Sunday, January 22, 2012

Happy Lunar New Year

A new year, a new beginning,
To all my dear friends and family, may the year of dragon usher in prosperity and many golden opportunities for all of you.
Wishing all of you a Happy & Prosperous New Year.

Here are some of the cookies & dessert that I baked /cook for the new year.


Koi Fish Jelly
The sea shell at the background is courier all the way from my dear blogger friend of food and thrift in Florida

Koi fish using Konnyaku jelly powder.



This is the jelly mold and konnyaku jelly powder

Scoop out 3 tbsp of the konnyaku jelly, add red colour and mix well. Pour on the mold to make pattern for the koi fish.

Add canned longan or any fresh cut fruits.

Pour the jelly liquid into the fish mold and leave to set.

Ingredients

1 sachet konnyaku jelly powder
200 gm sugar
800mls water
3 tbsp fresh milk
some fresh cut fruits preferably kiwi or strawberry

1. Combined sugar with konnyaku jelly powder, mix well.
2. Boil the water, pour in the sugar and keep stirring.
3. Cook until boil, remove from stove add 3 tbsp milk and mix well.
4. Scoop out 3 tbsp of the jelly mixture, add coloring of your choice, mix well.
5. Pour into the fish mold and leave to set. Add fruits.
6. Pour the balance jelly mixture onto the fish mold and leave to set. Serve chill.



Pineapple Tarts



Jam Recipe 

2 medium pineapple
10 oz sugar
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
5 cloves
1 lemon

1. Cut the pineapples into chunk, blend till fine. Sieve the pineapple and discard the juice.
2. Squeeze the lemon juice add to the pineapple. Add the spices and cook in medium flame until almost dry. Takes about 3/4 hour.
3. Add sugar and keep stirring to prevent burnt. Cook for another 1 hour till almost
dry. Leave aside to cool completely. Jam can be store in air tight container and keep in freezer up to 6 months.



Butter Cookies

Ingredients

220gm plain flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
160gm butter
60gm icing sugar
1 egg white
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Almond slice/strips ( optional )

1. Sift flour and baking soda.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in egg white and blend well.
4. Add vanilla, flour and mix well.
5. Scoop mixture into piping bag fix with star nozzle, pipe a rosette and place almond slice in the middle.
6. Bake at 160 deg c for 8 to 10 mins or until slightly brown.
7. Cool completely and store in air tight container.


Peanuts Cookies

Ingredients
300 gm roasted groundnuts
600gm flour
7 oz sugar
2 cups corn oil

1. Grind the peanuts until fine.
2. Mix flour,sugar, groundnuts until well blend.
3. Pour in the oil slowly and mixed till well blend.
4. Roll into small round ball, top with roasted peanuts and brush with egg wash.
5. Bake 170 deg C for 15 to 20 mins until slightly brown.
6. Store in air tight container.


Fruit cakes

Ingredients

250gm SCS butter
250gm brown sugar
50gm cocoa powder (optional)
300gm flour
25gm cornflour
2 tsp baking powder
5 eggs
300gm mix fruit ( soak in 1/4 cup liqueur )
100gm toasted almond ( chopped )
2 grated orange rind
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp ginger juice
1 tsp honey

1. Preheat oven to warm 120 C
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time.
Beat well after each addition.
3. Sieve flour, cornflour, cocoa powder, baking powder together.
Add honey,ginger juice,cinnamon powder, nutmeg,orange rind to the
creamed mixture. Add flour, mix fruit, chopped almond and mix until well blended.
4. Grease 8" cake tin, Line with double grease proof paper. Pour cake mixture
into baking tin. Bake cake at 150 c for 1 1/2 hours or until cook. Cool cake on
rack.

Note: Recipe from SCS butter


My new year gift

My blogger friend Elisabeth of food and Thrift sent me this parcel from Florida which I received yesterday. just in time for my Chinese New Year. Thank you so much my dear friend, nice to meet a wonderful lady like you. With hugs to you.




Long Champ tote bag from a friend,courier to me from Paris. Thank you so much my dear Friend T.

63 comments:

  1. Hi Amelia, Holy Smoke! I love the koi fish jelly...infact all what you made here. The tarts, and fruit cake.
    I have always gone nuts over fruit cakes.

    Amelia, you sure one outstanding lady...with talents that are not only mouth watering, but eye catching too.
    Wishing you and family. gong xi fa cai, and the very best of the Dragon year.
    Lee.

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  2. Hi Amelia, happy lunar year, it's all very appetizing, congratulations!
    kisses:)

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  3. Hi Lee, Thank you so much for your compliments and greetings. All the above are my favorite during Chinese New Year, is a must have in my house.
    Meanwhile you feast with your eyes, when you balik kampong I belanja you.

    Have a nice weekend and a prosperous new year in Toronto. Take care.

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  4. Hi Duxa, thank you so much for your compliments and greetings.
    Have a nice weekend. Regards.

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  5. Hi Akheela, thank you so much for your greetings and compliments. Have a nice weekend. Regards.

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  6. Ohh my, you made those lovely fishes by hand???They look so real - straight out of a pond!And the lovely spread you have here is amazing!You are such a talented baker, Amelia - waiting eagerly for the recipes:)

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  7. Eileen@Hundred Eighty DegreesJanuary 22, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    Your koi fish jelly is beautiful. I like your pineapple tarts too! They are Awesome! Happy Lunar New Year to you and your family!

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  8. Amelia, the jelly fish and the cookies all look yummy!
    Wishing you and your family a Happy Lunar New Year!!

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  9. Everything up there caught my eyes dear!!! Those pineapple tarts are so well baked! I'd always get a slightly burned jam...why is that? Too hot or do I need to place the tray lower?

    Anyways..wishing you and yours a Prosperous CNY!!!

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  10. Hi Amelia,
    Gong Xi Fa Cai!
    Happy and Healthy New Year to you, my dear friend.

    I just can't get over all the amazing things you made, the gorgeous jelly fish, the pineapple tarts, the fruit cake...oh, my! You have certainly been so busy, cooking and baking!
    Is that my Florida shells in the background...or am I imagining things?
    Big hugs,

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  11. Hi Amelia-I left a long comment on your blog, but my computer froze up and it shut down...so I don't know if comment went through.

    Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy, and Healthy Chinese New Year to you and your family!
    Love all the things you made...just so amazed at the beautiful jelly fish molds, so pretty, and so perfect.
    The pineapple tarts are gorgeous, and the fruit cake, so delicious and totally addictive:DDD

    BTW-are those sea shells in the background are from me from Florida?
    Hope you received the package by now!
    Best regards, and hugs,

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  12. Omg,mindblowing jellies and sweet treats, Happy new year wishes..

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  13. I really like the looks of the Koi Fish Jelly, but I'll bet they taste even better. Actually, all of your cookies look absolutely delicious.

    I hope you had a great Lunar New Year.

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  14. Nice lovely koi they looked so real. Wishing you 龍馬精神*lóng mǎ jīng shén*. May the Dragon's fire propel you higher in top horse power with full vitality & passion in everything you do. *GongXiFaCai.*

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  15. Hi Sudha, thank you for your compliments and kind words. Have a nice day.

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  16. Hi Eileen, thank you for your compliments and greetings. Have a nice day.

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  17. Hi Ah Tze, thank you for your greetings and compliments. Have a nice day.

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  18. Hi Love2cook, thank you for your compliments.
    Your jam burned maybe be due to over baked, jam too sweet or temperature too hot. Try baked at 160deg c for 15 to 20 mins. Hope this help.
    Have a nice day.

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  19. Hi Amelia! Happy new year to u too!
    All your cookies look wonderfull but I am mostly facinated by your little fishi. Whats the difference between normal jelly powder and konnyaku jelly powder? First time I hear about this jelly. They looks incredible pretty. mind blowing!
    Thanks for sharing your valued knowledge and these yummy treats.

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  20. Hi Elisabeth, thank you so much for your compliments, kindwords and greetings.
    Oh..yes those seashell are from you.
    Have a nice day.

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  21. Hi WillyBcool, thank you for your kind words. Have a nice day.

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  22. Hi Priya, thank you for your greetings and compliments. Have a nice day.

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  23. Hi George, thank you for your kind words, greetings and compliments. oh yes, the koi fish jelly is very refreshing and delicious. Have a nice day.

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  24. Hi Bananaz, thank you for your kind words, greetings & compliments. have a nice day.

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  25. Hi Helene, thank you for your greetings, kind words and compliments.
    Jelly powder is the soft type and konnyaku jelly is a little soft and chewy. So for making fishes design best to use konnyaku jelly so when remove from mold it won't break into 2 parts. It's very popular in recent years and more expensive than jelly powder.
    Glad that you enjoy my recipes.
    Have a nice day.

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  26. Ne Hou Amelia!I'm terribly sorry...I should've came earlier to wish you Gong Xi Fa Cai but something happened to my blog and my post all remained static and motionless for a week now.
    Oh my!Those koi fish jelly are too good to eat!Sayang nak makan and you are one talented lady Amelia.Those jam tarts..wow,reminds me of Hari Raya.
    I hope its not too late to wish you and your family,

    Xin Nian Kuai Le, Wan She Ru Yi
    Gong Xi..Gong Xi!
    (I hope I get the pronounciation right!)

    P/S-I love the handbag ...hehehe
    *big grin on my face*

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  27. hi amelia, gong xi fa cai!! love the fishes!! they are all so beautiful!! nice handbag there! may the dragon brings lots of love and joy to you and your family!

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  28. Hi Mira, it's ok not too late to drop by to wish me cos I'm still in new year mood. What else... visiting and eat ,eat, eat.... hahahaha
    Thank you for your greeting, kind words and compliments. I love your chinese greeting, you're good got all the pronunciation correct.

    The fish looks nice but still have to cut and eat before it swim away. LOL

    Oh.. yes, I like this bag especially the color. Just in time to put ang pau, hahaha...

    So sorry to hear your blog problem, hope it's back to normal soon. I'll visit your blog later when I'm free ok!
    Have a nice day and warm regards.

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  29. Hi Lena, thank you for your compliments and greetings. Glad to know that you enjoy my cookies and it didn't turn into crumbs.
    Have a nice day. Regards

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  30. Oh Amelia, you've spoiled us again, haven't you ! How creative those koi jellyfish are ! I have a real soft spot for peanut cookies - these look SO good and easy to make that I must try them.

    btw - that header is stunning (I need sunglasses on to look at that brilliant colour ;-)

    A Happy Year of the dragon to you !

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  31. Hi Rick, thanks for your greeting and compliments.

    haha.. you're so cute, thanks for your kind words. LOL so I shall pamper you and yours with more delicious recipes??

    This peanuts cookies is melt in the mouth type, do give it a try and it's very easy to make and fail proof.
    Have a nice day.

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  32. Happy new year to you and your family!! Love the koi fishes and all the new year cookies look delicious!!

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  33. Hi Faithy, thank you for your greetings and compliments. Good to see you back in action again. Have a nice day.

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  34. My dear Anelia
    You has impressed me very much! What wonderful cakes, cookies, cakes and most fish!!
    I have not seen more beautiful appearance and so original!
    And your amazing bags!
    many kisses

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  35. Hi my dear Magda, thank you for you kind words and compliments. Oh.. the tote bag is 2 in 1, can use both ways. Have a nice day. Regards

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  36. wow lots of cookies and cakes for the CNY you've backed huh, all looks so nice!! especially the koi jelly and fruit cake, my favourite!!

    and you are so lucky to have so many friends sending you things.. and a longchamp tote bag all the way from paris!! wow~~ ^o^

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  37. Hi Sk, thank you for your kind words and compliments. Oh.. you are also another fruit cake lover? My fruit cake is not so sweet, so can have extra pieces, LOL
    Ya... I'd meet some nice friends thru blogging & forum. And personally had meet one all the way from US too.
    Have a nice day.

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  38. Hi Amelia,
    Happy New Year to you and everyone at home. Lovely spread you have made to fit the occasion and the koi jellies are superb and so creative. Love the playing of colors you did.

    How lucky you are to have great blogger friends and sure it shows with the sharing you have done.

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  39. I love those fabulous desserts you made, Amelia! The cookies and fruit cake look so tasty, and oh my, the Koi fish jellies are stunning! What a great way to welcome the Lunar New Year!

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  40. Hey Amelia, you have a great CNY!
    Love those Koi fish jelly, look very pretty.
    祝你新年快乐,年年有余,万事如意!

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  41. Hi Nava, thank you for your greetings and compliments.The koi fish jelly is a must during chinese new year since past years. 1 set is to present to my MIL.

    Oh yes.. I'd meet many wonderful friends online since I start blogging. And nice to meet you too.
    Have a nice day.

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  42. Hi Tina, thank you for your compliments and kind words. Have a nice day.I too love the koi fishes. The best way to make koi fish is to using konnyaku jelly to get a beautiful shinny effect.
    Have a nice day.

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  43. Hi Ann, thanks for your greetings and compliments. Have a nice day.

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  44. Hi Amelia, I love those Koi fish jelly. Looks real good too.
    And that tote bag from your American friend is beautiful. Looks real classy......and just in time for the Dragon year beginning.
    You have fun, keep well.
    Best regards.
    Lee.

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  45. Hi Lee, thanks for dropping by again. Thanks for your compliments and kind words. The koi fish is a hit in my family.
    Oh.. yes, the bag is really nice but er.... sorry it's from Paris not American. It's ok, whatever...can stuff lots of things inside.
    Have a nice day.

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  46. Receta espectacular de jaleas eres una artista,felicidades para este gran año,abrazos hugs,hugs.

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  47. Hi Rosita, thank you for your greetings and compliments. Have a nice weekend.

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  48. Koi Fish Jelly looks really good Amelia, and also the rest. In my house, the fruit cake was the first got finished by my elder, then followed by burgar cookies. Chocolate and peanut cookies still have 1/3 in the container. They will not last till Chap Goh. hahahaha! Nice longchamp tote.

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  49. Hi Amelia, 'gong xi fa cai' to you & your family! Wow, just imagine the CNY is almost over, 6 more days left! Sounds like you're having a great time. Filled with loads of surprises & gifts. I didn't bake much this year. Only made some pineapple rolls and some vegan cakes. Your pineapple tarts look absolutely beautiful & truly seducing. How I wish I can have some too~!
    Anyway, enjoy & have more fun!
    Cheers
    Kristy

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  50. Hi Sheoh, thank you for your compliments and kind words. Glad that you and your girls enjoy my cookies.
    Oh... yes, my long awaited Long Champ bag. LOL Have a nice day.

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  51. Hi Kristy, thank you for your compliments,greeting and kind words.
    I baked less this year, previous years was usually 8 to 10 types of cookies. LOL But I do have a big family and my cousins all enjoy eating my cookies.
    Have a nice day and enjoy another week of new year.

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  52. The Koi fish are absolutely fantastic! And I bet they taste great too. :-)

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  53. Hi JM, thanks for your compliments. oh.. yes, it's very refreshing when serve cold. Have nice day.

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  54. I love your koi fish jelly, saw these jelly being sold in the market and those are not half as nice as yours! Wonderful recipes you have here too, and I envy you your new Long Champ tote:)

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  55. Hi Jeannie, thanks you for your compliments and kind words. I'd not seen the koi fish that sold by others, not sure how it looks. But I heard it's expensive?
    Thanks for admiring my Long Champ tote, I like it very much. Saw in Singapore but price not cheap.
    Have a nice day.

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  56. Wah your koi fish look so pretty (and must be delicious too!). I love all the dessert you made. Elisabeth is so sweet to send you gifts all the way from Florida! You two must be very special friends to each other. :-)

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  57. Hi Nami, thank you for your compliments. Oh.. yes, the koi fish is very refreshing when serve chill and it's a bit of sweetness and sourish taste.
    Elisabeth is a very nice lady and same to you too. Have a nice day.

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  58. Your pink koi are so pretty!!!!!!!!!!!

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  59. Hi edith, thank you for your compliments. Have a nice day.

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  60. merhaba amelia,kurabıyeler harıka gorunuyor,ellerıne sağlık

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  61. Hi Zeymuran, thank you for your compliments. Have a nice day.

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