Mermaid Chia Seeds Pudding (Pitaya Dragon Fruit & Butterfly Pea Flower Tea)

Are you enjoying the Fall weather?  I'm loving the cooler temperature and the fact that I actually needed a jacket in the morning! If you've been following me on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, you probably have seen this Mermaid Chia Seeds Pudding that I shared a while ago!  Sorry for the delay in posting this blog post and recipe.  The weather was still super hot when I created this recipe!  But nevertheless, it's still a delicious recipe, even in this Fall weather.   

Check out my YouTube video tutorial above, if you haven't done so.  You'll see this gorgeous Mermaid Chia Pudding is really easy to put together.  You can prepare it the night before and it's ready for you in the morning as breakfast.  But I personally enjoy this as a quick snack or "dessert" in the afternoon more than as a breakfast item.  Yes, it's sweet enough as a dessert, yet it's still healthy and good for you.  The pink bottom layer is make with whole milk (you can substitute with almond milk, or soy milk if you like), Chia Seeds, a touch of honey for sweetness, and this gorgeous Dragon Fruit Powder that makes it pink.  It's packed with vitamins and anti-oxidant!  I'll list the product link at the end of the post for your reference.   

The upper blue-ish and purple-ish layer is made from Butterfly Pea Flower tea. It's also a vitamin and anti-oxidant rich ingredient that will make you feel beautiful from the inside out after enjoying it!  I love pretty food that also have such health benefit.  But since I'm not a doctor or nutritionist, please don't hold me accountable for that.  You can google it and read more for yourself if you're interested.  The original color of the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea was blue.  After adding the honey, it changed to this gorgeous purple-ish color because of the acid.  

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I'll be wearing pink this month to raise awareness.  Hm....maybe I'll share more pink food and recipes too!  If you want to read more about Brest Cancer Awareness Month, here's the post that I shared last year:

http://utry.it/2018/10/new-meanings-to-breast-cancer-awareness.html

Just this morning, I heard on the news that Beyoncé's Father, Mathew Knowles, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer!  This horrible disease not only affect women, but men as well.  I encourage you to do a regular self check because early detection is important and can save lives!  Check out my last years post on details and symptoms to look for.

Until next time, please take care!

Ingredients and Tools Used:

SunCore Organic White Chia Seeds:

https://amzn.to/2kuHOD7

SunCore Pitaya Dragon Fruit Powder:

https://amzn.to/2kxvBO2

Organic Butterfly Pea Flowers:

https://amzn.to/2lOJZS7

Organic Honey:

https://amzn.to/2kxpXeQ

Mini Bowl Set:

https://amzn.to/2keLGb4

Star Shape Cookie Cutter:

https://amzn.to/2lMkW26

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How to Make Rose Steamed Buns - Valentine’s Day Recipe Idea

Valentine’s day is less than a week away.  Do you and your loved one celebrate?  My Hubby and I usually prefer staying in and celebrate with the kiddos together with a special dinner.  After all, we didn’t want to head out and dine with the crowds when EVERYONE is out!  hm….is that a sign of getting old?  Perhaps, we are just not romantic in nature, a.k.a. typical parenthood! 



Although we’re staying in on V-day, I still like to prepare something special for my family!  My Kiddos are my little Valentines, too!  This year, I’m making these Rose Shaped Steamed Buns as a special treat.  You’ll find 2 different flavors in my video tutorial.  They are Purple Yam Buns and Rose Flavor Buns, all made with natural ingredients and natural coloring.



In the Purple Yam Bins, I added purple yam powder for the pretty purple color and a hint of purple yam flavor.  It’s slightly sweet and comparable to sweet potato.  For the Rose Buns, I added a little bit of rose extract in the dough.  Just make sure you use a small amount as the rose extract could be quite strong.  If you cannot find rose extract, you can substitute with rose water.  However, the later one is much weaker in aroma and you might need to use more to achieve the same flavor.  I’ll list the ingredients at the end of this post for your reference.



The only thing I was a little bit disappointed was that the pretty pink color in the rose buns turned a little bit orangey after steaming.  You can chose to use store-bought natural food coloring for this recipe is you prefer a more vivid color.  But honestly, I’m sure anyone would be super happy to get these rose buns for Valentine’s Day, despite pink or orange theme!   Wish you all in advance a warm and sweet Valentine’s Day with your loved ones!





Tools and Ingredients Used:
Rose Extract (Click here for more information)
All Natural Food Coloring (Click here for more information)
Grapeseed Oil (Click here for more information)
Bamboo Steamers (Click here for more information)
Active Dry Yeast (Click here for more information)
Purple Yam Powder (Click here for more information)
Matcha Powder (Click here for more information)
Dough/Bench Scraper (Click here for more information)
Rolling Pin (Click here for more information)
Rolling Mat (Click here for more information)
Strainer/Sieve Set (Click here for more information)
Bamboo Spatula Set (Click here for more information)
Measuring Cups Set (Click here for more information)




Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

How to Make Chinese Steamed Cakes – 2 Ways 傳統雞蛋糕 原味+朱古力味

Ready for Chinese New Year?  This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 16th.  It’ll be the Year of Dog.  To celebrate the occasion, I’ve created this authentic and traditional Chinese dessert that you'll love: Chinese Steamed Cakes – 2 Ways 傳統雞蛋糕 原味+朱古力味!



Streamed Cake in Chinese “蒸糕”, resemble the well wished we say during the Chinese New Year. “蒸蒸”日上,步步”高”升 means getting better and better (higher and higher), such as school grades or promotion at work.  Therefore, this is one simple treat that is often prepared during the Chinese New Year.



Chinese New Year is one of the biggest festival celebrated in Asia countries.  There are many other treats and dishes that we make during Chinese New Year.  Such as Pot Stickers, Turnip Cakes, Matcha Cookies, Firecracker Shrimps, Glutinous Rice Cake, Vegetarian Chop-Suey, Pork Jerky, Sesame Dumplings, Hello KittyRed Bean Dumplings, and Osmanthus Jelly, just to name a few.






These Chinese Steamed Cakes are super spongy and fluffy.  It's slightly sweet and packed with egg-y flavors.  My kids enjoy the chocolate version a lot (which is not quite traditional).  But I personally adore the original flavors as they bring back so many childhood memories.  It's definitely a nostalgic treat for me!  What are some of your childhood food that you miss?  Share with me in the comment below.  I can't wait to hear from you!










Ingredients and Tools Used:
Organic All-Purpose Flour (Click here for more information)
Whisk (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
6 ounces Ramekins (Click here for more information)
Valrhona Cocoa Powder (Click here for more information)
Grapeseed Oil (Click here for more information)
Bamboo Steamers (Click here for more information)
Baking Powder (Click here for more information)
Cupcake Liners (Click here for more information)
Ice Cream Scoop (Click here for more information)










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Cinnamon Pull-Apart Star Bread (Tang Zhong Method 湯種法)

Happy New Year!  Hope you’re having an awesome start to 2018 so far!



So sorry for the lack of posts in the past few weeks.  I was going to share this recipe with you before Christmas so that you can make it and share it with your family during the holidays!  Oh well, I guess things don’t always turn out the way we have planned. 



This Cinnamon Pull-Apart Star Bread might look fancy, but it’s actually quite easy to shape.  Simply follow my tips and tricks in the video tutorial and I’m sure you’ll agree.  I created this recipe using my favorite bread making method: Tang Zhong Method 湯種法!  Tang Zhong Method is a natural way to make soft and fluffy bread.  Best of all, the bread will stay soft even after a few days.  Read more about Tang Zhong Method 湯種法 here if you’re interested to learn more.



This Cinnamon Pull-Apart bread is scrumptious as is, or you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top to make it extra pretty!  I love that you can see the layers and layers of cinnamon sugar in between the bread.  It totally reminds me of the infamous cinnamon rolls from the mall!  This bread is best served warm, in my opinion.  If you have any leftover bread, simply wrap it up tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.  To reheat, unwrap and place the bread on a baking pan, loosely tent with a foil and warm it in a 350 F preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes.  To heat it up in the microwave, simply warn each wedge of bread for 20 seconds.    



Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I hope you enjoy the recipe and tutorial.  Stay tuned for more fun recipe next week!  Wish you all a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2018!





Tools and Ingredients Used:
Wooden Spatula with Flat Top (Click here for more information)
Powdered Sugar Shaker (Click here for more information)
Active Dry Yeast (Click here for more information)
Kitchen Scale (Click here for more information)
Round Cookie Cutter Set (Click here for more information)
Sharp Pairing Knife (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Organic All-Purpose Flour (Click here for more information)
Pastry Brush (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Organic Ground Cinnamon (Click here for more information)
Rolling Pin (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Infrared Thermometer (Click here for more information)


Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Glam Up Your Weekend Brunch - How to Make Fancy Soft Boiled Eggs with Toast Soldiers

My family loves weekend brunches.  It’s an occasion that we cherish and enjoy a lot!  I mean, who wouldn’t love to take the time to relax, eat, drink, talk, and laugh, right? It’s the best time to recharge and unwind. 




If you enjoy weekend brunches like we do, you’ve got to give this Soft Boiled Egg with Toast Soldiers a try!  It’s a “glam up” version of your daily soft boiled eggs.  It is seasoned with truffle salt, topped off with caviar, and garnished with fresh chives for the finishing touch.   



Check out my videos tutorial above because I’ll show you tips and tools on how to give this soft boiled egg shell a nice clean cut!   It looks and tastes fancy, but definitely easier to prepare than it’s look.   




If you follow my recipe, you’ll get perfectly cooked soft boiled eggs every single time with the egg whites cooked and the yolks still running.  It’s the perfect consistency for some dunking actions with the buttery toast soldiers!  



It’s fancy enough to serve at gatherings, but easy enough as everyday food as well!  I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think.  Remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  I’ll see you all next week!





Tools and Ingredients Used:

Egg Cracker/Topper (Click here for more information)
Egg Cup and Spoon Set (Click here for more information)
Mini Pearl Spoons for Caviar (Click here for more information)
Caviar (Click here for more information)
Truffle Salt (Click here for more information)
Bread Knife (Click here for more information)
Copper Chef Non-Stick Pan (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Salted Butter (Click here for more information)


Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Crispy Matcha Green Tea Waffles (香脆綠茶窩夫)

St. Patrick’s Day is only a week away!  Today, I want to share a fun and easy recipe with you.  Check out these Crispy Matcha Green Tea Waffles (香脆綠茶窩夫)!  I love the natural green hue from the matcha powder and the festive shape of the waffles!



The waffle batter is quite simple to prepare.  Check out my video tutorial above if you haven’t done so.  The key to make a beautiful waffle is to use room temperature ingredients so that your batter will be nicely incorporated.  It’s okay to have a few small lumps in your batter.  Because if you over-mixed your batter, your waffles might turn out chewy, and there’s no way to fix it!



You can serve these waffles for breakfast, snacks, or afternoon tea.  The green tea flavor in this particular recipe is not overly strong.  If you want a more pungent matcha aroma, you can add up to 1 tablespoon more of matcha powder in your batter.  I personally don’t want the matcha flavor to be too strong though, especially when I am also dusting additional matcha powder on top when I serve them.   No matter if you like the aroma light or strong, serving these waffles with the warm maple syrup is a must!  The slightly earthy flavor from maple syrup compliments the green tea aroma nicely.



As you can see from my video, I recently order this waffle maker online.  The shape of the whole waffle reminds me of the shamrock. Alternatively, you can cut them into smaller heart shapes!   Best of all, the machine is easy to use and the waffles came out nice and crispy!  Check out the link at the end of this post to find out where to get yours!  What special treats are you making for St. Patrick’s Day?  Leave a comment below to let me know.  I can’t wait to hear from you! 


 
 
 
 
Tools and Ingredients Used:


Heart Shape Waffle Maker (Click here for more information)
Heat Proof Spatula (Click here for more information)
Grapeseed Oil (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Tapioca Flour (Click here for more information)
Matcha Powder (Click here for more information)
Baking Powder (Click here for more information)
Baking Soda (Click here for more information)
All-Purpose Flour (Click here for more information)

Christmas Breakfast: Santa Claus and Snowman Pancakes

Christmas truly is one of my family’s favorite holidays.  I love that we get to share more precious time and create new memories together.  To make this holiday more magical, try to make these Christmas Breakfast for your Kids.  They will be waking up with big smiles on their faces at the dining table, I guaranteed it!  



Check out my video tutorial above and you’ll see how easy it is to prepare this Christmas Breakfast.  Instead of decorating the pancakes yourself, you can also let the Kiddos decorate them on their own.  These festive and adorable Christmas Breakfast are made with Classic Buttermilk Pancakes that are truly scrumptious for any day breakfast.  With just a few more ingredients, such as strawberries, whipped cream, melted chocolate and chocolate chips, you can transform these delicious pancakes into Santa Claus and Snowman Pancakes as a special Christmas Breakfast!



Gathering around the dining table to enjoy meals together is definitely one of my favorite things to do with my family.  Happiness is actually quite simply.  I guess the key is to appreciate the little things that we have, and remember not to take it for granted.  How about you?  What are some of your favorite things that you enjoy?  Please share in the comment below.  I can’t wait to hear from you!



Wish you all a blessed and magical Christmas!  Stay warm and hope you’ll enjoy a wonderful time with your family and loved ones!  Stay tuned for more delicious recipe next week to ring in the New Year!  Merry Christmas!
 

Lemon Raspberry Pastry Flower

Imagine, waking up to a plate of these gorgeous pastries on your holiday breakfast table?  It’ll definitely be a beautiful way to start your day on the right note!  To me, these are perfect afternoon treats and desserts, regardless of holiday or not. 



This flower shaped pastry may seem complicated to prepare because they look so fancy!   However, the steps are really quite simple!  Check out my video tutorial above and you would agree with me too.  If you plan to serve these pastries on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, you can even make them ahead of time!  Simply reheat them in the oven or toaster the next morning and you’re all set.  Oh, and you’re very welcome!



To me, raspberries and lemon compliment each other really well.  So, I added some lemon juice and lemon zest in the cream cheese filling inside these pastries.  They are sweet and tart at the same time.  The citrus goes so well with the floral aroma of the raspberries!  The pastry is flaky, buttery, and oh so yummy!  The crust is super crunchy; yet the inside is smooth and creamy from the cream cheese filling.  Both flavor and texture contrast each other in the best possible way!



I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon!  Wish you all a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving celebration next week!  Have a Fancy Pastry Friday!




Ingredients and Tools Used:

Puff Pastry  (Click here for more information)
Silpat  (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks  (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets  (Click here for more information)
Cream Cheese  (Click here for more information)
Pizza Wheel  (Click here for more information)
Microplane  Zester (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract  (Click here for more information)

Classic Chocolate Glazed Éclair

Do you love pastries?  My family is definitely a huge fan of pastries!  We love all sorts of pastries, ranging from doughnuts, cupcakes, to scones and cookies.  However, among all these pastries, éclairs is probably on top of our list of favorite pastries. 



This classic éclair recipe consists of the basic Choux Pastry, which is similar to the cream puff shells.  I filled them with the decadent classic vanilla bean pastry cream.  The pastry cream is slightly sweetened so that you can truly taste the sweet aroma of the vanilla bean.  I then top these éclairs with a simple dark chocolate glaze that brings a hint of bitterness to compliment the pastry cream beautifully.   You can also use milk chocolate for the glaze as well if that’s what you prefer.  My kids love dark chocolate (I guess that runs in the family), so that’s pretty much my default preference. 




I love that you can see all the little specks of vanilla bean seeds throughout the pastry cream inside (see picture below).  Isn’t it gorgeous?  I’m telling you, they tasted even more amazing than their look!  If you haven’t done so, please check out the video tutorial at the top of the post.  It’s definitely easier to prepare than they look!  I’ll list the ingredients and tools used in this recipe at the end of the post for your convenience.


 
I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and tutorial.  Stay tuned for more fun and scrumptious recipe next week!


Ingredients and Tools used:
Vanilla Bean Paste (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Horizon Organic Heavy Whipping Cream (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Corn Starch (Click here for more information)
Pastry Bag  (Click here for more information)
Ateco Large Round Pastry Tip (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Silpat (Click here for more information)
Measuring Cup (Click here for more information) 

Mini Bunny Vanilla Bean Doughnuts 小兔子雲呢拿甜甜圈

Looking for after school snack recipes that are cute and easy?  You’re going to love today’s recipe and video tutorial!  Check out these Mini Bunny Vanilla Bean Doughnuts (小兔子雲呢拿甜甜圈)!  They are packed with cuteness and awesome vanilla bean aromas.



Instead of the traditional deep-fried method, these mini doughnuts are baked in a mini doughnut pan (I’ll list the tools at the end of this post for your reference).  Therefore, they are a little bit healthier and easier to prepare.  You don’t have to deal with kneading a yeasty dough nor deep frying in a big pot of hot oil.  Phew…. 



Since these doughnuts are baked rather than fried, the texture is more comparable to cakes or cupcakes, which is quite different than a traditional doughnut.  Nevertheless, these doughnuts are still light and fluffy.  Thanks to the vanilla bean paste that is added to the batter, you can definitely taste the vanilla bean flavor.  I love that these doughnuts are in mini sizes too.  Not only they are cuter that way, they are perfect for portion control too!  



As you can see from my video tutorial above, these bunny doughnuts are quite easy to prepare  Because there’s no machine nor mixer needed.  Plus, it’s super fun to decorate them into bunnies as well.  Just a quick dip in the icing, then draw out the facial expressions that fits your mood. 

These Mini Bunny Doughnuts were a big hit at home!  My kids loved them so much and they requested to have them as breakfast the next day.  What are your kid’s favorite after school snacks?  Tell me in the comment below.  I would love to hear from you.




Tools and ingredients used:
Nonstick Mini Donut Pan (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Vanilla Bean Paste (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Measuring Cup (Click here for more information)


Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel here.  That way, you won’t miss out on any video and you’ll be the first to know when I have a new tutorial published.

How to Make Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with your family and friends yesterday!  Did you have a chance to check out my previous post to discover the 3 secrets to making tender and fluffy pancakes?  If not, simply click here before you read on!   Yes, those tips are important and will guarantee you to tender and fluffy pancakes, every single time!



See how light and fluffy these Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes turn out?  Every bite is heavenly!  The lemon zest in this recipe really brightens up these pancakes and compliment beautifully with the blueberries.  Make sure you serve these pancakes with some warm maple syrup.  A must!  I love a little dab of butter as well, but that’s truly optional. 



Ready to see how I made these Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes?  Simply click on the YouTube video below for the step-by-step tutorial!





I hope you enjoy today’s video tutorial and recipe.  If you haven’t done so, please subscribe to my YouTube channel here.  You’ll be the first to know when I have new video tutorials published.





These pancakes are my absolute all time favorites.  They have the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.  Quite refreshing with the lemon zest, yet decadent with the buttermilk richness.  What do you usually like in your pancakes?  Chocolate chips and strawberry?  Bananas and walnuts?  Or just simple plain ones?  Leave a comment below to let me know.  I can’t wait to hear from you!


Ingredients and Tools used:

Crepe Pan (Click here for more information)
Maple Syrup (Click here for more information)
Mikasa Something Borrowed Salad/Desert Plates (Click here for more information)
Large Spatula (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)



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3 Secrets to Making Tender and Fluffy Pancakes!

What is your family’s favorite breakfast?  Lately, we’ve been devouring our fair share of pancakes.  From simple plain ones, to banana walnut chocolate chip loaded ones; all wonderfully fluffy and scrumptious!  I have to say, my personal favorite are these flavorful and fluffy Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes.  Before I post the the video tutorial and recipe, I wanted to share with you the 3 secrets to making super tender and fluffy pancakes first!  The secrets are quite simple, and if you follow them, I guaranteed that you’re going to fall in love with your homemade pancakes all over again!  They are even better than those at the pancake house.  No exaggeration!     




Secret #1:  Use room temperature ingredients!                
With room temperature ingredients (especially the wet ingredients), your batter will combine smoothly without big lumps.  Imagine if you add melted butter into icy cold buttermilk and egg, the butter will seized up into lumps and it’ll be a mess when you add the liquid into the flour mixture!  Please don’t let that happen!

 



Secret #2: Use buttermilk!
What is buttermilk?  Buttermilk is simply the liquid left behind after cream was churned into butter.  Lactic-acid bacteria is usually reintroduced into pasteurized buttermilk, hence the tangy flavor.   When you use buttermilk in baked goods and pancakes, it adds a subtle tang and increases the rise when it interacts with baking soda!  That’s what makes your pancakes more fluffy! 




Secret #3: Do NOT over mix the batter!
After adding the wet ingredients to the flour mixture.  Only mix the batter until just combined, about 20 seconds or so.  When you over mix the better, the gluten will start to develop in the flour and that will make the pancakes tough and chewy!  I guess no one would appreciate cardboard texture pancakes, right?  So, please do NOT over mix.  It’s okay if you still see some lumps in the batter! 




Now, the 3 secrets to making tender and fluffy pancakes are not secrets anymore!  I promise to post the video tutorial and recipe of these Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes soon.  Stay tuned and have a beautiful weekend!