Saturday, December 19, 2009

Weekend Herb Blogging - Seaweed Soup with Beancurd & Mushrooms




This week's entry for Weekend Herb Blogging showcase the favourite soup for the family. The Henghua Seaweed Soup with Beancurd and Mushrooms.


This is a tweaked version of what you can get at some of the many Henghua restaurant and eateries that had been mushrooming (pun intended) around Singapore. We prefer the lighter, soupy version as compared to the thicker soup (which is just corn-floured aided).


Enjoy.


Full post here: http://eatreadlive-recipes.blogspot.com/2009/12/weekend-herb-blogging-seaweed-with.html

Movie Reflections: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest




Was supposed to watch this film for some pre-training program but couldn't get my hands on it before I left for my holidays. This post is meant as a reflection rather than a review. For reviews, please google/yahoo/ping/whatever for the film title and there will be umpteen search results.


Saturday, December 12, 2009

Weekend Herb Blogging - Boiled Chinese Yellow Pear with Chinese Almond Dessert

My entry this week is again from the 'childhood' recipe book from mummy dearest. This is a dessert that Mr Pancakes and his brothers love and still yearns for it every now and then.  And with it's touted medicinal properties of relieving cough and soothing the throat, it makes a yummy and nutritional dessert!


Read full post here: http://eatreadlive-recipes.blogspot.com/2009/12/weekend-herb-blogging-boiled-chinese.html



Sunday, December 6, 2009

Weekend Herb Blogging - Black Beans Pork Rib Soup

My entry's feature for this week's entry is Black Beans.  They are small, about the size of a pea, oval and a sexy jet black.  Their flesh is cream in colour with a sweet and somewhat earthy taste with a soft texture....


Read full post: http://eatreadlive-recipes.blogspot.com/2009/12/weekend-herb-blogging-black-beans-pork.html





Friday, December 4, 2009

Best Friends and Halia Restaurant



The Association was formed back in 1994, back when Mrs Pancakes (then Miss C), Mrs R (then Miss S), Miss M and Miss C were still in Secondary School.  Back then we coined ourselves "SCAM" but due to certain reasons along the way it came to be "SCCM".  Friends for 15 years, we have braved storms together, laughed and cried together.  The girls have went through roller-coaster rides with me, been by my side through the toughest times and laughed with me in happy times.  We are brutally honest with each other at times (or rather, most of the time :p), which keeps me grounded.  I feel blessed...

Full post here

Asia Grand Restaurant

Supposed to treat the department when Gabriel left the ship.  Somehow it ended up being his birthday treat and thankfully I was invited.  It is supposed to be their usual clique outing, so yah guys, thanks for inviting me again.


The little dynamite, Gabriel, is just like a Duracell Bunny.....



Full post here.




Eulogy: E51 (MIA)

Thank you for being so lovely.
I am sure I touched and pressed you more times than any other objects daily.


Always giving me the information that I need.
And somethings details that I rather not have.
Information to make big decisions,
Other stuff, just for the heck of it, you gave....



Continue reading here.


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

ieatishootipost AGM charity dinner

Just when the Pancakes were thinking about giving (to charity) during this holiday season that this thing popped up. Talk about the Law of Attraction.  I shall take the cue and jio people to go to this mega event.  Form a table and go enjoy the good food.  I am sure it will be fun.


Mr Pancakes takes his hat off to Dr Leslie. It is really great that he uses the popularity of his blog to organise events like these. Highly commendable and he is my role model. And yes, it does help that Mr Pancakes has a love for food too. :)


Details here: http://ieatishootipost.sg/2009/11/ieat-annual-general-makan-agm.html





Please go to the URL and show your support!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Avocado Milkshake @ AV

The Pancakes trotted down to Alexandra Village to bring Mum and Dad for a taste of the legendary avocado milkshake...




Full Post here.

Chicken Rice Balls

This gotta qualify for one of the growing up food for Mr Pancakes. Mum and Dad used to bring the Mr Pancakes and his younger brothers to have chicken rice balls for BREAKFAST....







Read full post here.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

WHB - Lotus Root & Black Wood Fungus Stir Fry

Submitted the second Weekend Herb Blogging. The Pancakes are super excited to be part of this international cooking sharing activity. Let's hope that we get featured again. :)

Full post here.


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Peel Potatoes.... Fast!

Way to go. Potato peeling will never be such a hassle anymore! And it's healthier too!

Full post here.

Weekend Herb Blogging - Avocado is posted!!!!!

Ha. Check out this page. eat.read.live is on it.

yay!

http://blog.healthy-green-lifestyle.com/recipe-roundup-for-weekend-herb-blogging-210.html

Saturday, November 21, 2009

WHB - Avocado

Submitted my first entry into Weekend Herb Blogging. Hope it will get selected.
Enjoy getting to know more about avocado. It is actually part of the articles that I am writing to share with my readers (direct to their email) but I decided to share excerpts of them here. :)

Full post here.


Friday, November 20, 2009

Food Prints - Aglio Olio

This food review is done up by resident guest writer(s), Chocolate Chip Cookies. The Pancakes thought that since the Cookies eat out quite often, why not get them involved in this whole project altogether. The Pancakes and Cookies are after all, die-hard foodies.

Full post here

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Lemon (Meringue?) Cake (Part 1-3)

Mr Pancakes wanted to eat lemon meringue cake and so he asked Mrs Pancakes to make one. Thus started the journey of lemon meringue cakes. There were 3 different versions of the cake but till now Mrs Pancakes still isn't satisfied with any of them. However, she(or I) shall share the 3 so far.

First try was a couple of months back, where Mrs Pancakes got a recipe...

[Full story here, here and here]

Mr K's Birthday Lunch @ The Pancakes

The Dependables came over as planned for Mr K's birthday lunch less Mr GE who is out of the country.  Salute to Mr K who really turned up at 7am in the morning to cook (his own) lunch. Mr Pancakes and Mr K had fun talking nonsense and cooking (and the only TWO we13 games which Mr Nurse witnessed.)


A reminder of the menu here. Mr Nurse added mushrooms cooked in cream and balsamic vinegar. Superbly done, I must say. And the use of fresh thyme leaves (forcefully) suggested by Mr Pancakes gave that extra zing to the dish. 





Mr Pancakes managed to squeeze in Italian Angelino Plums cooked in vanilla syrup because of the extra hands of Mr K. It did not turn out as well as Mr Pancakes wanted, but nevertheless, the virgin use of a vanilla bean (given by Mr Nurse) was exciting enough. All menu items will be added on to the 'Recipe' segment of this website. Including Mr Nurse's mushrooms. We missed out the lemon cake served with lemon curd done by Mrs Pancakes, which she will post later in the 'Recipe' section.


Amazingly, the Dependables did not take photos after so many rounds of gathering. Shall make a commitment to do so the next time round.


And yes, first time visit by the little princess of Mr K to the Pancakes. Super cute right?



Some reflections. Yes, Mr Pancakes (with Mrs Pancakes and Mr K) pulled off another meal. However, Mr Pancakes realised that it lacked the "WOW" factor. The whole dining experience was just normal. Mr Pancakes wants to jazz it up. Serves the food warm and surprise his guests. Right now, Mr Pancakes is at best is at the level of a hawker stall. So many things to work on. Quality of the cooking, presentation of the food, the temperature of the food when served, timing of the food being cooked just as the guests arrives and of course the "wow" factor. Also, kitchen management. The kitchen is always messed up as the last dish is hastily served. All these had gotta improve.


And yes, Mr Sailor, to make it good enough for you to wear your suit here to eat. ;)
Thanks for the encouragements.


Onward to the next level, Mr Pancakes. To the zi char standard, we go.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Keeping America Great: Bill Gates & Warren Buffett



If you have 64mins, it is worth going through this video from CNBC. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett shares with students of Columbia University on their values, philosophy and their optimism of the American economy and America on a whole as a nation.

There are also life lessons like following your passion and do whatever it takes to pursue it.

This clip is worth every minute of your time.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Red Dot Brewery

The Pancakes went for the Beer Tasting organised by Blue Hall this weekend.  It is a great deal, you get finger food and the most valuable of it all, you get to listen to the master brewer!


Mr Pancakes was totally blown away by the Master Brewer...


[Full Post here]

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Ramen Santouka @ The Central

I did not bring a camera with me, and had to borrow these photos from other websites.
Mr FE ordered the Char-Siu kara-miso ramen. And of course, I dived my spoon into his soup, even before he touched it. Disappointedly, it did not excite my palate.



[Full Post here]

Simple Thoughts

Pancakes went to a seminar a few days ago. Although it was mainly a financial stuff, there are a few take-aways from it.

1.
Be a little involved....



Sunday, November 8, 2009

District 10 Bistro

Went for Sunday brunch with the Association, something I had not had the chance to do for a long while due to work commitments.

Set in a more secluded part of Singapore, District 10 was not as crowded as we expected it to be on a late Sunday morning. Ambience was more relaxing, amidst the greenery. We chose to sit outdoors and had our meal next to (or rather, under) a huge tree.

I shared the Eggs Benedict...

[Full Story]

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Mr K’s Birthday Lunch Menu

Friday, November 6, 2009

Lemon Cake

Mrs Pancakes was lucky to be able to have a one month holiday visiting a friend who was studying in the US back in December 2006. She remembers a hot cup of latte in Starbucks which was perfect with a delicious slice of lemon cake which she immediately fell in love with.

Since returning to Singapore, Mrs Pancakes has been desperately looking for the same lemon cake in Starbucks. Even when she went to Australia in 2007, she was still trying her luck at the Starbucks in Sydney, but to no avail.

Finally, Mr Pancakes asked her, "Why don't you bake your own lemon cake." And she did....

[Full Story]

Mrs Pancakes' Muffins!

After marrying Mr Pancakes, Mrs Pancakes was influenced to do her own cooking. She soon realised she has no talent in cooking main dishes and decided to leave that to Mr Pancakes. However, she could make desserts, and thus decided to leave Mr Pancakes to the main dishes and concentrate on dessert-making (which she loves to eat!). :)


After watching The Martha Stewart Show, and watching the special guest make muffins, it seemed easy enough to attempt. Thus, Mrs Pancakes decided to give it a try.

My first attempt: Blueberry Muffins!

[Full Story]

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Book Review: Think & Grow Rich



Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller--Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century

This book is in its 66th Anniversary (2009) and is still one of the best selling titles of all time. It had gone through many revision and editions to suit the current climate.....

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Free book!

Pay nominal shipping fees for a free copy of Napoleon's Hill "Think & Grow Rich".



Monday, November 2, 2009

Lonely Planet by Chapter

Lonely Planet Travel Guide. Download by chapters at a low low price!




[Full Post Here!]

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Thoughts: PvsP

Got myself involved a couple of months back in Hwachong JC (or HCI now) event. Thought after conceptualising and organising KR Alumni Sports Day (and amazingly not being to able to attend for the past 4 years, but that's another story), I could offer some help in this budding event and considering that the scale of the event is much much bigger than KR Alumni Sports day, I was hoping I can take something out of it too.

Oh man, did I learn more than what I thought I would.

[Read full post here]

Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Lunch that started it all?

Had a chance to meet up with Mr K for lunch. While waiting for Mr G to arrive from his meeting, Mr K and I sipped chai latte at Starbucks (yeah. atas. but both of us had lack of sleep. we needed the caffeine.)

We talked about our next step in life and stuff. It turns out to be really engaging stuff! Kinda realise that Mr K and myself are very alike in the way we think, how we approach things and analyse things before making our moves. Haha. Maybe that's why we kinda hang out together.

It is exciting to hear the Mr K actually had plans to venture out, but the whole process sounds dangerous and to a certain effect, impractical. The cost (and consequence)of failure seems insurmountable. But, it got me thinking. Is it possible?

Mr K also shared that Mrs K keeps chiding him about doing things solely for the sake of profits. Ha. I laughed upon hearing that! "I was like that too!" I told him. "But, I am conscious of it and is moving away from there. Cause I do strongly believe that only passion can drive you through your goals. And with it, the profits will follow."

Amazingly Mr G also have his own ideas. Doesn't it excite you when you realise your close friends are thinking of the same thing? And you can actually rub the energy off each other and share your ideas?? Exciting times ahead. Maybe the Dependables should convene and come out with something.

Mr K, the following clip for us. Forward, we press.




And this, the power of sharing your dreams and forming your support group.




Will this be the lunch that started it all? We shall see. :)

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Saturday Breakfast


The Pancakes visited Cafe Hacienda on a bright and sunny Saturday morning!
Visit here for the full account!


Wednesday, October 21, 2009



Added recipe to Mee Goreng!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Update Recipe Post

---------------------------------------------
New recipe entry posted on our all new blog!

Crispy Asparagus and Potato Tart

Check it out now. [CLICK HERE]

---------------------------------------------

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Adam Lamb-burp.

Not that Mr Pancakes is the biggest fan of American Idol. Just that the Pancakes were watching Jimmy Kimmel Live! and they were showing this magazine cover of him on Rolling Stone. Had a good laugh before Mr Pancake went into the kitchen to fix up the dish. So yeah, to our AI runner-up, this dish shall be named Lamb-Burp. And this is the first decent lamb dish Mr Pancakes manage to come up with after umpteen tries.

Overdue photo of a quick breakfast whipped up by Mr Pancakes. Enjoy looking at it. If you are lucky, you might be invited to have breakfast with the Pancakes. :)

Anyway, long week for the Pancakes. Mr Pancake had a tournament going on and Mrs Pancakes went to watch all the games, except the final game due to work commitments. Nevertheless, Mr Pancakes appreciates that. Tournament didn't go as planned, combination of injuries and the competitive edge did us in. (Could be age, but nah, none of us will admit to that.) Still, Mr Pancakes is still proud of his team, and is glad to be in there.

Okay, back to the dish. Mr Pancakes adapted this recipe from Chef Ryan Hong of "Chef for Hire". Great Channel 5 TV series. He makes it seem so easy putting 3 dishes together and throwing a mini-party. I like.

On a separate note, Mr Pancakes really think that he needs a new camera to take photos of his culinary adventures. To do justice to the great tasting food he cooks and eats. Or at least make them look appetitising. Ha. GSS now... *Mr Pancake ponders.

-------------------------------------------------

Here goes for Lamb-Burp.(serves 2)

The dish call for:
1) Two fresh lamb foreshank (~650g)
2) Half red onion (medium size)
3) Two cloves of garlic
4) cane sugar
5) black peppercorn (1tsp)
6) 1 bay leaf (ok, spelling error in the picture)
7) red wine
8) chicken stock


Some tweaking from the ingredients Chef Ryan used in the show. He used molasses, which Mr Pancakes didn't have at the point of cooking, but had since got some. Molasses are basically unrefined cane sugar. Get it in it's thick syrup form. Should be better. Mr Pancakes got it in black sugar form. Chef Ryan also used fresh green pepper corns and veal stock, which Mr Pancakes didn't go to a bigger wet market to get (pepper corns) and Mr Pancakes do not take beef, so chicken stock was used instead. And yes, some fresh thyme leaves will do good too.

Directions:
1) In a stock pot / casserole, brown the lamb shanks on all sides under high heat with olive oil.
2) Add in the chopped onions and silvers of garlic.
3) Once the fragrance of onions and garlic is in the air, add in one-third of bottle of red wine.
4) Turn down heat to medium. Add enough chicken stock to cover the lamb shanks.
5) Add in black pepper corns and bay leaves. (you may want to bag them)
6) Add sugar to taste when stock starts to bubble.
7) Turn down heat to low and leave to simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Turning the lamb ocassionally as the liquid boils off.
8) Serve in a deep plate, with the stock. Goes well with boiled potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme (dried ones will do too) before serving.


The meat should slide off the bone very nicely. More garlic and peppercorns should musk the game-y smell of lamb better. But Mr Pancakes is satisfied with the current balance.

The stock turns milky as the simmering progresses. Heavenly taste, a tad too sweet this time round, but Mr Pancakes will settle for it. Fresh thyme would had added that kick to it. Have some fresh bread ready to wipe up the stock. Worth every ounce of calories.

Total Cost: <$20. Enjoy.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Breakfast @ Pancakes'





"Extraordinary times requires extraordinary actions." And that's what Mr Pancakes and his gang did. We looked out for each other back then and we are still doing the same now. The Dependables convened and did what we set out to do. Mr K, couldn't make it due to work commitments. But nevertheless he called and was truly concerned. (I think I forgot to update him. Hmm...) And so, we had breakfast at the Pancakes' Place. Oh yah, Mr U was supposed to make his official announcement of his annulment of his freedom. Congrats to him.


(Mr Pancakes decided to use bigger font size from this post onwards.)

What a spread! But sadly, Mr Pancakes thought Mrs Pancakes took photos of the carnage (but she didn't!). Pity for our dear readers. But nevertheless, Mrs Pancakes did manage to take some of the dishes on offer that day.


The Breakfast Spread

*
Poached Eggs
(gamely cooked by Mr and Mrs Sailor)
*
Back Bacon
*
Pancakes(!) with Blueberry Maple Sauce
*
Pan-Pacific Bratwursts
*
Orange Juice / Guava Juice
*
Dark Chocolate Croissants
(recipe below)
*
Grilled Tomatoes with mixed herbs
*
Strawberries
(see previous post)
*

Great, hearty breakfast. And Mr Nurse did comment that most of the things were done from scratch. Au Naturel. Superb. That's what REAL cooking is all about.


And Mr Nurse still owe Mr Pancakes some money. :)






--------------------------------------------------
This recipe is by Nigella Lawson. I just love her no frills (and fast) cooking. You can find her recipes on her website [here].


Chocolate Croissants

Only 3 ingredients needed for this. Extra simple.

You will need: 500g ready-rolled puff pastry (I used Sunshine Frozen puff pastry. Can be bought at bigger supermarkets.) 120g of dark chocolate (min. 70% cocoa . I used Cadbury Old Gold Dark Chocolate here) and 1 egg (beaten).
To make:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Roll out the puff pastry to required thickness (0.5cm). And cut into 15 x 15cm squares.


2. Cut each square diagonally to give 2 triangles (they will appear quite small). Put the wider base of the triangle facing you, and the point away from you.


3.Break off small pieces of chocolate (approx. 1cm) to place on the pastry triangles, about 2cm up from the wide end nearest to you.


4. Then carefully roll from that chocolate-loaded end towards the point of the triangle.


5. You should now have something resembling a straight croissant. Seal it slightly with your fingertips and curl it around into a crescent. (You may have problems doing this.)


6. Place the 16 chocolate croissants on a baking tray lined with baking paper. DO NOT butter it. Paint croissants with the beaten egg. Bake for 15 minutes until they are golden and puffy.


If you are having friends over, chuck the croissants into the oven just as your friends arrive. Charm them with the heavenly smell of the croissants baking in the oven.



Note: The puff pastry that I used here is NOT recommended to be re-frozen. Pick a puff pastry that you can re-freeze if you do not want to do so.














Saturday, June 6, 2009

Strawberries!

Mr Pancakes is having some friends over for a Sunday breakfast. Well, an impromptu session and we are all glad that most can make it. (Mr K had to work and Mrs K have to stay home to feed the new-born.)

Mr and Mrs Pancakes trotted down to the supermarket to buy the stuff for tomorrow... A punnet of strawberries was one of the items. Mr Pancakes (as usual) snacked on the strawberries while preparing them for the breakfast tomorrow. POW WOW. Orgasmic. (Almost.) Intense flavour, sweet with a tinge of sour to tickle the taste buds. They are probably in season. One punnet selling at $4.35 at all good NTUC.




BTW, Mr Pancakes added Cointreau and some caster sugar (not that it was necessary for this batch, more to glaze is then to taste it.) The cut-up strawberries are now sitting pretty in the fridge.


Oh yah. Marigold Oat Milk tastes great too. Try it. Selling at $3.50 per 1L carton, S5.95 for two 1L cartons. Worth every penny.






Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Start of the Wars

Mr Pancakes decided to start a food blog after one fine breakfast with Mrs Pancakes. Mr Pancakes do have a blog, but decided that some of the entries are for his closer friends and not to open it up to anyone to have a snip at his inner thoughts and feelings (fillings). Thus the birth of this blog.

Why "Pancakes Wars"? Well, the first entry is going to feature pancakes and we are going to compare pancakes from 2 places! Mr Pancakes also wishes to include his culinary (mis)adventures and posts the recipes he uses here. And of course, visits to places that gave him a notable gastronomic experience.

Here goes the inaugural entry of Pancake Wars.


------------------------------------------------

Morning Pancakes with Berry Compote ($9.95)

The texture of the pancakes were great. And the serving is huge. Mr Pancakes had to have a late lunch. Mr Pancakes thought the whipped butter wasn't as flavourful as he would had liked it to be. It didn't give a kick to the dish. The berry compote was alright, however, it made the base of the pancakes soggy. Not the best way to serve it if you like to eat your pancakes from top-down. The maple syrup was too thin for Mr Pancakes' liking and the whipped cream (probably from a pressurised can) turns watery after sitting for awhile.

An overall hearty experience.

Verdict: 4 pancakes.


Riders Cafe
51 Fairways Drive, Bukit Timah Saddle Club
Tel: 6466-9819 (Closed on Mondays)

------------------------------------------------

Fluffy Pancakes ($12/$13?)
The fresh strawberries and bananas layered in between the pancakes delightfully surprised Mr Pancakes. The honeycomb added a sweet touch to the dish. The maple syrup was thick and extra-ordinary flavourful. It tasted like the traditional kind of syrup and Mr Pancakes assumed that it is not just any other brands that they picked off the shelves of supermarkets. (They may had, but it tasted like they didn't.) Another wonderful surprise was the freshly whipped cream. Taking into consideration that Mr Pancakes takes serious considerations to his fat content intake, Mr Pancakes did not try the cream until he was a quarter way through his pancakes. (He was indulging in the lethal combination of the fresh fruits, thick maple and the honeycomb.) Mr Pancakes was totally blown away. The cream tasted really fresh, it was light with a hint of sweetness. Very refreshing indeed.
Superb experience overall. Mr Pancakes had not one, but two surprises in one dish.
Verdict: 5 pancakes

Prive Bakery Cafe
Keppel Bay Vista, Marina at Keppel Bay
Tel: 6776-0777

------------------------------------------------
Conclusion:
Prive's pancakes a definite no-horse-run to Riders' pancakes. I have to say the marina's view slightly top the rolling greens of the saddle club. Both places had good ambience and are good places to have a good weekend breakfast after a long week.
Sidenote, Mr Pancakes didn't like the smell of horses at Riders. Reminded him too much of the zoo.






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