I baked: Carrot cupcakes with lime mascarpone cream frosting

This is another great recipe you can do with your kids. During one of the weekends, I got together all the ingredients for carrot cake and we (the kids and I) gathered in the kitchen for a morning of baking fun.

This is the recipe that I usually usefor carrot cakebut this time I added a few extra ingredients such as orange zest and walnuts and made them as cupcakes. This time, I made a lime mascarpone-cream frosting which is much lighter than the cream cheese frosting. I love the tanginess of the lime zest and juice in the frosting. It went very well with the moist carrot cupcakes.

Carrot cupcakes with lime mascarpone-cream frosting

Baby D who hasn't even turned 2 loves giving mummy a helping hand in the kitchen. He will hold the spatula and give the batter a good mix :D (clever boy). This is an extremely kids-friendly cake. (not much mess either)

Personally, I think these are best eate! n slight ly warm (take them out of the oven and cool for 30 minutes) but they can also keep for several days in an airtight container stored in the fridge.


Carrot cupcakes with lime mascarpone-cream frosting
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 22-25 minutes
Makes 8

For the cupcake
125g self raising flour, sifted
A pinch of salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
125g soft brown sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
120ml corn oil (or olive oil)
130g carrot, peeled and finely grated (approx. 1 medium carrot)
Zest of 1 orange
25g walnuts, chopped into small pieces
25g sultanas
1/2 tsp vanilla extract


For the lime mascarpone-cream frosting
100g mascarpone cream, softened at room temperature
25g icing sugar, sifted
50g whipping cream
Zest of 2 limes
Juice of 1 lime

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Line muffin-tray with 8 cupcake liners.

2. Place the flour, salt, ground cinnamon and nutmeg into a large bowl and stir in the brown sugar. Add the eggs and corn oil to the dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in the grated carrot, orange zest, sultanas, chopped walnuts and vanilla extract.

3. Fill the cupcake-liners to 2/3 full and then bake in the pre-heated oven for 22-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool for 10 minutes before frosting.

4. Meanwhile, make the frosting. Beat the whipping cream with icing sugar until stiff peaks. Add the mascarpone cheese, lime zest and juice and mix well.

5. Using a star tip nozzle, pipe the frosting on the cupcakes. Serve immediately, these carrot cupcakes are best enjoyed slightly warm.

Recipe: Surf 'n' Turf (Steak & Hokkaido Scallops)

Surf and Turf (or surf 'n' turf) is a term used to describe a main course in American cuisine which combines seafood and meat. I had my first surf 'n' turf in Hard Rock Cafe, London - the dish was a combination of steak and grilled prawns and it left a lasting impression.

We were craving for a good steak, so for date night, I decided to cook Hubby a surf 'n' turf dinner. Steak (his fav) and scallops (my fav), we get the best of both worlds. We managed to get our hands on a lovely Australian Black Angus tenderloin plus some huge Hokkaido scallops.

There are quite many components in this dish and the sequence in which you should prepare this dish is to start with boiling the potatoes, followed by cooking the steak and resting it, then the mushrooms, asparagus, scallops and finally the jus. For the steak, I adapted Heston Blumenthal's perfect steak recipe which calls for flipping the meat every 15-20 seconds to develop a crisp flavorsome exterior without overcooking the centre - I say adapt, cos I flipped it every 1 minute. It is important to rest your steak for at least 10 minutes after cooking and your steak will be juicier and tastier.

Not only was it a very balanced meal, it was very delicious as well. The steak was tender and flavorful, and the scallops were plump and juicy. I certainly know how to keep my man happy! :D

Hubby called this "surfing pigs" ;P

Pan seared scallops with crispy bacon on a bed of sauteed oyster mushroom

Tenderloin steak ! (medium rare) served on a bed of creamy truffle mash potatoes and topped with asparagus and crispy garlic bits and a natural jus

Surf 'n' turf (steak & scallops)
Preparation time: 15 - 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients
2 x 200-250g steaks, 1" thick (I used tenderloin this time)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2-3 Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
A large knob of butter
1 tsp milk
1 tbsp truffle oil

8 stalks Thai asparagus
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

80g grey oyster mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
A handful parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

8 large Hokkaido scallops
1 streaky bacon, sliced thinly and fried

200ml beef stock
1/2 tsp cornstarch, diluted with 1 tsp of water
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the mash potatoes:
1. Bring a pot of salted water to the boil, then add the potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes until soft. Mash with a potato press into a large bowl. Add butter while hot, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with truffle oil.

For the tenderloin steak:
1. Remove steaks from fridge at least 1 hour before cooking to allow them to get to room temperature.

2. Clean the steaks under running water and pat dry with kitchen towel. Rub the steaks with olive oil and season both sides with pepper. I avoid seasoning them with salt at this point as salt encourages the juices to come out (and we want to keep the juices in, well, to keep the steaks tender and juicy!)

3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a deep frying pan, and wait til the oil/pan is smoking hot. Place the steaks in the pan (leave some space between both).! After e very 1 minute, flip the steak. Cook to desired doneness - 2 minutes each side for medium rare, 3 minutes each side for medium and 4 minutes each side for well done.

4. Remove from pan and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes. Remember to season the steaks with salt before serving.

5. To make the sauce, add the beef stock to the same pan used to pan fry the steaks. Add any other juices you get from resting the steaks. Add cornstarch to thicken, then season with salt and pepper.

For the mushrooms:
1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Add the garlic and fry for 1 minute. Then, add the mushrooms and saute for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the parsley and give it a quick stir, then remove from heat.

For the asparagus:
1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Add the garlic and fry until golden brown, around 2 minutes. Then, add the asparagus and cook for 1-2 minute (cooking time depends on how thick/fine your asparagus is). Remove from heat.

For the scallops:
1. Clean the scallops and pat dry with kitchen towel. Season both sides of the scallops with salt.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan over high heat and wait until it is smoking hot. Place the scallops in pan in clockwise direction (this is purely for reference, so you can remember which ones you put in first when flipping to cook the other side) and sear for 40 seconds on one side before flipping over. Cook for another 40 seconds, then remove from pan. It is better to undercook scallops than to overcook them. Usually they take about 1-2 minutes to cook.

To assemble:
1. Using a 9cm round mould, place mash potatoes on the plate. Top it with the steak, followed by the asparagus. Use a small spoon to drizzle some sauce over the steak.

2. On the other side of the plate, place the sauteed mushrooms followed by the scallops and bacon bits. Serve immediately.

*This recipe was featured on Asian Food Channel's Facebook page on 28 August 2012.

*Please note that this post is a duplicate of my original Surf 'n' Turf recipe as it is showing as "Sorry, the page you were looking for in this blog does not exist" when searching on Search Engines or via Search box in the blog. To read comments, please click here.

Coconut Corn Salad

We ventured out of San Francisco last week for a quick, mid-week, two-night camping trip - and this was the last thing I cooked before leaving. Five ears of corn, shaved in quick fashion, then sauteed in a bit of butter. I tricked it out with thyme, red onions, toasted almonds and coconut.

And, come to think of it, that might have been the last time I ate a proper meal (kidding!). We got to our destination (Sequoia National Park), spent the night, I got the stomach flu, we drove home. All the food I prepped for our camping adventure came with us, untouched. I'm embarrassed to tell you, we drove five hours and I never made it beyond the campsite/parking lot. Five hours back - winding roads, high elevation, it was bad. If you're having a bad day, odds are it wasn't as bad as this....of if it is, I am whole-heartedly sympathetic.

While I regroup, enjoy the corn. Or even better, let me know what you're doing with your corn lately. And while that's going on, I'll write up the next recipe (which might be the best thing to come out of my oven all year)...xo -h

Continue reading Coconut Corn Salad...

Europe 2012 The journey begins with Air France & landing at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

So you have read about my dramatic arrival in Paris, mygastronomical food saga and my virginal attempt at smoking weed. Some of my friends and readers have said Europe seems fun, I want to go Europe too! and You had an amazing time, Im so envious!
This was inevitably followed by How much was the flight tickets?, How was the flight?, Where to stay? and so on.

Ahh, lets begin with the topic of booking flight tickets. After all, every journey begin with the process of getting there, which in this case Europe is accessible by flight. I took KLM Airlines since my trip is originally to Venlo in The Netherlands, where the once in a decade extravagant Floriade is taking place from April October 2012.

Frankly I didnt book these tickets myself as the trip was sponsored by KLM Airlines. However, I did request for another return ticket for a friend of mine had wanted to join me during the same period 16th May to 26th May and when we checked online it was about RM3,700 return. Not bad for summer time in Europe isnt it?

Anyhow, heres the li! nk of th e page you can start to sniff out some travel bargains > http://www.klm.com/travel/my_en/index.htm

You will land on this page.

A few things to note here ->
1. Since KLM Airlines is the Dutch airline after all, it makes sense that most European flights are highlighted; for example the return flights to Paris and Amsterdam.

2. To make traveling easier, theres a nifty little app (as highlighted in the pink box) here that assist you in your search. Just follow the steps on the screen.

Heres the page once you clicked on the link. Choose your travel dates, your departure airport and your budget and this app will provide some helpful insights and suggestions. Do try it out!

3. Online check-in -> Oh please, everyone should do this.
It saves so much time and hassle. Just click on the box as highlighted below and check in via your email/Flying Blue number/E-ticket number or booking code which you will be given once you booked your flight.

Another alternative is this app KLM Predictions (http://www.travelpredictions.com/) that you can fiddle around while browsing online for travel tips.

You will have to log-in via Facebook and allow the app access to your FB account.

Its funny how they predict your future travel plans. I have no idea why would I be heading to Dallas, but I guess it must have been data the app extracted from my facebook.

Anyhow, just out of curiosity I clicked on the tab to check the fares.

Not bad eh? It even highlighted the dates with the lowest fare.

For my flight to Europe, I flew via Singapore Changi Airport. There were direct flights to Amsterdam of course, but I was given a choice to transit via Paris before landing in Schiphol airport, Amsterdam. Naturally I jumped at the opportunity to visit France for the very first time in my life!
Oh, this was actually my first trip to Europe too!

Air France and KLM Airlines merged in May 2004 to become the largest European airline group, carrying over 71 million passengers a year with 2,500 flights recorded daily to destinations all over the world. My 14 hours flight via Air France to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport was an overnight flight, thankfully for me as I can sleep on the plane. However, the time difference between Malaysia and France/The Netherlands is 6 hours, so do note that you may be jetlagged.

This is it, I told myself as as I head towards the boarding lane to my Air France aircraft in Changi Airport. When I land, Im landing in Europe!

I didnt dare to take take pictures in the airplane for the fe! ar that I might be stopped. Anyhow the flight was full and everyone was jostling trying to get to their seats. The cabin crew was busy and I certainly didnt want to get in the way.

Hence, I limited my photography to my seat.

Luckily for me the seat beside me was empty! Oh good god.
I immediately made myself comfortable lying across 2 seats, and used both pillows and blankets provided throughout the 14 hours flight. Being in economy class wasnt the most comfortable way to travel but being able to sleep horizontally certainly beats sleeping vertically!

I must say the leg room was spacious enough. Too bad I wasnt able to elevate my legs.

Say hi to my traveling partners!

They were wondering why I was taking pictures of my seat, my food and everything else! But they were too polite to ask. Heh.

My flight took off on the 16th May 11.30pm+ and the first meal was served at 12.15 am. I used my HTC One X from here onwards as I didnt want to disturb anyone with the shutter sound of my Sony Nex 5n.

I stared at my tray. A block of cheese, a baguette, salad and fruits, in addition to my main course of baked fish. Wow, my European diet starts now!

Food was alright and I was extremely hungry and wolfed down everything.

Then I took some sleeping pills and prayed that will keep me knock edout throughout the 14 hours flight. Unfortunately for me I was wide awake in 7 hours, which was already a feat considering that my normal sleeping duration are about 5 hours only. Icontemplated swallowing another bunch of sleeping pills but decided against it. If the effect didnt wear off on time Ill be groggy on my first day in Paris!

Breakfast was served at 11am, 17th May. Trust me, I was starving by the time the clock hits 6am on the flight. And I usually have my breakfast at 6am. Between 6.00am and 11.00am, I munched on some biscuits I had in my bag and forced myself to sleep. When I finally had my breakfast tray in front of me, my hands were shaking. :P

Hard cheese (generous slices of them too!) and meat! Delicious breakfast!

The croissant was a bit dry but no worries as the flight attendant goes around with a bread basket full of bread rolls. I added a bread roll and skipped the croissant.

My flight landed without delays at Malaysian time 12.00pm (Paris 6am) and I staggered out of the plane eager for my first sight of Europe!

I was nervous, excited and joyful at the same time. THIS IS REAL! Im in PARIS!

Below: Bidding my plane farewell!

Being the tourist that I am, I started snapping pictures as soon as I landed. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport is humongous, busy but orderly.

I soaked in everything; the buzz, the gadgets, the people and the energy.

Machines like this allows passengers to check their next connecting flights the moment they land.

I walked on, not quite sure where I was going but herded along with the crowd. There were signboards of course so I wasnt worried about getting lost.

I saw some interesting sights along the way and couldnt help thinking that KLIA (or LCCT for that matter) could improve with some of the amenities here.

How about a spacious waiting area like this for a start?

And safe comfortable rest couches for travelers?

Look at this! I was amazed!
A lady in skirts could rest decently (and safely too if I may add) while waiting for her transit.
I really hope to see this in KLIA one day, without having the need to be a member of some Gold/Platinum Lounge. Im talking about any normal passenger being able to rest comfortably and safely even in public areas of the airport. Not everyone is privileged enough to be an exclusive lounge member.

Anyhow at this stage I was getting tired. I was starting to feel hungry again and beginning to wonder if Im on the right track. Then I saw this. Oh yay! Trains = less walking! :P

Well, the signage clearly states that I have to take this train takes me to my Baggage. Alright, time to hop in.

Terminal 2, the dedicated KLM Air France hub(there are 1, 2 A -F and Terminal 3 here in CDG)is verymonstrouswith lots of parking bays for the numerous planes. Hence even within the terminal, there can be shuttle trains within T2. It may be likely that my plane arrived at a very far bay so trains are provided to bring passengers to the baggage carousel area. Otherwise, for some, there may not be a need to catch a train.

A! long mo rning walk to start the day!
If you have read my last post about my first day in Paris, you would have recalled that I was extremely late for my first outing of the day. Yups, I thought I had plenty of time from the hour I land (6am+) to my first meeting time at 9am. I must have spent the first 2 hours in Paris in the airport itself!

Oh yes, my luggage!

I grabbed my luggage and started to look forthe pick-up point for hotel shuttles.

As I have mentioned before, Paris CDG Airport has Terminal 1, Terminal 2 A -F (A-F refers to the different areas WITHIN Terminal 2) and Terminal 3.Terminal 2 is the dedicated KLM Air France hub so thats all you have to keep in mind if youre here.

BELOW: Im now in Terminal 2E.

Anyhow, there were signages everywhere and one would just have to follow accordingly.

Once I reached the Arrival Hall,the smell of coffee and baked goods assailed my nostrils. I swallowed hard and surged on, tummy rumbling, realizing that Im quite late now.

This is what happens when you travel alone in a country that youre unfamiliar with and have not done your homework. LOL. At times you just have to go by instincts. Luckily for me Railway Station, Paris by Train and Airport Shuttle were all showing the same direction.

HSBC. A lot of people had complained about their service, but I find itreassuringly available at EVERY country (Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, China, Macau, HongKong) that I havetraveledto so far.If you travel as much as I do, make sure you have an account (with sufficient funds of course) with an international bank. Good luck looking for a local bank (Maybank, RHB, Public, CIMB)here.

Walking is inevitable in Europe, and they start you early right here at the airport!

Finally I found an information counter, one of the NOT many here but conveniently situated near the trains. I showed the officer the slip for the hotel that I was booked in and she gestured to me to take the lift to the correct floor where the hotel shuttles were.

And here, without any seat or rest stop, is where you stand to wait for the shuttles. Trust me, at 7.45am in the morning, it was chilly to the bones!

All the airport hotels shuttles goes by here so its THE place to wait for your shuttle. To know which shuttle, just refer to the board below. Otherwise, you can always ask the bus drivers as all of them are very helpful and will refer you to the right one. Anyhow, most of the shuttle has the logos of the hotels on them.

See how startlingly huge the airport is? Just Terminal 2 alone consist of Terminal 2A 2F.

My shuttle!!

The hotel shuttles are very clean and comfortable! with sp acious areas for luggages.

The ride from the airport to the airport hotels area takes about 20 minutes but depending on the exact location of your hotel, it can vary to between 20 35 minutes.

BELOW: Some of the airport hotels in Paris.

And heres mine Hotel All Seasons Charles de Gaulle.

If you have read my previous post on my dramatic 1st day in Paris, yes, that part continues from here. So hop on over toParis: A walking food tour to read my misadventures!

And heres my video a concise version of my time in Europe!

Wackybeckys Europe Adventures 16th -23rd May 2012 was made possible thanks to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Malaysia.
A fun travel prediction app to try >http://www.travelpredictions.com/

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/KLMMalaysia
Website:http://www.klm.com/travel/my_en/index.htm

More of Europe:
The BEST of macarons and croissants in Paris the legendary Pierre Herme!
The extravagant once in a decade FLORIADE worlds biggest Horticultural Expo at Venlo, The Netherlands a must visit!
Smoking weed in Amsterdam a video..- You only live once!
PART I Walking Food Tour in Paris!
PART II -Paris Food Walking Tour a gourmands dream!

NOTE:

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is offering travelers 3 additional weekly flights out of KLIA to Amsterdams Schiphol Airport, itshome airport beginning on 29 October 2012 until 30 March 2013.

Part of KLMs new winter schedule, the additional flights from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam depart at 9.35 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, arriving at 3.20 p.m. the same day.

The additional winter flights will depart from Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 12.35 p.m. and arrive at 7.35 a.m. the following day.