Steamer

To be honest, I don't know what this is called. But I do know that it is a part of dandang (Indonesian traditional rice steamer). Well I don't need this to cook rice since I have already got the electric modern rice cooker. My mother may not have approved the use of it against the glorious dandang, but electric rice cooker is just so practical. So why waste time and energy with the old one?

Anyway, I do not have a proper steamer in my kitchen. I have pans of different sizes but a steamer is not there yet. And with my present irregular money flow, I can't afford one just yet. But I need it. SO when I came across this cute little shiny thing at Ace Hardware, how could I not buy it? It's not expensive either. Just over Rp 20,000.

To use: pour some water into a pan, put this steamer on top of it but don't let it touch the water. Put the food you want to put on it. And voila, you are off and steaming. :)

I am happy with it. And now I am thinking of a list of food I can cook with it. Kue bolu, pepes ikan etc. etc.

One day when I have a proper big kitchen, I am so going to fill it with other cool kitchen gadgets. Like this.

Egg Mimosa

This is one of the easiest thing I have ever made. Delicious too! It is best served as an appetizer or finger food at house party.

Country of Origin: France

egg mimosa/deviled egg

For 2 servings

Book Review - Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food

Jamie Oliver is definitely my biggest inspiration in the wonder world of western cooking. He is low profile, his instructions are structured and easy to follow, and of all his recipes that I have tried out in my kitchen, hardly any fails!

However, compared to his other previous cookbooks, the latest Ministry of Food - or here, Jamie's Food Revolution, is the best of all. Very simple, easy to understand and most do not need any complicated ingredients.

Also, the idea of the book is so humble, generous and educating at the same time. Jamie basically wants us to try out one recipe, do it over and over again until we master it, and once we do, share the recipe with other people - close friends, family etc. It reminds me of a short story I read when I was little that I loved the most - about spreading goodness and how that goodness will eventually come back to us one day.

If you don't have it, check it out here: Jamie's Food Revolution: Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals. It is really worth every penny (and mind you, imported books in Indonesia are SO expensive I paid more than twice the original price) but I never regret it. For now and for a long time ahead, this book is my kitchen bible.

Welcome!!! Selamat Datang!!! Bienvenue!!!

Hi guys,

So this is my new Kitchen And Around blog. I am thinking to put my favourite recipes here to share with you, great kitchen layouts and useful tips. I will try to post regularly at least once a week on Saturdays. Please don't hesitate to drop me a line so I know that this blog is read and useful for you.

Till later!

Carla.