Friday, November 25, 2011

The Best Banana Bread Ever...





My friend and nutritionist, Anne Goetze, developed this recipe and I tweaked it with one small ingredient addition. My boys will not eat a simple banana but they devour this cake in seconds and it's pretty wholesome so I don't mind terribly much.


1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup quick oatmeal
1 cup sifted plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3)
2/3 cup oil (i use canola)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tsp sesame seeds


Pour boiling water over oatmeal. Mix; let stand until cool. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and soda, whole wheat flour and brown sugar in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas then mix with the oil, eggs and oats. Beat well. Pour this wet mixture into the flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if desired. Pour into in a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (I don't because the kids don't like them). Bake at 350F (180C) for 1 hour or until a skewer comes out clean.


Try it.....

Monday, November 7, 2011

Shang Hai in Chatswood

Normally satisfied with the more southern style of Chinese food, the New Shang Hai offered us a delicate and delicious alternative. This eatery, in particular, the Lemon Grove location, is a big favourite of several of my Chinese friends. We arrived at opening time to our choice of seating but the restaurant quickly filled up and was full within 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, a few of our favourite items were not available but we substituted with some pretty tasty treats.



小籠包New Shanghai Xiao Long Bao - Steamed mini pork bun 
 




金華火腿一ロ酥Deep fried pastry filled with shallot & ham, coated with sesame


花素蒸餃Steamed vegetarian dumpling



生煎包New Shanghai pan fried pork bun