Saturday, June 29, 2013

Red Date Drink with Manuka Honey


Proportions to make it taste good!
2 hand full of Dried Red Dates
1 Litre of Water
1 tablespoon of Manuka Honey
1 cup of Room Temperature Water

Put the 1 Litre of Water to boil. While waiting cut the Dried Red Dates, take out the seed and rinse them. When the water is boiling, put in the Red Dates and boil for 30mins on Medium heat. In a separate cup, mix room temperature water to dissolve Manuka Honey. Mix both Red Dates Drink and Manuka Honey Drink together. It can be drink warm or chilled. Would not advice to put ice as it will dilute the drink.


Health Benefit of Red Dates
It is a fruit from the shade tree, when dried it has higher potassium, Vitamins B1, B2. It has also Vitamin A, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium.
It helps to chase away the cold on a chilly day.
List of goodness
antifungal
anti-inflammatory
relives stress
improve digestion
soothe a sore throat
improves immunity
decrease the levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream
stimulate the production of white blood cells
believed to suppress cancer cells
prevent gallstones
prevent osteoporosis
prevent anemia
power to strengthen the spleen and stomach
nourish and produce blood
tranquilize the mind
moderate irritation of the stomach
enriching and replenishing blood

I learnt something today. Hope you too!

Click here for our blog page Desserts, & Drink for more recipes. Hope you will be inspired~

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Superb Seafood overlooking the Ocean at Two Oceans Restaurant, Cape Point.

Cape Point, the South-Western most tip of the African continent, is a must-see attraction when visiting Cape Town. The Atlantic and Indian oceans meet around this area, and some claim that you can see a 'line in the water' marking the separation of both oceans. Take a leisurely drive (with stops at touristy spots along the way) in the morning and you should reach Cape Point just in time for lunch at the marvelous Two Oceans Restaurant.

Two Oceans Restaurant Cape Point

The outdoor seating area has a gorgeous view over False Bay, but the sun (even in winter) can be uncomfortably strong. Seafood and Sushi dominate the menu, with a handful of meat dishes for the more carnivorous.

Two Oceans Restaurant Cape Point Bread and Butter

The signature Two Oceans Chowder soup is potato-based instead of the tomato-based version at Greek Fisherman. The seafood portions - shrimp, mussels and fish - are generous but the broth itself is perhaps a little lacking in flavor.

Two Oceans Restaurant Cape Point Seafood Chowder

The Nigiri Platter is above average for African standards. The assorted fish is pretty fresh, but the rice ball is huge and can't be eaten in a single mouthful for the average eater.

Two Oceans Restaurant Cape Point Assorted Sushi

We also try the Prime Rib which comes with a liberal sprinkling of shaved sea salt. Too liberal, in my opinion - it makes the entire steak way too salty. The meat was also surprisingly tough and chewy despite being cooked medium rare, so disappointment overall.

Two Oceans Restaurant Cape Point Prime Rib

The Prawn Curry is similarly disappointing, with way too much Saffron and not enough spice. Prawns were fresh, though.

Two Oceans Restaurant Cape Point Prawn Curry

On the other hand, we thoroughly enjoyed the Fish and Chips - it's battered and deep fried wonderfully, and is light and crispy. The accompanying honey mustard sauce is somewhat of an odd choice, though, so you might be better off asking for regular tartare sauce.

Two Oceans Restaurant Cape Point Fish and Chips

The Pan-Fried Hake was also pretty nice - very well fried with a crispy skin, seated on a bed of wilted spinach and baby potatoes.

Two Oceans Restaurant Cape Point Pan Fried Hake

We end up pretty satisfied overall with the food and service - Two Oceans is the only restaurant at Cape Point (i.e., no competition) but has maintained some pretty good standards. Food isn't expensive too - no more than sgd40 per person. No Pork.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Breakfast Cup Exploration ::: White Bread + Streaky Bacon + Egg

Been seeing people posting pictures and it looks simple and easy to make for a breakfast. Here is it!


Ingrediants needed:::
1 Baking Porcelain Cup or Silicon Cup
1 Slice White Bread (use 2 if your cup is big)
2 Streaky Bacon
1 Egg

Step 1
Push and fit the bread inside the Cup as you can see in the picture below.

Step 2
Place the Streaky Bacon.

Step 3
Crack the Egg. I crack it separately and fill up the bread cup as much egg white as possible so it won't overflow.

Step 4
Bake in the oven at 150ºC for 15mins. If you like your egg semi solid leave it in the oven for another 3mins.

I pop-ed the breakfast cup up to so it's easier to eat.

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Below is my plating creations hopefully it'll inspire you. Hope you all will love this recipe.



Click here for our blog page Breakfast, Desserts, & Snacks Ideas for more recipes. Hope you will be inspired~

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Oysters and Seafood at Greek Fisherman, V&A Waterfront

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa! Cape Town is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Africa, and the Victoria & Albert Waterfront is the city's most visited tourist attraction - at about 3 million visits every month! We'll cover Cape Town's attractions in a separate post, but for now we're having lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour - Greek Fisherman.

To start off - some South African Oysters. Unfortunately the taste of Oysters is one that I haven't yet acquired; but my dining companions seemed to like them a lot.

Cape Town V&A Waterfront Greek Fisherman Oysters and Wine

Moving on, then, to a starter that my tongue agrees with - the Seafood Chowder. This is probably the first soup I've eaten that seemingly has more seafood / ingredients than actual soup - prawns, mussels, fish and squid loaded up into a delicious tomato-based broth. It's tasty, it's hearty, and an easy recommendation.

Cape Town V&A Waterfront Greek Fisherman Seafood Chowder

The Seafood Platter (for four) is an absolute visual feast. It's loaded with more seafood - prawns, fish, mussels, scallops, lobster and squid - and rice / potato wedges for carbs.

Cape Town V&A Waterfront Greek Fisherman Seafood Platter Prawns Shrimp Squid Lobster

Some mixed feelings here, though. Some items like the squid and the prawns are sublime; but the scallops were dry and rubbery. This platter will easily feed four average eaters.

Cape Town V&A Waterfront Greek Fisherman Seafood Platter Prawns Shrimp Squid Lobster

At about ZAR 300 per person (slightly under sgd40), it is pretty good value, and if you're in a hankering for seafood you won't generally be disappointed.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Juice Exploration ::: Tomato + Orange Juice

Seeing can vegetable juice sold in the supermarket and loving to drink them is starting to make me worry if there is any sugar in them. This will be an exciting juice to explore! Freshly homemade juice is always better.

Let's start of with tomato!


Proportions to make it taste good!
1 part Tomato
2 part Orange

Salt & White Pepper to taste


Tomato
Health Benefit of Tomato Juice
Tomato is a common and popular vegetable that is rich in many essential nutrients and vitamins A, C, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorous. Raw tomato juice is rich in potassium.
List of goodness
reduce the risk of prostate cancer
reduce the risk of rectal cancer
reduce the risk of cervical cancer
reduce the risk of mouth cancer
reduce the risk of colon cancer
protect from getting breast cancer
protect from getting heart disease
protect from getting atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction
protect from getting heart attack
reduce cholesterol levels
regular consumption of raw tomato juice prevents blood clots
strengthens the immune system
prevents hypertension and cataract
benefits for skin
improve one’s eye sight
beneficial for good hair growth
lower blood pressure
prevention of inflammation and pain that is associated with arthritis
helps in strengthening the bones
get rid of the effects of a hangover
prevent constipation problems
prevent constipation problems
prevent constipation problems

How to choose and store Tomato in general?
- Store tomatoes in refrigerator, windowsill, counter-top.
- Choose tomatoes that are bright, even color and firm. Smaller tomatoes have finer seeds.


Orange
Health Benefit of Orange Juice
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin P
Antioxidants
Boosting the immune system
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphorous
Potassium
balanced metabolism
excellent blood pressure
lower bad cholesterol levels
bring some relief to those who suffer from arthritis pains
can be used as a part of weight loss program
Prevent Kidney Stones
Prevent Ulcers and Reduce Risk for Stomach Cancer
Protect Respiratory Health
Protect Against Rheumatoid Arthritis
help with lung and skin disorders
helps with indigestion, constipation and all digestive problems
good cleanser of the internal system
calms the nervous system
making it effective in treating nervousness, anxiety and insomnia

How to choose oranges in general?
Choose the ones that has smoothly textured skin and are firm and heavy for their size. It will have a higher juice content, than those that are either spongy or lighter in weight.

How to store oranges?
- At room temperature or in the refrigerator. It generally can last two weeks with either method and retain nearly the same level of their vitamin content. The best way to store oranges is loose to avoid it being exposed to moisture, as they can easily develop mold.
- Orange juice and zest can be stored for later use. Freeze the freshly squeezed orange juice then store them in plastic bags in the freezer. Orange zest that are dried should be stored in a cool, dry place and a must too in an airtight glass container.

Note to take
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking orange juice as the acidic can weaken our tooth enamel.
- It is recommended to eat a slice of tomato or cucumber after drinking acidic juices.


Click here for our blog page Desserts, & Drink for more recipes. Hope you will be inspired~

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Dessert Exploration::: Japanese Peach Jelly 80ºC with Western Canned Peach


Peachy Peach Jelly since darling love peach so much. When I found this at Isetan Orchard Singapore, just couldn't resist and grab it to make for our dessert and also share with our friends in office.

Japanese Peach Jelly 80ºC (Picture shown below)
1 Litre of Boiling Water
1 Can of Western Peach
Silicon/Plastic cups
Thermometer

Find the following product in the Japanese store. It's good enough to make it into a Jelly without canned Peach. We love the flavour of the jelly itself.


While waiting for the water to boil, cube up the peaches and place them in the silicon cups.


Pour the water in a bowl, place the thermometer and wait for the water to reach 80ºC. When it reaches pour in the Japanese Peach Jelly 80ºC powder and stir until all dissolve.


Distribute the Japanese Peach Jelly 80ºC mixture into the silicon cups. If there are bubbles remember to break them for a smooth finish. Put all the filled cups into the fridge to chill and you'll get to eat Japanese Peach Jelly soon!


Enjoy~

Click here for our blog page Desserts & Drinks for more recipes. Hope you will be inspired~

Saturday, June 8, 2013

DeBurg (Home of the Burgasm) - Singapore's Best Burger? Hmmm ...

DeBurg, home of the Burgasm. With a slogan like that, how can we possibly not pay a visit? We take the drive over to Bukit Merah Lane 1 on a rainy weeknight, and place our orders at the counter. Quite a few signs proclaim loudly that 'burgers are not fast food,' so we take our seats in what can probably be best described as an atas kopitiam and prepare for the wait.

DeBurg Home of the Burgasm

Our burgers arrive about 40 minutes after our orders are placed which could really suck depending on how hungry you are. My Bacon Cheeseburger costs SGD15.50 for a 200gm patty of Aussie striploin.

DeBurg Bacon Cheeseburger

The darling decides to go a bit easy on the meat and downsizes her Mushroom Cheeseburger order to a 100gm patty for SGD9.00. The 'mushroom' in this burger isn't a whole portobello mushroom, but instead it's mushroom gravy.

DeBurg Mushroom Cheeseburger

For both burgers, we were somewhat disappointed given all the glowing reviews all over the net. We thought that the flavor profile for the burgers were impeccable, with great choices of ingredients and proper seasonings. However, the patties were (in my opinion) overcooked and sorely lacking in the 'juiciness' department, and the burger buns were dry. We were also put off by the horrendous sides - salad bordering on being inedible thanks to way too much balsamic vinegar in the dressing, and chips and tater tots that had obviously been fried ten or twenty minutes before the burgers were ready.

DeBurg Popcorn Chicken

Taking into account the wait time, how inconvenient it is to get here by public transport, and how difficult it is to get a parking spot at peak hours, I honestly don't understand all the hype. If you live in the area then sure, it's a great place for some relatively cheap burgers, but for the rest of us it makes more sense to satisfy any burger cravings over at Omakase Burger, which is also as inconveniently located but which comes with juicy patties and freshly fried truffle fries. Non-halal.

De Burg
Blk 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1
Closed on Mondays