Pumpkin Granola Bar

My family loves granola and our my favourite granola supply come from "maameemoomoo" who always surprise us with her innovative flavoured granola like honey, pumpkin and chocolate. And since we have missed out Sherie's pumpkin granola during Halloween orders, I decided to try making something similar to satisfy our craving. So with a twist and some research which I Google, I manage to bake some decent Pumpkin Granola Bar instead.

Although my granola bar might not taste as good as Sheri's but at least I happy with the end result and also it's a challenge for me to bake something with such a long ingredients list too.

{Christmas Bake} ABC Power Cake

I am sure for those who love fruit juice you would probably have tried the ABC (apple, beetroot and carrot) Detox Juice during one of your orders. But other than the juice, have you ever tried any cake which is made from ABC Juice and it's residues. If NO, here is a new recipe that I would like to share with you and it might come in handy for this Christmas season.

As Christmas is approaching, I wanted to bake something which has some festive feel like Mixed Fruit Cake, Ginger Bread, Cookies or etc. And the idea of this ABC Power Cake inspired me from my Okara Black Butter Cake which I have shared sometime back.

ABC POWER CAKE
(using Juice and Fruit Residues from Apple, Beetroot and Carrot)

This cake has a brownish red colour tone which similar to those Christmas mixed fruit cakes or sticky date pudding which we all loved. Furthermore this cake is light and fruity in flavour as compared to those traditional Christmas bakes which are loaded with spices and dried mixed fruits or chocolate. 

(Make: 2 tins (17cm x 8cm x 6cm) | Preparation: 10 minutes |  Baking: 45 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 180g Self-Raising Flour
• 20g Valrhona Dutch Process Cocoa Powder
• 4 Eggs (55g each)
• 200g Unsalted Butter
• 180g Castor Sugar
• 150g ABC Fruit Residues
• 50ml ABC Juice

Method:-
1. Preheat Oven to 170°C degree Celsius.

2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (beating with an electric mixer for about 4 - 5 minutes on medium speed).

3. Add in 1 egg at a time, beating well in between each additions. Beat in ABC Fruit Residues till combined (a few seconds).

4. Using a rubber spatula, fold in half the sifted flour mixture (careful not to over-stir or beat the mixture) and follow by ABC Juice and remaining flour.

5. Divide the batter into the prepared casing, bake the cake in preheated oven for 40 - 45 minutes or until a skewer insert in the middle and come out clean.

6. When cooked, remove cake from the oven, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.

This cake is very moist and perfumed with fruity flavour and aroma from the fruit juice and residues used and with each bite you could also taste a mild beetroot flavour in it. For a change from the usual traditional Christmas bake, perhaps this power cake would be something that you would love to share with your family or friends during this festive season. And for party or potluck idea, you could even bake this in small cupcake size, dust with icing sugar and decorate with Christmas cake toppers too.

{Healthy Choice} Zespri Kiwifruit Tarts

If you follow my posts you would noticed that I have some collections of kiwifruit recipes which I did recently for this year's "Zespri® 14 days Daily Scoop of Amazing Challenge (#14daysofZespri)". And last week when I was approached by ZESPRI's PR to bake a Zespri Kiwifruit Tart to feature their recipe on a local health magazine,  I was happy to take up the task but on the other hand I am also worry that my tart making skill might not be good enough for their photoshoot.

So before the actually baking, I did a trial-bake to make four 10cm size individual tart because I am also curious about the texture and taste of this tart which used less butter for the pastry and no custard filling at all.

Orange Pound Cake With Cranberry And Raisin

When I shared this pound cake photo over at facebook and instagram, some readers actually enquire what's the different between "pound and butter cake". To simplify it, Pound Cake is usually dense with only liquid from the eqqs and the flavor is mainly butter or extra citrus rinds or vanilla extract. Whereas for Butter Cake contains fat (butter, margarine, shortening) and leavener such as baking powder or self-raising flour for their fluffy texture and flavour.

Apple, Oat And Walnut Crumble Slice

Apples are beautiful fruits that can be used in both dishes and bakes. For our family, I often use it to make Apple Tea or Double-boiled Apple With Gingko Nut and you could read more on my collection of apple recipes(here). In order to show my support for Bosch "Apple-tizing" Health Recipe Contest 2012, I decided to make this health Apple, Oat & Walnut Crumble Slice with added Chia seeds which is an amazing ingredient that loaded with lots of health benefits.

Following the successful debut of the Bosch cooking contest in 2011(read more here), this year they are having Bosch ‘Apple-tizing’ Cooking Contest 2012 which is open for entries till 31 October 2012.

To particular, you must own either a Bosch Kitchen Machines or Food Processors in order to submit a healthy recipe using APPLES (submit via Bosch Singapore website here). After which the six best entries will be shortlisted to compete in a cook-off contest on 22 December 2012 using their own Bosch appliance.

So if you have either one of the mentioned Bosch appliance(s) maybe you could consider to send in your "secret recipe" featuring Apples and your Bosch appliance. For your information, Grand prize winner gets "A pair of economy tickets to Germany (plus $1,000 allowance)".

APPLE, OAT AND WALNUT CRUMBLE SLICE

Here for my buttery pastry I have added some cinnamon powder instead of mixed spice and as for the filling I choose Granny Smith Apples and golden rinse to balance the sweet and sour taste. And to create a crunchy texture with healthier toppings, I choose Organic Rolled Oats, Walnuts and Chia Seeds to go with the buttery crumbs. 

(Make: 16 x 26cm pan | Preparation: 15 minutes | Baking: 20 minutes + 35 minutes)

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups (340g) All Purpose Flour
1/3 Cup (60g) Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder/Mixed Spice, optimal
180g Unsalted Butter, chopped
2 Tablespoons Ice Water

Apple Mixture:
4 - 5 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, diced
1 Tablespoon Caster Sugar
Rind of 1 Lemon, optional
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1/3 Cup (60g) Golden Raisin
1/3 Cup (35g) Rolled Oats
1/3 Cup (45g) Walnut Nuts, chopped
2 Tablespoons Chia Seeds, optional

Method:-
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (degree Celsius). Grease a 3cm deep, 16cm x 26cm brownie pan and line it with baking paper, allowing 2cm overhang on all sides.

2. Process flour, brown sugar, butter and spice(if using) in Bosch MCM 4 food processor until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

3. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons chilled water and process until mixture just comes together to form a dough (adding more water if required).

4. Wrap 3/4 cup dough in cling wrap and refrigerate until firm. Press remaining dough using fingers tips or spatula evenly into the tin and bake it in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until pastry turns golden in colour. Remove and set aside to cool.

5. Next add apples, caster sugar, lemon rind and juice in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar has dissolved.

6. Increase heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes or until apple is soft. Allow mixture to cool completely before stirring in raisin.

7. Spoon apple mixture over pastry base. Coarsely grate chilled dough into a bowl with rolled oat, walnut and chai seeds mixture then gently stir to combine.

8. Sprinkle dough mixture over apple mixture. Bake in 180°C (degree Celsius) for 35 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely in pan before sliced.

Baking is like doing science where we tends to experiment with different recipes and ingredients in our pantry. So according to your preference, you may choose to replace walnut with almond or chia seeds with black sesame seeds or anything that is available in your pantry.

Actually Apple Crumble is not difficult to make, and you could even prepare the pastry dough or apple filling a head ahead. You could serve your Apple Crumble wither hot or cold with ice cream, cream or custard. Love mine with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream!

Below are some recipes that I have tried using BOSCH MCM 4100 food processor.

ABC Detox Juice	Lemon Berry Tarts	Baked Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon Bar aka Lemon Slice

Lemon Bar or Lemon Slice is a combination of buttery shortbread and tangy lemon filling that makes it so irresistible to stop at one. Although different recipes yield different result in texture and taste, I prefer mine with crispy shortbread crust that filled with soft and tangy lemon filling.

Orange Chiffon Cake

My love for baking Chiffon Cake is always inspired by passionate chiffon cake bakers such as Small Small Baker, my bestie @ahpoohbear and a few others. Their love for chiffon cakes could be shown through their recipe posts or photos of the chiffon cakes that they baked. And as you realise from some of my post I love citrus fruits such as Lemon and Orange which I often incorporate it into my bakes or dishes.

Since there was a special offer on oranges last week which I bought for making fresh orange juice, I decided to bake an Orange Chiffon Cake to pair with it for afternoon tea and at the same time make use of those lovely orange rinds which enhance the taste and aroma of the cake.

Durian Butter Cake

Every year during the period between June and September, this "spiky" green thorns fruit known as "Durian (榴莲)" can be found everywhere in the HDB market area or some local supermarkets fruit section (fruits remove from shells and tightly sealed). So is either you love or hate this fruit due to it's strong odour where some said it is fragrant while others might find it distinguishing.

Soft Apple Pound Cake

I have being craving for Cakes which made with "apple" ever since my last "Apple Crumble Cheesecake" from Starbucks a few weeks back. So when I came across Ann's "Apple Soft Pound Cake" post from her website last month, I told myself I must bake it after my Cruise Trip.

And after the holidays break, I finally managed to settle down with some free time to bake this cake while my kid is at school. Honestly I love this cake because of it's ingredients used, as you notice this is definitely a rich butter cake with hint of lemon scent that makes it prefect for afternoon tea.

Orange Vanilla Loaf Cake

Made this Orange Vanilla Loaf Cake for tea in order to try out the "Madagascar Vanilla Beans" that I received from one of my friends, Gertrude from My Kitchen Snippets. She is so kind and generous to offer her help to get some vanilla beans for me over at her end after knowing that I am keen in use it to bakes as well as making my own Vanilla Extract.

ORANGE VANILLA LOAF CAKE

This is my first time using vanilla beans in a baking recipe and I must admit it taste really wonderful with it's unique aroma that perfumed the pantry area during preparing and baking process. And when is out of the oven and ready to be served, you just can't help it but keep on picking one slice after another slice. 

Recipe adapted and modify from Food and Travel, Feb 2007 issue, Orange Loaf Cake.

(Make 2: 5.5 x 9.5 x 4.5cm | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 25 minutes)

Ingredients:
160g Cake Flour
180g Castor Sugar
Grated Rind from 2 Orange
60g Unsalted Butter, softened
3 Eggs(55g)
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
1 Vanilla Pod, halved
1/2 Cup Thickened Cream, optional

Method:-

1. In a mixing bowl, rub orange zest and sugar together using a spatula till moist and fragrant before adding butter and whisk using an electric mixer till well combined.

2. Add one egg at a time, beating well in between each addition. Next scrap the vanilla beans from the pod and stir it into the egg mixture.

3. Sift flour mixture(flour, baking powder and salt) together and fold into egg batter in batches alternately with thickened cream (or fresh orange juice) till there is no trace of flour. (do not over mix the batter)

4. Pour cake batter into prepared loaf pans and bake in preheated 175° Celsius oven for about 25 - 30 minutes until the top of cake is cracked and golden or a skewer inserted in the center and comes out clean.

5. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool on wire rack.

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HANDY TIPS:-

~ Thickened Cream can be replaced by 2 Tablespoons of freshly squeeze orange juice

~ You bake this recipe in muffin cups(medium size) or 1 loaf tin (20cm x 11cm x 7cm) instead of 2 mini loaf pan.

~ You can replace 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract instead of using the whole vanilla pod for this recipe.

Sometime a simple old school cake taste even better on it's own without having any fancy ingredients, frosting or toppings. I just simply adore butter cake on it's own, perhaps I should change this recipe further more into an Orange Vanilla Butter/Pound Cake to accompany my favourite Earl Grey Tea.

Mixed Fruit Cake

Follow from the previous Double Chocolate Banana Cake post, here is the related post on a simple Mixed Fruit Cake which I made especially for Uncle James as he is a big fan of mixed fruit cake. And since I am baking two cakes on the same day using Happy Call Double-sided Pressure Pan (HCP) for demonstration to my aunties; who are all keen in learning how to bake using this new gadget, I have modify the usual traditional fruit cakes recipes to a simplify one.

Compared to the traditional Christmas Mixed Fruit Cake, this one is much easier in term of ingredients preparation and shorter baking time.You can prepared ahead by soaking the mixed fruit with RUM and orange juice the night before to achieve a better flavour or if you are running out of time like me, just make sure you have soaked them at least 10 - 15 minutes.

MIXED FRUIT CAKE

Here I have adapted a similar recipe from the previous Banana Chocolate Cake with Cranberry which I have shared. And instead of using caster sugar, I have replaced it with brown sugar for its natural brown and taste that enhance the appearance and taste of the mixed fruit cake. As for the type of dried fruit you can either purchase those ready-mixed packed available from baking section or you can DIY your own by mixing a few of your favourite fruits such as tangerine peel, apricot, raisin, cherry, ginger and etc together.

(Serves: 30 x 25cm | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 30 minutes)

Ingredients:
225g All-Purpose Flour(plain flour)
170g Brown Sugar
170g Unsalted Butter, room temperature
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
3 Eggs(55g each)
60ml Orange Juice
Rind of 1 Orange
200g Dried Mixed Fruit
2 Tablespoons of RUM/Grand Marnier

Method:-

1. Soak dried mixed fruit with RUM, Orange Juice and Rind for about 10 minutes. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl and set aside.

2. Cream soft butter and brown sugar using a electric beater or hand whisk till pale and creamy.

3. Add one egg at a time, beat till combined before adding in the flour mixture.

4. Using a spatula, fold in sifted flours in 3 batches alternatively with the mixed fruit mixture(add in the liquid as well) till well combined.

5. Slowly scrap mixture into the lightly greased Happy Call Pan(grease 1 teaspoon of oil on both side of the pan using hand or paper towel).

6. Bake on low heat for 12 minutes, slowly shift the pan towards right side so that left side (1/2 of the HCP) of the pan is on the heat, bake for another 6 minutes. Next shift the pan back towards the left side so that right side(1/2 of the HCP) of the pan is on the heat. (the purpose of doing this is to even out the baking as well as give the cake a nice brown colour on the surface when flip over)

7. Lastly, flip the HCP over and bake for another 6 minutes(3 minutes left, 3 minutes right) to have a nice brown top.

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FOR OVEN METHOD:-

1. Follow steps 1 - 4, pour cake batter into a greased 7" square or round tin.

2. Bake in preheated 180° Celsius oven for about 40 - 50 minutes or when a skewer inserted in the center and comes out clean.

BLUEBERRY LEMON BUTTER CAKE

(Preview)

This is another snack preview of my HCP bake cake; Blueberry Lemon Butter Cake made using fresh blueberry. Simply love this light and fluffy lemon taste cake with my favourite blueberry in it. Will update more on the related recipe soon. Stay tune.

{Happy Call Pan Version} Apple Upside-down Cake

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The Happy Call Pressure Pan (HCP) craze kept burning among Happy Call Chefs who contributes many wonderful recipes at Munch Ministry website as well as their HCP discussion group over at facebook. After my 1st successful attempt on baking the Pineapple Upside-down Cake using HCP I decide to use the same recipe with a twist to make this Apple Upside-down Cake since we have some granny smith sitting in the fridge compartment.  

APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
(using Happy Call Pan)

This is indeed something that I am looking forward to serve as tea cake especially that soft layer of Apple and light Cinnamon fragrant that is sitting beautiful on top of the cake. The caramel is not too sweet and it definitely brings out the unique taste of this cake together with layer of texture from the apple, walnut and raisin.

(Make: 30 x 25cm | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 20 - 25 minutes)

Ingredients:
180g Plain Flour
3 Teaspoons Baking Powder
4 Large Egg(60g each)
90g Caster Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Grated Rind of 1 Lemon
60ml Unsalted Butter, Melt
60ml Grape Seeds Oil

Caramel Apple:
50g Unsalted Butter
100g Brown Sugar
50ml Water Water
2 Green Apple, skin remove and cored
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
50g Walnut
60g - 80g Golden Raisin

Method:-

1. To prepare the Caramel Apple; sliced the apple into about 0.5cm thick, lightly marinate it with lemon juice and cinnamon powder. Set aside.

2. Simmer unsalted butter and brown sugar over low heat in HCP until sugar dissolve and mixture begins to bubble. Sir in marinated apple slices, water and continue to simmer over low heat for another 3 - 5 minutes till apple slightly soften. (Pan close but don't lock it)

3. When done, turn off the heat and arrange the apple, walnut and half of the golden raisin as close as possible without too much gaps in between. Set aside and prepare the cake batter.

4. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar and vanilla extract with a hand mixer till well-mixed(about 1 minute) and mixture slightly turn pale in colour (you can refer to the step-by-step photo above).

5. Next whisk in the melt butter, grape seeds oil and follow by the sifted flour mixtures(plain flour + baking powder) and continue to stir until the flour is in-cooperate into the batter (the batter will be slightly like thick cream texture) before stirring in the remaining golden raisin(lightly coat raisin with flour so that it wont sink during baking)

5. Pour the mixture over the prepared caramel apple, smooth the top and bake(lock the pan) over very low heat for about 23 - 25 minutes(usually you will see steaming coming out when cake is ready) or until a skewer inserted and come out clean.

6. Carefully flip the pan over and bake the top of the cake for another 5 minutes to brown the top before removing it from stove.

Tips:-

~ You can also bake this Apple Upside-down Cake in the oven at 180 degree for about 40 - 50 minutes using an 8" round tin.

As I have mentioned before this is a very easy to prepare tea cake which can be done within 30 minutes if proper preparation is done before hand such as weighing the flour, sugar and replace melted butter with oil. So while catching up with your guest you could just pop into the kitchen and get ready the batter to bake this cake. And most importantly you need not need to be around the stove to look after the cake. All you need to do is set the timer on and check it out after 20 minutes of baking time. Remember on very LOW heat.

Lastly I would like to share with you a good new. I have won an interesting cooking book know as "Pork Appetite - 猪圆玉润" from the January Happy Call CookOff Challenge organised by Munch Ministry. You can take a look at the entries HERE. 

{Photo Friday} Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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I love to spend hours looking at food photos from either food magazines or food blogs. Upon looking at those mouthwatering photos it could actually motive oneself to try working on the recipe(s) especially those that requires simple ingredients and comes with step-by-step photos. Today I am sharing a Photo Post on a Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe that I try from Nami's blog @ Just One Cookbook. If you have follow this blog you would remember she is also the one who inspired and taught me how to make the Japanese Steamed Cake (recipes on Mushipan).

For this 1st Photo Friday entry, I would like to share with you a delicious cake recipe that I bake from Nami's blog.

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

Just a few days ago I saw a lot of beautiful fresh pineapples available at the wet market and on the same day so coincident Nami also shared a post on her Pineapple Upside Down Cake which she made for her husband. So without hesitate I know I must go and get hold of the pineapple to try her recipe.

Although I am don't like to eat pineapple as a fruit on it's own(because I am afraid of sour and it's tongue bite feeling) but I love it when it is used to make pineapple jam, pineapple tarts, achar(fruit salad) and etc. Thinking about it I still miss Sherie's(maameemoomoo) pineapple salad that she share with me during my last visit to her place.

Recipe adapted from Nami's @ Just One Cookbook HERE.

(Make: 8" Round Tin | Preparation: 15 minutes | Cooking: 50 - 60 minutes)

Ingredients:
1 Pineapple, (skin removed, halve and core)
150g Caster Sugar
1/2 Cup Water
86g Unsalted Butter, soften

Batter for Cake:
114g Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled
140g Plain Flour
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
2 Eggs
3 Egg Yolks
200g Caster Sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Although there is a small hiccups while preparing the caramel pineapple but overall the cake was perfect with it's soft, sponge cake like texture that tops with delicious golden pineapple slices. This is just too good for an afternoon tea-snack and I have two slices with my favourite fruit tea. If you are keen in trying out this recipe, do head over to Nami's blog and check out her step-by-step recipe on making this mouthwatering cake HERE.

Till then have a great weekend everyone! Stay tune for next Photo Friday recipe again.