Trying out the new snack – furitake chex mix. They’re super addictive and super unhealthy. I made a big batch so I can share with my sisters/nieces and nephews. They’re super easy to make and the ingredients are easy to find. It’s pretty versatile so you can add whatever you like.
My sister gave me a huge bag of walnuts. I googled what I can do with all these walnuts and found many recipes with these walnuts! Well, besides toasting some to add to my oat meals every morning, I tried a couple to start off with – savory rosemary and candied walnuts! Of course, what’s good are they without sharing them? I made a few batches and passed them to my family.
It’s been a while since I made the Hokkiado Milk bread. Somehow this recipe popped up on my Youtube feed, and I decided to give it a shot (again). This bread was one of the first breads I baked. On my earlier trials, I found that these bread doesn’t stay soft and fluffy the next day, so I didn’t continue with it. However, this recipe, the bread stayed soft even after the next day.
Made one of the CNY sweet treats as we get ready to welcome the year of the Rat. 
Made some traditional CNY treats for my family – nian gao (年糕) and turnip cake (蘿蔔糕). This doesn’t happen overnight – one tray at a time. I spent time in the kitchen after dinner to make these happen. Thank goodness for the double tray steamer my mom gave me. (｡♥‿♥｡)
Now we’re ready to ring in the Chinese New Year!
Haven’t made pretzels in a while, just in time for the boys to come back after basketball practice. Homemade pretzels are the best!
3 out of 4 are by popular demand, so I’m trying one with Maple syrup this year. 3 of the other ones were gone fairly quickly, while the maple syrup lingers around. The comment was they were a bit sticky, though it tasted good, just don’t try it again next year.
Breakfast today, I made these lovely pumpkin rolls. I didn’t make them this morning because it does take a long time. I made them yesterday and popped them in the oven this morning for the boys. I used sweet yam (for the color and the flavor) instead of pumpkins. They were great! I’ll make them again (when I have the time).
My boys almost always order this when we go out for dim sum. I made some for after school snacks! These are great since I can make them in advance and freeze them. Microwave or steam them for a couple of minutes and they’re all good to go.
One of the perks of working from home is that you can work and do other things – such as steaming these buns. When you have the tools, you don’t have to spend too much time. When you have all the ingredients, toss them in the mixer to knead the dough. Let the dough rest and proof. When that’s done, cut into pieces and let it rise for 2nd time. Steam! I’ve made these bao buns several times and I think I’ve finally got the hang of it. These are great because you can make them ahead of time and freeze. When ready, take them out and re-steam for 5 minutes!
These turn out to be the boys after school snacks and they love them!
p.s. today Ah Lo told me he made it to the preliminary round of his school’s basketball team. He will know by Tuesday. Fingers crossed.
All About the Kids 