Hello Kitty Themed Birthday Cake

Children's Birthday parties have evolved over the years.  We used to just have square Buttercream-frosted Chiffon cakes decorated with a figurine of our favorite cartoon character on top with Spaghetti with minced meat in Tomato sauce.  Now, while the Spaghetti lives on, the cakes are definitely grander.  Aside from the food, kids and adults are also entertained by Clowns, Magicians, Dancers, Singers, and even human Beatboxers.  On a recent Birthday party, I got to witness this Hello Kitty themed Birthday cake surrounded by cupcakes with lovely decorations on top.  More pictures after the jump.

Citrus (Orange) Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Orange Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Coffee

On my way back to one of my trips in Europe, I got hold of Jamie Oliver's Jamie's Ministry of Food cookbook.  I got it tax free but I wasn't quite sure whether it really was a bargain.  Regardless, I was impress with the chef's advocacy of teaching people how to cook at home so they can have healthier and more nutritious options rather than eating out or buying at convenient stores all the time.  According to the book, anyone can learn to cook in 24 hours.  And Jamie Oliver actually encourages his readers to pass on the simple recipes that they learn so that everyone can learn how to cook.  It's the same concept as paying it forward. 

While I don't really use this book as reference for dessert recipes, I was intrigued by one of his cookie recipes.  I tried it yesterday and you can get Jamie Oliver's recipe for Citrus Cookies after the jump.

Hot Prawn Salad Recipe (Shrimp Mayonnaise with Fruit Salad and Broccoli)

Hot prawn salad with Steamed broccoli and candied walnuts!

I don't exactly know where this dish originated from but it's definitely Chinese.  Some say that it's Cantonese.  If you're going to eat at the Shang Palace,  Makati Shangri-la Hotel's mainstay Chinese restaurant serving "authentic flavors of Cantonese cuisine" as their website puts it, or if you're planning to eat at Mr. Choi Kitchen,  don't forget to try and order the Hot Prawn Salad.  The sweetness of the fruits and the mayonnaise dressing complements the sweetness of the Prawns, making this dish a favorite among loyal patrons.  However, due to the sweetness of the dish as well, this dish may not be for everyone, especially for those who prefer their meals to be savory.  Regardless, no matter who you serve it to, it never fails to impress.  Here's the recipe for the Hot Prawn Salad or as others might call it, Shrimp Mayonnaise.

Hot Prawn Salad or Shrimp Mayonnaise Recipe

(2 small Servings)

Ingredients:

¼ kilo Prawns or Medium-sized Shrimps (around 14 pieces)

Good Old Fashioned Leche Flan Recipe (Creme Caramel Recipe)

I grew up eating Leche Flan.  It's one of my favorite desserts.  There's nothing like it in the world.  Some of you may refer to it as a Creme Caramel or in Japan they call it a Purin or a Pulin, referring to a Custard Pudding.  Basically it's milk and eggs steamed to form a custard flan.  It's smooth and creamy!  It's melt-in-your-mouth goodness.  

The closest you would get to a Leche Flan outside the Philippines is a Creme Brulee.  But believe me when I say that nobody else makes this dessert as creamy and delectable as Filipinos do.  It's a national favorite.  You can practically find it anywhere from high-end restaurants, food stalls in shopping malls, and even school canteens.

Like any other dessert though, every cook has their own recipe.  As for me, the closest I've come to replicating my childhood favorite was using this special Leche Flan recipe I've created below.  The secret to this recipe is to use condensed milk instead of sugar, and to not include egg whites in the mixture.   

Good Old Fashioned Leche Flan Recipe

by: The Billionaire Chef

General's Chicken ala Recipes by Cafe Metro

Have you ever wondered why it's called General's Chicken?  This dish which is made from deep fried chicken covered with a crispy batter and covered with a sweet and spicy sauce is rumored to have been a favorite of one of China's generals back in the Qing dynasty.  The general's name was Tso Tsung-tang or Zuo Zongtang.  There are no historical proof however to verify this.  Regardless, this dish has become a favorite not only in North American Chinese restaurants but also in the Philippines.  Get General's Chicken ala Recipes by Cafe Metro after the jump.

General's Chicken ala Recipes by Cafe Metro

Billionaire Cashew Butter Cookies Recipe

Check out these Cashew Butter Cookies! The smell and taste of roasted cashews is heavenly! When I pass by the grocery, I actually almost never fail to buy snack-sized toasted cashew nuts. It's one of my favorite snacks.  And growing up, I actually craved for butter cookies all the time!  The smell and flavor of butter is simply one of the bests in this world.  If you like both the flavors of butter and cashew nuts then you will definitely swoon over these cookies.   

Check out the Cashew Butter Cookie Recipe below and make your own batch now!