A Day in Bali Garden

Croissants are one of the great French pastry creations known to mankind. The flaky and buttery goodness is perfect eaten by it’s self or to be used as a delicate vessel for slices of ham and cheese. Simplicity can be the way to go with croissants, but there are so many ways to be creative and add layers of flavors to the already delicious treat. Croissant French Toast 1 pc Croissant, sliced length wise, day old croissant preferably 1 egg 100 ml Heavy Cream 50 ml Fresh Milk 2 tsp. Cinnamon Powder 1 tsp. Nutmeg, grated 2 tbsp. Maple Syrup or Honey 1 tbsp. Butter Garnish: 1 tbsp. Powder Sugar 200 gr Fresh Mango, diced, optional Method: 1.        Whisk egg, milk and cream, add spices and sweetener. 2.        Dip and briefly soak croissant in egg mixture. 3.        Preheat a nonstick pan, add butter. 4.        Place soaked ...

Potato is one of the most versatile plants that can be cooked in so many ways. High in Vitamin B and a good source of carbohydrate, potato is beneficial when cooked properly.  Here are three simple recipes that can be used to replace the deep fried version of potato dishes. Hash Brown 500 gr Potato 0.5 tbsp. salt 1 tbsp. Smoked Paprika Powder 1 tbsp. Parsley chopped 2 tbsp. Clarified Butter Method: 1. Grate potato and soak in cold water.  2. Drain water, add seasoning and chopped parsley 3. Shaped into flat rounds with 1.5 cm thickness 4. In non-stick pan, add clarified butter. Cook hash brown until each side is golden brown Hand Cut Fries 500 gr Potato 2 tbsp. Olive oil 1 tbsp. Chopped Rosemary 3 cloves of Garlic Salt to taste Method: 1. Cut potatoes length wise into 6 to 8 sticks depending on size 2. Rinse and soak in cold water 3. Drain water, pat dry and toss in olive oil, salt and rosemary 4. Preheat oven to 180o C 5. Bake po...

Every country has a version of pancakes that is deeply rooted in their cuisine. French Crepes, Australian Flapjacks,  American Pancakes, German Pfannkuchen, Belgian Waffles and the list goes on.  In Asia a version of Pancakes and Crepes can be commonly found both in savory and sweet flavors. Vietnamese Banh Xeo are beautifully thin crepes that envelope fresh bean sprouts and seafood, Chinese Jian Bing are filling breakfast crepes sold buy street vendors. Indonesia has a sweet version of crepe filled with rich coconut cooked in brown sugar, called “Dadar Gulung”. The velvety crepes are the perfect vessel for the sweet grated coconut filling.  This simple recipe below is easy to follow and perfect as a guide to a simple tasty Indonesian sweet treat. Also a recipe for a simple Banana Pancake just because; who needs a reason to cook and eat more sweet treats? Dadar Gulung Coconut Crepe Base: 150 gr All Purpose Flour 1 pcs Egg 200 ml Coconut Milk 50 ml Water 0...

A good bowl of ice cream is the perfect summer treat for both adults and children. Save yourself a trip to the store and make your own ice cream. It is as simple as it gets without compromising taste and creaminess. These basic recipes are waiting to be explored and taken to a different level of creativity. No Churn Easy Ice Cream 500 ml whipping cream 400 ml condensed milk 0.5 tbsp. vanilla extract 150 gr chopped berries or chocolate chip (optional) Method: 1. Whip the whipping cream until hard peak. 2. Mix vanilla extract into condensed milk. Gently fold condensed milk and optional berries or chocolate chip into whipped cream. 3. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 4 – 6 hours. 4. Enjoy with your favorite topping. Non Dairy No Churn Ice Cream 600 gr Frozen Banana 100 gr coconut cream 200 gr frozen berries or mango Method: 1. Blend all ingredients until smooth in a food processor.  2. Transfer to an airtight containe...

Kecap Manis or sweet soy sauce is a condiment that is uniquely Indonesian. It is a thick, dark colored and sweet liquid made from black soy bean, coconut sugar, water and salt. The black soy beans are cleaned, boiled and fermented in brine solution for 3 – 4 weeks, once the fermenting process is finished, the beans are cooked with coconut sugar to create the thick texture and sweet flavor.  Kecap Manis can be easily found in every household in Indonesia. As one of the most important condiment is Indonesian cuisine, Kecap Manis is a very versatile product that adds that very typical Indonesian flavors. Here are few simple recipes that include Kecap Manis that can inspire your next dinner. Sweet Soy Sauce Marinade 500 gr of Chicken or Pork 100 ml Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce) 15 gr Garlic, minced 2 pcs Kaffir Lime 2 pcs Kaffir Lime leave 5 gr Salt 5 gr Coriander Seeds Method: Marinade Chicken or Pork cutlets for 30 minutes – 2 hours and grill. Serve with...

Healthier eating can be a challenge when you are stuck with the same boring food options. Start a new habit and introduce yourself to new flavors for exciting your taste buds and start easing your way in to a healthier lifestyle.  Salads are the quickest and simplest way to start eating better, but it can be boring. Change your ordinary Italian dressing in to more exciting dressings. These three simple dressings are easy to make and perfect to dress your favorite fresh greens. Jalapeno and Lime Dressing 0.5 Tbsp. Pickled Jalapeno, chopped 100 ml Grape seed oil or Light Olive oil 50 ml Fresh Lime Juice Zest of 2 limes 2 tsp. Honey  Method: Whisk all ingredients together until the oil and lime juice are emulsified Miso Sesame Dressing 0.5 Tbsp. Light Miso Paste 1 Tbsp. Sesame Oil 100 ml Grape seed oil or Light Olive oil 30 ml Fresh Lime Juice 1 Tsps. Light Soy Sauce 2 Tsps. Honey Pinch of Sesame Seed Method: Thin down the miso paste w...

Grilled corn or Jagung Bakar is one of Bali’s most common street foods that can be seen in almost every traditional market and beach side. It is a tasty treat, can be messy but that is just part of the charm. In Bali, the flavor tends to be on the spicy side, lathered in sweet spicy sambal and charred to perfection on a charcoal grill. On the other side of the world, Mexico has a similar street food called Elote. Flavor wise, Elote tends to be on the savory less spicy side of things.  These are simple recipes for both versions, you can decide which one is the winner. Jagung Bakar 4 Corn on the Cob 150 gr Melted Butter 3 Tbsp. of Bottled Chili Sauce or Traditional Sambal 1 Tbsp. of Tomato Ketchup 1 Tbsp. Honey Method: Mix 100 gr butter and condiments in a bowl, use the rest of butter to baste during grilling Grill corn on charcoal grill for best taste and char. Baste with butter. Baste generously with the spicy sauce, continue grilling until the sauce is carame...

This beautiful custard based dessert is one of the most intricate desserts to make. So many things can go wrong during the whole process but when done properly, a velvety creamy custard with a cracking caramel top is waiting to be devoured. Practice your crème brulee making skills with this recipe and get ready to crave an exquisite homemade dessert for every meal. Ingredients 600 ml heavy cream 6 tbsp. white sugar, divided 6 pcs egg yolks 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Hot water Method Preheat oven to 150 degrees C. Pour cream into a saucepan and stir over low heat. Do not boil. Remove cream from heat to slightly cool. Beat egg yolks and 4 tablespoons white sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy and the sugar is completely dissolved, add vanilla extract. Slowly pour half of heated cream into the egg yolk mixture; beat until combined. Pour the egg/cream mixture into the cream in the saucepan, stir over low heat. Remove mixture from heat immediately the mixture...

Chocolate is pretty much the key to everyone’s happiness. There are a Million ways to enjoy chocolate and incorporating it into a dessert is one of them. Cooking your own dessert can be slightly intimidating as it needs precise measurements and takes a bit more attention. However, with this four ingredient Chocolate mousse we are confident that even a beginner can whip up a successful dessert. Chocolate Mousse Ingredients 50 gr sugar 2 eggs 250 ml   cream 150 gr dark chocolate chips 250 ml cream, whip to a stiff peak Method Whisk sugar and eggs together until pale and creamy, approximately 10 minutes. Heat 250ml cream to just below boiling point then slowly pour into the egg mixture while whisking all the time. If you do not whisk while pouring the mix will scramble. Return the cream and egg mixture to the pot. Cook on a low heat while stirring all the time until it has thickened. Do Not Boil or it will split. Remove from heat, add chocolat...

Bali is home to many delicious tropical fruits that can be used in millions ways. Fruits are so versatile they can be eaten raw, cooked into sweet dessert, savory chutney, and of course mixed with your favorite liquor and turn it into delicious cocktails. As the title says, we are here to share few delicious Tropical Cocktails that might suit your taste. Splash of Mango 1.5 oz. Vodka 1.5 oz. Mango Juice 0.5 oz. Strawberry Syrup Topped with Lime flavored soda Filled Cocktail shaker with ice, pour in vodka, juice and shake well. Strain and pour into an Old Fashion glass filled with fresh ice, topped with soda and slowly pour in syrup Morning Buzz 1.5 oz. Vodka 1 oz. Lime Juice 1 oz. Lemon Juice 0.5 oz. Passion fruit Juice Half of Fresh Passion fruit Half of bird’s eye chili, thinly sliced Filled Cocktail shaker with ice, pour in all ingredients Pour into a cold Old Fashion glass June Bug 1 oz. Melon Liqueur 0.5 oz. Coconut Liqueur 0.5...

Trying to stay fit during a vacation can be tricky. Temptations are coming at you from all directions,  tropical cocktails to breakfast buffet, it is almost impossible not give in to ordering another glass or picking up that extra slice of bacon. It is absolutely acceptable to let loose on your holiday, but moderation is key. Here are few tips to keep in shape while still enjoying your holiday. 1. Walk Try to walk as much as possible, do your sightseeing on foot when possible. Walking helps regulate your blood pressure and keeps your heart healthy. 2. Hydrate When you are not sipping on cocktails or beer, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Fresh coconut water is also a great source of hydration with low calories and refreshing taste. Carry a big bottle of water everywhere to remind yourself. 3. Work out Plan Plan your daily work out to your match your holiday activities. Spend 20 minutes in the morning or evening for a simple st...

Every cuisine has its own sinfully delicious greasy finger food and despite the amount of oil left on your fingers, it is hard to resist just another bite. Roti Canai is the perfect example of this kind of guilty pleasure. The amount of oil used in making the dough can put you off but once a warm perfectly golden brown and crispy roti canai is right in front of you, it is impossible not to start tearing into the layers and dipping it into a thick curry sauce. Roti Canai is famous in most South East Asian and South Asian countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. There are countless versions of how to serve the dish. Roti Canai can be enjoyed as a sweet dish, usually accompanied with condensed milk, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar; or as savory dish, accompanied by curry sauce, eggs, or lentils. With so many possible flavors, it is only logical to have a go at this recipe and go creative on your Roti Canai.  Ingredients: 500 ml all-purpose flour 1...

Anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate a good snack dipped in chocolate or caramel sauce.   This Spanish snack/dessert will definitely satisfy any cravings for sweet things.   IF you have never heard of Churros it seems like you have been living under a rock. This deep fried pastry rolled in cinnamon sugar and dipped in hot chocolate sauce has become very popular in the last decade. Churros originated from Spain , it was a popular snack among shepherds living in the mountains. Since they are very simple to make and easy to carry around, Churros are the perfect snack for the outdoors. There is also another theory that the Portuguese brought a Chinese savory fried pastry recipe called Youtiau, from their expedition to Asia during the Ming Dynasty, which then was altered to become a sweet dough recipe. This recipe then spread to Spain . Time to raid the pantry and gather up some ingredients! Ingredients 250 ml water 100 gr butter 250 gr all-purpose flour...

Italian food is undoubtedly one of the most popular foods in the world. Pizza and pasta can be found in every corner of the world and cooked by many home cooks for dinners and family gatherings. Another famous Italian dish is Risotto. Although this dish is not as famous as the other two due to its tedious cooking method, when done correctly, it is guaranteed to be one of the best things you have had for dinner. Risotto is a rice dish that is slowly cooked by gradually adding liquid or stock to the rice over a low heat. A special kind of short grain rice called Arborio is used as it contains a lot of starch and can hold its shape during cooking process. The proper way of cooking risotto can take up to 25 minutes of your undivided attention, constantly stirring a pan of rice. The creaminess of the dish comes from the starch of the rice released by the act of stirring and the addition of parmesan cheese and butter makes a light yet creamy risotto. This simple Mushroom Risotto recipe...