Singaporean Night

This was probably 3-4 months ago and I thought I already wrote about it, but guess it slipped under the radar. I consider myself a pseudo honorary Singaporean, all began over 10 years ago with my very first bf (Dr PJ) - he first introduced me to all things Singaporean back in Jamaica. So by the time I got to Sydney I joined the Singaporean Society on campus and was also on the committee, organising parties and outings. Some of my closest friends to this day are Singaporean.

So I decided to do them proud (not really) and try out my skills with some Singaporean dishes.

There was the Hainese Chicken Rice (not quite there), Curry Devil (yum! but not quite either), Chilli Prawns (closer but no) and just some steamed green veg. Who knew Singaporean was so difficult to make! Uuuggggh - so annoying. Now I dunno if I'll want to do this again....

Funny thing was my flatmate offered to help me that night and she was in charge of the rice. And we ran out! OMG most embarrassing. Whoever runs out of rice and it was Chicken Rice too, so good.

My ex flatmate NerdyGirl used to make Curry Devil, and wow it was sooo good, so spicy but sooo good that you can't stop eating. Her mom made some for me when I went to visit her last year. BLISS

Curry Devil

• Chicken
• Tumeric
• Onion (LOTS)
• Mustard seed
• Chilli
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Potato
• Vinegar

Directions

Heat oil, fry seasonings, fry onion, add chicken, add potato, and vinegar and water. cover

Turkish Delight

Apparently I offered to cook Black Belt Dude dinner for his birthday (so totally did not recall this conversation happening). But anyway, it's been a while since my last dinner party plus I'm going away - Jamaica! (bwoy mi cyaaan wait!) next week. So it's good excuse to see some ppl before I see them all next year. OMG can it be 2011 already?!?

BBD specifically requested Turkish Dinner (actually he asked for Roti & Curry - but that got shot down real quick, told him to go to Mamak if he wants some). So he brought over a couple frens from work who are in need of a home cook meal and I got some girlfriends along, in total a dinner party of 8.

I was fretting the whole day that I wouldn't have enough food (why ?!?! There's always left overs!) So the menu includes: Fattoush, (A mountain of) Couscous, Tava (modified) and Apricot Chicken.

The food all went down quite well. I particularly liked the Apricot Chicken but it was the most labour intensive. and even though I modified the Tava. It was really quite nice, its simple favours played off well with the complexity of the Chicken dish.

Piggierised Tava

• Beef Chunks
• Onion
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Can of Tomato
• Jar of Grilled Capsicum
• Parsley
• Fetta Cheese
• Salt & Pepper

Directions

Brown Meat, add onion and garlic, add mushrooms and then pureed capscium sauce and can of tomato. Layered Casserole dish with nuked potatoes, cover with mixture from pan and cook in oven uncovered for 20 mins. To serve, top with chopped Parsley and crumbled fetta

Thai Chilli Basil Beef and Modified Doubles

This is one of the most simple stir-fries around. Doesn't require much seasoning as long as you got your handy bottle of Fish Sauce it's all good. :)

I start throwing in some random vegetables and before I know it, my wok was full! It was so yum though so lucky to have extra for lunch.

My friend DigiKing was sharing his recipe for the Trinidadian Favourite Doubles with me on Facebook and I couldn't wait to try it out. But after reading the recipe, there were instructions on how to make the "Bara" - the fried dough/bread that you fill it with the Curried Channa (Chickpeas)...I thought about it for a minute, and knew there's no way I'm gonna try make the Bara. So I modified and here's the first FAILED attempt with puff pastry.

Dr Rats and my flatmate were my test subjects. It wasn't too too bad. I just need to figure out a way to wrap this thing prettier and not let the filling escape. I made it again when I went to Melbourne to visit MrShyGuy. It's actually a really good snack. I would recommend for potluck or picnics.

My Piggierised Version of Doubles

(Guess it's a bit influenced by Curry Puffs)

• Onion
• Garlic
• Cummin
• Can ChickPeas
• Tumeric
• Ground Coriander
• Salt & Pepper
• Puff Pastry

Fettuccine Puttanesca

Dr Rats was hanging out one night and flipping through various magazines I had lying around and found this one that featured on some great Pasta dishes (Yes even my magazines are food-centric!). Initially she talked about making the great looking prawn pasta for me, and I readily agreed to be her test subject. But she's too busy testing on real rats to be cooking. So it's left to me again. as per usual.

I was more intrigued by the Puttanesca sauce, I've made it back in my college days and thought I could upgrade it. There's the Origin of the Puttanesca sauce that version (as they are many versions, as with most things) claims it was first put together for a bunch of prostitutes (Italian - Puttana) who visited a restaurant late one night after closing and the chef there didn't have anything left to put a proper meal together and so just went through what was available in the pantry and ta-da!

My version consist of: Garlic, Onion, Feta, Basil, Chili, Capers, Anchovies, Olives and cherry tomatoes. Not quite what's readily available in everday pantry, but it was great :)

Why am I eating alone?

I think I got food poisoning for the past couple of days, and it's the worst ever. I am so over Congee at the moment. Even though usually I looove that stuff, but after 2 days of eating nothing but plain congee. it's enough to dry up one's palate.

So for my day 1 recovery, I wanted something simple. Not going to make some crazy curry at the moment. LOL

Initially I contemplated on the Fusion Tom Yum Pork and Mushroom Spaghetti. But I think that might be too much for my tummy to handle. So the lamb cutlets were on sale in the local IGA supermaket, plus I still had some green beans I meant to cook from the week before.

And I totally thought my flatmate was home, so I set about cooking some anchovies garlic beans, dry roasted potatos, lemon & rosemary lamb cutlets and a salad for dinner.

But turns out I was the only one home! All that food and just for me....greedy piggie it is

Good Ol' Shepherd's Pie

I still remember the first time I tried to make a Shepherd's Pie, it was a group task in my Grade 8 Home Ec's class. and bwoooy did I feel sorry for my partner Tall girl then. I just remembered the rather disastrous result along with our failed grade. Eeeks

And since then, I haven't attempt to make it again. But it's been well over a decade. So maybe it was time to challenge myself again.

Com'on, it's just some mince and mashed potatoes right? How hard can it be? I checked out some recipes online at Taste.com.au and they seemed easy enough.... and then 1.5 hrs later, after all the chopping and stirring and transferring from pot to pan - I hate that! And popping it in the oven. it's finally finished. YAY!

Decide to make a Greek salad to go

with it. So it gives the illusion of a

healthy meal (despite all that butter

I used in the mashed potatoes) hehe

I just loved how crispy and crunchy the top of the potato layered was, went so well with the smooth creaminess of the rest of the potato and then the mince lamb and vegetables (carrots, onion, peas and celery). So really it was quite healthy.

Brazilian Night

Ooops totally forgot to update post with my Brazilian Night from few (like 3) weeks ago. Now I need to try remember what did I make that night..... Cartoon Dude, Exotic Asian, Dr Rats, Black Belt Dude all came to try out my Brazilian cooking.

As with many Caribbean and South American recipes, Black Beans play a fundamental role in many dishes. I remember what a pain it was trying to find Black Beans in Sydney. No, they're no available in your local Coles. Grrrr.... But after some searching in some delis and fruit and veg stores. Finally managed to get a can. (Dry ones take too long too cook!)

So the menu for the night, after being inspired by watching the Planet Food series the other day and they did a segment on Brazil -Feijoada (Black Bean Stew), Chicken with Coconut, Fish Stew, a Pomegranate Salad and a Beets Salsa. Yes there was waaaay too much food that night!

The most interesting dish of the night was the Feijoada

Ingredients

• Can Black Beans
• Can Tomato
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chorizo
• Sweet Potato
• Mango ( Yes I know!)
• Red Pepper
• Chilli
• Cilantro
• Salt & Pepper
• Cumin
• Ground Coriander
• All Spice
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon

Directions

Cook Onion and garlic, add Choizo, and veg

Add cans

Add seasoning

Top with water, simmer

Add mango and garnish with cilantro

Vegetarian Brunch

Fail fail fail, I just can't seem to get the hang of poached eggs, am seriously contemplating on getting one of those kitchen gadgets/device that makes the job so much easier. Tempting tempting tempting, but no, cannot! Promised Mami that as part of Bloctober, no buying of random kitchen utensils. uuuugh.

Yup that's right, I'm doing Bloctober, another Hangover-free month! It's only been 1 week so far.

So this morning with Mr ShyGuy and DirtyWrestler around, I wanted to make a hearty breakfast for us all. Good thing there was haloumi in the fridge, it's been described as Steak for vegetarians. heh and I couldn't agree more. I made some garlic mushrooms and roasted tomatoes to with with it all. But unfortunately I just couldn't poach the eggs and Mr ShyGuy had to help me out.

Everything Spaghetti Marinara

I couldn't really decide what I wanted for dinner tonight, so I just rummaged through my pantry, fridge and freezer and see what I could come up with.

There was less-than-half a package of pasta left lying in the bottom of my cupboard looking very sad, and I really can't say how long it's been there for (less than 3 months though). So pasta it was.

I had some canned tomatoes, light cream and pesto on hand...so instead choosing 1 type of sauce, I'll just add everything together! So much less thinking. It turned out really well actually, my other taster said it was great and will be having some for lunch tomorrow. So Yay! Go me and my non-thinking, impulsive cooking.

Everything Spaghetti Marinara

Ingredients

• Pasta
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato
• Mushroom
• Frozen Peas
• Frozen Seafood Mix
• Chilli flakes/ powder
• Mixed Herbs
• Can of Diced Tomato
• Pesto Paste
• Light Cream
• Salt & Pepper

Cooking in October

So..technically my flatmate was the one who made dinner and I did the minimal-est effort of tossing the salad together...but I did get my hands dirty....so it still counts right?

After nearly a whole week of meatless meals coz Mr ShyGuy is uberly PC etc and doesn't consume animals.....*sigh* yes, it's been this constant thing I have nagging nagging, but I have a feeling I'll convince him to convert back to carnivorousness (how can this be a word?) yet.

I nearly sang for joy when Red Meat was on the menu :) and I didn't have to lift a finger! Wooohoo. The crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic just went so well with the balsamic glazed lamb while I made a Pearish Greek Salad.

Pearish Greek Salad

Ingredients Directions

• Salad Leaves - Toss everything together !
• Pear
• Fetta Cheese
• Olives
• Cheery Tomatoes
• Walnut bits
• Cucumber
• Balsamic Vingear
• Olive Oil
• Mixed Herbs

Prawn Gumbo

It's been ages since I last made Gumbo, it's one of my favourite things to eat. But it takes awhile to prepare so it's not really a regular on my menu. But gawd it was gooood.

I got all fresh ingredients and combined with spices and the meats - It was fantastic. My flatmate gave it 2 thumbs up :)

Ingredients

• Onion
• Garlic
• Capsicum
• Celery
• Tomato
• Can of tomatoes
• Parsley
• Chorizo
• Chicken
• Prawns
• Creole Seasoning
• Allspice
• Chilli
• Beer
• Flour
• Salt & Pepper

Directions

• Fry the sliced Chorizo and Chicken, add in the vegetables and fry until soft
• In another saucepan, heat oil and butter and add flour and stir constantly to create a roux, after it darkens to a light brown colour, and bubbles. Add beer. Pour liquid into the other pot with all the other cooking ingredients.
• Add can of tomatoes and seasoning, cook for another 30 mins and add Prawns and Parsley.
• Serve with white Rice

Accidental Cooking

The other night I was too tired after work to go grocery shopping and knowing how well stocked my fridge was, never fret.

Found this gorgeous red steak in the freezer and considered making vietnamese beef noodle soup. I had the noodles and soup base all ready, just need to defrost the meat.

As I was slicing the still slightly frozen meat (so it's easier to slice than completely defrosted). I noticed a somewhat fishy smell...the steak can't be off right? Eeeks! But then on a closer inspection there was a bit of "skin" on it... interesting.....then *BING* I remembered I had previously froze a piece of Tuna steak in the freezer. Ooooh but now i've already thinly sliced it. Wat to do wat to do?!?

After putting away the noodles and soup base, coz they surely don't work with thin tuna slices. I checked the fridge to see what else was there on offer. Found me some Bocconcini cheese, salad leaves and spring onion. Well an asian fused salad it is. I made dressing with some fish sauce, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds and soya sauce. The salad was yum - fresh and the right balance of flavours.

Special Request - Jerk Chicken

It was Cartoon Dude's Bday and he did some serious hinting the last time about craving Jerk Chicken. so I caved in and asked Mami, Dr Rats, The Double Ls and Cartoon Dude's Jetlagged Buddy to come along for a meal and wine to celebrate his bday. Mami also brought along CrazynLoud and my flatmate is finally back!

So with 9 people around, the menu for the night included: Jerk Chicken, Creole Fish, Garlic Eggplants, Chilli Prawns, Curry Fish Balls, Rice and Red Beans, Pineapple Salsa, Tomato, Basil & Bocconcini Salad and Avocado and Tomoato Salad along with a loaf of Olive Sourdough Bread.

Rice and Red Beans

Ingredients

Can of Red Kidney Beans

Can of Light Coconut Milk

Rice

Allspice

Salt

Directions

Wash Rice

Add Beans and Coconut Milk

Add Seasoning

Turn on Rice Cooker!

Afro-Inspired Night

Honestly, I've actually never had African food before, despite many intentions to visit the Ethiopian and other African eateries in town, somehow just never made it.

And last week was the 2nd time I've been to a Moroccan themed restaurant - Souk in the City, which was amazing but I'll leave that review to my friend Teeny Tiny on her blog -

EatShowandTell.

This week I invited my friend Cartoon Dude and his Jetlagged Buddy to join me while I test out some new recipes. Initially they had requested I make Jerk chicken or Jerk Pork but guys u missed the boat - maybe nx time.

So on the menu tonight which is supposed to be Afro-inspired, we have: Harissa Marinated Chicken, Corn and Squash Fritters, Roasted Vegetable Frittata and a Pineapple salsa.

I wasn't quite happy with how the Harissa marinate came out (I did try following the recipe initially) and then decide to modify it a tad. It became rather thick and had a peanut/satay sauce consistency. The guys thought it rather resembled Jerk Chicken (wistful thinking on their parts). I thought it was tasty, rather spicy (not chilli hot) but rather full of flavour and spice, there was: cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, nutmeg, all spice, dried chilli, ginger, garlic, soya sauce, sherry, salt and pepper in the marinade.

My friend gave this MASSIVE organic Squash the other day and I've been racking my brains as to what to do with it. I've managed to use up half of it tonight in 2 of the dishes. Both the Frittata and the Fritters. Is it me, or do they both sound a bit similar and very easy to mix up?

The Frittata is similar to a quiche but without the pastry base, though somehow the colouring of mine one came out not as pretty as I hope. While the Fritters are similar to Falafels.

Mine was a bit labourous as I grated the squash and added it to the batter mix of: eggs, corn, coriander, onion, garlic, ginger, flour, water, capsicums and salt and pepper.

Chowder on a Cold Night

All alone on a cold cold night. How I wish there was a fireplace in my apartment I could huddle in front of and read a good book.

After a quick look at my nearly-empty refrigerator, I decided the best thing to do was to make a hearty creamy chowder-like soup to warm the soul with all the left over vegetables available.

Besides what else am I gonna do with that stalk of celery that's been sitting in the back of my crisper section of my fridge for the past week and a half (and counting)!

Vegetable Chowder

• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrot
• Capsicum
• Celery
• Potato
• Butter
• Parsley
• Milk
• Water
• Stock
• Salt and Pepper

Directions

• Melt butter, add onion and garlic, fry til translucent, add other veg, add milk, top with stock and water, season with salt and pepper

Jamaican Night Take 2

Dear Blog,

It's been nearly a month since my last dinner party. Has my friend's forgotten my cooking? Have I forgotten where everything is in the kitchen?

The dinning table has been cluttered with junk. This calls for time in the kitchen and having a few friends around for some food and drinks.

So I gathered my troop with a couple newcomers along with the usual suspects. There was a bit of thyme in the fridge plus I recently purchased a "Caribbean Cookbook" so I decided to give Jamaican Night another go.

This time for a party of 6 the menu included: Rice and Beans, Curry Goat, Osso Bucco, Stew Fish and just a simple cucumber, tomato and avocado salad - since I really didn't have time for a vegetable dish.

My favourite of the Night was the Stew Fish, though the Curry Goat did rekindle many fond memories of home. I was so pleased I was able to recreate the taste. But the Goat meat was slightly tough and my new friend Ms Exotic Asian wasn't too impressed with the texture, surprisingly Dr Rats was able to get pass the gamey taste and didn't mind the Goat meat despite hating lamb. so Score for Piggie.

Creole Stew Fish

• Fish pieces
• Vinegar
• All Spice
• Nutmeg
• Paprika
• Black Pepper
• Salt
• Sugar
• Garlic

Marinate for 2 hours or overnight in fridge, then coat lightly with flour and fry evenly on both sides for 5-1o mins

Sauce

• Onion
• Garlic
• Red and Green Capsicum
• Tomatoes
• Chilli
• Tomato Paste
• Stock
• Cinnamon
• Pepper

Directions

Heat oil and melt butter and then add all ingredients, add fish and cover.

Cooking 4 One

My flatmate's been home away for couple of weeks now, recuperating from her going under the knife. So I've been home alone and cooking for one. I really really dislike cooking for myself alone. It's terrible to try cook just 1 portion - seems way too much effort really, but once there's more - you end up with nights and nights of left overs of the same stuff - BORING. Gawd, just can't win really.

So now I've only been inspired to cook sparingly in the past couple of weeks. It's usually just instant noodles and toast. Otherwise I've been out and haven't cooked at all.

I made this Marinara de Romesco Pasta sauce the other day. It was soooo good. I think it surpassed the

one I had @ DDD's house the week before. I added some veggies to make it seem "healthier" : green peas, mushrooms, tomatoes etc along with the seafood mix. It went really well with pasta. The sauce was thick and flavoursome and had just the right touch of spiciness for that extra kick.

I made a Singaporen Curry Chicken last week when it was really cold. Perfect weather for a curry. I must admit the curry sauce was from a packet so there was minimal effort from me.

Just add onion, garlic and then potatoes and Chicken and coconut milk. It was quick and easy and O... sooooo yummy. Though perhaps a tad bit on the salty side for me. Next time - less salt for sure.

On my very first night home alone. I didn't bother to go to the supermarket knowing full well how stocked my fridge was after the hot pot party on the weekend. So I found all these bits and pieces of food and decide to make my own stir fry combo. With a bit of mince pork, salted duck egg, vermicelli, and "sze gwa" I made a spicy noodle stir fry that's so so good. Always a favourite. Along with the curry fish balls - who ever get sick of these? It ended up being a pretty satisfying meal. But I definately can't wait til my flatmate gets home.

Random cooking

I really like to menu plan, whether it's days ahead of the next dinner party where I spend hours on the internet searching for the perfect recipes to fit whatever cuisine that tickles my fancy, or mere hours before my imminent meal. Basically I like to know what I'll be cooking and eating.

Such was not the case when I went to visit Mami the other night to help babysit her gorgeous brood of 3. I arrived later than expected due to work commitments and of course I was starving.

I know she had just grocery shopped the previous day, with the evidence lying all around the kitchen. I was excited at the prospect of whipping up something yummy for the kiddies and myself.

But then, the challenge came,I was informed the food stock available is to last for 2 weeks which dismally limited my resources. Other criteria being yummy, nutritious, filling and vegetarian friendly since Mami is a Pescetarian. After raiding her cupboards and fridge (this is turning out to be very much like a Mystery Box Challenge on Master Chef!), I decided to make a vegetarian pesto risotto, topped with some fried sausage pieces for the kiddos and I, who devour meat like there's no tomorrow. I know the presentation is not fantastic, as I only remember to take a picture after nearly finishing half my portion...ooops

Pesto Vegetarian Risotto

Ingredients

• Aborio Rice
• Chopped Broccoli
• Chopped Cherry Tomatoes
• Sliced Red Cabbage
• Shredded Carrots
• Vegetable Stock
• Pesto Paste
• Mixed Spices
• Mixed Herbs
• Pepper & Salt
• Butter

Directions

Melt butter, add rice, add vegetables and stock, cook until rice is soft with continuous stirring
Add Spices and Pesto paste
Topped with fried chopped sausages and a bit of cheese.

Steak Night

Steaks were on sale the other day when I was grocery shopping, and my little friend LesbianCop has been asking me to cook some red meat for her since she's low on iron....(but I'm not her mother?!?) anyway, since she drives me everywhere...I'll cook watever she likes.

With the main decided, now I need to think of accompaniments. What to have? What to have? I ask myself.....hmm maybe some soft, smooth, buttery mashed potatoes, along with some sweet roasted pumpkins. And I always used to get baked beans when I visited steakhouses when I was young, so gotta have some of that. With some fresh bread, left over zucchini patties and mushroom red wine sauce, the menu is now complete.


Drink of the night - Pineapple juice with Vodka and Midori




Mushroom Red Wine Sauce

Ingredients

• Sliced Mushrooms
• Minced Garlic
• Red Wine
• Stock
• Tomato Paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Flour
• Thyme
• Butter

Directions

Melt butter, add garlic and mushrooms.
Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a simmer til it thickens

Saturday Breakfast

Woke up really really hungry this morning, but then I'm in Mami's house and alas! Her fridge is empty......oh dear...with 2 eggs, bit of left over mushrooms, a few carrots, quarter of a cabbage, half a loaf of bread, bunch of sprouts and some avocados... What am I gonna do for breakfast/brunch?!?!

Well one's gotta do what one's gotta do. With bellies rumbling, I set off to experiment with my limited resources.... but first off, COFFEE!!!

After being inspired by Donna Hay on Masterchef last night, she was soooo meticulous with everything. I wanted to try to make the elusive centred runny yolk soft boiled eggs. Apparently you swirl the hot water in the saucepan to make a whirlpool and then drop the egg in and this would make the yolk stay in the centre. As soon as I dropped the egg in, I was like oh no! This isn't gonna work - the egg just cracked, oops! Well there wasn't any more eggs left so, it'll do. But they turned out alrite! Though I still have no clue how long I'm suppose to cook these eggs...

Then in a fry pan, I melted some butter, added the grated carrots, chopped mushrooms and sliced red cabbage, topped it off with some fresh parsley from the garden and served it with some sprouts.

All in all, it wasn't such a bad effort and avocados are always good.

Spanish Night

I had Spanish Night awhile back but the pictures were on a friend's camera phone and I only got hold of them this week. Now need to see if I can remember what I made that night....

It was Tapas and Paella that ruled the night, and after one too many glasses of Sangria, we were all very jolly. After dinner, my new friend SpaceyChicken couldn't get her mind outta the gutter when we were playing Dirty Mind. All in all a very fun night.




Menu for the Night:

Pan con Tomato (Tomato Bread), Champiñones Al Ajillo (Garlic Mushrooms), Chorizo & Beans Stew, Meat Balls with Romeso Sauce, Paella and Escalivada (Roasted Veggie Salad)









Romesco Sauce

Ingredients

• Olive Oil
• Blanche Almonds
• Torn up Bread
• Tomatoes
• Char-grilled Red Capsicum
• Crushes Garlic Cloves
• Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Sherry
• Salt

Directions

Add everything to food processor or blender and then heat up slightly in saucepan

Chorizo and Beans Stew

Ingredients

• Olive Oil
• Quartered Potatoes
• Sliced Chorizos
• Diced Onion
• Minced Garlic Cloves
  
• Can of Butter Beans
• Can of Diced Tomatoes
• Bay Leaf
• Chile
• Stock
• Parsley

Directions

Heat Oil in saucepan, saute Onion, Garlic and Chorizos. Add Potatoes, beans and tomatoes, top with stock, add seasoning and cook for 30 mins or so, top with parsley.

Favourite Winter Drinks

During my recent trip to Tassieville, I discovered 2 Amazing Hot Beverages that will warm your body and soul during the winter months.

This is the perfect time of the year to help yourself to a glass of Mulled Wine - a warm spicy, sweet red wine....best served with a cuddle under warm blankets and a good book. Fireplace is optional.

The other is what I would call Liquid Hot Apple Pie... hmmm mmmmm. So good.


Mulled Wine

Ingredients

• Red Wine
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Star anise
  
• Citrus Fruits
• Sugar
• Water

Directions

Heat wine in saucepan and add the rest of the ingredients. Yuuuummm


Hot Liquid Apple Pie

Ingredients

• Cloudy Apple Juice
• Lemon Juice
• Grated Ginger
• Cinnamon

Directions

Heat apple Juice in saucepan and add rest of ingredients

Hawaiian Night

Aloha!

I've always wondered what's Hawaiian food is like, so on a cold wet night, I decide to bring sunshine and beach to my humble home and invite some friends over to be my guinea pigs.

Turns out, Hawaiian food is just alotta Pineapples. Pineapples in EVERYTHING! From the Fried Rice, to Chicken, Salad and even the Drinks. We were all a bit pineapple-d out that night I think. Though MickyMouse insisted I coulda used a bit more pineapples still.....well he didn't bring me fresh pineapple he saw that day!

With Leis wrapped around our necks and MickyMouse performed an impromptu Hula Dance for us, we sat down to our meal.

Menu for the night: Tuna Ahi Poke, Purple & Orange Coleslaw, Island Fried Rice, Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs and Kalua Pig.

Sorry the picture ain't so great, I was too busy laughing and eating to take more pictures.

Island Fried Rice

Ingredients

• Chopped Onion
• Minced Garlic
  
• Sliced Chinese Sausage
• Diced Spicy Spam
• Diced Pineapple Pieces (I was lazy and just used a can in juice)
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables
• Beaten Eggs
• Shallots
  
• Cooked Rice
  
• Soya Sauce

Directions

Cook in wok all the meat and vegetables, add cook rice and mix everything evenly. Add beaten eggs to coat rice, season with soya sauce

Tex Mex Night

I had a craving for Chile Con Carne and thought it'd be great to do a Tex-Mex Night, it's been ages since I had some Mac & Cheese, one of my childhood favourite and also some spicy Buffalo Wings. But I didn't want to do the deep fried version - 1st it's really messy and I'm kinda low on oil also, there got to be a healthier way.

After some searching online, I finally found a baked recipe.

Chile Con Carne

Ingredients

• Beef Mince
• Chopped Green Capsicum
• Can of Red Kidney Beans
• Tomato Paste
• Can of Diced Tomatoes
• Chopped Onion
• Minced Garlic
• Chile (flakes, fresh chopped, powder)
• Oregano
• All Spice
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Sugar
• Salt & Pepper

Directions

Brown Mince, onion and garlic, add capsicum and tomato, beans and paste.

Season with spices, cover with water

Cover lid and cook for 45mins or thereabout

Baked Buffalo Wings

Ingredients

• Chicken Mid Wings
• Flour
• Garlic Powder
• Cayenne Powder
• Butter
• Salt
• Hot Sauce

Directions

Coat chicken with the dry ingredients, chill for 1 hr

Melt Butter and mix with Hot Sauce

Bathe Chicken in Hot Butter Sauce

Bake/Grill until Golden

Vietnamese Beef Stew

Beef Stew


There's nothing better than an One Pot Wonder on a cold windy night.


My cousin came to visit and I decide to try recreate this Vietnamese Beef Stew that's one of my favourite of my best friend's mom's cooking.


It is actually a fusion dish between French and Vietnamese cusine and the flavours are so intense and it's quite healthy.


Vietnamese Beef Stew


Ingredients:

• Chuck Steak diced
• Carrots chopped
• Green Beans half
• Stock
• Red Wine
• Star Anise
• Cinnamon
• Onion chopped
• Garlic minced
• Ginger minced
• Coriander
• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions

• Cover Beef with seasoned flour (Salt & pepper), brown and remove from pot
• Cook onion, garlic, ginger add carrots and liquid and beef and seasoning
• Cover and cook for an hour, cook beans separately and add to pot in last 5 mins
• Sprinkle with coriander and serve with rice

Cinco de Mayo Mexican Night

It was actually 3rd of May but it was close enough to the Mexican Festival. Besides it was a total coincidence anyway. I absolutely adore Mexican Food - all the flavours, colours, spices and alcohol!

When I say Mexcian food, I don't just mean Tacos & Burriots....I love them too, but there's so much more to Mexican cusine that just that! For my guests, I prepared Bean Salad, Kiwi Fruit Salsa, Guacamole and Mole Pollo (Chocolate Chicken).

I get the same reaction from people everytime I tell them I'm making Chocolate Chicken - usually I'm greeted with raised eyebrows and a dubious look. But seriously the Mole Sauce is so yummy and easy, I've made it a few times already and it hasn't failed me yet, and no...the chicken isn't sweet.

Bean Salad



Ingredients

• Can of Beans
• Can of Corn Kernals
• Red and Green Capsicum chopped
• Spanish Onion chopped
• Tomato Chopped
• Coriander
• Lime Juice

Directions

• Mix everything together and season with salt

Polo Mole
Ingredients

• Tomato Paste
• Onion chopped
• Green Capsicum chopped
• Garlic minced
• Chili
• Cumin
• Coriander chopped
• Cocoa Powder
• Chicken
• Toasted Sesame Seeds (which I totally forgot this time! ooops)

Directions

• Brown chicken, cook vegetables add seasoning and water to cover. Season with salt & pepper and sprinkle toasted sesame seed on top. Serve with rice

Jamaican Night

The cold wet weather is making me miss my home - Sunny Hot Jamaica, so I decide to make some Ja'can food to help cure my homesickness. When you talk to anyone about Ja'can food the first thing you'd hear utter is Jerk, Jerk this and Jerk that.

Many people have asked me what and why "Jerk" (as they snicker away). It is just the name of the marinate we use for bbqing or grilling meat. It has such intense flavours - tangy, spices, sweet, peppery and chilli. Imagine there's this burst of flavours in your mouth having a party. It is best paired with Red Stripe Beer, unfortunately I couldn't locate any for tonight. But I did have some Malibu with Strawberry Liqueur & Lemonade cocktail - yuuuum

I personally Loooove Soup, any type of soup. For my dinner party of 7, I also made some Red Peas Soup. The thick soup with sweet potatoes and coconut milk and bits of Red Kidney Beans and Spinners made this a very satisfying entrée. Actually the soup alone could have been a meal on its own for me. But since I wanted to make sure all my guests are very well fed, oxtail stew was also on the menu. This is one of my all time favourite stews. By the end of the night, not even the boys had seconds because there was just so much food! My fridge is now well packed and it's just the way I like it!


Red Peas Soup

Ingredients

- Can of Red Kidney Beans
- Can of Coconut Milk
- Sweet Potato diced
- Green Capsicum diced
- Carrot diced
- Onion diced
- Garlic minced
- Chilli chopped
- Parsley
- Soup Bones blanched
- Spinners (dough fingers)
- Seasoning : Allspice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Mixed Herb
Salt & Pepper
Directions

- Add everything (but parsley & salt) to pot, fill with water and cover.
- Blend half the soup and then return to pot, add parsley & salt
- Serve with fresh bread

Jerk Chicken

Ingredients

- Scallion
- Onion
- Thyme
- Oil
- Soya Sauce
- White Vinegar
- Chilli
- Garlic
- Allspice, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Pepper


Directions

Add everything to food processor/blender, mix and then marinate meat over night. Cook meat on BBQ grill or Bake in Oven

Italian Night

Pre-dinner nibbles for the guest while I was taking my time slaving away in the kitchen.

For a party of 6 - I made an Italian Salad, Vegetarian Parmigiana, Piggie's Sauceless Spaghetti and some garlic bread (which I did not make)

Italian Salad

Ingredients Dressing

• Salad leaves - Garlic
• Mushrooms - Seeded Mustard
• Black Olives - Honey
• Roma Tomatoes - Balsamic Vinegar
• Fetta Cheese - Olive Oil
• Cucumber - Mixed Herbs

Directions

- Chop everything and mix it all up!

Vegetarian Parmigiana

Ingredients

• Eggplant (sliced)
• Zucchini (sliced)
• Basil
• Tomato Sauce (NOT ketchup)
• Ricotta Cheese
• Fetta Cheese
• Parmesan Cheese

Directions

- Grill the vegetables, layer onto baking tray, cover with tomato sauce, sprinkle on cheese - REPEAT for 3 layers, then bake til golden.

Piggie's Sauceless Spaghetti

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Italian Sausage
• Prosciutto
• Anchovies
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Lemon
• Olives
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Onion
• Chilli

Directions

- Cook the pasta, cook everything in the saucepan, mix and season.

Ta-Da!