Almond cookies are one of the popular Chinese New Year (CNY) cookies. They also happen to be my family’s favourite.   These almond cookies are healthier and lighter than the usual butter and sugar loaded cookies. They are butter-free, shortening-free, milk-free and egg-free (if you skip the egg wash). Not only healthy, they are absolutely delicious, crumbly, nutty and less sweet.     I...

  Last week, my son’s school celebrated Children’s Day. His teacher asked her students to bring some healthy food to share on that day. So, my son asked me whether I could bake something for his classmates, but it had to be eggless as some of them are on a vegetarian diet.   To fulfil this “once-a-year” request (as claimed by my son, which of course is not entirely true), I had baked 2 types...

  Tamago Boro (also known as egg biscuits, (蛋果子 or 小馒头)) is a very popular snack among kids. You can find them in supermarkets, Japanese specialty stores or local snack shops. My son had never tasted them before. So, he was very excited when he knew that I was going to make them for him.   I have made these Tamago Boro successfully based on a recipe I have adapted and modified from 『君之』的手工烘焙坊....

  Two weeks ago, my beloved, 4-year old oven suddenly quited on me. This has totally upset my Chinese New Year (CNY) baking schedule. I have bought a new oven subsequently but I am still adapting myself to its new features, baking time and temperature.   Seaweed crackers are one snack that I’m very tempted to make for this CNY. However, all of the online seaweed crackers recipes are deep-fried which...

  Ho Ho Ho! It’s Christmas time again! I’m sure many of you have been busy baking for Christmas. If you still need one cookie recipe to add on to your to-bake list, then give this shortbread cookies recipe a try. It is easy-to-do and makes a perfect Christmas food gift for your family and friends.   Shortbread is traditionally made with three basic ingredients: sugar, butter and flour, and the...

  Have you ever tried making your own cookie cutter? I had just made my very first mini fishy cutters, and had used them to make these cute tiny goldfish crackers.  Are you inspired to make them for your little ones too? It’s an easy recipe. If I can do it, so can you.   Let’s start with the DIY cookie cutters. All you need is an aluminum can (use more if you plan to have more fun), scissors,...

  In the blink of an eye, it’s already March. Chinese Lunar New Year has passed and the first quarter of the year will soon be over. March is also a month where seven of my family members celebrate their birthdays. This includes my not-so-little boy (who is turning eight soon) and me. As usual, we don’t hold birthday parties but will celebrate in a simple way. On my recent birthday, my hubby and...

  This school term, my son is required to take up swimming lessons as part of his PE curriculum. While attending one of his swimming lessons, I had a casual chat with my son’s class teacher. She suggested that I packed some light snack for my son to bring along to eat after his swimming lessons. My first thought was to make those healthy, energy-boosting oat bars that I posted awhile back. However, these...

  Apart from vegetables, fruits, and proteins, eating more whole grains is an important component for an overall healthy diet. Whole-grains are made up of the entire grain kernel consisting of the bran, germ and endosperm. Thus, they provide more proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals than those of refined grains. Some of the common whole grains products are brown rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, rolled...

  One of the things I look forward to having coffee at Dome Cafe is not its coffee but the biscotti that is served together with it. This little treat compliments the coffee so well! I always wanted to grab hold of a packet to bring home. But, after seeing the price, I decided to give this homemade version a go. That’s when I realized how cheap, healthier and tastier they could be!! Moving forward,...