Me and my friend were looking through some sites for some awesome Taiwanese recipes.. and we happened to drop by yours and see “Spiritual food”.

How marvelous to see you are a Christian and believe in our Saviour, Lord Jesus!!

We went to your church website and we were curious which day your Sabbath day is on..?

God bless! ^^

p.s. we are Christians too.. feel free to browse our website and beliefs!

Lee, DFW

Thought of dropping you a note to say Hi as I’m here in USA. Have been here since July 19 and will be leaving San Francisco for back home on Sept 16. Just as you sis visited you, I visited mine ).

Till later….take care & God Bless!

Great photo shots of a lovely family!

I think you and your sister looks quite alike

You can go to my blogspot and just below bloglist to search for An English Affair with Fraser’s Hill (Butterfly) and click. I’ve gather some photos and create this blog. Both me and June are Christian and we attended Methodist Church around our P.J area. We love Jesus.

Amen

Regarding how I comes to know your blog. I was always browsing on Lily web for recipes and looks into all her blog links so happen I came across about you on your family and parent background have something to do with Fraser’s Hill.Both me and my sis June is still single. It is a trend in my family also my cousin (F.Hill). We get used to being all this while staying with our parent and takes thing easy. After I finished my O’level, I took an accounting course and started working in private firm. I’m in my late forty and leave my job ten year ago to help my sis (June) to run an art center. We operate in a shoplot (K.L) and business was good. Most of our customer are expat from Japan,Singapore, America,Australia and some local elite. After the economy boon in China most of the expat have left for malaysia in early 2001, we were affected and decided to operate it in learning center and kindergarten. We have allocated our studio to our own double storey house in other town (Subang Jaya). We do not expect any influx of foreigner coming to Malaysia anymore due to world economy and political crisis. We hope to travel and teach those which have passion in this Decorative painting.

Bye!

GOD Bless

My advise is to use the Malaysian Curry Powder, if you are shooting for the Malaysian curry puffs taste.

1 1/2 tsp kurma powder or chicken curry powder
2 tsp meat or chicken curry powder

if i were to use chicken curry powder for both, meaning i add in 3 1/2 tsp of chicken curry powder? will the taste differ?

You have reached more than one person’s heart.

Not sure if you realized this – I noticed today that even though everything else you have shared has crashed on us, the comments from the people you have touched are still here. Let this encourage you to continue to write and share – because this is the reason for our love of writing and our calling to share.

If I exercise my freedom to speak my mind and say what I think,
but do not have love,
I am just a squeaky wheel or a dripping faucet.
If I know the mysteries of how to please a man
and the guidelines of a Proverbs 31 wife,
but do not have love,
I am just going through the motions.
If I submit myself to my husband in total availability,
and do not give myself in love,
I am but a pitiful marital martyr.

A wife’s love is patient with all her husband’s “big ideas,”
adaptable to his preferences,
and supportive of his leadership.

The love of a Christian wife does not nag;
does not keep a running list of all the times he has hurt her feelings.
It is not provoked when he does not pick up his own things,
does not come home when he says he will,
or wants to do something at inconvenient times.

In love for her husband a wife will keep herself attractive,
join him in his recreational pursuits,
and express her admiration for him often.

A wife’s love bears all the insensitivities,
believes that God will mold the marriage and the man as He desires,
hopes that God will be glorified in what they do,
and endures the inevitable marital conflicts (OK – fights!).

All the feminist propaganda will disappear.
All the latest fashion styles will soon be old-fashioned.
All the material things will break down and deteriorate.

Now abides faith in God’s sufficiency,
Hope for a marriage that glorifies God,
But the greatest of these is Love
that puts the other first so as to enjoy God’s intent for marriage.

By Jim Fowler

As I mentioned to you in my email, my shoulder is hurting and too much typing aggravates the pain. And when my spiritual food page kept crashing, I thought it was a sign. I have spent a lot of time developing that page and my hope had been, if only it can touch a person’s heart and make a difference in their lives.

What I realized is God will lead people to my blog in His time, if that is in His will.

You were led to my blog and I praise Him for allowing me the opportunity to meet you. You are the daffodil that is blooming. My heart is filled with joy.

We can change the world with small increments of daily efforts, just like the old lady with daffodils spread across the road leading up to her home. She planted the 50 000 daffodils, one at a time with 2 hands, 2 feet and with very little brain.

We can simply blog about what God is doing in our lives, what verses He is using to comfort or encourage us.

For the high stock, I usually make it with pork bones. I try to choose the part of the bone that is shaped like a T. A great tip from one good friend and sister in Christ now. If you cook these bones a long, long time, you can even eat these bones! They are quite delicious if you have the time to eat them. Must be super high in calcium.

When I make Hai Nan Chicken, I use a whole chicken. The water that is used to simmer the chicken (marinated with salt, green onion, garlic and ginger) is delicious.

I don’t think I have tried making high stock with beef bones yet. If I make Vietnamese pho beef noodles, I simply use beef stock from can. It is very flavorful and convenient. One other high stock that I make is the water from cooking beef shank for Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup.

Hope that helps…

this is what dim sum restaurants do, they do not start a new dough everyday, not sure if the “dough starter” works indefinitely.

Thank you for your extract of 1 Cor 13 on wives and love. It is very uplifting and I hope to be able to practise them. I don’t think it is a coincidence but my recent prayer has been to have God lead us into a marriage that glorifies Him. Also in my prayer is to learn to love and forgive, seventy times seven. Your post has renewed my faith. Thanking you and His words through you!

I don’t think it is a coincidence that verse of the day in Biblegateway is as follows:

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11-12

Your comment means a lot to me. May we continue to grow and be more like Christ.

You have shown me how Christ can be alive in life no matter the circumstance – that is your love for those you don’t even know. Thanking God for you!

We are all faced with different challenges at different stages of our lives. However, God is faithful, He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13 is one of my favorite verse.

Continue to encourage your granddaughter to go potty after drinking. Reward her when she does. Your family is blessed to have you around to help out.

…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Thanks for coming by.

I’ll be starting on a 20 week Old Testament Survey in church this coming week…2009 is the year for me to devote more time towards God. He has always been faithful to us though at times some of us may have been faithless.

Thanks to you and a few others, you all have been good servants as I’m reminded to continue my walk with the Lord, amidst my busy schedule. God Bless you and family!

Using left over dough from round 2 is good information to have. Thanks for trying that out and sharing that tip.

I am excited when my readers have success in trying out the recipes I post on my blog (especially the really complicated ones, like this one). Thanks again for trying and for your return feedback.

Regarding the dough starter, you can also save some of the fluffy char siu bao dough for use as dough starter the next time. This way, you will not need to use additional yeast, or make additional starter dough. I tried this, and it worked pretty well at round 3. (Round 1 = dough starter with yeast per your recipe, round 2= with dough starter from round1, round3 = with left over dough from round 2).

You asked if I had seen little black spots on the spare dough starter after 3-4 days. Not on my dough starter but I have seen little black spots on pizza dough before, on some premade dough that I bought from a local store. I thought it was mold cause it didn’t smell good, so I threw the dough away. Additionally, I found a link on google if you are interested in why bluish-black spots appear on pizza dough. Hope that helps…

I kept a spare dough starter, and after 3-4 days, there are little black spots on them. Smelled ok, and do not look like mold or anything. Have you ever seen this?

Thanks

If I select the dough setting, it will go through a couple series of dough kneading. I am not sure if that is similar to what you have been reading. The dough setting is what I choose and I only select it once to prepare my dough. After I select the dough setting on the bread machine, it will start the kneading, punching etc. I think it will stop for a few seconds between kneading. Perhaps that is the transition from first series to second series? Then it will stop and let the dough rise at a controlled temperature. At this time, I leave the dough in the bread machine to rise. When time is up, the machine will beep. I take the dough out and start dividing the dough up to make my individual buns.

There was a time when I forgot to scrape the mixture from the sides. That was when I had to stop the bread machine and start the kneading process again. A good friend of mine told me once that dough loves to be knead. I guess it doesn’t hurt if we over-knead the dough just make sure that we don’t over-rise the dough. Over risen dough will have a yeasty smell.

Hope that helps.

Wish you a merry Xmas for you and your family in the weeks ahead.

Thanks a lot… Will try out the recipe today.

May I know the grams equivalent of the cup measurements? It seems that there are different measures btw asian n US.

Thanks.

Will post a new article in the coming weeks. Still practicing on my new DSLR.

Here’s the information for the Farmers Market in Beaverton.

Beaverton Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:00 – 1:30 (Mid May – October)
Wednesdays, 3:00 – 6:00 (Mid June – August)
Hall blvd, between 3rd & 5th sts
Ginger Rapport • (503) 643-5345
market@beavertonfarmersmarket.com • http://www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com
PO Box 4 Beaverton, OR 97075

We also enjoy going to the Portland Farmer’s Market near Portland State University. Here’s the link to all the Farmer’s Market in Oregon.

There are days when my mind is set to run but physically, I am tired. And then, there are days, when I am physically healthy, but I am not abiding in the Lord. But God is merciful. He continues to provide and protect.

Thanks for dropping by.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? Matthew 7:9-10

There is a reason why He chose to give you the gifts. He knows you will thank Him for His blessings. And that pleases Him.

I don’t have a bread machine so I kneaded the dough myself. It was rather hard at the beginning and took me quite sometime (at least 2o minutes) to get everything evenly into the dough. I kneaded the dough until it was elastic (however, mine was not as smooth as a baby’s butt…) and then I put the dough into my oven with light on. I also put a glass of warm water into the oven and let the dough rise for about three hours. Best dough ever!:) Thank you so much for sharing!

You are all standing on the side-lines cheering for me. For that, I thank you.

Last Saturday, a Sister asked, “When do we know we are running?” That was an interesting question.

I thought about my own life. Perhaps, I started to run when:
I began my blog?
I started my Spiritual Food blog?
I first went back to church after 15 years?
I started to pray for my families’ salvation?
I began to read God’s words?
I began to forgive others?
I began to love others unconditionally and care for their souls instead?
I began to battle bad thoughts?
I understood that Jesus died for me?

I can’t say an exact date of when I started this race but I know I am running now. And this race will lead me to see my Heavenly Father.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

This afternoon, I found God’s words and I understood why God hasn’t answered my prayers, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces” in Matthew 7:6. A person who is self sufficient, who is physically healthy, will not be able to find God because he is not in need. This person will find sermons boring.

God has been waiting for me all these years while continue to give me blessings one after another. He knows me well. He knows exactly what I needed and what it would take to turn me around.

This afternoon, a young lady opened her heart to God at our church. She prayed that God will take care of her newborn son. Although it was the first time that she came to a church, she opened her heart to God and prayed that God will heal her child. It was a powerful prayer.

God says in Matthew 7:7-11,

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

I have faith that in God’s time, He will answer all our prayers. And so, I will continue to pray. God who created this world, can surely melt the heart of a self-sufficient person. Hopefully, God continues to show His mercy and bring His lost child back home.

God is working to save lives through believers who has relationships with Him, because He loves ALL of us. Only now that I see friends and relatives around me going through trials in their lives that I feel God’s love for me. I thank God for each day that I wake up healthy and my girls are safe.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Truly, God had provided me a way out so that I can stand up under my temptations. It may seemed at the time of suffering, the pain was unbearable. Looking back, God was faithful and he had not let me be tempted beyond what I could bear.

Past Sunday, I had thoughts of standing up and walk home in the middle of the sermon because I could not stop crying. Instead, I stayed. I had battled my mind with Psalm 23 where God says, His rod and staff can comfort me.

Great to see an addition to your foodblog – I sure am missing it!

Your quotes from Groberg’s writing reminds me of a song I love – Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns – it’s so true that we are torn between voices of truth and the lies. Let our eyes and ears see the truth and know our worth!

I was searching online and stumbled upon your blog-i am from Port Klang, and am currently residing in the US ! Klang Caught my eye on your blog, and am delighted to come across your page!

Although my Mom is not a believer, I can see that God was working in her already. When she was visiting us last year, she was craving for a kind of cracker. It turned out that cracker was “thrown” to her in Malaysia, when she was a little girl. These crackers were from Christian missionaries.

I continue to see miracle in this little boy’s life. And his Mom’s testimony and kindness encourages me to treasure the small things in life.

p/s Saw the photos you took at Croatia. The signs with intricate details coated with gold is interesting. Thanks for trying out my egg tarts. It is so rewarding to see someone try out the recipes I posted on my blog and have great success with the recipe.

As you can see above, Mrs HBT, because of seeing this special child and his mother, your mom stopped disapproving of your going to church.

God had placed three beautiful babies in my care but too often, my flesh is weak and don’t do a good job as a guardian. I can’t imagine what an awful Mom I will be if God had wrapped my babies in an unattractive paper. This little boy is very blessed to have a very kind mother. When my Mom met this sister for the first time at her home, my Mom no longer had problems with me going to church.

I made salmon much like the one that I blogged about here, except with a spicy Penang Thai Sauce on the side.

The girls are taking swimming lessons these few weeks and next week I will join them and learn how to swim! It is feeling of fear and excitement all at the same time.

Relationships don’t thrive because the guilty are punished but because the innocent are merciful – Max Lucado. I am doing better and better by the day. Discovering God’s secrets thru His words, church, journaling, and friendships helps me through each day.

Your comment reminded me of the song, Amazing Grace, “was blind, but now I see”. I am starting to look with my soul’s eyes and I am thankful for my blessings.

My other friend who has two autistic children was comforted by God’s words when she read the following verse in the Bible.

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. John 9:3

One day, the work of God will be displayed in this little boy’s life.

I like your blog. It’s interesting. I have my food blog to share with you, too. Do come visit mine. Thanks!

Thanks for the touching God’s Secret story linked. It’s not often easy to find the learning in every adversity we encounter, but it is there if we look with our soul’s eyes. Hugs.

Hi Kenny,
Yes, common theme, much like my blog. Food for the physical body and for the soul.

p/s
Thanks for faithfully leaving me comments. Now, I am a little hesitant to post my next article for fear that it may cause burden on your busy schedule.

I believe in the sun
even when it’s not shining
I believe in love
even when I don’t feel it
I believe in God
even when He is silent

Each time I have doubts or negative thoughts, I usually come back to my journal and start reading how God comforted me with His words. The lyrics to this song is a great addition to my collection.

Thanks Sister!

Have been out of action for awhile and pop by today.

Started to read your post on doubts and negative thoughts – reminded me of the song I heard on the radio on my way to work. It’s by Barlowgirl, “I believe in love”. Loved the part of lyrics which said “I believe in the sun even if it’s not shining”.

Thought I’ll share this with you and may all of us be encouraged!

I like this particular epicurious recipe for Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup. If you like thicker soup, I suggest that you use beef stock in place of water.

As far as the pickled mustard greens, I usually get mine in the refrigerator section of the local Asian supermarket. Here’s a link with a photo of how the package looks like. The first photo (though, not sure if it is that exact brand) is the kind that I buy.

I usually buy the kind that is in vacuum seal plastic packaging. Rinse, drain the mustard green and cut into 1 inch pieces. Then stir fry it with thin strips of ginger. If you like, add thinly sliced fresh red chilies.

One package is good for at least two servings of the above recipe, so I would seal the extra mustard green, “juice” and all and leave it in the refrigerator until the next time I make this dish again.

Hope that helps…

One of the things holding us back is the pickled/salted greens they serve with the dish. We’ve never been able to figure out what that is nor how to make it. Any hints?

Thanks for sharing and I’m bookmarking this one to make real soon.

The Kangaroo picture looks weird to you? OK. I have to admit, I was fooled. I think I posted this article a bit too hasty. Looking back, I feel kinda dumb. I guess that it is a reminder for me to walk more in the spirit.

My multipurpose pan is 18″ x 26″ and is almost twice the size of the pan that SD used. I just doubled all the ingredients to make the cake but kept the same temperature as SD.

I believe a swiss roll pan can fit into your oven. I recommend that you use SD’s recipe. SD is also very good at answering questions. So, feel free to leave him a comment if you need to.

Have fun making and eating this cake. I sure did!

The largest baking pan I can fit into my oven is approximately 17″ x 12″. The size that you use in the recipe seems to be quite a bit larger. If I use the one that I have, do I need to adjust the baking time and/or ingredients?

Thank you,

Janice

There are desert buns as well. I have tried coffee doughs as dessert buns, such as walnut buns and braided raisin buns topped with sliced almonds.

You boys are very talented. I am sure you will be able to churn out something beautiful and delicious.

Your recipe is exactly enough for 12 tarts, and I used the 1-cup measuring cup to cut out the rounds of pastry. To give it the homemade flavour, I generously buttered the muffin pans with semi-melted butter. I also lessened the sugar by 1 tsp and added 2g of vanilla sugar instead.
Your 20 minutes’ baking time is also exactly right. Yummy! I’ve eaten four already (this is dinner!). Thanks very much, genius Mrs HBT.

Please nurtured her good and kind attributes and I am sure when she grows up to adulthood, she will always be there for you in good time and trying period.

Wishing you a Happy and joyous “Mother’s Day”
Love
Pa and mom

Siu Mai recipe is almost fail-proof unlike making breads or cakes. You will enjoy making and eating them.

Even though it took me several trials to get the Egg Tarts right, the result is so rewarding. Now, Little Dragon only eats warm Egg Tart because she has tasted the best.

Thank you for the wonderful recipes. I’m here for the Siu Mai. (Guess my next one would be egg tarts — yum!)

So, do rest assure that the photo would have been a creation from the photoshop and what-not in advance technology!

I am assuming that you haven’t actually seen square watermelon in your local Japanese stores right? I read that square watermelons are more expensive. Perhaps it is the way that they are being grown. They enclose the growing watermelon in a small see-through square plastic container. The growing watermelon will then conform to the shape of the plastic container.

I have not tried to substitute cake flour for plain flour (i.e. Deviate too much from the dough recipe).

I have used the remaining dough to make “Mantou” before. Simply roll the dough into a 1 or 2 inch wide strip and cut into 1 or 2 inch pieces. The larger the pieces, the larger the Mantou, the longer you have to steam. Let the Mantou stand for 10 minutes then steam them for about 12 minutes. I usually over-steam my dough to make sure that it is cooked thoroughly using a bamboo steamer.

thanks a lot for the recipe.
i am yet to try it.
have some questions first though.

when making the dough – about how long do you think i’d need to knead it for? coz its not really mentioned in each step.

if i substitute plain flour for cake flour would it turn out with a better result?

and lastly, what else can you make with the remaining dough from the dough starter? someone mentioned mantou. do you know how i would go about that?

sorry for all the questions!
=))

But I don’t know ab. the grocery shopping with a kangaroo. Is the picture taken in Japan? That poor kangaroo has become a beast of burden.

This morning I woke up with the image in my mind. I had an uneasy feeling. Kangaroos were created to jump and carry their baby in their pouches. The shackles on the Kangaroo’s feet bothered me.

When I received your comment, I thought, what if it was after all a fake photoshop picture? There are so many information on the internet these days. What’s real and what’s fake? Who do you trust?

Thanks for your comment. You have made me a little wiser today.

Dear Lydia,
Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to leave me a comment. And such an honor to get a personal comment from the famous writer herself. Really looking forward to seeing your book, “Honk, if you are a Malaysian” in the US’s bookstores soon.

Since I received your comment about trying this recipe out, I have added a few more notes. I also double checked the recipe making sure that the weights and ingredients are all correct. It is good to go.

I heard that rice in Asia is more expensive now. Although bread is no substitute for rice, it is a good alternative. Ham and Corn Bun has protein, fiber and carbohydrate. It makes a great snack for kids, a convenient lunch for busy Moms and most of all it freezes well for future use.

I make 6 big buns or 12 smaller buns from the above recipe. If we don’t finish all of the buns, I wrap each baked bun in a plastic wrap and put them in the freezer. Frozen buns can be defrosted over night. And the next day for breakfast, wrap in aluminum foil, reheat in the oven and the bun will taste like fresh bake.

God is very good to me. Often, when I focused on my troubles, I forget how good He is to me.

This morning, I started to read the book, “Captured by Grace, no one is beyond the reach of a loving God” by David Jeremiah.

“Yes, My Child. How you’ve grown since you first came to know Me! You’re becoming wiser and stronger every day. There was a time when you could rejoice only when the sun was shining. But now, your soul is taking on real substance. Now you are becoming sturdy and strong.”

By this time, I was crying because I relate to everything that he wrote.

Guess what? He continues with the following.

“Though you eyes are presently filled with tears, My child, and though your shoulders sag with unhappiness, I want you to know something. I want you to be assured that our adventure together is only beginning. Trials remain for you to face, but behind each one rests a greater glory. Beyond each obstacle, there lies a greater joy. And all along the way, I have paved your road with blessings to remind you of the inheritance that is yours as My child. Walk on, now, in the joy that will not be slowed even by sadness. Walk on toward the crown of glory that has your name on it. Walk on, My child. And let us walk together.”

Wow, beyond each obstacle, God will be with me. That is awesome! I will not be facing my problems by myself anymore.

Hi Kenny,
Looking at the number of friends you have, your calendar must be filled with birthday reminders, right? However, it is still so sweet of you to take the time to write me a note. Thanks!

Dear Eliza,
Thanks for coming by!

When we first moved to Portland, we used to drive 5 hours to Richmond, Vancouver B.C. And bring back Taiwanese buns. Later when Meianna at Fu Bonn opened, we were there almost every weekend. You are right, we seldom go to bakeries now. My husband said that my buns tastes better than the store’s. He told me he has never eaten a hot dog bun where the juices flow out from the hot dog. Freshness is one of the benefits of baking buns at home.

Hi Jonzz,
Wrong timing? Well, at least now, you know what to order for lunch. Hope all is well with you. Have a good week ahead, OK.

Dear Argus,
Yes, it was my birthday (May 25). My girlfriends took me out for a fancy lunch this afternoon to celebrate my birthday, as Little Chicken was ill last week.

These are indeed the best years of my life. I am more thankful than ever. I thank God for my ever forgiving parents. Mostly, I thank God for my 3 girls, I pray that I will be a good role model for them. I also thank God for my husband, if it were not for him, I would probably not have a prayer life or a personal relationship with God.

Nothing like freshly baked buns to whet the appetite.

If I move next door to you, we can trade foods.

Hi Kenny,
Thanks for your encouragement. You have a gift of bringing the best out of your friends.

Are you sure you want me as your neighbor? You see, the wonderful aromas from fresh homemade breads also come with occasional noise from my 3 girls.

Dear WMW,
It will be fun living next door to you. You will bring me gifts from all over the world and tar pau’s from different restaurants.

I completely agree with what Alice said… wish you were just next door to me. Even if I can’t try your cooking/baking, at least I’ll be able to smell the wonderful aromas…

Thanks for sharing with me that your mother is traveling to Europe with your father. I hope that they will enjoy their time there and have a safe trip home. What a way to celebrate Mother’s Day! Your father is very wise… And it is very thoughtful of you to call your sister to wish her Happy Mother’s Day. Your sister must have been delighted to hear from you.

(And she definitely has some artistic talent… good choice of colours… and very clean lines too.)

Just to share with you, my own mother left for Europe on holiday with my father on Mother’s Day (we had already had a long chat the night before), so I called up my sister instead on Sunday and wished her Happy Mother’s Day and caught up on her life and her kids.

I believe every mother around the world is beginning this week with an extra bit of cheerfulness after celebrating Mother’s Day.

Dear Mei,
How are you doing? Happy blessed Mother’s Day to you as well. Indeed, our children are cute. However, there are times when they have their own opinions, etc. These are the times where we give them GRACE (forgiveness + gifts). The same child who wrote the sweet card was just in my bedroom, crying and complaining that her younger sister drew on her artwork.

Did Vern bake cookies for you this year?

Dear Argus,
What a surprise to get a comment from you. I thought you will be busy preparing for the arrival of your two eldest sisters. Thanks for your friendship.

Dear Sister Alice,
Thanks for coming by. I don’t know if I should tell them that I am a great mother. My children are starting to read Bible and they may show me Proverbs 31:10-31. However, my girls are very forgiving. Despite my weaknesses, they still continue to love me. They certainly gave me GRACE (forgiveness + good gifts) when I don’t really deserve it.

As for a wonderful wife, my husband tells me that sometimes when he is not throwing a temper tantrum.

Cheese fondue is something we feel we cannot do well at home as it will ’stink’ up the whole apartment, and it involves a few kinds of cheese, wine, garlic, special bread and sometimes specific mushrooms. I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience with it.

My two eldest sisters are coming to visit us from Tuesday (for 16 days) and my other half and I are planning to ‘wow’ them with German and Swiss cuisine, both prepared at home and ordered in simple mountain restaurants. Hope they’ll enjoy the food, but I’m not sure. ^_^
I’m also taking them to Italy by train for a week.

Shabu-Shabu is more savory and less sweet than Sukiyaki. For more information, read about it in Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabu-shabu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukiyaki

The word “yaki” means “sautee” or “grill” in Japanese. The word is used because the beef in sukiyaki is sauteed in the hot skillet (before the liquid is added to the hot pot). Shabu -Shabu, came from this swishing action. It only need to be cooked for a few seconds, saying “Shabu Shabu.” – Setsuko Yoshizuka

I have tried cheese and chocolate fondue once at a restaurant back in Texas. I did not enjoy the meal for two reasons: 1) burnt my finger while “fondue’ing” …so much for a romantic dinner 2) a simple dish that I thought I could prepare at home.

You wrote, “…must lose 2kg soon. Summer is almost here and I’m plump as a goose fattened for Christmas.” Did you know more people like plump goose than skinny goose? I gave my Little Dragon (who is on the plump side) a magnet. On the magnet is a picture of a pig and it said, “I am not overweight, just undertall.” Summer is almost here, we can make a pledge to exercise outdoor and stay healthy, OK?

Hi Kenny,
My girls were playing while I was preparing dinner tonight. They were having so much fun that I decided to let them enjoy themselves, instead of helping in setting up the table.

As I listened to their laughter, I thought our Heavenly Father is also allowing me to have fun. I love to blog and He knows it. I get fulfillment when readers leave me pleasant words, sweet messages or even questions regarding a recipe. I feel like I have contributed to this world and that my life is not wasted.

I took a day to reply to your comment because I wanted to think a little bit before I respond. Unlike you, writing do not come easy for me.

P/s I am glad to know that you will try my one-pot dishes recipe. It is hard to cook for one person, despite your best intentions, saving money and for health purpose.

Hi Kenny,
Welcome to my blog and thank you for your compliment on my Char Kway Teow.
My apologies for not replying to your comment earlier. My family and I just got back from our one week vacation in Alaska.

My hometown (Klang) Char Kway Teow has fresh clams (“Si Ham” in Hokkein language). I have omitted this main ingredient from my dish as I can’t get fresh clams here where I live. Perhaps this is the flavor you are looking for.

2 additional tips:
1) fry your Kway Teow in smaller portions.
2) use very high heat on a steel wok.

Dear June,
Thanks for your compliments. It has been a while since I made curry puffs. However, the shortening has two flavors. I have tried both and they tasted good. One is the plain flavor and the other is butter flavor. I think I bought the Crisco brand.

Hope that helps…

I am so glad to read your reply to my comment. I think we all do fall easily into this trap from time to time, but so long as we remind ourselves of what we have, I think the sheer gratitude will blow away any negativity.

Which is why blogging (when used properly) can be such a blessing — it allows us to share our thoughts and feelings, and since we are in public, we are more careful with what we want to say. “Do I really mean this? Am I that unhappy? Or can I write something positive today?”

And in time, we feel and we become what we say and write.

P.S. I have been trying out more one-pot dishes to suit my busy schedule and so I can eat out less since it’s not very healthy and expensive too. Will try this recipe of yours soon! Thanks in advance for sharing it.

Thank you so much for the great blog!

Su

A couple of months ago, I tried for the first time the famous cheese fondue and promptly fell in love with it. However, it’s terribly fattening and I must lose 2kg soon. Summer is almost here and I’m plump as a goose fattened for Christmas.

Your hotpots look really appetising, Mrs HBT!

Dear WMW,
Welcome back from Egypt! I visited your blog last night. The photo of the pyramid is amazing.

I suggest choosing the smaller stems for your son as they are more tender. Although the larger stems taste heartier and bolder, they tend to have woodier stems.

Alternatively, after you cut a little off the bottom of the stems, you can pick each stem up, snap the end off and save the stems. I was thinking perhaps you can puree the stems and use it to make Asparagus soup. What do you think?

I hope that you were able to find the food recipe that you needed.

In Christ’s Love
Yong HC

Fish do taste good in Hot Pot. Just make sure the fish is fresh and not overcooked.

Slightly over a year ago, you started to leave encouraging comments on my blog. In my “Rise from your grief” article, you wrote:

“… I have a reflexive/reactive tendency to blame or to wallow in self-pity, but then I think about it, and realize this won’t get me anywhere fast but deeper into the hole I’ve dug for myself.”

You asked me how have I been. Well, I am much better now and I will continue to get better. If I am not a perfect Mom and my girls almost never complains about me, why should I complain when I have two awesome fathers, one in the Heaven and one on Earth. I should not wallow in self-pity anymore and continue to sink deeper into the hole I’ve dug for myself.

How have you been, by the way? I hope all is well with you.

I just want to thank you for sharing the almond crisps recipe. I tried the florentine recipe and found it to be too fattening. Then I ran into your recipe. I tried it out at my brother’s place tonight where we had a get together. Everyone loves it. Two friends already asked me to forward your recipe. I am still amazed how simple and healthy the ingredients are. Since I don’t have a silpat, I used aluminum foil and pam. It still turned out fine. I just checked amazon.com and will place an order for the silpat.

P.S. Your photos in the recipe are extremely helpful. There are very few recipes out there providing step-by-step photos.

Thanks again,
Janice

I just want to thank you for sharing the almond crisps recipe. I tried the florentine recipe and found it to be too fattening. Then I ran into your recipe. I tried it out at my brother’s place tonight where we had a get together. Everyone loves it. Two friends already asked me to forward your recipe. I am still amazed how simple and healthy the ingredients are. Since I don’t have a silpat, I used aluminum foil and pam. It still turned out fine. I just checked amazon.com and will place an order for the silpat.

P.S. Your photos in the recipe are extremely helpful. There are very few recipes out there providing step-by-step photos.

Thanks again,
Janice

p/s I read a plague this afternoon, “Behind every successful woman, there is herself“.
It’s a little late to share your delicious Sparkling Ginger Lime Cooler. However, if there is a next time, I will eat or drink any of your PG-13 brilliant concoctions.

Thanks for your tips on dieting. “Anyone who wants to go on a diet should only cut out half the carbs, not all — you still need some for energy. It’s better to cut out more of the fat (though not all) and most of the sugar (yeah, that’s simple carb). And then eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables (raw whenever possible) and some fish and lean chicken, and funny things like cottage cheese and plain low-fat yoghurt once or twice a week.” Great tips!!

My challenge is losing all the fat below my waist.

You should not worry about putting on weight, just make sure it is all around and not just around your tummy. Eating Asparagus is good for you but you still need to eat a well balanced diet, OK?

I’ve actually put on weight recently, Mrs. HBT. Maybe I should go on an asparagus diet too?

Don’t know if you had a chance to read interesting fact #1. Your girlfriend might have an opinion if you incorporate too much into your diet plan.

I don’t throw out the hard stems either. I patiently peel them one by one and cut them into strips to stir fry with meat slices. In future, to avoid finger callus, I am thinking perhaps, I can puree the hard stems without peeling and make asparagus soup instead.

Thanks for coming by.

Thanks for catching my typo. It should say 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

You mentioned your Dad is also from Klang. There are many bloggers who are from Klang. Like yourself, I miss the Klang Bah Kut Teh. Additionally, I miss Char Kway Teow with Crispy Pork Lard, Satay and Port Klang Seafood.

Keep up your cooking and sharing spirits!

Thanks for popping by my little kitchen. Cabbage and salmon are two are my fav. food and they are quick and easy to make. I have not tried stir-frying cabbage with Sze Chuan peppercorns though, will definitely try it one day.

My dad is from Klang too so I have had some wonderful childhood years growing up there. How I miss the BKT breakfasts!

I had sunk into a pit and was too weak to get out. My turning point was when a brother at church told me that as a child of God, we should not have self pity. What he said made sense to me. As a Mom, I would feel real sad if my children are always complaining. It did not take me long to be healed from my illness. I stopped being a grouch!

These couple of months, I have learned more about myself and my sinful nature. My faith in God has grown stronger because of the trials in my life. I know without His help, I am unable to continue my journey. And, if I continue the journey with my own strength, I will feel despair and get discouraged in a short time.

God allows trials in our lives to bring out one’s talent or to develop one’s gifts. My trials are not over yet. However, when I walk out of the woods, I will be able to minister to others.

Continue to make others smile but not neglect what is most important in your life. If you ask God, He will let you know what that is. God has let me know what mine is… Be a good guardian to my three girls.

P/s Shamefully, you have not ceased to make me smile.

Dear Argus,
Nobody likes grouches. No wonder I don’t even like myself. I didn’t use to be like this. Not even when I was eating just potatoes and overweight. A sister at church who hasn’t seen me for 14 years told me that she remembered me as the happy girl.

While I was writing this comment, I realized one thing. The happy girl that I was, although being obedient, wasn’t feeling God. The sad girl that I am now, found God.

I like what your friend shared with you. From now on, I will go into a room and (try) to see good, feel blessed and be grateful for them.

Thanks for your continuous support.

Thanks for this wonderful post. Reading No. 2 — I can’t help but wonder if I’m a grouch sometimes as well, if only privately.

I recently read of a 21-day No-Complaining program, where you put an elastic band around one wrist and everytime you complain, you flick it (hurts your hand) and then switch the elastic band to the other hand and start counting the days from zero again. Keep going till we make it to 21 days without complaining!

As for No. 10, I have to say it’s one of my greatest pleasures to compliment everyone I meet sincerely and from the heart. You can see their faces light up immediately because they know you mean what they say.

In my latest blog post, I talk about my angel Rachel in the first part, but I really can’t describe how she lit up when she saw me at the airport — it was such a surprise for her! She always tells me she loves my smile for it lights up the room, and I realise we can all do this too… just SMILE!

Lastly, reading No. 9 for some reason just made me stop and re-read it again. My eyes teared up because I’m reminded that I am still bogged down with guilt over being responsible for 101 things and for 101 things I haven’t achieved yet.

And I realised that Life is too short not to let go of this guilt and to start living truly. Thank you, for everything you’ve shared, but especially for this.

*Hugs!*

Miso fish is also one of my favorite fish dish. I remember reading your baked miso fish article. Thanks for sharing.

I am glad that you found my blog through WMW. If it were not for her, I will still be posting blurry photos. I am very grateful for her photo tips and most of all, her friendship.

Dear Alice,
This Baked Salmon recipe work best with fresh fish. You mentioned that your husband does not like sweet dishes. This recipe may not work then.

As far as the szechuan peppercorn, you can omit that if you can’t find it in Japan. It is added to give a special flavor to the cabbage. The flavor from szechuan peppercorn (hua jiao) is rather unique, it is almost like black peppercorn with a numbing and burning effect on the tongue.

p/s I find frozen fishes that still taste good after defrost is Cod. It is 鱈魚 in Chinese Language. I have not tried frozen Salmon Trout yet.

Dear Chinnee,
I am sorry to know that you have tyroid problem. You said you can’t eat your favorite dish of stir fry white cabbage and egg because you have tyroid problem. Is it because of the high cholesterol in egg yolk?

Dear Alice,
Our egg hunt was on a Saturday. And then, service was on Sunday. Painting hard boiled eggs is a fun project. My husband boss’ wife who is from Japan, drains raw eggs and decorate the eggs as her projects. The last time we went to her house, she had a few decorated eggs displayed. I can already tell that she is a patient lady by the amount of details that she put into those eggs.

Dear Alice,
I think in the US, shrimp paste is belacan. And “heh Koh” is simply the sauce for rojak. I know it is kind of confusing because “Heh Koh” translates to shrimp paste.

You mentioned that you hesitate making fried foods because they are going to stretch your waist. Have you tried deep frying with Grape Seed oil and drain the food well from oil? I mentioned this before, I noticed as I age, my weight tends to move below my waist. Perhaps the way to counter that is exercise and sleep upside down.

Dear East Meets West Kitchen,
Thanks for your sweet comment. This dessert, like me, does not stay beautiful for too long. It turns brown after a while.

p/s Thanks again for the link to my Oyster Omelet Recipe. The link explains why I receive more traffic lately on this particular recipe.

My faith is very small and I have my doubts but I am convinced that loving God is the secret to a happy marriage, the secret to being an awesome Mom and the secret to a fulfilled life.

Blogging is one of the best things that happened in my life. I just wish I started earlier. Of course, there are days, when I am weak and I don’t feel like doing much but God has been faithful by answering to my cries and strenghtened me, physically and emotionally, with His words.

My chinese g/f ended up here showing me pictures of food she wants me to try when I’ll be in Beijing this summer!!

I’ll soon post a link to you.. and check your blog more often!!!

Well done!

If you use a food processor to blend the avocado, just soak all the washable parts. It should be easier to rinse off afterwards, regardless who does the dishes.

Additionally, the top of the creamy avocado will turn brown after awhile, thus making it unappetizing. So, if you decide to make this for your hubby, serve immediately.

Dear Argus,
Thanks for your suggestions. I do gain knowledge by sharing with others.

Smashing avocado with a fork saves time and energy of washing the food processor and not much avocado is lost between the blades.

Eating avocado with a sprinkle of salt and ground black pepper, and a squeeze of mayonnaise on toast is delicious. Now, that is a vegetarian meal I will eat.

Dear Cocoa,
Yes, avocado is healthy. And the fat in avocado is a type of fat that may actually help to raise levels of HDL (“good”cholesterol) which actually protects arteries, while lowering levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol).

Dear Bernice,
The best way to satisfy one’s crave is either go back to Mom’s home, or make it yourself. If you can bake muffins, this dessert should be a “piece of cake” for you. If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes for you.

Dear Alice,
Eating avocado with soy sauce and wasabi? I have not try that yet. But, I believe you when you said it tastes great. Avocado is such a versatile fruit/vegetable that it will taste great whether you eat it sweet, salty or spicy. That reminds me, I love guacamole (ripe avocado, garlic, jalapeno – a kind of green chili, onion, tomato) with tortilla chips.

While writing this reply, I had to research whether avocado is a fruit or a vegetable. According to wikianswers, “botanically, it is a fruit but culinary or in the kitchen it is often treated as a vegetable. In some cuisines, the avocado is treated as a fruit and is used in some desserts.”

I should check out Amy Beh’s belacan chicken. Thanks for sharing with me. By the way, do you know the difference between shrimp paste and belacan?

Dear WMW,
I also enjoy avocado in salads. Adding a few slices of avocado just gives the salad an extra “oomph”, almost like eating slices of chicken meat.

Happy Easter to you as well. I got to see my good friend baptized on this special day.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your honesty and the inspiring insights. I felt very encouraged by the Armstrong song – nobody knows, but Jesus. When I read this it felt as if God is speaking to me personally – the comfort is amazing and precious. Your words have been used mightily and please be glad

Btw, my MIL gave me an oil splatter screen. Such a thoughtful gift, dontcha think? But I am still fearful.

Dear Argus,
You should give yourself more credit. I love reading the comments you leave on the blogs. As far as your other half, remember he is missing one rib. Bible, in the book of Genesis said that God took one rib from Adam to make Eve. So, if he doesn’t understand you, it is because he is missing one rib!

It is ironic that opposites attract. Your spouse has obsessive compulsive habits, and you do not. I do let house work slide sometimes, when I am happily blogging.

Dear Cocoa,
When I read your comment, I thought of my own Mom. I remember when we were still living in Malaysia, she would wipe the floors everyday.

Enjoy your new deep fryer. Be careful cleaning the deep fryer. I “shorted” mine a couple of years ago. I am thinking that I did not dry the machine prior to usage. Either that, or I just used mine so often that it died eventually after one year.

Thanks for sharing Tyler Florence double dip Fried Chicken. I will check out his recipe on food network. By the way, he is one of my favorite celebrity chef.

Dear Alice,
You added soy instead of oil? I agree with you, I think you have too many things on your mind. Perhaps you are already doing this. Recently, I resumed my morning devotions and found that I have more time and energy in a day. There was a time where I start my day with checking my blog stats. Not much was done, and I felt tired most of the day.

You love to watch Monk and even bought his DVDs? You said that you mess up in prayer? We are alike.

It is hard for us Malaysians to speak eloquently because we know so many languages.

You asked about the belacan powder. I bought it from Fu Bon. It is a local Chinese Grocery here where I live. I have not checked the online price yet.

P/s Did you have grammatical mistakes? I did not even notice. Thanks for leaving me such a long comment in spite of your busy schedule.

P/p/s You are attempting deep fried Belacan Chicken. Great! I use Amy Beh for some Malaysian recipes as well. So nice of her to be sharing her knowledge with all of us.

Dear Chinnee,
I am glad the tips I posted helped you in time for your fried chicken. Thanks for coming by.

Thanks for the deep frying tips. Just bought a deep fryer on sales!! but don’t think i will try it out until later the year..

Oh.. if you like fry chicken check out Tyler Florence double dip fry chicken!

When I was single, my house was a mess. Now that I’m spoken for and sharing an apartment, I’ve adopted most of my other half’s obsessive-compulsive habits. Except when he’s out of town for a few days — then I gleefully let it ALL slide…

Mrs HBT, you’re just human. We each have our own idiosyncrasies.

Dear LL,
You experienced exploding oil in your kitchen? I hope your face was out of harm’s way. I have a kitchen tool (oil splatter screen) that I use to shield my face when I am deep frying.
It is a pleasant surprise to receive a comment from you. Your blog has improved a lot since we first met, both photography and writings. Great job.

P/s I have visited your blog more often these days. Good to know that you are doing so well.

You had asked if you do the same steps but let the dough rise for 8 hours in room temperature. The answer is yes. I used the bread machine because our room temperature sometimes is simply not warm enough. (Once, I used the preheated oven but the dough got too dry. Later, I learned that it is possible to use the oven, just leave a bowl of water underneath the dough.) So, yes, you can make this without the bread machine. After kneading, place the dough in a bowl and cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place.

After reading your second question, I realized that I had left out the instructions on how to fill and wrap the buns. I have editted this article to include that. The additional text is italicized. The readers who actually try out the recipe is the ultimate editor for the recipes I post. Thanks for your comments and questions.

As far as the thickness of the dough, 1 cm was about what I had. And yes, the buns are going to rise, fluff up and slightly burst open. So please make sure that you enclose the buns well.

“Dissolve 4 oz dough starter with 3/4 cup water and add 2 cup flour. After kneading, place the dough in a bowl and cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place. Let the dough rise for 8 hours or until it has doubled or tripled in size. I used the bread machine to knead and to keep warm.”
I do not have a bread machine. So, do i still do the same steps, let the dough rise for 8 hours in room temperature?

“After the dough has doubled or tripled in size, prepare the following dough with 1 t baking soda, 3/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 T shortening, 3 cup flour (use less if you feel the air surrounding you is dry, I always use less flour and add a little by little if needed), 1 T baking powder. Combine these two doughs and knead until smooth and elastic.”
After this step, i would be filling/shaping the buns right? When you’re shaping/wrapping the buns, how thick is the dough? Like 1cm? Are the buns going to rise a lot when i steam it?

Thanks so much for any helps!! By d way, you make the most amazing looking homemade buns I’ve ever seen!

Dear Alice,
I love that teapot as well. In a way, it is like a cuckoo clock. Brilliant!

Dear Wirlernendeutsch,
I have had many inspiration to write but I have delayed them. Since I received your comment, I have began a page on Dim Sum / Hors d’œuvre. Thanks for your comments and encouragements.

The baby bird used to come out of the teapot spout when I pour tea. At the time of posting this article, the little bird is stuck. I have used my fingers to pull it out but it will not come out. Perhaps it is not time yet. Ha Ha.

Hi Ben,
Thanks for your comment. Have fun making these chocolate covered strawberries. I sure did, especially the ones that turned out pretty.

Dear East Meets West Kitchen,
I love my pretty strawberries as well. Thanks for coming by.

Dear Eliza and Cocoa,
Thanks for your compliments and for the tag.

Dear Teckiee,
If you make these Chocolate Covered Strawberries for your DoReMi cousins, you can cover the strawberries with dark chocolate first and then write “Do”, “Re” and “Me” with white chocolate. That way, they each get their own personalized strawberry.

Dear Bernice,
You are welcome. I understand the frustration of failure. I see that you are doing very well these days. Who knows, one day when you turn 20, you will be a famous chef.

Dear WMW,
Thanks for your faithful comments. Hope you are fully recovered from your recent fever.

Dear Argus,
Thanks for your comment and compliments. I pray hard to be a good Mom. I just started to kneel down before God each morning to pray for my family.

P/s I realized that I need to create a page for all the dim sum recipes that I have shared so far. So much to do, so little time, so little energy… If I were a celebrity, I would hire you to maintain my blog. You are a good diplomat and editor.

thanks for your encouragement. I feel so blessed to have you as a friend. =)

By the way, you’ve been tagged and I hope you don’t mind sharing 5 facts about yourself!

Cheers!

by the way you have been tagged. please check out my blog for the tag.

Dearest Pa,
Thanks for your encouragement. Yes, there’s no food like Mom’s food! Bet everyone enjoyed the reunion food. Mom is an expert (just like grandma) in cooking for crowds.

Dear Teckiee,
Same to you. You have started an adventurous year. It is the rat year. I bet that mouse is one animal that you have not eaten right?

Dear Argus,
Kong Hey Fatt Choy to you as well. I don’t give red packets to my girls. But, I have many red packets at home, so no worries, I can definitely pass a couple to you (Two for good luck).

p/s I thank God for friends because without them, I would be very lonely.

Thanks for your wishes of love, health and happiness. I believe all these wishes will come true in God’s time.

Dear EastMeetsWestKitchen,
Happy Valentine’s Day to you as well. I bet you got admirers lining up to give you candies and flowers.

If you like Pannacotta, do try it from one of my previous posts — it has fewer calories as you can leave out the cream. And lay on a topping of burnt caramel or thawed blueberries or raspberries.

Dear WMW,
Thanks for your comment on my blog. I am forever grateful to you for sharing your photo tips to me. Without your “best shot feature” tip, I will still be shooting blurry photos.

This year, Chinese New Year fell on a Thursday in the US. It was a normal working and school day. Nothing special, except I had cravings for Yu Sheng, a dish that we ate a couple of years ago at a friend’s home during Chinese New Year.

Thursday night was also women’s bible study night where we studied Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free – Making Liberty in Christ” workbook.

I have often allowed sadness and anger to control my life. This new year, with the help of Holy Spirit and God’s words, I would like to “break free”!

The CA bakery site you included above did not have taro bread picture. The taro swirl bread I love is like raisin-cinnamon bread but has sweetened taro in them (plenty of very fine lines.) I think ….next time I will fold the rolled out dough a few more times instead of just three folds (big group of taro).

I will try your char-sui pao soon. Nice talking to you.

First one to leave me comments. Thanks for your support. I have missed blogging. My mind is always filled with ideas. May the Lord grant me wisdom to manage my time and to balance between my hobby and my family life.

As long as you eat moderately, you will stay slim. So, feel free to enjoy your favorite white bread with strawberry jam.

Dear Eliza,
As I mentioned to you on my email, my girls are sick. Well, my Little Dragon is still coughing. This reminded me of my own persistent cough last year. Not a pleasant memory. I pray that God will heal her soon.

Dear Alice,
My faithful blogger friend, thanks for your comments. I am happy that I turned on comments on this article. The comments I received here have been very encouraging. I am very tempted to try Miss Steamy Kitchen’s recipe.

Dear Argus,
You said, “You motivate me to make bread from scratch again.” Thanks for your encouragement. I needed to hear that.

(…and thanks for reading my article on gum cleaning. Our dentist encourages our girls to floss regularly. I used to floss Little Dragon’s teeth when she was 5. It was our nightly Mommie and Daughter routine. These days, I spot check their gums. If their gums bleed, I know they have not been flossing!

My sister who is also a dentist loves the floss tool that look like a toothbrush.)

Dear EastMeetsWestKitchen,
Please let me know how it work out for you. Thanks for coming by.

Dear Teckiee,
You are welcome. I remember growing up in Malaysia, we could get fresh bread conveniently at very little cost. A man on motorbike would go by our house honking and selling fresh hot breads. If that is still true, making breads in Malaysia is more for fun, and not for necessity. Your future hubby will be blessed with your incredible cooking spirit. Keep it up.

Dear Cocoa,
I added your article to my list of bloggers who have tried Hokkaido Bread. I noticed that the top of your loaf is lighter. You probably know this, to get it brown, you can apply a milk wash. Just brush a thin layer of milk on the top of your loaf before baking. However, I am not sure if you can do that in a bread machine.

Perhaps one day, bread machine can come up with a baked loaf that is flat at the bottom. Currently, the baked bread has a whole because of the bread attachment at the bottom.

Thanks for coming by.

Hi Ssan,

I shall attempt to answer your question. You asked:

1) After mixing and before proofing in the bread machine, does the dough look like the usual dough that you have left in the machine to proof or ’softer’?

Answer:
I find the Hokkaido Bread dough much “softer” than regular bread dough.

2) Do you recall how much flour (estimate) you had to sprinkle on when the dough is being mixed in the bread machine?

Answer:
You mentioned humidity in your comment. You are right. The amount of flour to add depend on the humidity. Since I used the recipe that has egg, the amount of extra flour used will depend on the egg as well. I tried the recipe with just egg white as recommended and tried it with the whole egg, yolk and all. So honestly, I can’t remember the amount of flour I had to sprinkle on the dough. However, I will share with you some tips from Baking911. You should sprinkle flour little by little until the dough:
- feels coherent, soft and smooth, but not dry.
- holds together in a nice ball and feels like “baby’s bottom”.
- springs back when lightly pressed with two fingers.

Additionally, I find Hokkaido bread dough more sticky or stretchy than my char siu bun doughs.

3) Have you ever made the loaf bread with the taro swirl?

Answer:
I have not attempted loaf bread with taro swirl yet. I love loaf bread with taro swirl as well as red bean swirl. Not long ago, I learned pork floss swirl bread from our Pastor’s wife. The bread that we made was round and was cooked in a non-stick skillet, with a little olive oil at the bottom of the pan, instead of the oven.

Are you referring to the taro swirl loaf bread that has taro paste swirl within the soft and fluffy bread? I found a link to this kind of taro swirl bread here.
Their shop is in
10961 N Wolfe Road
Cupertino Village
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 865-6000

You might already know this, Angie has the recipe for purple taro two tone bread.

Thanks for your encouragement. I shall continue to share more “you rock” dishes.

Dear WMW,
My very loyal blogger friend, thanks for remembering me. I visit your blog when time permits and it continues to inspire me to take better photographs and cook more authentic foods.

Have you ever made the loaf bread with the taro swirl? It is readily available in Canada but I have never seen them in the US, even in CA or chinatown NY.

I surfed the internet occasionally but only found your blog and Angie’s blog recently and am so excited as you both have the best Asian recipes, comments, tips …..in short, as the kids say…you both rock!

Thanks!

(By the way, in relation to your teeth/gum-cleaning post, my brother who is a dentist has told me that patients, who probably neglect flossing, tend to get a lot of cavities between their molars in their forties.)

Just like the Char Siu Bao, let the Flower Rolls stand for 10 minutes then steam over high heat for 12 minutes. (If you leave more than 30 minutes, the dough will be over risen and dough may shrink after steaming.)

I have two ideas regarding your dilemma of too much left-over buns.

1) After the Peanut Butter Flower Rolls are steamed and cooled, the left-over can be stored in the freezer section of your refrigerator. That way, you don’t have to eat all of the rolls yourself, if your daughter does not like them.

2) Instead of making the dough all peanut butter flavor, make some plain ones. These plain buns are called Man Tou (饅頭), in Mandarin. My daughters love them as they can dip them in condensed milk. These buns will freeze as well. Auntie Lily has detailed recipe for Flower Rolls. Follow her link to the detailed recipe from this link. I wanted you to see how delicious deep fried Flower Rolls can be first.

To avoid freezer burns, you can store extra buns in air tight bags.

p/s I am introducing my family to dark chocolates instead of milk chocolates because the darker it is, the better it is for our health. Your chocolate muffins with “80%” bitter chocolate sounds good to me. Perhaps one day, your daughter will learn to appreciate that and eat more of your muffin creation.

now dis white bread really reminds me that its been ages since i tried to cut carbs from my body..how i long for a nice thick slice of white bread with some strawberry jam… hmmm

Little Chicken who will turn 3 in July is potty training. She is taking her nap now. Phew! Finally, have a break from Mommie duties and decided to reply to your question.

The following was what I wrote in my article.

To make the dough starter, after the dough tripled in size, save a piece of dough about 4 oz. Wrap the small piece of 4 oz dough in a plastic wrap and put it into the refrigerator.

If you are not a picky like my sister, you can use the remainder dough to make buns. The dough is not as light and fluffy but it is still delicious. The following photo shows how to wrap a pao. I used the left-over filling from Siew Pao.

I use 6 cups of flour to make the dough. When the dough has tripled in size, I use all but 4 oz of the dough to make my buns. This 4 oz of dough is called the starter dough and will be used to make the fluffy char siu buns that my sister likes. Of course, you can decide to use all of the 6 cups of flour dough as starter doughs. I am not sure how many starter doughs you can get with 6 cups of flour.

I have not tried 1/2 or 1/4 the recipe but logically it should work.

I do not have the exact recipe for the peanut rolls but you can try the following. Once your dough has risen enough, you can divide them into smaller pieces. Flatten each piece and apply peanut butter on each piece of the risen dough. Use the photo that I posted as a guide to form the flower rolls.

Hope that helps, if not feel free to write email (or leave a comment) to me.

Also do you have the recipe for peanut butter flower rolls. Maybe my daughter will like it in which case, I can make the whole quantity of starter dough.

Many thanks and I look forward to your reply.

Fran

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joyous Christmas and a wonderful new year.

The next time you try this recipe, make sure you turn down the heat before you put on the lid.

One other tip, I preheat my small oven. At the completion of a pancake, I put it in there to keep warm. That way, all three of my girls can enjoy their warm pancake at the same time.

Cooking is lifetime learning. Let’s continue to learn from each other and share our knowledge.