Saturday, October 16, 2010

closed.

Posted by Nuraini at 5:48 PM 0 comments
I'm swamped with exams! AS and end of year exams are killing me.. T__T

I have skipped September's DB challenge and will be missing this month's too. I'll be back only next month after the 15th!

So dear bloggie, I promise I'll bake and update more often after this busy period! So see you until then! :)

Saturday, August 28, 2010

August 2010 Daring Bakers' Challenge: Ice Cream Petit Fours/ Baked Alaska With Brown Butter Pound Cake

Posted by Nuraini at 3:30 PM 2 comments
The August 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Elissa of 17 and Baking. For the first time, The Daring Bakers partnered with Sugar High Fridays for a co-event and Elissa was the gracious hostess of both. Using the theme of beurre noisette, or browned butter, Elissa chose to challenge Daring Bakers to make a pound cake to be used in either a Baked Alaska or in Ice Cream Petit Fours. The sources for Elissa’s challenge were Gourmet magazine and David Lebovitz’s “The Perfect Scoop”.

August's challenge was a fun, and tiring one to me. As always, making homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker is time consuming. Moreover, with limited storage space in my more-than-15-year-old freezer makes ice cream making a more daunting task. Elissa was kind enough to allow the use of store bought ice cream for those with complications in making homemade ice cream.

Earlier this month, I was having my progress test so I was afraid I wouldn't have enough time to make my own ice cream and to complete this challenge. However, towards the end of the month, I've decided that I should participate this challenge by making homemade ice cream, rather than store bought ones. Else, would this be a challenge anymore? Challenges are meant to be hard, don't they?

Initially, I chose to make baked alaska. However, during the process, I decided to make some petit fours as well. I suppose I was excited to decorate my cakes with those decorating sprinkles and stars sitting in my fridge waiting for my Raya baking. I invited a friend over to bake with me as I have all the equipments over at my place. In exchange, I got to have awesome pictures of my cakes taken.

Here's my baked alaska - caramel ice cream with brown buter pound cake topped with meringue.


Next up, is my petit fours - caramel ice cream sandwiched with brown butter pound cake decorated with chocolate glaze, icing sugar, almonds, colourful sprinkles and stars.


I've enjoyed this month challenge a lot. It allowed me to let my creativity flow, something I could never have done else where but my baking. The brown butter pound cake was exceptionally delicious. The aroma itself could lured me into the kitchen past midnight just to have another bite of the cake. Letting the cake wait in the freezer sure was a torture. My family and friends enjoyed the cake a lot and hopefully, my Physics tutor did too. I gave him each of the Petit Fours as a I'm-sorry-I-did-not-score-very-well-for-Physics-progress-test gift.

This recipe is really something worth keeping. Perhaps it's time I re-compile all my recipes into my recipe book. If you wanna know more about the recipe, please visit http://thedaringkitchen.com/.

This month, I'll let the pictures do all the talking for the baking process. :)

Sunday, August 15, 2010

dilemma? no. its stress..

Posted by Nuraini at 4:32 PM 0 comments
My Mum offered to give me a ride to a nearby grocery store to get ingredients for the cakes and biscuits I'll be baking for Hari Raya (aka Islamic New Year). Honestly, that was kind of a surprise cos most times I'd be the one to beg for a ride.

So I started my research on what to bake. One thing I don't like about Raya cakes is that they use LOTS of egg yolk *10 at least* and butter *500g at least*. It's very pricey to bake wonderful Malay cakes and biscuits and it's a headache for me to search for recipes that are nice yet cheap. It's so HARD to keep everything within budget.. SIGHHHH.

Now I'm having a headache and I've stopped my research. I told Mum I'll just go some other day. Time to do my homework.. or maybe a nap.

Bye bloggie.

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Lakers 24 Fondant Cake.

Posted by Nuraini at 6:50 PM 1 comments

Can I let the pictures tell the story? I'm pretty much tired to blog now. T.T

All I can say is:
1. I think my frosting looks good! My second attempt is so much prettier!
2. Marshmallow fondant nearly killed me. The kneading and trying hard to get the right consistency demotivated me. But I didn't give up!
3. Piecing of fondant pieces and purple icing was pretty hard. 
4. Total preparation + bake time: 13 FREAKING HOURS IN THE KITCHEN! 

Anyways. I'll come back and update more next time k? :) Enjoy the pictures~


Chocolate Frosting~


Marshmalllow Fondant~


Assembling~

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

July 2010 Daring Bakers' Challenge: Swiss Swirl Ice Cream Cake

Posted by Nuraini at 1:04 PM 5 comments
The July 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Sunita of Sunita’s world – life and food. Sunita challenged everyone to make an ice-cream filled Swiss roll that’s then used to make a bombe with hot fudge. Her recipe is based on an ice cream cake recipe from Taste of Home.


I've been feeling excited for the past few weeks regarding my first Daring Bakers' Challenge. On the 1st of July, the challenge, Swiss Swirl Ice Cream Cake, was revealed and I was pretty excited about the cake I would be baking. I've baked something similar before so I figured it won't be too hard for me. However, I was wrong.

Things got busy with schoolwork and my chaotic life begins. Again. I was struggling to find time for this challenge as I started panicking when 20th July arrived. I knew I have not much time left. My grandparents and relatives from Canada were staying over at my place and it was quite hard to have my kitchen, and especially the fridge, free to myself!

I did my research on the 22nd to 24th. I even drew up a plan for my cake! xD I'd say its my very first time drawing up a plan. I guess I've never been this excited to pen down my thoughts for my cake.


My plan pretty much says it all. My cake has a pink and white theme, very different from Sunita's cake. I decided to have some variations so I chose my favourite colours and my favourite flavour vanilla. Strawberry flavour was chosen as it was pink in colour! Haha.

I divided the task into two days as advised by Sunita, and everyone else. On the first day, Sunday, I prepared my swiss rolls and ice creams. It was kind of a disaster.

======= I'll update more on the preparation process when I have more time to blog. =======



In the mean time, here's more pictures. ^^ 


You might not notice the white chocolate sauce in between the two layers of ice creams. But it's there. You can slightly make it out from the pictures above. The chopped strawberries for the vanilla ice cream is not very obvious either. Oh well. I'm quite proud of myself for completing my first challenge on time. :) I love the colours as well! :)

Personally, this is a cake I wouldn't mind preparing more often in the future! Perhaps I'll buy ready made ice cream next time instead. Not unless I get myself an ice cream maker. Haha.


Pink and White Swiss Swirl Ice Cream Cake
Difficulty: 7/10
Nurainicious: 8.5/10

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

charity sale.

Posted by Nuraini at 7:42 PM 0 comments
I've decided! I am taking part in my school's charity sale next Monday! :) It's gonna be a busy weekend for me. Keke. But I am quite excited! When I told Mum about participating this afternoon, she said "Honestly I do not like you to do such things.. you should focus on your studies instead". I won't say I didn't feel crushed at all, but I won't give up just for her words. I know Mum will always support me in whatever I do in the end. I love you Mum! <3

I bought 12 new tart moulds again today when I visited Le Apple Bakery Mart. More investment! It'll all be worth it although it's burning a hole in my wallet. T.T I will use my new tart moulds to bake some chocolate tartlets. I'll share more about it after the charity sale. Hopefully with pictures. :)


P.S. I haven't started with my Daring Baker's challenge yet. Time is running out. Uh-oh. @.@

Sunday, June 27, 2010

anxious.

Posted by Nuraini at 6:39 PM 1 comments
I know. I know. I haven't been baking in weeks now. :( 3rd term started last Monday. Was busy with schoolwork and studies and other stuffs till my body was to the point of exhaustion on Saturday. Feeling sickish and I could really fall anytime. However, with a good good rest today on Sunday, my body is back to normal. :)

And since the last week, I'm feeling anxious! I'm going to be a Daring Baker soon! 1st of July! I can't wait! This anticipation is killing me! xDDD Also, another good news, I spent $50 on some new baking equipments. :) An 8 inch removable bottom pie tray, 24 tart moulds, glycerine (something I could never find in any stores in Brunei except for this one place at Bandar, Le Apple) and Wilton's Decorating Course Practice Board. Some of you might think a practice board is unnecessary and a waste of money. But it feels great to own something like it, though it's not exactly a good learning tool for you can find more detailed decorating tips online. This is my first time investing money in my baking. Feels AWESOME! Oh just wait till I work and earn more money, I'll have my fantastic kitchen full of fantastic baking tools. :)

No worries. I will be back with baking soon for my first Daring Baker Challenge! xDD

nurainicious!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

just some thoughts.

Posted by Nuraini at 3:08 PM 0 comments
Since I've started this blog, I've been browsing through cake blogs and read lots about the journeys of other bakers. It is not surprising to feel intimidated as I'll somehow compare myself with them. Their baking, their recipes, and even their blog! Some have wonderfully-written blogs that inspires people.

Now this is not what I am capable of. I've never really enjoyed writing. To me, writing is a tedious work. Whenever there's essay writing assignments to do, I can never wait to get it over with. So I guess my writing skills are just so-so. They're elementary (?) standard if you ask me. The only time I enjoy writing is when I write emo posts in Chinese. I think Chinese essays are beautiful. :) The characters looked delicate arranged in different ways, expressing the different emotions each character can carry. I find it amazing how simplified Chinese can be when you can describe a lot of thing with perhaps with one or two characters (letters). Unfortunately English can't do this. Nevertheless, writing is still not something I enjoy.

Now back to the intimidated issue. I managed to convince myself that there's nothing to be intimidated of. The purpose of having this "nurainicious. bits and pieces." blog is not to tell the world how awesome my writing is. It is surely a good way to make others understand what I'm trying to present but I believe it is the baking that matters. I want to share my baking with everyone out there, especially young bakers like me. :) Baking is my passion so nothing will get into my way. *well, maybe except for financial problems ==*

I know I haven't been baking lately. I am having my second term hols now and I have lots of free time. But I've been going out quite often and my grandparents are here. Sometimes I can't stand people prying at what I am doing while baking. It's just my habit. So usually I am alone in the kitchen busy baking, or with my siblings helping me out. But 85% of the time, I'm alone. I signed up to be a Daring Baker last night. I can't wait for my first challenge! Hopefully I'll be able to bake what is challenged. :)

So no worries, I will go back to baking soon! I made a tiramisu trifle three days ago but I don't plan to share it here for I think its not exactly baking. All I did was to mix every bought ingredients together and assemble them. No baking whatsoever. So it doesn't feel "original" to share. If you get what I mean. Haha.

Alright then. Imma end my thoughts here. Lunch time for me! I'm starving! Have a good day people!


nurainicious!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Mascarpone Ice Cream

Posted by Nuraini at 7:42 PM 0 comments

Sorry it took me so long to update on this post. I've been busy with a debate competition lately. Atleast it's all over now! :)

So for this recipe, I rate it 7/10. Recipe's here.

Now allow me to describe the process of making this ice cream. As always, I didn't follow the instructions entirely. I cut down the amount of sugar by 20%, so when I cook the sugar and water, it didn't turn out syrupy although I've let it there in the pot for at least 15 minutes. So I just proceed with the still very liquidy sugar syrup. The rest is easy as you just need to put everything in and put the mixture into the fridge.

Since I don't have an ice cream maker, the whole churning process takes a longer time. After the first hour of refridgerating, I took the pot out and stir it with a wooden spoon. You're supposed to use an electric mixer to beat the mixture to ensure that your ice cream turns out soft and smooth. You have to repeat that atleast 4 times. So that'll take about 4 hours minimum. Once you've done with the churning process, store the mixture in airtight container and leave it in a freezer overnight.

My first attempt turned out quite good. Although the texture was kinda rough, as in you can feel the bits of sugar, but the taste was nice. Very creamy and vanilla. And to think I have more left in the fridge! Nurainicious~ :)



Sunday, May 23, 2010

Mascarpone Cream Tarts

Posted by Nuraini at 8:23 PM 0 comments
Mascarpone Cream Tarts. I rate this 8/10. Tastes nice. Filling. Looks nice. Easy to make, though time consuming if you don't have the proper equipments and skill. *like me T__T*

My legs are dead tired. This reminds me of the times when I work at Sugarbun fast food restaurant. 8 hours of standing is really tiring. As for today, I've only stood for 5 hours and my legs are begging for mercy already. Poor legs, I'm sorry. T___T

So.. I have an assistant today helping me. My dearest brother. :) I wanted to attempt three recipes so I needed help. I planned on baking Mascarpone Cream Tarts, Mascarpone Cheesecake and Mascarpone Ice Cream. I'm addicted to Mascarpone lately. Haha. xDD

My attempt on Mascapone Cheesecake failed. :( It was horribad and terribad. It even looks gooey and yucky from the pic. It turns out to be something like.. custard. I think this 'cheesecake' is gonna be thrown into the rubbish bin. I doubt anyone would wanna eat this. What a waste. :( The recipe is from here in case you wanna have a try.

My Mascarpone ice cream is still in process. It's still in the freezer. Gonna churn it for 2 more times and let it sit in the freezer overnight. Can't wait to taste it tomorrow! :) Hopefully it'll be a success~ I'll blog about it when it's done.

Now, back to our lovely Mascarpone Cream Tart. I got my recipes from here and here. I can't really remember the details of the preparation stage because I was multi tasking earlier - working on 2 different recipes simultaneously. While my cheesecake base was in the oven, I prepared the dough for my tarts. When I was preparing the mascarpone, I baked my tarts. It was kinda hectic in the kitchen. But we survived!

Sometimes I wish I can have all the proper equipments I need for my baking. This is the only tart pan I have at home. And personally, I don't think its a good one. But I'll just use what I have. :) My tarts didn't turn out too bad. :)

Next is the decoration stage! I put a coat of chocolate on the tart before one big spoonful of mascarpone cream! Yummy~ Then I added a few drops of chocolate on the cream and mix them.

And that's all~ :)


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted by Nuraini at 9:19 PM 0 comments
OMG.. I'm feeling kinda full right now. Those pieces of carrot cake sure are filling! I rate it 8/10.


Made this 6 by 6 inch moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting for Cyril. With walnuts topping ohhh. :) Looks nice eh? Nahh.. There's still lots of room for improvements. I want those spatulas and "lazy susan"! T___T Gonna wait till I get a job.. T___T

Hmm.. preparing, baking and decorating this cake took me 3.5 hours.. There's still lots of things in the kitchen sink waiting for me to wash.. X___X If you add that, then I suppose you'll need a total of 4 hours. Only beginners will take this long.

For the record, I followed the recipe this time! Only exception: I reduced the amount of sugar. I measured all the flour, sugar, cinnamon powder, bicarbonate soda as accurately as possible with the cups. Also, instruction says to grease the tray with grease *I used butter* and flour.. and here's what I did.


It looks kinda scary and oily huh? Better be safe than sorry. Haha. And next here we have the flour mixture in the tray, ready for baking! ^^


After 35 minutes, I took the cake out of the oven. 30 minutes later, I took it out of the tray. Surprisingly, I could remove it easily from the tray! :) It proves that all the butter works! Haha. While I was waiting for the cake to cool, I prepared the cream cheese frosting.

My previous experiences with butter cream frosting weren't really pleasant. I failed at most times. Nevertheless, I followed the recipe and was really hoping it would turn out well. I used a 9 by 9 inch round tray to bake my carrot cake. So I only got a 1.5 inch thick cake like this..

Next, I put a 6 by 6 inch round cake tray on top of my cake and cut its shape out. Then I started icing it with cream cheese frosting. And voila~! Done~!

Well, my comments on the cake are it's moist and has a rich taste. :) Definitely nurainicious!

Alrighty.. time for me to wash my oily buttery utensils! T__T

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with Coffee Mascarpone Cream

Posted by Nuraini at 4:53 PM 0 comments
I baked this tiramisu pie for Mum during Mothers' Day. *risking my study time for exams on that Sunday* Got the recipe from here. I rate it 7/10.

The pie base takes a long time to prepare. If you don't have a food processor, please don't pandai pandai and use a blender like I did. (Though some people say its a good alternative = =) The dough I prepared wasn't really enough for a 9.5 inch tray. I can never get all these inch measurements right. So I ended up with a 6 inch round try instead.

More disasters began. I screwed up all the measurements for filling and topping because I made adjustments here and there. I made too much of them. When my pie crust was done, I can't fill them all in.

Lesson learnt: Stick with the recipe. No matter what.

But nah. I don't really wanna follow the recipe. Why? It's cos I have only limited baking tools and ingredients so it's hard for me to follow the recipe 100%. Gotta use substitutes and whatever I think fits. Keke.

When everything's done, I took my "cake" from the fridge after 3 4 hours. The crust was an epic fail, but the taste was good. Stil edible. So it wasn't a total failure. My Mum loved the coffee taste. :)

I'll attempt this again soon, but this time with a sponge cake base. Some lucky ones are gonna have the chance to taste it. And they are people who play basketball. Haha. :)


Birthday

Posted by Nuraini at 4:05 PM 0 comments
This is my official baking blog now. :)
I'll try to update whenever I can. Keke. It's gonna be so fun!

Credits to Y2J for the name. It's really a cool name. xD

nurainicious!
 

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