My Serendipitous Notes {October 11, 2009}

It was another busy week trying something new in the kitchen. Some turned out okay, some didn’t. I believe that’s the joy of doing what you love. When you make a mistake and it didn’t turn out okay, you try again. I am also trying to get as much reading done from my distance learning education, a Twilight book and some fascinating blogs unread. I am also catching up on my cooking lessons at Rouxbe Online Cooking School. Well, I still do need some reminder cooking lessons once in a while.

Kenyan Black-Eyed Peas in Coconut Milk



I made this the other for my two brothers who are prone to uric acid. What a caring sister. This Kenyan dish M'Baazi is from Tracey (@tastytrix). It’s supposed to be a cold summer dish but I served it warm. I used a legume similar to black-eyed peas. I don’t know how to translate it in English so I’ll call it brown-eyed peas. We have some old coconuts and they are great for extracting coconut milk. This dish is really good. My brothers asked for seconds and thirds and didn’t suffer gout attacks the following day.

Coconut Macaroons



Mom would buy coconut macaroons whenever she gets a hand on it. These little gems are made from the shredded coconut after the milk has been extracted. So, after extracting the liquid, you just throw away the coconut meat. I hate throwing things away so I made them into coconut macaroons with whole wheat pastry flour, agave nectar and lime zest. They’re actually pretty good. There was only four left and I realized I need to take to a photo. I am still tweaking the recipe for a healthier coconut macaroon.

Look what I’ve found

Mochi with Chocolate Truffle Filling



These are the ones that I’ve wanted to make at home since last year. I bought this Dezato Mochi at the baking bazaar at Powerplant Mall in Makati City. They come in four flavors: milk chocolate; white chocolate with walnuts; dark chocolate and green tea. They are really good and you’ll notice from the photo above, a few are missing. Penny, these are for you. :)

Macapuno Candy



They are also called coconut candy. These gelatinous sugar coated candy also from Powerplant Mall are a childhood favorite. They are made with coconut meat and sugar, sometimes condensed milk and egg yolks. They are cook until they are thick and then cooled before wrapping individually. Eat with caution as they are quite addicting. I haven’t had these for many years so I’m indulging a bit. I have no plans on making these unless someone gives me a full-proof recipe and also a recipe that is also easy on the sugar.

Turmeric



This is the first time I’ve found turmeric at the supermarket. They’re not the best looking turmeric but they’re cheap. India has the lowest rate of Alzheimer’s disease because they use a lot of turmeric in their cooking. Turmeric is also great for the liver, it cleanses the blood and it boosts immunity. Consume turmeric tea everyday to improve your liver function. When your liver is functioning properly, all good benefits follow.

Curry Leaves



Another good find is curry leaves and they have a very distinct smell. Curry leaves are an herbal tonic and they are great for the digestive system and any indigestion problems. You can also make curry oil with these leaves by heating the oil and curry leaves over low heat. When the leaves turn black remove from the heat and let it cool down. Then, store in a glass container. Apply this oil on your scalp to improve hair growth. It is also said that it helps prevent premature aging of grey hair. Well, that I have to try.

Have a great weekend.