I've got back to doing some baking, I decided to make cookies for my work colleagues.
I made chocolate filed chocolate chip cookies.
I used
250g of butter
180g of soft brown sugar
180g of granulated sugar
450g of flour
3 eggs
Teaspoon of bircarbonate of soda
Pinch of salt
Lots of chocolate chip
And more chocolate for the Middle
I wanted to add some vanilla extract but I had run out so I used a bit of pineapple juice to make sweeter. ( worked quite well as it didn't detract from the taste)
So I mixed the butter and the sugar together. Once creamy added the eggs and the juice and mixed in.
Then sived in the flour and the bicarb mixing before I dived the mixture in half and adding lots of chocolate chips to one of those halfs.
I wanted there to be melty chocolate in the middle so I added a bit of chocolate to the cookie once it had been placed on the baking tray.
I then cooked for 10mins in an over at 200 degrees.
The melty chocolate didn't quite work out. I know what I did wrong though. I should have melted down the inside chocolate and added a bit of cream so it wouldn't set. But they tasted good anyway.
That's the great thing about cooking even if it doesn't go right you can have tasty mistakes lol...
With the rest of the mixture I added coco powder and made double chocolate cookies with white chocolate chips..
They went down a storm at work, with most co works trying both to see which one they liked the best. It was a divided opinion so when I do cookies for work again looks like I'll need to make both flavours😋
I love baking but as there's only 2 and a half of us at home it's nice to work in a big team. So if I go on a baking spree I don't have to eat it all myself. As I don't think my slimming world group leader would like it if I did 😝
Hope you give them a try yourself and if anyone has any hints, tips or great recipes i would love to here them..
April 3rd - Good Friday (and it was a good Friday)
So we had arrived in Singapore, it's one of the places I've always wanted to go too. Although I am slightly please I can now use the Jake Sparrow Quote "Clearly you've never been to Singapore" I know that makes me a complete geek but I don't care.
As it was a bank holiday we pre-booked tickets to Resort World Sentosa S.E.A Aquarium. They do also on that site have a casino, hotels, shops, restaurants, museums and a Universal Studios (I really wanted to go there to but what with it being a bank holiday and away with other people I have to save that for my next visit)
But the Aquarium is brilliant. It is so massive and there are so many species to see.
The little one thought it was just fantastic.
There are huge viewing areas which he could run up to. Getting really up close and a great view of all the fishes.
Even when in the pram the most of the tanks are at his level so he got to see so much. It also was really safe to run around so he had free reign of the whole place.
I enjoyed it to. I always been a bit scared of the sea as I don't like fish touching me but I find them amazing to watch and behind strong reinforced Perspex glass I Know I'm okay.
Which came in handy especially when you're posing near the shark tank and they eyeing you up for Lunch..
When I was there I stopped off for some Garrett Popcorn. I decided on Trying Cheese flavour now these are disgustingly Lovely. One of those things that even when you are eating it you know it the wrong-est thing ever but you still eat more.
Big downside is it dyes your fingers and you need to scrub really hard to get rid of all the colour.
We then took a cable car from the resort up to Mount Faber. It was a super hot day just like it had been in KL. Although Singapore is more humid that KL so my hair went a bit mental - Think Monica From Friends. So too cool off I had a beer or two lol... I only had one the other two was for the in-laws.
On the way back down from the cable car to where you pick up the cabs I made another friend.
I actually quite like Snakes, Spiders are a huge no-no but snakes are very beautiful in their own way.
It was early afternoon when we headed back to the hotel we all got ready and I tried in vain to tame my hair. Then it was off to Raffels Hotel to visit their famous Long Bar to try a Singapore Sling.
I'm a bit of a fan of doing stuff like that, I've had a Manhattan in Manhattan, A Kiev in Kiev so this is just another one to add to my list. (I also on a trip to Africa when it was rain said "Bless You" just so I can say I've Blessed the Rains Down In Africa). I Know I am a complete Geek-Nerd..
I felt all Colonial and sitting in the bar you can just imagine years ago a load of rich Brits sitting around discussing the Empire while sipping on a few of these.
Although I am still slight bemused by the peanut thing and they seem to put the shell all over the floor.
As we had the little lad with us we only stopped for one then it was back to the room for a bit of TV watching before turning in for a good night rest.
Saturday 4th April
We decided just to have a potter about the city and take in a few shops and the sites.
I was surprised to find a Mr Bean themed restaurant in one of the malls. It weird how popular it is over there. I always preferred Rowan Atkinson in Blackadder I never really go into Mr Bean.
but hey if people around the world want to eat Mr Bean, British inspired food who am I to stop them :)
We took a walk over to Marina Bay Sands Shopping Centre it an amazing hotel and an amazing Mall although think you need a bit more money than I have to go on a shopping spree round there. Lots of designer shops and they even have a casino just off the mall.
I suppose I could have always tried my luck and win the money to get myself a Mulberry bag but I'm not that lucky, I would end up worse off than I started.
They also have an amazing fountain in the middle of the mall and you can get a Gondola to take you round.
It was all very nice although another hot day so we decided to go back to the hotel and have a dip in the pool with the little lad.
In the evening we went back to Marina Bay Sands as behind the hotel they have the Park with the Supertree Grove That had these huge sculptures which I thought like something out of War of The Worlds.
They have a group of big light up trees that every night come alive and dance to the music, to an array of Scores including Classical Music, the Superman, ET, and my favourite Disney Songs.
After that we went back to the water front at the Marina Bay Sands where they had a live band playing music, Must have been the first time my little one had been around live musician and he loved it kept running up and down in front of them.
After they had finished playing on the water itself they do an free water projection show. Where they project images onto sprays of water. The only other time I've seen this was in the Fantasmic! show at Disney Hollywood Studio. So with that and the Supertrees I was feeling all Disney-fied.
After that it was quite late so we headed back to the Hotel and turned in as we had a long Journey home the next day.
Sunday 5th April - Easter Sunday
We had a few hours to kill before we got the train back to KL so we too a walk down the "Orchard Road" and had a look at the Shops.
Then it was back to Woodlands to get on the train. Word of advice, do not arrive too early there for your train as there are no facilities not even a toilet I had to go over the road to the local supermarket and use theirs. I was a bit disappointed in this as the rest of Singapore was amazingly clean and lovely and the train station is like some forgotten about, run down area.
But we got on the train and headed back. The train was like the last one with doors that didn't shut and gaps between carriages.
We brought some snack but we decided to have the food they provided on the train. To be honest it looked awful but it tasted amazing both My Husband and I wolfed it down.
The train was delayed by nearly an hour so we got back late. We then had more luck by getting into a cab where the driver didn't speak English. So Mother-in-Law (My FIL had to go to Jahor for work so didn't make the trip back with us) my husband and I were frantically trying to communicate where we wanted to go so after about 3 wrong turns we made it back.
Monday 6th April
Our second to last day. We where still getting over the trip to Singapore. So we didn't do a lot. Took another look round the shops at the Pavilion and the KLCC.
Although in the evening we did go to this great bar call the Heli Lounge Bar which is located on a Heli pad in the middle of the city.
We went at dusk and not only do you get amazing drinks you get an amazing view. Best rooftop bar in the city.
Tuesday 7th April
Just a day filled with Hangovers from the rooftop bar, sadness at it being our last day and lots and lots of packing.
Wednesday 8th April
Homeward bound. Unfortunately the Emirates Lounge in KL was closed so we went in the Malaysia Airline one which was nice but not as nice as the lounge we'd been in on the way over.
The flight back was nearly as amazing as the one out there. I reiterate if you can afford it I would definitely fly Emirates Business Class it take load of the stress out of flying with children.
The only thing that made this not as great as the one going out A)cause we where flying home and B) the little one decided 7 minutes before we landed in the UK to throw up all over himself and me. Thank goodness I packed extra clothes as I know we'd have to change because of the weather.
But what can I say. A brilliant, Epic, Amazing, Fantastic and Interesting Trip. I loved Malaysia and I loved Singapore I would highly recommend them as locations for anyone looking for a great holiday.
My husband wanted to take some photos of the Petronas Towers. Which meant heading to the 'Sky Bar' at the Traders hotel.
They have great views of the Towers
And do a mean cocktail
But I would worry about having too many as there's a swimming pool right in the middle of the bar.
We also stumbled on a fab resturant The Apartment in the Ground of the KLCC park right next to the amazing dancing fountains.
I had a gorgeous Fresh Seafood Jambalaya it was, as per the norm by now, incredibly spicy. I had it accompanied by a lovely tiger beer to wash it down.
The other half had a Steak Salad, I didn't get to try the salad part but he gave me a bit of the steak and it was cooked to perfection
The rest of the day was a lazy blur, well after a couple of cocktails and a beer in the hot sun it was hard to get enthusiastic about anything more than a dip in the pool :)
Wednesday -1st April
This has got to be one of the most amazing days of the trip.
We booked a tour to visit the elephant sanctuary located about 1 and a half outside of KL.
There was four of us on the trip myself and my husband and a lovely German Couple Thomas and Sandra. The baby stayed with the mother in law for a day of being spoilt and general mischief-making.
On the way to the Elephants we stopped again at the Batu Caves as the other half of our group had never been. So I donned my hired skirt and climbed the steps for a second time. This time was actually a lot better as it was so early the steps were still in Shadow which made it easier going and I was also prepared for the wildlife (i.e. the Crazy Monkeys).
The caves themselves where a lot more livelier as the week before none of the shrines where manned and it looked like they were clearing up after a big festival. This time there were Hindu religious monks (That probably the wrong analogy so apologies) around and one of them blessed me.
I think it really important to experience other religions as that is the way to get a better understanding between everyone.
The caves were still as beautiful and the Monkeys still running around like the own the place which I suspect they probably do.
Then a short trip down the 200 steps back to the van and off to the Sanctuary.
We arrived just in time for a spot of lunch which they provided on site.
It was a basic mean of Chicken, Rice and Egg which seems to be the staple of Malaysian cooking. Even though it isn't anything too fancy I really like it and plan to replicate it on many occasion back in the UK.
During lunch our tour guide told us a bit about Malaysia and the make up of its people. Its 3 Main group Muslim Malays the biggest group, followed by the Chinese Malays then the Indian Malays. There are also a few tribal group scattered through the rain forests.
He also talked about the countries biggest export which is now Palm Oil and that is why the Sanctuary is there. As they plant more Palm Oil plantations they are cutting down the Elephant's natural habitat. Then because they have not habitat the go on to the plantation causing damage. So the team at the sanctuary help relocate elephants to the Malaysian National Park. (This was explain further in a video we had to watch).
It one of those tough decision, Trade and industry vs. nature and environment. As palm oil can now be used as a fuel substitute, it is cleaner that Oil/Gas so in one way helping the environment. But to get the Oil you need to destroy the elephants home in turn hurting the environment. At least they have a relocation plan and are not just killing them off which is a good thing I suppose.
Although they kept pointing out how underfunded they were which was making the task difficult, I think is the worst part as I know they palm oil industry is making a lot of money so it would be nice to see more of that money go to help these beautiful creatures.
Any who, after the video explain what they do - Relocating Animal when they can and when they can't as they are orphaned or injured they train them up to help them with the relocating. Elephants can help with the heavy lifting they also provide comfort to the wild Elephants as being captured and chain can prove very stressful for them. It was so sweet in the video seeing the working elephants help calm down a captured one with a couple of reassuring trunk strokes.
We got to visit and feed the baby elephants. This is a lovely experience and I highly recommend it. On site you can by Peanuts, Sugar Cane and Banana to give to them.
We got some Sugar Cane and Peanut and went to see them.
They are so gentle and at the end of their trunk is their finger that scoops up the food and deposits it, in their mouths.
It seems the big they are the rougher their skin is when getting food. As the baby were a lot softer than the older ones.
After feeding the little one. It was a short walk down to the lake to watch the older working Elephants get their daily bath.
They looked like they were having tonnes of fun and probably much needed as it was another very hot day.
After they had their daily scrubbing by their handlers we were taking to a show area to see how they help the rescue team out. I though this was a bit unnecessary and slightly to staged. I suppose it help to explain more what they do but I found it a bit crass.
After they'd finished with their show we got to feed the bigger elephant with fruit. They are really majestic and stunningly beautiful creatures. You can just see it in their eyes. I think they are far more intelligent that we give them credit for.
After the big ones had gone back to their forestry habitat, out the back, it was time for the little ones to take a bath and we got to join in.
OMG I cannot state how amazing that was. It is one of those experiences I will remember for the rest of my life.
I even stole a cheeky Kiss with Daryl (The name of the Elephant)
We then proceed to wash him but I think in the end it was us that got more of a wash.
If you ever end up in Malaysia and want to do this experience remember a change of clothes an shoes is a must.
It was fantastic, brilliant, amazing, uplifting, education and over too soon. If I go back I am definitely doing this again.
Though on the way back to KL I did notice more the plantations as they seem to cover most of the landscape near the highway. Hopefully soon a balance can be struck as I really want the people and the country to do well but I also want the elephants to be okay too.
Back at base camp we packed for the following day as we where off to Singapore.
Thursday - 2nd April
As many of you know I am a member of the train gang so it seem only fitting to get the train to Singapore.
Considering how clean and lovely all the other trains I'd been on I was expecting some of the same. So the Husband, The In-laws, the Baby and myself all with first class tickets and an optimistic look in our eye boarded the train.
It was not what we expected..
There were gaps in the floor between carriages and the doors didn't shut on the train.
The canteen was not a lot better thank goodness we brought snacks. Although I have to say it really felt like we were travellers on this train. It was a bit of grit and adventure which is always fun.
Also the little one seemed to enjoy the experience, well we did have Disney Junior downloaded to our Iphones an Ipad which helped.
So Seven plus hours later under the cover of darkness and going through Customs and Passport control at Johor (meaning all the cases of and back on the train) we crossed the small stretch of water and arrived at Woodlands Station Singapore.
After filling out an visa card and passing again through customs we hopped in a taxi and mad our way to the Carlton Hotel to find our beds and get some rest before exploring another city in another land.....
Gosh this is turning into a epic trip saga but one of the best trips I have ever taken.
Saturday - 28th March
We too a family trip to the KLCC park. It an amazing space in the city with a massive paddling pool with waterfalls one size of the wall.
Next to a huge play area, with climbing frames, swings, and slides for all ages and abilities. My little one is a huge fan of the swings so we had a play there.
I don't think they have toddlers his size over there as he got in the swing fine but his feet scraped across the floor.
Other slight downside to this amazing space at the play area, there are less trees so not as shady as I would like especially in the Malaysian hot sun.
But we had fun as a family and the little man got to burn off some steam and It was free. I would definitely say it's worth a visit for anyone who comes to Malaysia for a break with Kids.
After all that running around we strolled through a series of covered air conditioned walk ways from KLCC to 'The Pavillion' again. This time we stopped at a Germany themed resturant and I had a dish called Wessinbaru. A potato Rossti with Bacon Mushrooms and a couple of eggs on top.
It was an okay lunch. We really went in for the beer but their selection of German beers were very limited. I've started to realise that there seems to be the same limited amount of beers in most restaurants we go too. I assume as this is a Muslim country it not really going to be a big importer of beer.
Before we headed home I stopped off at the facilities and couldn't help chuckle at this sign. We do take things for granted but everywhere is different and people might not have the same facilities that we all enjoy back home.
In the evening we went out to a 'proper' side of the road Chinese resturant, with my In-laws German neighbours. Over 25% of the Malaysian population are Chinese Malay so there are an array Chinese delicacies to choose from.
Saw this on the menu.
I didn't order it (hopefully wasn't the real thing). As a bit of a foodie I like to try new things but there's a moral issue here. It is harvested in such a cruel way the fishermen just cut off their fins and throw them back still alive into the water to die.
So we stuck to beef and chicken dishes and all shared between ourselves.
I ordered the chicken with chilli and it didn't disappoint as I love spicy food. We had a slight communications breakdown with this dish and a few people who weren't the biggest fan of spicy found out the hard way what I ordered lol.
We also order a type of Courgette (zucchini) called Lady Fingers. Now I thought they were the type of sponge you use in trifle :) They were really yummy and hopefully I'll be able to get them in the UK.
The resturant was brilliant and I felt like I saw the authentic side of the city. An eatery serving the locals and non local with traditional Chinese dishes. With an open barbecue for the meat and an open kitchen which might have not past inspection back home, produced nomminess on an epic scale. Even if getting the buggy there was a bit of an effort.
Sunday 29th - KL Tower
As it was the Grand Prix race day the hubby and the father in law went to the track which meant another Mummy and Nanny day out for the little one.
After the disaster and the dice with death we had getting to the bird park we decided to take a Cab to the KL tower (a 360 observation tower).
It has two main floors, a totally encased one or floor a few floor higher up that is more open. With the little one in tow we opted for the encased floor.
You get amazing views of the city including the Towers. I opted for this city view as if you go up the Petronas tower I sure it's s fab vista as well but then the towers are not in your pictures.
It's the same in New York I have been up the Empire State Building but prefer the Rocksfella Centre as that mean I get the Empire State Building in my snaps.
It was great for the little man as he could have a walk about. He enjoyed the views.
Not sure if he knew what he was looking at, but it did hold his interest for a while and from my point of view as safer trip than the bird park for a kid his age.
There are also a few more things to do around the tower like a driving simulator and a few animals enclosures as well as a mini aquarium. Although we didn't get a chance to do any of them as the Tower knackered him out.
We got a cab back and I had a lovely Tom Yum soup and some Crispy Won Ton from a small restaurant we found on the way home.
It was tasty and filling albeit very spicy.
Just before we made it back for the evening I popped in to one of the many many bakeries around the city. They must love there sweets and cakes as you can't go two feet with out passing some form of surgery based snack.
Although there was a snack or two I wasn't too keen to try.
I am glad That I picked up something as the evening was a bit of a wash out. At least it was still warm just very, very wet.
We were treated to a fantastic thunder and lightening show that went on for hours, While we enjoyed the cakes I bought.
The cakes weren't dissimilar to American style pancakes (or scotch pancakes) with a jam filling.
You will need a drink with these guys as getting through one can be tough. They are very filling and don't think you could eat more than one.
Monday 30th - chilling
We had a quite day just pottered about.
Although I did have a fantastic burger. It had crisps baked into the bun.
Which added a crunch to each mouth-watering bite.
An afternoon swim and a evening in helped me digests it's Yumminess and set me up for more eventful days ahead.
