Happy Holidays

As we all look up to the new year
with new hopes, aspirations and promises
Hope it brings you happiness and fulfill all your wishes !
Wish you a happy and fulfilling 2011

Udang Balado / Shrimp Balado

Indonesian foods are very rich with spices and herbs. For example is Udang Balado or Shrimp Balado, its strong taste of chilies can increase your appetite. The word "balado" itself is mostly found in Padang specialities which refer to spicy dishes.This dish is just perfect to eat with steamed white rice. It’s really appetizing and the shrimps are simply delicious.

As my son become a big (maybe I can say, huge) fans of shrimp, my mom always make Shrimp Balado just for him. He likes spicy foods, and that comes from my blood. :) Without further ado, here's my version of Shrimp Balado.

Shrimp Balado / Udang Balado

Ingredients :

500 gr shrimp, peeled with tails intact
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
salt

Seasoning:

7 chilies
6 red onions
3 cloves garlic
1 small tomato (if you use a big one, just use a half of it)
salt and sugar to taste

How to :

1. Rub the lime juice and salt onto the prawns. Set aside for 15 minutes.
2. To make the Seasoning, pulse all the ingredients in a mortar or blender several times to chop finely, but do not turn into a paste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a wok or skillet with medium heat. Stir-fry the seasoning until fragrant and cooked, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the shrimps and mix until well blended, taking care not to overcook the shrimps. Remove and serve immediately.

*You could remove the tomato, if you like this dish dry.

Enjoy...

Happy Birthday, Ayah....

"Being 35 years old recently, nothing change, except you become wiser and more confident with who you are these days. Happy birthday to you"

This brownie was made few days after my hubby's birthday. On his birthday, we went to one of shopping mall, and having dinner there. We had enjoyed our time by sitting at the downtown walk watching TV.

So, about the recipe itself, I just found it in Anne Vijaya's blog. And hey...it really works for me. I love the way chocolate melt inside it. I already made it twice, and they go just perfect !! Unfortunately, my hubby doesn't like sweet and chocolate. For the good news, I made that brownie and also I was the one who ate that brownie :D

Bloomin’ Brilliant Brownies
Source : Jamie Oliver

250 g unsalted butter
200 g dark Fairtrade chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken up
80 g cocoa powder, sifted
65 g plain flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
360 g caster sugar (I use 320 g caster sugar)
4 large free-range or organic eggs

How to :

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Line a 25cm square baking tin with greaseproof paper. In a large bowl over some simmering water, melt the butter and the chocolate and mix until smooth.

In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and sugar, then add this to the chocolate mixture. Stir together well. Beat the eggs and mix in until you have a silky consistency.

Pour your brownie mix into the baking tray, and place in the oven for around 25 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them so, unlike cakes, you don’t want a skewer to come out all clean. The brownies should be slightly springy on the outside but still gooey in the middle.

Allow to cool in the tray, then carefully transfer to a large chopping board and cut into chunky squares.

Happy birthday, Ayah. We wishing you a happy and prosperous birthday and a sweet night of birthday dreams.

Enjoy.....

You can read behind the scene story here.