the fridge.

Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream

I actually planned to make a log cake but due to time constraint, I decided to make this cake for our Christmas Celebration on 25 Dec 16. This is the first attempt making this buttercream by Lucinda and I am glad that it turned out well with only 3 ingredients and easy steps. Will definitely use this buttercream for all my cakes.

Ingredients

4 eggs (room temperature)
2 egg yolk (room temperature)
110g sugar
Pinch of salt
72g milk
100g self raising flour
20g cocoa powder

Buttercream
150g butter (cubed)
2 egg white
60g sugar
1 tsp coffee emulco

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 170 deg C.
2. Whisk eggs and egg yolk, sugar and salt till pale and ribbon stage.
3. Add milk, follow by flour and cocoa powder until just combined. Do not over beat.
4. Pour into baking tin and bake for 30mins or until skewer comes out clean.

Buttercream :
1. Cook egg whites and sugar over double boil.
2. Stir with a whisk until sugar dissolves.
3. Take away from heat and beat with electric whisk till stiff peak.
4. Add butter, coffee emulco and beat till creamy.
5. Spread buttercream on cake and decorate as required.

Christmas Fruits Cake

This is my favourite Fruit Cake that I will always make during Christmas. Without fail, I made this cake specially for myself this year and the cake was as delicious and pretty as past years!

Jelly Cheesecakes (Orders 2016)

I was fortunate to have this opportunity to get some orders for my Jelly Cheesecakes from friends and via Share Food. Also, my 1st attempt using chocolate for the cheesecake (I will used chocolate ganache instead of melting chocolate next time). Feeling blessed for the good feedback for my hard work.

Kids Baking Class

I am very blessed to be able to conduct a Kids Baking Class which I always have hoped for this exposure and another of my dream really came true. We have lots of fun with making Chocolate Muffins and Butter Cookies. I also get to make Chocolate Christmas Tree (placed a pretzel stick on tray, melt white chocolate with green colouring and pipe out the tree design over the pretzel stick).

Chocolate Muffins

  

I made these Chocolate Muffins for my daughter's friend birthday party on 12 Dec 16 and I decided to make a video clip to share with easy reference. These muffins are easy to make and with the use of Hershey Cocoa Powder, it enhanced the chocolaty taste. Very satisfied with the video clip done :P

Orange Cupcakes

I made these Orange Cupcakes as well for my daughter's friend party, equally yummy! Video for easy reference.

3D Jelly Art

Attended 3D Jelly Art Class by Annie Neo, it was indeed interesting and the Jelly was so beautiful. Great exposure and learning process3!

Carrot Cake - Share Food

I am very honored to be given the opportunity to collaborate with Share Food to have my first ever professional video on my Carrot Cake. I was lucky even to be featured in Lian He Zao Bao with a short write-up on my baking passion. Many thanks to Share Food for making all my dreams come true in such a short time. I am indeed appreciative and contented. I will continue to work on more recipes and  share them in my blog. 

Japanese Curry Chicken Cutlets Rice

I am glad that I have another opportunity to provide packed lunch via Share Food. It was indeed a great exposure for me. 

Non-Bake Strawberry Jelly Cheesecakes

I just love the presentation of these Jelly cheesecakes in my favorite Hello Kitty Bottles, with the different layers so nicely proportioned. With some advice from a professional photographer, I was able to capture the most beautiful view of it. Not only did they looked pretty but they also tasted so yummy. They were well liked by my friends who have tasted it. With the platform provided by Share Food, I am able to sell my Cheesecakes comfortably and confidently. More orders coming up for upcoming Christmas season and hope they will like my cheesecakes.

Waffles

I have always wanted to try making my own waffles but I do not have the Waffle Maker. Recently, my daughter received it as a birthday gift and I was so elated! I cannot wait to try this maker and it really tasted as yummy. No more buying waffles anymore.

Ingredients

2 eggs
300g plain flour
420g milk
120g vegetable oil
1 tbsp sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla essence

Optional:
Melted Chocolate
Maple syrup

Directions

1. Preheat waffle maker.
2. Beat eggs in a large bowl with hand whisk until fluffy. Beat in flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla until smooth.
3. Brush the waffle maker with some oil. Spread batter into waffle maker and cook until golden brown. Serve with melted chocolate or maple syrup

Toasted Egg, Sausage and Cheese Baguettes

I was cracking my head on what to cook for lunch and so coincidentally I came across this recipe. It was indeed a no hassle and quick dish to make. I bought the baguettes from a bakery and got all the easy available ingredients from the supermarket. I am glad that everyone enjoyed this special lunch! 

Modifications

Ingredients

8 eggs
80g whipping cream
4pcs sausages (cut into round slices)
150g Mozzarella cheese
Spring onions

2 long baguettes (make a long hollow in the centre)

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 175 Deg C.
2. Mix all ingredients together.
3. Fill the batter into hollow and top with more cheese.
4. Baked for 25 mins or until top turns brown.
5. Sprinkle spring onions and. serve hot.

Chocolate Bread

I have fallen in love with making bread lately as my friend had given me some great yeast to motivate me. I always had this impression that bread making is not easy with the kneading method. Since I have my bread hook, this was no longer an issue. The only thing is the time taken for it to rise but good food deserves waiting. I had great satisfaction when my bread came out from the oven with the strong aroma that filled my house and the soft texture of the bread that goes so yummy with butter. I am so motivated to try baking different flavours of bread!

Modifcations

Ingredients

450g warm water
2.5 tsp yeast
1/2 tbsp sugar
55g butter (melted)
1 tsp salt
57g sugar
120g evaporated milk
900g bread flour
50g cocoa powder

Melted butter for brushing
Oil to grease mixing bowl

Directions

1. Place yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Pour the warm water over the yeast mixture and let it sit for 15-20 mins.
2. Combine melted butter, sugar, evaporated milk and salt into a large mixing bowl. When your yeast is ready, added them together and mix.
3. Pour in 450g of flour and mix with bread hook. Then add 150g of  flour at a time and cocoa powder and mix till the dough is no longer sticking to the sides. It will be ready when your fingers no longer stick to the dough.
4. Take out the dough and grease the mixing bowl with oil. Put the dough into the bowl and cover with warm towel. Let it to rise for 1.5 hours.
5. Punch it down and place on a floured surface. Knead for 2-3 mins.
6. Cut dough into desired shape and place into greased bread pans.
7. Cover with warm towel and let it rise again. Bake at 190 Deg C for 25mins. Brush the op with melted butter and place on a cooling rack.

Coffee Cupcakes

It was a great Sunday morning and I woke up early to get my hands on making these Coffee Cupcakes for breakfast. Cupcakes have never been a difficult bake for me but making the buttercream was a challenge and having coffee flavour in it will be even tougher. Though the buttercream was kind of too sweet for me, the final product was satisfying in look and taste! I am now motivated to move on to the next challenge of making other flavors soon.

Ingredients

120g Vegetable oil
225g Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Essence
2 Eggs
2. tbsp instant coffee
3 tsp water
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
225g plain flour

Buttercream
225g butter
3 tbsp instant coffee
3 tsp water
345g icing sugar
2 tbsp milk

Chocolate Balls

Directions

1. Preheat oven 180 Deg C. Place cupcake fillers in baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add in vegetable oil and sugar. Mix well.
3. Add in vanilla and eggs into sugar mixture. Mix till eggs become pale (about 1 min).
4. In a small bowl, add instant coffee and water. Stir until dissolved and add into the large bowl.
5. Add in baking powder, salt and flour and mix till incorporated.
6. Scoop batter into prepared cup fillers and bake for 20 mins or until toothpick comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
7. Buttercream : In a large mixing bowl, add in butter and mix till blended. In a small bowl, add the instant coffee and water until dissolved. Add the coffee mixture and powdered sugar into the butter mixture, mix well. Add in milk and continue to mix for about 2 mins. The buttercream will be light and fluffy. Place buttercream in piping bag with a straight tip. Pipe swirls on top of cupcakes and top with a chocolate balls.

Mini Egg Cupcakes

My favourite Egg Cupcakes and this recipe is so easy and no fussy method. A must keep recipe!

Ingredients

4 large eggs
180g sugar
A pinch of salt
180g cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
35g oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven 180 Deg C. Place cupcake fillers in baking pan.
2. Whisk eggs sugar and salt until light and fluffy.
3. Fold in sifted flour, baking powder with a spatula until well combined.
4. Add oil and mix well.
5. Pour into cup fillers slightly more than half cup and bake fro 20 mins till golden brown.

Homemade Bread

Another attempt using the Bread In A Bag recipe but this time, I used the Bread Hook to help me knead the dough instead in a bag. The result was equally satisfactory. 

Brownie Butter Cake

I had a craving for butter cake but I wanted something different from the usual butter cake. I came across this recipe from Rasa Malaysia and the combination with Brownie was indeed something unique which I have not tried before. The texture was the  same as the butter cake I used to make but it blended so well with the bottom layer of brownie. I felt the brownie portion was not enough to make up half of the proportion so I have modified the recipe to double the quantity for the brownie. Will give it a try again.

Modifications

Ingredients

Brownie:
280g chocolate
100g butter
100g brown sugar
2 eggs
70g plain flour

Butter cake:
120g butter
100g sugar
2 eggs
120g plain flour
1tsp baking powder
50g fresh milk

Directions

1. Grease and line a loaf pan. Preheat oven 180 Deg C.
2. Brownie : Melt chocolate and butter in microwave. Remove and leave to cool slightly and stir in brown sugar to mix. Pour mixture in a larger mixing bow, add in eggs and mix well. Fold in flour until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pan. Baked in preheated oven for 15 mins.
3. Butter cake : Beat butter with sugar until creamy. Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in sifted flour and baking powder, alternately add in fresh milk, mix to form batter. Spread the batter over brownie and bake at 190 Deg C for 25-30 mins.

Banana Bread Muffins

Came across this recipe from Melrose Family, simple steps and had a nice dome with crumbles on top. I was curious about how it would taste like and if I could have that dome too. Surprisingly, it turned out excellent. Top crusty and texture soft inside (different from muffin texture) and most importantly, I am able to get the dome too! I will attempt this method for all my other muffin recipes. Great discovery :)

Modifcations

Ingredients

200g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3 large bananas (mashed)
1 egg
75g butter (melted)
140g sugar

Crumbs
20g plain flour
1/4 tsp cinnamon
70g brown sugar
15g butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 170 Deg C. Grease muffin tin with butter.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder and baking soda. Set aside.
3. Whisk banana, egg, melted butter and sugar together. Add flour into the banana mixture and mix until well combined. Spoon batter into muffin tins.
4. In a bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, brown sugar and butter with a fork till look like crumbles. Add these on top of muffin batter.
5. Bake for 20 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean after being inserted into the muffin.

Pandan Sponge Cake

I decided to take the last challenge to bake this cake with egg separation method. I have always failed with this cake making method and the cake cannot rise nicely as expected. This time with taking all the tips in mind, I followed all the instructions carefully, making sure I whisked the egg white to the correct stage, baking it longer and banged the baking pan on table top before and after bake. I really made it! Overwhelmed to see a beautiful spongy cake appeared right before my eyes and a motivation for me to try more of such cakes.

Thanks to Jeannie Tay for all her excellent recipes, her bakes will rise very tall and with smooth top. For this recipe, I have made some changes as I skipped the steps on blending the pandan juice and replaced with Pandan paste and added more coconut milk with some water to substitute the liquid portion. Luckily, all went well and did not affect the cake. I will attempt next Orange Sponge Cake.

Modifications for my own reference

Ingredients

6 egg yolks (60g egg)
70g corn oil
100g plain flour
90g coconut milk
10g water
Pandan Paste

6 egg whites
100g sugar

Directions

1. Add oil in a large pot and heat on low fire until just simmering. Remove and add in flour, stir with a whisk till smooth.
2. Add in the coconut milk and stir till combine. The batter will become thick and lumpy.
3. Add in egg yolks and whisk with a hand whisk until batter is smooth and runny. Set aside.
4. Beat the egg white until foamy, then gradually add in sugar to beat until firm peak form (about 10mins).
5. Add 1/3 of meringue into the yolk batter and using hand whisk to mix until combined. Add the next 1/3 portion and whisk again. Finally  pour the yolk batter into the balance meringue and fold with a spatula (scoop the batter from the bottom and fold up to make sure all well combined.
6. Pour into prepared pan, give a few bang on table top to release the air bubbles. Bake in water bath at 180 Deg C for 15 mins before lowering to 140 Deg C for another 7-mins or until the cake bounces back when lightly press on the top. Switch off oven and leave the cake in the oven for 5 mins before taking out (to reduce wrinkles on the cake).
7. Give the baking pan a few bang on tabletop to reduce too much shrinking of the cake.
8. Once the cake has pulled away from the sides, invert onto baking paper. Remove the paper lining and re-invert onto a rack.
9. Place cake in the oven to dry using the remaining  if the cake is still wet.

Orange Cupcakes with Icing

Baked on 2 April 2017

My colleague gave me a piece of her orange cake with a layer of icing on top and it tasted so yummy. With the orange flavour in the cake, soft texture and a sweet topping made this cake so delicious. So I asked her for the recipe and attempted to try it myself. The first time I tried baking in a square baking pan and the icing failed as I added too much orange juice (became so liquidity). The second time, I decided to make them in cupcake fillers for a group of colleagues to try. I was so elated as it was a success and with my favourite Hello Kitty cake toppers and box, it was so presentable. This is indeed a great recipe to keep.

Modifications

Ingredients

200g cake flour
8g baking powder
210g butter
120g sugar
4 eggs
140g orange juice
Orange zest from 1 orange
2tsp vanilla essence

Icing for topping
1tbsp orange juice
1 cup icing sugar
Orange zest

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 170 Deg C.
2. Bring all ingredients to room temperature.
3. Cream butter, sugar and salt together.
4.Sift together flour, baking powder 5 x. Set aside.
5. Add in eggs gradually and continue creaming till mixture is really creamy and light.
6. Add in orange juice, orange zest and vanilla essence.
7. Gradually add in Flour mixture and fold till well combined.
8. Scoop into cupcake fillers and bake for 30-40 mins till top turned brown.
9. For Icing, gradually add orange juice to icing sugar and stir till mix well. If you feel the consistency is too thick, then add more orange juice. Spread on top of cake.

Banana Cake

I came across this recipe from Simmami and the methods of making were different from the usual cake that I used to bake. This recipe is more straight forward, no need egg separation method and yet yields a soft light texture. Whisking eggs, sugar and mashed bananas till ribbon stage resulted the batter to increase so much. The only setback was that I used the wrong type of bananas (best with ripe Delmotte bananas) and good to top with some slice bananas even though it will sink into the cake during baking (blends very well with some sliced bananas in the cake). Also, I did not add baking powder as I did not have any but surprisingly it still had the soft spongy texture. Indeed a good recipe to keep!

Modifications for my own reference

Ingredients

3 eggs
125g brown sugar
200g banana (mashed)
150g cake flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
100g corn oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 160 Deg C. Line baking pan with baking paper.
2. Sieve cake flour and baking soda and set aside.
3. With electric mixer, whisk eggs, brown sugar and mashed bananas till ribbon stage (about 8-10 mins).
4. Fold in flour using a hand whisk and mix well. Do not over mix.
5. Add oil to 1/3 of batter in another bowl and mix well before adding into the rest of the batter.
6. Fill prepared baking pan and bake for 45 mins.

Bread in a Bag

I was attracted by this recipe from YourHOMEBASEDMom that comes with a video clip showing kids making bread. It was indeed simple and interesting as it still can yield such a soft texture. The only challenge I had was that my ziplock bag burst when I squished during mixing, probably my bag was too thin or I did not squeeze out all the air in the bag. Also, the kneading part was a little tiring for me and I will use my mixer to knead the next time. The bread turned out soft and my kids finished 1 loaf in split seconds (super yummy with butter). I gave the other loaf to my neighbour and glad that she loves it too! 

No more tedious steps for making bread :)

Modifications (can make 2 loaves)

Ingredients

3 cups plain flour
3 tbsp sugar
21/4 tsp yeast
1 cup warm water
3 tbsp oil
11/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. In a ziplock back, add 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and warm water.
2. Squeeze air out of bag and squish the bag with your hands until well mixed.
3. Let it rest for 10 mins (bubbles will form).
4. Add 1 cup flour, oil and salt. Squish the bag and mix well.
5. Add last cup of flour and continue to mix well.
6. Remove dough onto floured surface and knead for 10 mins until smooth.
7. Divide dough and place into greased loaf pan.
8. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 mins.
9. Bake in 190 Deg C for 30mins or until bread is golden brown.

Apple Bread Pudding with Ice Cream

I found this recipe from Facebook and decided to make it for supper. It was indeed quick and easy, and it tasted so yummy with Ice Cream. I love the cinnamon smell and the crunch from the apple. Will definitely make it again!

Modifications

Ingredients

6 slices bread
3eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tbsp cinnamon
3 apples (diced)
1 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch

Ice cream
Melting Chocolate

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175 Def C.
2. Slice bread into cubes.
3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon, stirring until smooth.
4. Add bread and stir until the bread cubes evenly absorbed the milk mixture.
5. Spread bread evenly into baking pan.
6. In a large bowl, combine apples, brown sugars and cornstarch and mix well.
7. Spread apples evenly on top of bread.
8. Baked for 40 mins until edges are brown.
9. Cool before slicing and top with a scoop of Ice Cream. Drizzle melting chocolate over Ice Cream.

Colorful Jelly

The weather was so hot so I decided to make some cooling desserts to cool ourselves down. I came across this interesting recipe from Tastemade with Red, White, Blue Jelly for US Memorial Day or Forth of July. However, I am not able to find Blue Jelly, so I used Blueberry and Lime jelly instead. The presentation was not as good as those from Tastemade but with my own creation, the 3 jellies blended well with the condensed milk jelly. It was indeed a sweet and refreshing dessert for a hot afternoon.

Modifcations for my own reference

Ingredients

1 box Tortally strawberry jelly crystal (red)
200ml hot water
200ml cold water

1 box Tortally Blueberry jelly crystal (purple)
200ml hot water
200ml cold water

1 box Tortally lime jelly crystal (green)
200ml hot water
200ml cold water

2 tbsp powdered gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
11/2 cups boiling water
1 can condensed water

Directions

1. Add jelly crystal in 200ml hot water and stir till dissolve. Add 200ml cold water and stir. Pour in square mould and keep in fridge. Repeat the same for the other 2 jelly crystals (Blueberry & lime).
2. Once the jelly has set, cut them into large cubes. Set aside.
3. Pour 1/2 cup cold water into a large bowl and sprinkle the powdered gelatin on top. Let it sit for 5 mins. Add 11/2 cups boiling water and mix well. Add condensed milk and mix until fully combined. Allow to cool slightly.
4. Place the jelly cubes into a transparent cup. Pour enough of the condensed milk mixture on top until jelly cubes are just covered. Place in fridge till completely set.
5. Served chill.

Bear Cheesecake

My this week project is to make these Bear Cheesecakes (seems like we never tired of cheesecakes). This recipe from MiMi Bakery House is not the same as my usual cheesecake method with some amount of liquid in the cheesecake layers. It set well overnight and best to consume after leaving it at room temperature for not more than 5 mins. My first piece taken after I left it outside for too long thus the cream cheese layer turned melted like ice cream. I thought with 6 tbsp of gelatin powder, it will turn harden but surprisingly it did not. Interesting recipe indeed.

Double quantity of ingredients to make 17 pcs 

Ingredients

240g digestive biscuits
120g butter (melted)

500g cream cheese
80g caster sugar
160ml fresh milk
1 tbsp lemon juice
200g yoghurt (replace whipping cream)
3 tbsp gelatine powder, mixed with 6 tbsp hot water

Directions

1. Combine butter and digestive biscuits and mix well. Pressed onto the base of cupcake cases. Chilled in fridge for 15 mins.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar till smooth. Add in milk and lemon juice. Stir until well blended.
3. Add in yoghurt in 3 batches. Finally add in the gelatin mixture and stir well.
4. Scoop the cream cheese mixture near to the rim of prepared cupcake cases. Decorate with mini oreo and chocolate chips.
5. Chill the cheesecake overnight. Serve chill.

Thai Red Ruby Dessert

I love this dessert as they are sweet and crunchy, blend so well with the coconut milk. Thanks to Recipe Mummy for this recipe and I am glad that I can make this myself and tasted as good as those sold outside.

With Modifications

Ingredients

15pcs of water chestnuts (cut into small cubes)
Few drop of red coloring

1 cup water
5 tbsp sugar (add more to your preference)
200ml coconut milk

1 cup tapioca flour
A pot of hot water
3 cups cold water

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, sugar and coconut milk into a pot and cook till sugar dissolves.
2. Add red coloring into the water chestnut cubes and mix well till each piece evenly coated.
3. Pour 1/2 cup tapioca flour in a plastic bag. Add in the water chestnuts and shake well. Put into a sieve to sift off excess flour.
4. Add the coated water chestnut into pot of boiling water until it float to surface. Transfer the water chestnuts into a bowl of cold water.
5. Scoop a few spoonful of water chestnuts into a bowl add the coconut milk syrup and serve chilled.

Peach Cheesecake

I have always wanted to make this Jelly Topping Cheesecake (I used my recipe for the cheesecake layers). My first attempt failed as I tried to short cut with Agar Agar powder instead of gelatin. It looked clear when boiling in the pot but it turned out cloudy after set and the peach pattern not able to see clearly. I was not satisfied with the result and decided to try again with this recipe (for the Jelly layer). Glad that it turned out successful - pretty and yummy!

With Modifications

Ingredients

300g Digestive Biscuits

120g butter (melted)

250g cream cheese

200ml boiling water
8g gelatin powder

50g sugar

1 can Peach halves (thinly slice)

3 tsp gelatin powder
1.5 cup water

Directions

1. Mix  biscuits crumbs & melted butter together and press firmly with the help of a spoon onto the base of the spring form pan. Chill for 4 hours.
2. With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth & creamy.
3. Dissolve gelatin powder and sugar with 200ml boiling water.
4. Pour gelatin solution into cream cheese mixture and mix well.
5. Pour the cheese mixture into the biscuit base and chill for 2 hours.
6. Arrange the thinly slice peach on the surface of the cake to make a rose pattern (watch the video clip).
6. In a pot, add 1.5 cup water, gelatin powder and bring to boil until gelatin powder dissolves. Allow mixture cool down for 5 mins and gently pour the jelly on top of the cheesecake.

Green Tea Cheng Teng

The weather has been very hot and I have just recovered from throat infection, this recipe came at the right time. Though it took quite long time to make this dessert but it really tasted so nice with the rice balls. I guess I need to cook it more often to cool down the body after eating all the heaty food. 

With slight modifications

Ingredients

1/2 pkt Rock Sugar (add more to your preference)
10pcs Dates
20g Chinese Almond
Handful white fungus
3 litres water
10 sachets Green Tea
2 pkts Glutinous Rice Balls

Directions

1. Rinse all the ingredients. 
2. Put rock sugar, dates and chinese almonds into a large pot filled with water and bring to boil. Simmer for 2 hours.
3. Add the white fungus and tea bags into the soup to infuse the flavour for 10 mins. Discard the tea bags.
4. In a pot of hot water, boil glutinous rice balls until float to the surface.
5. Add rice balls into a bowl of Green Tea Cheng Teng and serve hot.

Japanese Style Sponge Cake

I did not want to make cream cake and so when I saw this recipe, I wanted to give it a try. Interesting method which needed to whisk the eggs and sugar over double boiled. A good attempt to make this simple yet yummy cake for our 23rd year Wedding Anniversary.

Ingredients

20g butter (melted)
1 tbsp milk
50g cake flour (sift 2 times)
3 eggs
90g sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Line cake pan with parchment paper (bottom and side).
2. Put butter and milk in a small bowl and microwave until butter melts. 
3. Sift cake flour 2 times and set aside.
4. In a metal bowl or pot, add eggs and sugar. Over double boil (place bowl over a pot of simmering water on low heat), hand whisk the egg mixture until the sugar dissolves. Then pour into a stand mixer, whip the egg mixture until thick. Add vanilla extract and mix.
5. Sift in cake flour into the mixture in 3 parts. Fold with a spatula until flour incorporated. 
6. Add melted butter mixture and fold till well combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 180 Deg C for 25 mins.
8. Take the cake out and leave it to cool before remove from cake pan.

Mother's Day Cakes

Initially planned to make a 5 layers coloured cake but unfortunately the cake could not fit the cake box, so I had to make 2 cakes instead. Since I had a lot of whipping cream, a great chance for me to practice my rose piping skill. Still have a far bit of improvement needed but satisfied that I can make decent looking cakes for Mother's Day celebration.