Sunday, December 24, 2017

The More We Get Together the happier we'll be


Get outdoors and into the nature, explore and appreciate its beauty!


3D2N  Charlie Moreland, Imbil State Forest




Christmas Eve Dinner with Casey and family.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Recipe: Sesame Balls, Jin Dui 芝麻球




This is truly a recipe for togetherness! It is a perfect dessert for the whole family...hand in hand, we work together.  Sweet family bonding time aGAin...and I'm looking forward for another...aGAin...

Ingredients:
  1. 180g glutinous rice flour
  2. 60g sugar
  3. 1/2 tsp baking powder 
  4. +/-120g warm water
  5. 5 tbsp raw sesame seeds
  • Mix ingredients 1-3.
  • Add ingredient 4, mix and knead to smooth dough.
  • Divide and roll to 20 small balls (+/-18g each).
  • Slightly wet the ball, roll and compact with sesame seeds.
  • Fill a pot with oil, sufficient to cover the balls.
  • Medium heat +/-130C, drop and leave the balls to fry.
  • Once floating (around 2 min), press gently against pot (I used folk). 
  • Repeat pressing a few times till lightly browned (about 4 min).
  • Increase heat to +/-165C, fry till golden brown (2-3 min). 
Notes:
  1. Do not overload the pot, balls will expand in size.
  2. Do try with red bean paste filling... next round.
recipe adapted from https://youtu.be/5rU-70jAXao

Mix glutinous rice flour, sugar and baking powder. Add warm water...
Add warm water, mix and knead to smooth dough.
Divide and roll to 20 small balls. Slightly wet the ball, roll and compact with sesame seeds.
Fill a pot with oil, sufficient to cover the balls. Medium heat +/-130C, drop and leave the balls to fry.
Once floating (around 2 min), press gently against pot (I used folk).
Repeat pressing a few times till lightly browned (about 4 min).
Increase heat to +/-165C, fry till golden brown (2-3 min).
Yummy!
Note: Do not overload the pot, balls will expand in size. Also, do try with red bean paste filling...next round : )

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Chef Nee


How to make and bake the best cookies?

with... patience, love, care...


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Recipe: Easy Mushroom Soup


This is not classic, but my children like it this way. It must be blended and not too mushroomy, adjusting to Tong's preference. Perfect breakfast, with a few slices of toasted bread. Yum!

Recipe adapted from http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/homemade-cream-of-mushroom-soup-264191#activity-feed

1. Into a pot, drop in
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 450g mushroom, sliced
  • 1/2 onion,  coarsely chopped
  • 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
  • 4 clove garlic, crushed
2. High heat, cook till onions are softened.
3. Add 5 tbsp of flour, stir to mix.
4. Pour 1 little of milk, stir and bring to boil.
5. Lower to med heat, add
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 500ml milk
  • 1 tbsp flour
6. Stir and bring to boil, off heat.
7. Set aside to cool slightly.
8. Blend and serve!





Monday, October 2, 2017

Spring Term Break 2017 - Our First RV Trip


First RV trip vrOOm vrOOM, heading south for some fun
Happy birthday Honey!
Korora Looout welcomed us (Forest Sky Pier closed)
Strawberry picking, Ricardoes Tomatoes 
Port Stephens, Nelson Bay
Toboggan Hill Park, Nelson Bay

Wombat maze, Toboggan Hill Park
Rock climbing, Toboggan Hill Park
Ice skating, Toboggan Hill Park
Stockton Sand Dunes, Stockton Beach
Scenic World, Blue Mountains
Campbelltown Station, visiting Sydney CBD
Sydney CBD
Cockington Green Gardens, Canberra
Australian Institute of Sports, Canberra 
Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Floriade Canberra
Australian War Memorial, Canberra
Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre
Thredbo, Snowy Mountains of New South Wales
Kennett River Koala Walk
12 Apostles - Great Ocean Road
Visiting Melbourne CBD
Penguins Viewing, St Kilda Breakwater
Dandenong, with Siew Mei 
Sushi diner with Yong Yong
Lunch with Mok and family
Dinner with Siew Mei and family
Thanks sis! Sayonara, till we meet again...in Gold Coast
click here for more photos

 
Kenmore (M1-176km 2h 5m) Byron Bay (Pacific Hwy/A1-240km 3h) Coffs Harbour (Pacific Hwy/A1-158km 2h) Port Macquarie (Pacific Hwy/A1-249km 2h 45m) Nelson Bay (M1-297km 4h) Blue Mountains (Great Western Hwy/A32 & M4-133km 2h 5m) Sydney (M31-281km 3h 30m) Canberra (Kosciuszko Rd & Monaro Hwy/B23-213km 2h 35m) Thredbo (Monaro Hwy M31-645km 7h 49m) Melbourne (M1-103km 1h 25m) Torquay, the Great Ocean Road

13/9 Wed 8am Pick motor home Star RV Hercules Apollo/Star RV Address: 733A Nudgee Road, Northgate, Queensland, 4013
    EXIT BYRON BAY
    2.30pm-4.40pm Byron Bay 23/15C dinner *5.37 sunset  Celebrate Nee's Birthday
    Byron Bay is one of New South Wales' premier tourist destinations. As a town relying solely on the tourism industry, Byron Bay certainly offers a lot, with superb beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, surrounding green hills and the rocky Cape Byron rising in the distance. Main Beach is a short walk from the town centre and is where all the action takes place. It is not unusual to see dolphins and their calves feeding not far from the shores or jumping through the breaking waves.
    Overnight: 56m Pacific Highway Trustums Hill Rest Area/1hr 4m New Italy Rest Area (8275 Pacific Highway Woodburn NSW 2472)
    Drinking water in Wardell, Dump point and Toilet in Woodburn

14/9 Thu 
    Turn RIGHT to Sealy Lookout , turn Left BRUXNER PARK , Sky Pier
    EXIT Park Beach Plaza for lunch  ( Turn left before Blue Bridge )
    9.00am-11am Coffs Harbour 25/11C lunch 
    Beaches and balmy weather brings tourists to this area. Make your way down to Jetty Beach to enjoy a lovely strip of coast that looks out to Mutton Bird Island and the Pacific Ocean beyond. You can even take a stroll up and over the Island to have a feeling of being on the edge of the world. From August to April the island is an important seabird colony crammed with the burrows of more than 10,000 pairs of mutton birds, hence the name. If visiting from June to November keep an eye peeled for humpback whales as they pass offshore on their migrations to and from tropical calving grounds; cruises allow a close-up view.
    Leave BEFORE 2PM -> EXIT blackman’s point to go Ricardoes Tomatoes (till 5 pm Free entrance)
    EXIT PORT MACQUARIE
    3pm-5pm Port Macquarie dinner at Settlement City ( Mall ) Woolworth/Coles available
    Port Macquarie, at the mouth of the Hastings River, is a Mecca for water sports. The Hastings and Camden Haven Valleys are scenic wonderlands. Port Macquarie is rich in history, too. St. Thomas Church is one of the oldest in Australia. Life here is geared very much towards tourism. Experience things like boat hire, mini-golf, camel rides and scenic flights and also shops, caf's, restaurants and theme parks.
    Tacking point light house
    Port Macquarie Caravan Dump point, Koala st 
    Overnight: Taree South (1hr , shower) or Chapmans Rest Area (1.5 hr, toilet)

15/9 Fri 

    EXIT Williantown Nelson Bay, roundabout LEFT to Nelson Bay
    9.00am-11.15am Nelson Bay 19/8C lunch/dinner , Coles / WW available
    Toboggan Hill Park (turn LEFT Salamander Bay then RIGHT)
    Lunch at Salamander Bay Centre (turn RIGHT) then go sand boarding
    Stockton Sand Dunes, Stockton Beach http://sanddunesafaris.com.au/ Adults: $25 Children: $20 Family: $75 2 adults & 2 children under 14 years. Discounts are given to pensioners and students *2pm unlimited session booked via em $95, pay on the day, no student cards required 02 4982 0602 - 0425 213 096 9.30am-5pm sessions
    On the end of James Paterson Street, Anna Bay. Go through the sealed car park, down to the lower gravel car park. Then look for the white caravan with 3 flags on top in the corner of the car park, and the army camo painted bus. Parking is free of charge. On the end of James Paterson Street, Anna Bay, NSW 2316
    Sand Boarding is done barefoot, you can wear your shoes up to the location and take them off there. Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. Spectators with extra charge $10 *hot sand, wear socks
    Port Stephens offers a unique location for dolphin watching (all year round) and whale watching from mid-May to mid-November. It is home to the Whale Highway used by over 7000 Humpback Whales during their annual migration. The best spots to watch the whales from land are from Boat Harbour and Tomaree Headland
    Turn RIGHT to Castle Hill, keep LEFT Windsor at roundabout , Turn RIGHT to Windsor AFTER Castle Mall, then keep LEFT to SHOWGROUND RD ( Windsor ) ,till WINDSOR RD turn LEFT Baulkham , then Turn RIGHT ( NORWEST  BUSINES PK ) , till A2 turn RIGHT Parklea , till turn LEFT B59 Richmond
    At Richmond, turn RIGHT after ALDI ,  then Turn LEFT and LEFT,  Check in at the Reception ( till 2 am ) Wanderest Travellers Park

16/9 Sat
    From Park turn RIGHT then LEFT to Bosworth st, then Castlereagh Rd the nturn RIGHT Springwood rd
    Blue Mountains 21/7C  (M1 & B59 202km 2hr 50m or M1 & Great Western Hwy/A32-220km 3h) $8 per vehicle per day applies only at attractions in the Glenbrook area.
    Three Sisters Walk 1km return (30m)/Echo Point lookout (Three Sisters)/Round walking track 1.2km loop (60m)
    Katoomba ( Coles / WW )
    Wanderest Travellers Park http://www.richmondclub.com.au $10 *powered site Phone: (02) 4578 1144 online@richmondclub.com.au

17/9 Sun 
    From park turn RIGHT then LEFT to E market st, roundabout 2nd exit Luttrell st, then turn RIGHT Cameron st then Turn RIGHT Londondery Rd  then A9 Penrith  …… AFTER HUME MOTORWAY INTERCHANGE ,  turn LEFT BLAXLAND ROAD ( NOT Campbelltown Bulli )  , then turn RIGHT Campbelltown station
    T2 airport line every 30min 8:24--8:54  T2 inner west line 8:03—8:33
    Sydney CBD visit Royal Botanic Gardens 7am-6pm 10m walk Opera House 19m walk The Rocks/Sydney Ferries for Manly beach walk , Harbour Bridge & Darling Harbor *Sydney night views
    Sydney ferries, the Opal card is an extension of bus and train ride at no extra cost. They  go all over Sydney Harbour. Sunday's, no matter how many rides you do, it will cost just $2.50 for the entire day. Travel around what has been described "the most beautiful" Harbour in the world and have an indescribably beautiful experience that you will cherish and remember always. Tip: catch a ferry at Manly  https://www.opal.com.au/en/about-opal/benefits-of-travelling-with-opal-card/
    Overnight: Marulan service centre (1 hr 11 min ) or Kevin Wheatley rest area

18/9 Mon Floriade starts on 17thSeptember 2017
    Turn LEFT M23 Canberra, near Canberra NOT Fyshwick EXIT, turn RIGHT Gold Creek Gungahlin,then Cockington
    Canberra 15/2CCockington Green open 9:30am (Hume Hwy/M31 & Federal Hwy 161km 1h 45m)
    16 min to Australia Institute of Sport (1pm) ( FREE parking )
    Then Parliament House ( 3:30pm for 40m tour , 2 hour FREE parking) - optional
    Then Floriade ( till 7pm )
    Australian War Memorial/Australian Parliament House/Cockington Green Family $3/train ride, $56 2A + 3C/Questacon Family $70 2A + 3C/Australian Institute of Sports 90 mins Times: 10:00am/11:30am/1:00pm/2:30pm Family $55 2A + 3C  http://www.3infun.com.au/book-now Family $130 2A + 3C all parking ok
    Canberra South Motor Park $42 powered http://www.csmp.net.au/camping-area-canberra-fyshwick.htm Booking Confirmation - 8431570  02-6280 6176 csmp@iimetro.com.au 250 Canberra Ave, Fyshwick ACT 2609 8m drive -Questacon

19/9 Tue 
    Questacon paid parking 4h nearby
    Australia War Memorial ( 10-5 pm )
    To Jindabyne ( 2 hr plus ) , sleep after roundabout
    Jindabyne caravan dump point ,Barry way public toilet ( water )
    Ski season end 1/10/17. The village is at an altitude of 1370m, free overnight designated parking, free shuttle bus, free snow play and tobogganing https://www.thredbo.com.au/village-life/about-thredbo/getting-here/by-car
    Thredbo Diggings campground is in the alpine area of Kosciuszko National Park, around 19km from Jindabyne (14/5C), 11mis to Thredbo Village. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/thredbo-diggings-campground *unpowered, NO booking required bring own firewood, Fishing permitted (NSW fishing license required)
    National Park entry $29/vehicle/24hrs get Parks Pass from local visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations.

20/9 Wed Snow play and tobogganing 

21/9 Thu 17/5C
    Jindabyne to Bombala ( 1hr 20min ) – visit Lavender in Bombala ( lunch – IGA ) , toilet
    Bombala to Lakes Entrance ( 2hr 30min ) – visit Lakes Entrance Rotunda ( dump point , shower )
    Overnight: Johnsville Boat Ramp (23 min)/Providence Pond (1 hr)/Willow Park (1hr 43 min)

22/9 Fri  17/8C 
    Lakes Entrance to Morwell (2 hr)
    via M31 Doncaster, dinner & stay with JL

23/9 Sat 17/9C The Great Ocean Road *Very windy & Victoria school holiday starts
    The Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and travels 244km westward to finish at Allansford near Warrnambool, the largest city along the road.
    Aireys Inlet-Split Point Lighthouse 25m Lorne Foreshore Playground 32m Kennett River Koala Walk*wild koalas/Kookaburra/Parrots/Rosellas 26m Apollo Bay-Marriners Lookout 52m Melba Gully, Otway National Park*glow worms 20m Johanna Beach Campground 
     Great Otway National Park, Johanna Beach Campground site 02 (NOT 15) -  Permit Booking Number 6163895 http://www.parkstay.vic.gov.au/great-otway-national-park $28 un-powered riverfront login: 5291056 T: 13 1963 or +613 8427 2002
    display permit number/s clearly on camping structure and vehicle & update vehicle registration on 13 Sep 17

24/9  Sun The Great Ocean Road
    Campground 35m Melba Gully, Otway National Park 35m (Port Campbell National Park) starts, 12 Apostles&Gibson Steps 3m Loch Ard Gorge 9m Port Campbell Scenic Lookout 5m The Arch 1m London Bridge 1m The Grotto 1hr Tower Hill State Game Reserve (extinct volcano) *free entrance, koalas, emus, kangaroos and waterbirds 
    Melba Gully - come at night, especially when it's not raining. Bring a torch, but make sure you cover it with your hand so it's not bright at all. Then when you cross each bridge, stand there in the darkness and wait. The glow worms will appear. So many of them. Then when you finally reach the end of the walk at the small waterfall, there are hundreds there.... amazing. So magical.
    Overnight at Port Fairy rest area.

25/9 Mon 6N Melbourne ( Koroit – Apollo Melbourne 3hr 19 min)
    Dump point Access
    Surfside Holiday Park Caravan dump point, Pertobe road , Warrnambool Contact the Holiday Park office for details on how to access the Dump Point. Phone: 03 5559 4700.  Warrnambool Caravan dump point , Kepler street , Warrnambool      
    1pm-2.30pm -Tulla Return motor home 
    Apollo/Star RV: Address: 189A South Centre Road, Tullamarine (entrance via Annandale Rd), Melbourne, Victoria, 3043

26/9 Tue Melbourne CBD renew passport/Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens/City Circle Tram

27/9 Wed Philip Island or St Kilda

28/9 Thu Visit friends

29/9 Fri The Dandenong Ranges 40m

30/9 Sat  Lunch with Mok, dinner with Mei

1/10 Sun Booking Ref: Emirates (EK) N6RRB2/Jetsar (JQ) BI9PNK baggage 30kg x 5/Std Meal/Seats 3B-3F Ticket: 176 2302825198 to 202 

    3.30pm *Melbourne Time depart-Tulla Terminal 4, Check in bags 17:05/Depart MEL JQ 566 18:35/Arrive BNE19:45 *new schedule



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