So... how was it? XD Well... I have a lecture mate who's now staying at the same building as me AND I have an event to hold that I'm going bonkers about due to the deadline and the problems that are associated with it. WHY IS TIME RUNNING FROM ME!!!!??@@##!! Oh well...
Law? Usual. Read my English literature; Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.
It's a really good book. Introduced me to a different world altogether; the African culture. It has given me real insight towards their culture, their way of thought and how a society braces a different culture.. What's more, I heard a Nigerian boast that he really pays great respect about his parents while reading the book; reinforcing my views as I read further. So... my say? This book deserved the price it won and deserved the number of translation done on it!
I love my Russian class!!! IT RAWKS!!! Just haven't learned to read and write yet. XD
Latest cooking endeavour? Mwahahhahaa... Pop the popcorn!! Pop pop pop!!!
Ngahahahhahaa.... okay okay okay... From now on... I've also made up a new resolution. I WILL NEVER EAT any deserts if it is not made by me. After all, sometimes... you don't know what's in it and really... the trouble it takes you to do it really makes you think whether it's really worth it to even get the desert in the first place... but yeah... I've toiled and toiled in the kitchen this past week and have come up with a tutorial to make popcorn.
Popcorn
Ingredients
Popcorn kernels
Cooking oil
Directions
- Pour some hot oil into the wok (enough to contain all your popcorn) and cover it. After some time when you think the oil is becoming hot, add four or five kernels into the wok.
- Wait till you hear the pop-pop of the kernels before adding the rest of the kernels that you're going to make.
- While it's popping, shake your pan so that the heat is evenly distributed.
- When you find that the pop has subsided, set the wok aside.
- The pop corn is now ready for seasoning.
Seasonings
Caramel story(I mainly referred to his method to make the caramel but there's basically a long story about this...)
Yes... Like any stupid and confident girl, I thought caramel was as easy as ABC so I made my first batch of popcorn today just after reading a recipe (after much persuasion to try a sweet version) thinking that if I melt approximately 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp of water and 1/2 cup of oil, things will work out just fine... YEAH RIGHT... it failed... (after I mixed it together with my popcorn {wasting that as well} hoping that it would stick in the end... which it did not). Amateur-ish of me but I am an amateur in the kitchen... XD, but I found this video rather helpful. Gordon Ramsay... you're my savior. Basically, the ratio is 1:1 for caramel sauce, Liquid : Fat.
So good luck playing with the frying pan. ( I tried at least twice before getting it on the third try)
Caramel (Wei Chin's way)
3/4 cup of sugar
Margarine
- Turn on the fire, place the sugar in the frying pan and follow Gordon Ramsay... XD
- When it starts to turn amber in color, get the pan off the gas (just switch it off). Continue rolling it until the all the sugar has melted.
- Then add in the fat (margarine in my case since it was the only one available at the grocery store downstairs).
- Whirl it around till all fat and liquid has been well-blended.
- Immediately drizzle it over the pop-corn unless you're planning on making caramel candy.
- After it is cooled down, pluck the balled up pieces apart and store it well.
Things I've learned from making caramel
- Don't wait too long when before drizzling the caramel on the popcorn. My caramel hardened because I'm doing caramel sauce, the dry way. (2nd Try Mistake)
- To clean the pan or anything containing sugar, simply heat whatever that has sugar on it with water till it's dissolved into the water or easily removable. (Basically, just imagine yourself making a sugar solution - like a Science student conducting an experiment)
- More tips? Refer to David Lebovitz.
Fragrant butter
If you're running low on butter, extend the usage of it's flavor by melting some butter into oil. Then drizzle over the popcorn.
Olive oil and rosemary
Heat olive oil with rosemary and drizzle it over popcorn.
Olive oil + Cider Vinegar Vinaigrette
This mixture does not last overnight as cider vinegar is water hence it will shrink and moisten the whole batch (spoiling it quicker then ever), so... don't do this if you're not planning to use it.
Paprika and salt
I basically popped my popcorn in the oil containing paprika and salt for an even coating on all my popcorn (stir the mixture in the oil to prevent clumps), after popping, I added salt and paprika again according to taste ( My first batch of popcorn and honestly... since I like paprika, my favorite)
There are basically more seasoning combos for popcorn but it's really up to you in the end cause you're going to be the one eating it... XD... I try to mix in some spices to kick up the health benefits of the food I eat ; hence producing the above combos but basically, they're also one of my favourite spices; therefore justifying my special mention of these spices. Mwahahha
**Special note, just in case you're going to dismiss popcorn altogether because it's unhealthy... think again for I've got research to back me up! Popcorn becomes healthy or unhealthy due to the choice of seasonings, So good luck at your attempt in making popcorn. XD
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