Tuesday, April 1, 2014

SCS Spreadable Butter Recipes

Advertorial

Trusted homegrown brand SCS has re-launched its Spreadable Butter in an all-new formulation and packaging that promises to be even better than before. Its a new improved formula featuring a wider surface area that makes it creamier, smoother and easier to spread.

IMG_7674_small IMG_7673_small

What is so special about this SCS Spreadable Butter?
1. New formula and packaging
2. Blended with canola oil
3. No artificial colouring
4. Low in trans-fat

Health properties:
1. The omega 3 fatty acids found in canola oil can promote better cardiovascular function.
2. Canola oil contains vitamins E and K, which protect from free radicals and aid in blood clotting.

Do you know?
1. Butter contains substances that are essential to thyroid function, help combat fat and cholesterol, and even protect the body against infections.
2. Butter also contains a number of vitamins and anti-oxidants that protect against the kind of free radical damage that weakens the arteries.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are looking for recipes that can go well with the SCS Spreadable Butter, I have 3 fantastic recipes for you!

Fraisier Cake

Fraisier Cake

image

This cake has three portions to prepare, firstly the Roulade (Rolled Sponge), secondly the Creme Patissiere (Pastry Cream) and thirdly the Creme Mousseline.

Ingredients for Roulade
- 30g SCS Spreadable Butter (melted and cooled)
- 5 Egg Whites
- 80g Sugar
- 5 Egg Yolks
- 30g Honey
- 80g Cake Flour (sifted twice)

Ingredients for Creme Patissiere
- 50g + 50g Sugar
- 40g Corn Flour
- 4 Yolks
- 500ml Milk
- 1/2 pod Vanilla Pod

Ingredients for Creme Mousseline
- 150g SCS Spreadable Butter (softened)
- 400g Creme Patissiere
- 40g Kirsch (fruit brandy) (optional)

Directions
Part 1: Make the Roulade (Rolled Sponge)
- Preheat oven to 120°C.
- Whisk eggs whites in mixer till foamy. Add sugar gradually and whisk till stiff peaks form.
- Meanwhile, combine melted butter, honey and yolks in a bowl. Mix well.
- Once egg whites are stiffened, add in butter mixture till combined.
- Fold in cake flour.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread.
- Baked in preheat oven for estimated 10-12 mins, till golden brown.

Part 2: Make the Creme Patissiere (Pastry Cream)
- Mix yolks, corn flour and 50g of sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
- Boil milk, 50 of sugar and vanilla pod. Pour half of the mixture into the yolk mixture and whisk well.
- Strain back into the pot. On medium heat, whisk the mixture constantly till thick, taking care not to burn it.
- Once boiled, continue to whisk for another 1-2 mins till smooth.

Part 3: Make the Creme Mousseline
- Combine creme patissiere, butter and kirsch in a mixing bowl and cream till light and fluffy.

Part 4: Assemble the Frasier Cake
- Cut roulade sponge into two rounds. Lay one sponge in a cake ring. Brush simple syrup onto one sponge and arrange cut strawberries along the sides.
- Spread a layer of creme mousseline and add berries in the centre. Top with the other sponge and moisten it with simple syrup.
- Cover the top of the cake with more creme mousseline.
- To finish, cut leftover sponge into cubes and place on top of the cake.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Croque Madame

croque-madame

Definitely a simple breakfast to prepare for the kids.

Ingredients
- 1 tsp SCS Spreadable Butter
- 1 slice SCS Cheese Slices
- 2 slices Sandwich Bread (crust removed)
- 1 slice Ham
- 1 Egg

Directions
- Lightly preheat a non-stick pan.
- Apply the spreadable butter to the bread and assemble the sandwich by placing a slice of cheese and a slice of ham in between the two slices of bread.
- Place the assembled sandwich in the non-stick pan over low heat and toast, applying even pressure over the top of the sandwich. Turn over when golden brown.
- In another non-stick pan, add a little oil fry the egg, cooking it sunny-side up or over-easy as desired.
- When the sandwich is nicely toasted on both sides, remove from pan and place on plate and place egg on top.
- Season to taste.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grilled Beef Sandwich with Onion Jam

grilled-beef-sandwich

What about a family sandwich for everyone? This is sure to wow all your friends and family alike.

Ingredients
- 2 tsp SCS Spreadable Butter
- 2 slices SCS Black Pepper Cheese Slices
- 1 Beef Strip Loin (about 120g)
- 1 Ripe Tomato
- 1 Ciabatta Loaf
- 1 Large Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp GOURMET Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic (chopped)
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Directions
- Prepare the onion jam first. In a frying pan, add the oil, onions and dried thyme, cooking gently over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. If the pan gets too dry, add in 1 tbsp of water whenever necessary.
- When the onions turn a rich brown colour, add in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Season to taste.
- Pan-sear the beef until it achieve desired doneness.
- Slice the ciabatta in half lengthwise.
- Spread the ciabatta with the spreadable butter and assemble the sandwich. Spread a layer of the onion jam first, followed by the tomato, beef, and cheese.
- Cover with the top of the ciabatta. Toast in a sandwich press.

Tip
- If you do not have a sandwich press use a non-stick pan heat till medium heat. Just place the sandwich in the pan and press down flat until the crust is crispy. Turn and toast the other side.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy Cooking!

Monday, March 31, 2014

Punggol Ranch - Gallop Stables

With no particular agenda in mind, we drove to the far northeast, into the region of Punggol Road, so far out that there were not much car in sight.

DSC_8632

And we found an interesting place to bookmark for future exploration. Punggol Ranch – Gallop Stables.

DSC_8627

Riding lessons are available in group or private. Here’s a glimpse of the horses in their stables. Eating well!

 DSC_8658 DSC_8668

Besides the riding, there are some other activities available too.

 DSC_8672

DSC_8670

To my surprise, there are actually chalets available here! I am already planning in my mind to book one for a “cowboy night” BBQ session with my family & friends! Check out the rooms housed in wagons.

DSC_8631 DSC_8641

DSC_8644

Even the door-knob is a horse figure, so apt right?

DSC_8643

Kids will surely be entertained too.

DSC_8649 DSC_8650 DSC_8651

Such peaceful place is really a rare thing in Singapore. Learning to enjoy life and be happy!

DSC_8635

DSC_8654

Gallop Stables
A: 900 Punggol Road, S(829168)
T: +65 6690 0900
E:
enquiry@punggolranch.com
W: www.gallopstable.com

Friday, March 28, 2014

Good Coffee @ Cafe Melba

Looking for a cafe that is opened on Mondays is becoming a challenge. Looking for a cafe that serves good coffee is even harder. Our latest search brought us to a place near Mountbatten, a relatively secluded place to find without car.

Cafe Melba is nested among Mountbatten, Tanjong Rhu and Katong area. Good news to pet owners, this place is dog friendly too. For kids, the bouncy castle is only available during weekends.

DSC_8623

What I like about such cafes, not only because of the space, but more importantly the feel of being away from the usual bustling work life.

DSC_8608 DSC_8612

You get my meaning..

DSC_8605

DSC_8606

Now for the food we ordered.

Full Melba Cooked Breakfast
Choice of Eggs (poached, scrambled or sunny side up) with pork sausages, home-cured bacon, roasted cherry vine tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, hash brown and home made toast

DSC_8618

Linguine Aglio Olio

DSC_8620

Long Black

DSC_8615

Truly appreciate such days to refresh the soul and body. Best of all, I have my darling with me too.

DSC_8616

Cafe Melba
A: 90 Goodman Road, Goodman Arts Centre, Block N #01-56, S(439053)
T: +65 6440 6068
E:
info@cafemelba.com.sg
W: www.cafemelba.com.sg

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm (weekdays); 8:30am to 10pm (weekends & PH)

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Date Your Partner @ Romancing U

Many of us are so busy working that we seldom have time for the special one who matters more than anything. This coming April 19 organised by NTUC – U Family, Romancing U is back to help couples to reconnect with their partners, renew the passion and relive their blissful courting days.

Romancing

Exciting programmes and events are prepared for everyone to enjoy a romantic night by the scenic Marina Bay Waterfront. There will be a romantic movie screening under the stars with free flow of Nescafe coffee and snacks!

Movie

Event Highlights
Cruise along the Singapore River in a Love Boat
Live performance of songs and ballads by local acoustic band, Paraphase
Dance away to the tunes of beautiful love songs led by professional instructors
Have your couple shots taken at the unique Photo Studio booths
Be crowned the Most Charming Couple and The Best Dance Chemistry Couple to win attractive prizes worth S$3,500

Book early to avoid disappointment. Create another romantic memory with your partner!

Date: 19 April 2014 (Saturday)
Time: 6pm to 10pm (Registration starts at 5pm)
Venue: The Promontory @ Marina Bay
Ticket Fees: $15 per couple (NTUC member); $30 per couple (Public)

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Movement is Happiness

Following on from the global commitments to help fight obesity, Coca-Cola Singapore once again takes up active steps to get Singaporeans to get up and move. The Company launches the Movement is Happiness™ initiative, aimed to educate Singaporeans about the emotional benefits of physical activity. Simply say, it is targeting to show us that daily movement can pave the way for a release in our emotional happiness. Move and be happy, thus the slogan: The More You Move, The Happier You Feel!

Kicking off this series of activities, Coca-Cola set up activity stations just outside Wisma Atria, promoting some fun and easy activities such as hula hoops, skipping ropes, flying discs and beach balls.

DSC_8857

DSC_8859

Helpful Coco-Cola Ambassadors are around to teach the kids how to play the right way.

DSC_8863

After just a short explanation, Joey & Jayne were able to throw the frisbee with much better control.

DSC_8866

DSC_8910 DSC_8911

DSC_8932

Mother and Daughter trying out the hula hoops.

DSC_8906 DSC_8867

Is it a myth or is it true that hula hoops can help slimming? If true, I better start the training for my girls now. They will thank me in future.

DSC_8878 DSC_8879

I was quite surprised that Joey was able to skip so well, the last time I saw her skipping, she couldn’t even swing the ropes properly.

DSC_8885

Gym balls were available for the crowd too.

DSC_8893 DSC_8899

Who says gym balls can only be thrown around? These guys totally changed the rules with their amazing juggling skills.

DSC_8936

From now till end of April, Coca-Cola will set up more activity stations at various locations across Singapore. Next up will be at CityLink from 29 to 30 Mar, make sure you don’t miss it.

DSC_8915 DSC_8919

Nice family photo to end the day =)

DSC_8891