Blueberry Muffins

Yesterday I brought home a food magazine and dh suggested that I should try some of it cos it has been a while since I tried some "real food" (that's what he said).

Well, it's not that I don't want to try but sometimes:

1) it's hard to find the ingredient

2) I have to buy the whole packet when all I need is just a few grams

3) the process is too troublesome

(sigh!) But nevertheless will still make an attempt to try some of the recipes one of these days. When I'm in the mood. So far, I've indicated some of the dishes that I will try to cook, namely "Lamb & Haloumi Kebabs", "Lamb Kofta wz Spiced Yoghurt", "Spanish Tortilla", "Cajun Potato Wedges" etc...

But for today it will be Mee Rebus.

In the afternoon decided to bake a simple recipe - Blueberry Muffins.

Blueberry Muffins

The recipe requires sour cream. But since this was a last minute stint & I didn't have any sour cream in the fridge, I substituted it with fresh milk. Taste & texture is just fine.

2 cups plain flour

2 tsps bkg powder

3/4 cup caster sugar

1 cup sour cream

2 eggs

1 tsp finely grated lemon rind

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Method:

1) Preheat the oven to 180C. Sift the flour & baking powder into a bowl. Add the sugar & stir to combine.

2) Place the sour cream, eggs, lemon rind & oil in a bowl & whisk until smooth. Stir the sour cream mixture through the flour & sugar mixture until just combine. *For tender muffins that rise well, stir the mixture evenly & only until just combine. Do not overwork the mixture.

3)Sprinkle over the blueberries & stir once. Spoon the mixture into lined muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake for 12 minutes or until skewer inserted comes out clean.

While typing this, I managed to purchase a bracelet from Mazlyni/Kak Lyn from Multiply. Will complete the transaction soon so I can get my hands on the beautiful bracelet as soon as possible. (so excited!)

Premium Brownie & Cupcakes

I woke up this morning feeling sick. Not sure why - had a terrible headache & felt like throwing up (it's not what you think).

I had to stay in my room for a few hours before I began my baking. Had an order today, so no matter what I still have to get up.

Even while baking, I felt so dizzy that I was breathless. I had to use gear 1 for baking today.

Anyways, Shikin / Kynn aka sueetchic requested for a premium brownie with pink butterflies toppers, for her sis' 21st birthday. She is also hosting / holding a ceremony at her place. I had hubby to help me deliver the brownie to Toa Payoh before 6pm. Couldn't come along as I'm still feeling sick & needed to rest since I'm working tomorrow.

Premium Brownie wz butterflies toppers

Premium Brownie from Kynn to Yathy

Since I'm already up & about in the kitchen baking, I thought why not some Double Chocolate Cupcakes wz Chocolate Frosting as well? Hmmm...

While the brownie was in the oven, quickly mixed all the ingredients (before I start having another headache) for the cupcakes. Now that I'm typing this, I should have baked muffins. Just the other day fluttermum aka Liza was baking Blueberry Muffins, which looked so good that I want some of those too. Maybe next time.

Coincidentally when I was busy frosting all my cupcakes, my neighbour dropped by to offer some goodies. Now, it's a good thing that I have my cupcakes to counter-offer. Packed some for Kynn & the rest will be given to my aunt, who will be dropping by tomorrow.

Catching Up

Had a wonderful holiday during the Chinese New Year period. Not that I've been out & about, just lazing around & relaxing. I truly need a break.

Supposed to meet up with some old friends aka ex-colleagues on Tuesday 20th, but somehow Fate did not bring us together this time. Perhaps on another occasion.

Effa SMSed me on Tuesday, requesting for a cake for her brother-in-law's upcoming birthday. This time, she would like to try out one of my cheesecakes. Therefore recommended her the Chocolate Hazelnut as I believe she doesn't want the cake to taste too cheesy.

This was supposed to be sent today at 6pm. But due to work schedule, I was unable to. Thanks to Effa, she's willing to have it sent earlier - Thursday night.

When I saw her yesterday, oh my she looks so fresh & energetic. (Shopping may have been a motivation factor). To think that she has just given birth a month ago! Well it's a good thing to see that she's well & Arian Danish is getting better from jaundice. She looks so cheerful. Good for her!

I do hope that her family, especially the birthday boy Faris, will enjoy the Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake. Thanks to Effa for the trust in my work.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

I am now in the midst to set up my own permanent website for "sistabrownie". While I am enjoying the free space in Multiply, I am so afraid that one day my goodies' pics will be gone maybe due to some hiccups from the host. (Some users have already experienced that, so I need a backup besides flickr).

Will definitely broadcast once it's completed. I hope to have it done by April, with some help from sister-in-law Ruzana.

Birthday Oreo Cheesecups for Ira

Ira from Multiply requested for Oreo Cheesecups for her dearest Mum, who's celebrating her birthday today.

Hopefully mother & daughter (especially) + family will enjoy the cheesecups. Thanks Ira for your interest.

Oreo Cheesecups for Ira

After delivering the goodies, went to my aunt's place for a while to drop some brownie samples for her. She's been asking for it (through my mum) , so finally managed to bake some for her.

PS: Cik Fauziah, don't forget to spread the word. ;))

M&Ms Brownie for Marnie

Marnie requested for an M&Ms Brownie to be collected today. While I was preparing her brownie, I keep wondering where she managed to come to know about my goodies. Thus, I search for her in Multiply. Found one by the same name but don't know if she's the one. (Waiting for the response).

Anyways, here's the brownie that she requested for. Hopefully she enjoyed it as much as Effa did.

M&Ms Brownie for Marnie

Novena Square 2

Took half day leave today to visit a friend's sister's new shop at Novena Square 2. I have promised this friend of mine, Azman, that I would visit the new clothings & accessories shop as soon as it opens for business. So finally managed to do so today.

The shop is at level 2 of the building (can't remember the unit number though) & it's called Swift Sapphire (nice, ain't it). Although the owner said that there'll be more stocks coming in next month, already I like the pearl necklace set on display. Hmm.. gotta ask Azman if he could offer any discounts ; )

Novena Square 2 hmmm, what can I say... there are a lot of shops, which somehow I've got a headache walking & looking around. Perhaps I'm just not familiar with the area & the mall yet.

For eateries, there's a Halal foodcourt at Level 4 or 5 called "Fork & Spoon". It's my first time there & the concept is somewhat similar like Banquet.

Finally left the place at about 6pm & perhaps there will be another time for us to get together. And maybe the next time we do, Sulong, whom I haven't met for what seems like ages, is able to join us. (If you are wondering who these people are, they are my ex-bosses, whom I've enjoyed working with very much. Missed the old batch).

P.S: Met Rafizah (from MDIS contact) at "Fork & Spoon".

...Continued from 130207

After lunch & since there was still no sight of any Cempedaks, decided to set up my new Kodak EasyShare Printer.

Bought the cam about 1 or 2 months ago but haven't fully utilised it yet, as I am so comfortable using my K750i & loving it. So since the oven will be resting today, decided to put this up.

Tried printing some pics & they turned out very clear. But... the ink is almost used up after I printed about 5-6 pictures. Hmmmm... must check out the price of the catridge.

Recently

Been indecisive about buying Lily Allen's album, but recently heard the song "Smile" in one of the Multipliers' webpage & decided to buy it yesterday.

Not that I haven't heard her songs before. Her songs just cheer & perk me up, that's all.

After buying the album, made an impulsive decision to have a hair cut & wash + colour & treatment.

I signed up a package with Jean Yip Salon about 4 years back & only used it 3 times (I can use it 6 times). The last time I went there was 2 years ago, before getting pregnant the second time. (How time flies!)

Since I have the card with me, decided to pop in & manage my hair, which by the way has been looking like a broom, boring & limp.

Spent about 1.5 hours there & I'm very happy with the result. Now it looks so much alive & vibrant! (Orang sibuk buat rambut untuk CNY, kita pun sibuk jugak) Mmmmm, maybe in 4-6 mths time can touch up the roots hehehe.

Anyways, today's OFF & wondering if I should just rest or bake something. I'm looking for cempedak to bake Cempedak Cupcakes. Went down to the store but no cempedaks was spotted. Weather is soooooo hot that I have reservations about going to the market.

Will update you once I have the fruits & of course the recipe...

Friendly Match

Just came back from a friendly soccer match between the company which I'm working with & our counterpart.

The match, which took place at PSA Club, started at 5pm & boy the weather was hot!! I left the office with my colleagues at 4pm (konon nak kasi support lah, padahal buat sibuk aje). Our opponent has already arrive at 3.30pm to warm up, briefing etc... While our team arrived at 4.30pm.

It was a friendly match / game, therefore there was a lot of fun with no tension (unlike Singapore vs Thailand game).

Final score: Our company won 2-1. WooHoo!

Our Team

Both Teams

Lemon Cake

Another recipe which I've been wanting to try is Lemon Cake.

Recipe does not require much ingredients & it's quick & simple. Therefore made a last minute stint to bake this in the morning before rushing off to work.

Lemon Cake

The taste is a mix of a little buttery & tangy at the same time. Next time I bake this again I would want to add an extra lemon juice & zest to give it a stronger citrus taste.

the texture

200g plain flour

40g cornflour

2 tsp baking powder

140g sugar

2 eggs

125g butter, softened

Juice & grated zest of 1 lemon

180g icing sugar

Method:

1) Use a 9-1/2 x 6" loaf tin. Grease & flour tin. Preheat oven to 180C.

2) Using electric beaters, beat butter & sugar until smooth & pale. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add in lemon zest & juice *(retain 2 tblsps for icing).

3) In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder & cornflour. Add into the butter mixture & beat until well-mixed.

4) Place mixture in the tin & smooth the top. Bake for 45mins or until skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove cake from oven & leave to cool slightly. Turn out onto wire rack.

5) Mix the remaining 2 tblsps lemon juice with the icing sugar. Pour over the cake while still warm. Leave cake to cool completely.

*For stronger lemon taste, pierce the cake with a skewer several times immediately after baking & pour over a mixture of 4 tblsps each of lemon juice & icing sugar.

Double Chocolate Cupcake

As per requested from fellow Multipliers, here is the recipe for the Double Chocolate Cupcake which I baked last week. (sorry a bit late on this posting cos busy lah..)

Double Chocolate Cupcakes

1 1/4 cups sugar

3/4 cups plain flour, sifted

3 tblsps cocoa powder, unsweetened & sifted

1 tsp baking powder

4 eggs

214g butter, no need to softened

100g bittersweet chocolate

Pinch of salt

Method:

1) Melt chocolate & butter using double-boil method.

2) Add sugar & stir. Let mixture cool for 10mins & then beat in electric mixer for 3 mins.

3) Add one egg at a time, beating well before adding the next egg.

4) Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder & pinch of salt into the liquid mixture & mix.

5) Scoop into baking cups & bake at a preheated oven of 170C for about 25mins (or until skewer inserted comes out clean).

Happy trying everyone!

A week's story

This had been a hectic week for me. I'd been very very busy with work, daughter's school, goodies requests & preparing for an upcoming 'project' in April. All these requires constant concentration & focus until I haven't had any time for myself. Thought of taking 1 or 2 days' leave but didn't want to waste it. Dear hubby has lots of Annual Leave to clear, so if at the last minute he decides to go somewhere nice & I'm only left with a few days of Annual Leave, I'm gonna curse myself. So refrain & restrain. Will rest only when I'm sick.

Moreover, I've found out about a traditional herb / tonic (Halal of course), which could revive our energy & circulate blood better. It's called Huiji Waist Tonic. A friend said it is good cos his wife is taking it & I thought of getting one for myself too (now it comes with a free bottle of honey) since it's not so expensive - $39. Will think about it cos the last time I asked the salesperson on this tonic, I've forgotten to ask if taking this will whet my appetite = eat more = weight gain.

So last Thursday was the season finale of Prison Break. Don't want to comment so much on it cos it's a bit frustrating.

Before the show starts, I tried a Double Chocolate Cupcake recipe, which is so delicious as it is moist & very chocolatey. only on Friday morning did I make the frosting - Cream Cheese frosting, & brought them to work to share' with my colleagues.

Double Chocolate Cupcakes wz Cream Cheese Frosting

Since I have 2 orders of Cheesecakes / cups this Saturday, made all the cream cheese preparation last night as soon as I reached home from work. All are complete by 2am (can you imagine that? I haven't had a nap since delivering the goodies this afternoon.)

Shikin reqested for 2 dozen Cheese Cups - Blueberry & Oreo, while a repeat customer from hubby's work place ordered 2 8"-size Cheesecake - Oreo & Chocolate Hazelnut.

Shikin's request

Nizar's request

PS: Just found out from fellow Multiplier - Julie (aka Effa's sister-in-law) that Effa has given birth on 2nd Feb '07! Congratulations Effa! Later in the afternoon, managed to catch a glimpse of her cute son at Julie's webpage. He is indeed adorable - Arian Danish. I'm so happy for Effa. Have a good rest dear & may you have a speedy recovery.