Recipe #6: Wonderful Petolle

Allergy Free Recipe for Kids

I watched Junior Masterchef Australia. One of my favorite cook is Sophia. She is a genius cook who impressed me so much. In a young age she has created a variety of exceptional dishes. One of her lovely dishes is Petolle Filled with Creme Patisserie and Blueberries and Honey.

This recipe is totally one of my favorites. There is something about the combination of petolle and creme patteserie that I love. I often have one when baked it for Deniz.

I have modified the original petolle recipe which I adjust to the needs of Deniz; an allergy free food. I also change the cooking method. I prefer to bake than fry it for a healthy dish. But in fact, fried petolle is better! Heheheh..

If you interested to get the original recipe, you may visit http://www.masterchef.com.au/pettole-filled-with-creme-patisserie-and-blueberries-and-honey.htm.

Ingredient:

Creme Patisserie

150 ml lactose free milk

1/2 vanilla bean

1/4 cup caster sugar

15 gr corn starch

Apple & Pear Pettole

1 apple, core removed and grated

1 pear, core removed and grated

1/2 cup caster sugar

1/2 vanilla bean

pinch of salt

2 cups flour, sifted

1/2 tbs gluten free baking powder

1 tbs honey

1 tbs water (optional)

How to make:

1. For creme patisserie; add vanilla bean, caster sugar and corn starch into a medium saucepan, place over a low heat. Pour the milk slowly and whisk to combine until mixture thickens and bring to the boil.

2. Remove from heat and pour into bowl. Cover closely with cling film to prevent a skin forming and refrigerate until cool.

3. Preheat oven to 180c.

4. For pettole; combine apple and pear in a bowl. Add sugar, vanilla bean, salt, baking powder and honey. Mix well. Gradually add sifted flour and stir until mixture forms a wet dough.

5. Pour the wet dough into foil. Bake for 15 minutes or until firm. Cool completely.

6. To serve, arrange petolle onto a serving plate. Top with creme patisserie and drizzle with honey.

Recipe #5: Baby's Pone

Allergy Free Recipe for Kids

Bread sold in a counter usually contain eggs and preservatives that are not suitable for babies with allergies disorder. This quick and easy recipe is one of Deniz's favorites.

Ingredient:

100 gr flour
15 gr granulated sugar

20 gr margarine

60 ml warm water

20 gr dried plums

5 gr yeast

2 pinch salt

How to make:

1. Preheat oven to 180c.

2. In a mixer, combine all ingredient and stir in for 10 minutes.

3. Leave the dough for 40 minutes.

4. Deflated the dough, divide in half and roll into a ball.

5. Place the dough on a baking sheet and let the dough rest for a while.

6. Before baking, basting the top of the dough with water. Bake for 20 minutes. After half-time baking, cover the dough with aluminium foil to prevent the top of the bread becomes too dark.

7. Remove from the oven and spread the surface with margarine.

Recipe #4: Mini "Mock" Quiches

Allergy Free Recipe for Kids

These are great because they are a high-protein snack and ideal for bringing with you when you are going places where you are unsure if the food is allergy-friendly.

Ingredient:
Pie Crust
45 gr white rice flour
15 gr flaxseeds
60 gr flour
1/8 tsp salt
30 ml oil
2 tsp water (optional)
Quiches
1 tbs olive oil
1 cup chopped broccoli (or whatever vegetables that you like)
1/2 cup finely chopped tenderloin
1 cup beef stock
2 tbs tapioca starch
salt and pepper

How to make:
1. Preheat oven to 180c. 
2. In a bowl, combine the rice flour, flaxseeds, and flour. Stir until you have a blended flour. Add the remaining ingredients. Knead until you have a firm dough that forms a ball. If mixture does not form into a ball, add water one teaspoon at a time and knead until dough comes together.
3. Roll dough between two pieces of plastic wrap. Remove one piece of wrap and place dough (wrap-side up) on a pie plate. Pat dough firmly into pie plate. Remove remaining piece of wrap.
4. Bake the pie crust for 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and saute the vegetables and meat, if using, until tender. Add the beef stock and starch. Season with salt and pepper. Fill each baked pie crust with the vegetable mixture.
6. Bake for another 15 minutes. Remove and let cool to room temperature.

Food Fact #6: Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds contain high levels of lignans and healthful omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans may benefit the heart and possess anti-cancer properties.

Food Fact #5: Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds are healthy and a good source of omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) and omega-9 fatty acids, compounds that research shows are important for brain development and cardiovascular health. It is also allergic free!

Food Fact #4: Carrot

Carrot is more nutritious when cooked, unlike many other vegetables. Cooking breaks open the plant cells so antioxidants and other plant chemicals can be absorbed much better. Antioxidants are effective in supporting the body's immune system.

Carrot do improve night vision. They are an exellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted in the body into vitamin A. Darker, older carrot contain more beta-carotene than baby, new carrot.

Preface (This should be the first post!)

...I have a dream, a song to sing
   To help me cope with anything
   If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
   You can take the future even if you fail...

What is your dream? Really, I don't have. I recall that when I was in primary school no one ever asked me what is my dream. Well, it could be that no one ever asked about it, or I simply don't remember of it. Hehehehe..

So, here I am. A girl with nothing to dream about.

I am living with my parent's wish. When they think the A school is best for me, they signed me in. Required to work as a secretary, well here I am. And so on. Maybe, if they want me to became an immigrant workers, I will have no comment and do what they want. Heheheheh..

So, am I happy having no dream in my life? At some particular time, yes! It's an easy life. Until GOD sent me Deniz. Awareness of the responsibilities of parenthood wake me up in a desire to become a better person for my son. Yes, dream is not about something that we wanted in life. Dream is a purpose in life! This is what distinguishes human beings from one another.

When I realized, I feel so stupid. Then, I suddenly wanted to have a dream(s). Maybe it is not a noble dream that could make other people's live become much better. I started with the smallest but most important in my live. Being a good mother for Deniz. Deniz deserves the best of me.

I am so happy! Finally, I have a dream.

But guess what? Apparently, I'm like Samson without his "under arm hair", like Mr. Stark without his Ironman outfits. My mind keep asking me, how can I be a good mother? I have lack of knowledge of it. I feel it was already too late if I have to follow a series of parenting seminars or read books about parenting. Not to mention about children's health and other things about raising a child. Ooppsss, I should have learn about all of those things before Deniz was born. I panicked! Aaaaaaarghhh..

Someone say, learning by doing. So, why not? In the high level of panick attack, I build a strong passion and desire to learn these new things. I started read many books, literatures, and articles from various media (in a speed that I myself can not imagine). Sometimes I attended parenting seminars too. Although I was drunk with this parenting learning by doing, I keep on continue for the sake of Deniz.

Having those complicated journey, read so much from many sources makes me wanted to share my knowledge in this blog. I wish and hope that this blog can be a good source for the new parents who have no had time to learn of parenting but want to give the best for their children. (wow, it sounds heavy). Of course, this blog is written based on my knowledge level which may be not enough for you. Therefore, it is valuable if you can give me some critics, inputs, or simply drop an e-mail to share your stories or knowledge.

I am living my dream, hope you too!

Recipe #3: Gurame Fish with Baby Spinach and Mashed Potato

Allergy Free Recipe for Kids

This is a very easy to prepare and nutritious dish. Babies and toddlers tend to like mashed potato, and here I have it with baby spinach and gurame fish for a very tasty meal.

Ingredient:
50 gr gurame fish, skinned
50 gr chopped fresh/frozen baby spinach
1 large potato, peeled and roughly chopped
3 tbs fish stock
1/2 tbs olive oil
pinch of grated nutmeg
pinch of curry powder
pinch of dried basil leaves
salt and white pepper 

How to make:
1. Place the gurame in a suitable dish, pour in the olive oil, nutmeg, curry powder and dried basil leaves. Bake on high for about 5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
2. Cook the potato in a pan with water. Mash with 3 tbs of fish stock. Season to taste.
3. Meanwhile, put the baby spinach into a steamer and steam for 3 minutes or until tender/cooked.
4. Place the mashed potato in a plate together with the steamed baby spinach and fish on top.

Enjoy!

Food Fact #3: Papaya

Papaya is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, and 3 ounces of papaya will provide a young child's daily requirement of vitamin C.

Papaya is also high in soluble fiber, which is important for normal bowel function. Papaya also contains enzymes that aid digestion.

Food Fact #2: Zucchini

Zucchini is a good source of beta-carotene, but most of the nutrients lie in the skin, so do not peel it. It also offers valuable antioxidants and is rich in potassium.

Food Fact #1: Frozen Food

Frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh, since they are frozen within hours of being picked, thus locking in vital nutrients.

Keep a good supply of frozen fruits and vegetables, such as peas, spinach, corn, summer berries, and thick-cut oven fries, in stock in your freezer. They may good standbys, they don't go moldy, and they are inexpensive and quick and easy to prepare.

Knowing Deniz the KING!

October 2, 2010

Historic day! The journey of pregnancy during the last 9 months paid off with the birth of Deniz. Born at 12:40 noon with a weight of 3.175 gr and 49 cm high. He is the most handsome and cute boy I have ever seen.

For sure, Deniz is the most beautiful gift GOD has given to me. Important lesson for me to go through to become a better person by being a mother. Hopefully, we can become the best parents for him. Amien!

On behalf Deniz, I would like to insist you to read this blog folks! Heheheh..

1 day Deniz

3 weeks Deniz (already fashionable!)

Is it Deniz? ;'D

Recipe #2: Eggplant Filled With Gurame Fish..

Allergy Free Recipe for Kids

I find it difficult to determine the menu for Deniz. With Deniz's allergic condition, I was told to restrict the types of food can be consumed by him. Honestly, I am often confused what to cook almost everyday.

Today I got idea to make a dish. Without looking over someone's recipe. What an achievement for me. Yeay! Hehehhe.. This recipe is very easy. I hope this recipe can be a 'cheat' for mothers who have children with allergic problem like Deniz.

Bon a petite!

Ingredient:

1 pcs eggplant, cut into 2

1/2 part gurame fish fillet, finely chopped

1/2 tbs olive oil

5 drops sesame oil

1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

pinch of dried basil leaves

salt and white pepper

How to make:

1. Warm the oil in a pan, add the eggplant, cook over a low heat until tender then peeled the inside of eggplant and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, warm the oil in a pan, add garlic, and saute until browned. Add gurame fish fillet, sesame oil, dried basil leaves. Season to taste. Add the peeled eggplant.

3. To serve, pour gurame fish filling onto the eggplant skin.

PS:

You can add any vegetables that you like. Also, you can add the filling with water/fish stock and flour for a sticky texture.

Frustrated by Allergy..

Allergy. One word that is a scourge to me at this time.

Deniz was diagnosed with an allergy at the age of 2 months. He experienced an atopic dermatitis, a skin disorder caused by allergies. The doctor advised me to go on a diet by not eating seafood, eggs, cow's milk, and chocolate. Can you imagine not eating chocolate? Fiuhhwwrr..

This is Deniz with his atopic dermatitis. Hikss.. But still cute isn't he?

After the diet, eventually Deniz's skin condition is getting better. Until, the time when he had started to learn to eat at the age of 6 months. His skin problem re-emerged. And this time it seems worse than ever before. It is not only happen in the face, his dermatitis atopic appear on ears, hands elbows, and feet.

At that time I have a thought that if I continue to give him foods that cause allergies, one day Deniz's body will get its own immunity againts the allergy. Apparently, I was so wrong!

Slowly, there are some issues experienced by Deniz regarding his allergyc. Starting by digestive problems, his appetite is up and down, and a very intense itching which caused his skin scratched until they bled. I stress that Deniz allergyc symptoms worsened.

Fortunately, one of my friend gave me information about allergy specialist pediatricians. Then, I visited the pediatrician with hope that Deniz can be a bit better. The doctor turned out to apply the method of elimination of food. He divides foods into four groups. There are food 'safe' allergies to foods that are potentially allergenic. Deniz followed a strict diet in order to improve allergy symptoms. It was not too successful as I expected.

Again, my friend came back recommending a technology to detect allergies. This is exactly what I need. Soon, I visited a private hospital in Bekasi area which is one of the few hospitals that provide this technology. On my arrival at the hospital, I was asked to register at the booth. The nurse asked me to fill in patient data. After that, she was asking me about the service that I need. I said I wanted to do an allergy detection. The nurse mentioned a price that I should pay for my approval. When I agreed to pay that amount, then the nurse asked me to go straight to the cashier to make payment.

WHAAAAT?!?!?!

I was confused, shocked (and angry may be?).. This is the first time in my experience, that I should pay on a service that have not been given to me. What a material world.

Back to allergy story.

Turns out the technology in question is the detection of allergy by using biomagnetic wave. I do not quite understand how it works. But I think, in this way the doctor using a pendulum that will move up-and-down or left-and-right as a reaction when the allergen extract brought near the patient. From this method it is known that Deniz has 18 allergens that trigger his allergies. Sadly, one of them is fructose. Fructose is a glucose from fruit. So, is it mean that Deniz can not eat fruits? Oh my GOD..

The doctor advised me to do therapy with biomagnetic wave. But I am still thinking about it. I read from an article that sometimes it is better for a child to have an allergy to boost immune system.

Which one is the best for Deniz? I still don't know.

I will let you know if I have decided. I am now still use the elimination of foods method to relieve Deniz's allergic symptoms.

Hope he will get better!

Recipe #1: Lamb Shepherd's Pie..

Allergy Free Recipe for Kids

The first time I know about Shepherd's Pie is when Ben Starr made it in MasterChef US 2. I bet it must be very tasty since chef Gordon Ramsay chose it to be a winner of mystery box challenge.

Having browse some of my recipe books, I found out that making the Shepherd's Pie is quite easy. So, I decided to make one for Deniz. 

I thought Deniz will not like it because the texture of the lamb are difficult to chew. But apparently he loves it very much! Therefore I want to share the recipe so you can make it by yourself. Good luck! 

Ingredient:
Stuffing
1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 small red pepper, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
500 g minced lamb/beef
300 ml chicken/beef stock
1 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tbsp tomato puree
1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
175 g mushrooms, sliced
Mashed Potato 
1 kg potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
45 g butter
4 tbsp milk
salt and white pepper 

How to make:
1. Warm the oil in a pan, add the onion, red pepper and garlic, and saute until softened. Add the meat and saute until browned. 
2. Add the stock, parsley, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, and mushrooms. Cook over a medium heat for about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in lightly salted water until tender, then drain and mash with butter and the milk. Season to taste.
4. Arrange the meat either in one large dish or in individual ramekins, cover with the mashed potato. Cooked in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Tadaaaa! It is easy, isn't it?

PS:
If your child seems to be allergic with tomato, you can omit it  from the recipe.

Who Am I as a Parent?

Sitting in front of the window while watching the traffic, tied me one afternoon with my mother. At that time, we were relaxing over a cup of tea in the gazebo next to the house. It feels like a wonderful afternoon indeed! Among lot of topics that we discussed, there is one thing I remembered which made me smile today. My mother said to me, "Sier, if you have children, please take care and love him/her sincerely without expecting anything in return ".

At that time, I said yes to her, but thought to myself, "It won't be a matter! Who can't take care and love their own children sincerely." That seems odd to me.

Back to reality.. I am a mother of a son now. Thus, I start to aware the intention of my mother's words. 

Often, as parents, we are not aware of our weakness. Being a parents make us feel that we have freedom and power to set the 'fate' of our children. Which of course resulted misconceptions about the roles, responsibilities and rights as parents. This is so true. Why? There is no school to be good parents. If anyone of you can recommend a school to be good parents, I will register shortly.

After married, newlywed couples wants a child. There will be many reason such as, age (like me), children lover, or have already rushed by his/her parents who wanted to have grandchildren (sounds familiar?). Heheheh.. 

Without any warning of the risk of becoming parents, they become a father or a mother for a child. Their job descriptions are to educate and raise children. How can they do that? Read books, ask other parents, ask friends, joined the seminar, and so forth? Sometimes it works. But is it sufficient? Since our children are individuals who are unique. 

Now I will focus to comment on my mother's word.

For those who already have children, was it ever occur to your mind the following things:
"Oh, how her son's weight bigger than mine?"
"Well, how come his son become so clever?"
"Great, your daughter can walking since 9 months while mine is not?"
And so on. If not, congratulations, you are a GREAT parents! 

To be honest, I experienced that feelings sometimes. As a mother, there is a mischievous desire (or perhaps obsession) to have a super son. In my mind, I EXPECT Deniz can quickly roll over-crawling-walking, could be easily teaches the toilet training, eat a lot, and can be proud of in front of another mother.

If reality did not match my expectation then I get panic. To get rid of my panic I will then "force" Deniz to learn to roll over-crawl-walk, "force" him to eat, and so on. Though maybe Deniz have his own stage to roll over-crawl-walk or he did not eat because my cooking taste so bad. O my God! What a shame.

In connection with my mother's word, I think this is what she meant by take care and love our children sincerely. Love them sincerely by limiting our expectation and let them grow with a proper stimulation and give them a joy in their live by letting them do what they can do rather than they have to do! 

I can not imagine that this is the first year of Deniz's life and I have a bunch expectations on him. How about later? I might give him a 10 lessons in a week, I could choose the best school that I think is best for him. Moreover, I may choose the subject that he was going to take in a college just because I thought he will get a good job from it. Sadly, this can caused several negative impacts for our child. They can be depressed and demotivated which lead them to drugs, drinks and possibly grown with unhealthy emotional development (e.g. bad temper). 

I have to sit back and relax. Thinking of who am I as a parent. Then I can start to analysis of whether what I do for him is a form of stimulation or an obsession. I also try to aligned my expectations with Deniz's ability.

For you who have teenager, try to build a good relationship through a two-way communication. Give your children rights to talk freely to convey their deepest expectations. You might also convey what yours. If both are not aligned, you should have discussion what works for you and your children. That is what we called "musyawarah". 

If you do several mistakes back then in the past. Please, do not be ashamed to apologize to your children. Because, it is never too late to change to become a good parents.

Let's recognize ourselves as parents for a better future of our children. ;')

It is about courage..

Horay! This is my first time writing in a blog. My very own blog! Haha..

I read an article from a magazine published in Jakarta as saying that it is never too late to learn, and to do something never done before. In the article mentioned, there is a 47-year-old housewive who is just learning to drive a car. There is a 58-year-old man learned to cook. And others. I think, I have not done a lot of things just because I feel I am too old or too late to do it.
The article was very inspiring to me. Which in turn, made me the courage to create this blog. 

Now, I'm proud to declare:
"Sierra, 30-year-old, create a blog and put all my stories in it for the first time."

Just before, I thought I knew how to take care babies. Just because I have experience with my niece and nephew. Taking care of Deniz made me realize that it is not as easy as I thought. But also, not as difficult as you may think. Hence, this blog is intended to sharing stories about Deniz and his daily life. The story of how I was crying because Deniz did not want to eat, the story of how I laughed and was touched when Deniz show new ability, a story that hopefully useful for other mommies. 

I also wanted to share some recipes that have been tested in the Deniz's Kitchen, to provide inspiration for mommies who have run out of ideas for making meals for their children.

I am Indonesian, but this blog will be in English. Why? Not because writing in Bahasa is not cool. It is more because I wish to have a better English writing skills since I do not have much chance to do so in my daily life. Therefore, you may find many grammatical errors in this blog. You can laugh! I may slap you. Hahahah.. *kidding*

That's all for the beginning. I will be back with interesting stories that I hope you all get pleasure from reading it.

In the end, I want to say thank you to Gembul (read: beloved husband) who has supported me to create this blog. Hehehe.. Love you so much mbul!

Ciao,
BundaDeniz