Homemade Paint

I wanted to get some finger paint for my daughter to play with. I finally found some but the price was way too expensive!

So, I was very happy to know that I can easily make them in my own kitchen! It's dirt cheap and almost effortless. My first attempt was a great success and I can't wait to do this again!

If you'd like to try making this, all you need is:
  Cornflour
  A bit of sugar
  A bit of salt
  Water
  Food colouring (note: you may use turmeric for yellow but it stains) 

1. Stir everything in a pot over slow fire until the mixture thickens. Add water if the mixture is too thick.
2. Pour into separate containers.
3. Add in food colouring
4. Stir and play!

Banana Oats Muffins

I used to bake a lot. However, I haven't had much time for it since having a kid. I'm glad that lately I'm starting to bake more. How about having a curious toddler in the kitchen? I think it's great since I very much prefer it to sitting in front of the TV watching Barney or Mickey Mouse (no offense to both).

 

So it was a Thursday evening, after work that I made these very quick and easy muffins. The tot's chore was to sift the flour, some of which ended on the flour.

 

 

She tested some, and after that fed some to Smurf. I think the verdict is good, from both of them.

 



Recipe adapted from Oatmeal Banana Raisin Muffins

I Scream for Ice Cream!

I've been dreaming about homemade ice-cream lately. I've tried a few recipes but the end product were not as soft and creamy as what we get from the supermarket. And I wasn't quite ready to splurge on fresh cream, which is not cheap where I live.

So I decided to try using the evaporated milk method. And here's the result.
Taa... daa!!



 
I was happy to find that the end product was soft and could be easily scooped out straight after removing from the freezer without having to leave it to thaw.

I had a quick taste after the short photography session. The verdict: texture is lovely but unfortunately it's a little too sweet for me. Perhaps I should reduce the sugar or add some dark chocolate to balance the sweetness. Next time, then. For those who have a sweet tooth however, this should be a lovely treat. Here's the recipe:

 

Ingredients

1 can ( 400g ) evaporated milk
½ cup soft brown sugar
1 sachet of chocolate malt drink powder (3 in 1)

Instructions:

1. Chill the milk in the fridge overnight.

2. Mix a small amount of the milk with the chocolate malt powder.

3. Pour the rest into a large mixing bowl with the sugar and whip until fluffy.

5. Add in the chocolate malt mix and continue beating.

6. Place the bowl in the freezer for an hour.

7. Pull out from the freezer and whip for 1 minute and back to the freezer.

8. Repeat about 4 times.

9. Place in a container with a lid and store in the freezer.

A Breakfast Dessert

Who wants some ice cream for dessert? No, I don't serve ice-cream for dessert, but that's what my daughter calls it. I would say it's more of a breakfast parfait. I got my inspiration from edible perspective.

 

Well, maybe it doesn't look like ice-cream. But presentation is key. I find this a wonderful way of serving oatmeal. That's right, oatmeal it is! Layered with mango, banana and raspberry and topped with homemade full cream yogurt. I think adults would like to have it for breakfast too!

Henna Art Cookies

Henna painting and baking are both my passion. I finally merged the two to produce these artful cookies.

 

My daughter loved them. She admires the designs first before trying to lick the icing off!

 

 

These are basically chocolate sugar cookies and royal icing. Cocoa powder is added to the icing to make the "henna paint". 



Pumpkin Pancake

Pumpkin Pancake, Mickey Mouse Style

Sometimes, on easy Sunday mornings, I make pancakes for my family. If I'm in the mood, I'd add a little twist to the flavour and also the presentation. Well, at least I attempt to.

Pumpkin pancake is quite a common feature in my house. I always add oats the the batter to increase fibre and nutritional value.  I thought I'd style it a little differently for a change. Thought it might interest my toddler.

Anyways, here's the recipe:

Pumpkin Pancake
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp rolled oats
about 200g of pumpkin, steamed
1 cup milk
1 egg

1. Mix together the flour, baking powder, oats and sugar.
2. Mash the pumpkin.
3. Beat the egg together with the milk and mashed pumpkin.
4. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Beat till smooth.
5. Leave the batter for a few minutes before making the pancakes.

I made one big pancake and two small ones and assembled them to form a cartoon character. And then I painted the face with blackstrap molasses using a spoon.

The results... taa... daa....
Noted, it looks more like Scary Mickey but my daughter didn't complain.

Oh well, Mr. Smudge Eye gets eaten anyway.

Cheers to a healthy home made breakfast, however it may look like!

Drink Your Greens!

Thanks to a friend, I discovered green smoothies and have sort of become addicted to them. I find it much easier to take my vegies and fruits in blended form rather than to chew them in as they are. Not only that, they also taste great!

No one needs a recipe for this I guess. You just blend fresh green vegetables with a mixture of fruits. Something like this ...

A green smoothie with a touch of pink

If you wonder what the pink is, it's red dragonfruit smoothie!