Baking/Cooking ~ Steamed Chocolate Cake

I miss baking but have not had the chance to bake for the past one year or so since my oven decide to fail on me and I have yet to get a new oven to replace it.  Been hearing about how easy it is to make this cake sans the baking and oven.  Finally, I get to try out this recipe!

 

 

 

 

CAKE

Ingredients

-Dry-

1.  1 1/4 cup flour

2.  1 tsp baking powder

3.  1 tsp bic. soda

4.  A pinch of salt

 

-Wet-

1.  1 cup cocoa powder

2.  1 cup sugar (I used 3/4 cup)

3.  1/4 cup condensed milk

4.  1/4 cup evaporated milk (or fresh milk)

5.  1 cup oil or melted butter

6.  3 eggs

7.  1 tsp vanilla extract

 

Method

1.  Combine and sieve dry ingredients in a bowl.  Set aside.

2.  Bain-marie (double boil) all wet ingredients except eggs.  Once sugar dissolves, set aside and let it cool.

3.  Add eggs into the butter, cocoa and milk mixture.  Mix well.

4.  Combine dry and wet ingredients, mix well.

5.  Pour mixture into greased or lined baking tins.

6.  Steam for 40-50 minutes or till skewer comes out clean.

*Mixture will be runny

 

CHOCOLATE TOPPING

Ingredients

1.  125gm butter/oil

2.  1/2 cup cocoa powder

3.  1/2 condensed milk

 

Method

1.  Bain-marie (double boil) all ingredients.

2.  Cool and decorate cake as desired.

*Cake must be completely cooled before it is decorated.

 



 

Result

DH - Good la!!! Can sell!!

DS - Nice ler!! Steamed?  Don't bluff!

Me - I am surprised at the result.  Always thought that cakes are baked. 

 



Grown up Isabelle

Isabelle made us very proud.  Being a big sister has in many ways brought her to a whole new level.

 

It took her just a day, at most, 2 days to be fully toilet trained.  Less than a week, to wake up in the morning with her pants dry.  No fuss, no hassle.  In an instant, she transformed into a responsible and independent big sister.  She did her job very well. 

 

When I had to cook or get something done at home, she willingly helped to entertain her little sister.  She would put aside her toys and whatever she is doing, to distract Gabrielle so that I can quickly get things done. 

 

Most of all, she amazes me with her understanding and forgiving self, at such tender age.  I drown myself in guilt, everyday without fail that she waits for me patiently while I have to attend to Gabrielle before her turn comes. 

 

Isabelle, my little precious, Mummy and Daddy is very very very and extremely happy and proud of you.  Please forgive especially Mummy if I ever made you feel neglected.  Please remember you are never, never, ever, the second best.  You are and always will be my very precious and you will always hold the most special place in my heart.  Mummy loves you.

My Breastfeeding Journey

I am happy and proud to proclaim that I have achieved my first 4 months of breastfeeding journey!!

 

Because I didn't get to continue breastfeeding Isabelle after the 2nd month, I told myself and DH that with Gabrielle, I must give it a try, atleast beyond 2nd month. 

 

It didn't start off as smooth as I expected it to.  It wasn't easy. The thought of giving up and surrendering to formula was tempting and sounded easy. Struggled every now and then although deep inside, I knew that I would regret if I do.  And today, I am glad I persisted. The more I persisted, the more it reminded myself of my regrets of not giving Isabelle my best. DH gently reminded me that I did, and 2 months was better than none at all.

 

During the first month after Gabrielle was born, the ratio between formula and direct latch was initially 70/30.   After completing confinement, I slowly eliminate formula from our schedule.  And now, I am glad to say that Gabrielle is a 100% breastfed baby!! 

 

I am beginning to enjoy the fruits of breastfeeding.  Not only it is healthy.  It is free, convenient and most of all, I know I am giving her my very best.  And I love the bonding.  DH is getting jealous that Gabrielle doesn't fancy him as much! :) 

 

Just recently, strangers would comment that Gabrielle is so healthy looking and would normally look surprised and in awe when I said she is a fully breastfed baby! DH said I should be proud of myself :)

 

4 months is just a beginning! I hope I can continue until she says NO.



My Mommy is my
breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper & sometimes, midnight snack!

 

 

Belle Says - - Weddings

The below conversation was the result after we attended a couple of weddings lately and Isabelle asked about 'princess' (aka the bride) and weddings. 

 

 

Isabelle:  The princess at the wedding day is so pretty! I want to be like her.

 

Mummy:  Yes, you will be, one day, when you grow up.

 

Isabelle:  Like Snow White, Rapunzel princess? Are they like the princess during the wedding day?

 

Mummy:  Errrmmm... yes but a little different.  The princess during the wedding day is a bride.

 

Isabelle:  Hah? Bride? She is a princess la!

 

Mummy:  Yeah, a bride looks like a princess.  When you grow up, you will marry a special boy and he will become your husband.  Like Daddy & Mummy.  And when you get married, that is like the princess like we saw on the wedding day. 

 

Isabelle:  Then where will the boy live?

 

Mummy:  Then you and the boy, your husband, will live in a nice house.

 

Isabelle:  Hah?  What about you and Daddy?

 

Mummy:  Daddy & Mummy will live here and you will come visit us.

 

Isabelle:  Then I don't want to be the princess on the wedding day and I don't want to get married! I want to stay with you forever! (tears framing her eyes)

 

 

Belle Says - - Jobs

Daddy :  Do know why does Daddy needs to work?

Isabelle:  Yes. So that we have money to buy milk, food, books and toys!

Daddy:  Do you know what is Daddy's job?

Isabelle:  Wash plates (HAAHAAHAAHAA!!)

Daddy:  Oh ok... in that case, what is Mommy's job then?

Isabelle:  Cooking and clean Mei Mei's butt butt after poo poo (Blehhhhh....)

Daddy:  Oh Haha... alright. Then what is Isabelle's job?

Isabelle:  Ar... my job is play toys!!