Piggie's Kitchen of the World

Vegetarian Risotto

2012-01-29T04:04:00.000-08:00

So Mr Shy Guy is still sticking to his "vegetarianism"...*exasperated sigh*, just making life a tad bit annoying really. I've only cooked meat once so far in my 3 weeks here.

So I decided to make Risotto for dinner and trying to figure out a good recipe, I remember reading about Leek and Zucchini Risotto somewhere and thought I'll give it a go. Only thing is when I went to look for the recipe again, I couldn't find one I like so I decided to wing it. Here's what I ended up with:

Vegetarian Risotto

- Arborio rice

- Onion

- Zucchini

- Leek

- Red Pepper

- Grated Parmesan Cheese

- Salt and Pepper

- White Wine

- Vegetable Stock

Directions

Cook vegetables in pan with some butter, add rice and slowly add in liquid.

Continue to stir until all the liquid's been absorbed

Season to taste and serve with cheese

New Year!!

2012-01-29T03:45:00.000-08:00

OMG Can't believe I have been so slack that it's nearly been 5 months since I last posted. But I had a reeeally good reason, in preparation for my move down South (to Mexico as some ppl call it) all my kitchen stuff was packed off and sent down in Sept (around the time my post stopped) and then it's been a bit hectic organising the rest of the move. Finding a new job etc. But I've finally settled down and now to catch up with some post.

I was so excited to find my favourite fruit in the supermarket the other day - Achacha, it's a Brazilian (Amazonian to be exact) fruit that's grown in QLD, and tastes just about the same as a Mangosteen, which is a South East Asian fruit that I love but usually cost an arm and a leg.

I heard you can even make a drink with the skin of the fruit so I decided to give it a go. Waste not, plus the skin has this delicate fragrance that I loved. So I washed the fruit peel and soaked them in some water over night(s) since I forgot about them, and then added some sugar syrup to sweeten. It had a slightly tangy taste that was nicely balanced by the sugar. Plus I decided to add some (21 yr old Appleton) rum to it just to give it that tropical blend. Perfect summer Quencher

Thai Chicken Stir Fry

2011-08-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

I saw a recipe today for a Thai Chicken and Cashew stir fry that looks really good. So I decide to give it a go for dinner.

I also saw this other chili chicken recipe and had lots of vegetables in it that looked great so I decide to combine the two.

Only thing is I forgot to get the cashew! Ooops, so guess it's just Chicken Stir Fry.

Sugar Snap peas were in season and they're my favourite :) so I chucked in a handful at the end to keep them crunchy. Added some fish sauce, cooking wine, sugar, lime juice and herb mix in a tube. and of course some chili. toss all in a wok. Easy Peasy Dinner is served.

Everything Udon

2011-08-31T04:33:00.000-07:00

So home alone, too lazy to go shopping and with left overs from hotpot couple nights ago, I decide to see what I can throw together for a dinner for 1.

1 packet of Udon noodles,

few slices of hot pot sliced pork

some radishes, handful of salad leaves

half an onion and some korean spicy sauce. and TADA

half an hour later- this is my Everything Udon. It's alrite, the soft smooth udon noodles, crunchy radish, a tad bit spicy, and some meat and veg for a balanced meal :)

Everything Pasta

2011-08-31T04:18:00.000-07:00

I remember having some really simple pasta at Cafe Sopra and loved it. So thought I'll give it a go.

Found some Broccolini at the supermarket, so I wanted to build my flavours from there.

And who can say no to Bacon (I could be the president of the I <3 bacon fanclub) and now for some colours, added grape tomatoes, olives and for texture danish fetta.

This is pretty yum, I made it again the week after for my vegetarian bf and sadly had to omit the bacon :( *sigh*

Seafood Chowder

2011-07-12T05:16:00.001-07:00

So another cold cold night and I saw a pretty picture of this Creamy Seafood Chowder in my cookbook last night so figured I'll give it shot.

Only difference is though, in the cookbook the chowder was served in a hallowed out bread roll, that just seem too fiddly for me.

I'm usually not a big fan of creamy soups, but this one was really really yum. I made a massive pot - as you do with these things. So plenty for lunch tomorrow

Creamy Seafood Chowder

Garlic
Onion
Butter
Bacon
Carrots
Celery
Potato
Parsley
Seafood Mix
Parmesan Cheese
Cream
Milk
Stock
Paprika
Allspice
Salt & Pepper

- Melt Butter, brown the garlic and onion

- Add the vegetables

- Add stock, simmer until soft and then blend

- Add corn, milk, seafood, cream and seasoning

- Simmer and then top with parsley and Parmesan cheese and serve

Beef and Bean Stew

2011-07-11T04:10:00.001-07:00

Seems like I've been in hibernation mode since the beginning of Winter. I have been cooking but just not as often, and the last dinner party I had was hot pot...aka minimal cooking.

My favourite things to eat during the shivery winter months are stews/soups (plus it's also a one pot wonder)

Last week I made a Cajun seafood gumbo - sorry I forgot to take pictures, but mark my words - it was absolutely delish.

Since then I've been craving Oxtail and beans but was a bit too lazy to shop so I made do with the beef cut I had in my freezer -this actually cut down my cooking time (score!) As I was rather disappointed when I checked the recipe again after I had everything happily bubbling away that the stew would take 4.5 hrs to cook!!! I wanted to eat it tonight!!!

Lucky with the beef chunks diced into bite size, the stew was basically (I was too hungry to wait longer) ready in 2 hrs.

Beef and Beans Stew

Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Potato
Herbs
Butter Beans
Butter
Can of Tomato
Stock
Worcestershire Sauce
English Mustard
All Spice
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Pepper & Salt
Chili flakes (for an extra kick)

Melt Butter in oil, Brown meat, add onion and garlic,

Add all vegetables til soften, add herbs

Add can tomatoes, stock, sauce and mustard

Add seasoning,

Cover and simmer for 35 mins

Add Butter beans, cook for another 20 mins til everything is soft and liquid has boiled down.

Cooking Chinese

2011-05-16T04:55:00.001-07:00

So it was one of those rare occasions when I feel like cooking Chinese food. Guess I've been pretty spoilt as a kid. I always like to have my many dishes. Despite just the 2 of us living here, I tend to want at least 3 dishes. But it's such a pain thinking up the various dishes to cook really.

Tonight i invite my new temp neighbour, 50's Babe to join us for dinner. Dr Rats was suppose to be here also, but she missed out coz of work - poor thing.

So my 4 dishes for the night are: "Fish fragrant Eggplant" - this is a modified Sze Chuan dish, then Chicken and Chinese mushrooms, Black Bean & Garlic ribs and also just some ginger stirfried green veggies.

Just enough so there's leftovers for lunch for all 3 of us. Yay! Delious, took me about 1 hr to make everything :)

Black Bean & Garlic Spare Ribs

Ingredients

Black Bean Sauce
Garlic
Chili
Pork Spare Ribs

Directions

Rinse ribs, cut into bite size pieces
Marinate with Black with sauce, add chopped garlic and chili
Place in steamer (I cook mine in my rice cooker as I make the rice)
Ready to eat :)

Cinco De Mayo 2011

2011-05-16T04:47:00.001-07:00

Time for Mexican again and it's Cinco de Mayo! Though we steered clear from the Tequillas since it was a school night.

Instead we had some quesadillas, guacamole, salsa and mole pollo. Basically my favourite food.

Did a spin on the salsa - used both green and golden kiwi fruits to give it sweetness to balance with the acid of the lime juice and freshness of the tomatoes.

I think maybe the next time I have Mexican, I'll make some burritos and fajitas :)

Bits and Pieces

2011-04-10T05:47:00.001-07:00

Finally finally got my new sandwich press! Uber excited :D

So not satisfied with making just cheesy toast, I decide to put on my favourite Mexican snack, Quesadillas! Which was basically toasted tortillas with melted cheese and whatever toppings you like in the middle. I made it with mushrooms, roasted veg and also some refried beans.

For toppings, I made a guacamole and a pico de gallo. Which is basically just onions, tomato, chili, coriander, lime juice and salt.

May I say... Yummo! So simple and quick! Totally adding it to my weekly favourite snacks list:)

Alongside, I also made some curry fishballs, panfried dumplings and an African sweet potato peanut soup. I think the Africans really liked Peanuts or peanut butter!

For a lot of randomness and lack of consideration of how the various flavours would work together. It wasn't too bad, not too bad at all. But next time. I'll probably give it a bit more thought heh :)

Left Overs and Whatnot

2011-04-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

So for the lovely Ms Neverthlands farewell back to the US of A, I made a hasty dinner for a group of us to say goodbye. Lucky it was the Monday after Earth Hour weekend, with plenty of left overs from the bbq we had (which was great fun! Totally doing it again in 2012~)

So I toss some pre-marinated drumsticks in the oven to grill, while I concentrate on pasta that I throw together with whatever I could find in the pantry. Also there's a Waldorf salad - plenty of food for 5.

For the pasta, I had some left over sausages, tomoatoes, parsley, onion, garlic, chili and capsicum.

African Night

2011-04-10T05:08:00.001-07:00

Been too distracted lately to update my kitchen, but it's been bubbling away happily. There's been a few dinner parties recently. From one end of the world to another.

First was an African Night I had for some friends, so I made African Peanut Chicken Stew, a quinoa and baked pumpkin salad and Curry Beef. Everything was really delicious. Though I must admit to cheating a little as I got a pack of South African Durban Curry sauce in a satchel. This really cut my work in half - Yay!

Initially I wanted to make a couscous salad, but then turns out my pack of couscous is kinda....past used by date, oops. But fear not, there was a pack of Quinoa readily available in my pantry. I've had this grain-like seed once, and really liked it

. But the salad's recipe is basically from the back of the can of Cole's Chickpeas. It was so easy. I even showed my friend Mr Singerboy the dish, he loved it and made it for his flatmate :)

This was such a colourful salad, I'd definitely make it again.

It consist of:

CucumberCapsicum
Chickpea
Coriander
Cumin
Quinoa
Lime juice
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Just toss everything together!

The African Peanut Chicken Stew was pretty yummy also, actually this was my flatmate's favourite dish actually. This was the first time I cooked with peanut butter. I just love my one pot wonders :) These things usually taste better the 2nd day.

Korean Night

2011-02-16T05:23:00.001-08:00

Never been a fan of cooking Asian food, though I do love eating it! So this morning my Asian BF (Dr Rats) told me she passed her full license driving test, (Yay! Congrats! so I offered to cook her dinner to celebrate. And then came the guest list....

Had Singerboy, Ms CrazyChicken, DangerousDriver and The Handsome Welshman (THW).

I remembered I still got most of the ingredients for this Korean dish - Fire Chicken that my flatmate made previously.

And it was really yum. So working along that line, i got the noodles to make Jap Chae (potato glass noodles), got some kim chee, dumplings and Endamame beans and also some Chinese broccoli just in case there wasn't enough veggies.

Being my first attempt, I was quite happy with the results. Dr Rats even said "But thank you for dinner, it was very very good! Very impressed la cause it tasted like the restaurant stuff!" YAY!

And considering it wasnt that hard to make, will definitely do it again!

Spanish Night v2

2011-02-16T05:10:00.001-08:00

Can't even remember how this dinner party came about, I was inviting my Asian BF (actually Dr Rats) over for dinner and then, she asked her BF's sister and her fiancée, and then the fiancee's ex flatmates... so somehow we ended up with 7 people for dinner.

And as usual, I had no idea what to make, trying to come up with a menu plan while I was sitting @ a training course at work and finally decided on Paella at 4:00pm. With some bread, salad and mushrooms, should be decent.....and then Dr Rats turned up and questioned the amount of food I had available. thinking I will underfeed my guests! Wat?!? NEVER!

So trying to find something else to make at the very last minute, like 6:45pm (people were suppose to arrive 7ish....) What do I have in my cupboard?!? Seriously not going down to the shops again!

So found the very last 2 half (or less than half) packets of pasta, tinned mackerel, some olives, capers, chili, onion and garlic and ta-da. Everything in my cupboard pasta! It was probably the tastiest thing that night, since I kinda forgot to season the paella....oooops

So with some wines and cocktails, it was a rather nice
despite being rather last minute and unplanned :)

Jan 2011 Dinners

2011-01-27T05:18:00.000-08:00

Found all these random dinner pictures from my phone from the past week. so figured I better post them up before I forget.

First off, Mexican Mole Chicken, basically one of the basics I cook pretty often since it never fails me despite me not following the recipe each time. so something must be right? hahahah

Next up, Chinese Fried Rice with Lap Cheung, since my flatmate made like 1o cups of rice the other night. Meaning alooot of left over rice and what better way to get rid of it than Fried Rice? I put in alot of stuff in mine, egg, lap cheung, mix veg, onion, garlic, and some coriander to top it off after seasoning with soy sauce and sesame oil. My flatmate said it tasted even better the nx day. Yes there was that much rice for lunch the next day also!

Tonight's Meal is Pan Fried Barrimundi with Lemon and butter along with an Everything-in-the-fridge-salad. Which was pretty awesome. Very healthy too since it was pretty low carb. I actually tried to bake the fish at first, but it wasn't quite ready when I was ready to eat so off into the fry pan it went. :)

Perfect with little bit of crunchiness on the outside and the flesh was still moist and tender.

I Love Breakfast!!!

2011-01-27T04:36:00.000-08:00

Best Meal of the Day, even though I usually don't eat breakfast during the week. Solely because I love my sleep too much, and usually don't get up til the very last possible minute. aka 8:30am (yes I start work @ 9:00am, YouSeemi!)

But weekends are alllll about the Brunch, Big Breakfast for me. Though typically I'm not really a fan of cafe breakfast, since usually I make it better. Exception was the Soft shell crab omelet @ Cafe Ish, that was to DIE FOR!

Anyway so when Muso Dude comes to visit, I make vegetarian breakfast, last time, I had some fetta cheese scrambled eggs, roasted tomato, spinach, garlic mushrooms and tofu (just coz they were around). It was pretty delish and I didnt even miss my meat.

But then the following week I had a girlie sleep over and I made sure I got some Bacon ready. And Avocado! Love love love avocado :) I wanted to fit more on my plate but ran outta space, ooops. Greedy! HA

Singaporean Night

2010-11-30T01:55:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-29T05:05:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-25T04:15:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-08T02:35:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-08T02:00:00.001-08:00

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

2010-10-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-06T04:42:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-23T06:11:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-23T05:55:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-23T05:40:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-31T06:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-24T05:43:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T06:59:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-25T19:05:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-20T03:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

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!

Welcome!

2010-05-31T05:09:00.001-07:00

I love cooking food from around the world and testing them out on my unsuspecting friends - who are under the disillusion that I'm a decent cook. Little do they know that I hardly ever read the recipes properly or even bothered to follow them. Most of the time, I don't even taste the dishes before serving them....

I'll try my best to repost the recipes I've tried but most likely they've been modified or rather "Piggierised"