Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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HEALTH
Chinese Vegetarian Cooking
Diabetic Cooking Guide
DessertUniversity.com Dessert tutorials
HEALTH
Moist Cake Recipes For New Year's Eve
Actually after posting this, i would be heading to my kitchen to make my favorite cake...chocolate moist cake....oh yummy and so soft. Do you wanna know what is the secret to a "moist cake"? Its simple...mayonnaise! Just add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise to the regular ingredients and mixed up into the batter before baking. Mayonnaise contains oil (always a necessary item in baking a moist cake), egg whites (known for giving cakes a fluffy lift) and vinegar (a natural preservative). I only knew this secret a while ago while browsing some moist cake recipe and i would love to try it today! You too wanna try?
Here are some collection of moist cake recipe, feel free to chose which flavor you like most:
CHOCOLATE MOIST CAKE
2 c. flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. cocoa
1 c. oil
1 c. hot coffee
1 c. milk
2 eggs
FROSTING:
1 pkg. cream cheese
1 tbsp. milk
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
Combine all ingredients except black hot coffee. Mix. Add hot coffee. Batter will be thin. Pour into 9x13 pan. Bake 30 minutes at 375 degrees.When cooled, combine cream cheese, milk and powdered sugar. Frost then serve.
SUPER MOIST CAKE
2 c. sugar
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. brewed coffee (cooled)
1 c. cocoa
1 c. mayonnaise
2 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
Mix all ingredients together and pour in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees. This makes a real dark chocolate cake. It is very moist and good especially if you like the taste of coffee.
GRANDMA'S MOIST CAKE
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 c. salad dressing or mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. cocoa
1 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Blend in mayonnaise, water, and vanilla until well blended. Bake in two greased 9 inch layer pans at 350 degrees for 25 minutes until done. Cool slightly before removing to wire racks. 1/2 c. vegetable shortening or butter 2 egg whites 2 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. salt
Cream together 1/2 of the sugar with the shortening. Add stiffly beaten egg whites, salt, and remainder of sugar. Add vanilla; beat until smooth.
See for more moist cake recipe
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND A BOUNTIFUL NEW YEAR!!!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Happy Moo Year!
As we welcome Year 2009, you might want to know what 2009 could hold for you. This is based on the reading of Master Yu Yang from Taiwan. Happy New Year!!!
Born in the Year of the Pig - 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995Pig are tremendous fortitude and great honesty. They don't make many friends but they make them for life, and are extremely loyal. They are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling.
2009 You may travel a lot on wok this year, but its unlikely that you will be rewarded financially. Single pigs may meet someone special and if you are already in a relationship, this is a good year to get married.
Born in the Year of the Rat - 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996
Rats are noted for their calm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions and are likely to be perfectionists. Rats are easily angered, have big ambitions and are usually very successful.
2009 Overall a good year for the Rat in terms of career and love aspect and you will experience good returns for your investments this year. Single Rats may meet someone special, but it will be a difficult relationship.
Articulate, talented and ambitious, Rabbit are virtuous and have excellent taste. They are admired, trusted and are often financially lucky. They make good business people and never back out of a contract.
2009 A great year for the Rabbit! There are advancement at work and in your love life. If you are single, you could meet the right person this year. There are some health concerns surrounding the family, so take care.
Born in the Year of the Ox - 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 2009
Those born in the year of the Ox have fierce temper and although they speak little, when they do, they are quite eloquent. They are mentally and physically alert and although easy going, can be remarkably stubborn.
2009 Spend time wisely and plan your expenses well in advance. At work, maintain a low profile and be humble about achievement. Strengthen ties with family members and partners to avoid conflict. If you are already experiencing a health problem get it checked soon - don't wait.
Born in the Year of the Tiger - 1914, 1926, 1938, 19 50, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
Although tigers are sensitive and capable of great sympathy, they can be extremely short-tempered. Courageous and powerful, people have great respect for them, but they are often suspicious of others.
2009 Money matters aren't looking good, so be humble a work and success will be yours. Spend wisely during the first six months and the est of the year will see comfortably through. If you have a stable partner, you could tie a knot this year.
Born in the Year of the Rabbit - 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1999
Articulate, talented and ambitious, Rabbit are virtuous and have excellent taste. They are admired, trusted and are often financially lucky. They make good business people and never back out of a contract.
2009 A great year for the Rabbit! There are advancement at work and in your love life. If you are single, you could meet the right person this year. There are some health concerns surrounding the family, so take care.
Born in the Year of the Dragon - 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
Dragons are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn. They are also honest sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. Because dragons are soft-hearted, others are taking advantage of them.
2009 There are lot of support from work, so problems will be easily overcome. Your hard work will pay off and opportunities will come your way. Don't let rumours or nasty remarks affects your performance. Also avoid gambling this year.
Born in the Year of the Snake - 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
Those born in the year of the snake says little and posses great wisdom. They are financially fortunate and although vain, selfish, and a tad b it stingy, they have tremendous sympathy of others and try to help those who are less fortunate.
2009 Money and career prospect will improve this year, so invest wisely and multiply your wealth. In love you need to communicate more. Single snakes could meet that special someone this year.
Born in the Year of the Horse - 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990Popular, cheerful and skillful with money and perceptive, Horse can sometimes talk too much. They are wise, talented and good with their hands, but are also impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. Horse are independent and rarely listen to advice.
2009 This could be a year filled with mistakes, but that's nothing to worry about as you have good network.You could also meet someone special but the relationship will not last. Control your money and don't spend impulsively.
Born in the Year of the Goat - 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Rams are shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life, and are usually deeply religious yet timid by nature. They never have to worry about having the best in life or tier abilities make money for them, and they are able to enjoy the comforts that they like.
2009 Maintain a low profile at work and don't be too hasty to leave your job or move houses just yet. Money matters don't look good, so avoid gambling o lending money.
Born in the Year of the Monkey - 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Clever, skillful and flexible, Monkeys are remarkably inventive and original and can solve difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which monkeys wouldn't be successful in but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others.2009 Maintain a low profile at work and don't be too hasty to leave your job or move houses just yet. Money matters don't look good, so avoid gambling o lending money.
Born in the Year of the Monkey - 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 20042009 Very good year for monkey. A promotion at work is possible, and if you are married, you can expect a new family member. If you are a male monkey, take rest and avoid stress.
Born in the Year of the Rooster - 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005Loyal and trustworthy, people born in the year of t he rooster are sociable, very accomplished and usually well-dressed. Shrewed and daring, they are outspoken and boastful by nature and they always think they are right...and very often they are!
2009 You may experience some health problems this year, although work and money matters are not affected. There's a possibility of a promotion at work and love issues are also looking good.
Born in the Year of the Dog - 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Loyal, faithful and true, Dogs make the best friends and often inspire confidence in others. They are also always willing to help those i need. They make good listeners and are usually good companions for the more demonstrative o gregarious personalities of the zodiac.
2009 Remain hardworking and here will be plenty of opportunities for success in gaining wealth. Avoid gambling and be wary of a third party interfering your relationship. If you are single you will meet someone, but he or she will not be the right person for you.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Do You Love Lasagna?
Lasagna is made of pasta layered with a sauce, cheese, vegetables, and usually some type of meat. It's a perfect make-ahead recipe and can easily feed a crowd. Lasagna also freezes very well, so when you're making a recipe, double it!
It's almost impossible to ruin lasagna. The noodles are now no-boil, so you can just layer the food and bake it. Pasta sauces come in all flavors, and cheeses are pre-grated and so easy to use.
Lasagna doesn't have to be made in a casserole; recipes for skillet lasagna provide the same flavors and textures with less work. And you can even make lasagna in the crockpot! So it's up to you; a layered dish you can make ahead, a lasagna that cooks all day, or a skillet creation that's last minute. Let's cook! Hmmmmm so yummy and its perfect for holiday to prepare!
Chicken Lasagna
Prep Time: 26 minutesLasagna doesn't have to be made in a casserole; recipes for skillet lasagna provide the same flavors and textures with less work. And you can even make lasagna in the crockpot! So it's up to you; a layered dish you can make ahead, a lasagna that cooks all day, or a skillet creation that's last minute. Let's cook! Hmmmmm so yummy and its perfect for holiday to prepare!
Chicken Lasagna
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (8-ounce) package sliced mushrooms
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cups cubed, cooked chicken
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
1 (16-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
1/2 cup milk12 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded Havarti cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13" x 9" glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and red bell pepper; cook and stir for 4 minutes longer. Add chicken and remove from heat.
In medium saucepan, combine cream cheese, Alfredo sauce, and milk. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Stir into chicken mixture.
Meanwhile, soak the no-boil noodles in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain, but do not pat dry. In small bowl, combine Havarti and mozzarella cheeses.
Place 1/2 cup of the chicken sauce in the bottom of prepared baking dish. Top with one-third of noodles, one-third of the chicken mixture, then one-third of the mixed cheeses. Repeat layers, ending with cheeses. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
At this point you can cover the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheeses are melted and starting to brown. If refrigerated, add another 10-15 minutes to baking time. Serves 10
Easy Lasagna
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb. Italian sausage
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese
28-oz. jar chunky pasta sauce with vegetables
9 no-boil lasagna noodles
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook Italian sausage in a heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring to break up meat, until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain well. Mix cooked sausage, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese in medium bowl.
Place about 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in 9" square baking dish. Top with three lasagna noodles, then with 1/3 of sausage filling. Repeat layers, ending with spaghetti sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and return to oven. Bake 5-10 minutes longer until cheese is melted and browned. 6 servings
You can add 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained, to the sausage mixture if you like - this adds nutrition and color, but of course that makes six ingredients!
Cheesy Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (8-ounce) package sliced mushrooms
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cups cubed, cooked chicken
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
1 (16-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
1/2 cup milk12 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded Havarti cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13" x 9" glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and red bell pepper; cook and stir for 4 minutes longer. Add chicken and remove from heat.
In medium saucepan, combine cream cheese, Alfredo sauce, and milk. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Stir into chicken mixture.
Meanwhile, soak the no-boil noodles in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain, but do not pat dry. In small bowl, combine Havarti and mozzarella cheeses.
Place 1/2 cup of the chicken sauce in the bottom of prepared baking dish. Top with one-third of noodles, one-third of the chicken mixture, then one-third of the mixed cheeses. Repeat layers, ending with cheeses. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
At this point you can cover the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheeses are melted and starting to brown. If refrigerated, add another 10-15 minutes to baking time. Serves 10
Easy Lasagna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb. Italian sausage
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese
28-oz. jar chunky pasta sauce with vegetables
9 no-boil lasagna noodles
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook Italian sausage in a heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring to break up meat, until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain well. Mix cooked sausage, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese in medium bowl.
Place about 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in 9" square baking dish. Top with three lasagna noodles, then with 1/3 of sausage filling. Repeat layers, ending with spaghetti sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and return to oven. Bake 5-10 minutes longer until cheese is melted and browned. 6 servings
You can add 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained, to the sausage mixture if you like - this adds nutrition and color, but of course that makes six ingredients!
Cheesy Skillet Lasagna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups uncooked mafalda (mini lasagna noodles)
28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese2
Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmean cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Preparation:
In heavy skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain thoroughly. Add uncooked noodles, spaghetti sauce and water to meat in skillet. Mix well and bring to a boil, then cover skillet, reduce heat and cook 15-17 minutes until noodles are tender, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano in a small bowl until blended.
Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly over cooked mixture in skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and mixture is hot. Remove from heat and uncover. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 6 servings
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups uncooked mafalda (mini lasagna noodles)
28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese2
Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmean cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Preparation:
In heavy skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain thoroughly. Add uncooked noodles, spaghetti sauce and water to meat in skillet. Mix well and bring to a boil, then cover skillet, reduce heat and cook 15-17 minutes until noodles are tender, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano in a small bowl until blended.
Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly over cooked mixture in skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and mixture is hot. Remove from heat and uncover. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 6 servings
Friday, December 19, 2008
Crisp Peking Duck
Are you craving for Duck? Here's a simplified version of the famous Peking Duck to try out this Christmas holiday and New Year. This is a version of Kylie Kwong, TV host of Discovery Travel and Living.
I remember when we were having a deliberation on our Provincial Development Plan at Manila, Philippines with former Governor P.T. Murillo, Jr. We had lunch at the chinese restaurant in front of SM Mega Mall and ordered Peking Duck. That was my first time eating a Duck! but i tell you the taste was fantastic - crispy, a little bit of sweetness. You eat the crispy skin with a salad leaf and put some gavy on it. The bone they made soup and they made another dish for the meat which you will eat with a special homemade wholemeal bread. If i have a chance to go back to that restaurant i will still order the same.
Duck are famous with chinese people and they said Peking Duck is a Prosperous Dish for 2009.
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized whole duck
3 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp hoi sin sauce
1/4 tsp five spice powder
4 liters boiling water
1 tsp corn syrup (or cooked corn starch)
1 tsp maltose (or honey)
1 tsp white vinegar
Method:
I remember when we were having a deliberation on our Provincial Development Plan at Manila, Philippines with former Governor P.T. Murillo, Jr. We had lunch at the chinese restaurant in front of SM Mega Mall and ordered Peking Duck. That was my first time eating a Duck! but i tell you the taste was fantastic - crispy, a little bit of sweetness. You eat the crispy skin with a salad leaf and put some gavy on it. The bone they made soup and they made another dish for the meat which you will eat with a special homemade wholemeal bread. If i have a chance to go back to that restaurant i will still order the same.
Duck are famous with chinese people and they said Peking Duck is a Prosperous Dish for 2009.
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized whole duck
3 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp hoi sin sauce
1/4 tsp five spice powder
4 liters boiling water
1 tsp corn syrup (or cooked corn starch)
1 tsp maltose (or honey)
1 tsp white vinegar
Method:
- wash the duck removing all the innards and hang to dry for about 15 minutes
- marinate by rubbing salt, pepper, hoi sin sauce and five spice powder inside the duck. Place it in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours
- hold duck upright and pour hot boiling water onto its body until it puffs slightly
- in a bowl, mix corn syrup, maltose and vinegar. Brush the duck with a thin layer of this mixture and hang it in a dry area (with the fan on) for 4 to 5 hours.
- preheat oven to 200C and roast the duck for 40 min.
- leave it to rest for 10 min. before caring out slices to serve.
Serves 6
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