Entries from October 2008
25 October, 2008 · 1 Comment
After one whole night of research, I got down to making 馒头 (chinese buns) this morning. I was pretty confused after reading several different recipes – some used yeast, others used baking powder. I decided to wing it and I must say, my man tous were pretty good. I added both yeast & baking powder, which would probably explain why my buns were crackly, rather like 叉烧包. /= Shall not use baking powder next time. Because I don’t own a measuring cup for baking, I measured the ingredients in ml with my Nalgene.
Ingredients for 6 – 8 buns
500ml all-purpose flour, sifted
4 tbs (or less) granulated sugar
1 sachet instant yeast (the kind you don’t have to activate with water)
1/2 tsp salt
200ml warm water
-Combine all ingredients except water.
-Make a well in flour, gradually add water and fold flour over. Knead for 10 minutes.
- Cover dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1.5 hours. I put it in the oven which retained some heat after Katie used it to make breakfast. If you don’t have a warm place, leave it for 2-2.5 hours at room temperature. Air pockets from yeast activity should form and dough should double is size.
- Punch the dough down, let rise again ~20minutes.
- Roll into balls.
- Coat steamer base with a thin layer of oil or lay balls on baking paper
- Steam for about 10minutes!
- Enjoy. Now if only I had some Singaporean Chill Crab.
I think I will use the rest of the dough to make minced meat buns later this evening.
Categories: Cooking · Food · Recipe
Tagged: chinese cooking
How does one concentrate in tutorial when you have an ass crack staring at you? Answer: Hold your tutorial worksheet really high.That’s my worksheet there for you.
Categories: student life
18 October, 2008 · 1 Comment
I bought a bicycle today! (Even though I have not paid for it).
My peers and I are at the stage in life characterised by driving licenses, family cars, buying cars and receiving cars as presents from parents…However, I am still “stuck in the moment” of savouring juvenile pleasures. I had a great ride home from yoch’s today, save for a flapping plastic bag balanced on the handlebar. I am not the most confident biker just yet but I am determined to get better. Planning to avoid the busy roads for as long as I can by riding through housing estates. STAY SAFE – Hemelts, Lights, Reflective Gear.
Raleigh for the Win.
New key for the keyring!
Categories: student life
Tagged: cycling
17 October, 2008 · 1 Comment
Those of you who know me relatively well would have made the deduction that my style is functional. I am the kind of girl who really can’t be bothered with fussy clothing. I’m all about the fit, cut and texture… Once I find something well-made, I’d buy the same article in multiple colours. Enter Uniqlo- when it comes to channeling minimalist chic, the Japanese win hands down. (Afterthought: they win hands down at a lot of other things)
A few days ago, I started beefing up my winter waredrobe with tons of fine ribbed long-sleeved tops, henleys and the very affordable fine merino sweaters. My favouite item from Uniqlo must be the the tops from the Heat Tech series, I bought two. They keep you surprisingly warm despite being extremely light. Perfect for layering. When it comes to quality and fit, Uniqlo surpasses H&M, American Apparel, Gap and perhaps even her Japenese counterpart, Muji (all about the same price range). Another plus point, the ribbed tops don’t crease till they look like dried prunes in the wash.
Right, I am going to stop waxing lyrical about my new obsession and tell you truthfully that I wish they made the tops t h a t much longer.
For those of you in the UK, try the voucher code “Everyday10″, for 10% discount. Not sure when it’s valid till thou.
Categories: Shopping
Tagged: Shopping
