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Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness

 

 

Red Lentil Dhal


Red Lentil Dhal

I missed Madhur Jaffrey's linky two weeks ago. So for this week's IHCC potluck, I cooked a pot of red lentil dhal (dal), my toddler's favorite stew and mine too. Both of us can easily drink bowls of dhal as our ultimate comfort food. :)


Recipe adapted from here.

Ingredients:
(Serves 4) 

1 cup organic red lentil
2 & 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for boiling the lentil)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium carrot, coarsely chopped
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for tempering the chillies etc)
2 dried red chillies
3 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 tablespoon cumin powder
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
A pinch of fresh coriander, chopped

How to:

1. Wash the lentils and soak for about 30 minutes. Drain the lentils and place them in a deep pot. Add water, vegetable oil, ground turmeric, salt, chopped carrot, and onion slices. Cook over high heat until boiling, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 25 minutes.

2. Heat up vegetable oil over medium heat in a frying pan. Add dried chillies, garlic cloves, curry powder, and cumin powder. Cook until fragrant and add into the lentils.

3. Continue cooking the lentils over low heat for another 10 minutes. Add in lemon juice and stir. Then, add in salt and stir. Remove from heat. Scoop into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh coriander.



We drink our dhal happily!

I really love digging into this bowl of chunky dhal stew.



I'm linking this post with I Heart Cooking Clubs (IHCC) for this week's theme, April Potluck!



I'm also linking this post to the event, Souper (Soup, Salad & Sammies) Sundays at Kahakai Kitchen.


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Momma Weekend Market @ Framed Moments Gallery, Setia Alam, 7-8 May 2016


Framed Moments Gallery (FMG) anThe M Projek are organizing a market/bazaar called Momma Weekend Market in conjunction with Mothers' Day weekend on 7-8 May 2016.

They aim to feature various, one-of-a-kind, unique small businesses that offer women and children apparel, toys, handcrafted products, arts and crafts, food and beverages, and household / living products. There will be some fun activities for the young and young at heart too!

Time: 12pm - 7pm 


Venue: Framed Moments Gallery (11-2-2, Jalan Setia Prima D U13/D, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor)


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Blueberries Clafouti


Blueberries Clafouti

This week at IHCC, we are cooking Curtis Stone's recipes that are perfect to nosh on while lounging about - in a bowl, on a plate, finger foods, a beverage.


I have found a few Curtis Stone's recipes that I'd really love to cook, such as roasted sweet potatoes wedges, corn and bacon muffins. In the end, I choose his Blueberries Clafouti because I have always wanted to make this delicate custardy dessert.


Recipe adapted from here.

Ingredients:
(Serves 4-6)

3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup raw granulated cane sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
1 & 1/4 cups heavy cream
2/3 cup frozen blueberries, don't thaw

How to:

1. Toast the sliced almonds in a shallow frying pan over medium-low heat. Once done, set aside to cool. Then, transfer the toasted almonds into a food processor. Add sugar, flour, and salt. Pulse until the almonds are very finely ground.

2. Blend in the eggs and egg yolks. Add the heavy cream and continue to blend until a smooth batter forms. Transfer the batter to bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours.

3. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Generously oil a standard pie dish. 

4. Remove the chilled batter from the fridge about 10 minutes before baking. Stir the batter to blend, and then pour it into the prepared pie dish. Scatter the blueberries into the dish.

5. Bake the clafouti for about 15 minutes, or until the top begins to brown on top. Leave the dish in the oven for about 8 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Serve.



Curtis' recipe calls for 2/3 cup of granulated sugar. I have reduced it to 1/2 cup but I still find it too sweet. For people like me who don't fancy sweet stuff, I think 1/4 cup sugar would do.

 
I love how the warm blueberries pop in my mouth. My 32-month old toddler loves the blueberries too, so this dessert is a hit!



I'm linking this post with I Heart Cooking Clubs (IHCC) for this week's theme, Something to Eat on the Sofa!

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Thinksport GO2 Travel Container: A safer & highly functional lunch box


Do you like what you see in this photo? This is a Thinksport GO2 Travel Container. I prepare my toddler's breakfast before he wakes up, pack them nicely in different compartments, and wait until he wakes up before I present this new meal container to him. I'm sure he will be surprised.

Before I show you what happens next, let's take a closer look at this nifty pantry and travel gadget.

Thinksport GO2 Travel Container

This is how the container looks like before it is opened up.


Specifications

  • GO2 container: 24.13 cm x 6.35 cm x 15.24 cm
  • Fork & Spoon: 16.51 cm
  • Weight: 0.62 kg
Materials

  • 304 Stainless Steel (18/8) for both inner plate and fork and spoon
  • Polypropylene for outer casing of GO2, GO2 Lid, and Fork/Spoon handle
  • Silicone rings built into the lid to seal the compartments
  • Made in Korea


Thinksport products apply strict material standards. Thus, this GO2 Travel Container is free from phthalates, BPA, BPS, PET, lead, melamine, nitrosamines or biologically harmful chemicals. More about this later.

Design


This is how the container looks like after it is opened up – the orange polypropylene outer casing, the stainless steel inner plate, and the lid complete with a pair of fork and spoon.


This is the outer casing, very sturdy and well-designed. You will see later how the stainless steel inner plate fits into this outer casing nice and tight.


The GO2 container has an anti-skid design, look at that four little stars at the four corners. Why? Quoting Thinksport, "Because nobody wants their meatballs on the floor." This is so true and especially true if the container is handled by young kids.


This is the stainless steel inner plate, large enough to make it for us moms to fill it up with different types of food with appropriate portions. This is a very good feature as one won't over-eat when their meal is packed in this way. I'm actually thinking to pack my lunch to office in this container. Another plus point, this inner plate is designed to be removed for easy cleaning.


You can see how the stainless steel inner plate fits into the outer casing nice and tight. This double layer design is very useful because it can keep food, especially soups or stew-y kind of meals warm for slightly longer. This is a good feature for kids who tend to take longer time to finish eating their meal. Cool!

Another point, you can easily fill the inner plate with hot food without worrying that the container will become too hot to handle because the outer casing will prevent the heat from scorching your hands.


The GO2 container also comes with a pair of stylish, ergonomic fork and spoon that fits easily and tightly into its own compartment. The clear top makes it obvious that they are there. So, you don't have to worry about forks and spoons getting lost during travel. This is a cool idea. Now I don't need to pack them separately in another pouch and end up couldn't find them anywhere when I need them urgently. Haha.


Lastly, this is the most important feature of the Thinksport GO2 Travel Container. Unlike many other lunch-style boxes, the GO2 container seals off each compartment. You can literally fill each compartment with different colored water, shake it and not have the colors mix because there is an embedded silicone matrix to seal off each area completely. You won't get your food mixed up ever again. I for one, never ever like my fresh fruit cuts tainted by chicken curry or my cheese sandwich soggy from yogurt, etc.


Now, let's come back and see how my toddler enjoys his breakfast in his GO2 container. In the largest compartment, I prepare an open-faced sandwich with natural cream cheese, whole-wheat cheese biscuits, and roasted cashew nuts. In the slightly smaller second compartment, I prepare hard-boiled chicken egg and quail eggs, and assorted Cheddar cheese cubes that I cut from a bigger block. Lastly, in the last compartment, I prepare fresh strawberries and a tiny box of raisins. Such hearty and healthy breakfast! Eh, I should have added some greens!


Okay, close it up. I shake the box and true enough, nothing get mixed up.


See my toddler's precious reaction when he sees the box.

Boy: Wah, mama, nice present! What is this box?
Me: It's breakfast? You want to eat?
Boy: Yes! I want to eat breakfast.


He gets pretty excited with the new fork and spoon and starts digging into his food. First thing first, cream cheese!


He's still trying to make up his mind…


...and finally, he decides to poke the biggest egg with the fork.

"Mmmm, yummy, mama!"


And of course, strawberries dipped in cream cheese.


Where to buy?

Thinksport GO2 Travel Container comes in blue, orange, white and pink. You can purchase them at TheJournie: http://thejournie.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=80_67&product_id=132

Journie Marketing is the authorized distributor for Thinkbaby & Thinksport. For more info, email them at thejournie@gmail.com.

About Thinkbaby & Thinksport

I mention above that GO2 Travel Container is free from phthalates, BPA, BPS, PET, lead, melamine, nitrosamines or biologically harmful chemicals. Why and how? Thinkbaby and Thinksport is founded in 2006. Founder, Kevin Brodwick brought his interest in health and preventative medicine and his background in biotechnology together to form a company whose sole purpose is to create alternative products for little ones to adults.

Thinkbaby and Thinksport products address the growing concern of toxic chemicals leaching from consumer products. Research has linked many chemicals in common use, including Bispenol-A and PVC, to cancer and developmental disorders.

They understand that keeping ourselves and our children safe and healthy is becoming increasingly challenging when it comes to products that we interact with. Their mission is to deliver products specifically formulated to be free of harmful chemicals.

Quoting Thinkbaby and Thinksport, "Our mission is directly inspired by those little hands that wrap around our baby bottles. The health and safety of children isn't just a powerful source of motivation at Thinkbaby, it is something we consider a responsibility."

Find out more about them on their website and Facebook page.

Note: The Thinksport GO2 Travel Container is sent to me by Journie Marketing for review purpose. All opinions are my own.


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A Women & Moms in Business Bazaar @ Jaya One, 7-8 May 2016


Moms4Projects is organizing the "She's the BOSS - A Women & Moms in Business Bazaar" this coming Mother's Day!

Do come with your mom, sister, sister-in-law, bff, colleagues, etc and show your support for mommypreneurs (mommy entrepreneurs) this 7 & 8 May, from 10am - 5pm, at G Floor, The School, Jaya One!

Open to all and admission is FREE.



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Keep your child's teeth healthy with Buds Oralcare Organics range of safer toothpaste for children


The launch of Buds Oralcare Organics

If you are a mom and you use organic baby/kids products for kids, you will definitely know BUDS ORGANICS. Now, they have launched their Buds Oralcare Organics range of toothpastes, giving us parents a safer yet effective way of keeping our child's teeth clean and healthy.


I attended the launch of Buds Oralcare Organics last week.


"Monstrously" good stuff for your children!

Buds Oralcare Organics is a range of preservative-free, mild, safe, and effective toothpaste for teething babies, toddlers and children up to 12 years old. This range does not contain nasties such as sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, dyes, harmful preservatives, and the likes.

They are also certified organic by ECOCERT, one of the largest organic certification organizations in the world and also one of the most recognized certification bodies with the strictest of standards.

As parents, we can definitely have peace of mind introducing Buds Oralcare Organics toothpaste to our children.


At the launch of Buds Oralcare Organics, we had the pleasure to meet (from left to right): Dr. Bernard Low (Orthodontist), Mr KK Soo (Co-founder and R&D Director of I-Green(M) Sdn Bhd), Dr. Jezamine Lim Iskander, Zander Xayne Iskander, Harith Iskander, Ms Soo Siew Peng (Co-founder and Managing Director of I-Green (M) Sdn Bhd), Nurul Wahab, and Zachary Depp.


Buds Oralcare Organics harnesses the latest scientific findings on the effectiveness of plant actives (Aloe Vera and Phytic Acid) in oral care by combining them synergistically with natural Xylitol and Fluoride to develop this special range of toothpastes that are effective in fighting against tooth cavity. Stevia leaf extract is used in the products as natural and safe sweetener.


During the launch, Ms Soo Siew Peng, Managing Director of I-Green (M) Sdn Bhd mentioned that the BUDS team has conducted thorough research to develop an oral care range with carefully chosen ingredients so that young children have a safer start to good oral hygiene. BUDS has also conducted roadshows at kindergartens to increase awareness of good oral health among children and partnered with dental professionals to help children be familiar with dental visits and check-ups.


The goodie bag comes with a few different samples of Buds Oralcare Organics toothpastes and T-shirts with their "monstrously good stuff" mascots.


My toddler has the tan bunny-like mascot on his T-shirt.


Here's Mr KK Soo (Co-founder and R&D Director of I-Green(M) Sdn Bhd) with the new Buds Oralcare Organics range.

The new  Buds Oralcare Organics range


Buds Oralcare Organics Oral Gel for Baby Teeth and Gums
(0-1 year), 30ml, RM29.90

Buds Baby Oral Gel is safe, super mild, and effective for teething babies under one year old. It contains Aloe Vera leaf juice that cleanses and soothes the teething gum and natural Xylitol to protect newly formed teeth. It is safe if swallowed.


To ensure smooth and healthy brushing routine, both range of Buds Toothpaste for the toddlers and children comes in four fruity flavours using certified organic natural flavours including Green Apple, Strawberry, Blackcurrant, and Peppermint.

Buds Oralcare Organics Children's Toothpaste With Xylitol
(1-3 years), 50ml, RM32.90

Buds Oralcare Organics Children's Toothpaste with Xylitol, suitable for toddlers from one to three years old, is a mild, fluoride-free toothpaste formulated with a combination of natural cleanser, Organic Aloe Vera leaf juice and silica to clean teeth gently and effectively. It is safe if swallowed.

It is also suitable for kids beyond 3 years old whose parents prefer an alternative to fluoridated toothpaste. Organic Aloe Vera leaf juice also soothes gums and performs well with plant-derived Phytic Acid and natural Xylitol to provide a strong defence against tooth cavity.


Buds Oralcare Organics Children's Toothpaste with Fluoride
(3-12 years), 50ml, RM32.90

Buds Oralcare Organics Children's Toothpaste with Fluoride, suitable for children beyond three up to 12 years old, uses a safe level of Fluoride clinically proven to effectively combat against tooth cavity. It works in tandem with Organic Aloe Vera leaf juice, Phytic Acid, and natural Xylitol to defend against tooth cavity and maintain good oral health.


More information

Website: http://www.budsbaby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Budsbaby


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Pork Pot Pie with Sweet Potatoes


Pork Pot Pie with Sweet Potatoes

Quoting IHCC, Curtis Stone is our current featured chef and we look forward to cooking along with him and his philosophy of using the best, freshest local and seasonal ingredients that you can find and turning them into simple and delicious dishes.

To welcome Curtis, I chose his cottage pie recipe and made a few twists to suit what I have in my pantry.



Ingredients:
(Makes one 7"x5" pie)

1 tablespoon olive oil
200g pork loin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons plain flour
1/2 cup milk 
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrot, corn, green peas), thawed
1 medium stalk celery, cut into cubes

2 cups water
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into cubes1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
1/4 bunch parsley, coarsely chopped

How to:

1. Heat up oil over medium-high heat in a frying pan. Sprinkle the pork with salt and pepper. Add the pork to the frying pan and cook until they turn white. Transfer them to a bowl.

2. Heat up butter over medium heat in the same frying pan. Whisk in flour to form a thick paste. Add milk until you get a white roux. Add onions, mixed vegetables, and celery to the frying pan. Cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add water and simmer until the amount of water is reduced by half.

3. Return the pork into the frying pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for another 15 minutes.

4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Strain the sweet potatoes and set aside to cool. Then, mash the sweet potatoes with butter and chopped parsley.

5. Preheat the oven to 210°C. Transfer the pork and vegetables into a 7"x5" pie dish, top with the mashed sweet potatoes, and ruffle with a fork. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden.


I have eliminated white potatoes from my diet because they are one of the dirty dozens. Sweet potatoes are the best substitute so far. Mashed sweet potatoes with butter is really, really delicious!


Dig in and enjoy!

Looking forward to cook more dishes with Curtis Stone!


I'm linking this post with I Heart Cooking Clubs (IHCC) for this week's theme, G'day Curtis!

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