Bread Maker Machine!

The huge surprise came in a huge parcel! I cannot imagine the office gang actually got me a bread maker as my farewell gift! I am now soo obligated to bring fresh bread for them on my next visit.. Love you guys, thank you very much!

Banana Cake

There always seem to be bananas readily available at my place, which is a good thing because I absolutely love banana cakes! Aunty Yochana's cake looks amazing I thought perhaps I'll give it a go... made them into little cupcakes since I do not have any cake pans any larger than this.

Duck Confit

Duck confit sealed in a tin of duck fats, flown in from France...absolutely yumz! I have never seen such a huge tin, think it measured about 22cm in diameter. 4 lovely drums submerged in their own fats - the sight of that pool made me think twice when the lid was taken off. That thought was soon banished as I sipped wine and watched Julz tended to the main dish, slowly being fried in their own fats till crispy. Mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts were served as accompaniments.

For the mash, 3 US potatoes were used and boiled till tender. Make a slit all around the centre and dunk in cold water. The skin should slip off easily. Add about 50g butter and mash till smooth. You may wish to season with salt and pepper to taste.

I've quartered the brussel sprouts as I've got quite big florets. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and blanch the vegetables. Retain some duck fats in the pan after deep frying, quickly stir fry the vegetables and lightly season with salt and freshly grounded pepper.

Pictures Forgotten

I was in the mood for herbal soup after the yoga session today. Dropped by the market to grab the Silkies after a simple teochew porridge lunch with Dad. Dinner was accompanied by and I forgot all about taking snapshots until everything was in our tummies! :(

Dinner Menu

Black Chicken Herbal Soup

01 black chicken (Silkie)

08 pcs Dang Gui Tou (Angelicae Sinensis)

20g Bei Qi (Radix Astragali)

10 dried red dates

02 tbsp wolfberries

Salt to taste

1. Quarter the chicken, clean and rinse it's cavity. Discard the neck.
2. Give the herbs a quick rinse under cold water.
3. Bring about 2 large bowls of water to a boil and turn down the heat. Put in the chicken pieces and herbs and simmer for 2 hours.
4. Season with salt.

Bacon Fried Rice

03 ricebowls of cold rice

02 slices back bacon, sliced

01 egg, beaten

01 pack of Japanese Fried Rice Seasoning

(consist of dried spring onions, chillis, soya sauce, black vinegar)

butter

1. Trim excess fats from the bacon and place in heated pan to coat.
2. Discard fats and pour beaten egg in pan.
3. Add butter and rice and fry.
4. Next add the sliced bacon, mixing well together.
5. Finally, add the japanese seasoning and fry till well mixed.
6. Dish and garnish with coriander.