Feed the Mommy——Creamy Tomyam Spaghetti

Both The Man and I had creamy tomyam spaghetti in different restaurants before, and we both kinda like it. Then one day, we were dining out at a food court, The Man ordered one and that very last one wasn't good at all.

So, I decided to try. But seriously, I've never cooked one before. I gathered what I needed to buy and went to the market, to the familiar stalls. I asked the uncle if he has tomyam ingredients, he pointed to me. And asked me how much I needed. Damn, I was totally clueless! I told him, I do not know. Uncle almost fainted. But he's being nice, he asked me how many people are eating and roughly gauge the amount for me. So nice of him!

Then, I went home. And called my mom! Lol!

My mom said she had never cooked a tomyam spaghetti before, so she has no idea. She never eaten any too. But she gave me instructions to tomyam. So I just add coconut milk as I like to make it creamy.

Creamy chicken tomyam spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves 
• 3-5 slices of galangal
• 3-5 stalks of lemongrass stalks
• 3 shallots
• 1 tomato
• Mushrooms, quantity of your liking
• 10 Prawns for the two of us or chicken fillet (the next day when I made the second attempt, I used chicken fillet instead of prawns)
• 5 tbsp of coconut milk for one serving (add one at a time, to gauge what's the creamy level that you like for your pasta)
• Store bought tomyam paste
• Chilli if you like extra hot
• Lime if you like it sour (as coconut milk will make it less sour)

Method:

1. Prepare kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lemongrass, shallots and tomato to boil in water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Then, add in the tomyam paste (amount based on instructions of the tomyam paste you buy), for me I added 3 tbsp. 
3. Add mushrooms and boil the soup for a good 10-15 minutes.
4. (I cooked the tomyam way ahead before I cooked the pasta so I actually stopped here before I continue. But in case you do these all at once, you can cook your spaghetti at the same time to al Dante.)
5. Scoop the tomyam to separate pan. Boil the tomyam, add prawns to cook for a few minutes. 
6. Add coconut milk one tbsp at a time to reach the correct creamy level that you like. Add chili if you like.
7. Stir in the spaghetti.
8. Dress with coriander.
9. Serve.
10. Cut a lime to serve alongside if you'd like it sour.

The first attempt was good but it's not creamy enough. We didn't even take photos, the whole dinner happened in a rush. It was good but not great.

I made more tomyam than I needed so I have one serving left for my lunch. I reattempt the dish and walaaaa~ It's finally creamy enough. But sadly, I forgot the coriander yet again. But it's good :)

Anyway, do not cook the tomyam with just the tomyam paste, it won't be fragrant enough.

I have lots of ingredients left in the fridge, my mom instructed me to keep them in freezer, they'll last. I vomitted last weekend, so, I guess no tomyam for this week. Stomach needs to rest.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Granola Bars on the Go

The Man has been very busy, going to bed by 1am has become a luxury. Mornings are usually in a rush, no time for breakfast. Sometimes, all he had for the mornings is a cup of Milo. That will last him until lunch.

I hate skipping breakfast. I tried to wake up for his breakfast, but I didn't manage recently. Lazy, plus I also go to bed as late as he does. I just couldn't. I always wonder how he manages to sleep only a few hours a day.

I have Pinterest on my mobile. I like Pinterest because I can always find something interesting. Even though I might not try any of them, but I always keep them in folders. Just in case. I've came across this simple granola bars recipe on Pinterest. And hence decided to give it a try so that this granola bars can serve as his breakfast when he's in the rush. Or maybe energy bars in his bag during his busy days.

So last night, after I put baby into bed, I started my midnight baking. It's pretty simple so it didn't take a long time.

First trial on granola bars

Take a close look, they actually look like shit

First trial, I'll give them a 8/10. They look like shit but they taste good. I love the peanuts and peanut butter, so fragrant. Especially right after baking them, my kitchen smells so good!! I felt that I could eat my kitchen!

I think I could make improvement on the moisture of the bars. Probably I should add a little bit more honey next time, to make it more gooey. Besides, I should really make them flatter, nobody had their granola looks as shit as mine! And maybe, I will try baking them shorter than 25 minutes. And also try the non bake method too!