Archive for August, 2008


Comme Un Nuage !

I was browsing the net, last time and then I saw the recipe of a steam cake. I was really curious to try it. I liked the idea that the cake is not baked. The result, of course, won’t give you a nice looking cake with a golden crust ! But I really encourage you to make it if you have never tried. It’s very simple – So that’s perfect for me ! The only remaining difficulty, on my side, was the kitchenware ! I don’t have a steam cooker, so I played a little bit ‘Mac Giver’ with my colander and a couple of bamboo sticks…

When I started to prepare the batter, Paprika came around and asked me what I was doing.

- A steam cake ! I replied, happy to make this new experiment.

- A steam cake ?!

I could see on his face that he didn’t like the idea. I should mention here, that Paprika never eats steamed Chinese dumplings, because he doesn’t like their sticky aspect. He pulled a face and told me the cake will look like Chinese dumplings. I retorted that he should wait and see !

I got inspired by many recipes, I tried my hand and finally this is my own recipe. Probably not perfect, but satisfying to my palate.

So no need to turn the oven on. In 25 minutes you are done. And you get a moist and light texture cake ! Comme un nuage ! A bit exotic, it’s true, with banana and coconut. The banana do helps to moisture the cake.

Surprisingly Paprika overcame his fear and ate the cakes!

Makes 4 ramekins (150ml each)

60g rice flour
2 egg whites
60ml coconut cream
1 ripe banana
3 tsp caster sugar
4 tbsp desiccated coconut
1 pinch of salt
Small knob of butter
In a large bowl mash banana // Add rice flour, sugar and coconut cream and combine well // Switch on your steam cooker or in a large sauce pan bring water to a boil // Brush inside each ramekin with butter // Layer 1 tbsp desiccated coconut at the bottom of each ramekin // With a pinch of salt whip egg whites until a stiff peak // Fold gently in the banana mixture and combine softly // Fill 3/4 full each ramekin and place in steamer // If you cook in a sauce pan, cover it with a tea towel to keep water droplets from falling in the cakes, then place the lid on // Cook for 20-25 minutes // Remove from the mould and let them cool.

La suite en français…

100% Kiwi

I know I’m not supposed to bother you anymore with old buildings… But you could guess when I announced last week “Facadholic in Action” it could be only me shooting again a building !

So this is Albemarle Hotel ! I know you don’t mind to know architect James Bennie designed it in 1905 and that the building has long served as a private hotel and as a sauna parlour too. In fact, the building has recovered its former glory with the restoration of its cupola and wrought-iron balcony over the footpath.

A building is like a person that you spot from the crowd. I was standing at the corner of Ghuznee and Cuba Streets, waiting for the green traffic light when my look was suddenly attracted by this facade on the right hand side. It was like the building was just standing alone.

For once, the rich decorated facade is fully enjoyable with no canopy breaking the view.

Ok, now, I know you just feel frustrated with this post, no interest that you read until the last word…

So here is an authentic kiwi product, like you are more expecting to see : sheep ! Actually, they are not in their natural environment as they are filmed in Wellington railway station for a British TV ad ! Note that the black socks don’t mix with the white ones !

MAARTEN HOLL/The Dominion Post

Is that drops I see on the foreground at the left-hand side ?…

Sources: Heritage Inventory

La suite en français…

It’s been a couple of days already I noticed these bright colours poping around and specially in Wellington Botanic Garden. That’s a natural gift of such beauty ! Flowers in winter ! Naked trees but colours !

So, on one of the day, exceptionaly dry*, I went for a walk there to enjoy this colourful show !

The first time I visited, I did not like so much Wellington Botanic Garden. I had in mind Auckland Domain with its wide green lawns, its majestic old trees and the summer sun…

No, the Botanic Garden, is completely different, alike Wellington city: compact and steep. But I learnt to appreciate it. How couldn’t I ? Each season offers a new surprise ! After fall with trees dressing in red and gold, winter brought some shrubs -and trees- with red and pink flowers !

This magnolia is 73 year-olds ! I wish I could be so beautiful at this age !

The garden was also filled sometimes with a delicate scent, but I could not source where it comes from. It was like in a wonderland !

I am a total neophyte and can not tell you which shrub is this, with these scarlet flowers but I love it !

I was surprised by the followings pictures, the light and the colours would never let you guess it’s winter !

* The weather has been awful for many days, just rain, rain and rain again…

La suite en français…

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