Recipe : Blueberry Muffins & Chocolate-Banana Muffins

Donna Hay's tagline for her recipes are - fast, fresh and simple!

And that's exactly what her blueberry muffins are.

Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients:

2½ cups (375g) Self-Raising flour - sifted
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 cup (220g) Caster Sugar
½ cup (125ml) Vegetable Oil
1 Egg
½ cup (125ml) Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
300gm Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
Granulated Sugar for Sprinkling - optional

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). 
2. Place the flour, baking powder and sugar in a bowl. 
3. Place the oil, egg, milk and vanilla in a separate bowl and whisk to combine. 
4. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the blueberries and mix to combine. 
5. Spoon mixture into a 12-hole ½-cup capacity (125ml) muffin tin lined with paper patty cases. 
6. Sprinkle the tops with sugar and bake for 30–35 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer. 
7. Remove from tin and cool on a wire rack.

The entire recipe probably took me only 15 minutes or less to prepare. How awesome is that!

This was my first time baking anything with blueberries.
Tip : Use frozen berries instead of fresh. They taste better!
Tip : If you don't have muffin cases, use big size cupcake cases, you'll get about 16 muffins.

Few days later I bought some bananas and voila!

Chocolate-Banana Muffins

And I thought this tasted even better than the blueberry muffins.

Donna even has a simple video that you can follow along if you're not too confident in baking. But trust me, it's really simple to do!
 

Viper Challenge 2013...

... CONQUERED!

Boy oh boy am I so glad that I made it through and completed Viper Challenge. For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, it's Asia's First Biggest Obstacle Challenge. It's a 20km obstacle course challenge with 20 obstacles. There is no time limit or strict restrictions that you will need to complete every obstacles before moving on.

I signed up many months ago and got the early bird pricing, not even sure why and then CON-vince 5 others to join along with me. Trained here and there for it but I must say that I was not diligent in my training and did not train at all 2 weeks leading up to the Challenge.

Proud to say, I completed all 20 obstacles but only managed to go half way for the monkey bar before falling into the pool. But.. half way is still good la for my standard :)

I could not have done the challenge without my team mates.

We had so much fun and just helped each other on throughout the entire challenge, from boosting each other up the wall, encouraging each other to go on when it got really hot and tiring, waiting for each other before starting each obstacle to ensure that everyone makes it through, and makes it through well and of course just had a ball of fun.

I had never ever ran 2km straight in my life before and here I had signed up for a 20km challenge (what was I thinking??). Each obstacle came as such a welcome as it meant we did not have to jog for a bit :) The last 2km were the toughest for me.

The man stayed by my side every step of the last 2km and encouraged me to go on and complete it. I couldn't have done it without his support.

When I saw the last 2 obstacles and the finish line, I got my second wind and ran for it!

Ultimately I had loads of fun. I soft of conquered my fear of heights, had scratches and bruises here and there, couldn't walk for 2 days, got sun tan crazy.

Would I do it again? If you had asked me that same week, I'd probably say NO!!! If you ask me now, my answer is 'most probably' :) 

Introducing to you...

After many years of encouragement from my parents, James and close friends, I decided to embark on a new career path and Like a Puffin was birth. 

Why Like a Puffin? Story for another day :)

This has been brewing within me for many years now but just never had the courage and confidence to go ahead with it, but on June 9th, 2013 I finally took the step.

Going into this trusting God fully, and knowing that He will see me through. He's been so faithful all these years. 

More on this to come.

Facebook page is up, support and like it! Appreciate your support :)

Appreciation Trip to Genting Highlands, July 2013

In just a few hours, I'll be off to Genting for 2 nights. This trip is an appreciation for the N34BukitGasing committee members. 

Source

To be honest, not a big fan of Genting.. I'd prefer Cameron or Frasers anytime. But looking forward to just chilling and spending time with the rest, and of course the durian ice-cream at Gohtong Jaya!

Something is brewing...

And it has to do with this..

Source

Treadmill.. I no longer fear you.

I conquered my fear of running on a treadmill last Tuesday. Believe it or not, I've never ran on a treadmill before for fear that I will slide off and fall down, also cos I'm not that great a runner.

Source

But yes, last Tuesday was a turning point. Thanks to the man.

Phuket with my best friend

Phuket was a blast!

This was my 2^nd visit to Phuket and the first was when I was 9 years old with my parents and some portions of that trip is still vivid in my mind. But my oh my, how Phuket has developed and changed!

Whacky start @ LCCT before our flight. We had to wake up at 3am due to some mistakes made by Expedia regarding our names on our flight.

I loved the fact that I got to visit and explore more of this island with my best friend. It was his first time and we truly do l love exploring new places with him.

A good friend of mine, Ms N was getting married (finally) to her prince and we decided together that we would love to be a part of that special moment and also to catch up with many other ex-colleagues mine, and what more on a beautiful island.

On the first day itself we rented a bike and explored the island for a good 5.5 hours. The wedding was up north near the airport in Nai Yang so we stayed there as well. But on day 1 we literally traveled all the way down south right up till Kata Beach. If any of you know Phuket, you'll know that's quite a journey, especially on a bike but I loved every moment of it.

The one place I wanted to revisit was the cashew nut factory and we managed to. But some goodies back home.

 The cashew nut factory has expanded
and much more touristy now.

Can you spot the cashews
on the tree?

Cashews being extracted thru
a hand machine from their nut

We then continue our journey down south. Rode on the main highways, coastlines and even explored a bit of  Phuket town.

Day 2 was just spend in Nai Yang catching up with friends. I was asked to help coordinate the dinner which I gladly agreed to not only because I absolutely enjoy it but also cos she's a really good friend. 

With the enchanting bride

The groom who's really a 
black man stuck in a Chinese 
body. This is one dude who can dance!!!

Camwhoring before dinner with my love

Dinner & dance was a blast. We had so much fun, we slept at 4am.

Khim & Ellen

Khim & her hubby, Ton

Theresa & Marcus

Day 3 was a struggle in the morning as we planned to visit the biggest waterfalls in Phuket called Bang Pae. We forced ourselves outta bed by 1030am and started making our journey there.

Having no time to grab breakfast at Nai Yang, we decided we'll have our meal at a restaurant we find near the waterfalls, and that was a great decision. Found this gem of a place called Peang Prai Restaurant. This place is a M-U-S-T when you visit Phuket!

Treetop Restaurant, beautiful view and sounds of the gibbons as you enjoy your meal

Mangosteen Salad. Decided to
try something different

Crab Curry! Yes you've seen right, they peel the meat out for you!!!
I had this dish  3 times in 2 days.

We realised that we were really spoilt by the beautiful waterfalls of Malaysia as their biggest there did not impress us. We also noticed that the locals come out to the waterfalls after lunch, unlike Malaysians who go out first thing in the morning. 

We didn't stay long as it got a bit crowded in the afternoon and we were slightly afraid of our belongings so we both took turns to take dips in the water while the other stays with the stuff.

On the way to the waterfalls we passed by a coffee joint called, Monkey Pod  and decided we'll give it a shot on the way back.

Pretty cool place with modern wooden furniture

His

Mine

Mine <3

The ride back from Monkey was one like never before. It started to pour crazy. We took cover under a shade for a bit and continued our journey when the rain subsided only to be welcomed by it 5 minutes later. We decided we'll just ride out in the rain. We were drenched, cold and hurting in some parts with the rain hitting us in full force but it was an unforgettable experience.

On day 4 being our last day, we decided to check out the beach in Nai Yang but waves were too big so we only stayed awhile and adjourned to the resort's pool (there were 3 pools in the resort!!). 

The man has a friend in Phuket so we then got cleaned up and waited for the ride which the friend sent for us. He took us to explore more parts of Phuket town and had our scrumptious Thai lunch at Raya Thai Cuisine. (yes, crab curry again).

The friend owns Flying Hanuman (among many other establishments) so we got to check that place out but unfortunately not enough time to try it out. He also told us that he just purchased an island near Phuket and will be opening another restaurant there as well as some water sports activities by end of the year. Definitely would like to check those out next I'm in Phuket.

Phuket is definitely on my list of places to return to. 

Cuteness Overload

I find this just the cutest. Ahhh the simple things in life. 

9 days to Phuket

and I can't wait!!!

Looking forward to spending some quality time with the man and hoping to be able to catch beautiful sunsets as gorgeous as this.

Stash from BBW Sale : The Oprah Magazine Cookbook @ RM25

A must get book with recipes from especially all the celebrity chefs that appear on The Oprah Winfrey's Show.

Hand Crafts : Mobile Phone Casing

Absolutely love my new mobile phone casing which was handmade. The trimmings and the inner portion of it is batik material and the top portion is corduroy.

*forgive the bad quality of the picture cos I took it with my phone*

Aly of Lite FM's review on Daikanyama

Aly from LiteFm was so awesome to do a food review on Daikanyama. For those who have not been to Daikanyama before, this is a quick, less than 5 minutes review on our Japanese Restaurant.


Do check out Daikanyama's Facebook page as well for latest updates and our TripAdvisor page for honest reviews.

New Home : Washer & Dryer

A few weeks ago, the man and myself made a fairly big purchase for our new home.

It started out with me walking into the shop because of a very deceptive sign "50% of display items, LAST DAY TODAY" and this sign was placed next to all the colorful Kitchen Aid cake mixer. I thought to myself, that's an extremely great deal, must go check it out.

To only find out that the deal was not for the cake mixers but for the washing machines, dryers and some other items.

I was about to walk out of the shop before I decided to take another look since we needed to get a washing machine.

An hour later, I was swiping my card for a brand new washing machine and dryer. My dad had told us sometime back that he would bless us with a washing machine so the man and I decided to invest in a dryer since our new home doesn't have much, or rather no space to dry clothes, and I really don't like my clothes to be hanging out our windows for the whole neighbourhood to see.

And since it was on a 50% discount, we decided to get them. We got the dryer at a further RM500 discount because there was a slight dent and scratch on it. But oh well, we're simple people and didn't mind that.

The brand is...

Indesit is an Italian brand and the parent company for Ariston. My mum's Ariston oven is more than 30 years and still going strong. Did some research and Indesit is a really good and reliable brand, so good investment indeed.

Although our purchases are the display units, they still provide us with a one year warranty from the date of delivery. And since we're not moving in anytime yet, they allow us to store our purchases at their shop for a maximum of one year. A great deal which works our perfect for us.

Recipe : Chocolate Ice-Cream (with egg)

This is a slightly more complicated recipe compared to the Chocolate Ice-Cream (without egg) one. But it's worth the trouble, trust me.

To make this classic, use good quality chocolate to give the best flavour.

Serves 6.

Got this recipe from 500 Delicious Desserts Book.

Ingredients:
750ml / 3 cups milk
10cm / 4inch piece of vanilla pod
4 Egg Yolks
150gm / 5 oz or 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
225gm / 8oz Dark (bittersweet) Chocolate, melted
* If Milk Chocolate is used rather than Dark Chocolate, you'll get a very sweet ice-cream. Too sweet for my taste buds. Good quality bittersweet dark chocolate is best!

Method:
1. To make the custard, heat the milk with the vanilla pod in a small pan. Remove from the heat as soon as small bubbles start to form. Do not boil. 

2. Beat the egg yolks with a wire whisk or electric beater. Gradually incorporate the sugar, and continue beating for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale yellow. Strain the milk, and slowly add it to the egg mixture, drop by drop.

3. Pour the mixture into a double boiler with the melted chocolate. Stir over moderate heat until the water in the pan is boiling, and the custard thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

4. Pour mixture into an ice-cream maker and let it mix till thickened. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If you would like a firmer consistency, place them into a container and in the freezer for 2 hours.

5. If you don't have an ice-cream maker, after point 4 - Pour mixture into a freezer container and freeze until set, about 3 hours. Remove from the container and chop roughly into 3 inch pieces. Place in a bowl of a food processor and process till smooth. Return to the freezer container, and freeze again until firm. Repeat the freezing-chopping process 2 or 3 times until a smooth consistency is reached, then freeze until it is to be served.

I don't have a picture of this ice-cream cos we walloped it before I could manage to snap one. =p

Places to Visit : El Escorial, Madrid, Spain

Perfect Gift

Mum got me this book on her last trip to Singapore. A book just on desserts!! The perfect gift!

I've tried out 2 recipes from this book so far, the chocolate ice-cream and vanilla ice-cream and they both turn out perfect! (ah, just realised I've not posted the recipe for the chocolate ice-cream from this book).

Saw this book and variations of it at the Big Bad Wolf Sale, going for really cheap prices. If you are looking out for good recipes book, one with recipes that actually turn out well, this is definitely the range to go for.

I've recently looked through this book again and marked out the recipes that I want to try out next. Stay tune for that!

Stash from BBW Sale : Mediterranean, Food of the Sun @ RM8

Got this book thinking mainly of Z =p She loves experimenting new cuisine and has made quite a few Middle Eastern dishes. This is a really thick book filled with healthy, hearty, light meal, and only at RM8.

Recipe : Maryland Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delicate cookies are quickly and easily made and taste distinctly better than any shop-bought version. Using ready-toasted chopped hazelnuts can save even more time. 

Ingredients:
4oz / 110g Dark Chocolate Chips - good quality
1 Vanilla Pod
4oz / 110g Soft Butter - good quality (I use either Tatura or Anchor)
4oz / 110g Light Soft Brown Sugar
1 Medium Egg
2oz / 50g Toasted Hazelnuts - chopped
3oz / 75g Plain Wholemeal Flour

Method:
- Pre-heat oven to 175 degrees Celsius.
- Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

1. Begin by splitting the vanilla pod lengthways and, using the end of a teaspoon or a small sharp knife, scoop out the seeds.

2. Put the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric hand whisk until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla seeds before adding the remaining ingredients, then stir until thoroughly mixed.

4. Take spoonfuls of the dough, sufficient to form small rounds about the size of a walnut, then arrange them, well spaced out on the baking trays. (You will find it easier to bake one batch at a time).

5. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cookies turn golden color and feel firm in the centre when slightly pressed. Once baked, remove from baking sheets with a palette knife. Cool them on a wire rack and when cold, store in an airtight container.

* Makes about 60 small cookies or 30 big cookies.
** The dough will spread out quite a bit while baking.

Stash from BBW Sale : Bob Green, The Best Life Diet Cookbook @ RM10

He used to appear on Oprah's show lots and taught how to whip up lotsa healthy meals. Seem quite a genuine guy so thought I'd give his book a try.

Valentines Day, 2013

So my man's not big on V-day, or any other big celebrations for that matter but I am such a sucker for all these and couldn't let this day go by without doing anything for him.

He was traveling on that day so I decided to whip up something and surprise him. One of his favourite cookies, White Chocolate Macadamia. This was by far one of the easiest cookies to make but it was so expensive. I paid RM29 for just 300gms of macadamia nuts. But it was all worth it for him.

Then I went shopping at found this little munchkin at Parksons and managed to get him with a 30% discount. They were having a sale just for BonusLink members and the couple behind me at the counter was kind enough to give me their card to be swiped. Of course, they get to accumulate points too.

Doesn't he so represent my man?? Haha! In the most adorable way possible of course.

The final product!

Many shops try to extort customers by raising the price of their food, chocolates, flowers, etc during V-day which deters many from celebrating it. But there are many things that you can do without spending so much $$$.

Stash from BBW Sale : Grill @ RM8

Another steal at the BBW Sale. Will come in handy now that we have a BBQ grill at home, thanks to my lovely mum who got the grill for me.

Stash from BBW Sale, Starting with Baking Ingredients @ RM35

This was the most expensive book we purchased at the Big Bad Wolf Sale. It's thick and heavy and filled with really informational and educational jewels, especially for new learners or even season cooks and bakers who have been in the field for a many years but would like some refresher.

Information in the book is simple yet thorough.

And of course, it's filled with great recipes too!

Mum has tried one so far and turned out great! If I'm not mistaken, it was a chocolate-strawberry filled cake she made for one of her cellies.

Exercise Update Week 6

Monday : Rest
Tuesday : Rest
Wednesday : 1 hour Pilates
Thursday : 1 hour Pilates - Intermediate
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest

Wanted to fit in Gasing trek for the weekend but wasn't feeling the greatest from Fri night to Sunday, so didn't wanna push it.

Stash from BBW Sale - Jamie Oliver @ RM30

Have yet to try any recipes from this book. But will do soon.. :)

Exercise Update Week 5

Total Fail!

Didn't exercise a day in week 5.

But... BUT.... Week 6 will must be better!

Exercise Update Week 4

Ok week 4 was a real downer. The only day I got to exercise was on Monday. We went to Lata Hammer waterfalls for the day and each way the trek is about an hour. Every other day last week were filled with appointments and what nots. And to top that, when I didn't have any appointments, I was just too tired to exercise.

Must.Not.Slack!

On a side note, Lata Hammer was the B.O.M.B! As always! Although this time it was much much much colder. Took me like close to an hour before I actually went into the water, and when I did it was only barely for 15 minutes.

2 years and counting

Our first picture together - F1, March 2010. His dad got us like some really awesome seat tickets.

2 years today from the date we went on our first date and started this incredible journey together.

Sadly we took no picture on our first day. I guess we were just too excited and engrossed in our conversation that it slipped our minds to take a picture together, or maybe we were both just too shy to be the first one to suggest to take a picture together (I don't remember). A shame though cos it was a spectacular view! He took me to Lookout Point in Ampang - it's no longer operational now. They've shut the restaurants there down due to some issues. We took a drive up there few months ago and was so sad to see the place all dark and closed down.

I have no regrets with him, it was the best decision I've ever made. He's the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Bonus is that he's so HOT! hahaha

Like any normal relationship, we have our share of ups and downs but I believe that God allows us to go through that to sharpen us and bring us closer in understanding of each other.

I love him more each day and look forward to the amazing things God has in store for the both of us.

Exercise Update Week 3

Not bad, on to my week 3 and I've not given in... yet.

Mon : Rest
Tue : Gasing trek (same route and done in 35 minutes this time - really pushed myself)
Wed : 40 minutes Pilates (Arrived 20 minutes late cos of the JAM!)
Thu : Walking around Fraser Hill
Fri : Trekked & Walked Fraser Hill
Sat : More trekking and walking in Fraser Hill, boat paddling (working those calves!)
Sun : Last day of walks in Fraser Hill

Last week was a bit more unplanned as I was away from Thursday to Sun. So just went with the flow of things, but managed a lot of walking each day. Trails were either on road or in the jungle and a mixture of flat, steep, uphill and downhill which gave a good mixture and balance.

I hate reptiles!

The plan was to do at least a 40 minutes trek in Gasing last Friday, going into my Week 2 of exercising. 

But it got cut short because of this guy!

Source

My trekking partners were not able to make it so I decided to go on my own, and just 10 minutes into it, I saw this fellow. He was like half my size and I am not exaggerating! Seriously!

Surprisingly I was quite calm, there was no one else around in the jungle.

I waited a bit hoping that Mr L would go back into the jungle but he decided that he'll just go along the same trek. If I wanted to continue the trail, I'd need to pass him, which is something I was not going to do because I HATE REPTILES, and am afraid of them!

So I turned around and walked out of the jungle, did a run around the housing area instead.

Potong stim!

Exercise Week 2

Started exercising again after a loooooong break. Week 1 started out with 5 out of 7 days of exercise, and here's Week 2's update.

Mon : Rest
Tue : Rest
Wed : 1 hour pilates (Beginner)
Thu : 1 hour pilates (Intermediate)
Fri : Originally planned a Gasing trek but ended up just walking and running for 20 mins
Sat : Rest
Sun : Rest

I should really do some form of exercise this evening since I had the weekend off. Hopefully work can end in time for a good workout this evening.

Onto Week 3!!

Silent Screams

Got this from Cyn Dee Too's Facebook page.

Depicts exactly what I was doing in Pilates class last night - stretching without screaming.... more like screaming silently within! LOL