Vinegar Pork

As a child, I think we all have one thing in common, that is we agree that mom’s cooking is always the BEST.

My mom makes perfect vinegar pork. I am regret that I didn’t pick up any cooking skill from her. So, when I am craving for foods, I have to spend days and nights on the internet searching for recipes.

Today I am making one for myself and I am quite satisfied with the outcome.

One piece of boneless pork leg (prefer without skin - afraid of high cholesterols)
Handful of gingers (depends on how spicy you want it to be)
Handful of dried chilies (depends on how spicy you want it to be)
2 cups of black sour vinegar
1 cup of black sweet vinegar
4 cups of water
A pinch of brown sugar to taste
A pinch of salt to taste

1. Wash the pork leg properly, and cut into desired size.
2. Smash the gingers and set aside.
3. Boil the pork leg in a big pot of hot water for couple of minutes. Drain and wash it properly with cold water. This is to wash the blood and unwanted residues away.
4. Pour a little oil into a hot pot, pan fry gingers till fragrant.
5. Add the pork meat and fry for another few minutes.
6. Pour in vinegar and water, bring to boil then turn into low heat. Simmer for an hour.
7. Add dried chilies, simmer for another 15 minutes.
8. Add brown sugar and salt.

Okra with soy sauce

Okra, also known as lady’s finger, is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, iron and calcium. Okra is also low in calories and fat-free. It provides a good source of dietary fiber and therefore contributes to colon health. Besides, okra has also been used as a remedy to lower the cholesterol level and control the blood sugar level in diabetic patients.

I really dislike okra when I was young due to its slimy and sticky texture. Believe or not, when we grow up, our taste towards foods change. I used to be a meat lover and love all kind of sweet stuffs. But now, I eat more vegetables and reduce my sugar consumption.

I love okra with curry. I really think that okra and curry are perfect match. But surprisingly, I found okra also taste good with soy sauce, and here's the recipe.

1. One pack of okra. Bring a pot of water to boil. Throw in the okra, boil for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix a little bit light soy sauce, black soy sauce, sugar, salt, water and sesame oil into a bowl. I do not have a specific measurement on this. Just use your kitchen instinct.
3. Handful of garlic. Mince and fried till fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce mixture. Bring it to boil.
4. Pour the sauce into the okra and enjoy.

Italian hard-boiled egg yolk cookie

Italian hard-boiled egg yolk cookies, also called “住在意大利史特雷莎的玛格丽特小姐”.

I found this recipe from the internet. If you are a beginner in baking, this is the best recipe to try out because of its zero failure rate. With fewer ingredients, it creates an amazing taste. According to what I have found from the internet, this recipe is created by an Italian bakery chef with the purpose of pleasing a beautiful lady named Margaret.

Unsalted butter 100g
Low gluten flour 100g
Corn starch 100g
Powdered sugar 60g
Hard-boiled egg yolk 2 each

1. Bring the unsalted butter to room temperature. Add in powdered sugar. Beat in one direction until the mixture becomes fluffy, feathered-like textures.
2. Hard-boil 2 eggs. Use only the egg yolks. Crumble the egg yolks and strain through a sieve. Add the strained egg yolks into the butter mixture and continue to beat in the same direction until well combine.
3. Sift the low gluten flour and corn starch into the mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula. Knead into a dough ball. Wrap dough with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
4. While chilling, preheat the oven to 280°F. Cover the baking tray with aluminum foil paper.
5. Shape the chilled dough into several small balls. Flatten it with your thumb to form a flower-like shape.
6. Bake in a 280°F oven for about 45minutes.

Cassava Cake

Cassava cake is one of my favorite desserts since childhood. My mom used to buy this for me from her friend’s little coffee shop nearby our place. I like it either in steam or bake. Now, I am making one myself!

Cassava cake could be a good treat for everyone in a potluck party. I have made it twice and received a very good comment from my in-laws and co-workers. Below is the recipe:

Grated cassava 454g
Sugar 100g
Coconut milk 150ml
Condensed milk 2 tbsp
Shredded coconut 30g
Flour 30g
Pandan essence 2 bottle lids
Butter 1 tbsp

1. Defrost grated cassava and melt butter
2. Mix sugar, coconut milk, condensed milk, pandan essence and melted butter
3. Combine grated cassava, shredded coconut, flour and the liquid mixture
4. Preheat oven to 350°F
5. Grease pan with butter
6. Pour the mixture into greased pan
7. Bake in a 350°F oven for about 2 hours
8. Glaze the top with butter, bake till golden brown