Monkey Fruit Bread

No one really knows why this delicious treat is called Monkey Bread, but we do know it amazing...but some say the unusual name for this pull-apart bread comes from the technique used to eat it, pulling off chunks and eating them with your fingers like a monkey!!!!! sounds cool...uhmm!

I made this bread one afternoon when my husband asked me to bake something special for afternoon tea. While checking all the ingredient on hands I notice this beautiful monkey bread on my recipe books and give it try myself. Its very delicious, the sweetness is just right and I will do it again and again...

Monkey Fruit Bread 

2½ active dry yeast
1¾ cups warm water
5 tbsp. granulated sugar
5 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup mixed dried fruits
5 tbsp. butter, melted

For rolling

2 cups dark brown sugar
3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
½ tsp. ground cloves
¾ cup butter, melted

Direction

* In samll bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water, add 2 tbsps of granulated 
  sugar. Let stand for 10 mins or until foamy.

* Combine 2 cups of flour, salt, and the remaining sugar.Add yeast mixture 
  into flour mixture, beat on low to medium speed then add vanilla. Beat on 
  high speed for 3 minutes. 

* Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in the dried mixed
  fruit and enough remaining flour ro make a soft smooth elastic dough.
  Shape dough into a ball. Place in a greased bowl. Dizzle the 5 tbsps melted
  butter over dough, Cover and let rise until double the in size.

* In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, 
  melted butter.

* Grease the baking pan. Punch the dough down. Pinch off small pieces of
  dough, shape into ball. Dip the dough ball in the cinnamon mixture then
  arrange coated dough into prepared pan. Cover, let rise until nearly
  double the size.

* Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown. 
  

Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands of years. One of the most important benefits of garlic is the prevention and treatment of heart disease. Regular use of garlic can lower your total blood cholesterol number and it can lower your LDL cholesterol as well. Garlic will also lower blood pressure and triglycerides and can reduce the build-up of plaque in your arteries. Since garlic will thin the blood you should consult a physician before beginning a garlic regimen if you are currently taking aspirin or other blood thinners.

Garlic produces a chemical called allicin. This is what seems to make garlic work for certain conditions. Allicin also makes garlic smell. Some products are made “odorless” by aging the garlic, but this process can also make the garlic less effective. It’s a good idea to look for supplements that are coated (enteric coating) so they will dissolve in the intestine and not in the stomach.

Garlic is well known as a natural health remedy that has long been used to treat various ailments. It is extremely easy to source in most countries and can be consumed cooked or fresh. It is most easily included in your food or can be eaten on its own. You don’t need to limit yourself to fresh garlic either. Garlic powder or dried garlic flakes are just as effective and super easy to keep in the cupboard for everyday use.

Garlic is known for its distinct taste and smell whenever it's cooked and added to various dishes. Because of its distinct taste and aroma, it is a commonly used spice that is mixed with other herbs like ginger and onions in preparing various dishes. Depending on the flavor desired, the method of cooking it could either be mellow or intense. In Northern European cuisine for example, garlic is used in little amounts and is cooked for a long time to diminish its taste. Try and cook some roasted garlic for extra health benefits.

Health benefits of Garlic

Cancer prevention

Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of cancer. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP into carcinogens.

Remedy for respiratory problems

Daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine.  Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.

Protect heart

Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.

Natural Antibiotic

The active compound of sulfur known as allicin is known for its antibiotic properties. This chemical is produced when garlic is either chopped or chewed. Allicin not only kills the germs but also inhibits their development in the body. In fact, 1mg of allicin has potency equal to 15 standard units of penicillin.

Prevents and treats colds

Packed with antioxidants, your immune system could benefit if you give it a constant boast of powerful garlic in daily recipes. If a cold does sneak by, try sipping garlic tea, steep chopped or minced garlic in hot water for several minutes, then strain and drink. You can add a bit of honey

Control your weight.

squeeze half lemon juice in one glass of luke warm water and drink it with two cloves of raw garlic regularly twice a day (morning and evening), for about three months. Avoid using starchy foods and fats. Do exercise regularly.

Treat athlete's foot 

With its anti-fungal properties garlic could be a good way to get rid of itchy athlete's foot. Soak your feet in a bath of warm water and crushed garlic. 

Toothaches

Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth can help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum.

Insect Bites

just crush the garlic and apply it to the affected area to reduce pain and to remove poison.

Chocolate Pan Dulce

Happy Monday everyone! There has been quite alot of baking going in our house, yeasty kind that take hours, but worth to wait..just like this delicious Chocolate pan dulce bread. This bread not only good for afternoon tea but you can indulge these beautifully bake for your breakfast or brunch.

My husband who is a chef and have high expectation for baking or any cooking skills, these one has got "thump-up" from him. We both love the amazing flavor comes from within. Very simple and easy to make and you will enjoy the aroma in the kitchen while waiting to come out from the oven.....

Happy baking....

 

CHOCOLATE PAN DULCE

Ingredients:

dough: Topping:

1 cup warm milk (105-115ºF) ½ cup sugar

6 tbsp. melted butter ⅔ cup all-purpose flour

4 tsp. yeast ¼ tsp. salt

⅓ cup sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt                                    2 tbsp. unsweeted cocoa powder

2 eggs 4 tbsp. melted butter

4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp. water

                                                1 egg yolk

Procedure:

*   Stir yeast into milk, let stand for 10 mins. then add butter stir 

    until combine.

*   Add sugar, salt, eggs and 2 cups of flour into yeast mixture mix well, 

    then add gradually the remaining flour, knead for 10 mins until become 

    smooth.

*   Place dough in a lightly grease bowl cover and let it rest for 1 hour.

*   Shape the dough into ball, (atleast 10 buns) place on grease baking pan, 

    let rest for 30 mins.

*   Preheat oven 350ºF

*   Topping: combine sugar, flour, salt, cocoa powder, cinnamon, 

    butter, and water until a paste form. If the topping is too crumbly 

    add more water, ½ tbsp at a time.

*   Divide the paste (atleast 10 buns) and roll into balls. Flatten each balls

    as size for the buns set aside. ( use wax paper 

*   Brush buns with white eggs, then place the toppings on the top of each 

    buns use knife to cut lines into the topping about ¼ inch.

*   Bake for 15 mins.

Mini Sour Cream Coffee Cake

This mini cake has great texture, rich flavor and very moist inside. It simple to make and I always have these ingredients on hand. A mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and nuts is ground fine and layered into a rich, buttery batter that includes a hearty hit of sour cream for a little tang. This cake is perfect for having around the office, bringing to a party or nibbling on at home.

Happy baking.......

Ingredients

¾ cup unsalted butter at room temperature

1½ cups granulated sugar

3 extra-large eggs at room temperature

1½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

1¼ cups sour cream

2 ½ cups cake flour (not self-rising)

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. kosher salt

For the streusel:

¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

1½ tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. kosher salt

3 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

¾  cup chopped walnuts, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a mini cake tin.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl for 4 to 5 minutes, until light. Add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla and sour cream. 

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the batter until just combined. Finish stirring with a spatula to be sure the batter is completely mixed.

For the streusel, place the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and butter in a bowl and pinch together with your fingers until it forms a crumble. Mix in the walnuts, if desired.

Spoon half batter into the mini cake tin. Sprinkle with 2-4 tablespoon of streusel then add more batter on the top, use a knife to spread it out, and sprinkle desire amount of streusel on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Carefully transfer the cake, streusel side up, onto a serving plate. 

Benefits of Baking Soda

A few days ago, I was sick up to my stomach how to figure out what kind of treatment I will apply to my itchy rashes all over my body which a percription from my doctor didnt work out. I sat down and started scroll down my computer to looked for possible home remedy treatment, in just a minute I found my self soaking in a bath tub with warm water plus 2 cups of baking soda for 30 minutes and so. I was really amazed..it is working for me....! I found the relief Im looking for, so I did often until the rashes was fully disappeared....!




BAKING SODA

Otherwise known as bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarbonate, and, less commonly, saleratus, is a chemical salt with diverse practical uses. With a chemical formula of NaHCO3, it is a white powder with crystalline grains. Although it can be produced by artificial means, in its natural form, baking soda is called nahcolite, taking its name from its chemical formula.

Sodium bicarbonate is weakly alkaline. As such, it acts to neutralize acids and break down proteins. This quality accounts for its usefulness as a tenderizer and a leaven. Also, its neutralizing action on acidic scent molecules makes it an effective deodorizer. Added to the water when doing laundry, baking soda stabilizes the pH level, enhancing the detergent’s effectiveness. It may also be added to swimming pool water to balance the pH and keep the water clear.

The most common practical use for baking soda is as a leavening agent in baking. In combination with a liquid and an acid, it undergoes a chemical reaction that releases bubbles of carbon dioxide. Trapped in batter or dough, these carbon dioxide bubbles enable the baked good to rise. Baked goods leavened with baking soda, therefore, generally have a light crumb and are aerated with many holes left by the escaping bubbles of carbon dioxide. 

The most amazing thing about baking soda is that it’s very cheap. You can do all these things for a very small cost. Baking soda is truly a miracle product, whether it’s used for baking or not.

Here is some of benefits using baking soda would like you to know:

Health Uses

1. Use it as an antacid.

2. Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.

3. Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide paste and use it as toothpaste.

4. Use it as a face and body scrub.

5. Add a cup to bathwater to soften your skin.

6. Relieve skin itch from insect bites and pain from sunburn.

7. Remove strong odors from your hands by rubbing them with baking
    soda and water.

8. Put two tablespoons in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve diaper rash.

9. Apply it on rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy irritations.

10. Take a baking soda bath to relieve skin irritations.

11. Heartburn? Take a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one-half glass
     of water.

12. Freshen your mouth by gargling half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed water.

13. Relieve canker sore pain by using it as mouthwash.

14. Use it to relieve bee stings.

15. Use it to relieve windburns.

16. Apply it on jellyfish sting to draw out the venom.

17. Unblock stuffy nose by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your
     vaporizer.

In the Home

18. Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon to the water in
     the vase.

19. Put out small fires on rugs, upholstery, clothing, and wood.

20. Put an open container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors.

21. Sprinkle it on your ashtrays to reduce bad odor and prevent smoldering.

22. Sprinkle it on your slippers, boots, shoes, and socks to eliminate foul odor.

23. Turn baking soda into modeling clay by combining it with one and 1/4 cups
      of water and one cup of cornstarch.

24. After feeding your baby, wipe his shirt with a moist cloth sprinkled
     with baking soda to remove the odor.

25. Wipe your windshield with it to repel rain.

26. Improve the smell of dishrags by soaking them in baking soda and water.

27. Suck it in with your vacuum cleaner to remove the odor.

28. Freshen the air by mixing baking soda with your favorite perfumed bath salts.
     Put the mixture in small sachet bags.

29. Restore stiff brushes by boiling them in a solution of ½ gallon of water,
     ¼ cup of vinegar, and a cup of baking soda.

30. Put it under sinks and along basement windows to repel cockroaches
      and ants.

31. Scatter baking soda around flowerbeds to prevent rabbits from eating your
     veggies.

32. Sweeten your tomatoes by sprinkling baking soda on the soil around your
     tomato plants.

33. Sprinkle it onto your cat’s litter box to absorb the bad odor.

34. Sprinkle it on your pet’s comb or brush to deodorize their fur and skin.

In Cooking

35. Use it as a substitute for baking powder by mixing with it with cream of
     tartar or vinegar.

36. Wash fruits and vegetables with it.

37. When boiling a chicken, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water.
     Feathers will come off easier, and the flesh will be clean and white.

38. Soak dried beans to a baking soda solution to make them more digestible.

39. Remove the distinctive taste of wild game by soaking it in a baking soda
     solution.

40. Make a sports drink by mixing it with boiled water, salt, and Kool-Aid.

41. Remove the fishy smell from your fillets by soaking the raw fish in a baking
     soda solution for an hour inside the fridge.

42. Make fluffier omelets by adding half a teaspoon of baking soda for every
     three eggs used.

43. Reduce the acid content of your tomato-based recipes by sprinkling them
     with a pinch of baking soda.

Cleaning Purposes

44. Add a cup to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean
     the toilet and absorb the odor.

45. Use it to scrub sinks, showers, plastic and porcelain tubs

46. Spray it on walls, mirrors, and countertops.

47. Add a spoonful to your dishwasher to make scrubbing dishes easier.

48. Remove grease from pots and pans.

49. Dry clean carpets and upholstered furniture by sprinkling baking soda over
     the fabric and gently brushing it. Leave it for an hour or overnight, then
     vacuum.

50. Boost your laundry detergent’s cleaning power by sprinkling a handful
     on dirty clothes.

51. Combine it with water to make a paste for polishing stainless steel and
     chrome.

52. Remove scratches and crayon marks from vinyl floors and walls.

53. Clean your shoes with it.

54. Clean garbage cans with it.

55. Use it to wash diapers.

56. Clean the fridge with it.

57. Soak brushes and combs in a baking soda solution.

58. Mix it with water to wash food and drinks container.

59. Put three tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water, then
     use the mixture to wash marble-topped furniture.

60. Absorb it with a damp sponge, then clean Formica countertops with the
     sponge.

61. Use it to get rid of stale odors from cooling containers and thermos bottles.

62. Run your coffee maker with a baking soda solution, then rinse.

63. Combine with hot water to clean baby bottles.

64. Sprinkle it on barbecue grills, then rinse it off.

65. Scatter it on your greasy garage floor, scrub the floor, and rinse.

66. Remove burned-on food from a pan by soaking it in a baking soda solution
     for 10 minutes before washing.

67. Clean your ashtrays with a baking soda solution.

68. Keep your drains clean by putting four tablespoons of baking soda in
     them each week. Flush it down with hot water.

69. Clean your shower curtains by soaking them in baking soda and water.

70. Put it on a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.

71. Use it to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from a toaster. Sprinkle
     baking soda on a damp rug, then use the rug to clean the toaster.

72. Use it to clean your retainers and dentures.

73. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, and used it to scrub enameled
     cast iron and stainless steel.

74. Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water, and use it
     to clean the inside part of an oven.

75. Use it to unclog gas stoves.

Lets Talk Chocolate

Choosing chocolate for baking

Whether a chocolate is called unsweetened, bittersweet, or semisweet depends mostly on the percentage of chocolate liquor the chocolate contains. (Chocolate liquor is the paste made from ground cocoa nibs, which are extracted from roasted cocoa beans. The liquor contains cocoa butter and cocoa solids.)

Here's a rundown of the various types of chocolate.

Semisweet and bittersweet chocolate

Traditionally, these can be used interchangeably with semisweet giving a slightly sweeter result. Bittersweet generally contains less sugar then semisweet, but the distinction between the two types becomes hazy between brands. For examples a bittersweet chocolate offered by a supermarket brand likely has more sugar than a semisweet chocolate made by a premium chocolate maker.

Unsweetened chocolate

Unsweetened chocolate contains no sugar and so is about 99% chocolate liquor. It's extremely bitter and cannot be used interchangeably with semisweet or bittersweet chocolate.

Milk chocolate

Although popular to eat out of hand, milk chocolate is used less widely in baking then semi- or bittersweet chocolate. In the U.S., milk chocolate must contains a minimum of 10% chocolate liquor and 12% milk solids. In Europe, milk chocolate must contain 30% chocolate liquor and 18% dry milk solids as well as 26% total fat.

Gianduia (gianduja)

This silky-smooth hazelnut flavored chocolate comes in milk and dark chocolate versions. The team is also used to describe the flavor pairing of chocolate and hazelnut.

Chocolate chips

Specially formulated morsels that retain their shape and creamy texture without burning when baked, chips are ideal as mix-ins for cookies and quick breads. since they contains significantly less cocoa butter they behave differently that bar chocolate when melted, so it's best not to substitute chips when bitter- or semisweet chocolate is called for. But if a recipe calls for chips, you can often substitute coarsely chopped semi- or bittersweet chocolate.

White chocolate

Technically, this isn't really chocolate at all since it contains no cocoa solids, only cocoa butter mixed with sugar, milk solids, and flavorings.

Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is chocolate without milk solids added. Dark chocolate is often distinguished by the percentage of cocoa solids in the bar. The cocoa content of commercial dark chocolate bars can range from 30% (sweet dark) to 70%, 75%, or even above 80% for extremely dark bars. Common terms used to distinguish the cocoa content of dark chocolate bars include bittersweet, semi-sweet, and sweet dark chocolate.

How to store chocolate

Chocolate will keep for a year at room temperature, if kept below 70ºF wrap it in a few layers of plastic wrap to keep it as airtight as possible and put in a dark cupboard, away from strong-smelling foods. (chocolate, like butter, will absorb strong aromas) If your cupboard is too hot, you can store chocolate in the refrigerator or freezer, but a moist environment isn't the best. If you do chill your chocolate, bring it to room temperature while still in wrapped to prevent condensation from forming, as any water on the chocolate can interfere with its ability to melt smoothly.

How to melt chocolate

Chop first - Chopping chocolate  helps it melt more quickly and evenly. Because white and milk chocolate are delicate and scorch easily, it's best to chop them finely to melt them with minimal heat. Dark chocolate is more forgiving, so chop into coarse, almond size pieces.

Skip the double boiler, use a skillet instead -  Most direction for melting chocolate suggest using double boiler but for me it is easier and safer to use skillet than  double boiler. Just add water into skillet and bring it to boil in medium heat then, bring bowl of chopped chocolate right into skillet.

Stir the chocolate - Occasionally stir the chocolate as well as any other ingredients you're directed to melt along with it, like butter until melted and smooth. remove the bowl from the skillet, wipe the bottom of the bowl and let the melted chocolate cool slightly (unless otherwise directed) before using it.

Red Velvet Cake

This recipe is courtesy by iron Chef Bobby Flay. He was my favorite iron chef America. This is the best red velvet cake recipe I have ever tried...hands down...! Excellent cake, it is moist, the sweetness just right, flavor was amazing...its a winner!!!!!!!

Ingredients

Cake:

3 ¾ cups all purpose flour

3 tbsp. dutch processed cocoa powder

1½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

12 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 ¼ cups granulated sugar

¾ cups vegetable oil

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

1½ tsp. red wine vinegar

1 tbsp. red food coloring

1½ cups buttermilk, at room temperature

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans and line each pan with a round of parchment paper.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl

Cream the butter, sugar and oil in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beat until incorporated. Beat in the vanilla, vinegar and food coloring.

Add the flour mixture to the batter in 3 batches alternating with the buttermilk, mixing well after each addition. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool on a baking rack for 15 minutes before removing the cake from the pans. Let cool completely before frosting. Slice each cake into 2 layers and frost.

Frosting:

½ cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped

7 tbsp. all-purpose flour

3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1½  cups superfine sugar

Combine the cream, milk, vanilla bean and seeds in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Remove the vanilla bean and discard. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened to a paste, about 2 minutes. Scrape into a bowl, cover and refrigerate until very cold, at least 2 hours.

Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat until the mixture is very fluffy and the sugar is totally dissolved, about 6 minutes. Add the cold paste, a few tablespoons at a time to the butter mixture and whip until light and fluffy.