Chocolate durian cake

Celebrated DH's birthday over the weekend. Noticed with sonny is that he must insist cake for birthdays (anyone's) as he still enjoys blowing out the candles for other people!!

Since DH wanted chocolate, made Ina's choc cake again but added a local twist to it by sandwiching some yummy durian filling in the centre. On hindsight, should made two teers of this filling!!

Bonnie the bunnie (B#331)

Busy start to the week for me, so this is a quick post.

In this bento is a bacon and cheese sandwich with some kiwi, strawberry and cherry tomatoe.

Used half quail egg for ears and haw-haw flakes for cheeks.

Tasty slugs (B#330)

The bunnies have been working hard all week - trying to look cute, cuddly and adorable...they kicked up a fuss since it can get so exhausting so am giving them a break. :) You wouldn't want stressed out rabbits now would u! ha ha

There's been quite a bit of heavy down pour lately which usually lead to start of flash floods - worst was last Friday where my office shoes were literally soaked as I wade (ankle deep even with heels) to my car. First time that's happen to me! Not that I mind since its been super hot too but don't fancy being drenched; obviously the umbrella didn't help much!! Other than the plants needing the water, I'm sure frogs, snails and other amphibians would complain I'm just such a grouch.

In the bento is some crabstick sushi, sausages, endamae, green apples, red plums and cherry tomatoes.

This is how the sushi snails look like before packing them.

Snail eyes are made of cheese - don't they say 'You don't wanna eat me cos I'm really a SLIMY slug - yucky yuck!!'. Used uncooked pasta noodle for the snails antenna with tiny nobs of cheese stuck at the tips.

Master Prince managed to polish off his food quickly and without much fuss, phew.

Short-ears leftovers (B329)

Had it all planned as 'Long-ears' before Master Prince decided to be a little naughty and munched on one of the ears before I could finish. *shout, cry, grumble* No choice, trimmed the ears down a little....hm, maybe I should have left it as 'Lopsided' instead, sigh!

Initially made tea quail eggs but the signature crack imprints on the egg were not sufficiently obvious as it was only simmered in soya sauce for a few minutes. Decided since the colour was neither here nor there, changed to pink with help of a little colouring.

In the bento is a some fried garlic (leftover) rice with some stir fried spinach, leftover char siew pork slices, some sliced carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, fried bean curd with wolfberries and quail egg.

Kimchi Pajeon or Pancake

No surprise since I've been on a KDS buzz (but its wearing out slowly I've noticed). As you know kimchi is a must with every Korean meal. This savoury pancake is best when the sides are hot, crispy and accompanied with some spicy dipping sauce (mixture of soya sauce, drop of sesame oil and gochujang chili pepper flakes).

The basic ingredients are flour, kimchi, egg, liquid (kimchi liquid or water if you prefer it less spicy) and spring onions. You can vary it by adding some seafood (squid or prawns), meat or other vegetables like onions/carrots.

Here's my version enough for one small serving.

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour, shifted to avoid lumps

1/2 cup cold kimchi liquid (or water if you prefer it less spicy)

1 medium egg

1/2 cup kimchi, sliced

1 sprig spring onion, cut into roughly 4-5cm strips

Tiny drop of sesame oil

Method:

1. Beat egg and add in liquid.

2. Whisk in flour - you should get a thicker pancake mixture consistency. Add more flour if too liquid and likewise more liquid if too thick.

3. Add in kimchi and mix well to combine.

4. Heat up pan or wok with 2-3 tbsp vegetable/olive oil. If you want it crispy you need oil!

5. Pour kimchi batter onto hot pan and spread out mixture. Scatter evenly spring onions on top of mixture.

6. Flip mixture carefully when bottom side is done. Continue frying until other side is nice and golden brown.

7. Transfer to a plate, slice up like pizza slices and serve warm with some spicy sauce and beer!

Curious rabbits (B#328)

Since its Spring, the tummies are rumbling and noses are twitching - out hop a pair of curious rabbits looking for food :) They hope to find and grap a few yummy bites of carrots to satisfy their craving!!

Was rather late this morning and could only do with this jam sandwich with some pretzels, strawberries, blueberries and cherry tomatoes. Rabbits are made out of cheese cut outs and nori.

My Bunny bento (B#327)

Easter to me actually is more than cute bunnies, colourful eggs and chocolates sculptures....its a remembrance/celebration that Jesus was resurrected from the dead on the 3rd day after his crucifixion.

Ok know that I've gotten that out of the way, here's my bonnie bunnie :)

Since only used 1 egg yolk, it could not cover my entire bread, next time will remember to use 2 yolks instead!

In this box is a cheese & egg sandwich with some carrots, dragon fruit, strawberry and used the remaining egg white for the flower twirl or is that swirl?

With a bunny in my box, it'll allow me to submit for Hapa's April BOMB, check out more info here.

School's out bento (B#326)

In actual fact, school started yesterday but been glued to the TV (yep, getting overstrained KDS eyes) and didn't manage to update this bento last week.

Made this simple bento to celebrate school holidays (last week).

In this bento is a jam sandwich with some plums, strawberries, cherry tomatoes and blueberries. Faces and words are made out of cheese cut outs.

KDS - my list/take

KDS = Korean Drama Series

Are you a fan?

Think it all started with Daejanggeum being shown on TV; from there started to watch more KDS as I find them light and entertaining with romance plot although always predictable, is naive and innocent. Personally try to avoid the weepy melodramas and go more fun romantic comedy types. Comedy is a must otherwise it gets too intense and weepy! *don't want puffy eyes the next morning!!*

Have not ventured into Hong Kong, Taiwan or Japan series as not sure what's good to watch.

You can view KDS synopsis here, here or do your own search on the internet, there are many sites you can find out in more detail and decide from there. *beware you don't get hooked, lolz*

Not until this post did I realize I've watch so many!! ha ha ha Don't get me wrong, I'm no KDS Queen, honest - as some of these I caught them when they were aired on TV!! ;)

Tagged them based on my own personal opinion simply as 'must watch', 'entertaining', 'Ok-lah' and 'so so'.

Note - sources of all imagines obtained from internet.

Must watch

Daejanggeum or Jewel in the Palace

My name is Kim Sam Soon

Coffee Prince

Gourmet

My Sassy girl or Delightful Girl Choon-Hyang



Entertaining

Princess Hours, like the shots with the teddy bears.

Couple of Trouble or Fantasy Couple

When its at night

Fashion 70s


Ok-lah, can watch

Hello My Teacher or Biscuit teacher

Witch amusement

Hello Miss!

My fair lady

My Girl

So-so ones

Worlds within

Only you


Full house - too many scenes were repetitive and surrounding only 2 persons and in one place but Rain fans may disagree with me.

The Devil

Beethoven Virus

Beautiful life

9th Inning

Sweet buns

My 19 year old sister in law

If you've come across any 'good or better ones', do recommend by dropping a note!

Currently watching

Shining Inheritance or Brilliant Legacy - will tag this as 'entertaining'.

What's NEXT?

Thank you

On the list

City Hall

You're beautiful

Last scandal

Boys before flowers

World Tour - Brazil (B#325)

Diana and Karachiwie are organisers of 'World Bento Tour' but was a little busy then to continue with the challenge.

Yes its been bugging me so decided to post this even though this country tour has passed.

When I think of Brazil, the first thing that comes to mine are the beautiful wonders of the Amazon river and also the colourful vibrant carnival celebrations cum parties. The other thing Brazil is well known is football or soccer. Some of the more notable football stars from Brazil are Pele', Ronaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho and Kaka'.

2010 FIFA World Cup is coming soon . It'll be Brazil turn to host this event in 2014. Hopefully the Brazilian soccer team will give us all an exciting game.

Viva Brazil!!

In this bento is some rice with BBQ pork, fried bean curd and vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cherry tomatoes and carrots).

Snap shot

A fluke shot???? Taken from my pocket size automatic camera, tough taking sunrise shots - they tend to all come out dark if not black...or izzit just me???!

Walking pass more serious photographers with their long and expansive lens, got on talking to them and also chance to view their shots - wow, was very impressed that they managed to capture the beautiful scenery so much better - need to adjust light and shutter speed....let's just say he mumbled some technical garble and while I appreciated his kind tips, it didn't make sense to me. Perhaps one day, I'll invest on something better - maybe a semi automatic and work on taking better scenery shots.

If you are wondering about this shot....its the new Boh centre (the small building jutting out) at Sg. Palas, Cameron Highlands.

Bloom bento (B#324)

People residing in the Northern Hemisphere are welcoming Spring.

Spring is seen as a time of growth & renewal - new life in plants and animals, yep time to 'wake up' sleepy heads :)

Though I live in a tropical country, I've lived in a 4 season country. While winter is all cold and usually dark and dreary, everyone looks forward to spring as the temperature gets warmer, daylight is longer, it gets sunnier and everyone can start pack up thick woolen clothings!

One thing I do look forward to in spring are the flowers, namely tulips and cherry blossoms. *sighs dreamily*

Anyway back to the bento, the 'tuplis' are made of slices of sausages and sweet peas (or alternatively you can also use endamame for the leaves).

In this bento are some spam musubi with some green apples, carrot sticks, strawberries and cherry tomatoes.

Managing Stubborn child

Say one thing, do exactly the opposite.

My way or the highway?? Sigh, being a parent is not easy. Wish our children are more cooperative, matters could be achieved more effectively and efficiently, not to mention with less power struggles, tears & frustration too.

Found an interesting article here and sharing if other parents are also going through same thing. As each child is unique, hopefully you will find it useful.

A child tends to become stubborn when they have a feeling that they have control over a situation. Stubbornness is mostly found in toddlers and teenagers. For many parents tackling the stubborn child is a challenging situation. Here are some helpful tips for the parents dealing with stubborn child:

Talk and listen to your kids: Children are born with their own mind set. In the recent times when parents became very busy they don’t have time to talk and listen to their kids. It is very important that parents spend some time together with their child everyday. This will help you to build a trusting relationship.

Behavior: Every child has a stubborn behavior and they show it sometime or the other. Parents sometimes deal this situation with anger as they feel embarrassing if their child misbehave in public. But parents should understand that anger is not a solution it will only add fuels to the fire. In such situations, parents should have patience and find out the cause of the child’s stubbornness.

Give and take relationship: It is the duty of the parents to develop the habit of give and take. Teach them to share toys with their friends while playing. Let your kids take toys from friends in exchange of his toys. This way they will understand that to get something in life they have to give something.

Role model: Become a role model for your children. Stubborn kids are more tend to do things of their own and what they think is right. They often challenge their parents. Many parents try to manage things by putting physical force. Parents have to understand that this is not going to help their children in the long run. Being parents you can set example at home for your kids.

Do not shout: Shouting will make your child even more stubborn. Parents should stay calmly at such situation. Instead of shouting, explain your point of view to the child. Explain them why you do not want them to do like this and that. Be careful that your children do not feel your words commanding.

Problem solving: When you are dealing with the problems, allow your children involve in it to find the solution. Doing it this way children will not feel that you are enemy for them.Give respect: Because they are young does not mean that they don’t deserve respect. Give respect to your child. This way you will help to cultivate the habit of giving respect in your child as well. Behaving kind to child shows respect. Try to behave both respectful and firm from time to time. Be firm when you are asking child to do something.

Praise your child: Do not forget to praise your child for their well behavior, for any work they have done. You can praise them by the words like “You did a great job by helping me in the cleaning”. Praise immediately and honestly.

Guide: Be a guide to assist your child to develop their best personality. As far as possible allow your child to experience the consequences of the decision he made. This will make the argument little less. And when they realize that he had made the mistake he will understand that you were right.

Do not force: Do not act forcefully to your child to accept your rules. This will only make your child fear of you. They will not learn why and how would be the real consequences. Explain them with patience.

However, stubbornness is not always a bad thing. It also shows that your child is very much sure of himself and want them to happen what he thinks is right.



Other alternative reads suggest the following - source found here

1. The first and most important part of disciplining a stubborn child is to maintain a kind but firm attitude. When the child is behaving well he or she should be awarded with encouragement and kind treatment. When the child is misbehaving you must not bend the rules or make exceptions for him/her, and you must always be consistent. The child must know that if a rule is broken, there will be a punishment, and the punishment must fit the crime.
2. Give the child a time out. This means no talking, no playing with things found near himher, and no jumping around. The child must sit until the time out is over. If the child refuses to go to time out, simply look at your watch and tell him/her that however long he/she waits to get into time out, that much time will be added to their punishment. This may not work the first time or two, but after sitting an excessively long time out due to refusing to go sit down and the child will learn to take the punishment when it is given.
3. If the child argues or mouths, add more time in small increments to the time out given. Each time you add on to the punishment, inform the child of how long you've added it and why you've done so. Let him/her know that any mouthing off or arguing will not be tolerated. Discipline for backtalking should not be overlooked.
4. Once the child has sat the first part of their time out, sit down next to them and kindly but firmly talk to them about the offense. Ask what they did wrong. The child, of course, should already know this but its often much more effective to make the child acknowledge that they've made a mistake and gives you the chance to tell them that they know the rule, and had no good reason to break it. Then ask the child to tell you what he/she should have done instead. If the child refuses to answer you or is disrespectful, tell them they can sit and think until they are ready to talk about it.
5. Even if the child apologizes and claims it won't happen again, make them sit the rest of their time. This transgression will not go unpunished on the promise of avoiding future transgressions. You should, however, respond kindly to the child if he/she apologizes. Say thank you for apologizing, but you still have to finish the rest of your time out, and give the child a chance to prove to you that it will not happen again in the future.
6. If the child is throwing a tantrum, do not escalate the situation by shouting. It is important to remain calm, because if you are not calm it will take the child that much longer to calm down. Never allow a child to cause your temper to boil over. You must be the authoritative voice in the situation.
7. It is also very important to be fair. No matter which child breaks a rule, the punishment for breaking that rule should be the same. Disciplining children can be tricky, and may need to be tailored a bit to a particular child, but you should always remain fair and avoid playing favorites among the kids.

Smiley face (B#323)

A 'big' treat....cos we opened a can of SPAM. Don't get me wrong, we love spam, too much actually because it just taste so great but we have to be a little careful not to get too carried away and have this for every meal - though my tummy truly disagrees otherwise!!

Anyway, in this bento is a jam sandwich with some sliced cucumber, carrot, tomatoes, plum and strawberries. Master Prince had no problem polishing this off in double quick time - must be the spam-factor, ha ha ha.

After two weeks of torture for us (parents), MP finished his tests this week and will be having a short week school holiday break. We (parents) really need the break cos we seem to be studying more than the actual student themselves plus having to deal with assorted antics!!

Was thinking that with the green tops, they could probably pass off for St. Patrick's Day too :)

Meatball face princess (B#322)

One of Master Prince's favourite food is Chee Cheong Fun (aka steamed rice noodles).

How did I explain the girly face to sonny? Easy....I told him it was me, "Mummy' thinking of him during snack time, ha ha ha!

Back to the bento box which consist of Chee Cheong Fun with some meatball and fried wanton, sweet sauce (in the small Stitch container), slices of dragon fruit and cherry tomatoes.

Li'l Mandarin Friends (B#321)

With CNY period officially over for more than a week now, still have a few surviving mandarins in the refrigerator....which is the inspiration for today's bento.

A ham and cheese sandwich with some cucumber, endamame, cherry tomatoes and strawberries.

HK onigri & friends (B#320)

Finally tested out the Hello Kitty rice mould set - pretty happy with it except for the seaweed puncher. Turned out to be a big disappointment as they are not very effective at all, much prefer my carla punchers for the face details.

Used a little tomato sauce for the bunny face to give it a little red 'glow'. As for the bear, I used dark soya which was a mistake since it'd probably blend in with the nori details - that's why I added a slice of cheese for the face. Best to use light soya instead, will definitely remember that next time around!

In this bento, some onigri faces with some egg patties, cherry tomatoes, stewed bean curd and chicken, stir fried broccoli and cauliflower.

Kumquat marmalade

If you like orange marmalade then you just have to try making this.

Personally don't quite fancy eating fresh kumquat but turn it into a lovely jam and now you've really got my attention! Its really much nicer and so much more flavourful than normal orange marmalade. The kumquat skin has a much deeper and complex bite than the orange.

Made into jam (without any seeds), what you have is a sweet and yet slightly tangy flavour, just lovely with toast!

Making this kumquat marmalade is no rocket science - all you need is kumquat, sugar and water. How simple is that? To give it more complex flavour, I threw in a vanilla bean, seeds and all. It was a good combination. While I was cooking this jam, it reminded me a lot of making pineapple jam with cinnamon stick, cloves and star anise - can imagine that combination would yield a more 'spicy' flavour. Will give that a go another time but for the moment, I'm secretly enjoying this hoard - well you see, didn't get a big kilo bag in the first place, just slightly less than half and after trying to enjoy it fresh (didn't work - the seeds put a big towel on the overall experience, for me anyway) I was left with probably less than 2 cups and after cooking, you really only end up with probably a quarter of that (if you are lucky!!).

Anyhow, here's what I did:

Ingredients

2 cups (almost), wash, sliced and deseeded

1/2 cup caster sugar

1 tbsp honey

1 vanilla bean, deseeded

water, about 2 cups

Method:

1. Place sliced kumquat in a bowl and soak it with water overnight, making sure you have just enough water to cover the sliced fruit. Add in the vanilla bean and cling wrap the mixture. If the weather is warm where you are, best to store it in the fridge.

2. Pour kumquat slices and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add in rest of ingredients and reduce heat to a simmer.

3. Cook mixture uncovered without stirring for about 30 min.

4. As the mixture thickens a little, stir and cook it a little longer to make sure all the the liquid has evaporated.

5. When finally ready, remove from heat and scoop marmalade into sterilised jars and seal.

What do you do with a pot stained with leftover marmalade?

Tear off some bread and scoop it clean.....oooh, it was truly a glorious yummy moment. Made me wish I made more of a mess whilst transferring the marmalade into the container!! ;)

Kitty cat bento (B#319)

....meow??? or should that be purrrr?

Looks more like a kitty than a tiger right?

Anyway, kitty is made out of quail eggs dyed in a little yellow colour, cut the top off so that you get a nice surface for the face. The tail if you are wondering is a food pick.

In this bento is a ham sandwich, some romaine lettuce (for the baran - did you notice the flower too? ha ha) and some strawberries and slices of green apple.

This will be my B.O.M.B. entry, read more here. Hope you are having a good and restful weekend.

Kids have very good memory, that is if they choose to remember - selective memory, I'm sure you know all about that ya ;) When Master Price opened his eyes this morning, first thing he said to me - no it wasn't 'Good Morning' but to remind me that I had earlier in the week promised to give him a dollar to bring to school so he could spend it! Hello, what happen to good morning - tsk tsk, reminded him later that he MUST greet his parents FIRST always as main priority in morning, then we can discuss about other things! :)