TherMe: Black Sesame 'Chiffon' Cake

Credits to Isabel for teaching this yummy cake during one of the meetings & my cooking kaki for her notes <3

Ingredients:

List A

100g black sesame

100g unbleached plain flour

100g yogurt

60g organic raw sugar

40g cooking oil

7 egg yolks

5g sesame oil

1 tsp baking powder

List B

70g organic raw sugar

7 egg whites

1/2 tsp cream of tartar (will personally prefer to replace with 1 tsp of lemon juice)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Pour sesame into mixing bowl & grind 1min / Speed 10 (accidentally poured in the sesame oil too so blended both together..luckily it turned out alright..hee).

2. Add in remaining ingredients in List A then blend at 30s / Speed 6. Transfer to big bowl (skip this step if u've an extra mixing bowl).

3. Wash mixing bowl & dry thoroughly or use another mixing bowl if u've. Insert 'butterfly' whisk b4 putting List B's ingredients in to whip for 4mins / 37°C / Speed 4. Transfer to another big bowl.

(Note: added another 1min / Speed 4 to get a better whipped texture. Can try increasing 1/2 - 1min each time till u achieve stiff peaks if u prefer a fluffier chiffon)

4. Fold A's batter into B's egg white mixture in 3 batches & transfer to a chiffon tin.

5. Bake for 45mins or until a cake tester skewer or toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the centre of the cake. 

6. Invert the tin immediately on a cooling rack then let it cool completely. Remove tin, cut & serve.

For non-Thermomix readers, you can still follow the steps & pictures to grind the sesame using your normal blender & beat ur batter in a normal mixer but u may need to allow for additional preparation time accordingly.

(Note: Do check if ur blender is able to grind dry ingredients. If it can't, you may blend it together with the sesame oil but the sesame may not be ground as finely, depending on the power of ur blender.) 

Simply love the fragrant of this cake <3 Even though the texture differs slightly from normal chiffon cakes, the moistness of it more than compensates for that! 

TherMe: Healthier Wholemeal Butter Cake

Adapted from Butter Cake recipe in 'Perfection with Thermomix in 7 Days'

The "blur sotong" me thought I still had an unopened pack of butter but when I checked the fridge, I realised I was wrong. As I was already all set to bake, I decided to still go ahead. I managed to do some Googling & DIY-ed my own self-raising flour too ~.<

Ingredients:

125g butter, softened (leave it at room temperature for 30mins) & cut into cubes

120g organic wholemeal flour

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp pink salt

3 kampong eggs

80g organic raw sugar

25ml of fresh milk

1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract (double strength)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Lightly grease & line a round tin with baking paper then set aside.

2. Mix flour, baking powder & salt together evenly.

3. Insert 'butterfly' whisk followed by butter & sugar into mixing bowl. Beat for 1.5min / S3.5.

4. Mix 40s / S3.5, adding vanilla extract, and one egg at a time & fresh milk thru the hole in the mixing bowl's lid onto the rotating blades to beat the mixture into a smooth batter.

5. Add flour mixture, mix 30s / S3.5 then transfer cake mixture into prepared cake tin. 

6. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 170°C for 20mins or until a cake tester skewer or toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the centre of the cake.

7. Allow to cool in cake tin for 10mins b4 transferring to a serving plate & cool completely. Cut & serve.

For non-Thermomix readers, you can still follow the steps & pictures to beat ur batter in a normal mixer but you may need to allow for additional preparation time accordingly.

This is my first bake using Thermomix & am loving it <3 It's so convenient with the in-built weighing scale & the batter only took less than 3mins to beat!!! Despite tweaking the original recipe, am glad it turned out successful, tasting as gd as it looks ^.^

Bebemi, Organic Snacks from Korea!

JWoohoooooo! More healthy snacks for BB..look at how excited he was ;)

Bebemi's organic snacks, exclusively distributed by Totsworld Pte Ltd, use selected non-pesticide grain brown rice which actually contains 5x the fibre & 2x the iron of white rice. In addition, the grain bucket is 'rubbed' with the world's first patented technology using ceramic friction heat (about 150°C) without losing the nutrition.

Been a more health conscious mummy, what I love best about them are as follows:

- NO sugar

- NO salt

- NO colour

- NO synthetic additives

- NO preservatives

- NON oil treatment

- NOT baked or fried

Therefore, BB can enjoy the natural taste & aroma of whole grains & vegetables. Furthermore, it's so conveniently packaged with the resealable pouches that you don't have to worry about ensuring freshness once it's opened.

The different types available:

1. Bebemi Lotus Root Rice Cake (for babies 6mo & above) - The bigger size allow little hands to grip & hold easily. The unique non-crunchy texture melts immediately after touching the saliva, melting in your mouth literally! Thus, it neither causes choking (very safe for little ones) nor sticks to your teeth. There's also a very subtle lotus root taste which will suit their palates.

2. Bebemi Stick (for babies 7mo & above) - Despite having a very light taste, BB said he likes them & couldn't stop munching on them. 

3. Bebemi Brown Rice Petite (for babies 8mo & above) - We had this as breakfast with fresh milk & some chopped organic prunes since BB is slightly constipated recently. Honestly speaking, I prefer the rice petite soaked in the milk than on its own..heehee!

4. Bebemi Ring (for toddlers 12mo & above) - Our faves!! The moment I opened it, a nice waft of sweet fragrant drifted into my nostrils. Even though no sugar is added, they actually taste slightly sweet with a toasty citrusy flavour..yummilicious! BB simply couldn't get enough of it & asked for 3 more rounds of top ups!!!

Since they are specially designed for toddlers during their weaning stage (minimum age for consuming is indicated on the top right hand corner), the right sizes which actually get smaller for older babies allow them to grip nicely & this promotes the developments in their brain, motor skills as well as gum or tooth.

Ways to enjoy them:

- Eat as a snack straight from the pack.

- Enjoy as a breakfast ceral for both kids & adults by mixing & stirring well (to release the nutrients) with lukewarm water, milk or yogurt then top with fresh/dried fruits or nuts.

- Lightly crush then use them to top milkshakes / smoothies / salads to further up the nutritional value.

Price & Availabilty:

- Usual price of $8.90 per packet

- Bundle price of $15 for 2 packets at exclusive retailers which include all OG & BHG departmental stores, 1010 Mother and Child & Totsworld website at www.totsworld.com.sg. They'll be available on Redmart soon too.

- Special promotion for readers of Grub n' Grow at $14 for 2 packets or buy 4 at $28 with 1 free packet! This means it only costs $5.60 per packet!!! Simply key in code "GRUBNGROW" during checkout ^_^

Disclaimer: Financial compensation was not received for this post. Samples were sponsored by Totsworld but opinions expressd here are BB's & mine ^.~

About Totsworld Pte Ltd

Totsworld, founded by Qiqi, started in January 2014. Before Totsworld, Qiqi has been selling unique & innovative products to parents ever since her arrival of her first daughter in 2011. In order to ensure the products are of e highest quality & safety standards from the right sources, she made the decision to start her distribution business in 2014. That is how Totsworld started - To bring in quali, innovative & premium products to help parents enjoy their parenthood without the frustrations. In these 2 years, Totsworld has distributed brands to major departmental stores like OG, BHG, Tom & Stefanie, Watsons & several retail chain stores. they have also expanded their business to services such as Babywise Singapore & Balloon Town to provide a one stop holistic solution for parents. All products have been tried & used by herself & her 2 daughters to ensure that both she & her daughters enjoy the products & causes no harmin the process of using it. Because, Qiqi truly believes in the products she bring in & she wants everyone to know about it.

Superb Cheesy Avocado Egg Rolls

Inspiration came as I was prepping a simple lunch for BB. Instead of the Open Faced Sandwich with Avocado & Cheddar Cheese Scrambled Egg which I intended to replicate again, I decided at the eleventh hour to change the method to pan-frying the egg since I was kinda craving for it. The image of an egg-roll immediately appeared in my mind so that's how the end product came about ;)

Ingredients (serve 1 toddler & 1 adult):

4 kampong eggs

1 avocado, slightly mashed

1 tbsp of grated organic cheddar cheese (can double the amount if you prefer it to be more cheesy)

1 tbsp of organic virgin coconut oil (EVCO)

1/8 tsp of freshly grounded black pepper

Directions:

1. Mix 1/2 tbsp of cheese into eggs & beat well. Combine the remaining cheese with the mashed avocado.

2. Heat pan till hot then pour in the EVCO & turn to medium heat to prevent it from smoking. Once the oil starts to 'ripple' very slightly, pour in the egg mixture.

3. Once the egg is almost fully cooked, spread the avocado mixture & sprinkle the pepper over it. 

4. Off the fire & let it cool down slightly before using a spatula to carefully loosen the egg from the pan. 

5. With the help of the spatula & a pair of chopsticks, carefully roll it up from one side to the other. 

6. Transfer to a chopping board (for cooked food / fruits) & cut into 3cm pieces.

I'm quite thrilled with the outcome of my first attempt at an egg roll. As my boy was snacking on some cheese when I was busy grating it, I used cheese sparingly to ensure he doesn't consume too much sodium within the day. I'll definitely add more the next time to up the cheesy factor! BB did like it too but he 'complained' that it was spicy & was thus more interested in another of his fave, tomatoes, instead. My  other 'boy', on the hand, told me that it looks super yummy & asked me to cook it for him soon..hee >.~

In addition, I can't help but mention that I'm getting better at cooking with my WMF stainless steel pan. Practice really makes perfect! At least I don' have to worry about toxic materials being emitted at high temperatures or due to scratches in non-stick pans. So, Mummies or Daddies who feel that you can't cook well, persevere & one day I'm sure you can do it too..keep fighting!!!

Healthy Bubur Chacha - Purple Sweet Potatoes in Fresh Milk

After trying out the Milky Oats With Purple Sweet Potato for Breaky previously, I've cravings for it again but preferably a more soupy version so I omitted the oats today.

Ingredients:

2 cups of fresh milk

2 middle size purple sweet potatoes, skinned & cut into small chunks

Directions:

1. Bring the milk to a boil. 

2. Add in sweet potato then simmer for about 15mins. Serve warm.

Omg!! The taste of this resembles it's counterpart, the bubur chacha even more! Without adding in oats this time, it has an even more distinct milky & sweet potato taste. Yums! Even though the little boy, a milk fanatic who very much prefers his milk straight from the source or cup, initially threw a tantrum after hearing that I was cooking a sweet potato dessert with milk; finally conceded and kept repeating 'Nice nice!!'

Beneficial Combination:

Milk + Sweet Potatoes = Prevent hypertension & arteriosclerosis

Milky Oats With Purple Sweet Potato for Breaky

I was having cravings for banana oats for breakfast this morning. To my disappointment, the bananas were too ripe & had turned brownish inside so into the rubbish bin they went. Since I've a pack of purple sweet potatoes on my countertop, I decided to try something new ;>

Ingredients (serve 2 adults & 1 toddler):

200ml of fresh milk

1/2 cup of organic rolled oats

1 medium size purple sweet potato, skinned & cut into small chunks

Directions:

1. Bring the milk to a boil. 

2. Add in sweet potato & oats then simmer for about 15mins. Serve warm.

What's the end result of my lil' kitchen experiment? The taste is kinda like a lighter version of bubur chacha. Fresh milk definitely doesn't have the strong fragrant of coconut milk but it also doesn't contain as much saturated fats present in the latter. Therefore, it's healthier too. The purple sweet potato gives the porridge a tinge of mild natural sweetness. What surprises me the most is the natural fragrant of the oats which fill my mouth as I chew on. I believe that without the addition of seasonings in my everyday meals, my palate has become more acute to the natural flavours or maybe because there aren't too much sweetness or saltiness to mask them.

Beneficial Combinations:

Milk + Oats = Has the effect of reducing fats & losing weight

Milk + Sweet Potatoes = Prevent hypertension & arteriosclerosis

Red Bean Oats Porridge - Another Immune Boosting Recipe

Another throwback recipe! The first time I tried something like this was in Seoul. Two big pots of red beans & pumpkin porridges outside a stall in a local market captured our attentions. However, to our surprise, it was salted, not sweet. Tasted equally yummy though. As I reminisced over the happy times in Korea, I recalled that I still had a pack of adzuki beans in my cabinet. Without wasting any time, I referred to my guide book for complements of these small red beans & found exactly what I needed..oats! So, here's my sweet version ^.^

Ingredients (serve 2 adults & 1 toddler):

1/2 cup of organic adzuki beans, soaked overnight (or at least 8 hours)

750ml of water

1/2 cup of organic rolled oats

Optional - 1 tsp of molasses or honey (pls exclude for babies less than 1yo)

Directions:

1. Rinse the soaked beans a couple of times then add into the pot of water. 

2. Bring the water to a boil then simmer for about 1hr 15mins or till the red beans soften according to your preference.

3. Pour in the oats & cook for another 15mins.

4. Add molasses or honey (best to wait till it has cooled down significantly before adding as high heat willl destroy some of the nutrients) to taste & serve warm.

Today's actually my second attempt & we still love this simple yet nutritious bowl of warm porridge in our tummies early in the morning. 

Beneficial Combination:

Oats + Red Beans = Enhance constitution & improve immunity

Open Faced Sandwich with Avocado & Cheddar Cheese Scrambled Egg

I was brain-storming as to what I could do for breakfast with the remaining few slices of my bread. When I came across the ripe avocado on my countertop, this idea came to me instanteously!

Ingredients (serve 1 toddler & 1 adult):

3 slices of homemade purple sweet potato bread

3 kampong eggs

3 tbsps (for eggs) + 1 tbsp (topping) of shredded organic cheddar cheese

1 avocado, pitted & mashed

1/2 tsp of lemon juice

A dash of freshly ground black pepper

Some organic extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO)

Directions: 

1. Add lemon juice to the avocado & mix well. Spread generously onto 2 pieces of bread (may lightly toast the bread if desired) & set aside.

2. Beat eggs with the cheese. 

3. Heat up some EVCO till hot. Pour in the eggs & lower the fire to lowest heat. Use a spatula and push inwards to the centre from around the edges. Switch off the fire when the eggs are softly set but yet slightly runny & scoop out the adult's portion. Continue to stir fry the remaining eggs till fully cooked for BB. 

4. Scoop on top of the avocado spread, top with some more cheese & pepper then serve immediately. 

BB finished his with a dollop of plain yogurt & some organic raisins in no time at all. It was a blessing in disguise that BB was having a bit of running nose & I decided not to let him drink the fresh milk which is supposed to create more mucus.

(Note: best not to consume milk with this meal. Refer to 'Harmful Combination' below) 

Healthy & delicious homecooked breakfasts always make the start of our days a better one...I hope they'd have the same greatness on you too! Enjoy!

Beneficial Combination:

Egg + Milk = Improve memory skills

Harmful Combination:

Lemon + Milk = Can affect gastrointestinal function

Organic Apple with Purple Sweet Potato Dessert

A twist to my boy's fave apple & sweet potato purée. As my boy is not much of a water drinker, this is one way to increase his water intake.

Ingredients (serve 1 toddler + 1 adult):

400ml of water

1 purple sweet potato, diced

1 organic apple, diced

1/8 tsp of cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring the sweet potato in water to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes before adding in the apple. Cook for another 10 minutes, mix in the cinnamon & serve warm.

Without any addition of sweeteners, this actually tastes naturally sweet. I think we're just too dependant on sweeteners & seasonings in our daily lives. Once you take that leap of faith to omit them, your taste buds will adjust gradually & you'll also start to embrace the natural flavours of food & eat more healthily with your little ones ;) Happie Grubbing!

Sweet Corn Omelette

Another recipe imparted by my dear Chef Mummy! Super simple yet, super yummy ;p"

Ingredients:

1/2 of a cob of corn, shredded & liquid slightly strained off using hands

2 eggs

Organic extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO)

Directions:

1. Heat up the pan till its sizzling hot (drop some water on the pan & the water will sizzle). 

2. Pour in some EVCO & swirl it around to coat the entire bottom of the pan. 

3. Mix the corn & eggs together then pour into the pan. Lower the fire & let it cook till the underside has turned slightly golden. Flip it over & cook till the eggs are fully cooked.

My boy loves it, most likely due to the sweetness in this corn omelette. Good to pair with rice or can be eaten alone as breakfast too =)

Banana Organic Rolled Oats Porridge with Strawberries

Similar ingredients as yesterday's breakfast but just let your creative juice flow & it'll turn out differently ~.^

Ingredients (serve 2 adults + 1 toddler):

1/2 cup of organic rolled oats

2 cups of fresh milk / water

3 big bananas, slightly mashed

9 strawberries, sliced

1/4 tsp of cinnamon

Directions:

1. Bring the milk / water to boil then add the oats in & cook for 3 minutes.

2. Add bananas & cinnamon in & cook for another 2 minutes. Top with strawberries & serve warm.

Yums!

Beneficial Combinations:

Banana + Milk = Improve the absorption of vitamin B12

Banana + Oats = Increase the levels of serotonin & improve sleep

Milk + Strawberry = Refreshing & thirst quenching

Milk + Oats = Has the effect of reducing fats & losing weight

Steamed Sweet Potatoes with Pear Puree

Due to the recent contamination of apples from US, some mummies have expressed their concerns & refrained from buying apples for now eventhough the AVA has commented that Singapore did not import the affected batches. Since I had just ran out of apples and there were some nice juicy pears sitting in my fridge, I decided to substitute the apples with pears for BB's fave puree.

Ingredients (serve 1 toddler & 1 adult)

2 sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed

1 Asian pear, cubed

Directions:

1. Steam the sweet potatoes (I'm using my Avent Combined Steamer & Blender) for 10 minutes.

2. Add the pear & steam for another 5 minutes.

3. Blend & serve warm.

This combination is just as good as the apple version, if not, better! As pears tend to be juicier than apples, this purée has more moisture in it & is very sweet-tasting too.