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Quinoa
Saturday, May 11, 2013 22:38




Sometimes referred to as the “gold of the Incas,” quinoa is one of nature’s most impressive foods. This golden seed is coveted for its high nutrient value and filling quality, expanding three to four times its volume when cooked. It makes a healthy, hearty addition to any meal.

Food Basics

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has a subtly sweet, yet nutty, flavor and a piquant aftertaste. Categorized as a grain, quinoa is actually the seed of Chenopodium (commonly known as goosefoot) plants, which are related to Swiss chard and spinach. There are more than 120 species of Chenopodium, all native to the Andes Mountains of South America, but farmers there cultivate only three main varieties: blond or pale seeds, called white or sweet quinoa; a fruity variety called red quinoa; and the regal-looking black quinoa. Quinoa also has a unique texture. When cooked, the outer germ around each kernel twists outward, forming a spiral. The spiral remains crunchy while the kernel becomes soft and springy.

Nutritional Know-How

Boasting an almost perfect balance of all nine essential amino acids, quinoa is considered a complete protein. Higher in protein and unsaturated fats, and lower in carbohydrates than most grains, quinoa provides an abundance of manganese, calcium, fiber, iron and magnesium, as well as vitamins B and E. It’s also gluten-free. Quinoa can be useful for people who suffer from migraine headaches or hypertension, because magnesium helps relax blood vessels. Studies also have shown that diets high in whole grains like quinoa, which is rich in phytonutrients, can improve cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women and protect premenopausal women against breast cancer. In both men and women, whole grains can help reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and, when combined with fish, childhood asthma.

Kitchen Tricks

  • Store uncooked quinoa in an airtight container. If refrigerated, it can be stored for up to six months.
  • Wash quinoa before cooking by placing it in a fine strainer and swishing thoroughly with cold water. This will remove any residue of saponins, which are naturally occurring, bitter-tasting defensive compounds that protect quinoa from birds and insects and act as a shield from the intense radiation of high-altitude sunlight. Avoid soaking because it can deposit saponins within the seed.

Eat Up!

Quinoa’s light and fluffy texture makes it an ideal choice to accompany meals throughout the year. To cook, combine a ratio of two parts cooking liquid to one part washed quinoa and simmer until grains are translucent. It cooks very quickly — in about 15 minutes.
  • Substitute quinoa for rice, pasta or hot cereal to create a healthy and appealing recipe alternative.
  • Stir cooked quinoa into your favorite pancake and waffle batters to add a boost of nutrients and a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Add cooked quinoa to salads, stir-fries, casseroles and soups.
  • For a robust nutty flavor, brown quinoa in a dry skillet for about five minutes before adding cooking liquid.
  • To add delightful taste and vibrant colors to your meals, try using vegetable broth, boldly flavored vegetable juices or fruit juices as the cooking liquid when preparing quinoa.
  • Replace steamed quinoa for the bulgur wheat in tabbouleh or vegetarian chili recipes.
  • Use steamed quinoa instead of brown rice for fried rice.
  • In baking, use quinoa flour (available in natural markets) for a portion of all-purpose flour in your favorite cookies or muffins. If the recipe calls for 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, use 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1⁄2 cup quinoa flour. The quinoa flour will add a slightly nutty flavor and aroma.



鼎泰丰 @ Jurong Point
Saturday, March 2, 2013 21:00



Had dinner with my close friends at 鼎泰丰 (Jurong Point).
1) Chris
2) Ping and her kids
3) Long Time No See - Xiaolin

Passed Xiaolin her belated birthday presents.


The feast we had:


US! Happy together!!!






X'mas Eve Dinner & X'mas Day
Tuesday, December 25, 2012 12:00



After lunch with my dear ex-colleagues, 
I bought some food and rushed back home to celebrate with Hubby Kiwi.

As we are unwell, so we decided to have dinner at home instead of going out.
He bought some food as well after his work :)


After dinner and cleaned up the place, I slept early due to unwell.

Well, we did not go out on X'mas Day too.
Cos I'm still sick.

Enjoyed a simple breakfast prepared by Hubby Kiwi.

Then enjoyed a movie, 太极2 at home with him as well.
After movie, took a nap.

There goes my X'mas~



X'mas Eve Lunch with ex-colleagues
Monday, December 24, 2012 17:00



I am having flu and coughing on this X'mas Eve but I have to attend an appointment with my dear ex-colleagues, Mandy, Maggie and Becky!

I bought cupcakes for the 3 ladies :)


Mandy was late because she has to work in the morning.
So we exchange present first.



And Mandy arrived!


Our lunch!






I am glad that we still keeping in touch even though we are not working together anymore.




When we were taking photo under the X'mas tree, we saw a familiar face!
It is Josephine Tan!
Our ex-colleague from Finance!
She gave us a lil' gift. So sweet!


Hope we can meet up more frequent :)



Regent Hotel Staycation for my birthday
Sunday, December 23, 2012 02:24



We have one night free stay over at Regent Hotel because we held our wedding lunch there this Jan.
We decided to make used of it and celebrate my birthday!

We checked in on 26 October 2012.

After check-in, we went out for a walk & had delicious lunch at Far East Plaza!

When we back to hotel, we saw a piece of cake in our room!

And we have room service for dinner.

And had a very very nice breakfast buffet before we check-out :)