#236

#186

Guess who is back? NATALIE ONG POH SUAN! She has been back for two weeks, I've been busy with work that I've forgotten all about her return! So today, I brought her along to work and we got to kill two birds with one stone. Spent quality time with each other while I work :D 

#106.b

Honey-Maple roasted pecan halves infused with cinnamon, cayenne pepper, rosemary, thyme, brown raw sugar & sea salt. 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons honey
1/4 a TBS of maple syrup
2 tablespoons demerara sugar
3/4 teaspoon finely minced fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon finely minced fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Scant 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 pound pecan halves
 sea salt, to finish (optional)

Preheat an oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line a standard half sheet pan with parchment paper.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the honey with the maple syrup and Demerara. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the herbs, spices and salt. 

Toss the pecans with the honey mixture in a large bowl, making sure to coat well. Spread nuts in a single layer on the prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven, turning occasionally, until the nuts are glazed and shiny with a deep golden colour, around 15 minutes. Upon removing from the oven, sprinkle lightly with sea salt. 

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

Makes 1 pound. 

#103

#97

Luncheon with Iman's and his auntie Ani's family at Dapoer Bandung.

 Photos by Ayub & Me

More photos later, I'm currently at the office. The weather has been unpredictable these days. With the bright afternoon sun surrendering to the heavy rain. On my way back home, I could vaguely see the road, I was driving in fear, even though I've driven in far worst weather, especially with the fact that I live on top of a hill, well sort of and am surrounded by the medley of tall big trees, and there were reminiscence of tree branches on the wet asphalt road, I'm very fortunate to be driving after those branches have fallen and not during. Alhamdulilah. 

Well, I best be off, need to get ready for dinner tonight @ Shook!  :) 

Have a stellar rating evening! Salam & goodbye!

Tiramisu

photos by Her. 

Ingredients:

1 packet of Sponge Fingers

3 large eggs, separated

3/4 cup sugar

1 (8-oz) container mascarpone cheese (1 scant cup)

1/2 cup chilled heavy cream

2 cups very strong brewed coffee or brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

beat together yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. beat in mascarpone until incorporated.

beat egg whites with a pinch of salt in another bowl with cleaned beaters until they just hold soft peaks. add remaining 1/4 cup sugar a little at a time, beating, then continue to beat whites until they just hold stiff peaks. beat cream in another bowl with cleaned beaters until it just holds soft peaks. fold cream into mascarpone mixture gently but thoroughly, then fold in whites.

in a shallow bowl, dip 1 sponge finger in coffee mixture, soaking it about for a few seconds on each side, and transfer to glass dish/individual glasses. repeat with more sponge fingers and arrange in bottom of dish. spread half 1 1/2" high of mascarpone mixture over sponge fingers. make another layer in same manner with remaining sponge fingers and mascarpone mixture. chill tiramisu for at least 4 hours.

ps/ I'm currently at Iman's house with his sister, Azyan. Waiting to surprise him after a long day at work :) 

#53

We've been busy entertaining guest today, my father made short ribs while I made crab meat spaghettini. absurdly delicious! alhamdulilah.

# 51

 My Macaron from Laduree, London =D

Macarons are love. Well before they became a big hype in Malaysia. As usual. It started with the doughnut frenzy, then the cupcake frenzy now macarons. pfft.