Eat: Who say NO FREE LUNCH ??

Today I feel guilty but yet my wife proud of herself. She have done the biggest achievenment her my life as she have robbed McD without any weapon. She ran to McD order counter and instructed the McD boy to give her 2 McMuffin. Without hesitation, she decided not to pay $$ and brought the McMuffin away. Surprisingly, McD boy didnt shout for "ROBBERY" and he let her go.. it was because ..she have cut (POTONG) the coupon to redeem the McMuffins (bread + sausage + eat + cheese).Seriously, without paying single cent out from our pocket.

How to ROB McD ??

Be an observant, and cut the advert (coupon) out from major press media - STAR/ SUN and etc. The promo till end May 2010.

Believe it or not, even tiugh I am feeling "guilty" I still have 23 coupons as I bought a bunch of old newspapers with a good bargain from newstand in order to redeem FREE McMuffin.

MCD here I come !!! Still, I wonder how McD makes $$ or this is one of the method to measure advertising eye-ball effect or being generous to the public ??

If you want the coupon -> PM me welikecooking@yahoo.com

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Cook: How to Make "HOME MADE PIZZA" ??

We have seen chefs making, twisting and swirling pizza dough in the air. I will change your mind if you think it is impossible to make a perfect PIZZA at home by using your "not-so-advance" oven ...

Not only that, you may save your $$$ as buying pizza is not that cheap on these days.

Before we get dirty with flour, please buy ingredients below to make the PIZZA DOUGH :-

- 1 Packet of active dry yeast or brewer's yeast
- 500gram of flour
- 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 1/2 cup of warm water

Process:
1) In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast on the warm water, stir it to dissolve and set aside until the yeast to form bubbles in 10 minutes

2) Pour the flour into a bowl and mold the flour by setting up a hole in the center.

3) Pour in (1) into (2).

4) Mix the (3) with oliver oil and salt.

5) Use your hand or spatula to mix (4) ..beware of the warm water !!

6) Mix the flour to form a dough shape.

7) Spread some flour into the bowl and make it not so sticky. Knead the dough gentlely with your palm by pushing and folding. Repeat the process until the dough no longer feeling sticky.

8) Remove the dough from the bowl., Spread a tea spoon of virgin olive oil inside the bowl

9) Bring back the dough into the bowl and make sure the dough contact with the virgin olive oil thoroughly.

10) Rest the dough in the bowl center. Make 2 incisions (X) shape that cross above the dough.

11) Cover the bowl with a cloth and set the bowl aside until the dough size doubles in size. The process takes approximately 2 hours. Anyhow, it depends on the temperature of the environment and the strenghth of the yeast being used.

12) 2 hours passed, remove the cloth and punch the dough with your fist. The action is to remove the air bubbles.

13) Transfer the dough to a working surface and using rolling pin to roll it to shape of pizza.

- PIZZA DOUGH DONE -

-> Opps....Gotta check with Grannie, whether allowed to post the making process pictures to the BLOG. Please check out FOOD HABITAT regularly for update ..

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TOPPING INGREDIENTS:
Tomato paste, crab meat stick, pineapple, white mushroom, yellow capsicum, sausage, onion, CHEESE, tomatoes and what ever you want to eat as topping..

Step: Slice the ingredients into cube size or any shape.


Transfer the pizza dough on baking pan and spread with tomato paste and CHEESE.


Ingredients in action ...


Extra cheese in action ...



Spread the ingredients (topping) on top of the dough. You may ask your boy friend/ girl friend/ kids/ husband ...to assist on this step =)

Put the baking pan into OVEN for 20 minutes @ 195'C ....


Slice it and enjoy your HOME MADE PIZZA ...

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Eat: Vietnamese Spring Rolls - The Making of Edible Rice Paper

Edible rice paper can be found easily in Vietnamese cuisine and used for making fresh spring rolls. My vietnamese friend told me rice paper also called bánh đa nem. The ingredients to make a tasty rice paper are: Tapioca Flour, Rice Flour, Salt, Water, Pan and a proper place for cooking. Taken some photos for sharing..


Due to commercial reason, the rice paper maker unwilling to share the ingredients mixing process. As such, apologise as i have censored on first shot.. [ but i know the steps..hehe ]


The making one ......


The making two ......


The making three ......


Wrapped with vege/ meat and ready to eat. Of course serve with Fish Sauce...

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Humor: Cha Siu Bao vs Jiao Zi ( 包子 v.s 饺子 ）

Enlarge to see more ..

Chinese are familiar with BAO ZI and JIAO ZI. We are eating for generations but we does not know one of the secret.

DO YOU WHO IS GUY AND WHO IS LADY ?
* answer can be found within this page

Before we get to know the answer, let us study how to differentiate both of them in details :-

Cha Siu Bao (BAO Zi/ 包子)
A BAO ZI or simply known as bao, bau, nunu, pow or pau is a type of steamed, filled bun or bread-like (i.e. made with yeast) item in various Chinese cuisines, as there is much variation as to the fillings and the preparations. In its bun-like aspect it is very similar to the traditional Chinese mantou. It can be filled with meat and/or vegetarian fillings.


Jiǎozi (Dumpling/饺子)
A Jiǎozi or gyōza (Japanese transliteration),or pot sticker is a Chinese dumpling widely spread to Japan, Eastern and Western Asia.

Jiaozi typically consist of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping. Jiaozi should not be confused with wonton: jiaozi have a thicker, chewier skin and a flatter, more oblate, double-saucer like shape (similar in shape to ravioli), and are usually eaten with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce (and/or hot chili sauce); while wontons have thinner skin, are sphere-shaped, and are usually served in broth. The dough for the jiaozi and wonton wrapper also consist of different ingredients.

ANSWER: BAO ZI (包子), because it has "bao skin" (包皮)

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Humor: George Washington vs. Apple Tree

Pressume all of us heard about George Washington vs. Apple Tree and some says Cherry tree. The story was that George Washington is said to have chopped at his father's favorite apple tree(cherry tree) and told his father the truth. Without much query, his father forgiven George Washington immediately. Do you know what was the reason ?

Answer: George Washington was holding an AXE.



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Humor: Why do Mummy always asleep in coffin ??

If you can guess the answer within 3 minutes, you will be the GENIUS !!

THE ANSWER IS -->


1) The MUMMY has been waking up late to buy .....




2) Colonial Chicken Rice Combo which was giving away FREE ALARM CLOCK....
* KFC said no more freebies as all sold-out.



3) Alarm Clock with a "cocky" sound which can rock your lovely morning..

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Eat: Việt Nam Food Feast (Part 1)

Have left my footprint on a hidden charm nation called "Socialist Republic of Vietnam". The nation which surrounded by misery stories especially the "Award Winning" America-Saigon war. Of course, Food Habitat's chief was not interested about the war thingy. I came here to discover the food ..foOD..FOOD......

1st stop, let eat the "national noddle" - PHỞ (mee hun).


PHO24 set up in year 2003, is a subsidiary of the Nam An Group (NAG). Vietnam’s most successful F&B Corporation, NAG also owns and operates the popular An Vien, Maxim’s Nam An, Thanh Nien, Tan Nam, An, Viva Saigon, Goody, Goody-Plus , Bamizon and Ibox Café chains.


How much would you guess ? ... eventhough Vietnam is not a developed country but this bowl of Pho would cost you MYR 8.00 (VNR 45,000).

Tips: There is one PHO 24 newly opened at THE CURVE, Damansara.


No surprise PHO 24 also sells Zhu Chang Fen (猪肠粉）


Do you spot anything wrong on this FAST FOOD board ?


KFC also sell EGG TART !!! But, it was super delicious !!


Walk and walk...discovered this stall and the aunty selling Bahn Cam (Ubi Goren) - MYR 2.00/ packet.


STAY TUNE .. more to update !!

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Tips: Burnt Biscuit vs. Philosophy of Your Life

Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. That evening, mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed.

All dad did was reach for his biscuit, smiled at mom and asked me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and ate every bite.

When I got up from the table, I remember hearing mom apologize to dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: Honey, I love burned biscuits.

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"

Life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else.

What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others' faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. Because in the end, you are the master of your own life, to be happy or unhappy, to be positive or negative. We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship , be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship.

Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own. So please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do just fine ...





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Cook: Chicken Tomato - 美味番茄鸡

Food Habitat created a fusion cuisine which unites western (tomato) and eastern (soy sauce + garlic) ingredients. Simple to cook and nice to taste. Again, as Food Habitat emphasis much - we only use natural resources - SALT & PEPPER. Give it a try and you will love the taste !!


Ingredient: Garlic, Tomato, Onion, Chicken Thigh.


Slice the chicken thigh into pieces.


please follow the cutting method as shown above.


Spread some cooking oil and fry the garlic, onion to golden brown and spread half tea spoon of SALT.


Chicken RUN !!!! Fry the chicken for 10 minutes.

Tips: After 10 minutes, only pour in one cup of water. The reason is because if you pour the water within the first 10 minutes will cause the chicken meat tastes rough. IF YOU DO NOT TRUST ME, YOU MAY DO AN EXPERIMENT.



Tomatoes go in ... and pour one cup of water + half tea spoon of soy sauce.


Cover up and steam with light heat for 8 minutes.


Ready to eat !! poor chicken... =)

Cook: Diet Spaghetti - 健康意大利面

Spaghetti looks classic and elegant. Most important it is a good food for person who is on diet and wish to reduce their weight.You may think it is tedious to cook and always wondering how can the boutique restaurant cook it so tender and smooth?

Food Habitat will show you how to cook Spaghetti like "instant-mee-way". Keep your pan/ pot and heat right now !!



Ingredients: 1 Can Tomato Puree, 2 Onions, 1 Chicken Breast Meat. How can you forget SPAGHETTI ??

Tips: There are a variety of spaghetti in your local market like Quick Cook, Thin Spaghetti, Traditional Spaghetti and many more. Make the right choice base on your personal preference. It is because cooking is just an imagination and a way to destress.. (opps, sorry i hv started to mumble.....)



Do you want to eat raw spaghetti ? Throw it into boiling water and leave it for 15 minutes.

Tips: Spread some salt into the boiling to enhance the flavor. With the "Salt Effect", boiling bubble will not overflow the pot



Slices the chicken breast meat and onions into tiny cube size.

Tips: Do borrow the can opener from neighbour if you dont have one.. it might enhance your neighbourhood relatioship too..try it !! =) * for bachelor or bachelorette you might find your angel sometimes...



Let your neighbours smell what you are cooking. Spread some butter on the pan, fry the onions and follow by chicken breast meat till golden brown..... and spread some SALT and pour it over to a pot.

Tips If you dont have a pan, you may fry the stuffs in the pot.
Oh ya, I dont think your neighbours would share their pan with you..hygiene issue !




Pour the tomato puree into the pot, 2 cups of water 3 1/2 table spoons of sugar.. boil it for 10 minutes.




15 minutes has gone, drain the water away from spaghetti.

Tips: Spread some butter and mix the spaghetti thoroughly. The purpose is to prevent the spaghetti to become sticky.




Ready to serve.. picture more than thousand word =)

Fact about Diet Spaghetti:-
- Less oil means low fat
- Chicken breast meat is a perfect source of protein for people on diet.

- 142g of Tomato Puree consists of :-
Nutrition: Typical Composition. 100g contain: Energy 390kJ/ 95/kcal, Protein 4.8g, Carbohydrate 18.1g (of which sugar 13.4g), Fat trace (of which saturates trace), Fibre 2.5g, Sodium 0.1g.



History of Spaghetti:-
Spaghetti is the plural form of the Italian word spaghetto, which is a diminutive of spago, meaning "thin string" or "twine.

Pasta in the West may first have been worked to long, thin forms in Southern Italy around the 12th Century. The popularity of pasta spread to the whole of Italy after the establishment of pasta factories in the 19th century, enabling the mass production of pasta for the Italian market.

In the United States around the end of the 1800s, spaghetti was offered in restaurants as Spaghetti Italienne (which likely consisted of extremely soggy noodles and a tomato sauce diluted with broth) and it wasn't until decades later that it came to be prepared with garlic or peppers. Canned spaghetti, kits for making spaghetti, and spaghetti with meatballs became popular, and the dish has become a staple in that country.

Tips: How to clean Clay Pot（瓦煲）??

Answer:
- Do not use soap or detergent to clean your clay cooker. The soap will soak into the pores of the clay and then leach into your food the next time you use it. Use scalding hot water and a stiff brush to clean the pot. Salt may be used as a cleanser with a scrub sponge.

- For stubborn stains, use a very coarse unsoaped stainless steel pad, or let the cooker soak overnight filled with water and 1 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda. A baking soda soak will also help remove odors and freshen the cooker after cooking pungent foods.

- Traditional way, use a pinch of chinese tea leafs and boil it with water for 30 minutes.

* try it and you will believe the tips !!

Tips: How to remove the cuttlefish (吊片) "not-so-fresh" smell ??

Answer: Rinse the cuttlefish with salt water and repeat the action at least twice.

* try it and you will believe the tips !!

Tips: How to prevent my rice cooker to have a sticky base ??

Answer: Wash the rice and leave it in cold water for 10 minutes before cooking.

* try it and you will believe the tips !!

Cook: Bean Curd Fry Eggs - 豆腐炒蛋

Simple and non-expensive ingredient: 2 Eggs, 1 box of bean curd (水豆腐）
Tips: Please do not use bean curd made by eggs.


Slice the bean curd into tiny pieces.


The eggs and bean curd are ready in action.


yeah.. stir it with action !! [ opps, remember to apply some salt and pepper ]


Pour into non-sticky pan and cook with gentle heat. Tips: When it is almost cooked, put bit of soya soyce!


Ready to serve !!!

Tips:
- Serve with hot and you will taste the wonderful taste.
- Do you know bean curd is having the same source of vitamins as fish ? It contains high protein..
- Bean curd is relatively high in protein, about 10.7% for firm tofu and 5.3% for soft "silken" tofu with about 2% and 1% fat respectively as a percentage of weight

History of Bean Curd (Tofu/豆腐)
Tofu was invented in northern China around 164 BC by Lord Liu An, a Han Dynasty prince. Although this is possible, the paucity of concrete information about this period makes it difficult to conclusively determine whether Liu An invented the method for making tofu. Furthermore, in Chinese history, important inventions were often attributed to important leaders and figures of the time.[25] In 1960, a stone mural unearthed from an Eastern Han dynasty tomb provided support for the theory of Han origin of tofu, however some scholars maintained that the tofu in Han dynasty was rudimentary, and lacked the firmness and taste of real tofu.

Another theory states that the production method for tofu was discovered accidentally when a slurry of boiled, ground soybeans was mixed with impure sea salt. Such sea salt would likely have contained calcium and magnesium salts, allowing the soy mixture to curdle and produce a tofu-like gel. This may have possibly been the way that tofu was discovered, since soy milk has been eaten as a savory soup in ancient as well as modern times. Its technical plausibility notwithstanding, there is little evidence to prove or disprove that tofu production originated in this way.

The last group of theories maintains that the ancient Chinese learned the method for the curdling of soy milk by emulating the milk curdling techniques of the Mongolians or East Indians. For, despite their advancement, no technology or knowledge of culturing and processing milk products existed within ancient Chinese society. (They did not seek such technology, probably because of the Confucian taboo on fermented dairy products and other so-called "barbarian foodstuffs".) The primary evidence for this theory lies with the etymological similarity between the Chinese term for Mongolian fermented milk (rufu, which literally means "milk curdled") and the term doufu ("beans curdled") or tofu. Although intriguing and possible, there is no evidence to substantiate this theory beyond the point of academic speculation.
* wikipedia

Cook: Modern Oriental Soup – 摩登罗宋汤

Old folk always say soup cooking is time-consuming. Food Habitat is sharing a modern way of cooking soup. We only use salt and pepper to enhance the taste and it is easy to cook within 1 hour and be served.


Ingredient A) 2 carrots, 3 tomatoes, 2 potatoes, 2 onions and cut into cube size.


Ingredient B) Slice the chicken rib into small pieces
* suggestion:
For woman: 1 piece of chicken rib.
For man: whole chicken is never more than enough.


Pour ingredients A + B into the pot and boil it for 1 hour.
Apply small spoon of salt and pepper.


The soup is ready to serve


Tips:
- Modern oriental soup is good for detoxifying and source of Vitamin C
- To soften the ingredients in money saving way, pls turn off the gas after 20minutes of boiling and continue to boil after 2 hours for another 30 minutes. It reduces carbon omission too. =)