EGG TARTS

Egg tarts is a kind of custard tart found in Cantonese cuisine deriving from the English custard tart and Portugese pastel de nata. It's one of the best dessert among the dim sum spread.

To have a silky smooth custard, do not overbake the tarts or using too high heat. 

You need tart molds, rolling pin, ring cutter to make the egg tart.

TART SHELL ( make approximate 15 pieces )

150gm plain flour (sift)
100gm butter (chilled)
10gm milk powder
1/2 egg ( beaten )
20gm icing sugar (sift)
10gm custard powder

1. Add flour, milk powder, icing sugar, custard powder together.
2. Cut the chill butter into cube, add to the flour mixture. Use your finger tips to mix until resembles bread crumbs.
3. Add in the egg to form into a dough, do not KNEAD. Mix lightly until the dough leaves the side of the mixing bowl. DO NOT OVER MIX. Over knead may cause the tart shell to shrink.
4. If the dough is too soft, keep chill in the fridge until firm.
5. Roll out the dough in between 2 plastic sheet about 3mm thickness.
6. Cut roll dough with the ring cutter, put the cut dough into the tart mold and press lightly. Remove excess dough.
7. Prick lightly with a fork, bake the tart shell in preheat oven at 180 deg c for 10 mins.
8. Remove from oven, pour the egg custard into the tart shell 3/4 full.
9. Bake at 180 deg c for 15 to 20 mins depend on individual oven. Remove from oven, cool slightly.
10. Remove egg tarts and line with cupcake liners.

Egg Custard
1 1/2 egg
5 tbsp milk
1 tbsp water
40gm sugar
3/4 tsp custard powder + 1 tbsp water
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1. Mix the custard powder with water, add in egg and beat slightly.
2. Heat the milk, water, sugar until sugar melt. Do not boil.
3. Add the milk to the egg and keep stirring, sieve egg custard, add vanilla extra. 

4. Pour the custard into the prebake tart shell. Bake at 180 deg c for 15 to 20 mins depend on individual oven. 

Egg tarts are essentially a pastry with lots of fats and carbs as butter and flour are the main ingredients that make up most of the calories. Life is short, it's nice to indulge in our favorite food but eat everything in moderation. And don't forget to exercise.

Have a great week ahead.

AL'ARD ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Al'ard Extra Virgin Palestine Olive Oil

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Liquid Gold - Gift of Life! True 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a light and delicate addition to many wonderful dishes, and it is also one of the most health-promoting types of oils available.

Olive Oil is extremely rich in monounsaturated fat; a type of fat that researchers are discovering has excellent health benefits. No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated fat as Olive Oil -mainly oleic acid. Additionally, the olive contains a high quantity of polyphenols and antioxidants, including hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and tyrosol.

To preserve these beneficial qualities, it is essential to press the olive as close as possible to the time it was harvested from the tree. Al'ard olive oils have been pressed within an astonishing 6 hours from the time of harvest! As the greatest example of monounsaturated fat, Olive Oil is a prime component of the widely researched Mediterranean Diet.

Olive Oil is a natural juice, which preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and properties of the olive fruit. Olive Oil is the only oil that can be consumed as it is, in its natural state, freshly pressed from the fruit! All other oils are chemically processed, refined, and/or chemically extracted.

OLIVE OIL & YOUR HEART
Arteriosclerosis: It has been shown that olive oil has an effect in preventing the formation of blood clots. It has been observed that by avoiding excessive blood coagulation, olive-oil-rich diets can satisfy the effect of fatty foods by reducing blood clot formation, thus contributing to the low incidence of heart failure in countries where Olive Oil is the principal fat consumed.

CHOLESTEROL
Olive Oil lowers the levels of total blood cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. At the same time it does not alter the levels of HDL-cholesterol (and may even raise them), which plays a protective role and prevents the formation of fatty patches, thus stimulating the elimination of the low-density lipoproteins.

ANTIOXIDANTS IN OLIVE OIL
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), carotenoids and phenolic compounds are all antioxidants whose activity has been demonstrated in many studies, revealing further advantages in the prevention of certain diseases and also of ageing. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is particularly rich in these substances and it has a strong antioxidant effect, protecting against damage from free radicals and against the formation of cancer.

OLIVE OIL & OSTEOPOROSIS
Olive Oil appears to have a favourable effect on bone calcification, and bone mineralization is better the more olive oil is consumed. It helps calcium absorption, thereby playing an important part during the period of growth and in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Olive Oil is a nutrient of great biological value. Like all other fats and oils it is high in calories (120 to 130 calories in 1 tablespoon of 15ml). However, experience shows that there is less obesity amongst the Mediterranean people, who consume the most Olive Oil. It has been demonstrated that an olive-oil-rich diet leads to greater and longer-lasting weight loss than a low-fat diet. It is accepted better because it tastes good and it is a stimulus to eat vegetables.

OLIVE OIL DURING PREGNANCY & CHILDHOOD

Olive Oil plays a key role in fetal development during pregnancy and a shortage may have pernicious effects on the baby's subsequent development. It has been demonstrated that the post-natal development of babies of mothers who consumed Olive Oil when pregnant is better in terms of height, weight, behaviour and psycho-motor reflexes. The fetus needs vitamin E to grow. The newborn baby also needs a store of vitamin E to fight against the oxidative stress caused on entering an oxygen atmosphere.

Although not very abundant in Olive Oil, it is present in sufficient quantity thanks to the resistance of Olive Oil to oxidation. Therefore, both the amount and the type of food consumed in the diet during pregnancy play a key part in the metabolic adaptations that occur in the mother and in her functional relationship with her fetus.

AL'ARD OLIVE OIL IS ALSO GOOD FOR THE FOLLOWING
1) Knees or joint pain
2) Slowdown aging
3) Improve skin complexion and hair
4) Constipation
5) Improve overall immune system
6) Make up remover
7) Massage oil for body and face
8) Probiotic benefits

AL'ARD NABULSI SOAP
100% Palestine Olive Oil soap
Best for those with sensitive skin, eczema & psoriasis
Natural & moisturizer cleaning
Can use as facial soap, will not dry out your skin

Handcrafted, handmade, handwrap by the women cooperative members from Nablus, West Bank, Palestine from the Nablusi 10th century recipe.

For Malaysian can click  AT MY LAZADA SHOP   to purchase or you can leave your comment for any inquiry. You can also leave your email and message at the contact form.

OREO COFFEE CAKE

It's been a long time since I last take photos of my cooking and sharing recipes. Actually thought of give up my blog but on second thought... I still enjoy cooking and baking. I started my blog in 2011, wow....9 long years. It's a blessing I still survive in blogland. Thanks to some of my friends who still remember me and reading my blog. Let's enjoy the oreo coffee cake from my humble kitchen.

The cake crack due to adding a too much liquid. Just stick to 1 tbsp hot water. This is the consequence of lazy to measure.

There are at least 21 ways or more to enjoy OREOS, everyone loves them.  Oreos, oreos, oreos....open a packet of oreos and watch the magic happen.  Dip the oreo in milk, the kids loves it. Or you can make oreo popsicle, oreo cheesecake, oreo icecream, oreo shakes, oreo truffles, oreo pie,  oreo brownies, etc....  I think most of the kids including adults enjoy the oreo too. Oreo coffee cake is another great snacks for tea time or breakfast.

OREO  COFFEE CAKE
Ingredients
200g self-raising flour
200g anchor salted butter
170g sugar (original recipe was 200g)
4 eggs
1 tbsp instant coffee powder
1 tbsp hot water
½ tsp vanilla essence
7 Oreo cookies – chopped
3 Oreo cookies, additional for topping

Method:
1) Preheat oven to 175 deg C. Grease and line an 8” diameter tin.
2) Dissolve the instant coffee in hot water.  Set aside.
3) Cream butter and sugar till light and fluffy.
4) Beat in the eggs, one at a time and beating well after each addition.
5) Stir in the dissolved coffee, vanilla essence and the chopped Oreos
6) Fold in the flour and pour into your prepared tin.
7) Split the Oreos  and put on top of the  cake batter.
8) Bake for 40-45mins or till cooked.

The combination of the oreos and coffee is marvelous.
Recipe source from here

Have a great week ahead and take care.

I'M ALL SHOOK UP CHOCOLATE CAKE

I'm All Shook Up Chocolate Cake
270gm  flour
270gm sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 cup Buttermilk
1 cup Hot water
2 teaspoons Soda
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla

1/  Pre heat over to 180 deg c. Grease an 8 inch baking pan or lined with grease proof paper.
2/  Sieve flour, cocoa powder and bicarbonate soda together.  

3/  Using a  mixer, blend all the ingredients until well mixed. Don’t over blend, a few small lumps are fine.
4/  Pour the cake mixture into the cake pan, tap them lightly on the table top to release any air bubbles.

5/  Bake for 40 minutes or until cook at 180 deg c.
6/  Cool completely, slice the cake into 2, sandwich with the coconut frosting.

7/  Spread the balance frosting on top the cake.
8/  If you want to decorate the cake with fondant, do not frost the cake with coconut frosting.

Coconut Almond Frosting
1 cup evaporated Milk
1 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups Coconut
1 cup almond powder

1/  Whisk evaporated milk & egg yolks together, making sure that egg yolk is well blended in.
2/   Place the evaporated milk, egg yolk mixture, sugar and butter in a medium size saucepan.

3/  Whisk entire mixture together until very well blended.
4/  Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until frosting has thickened.
5/  Add Coconut, vanilla & hazelnuts, and spread over cooled cake.

Enjoy the shook up cake.

KING ARTHUR CHOCOLATE CAKE

Is chocolate cake sinful? Guess most of us loves chocolate, chocolate cakes, chocolate dessert. Chocolate is my all time favorite.
The cake may look untidy but the taste is marvelous.

King Arthur Chocolate Cake  source from K.A 
Ingredients
2 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup castor sugar
1/2 cup butter ( very soft)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cappuccino
4 large eggs

1/ Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda into the mixing bowl.
2/ Add the castor sugar and mix well.
3/ Add the soft butter and use mixer to beat for 1 minute.
4/ Add the milk, cappuccino, vanilla extract and oil into the flour mixture and mix till well blend.

5/ Add egg one at a time and beat until well blend at medium speed. Do not over beat the egg.
6/ Grease 2 x 8" cake pan. Divide the mixture into 2 portion.
7/ Bake at pre heat oven for 25 to 30 minutes at 180 deg c.

Filling and frosting for the cake
8 oz good quality cooking chocolate
200 mls whipping cream

1/ Chop the chocolate into small piece.
2/ Double boil the chocolate and whipping cream until chocolate melt.
3/ Remove from heat, add 1 to 2 tbsp Irish cream and stir till well blend.
4/ Keep aside for 30 to 45 minutes until the frosting slightly thicken.
5/ Sandwich the 2 cakes with chocolate filling, refrigerate for 15 minutes.
6/ Remove from fridge, pour the chocolate frosting on top the cake and frost the side of cake. Decorate as desire.

The fudge frosting is a killer. Make sure to use good quality chocolate to get the ultimate taste.

This chocolate cake is tender and moist.

Life is short, eat chocolate.

WAFFLE WITH FRIED CHICKEN WINGS

Waffle with fried chicken wings with maple orange sauce. We can easily make this dish in a bit under an hour.

Waffle - make 4 pieces
1 large egg - lightly beaten
1 cup butter milk
1 1/4 cup flour
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tsp baking powder
1/ tsp vanilla extract

1/  Sieve the flour and baking powder together.
2/  Mix the flour, brown sugar, butter milk, egg and mix well.

3/  Add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Keep aside for an hour.

4/  Heat up the waffle iron, brush both side of the hotplate with butter. Scoop the batter onto the waffle iron and cover the lid.

5/ Cook the waffle till golden brown.  For best result, serve immediately.

Fried Chicken
6 chicken wings
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp light soya sauce
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp rum
1 chicken egg - lightly beaten

Coating for chicken wings
300 gm plain flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp all spice
1 tsp pepper
Mix all ingredients together and mix well.

1/  Wash the chicken wing and pat dry, cut into 2 section.
2/  Marinate the chicken wings with salt, light soya sauce, pepper, cayenne pepper and rum.
3/  Refrigerate for about 2 to 3 hours.

4/  Coat the chicken wings with flour mixture evenly.

5/ Then dip the coated chicken wings into the egg mixture.

6/ Coat the chicken in flour mixture again and shake off the excess flour.

7/ Heat up the oil and deep fry the chicken wings until golden brown and cooked through.

Maple orange sauce
Juice of 1 orange
4 tbsp maple syrup or to taste
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp corn flour mix with 1 tbsp water.

Mix orange  juice with salt and maple syrup. Cook till warm then add the corn flour mixture. Cook till thicken and slightly boil. Remove from heat.

 A sweet, crispy and savory comforting combo that can be serve anytime of the day.

If you got nothing better to do, cut the watermelon into maple leaf shape.

A drizzle of sweet maple orange sauce on the waffle and chicken can really hit the platter hard.

 Another holy combination to enjoy waffle.

Waffle with caramelized banana and ice cream.

Add 1 tbsp of sugar with 1 tbsp of water onto the non stick pan. Cook till sugar melt and add the slice banana. Cook till sugar caramelized. Sprinkle cinnamon powder on top the banana.

An irresistible snack, if you like can take this for breakfast too.

Waffle chicken sandwich is a great appetizer for potluck or parties.

Cut waffle into 4 pieces, put one slice of tomato, lettuce and fried chicken meat, top with another slice of tomato, lettuce and waffle again. Use the sandwich toothpick to hold the sandwich.

Drizzle the syrupy maple orange sauce over the waffle sandwich.

Crispy, crunchy pieces of chicken stacked on a fluffy golden waffle will definitely tease your taste buds.

MOIST ORANGE CAKE WITH COCONUT TOPPING

Fragrant, moist and aromatic orange cake. Look maybe deceiving but the aromatic orange flavor is marvelous. You can serve this cake with or without topping.  

INGREDIENTS
150 gm butter
2 tsp grated orange rind
80 gm  castor sugar
3 A size eggs
100 gm  self raising flour
1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1/  Line and grease a 5" cake pan.
2/  Sift the self raising flour.
3/  Mix butter, grated orange rind, castor sugar, eggs, self raising flour and orange juice into the mixing bowl and beat for 3 minutes using medium speed.
4/  Pour into the round cake pan.
5/  Baked in a preheat oven at 180 deg c for 35 to 40 minutes.
6/ Cool the cake completely, spread the icing on top the cake and sprinkle with grated coconut.

ORANGE ICING 
1 cup icing sugar
1 tsp soft butter
1 tbsp orange juice
2 tbsp grated coconut

1/ Sift icing sugar into small heatproof bowl.
2/ Stir in butter and orange juice to make a stiff paste
3/ Stir over double boiler until icing is spreadable.

This quick orange cake is awesome with or without the icing.

Perfect for afternoon tea and great pairing with a cup of  aromatic rose bud tea.

ROSE BUD TEA

If  you are cold, tea will warm you.
If you are too heated, it will cool you.
If you are depressed, it will cheer you.
If  you are excited, it will calm you.
(By Gladstone)

Rose tea contain vitamin C which will boost your immune system and fight infections. Rose tea improve skin health, slow down the aging of your skin.

Brew these lovely rose buds and give a buzz to yourself.

Rose buds tea help relieves headaches, migraine, stress, anxiety, depression, weight loss, etc...

Sit back, relax, have a nice cup of rose tea and two slices of orange cake. No matter how busy, there is always time for tea.

Enjoy the little things in your life, for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things.
Have a marvelous week ahead.