Thursday, September 05, 2013

Drama Queen's Choice - 2013

So much for all the shows I had watched in 2012. I wander how much more I could watch in 2013.

Here goes:-

Korean Drama
1) 拜托了,机长 (Take Care of Us, Captain) [20 episodes, SBS 2012]
2) 绅士的品格 (A Gentleman’s Dignity) [20 episodes, SBS 2012] **
3) 树大根深 (Deep Rooted Tree) [24 episodes, SBS 2011]
4) 我的女儿是花儿 (My Daughter The Flower) [131 episodes, SBS 2011]
5) 武士白东修 (Warrior Baek Dong Soo) [29 episodes, SBS 2011]
6) (Big) [16 episodes, KBS2 2012]
7) 아이두 아이두 (I Do I Do) [16 episodes, MBC 2012]
8) 我爱李泰利 (I Love Lee Tae Ri) [16 episodes, tvN 2012]
9) 雷普利小姐 (Miss Ripley) [16 episodes, MBC 2011]
10) 仁醫 (Time Slip Dr. Jin) [22 episodes, MBC 2012] **
11) 蔬菜店的帥小子 (Bachelor’s Vegetable Store) [24 episodes, Channel A 2011] **
12) 더킹투허츠 (The King 2hearts) [20 episodes, MBC 2012] **
13) 幽灵 (Ghost) [20 episodes, SBS 2012] **
14) 不朽的名作 (Immortal Masterpiece) [20 episodes, Channel A 2012] **
15) 阿郎使道传 (Arang and the Magistrate) [20 episodes, MBC 2012] **
16) 神醫 (The Great Doctor) [24 episodes, SBS 2012]
17) 无辜者 (Innocent Man) [20 episodes, KBS2 2012]
18) 熊貓小姐與刺蝟 (Panda and Hedgehog) [16 episodes, Channel A 2012] **
19) 哦啦啦夫妇 (Ohlala Couple) [18 episodes, KBS2 2012]
20) 成均馆绯闻 (Sungkyunkwan Scandal) [20 episodes, KBS2 2010] **
20) 清潭洞愛麗絲 (Cheongdamdong Alice) [16 episodes, SBS 2012] **
21) 电视剧帝王 (The King of Dramas) [18 episodes, SBS 2012]
22) 五根手指 (Five Fingers) [30 episodes, SBS 2012]
23) 黄金时刻 (Golden Time) [23 episodes, SBS 2012] **
24) 鄰家花美男 (Flower Boy Next Door) [16 episodes, tvN 2013]
25) 野王 (Queen of Ambition) [24 episodes, SBS 2013]


HK Drama
1) 法网狙击 (Friendly Fire) [26 episodes, TVB 2012] **
2) 魚躍在花見 (The Rippling Blossom) [20 episodes, TVB 2011]
3) 大太监 (The Confidant) [33 episodes, TVB 2012] **
4) 幸福摩天輪 (Missing You) [20 episodes, TVB 2012]
5) 戀愛季節 (Season of Love) [20 episodes, TVB 2013] **
6) 仁心解碼II (A Great Way to Care 2) [25 episodes, TVB 2013] **
7) 金枝慾孽貳 (Beauty at War) [30 episodes, TVB 2013] **
8) 好心作怪 (Change of Heart) [30 episodes, TVB 2013]
9) 情越海岸線 (Slow Boat Home) [25 episodes, TVB 2013]



** Personal favorite

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Happy Teacher's Day 2013

Last year gave out chiffon cake to teachers. This year is gona be BUTTER CAKE!!!


All nicely packed for teachers tomorrow. Had stumbled upon this super nice butter cake recipe online. If you do a google search for SK Ng Butter cake, you will be able to see a few links to it. Take your pick from there =)

Made these butter cakes using paper loaf case from DAISO and 3 batch of the recipe to make 12 loafs. Hope all the teachers would enjoy the butter cake as much as we do.

Bento #35 - Minions

There was so much craze over making Minions in bento, I am only catching up on the trend. LOL

I know it is a little late but though the show is over, my boys are still 'hot' over the Minion Rush game.

As least this time is it not a failed project ... hehehe ... Owein recognised it at 1st look =)

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Bento #34 - Owein's Wonderland

Store bought bread today. The thing about store bought bread, to me I kinda have a love-hate relation with them. Love them because they are so easily available and does bring a little change to the boring loaf breads. Hate them because unlike loaf breads, you have to work around them instead of being able to mould and shape to my liking. This is one good example.


Owein wanted to bring this chocolate cream bun to school. There is no way I can cut up or reshape it so just got to do my best to 'dress' it up. In situation like this, PICKS come to the rescue. Took out my picks collection and sat at the table with Owein deciding what to do. We ended up spelling out his name and he picked out other stuff to be added on. In the end, it kinda looked like it is Owein's Wonderland.

Monday, September 02, 2013

Bento #33 - Winnie the Pooh and Friends


I LOVE COOKIE CUTTERS!!!

They are simply amazing when you are out of ideas and rushing for time.

Woke up late this morning and all I could think of is to use my cookie cutters for this morning box. Pick out Winnie and his friends, cut cut cut, chop chop chop and DONE. Arrange a little here and there, add this add that ... VIOLA~~

Another bento accomplished!!!

Friday, August 30, 2013

Bento #32 - Fish Alien

Fish Alien???


The 1st thing Owein asked when he saw the bento was,

O: Mummy, is it alien?

M: Erm, does it look like an alien? It is suppose to be fish.

O: Orh ... then fish alien loh!

*Faint*


Had planned to do a bento copy but failed totally ... lol. My rabbit cutter too rabbit like already unlike the original works. Oh well, though it did not turned out as well, another bento made and Owein came back with an empty box. I guess that's what matter most.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Bento #31

Hmm ... it is another day that I totally had no idea what to pack and hence fall back to staring into my tool box.

Picked out a CAR sandwich cutter for Owein's breakfast this time.


Spread some nutella on the bread, fill up space with vitamins (in the container) and some biscuits ... VIOLA~~ Something really simple this morning and fast to put together.

Oswald gets a box to school today too. He'd set his eye on the cranberry cheese bun which I'd bought but by the time I got back, he'd already finish his breakfast. So in order to taste it, he suggest that he brings to school to eat. Being a bento addict, I took the chance to dress up his box a little. The bun took up most of the space in the box, hence can only add some biscuits to 'color' up the box.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Bento #30 - Hey! Mr Apple Man

Owein's teacher had requested for Owein to eat breakfast in school instead of at home. Reason being that he would talk to kids in his group and due to that, they always cannot finish their food in time. So to stop Owein from talking, got to keep his mouth busy eating!!! LOL

Oh well, good in a way ... probably would wake up my bento mojo because now got to pack food for Owein EVERYDAY!!! Oh boy ...

Haven't been packing food for the boys ... getting a little rusty. In the end, I just open my tool box and see what's good. Spotted an APPLE cutter which I had bought in mind to make cookies for teacher's day. Took that out and started cutting the bread with it. Initially had intended to just leave it as it is. But after staring at it for awhile, decided to give it a face. Owein was there to choose the shapes. I just did as I was told to and the apple tured out to be like this ...


When completed, I showed it to Owein and he went "Hey! Mr Apple Man."

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Bento #29 - Just A Bento

Had not been making bentos for the boys lately. Too much 'energy' spent preparing meals for the family, totally out of strength mentally and physically to do any bentos.

But out of the blue, Oswald requested for a box today. Luckily I had picked up some buns from Four Leaves earlier when I was out doing marketing.

I'd slap on some butter on the bun and quickly assemble the bento for him. I am sure he would enjoy his food during recess because it is packed with his favourite kind of bun and topped with his favourite snack.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Still Storming In My Kitchen

A few weeks had past and I am still storming in my kitchen. Had been whipping up dishes instead of packing bentos of late. Feels good to be whipping up dishes that often and people enjoyed eating those food. But it is really tiring cooking up a storm. Come to think of it, I really do prefer baking than cooking.


30 July 2013


Top - Chinese Spinach in Broth
Middle - Pan Fry Black Pomfret
Bottom - Ox Tail Soup

Simple dishes but took me 1/2 a day to prepare.


31 July 2013


It is total indulgence for tonight. Tonight's 加料 dish is BAKED SCALLOPS!!! Managed to picked up a bag of scallops on shell from the wholesaler for $10 a bag. There are about 9 huge scallops in there. Topped the frozen scallops with cheese and black pepper, sent to bake and viola. Juicy and cheezy scallops are ready to eat!!!


5 Aug 2013

Always hate to think what to cook on MONDAYS. Markets are closed and can only shop at supermarket for ingredients. However, selection is limited too as whatever that is availabe are mostly 'left overs' from the weekend operations. You can only see what it available and make the best out of it.

After a round in the supermarket, managed to picked up the ingredients required for a new recipe that I'd planned to tried out.


Left: Pork Strips w Bamboo Shoots and Black Fungus. The new dish that I'd tried. A dish that is easily acceptable generally except for the bamboo shoots. It is something not everyone could accept the taste. Hubby even suggest to replace that with cucumber instead and he believe would make the dish nicer.

Right: 豆苗. An ordinary day to day type of vegetable. So hard to decide what vegetables to eat sometimes.


13 Aug 2013


Tuesdays = FISH DAY!!!

Being lazy, I'd decided to just make 1 type of fish and everyone eats the same. Fish of the day = COD STEAK!!! Very easy to prepare fish and most of all it is yummy!!!

Also trying out a new sauce introduced by a friend. It is a Japanese sauce specifically used to fry bean sprouts, so I was told. Sauce was bought from Media-ya. Bought 50 cents worth of bean sprouts to give this sauce a try. Verdict ... it taste as good as our friend claims. Now this opens up to another alternate way to cook our bean sprouts.


15 Aug 2013


Menu for tonight:-

1. Buttered Broccoli and Corn for the boys.
2. 卤炸猪排, a new recipe that I'd tried out. Taste of the pork turned out not bad but did not really like the tapioca flour coat for deep frying. It turned kinda soggy after being returned to be simmered in the sauce.
3. Stir Fry Baby Kai Lan.
4. 玉竹排骨汤.


All these are the missing dishes from my lack of updates lately. Not forgetting PIGGING OUT sessions with neighbors and friends recently. We had a BBQ night with Roast Beef and Lamb Chops that I'd made together with many other nice seafood and meats. I also had invited neighbours to our place for dinner which I had fed them with Roast Chicken, Sweet Sour Pork, Pig Stomach Soup etc.

It had been a long time since I had been that active in my kitchen cooking up a storm. Though I'd enjoyed it but seriously, I do hope my cooking days will end soon. Almost run out of ideas what to cook already!!!

Friday, July 26, 2013

In My Kitchen

MIL went for an operation for her trigger finger on Monday. From that day on, she will be out of action for at least 2 weeks ... so what happen from that day??? I am QUEEN in the kitchen wahahahahaha. A task that I am not so willing to pick up but got no choice because got to feed the household. Cooking was left to my MIL because of me having to shutter the kids around and got to put Odin to bed, makes me difficult to spend time in the kitchen to do food preperation. But since MIL is out of action, I just got to make it happen.

Meal planning was left totally to me and a week had past. I am pretty amazed that I had actully survived this week with a combination of cooking meals at home and buying back.

22 Jul 2013

Much effort was put in to prepare today's meal. We had bought a very nice piece of beef shank yesterday and do not want to mess up the dish. Beef stew is what we are having tonight and along with it is Fried Cabbage.


Beef stew is from a recipe I've gotten online. Can't remember exactly where I copied it from but it is really very nice. It is unlike those 'ang mo' stew where lots of herbs are used. This is a more asian style of stew. MIL say very similar to the way Hainanese prepare their beef stew. Even my boys, especially Oswald, are able to accept the taste of it. YUMZ.

As for the Cabbage dish, it is a combination of using dried shrimps, cabbage and 冬粉. Give everything a quick stir, seasoning and VIOLA~~~


24 Jul 2013

It is 1 DISH MEAL today. 1 dish meal is the best when you got not much time on hand but yet would prefer homecooked food instead of buying from outside.


Everything was kept plain and simple with:

Lunch (left) - Fried Bee Hoon with Stewed Pork.
Dinner (right) - Stir Fried Pumpkin with Roast Pork.


TGIF!!! Can take 2 days break before getting back to serious business of cooking. Frankly I prefer to bake than cook hahahaha :p

Bento #28 - Carrot

I am back after 2 weeks!!! Gosh ... where had my mojo gone to??? This is really really bad :[

And after 2 weeks break, I only managed to get this done ...


Yet again, is another copy from someone's idea. Yes ... no doubt there are lots of ideas available but these days I am really simply just looking and then copying. Such a disappointment :{

Friday, July 12, 2013

Bento #27 - Puppy Dogs

A week had past since my last bento and yet mojo not back. Skipped out usual bento Wednesday and of course I had found excuse for myself once again (bad bad mummy) but no more excuse on Fridays as it is Fruity Fridays for Oswald at school. Since he got to bring along a serve of fruits to school, mummy had no choice but to do it properly.

Today's bento is a pair of puppy dogs.


Milk Bread puppy (left) for Owein and Super Soft n Fine puppy (right) for Oswald. Of course, this idea is also another copied idea with modifications of ingredient used. Hope these little pups will brighten the boys' day at school.

Friday, July 05, 2013

Bento #26 - Milk Sippy


Had been getting these Milk Sippy for my boys for awhile but it never come across to me that I can use it when packing my boy's bentos. Someone in the bento group on FB had given all of us new ideas when she used this to decorate her kid's food. Copying this idea, made my preparations easier when I ran out of Rainbow Sprinkles.


These milk sippy really do come in handy on lazy bento days. Of late, totally had no bento mojo. The whole time I am trying to avoid making bento ... sad case for mummy because I simply don't understand why the sudden lost of mood but good news for the boys especially for Oswald. It is time I do something and try to get those mojo back hence decided to pack this last minute bento on this morning. It is Fruity Friday anyway so might as well take that as an excuse to myself to get serious in packing food once again. Kekeke

Friday, May 17, 2013

Bento #25 - Square Faced Friends

Received my new bento toy today and hence can't wait to try it. A good excuse to use the tool too as I ran out of idea on what to pack!!!


The new tool can be see in the background at the top picture. It is a sandwich cutter that conveniently cuts the bread in to 4 squares. There are 4 different animal faces to choose from - pig, duck, bear, cat. Eager to see how each faces turned out to be, I used all of them to stamp on the bread.

Cure right =)

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Feng Shui Inn @ Crockfords Tower RWS


Haven't been out eating much lately or checking new places out hence took the chance to do so on today since it is Mother's Day.

When I was ask to look for a place to lunch on Mother's Day, naturally I went to goggle for restaurants at Resort World Sentosa. Browsed through the websites for possible dining places and ended up picking this place. I was contemplating whether to choose Western or Chinese food. But since we are bringing in laws out, I think Chinese would be a better choice.

Made my reservations and went off to inform SIL. Feedback from her was not that keen. 1st thing worried was the pricing. As marketed, the place seems to be quite a high end place. Another thing was the negative news about a customer that was being slapped on a hefty bill. However after other considerations, we still decided to head there for food today.

We had to put in a little effort to locate the place as we kind of got 'lost' in the car park, not knowing where should we park. We ended up parking at Hard Rock Hotel and hence got to walk a little to get to Crockfords Tower. I seriously believe there is a better way to get there. Probably have to do homework before I head there again, that is if we go there again. Signage for parking is pretty bad I say. No direct indication as to where the road leads to.

The place is nicely decorated and you really can feel the 'class' there. A bonus for dining there is ... the place is not crowded at all. Especially on days like this, what we scare is to be packed in a crowded restaurant and cannot really enjoy our food.

Some of the food that we'd ordered ...


I'd enjoyed the food there and so does everyone. And the bill ... not as expensive as we thought it would be. If you ask me for price indicator, it is probably around the same range if you had dined at Royal China or Lei Garden.

Would I head back for food again?

Yes. But not on a regular basis. Probably for a special occasion. Reason?? Parking of course!!! Parking at RWS is not cheap =)

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Japanese Cheese Cake - Part 3

Hmm ... Hubby had gone off to Sepang early in the morning. I am stuck at home with 3 boys ... I am going to go on a baking marathon today!!!

1st thing on the list ... Japanese Cheese Cake!!!

Wahahaha ... I am so determine to get this right. And this time ... got slight improvement from my last try.


The cracks due to baking had definitely improved and had given the cake the nice brown top. This time, I beat the egg whites at really low speed and whisk it a little more using hand powder towards the end. Also, after the cake is 'cooked', I turned on the grill to brown the cake instead of extending the baking time or increasing temperature.

The only thing that did not pass is the looks of the cake after it cooled down.


My cake got wrinkles!!! Don't know how come like that and hubby suggest maybe is due to temperature shock. You see, by right, I am suppose to sit the cake in the oven with door agar for about 30 minutes before taking out. I took the cake out immediately after baking and left it on the rack to cool. Hence maybe like what hubby said, is due to the quick change in temperature and hence the looks. Probably will look into this area and experiment more. For now, I am pretty satisfied with the current result.


After MacDonald lunch with the boys, it is time to put Odin to bed. I too took a nap while Odin is resting. So much for my experiment on Japanese Cheese Cake this week. But I still got another block of cheese in the fridge ... maybe shall work on it again next weekend =).

I was pretty recharged after my nap and guess what ... off I went to bake another cake hahahaha

This time I'd make a chiffon cake. Coffee Chiffon Cake. Chiffon cake is one of the easiest and fastest cake to make. Within 30 minutes, the cake is sent to be baked.


LOL ... my poor oven worked so hard today all because hubby had gone to have fun at Sepang and I am stuck at home with the boys. Not wanting to sit around and play with the boys all day, so got to find something to do. Luckily I got neighbors to share my bakes ... else at the rate that I am baking, it will take me even a longer time to fit into my pre pregnant clothes.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Bento #24 - Oink Oink Piggies


Lazy days = Quick to assemble bentos.

I had been slacking on my bento plannings and am just bento lifting from ideas that I've gotten from the internet. All you need here is the following:-

1) Bear shape cutter
2) Heart shape cutter
3) Round shape cutter
4) Yakult straw
5) Facial punch

Dress up the box with sweets and snacks ... VIOLA~~

Isn't it simple =)

Actually had thought of giving myself a break but today is FRUITY FRIDAY!!! I got to pack fruits for Oswald so might as well just pack something. Oswald had requested to bring an extra portion of fruits for his buddy so that he could earn his FRUITY FRIDAY chop. Fruits were packed in a separate container for today to cater for the extra portion.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Bento #23 - Mr Snail

Needed another quick and dash idea for bento last night.

2 reason for doing so ...

1) Need to get the food packed up fast so that I can continue to watch my drama.
2) Need to catch up with my beauty sleep. Had watched drama till pretty late the past few nights. Brain was pretty bad when it was bento packing time. Can't function properly hence need a less complicated, less work and fast completion idea.


All that was need for this is a HEART shaped cutter and RING cutters of various size. Easy right???

Picked up this idea from another bento mum in EZ Bento FB group. =) But me being lazy, I used picks for the eyes instead of her original cheese and spaghetti and instead of ham for blush, I'd used gel icing. Luckily it all turned out not too bad.

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Japanese Cheese Cake - Part 2

Super not satisfied with the previous bake, I went on to do some homework on making this. Spoke to 2 friends who did this successfully and did some changes to the baking procedure.

Took my remaining block of cheese and decided to give this cake a try again. Hope it turned out well to be served as dessert after dinner at my in laws' place later.

My friend had suggested that I use hand to whisk the egg white. My 1st reaction to it was OMG ... the 'hand power' that is required to whip up 6 egg whites ... you must be kidding. Plus I ain't have that much time to whip the egg whites that slowly as I got to keep watch on the boys. Hence, I'd chosen to whisk the egg whites using a really low speed on my Kenwood mixer. I usually would whisk egg white at speed 3. This time, I am using speed 2 for the initial half, then speed 1 after I added in the last batch of sugar. Oh boy ... this is the longest time I ever took to get the egg whites ready.

Also, to make this cheese cake, the water bathe method is required. Normally, I would pour hot water into the outer pan first, place the pan with my cake batter in it, then top up with more water till it covers 1/2 the height of the cake batter pan. This time, I pour water into a pan, placed it into the oven while it is preheating. By the time my cake batter is ready, the water would be hot enough to be used.

I had also set the baking temperature higher. Using 150C instead of the initial temperature of 130C.

Tick ... tock ... tick ... tock ...

The whole time I did not dare to just leave the cake to get bake on its own. I am so afraid that the higher baking temperature would bring undesired results. Went to checked on the cake 1/2 hour after I started baking. Took a peek and ... it seems ok. The top had 'set' pretty well and looks alright. Sent it back to bake for another 1/2 hour.

*RINGGGGG* goes my timer and it is time to check the cake once more. Cake had risen and surprising it did not rise as high as my previous bakes. MUST BE the egg whites that made the difference. The top still look nice and need except for some tiny air pockets which start to surface now. But it is ok ... acceptable. 1 hour in baking time and cake still looks fine. Set timer for 15 mins and went to play with the boys.

Time's up and back to check the cake. Noticed that the part where the cake rose beyond the brim of the cake pan started to turn brown. When I look further, surface still flat but got a few narrow crack lines. Sad to see the crack lines BUT at least the surface is FLAT. For this, I am pretty satisfied. Removed the tent and continue to baked it trying to achieve the nice browned top. Another 15 mins is set but this time, I sat next to the oven peeping through the oven door every now and then. I am so worried that the crack lines would widen or the cake would erupt again. I think this period of time, I probably had open the oven door almost at every 5 mins interval ... hahaha.

End result of my bake today ...


Right after I took out from the oven. See the crack lines ... but seriously, I think it is much better that the previous one. But this time, the height of the cake was not as high as the previous one ... now I am a little worried about the density of the cake. The previous one, someone commented that it feels like eating cotton candy and my FIL mentioned that not much cheese could be tasted. The wait for the cake to cool down for taste tasting is a torture!!!


After the cake cooled down, the cracks managed to seal up and only left 'scars' around. Seriously it is much better than the last time. Now left with tasting. I cut the cake up and took a look at the inside and tasted the cake ...


Still as light though not like cotton candy but light enough. The cheese taste stronger and texture is drier. I like this version of the cake best. Overall, am pretty happy with the result ... I give this cake 95 marks!!!

Now, what is all left is to improve on the looks. Wait for the next promotion for cream cheese then I try again hehehe =)

We Got Married - Global Edition

I am HOOKed to this program!!!

Had set my Starhub player to record this on serial recording mode and now I am also watching the 'behind the scenes' shots on YouTube via their official site.

Couples in this series are:-
Taecyeon & Emma Wu(GuiGui)
Hongki & Fujii Mina


Had heard about this program but I had never gotten the chance to watch any. Chanced upon their new series on a newly subscribed channel with Starhub and decided to record the 1st episode to see what's so interesting. After watching, I got hooked.

The 5th episode is showing this week. After watching 5 episode, I still prefer the couple Taecyeon & Emma Wu. I think they are very cute and funny pair.

Friday, May 03, 2013

Bento #22 - Buzzing Bees

Need to look for a design that is simple to prepare and easy to assemble for today's bento. Scanned through my phone for the pictures that I'd saved up and decided to to the BEE!!!

A bee buzzing around on a heart shaped sandwich ... easy enough and a lot can be prepared the night before.


I'd cut out the bread and arranged the it in the bento boxes filled up the spaces with silicon cups and leaves last night. So what is left to be done in the morning is to add on the spread and fill up the cups with other snacks for the boys.

As for the bees, I'd made one out of cheese and the other using bread ends. The cheese bee was assembled last night aka with all the nori cut outs. To prevent the cheese from drying out, I wrap it up with a clear plastic bad and place it in a container. Hence all I had to do before sending Owein to school is to take the 'whole' bee out and place it on the bread. Add a pick beside it and VIOLA~~

The bee that is made of bread end, is for Oswald. His bento had to be out for longer hours hence I would prefer not to use cheese. Added on details for his bee only in the morning. I found out the best way to make nori stick to bread is to place nori on the bread, 'grease' your fingers with margarine or butter, wipe it over the nori till margarine or butter is absorbed. After what, the nori will stick nicely and no need to worry about it curling up when moisture is exposed to it. Added his favorite kueh baulu and Australian mandarin oranges (it is FRUITY FRIDAY) to complete his box.

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Japanese Cheese Cake - Part 1

Hmm ... let me see ... I think it was about a year back since I last made this cake. It was quite an unsightly cake from what I'd recalled. The surface cracked like crazy but the taste of it was heaven. After that experience, I'd decided to chuck this 'cake' aside and put my attention on other to-bake items.

A post by a friend on FB with the perfect looking Japanese Cheese Cake got me thinking about it again. It made me had the urge to give it a try once more and I did. Hubby brought my mother's car to the workshop for servicing on Labor Day, 1st May, hence I took the chance to bake since I am stuck at home with the boys.

Following instructions given by my friend, the 2 hours wait was a torture!!! At the end of the 2 hours ... I almost fainted!!! SOBZ ... my cake look more like a 发糕 when I open my oven door.


I was so disappointed as I'd followed exactly what I was told to do. But luckily, the cake stunk a little the 'smile' was not that obvious. BUT STILL!!! I did not achieve that perfect Japanese Cheese Cake look. The only consolation is that the cake taste real good. Somehow I think it tasted better that the last time I'd made it. Using the same recipe but somehow it tasted different. Maybe is the way I'd incorporated the ingredients. The texture of the cake is so fine and so light. A neighbor which I'd shared my bake with commented that it feels like eating cotton candy. Indeed it was.


Hubby like it and had asked for 1 to bring work. For once, I had to think hard before giving him an answer. Although the cake tasted good, but appearance not nice =( After sleeping on the idea for a night, I'd decided to go for it. Excuse = I need to bake to get the right temperature settings ... I am almost there already ... maybe I can get it right this time!!!

So ... off I went to the supermarket to get the cream cheese required in the morning. Guess what ... NTUC having promotion for the cream cheese. Get 2 blocks of 250g at a good price!!! Its a SIGN that I should bake!!! wahahaha

Managed to start my cheese cake baking right after lunch and off it went into the oven. It is going to be another 2 hours wait ... tick tock, tick tock ... RING!!! Guess what I saw when I took the cake out ...


Erm ... SIGH!!! Still disappointed that there is still crack BUT definitely much better than yesterday. At least it did not have the 发糕 effect.


Left = Day 1, Right = Day 2. Can see the cracks not so 'deep'. Almost there ... getting closer already!!! Just got to plan see when I will use up the other block of cheese *evil grins*.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Bento #21 - James and Percy

Hmm ... where do I start ...

Received my new picks last week. Chucked them in my handbag because I was too lazy to unwrap and pack them aside. Argh ... the sight of them started to irritate me ... I NEED TO GET THEM OUT OF MY BAG!!!

Finally it is time to get them out into the light and show off my new buy :p


Pretty fuss free bento and preparation was completed in a pretty short time. Considering that I've started to prepare the stuffs quite late last night, this was what I need so I can head off to bed earlier. FRIDAYS ... a very busy day for me and hence I need my beauty sleep.

Moulded Owein's bread with a Percy rice mould and packed everything else too last night. Hence the only thing left to be done this morning is to add in the nori details. As for Oswald's, I'd used my Thomas cookie cutter and stamp set to prepare his. Added in the spread this morning and prepared his fruit for Fruity Friday just before I bring Odin for his class.

Yeah!!! Finally 'rescued' my Thomas and Friends picks from my handbag. Now, they are resting safely in the box for picks =)

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Recipe Updates!!!

Haven't been sharing recipes here for a long time but I've been updating at my Favourite Recipes site.

What have I been updating over there???

Take a look below =)






Did not realised that the list was that long till I had time to sit at my computer today. But these are some food that I'd tried out recently and gotten thumbs up signal from family members. Especially the Choya Chiffon Cake ... hubby love it and especially when it is with the golden raisins.

Brownies was also a big hit among family, friends and neighbours. I've baked a few batches of it to share already ^_^


P/S: To access the recipe, click on the individual picture

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Bento #20 - Chicky Chicks

Had a very tiring day yesterday and was not in the mood to pack any bentos for the boys though it is Bento Day today. I fell asleep immediately the moment my head hit my pillow.

Woke up this morning still feeling guilty for not preparing anything and had decided to go for a quick dash since I'd woke earlier than usual.

This screen shot is something pretty new in my phone. But of all the ideas that I've gathered online, this seems to be the easiest for a quick fix.


This is a tutorial posted by Angelia Chia in my favourite bento group in FB. This great idea save me this morning =)


In under 5 mins, I've gotten Owein's box ready. So fast, so simple and yet CUTE!!! I only did Oswald's box when I got back from the market. Once again, completed it within 10 mins. A little time was wasted in thinking how should like pack the packet of candy in and how to arrange etc. Nevertheless, it is still completing a box in 'record' timing.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Bento #19 - Sumo


The original idea came from Bento, Monsters. Another idea that I've copied online but instead of using rice, I've moulded the sumos using bread.

Hmm ... what should I say ... I've kind of regretted using the bigger sized facial puncher for Owein's bento. His sumo all looked like aliens. But I was running out of time ... :(

Picked out the smaller puncher for Oswald's sumo and yes ... they look more 'normal' this time. Its Fruity Friday today too ... that explains the strawberries packed.


Phew ... it had been quite an occupied week for me. Got to make a trip to the doctor because Odin is sick plus sleepless nights due to his congested nose. Really did not have mood for anything else ... glad that I've pushed myself a little to make these sumos. Kinda make up for my lazy bento on Wednesday :p Hope there's more to come ... FIGHTING!!!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Bento #18 - Fishy Fish

Lazy!!! Feeling lazy hence I cheated. But mummy gave the boys heaps of treats to make up for it ... Lol!!!


I was all hyped up and all ready to head out to pack food for my boys with an idea in mind. But of no reason, started to feel lazy the moment I step out of my room and when I got to my bento tools, totally lost mood.

Out of convenience, I just grab and egg mould and planned to just used it. The fish mould was picked up by random and hence the boys are bringing fishes to school to munch. To make up for my laziness, I added their vitamin C gummies (packed in the containers) and some M&Ms too. Not forgetting grapes for Oswald.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Bento #17 - Goldilocks and the 3 Bears


Owein will be on an excursion to watch Goldilocks and the Three Bears tomorrow. Since tmr is not bento day, hence made this for him today instead. I hope he will enjoy the play tomorrow and have a great time.

Oswald is getting exactly the same thing today. I wonder what would his reaction be. Hope he still appreciate these cute stuffs that I made and hope he does not thinks is too childish for him. Lol :p

All cut outs, ham and cheese, were all done the night before. All I did in the morning is assemble everything and add on nori for their expressions. I have the habit to soak the ham in hot water, pat it dry before placing on the bread. I have a thinking that the hot water kind of 'cook' the ham a bit. I am still a bit weary of cold ham to be brought to school especially for Oswald as he don't get to eat his food till 3pm.

Monday, April 08, 2013

We Feast Once More ...

Went around eating again!!!

Hey ... but we need to eat right, don't we ;)


1) Hua Ting Restaurant


We were there on 10 Mar. Quite a last minute decision to meet up with Perle and ZY for lunch. I had been wanting to try the dim sum here but never have the chance to because they are always full. Probably also because we always like to make last minute decisions to meet up for meals :p

Anyway, finally gotten ourselves a chance to try the food there. The food was good and I probably rate is as a normal fare. The standard of food is more or less what I would have expected it to be. That being that this restaurant is a 老字号 therefore I would not have expected any lesser. Other than that, I haven found or probably have not tried anything that is special enough to call for the next visit that soon.


2) Paradise Inn @ Junction 10


My birthday lunch with my parents and brother!!!

It had been a long long while since I celebrated my birthday with my parents and siblings. Though it is a short lunch and pretty normal food, it is one of the nicest lunch I had.


3) Tenza Izakaya


Birthday lunch with parents and siblings, birthday dinner with my family and best pals. What a way to celebrate my birthday. What's more ... my best pals gotten me a nice present.


Pretty right ... =)


4) The White Rabbit


Once again, it was a rush search for a place to BRUNCH on a Sunday morning on 24 Mar. We had only decided on the area to dine at but the exact location, we could only start searching for in the morning. Gave a few places a call and this is the only place that could give us an earlier timing.

Good for us too as this is also another place that I've heard of and yet to visit. This neat restaurant housed within a beautiful restored Chapel in Dempsey Road proves to be a great place to be on a Sunday morning. I fell in love with the environment the moment I'd step in. Would really love to go back there for another Sunday brunch.


5) LE Cafe - Bean Curd Tarts


Woo ... I love these tarts!!! Love the bean curd taste and the old school pastry ... YUM!!!

All thanks to a lovely neighbor who had bought these tarts for me.


6) Luk Yu Teahouse and Restaurant @ Chinatown Point


30 Mar, the friend who had suggested this place for dim sum could not make it due to a bad migraine. A pity that she did not join us. Food there was decent and served in a pretty unique way. Dim sum there is served in individual portions. E.g. their 包 is served individually in mini 蒸笼. And their 流沙包 is one of the best that I've tried.


7) Paddington House of Pancakes @ City Square Mall


A place to go for pancake lovers. I've been here a few times and still love their pancakes.