Showing posts with label Blog Event. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Event. Show all posts

Sunday 1 May 2011

[May $20 Budget Meal] Specific Key Ingredient - "Tofu/Beancurd"

Here is the polling result voted by some of the readers over at Cuisine Paradise facebook page (HERE). From the photo you can see that Tofu has "14 votes" which is the highest among the rest of the mentioned ingredients. In the case, for May [$20 Budget Meal], we will use "Tofu" as the specific ingredient for one of the dish in the budget menu (eg: steam tofu, fried tofu, braised tofu and etc).


HOW TO JOIN:

~ Prepare either "2 Dishes plus 1 Soup" or "1 Pot Dish" using a budget which is not more than $20.00 for 2 - 4 servings. If you are from overseas, you can also participate by converting to the appropriate currency value, (ie. US$15.00, RM$50.00, Rp $138,000 and etc)

~ If you do not have a blog, just send in the photos and at least one recipe from your dishes and I will publish on your behalf in my blog, credited to you. (photos can be taken in any form using digital camera or hand phone)

~ All submission entries must be published in your blog or prepared during the month of May from 01 May  - 25th May 2011.

~ Please do mention in your blog that you are sharing this post to “May $20 Budget Meal - Specific Ingredient is "Tofu/Beancurd"” and link it to this page HERE (use this link: http://ellenaguan.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-20-budget-meal-specific-key.html) to encourage more readers to contribute into the event.


Since this month theme is on "Tofu/Beancurd" you can use your own imaginations or recipe(s) from cookbook to come up with all kind of related recipes using any type of tofu such as Egg, Silken, Traditional, Firm or etc that you prefer.


SUBMISSION:
~ E-mail your "blog link plus Photos of the dishes" or "photos with recipe" to ellenaguan@hotmail.com with a subject "May $20 Budget Meal" in the following format:

Your Name:
URL of your post:
Name of your dishes + soup:
Estimate amount spent for each dish:
Attachment of your photos in your email (each photo, preferably 500kb or less).


To enlighten you with a better ideas on the Tofu dish, here are four different types of preparation methods that you can take into reference. And if you are not sure about the post requirements or how to breakdown the price-list of each dishes/soup, you can refer to one of the example post HERE.

Lastly I would like to thanks everyone who has participated in the last two [$20 Budget Meal] events., all your dishes and ideas are Awesome!!! And till date we have in total, 35 sets of "$20 Budget Meal' which are quick and easy to prepare. If you are interested you can take a look at March Round-up(Here) and April Round-up(Here).



CLOSING DATE:
~ Wednesday, 25 May 2011, 2359 hours  and all entries will be compiled and posted on 31st May 2011.

Wednesday 27 April 2011

[Easter April $20 Budget Meal] Round-Up!


Thanks everyone for supporting the Easter April - $20 Budget Meal event with a Easter theme of using Egg in one of the prepared dish. Thanks everyone whom take the effort to note down the pricing of ingredients and spending on each ingredient to support this event. Here we have a total of 21 fabulous sets of "2 Dishes 1 Soup" menu from blogger and facebook friends of different countries such as USA, Australia and Singapore.

Here are all the entries for the [Easter April - $20 Budget Meal], listed in the order of the date submitted.


Watercress Pork Ribs Soup (西洋菜排骨汤), Braised Fish Head (红烧鱼头), Steamed Egg with Chinese Yam and Mushrooms (淮山蒸蛋烩双菇)

by Wai Fong of Fong's Kitchen Journal (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$19.20; Serves 6



Luo Han Guo and Watercress Soup plus Hainanese Pork Chop Rice and Pork Katsudon

by Ellena of Cuisine Paradise (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$11.50; Serves 3



Sausage, Bacon and Egg Pie, Roasted Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup, Salad Green

by Wai Fong of Fong's Kitchen Journal (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$19.70; Serves 3 - 6



Chinese Yam and White Fungus Soup (淮山雪耳瘦肉汤), Seaweed Egg Roll (紫菜腐竹鸡蛋卷), Steamed Fish with Tomato and Salted Vegetables (蕃茄咸菜蒸鱼尾)

by Wai Fong of Fong's Kitchen Journal (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$13.00; Serves 3



Garlic Kale, Daikon Fried Egg, Stir-Fry Combination Veggies

by Tigerfish of An Escape to Food (Sunnyvale, California - United States)
Total Spending: USD 8.00 (S$10.00) ; Serves 4



Stewed Pork Rice (卤肉饭), Stewed Eggs with Bean Curd (卤蛋/ 卤豆干) and Cabbage and King Mushroom Soup (白菜鸡腿菇汤)

by Wai Fong of Fong's Kitchen Journal (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$13.50; Serves 6



Pork Shabu Salad with Ponzu Dressing and Egg Drop Soup

by Namiko of Just One Cookbook (United States)
Total Spending: USD 8.00 (S$10.00) ; Serves 2-3



Spicy Kangkong, Chicken in Rice Wine and Dried Laver Anchovies Soup

by Ching of Little Corner of Mine (United State)
Total Spending: USD 5.04 (S$6.20); Serves 4



Cream of Cauliflower Soup and Ham and Egg Pizza Tart

by Ellena of Cuisine Paradise (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$8.60; Serves 3



ABC Soup (马铃薯蕃茄红萝卜煲鸡汤), Corn Fritters with Avocado Dip (黄金玉米片) , Broccoli with Egg Whites in Milk Broth (奶汁蛋白西兰花)

by Wai Fong of Fong's Kitchen Journal (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$9.00; Serves 3-4



Seaweed and Minced Pork Soup, Fried Bitter Gourd Omelette and Ma Po Tofu

by Ellena of Cuisine Paradise (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$6.60; Serves 3



Honey Marinated Chicken Wings, Ham and Onion omelette and Cream of Mushroom

by Jacqualine of TheSuper Girl (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$9.40; Serves 2



Corn, Carrot and Radish Soup, Stir Fry Long Beans and Mushrooms and Chili Prawns with Century Eggs

by Daphne of More Than Words (Australia)
Total Spending: AU$13.10; Serves 4



Steamed Fried Fish with Miso Sauce, Stir Fry Marrow Green and Egg with Crispy Silver Fish and Radish Pork Ribs Soup

by Wendy of Wen's Delight (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$18.50; Serves 4



Eggy Pepperoni Pizza and Eggy Turkey wrap

by Lobster of Lobsterpaints (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$19.95; Serves 2



Minced Pork Omelette, Steamed Tilapia and Fish Ball Soup with Spinach

by Anncoo of Anncoo Journal (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$14.65; Serves 4



Crabstick Steamed Egg, Stir-fried Cucumber with Prawns and Lotus Root Soup

by Jacqualine of TheSuper Girl (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$14.20; Serves 6



Seah’s Chicken Curry, Sambal Fried Egg and Stir Fry Bittergourd with Clam in Miso Sauce

by Wendy of Wen's Delight (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$17.75; Serves 4



Spicy Bulgogi Pork, Shanghai green with Shitake Mushroom and Korean style mussel, pork and egg soup

by Wendy of Wen's Delight (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$16.65; Serves 4



Steamed Tilapia Fillets, Eggs with Napa Cabbage and Seaweed Tofu Gochujang Soup

by Ching of Little Corner of Mine (United State)
Total Spending: USD 6.87(S$8.50); Serves 4


Entry From @ahpoohbear


 
Japanese Oyakodon and Miso Soup

by Joyce of @ahpoohbear (Singapore)
Total Spending: S$3.60 ; Serves 2 - 3

JAPANESE OYAKODON RECIPE

Ingredients: (serves 3)
1.5 cup of steamed rice
1 Chicken Breast Meat, about 200g
1 onion, thinly sliced
Chicken stock (I used concentrated chicken stock and mix with water)
Mirin
3 eggs
Soy sauce to taste

Preparation:
1. Cooked steamed rice and set aside.

2. Fry the sliced onion till fragrant and add in the chicken pieces.

3. Add in the chicken stock, mirin and soy sauce to taste.

4. Simmer over medium heat for a few minutes.

5. Crack the eggs into a bowl but do not beat the eggs. Instead, use a knife to slightly cut the egg yolk.

6. Once the chicken is cook, pour the egg over.

7. Let the egg cook for about 3 minutes, till the egg yolk is slightly hardened.

8. Turn off the heat.

9. Put the steamed rice into deep serving bowls and serve the simmered chicken and egg on top.


MISO SOUP

Ingredients:
Instant miso soup paste from supermarket


Preparation:
1. Get a packet of instant miso soup paste from the supermarket.

2. Pour hot water and serve.


Toal Cost: S$3.60
Chicken = $2.00
Eggs = $0.60
Onion = $0.20
Instant Miso paste $0.80 per packet


Once again, thanks everyone for taking your time to come out of these wonderful budget meals, ideas and kitchen tips. Do stay tune for our May event announcement on the specified "ingredient" upon voting from the readers. All you dishes are feature at Cuisine Paradise Facebook Page HERE and the dish who earns the most number of "LIKE(s)" will received a mystery gift.


Tuesday 26 April 2011

[Cupcake Pop Mold Giveaway] Assorted Cream Cheese Cake Pops

Ever since I saw and bought these cute cupcake pop molds, I have always wanted to try making some Cake Pops which is one of the latest trend among online bakers other than cupcakes and macarons. And recently I also saw Starbucks having some cute Cake Pops featuring in their food menu too.

What is Cake Pops? Cake Pops can be defined as little/mini cakes on a stick that is coated with chocolate/icing and decorated with all sort of sprinkles or toppings which made famous by Bakerella( read more on the link HERE).

There are a few ways of making these cake pops from either using crashed Oreo or graham biscuits to vanilla or chocolate cake crumbs. But no matter which method(s) you prefer I am sure both Adults and Kids will enjoy the fun process of rolling, molding and decorating these cute Cake Pops.

Ingredients: (make 10 mini cake pops)
200g Butter/Marble Cake, break into pieces
150g Cream Cheese, soften
*1/2 Tablespoon of Grand Marnier/RUM/Kahlua, optional

Decorations:
Assorted Chocolate of Your Choice, melted
Assorted Toppings

*Note:
~ You can either add more cream cheese or a bit cold milk to bind the crumbs if it is too dry.

Method:-
1. Break the ready bought marble cake into smaller pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.

2. Beat the cake pieces at low speed until it resemble find crumbled (refer to the photo above), drizzle Grand Marnier evenly over the cake and beat for another few second till combined.

3. Next using a spatula or hand mix and knead the soft cream cheese mixture with the crumbs till it forms a smooth dough.

4. Roll the mixture into a 1” round balls and place on a tray lined with foil/baking paper.

5. When done, place them in the freezer for about 5 minutes before molding them using the cupcake mold.


To Assemble:
1. Place one of the chilled dough in the cupcake mold, gently press down to fix the mould and closed it tight to remove any excess dough that are being cut off.

2. You have to work fast and mold all the prepared dough into cupcake shape then freeze them for another 5 minutes to firm it up before dipping with melted chocolate.

3. Melt your choice of chocolate in a microwave safe bowl at 30 seconds intervals on high heat, stirring in between until chocolate melts and become smooth.

4. Slowly lower the cake into the melted chocolate to coat the bottom half portion by holding the tip of the cake. When done carefully insert a lolliop stick from the bottom base of the cake to secure it. (after coating the base, I leave it on the baking paper and freeze for another 3 minutes before doing the top)

5. After the chocolate coating, rest the sticks of cake pop on styrofoam block(can get from daiso) or in a tall cup to dry while decorating the pops with sprinkles or toppings.

6. You can refer to the related VIDEO(click HERE) on making these cake pops by using this cupcake mold.


Remeber the monthly Aspiring Bakers(founder, small small baker) events that I always participate, for this month of April, the key ingredients will be cheese. Jean suggest that it should be something cheese related on either bakes/frozen desserts. So I will be submitting this to Aspiring Bakers #6: Say Cheese! (April 2011) hosted by Jean from Noms I Must.

Secondly I would like to thanks those of you who had participated in the "Gyoza Mold Giveaway" and "Sandwich Sealer plus Heart Shaped Food Picks" events which ended last week. Here is the 3rd “Giveaway” for the month of April to celebrate Cuisine Paradise's 6th Anniversary which falls on 30th April 2011. And I hope with this handy "Cupcake Pop Mold" you can make use of it to shape into different design of Cake Pops where you can refer to their official website HERE.

If you are interested to win this set of "Cupcake Pop Mold", just leave your Name and your favourite Cake Pop and topping (strawberries, Oreo, dark chocolate, mint), example "I Love Chocolate Cake  Pop With Oreo Toppings" in the comment box and I will pick ONE Lucky winner on Sunday, 01 May 2011. Result will be announce on 02 May 2011.


[Updated on 02 May 2011 09 May 20111]

GIVEAWAY RESULTS!!!!!






GIVEAWAY RESULTS ARE OUT! Are you the Lucky One!!!!!

Sunday 17 April 2011

[Sandwich Sealer Giveaway] Bread Pockets Bento Set

Thanks to those of you who participated in the "Gyoza Mold Giveaway" event which is ending on coming Monday, 18 April 2011. Here I am having another “Giveaway” which consists of a “Sandwich Sealer plus Heart Shaped Food Picks”. With this sandwich sealer you can make your favourite sandwich with all kind of fillings from sweet to savory without worrying that the fillings will drop-off from the sides and etc.

If you are interested to win a set of this "Sandwich Sealer plus Heart Shaped Food Picks", just leave your Name and with a type of your favourite sandwich filling (tuna, egg mayonnaise, jam) "I love xxxxx" in the comment box and I will pick ONE Lucky winner on Wednesday, 20 April 2011. Do check the result after Noon, 21 April 2011.

I have a few different types of Sandwich Sealer/Cutter at home which we usually use to rotate around when making sealed/opened sandwich for our breakfast or picnic. Here I use the sandwich sealer shown below to make some ham and egg sandwich serve with chocolate chips cookies, chocolate, apple and drink for a quick lunch before my boy goes to his Sunday class.

Method:-
1. Warm the bread in the microwave oven according to the instruction menu (shown at the back of the sandwich sealer packaging). Place the bread onto the center of the frame, then place your desire filling onto the bread. (refer to the step by step photos above)

2. Warm another slice of bread in the microwave oven, cover the first bread and filling with this bread by aligning its placement with the first bread.

3. Place the bread cutter onto the bread.

4. Carefully press the bread cutter downwards.

5. Hold up the bread crust while holding down the bread cutter to see if the crust has been thoroughly cut.

6. Remove the bread cutter and the entire crust from the mold and the sandwich should be completely sealed.

Ok, that's all for this simple post. Have a great weekend everyone and if you are interested to win a set of this Sandwich Sealer plus Heart Shaped Food Picks, do start leaving your comments now :) Have Fun everyone!


[Updated on 21 April 2011]

GIVEAWAY RESULTS!!!!!






GIVEAWAY RESULTS ARE OUT! Are you the Lucky One!!!!!

Tuesday 12 April 2011

[Gyoza Mold Giveaway!!!] 3 Ways of Eating Dumpling or Wonton

Continue from the previous post on the "Steamed Dumplings with Assorted Vegetables". Here I will be giving away a set of "Gyoza Mold" which you can use it to wrap either Japanese Gyoza or Chinese Dumpling/Wonton. This is a handy and easy to use mold by just placing a gyoza or wonton wrapper on top of the press (mold), add in fillings, close and press tight to form a perfect sealed gyoza or dumpling.

If you are interested to win a set of this "Gyoza Mold", just leave your Name and which type of dumpling you prefer (steamed, pan-fried, boiled  or deep-fried) "I love xxxxx" in the comment box and I will pick one TWO Lucky winners on Tuesday, 19 April 2011. Do check the result after Noon, 19 April.


For this Dumpling/Wonton post, I will be sharing another two different ways of cooking dumpling/wonton dish which you could try it out anytime at home. First let's take a look at this "Chicken Dumplings with Chili Oil - 紅油抽手". This is one of the common dumplings dish that you can easily order from most Chinese Ramen and Steamed Bun Restaurants. Usually the ingredients are shrimp and pork mince that are wrapped in thin layer of handmade dumpling skin and serve with the unique spicy chili oil sauce.


CHICKEN DUMPLINGS WITH CHILI OIL - 紅油抽手

Ingredients: (makes 10 Dumplings and 15 Wonton)
150g Mince Chicken Meat
20g Carrot, finely chopped/grated
2 Shallots, finely chopped
3 Fresh Water Chestnut, skin remove and finely chopped
1/2 Tablespoon Chopped Spring Onion

Seasonings:
1/2 Tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
1 Teaspoon Cooking Wine
Dash of Fish Sauce, optional
Dash of Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Cornflour



Method:-
1. Put all the ingredients in a medium bowl, mix well with seasonings and marinate in the refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or more.

2. Refer to the photo above, place 1 piece of round dumpling wrapper on the gyoza mold, top with meat fillings, close and press tight to form a perfect sealed dumpling.

3. Repeat the same process and makes about 10 dumplings using the gyoza mold.

4. Next bring a pot of 1.5 litres of water to boil with 1/2 teaspoon of oil. Slowly drop in the wrapped dumplings and cook over medium heat.

5. Once the dumplings float on the surface, lower the heat and continue to simmer for another minute. Remove the cooked dumplings and place it in a bowl of water to stand for another 1 minute.

6. Drain well and place the cooked dumpling in a serving plate. Drizzle some sesame oil then pour over the prepared spicy chili oil and top with some extra chopped spring onion and serve.


I use the Lao Gan Ma(老干妈) Chili Flavoured Oil(油辣椒) which you could purchased from either Sheng Siong(昇菘超市) or any provision shop in the wet market to create this Spicy Sauce for my dumplings.(Price:- range from S$1.95 - S$2.50)

Spicy Chili Oil Ingredients:-
2 Tablespoon of Lao Gan Man Chili Flavoured Oil
80ml Hot Water
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon of Vinegar, optional

Method:-
1. Using a microwave safe bowl, reheat the chili flavoured oil on medium heat for about 1 minute or until warm through.

2. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in 80ml of hot water then add it into the prepared chili oil (add vinegar if using) and stir till well combine. Set aside.


Chicken Dumplings With Chili Oil - 紅油抽手



These fried Wontons will definitely be a great finger food or snacks during party or gathering and it goes well with cool icy beer too. You can prepared these ahead by wrapping the dumplings and keep them in the fridge for a few hours or a day before cooking. And these can be a very addictive finger food too... so beware!


DEEP-DRIED WONTONS

Method:-
1. Prepare the same fillings using the above ingredients shown for the dumplings.

2. Refer to the photo above, place about 1 teaspoon of meat filling in the middle of the square wonton wrapper.

3. Brush some water on the top 2 corner of the wrapper, fold it into half to form a triangle.  Pull the 2 edge below to form a diamond shape by sticking the two edge together.

4. Repeat the process to make about 7 Triangles and Diamond shape wontons.

5. Preheat a pot of oil and deep-fried the prepared wonton on medium heat till golden brown, remove and drain well.

6. Serve with desire dipping sauce.


With a little effort done, you can whipped out two homecook dishes by just using one prepared meat fillings. Isn't this wonderful! I am sure your family will loves these quick and simple dish. If spicy food is not your choice, you can always replace it with just light soy sauce.

Non-Spicy Sauce Ingredients:
3/4 Tablespoon of Light Soy Sauce
80ml Hot Water
1/2 Teaspoon Sesame Oil

Method:-
1. Mix all the ingredients together and pour over to the cooked dumplings.


Total cost for these two dishes is about S$4.00 with breakdown shown below:-
Cost of Ingredients:
~ 150g Mince Chicken Meat = S$1.50
~ 3 Water Chestnut = S$0.50
Wonton Wrapper = S$1.00
~ Carrot, Spring Onion, Shallot = S$0.50
~ Chili Flavour Oil = S$0.50


Updates: I am so happy that many of you are interested in this "Gyoza Mold". So in order to increase the chance of winning, I will be giving away "2 Sets" instead of 1 to "2 Lucky" winners. Good Luck, everyone!



GIVEAWAY RESULTS!!!!!





GIVEAWAY RESULTS ARE OUT!
Are you the Lucky One!!!!!

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