Green flowers bento (B#299)

Made this for M who was very pleased with her green flowered bento.

This bento contains some rice, stir fried fish with some ginger, stir fried egg plant with soya sauce, tong ho (aka chrysanthemum greens) and underneath, steamed minced pork.

The flowers are made of cut-out cucumber and the stalk & leaves are made out of spring onions.

another Pika bento (B#298)

Another pikachu bento.

In this bento is some rice, meat patties, quail eggs and vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and tomatoes).

Pika is made of cheese. Make sure the rice is not warm before putting the cheese motif on top otherwise be prepared for a melty pikachu!! ;)

The pokemon balls is made with half an boiled quail egg and cherry tomato joined with a tooth-pick or strain of uncooked spaghetti. Do warn your bento receiver of the possible picks to avoid unpleasant prickles!

On another note, I was pleasantly surprised when Lia Chen passed this award to me! Thanks so much, very honoured indeed that you thought of me. Hope to learn, exchage more ideas and get inspired on packing bentos.

There are no rules with this award so am going to dedicate this award to all blogging mothers :) And to carry on passing the award, I hereby some happy mama bloggers - have fun ladies.

jacss * peony * kel * diana * agnes * tona-mama * sharon * mycreationbento * elaine * emily * alice * SIG * happyflour *

Kreative blogger award

This award was passed on by sweet Sherimaya. Her bento boxes are full of colour and I am sure that is just a reflection of who she is in real person. She has a great picture of her and her 2 kids on a blog with a great smile and you know, you can't help but smile back!!!



The award requires the receiver to state 7 things about myself and after that to nominate 7 other blogger.

ok, 7 things about myself....

1. I make check lists of things. It keeps me sane and I think now that I’ve written this, it’d probably makes me sound like a control freak but I’m not really, its more to remember the things I need to do….ok now that I’ve written that, it'd probably sounds like I’m just absent minded!! Ok, maybe a little of both, u make up your mind ;)

2. I have always enjoyed getting crafty but over recent years have tangent off to baking, mosaic, bento-ing and other forms of ‘creations’ (except knitting, quilt patching and crochet - guess I haven't found a sifu to get me interested in these activities). Just wish craft tools and materials were more affordable.

3. Usually, people who are crafty are also good artist, painters and drawers – unfortunately I think God forgot to tick those boxes when he checked me out ;p

4. I like to read and will read a favourite book over and over and over and over again, even my childhood books.

5. Even though I can swim well, I am a little uncomfortable being in the sea. There are just too many ‘unknowns’. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ocean and all sea creatures but much prefer to appreciate them with both feet on the ground.

6. I absolutely love speed, thrills and spills of roller coasters and other thrilling rides; it must be age thing as I now find such rides puts my stomach right in my mouth!! Sigh.

7. Even though hot pizzas and quiche are great, I really enjoy cold ones the most.


Now to nominate 7 sporting nominees who I hope will have some fun with this award. I too am glad that its only 7 items as I have seen some pretty long ones, interesting as they are.

Emily
Kelly
Elaine
Gina
Biblo
Jacss
Diana

Assorted rice balls (B#297)

Boxing some leftovers for MP and me. Mixed the rice with assorted furikake flavours. While they were easy to make, the difficulty was ensuring the consistent dainty size bites.

MP's bento has nuggets, fried potatoes, broccoli and stir fried jicama.

My bento had some leftovers roast pork, fried omelet, broccoli and stir fried jicama.

Post sandwiches (B#296)

Both my boys are down with sore throat, with the bigger one having a far tougher time than the smaller one.

So today's bento is just a simple jam sandwich with some endamame (finally got another bag), cereal bites, pineapples and broccoli.

Its mid-November now, time to start sorting and posting the Xmas cards to avoid the big Xmas postal rush!! :) Usually end up sending a lazy but still heartfelt e-greeting card but maybe this year, will try sending out some the traditional way. Nothing beats getting mail the traditional way right?

Snap shot

Do you remember Herbie from Walt Disney movies?

The 'real' Herbie bears the numbers 53. But at a glance its a good look-a-like, don't you think?

R U free this Friday?

For those in Malaysia, this Friday 27 November is a public holiday.

If you have no plans or wondering how to amuse yourself and your kids (instead of jousting with the masses at the malls or movie theaters), please consider dropping by this Charity Bazaar to raise funds for Rumah Juara – Home for Underprivileged Children between 9am to 3pm.

There will be a number of stalls including some contests.

Do come, give your support for a worthy cause and be entertained and have some FUN at the same time!!!

Venue is:

No. 6, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, Section 13,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor


Please refer to the map below.

Buttermilk Scones

Tried the lovely scones recipe shared by Florence. Although mine were not as nice and tall as hers (think I added too much liquid and hence spread out sideways instead of UP!), I must say that they were indeed very tasty, flaky and light. M ate hers as is without any cream and/or jam declaring that they were very nice as they were.

For my own records, I'm gonna post Florence's recipe here which I managed to get 7 scones.

Ingredients
200g self-raising flour (Blue Key brand)
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp sugar
50g cold unsalted butter
150ml buttermilk (used low-fat milk mixed with 2 tsp lemon juice and set aside for 30 min)
Some milk for glazing


Method
1. Pre-heat oven to 225 degrees.
2. Shift flour at least 3 times.
3. Rub butter into flour until resembles breadcrumbs. Can use fork or two knifes to help with this.
4. Mix in sugar and salt.
5. Make well in centre and pour in about 3/4 of the liquid. Mix with a pair of chopsticks. Dough will be sticky.
6. Place dough onto floured table top.
7. Measure thickness of dough no taller than 2 cm and using well-floured cutter, cut desired shape making sure the cuts are clean without turning and twisting (reason is that it will seal the sides and not be able to fluff up nicely).
8. Glaze tops with extra milk before putting them into the oven and baking for no longer than 15 min.
9. Serve warm with fresh whipped cream and homemade jam (if available).



Bench notes
- The dough will be sticky so be sure not too add all the liquid at once.
- Next time, double the recipe, easier to make them taller and also since one is never enough!
- Probably easier to pat dough into circle and then slice them out like cake slices. Tricky using the cutters as the dough was sticky and soft, hence difficult to get clean cuts.

This is my 2nd bake of this recipe. Double the recipe which was just nice to handle. Too much more difficult to mix the dough. Still came out tasty though I had hoped I would get nicer and fluffy sides, next time perhaps.

World Tour to Mexico (B#294)

As I was posting this, the words “Ándale! Ándale! Arriba! Arriba!" came to mind. If your are not too familiar, a certain very fast mouse from Warner Brothers Looney Tunes who used to cry this before zooming off as fast as the speed of light. I remembered Speedy Gonzales all too late as I had ready packed. Nevertheless since I grew up watching Speedy (for lack of cartoon choice), I just had to make mention of this Mexican animated mouse who usually wears an oversized yellow sombrero, a white shirt and trousers and a red handkerchief teasing poor Sylvester the cat. Of course naughty Sylvester deserves what he gets as he kepts wanting to capture Speedy to make a meal out of him.

Picture source from Internet.

From USA, our tour leaders, Diana and KaraChiwie ushered us down south to neighboring country, Mexico.

I’ve never been to Mexico but it sounds like a very sunny, colourful and exotic country.

Its probably just me but when I think of a country I usually associate them with food, ha ha ha.

Well nacho’s is my number #1 all time favourite snack and Wikipedia confirms that nacho originates from Mexico. Tacos are ok too but I much prefer nachos corn chips especially if you can dip them into a spicy salsa dip, yummy!

When I was young, my grandmother knitted some poncho knit wear for us. Never really got to use them since its perpetually sunny and warm in Malaysia. I’ve definitely out grown it but I think we still kept it, hidden deep within the wardrobe somewhere, ha ha.

Wasn’t sure what to bento for this tour so I kept it simple.



In this bento is a sombrero pancake hat with the usual condiments, maple syrup and butter (shaped as a cactus) and some fruits – strawberries, peaches and papayas. I piped in the colours of the Mexican flag with some cream.

Organic Day again!

Covered this in my earlier blurb.

Another activity day is being organized so those who were interested the last time but couldn't make it or got lost, well here's your opportunity.

Am keen to check out the seedling section and maybe start a herb garden. :)

Good chance to grab some 'organic' gifts too for christmas.

Oh yes, mark on your calendar 5 December 2009 and don't forget your own shopping bags/boxes.

Don't know whether you can read but the Alovera pickle looks very interesting? How do you pickle alovera???

On that day I got a couple of lemongrass tea as gifts, it was very fragrant and tasted very refreshing and nice.

No Compromise for Mister Potato Fiesta 2009

Are you a total spud lover like me?

Couldn’t believe it!! A potato crisp contest *happy sigh, would be a total yummy dream come true to have to munch my way out of a ton of crunchy potato crisps and then back inside again*!

If you love crisps, then join me to munch and crunch your way to Mister Potato’s No Compromise Fiesta 2009 Game.

The ‘flash game’ (8 levels all together) will definitely appeal to children and all closet and bed crisps moochers’ at heart; playing not just once, twice but over and over again until you become an expert!!! Ha ha ha In particular, I really enjoyed Level 3 where you had to slice the potatoes not only as fast as you can but also as thinly. Found this level the trickiest as I had trouble sliding the cut potatoes to the basket provided *blame my terribly out-dated mouse for this!!! ha ha* There are also some brain teasers (but not too difficult) included in the game (Levels 2, 4 & 6) just to change the game pace a bit.

Note: Do ensure you have the latest Flash program installed as I couldn't log in and play the game or view the contents of the website.

MP enjoyed playing the game especially trying to get the answers wrong or time-out so that a conniving-looking man in a white coat will come out tut-ting with his scrunched up face shaking and laughing out loud obstinately at your lack-of-coordination or gaming skills. Of course he also enjoyed the 3 man band plucking a very jovial tune when you successfully pass each stage.

Meet Ortega.

Overall, it not ‘just a game’ but also pretty educational explaining how Mister Potato make their crisp with their quality process and assurance that they are all 'cooked to golden crunchy perfection'. Kids love to snack. It is hard to monitor what they actually consume at parties/outings or purchase from the tuck shop. By educating them about food, the products they consume and of course the brand, they will become smart consumers and hopefully wiser in their selection.

Like all good bags of tasty crisps, product quality is the key - hence the slogan ‘No Compromise”!

Mister Potato is made from imported quality potatoes hence their assurance of 100% IMPORTED POTATO GOODNESS; with their supply of 'quality' type potatoes of Atlantic, Dakota Pearl and Hermes Potatoes. Not only is the selection of potatoes important but also the process of cooking the potatoes. The end result must be “SUPER CRUNCHY” or otherwise be rejected; absolutely NO COMPROMISE on the final quality and product! So remember their motto and promise when you next grab and enjoy a bag of Mister Potato crisps available at your nearest supermarket or convenience store.

Favourite flavour of mine?? Its hard because I'm just such a crisp magnet and tend to grab bags depending on what flavour I feel like at that moment – white, green, red, blue, yellow and orange bearing various flavours – Original, Sour Cream, Tomato, Hot & Spicy, BBQ. With so many flavours it is hard not to please! !

At the end of the game, you are required to load your best imitation picture of Mister Potato. I did mine the only way I know how - bento style of course ;)

My submission.

In the bento is a Mister Potato crisps (BBQ flavoured) sandwich which was totally scrumptious. I could tell MP was enjoying his tasty and super crunchy sandwich as he was savouring it with gusto and absolute revered silence!! Not a pip out of him could be heard from his super-satisfied face except for crunchy munching sounds. The Mister Potato man is made of red pepper (coat), crabstick (hat and shirt), cheese (face, hands and buttons) and nori seaweed (for face and other details).

Not to be left out, I too join in our Mister Potato crisps party, yum yum!

But the fun just doesn’t end here. From 29 Nov to 5 Dec there is public voting period. 50 highest voted contestants will be invited to an exclusive party and also a chance to win the following prizes:

rm5000 Grand prize

rm3000 1st Runner up

rm2000 2nd Runner up

Do VOTE FOR ME cos I just so wanna go to a Mexican/South American theme party and a dream chance to stuff my face silly with Mister Potato crisps, all foc *i hope*, ha ha ha!!! The cash prize is not so bad after all either.

If you want to join in some crisps fun, grab a packet of Mister Potato crunchy and tasty crisps and log on here.

BUT sigh....and double sigh....my submission not accepted wor. Haiy-seh man....must be actual 'people' picture.
So how? Back to the drawing board lor ;) *POUT*

......Perhaps nuffnang would be more appreciative.

Very chocolate-ty cupcakes

Found some Ben 10 cake toppers (finally – would have been ideal if I got them in May though!!) which were the perfect size for cupcakes. Only to be informed by Master Prince that he is now keen on Naruto ~ ‘Ben 10 is childish, for small boys wor!!!’ *slaps head* Give up trying to keep up with what is the current ‘HOT’ cartoon character. Hm….better start looking for Naruto edible icing now!!


Since I am in the school holiday mode, decided to use the Ben 10 edible icing before I forget about them or get expired. Besides, half the fun is in sharing.

Wandered around for recipes for cupcakes. In particular, was focused on a butter cream recipe.

Finally decided on chockylit’s Old Fashion Chocolate Cupcake. Not exactly sure why is it ‘old fashion’. Can taste be old fashioned, perhaps its the method but looking at the recipe, cannot be!!

Anyway, old-fashioned or not, these turned out to be very chocolate-ty and just yummy!

Gonna post the recipe here for my own records.

Ingredients
(yield 19 small cupcakes)

115g unsalted butter, room temperature
50g brown sugar
115g caster sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
98g plain flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
50g Valrhona unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla essence

Method

1. Pre-heat oven to 170 degrees.
   
2. Shift flours and sugar together.
   
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and creamy.
   
4. Slowly add in eggs and vanilla essence and continue to beat until fluffy. Note that the mix may curdle.
   
5. Fold in flour alternating with milk and finishing with the flour.
   
6. Divide into paper cups, making sure it is 3/4 full otherwise may sink.
   
7. Bake cupcakes for 20 min or until skewer in the centre comes out clean.
   
8. Cool on wire rack.
   

Bench notes – Note that this cupcake is the flat type, not ‘domed’ or ‘doomed’!! ;) Use a piping bag to divide cake mixture as it is much easier and avoids getting messy sides dripping over the cupcake holders.

Honey Holiday Cookies

School’s out for year this week for Master Prince which got me started baking some holiday cookies to share with his classmates. There will be a reshuffle and MP will not be in the same class as his current classmates next year. Since he is quite a sociable person, he doesn’t seem too bothered about this!

Anyway, didn’t really need a reason but been wanting to try out Happy Flour’s honey cookies for sometime now.


Needless to say MP was all quick and rather excited to help me....only because he wanted to eat the accessories, ie M&M buttons and the silver ball eyes, etc. Ha ha

Adapted the recipe a little and the dough quantity yield about 50 small honey men for me (depends on your thickness and size of cookie cutter).

Ingredients
165g unsalted butter, room temperature
55g caster sugar
40g organic honey
90g Self Raising Flour
180g All Purpose Floor
16g corn flour
Pinch of salt

Method

1. Shift flours and set aside.
2. Cream butter, salt sugar and honey until light and fluffy. Add 1 tsp of vanilla essence (optional).
3. Fold in flour to butter mixture to form a soft dough.
4. Rest dough in refrigerator for about 15 min.
5. Pre-heat oven to 150 degrees.
6. Roll out dough between two sheets of parchment paper and cut out desired shape with cookie cutter and decorate as desired (optional).
7. Bake cookies in preheated oven for 15 min until golden brown.
8. Cool on wire rack before storing into air-tight containers.

For easier distribution, I packed the men separately in plastic bags. My sealer wasn't working so resorted to stapling the bag together, sigh. Since MP gave the thumbs up I'm sure his friends will also enjoy them :) This is a great cookie to make especially for kids who do not like the taste/smell of 'spices'.

Master Prince came back reporting that they were well received by his friends.....except that it became a little chaotic for him when some choosy friends wanted to exchange because they did not like a particular coloured given or the M&M were cracked - HELLO...just enjoy, they are all the same lah - perhaps the colour red, green orange, yellow and brown do taste different (if they only knew it wasn't flavoured)!! Ha ha ha......kids!

Bench notes - Found it easier to handle the dough in smaller batches as it was a little 'soft' transferring the cut dough to the tray. Perhaps I should have floured my cutters more or refridgerated the dough longer.

Secret to boiling eggs

Just sharing a useful article and tip.

Eggs are a great source of protein and perfect to include in bentos. They are just so versatile and easy to decorate.

I used to think that to get hard boiled eggs, they must be boiled and boiled and boiled until almost the water run dry. Previously, I boiled them in a fierce boil for at least 10 min before deeming them ‘hard’!!! ha ha ha Hence my kitchen disaster the last time, which by the way is rather dangerous as you might have also noted too.

Anyway, ever since I read this article from justbento, realized that I didn’t need to boil the eggs 'dry/long' to get hard boiled eggs. Only have to bring the eggs to boiling point, turn off the fire and cover the pot with a lid for at least 10 min or so. It works and have not looked back since nor added any other blacken pots to my belt!! Not to mention I get to save on gas bills too ya.

This way, with peace of mind, I can have my shower, multi-task, be absent minded, yak on the phone without any worry and basically welcome all distractions until I am ready to handle the hard boiled eggs :)

For ‘extra’ hygiene, always wash the eggs before you place them in the pot of water (just in case it wasn’t washed properly the first time around). Also if the eggs float on water, better check the used by date or otherwise for any cracks.

Now you know the secret and just how REALLY EASY it is to cook hard boiled eggs (without any fuss or fear of possible danger-cum-explosion and more importantly, no blacken bottom pots)!!

Pika Waffle (B#293)

Master Prince loves waffles (so do all of us). As a special treat made him a pikachu bento surprise :) He usually loves to drizzle some maple syrup over it but that morning he ate it with butter and jam (erm, less messy mah)! ;)

Sink facial – it works!

This is a follow-up post from my earlier blurb.

A picture of my sink getting a ‘facial’ – ha ha ha. Looks like one of those bedak sejuk (translated to mean 'rice beauty powder') which I used to play with when I was a little girl. Some still swear by it even until today.

Well I am very happy to let you know that the ‘sink facial’ works. The rust spots have all miraculously DISAPPEARED!!! *so happy and relieved* Only regret is that I didn’t take a before shot to show you the rust spots (was just too annoyed and stressed earlier). When DH saw the sink he was very surprised and kept saying ‘WOW’.

Couldn’t get my hands on hydrogen peroxide from my local hardware shop.

The ‘sink facial’ is made of a simple combination of cream of tartar and vinegar. Didn’t measure exact quantities even though the earlier linked articles suggested a ratio of 3:1 parts of cream of tartar to vinegar.

Just sprinkled the cream of tartar around the sink and then pour some vinegar, about 1 tbsp or so, mix it around with your hands (wear gloves) until you get a slurry white paste. Smear it around the sink, paying more attention to affected areas and then let it dry (left it overnight). Next day, sprinkled some baking soda and then wash it with vinegar (this solution is suppose to be good in clearing your pipes too). Note that baking soda mixed with vinegar will cause some chemical reaction and start fizzing like a bubble bath ball. Don’t worry, wear gloves and wash the sink with the solution rubbing harder on the affected areas – you can use a soft sponge if you wish but I didn’t. Finally, rinse with water and wipe dry with a clean towel. For the ‘final touch’ you may wish to consider rubbing down with some olive/baby oil as suggested by the earlier linked articles.

For more stubborn stains, you may have to do more than one ‘facial’. In total ran through the ritual twice (because it was just so fun, easy and was really amazed with the results)!!

My sink now really looks brand new – well technically it is!! More importantly no more rust spots…yeah! I’ve covered the tap with a plastic bag so as to discourage anyone from using the sink. And to think I was really stressed out earlier about having to replace the entire sink if I couldn’t remove the rust spots, phew!

Btw, didn’t use the imported white vinegar brand. Used locally made white vinegar instead which was a lot cheaper. Must say that while I was doing this, the vinegar smell is pretty strong, even with the windows opened and fans turned on – made me crave for fish and chips and vinegar flavoured crisp, lolz. Anyway, the vinegar smell is definitely less toxic and harsh than the metal polish!! Next time I’m sure if I used lemon, it’ll probably smell a lot more refreshing then.

So there you go, do keep a few extra bottles of vinegar, cream of tartar and baking soda as they are certainly handy in keeping your stainless steel sinks, tops and pipes looking great and clean!!

Now, I wonder if anyone can share with me on how to remove cement spots??

Jam skewers (B#292)

Been hanging out for a tiny tamagoyaki pan, like the picture below and asked MW to help me grab one if she happens to see it whilst shopping.

Then came across maki’s post here. Ok so I agree that the rectangular pan is a single purpose kitchen equipment, decided to try maki’s easy way of making tamagoyaki. I must say that with a little more practise I would probably get better and more folds. Hm, guess I could save the kitchen space for something else now?? Maybe the tamago mold gadget blogged about by Susan earlier!!! Gee this wish list is never ending ya ;)

Today's bento comprise of some rolled strawberry sandwiches, pretzels, tamagoyaki and slices of oranges.

Natural cleaners for stainless steel sinks – some tips

In an earlier post, I shared my angst with some unknown contractors who had soiled my brand new stainless steel sink, resulting (to my horror) rust-like spots.

At that point of time (probably pure blur furry) I sped to the nearest hardware shop to get the ‘strongest’ rust remover I could find. After some hard rubbings, manage to get rid of some rust spots but the more stubborn ones still remained.

The whole process was rather unbearable, mainly because of the toxic fumes emanating from the chemical even though I opened the windows and switch on the fans. Vaguely remembered that there are alternative ways (after I calmed down a little and satisfied that the rust spots were not permanent, phew) that are safer, gentle and of course more environmentally friendly way. Not surprisingly most of the ‘natural cleaners’ can be found in your cupboard. Its probably cheaper too. The bottle of Stainless Steel polisher purchased from the hardware shop set me back rm33 whilst everyday household items would probably only cost a fraction of that.

There are many great tips I picked up, to read more click on for some great articles here or here or here or here. There are many more great articles, just google ‘cleaning stainless steel sink’.

Main common household natural cleaners are:
- Vinegar: Fill undiluted white or cider vinegar in a spray bottle, spray and wipe. Apparently this is great to remove heat stains on SS cutlery or finger streaks.

- Baking or bicarbonate soda: Sprinkle a little baking soda on sponge and rub sink gently; rinse.

- Cream of tartar: Sprinkle onto sink and wipe with lemon juice. Bring new shine to discoloured pots by bring to boil 2 tbsp of cream of tartar in a quart of water for 10 min before setting aside to cool.

- Olive oil: Rub sink to remove streaks.

- Club soda: Just rub on stains.

For tougher stains, mix 3:1 parts of cream of tartar with hydrogen peroxide into a paste, rub it onto stain and let mixture sit for a few hours or until it is dry before wiping clean with a damp cloth. Alternatively, combine equal parts of bicarbonate soda with vinegar/water into a paste and rub into affected area before rinsing and drying with a clean cloth.

Never use scouring powders or steel wool as they will leave scratches on stainless steel.

Since I am still rather desperate, I’ll probably try all the methods!!! Ha ha ha This time I’ll be sure to remember to wear gloves to protect my hands from unsightly stains.

Mummy Sid (B#291)

Ice Age III was very entertaining. Of course by the third instalment, we are familiar with the main cast – Manny, Diego and Sid. In Part II, we were introduced to Ellie, Crash and Eddie. Inevitably Manny and Ellie hooked up, after all they are the last few surviving mammoths around.

In Part III, funny and very accident magnet Sid-the-Sloth got broody/clucky and adopted what he thought were abandoned eggs. Unfortunately it turned out that they were not abandoned and even worst, the babies turned out to be carnivorous T-Rex…..and so the set and fun begins for everyone.

Anyway, this bento is about Sid and his adopted babies. Edible ink markers would have come in real handy as drawing the egg faces would have been much easier. Instead, I relied on carla punchers for details. MP, my biggest critic, didn't think it was a good imitation though :(

In this box is a strawberry jam sandwich, quail eggs, shredded carrots, cereal bites and pineapple slices.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Some burger faces (B#290)

Didn’t have my precious nori treasure box with me when this was packed. Was not planning to pack anything as I had earlier soiled my hands with some polish and no matter how much scrubbing and soap, the smell still lingered. Got so annoyed with some contractors who had probably washed their chemical soiled rags in my new kitchen sink resulting in spot like rust. Managed to get most of them out but still needs another round of polishing as some of them are very stubborn – just hope they are not permanent otherwise, cries!!!

Read that there are other more natural ways of cleaning stainless steel (as I nearly poisoned myself with the toxic fumes from the earlier blue grey chemical liquid and yes, at some point my hands and finger nails did turn shade of Smurf-like colour!!) which I will post separately.

Anyway, rummaged M’s entire larder before finally resigning to pre-cut slim nori strips. Without help from carla punchers, had to manage the details free hand, which of course you can tell, just didn’t do justice.

In this bento is a chicken burger with some spiral pasta, tomatoes and romaine salad leaves.

DH heard about my situation and so nice he swung by our house to get the nori box so that I could make a few more burger faces.

Looks like someone is in pain yeah....aduh!!

Suppose to be the cat omnibus in My Neighbour Totoro but not very obvious. We were very surprise that Master Prince could polish off two burgers. DH can only manage one. Shows if kids like to eat something, they will somehow manage to bring out their spare tank!! ;)

By the way for those who shop at Jusco One Utama, noticed that they now sell a few varieties of kamaboko (aka Japanese fish cakes) including HELLO KITTY!! Was quite surprise and excited to see them. They are currently on promotion - 30% off....so go grab some!!

Useful baran & picks (B#289)

When in a rush or just running late (because I overslept or got distracted with one of MP's morning antics), find using food picks and barans very useful in adding colour to the bento.

In this bento is a simple melted cheese and ham sandwich with some slices of oranges and pineapples.

Except for the colour pink, this is more a 'DH-adult' bento. But he appreciates the food picks though as it keeps his hands from getting sticky or dirty.

Tabby cat (B#288)

Original intention was to make a bear face but evolved....into a tabby cat instead. Lolz. Trick is to avoid adding whiskers next time.

In the box is a well marinated pan fried chicken with some fries, squid balls and garden salad (tomato, cucumber, carrot and lettuce). The chicken was marinated overnight with some lemon grass and other spices, very tasty indeed :)

Juz bacon pluz (B#287)

A very simple and fast bento. No 'theme' today, juz pass the bacon please. Ha ha

In the box are some pan fried prata, bacon and slices of pineapple.

There are probably many ways to cook bacon. I discovered the best way to get crispy bacon without getting it char black is to cook it slowly over a low fire thus melting the fat without overcooking the meat. A cover/lid will probably be most useful to keep the oil from splattering as it cooks, cutting down a lot of cleaning time too :)

Bento leftovers – what to do with them?

Whilst packing bentos, a little of this and that are used to decorate the bento in the hopes of making it prettier or more appetizing. For me, usually a lot of bread are cut away to fit the bento box size, bits of cheese for decorating facial expression and so on. So what happens to the rest? What do you do with them – do you keep or chuck them??

1) Bread – If they are pan fried with butter, the sides always gets eaten (afterall they are the yummiest and most crunchy part, definitely a shame to throw them away)!! For ‘normal’ soft bread, I usually bag the leftovers in the freezer for my MIL’s friend to be used as animal feed. Other alternative uses are to make croutons or pulse them a food processor into breadcrumbs to be used for other dishes such as burgers.

2) Nori seaweed – I actually have lots of leftovers especially from facial cut outs using carla punchers. I usually kept them all together in the box and reuse the same piece of seaweed until every bit is used, then I pass it to MP who will gladly munch on it. My seaweed container is like a treasure box, you never know what to find inside it!! Older cut outs which didn’t get used earlier would be a grateful find later, especially earlier odd shaped cut outs that wasn’t used earlier could be just the perfect fit!!

3) Cheese – Leftovers are usually kept in a container. Sometimes they are eaten, other times they are great as toppings for grilled sandwiches or even pizzas. Afterall once they melt, no one will know or notice that they were once chopped up or in odd pieces!!

4) Cold cuts or cooked ham – No leftovers for these as they all usually get gobbled up. If you could only see the tussle for the leftovers!! ha ha ha Other times, they could be the 'filling' for an additional sandwich for DH *sssshhh…but don’t tell him ok*!!

5) Fruits – Again, no leftovers as whatever is cut gets eaten or shared among the adults.

6) Vegetable or fruit peels – These go in a separate bag as they are just prefect for organic garbage enzyme or if you are into making your own organic compost.

7) You know, leftover vegetables (eg. corn and carrots) and meat are just perfect for fried rice!!

Ok that’s all I’ve got to share on what I generally do with leftovers which as you can probably tell is not that much since most of the times, I really try to use as much as I need. That’s probably why I think my bentos are not as interesting as others :( Otherwise they usually go into the 'tummy garbage disposal unit', mine of course!! ha ha ha

Gonna tag Susan next and ask her to share what she does with her bento leftovers!

Once you accept the tag, the rules are simple.

1. Please link back to the person who tagged you and add your name to the ‘tagged list’ below.
2. When you have answered the question (which can be in any style/format you like), nominate another (one will do) fellow blogger (who is not already on the list) and pass the tag to your nominee.
3. If you (the selected nominee) has already answered this question in an earlier post (well done), then your job is very easy - just link the tag to your earlier post and pass the tag on as per item nos. 1 and 2 above. Alternatively you can update it (if you wish).

Have fun :)

Tagged:
1. javapot
2. susanyeun
3. list goes on...(I'm sure you get the general idea)

[Ps. No cute picture with this tag unless someone can generously suggest one which would be most appreciated! Hint, hint…anyone wanna sponsor or is just creative?? All credits will be given.]

Story of 'The Pit'

Ok just stuffed my face with one gigantic cinnamon roll and sipping my freshly brewed coffee, caught up visiting some blogsites and feel a little refreshed to share my rather ‘hectic’ weekend.

For more than two months over (gee, time has passed so quickly), we’ve been putting up with the ugly and pitiful sight of the grey ‘pit’. Absolute gets on my nerves when other contractors think it’s an ideal and convenient place for rubbish!!! Anyway, when the main contractor finally came back to touch up a few things, got him to transport our teak tree from M’s place and so the motion begins.

The Pit.

The pit may look small but do not be deceived. It took me 4 trips to Sungai Buloh Nursery and whopping total of over ‘200’ bags of soil to fill the pit!!! Just don’t ask how much toll charges I paid that day. I’m also surprised by the number of bags purchased and so tired of making the trips back again and again. If I had known so much soil was required, would have definitely made other arrangements. Think the suspension on my poor car is all but koyak (Malay term for ‘busted’). The nursery sales person enquired why I need so much soil (as I keep coming back for more and MORE)….am I burying something or what? If I was Vietnamese, it could probably be gold but nope, all I wanted to do was to fill the pit…with some soil.

Of course, not all the trips were a waste as it gave me a chance to look at some plants. All lush, green and beautiful, it was just so tempting but had limited available space in my tiny car. At the end of the day, I had one simple criteria: it had to be a hardy no-fuss plant. As much as I really wish/want, I simply do not have the gift of ‘green thumbs’. In fact plants do the opposite of ‘flourishing’ under my care. Yes, please do fear for the safety of the plants!

M firmly believes that plants grown on our positive vibrations. In fact, the plants that she gives more attention by talking seem to grow better than those she don’t!! Well, I’m no plant whisperer and only hope they can amuse themselves with the pack of dogs (last count was 4) that permanently roam up and down thinking they own the b###*@@ entire street!! (But that's another story).

Here’s what the pit looks like now (as of yesterday). Still needs a little twigging with a few more plants as there are some gaps here and there.


D reckons that I should have just planted some shrubs or something, just to avoid heartaches of any vandalism. Well since the private security just started around my area, I can only hope and pray for the best – more for the plant survival than anything!! Ha ha ha

So I’m a little sunburnt, sore all over with gritty finger nails (never knew soil could be so staining) and my car interior is a total mess but am very glad to finally be rid of the former unsightly pit!!!

On a final note, I’m pleased to share that the kitchen fittings are finally finished. There have been a few delays in particular my kitchen hood bought a while back was out of stock and after a month of ‘chasing’ and calling, it was finally delivered and installed!!! *jumps for joy for a second or two....until I realize the cleaning up task ahead, groans!!*

Piggy paus (B#286)

These piggy paus are filled with lotus seed paste, MP's favourite kind.

In this bento are some steamed paus, orange slices, pretzels and cereal bites.

To assemble the pigs all you need is a slice of cooked/cold ham, cookie cutters and a straw.

For the snout/nose - Use a round/oval-shaped cookie cutter. Cut out small holes as nostrils using a straw.
For the ears - Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Using same cutter, mold/shape the ears smaller.
To 'attach' the ham cut out facial expressions to the pau, any thin dried noodle can be used.


Have fun creating your own piggy-wiggies :)

Stars & clouds (B#285)

Gee, since I started adding headings not so easy to think of a "Title". So much easier to write Bento #___.

Its been a while since I made some makis so thought I could pack one up quickly. Unfortunately my first attempt using fried rice failed miserably - the fluffy oil rice didn't come together at all no matter how I press and press. Abandoned the idea when the nori seaweed just refused to stick!!! So remember leftover fried rice is a no-no when it comes to making makis!!!

In this bento is some maki, steamed fish, steamed long beans and stir fried jamica (or otherwise locally known bangkuang) with shrimps.

Various including Kiki's cat (B#282-284)

Bento #284

I’m sure you are probably familiar with Miyazaki’s other animation Kiki’s Delivery Service which is today’s bento inspiration - but not the little witch girl but the cat.

Yes, I realize Halloween has just recently passed but this has been one of my 'to-dos' for sometime now.

Unfortunately didn’t realize we ran out of crabsticks and so had to find an alternative for the ribbon bow. Think it would look a lot nicer with a red bow instead, next time.

This bento consist of rice with steam fish, potatoes, leftover fish cakes and cucumber. It may not be obvious but I placed some Chinese sausage underneath the cat to keep the cheesey cat from melting on top of the warm rice!! :)




Bento #283

Monsoon season is here so we've been having a few wet mornings in a row. But today….its a ‘Sunny Day’ so made a bento to match today’s weather.

In the bento is a ham, quail egg and cheese sandwich with some pineapples and grapes.

Bento #282

Another ‘plated’ bento with heart shaped onigri, some stir fried cabbage with carrots, chicken, fish cakes and Chinese sausage.

Mice in a box (B#281)

In my bento accessories wish list, there is this tool which you can get to make various animal faces with quail eggs.



Couldn’t wait anymore especially since I bought a tray of quail eggs from the market. Tried toying around with an alternative way with the existing tools. It worked but hiya, left my face punchers at M’s house and could only make do with what I had that morning (looks more like pigs or something!!).

Wanted to make a pair of ‘mice’ so using a small round cutter, cut the ears and then push them into the slits of the hardboiled quail eggs. Dress the face details with nori seaweed.

In this bento box, a ham sandwich with a pair of ‘mice’ quail eggs, some carrots and pineapple.

World Tour to USA (B#280)

After scrambling around desperately for a ‘later flight’, managed to play catch up and join the rest of the group on the bento world tour to Japan.

Since I was blur and stressfully late the last round, decided to pack earlier so that I will definitely not miss the tour.

Next destination headed is the country popularly perceived as the ‘land of opportunity’…..America. Is it still a land of opportunity? With globalisation, I’m not so sure anymore.

America stands for Liberty, Democracy and Equality as propounded by Abraham Lincoln. The ability for an individual to have 'Freedom of speech and expression' has been admired and hungered by more 'restrictive' countries.

Was stuck on ideas for this bento so I jotted down some thoughts that came to mind when I thought of the word USA or America, those that popped up are:

- Hollywood: How can you not miss this with all the American movies watched over the decades!!

- Las Vegas: The lights, sounds and thrill of this ‘Sin City’ is certainly alluring.

- Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive: What else can a girl do but shop and shop and try to look glamorous and fabulous LAH!! Ha ha ha Maybe get to spot a celebrity or two??

- Star Spangled Banner: National anthem.

- Red white and blue: Colours of the flag.

- Grand Canyons: What can I say, would just love an opportunity to see and appreciate this natural wonder with my own eyes.

And……Obama!!!

DH is a big fan of Obama, boy is he just an amazing speaker!! Funny how times have changed, from a ‘land of opportunity’ to cry for ‘HOPE’ and change. Sorry if I’m sounding a little too ‘heavy’ for a bento post but that’s what I’ve bentoed for the bento world tour to USA….looks more like a patriotic post Obama campaign to me, ha ha ha. But I think he's loss quite a bit of weight since becoming President, definitely a stressful job being one of the most powerful man!

Showed DH and asked him what he saw. Think he was slightly surprised and said “That’s Obama!! Where did you get it?” Needless to say, he was EXTREMELY pleased to have this bento today, afterall its not everyday you get to lunch with the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES not to mention an opportunity to “eat him”!! Lolz

In the bento is a bacon and cheese sandwich with some vanilla low fat yogurt and papayas.

Osaka-style Okonomiyaki - my version

Ever since Kel posted a bento okonomiyaki, I've been craving to make some. It doesn't seem too difficult to make, just need lots of cabbage and whatever you have in the fridge!!

In fact, I found out okonomiyaki translates to "As-you-like-it Pancake", meaning you can add whatever ingredients you like or wish.

There are a number of recipes found over the Internet and finally opted this one here.

Only difference is that I couldn't get my hands on the ingredients below and had to substitute or omit them:

Nagaimo powder - a starchy root vegetable which gives the okonomiyaki batter a certain bounce. If you buy pre-packed okonomiyaki flour, I'm sure it will contain some of this.

Aonori - a dried greenish version of nori seaweed.

Tonkatsu sauce (or also know as okonomiyaki sauce). Some more western recipes suggested using Worcestershire sauce as a substitute. But I find worcestershire a little too strong in taste. So I opted for Heinz honey garlic BBQ sauce which is very nice and highly recommended.

For a step-by-step picture guide on how to fry up an okonomiyaki, mosey here.

Being a true Malaysian, I couldn't help but add a little local secret ingredient to spice it up a little!! :)

The results of this bacon okonomiyaki was really good. Don't know why I wasn't as keen before but am now a reformed okonomiyaki enthusiast!!! Can't wait for my next one - defintely hear the bacon calling, even more since they are really easy to whip up - hm, planning my next main meal already or erm, maybe sooner, probably a snack in between. Ha ha ha

My adapted version (1 medium serve)

1/4 cup all purpose flour

4 tbsp water/dashi stock
Big handful of finely sliced cabbage

1 large egg

1 spring onion, cut equally

2-3 rashers of bacon

Topping condiments - Japanese mayonaise, tonkatsu sauce, aonori, bonito flakes

Method:

1. Mix liquid with the flour into a slightly thick paste. Set aside while you wash and cut the vegetables.

2. Beat egg into the flour paste and stir in vegetables to coat.

3. Oil frying pan and scoop flour coated vegetables into the centre of hot pan. Slowly pour in rest of the flour egg liquid into centre of the mixture.

4. Lower the fire to low and place bacon rashers on top. Cover the fry pan with lid and slowly cook for about 5 min (depending on size and thickness of mixture).

5. Using two splatulas, carefully flip the okonomiyaki over to the other side. Cover the lid and continue to cook for another 5 min.

6. Serve hot with a generous squirt of BBQ/Tonkatsu and mayonaise sauce, sprinkled with bonito, aonori (for the above I used a little dried parsley, bet you couldn't tell the difference ;p) and chili flakes.

E-n-j-o-y!