Sweetie Oatmeal Raisin Soft Cookies

This delicious cookies have a soft center and its a much healthier choice to munch on when you feel like a bite. I can't stop licking my fingers when I was blending and mixing the ingredients cause the smell and texture is just oh-so creamy. And whats even better is it uses brown sugar; another "less-guilt" excuses for something sweet.

So, anyone wants a COOKIE?? ^_^

Makes : aprx. 4 dozen

Ingredients:

A

240gm margarine or butter, softened & cut into cubes

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup castor sugar

B

2 eggs, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla essence

C

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt (optional)

D

3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked, unsoaked)

1 cup raisins

Methods:

1) Pre-heat oven to 350 F or 170 degree C.

2) Beat together (A) until creamy. Start with low speed and up to medium speed.

3) Add (B) into the (A) mixture, beat well.

4) Sift & combined all the dry ingredients (C) in a bowl. With a rubber spatula, mix (C) into the mixture. Mix well.

5) Stir in (D). Mix well.

6) Drop in rounded tablespoonfuls onto baking paper lined on oven tray.

(Optional: Add in choc chips or sprinkle at this stage)

7) Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

(Cookie is well baked if the centre springs back when lightly pressed by your finger)

8) Cool 1 minute on paper and remove to wire rack.

9) Store in airtight container.

Enjoy!~

Happy Marble Cake

Last Saturday, Mom-in-law told me that my dad-in-law likes the cakes & muffins that I had made in the past few weeks (*_^) ~wink~. He hopes that I'll continue baking some more fresh cakes & cookies so that all of us can have healthier snacks to eat whenever we feel hungry..

Recently, I'm a fan of http://pengskitchen.blogspot.com/ as it has alot of recipes that is interesting and has clear instructions on the baking process.

Today, I made a marble cake using Peng's recipe though I have reduced the amount of butter used and added some chocolate chips on top for a prettier effect.

The texture is just lovely!Moist, soft and not too sweet. My hubby commented that it taste nicer than those marble cake we bought in our local bakery shops (*_^) This cake is really worth trying as it can be cut into quite alot of pieces, ideal as refreshments for parties.

Here goes the recipe:

Ingredients:

A

2 tbsp cocoa powder, sifted

1/4 tsp baking powder

3 tbsp warm water

B

250gm unsalted butter (cut into small cubes) ( I used 225gm Gold Churn Unsalted Butter)

200gm sugar

4 eggs (room temperature)

250gm self-raising flour ( or you can make your own by sifting 2 cups plain flour, 2 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt)

C

1 tbsp condensed milk

1/4 cup water

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

2 tbsp finely chopped mixed peel (optional)
2 tbsp chocolate chip ( optional for garnishing)

Methods:

1) Line base and grease an 8 inch square cake pan. Preheat oven at 160 degree.

2) Dissolve A until smooth. Set aside.

3) Combined C. Set aside.

4) Place butter & sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat at low speed till butter & sugar is evenly combined. Increase speed to medium & beat for 5 minutes or till mixture is pale & fluffy. Do not overbeat ( else butter will melt).

5) Add eggs 1 at a time beating for 1 to 2 min in between each addition. Batter will be light & fluffy.

6) In another bowl, using a balloon wire whisk, fold in half sifted flour & milk mixture (C). Do not beat or stir the mixture. Divide into 2 equal portions.

7) Fold in cocoa mixture (A) into 1 portion. Do not over-mix (Add the mixed peel to other portion)

8) Spoon alternate batters into cake pan. Tap a few times to make consistency. Using a knife swirl batters twice to achieve a marbled effect. (Sprinkle choc chips on top)

9) Bake at 160 degree for 60 -75 min (my conventional oven just used 35 min to bake). Check with a skewer or toothpick and if it comes out clean,it is well-baked. Else, bake for another 10 min. (Cover cake surface loosely with foil at the last 10 min to prevent over browning).

10) Cool cake in pan for 10 min before serving.

Holiday Baked Yogurt Cake with Choc

I happened to have half tub of yogurt left in my fridge so I made a Yogurt Cake using the yogurt =) My sis-in-law and I had fun in the kitchen and we waited anticipatedly for our very first Yogurt cake to bake.

You can use any flavor of yogurt that u have in your fridge. Mine was original yogurt so it taste a bit bland and I've added chocolate chips and raisin to it. The recipe recommended using a 9 inch bundt pan. I do not own one, so I substitute with two 8 inch cake pan.

The cake turns out very moist and full of flavors as we added an extra egg to it. My father-in-law loves it as it taste more like "old-fashion" cake & my hubby gobbled down slices after slices as it is not too sweet.

The original recipe can be found at http://www.marthastewart.com/. For my version of recipe, I've used up all my yogurt ( about 2 cups plain yogurt).

Ingredients:

1/2 cup softened butter

1 cup brown sugar ( I use castor sugar)

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 egg ( I use 2 eggs)

2 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/4 cup plain yogurt ( I use 2 cups and can be substitued by other flavor)

chocolate chips (optional)

raisins (optional)

Method:

1) Preheat oven to 175 degree. Grease cake pan.

2) Cream butter, sugar and vanilla till light and fluffy.

3) Beat in egg and cream till smooth.

4) In a bowl, sift and combine flour, baking soda and baking powder.

5) Stir in alternately and in small badges of the flour and yogurt to the creamed mixture. Fold in till well-combined.

6) Add in chocolate chips and raisins.

7) Pour batter into pan. Bake for 50 minutes (if you are using bundt pan) OR 15 minutes (if you are using 2 cake pans).

8) Insert skewer to check if done. Remove from oven, cool on rack.

9) Remove cake from pan and dust with some icing sugar.

Long Lost Poem

I used to write poems to fill out my feelings of sorrows, happiness or when I am reflecting on something. I was clearing and re-ordering my book shelves when I came across my little pinkie note book that once is my best friend in Adelaide.

I was flipping over the pages of recipes, notes, diary and on the last page, I found my Poem of Solemn, a name that I gave to the poem I wrote last time.

A Poem of Solemn

What if there is only you?

The world you have left behind,

Trying to find something new,

Seeking meaning you never knew,
The Meaning of Life that everyone..

Everyone is talking about..

Endlessly

People would tell you life is wonderful,

but what if you falls hard on the ground,

People would tell you life is a learning process,

but what if you grow too fast you wanna stop.

What is the Meaning of Life then?

Or should I begin.. with What is Life?

Someone said it is the thing you held in your hand,

but it is also the thing that dissappear

before a glance of your very own eyes

Life can be a long journey,

or a meaningful short one,

You choose your own life..

The Meaning of Life?

One may live in this world, to enjoy, to experience..

some strive hard to find status
some live near family and some..

some stay close to friends, for the person

knew it's the only thing

that he can either give and take without worries.

Some people say friends never leave us,

but what if you still feel loneliness inside,

always remember that...

Someone, somewhere is always thinking of you.

Someone hugging you close, praying hard for you,

It is only a matter of reaching out your hand,

A matter of time, to find the key to cure loneliness.

Maybe you are just feeling alone?

Alone in this dark wide world can be frightening,

but such world can he happening as well

Look at the world..

Look at it.. carefully..

You'll find a destiny..I promise

Welcoming your presence..

The place where you belong.

Do not fall when you're tired,

As one says rest if you must but never quit,

Warriors are not afraid of the front,of the unknown,

He only believes in one thing,

He believes in..

Himself;

The soul you have inside, surprisingly

Are your key to cure loneliness,

The key to happiness,

Your soul is your dearest friend,

Always believing in you,

If you defeat yourself, you defeat your soul,

Never give up til the last breath you have..

As a life with a soul is a life with a goal!

yenling

Thank you for always being there for me!

Our friendship is so amazing,

The birds all have to sing,

They know that what we have,

is such a A special thing.

I knew it ever since the start,

From the very day I met you,

That we'd be the Perfect friends,

I hope that you did too

Things are just as I had thought,

For you're always oh so kind,

I know that I can count on you,

& that grants such peace of mind!

Lots of Love,

yenling

Mother's Day Dinner

**Happy Mother - In - Law Day**

Time flies! I've been married for almost 9 months now. Living with in-laws are not always easy. Building a new relationship, feeling the respect, love and accepting each other's value and perceptions are something we all struggle with in our life.



There are many things to learn from when you live under one roof with others, especially elderly. I became much more patient, tolerable and mature. At the same time, I tried to bite my lips when I want to voice my own opinions on how youngsters think of some situations. I am learning to be a good wife and a good daughter-in-law all at the same time.

So, on last May Mother's Day, hubby and I planned a home-made "Kenny Roger's" cum "Nandos" style dinner plate for the 5 of us.

I was a bit shy to do the cooking as I'm really nervous of how they might react when they see and consume the "product" that we made. Though I'm cooking daily for all of us, this occasion really puts the stress out and the worst of all, the BLOODY Oven broke at this very important time!!

So, instead of the well-planned baked chicken, I end up microwaving the marinated chicken for 10 minutes then pan fry it for 10 minutes again!!!& my original baked vegetables turn into a quick stiry fry!! Sweat!!

But the end product comes out nice! Though hubby & I did not "see" how his mom ( my mom-in-law) really feel deep inside, we did, however, saw a glimpse of smile and appreciation while enjoying her dinner.

I guess, there are just so many ways to say "I Love You" or a "Thank You" or that "I Care" to our loved ones! Sometimes, we just need to put on our thinking hat and little imaginations..

The "Kenny Rogers" or "Nandos" outside might taste better, but our home made dinner meant alot for all of us. For hubby & I, it means spending 4 worthy hours together in the kitchen. Its another type of bonding and love shared!!!!

Brown Sugar Muffins

Very easy to make, yet healthy & other ingredients (berries, choc. chips, nuts etc) can be added into this muffins!

Prep Time:10min
Baking Time:15-20min
Makes: 12

Ingredients:
A)
1/2 cup butter (melted & room temperature)
1 egg
1 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla essence

B)
2 cups flour (Sifted)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt

Method:
** Preheat oven at 375 F or 200 C.
1) Beat wet ingredients (A) in a large mixing bowl.
2) In another mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (B). Mix till well combined.
3) Add combined dry igredients (B) slowly into the wet ingredients (A). Stir all the while till all just combined. Do not over combined.
*4) Optional: Add in nuts or chocolate chips now. Mix and add in another 1 tbsp flour. Do not over mix.
5) Pour into greased muffin pan. Fill 2/3 parts as the muffin will rise.
6) Bake for 15 minutes. Insert skewer or toothpick to check.If not cook, bake for another 5 minutes.
7) Cool on rack. Remove muffins from pan.
8) Dust some icing sugar before servings.

20 Cent Public Toilet

I had longed to SCREAM out my disgusts of the public toilets I had used in Malaysia. And today, alast, I have the courage to revisit my "Journeys" to the "MYPT" (Malaysia's Yucky Public Toilets). Here it goes..n I'm happy to receive as many Hi-5 from you hahaha...

I normally try to "tahan" (control the urge) to pee especially if I'm at a wet market, supermarkets, pasar malam, kopi-tiams, food court, bus stations, the train stations or somewhere remote (e.g.: on the way to Kundasang, Mt Kinabalu). If I had to use it, I will hold my breath and pretend to be blind of all the painfull sight of things that I have to witness!!

But few years back, after I returned from Australia (If I'm allowed to compare) our standards of cleanliness in shopping malls, cinemas, well-known International Fast Food Restaurants and even our International airportS are extremely low too!!If I could, I would label them as "clean-less" spots!!

Most of the times, even before reaching the door, I could smell the stinks from the inside. Holding my breath, I walked in and would quickly choose a vacant cubicle. First spot, you'll frequently noticed that the door lock was broken or went missing. Then, either you choose the others (while still holding your breath) or pee & pray that no one kicks open the stupid broken door! and for me, I normally choose the 2nd option =P

Now, I dare you to sit or even touch the toilet bowl when you're doing your business. Because I would never ever have the courage to touch it as either it has footsteps prints on it, yellow pee, stains, tissues and other un-imaginable things!

The tissue box! 90% of the time, it's empty or even broken!and I always wonder if the tissue box is just an accesories to the toilets!

The flush!!Don't you think it is cynical to see "Please Flush After Use" OR "Sama-Sama Menjaga Kebersihan Tandas" and you found out that the flush was Broken too! Either there's no handle, no water, or the water that drips out is even lesser than your pee!

The disgust does not ends here, unfortunately after all those bacterias and harmful viruses that you might have come into contact, you wanted to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then wipe it dry with a sheet of tissue. Out of these 3 things, 2 would normally gone missing from the toilets!

No liquid soap inside the soap box. The sink is not working, there's no tissue inside the tissue box, hand dryer is out of service.... and I haven't start mentioning the toilet's floor. It's wet all the time and our foot steps worsen it by leaving different kinds of marks on the floor, people wearing pointy heels, school shoes, sport shoes, slippers.. all kinds of stains can be seen on the wet floor. And it is dangerously slippery!

And above all these, we still have to pay our humble 20 cents for such bad services!

Well, you can definitely find cleaner toilets in some shopping malls and some section in the airports. I found it interesting when you have "dirty" toilets on the outside/domestic of our airport but then when you enter the "International" part, our toilets can be squeky clean, spotless, soap and tissue all ready! Why is there such a huge difference?

But then again, I should be thankful and not all complains. Why to be thankful to the "MYPT"? I guess, if without them, I would not develop a stronger immune system towards harmful bacterias and viruses. As well as build up some muscles while squating to pee, and of course holding back my breath for up to 40seconds!! ha ha~

An advice that I always give myself is to empty my bladder whenever I spot "clean & free" toilets, such as those situated inside 4-stars hotels!! =P

Ciao~ babes! Have fun reading ^_^
Lots of Love
YL
(p/s: i decided not to post any pic as I found it too disgusting to view) =P