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Chinese Mustard Green Soup

>> Apr 23, 2010

Ah, another of my favourite soup, Chinese Mustard Green Soup (in Cantonese,“tai-kai-choy” soup)!

It has been a long time favourite of our family. The Chinese Mustard Green has quite a distinct bitter taste but taste great when boiled with chicken and red dates. It's very tasty.


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Mango Pudding

>> Apr 22, 2010

I love Mango. I think they are just the most juciest tropical fruits.


Generally, they are sweet and except for some species which are sour. Some have soft or firm flesh and have sweet or strong smell.

However, some have fibrous texture flesh which may be a put-off for a truly pleasurable experience of the sweet fruits.

I bought some nice plump Chukanan Mangoes and thought it’ll be nice if I can make Mango Pudding. The bought ones in the plastic cups which many children likes are overly sweet, so I figure I’ll try making them, less sweet and low-fat.

250ml low-fat milk
250g mango, diced
200 ml water
50g fine sugar
1 ½ tbsp gelatine powder
4 tbsp water

  1. Soften gelatine in 4 tbsp water in a small bowl. Let it sit in larger bowl of hot water, stir till gelatine powder dissolve well.
  2. Peel Mango. Dice flesh and put into blender to blend with water. Strain to remove stringy fibers.
  3. Dissolve sugar in milk over low heat. Cool.
  4. Stir mango puree with gelatine, add in milk and stir till well mixed.
  5. Pour into 6 jelly molds or glasses.
  6. Chill in fridge overnight.
Serve chilled.
 

 

If fresh mangoes are not available, don’t despair. I have also tried with Mango juice (your favourite from the shelves) from the carton, yes…when I’m craving mangoes and there aren’t any available, ...not even on my neighbour’s tree!!! … hehe J


With the same recipe as above, substitute mango puree with Mango juice (300 ml).

The good thing about Mango juice from the carton is, no need to strain! There’s no fiber to catch between your teeth!

Enjoy the smooth chilled dessert this hot summer… well, it’s always hot in the afternoons here. 

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Fortune and Lucky Fruit

>> Apr 20, 2010

I'm so proud...it's 2 months and this is the size now, approx. 15cm (fruit only, minus the crown), of my fortune and lucky fruit!


Hehe...I juz can't remember its species but I knew it was pretty sweet then. That's why I decided to grow my very own pineapple, an organic one. I'll bet my MIL (Mother-in-law) will be very happy... she was smiling as I told her I was going to try planting one.

I'm going to keep 'em doors open wide...to welcome fortune and luck...

Next project will be ...

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My Healthy Breakfast

>> Apr 19, 2010

My annual blood test is scheduled for next month and I balked at what it’s gonna reveal about my diet the past few months L.

So, obviously I need some action plans… starting with regular healthy breakfast, oats daily with dried fruits, raw nuts and seeds. Since CNY, I've been indulging myself...quite unhealthily actually forgetting my "daily oats" regime...but I guess I need to forgo my favourite butter-kaya toast, nasi lemak, roti telur for the next few weeks till my the 'draculas' draw my blood...for test, of course.


4 tbsp of instant oats
200-225ml boiling hot water
½ tsp of ground black sesame seed
1 tsp of ground walnut
1 tsp honey

Serve sprinkled some chopped almond, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed and chopped dried apricot or if you don’t have ground walnut then use chopped walnut. You can also add raisins if you don’t have dried apricots.


Barring any cravings for high fatty food, prawns ands sweets these few weeks, I think I should have a reasonably ‘non-worriable’ report J. Meantime, I shouldn’t be biting my fingernails and increasing my stress level and inevitably raising my LDL levels unnecessarily!”

Here’s some info and quick links I’ll like to share with you… on the health benefits of seeds, nuts and dried fruits.
Source :



Some of the excerpts,

“Not only are sesame seeds a very good source of manganese and copper, but they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers calledlignans, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans, and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.”

“...Nuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium. Nuts are also high in plant sterols and fat - but mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 - the good fats) which have all been shown to lower LDL cholesterol."

"... FDA only approved the heart health claim for almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts as these nuts contain less than 4g of saturated fats per 50g. However that doesn't mean you should restrict yourself to these 7 nuts only. In addition to nuts, seeds such as flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds may offer the same heart health benefits. Again moderation is the key - limit your intake to 1 to 2 oz of unsalted nuts per day.”

"...Just five portions of nuts each week can help cut heart attack and cancer risk. They're rich in calcium, phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids needed for healthy brain cells. Know your nuts, though, as each has it's own blend of nutritional benefits.

Both are concentrated sources of energy and protein.

What's good about them?
· Eating five or more servings of nuts per week may lower heart attack risk (but as they are high in fat and calories they should be consumed in moderation).
· An almond rich diet can lower cholesterol levels - they are also an excellent source of calcium for vegans.
· Brazil nuts are an excellent source of the antioxidant selenium, thought to protect against cancers (especially prostate cancer) and heart disease risk.
· Walnuts are a good vegetarian source of omega-3s.
· Peanuts (though they are legumes rather than nuts) are an excellent source of manganese.
· All nuts are rich in vitamin E and contain iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and copper.
· Seeds are a great source of energy and vitamin E.
· Pumpkin and sesame seeds contain phytoestrogens, which may be able to ease menopausal symptoms.

“Nutrients in apricots can help protect the heart and eyes, as well as provide the disease-fighting effects of fiber. The high beta-carotene content of apricots makes them important heart health foods. Beta-carotene helps protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which may help prevent heart disease.
Apricots contain nutrients such as vitamin A that promote good vision. Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, quenches free radical damage to cells and tissues. Free radical damage can injure the eyes' lenses.
Dried apricots The degenerative effect of free radicals, or oxidative stress, may lead to cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and cause macular degeneration. Researchers who studied over 50,000 registered nurses found women who had the highest vitamin A intake reduced their risk of developing cataracts nearly 40%.”

“Raisins are one of nature’s sweet treats. They provide 70% pure fructose, fat free, cholesterol free, low in sodium, and supply a good source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, iron, potassium, and calcium.
Raisins are said to help with bone density, healthy gums and teeth. The key ingredient in raisins is phytonutrients, mainly olenolic acid, protect from gum disease, and cavities. They are also beneficial for your eye sight just as carrots. Use raisins in your oatmeal, or sprinkle on your salad, or in your cooking and baking.”

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Little Beethovens ♫

>> Apr 18, 2010



I made some small Nutella Cupcakes for some little Beethovens ♫ (Max attends Music class) a few weeks ago for their class concert. 


 


I've made them a few times as we simply like Nutella. Here's the recipe from my previous posting.

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Old cucumber soup

>> Apr 16, 2010

This is an old favourite, a classic soup but I've simplified it.


 700g (approx.) Old cucumber
300g chicken breast
2L water (2000 ml)
15 pcs Red dates (stoned)
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
a dash of pepper


(Optional) 1 pc of medium-size dried squid

1.   Peel off skin. Cut into 4, remove seeds with a large spoon.
2.   Then cut into chunks of 3.5cm x 3.5cm.
3.   Bring water to boil in a medium soup pot or 2.5L Vision pot
4.   Add in chicken breast (fats trimmed) and let it come to boil.
5.   Add in old cucumber chunks, let it come to a boil and turn down flame to low.
6.   Boil for 2 - 2.5hrs.


7.   Salt and pepper to taste.


Serve hot.

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Curried Potato and Mutton

>> Apr 15, 2010

A few weeks ago I decided to revamp my blog, make some changes here and there… and sigh!...found some viruses, do some clean-up and encountered some technical glitches.


I was getting frustrated, unable to access some of the pictures, unable to start some programs… and in this ‘foul’ mood, I forgot to take some nice pictures of my baking and cooking…sigh!...is there anything that went right! 


Anyway, that’s when I decided to take a short break from blogging… to see if the ‘technical issues’ can give me a break too…


I managed to get some of these pictures and here it is,


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Herbs Tonic for Women

>> Apr 14, 2010

It’s that time of the month again! My Mom insisted that we, young girls including herself need herbal tonic after menstruation is over, ie to nourish qi and blood and helps to regulates menses after the loss of blood and to help keep our womb ‘warm’.

My Mom and my Grandma are firm believers of Chinese herbs with its healing properties and I try to do the same now. I still remember their advice and hope to pass on the message to my women friends. My Grandma promised that these herbs if consumed regularly every month will keep women looking young and energetic with healthy complexion, skin and rosy-cheeks always…hmmm…anti-aging secrets! J

My Grandma probably hoped her words will have the desired motivation…’cos I’m consuming these bitter herbal tonic drink voluntarily… hehehe!

I’ve boiled this herbs for 5 hours using my slow cooker, with 1 pre-packed packet of “8-chen” 八珍(8 type of herbs) (of which Angelica Dang gui root is the primary ingredient) and 3 bowls of water (about 750ml).

It is best consumed at night just before retiring for the day. I’ll get 1 bowl and slightly more of the herbal tonic after boiling for 5 hours, which is thick and black with strong ‘dang-gui’ or ‘tang-kwei’ aroma.

Some info. on health benefits of dang-gui or tang-kwei.
Chinese name: Dang Gui or Tang Kwei
Very highly praised and widely used in the Orient. It is known to be an excellent blood tonic and, though beneficial to men and women alike, is considered to be the ultimate women's tonic herb.  Angelica root nourishes and regulates blood and therefore assists women with their menstrual cycle. 
Meridians: Liver, Heart, Spleen & Kidney
Flavor & Energy: sweet, pungent and warm energy
Actions: To replenish blood, to invigorate blood and stop pain, to moisten the intestines.

Hehehe…wishing you all youthful looks! J


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Mom's Pork Chop

>> Apr 10, 2010

I’ve been taking a break from blogging. I realize blogging is hard work J…and sometimes I forgot to take the shots for postings…sigh!...then I gotta wait till I make them next. 

Here’s my little guy’s lunch! He polished off every morsel on the plate…and said, “Mom, can you make this for tomorrow’s lunch and remember to make more for Dad!”  So, I guess he likes it then.

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A place to share my thots, my experiences, my dreams, my musings, my tips...
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