Pork and Fish porridge

Mummy likes us to have lots of fish in our diet cos:

Fish oil contains a powerful form of essential fatty acid (EFA) called omega-3. But unlike most forms of omega-3 EFA's, fish oil contains high amounts of linolenic acid, which is converted into EPA (eicosepanteanoic acid) and DHA (docohexaenoic acid). These essential fatty acids are needed to make a family of hormones called "eicosanoids." They are made in the body from alpha-linolenic acid and are essential for normal brain functioning and are also involved in regulating blood pressure and immune response.

Researchers have also found that DHA influences mood because it is the major EFA in the central nervous system. In fact, studies have found that people with low levels of DHA tend to have higher levels of depression.

In addition to their well-known heart benefits and possible mood-enhancing effects, the EFA's in fish oil also regulate prostaglandins, which are essential hormone-like substances that support many of the major systems in our bodies, including the immune, cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems.

In short, fishes are good for the body so Mummy will include fish in our daily meals, either lunch or dinner. However she had only know how to prepare cod fish, salmon and threadfin for us and Daddy's complaining that we are spending too much on these fishes. Therefore Mummy had "consulted" Waipo on other types of fishes that we can eat and Waipo taught Mummy a good way of cooking the Batang fish aka mackerel and pork porridge and it turned out that we love it. The pan-fried and crispy fish adds fragance to the sweet pork porridge.


Ingredients:

1 small steak of Batang fish (mackerel)
1 small piece of pork, minced (can use chicken too)
2 bunches of spinach leaves, chopped
Rice

Method:

Porridge1. Cook the rice, pork and spinach as normal porridge. Leave it to simmer once boiled.

Fish
1. Heat up the frying pan with some oil. (don't have to put too much, it's pan-fry, not deep frying)
2. Put the fish steak into the pan when oil is hot. (Remember to thoroughly dry the fish to prevent oil from splattering)
3. Panfry each side till golden brown and slightly crispy.
4. Take out and drain away the excess oil.
5. Use a fork to mash the fish meat into small bits. (Be sure to get rid of the small bones)
6. Add the fish meat into the simmering porridge and mix well.
7. Serve hot with a dash of pepper.


Pan-frying the fish


Mixed into the porridge. Yummy!!!

Table and chairs for us

It had been quite some time since Waigong gotten us this set of table and chairs and it was stacked up in the storeroom all these while. The last time Mummy set it up, we thought it was some playgym equipments, climbed all over the table and used the chairs to "perform stunts". Mummy thought it was just far too dangerous. After a period of few months, she decides that we need a proper place to do our scribbling and reading so the set was out again.


We love this set of table and chairs!!!


It serves as a good "shelter" for Kiki too.

Weird Kiddos

Mummy's post:

I've got a pair of weird kiddos. They simply enjoy sitting on these stationary rides. With the T2 tantrums, they probably can tear the whole shopping centre down if we try to bring them away. So what's the best way? Though abit wasteful but it had proven to be a good method to get their butts off the rides. That is to ... slot in money and let the rides move!! Yes, it may sound silly but the moment it starts to move, both of them will literally jump off the rides. Till I find a better way to get them go off without much fussing, those kids beside the rides will continue to get free rides ... Well, at least the $1 isn't wasted afterall.


What do we do with these buttons?


Mummy, you can leave us here and come back for us later. I'll look after meimei.




It's moving!! Let's get off!!!

Our dinner menu

Steam cod fish with tomatoes

Ingredients:
A slice of cod fish
1 tomato, peeled and sliced
Toufu, cut into small cubes or slices (optional)
1 stalk of spring onion, chopped
2 slices of ginger
A dash of pepper and sesame oil

Method:
1. Lay the sliced fish on a plate with sliced ginger and chopped spring onions on top
2. Add a dash of pepper and sesame oil on the fish
3. Lay the tomatoes on top of the fish or at the sides
4. Put it to steam for 15-20mins
5. Check the fish for bones before serving

The gravy tastes yummy served with rice too!!


Old cucumber soup

This recipe can be used for watercress, lotus roots or huai san soups. Just change the old cucumber to any of the above.

Ingredients:
1 old cucumber, peeled, deseed and cut into cubes
A handful of wolfberries
Red dates (about 10)
Dried scallops (2 if big, 3-5 if small)
Pork ribs (2 pieces)

Method:
1. Put everything into the magic thermal cooker pot.
2. Bring it to boil for 10 mins.
3. Transfer it into the thermal cooker and leave it for at least 2 hours before serving.
4. If cook over gas, simmer the soup for 2 hours after boiling.


Mummy's all time favourite - Magic Thermal Cooker!!

How does a Magic Thermal Cooker works?
Just 10 minutes on the stove, leave for work or play and return home to a delicious meal. A thermal cooking with a Thermal Cooker saves energy costs and preparation time.

Simply place the ingredients in the inner pot, cover lid and bring to a boil on your stove (approx. 10 minutes). When brought to a boil, remove from stove and place in outer thermal pot.

Thermal technology creates a convection effect by using the steam produced inside to circulate and continue cooking for up to 30 minutes and warms for up to 8 hours. Food is cooked in its own moisture and steam, so nutrients are preserved. Compared to a pressure cooker, thermal cooking with a thermal cooker is 30% more energy efficient.

Beef Stew

Previously Mummy had posted the beef stew receipe without the pictures. Here you go. We are having it tonight again.


Pan-frying the beef cubes


Simmering the stew before putting into the slow cooker

Updates ...

Mummy's post:

Some updates:

- We had received HDB's letter of release for our less than 5 years flat. So silly, right? It's gonna be 5 years in another 3 months time, now then they replied us. Anyway it means we can go ahead with getting our valuation and looking for buyers. At the same time we are going to look for flats too.

- Aida's comfirmed leaving us in next Mar, meaning we'll have to get a new helper too. I felt kind of sad cos she's with us since last year Mar and she had been a great helper so far. I really appreciate her help throughout this period else I wouldn't know how I can take care of this pair of terrors as a 1st time mummy. Hope our next helper can be as good. No, I would be happy as long as the next one can be 80% as good.
Anyway I had planned for the worst senario. If the next helper don't turn out well, I'll probably stay at home to take care of the 2 kiddos on my own.

So it'll be another rounds of changes in our lives beginning of 2009. I certainly hope the kids can take to it well with the new environment and new maid.

Explorerkids on our own

This is the 1st time we've been to Explorerkids without our friends. Danial and Yazmin are in Hongkong and since Aunty Sally had started work, Naomi can't join us on weekdays. Mummy thought Reyden had been quite sticky to Aunty Aida recently so she decides it should be bonding time for just 3 of us. This is also Mummy's 1st time bringing us out alone without any strollers at all and we managed to "survive" the outing. Bravo Mummy ...


Baby's ball pit




"Upgraded" to the toddler's ball pit. We find it more interesting here cos of the dazzling lightings and big big ball pit.


Reyes' getting lazy again


Mummy, I'm stuck.




Taking a rest