Colour burst

Master Prince asked me to make jelly for him, preferably with the colours green, purple, blue, etc. As I was browsing at Lily's blog which I frequent. Btw, she is a great cook and inspiration, especially for those living overseas but missing local, home comfort and childhood delicacies.

Erm, if someone can tell me how to insert a link, I'll be most grateful as I've forgotten how!! :(
Updated - Thanks Agnes for your help!! *hugs*

Anyway, when I saw the rainbow jelly, I told myself why not give it a try....WITHOUT fully realising how tedious the task may/could be. The waiting time between each layer can be a killer, depending how many layers you want.

Fortunately, it turned out OK....if you look from far away!! Can't see all the flaws and impatience. Ha ha.

Look like Life Saver? Its a confectionary.

Everyone who tasted it said it was nice - maybe they were polite??? But then again, this is usually a favourite with both young and old!

Funny thing is that when I showed Master Prince the jelly, he was very excited and promptly declared that he only wanted the red coloured layer!! Sigh....can't please them all! Afterall why have only one colour when you can have them all in one slice?

Side comments #1 - Would have been much faster using konyakku jelly mix compared to agar-agar. Difference would be the texture with the latter having more bite'. I flavoured mine Lychee because I didn't want to wander in the garden in the dark to pluck the pandan leaves!!

Side comments #2 - Cool container in a ice cold water to hasten the 'hardening' of each layer. Spoon the next layer mixture in starting with the corners as they cool the fastest and also less likely to produce bubbles as compared to pouring the mixture in!

Drool list

With a new interest with WildYeast’s Starter (currenty on 4th Day, finger’s crossed it will bulk up soon) I have been pretty busy browsing and reading. Along the way I've been chalking up furiously my ‘To try/bake’ list. All the baked goods I’ve seen so far look very tempting and certainly very inspiring. *wipes saliva* So it comes to no surprise that not all of them (on the list) require a fresh starter.

Here’s what has taken my fancy so far….*rubs hands in excitement*

• Macha red bean buns
• Nutella rolls*
• Ham & cheese rolls*
• Baked doughnuts*
• Grissini (another attempt – my first attempt ended it being similar to soft bread, least to say I was quite disappointed with results.)*
• Blueberry cream cheese bread*
• Raisin and cinnamon snails/swirls
• Ciabatta
• Bagles
• Pretzels (another attempt - quest for the crusty exterior)
• Breakfast Muffins
• Onion braid

Looks like I’ll be piling on the pounds again huh? Shall we put my will-power to the test? Though I’d probably imagine the fresh bread smell would probably tantalize my senses and drive me to heaven. Ha ha

Over the next 5 days, I plan to heat up the kitchen quite a bit whilst patiently waiting for the Starter to ripen and mature. I’ll still be on my program, no worries (so she declares boldly). Stay tune to find out if I manage to resist the wild temptations of yeast.

Final lap (Days 11 - 14)

You know, back-blogging is not as easy as I thought it would be. I suppose the initial excitement has worn off and after all, there are so many current things to blog about!

Day 11
Daily summary
Breakfast – Tomago egg rolls
Lunch – Mixed vegetables with fish
Snack – Cucumber
Dinner – Chicken curry
Exercise – Brisk walk.

Day 12
Daily summary
Breakfast – Bacon and egg
Lunch – Rendang chicken and beef
Snack – Skipped because too full from open house lunch
Dinner – Low fat cheese
Exercise – Brisk walk.

Day 13
Daily summary
Breakfast – Low fat cheese
Lunch – Fried egg with shrimps
Snack – Cucumber
Dinner – Bat kut teh (braised pork)
Exercise – Brisk walk.


Day 14
Daily summary
Breakfast – Tomago egg rolls
Lunch – Sashimi
Snack – Low fat cheese
Dinner – Lamb chops
Exercise – Brisk walk.


So what now??
Over the past 14 days, I have lost 3.5kg. For Atkin followers, the next phase is called the Maintenance which entails the individual to gradually adding more carbs to the diet but still lose weight until you are happy with the weight. In essence it is still a low-carb diet. It is also recommended to limit carb intake in the later part of the day. Reason being that your metabolic rate dips towards the end of the day compared in the morning or early afternoon.

I realise that there is no full proof 100% formula that works for everyone. We all have different bodies, make and surrounding. You just need to figure out what works for you, your lifestyle and stick with it.

I believe in moderation, healthy eating and exercise. If you indulge one day, the world will not come crashing through. But if you indulge everyday, well be warn then - its all at your own risk!! There is some truth in the saying "You are what you eat".

At the end of the day, what is the point of looking 'fabulous' if you do not feel good about yourself or you are not healthy or cannot live to enjoy it?

An alternative

Since I am in the mood of experimenting, I decided to give the basic sourdough starter by Avner Laskin a go and perhaps have something to compare with. I don't own many bread books, in fact in total I have 2 both of which I got on sale. Both books come with lovely coloured pictures and I've tired some their recipes using the breadmaker and so far so good. I'm not a hardcore professional baker, more a novice actually but I must confess that there are some obvious limitations solely relying on the breadmaker for the final product. I hope to extend my knowledge and ability.

This Starter also takes a week to prepare. The only difference is that I do not need to feed it at every 12 hours interval. In fact, for the 1st 4 days I am to leave it aside.

I have reproduced the recipe for those interested to have a look or compare, etc.

Step 1
1/2 cup rye flour
1/2 cup warm water
2 tbsp sugar

Mix ingredients and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside 4 days. Bubbles on top indicate fermentation.

After 4 days, the mixture will turn a grayish colour. A soft crust may form on top of the starter and it should develop a slightly sweet-sour smell. Remove any crust that has formed on the top of the starter and discard.

Step 2
1/2 cup rye flour
1/3 cup water

Mix in additional rye flour and water. Cover and set aside day.

Step 3
1/2 cup bread flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour (used plain flour)
1/4 cup whole rye flour (used rye flour)
3/4 cup water

Starter should have tripled in volume. Add flours and water. Mix well, cover and set aside for 8 hours.

Step 4
3 1/2 cups bread flour
2 cups water

Transfer mixture to the bowl and add flour and water. Mix with dough hook of electric mixture and knead on low for 5 min. Transfer to floured bowl, cover with plastic and set aside for 6 hours.

Starter is now ready to use. If not using immediately, store in a tightly closed jar glass in refrigerator.

Here are some pictures of the progress thus far Days 1-3.

Consistency of the mixture was similar to a thin batter.

Maybe I mixed up too vigorously as the mixture was quite bubbly before I set it aside!

Comparatively, the Starter by Wildyeast (pic in front) produced a lot of gas which led to rapid rise, the Alternative (pic at the back) was very flat, much flatter than a pancake with no sign of life. :(


Day 3 - Noticed lots of bacterial fermentation development. Doesn't look too appetising actually. But based on the recipe, a grayish cust is suppose to develop and I'm suppose to discard it. With the remaining 'clean' Starter, feed it. Let's see how tomorrow goes.

Some comments..... so far, the Starter by WildYeast seems to be triving and more healthy looking! Refer to my other post. Fingers crossed I am heading the right direction as I wouldn't want to 'poison' my family unintentionally! If anyone thinks this is a bad idea, please let me know ASAP!! LOL

Au Levain

I'm actually quite excited. Absolutely adore the taste of sourdough bread when I first encountered them overseas - slatered thickly with pate accompanied with a glass of wine, couldn't think of a better moment. Fingers crossed that I'll be able to reproduce it in my kitchen. Only drawback is I do not have a hot plate and an oven that automatically injects steam. Oh well, I have read success with others so I hope to find real mine soon!

About The 'Chef'

Authentic sourdough relies entirely on the wild yeast that exist in the air. The mixture of flour and water are left to ferment and become established for about a week.

A small amount of the dough is kept back and used for the next bactch of bread. Each time part of the Starter is used, the remaining starter is refreshed with equal amounts of flour and water. This is how you care for your starter.

Like cheese, a Starter is suppose to improve with age and will develop its own tangy personality. A Starter with an attitude - great I think...as long as it doesn't die on me, I'll put up with a rouge! Ha ha

I have relied on WildYeast’s step-by-step instructions in cultivating the Starter by weight. Frankly speaking, I find the 12-hour interval process rather time consuming. It proved to be a full-time big baby indeed. But I’m looking forward to being rewarded at the end of the 7 day process (hopefully).

I have also spent a lot of time every waking moment reading and re-reading the instructions and tips in her blog to ensure that I have not missed anything.

As prompted by WildYeast, I have used a stainless steel spoon to mix everything.

Here is the wild yeast journey so far, Days 1-3.

Day 1

Consistency was a rather wet dough.

Was a little worried I got it wrong. Kept checking and double checking WildYeast’s instructions. Fingers crossed and waits anxiously for a bubble or two.

Day 2, AM

Hurray....greeted with BIG bubbles, lots of them. Feeling elated! *phew, relaxes and twiddle fingers for a good stretch*

Mixed the feed using a stainless steel spoon.

After feeding, consistency was a wet pastry dough.

Looking nice and puffy. Was a little worried it might overflow, but it didn't. Good baby.

See how much it has risen!!! But as WildYeast explained, I mustn't get too full of myself...the rapid rise is triggered by a type of bacteria called leuconostoc which produces a lot of gas *how do u pronouce that properly?*

Day 2, PM

Love those bubbles, means its...A-L-I-V-E!!

See how high it rose!! *Tear...proud mama* After feeding, the consistency was like porridge.

Day 3, AM

Hm....didn’t rise as much as yesterday. Starter seemed a little flat but a couple of bubbles spotted. Continued to feed as instructed.

Day 3, PM

Still rather flat (probably still shy) but more tiny bubbles still spotted. *please rise soon, ok*

Feeding using a SS spoon. I must find out the myth/reasons surrounding the use of SS spoon. Perhaps someone would care to elaborate so I do not need to do any homework?

Consistency was like porridge. Waiting patiently for the next bubble and feed!! Talk about patience and the persistency required, huh!!?

Hanging there (Day 10)

Was quite busy running around. Good news is that I am now 2kg down in total!! That really brighten my day and motivated me to stay focus!!

Daily summary
Breakfast – Bacon
Lunch – Eggs
Snack –Cucumber
Dinner – Fried chicken
Exercise – Woke up late so no exercise today.
Other comments – After a 'heavy' weekend, was a little afraid I might have compromised the program somewhat. Nope, the scales tells me otherwise!! *claps hands in relief*

Eurodeli @ Damansara Kim

This is one of Master Prince's favourite restaurants. He loves sausages so this place is perfect for him.

For me, I enjoy a Pilsner (German beer) so it suits me fine too!! Well since I'm on the program, no alcohol though I was tempted when I saw others enjoying a tall cold yellow glass. Nevermind, there will be another time, right? :)

Can buy some non-halal products and cold cuts from here too. So if you enjoy what you ate, you can buy them back to cook at your convenince. But I feel that they do a better job cooking the sausage to perfection than me. Think they got the right method and equipment, perhaps.

Master Prince always enjoys this little dinner buns. He would normally polish mine too. He equally enjoys the butter that comes with it. And will have a fantastic time buttering his bun and savouring each time. The shop also sells these buns if you just can't get enough of them.

As a change, MP ordered a pork corden blue - I think he was attracted to the fries more!

A nice surprise ozed out - melted cheese, yum! MP enjoyed it dipped with his chips - fries fondue? Ha ha...which reminds me that my most weirdest combination at Uni but I swear by it is - fries, soya sauce and pepper with a pinch of salt. Hm, I have had that for a LONG time. Back to the dish, personally I didn't enjoy it as it was on the dry and tough side. The melted cheese was fine though. MP had a tough time chewing them as he had another lose tooth.

DH and I shared a pork knuckle and pork shoulder. It was ok. I felt that the skin could have been more crackled and crunchy. DH liked the pork shoulder slice more, I was only so-so. The pork knuckle meat was more tender.

Overall, I concluded that I prefer the sausages more especially paired with beer. Somehow it brings out the flavour of the sausages. Well that is IMHO anyway!! DH commented that he felt that the dishes we had had too much MSG as he was very thirsty after that.

Still going strong (Day 9)

Still full from dinner, I didn't have breakfast. Was ok and had a late lunch.

Daily summary
Breakfast – Skipped, though I wouldn't advise this. But you know ever since I started the program, I seem to have less cravings for snacks. Also the food I consume fills me up sufficiently! Good news huh?
Lunch – Low fat cheese
Snack – Cold chicken
Dinner – Eurodeli, refer to separate post.
Exercise – Brisk walk
Other comments – Wasn't hungry the whole day.

Am currently very engrossed with my Starter and breadmaking. More post on this to come. I'm planning now!!

Tomeo @ USJ

DH surprised me by taking me out for our anniversary dinner. I mean, it is not often DH would ask me to change and not tell me where we are going!! So mysterious out of the blue.

Yes, I admit that I'm the type that forget dates. So fortunately DH is my yang or yin and is the partner that remembers dates!!

Anyway, this restaurant caught me by surprise because the interior really looked like a 5-star japanese hotel admist the run-of-the-mill mamak neighbouring shops. What a fantastic transformation inside!!! Also has its own lift! Cool huh?

To marked the occassion, DH reserved an individual room. But just 2 of us and with MP, sorry la but not as fun as in a group. Nevermind, I could take my pictures in private. Tks DH for remembering, it was a great dinner AND SURPRISE.

The food here is good. Will definitely come again....

Salmon belly

Udon - Master Prince really loved this and was slurping to the last drop!!

Unagi

Grilled mackerel

Wagu beef
Close shot of the wagu beef - very tender.

Doshi soup - a seafood base soup. Very clear and yet flavourful.

Needless to say, we over ordered and were very stuffed!!! Ha ha....but great food and evening. :)

Excited (Day 8)

To toast my half way mark on my program, I decided to make a ‘Starter’. Huh…what am I on about you may wonder?? A ‘Starter’ or chef is required if you are interested to make sour dough breads which gives it a finer crumb and a better taste. 7 more days to D-day….I suppose, I need something to motivate myself to look forward at the finishing line!!

I decided to follow the recipe shared by wildyeast. By the way, I just love her blog, very interesting and so full of information for a novice baker like me. I must admit that sometimes I get lazy to read and just look forward to something quick. Shortcuts is my second name, ha ha.

I’ll split the count down on the Starter separately as it’ll be easier to zoom in for future references. I’m sure not everyone would be too interested to read my program progress. Ha ha…I’m sure a Starter would be more exciting – especially if you are a keen baker or bread eater like me. I promise to be weary and not be tempted by the ‘yeast’!! LOL

Daily summary
Breakfast – Scrambled eggs
Lunch – Mama’s restaurant to celebrate my nephew’s 1 year old celebration
Snack –Slice of low fat cheese
Dinner – Japanese dinner, more about this in a separate post.
Exercise – Brisk walk
Other comments – Was a litte apprehensive at the end of the day whether I stuck to my 20g carbs with all the dinning out!!!

Mind games (Day 7)

You may not know this but I found myself 1 day missing and had to think back very carefully what day had gone amist!! Anyway, finally got myself sorted out.

Daily summary
Breakfast – Mashed eggs and bacon bits. Made bacon sandwich for Master Prince. DH had a cheese and bacon sandwich and a serve of my egg concoctions.
Can I add that I finally discovered how to cook bacon properly, i.e. without burning the ham and yet achieving the crunchy texture and burnt fat!! Tip is to use a low flame.
Lunch – Grilled chicken with black sweet sauce and cucumber

Snack –Slice of low fat cheese
Dinner – Fish, duck, chicken – quite an array to select from actually!!! I really felt pampered.

Exercise – Brisk walk
Other comments – Feel fine/great. No carb withdrawals or craving. Though I am looking forward to a ‘reward’ at the end of the 14 days. What is it???? Let’s say its filled with cheese and cream. Ha ha…I think its allowed in the Atkins program, right? We’ll see…maybe a controlled portion.

Roast duck

Assam fish with ladies fingers

Minced pork with ginger

Cabbage angst (Day 6)

Worst diet program ever?

Let's see.....it has to be the 7 day Cabbage soup diet. I can’t remember the concoction but I did a google search and found the recipe but they do not look familiar. Anyway, when I am able to find it, I will post it up for anyone who wishes to give it a go.

Least to say it involves boiled cabbage soup. The soup taste fine but to only drink it for 7 days takes sheer perseverance, discipline and plain craziness. I couldn’t go past 1 day. A girlfriend of mine completed it successfully and produced great results for her. My hats off to you Irene! Woo hoo, way to go. Too bad this slurp is just not for me!!

This program is based entirely on a low-calorie soup. Dieters are required to finish the pot of soup each day. For me, even though I had already cut down the ingredients I still ended up a huge pot!!

But for me....NEVER AGAIN. It was pure torture. I wouldn’t say it was ‘vile’ since the soup tasted fine….for one serving only. Ha ha

Daily summary
Breakfast – Omelette roll spiced up with some dried chilli - wow, really left a hot trail down my throat and tummy!!



Lunch - Fish and baby spinach. Went out for lunch with colleagues. Didn’t bring camera so no picture.
Snack – Slice of low fat cheese Was very fully from lunch so didn’t require a snack.
Dinner – Leftover chicken, ayam percik flabour. Ate with mayonnaise.
Exercise – Slept in so didn’t have time for morning walk.
Other comments – Weighed myself. Am happy to report that I am 1kg down with 1 cm off my waist!!

An eggy roll tale....

Add a few drizzles of mayonaise for flavour and roll them up.

Viola.....egg rolls. Not very professionally looking - I was vying for the tamago (Japanese egg rolls) look but well as you can see, its FAR from that!! Besides I think I am suppose to start rolling the egg while it is partially cooked.

Some have coffee and cinnamon rolls....for low carbs people....recommendation is egg rolls and a cuppa of decaf coffee! Still yummy and the best part is zero carbs. Well I wouldn't say totally zero but maybe 1g nett carbs compliments from the coffee!!

Dark side (Day 5)

The 'other' side of Atkins you may encounter.

1. Feeling a little 'plugged'

One thing to be wary is that one may get constipated especially since this program does not allow you to consume in great amounts food high in fibre. Dark leafy vegetables are allowed but not fruits. If you have experienced this, you will know it is an unpleasant experience and one best to avoid.

Solution is to mix a tablespoon or more of psyllium husk in water and drink daily or mix ground flaxseed into a shake or sprinkle wheat brand on a salad or vegetables.

I find psyllium husk very bland sometimes hard to consume. Looks like sawdust, taste like it (well, I can imagine it will be quite close though personally I have not tasted sawdust before!!). So as a change I treat myself to an orange flavoured one – taste much better but note carbs may add up!!

2. Killer breadth

Bad breath is from the production of ketones as you burn body fat and is a good sign that the diet is working. Ketone production is necessary for continuing weight loss. You may use chlorophyll (must be sugarless), eat more parsley and dark green, leafy vegetables, and be sure that your water intake is at least 8 or more glasses daily.

For me, I use a gargle and quite often (I am just so concious!). Alternatively you can also brush your teeth and tongue!! Also don’t forget to drink more water to wash away all the impurities!

Daily summary
Breakfast – Hardboiled eggs with mayo and bits of sausages. This time added dash of herbs and paprika….definitely a great idea!! Made sandwich kebabs for Master Prince and some tuna mayo sandwiches for DH. Can’t finish a can of tuna so might as well share them!
Lunch – Tuna with light may and cucumber
Snack – Slice of low fat cheese
Dinner – Store bought grilled chicken - teriyaki & ayam percik flavour. Erm, sad to say that they were on the dry side. But then could be explained as I was having the breast meat which tends to be the driest part. Added lots of sweet sauce (from the vegetables) for better flavour.
Eating this grilled chicken makes me miss my favourite chicken shop in Melb - think I missed their chicken salted chips more!! ha ha

Enough chicken to feed two armies families!! Needless to say, hi-5 to zero carbs.

Exercise – Brisk walk
Other comments – A little tired when I come back from my walk to make breakfast. Probably lack of food and thus energy. Could also be the rush to get out the door on time!!

Realization (Day 4)

You want to know something? I LIKE CARBS. ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!! Can't help thinking about them even simple things like bread looks and sounds absolutely delicious.

Normally I find it tougher to curb the carb cravings in the evening...that is why I try to sleep earlier! ha ha

Good news is even though I do suffer from time to time (every other minute) from massive cravings, I have not given in yet. Must say I wouldn’t mind a cup of brewed coffee too. I believe a cup of decaf coffee is fine. In fact, I went to get myself a bottle. But black isn't my cuppa...yes I know I'm a big baby, needs lots of milk in my coffee!! Pats down the black bitter shivers.

Daily summary
Breakfast – Hardboiled eggs with mayo and bacon bits. This was lovely, should have added a dash of herbs or paprika.

Tasty, tasty, tasty.....yum to the last bite.

Lunch – Leftover fish (from dinner)
Snack – Cucumber
Dinner – Pork patties with mayonaise.

Exercise – Brisk walk
Other comments – Was feeling great walking in the fresh morning air. But was a little sluggish while I was preparing breakfast – think I needed some food. Tummy looks a little less bloated. Good sign and encouragement!! Yeaa...h

Who says food can't be fun and entertaining....

A silly funny face, prompted by Master Prince.

And another!!! That's all....was too full and couldn't eat drawany more.

On track (Day 3)

Am I? Well I am in the third day of the program. Got up a little late for my morning walk and had to cut one round short or be late for work.

Daily summary
Breakfast – Bacon (I know I seem to be consuming a little too much of these salty babes but my original plan of having hard boiled eggs was foiled when I discovered that my MIL had given away my fresh eggs so lag of time and choice, I fell back to the most convenient item and what I have in the fridge!!) Its quite a rush in the morning getting the food together before rushing out the door to work. Master Prince seems to enjoy my food (well on the part of the bacon and sausages. Told him I’ll fix him some bacon sandwiches tomorrow).
Lunch – Tuna with light spicy mayo and cucumber slices, see pix.

Must confess the Ayam brand tuna was quite tasty, not to mention very convenient too!

Snack – Seaweed
Dinner – Pan-fried fish, marinated with some curry powder for the ‘extra’ fiery flavour!!
Exercise – Brisk walk
Other comments – Can’t quite rely on my weighing machine but my pant which was very tight fitting last week fitted slightly better today. However, I started out feeling a little sluggish…could it be Monday blues?

Finally, waist measurement – drum roll….77 cm or 30 inches. Hope to reduce the number as I progress. Think I need to add in some sit ups into my exercise regime too!!

Spices & herbs
By adding a little spice and/or herb, you can totally change the same dish – so that's my tip for the day. Eating the same thing may get monotonous and utterly boring. To avoid this, adding a little oregano or paprika can change the taste of a dish and make it very refreshing and exciting and more importantly, NEW!

Here is what I had for dinner….for a non-fish eater. As it was not 'fishy', I enjoyed it and am giving it the big thumbs up!!

Seasoned with a little salt and curry powder and pan fried with some curry leaves. Easy isn't it? Serve it with a squeeze of mayonaise on the side.

A filling and very satisfying meal with zero carbs!