Thursday, April 21, 2011

Toasts for gatherings

Another snack menu from Asian Online recipes. Maybe, I can make these for any parties or gatherings, simple yet appetizing.




Ingredients: (Serves 4)


225 g/8 oz peeled raw shrimp (prawns)


15 ml/1 tablespoon sherry


15 ml/1 tablespoon soy sauce


30 ml/2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)


2 egg whites


4 slices white bread


115 g/4 oz/0.5 cup sesame seeds


Oil, for deep-frying


Sweet Thai chili sauce, to serve



Method:




1. Process the shrimp, sherry, soy sauce and cornflour in a food processor to make a shrimp paste. In a grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Fold them into the shrimp and cornflour mixture.



2. Cut each slice of bread into four triangular quarters. Spread out the sesame seeds on a large plate. Spread the shrimp paste over one side of each bread triangle, then press the coated sides into the sesame seeds so that they stick and cover the shrimp paste.




3. Heat the oil in a wok or deep-fryer, to 190oC/375oF or until a cube of bread, added to the oil, browns in about 45 seconds. Add the toasts, a few at a time, shrimp side down, and deep-fry for 2-3 minutes, then turn and fry on the other side until golden.



4. Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with sweet chili sauce.

Monday, April 18, 2011

How to stop my hunger pangs?

For the past two over years, it's been the same habit. Munching something,be it chips, pickled fruits, buns, muffins, bread, occassionally the healthy fruits, you name it, at hours which is supposed to be sinful for eating. Of course, it shows on my waistline but who cares when I still look reasonably 'ok' for someone my age. I could have looked better and more attractive though. But, with my kind of lifestyle, it's rather tough to always look radiant and cheery. Once in a blue moon, I don't munch but that is if blue moon appears more often. Nothing is impossible! I do believe this. It just takes determination which I lack unless...

Friday, April 15, 2011

Dish no. 2 to try

Now that I have an electric oven at home, I am looking for simple recipes to try out. Here's one I found which I think will appeal to the kids.

(From the web)
Soy Marinated Chicken Two simple flavors, soy sauce and orange, combine to make this mouthwatering dish. Serving the chicken on a bed of asparagus turns the dish into a special treat. Wilted spinach or shredded greens work well as an everyday alternative. Boiled egg noodles or steamed white rice make a good accompaniment.





Ingredients: (Serves 4)




4 skinless, boneless chicken breast portions




1 large orange




2 tablespoons dark soy sauce




14 ounces medium asparagus spears




Black pepper, to taste







Method:










1. Slash each chicken portion diagonally and place them in a single layer in a shallow, ovenproof dish. Halve the orange, squeeze the juice from one half, and combine it with the soy sauce. Pour this over the chicken. Cut the remaining orange into wedges and place these on the chicken. Cover and let marinate for several hours.







2. Preheat the oven to 350oF/175oC. Turn the chicken over and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Turn the chicken over again and bake for 15 minutes more, or until cooked through.










3. Meanwhile, cut off any tough ends from the asparagus and place in a skillet. Pour in enough boiling water just to cover and cook gently for 3-4 minutes, until just tender. Drain and arrange on warmed plates, then top with the chicken and orange wedges. Spoon over the cooking juices and season with black pepper. Serve immediately.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

How to keep the kids occupied?



I am killing a few stones with one bird. Not only they are my handyman (well, fixing or assembling furniture pieces is never my cup of tea) who lighten my burden and get the piece assembled fast enough, they learn to work together cooperatively as brothers and workers to accomplish the given task. Not to mention that Hoe can put his Living Skills to test whereas Wyng can learn,as a beginner, some carpentry (no sawing please) skills.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Honey Chicken Wing


I shall try this dish. I am sure the kids will like it.


Caramelized Chicken Wings with Ginger RecipeCooked in a wok or in the oven, these caramelized wings are drizzled with chili oil and eaten with the fingers, and every bit of tender meat is sucked off the bone. Often served with rice and pickles.









Ingredients: (serves 2 to 4)


75 ml/5 tablespoons sugar


30 ml/2 tablespoons groundnut (peanut) oil


25 g/1 oz fresh root ginger, peeled and finely shredded or grated


12 chicken wings, split in two


Chili oil, for drizzling


Mixed pickled vegetables, to serve



Method:


1. To make a caramel sauce, gently heat the sugar with 60 ml/4 tablespoons water in a small, heavy pan until it turns golden, set aside.




2. Heat the oil in a wok or heavy pan. Add the ginger and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the chicken wings and toss them around the wok to brown.




3. Pour in the caramel sauce and make sure the chicken wings are coated in it. Reduce the heat, cover the wok or pan, and cook for about 30 minutes, until tender, and the sauce has caramelized.



4. Drizzle chili oil over the wings and serve from the wok or pan with mixed pickled vegetables.


Thursday, April 7, 2011

My kid dislikes vegetables

I had to threaten him that that plate of wantan noodle would be the last he would be taking if he didn't take the 'choy sum' on his plate. After much struggle with him, he finally only agreed to take one piece and he chose to take the stem. I tried again a second time,with much persistence and firmness than the first time. Only a second piece of small stem managed to go into his digestive system. And, he had to eat it together with a big spoonful of noodle. Anyway, it is a start for him. I don't blame him as Mom didn't work hard enough to feed him those fibrous food from young.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Back to drama class for the kid

Wyng resumes his drama class after Chinese New Year. After surveying another language studio at Ampang Point, the decision is to continue with Helen O'Grady as this language studio does not offer any drama class on weekends. Their current classes clash with Wyng's school time.

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