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.