Friday, May 29, 2020

Victoria Sandwich (Buckingham Palace recipe)

Ingredients:

Ingredients for a traditional Victoria Sponge
3 eggs
150g caster sugar
150g unsalted butter
150g sieved self-raising flour
1/2 tsp of vanilla essence Jam (strawberry or raspberry)

Ingredients buttercream:
150g softened unsalted butter
220g sieved icing sugar
1/3 vanilla pod or vanilla essence
Method:
Instructions for traditional Victoria Sponge:
  1. Preheat the oven to 180C (375F, gas mark 4)
  2. Grease and line two 8 inch cake tins (if you only own one tin, you can bake the sponge and slice in half)
  3. Cream the caster sugar, vanilla essence and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy
  4. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs
  5. Gradually add the beaten eggs, a little at a time, to avoid the mixture curdling
  6. Sieve the flour and fold into the mixture
  7. Divide the cake mix between the two cake tins and smooth
  8. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, until the cake appears golden brown
  9. Insert a skewer and ensure it comes out clean
  10. Remove the sponges from their tins and leave to cool
Method Buttercream:
  1. Cream the softened butter with the sieved icing sugar and seeds from the vanilla pod (or vanilla essence)
Assembling the cake:
  1. Ensure that both sponges are completely cold before spreading a layer of jam onto the surface of one sponge
  2. Spread a thick layer of buttercream on top of the jam (if you prefer this can be done first)
  3. Gently place the second sponge on top and gently press down
  4. Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with a pot of fresh English tea!

Friday, May 22, 2020

Kuih Makmur Inti Susu

Ingredients (can get 100++ pieces, depending on the size):
1. 1kg all purpose flour
2. 450g ghee
3. 2 litre full cream milk
4. 1 cup of sugar
5. 1 packet of icing sugar

Steps to make the filling:
  1. Boil the milk and sugar until thickened like caramel. Mix intermittently but constantly because otherwise the mixture might overflow. It is ready when you stir the mixture and u can see the bottom of the bowl. At this stage, it burns easily so mix constantly.
  2. Then cool the caramel in the fridge. 
Steps to make the dough: 
  1. Dry Fry the flour in a wok under low heat until it is warm.
  2. Sift the flour into a mixing bowl.
  3. Then mix the ghee with the flour bit by bit until it becomes a dough.
Step to make the makmur:
  1. Take a small ball of dough and flatten it on your palm.
  2. Take a bit of the caramel filling and put it in the middle of the dough and cover the caramel with the dough. 
  3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 until you finish all the dough.
  4. Bake at 200°C for about 10minutes. You will see some cracks. Do not panic. This means it is cooked. (If the cracks are too big, means the oven is too hot. Make sure to put the tray on a grill, not on a pan in the oven) 
  5. Take out from the oven and let it cool down for a while.
  6. Once it is cooled down, cover the makmur with icing sugar. (If you handle when hot, it crumbles easily)

Monday, May 18, 2020

Aussie Meat Pies

Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large brown onion, finely chopped
500g lean beef mince
1 Tbsp cornflour
3/4 cup Massel beef stock
3/4 cup tomato sauce
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp barbecue sauce
1 tsp Vegemite
2 sheets frozen shortcrust pastry, thawed
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten

Method
  1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion. Cook for 3 minutes or until soft. Add mince. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon, or until browned.
  2. Mix cornflour and 1 tablespoon of stock to form a paste. Add remaining stock. Add stock, sauces and Vegemite to mince. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8 minutes or until thick. Cool.
  3. Preheat oven to 220°C. Place a baking tray into oven. Grease 4 x 8cm base measurement pie pans.
  4. Cut 4 x 15cm circles from shortcrust pastry. Use to line bases and sides of pans. Fill with mince. Brush rims with water. Cut 4 x 15cm circles from puff pastry. Place over meat. Press to seal. Trim. Brush with egg. Season.
  5. Place pies onto hot tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Serve.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The Best Peach Cobbler

Prep time : 10 mins
Cook time : 35 mins
Total time : 45 mins
Serves: 6

Ingredients
3 cups sliced peaches (fresh is best, but canned peaches works great too)
2 Tablespoons + 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 2 quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Spread sliced peaches out in a single layer in prepared dish. Sprinkle tops of peaches with 2 Tablespoons sugar.
  3. In a medium bowl, with an electric hand-mixer, beat 1 cup sugar and softened butter together until combined. Add flour, baking powder, salt (and nutmeg if using). Mix. Then add in egg and vanilla. Continue to beat and mix together until just combined. (Batter will be the consistency of cookie dough batter.)
  4. Using a spatula, carefully spread batter over the tops of peaches. Trying to spread out as evenly as you can and covering most of the peaches. (I use my hands to help spread it too.)
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

Peach Cobbler

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar, divided
1 tablespoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup milk
4 cups fresh peach slices
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Method:
  1. Melt butter in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
  2. Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt; add milk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter over butter (do not stir).
  3. Bring remaining 1 cup sugar, peach slices, and lemon juice to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly; pour over batter (do not stir). Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
  4. Bake at 190° for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve cobbler warm or cool.
Chef's Notes
This dessert is perfect for entertaining guests on a summer night or even during the middle of the day at a cookout. Fresh peaches make this dish absolutely delicious. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy.

Friday, April 24, 2020

Sablés Chocolat à la Fleur de Sel

Ingredients
3 g fleur de sel
150 g butter
120 g brown sugar or coconut sugar
50 g caster sugar
150 g coating Guanaja 70% cocoa (@valrhonausa)
175 g flour
5 g natural liquid vanilla extract
30 g cocoa powder
5 g baking soda

Method
Cut the chocolate into small pieces. Mix and sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking soda. Soften the butter and incorporate both sugars (brown and caster), the salt and liquid vanilla, then add the flour/cocoa/baking soda and roughly chopped chocolate. Mix as little as possible, as with a shortcrust pastry. Shape into rolls of about 4 cm diameter. Put in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Cut into slices of a good centimeter large. Put on an oven rack covered with silicone paper.
Bake for 11/12 minutes at 170°C in a preheated oven.

Notes, advice and tips:
The baking time is highly important, in order to be good, the shortbread must be underdone.
The use of fleur de sel allows to tone down the effect of saltiness, if you choose to replace it with table salt, you have to reduce the weight to 2 g.

Conservation:
You can make the dough a couple days ahead, store it in the fridge or freezer and cook it as you need it. A few days in a sealed container, shielded from the humidity.

Monday, March 23, 2020

Chicken Liver Pate

Ingredients:
200g butter
2 garlic cloves, crushed
225g chicken liver
30ml / 2 Tbsp brandy/cognac
50g mushrooms, sliced
1.25ml / 1/4 tsp ground mace
salt & pepper
30ml / 2 Tbsp double cream

Method:

  1. Melt 50g butter & fry garlic & liver for 5 mins & remove.
  2. Stir brandy into fried juices & add to liver & garlic - blend.
  3. Melt 75g butter & fry mushrooms for 5 mins. Drain.
  4. Stir butter into chicken liver, cool &season to taste with mace, salt & pepper.
  5. Stir in cream.
  6. Pour pate into moulds & arrange mushrooms on top. 
  7. Melt remaining butter on top. Cool.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Ikan Masak Cuka

Ingredients:
Ikan (siap digoreng jangan sampai garing)
2 ulas bawang besar*
4 ulas bawang putih*
Cili besar*
Cili api*
Biji sawi*
Halia*
Air asam
2 sudu makan cuka
Air
Garam
Gula
Timun

Method
  1. Panaskan lebihan minyak kemudian masukkan bertanda *. Tumis sehingga wangi.
  2. Kemudian masukkan semua bahan kecuali ikan.Tunggu seketika hingga mendidih.
  3. Apabila sudah mendidih masukkan ikan. Pastikan rasa semua ada masam dan manis.
  4. Siap untuk dihidang dan makan dengan nasi panas.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Pindang Ikan Kembung

Ingredients: 
6 ekor ikan kembong yang besar 
1 batang serai - dititik 
3-4 pokok daun kesum 
1 keping asam keping - boleh ditambah ikut selera sendiri 
Air secukupnya 
Garam secukup rasa 

Blended ingredients: 
1 biji cili merah yang besar - kalu nak tambah pun boleh 
2 cm kunyit hidup 
3 biji bawang merah 
1 ulas bawang putih 
2 cm belacan yang dah dibakar 
*Selalunya asam pindang utara ni tak terlalu pedas dan semua rasa masam , pedas adalah seimbang.. 

Instructions:
  1. Masukkan semua bahan tumbuk dalam periuk, serai, air dan asam keping. 
  2. Masukkan semua ikan kembong dan garam, kacau. 
  3. Biarkan kuah memdidih dan ikan masak baru la ditutup api dapur.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Chili Crab

Servings 4 people
Calories 131 kcal

Ingredients
1 Dungeness crab, about 2 lb size
1 coriander sprig, chopped for garnishing only
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons tamarind juice
salt to taste
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1/4 cup water

Spice Paste:
8 dried red chilies, soaked in hot water and deseeded
1 tablespoon taucheo, soy bean paste/sauce
3 cloves garlic
1 inch fresh ginger

Tamarind Juice:
5 seeds of tamarind
water

Instructions
  1. Clean the crab and chop it into pieces. Save the green and juicy stuff inside the shell and set aside.
  2. Pound the spice paste with a mortar and pestle or grind them using a food processor. Make sure that the spice paste is finely blended or pounded.
  3. Soak the tamarind seeds in some warm water for 15 minutes. Extract the juice and discard the seeds.
  4. Heat up your wok and add cooking oil.
  5. Stir fry the spice paste until fragant and spicy.
  6. Add the crab and 1/4 cup of water and do a quick stir. Cover the wok with its cover for 3 minutes.
  7. Add the green and juicy stuff from the shell and stir well.
  8. Add in sugar, tamarind juice, a little salt to taste and continue stirring for about 2 minutes or until all crab pieces turned red.
  9. Dish up, garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Chili Crab Recipe
Amount Per Serving (4 people)
Calories 131Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Cholesterol 24mg8%
Sodium 222mg10%
Potassium 168mg5%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 130IU3%
Vitamin C 2.6mg3%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Keto Fish Pie

Hands-on 30 minutes Overall 75 minutes

Nutritional values (per serving)
Net carbs 8.3 grams
Protein 37.5 grams
Fat 46.5 grams
Calories 616 kcal

Ingredients (makes 6 servings)
4 large eggs
1 large cauliflower (1 kg/ 2.2 lb)
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp butter or ghee (85 g/ 3 oz)
2-3 fillets white fish such as haddock or cod, skinless (300 g/ 10.6 oz)
2 fillets salmon, skinless, preferably wild (220 g/ 7.8 oz)
2 fillets mackerel, skinless (180 g/ 6.3 oz)
1 medium red onion (100 g/ 3.5 oz)
2 bay leaves
4 cloves or 1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml/ 8 fl oz)
1/2 cup water (120 ml/ 4 fl oz)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup + 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (170 g/ 6 oz)
4 tbsp freshly chopped chives
fresh parsley or more chives for garnish
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Note: When looking for ingredients, try to get them in their most natural form (organic, without unnecessary additives).

Instructions
  1. Start by cooking the eggs. Fill a small saucepan with water up to three quarters. Add a good pinch of salt. This will prevent the eggs from cracking. Bring to a boil. Using a spoon or hand, dip each egg in and out of the boiling water - be careful not to get burnt. This will prevent the egg from cracking as the temperature change won't be so dramatic. To get the eggs hard-boiled, you need round 10 minutes. This timing works for large eggs. When done, remove from the heat and place in a bowl filled with cold water. Peel the eggs and set aside.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower topping. Wash the cauliflower and cut into smaller florets. Place on a steaming rack inside a pot filled with ~ 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes. Do not overcook. Place the cooked cauliflower into a blender add 1/4 cup of butter and 1/4 tsp salt. Process until smooth and creamy. When, set aside.
  3. Poach the fish. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 400 °F. Remove the skin from the fillets (mackerel skin doesn't need to be removed) and dice into medium-large (~ 2 inch) pieces. Place the fish in a deep pan and pour in the cream and water.
  4. Peel and finely dice the onion and add to the pan together with the bay leaves and cloves. Add 1/4 tsp salt and bring to a boil and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fish into a baking dish deep enough to fit the fish and cauliflower topping. 
  6. Prepare the sauce. Simmer the fish & cream sauce over a medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, nutmeg and Dijon mustard. Simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken. Turn off the heat. Discard the spices (bay leaves and whole cloves if used). Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and thickened.
  7. Layer the fish pie. Halve and quarter the eggs and place them in the baking dish on top of the cooked fish. Pour the cream & cheese sauce over the eggs and fish.
  8. Sprinkle with chopped chives or spring onion. Top with the cauliflower mash. Using the tines of a fork, create a decorative pattern on top.
  9. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and place in the oven. Cook for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  10. When done, turn off the oven and place on a cooling rack for 15 minutes. Serve hot or let it cool down and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
https://ketodietapp.com/Blog/lchf/keto-fish-pie

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Garlic & Herb Keto Salad Dressing

PREP TIME 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME 5 minutes

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup Keto-Friendly mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons Flax Oil
2 crushed garlic cloves or 2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried dill
1 tablespoon chives
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon tarragon
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp paprika powder
1/4 cup milk or non-dairy milk (only for a thinner consistency dressing - omit for dip)

Instructions
Add yogurt, mayonnaise, and flax oil together into a mixing bowl.
Mix with wooden spoon or whisk until well combined.
Add all remaining ingredients together and mix together.
Cover mixing bowl or transfer to a lidded container.
Place in refrigertor for at least 1 hour.

Notes
This Garlic and Herb Salad Dressing is best if refrigerated at least one hour before serving. Can it be made ahead too and is good for 6-7 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 40
SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 60 TOTAL FAT: 6g SATURATED FAT: 1g TRANS FAT: 0g UNSATURATED FAT: 5g CHOLESTEROL: 4mg SODIUM: 102mg CARBOHYDRATES: 1g FIBER: 0g SUGAR: 1g PROTEIN: 1g

KETO RANCH DRESSING
If you want a traditional ranch salad dressing for Keto diet, use the same recipe above, but:
Only use 1/2 the garlic listed
Omit lemon juice, tarragon, and paprika

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Greek Salad with Chicken



Prep Time 14 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings 2 salads
Calories 334 kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped lettuce such as iceberg or romaine
  • 1 8- ounce Greek Marinated Chicken Breast sliced or chopped
  • 2 cups Mediterranean Tomato Salad or sliced tomatoes
  • 1 cup sliced Persian or hothouse cucumber
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese broken into chunks

For the Greek Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic peeled and minced
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar substitute
  • 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Add the lettuce to a large serving bowl or two individual salad bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, tomato salad, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
  2. To make the dressing, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, sugar and salt and pepper to a small canning jar. Top with the lid and shake well until blended and emulsified. Season with more sugar and salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to taste.

Recipe Notes

If meal prepping these salads ahead of time, store the salads separately from the dressing. Dress the salads just before eating.
Nutrition Facts
Greek Salad with Chicken
Amount Per Serving (2 g)
Calories 334Calories from Fat 306
% Daily Value*
Fat 34g52%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 476mg21%
Potassium 25mg1%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 180IU4%
Vitamin C 0.5mg1%
Calcium 133mg13%
Iron 1.1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Chicken Cabbage Soup (Keto)

Carbs : 4g

Prep time : 10 min
Cook time : 20 mins

8 servings

Ingredients
110 g butter
2 tbsp dried minced onion
2 celery stalks, chopped
175 g mushrooms, sliced
2 minced garlic cloves
2 liters chicken broth
1 medium sized carrot, sliced
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1½ rotisserie chicken, shredded
150 g green cabbage, sliced into strips

Instructions:
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot, over medium heat.
  2. Add dried onion, chopped celery, sliced mushrooms and garlic into the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add broth, sliced carrot, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
  4. Add cooked chicken and cabbage. Simmer for an additional 8-12 minutes until the cabbage “noodles” are tender.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Pizza Kale Chips

Prep: 5 hrs 15 mins
Dehydrate: 8 hrs

Ingredients
1 large bunch of curly kale
1 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup water
3 oz. no salt added tomato sauce
2 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried minced onion
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp agave
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Directions
  1. Place cashews in a bowl. Add water to cover the cashews completely. Cover bowl and soak for 5 hours.
  2. Rinse and drain cashews.
  3. Wash kale well and pat dry.
  4. De-stem kale and tear into approximately 3-inch pieces. Place kale pieces in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  5. To make the sauce, blend the following until smooth: soaked cashews, 1/4 cup water, tomato sauce, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, minced onion, lemon juice, agave, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender half way through to ensure that it well mixed.
  6. Pour sauce over kale. Toss well, making sure all leaves are coated evenly with sauce.
  7. Place kale on ParaFlexx lined Excalibur Dehydrator trays. Make sure that the kale leaves are spaced out evenly. They should not be touching.
  8. Dehydrator at 115° F for 8 hours or until the chips are crisp.

Maple & Dijon Jerky

Prep Time
30 mins

Dehydrate Time
5 hrs

Ingredients
1 lb Meat
2 tbsp Grainy Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Pure maple syrup

Directions
  1. Put meat in freezer for about half hour or until firm but not solid.
  2. Using a sharp knife, cut into 1/4 inch thick strips, cutting with the grain for chewy strips or across the grain for more brittle strips.
  3. In a bowl, combine salt, mustard and maple syrup. Add meat strips and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  4. Remove meat from marinade, discarding excess marinade and accumulated juices. Arrange meat strips on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each strip. Bake in reheated oven for 10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink inside. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels, turning to blot both sides.
  5. Place cooked meat strips on mesh drying trays. Dry at 155°F for about 7 to 9 hours, occasionally blotting any fat that rises to the surface with paper towels, until jerky is firm and flexes and cracks, but doesn’t break, when gently bent. Transfer to a clean baking sheet lined with paper towels and let cool completely, turning once to blot thoroughly.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Best Keto Bread

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes

Servings 20 Slices
Calories 90kcal

Ingredients
1 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
6 Large eggs Separated
1/4 cup Butter melted
3 tsp Baking powder
1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar It's ok if you don't have this
1 pinch Pink Himalayan Salt
6 drops Liquid Stevia optional

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Add Cream of Tartar to the whites and beat until soft peaks are achieved.
  3. In a food processor combine the egg yolks, 1/3 of the beaten egg whites, melted butter, almond flour, baking powder and salt (Adding ~6 drops of liquid stevia to the batter can help reduce the mild egg taste). Mix until combined. This will be a lumpy thick dough until the whites are added.
  4. Add the remaining 2/3 of the egg whites and gently process until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix as this is what gives the bread it's volume!
  5. Pour mixture into a buttered 8x4 loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure the bread is cooked through. Enjoy! 1 loaf makes 20 slices.

Notes
Net Carbs: 1.25g
Nutrition
Serving: 25g | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 0.75g

Keto Sandwich Bread

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups almond flour
2 cups whey protein
1 tbsp xantham gum
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups warm water

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients.
  2. Slowly add in the water and stir with a wooden spoon, stirring slowly as you add water, until your dough comes together.
  3. Pour bread dough into a loaf pan that has been lined with parchment paper or greased well (be sure to check your cooking spray to ensure it is in fact gluten free.)
  4. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes - until puffy and golden brown. You will see air bubbles on the sides of the bread, similar to the way the bread looks inside.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a rack before slicing.
  6. Only slice off the bread you're going to eat - pre-slicing bread will cause it to dry out or mold faster.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Chicken Alfredo


Ingredients
6 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cooked and cubed
2 cups chopped fresh broccoli
2 small zucchini, julienned
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

Method
  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
  2. While pasta is cooking, melt cream cheese and butter in a skillet over low heat. Stir until smooth. Stir in milk, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes, or until thickened, stirring constantly.
  3. Mix in chicken, broccoli, zucchini, and red pepper. Cook 3 minutes over medium heat, then reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Serve over fettuccine.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving: 645 calories; 42.7 g fat; 39.7 g carbohydrates; 28.3 g protein; 151mg cholesterol; 355 mg sodium.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Baked Salmon with Asparagus in Foil

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets
1 lb asparagus , tough ends trimmed
2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic , minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon thinly sliced
Fresh dill sprigs , or chopped fresh thyme, rosemary or parsley

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
  2. Cut four sheets of aluminum foil about 14-inch long. 
  3. Divide asparagus into 4 equal portions (about 8 spears per foil packet) and layer in center of each length of foil. 
  4. In a small bowl stir together oil with garlic. 
  5. Drizzle 1 tsp of the oil over portion of asparagus then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rinse salmon and allow excess water to run off, then season bottom of each fillet with salt and pepper. 
  6. Layer fillets over asparagus. 
  7. Drizzle top of each salmon fillet with 1 tsp of the olive oil mixture and season top with salt and pepper to taste. 
  8. Top each with about 2 sprigs dill and 2 lemon slices (if using fresh thyme or rosemary use about 3/4 tsp per each if using parsley use 1 1/2 tsp). 
  9. Wrap sides of foil inward over salmon then fold in top and bottom of foil to enclose.
  10. Place foil pouches in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until salmon is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Unwrap and broil for 5 mins to add colour & serve warm.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Dinner Rolls (Keto)

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 12

Ingredients:
8 ounces cream cheese (block, not spreadable)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture - part skim)
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons baking powder
1 1/3 cups almond flour (we use Bob's Red Mill)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400° F
In a small pot over low heat melt the cream cheese and mozzarella together.
Add the melted cheeses to a large bowl along with the baking powder, almond flour, and eggs. Mix until smooth and let stand 10 minutes. Roll into 20-22 balls and chill in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes.
Melt the butter over low heat in a 10" cast iron skillet
Place the dough balls into the skillet touching on each side. Bake for 20-25 minutes until fluffy, golden brown, and cooked through.

NOTES:
Yes, this recipe really does need 4 tablespoons of baking powder. This helps them rise, otherwise they'll be very flat.
Be sure to chill the dough so the rolls will keep their shape and rise up not out.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Cream of Leek Soup (Keto)

Serves 5

Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 Tbsp butter
1 large leek, green and white, thinly sliced
1⁄2 onion
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
3 cups water
1 bouillon cube
1⁄2 cup whipping cream
1⁄3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method:
  1. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan. 
  2. Sautee leeks, onion and garlic until soft (approximately 5 minutes). 
  3. Add water, herbs (if desired) and bouillon. 
  4. Simmer on low for 30-40 minutes. 
  5. Puree with immersion blender or blender. 
  6. Mix in whipping cream, cheese, and salt and pepper (if desired). 
  7. Stir until melted. 
  8. Serve.

Bone Broth

Ingredients:

3-4 pounds beef marrow and knuckle bones
2 pounds meaty bones such as short ribs
1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar
4 quarts filtered water
3 celery stalks, halved
3 carrots, halved
3 onions, quartered
Handful of fresh parsley
Sea salt

Method:
  1. Place bones in a pot or a crockpot, add apple cider vinegar and water, and let the mixture sit for 1 hour so the vinegar can leach the mineral out of the bones.
  2. Add more water if needed to cover the bones.
  3. Add the vegetables bring to a boil and skim the scum from the top and discard.
  4. Reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 24-72 hours (if you're not comfortable leaving the pot to simmer overnight, turn off the heat and let it sit overnight, then turn it back on and let simmer all day the next day)
  5. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, throw in a handful of fresh parsley for added flavor and minerals.
  6. Let the broth cool and strain it, making sure all marrow is knocked out of the marrow bones and into the broth.
  7. Add sea salt to taste and drink the broth as is or store in fridge up to 5 to 7 days or freezer up to 6 months for use in soups or stews.

Tender Braised Short Ribs (Instant Pot)

Servings : 4

Ingredients:
2 pounds Beef Short Ribs
½ teaspoons Salt
¼ teaspoons Black Pepper
1 ½ teaspoons Olive Oil
1 ¼ cups dice Onion
1 teaspoon mince Garlic, Cloves
½ cups Red Wine
⅓ cups Ketchup
1 ½ tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
1 individual Thyme, Fresh

Method:

Make it now:
  1. **Due to the nature of pressure cooking there is always room for inconsistency. The times given here are based on 4 servings fresh. If you are using more servings you may need to increase your cooking time.**
  2. Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper and cut into 3-4 inch segments.
  3. Set pressure cooker to saute and heat olive oil.
  4. Sear ribs on all sides in inner pot and remove.
  5. Add onions and cook until translucent.
  6. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  7. Place ribs back into pot.
  8. In a bowl, whisk wine, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Pour over ribs.
  9. Place sprigs of thyme on top of ribs.
  10. Lock cover into place and seal steam nozzle.
  11. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
  12. Naturally release pressure for 5 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.
  13. Remove thyme sprigs.
Freeze for later:
  1. **Due to the nature of pressure cooking there is always room for inconsistency. The times given here are based on 4 servings fresh. If you are using more servings you may need to increase your cooking time.**
  2. Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper and cut into 3-4 inch segments.
  3. Set pressure cooker to saute and heat olive oil.
  4. Sear ribs on all sides in inner pot and remove.
  5. Add onions and cook until translucent.
  6. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  7. In a bowl, combine wine, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
  8. Divide ribs, onion/garlic mixture, sauce and thyme sprigs among indicated number of round containers. Label and freeze.
Make from frozen:
  1. **Depending on your container size/shape and your serving size, you may need to adjust cooking times given as it is based on 4 servings frozen in a 64 ounce container.**
  2. Place frozen contents into inner pot. Saute for 5 minutes.
  3. Lock cover into place and seal steam nozzle.
  4. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
  5. Naturally release pressure for 5 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.
  6. Remove thyme sprigs.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Buffalo Wings (Keto)

Ingredients
12 chicken wings
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup hot sauce (I'm a Frank's loyalist!)
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for the non-mild version)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 grind of fresh pepper
Instructions
  1. While your chicken wings are baking, add your garlic and butter to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Heat up the butter and garlic mixture in the microwave or on the stove (microwave is faster!)
  3. Once melted into a clear liquid consistency, add the rest of the ingredients and mix together.
  4. When your wings are cooked, toss them all in a bowl together until coated.
Notes
Fry or bake your wings according to the instructions that came with your wings. Baking typically means baking at 425 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until well cooked. If they're fresh and not frozen, that time may be cut in half.

Cauliflower Fried Rice (Keto)

Serves 2

Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower (riced in food processor)
2 eggs (beaten)
10 shrimp (cut into smaller pieces)
1/2 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
200g asparagus
spring onion (chopped)
2 Tbsp Coconut Aminos
salt & pepper
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method:

  1. Heat pan & add olive oil.
  2. Flatten "rice" into pan & allow to cook for 10 minutes (it should get brown/crispy).
  3. Move "rice" to the side & add onions, garlic, bell pepper & sasparagus & cook till almost done.
  4. Then add shrimp & when almost done, mix with "rice".
  5. Make well in centre of "rice" & crack eggs into it. Stir until half cooked, then mix in with rice.
  6. Add coconut aminos, sesame oil, salt & pepper & combine well.
  7. Turn off heat & serve, garnishing with spring onions,.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Kueh Bakul

Ingredients :
1) 250 g glutinous rice flour
2) 190g sugar ( 150 g brown sugar & 40 g dark brown sugar ) or 190g Gula Melaka (or 200 g sugar if prefer sweeter )
3) 350 - 360 g water
4) 1 tsp oil or coconut oil

Instruction :
1) boil sugar & water on the stove or in PPC using bake mode uncovered until the sugar completely dissolved , cool it slightly & set aside = syrup
2) glutinous rice flour in a bowl , pour syrup into the flour in few batches , mix & keep stirring till the mixture turns smooth & even , sift = batter
3) add 1 tsp oil in the batter
4) pour batter into Phillips baking pan
5) cover pan loosely with foil

Steaming instructions ( in PPC )
1) add 3 cups water in PPC pot
2) place steaming rack ( trivet ) in it
3) place the baking pan ( with batter in it ) on the rack
4) used steam mode @ seal KPT 45 mins , when done , wait for 7-8 mins , manual pressure release or wait until the floater drops

Notes :
1) best use Phillips baking pan , so no need to line the tin with baking paper or banana leaves
2) when the cake is just done , It's quite soft , I normally wait until the next day to coat them with coconut , or wait for few days ( in the fridge ) for frying with eggs
3) it won't take long for the sugar to melt in the water , so please don't boil your syrup for too long , otherwise the Liquid will reduce
4) my recipe is fail- proof recipe if you follow the steps properly

Thursday, November 2, 2017

New York Cheesecake

Ingredients:
5 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups (one pint) sour cream, room temperature
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
8 tablespoons (one stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions:
  1. Generously butter the inside of a 10-inch springform pan. Wrap a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil tightly around the outside bottom and sides, crimping and pleating the foil to make it conform to the pan. This will help to prevent water seeping into the pan when you put it into the bain-marie. Position the baking rack in the center of the oven; preheat the oven to 300* Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs with the sour cream until well blended.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese with the butter until smooth and creamy. Add this to the egg-sour cream mixture and beat until smooth.
  4. Add the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest and beat thoroughly, about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour into the prepared springform pan and place in a roasting pan (or other pan) large enough to prevent the sides from touching. Place in the oven and carefully pour in enough very hot tap water to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
  6. Bake for 2 hours, 15 minutes, or until the cake is very lightly colored and a knife inserted in the center emerges clean. Remove from the water bath and carefully peel the aluminum foil from around the pan. Let stand at room temperature until completely cool, about 4 hours. Refrigerate, covered, until well chilled. For best flavor and texture, this cheesecake is best chilled overnight.
**My Notes: I can’t stress enough how important it is to let those first 4 ingredients in this recipe come to room temperature. I’ve hurried the cream cheese and have had unsightly lumps of it in my batter.
**I’ve italicized the mixing instructions to emphasize blending the ingredients to achieve the desired texture.
** Have a platter or other large dish that will hold the hot and drippy springform pan after you remove it from the bain-marie. When you remove the bain-marie from the oven, the water is very hot, so please exercise extreme caution.
Before removing the roasting pan, have a plan on where you are going to set it so you are not holding the pan, desperately searching for a clear space to set it down. I find it impossible to remove the cheesecake from the bain-marie while it is in the oven, so I remove the entire set-up from the oven. I make every effort not to burn my wrists or the back of my hands while removing the springform pan; I haven’t been burned yet, but I have soaked the edges of the potholders in the hot water, and it’s amazing how fast that steaming water is wicked up to my tender fingers!
**When you first remove the cheesecake from the oven, it looks light and puffy, and there may be some hairline cracks in the top. Do not despair. As the cheesecake cools, it will gently deflate and the hairline cracks disappear.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Monday, October 9, 2017

Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake

Ingredients
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 [3.4] oz chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
¾ cup dutch process cocoa [i.e. Hershey's Special Dark]
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp pure almond extract
4 large eggs
8 oz sour cream
Glaze:
1 cup milk chocolate chips
⅓ cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp dark corn syrup
¼ tsp pure almond extract

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spritz a 9 x 5 x 4 inch loaf pan with baking spray or butter and flour. Sift together the flour, pudding mix, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar with the vanilla and almond extracts.
  3. Beat for 3 minutes until creamy and light beige in color. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
  4. Add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream. Beat on medium speed until combined.
  5. After all of the ingredients are added, increase the mixer speed and beat just until fully combined. The batter will be stiff.
  6. Spread evenly into the loaf pan. Bounce on the counter a couple of times to settle the batter in the pan.
  7. Move the oven rack to the bottom ⅓ of the oven. Bake for 1 hour 20-25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes back with moist crumbs.
  8. Cool completely. Wrap tightly and store overnight. [The flavor of the cake intensifies after resting]
  9. To make the glaze, melt the milk chocolate chips and heavy cream in the microwave on 50% power stopping to stir every 20 seconds. Repeat until smooth, then mix in the corn syrup and almond extract. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Butter Cake

Prep 30 mins
Cook 1 hour
Servings 12

Ingredients:
250g butter, softened
1 cup caster sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups self-raising flour
2/3 cup milk
icing sugar mixture, to serve

Method:
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease and line an 8cm-deep, 19cm (base) square cake pan with baking paper.
  2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter, caster sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating to combine. Add half the flour. Stir to combine. Add half the milk. Stir to combine. Repeat with remaining flour and milk.
  4. Spread mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Dust with icing sugar. Serve.
Nutrition
Energy: 1472 kj
Fat Total: 19.2g
Saturated Fat: 12.1g
Fibre: 1.1g
Protein: 5.1g
Cholesterol: 102mg
Sodium: 374mg
Total Carbs: 39.9g

All nutrition values are per serve

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Victoria Sandwich

Ingredients
4 free-range eggs
225g/8oz caster sugar, plus a little extra for dusting the finished cake
225g/8oz self-raising flour
2 tsp baking powder
225g/8oz baking spread, margarine or soft butter at room temperature, plus a little extra to grease the tins

To serve
good-quality strawberry or raspberry jam
whipped double cream (optional)

Method
  1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Grease and line 2 x 20cm/8in sandwich tins. (Use a piece of baking paper to rub a little baking spread or butter around the inside of the tins until the sides and base are lightly coated then line the bottom of the tins with a circle of baking paper.
  2. Break the eggs into a large mixing bowl, then add the sugar, flour, baking powder and baking spread. Mix everything together until well combined with an electric hand mixer (you can also use a wooden spoon) but be careful not to over mix. Put a damp cloth under your bowl when you’re mixing to stop it moving around. The finished mixture should fall off a spoon easily.
  3. Divide the mixture evenly between the tins: this doesn’t need to be exact, but you can weigh the filled tins if you want to check. Use a spatula to remove all of the mixture from the bowl and gently smooth the surface of the cakes.
  4. Place the tins on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Don't be tempted to open the door while they're cooking, but after 20 minutes do look through the door to check them.
  5. The cakes are done when they’re golden-brown and coming away from the edge of the tins. Press them gently to check – they should be springy to the touch. Remove them from the oven and set aside to cool in their tins for five minutes. Then run a palette or rounded butter knife around the inside edge of the tin and carefully turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack. 
  6. To take your cakes out of the tins without leaving a wire rack mark on the top, put the clean tea towel over the tin, put your hand onto the tea towel and turn the tin upside-down. The cake should come out onto your hand and the tea towel – then you can turn it from your hand onto the wire rack. Set aside to cool completely.
  7. To assemble the cake, place one cake upside down onto a plate and spread it with plenty of jam. If you want to, you can spread over whipped cream too. Top with the second cake, top-side up. Sprinkle over the caster sugar.

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Cheddar Bacon Egg Salad

YIELD: 3 BIG SANDWICHES
PREP TIME:10 MINUTES
COOK TIME:20 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME:30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS:
6 eggs
4 slices bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Add the eggs to a medium sized pot and fill with water to 1 inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat, cover with a lid, and let sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Run the eggs under cold water or place them in an ice bath until cold.
  3. While the eggs are cooling, chop the bacon into bite sized pieces and fry until crisp over medium heat. Drain the fat and set aside the bacon.
  4. Peel the eggs and mash them finely with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, parsley, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
  5. Stir in the bacon and cheddar.
  6. Serve as a dip with crackers or between bread as a sandwich.