Marble Cake I

This is my first marble cake I baked  last year, have been on my draft for quite a long time. Now it is time to share this delicious and simple cake.This type of cake is quite easy to make, and it can be made with a wide assortment of cake batters to create the desired color and texture.

Ingredients:
120gram Flour
120gram Butter
90 gram Caster Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tbsp Milk
1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence

Method:
1. Pre-heat oven to120 Deg C. Grease and light flour on loaf tin.
2. Whisk butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy and light.
3. Add both eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Sift half the flour over the mixture and fold in till well combined.
5. Add 1 tbsp of milk and stir.
6. Repeat step 4 & 5 with remaining flour and milk. Do not over beat.
7. Spread mixture into preheated tin and bake for 30 mins. Then , swivel around with fork and scoop a bit in the middle.

Uses of Vinegar

BEAUTY

1.  Add 1/2 cup of vinegar  to warm bath water when bathing and get double beneftis softer skin and a cleaner bathtub with less work.

2. Vinegar makes a simple, inexpensive conditioner for your hair and helps remove the sticky stuff shampoo can leave behind. About a tablespoon will do it.

3. Simply pour a few tablespoons of vinegar on your hair and massage into your scalp. Wait a few minutes, then rinse and wash hair like normal.

4. Vinegar naturally helps to remove fat from the body - apple cider vinegar is especially good for this. Drink some in a glass of water a few times a day, and add a little lemon or honey for a nicer flavor. This will also help reduce your appetite.

5. Cracked, dry skin. Smooth a little vinegar on dried skin to help it heal.

6. Soak dentures overnight in vinegar, then brush away tartar with a toothbrush.

7. Take 1 cup of vinegar and water into a large glass and use to rinse your hair after you shampoo. Vinegar adds highlights to brunette hair, restores the acid mantel, and removes soap film and sebum oil.

8. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the rinse water when washing and your pantyhose will last longer.

CLEANING
 
1. Mix with water or simply sprayed full-strength on glass and mirrors, vinegar does a great job quickly and easily. Simply wipe windows dry with crumpled-up newspapers and watch your windows sparkle.
 
2. Use it full-strength to polish car chrome with a cloth and see it shine! Use it on your car's windshield and windows, too.

3. Cleans drinking glasses. Soak cloudy drinking glasses in warmed white vinegar for a few hours to remove the film, simply wipe clean, rinse, and dry.

4. Periodically run a gallon of distilled vinegar through your washing machine to clean it thoroughly, get rid of soap scum, and clear out the hoses. Run the machine through the warm water wash cycle empty and then add the vinegar during the rinse cycle.

5. Make your own furniture polish with one part vinegar and three parts lemon oil or olive oil.
 
6. Paint price tags or stickers with several coats of vinegar and let it soak in. Depending what you are removing them off of is whether they'll slide off easily or require a little heavier rubbing.

7. Put vinegar in the water holder and let it steam itself clean. Remember to flush it with water when you are done.

8. Simmer paintbrushes in pure vinegar, then wash in hot soapy water.

9. Wipe down your walls with a vinegar-water mixture and it will help absorb odors and clean the surfaces.

10. Use a vinegar-soaked cloth to remove spots from any glassware or crystal.
 
11. Pour boiling white vinegar down clogged drains to remove the clog.

12. Remove odors and stains from jars by cleaning them out with vinegar.

13. Soak a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the lunchbox over night.

14. Make vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water through or mix equeal amout of vinegar and baking soda and putting it down the drain. after letting this fizzing mixture sit for few minutes, flush out with warm water for a clean and stink-free sink.

15. Boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the teapot. Wipe away the grime.

16. Run a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap build up on the inner mechanisms and on glassware.
 
17. Boil a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and deodorize.
 
18. Remove smoke smells from clothing Add a cup of vinegar to a bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.
 
19. Clean eyeglasses Wipe each lens with a drop of vinegar.

20. Remove stubborn stains from furniture upholstery and clothes. Apply vinegar directly to the stain, then wash as directed by the manufacturer's instructions.

21. Vinegar is a natural air freshener when sprayed in a room.
 
22. Soak rusted tool, bolt, or spigot in undiluted vinegar overnight.

23. Pour in one cup of vinegar, let it stand for five minutes, and flush.

24. Add a 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
 
25. A cloth soaked with vinegar for sanitizing kitchen counters, stove, and bathroom surfaces. This is just as effective as the anti-bacterial products and does not promote resistant strains like the commercial products can, this is also a cheaper and greener way to protect your loved ones.

26. Remove lint from laundry Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

27. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.

28. Apply one part vinegar to four parts water, then rinse to remove perspirations stains from clothing.

29. A mixture of salt and vinegar will clean coffee and tea stains from chinaware.

30. Vinegar can help to dissolve mineral deposits that collect in automatic drip coffee makers. Fill the reservoir with vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle. Rinse thoroughly with water when the cycle is finished.

31. To ride of fruit flies,set out a small dish of white vinegar and some smashed fruit, covered with plastic warp with some holes in it, the flies crawl into the trap and can't get out.

 
FOOD & COOKING

1. Cheese Storage Cheese will last longer if you store it in a vinegar-soaked cloth.
 
2. Add a teaspoon or so of white vinegar to your cooking water while cooking cauliflower - it will retain a whiter color.
 
3. Add a bit of vinegar and give it a good shake and you'll have a bit more!

4. Add a bit of white vinegar to the water you're boiling your eggs in, and the shells won't crack.

5. Add a bit of vinegar to the water you're cooking your cabbage in to remove that stinky cabbage smell.

6. Add 1 teaspoon vinegar for every three egg whites and you'll have fluffier meringues.

7. Tenderize Meat Soak in vinegar over night.

8. To cook rice without sticking add a spoon full of vinegar in it.

9. Eliminate onion odor by rubbing vinegar on your fingers before and after slicing.

10. Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards by wiping with full strength vinegar.

11. Make buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand 5 minutes to thicken.

12. If your leafy veggies are wilted, soaking them in cold water with a little vinegar can perk them right up.


GARDENING & YARD

1. Remove white salt buildup on old clay pots by soaking them in full strength vinegar.

2. Undiluted vinegar will kill grass between bricks and sidewalk cracks.

3. Spray full strength on weeds - be careful not to spray it on the surrounding grass as it will kill that too.

4. Spray vinegar around doors, appliances, and along other areas where ants are known to gather.
 
5. Sprinkle vinegar on areas you don't want the cat walking, sleeping, or scratching on.

6. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water to freshen cut flowers.


HEALTH
 
1. Mix a teaspoon vinegar with a glass of water. Gargle with the mixture and then swallow to relief sore throat.

2. To remove calluses,try soaking your feet in a combination of white vinegar and warm water nightly and watch your feet soften noticeably.

3. Soak a washcloth in vinegar and gently apply it to sunburned skin for cool relief. Reapply as needed as it evaporates. Besides sunburn, vinegar also soothes the itch and irritation of bee stings.

4. Arthritis Tonic,two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, several times a day.

5. Jellyfish Stings,dot the irritation with vinegar and relieve itching.

6. Sinus Infections and Head Colds ,add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.

7. Mix one part Apple Cider Vinegar to one part glycerin into a lotion and apply daily to warts until they dissolve.

8. Drink two teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar in one cup water to soothe an upset stomach.

9. Use a cotton ball to dab mosquito and other bug bites with vinegar straight from the bottle.


PETS & ANIMALS

1. Add a teaspoon of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to encourage a shinier coat, and reduce odor.

2. Use vinegar straight to remove skunk odor from your pet's fur.

3. Sprinkle or spray vinegar on areas you don't want the cat scratching on.

4. Eliminate that ugly deposit in the gold fish tank by rubbing it with a cloth dipped in vinegar and rinsing well.

5. Remove pet stains from carpets blot up urine with a soft cloth, flush several times with lukewarm water, then apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and cool water. Blot up, rinse, and let dry.

How To Plant Spring Onion

Spring onion are grown from onion.  Normally, onion will begin to sprout on its owns if you leave it unused for too long. Most of  my gardening are done in well drain pot using black soil which I  purchase from supermarket.

The first step of planting is dig a hole in soiled pot just enough to cover the onion. Cover the bulb well and leave the top showing. Then, water the plant and place it at good sunlight exposure.  After few weeks, you will be able to see the leaves growing.

With regularly watering  and  fertilization, the plant grows very healthy.

                

Benefis of Garlic

 

 

 

1. Raw garlic used to treat common problems like cane and pimples. Eating two to three pods of raw garlic every single day will help to keep the cholesterol levels in control in our body. It can also fight high blood pressure and lower it considerably. 

2. Some of the other health benefits of garlic pods are that we can use them to cure small infections like pin worms and other kinds of worm. You can have a few garlic pods along with warm water in the morning and it acts as a deforming medication for you.

3. Garlic boosts your immune system.

4. Garlic is anti-aging, its antioxidant power neutralizing free radicals that procure aging and disease.

5. Garlic helps reduce plaque build up (atherosclerotic heart disease).

6. Garlic thins the blood and helps to prevent blood clots (fibrinolyisis) hence reducing the risk of strokes.

7. Garlic helps to prevent cancer, particularly of the digestive system, and reduces the size and arrests the growth of certain tumors.

8. Garlic lowers and regulates blood sugar levels.

9. Garlic helps to remove heavy metals such as lead and mercury from the body - natural body detoxification.

10. Garlic (raw, containing allicin) is a natural antibiotic and can kill even drug resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA as well as Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium known to cause stomach ulcers and implicated in stomach cancer.

11. Garlic is anti-fungal and reduces yeast infections in body parts.

12. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
 

13. Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. 

14. Pharmacologists at the University of California found that allicin -- the active ingredient in garlic that contributes to bad breath -- is an infection-killer.

15. In 2007, dentists in Brazil found that gargling with garlic water (made by steeping crushed garlic cloves in warm, but not boiling, water) can kill the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

16. Garlic has been known for its health benefits since ancient times. It can treat so many infections in the body right from the common cold to cough and bronchitis. 

Honey Nutmeg Cupcake

Few weeks ago, I mistakenly bought nutmeg powder instead of cinnamon powder. In rush , I didn't read the label ; my mistake. Instead of leaving it at one corner of my cupboard. I had to use it for something . If not,it will be waste of money.
So, I decided to try out something with nutmeg. I had never known about nutmeg or taste before, I was a bit concern of using it, but I still try a shot and baked cupcake. The cake turn out fluffy and very tempting. This is one of the experiments which I'm proud of.

Ingredients:

125g Flour
62g Butter
62g Brown Sugar
1 Egg , separated
62g Honey
30ml Milk
1/4 tsp Nutmeg Powder
1/4 tsp Bicarbonate Soda



Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 120 degree C. Butter the pan or the holes of a bun tin (pan).

2. Sift the flour into a large bowl with cinnamon and  bicarbonate soda.

3. Beat the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, then gradually add the honey.

4. Fold in the flour mixture with  milk to make a soft mixture.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg white into the cake mixture.

6. Divide the mixture among the paper cases or the holes in the prepared tin. Put into the hot oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until risen, firm to the touch and golden brown.

7. Sprinkle the tops lightly with caster sugar and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

Best Superfoods for Weight Loss

Black Beans: They contain large amounts of proteins which does not involve any fats that are saturated and which affect the body, the ideal quantity of black beans that is to be consumed should be a cup which contains around 15 grams of proteins in it.





 
Oats: They help in increasing the metabolism and also burn fats so quickly, the fiber component in it helps you feel away from hunger all over the day even if consumed in sufficient amount. Half a cup of oats contains resistant starch around 5 grams.

Apples: These are very healthy foods which contain low calories and diet can be maintained because of phytonutrients that are present in them. The antioxidants and fiber which plays a main role in maintaining diet are also present in them. They keep you away from diseases and help to maintain good health.

Blueberries: They contain fiber in higher quantities which quiets the hunger for a longer time. The antioxidants that is present in them helps in reducing the fats

Avocados: They contain fiber and proteins and also fats which are helpful in reducing the fats .Oleic acid, which produces monounsaturated fats that helps you in reducing the hunger, is present in avocados. Large amounts of fats can be melted away by consuming small amount of this fruit.

 

Salmon:  These contain fewer fats in them and sufficient quantity of proteins that keeps you away from hunger. It is a low fat diet that helps in burning fats and maintains considerable diet.

 

Green Tea:  It contains antioxidants that reduces fats and calories and helps in maintaining perfect diet. The extra amounts of fats and calories that are present in the body can be burnt by consuming around 2-3 cups of green tea as a routine

  

Watermelons: It is a natural super food that helps in reducing the fats in the body because of the powerful antioxidant that it contains. It contains water in large ratio comprising of Vitamins A and C.

 

Mushrooms:  They contain fewer amounts of calories when compared to meat but gives the taste of meat and it is a pure vegetarian food. This also helps in burning fats in the body and weight can be reduced consuming a cup daily.

  

 



Broccoli:It is of a plant family which contains phytonutrients, vitamins and proteins that helps in shedding weight. Sufficient amount of Fiber is present in less amount of broccoli which helps in reducing fats.

  

Yogurt: It contains B-Vitamin and calcium and is very easily digestible compared to milk. It helps you boost immunity, reduces the risk of colon cancer and always regulates your blood sugar level and keeps your hunger pangs in control.







Brown Rice: It contains fibre, protein, selenium and is a low calorie rice substitute. Brown rice is low in saturated fats and has less Cholesterol and Sodium quantities. It serves as a heavy filling and you will not be hungry. Half cup of Brown rice contains around 1.7 grams of Resistant Starch; it helps you boost your metabolism and burn fat faster.






Pomegranate: Pomegranates contain folic acids, Vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. They are rich sources of fiber and are very low in calories. It is the healthiest fruit that helps you fight against cell damage, erectile dysfunction and inflammation of arthritis. This fruit also increases the oxygen levels of the heart. It satisfies your sugar cravings and controls your body weight. It can be taken either in raw fruit form, juices or can also be added into salads.

Pears: Pears are the best sources of anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidants. They contain 4 times the phenolic phytonutrients compared to flesh. They help in reducing the risk of cancer and contain dietary fiber, which can be easily digested. They contain about 15% of your daily fiber intake. So do not peel it off, add this fruit into your diet with peel.

Lentils: They are the best sources of fiber and protein. Half cup of lentils contain about 3.4 grams of Resistant Starch, which is a carbohydrate that aids in burning excess fat and also helps you boost metabolism.

 

Hot Chile Peppers: Talking hot Chile peppers along with fresh tomato juice about thirty minutes prior to your meal, consuming this juice ensures that your appetite is satisfied faster and you’ll eat 10% less than your regular quantity. So these peppers are considered to be the best food for losing weight.

Grapefruit:  It is a tangy fruit that contains protein and has lots of water. It helps you in lowering your insulin levels and the fat-storage hormone present in this fruit, will help you reduce weight. Before having a meal, eat half a grapefruit, it helps you lose about one pound a week. Since it contains 90% of water, it fills you up soon so that you’ll eat less.

Almonds:  Almonds are one of the super foods that have healthy fats, which help you in slimming down faster. Add nuts to your daily low-calorie diet, it aids you in losing more weight, as more chewing of the almonds releases more fat and high fiber and satisfies your hunger pangs.

Kidney Beans: Kidney beans contain cholesterol-lowering fiber; it also prevents the blood sugar levels from rising after each meal. These beans offer a lot of protein and fiber to your daily meal. Half cup of Kidney beans contains Resistant Starch and provides around 2 grams of slimming carbohydrates.

 

Olive Oil:Oils generally contain fats in them, but olive oil is something which contains right fats that helps in burning fats, helping for weight loss. Olive oil keeps you full for longer hours due to the poly unsaturated fatty acids that are present in it; some ratio of oleic acid is present in it which also helps in reducing fats.

Bananas:  Ripe bananas contain some quantity resistant starch which helps in metabolism. Ideal sized banana which is slightly greenish contains around 12 grams of resistant starch which helps in weight loss and body slimming.

Cranberry Juice: The antioxidants in cranberry juice aids in the process of calorie and fat burning. The fluids are reduced in the body, fluid retention helps in reducing fats and helps in weight loss

Eggs:  Having eggs for breakfast helps in weight reduction and also calorie and fat burning process. Survey has been carried out that though there is cholesterol present in eggs they do not affect the body as they are not highly bad cholesterols.

Potatoes: They contain some amount of carbohydrates and a slight amount of fiber in them; they help in the metabolism due to high percentage of resistant starch present in them which helps in reducing fats

Cheese: The fatty acids that are present in the cheese help in fat burning and weight loss. These fatty acids help hunger pangs away which in turn help in body slimming and make you look fit.

Dark Chocolate:  The digestion process can be retarded by consuming fewer amounts of dark chocolate, which makes you feel full. It boosts the process of metabolism that aids in the fat and calorie burning process.

White Beans: They contain carbohydrates that increases the metabolism helps in fat reduction and calorie burning. It also contains resistant starch around 4 grams that helps in losing weight, stay fit and healthy.

Oranges:  The fiber content present in the oranges pangs away the hunger and makes you feel full which keeps you stay longer for the next meal. So, oranges help in weight reduction and health care.

Pine Nuts: Pine Nuts are another super food that provides healthy fatty acids to the heart. These nuts will suppress hunger hormones and help you in burning belly fat. The saturated fats that are present in the nuts will help you lose weight overweight without exercising or reducing your calorie intake.

Benefits and Remedies of Nutmeg

 

 

Known as a popular spice around the world, nutmeg is also popular for its many health benefits. In fact, since ancient times, nutmeg has been used as a remedy for various ailments or to improve health in general. Here are some of the health benefits that nutmeg provides.

1. Brain Tonic

During ancient times, Roman and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a type of brain tonic. This is because nutmeg can effectively stimulate your brain. It contains a natural organic compound called myristicin, which is known to shield your brain against degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s. As a result, it can help eliminate fatigue and stress. Nutmeg can also improve concentration to become more efficient and focused at work or at school. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, nutmeg may also be a good remedy.

2. Pain Relief

Nutmeg is also an effective sedative. In fact, nutmeg is a staple in ancient Chinese medicine. The Chinese used the spice to treat inflammation and abdominal pain. Use nutmeg if you are suffering from aching joints, muscle pain, arthritis, sores and other ailments. To relieve the pain, apply nutmeg oil to the affected areas.

3. Indigestion Relief

If you suffer from digestion-related problems like diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and flatulence and so on, nutmeg can effectively offer you relief. Nutmeg oil relieves stomach-aches by removing the excess gas from your intestines. Nutmeg can also boost your appetite. It is used in small dosages to reduce flatulence [excessive stomach or intestinal gas], aid digestion and improve appetite. Drops of nutmeg oil can also be mixed with honey to treat nausea, gastroenteritis, chronic diarrhoea and indigestion. To relieve diarrhoea, drink a filtered mix of 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ground coffee in one cup of water.

4. Bad Breath Treatment

Because of its antibacterial properties, nutmeg can also effectively treat halitosis or bad breath. As you probably know, bad breath is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Nutmeg can ride your mouth of these bacteria. This is the reason why nutmeg is a common ingredient in many brands of toothpastes.

5. Treat Toothaches

Nutmeg oil is used to treat toothaches. Drops of essential oil are put on cotton swab and applied to the gums around an aching tooth.

6. Liver and Kidney Detox

Detoxification is an important factor of good health. Diet, pollution, stress, tobacco, medication and other external substances can lead to the build-up of toxins in your organs. The liver and kidney are two of the organs where this toxic build-up usually develops. As a tonic, nutmeg can clean your liver and kidney and remove these toxins. If you are suffering from a liver disease then nutmeg can also be beneficial. Nutmeg is also effective in preventing and dissolving kidney stones. When your liver and kidney are successfully detoxified, they can perform their function better.

7. Skin Care

If skin care is one of your priorities then you might want to incorporate nutmeg into your regimen. Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you treat several skin problems. A scrub made from nutmeg powder and orange lentil powder can help you remove blackheads, a type of acne characterized by pores clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. If you suffer from acne marks, nutmeg can also help make your scars less noticeable. What you need to do is mix some nutmeg powder with some honey to make a paste, which you will then apply to the acne marks.or grind 2 – 3 nutmeg seeds and add little milk to make a paste. After washing the face with warm water, pat it dry, and then spread the paste evenly over the acne. After two hours, use warm water to remove the paste, followed by cold water to close the pores. This paste also acts as a scrub to treat blackheads.

8. Sleep Aid

If you have difficulty sleeping at night, drink one cup of milk boiled with 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This will help you achieve relaxation and will induce sleep.

9. Heart

Like cloves, nutmeg contains eugenol, a compound that may benefit the heart. Nutmeg can help to combat asthma. It is also used to relax muscles. To calm chest cold, make a paste of nutmeg powder and flour with water. Cover the cotton cloth with paste and apply to the chest.

  

 

SAFETY ALERT

• Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe. However, large doses can trigger an acute psychiatric disorder. It contains myristicin, which in large doses can cause hallucinations. Users may feel a sensation of blood rush to the head or a strong euphoria and dissociation. It can also lead to convulsions, palpitations, generalised body pain, vomiting, nausea and eventual dehydration. Followed by long, deep almost coma-like sleep, it can even cause death.


• Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg. It can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. It also inhibits prostaglandin production [involved in child birth process] and contains hallucinogens that may affect the foetus, if consumed in large quantities. It can also trigger dizziness, nausea and difficulty in urination.


• Touching nutmeg can cause allergic skin reaction. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Note: One whole nutmeg grated is equal to 2 – 3 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Nestum Biscuit

Hari Raya is around the corner and I believe most of us, prefer to have healthy and yummy cookies.
 So, I created this recipe with Nestum cereal.  Nestum is  available at any supermarkets and easy to bake for those with less or no experience.

 Ingredient:

• 125 g Unsalted Butter
• 85 g Brown Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 150 g Flour
• 125 g Nestum

Method:

1. Whisk butter and brown sugar till fluffy and smooth.
2. Add egg and vanilla.
3. Mix flour and nestum alternatively till dough is developed.
4. Leave it for 5-10 minute.
5. Butter the tray and place the dough  according to your desired shape using cookies cutter.
6. Bake in preheated oven at 120 Deg C for 10 to 12 min.

How to Get Ride of Spiders

1. SPIDERS HATE PEPPERMINT!
Place a few drops of peppermint essential oil into a spray bottle. Add a squirt of liquid detergent and fill the bottle with water. Spray the mixture on cobwebs, around doors and windows, around the lawn and garden and on any surfaces where spiders lurk. In addition to having a pleasant aroma, this mixture is nontoxic and safe to use around children and pets.

2. COCONUT OIL & VINEGAR
The combination of coconut oil and white vinegar also makes an effective spray for repelling spiders. As oils may stain or cause spots, test the mixture on a small, hidden area of carpets, curtains or upholstered furniture.

3. CITRUS ESSENTIAL OILS
Spiders taste through their feet, and in addition to peppermint…..they do not like the taste of citrus which includes lemon, lime and orange. Although it will not kill them, it will make them avoid places where they can “taste” them. Always purchase real essential oils and not synthetic versions.

4. ELIMINATE HIDING PLACES
Spiders thrive in dark, cluttered places, so keep stacks of debris, woodpiles and thick plant growth away from the sides of the house. The fewer places spiders can easily inhabit, the more effectively they can be repelled.

5. SEAL IT UP
Seal cracks in the foundation and close gaps in windows or beneath doorways to deny spiders access to the premises.

6. VINEGAR
 Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply it to any area in which spiders gather and spray it directly on any spider you see vinegar contains acetic acid, which is thought to burn and kill spiders upon contact. You can also place small dishes of vinegar in dark corners to ward away spiders. The odor alone may be enough to repel them.

And last but not least….an all natural homemade insect repellent that should help out with all of the above!

Lemon Spaghetti

This very quick and easy dish combines simple yet flavorsome ingredients. It is ideal for when you rush home for a quick bite to eat.

Ingredients:
90g dried spaghetti
3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, cut into very thin slices
1/2 lemon juice
salt and ground black pepper


Method:
1. Cook the pasta  in a pan of slightly salted boiling water for 10-15 minutes, or according to the instructions on the packet, until it turns tender.
2. Drain the cooked pasta throuoghly in a colander.
3. Pour olive oil and garlic in a big pan. Toss it for a while, add pasta, lemon juice and seasoning.
4. Toss the pasta over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes.Serve immediately in one warmed bowl.
Enjoy your meal.  :)

Potato Yogurt Curry

I were a bit reluctant to cook curry with yogurt, afraid it will spoil.
However, I took this chance to try to be adventures in meal. Surprisingly, it tasted good.

Ingredients:

3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp sugar
1 cinnamon sticks
5g turmeric powder
1/2 tbsp garam masala
1/2 tsp red chili powder
13g root ginger, chopped
8 ml oil
3 shallots,halved lenghtways and sliced along the grain
1 green chilies, seeded and finely sliced
curry leaves
250g potatoes, cut into bite size pieces
1 tomato,peeled,seeded and quartered
100ml yogurt
1/2 lemon, quartered. to serve
salt

Method:

1. Grind the garlic and ginger to a coarse paste by using a mortar and pestle.
2. Heat the oil in a pan, add the shallots and chilies and cook until fragrant. Add the garlic and ginger paste with the  sugar, and stir until the mixture begins to color.
3. Stir in the curry leaves, cinnamon sticks,turmeric,salt, chili powder  and garam masala, and toss in the potatoes, making sure they are coated in the spice mixture.
4. Pour in just enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer  until the potatoes are just cooked.
5. Add the tomatoes and heat them through.  While hot, fold in the yogurt, then sprinkle with the coriander. Ready to serve.

Orange Banana Cake

This is a simple and easy cake. Has a tangy taste because of the banana. I were unable to find any recipe combination of banana and orange cake. So, I took the risk of trying it out with estimation measurement. Not bad! It did turn out well. My colleagues enjoy eating.....

If any of you plan to try this recipe and have any idea how to improve it,your idea is most welcome.

As it's already half of the year, I'm thinking of posting the recipe in two method. One with the explanation and another one in mathematical view. From my point, it is much easier to bake with simple mathematical direction.
Do let me know which one you prefer.

 

 

Ingredient:
120g butter
1 tsp orange rind
60g caster sugar
1 egg
1 medium size banana= 60g
50ml orange juice
1/2 tsp baking soda
120g flour

Method:
1. Preheat the oven at 170 Dec C.
2. Whisk butter and sugar till fluffy and light.
3. Add egg , orange rind, banana  and  orange juice whisk till well incorporate.
4. Fold  the flour and baking soda into the wet ingredient.
5. Pour into a lightly butter and floured cake pan to avoid sticking.
6. Bake till  a toothpick comes out clean.

Mathematical

Ingredient:
A) 1/2 tsp baking soda
B) 120g flour
C) 120g butter
D) 60g caster sugar
E)1 tsp orange rind
F) 1 egg
G) 1 medium size banana= 60g
H) 50ml orange juice


Method:
1. A + B = I
2. C + D = J
3. J + E + F + G + H = K
4. K+  I = CAKE BATTER

Chocolate Banana Cake

 

 

There have been many time, where I ended up throwing overripe bananas.So, this time , I decided to bake a  cake out of it. I sat at my desk and did some research and got a simple and easy recipe.
My husband who is not a big fan of chocolate, loved it!

 A
80g brown sugar
120g flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

B
1 egg
60g mashed banana
120ml warm water
60ml oil
1/2 tsp vanilla essence

Method:

1. Grease, flour and line tin and set aside. Preheat oven at 170 Deg C.
2. In a small bowl,sift all item in ingredient A list.
3. In larger bowl, mix well ingredient  B list.
4. Add flour mixture into large bowl gently.
5. Bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. When completely cooled, spread chocolate ganache on the top.

How to make Chocolate Ganache

It's hard to believe this luxurious chocolate sauce contain only two ingredients and a perfect topping on cake.


Ingredient:
60g Semi Sweet Chocolate Chip
60g Heavy Cream

Method:
1)  Pour the cream into a pan and bring to almost  but not quite boiling point.

2)  Remove the pan  from heat and add choc chip.

3) Whisk till smooth and glossy.

Benefits of Cinnamon and Honey

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour beforebreakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month. 

 FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

Mango Milkshake

I bought some mangoes at the grocery store last week as it was on sale. Busy with house errand, I totally forgot about it and some of the mangoes gone ripe. Instead off throwing it away, I made a simple, easy and delicious mango milkshake. Did you know that , mango milkshake is very fulfilling and it simply recharges your body. It is also a refreshing treat for the hot weather!

Ingredients:

1 medium ripe mango
1 glass of cold low fat milk
1 tbsp of honey  (depends on the sweetness of the mango)
Ice cubes (optional)


Method:

1. Remove the mango skin and add the pulp to a blender.

2.Add milk and honey. You may add ice cube if you want it chill.

 

3. Blend it well . Taste and add sugar if needed and give it another whirl if adding.

 

4. Pour into glasses  and enjoy.

 

Serves 1

Baked Russet Potato Wedges

Potatoes are easily available in Malaysia. Most of the time, I avoid eating if it is in any dish. I prefer to have as a snack. I did research and got to know that by just one medium, skin on potato  provides 45% of your daily value of vitamin C  and more potassium than a banana with just 110 calories. How amazing it is, we can have snacks and keep our health in tip-top condition.



Before Baking

After baking, become golden crisp

Ingredients:

1 russet potato
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp chili flakes
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
salt and pepper to taste

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 160 deg C. Grease the baking tray.
2.  Wash the potatoes, lightly scrap off the skin. Cut into wedges.
3. In a medium size bowl, mix the mayo, chili flakes, chili powder, salt & pepper.
4. Coat the wedges with the mayo mixture and roll in the breadcrumbs.
5. Place on the greased baking tray and bake for 30 min or till cooked.