Flashback Friday

This week has been unexpectedly busy. I did miss last week's flashback, so this week's post is inclusive of two weeks meals. I did not cook as much as I would like to, but I am really glad being able to produce new dishes. I made braised red cabbage and I loved it so much from trying it the first time that I have been wanting to cook and eat it again for a while. Well, cravings have been filled. 

Happy weekend. 

Pan-fried baramundi fish, grilled asparagus, deepfried seafood and hollandaise sauce

Beef steak wih asparagus, sauteed mushroom and spinach, and mushroom sauce

Minestone soup

Herbal chicken soup with sauteed lettuce

Lamb cottage pie with braised cabbage, cucumber and carrot

Fried rice with braised cabbage

Bacon, mushroom, pea and zucchini risotto

Sweet/ Dessert Round

This week has been unpredictably busy and I have not been able to post regularly. I originally planned to catch up on a few posts, but will have to keep it simple. I have to learn to juggle with 'my list to do', especially when things seem to pop out of nowhere. Anyway, I still managed to cook and produce some sweet treats. I made taro balls, pandan cake and chocolate brownie - three of my favourites.

Fruit post with Kiwi berry

I thought of making yet another fruit post since I love eating them so much. It's funny how when you thought you tried so many fruits already, there are always some new additions. This month I tried my first kiwi berry, which is essentially a miniature version of a kiwi fruit. It is much sweeter and can basically be eaten whole, which is why it is probably call a berry. I think they are perfect addition to salads, for some sweet/tangy flavour. 

I also came across several plum varieties. I did not even know we had so many- I counted five. I'm slightly sad because we are going into winter, which means that I shall enjoy few of the last nectarines and peaches for the season.  However, I shall soon indulge into mandarins. 

I managed to grab some passion fruits and figs. They are probably my favourite fruit, but so hard to get hold of, which makes them extra special. 

This post will not be filled without a snap of this week's fruit baskets ;)

No-bake Lemon Cheesecake (Recipe)

I have been hoarding so many cookbooks lately and it really kept me busy. I love going through the colourful pages and getting inspired. This time I went for an easy classic- lemon cheesecake. I have come across many no-bake cheesecake recipes and tried one myself before with gelatine. However, I also stumbled across a few with condensed milk. I never really gave it a though until I saw the recipe in June Holm's book 'The Classics'. This book is rich in classic recipes from roast to pasta and desserts. The cover looked quite antique and special, just like a book passed down from generations. 

I decided to try the cheesecake and I am glad I did since it was delightful. It requires a few ingredients, no oven and also sets without any gelatine. This cake is definitely a winner. It is deliciously creamy and not overly sweet. I also like the lemony and orangy twist. 

Recipe (adapted from  'The Classics' by June Holm):

Ingredients:

200g sweet biscuits (I used digestive biscuits)

125g butter, melted

225g cream cheese, softened

75ml (1/3 cup) lemon juice (I alternated with some freshly squeezed orange juice)

400g condensed milk

Lemon/ Orange zest to garnish

Whipped cream, to serve (optional)

Method:

1. Process biscuits in a food processor and then add melted butter.

2. Place in a 24 spring-form pan and press to make the base. Put in fridge to set.

3. Mash cream cheese. Add lemon and condensed milk.

4. Beat until smooth and pour on base.

5. Let to set in fridge for minimum of 4 hours.

6. When ready to serve, pipe whipped cream and garnish with lemon/orange zest.

Teatime with T2

We are heading towards winter already. Where did the time go? It is going to be cold I'm afraid. One of the best way to warm myself during cold weather is to drink plenty of hot tea. I love green tea and I have recently been introduced to T2. My bro brought me some from Melbourne, only to notice that we already have several T2 stores in Perth. 

Anyway I have tried their gorgeous geisha- a blend of loose green tea leaves with strawberry- so far, and I really enjoy it. It smells amazing and it reminds me of summery weather with tropical fruits. The green tea is quite light, but definitely fruity and fragrant. 

The tea comes in loose packet and there is also a booklet which contain some drink recipes and facts. Well, happy tea time. Cheers. 

For more information, visit their website:
http://www.t2tea.com/