katsncakes

Bandung GH Universal

2012-01-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

Last December, I had a fantastic time in Surabaya, Bandung and Jakarta. It's merely shopping and eating and be merry! The photos will be in the next few posts.

Oh, and in case you are wondering when my baking class will be for this year, the first class will be on 4th February. I'm hoping to get ready for new menu of 'Cafe Cakes', but I am still fine tuning the recipes.

And if you are wondering too, as why I've been hanging my aprons so long, I've actually been busy with wedding orders, and big one for my nephew who is getting married next week, and I am preparing a big pretty cake for him and his lovely bride.

Will post the photos, if they turn out nice. Hopefully they will! Meanwhile, enjoy these pics of Indon.

This is in Bandung, GH Universal Hotel. Its near the Lembang area. It's European architecture style is very fascinating. I love especially their roof-top dining area.

Breakfast every morning in Bandung at the scenic roof-top cafe.

The pretty bedroom. Only thing I don't fancy is that the floor is not carpeted.

Melbourne, I'm missing you!

2011-11-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

I am now thinking of my niece in Melbourne, who had just given birth 2 days ago. It was a long wait for junior, and a challenging one for her and hubby. I am so happy for them.

As we were stranded at Perth during the June holidays, our Melbourne trip was cut short to 4 days. I didn't get to go Great Ocean, Ballarat, shopping in Melbourne town and everything else was cut short. That should call for another trip to Melbourne soon!

South Yarra shopping, just before we had dinner at a relative's house at Nottinghill.

Business people on the streets of Melbourne.

Near our apartment at Collins Street. Our first morning in Melbourne, going to Queen's Market.
Simple and cute cupcake shop.

Puffing Billy

2011-11-27T06:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, this post was a few months outdated. But I really enjoyed it so much and missing it now, that I browsed my album, and just wanted to share it here.

This is the most fun train ride, Puffing Billy at Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne.

You can hang and dangle your feet, enjoy the cool breeze and the magnificent views of the ranges.

There are a few stops. I took the train from Belgrave Station, stopped at Lakeside. There's nothing much at Lakeside, just a cafe, a river and a park. It was freezing cold, so I didn't take any photos there. Was sipping coffee at the Cafe while waiting for the next train back to Belgrave, the next hour.

How I wish to retire here! These old folks were having coffee when the train journey started, and they were still there when we were back! How relaxing!

If you are visiting Melbourne, don't give this Puffing ride a miss!

Cake Decorating Hands-on Workshop

2011-11-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

This is my new mailer design! How do you like it? This November, I'll be having this class.

Mostly are fully booked, only 27Nov has a few seats left. My apology for my late posting. But if you are keen to attend, do email me at katsncakes@gmail.com and I will update you the new dates for next year.

I won't be having classes in December, as I will be away and busy with work too. So looking forward to next year for more interesting baking workshops!

CAKE DECORATING - WEDDING CAKES & CUPCAKES

FEES: $200 Max 8 participants
TIME: 12.30pm - 6.30pm

DATES: (Sundays in November)
27 NOV - 1 Seat Avail, 1 Seat waiting list
20 NOV - FULL
13 NOV - FULL

You will Hands-on:
• Cover 2 tier cake with fondant/sugarpaste
• Decorating with sugarpaste - drapes, frills, flounces, cut out flowers & decorative techniques with fondant tools
• Decorate Cupcakes with buttercream & fondant. Various piping techniques taught.

Demo:
• homemade sugarpaste recipe
• royal icing recipe
• swiss buttercream recipe
• decorating techniques with sugarpaste
• piping techniques with buttercream/royal icing

Wedding at Rebung

2011-11-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

1st of October, I was at Rebung Restaurant of Chef Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. My niece who's from Sydney had her reception there, and I did a lovely white and silver 3 tier cake for her and hubby, Amar.

The lovely couple.
The cake was baked in Singapore, layered and brought to KL. I did the cake covering and decorating at my cousin's house in KL. The top and bottom layers are Double Chocolate Chip cake with dark ganache. The middle tier is Orange Zesty cake, which my sis said was the best.

The cake was cut and served to all guest.
The wedding favors, made by the bride's sister.
Its almond tuiles in small cute bottles.

2011-10-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

I see Red!

The craze of the town - Red Velvet Cake. Not many Singapore's bakeries selling this yet. One that I tried was at Pique-nique, Takashimaya. Theirs was a lighter texture and vibrant red in color. I love the cream cheese topping.

Did this recipe, adapted from a UK and American recipe book.

I felt that it needs to be perfected, though my colleagues who had tried the Pique-nique version last week, courtesy from me, said that its very much close.

Went against my principle of adding too much coloring, it was 4 teaspoons of red paste!

Oh heck!

I overdid the cream cheese topping by adding lemon juice. On my second try, I would make the texture finer and spongier.

For those who would like to try baking RVC, I would say its easy and the recipes available on the internet are just as close. Go bake some RVC and see red!

BROWNIES & CHEESECAKE BROWNIES

2011-10-20T07:46:00.001-07:00

Saturday, 22 October, 2.30pm - 5.30pm, $50 per person

Learn ultra chocolatey, fudgy or softer cake-like brownies.

Molten Cakes (soft warm flowy chocolate centres)

Cheesecake Brownies (tips on using the correct chocolate for different recipes)

Cupcake Brownies (a different texture brownie perfect for any occasion)

Using quality Valrhona chocolate, and easy baking techniques.

Email: katsncakes@gmail.com

Cake Decoration Class

2011-10-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

A hands-on Class -

covering 2 tier cake, decorating cupcakes, decorating with fondant (frills, flounces & special cutters), various decorative piping techniques with royal icing and buttercream.

DATES:
23 OCT - 2 Seats AVAIL
27 NOV - FULL
20 NOV - 2 Seats AVAIL

A smaller & more personalised class with lots of decorating ideas.
msg me for more details.
$200 (include 2 tier & cupcakes to bring home)

Minimum of 4 participants, Max 8.

Email katsncakes@gmail.com to register

Loft in the Mill

2011-08-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

During our recent trip to Melbourne, we stayed at Loft in the Mill. Lovely, country blend cottages in freezing Mount Dandenong Ranges. It was 6º when we arrived.

It would have been lovely to sit in the little garden outside the cottage, have a cup of tea, if not for the cold weather.
The beautiful sight of the cottages.

Rustic kitchenette.
Cozy cuddly night at the Loft, with Laura Ashley fleece blanket.
Outside the cottage. Simply love the rustic exterior.

Salam Ramadhan

2011-08-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I would like to wish all my Muslim friends, Selamat Berpuasa. I apologise for not updating lately. I've had a good short holiday to Australia in June and has been very busy with work and baking since then. I'm taking a break these 2 weeks, before the oven will be heating again for the Raya orders. Will post some interesting pics on my holiday, and in the meantime, wishing you have a blessed Ramadhan.

Salwah

May Baking Classes

2011-05-05T16:48:00.001-07:00

Prepare early for this year Hari Raya! You can get your orders rolling, by taking orders for these two favourite recipes.

Swiss Rolls - Saturday, 14 May 2011.

All the swiss rolls loved by young and old. Learn the important techniques and tips to make fluffy rolls with delicious cream filling. The Domino Roll is always a favourite order from my customers. Not only it looks pretty, it's delicious too with chocolatey chocolate cream.

Cookies & Treats - Saturday, 21 May 2011, 2.30pm

This popular class makes its comeback this month. The recipe pack boasts quality ingredients

and will serve as a new treat for the festive season. They are great for tea sessions too, or as gifts.

View my October 2010 post for more photos.

To register, email me katsncakes@gmail.com. Class venue is at Hougang.

A 2-in-1 masterpiece

2011-04-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

Lapis Sarawak in Fondant for Hantaran

Love the way this cake turned out. Probably I should have used a different color for the fondant. But then again, I think the peachy colour did not interfere much with the Lapis Sarawak design, which was what I have in mind initially. I had wanted to keep it simple, so that the colorful centre design come through.

This can be achieved after you have mastered the Sugarpaste and Lapis Sarawak techniques.

I will be teaching these 2 classes on 23rd April and 30 April. Check my previous post on class schedules and make your registration soon.

April Baking Class

2011-04-15T02:32:00.000-07:00

Wedding Cakes & Cupcake Tiers - 23 April 2011

For registration, email to katsncakes@gmail.com. Class venue is at Hougang

Lapis Sarawak - 30 April 2011

For registration, email to katsncakes@gmail.com. Class venue is at Hougang

Taman Safari Prigen

2011-02-03T01:34:00.000-08:00

In December, we went to Surabaya, and make time to visit Taman Safari in Pasuruan. It's about one and a half hours drive from Surabaya. The views are magnificent and so natural, not the 'zoo-like' that I've imagined.

The little stream we had to pass through to see hippos, who are actually bathing in the water. Lovely scene!I love the way the settings are made so natural for the animals.
Even the fierce one is enjoying itself!
There are many sections to the Safari, this is the Asian African animals area.
Lovely spread of acres and trees.

The forestry is so cooling, definitely experienced in the city.

Tartlets Saturday 12 Feb $45

2011-02-03T01:22:00.000-08:00

For registration, email to katsncakes@gmail.comFor more photos, check my previous blog posts 'Petit Sucre'

Cupcake & Decorating 22nd Jan @2.30pm, Hougang, $50

2011-01-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

To register, email to katsncakes@gmail.com

Only a few seats left.

For

November Classes

2010-11-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

Email me at katsncakes@gmail.com for registration. Class venue is in Hougang

Cookies & Treats

2010-10-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Baking Class • 16 Oct 2010 • 2.30pm • Hougang • $45

For registration email katsncakes@gmail.com or call 63879534

I'll be repeating this class, as many demanded for it after seeing these photos on my FB.

The first class was in July 2010, a collection of exquisite cookies for Aidilfitri. They will be great for tea sessions or the coming festive celebrations, Aidiladha or Christmas.

There will be 5 recipes for this class, and I will give tips on creating other variations.

Zesty Almond Slices

Perles ChocBalls. A melt-in-the-mouth yet crunchy cookie.

Nutella Crumble Bars

Pistache Brunsli. Traditional flourless cookie with spice and pistachios.

Cashew Nougat

Wedding Couture at Furama Hotel

2010-10-02T01:20:00.001-07:00

In July, I participated in Wedding Couture Exhibition. With the help of friends, Haryani from Cakez n'Such and Hasnah of Bakerinasoven, we had amazing diplays of Wedding Cakes.

On sale too - cheesecakes, tartlets, brownies and swiss rolls.

Bandung Best

2010-10-02T01:11:00.001-07:00

The reason I would go Bandung again, is Kampung Daun. It's a culture gallery and cafe, which serves delicious Indonesian cuisine.

Dendeng (sliced beef fried with chilli) is a must order.

Cosy ambience at little huts where you will be served your meals.
Admire the waiters and waitresses going up and down the hill carrying loads of dishes.

Alon Alon Indonesia

2010-10-02T00:28:00.000-07:00

I love Indonesia for everything she has to offer. The glorious food, great shopping and breathtaking sceneries. It's my favourite Asian country.

Anywhere I dine, I will surely order the 'fried bananas' if its available on the menu.

The 'pisang goreng', as the Indonesians called it, comes in may shapes, and usually served with sauces like honey, chocolate or caramel.

Simply creative - a ladybird-shaped strawberry, which was served with the pisang goreng at Dapur Sunda Restaurant, in South Jakarta.

Wong Solo Restaurant in South Jakarta.

This place served the best 'Ayam Penyet' and 'Ayam Bakar'. Its 'chilli sambal' gives a distinct flavour.

Aboard the Argo Gede train from Bandung to Jakarta. Its a 3 hour ride, with magnificent views.

Inspiring

2010-05-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

Its when you inspire others, and they inspire you back..these words gave me the inspiration to teach as sincerely because knowledge is to be shared. Alhamdulillah.

Salam Chef Salwa,

Saya Nor'ain yang mengikuti kelas membuat tarts tempoh hari. Ain amat kagum anda tidak lokek dalam mengajar. Ini pertama kali ain datang belajar dengan anda dan juga pertama kali belajar sambil buat 'hands-on'. Syabas! Ain sangat gembira. Tambahan pula kami buat tarts dgn teamwork.Dari situ dpt juga kawan baru. Ain memang sudah lama tak pergi belajar memasak ataupun buat kek dirumah buat sekian lama kerana keadaan belum mengizinkan.

Ain sedang mencuba-cuba resipi yg diberikan,insyaALLAH ain ingin pula menjualnya agar dapat membantu keluarga.Terima kasih, semuga ALLAH berkati anda sekeluarga.

Sekian,
Ain (9May2010)

ps: Ain ada lampirkan gambar yg diambil semasa belajar. Boleh forwardkan email ini pada Mami Asmah kerana saya lupa minta email addressnya.
Sampaikan salam ain pada Mami Asmah.Nasihat mami akan ain ingati.Semuga ain akan semakin pandai dlm masakan seperti Mami Asmah & Chef Salwa. Terima kasih.

"Salwah..u conducted the class very well. Lots of info and the sharing of info/experience was awsome!! To me that's how cooking classes should be conducted, it shows your professionalism. Congrats."

Mami Asmah Laili, 2 May 2010

Petit Sucre

2010-05-10T04:23:00.000-07:00

We had this wonderful class on 1st May 2010. Petit sucré means sweet and small in French. Tartlets as I've titled it for the class.

I'm quite certain, most who came mainly with the intention of learning the Blueberry Cheese Tartlets. It is one of the most popular tarts now and can be seen served at most wedding ceremonies and kenduris. There's even some stalls in Johor Bahru dedicated to selling these blueberry tarts.

My recipe version is infused with Valrhona Ivoire 35% White Chocolate.

As for the pastries, they are of the conventional recipe, using butter. Thus the running to & fro the fridge is

a common scene when making these tarts but all the effort is really

worth it, as these tarts boast of crunchiness and buttery flavour.

These tarts can also be made in bigger tart pans.

Fruit Tartlets topped with luscious strawberries, peaches and grapes.

These are Mami Asmah Laili's favourite and this what she has to say about the class:

"Yum..yum...today I had the Introductory Cooking class, so I shared with some of the participants and told them what a wonderful time I had yesterday, and explained why we need to attend such classes that you conduct, to expand our cooking/baking skills.. Thanks so Salwah. Luv u!!!"

These are my favourite. Caramel Pecan Tartlets. The unique flavour

comes from beurre noisette (brown butter). These tartlets will keep

longer and can be reheated.

In the bonus recipes, Egg Tartlets.

Almond Crunchy Streusels. Crunchy as its name.

Homemade Ice Cream 15 May

2010-05-10T04:04:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, I'l be having a class on Homemade Icecream. Fresh ingredients and no ice-cream machine is needed to make these flavourful icecreams.

Durian Ice Cream Cake. This is a hit for any birthday parties or functions. Once, I brought it to office, and instantly got four orders! The durian pulps are obvious from this photo.

Among other recipes, Oreo Ice Cream is also a favourite among previous participants who had attended this class. Also in the recipe pack - Chocolate Ice Cream and Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream. Ideas will also be shared to turn these ice creams into cakes and serve with Chocolate Sauce (in the recipe too). I may try to include one or two bonus ice cream recipes for the class.

To register for this class, email to katsncakes@gmail.com

Lazatnya...Recipes of Love

2010-04-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

A memorable night indeed! 16th April at Mandarin Orchard.

President S R Nathan and all well known chefs - Chef Bob, Chef Amri, Siti Mastura, Madam Mumtaj and many others, also representatives from Turkish Embassy, Indonesian Embassy, Thailand Embassy and Egypt Embassy were there to celebrate LBKM's 45th Anniversary. In conjuction with their anniversary and as a donation drive, they launched a cookbook 'Lazatnya...Recipes of Love', with Mami Asmah Laili being the consultant for the book.

There are over 70 recipes, including one from President's Istana.

At the dinner, we were served Fried Tom Yam Chicken, a recipe from the Istana, as one of the course. I simply loved it! It was crispy, with the spicy flavour of Tom Yam.

Being once an LBKM scholar, it's time I give back. This was the happiest moment in my baking life to be able to contribute to the book and to be part of the celebration.

I had four of my best recipes in the book.

Orange and Lime Custard Cake

- the chiffon sponge was taught at my Chiffon Cake Class, 3 weeks ago.But for the book, I had adorned it with Orange and Lime Custard. Refreshing!

Pastri Serunding Ayam & Cheese

- my favourite recipe in the book.

Cranberry Chocolate Cakelet

- a taste-alike of my favourite coffee bean cake

Chocolate Walnut Tarlets

For those who will be attending my classes this week, the books will be available for sale.

InsyaAllah, Mami Asmah Laili will be there to autograph the books. Each book is $30 each.

The Best of Butter Cakes

2010-03-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

I love butter cakes. Dense, moist, rich and buttery.

For the class on Best Butter Cakes, 24 April 2010, I will share tips on creaming method, ingredients and flavouring variations which will result in different textures of butter cake.

This would be one class (apart from the Chiffon & Sponge Cake class), where I'll explain in thorough about mixing and ingredients, also the fundamentals of butter cakes.

One of the recipes I'm so much looking forward to demo

is the Lemon Cheese Bluberry Cake. It has a velvety

texture, thanks to the fresh milk and cheese combination,

and a tangy flavour of lemon and blueberry.

Baked in loaf pans, the ingredients gave the cake a

luxury golden colour, which I love most.

There will be 3 more recipes demonstrated, and

2 bonus recipes.

I'l try to post preview on these recipes next week.

To register for the Best Butter Cakes class, email

to katsncakes@gmail.com

Of brownies and chocolates

2010-03-30T03:24:00.000-07:00

The recipe pack for the Brownies & Chocolate Desserts class,

10th April 2010, will be all chocolate and only chocolate.

The four recipes boast pure chocolate flavour, using

mainly Valrhona chocolates.

As of now, I have just over 12 participants for this class,

but since its a demo class, I would be able to take in a

few more names, so do email me quick at

katsncakes@gmail.com to register.

What's a chocolate menu without a brownie

I will be demonstrating 2 brownie recipes - one in the cupcake version,

and the other a cheesecake version.

The latter, Brownie Cheesecake, has a fudgy brownie bottom

and a cheesecake layer on top. For the fudgy brownie fans,

Indulge in a rich chocolate loaded brownie, by baking

just the bottom crust and omitting the cheese layer.

It's a 2-in-1 recipe, yummy enough with or without

one or the other.

The Brownie Cupcake has a velvety texture and rich with deep

chocolate flavour. It has the flavour of chocolate cake and a brownie

crust at the same time. The crusty top keeps the chocolate texture

underneath moist and fudgy.

I would prefer to minimalise the frosting to be just sitting at the

centre of the cupcake, so as not to rob the rich chocolate

flavour underneath.

Of the four recipe, I would say the most challenging would be

Molten Chocolate Cake. Not that it was the most difficult, but it need

2 methods to achieve the perfect molten state.

A bit of history, the Molten Chocolate cake is the most disputed

dessert with famous chefs claiming rights to the invention of the cake.

It is an underbaked chocolate cake, resulting with chocolate

pudding-like centre. It now is a popular dessert, listed on

most restaurants' menu and comes with several names -

(Lava cake, Chocolate Fondant, Warm Chocolate cake).

I prefer the name 'molten' which describes it well - liquified

by heating.

Molten Chocolate cakes are best served warm. The batter can be

prepared in advance and kept for a few hours or up to a day in

the fridge, and requires just a short baking time, so as to preserve

the molten centres.

I use Valrhona 62% for the Molten cakes. Any lower percentage

chocolate, would risk it being a bit too sweet and lost its

chocolatey-goodness flavour.

Kek Raya Class

2009-08-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

“Mami Asmah Laili in the house.”

Last saturday, for my last class before Ramadhan, four cakes were taught, and all were new recipies I had for this year festive season.

I feel honoured to have Mami Asmah Laili at my class. She had mentioned, that she usually have demos on weekends, but that Saturday she was free to come.

I should have used 2 ovens instead, so that the queue for the cakes to be baked were shorter. Nevertheless, we managed to end it by 6pm.

Mami Asmah said she had enjoyed the class, and I hope the rest who attended had too!

Do feedback me at katsncakes@gmail.com.sg or if you have tried the cakes, do let me know.