Kek lapis Sarawak ( Layer cakes) for sale...

Kek lapis Sarawak/Layer cakes

It has been common practiced or rather trend to hold your important events during school holidays…being it an engagement or wedding party (kenduri). And it is customary to bear gifts during those days. By and large, Kek Lapis Sarawak (Layer Cakes) is now widely chosen as gifts (hantaran) to the bride/groom-to-be. More often than none, these cakes are being included in the door gift bags to close friends and guests too.

So, have no fear… I am here… Yours truly is at your service..  I welcome any enquiries or quotations. I can also assist on the sizes, flavours, colours/theme colours and packaging to suit your needs. More importantly, I welcome your every request and value your personal preferences while keeping your budget in place to make your special day unforgettable.

Today I am posting pictures of more layer cakes called the Chocolate layer cake (kek lapis coklat) and feel free to drop by for free sampling. More assorted flavours will periodically be added on soon…

8x8x3 is for whole cake

front view

side view

Fluffy Steamy Cinnamon Rolls- Part 2.....

The Joy of Baking Cinnamon Rolls

Welcome again.. So here is the recipe for my fluffy steamy cinnamon rolls, the ingredients are:-

• 4 cups of bread flour/ unbleached flour/high protein flour
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1 tspn salt
• 1 tbspn dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of luke warm water

Mix everything together in a large bowl, knead for 5 minutes until it form a ball, then rest it for about 8-12 hrs (I usually do it in the morning for baking in the late afternoon).

The dough will double in size and large bubbles will appear all over. Roll the dough on a well floured top into a rectangle shape. Brush with 2 tbsp of melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (mix 2 tsp cinnamon power with 3 tbspn brown sugar). Roll it and seal both end by pinching it inwards. Cut it about 2’’ thick or however you like, place them in the baking tray with pinwheel shape facing upwards, rest them for 30 minutes or until they double again.

Preheat oven at dial no 7 or 220 degree Celsius, bake for just about 7-10 minutes. Sprinkle with icing sugar the moment you take it out of the oven, and then ready to serve. Enjoy them with family and friends… Delicious…. 

I prefer the unbleached wheat flour for nutrition

after 1 hr rest

after 8 hrs rest

the pinwheel shape cinnamon rolls resting

ready for the oven

Sensational Sparkling Sequins .....

Sparkly Golden Sequins….

Sequins are generally refer to small ornamental disk-shaped beads that sparkle and light-weight. They are intended to catch the light and reflect it back. They come in many colours, shapes and sizes, such a wonderful additional to any beading project. The most commonly used sequins are flat round sequins, square shape, flower shape, cup shape, star shape and task shape sequins. They are also the leaf shape, heart shape, snowflakes shape as well as spoke sequins. Some are made of metal while others plastic. They can be bought loose or pre-stitched in long strand ready to be applied as trimming.

Today however, I am showing the use of golden star shape sequins and the plastic round shape sequins in many sizes. 

Mdm Shin's Indian Silk baju kurung

Pn Fiza's mustard chiffon

Pn Nor's  purple kurung moden

The Joy of baking Cinnamon Rolls.....

The Fluffy Steamy Cinnamon Rolls

Baking at home can bring enormous amount of joy not just to you but also to your family and friends. I find it rather soothing and soul searching experience when I am baking. One of my family’s much-loved treat is the Cinnamon Rolls. They get hooked by the aroma of freshly baked rolls the moment they step into the house. Words just don’t do justice when it comes to describing the scent, what a delight to come home to.

I much prefer the classic pinwheel cinnamon rolls as against the braided version; with a generous amount of cinnamon powder and rich sprinkle of sugar on top (such a tantalizing treat to just about anyone). And sometime I would switch it up by adding dried fruits, nuts or chocolate chips. Other time I would add another layer of spice like a pinch of nutmeg to enhance while not overpowering the cinnamon flavour at all. A small pinch of nutmeg really does go a long way. So, today I am showing you my family’s ultimate must have treat, the fluffy steamy cinnamon rolls. Do keep track of the recipe/tips on cinnamon rolls soon…

cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven

the aroma is just overwelming

Kebaya Labuh sulam kerawang...

Sulam kerawang ayak@goyang

Owning a piece of exquisite embroideries on you kebaya or baju kurung is similar to possessing a precious gem in that it is a treasure without making a huge dent in your pocket. A piece of sulam kurung/kebaya should be made mandatory as official attire similar to batik, if I were to have my way. Well at least it should be in every Malaysian’s (female) closet.

There are similarities between batik and embroideries, as they both are symbols of our culture, our heritage and identity. I am dreaming for the day that we make Kebaya/Kurung Sulaman as one of the official attire next to Batik.

This piece I am showing today is from a Thai silk fabric for the top and a Balinese batik for the sarung to give a rustic look.  

Japanese glass beads are added

have a look at this gorgeous embroidery 

really stunning

loving it

Acrylic/Plastic beads....

Acrylic Beads….

Today I am posting about another type of beads that is an economical option for the budget conscious bead lovers, still capable of accessorising.. the Acrylic beads. These beads are also termed as Plastic beads which look like glass. These beads are popular mainly because of its eye-catching beauty, they are versatile, durable/impact resistant, and extremely light, and on top of that have gorgeous shapes, high in quality as well as glittery.

There are still many more types beads used all over the world; I am just naming a few here:

• Alphabet beads
• Bone beads
• Brass beads
• Ceramic beads
• Coconut beads
• Fancy glass beads
• Kashmiri beads
• Painted Clay beads
• Metal beads
• Pearl beads
• Semi precious stone beads
• Fossil stone beads

Beads were first used as ornaments to certain tribes, a form of currency, for barter trading, to perform religious ceremony, a status symbol, and a way to show craftsmanship as well as a recreational activity. Presently, beads are used to accessories our apparel, as costume jewelery, as decoration and as handicraft.

acrylic beads combine with seed beads

very light-weight

an eye-catching beauty

 

Kek lapis Sarawak ( Layer cakes) for sale...

Kek lapis Sarawak/Layer cakes

Raya celebration will never be the same in my household without the presence of Sarawak layer cakes. These cakes are usually served in small cube pieces due to its richness, and kids/adults love to peel each layer while eating it.

It is my passion in baking for family and friends which later blossom into commercialization, with having a small scale home baked confectioneries and bakery that I am very much in love with. Currently, I am only offering the following flavours:-

1. Prune layer cake (kek lapis prune)
2. Asam manis/Haw Flakes layer cake (kek lapis asam manis/Haw flakes)
3. Rainbow layer cake (kek lapis pelangi)
4. Spice flavoured layer cake (kek lapis rempah)
5. Cheese n chocolate layer cake (kek lapis keju n coklat)
6. Chocolate layer cake (kek lapis coklat)

The sizes are in +250gm, +500gm, +1kg and +2kg. These layer cakes if kept refrigerated can last up to 6 months. Due to the fact that layer cakes require a large quantity of eggs and butter, added with the tropical climate we live in, I would insist on keeping it refrigerated all the time. You should take out the amount needed and return the rest back in the fridge.

Layer cakes are eaten on any occasion actually, however due to the intricate pattern, multi-layer, beautiful colors and the scarce availability have somehow led to most people having it on special celebrations only.

Prune layer cake

Haw flakes layer cake

The origin of this layer cakes was as far back as during the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia (to be more specific Borneo) which was later introduced to Sarawakian sometime in late eighties. What are neighbors for after all, right?
The process of making layer cakes required not only dedication but also your undivided attention and plenty of patience. You need to be willing to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen, sweating it (burning calories.. killing two birds with one stone) baking each spoonful layer at a time. It is not so much of the degree of difficulties but rather really testing your patience.

Layer cakes have been gaining popularity around the world at a rapid speed and it will definitely be around for a long long time for sure. I will be adding more images in the future. So stay with me you guys…..

Swavoski cut crystal beads

The crumble effect

Today I am revealing one of the beading techniques that I nicknamed the crumble effect. This type of beading uses an assortment of beads, sequins with multiple sizes and shades. It is mostly adorned around the neck and sleeves of Baju kurung, kurung modern and kebaya to give bedazzlements.

I wish to thank Pn Ani for letting me to upload the image of her baju kurung for your pleasure. I used a variety of beads to produce this piece, and among them are Swavoski cut crystal beads.

The name Swavoski crystal beads came about in1895, from its founder a Mr Daniel Swavoski of Austria. This Austrian company has long been the world leader in cut crystal beads ever since. It has an amazing palette of shape, come in many colors, has the ability to spackle and each piece is able to reflect a full spectrum of colors. In the beginning, the beads were widely used for costume jewellery ie rings, brooches, necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets. It later were used on clothings and now the creative possibilities of the Swavoski beads are limited only by our own imagination (the sky is the limit)…

Special dedication to fellow beaders & bead lovers

A special dedication to my fellow beaders & bead lovers out there…

The art of beadings has been around for centuries, long before our forefathers were even born. It was common in every nook and crannies encompassing all continents. Historically, beadings have also been proven to be common in most cultures. I would not be the least surprised if our influence actually came from India.

For me personally, when I am beading … I am somehow transcended. It becomes my way of life (well at least the last 16 years or so) and I get tremendous joy in collecting beads which in turn become an art work. The monetary gain is like putting icing on the cake. I feel time stood still when I am beading. Some of my friends could not comprehend the idea of me staying home for weeks on end, just beading…

Naturally, for most people, beadings look like a simple task but I beg to differ. Here are the things that will go along with beadings:-

1.         The amount of time required to complete a task
2.    The endless amount of passion and sense of creativity
3.         The enormous amount of patience needed to do the best job
4.        The  limitless ability to be on top of things related to beadings
5.       The abundance of perseverance to stay focus while on a job
6.        The capability to revive old ideas into new

I hope these help you appreciate the effort we put into beadings. Please enjoy the images accompanied below showing the use of assorted sequins & seed beads on baju kurung moden and feel free to drop me a line or two..…

How to make sourdough pancakes -Part 2

Continuity on how to make sourdough pancakes...


I hope your starter has been growing well, and as promise I am showing you how to cook the perfect pancakes…

You would need the basic utensils like a non-stick frying pan, a spatula and the pancake batter… Easy !!!! 

1. Heat the pan
2. Pour the batter
3. Once the bubble starts appearing, flip it (hence named Flip Jack)
4. Cook it about 1 minute
5. Done
6. Bon Appetite!!!!!!!!!!_

see those bubbles....

flipping it

voila.....

Sulam kerawang ayak@goyang

A shout out to my fellow embroiderers........

Today I am posting about the exquisite art of sulam kerawang ayak@goyang.. I think it is becoming a dying art in this 21st century. The demographical trend changes, the scarce availability of expert embroiderers added with the lack of exposure have lead to sulam kerawang ayak@goyang taking a back seat in the fashion industry. I remember back in the days when my mother used to proudly adorn an intricate sulam kerawang on her kebaya Nyonya  and  turned some heads (with admiration). Being someone from Melaka, kebaya Nyonya is the in thing to be wearing at weddings and get together. I know for a fact that now only a handful of expert embroiderers are still in this trade. And I for one would like to see this art to take center stage equally if not more than the art of beadings. I am among the few that still practising sulam kerawang ayak@goyang….

 

bahagian bawah baju

dijahit pada fabrik sutera Cina

hujung lengan

Bead works on floral design

using different sizes floral design

a lot heavier in front (for obvious reasons)

a lot less on top (if you are wearing scarf)

Hello fellow bead lovers…

I am showing off detail images about the 3D bead works, which mostly are done with floral motives. This type of designs is receiving great responses from my customers due to the fact that it give the Bling-Bling effect more prominently.. At the end of the day, it is really up to the individuals to decide on which particular design they are more inclined to.. I would always refer to your personal preferences beforehand.. So keeping the communication line open is my primary objective.

 

Bead works on batik

Here’s beading works on Terengganu batik that I made using many types of beads:

1)    Round shape crystals - 3 colors (medium size)

2)    Heart shape crystals – 2 colors (small size)

3)    Square shape crystasl – 2 colors (medium size)

4)    Rectangular shape crystals – 2 colors (small size)

5)    Round plastic sequins – 6 colors (cupped, small size)

6)    Seed beads – 5 colors (glass beads)

7)    Long beads – 4 colors (glass beads)

I spent about 2 days to complete the task but I needed a week to sort out the unused beads, sequins and crystals that were left in my working tray…I just hate cleaning up afterward. But beading is so satisfactory when the end results received great appraisal. 

 

How to make sourdough pancakes

Here's how to make those fluffy pancakes....

1. Make the starter............. 

You need to culture the starter by adding 1 cup of plain flour with 1 cup of water, mix them in a plastic bowl. Cover it, leave it for 24hrs then add 1 cup flour and 1 cup water. Cover, leave it again for another 24hrs.. Repeat for 2 more times until it looks foamy and smells sour....... 

after 2-3 days

after 4-5 days, smells sour a bit....

the batter/mixture ready for the pan...

2. Now you are ready to make the pancakes batter/mixture.... 

The ingredients are:-

    1 egg, 2tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp cooking oil. Mix them well..

    Add 1 cup starter, 3 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp warm water.. The mixture should be thick and bubbly..

3. Ready to cook....

I will show you how to properly cook the perfect pancakes.... Good Luck!!!

Free consultations

To my fellow beads lovers.... and
not forgetting to my fellow sulaman lovers as well....
I am giving away free consultations.......... Offer valid until 30th April .

Enquiries can be sent to:-
my email.
my facebook page.
my facebook fan page.


Late enquiries will not be entertained due to upcoming RAYA PEAK SEASON.........

Sulam kerawang ayak@goyang dijahit manik

Sulam kerawang ayak@goyang dijahit manic (beads and embroideries)

Beadings and embroideries work so well together. These two complement each other so well like they were meant to be. Embroideries are best applied to fabric such as hand woven silk, Thai silk, China silk and raw silk. As soon as beads are added, that piece will be transformed into a 3 dimension..

I am using an ordinary Singer sewing machine to work on my embroideries and only work purely with rayon embroidery threads on both sides (top and bottom stitching) of the stitching. I know for a fact that some people choose to use a cheaper edging thread for the bottom, but I do not want to compromise on the quality and the end result.

sulam kerawang atas fabrik Tenun Pahang

bahagian depan kebaya labuh

Tenun Pahang memang sesuai untuk sulam kerawang..

Sulam kerawang bermanik sangat sesuai dijahit pada baju  kebaya atau kurung Pahang/Riau..selalunya dihujung lengan/baju..terutama skali jika fabrik tersebut tiada corak/kosong...

Warna benang sulam serta manik akan mengikut warna/corak kain yang dipadankan agar kelihatan anggun...