Cooking Soup Made Easy: Electric Pressure Cooker & Claypot

Months ago, I posted the ways I steamed all my dishes using the 3 tiers steamer.

Today, I wanna introduce to you my 2 fav kitchen equipments to boil soup. Now,  I don't have time to keep checking on the soup or rather *cough* I usually forget that I'm cooking some soup when I'm babysitting 4 children. So I found these two appliances to be super useful.

1. Electric Pressure Cooker.
I bought my "mini" 2 Litres pressure cooker about half a year ago. I wasn't so sure if I was going to use it regularly, so as a try-out I bought SKG brand from Lazada and it was only RM149.00, and now it's RM146. (I never heard of this brand before this, but apparently the quality is pretty good.) It is good enough to cook for 3 little children (lunch and dinner). But if you want to cook bigger portion, you have to buy the 5 Litres one.

So this is my unit. You can cook rice, porridge, soup, chicken, cassarole etc with it. So far I've tried cooking rice (with vco), butter rice, porridge and soup. So far so good. It's very time-saving but the electricity consumption is quite high.

It keeps warm automatically after cooking. 

2. Claypot

Again, with this pot I don't have to check on the soup frequently. After scalding the meats, I throw all the ingredients (except leafy vegetables which i usually throw in 5 mins before serving) in the pot and let it boil at high temp on the stove for about 5-10 minutes then turn to lowest temp and let it continue boiling for about 2-3 hours. 

The thing about this pot is it reserves the water, so you don't have to worry the soup gets dry. And usually, after boiling for hours, the fragrant of the soup is thicker and the meat is so tender. And this pot is big enough for the whole family.  

So these are my 2 favorites, what's yours?

First Outing After 2 Weeks of Quarantine

After 2 weeks of quarantine, I'm SO GLAD that I can finally bring the 2 kids out. But I still prefer that they have no interaction with other kids yet, just to be safe. Keira will be back to school next week. 

Brought them out to eat their favorite spaghetti... HAPPY!

what is an outing without chocolate ice cream?!?

Their smiles were precious!

And after that, we came back home so that Caedy could take her nap and Keira and I did our baking! I've never really baked, in fact, I don't like baking but seems like Keira has been into it lately. This is our second time baking this week.

We used estimation for all the ingredients and it turned out OK. Not the best cupcakes (and we forgot to buy cupcake liners) but pretty decent for amateurs like us. 

Ingredients:

1.5 cups of cake flour (i used "Radiant")

1 cup of sugar (i substituted it with molasses sugar)

1 egg

1 cup of milk

0.5 cup of unsalted butter (at room temp) / vege oil / coconut oil

1 cup of cocoa powder (unsweetened, i used "Van Houten") 

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

0.5 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of coffee powder

Chocolate chips ("i used "Hershey's")

I just mixed all the ingredients using a spatula. Preheat oven 175 deg Celcius and start baking for 20 minutes. Again, you don't expect super moist perfect cupcakes but they are soft (unfortunately, not fluffy) and taste is just nice (not too sweet). Most importantly, Keira likes it and she's proud of herself after the baking session. 

For me, with a cuppa OldTown White Coffee, it's good enough for my tea time snack. 

I quite enjoy a day like this, but definitely can't afford to do it daily. 

WORRY NOT

OK at first, I thought I am probably not the right person to post anything to ask people not to worry cos usually I am the first one to get frantic and paranoid especially when it is in regards to my loved ones. Then, there's this voice that whispered to me (of cos it wasn't an audible whisper, else I'D HAVE TOTALLY FREAKED OUT) that says someone can't write anything about worry unless he/she has experienced and overcome it. Well, I won't say I have totally overcome my tendency to worry but I have improved (a little bit). 

Many times, things are just out of our control. I know many parents are worried about the haze that has been around for like ages, the crazy hot weather that causes water disruptions, the annoying blood suckers aka Mrs. Aedes Aegypti, the ever increasing illnesses and diseases, stories about maids abusing babies, not to mention the rising cost of living and the list goes on. Recently, all 3 children that I'm babysitting are not well. Some has been having prolonged cough and runny nose for weeks, some has viral fever and is on antibiotic. It's not easy for the parents, and for me. 

But then, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" (Matt 6:27).

Choosing not to worry doesn't mean being ignorant. I am taking precautions and doing my best to protect the children and my family. I make sure the kids stay indoor as much as possible, I spray the mosquitoes repellent in the rooms an hour before the kids' bedtime and then ventilate it before they go in to sleep, I wash their hands & wipe their faces frequently, I increase their probiotic intake to make sure their bodies have strong immune system to fight in this season etc. 

That's pretty much what I can do for them. Other than that, I'm just trusting God that He is in control. I have done my part and I let Him do the rest. This season, too, shall pass.

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long.  Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever.  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.  For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 

So don't worry.

YOU CAN PREPARE HOMEMADE BABY FOOD!

I can't believe my last post was 6 months ago! How time flies.

Anyway, since Caedy was 6mo, I have started her on solid food. And from these 7months experience, I learned a lot. Some of you might think it's so troublesome to prepare baby food, so much work, so many things to wash and clean after that, bla bla bla... Before you decide to stock up your cabinet with those sugar-loaded cereals, think again. Why do you think it's hard? Is it because you didn't plan properly? Or is it because you don't have any clue how to go about it?

I gotta tell you, preparing baby food is so simple and compare to other cereals, it costs so much lesser. Here's some tips to help you start out:

1. Plan ahead
Yes, take out your organizer, or use your smartphone, or just pull out a sheet of paper. Plan out what you wanna cook for your baby this week. Start with a weekly menu sheet. (Therefore, you only need to do groceries shopping once a week). You don't have to serve different food everyday. (You'll get what I mean as you continue reading.)

2. Invest in the right kitchen equipments
Of course, not everyone can afford to buy everything, but if you can invest in one or two of these items, you'll save lots of time and energy. I used to think the conventional ways are the best, but boy was I wrong? I used to steam food (veges, chicken, fish, etc) using this:

I guess it works for some people... But well, it's definitely not the best way if you are a busy mom or if you have to cook few other dishes at the same time.

So I invested in this:

It's one of the best things I have in my kitchen:
(i) I can cook few dishes together.
If I'm preparing food for kids only, I cook them altogether, 1st tier (from the bottom) - steam veges, 2nd tier - steam egg, the 3rd tier - steam meat.
(ii) Sometimes I even use the lowest tier to steam Caedy's bottles.
(iii) You don't have to watch the time. Just set the timer, make sure the water is enough. Voilà!

Other kitchen equipment that you'll find useful:
- Blender (hand blender is good too)
- Slow cooker
- Multi function Rice Cooker (you can cook rice, soup, porridge, casserole, or even for steaming). Some rice cooker allows you to set the time you want the food to be ready. How smart!
- Microwave (to defrost and heat up the food)
- Oven (for baking)

3. Get some knowledge
Old folks will tell you that it's bad if you don't feed your baby fresh food.. Well, errr... hmm... it really depends on how you store the food. My simple guideline: cook the food thoroughly, cool it, keep it in clean air-tight containers, store in the refrigerator (max 3 days) or in the freezer (up to one week). Storing in an air-tight container & keeping it in the fridge/ freezer will prevent oxidation and therefore preserve the nutrients. So if you can't cook everyday, cook in batch! It's definitely better than giving your baby other food from the shelves.

-----
So today, this is what I prepare:

Purees:
1. Steamed green and yellow zucchinis for 10mins with the steamer.
2. Cool them quickly
3. Blend them together
4. Divide into 5 portions and keep in air-tight containers
5. Keep 3 in the refrigerator and another 2 in the freezer (I usually put the batches purees in one big air tight container in the freezer together with my expressed breastmilk, but since I'm not pumping anymore, I find that container too big. So temporarily, I use a ziplock bag, to double make sure the food remains fresh).

Porridge:
1. Cook brown rice & millet in a slow cooker
2. Cool it down
3. Divide into 3 portions & put in air tight containers
4. Keep them in the fridge
OK I seldom freeze porridge, cos it's too easy to cook, I can just dump all the ingredients (usually multi grains & meat) into the slow cooker before leaving to work, and come home with nice smooth hot porridge.

I heat up the purees, then mix it with the porridge before serving. So I can prepare 2-3 different purees on the same day and I can alternate them throughout the week (if it's the 1st time you're feeding your baby that particular food, make sure you feed the same food for 3-4 days consecutively, to identify allergies if there's any).

So this is Caedy's dinner for the next 4 days! Easy!
So mommy, don't keep telling yourself you can't do it, because you can...

Go ahead and try... Take out your organizer and start planning today! :)
(Note: http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/ is a very good website about baby food).

Introducing Solid Food

Caedy is now 7 mo +. I enjoy preparing solid food for her. One of the main reasons is Baby Bullet set. It's this cute blender set that comes with date-dial cups to store the food, blend blade, milling blade, and easy pop batch tray to make food cubes. 

So far I've tried apple puree, pear puree, carrot puree, avocado puree, sweet potato puree and homemade pearled barley cereal... Except apple & avocado (which will turn brown if you keep in the fridge), I usually prepare 3 days food and store the food into the cute little cups. The good thing about these cups is it has date-dial system, just twist the date dial to the preparation date and store in the fridge. Easy peasy lemon squeezy... No more "oh man.. when did I prepare the food again?" U know... post-pregnancy brain.

For apple, pear, carrot and sweet potato puree, what I did was: steam the fruit / vege until it's soft, usually it takes about 20-30mins, cool them, and then blend it using baby bullet blender. And voila... you've got your healthy puree!

As for avocado, when it's ripe, scoop the meat out with spoon, add a little bit of water and blend into smooth texture. Mix with breastmilk. And... it's done. Yum yummm and healthy!

Whereas for barley, cook the barley until it's soft, then cool it and put inside the blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use the miller to make the barley into powder. then simmer in boiling water...

I'll start cooking porridge when Caedy is 9months.

I think all mommies are very excited when their baby is almost 6mo. For more info about baby's first food, do refer to http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/. One of the best websites that gives info about baby's food.

I usually fed Caedy solid 30-60mins after she drank her milk. i started with only 2-3 teaspoons of solid once a day, then slowly add another meal then slowly add the portion. Now she's eating about 2-3 tablespoons twice a day. And yeap she's growing healthy and happy!

 7mo & she has started pulling herself up! I'm definitely happy with her developmental milestones! Yippie!

No Wheezing - Breastfeeding

Caedy is now 5 mo 2 wks. She could hardly sleep for the last 2 nights, her nose was blocked, her cough was phlegmy ... Doc checked her, he said other than lotsa mucus in the nose, there is no problem at all. Her lung is strong and clear. 

I still remember Keira's lung constantly had wheezing sound since she was a little infant, she outgrew it when she was almost 3yo. Now I'm even more convinced that breastfeeding really benefits Caedy. If I could turn back time, I'd breastfeed Keira no matter how hard it was. Well, if only.

I have to say the first 2 years of raising Keira wasn't easy at all, we brought her to doctor very frequently. Even until now, her immune system is still quite weak. I know breastfeeding can be quite tough, but it's tougher to see our baby is weak & easily fall sick.

Keira when she was 2yo+

 Feb 2011, suspected pneumonia. lotsa wheezing sound in her lung.

Let me say again, the key to successful breastfeeding is support and persistence. 
You can do it, for the sake of your little one :)

xoxo

TRAVELLING WITH INFANT, WHAT TO PACK?

When it comes to travelling with newborn or infant, you won't want to forget to bring the important stuff. So what to pack in the luggage? Here's the list to help you get started:

(It depends on how many days you are away from home, in this list, let's make it 5 days 4 nights)

1. CLOTHING
i. Clothes for daytime - 6 sets (4 sets for the next 4 days and 2 extra sets, if you are using cloth diaper, you might need to bring more).
ii. Pyjamas - 6 sets (same as above)

2. DIAPERS (depends on the age & how frequent you change the diapers daily.) Usually, I just pack enough for 2 days, and I'll buy the rest when I reach the destination.

3. TOWEL

4. BABY HEAD TO TOE CLEANSER

5. NAPKIN / HANDKERCHIEF / BIBS

6. BABY OIL (if you do baby massage)

7. MOSQUITO REPELLENT (optional)

8. SOCKS (6 pairs)

9. HAT (optional)

10. SHOES (optional)

11. BLANKET

12. BABY SLING/ CARRIER (optional)

13. TOYS (2-3 toys)

14. STROLLER (prefer a light one)

15. LIQUID CLEANSER & BOTTLE BRUSH (to wash the bottles)

16. WET TISSUES

17. BOTTLES (at least 2 bottles)

18. PACIFIER (if using one)

19. BABY  LOTION (if going to cold weather country)

20. SUN BLOCK FOR BABIES (if going outdoor often)

21. DIAPER BAG

22. MEDICINE (don't forget this if your baby is prescribed any meds by her doc)

23. MILK POWDER (bring extra, unless you are sure you can buy the same brand in the destination).

24. THERMOS FLASK

25. NAPPY RASH CREAM

26. NAIL CLIPPER (infants' nails grow very fast) - make sure you check this into the luggage, instead of hand-carrying it.

If you are breastfeeding, you gotta pack more stuff:
1. BREASTPUMP (esp if you know you won't be able to direct-feed when you are not in the hotel room)
2. STORAGE BAGS/BOTTLES to keep the expressed milk in the fridge
3. COOLER BAG
4. ICE PACKS
5. BOTTLE WARMER (optional)
6. DISPOSABLE PADS
7. NURSING COVER
8. EXPRESSED BREASTMILK (if needed - but make sure it remains chilled in the cooler bag)

Probably you need to imagine how your days are gonna be like, what activities you're gonna have (i.e. if you're going to swim, then you need to add swimsuit, and so on).

Hope this list helps~

HAPPY TRAVELLING

My Kids Are NOT My Everything

Scenario 1:

"Ohhhh she's so adorable... sooo cute.... How can i not give her everything? I'm willing to let go and give up my all for her sake." Basically you give whatever she wants because you "love" her so much.

Scenario 2:

"She has taken over my life. My timetable is all upside down... She basically runs my life. I am so controlled by her." You are a paranoia. She cries, you run to check n carry (n often offer the bottle or your nipple!!!). She threw tantrum, you quickly give in. Or maybe, you used to be a gentle, lady-like, elegant woman but now you are screaming your head off all the time because the little monster is driving you nuts!! 

In both scenarios, the kid controls the mom's life. He/She is now the boss, the ruler, the determiner... As for me, I was living in both scenarios when Keira was born, well, except the screaming part (I still remember I would sterilize her bottle if i left the bottle uncovered for more than 30seconds). Many times, I was driven by fear; fear of hurting and losing her. She was my everything. I have to admit that there are times I unconsciously neglect all other things (including my husband) and focus only on her. I still remember, my husband once said that it was as if I could live without him, but not Keira. I was shocked, I denied it but actions speak louder than words, ey?

Of course until today, I can't thank God enough for her. In fact, I always told God that I can't imagine my life without her. She's so precious to me and my husband. 

After reading Larry Winget's "Your Kids Are Your Own Damn Fault", I realize that my kids are not my everything. Yes I love them, I will sacrifice for them, I will give them the best I can afford, but at the same time, there are things they need to figure out themselves. My job as a mother is to raise, to train, to shape and to prepare them for the future. I need to set boundaries for them. One day, they have to face their own world. My aim is to finally let them survive and excel independently. I need to make sure they are smart and independent enough to decide on the right things. My point is, one day, the kids are gonna grow up and live their own lives. When they leave, you are left with your spouse. So if your kids are your everything, it means you lose your everything. I know some of you are thinking about the children looking after the parents when they are old, but mind you, their spouse and their children are their priorities now, not you.

So to all parents, here's a reminder:

1. If you have been so controlled by your kids, you have to remind yourself that you are the one who sets the boundaries because you know what's best for them. You are given the authority to raise them. You can't give them whatever they want, because the world won't! Prepare them for the future. We are not perfect, we will definitely make mistakes in life. Let them see how we fix our mistakes and how to bounce back after failing. They will learn from it.

2. If you have been raising your children at the expense of your marriage, think again. One of the best gifts you can give your children is a good relationship with your spouse. A healthy marriage & loving parents help the children to grow up with healthy self esteem. 

3. Your kids are not your everything. Your husband/wife is. One day, the kids will start their own families & face their own challenges in the society. The one that'll stay with you is your partner, you 2 have become 1, remember the "til death do us part" that you promised to each other?

Parenting ain't easy, especially in today's society. Always look ahead. What do you want them to be, 5 years or 10 years or 20 years down the road. Begin with an end in mind. And remember, they are not your everything because they won't stay with you forever. Give them the best while they are with you, but do not neglect other things or people that are equally important. 

My thought in these few days...

Second Pregnancy w Caedy Tay

I had been telling many people that I enjoyed my first pregnancy so much; no complication, no morning sickness... basically it was great!


But this time round, it's TOTALLY different. I had morning sickness & pelvic pain (it's like the lower parts of my body were going to fall apart and I could hardly walk/move) for the first 4 months, heartburn & constipation during the second trimester, but thankfully my third trimester hasn't been too tough, just restless nights & the frequent midnight visit to the loo (you know this!). Have I mentioned that I kissed goodbye to glowing skin? I have red rough patches on my chin & cheek. But this happened during my first pregnancy too.


Oh btw, it has nothing to do with the babies' gender. They are both girls but yet the pregnancies were almost completely different.


My first pregnancy was smooth but the confinement period was gloomy. I had postpartum blue for the first 2 weeks. So this time round, I prepared myself well. I have engaged a confinement lady, I have planned what I am going and not going to do. And most importantly, not to sweat the small stuff & get plenty of rest whenever I can. (I'll write in another blog what I'll do different with my confinement period this time round.)


If you are pregnant for the first time, my advice is that you get good rest, it does good to you. (you are prone to be moody if you don't have enough rest). Eat healthily & exercise (walk, swim or yoga) cos it helps with labor & delivery. 


If this is not your first pregnancy, you know that you can't be so flexible anymore. You have to look after your other kid(s). You can't sleep whenever you want. So tell your partner what you expect him to help. Support one another.Take advantage of the time you spend w your kids, i.e. when you read stories for them, you are also reading it to the baby in the womb.


Again, don't sweat the small stuff. :)