Halo! Halloween!

*slurp*

Halloween is coming and i'm preparing for it! i still don't understand why is pumpkin such a big deal during halloween.. maybe i should wiki to find out why but do u know that they are selling pumpkins the size of your fist at *cha-ching* $5.40 at cold storage?! MADNESS!. Anyways, while saving my $5.40 i've spent $5 or less on 1kg+ of pumpkins(un-cute kind) for this halloween.. and here I present Mengni's PUMPKIN Feast! Actually maybe not a feast because there's only 3 diff edibles.

First in line is my famous (or i suppose it's famous cos everyone likes it) pumpkin soup. this recipe can be used interchangeably with the carrot soup. And i say it's my famed soup because many many many people had asked me for my recipe... HEE:) no one except Mr pumpkin head will have any problems with this zuppe.. (well there's one but i chooose not to remember his name. Hee:) Anyways, like always, it's an easy recipe = cook everything blend everything.. only this time instead of the traditional juice blender that sits solidly on the working counter, i had a hand held blender from Braun. NEW TOY! it's much less hassle for the reason that i dun need to transfer this to that and back from that to this.. i just immerse the blender>push button and VAa LAa~ warm hearty pumpkin soup for Halloween:)

I couldn't resist adding the speech bubble. I was clearing my bowl and suddenly i heard a squeak...

Btw, i dun celebrate Halloween. In fact there's no one friend that i remember celebrates Halloween. I guess it's just not in our culture:) But here at my apartment, the Caucasians and Indians are really onz man.. the kids would wrap themselves with rolls of Kleenexes (surprisingly they didn't suffocate:0 wow!)

In any event, i thought of baking a pumpkin pie but of cos i didn't in the end.. instead.. *drum rolls* brown sugar pumpkin mochi! heehee:) mochis are always fun to make, it doesn't take the whole day, it's pleasing to our taste buds and easy on out teeth! definitely the food to have for people with dentures.. hee:) *chomp chomp*

Btw, the mochis refuse to stay round... damn..

And the last would be the anti-ageing pumpkin soya bean milk/juice <- identity crisis.. Pumpkin has huge amounts of beta-carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E that can combat free radicals and other anti-oxidants. Soybeans are considered by many, to be a source of complete protein. Btw, a complete protein is defined as one that contains significant amounts of all the essential amino acids that must be provided to the human body because of the body's inability to synthesize them.(all thanks to wiki). So drink more, and you'll hold back your young cells. and chase away those wrinkles keke~ Happy Halloween!~

Da..Da..Daifuku

One last post before i fly all the way to another continent!! "Daifuku" otherwise known as XL mochi.. Easy to make and delectable! The Strawberries that i used were a teeny sour though, but it is completely covered by the sweetness of the red bean paste! Damn! i'm sooo getting fat with the constant attempts to make fattening foods..

Anyways.. Daifuku are selling at $2~$3 at japanese cafes/supermarkets like ISETAN. In my opinion.. it's way to expensive for a japanese confection that uses cheap ingredients and have relatively fast preparation time.. so i would suggest making daifuku yourself to go with your afternoon tea/coffee? Best if you have girlfriends coming.. it's sweet, presentable and definitely yummy when eaten fresh!..

Oh! a side note.. Marsudi/Max/Mitch (he has many many identities.. i suggest asking him personally.. it's very funny *laughing while typing*..) made a pasta appetizer this morning for xuexin, eric, himself and of cos meng ni! Seriously it's really good, it's healthy, tasty and presentable.. my camera went flat when i reach his place.. so photos of his creation will only be updated after i return from my trip or if marsudi/max/mitch decides to email me the photos straight away.. like this millisecond!

Okay back to MY daifuku..

Daifuku were originally called Harabuto mochi (belly thick rice cake) because of its filling nature. Later the name was changed to Daifuku mochi (big belly rice cake). Since the pronunciation of Fuku (belly) and Fuku (luck) is the same in Japanese, the name was further changed to Daifuku mochi (great luck rice cake), a bringer of good luck. By the end of 18th century, Daifuku were gaining popularity and people began eating them toasted. They were also used for gifts in ceremonial occasions.

This is the perfect snack to make before i board the plane later tonight.. i sure need lotsa luck! Bon voyage to myself! And Now.. I shall pack my luggage.. i've learnt the art of last minute packing from our dear Jeannie BTW.. Credits to you gal!!