HUAT KUEH

It's the time of the year again to celebrate and welcome a brand new year. Chinese New Year is my other favourite holiday besides Christmas. It's a time of family gatherings, reunions and feasting!

When I was young, I always look forward to this season because I get to collect alot of Ang Pows! New clothes, new shoes, almost everything new and not forgetting lots of happiness and laughters in the house. Oh how I miss those days during my childhood. These days, the festive mood has kind of mellowed. I don't hear much lion dance drumming anymore. It's getting quieter as the years go by.

This year, I'm trying my hands at making my own HUAT KUEH. Since I've tried a few recipes before, it' pretty easy to make one yourself. Compared to the store-bought-preservatives-laden version, homemade is still the best!

Chinese believe that Huat Kueh brings good luck and prosperity. It's usually one of the must-have items for prayers. The wider the "smile" on your Huat Kueh, the more you will prosper!

May you prosper not only in terms of wealth but also in health, happiness and love.

Recipe
(From simmami)

Ingredients
- 200g Self raising flour
- 125g black sugar
- 200ml water

Method

1. Mix all ingredients together to form a smooth batter
2. Steam at high heat for 25mins

DO NOT open the lid to peep before it's done.
This is a very easy recipe and can be doubled to make a huge Huat Kueh.

Pandan Chiffon

Chiffon cake is something that I've always want to master. The boys love to eat the chiffon cake from the famous B brand. It's light, soft and fluffy.

Howver, chiffon does sound rather intimidating at first. It seems like one needs to be very skillful to bake a good chiffon. I've read and heard of so many failures from friends and online posts but I was determined to conquer the challenges!

And so... the chiffon challenge started after a trip to JB recently where I finally bought a chiffon tin! It was an impromptu trip and we just happened to pass by this shop recommended by some of the members from the FB group - Baking's Corner. Boy, I was a happy girl!

My very 1st attempt was not exactly a success. The flavours and texture were present but... the cake actually fell off from the tin while cooling. 😕 Nevertheless, the cake was still snapped up within minutes! (I have real good supporters at home 😉)

There was some improvement at my 2nd attempt but it still "dropped" 😔

Finally on my 3rd attempt... it was a success! Thanks to the recipe from The Domestic Goddess with detailed step by step instructions!

Everyone who tried my chiffon commented that it tasted better than the famous "B" brand 😜. I was flattered but I couldn't have made it without a good recipe and perseverance! There is still much to improve though.. like my unmoulding skills and how to achieve a smooth top without cracking.

Come to think of it, it's not really that difficult. Baking is an art, you just need to put in alot of heart and ❤ plus a little more patience and your personal touch!

This is why I enjoy baking so much.

Find the recipe here