Croissant with Grapeseed oil 牛角包,健康版

I love to have croissants because of their flaky, buttery layers. But every time I have to constrain myself not to have too many because of their high fat content. However, this isn't the case if they are made with more healthy grapeseed oil (but the flakiness has to be compromised a little)! 

Walnut and Cranberry Biscotti with Cornmeal 義大利脆餅

After making a few "R" rated desserts (Ginger Ice Cream and Lemon Chiffon Cake with Ginger Mousse) for adult consumption, how about "R" rated cookies for grown ups--I mean biscotti. These twice baked cookies have a lot of variations and are good keepers, but they usually are gone in a short time at my home.

No more shrinkage ! 不再回縮

light cheesecake after the shock treatment

This is another great illustration on how understanding science helps me to be a better baker. Ever since I started baking cakes, especially light cheesecake, the issue of shrinkage always bothered me. I carefully and diligently beat up the egg white to stiff peaks and folded it in with the batter. I hoped that the air that was incorporated would expand due to the oven's heat and produce a nice and fluffy cake. But I was disappointed to notice the cake gradually shrank after a few minutes out of the oven.

Ginger Ice Cream 薑汁雪糕

Another "R" rated dessert that is grade "A!" Ever since I made the Lemon Chiffon Cake with Ginger Mousse, I fell in love with making desserts with ginger. Out of the numerous varieties and flavors of ice cream in the market, I have never tried ice cream with ginger. It is a rare flavor. But it is very refreshing, bright, crisp and at the same time spicy, sweet and creamy. The refreshing taste just lingers in the throat after eating.

Upcoming Free Demos 免費示範預告

多謝大家的支持,免費菠蘿包示範再度卷土重來。今次我很榮幸被另外四間在聖蓋博谷的公衆圖書館邀請,再與大家分享做包的心得。詳情及地址請點擊圖書館名稱,希望到時見到您 !

Thanks to all your support. Bo Law Bao demonstration is back by popular demand. I am honored to be invited by four more libraries in the San Gabriel Valley to share my baking passion in the coming months. If you missed my last demo in Diamond Bar Library, here are more chances. Mark your calendar:

Steamed Rice with Chicken in Lotus Leaf 荷葉蒸雞飯

This is a dish that is relatively easy to cook, even though it sounds complex. The lotus leaf I use is dried and is available at Chinese grocery stores. It's a pity there aren't any fresh lotus leaves around to buy; it will greatly enhance the flavor and aroma of the rice. If you can get any fresh lotus leaf, by all means use it.

This is one of those dishes where you don't really have to go by a "recipe" because it can't really go wrong if you don't exactly follow the steps. Let your creativity and sense of taste be your guide. You can substitute chicken with any meat. Marinate it the way you want (usually with salt, sugar, cornstarch and oil). Instead of using water to cook the rice, you can use chicken broth for more flavor.

Lemon Chiffon Cake with Ginger Mousse 薑汁慕絲雪紡蛋糕

If there were a movie rating for desserts or cakes, I would rate this cake an "R"--adults only! Kids may be too young to appreciate ginger's pungent sensation. This is why I only made two small (4 inches) cakes. My husband raved about it after one bite and would not share with me.

Matcha Macarons 抹茶馬卡龍

It's been such a long time since I've made macarons that I almost forgot how to make them! I admit that I have a love/hate relationship with macarons. I love them because they are so attractive and delicious with all the different colors and yummy fillings. But at the same time they are such a pain to make. If the oven temperature is a bit high or they aren't dry enough, they may crack on top. If you bake them a minute less, you can't even remove them in a whole piece. If you didn't mix it right, the little "feet" may not come out. No wonder they fetch a premium price among bakery items and not too many bakeries have them on the menu. But at the same time, it is so rewarding and satisfying if they come out well!

Cinnamon Rolls in Puff Pastry 香酥肉桂卷

I like the appealing fragrance of cinnamon. I am also addicted to its delicate and warm flavor. Not only does it smell good, cinnamon also has some incredible health benefits. Its properties can lower blood sugar, cholesterol, fight infection and inflammation. One study showed that just by smelling it would help cognitive function and memory. Sounds amazing, doesn't it?

Cocktail Bao 雞尾包

I remember the name of this bao scared my kids when they were young. "Mom, how can you eat a bun that has cocktail in it?" Many adults may be misled by its name as well. But I think if you are from Hong Kong, you know exactly what it is. Just like bo law bao/pineapple bun which has no pineapple, cocktail bao has no cock's tail in it.