Lemon Coconut squares

This month was really so hectic. I couldn't really cook much of anything new. I had some lemons in the fridge that needed attention so I decided to try this lemon square recipe and add to this coconut flakes coz really, my husband just loves coconut.

Some people love that tartness of lemons. Some don't - I'll tell you my friend's verdict later.

you'll need:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
3/4 cup cold butter or margarine
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9 x 13 x 2 inch pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, combine flour and confectioners’ sugar; cut in the butter until crumbly (I used a pastry cutter (see pic).. but some people use their hands or two forks.)

3. Press into the bottom of a lightly greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (180C) for 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, lemon juice and baking powder until well mixed. Pour over crust; sprinkle coconut evenly over the top.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Judgement: some people , depending on their taste buds said it was tart, some of them said it was sweet, some said it was juts right while another said it was both tart AND sweet.

So, it really depends on how you want your bars. If you want it more tart.. you should lessen the sugar. If you want it less tart, you should lessen the lemon. Better try the recipe and adjust afterwards. Hope you enjoy this!! I'll be out of the country for awhile. Hope I can do at least one resto review while on vacation.

Happy eating. if you try this, don't forget to leave a comment.

Easy Macaroni and cheese

When I was an exchange student in the US, I got introduced to ALL food that symbolizes America. One of the ones that got me hooked was MAC AND CHEESE. (oooh... heaven!!!). I even loved the boxed mac and cheese.


Once I got home, of course we didn't cook those anymore... until I tried it using this recipe from YUMMY magazine.

You'll need:

500 grams elbow or penne pasta
1/4 cup butter
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup quickmelt cheese, shredded
8 slices cooked ham, diced

1  Preheat oven to 375ºF. 

2  Cook 500 grams elbow or penne pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. 

3  In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Whisk in flour. Gradually whisk in 4 cups milk until smooth. Cook, stirring continuously, until mixture is thick and bubbly, about 6 to 8 minutes. 

4  Stir in cheddar cheese and quickmelt cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Toss pasta with cheese mixture; fold in cooked ham.

5  Transfer to ramekins. Top with cheddar and quick-melt cheeses. Bake until golden, about 30 minutes. 

I actually did not bake it in the oven anymore... the kids just dived into it. We made a lot and it was even better the next day! (nom nom nom.....) My daughter was singing she wanted it for her lunch to school. (aah... the pleasures of having your cooking appreciated!!)

Wish I could say I ate this... but still sticking to NO CARBS meal plan. I hope you enjoy cooking this though. It has no special (and expensive) cheeses so you can actually follow the recipe pretty well.


happy eating!!!