Healthy Pandan Kaya (Sugar free version included)

Kaya is something we really crave for sometimes but it's so tedious to make. It's practically impossible to find a commercially prepared sugar free version. And We usually have to take turns to stir the coconut custard jam on the stove to avoid the bottom from burning. But with Kenwood breadmaker this is so easy! When consumed in moderation, coconut milk can be a great source of nutrition as it's free of cholesterol and rich in medium chain triglycerides.

Ingredients

4 medium/large eggs

300ml coconut milk 

1/2 cups sugar (12 tablets of coles sweetener+1/4cups of erythritol)

4 pieces of Pandan leaves

Methods

Cut and wash the pandan/screwpine leaves (mom planted 2 trees at home so it's organic! Yay)

Add pandan leaves to coconut milk and blend. We use cholesterol free Ayam Brand coconut milk. You can also choose skim coconut milk.

Add eggs to sugar.

Whisk gently to combine till sugar dissolves.

Sieve.

Pour into bread machine and chose jam mode (preset 10). I'm using Kenwood BM 250.

After an hour, done! If the jam turns out to be too stiff, simply add 50ml of coconut milk and spin it down using a food processor.

This jammy gooeiness is so good and versatile.

Kaya can be used to spread on bread, make into tarts, puffs and Pao fillings.

Convenient Steamboat Home Delivery | GoGopot Malaysia Review

Businesses are getting more creative nowadays. We were craving for steamboat last weekend and came across GoGoPot delivery. We were just hanging out in our apartment and wasn't keen of going out to grab all the fresh ingredients. Do you know dining out is also considered high risk to be a close contact with an undiagnosed covid positive person? My children are very active and just  could not stay still at the dining table. So social distancing can be a real problem.

After a few WhatsApp messages, our GoGoPot was delivered 15 minutes ahead of our scheduled delivery time within the same day. They were very responsive to messages and were good at recommending portion etc.

Me, too excited to receive the package. Very well packed. GoGoPot was very thoughtful and packed all the frozen ingredients still not defrosted in an insulated thermal bag. A paper bag for other boxed ingredients and a foam padded box to the pot. Surprisingly I was able to collect a set for 5 pax on my own.

There are 2 ways of ordering GoGoPot.

For first timers, we will suggest to order the whole set with the pot. There are 2 types of pot available- a steamboat only pot versus 2 in 1 Steamboat and BBQ hotplate set. For recurring orders, one can get a cheaper set without the pot (Super Saver Package).

As for the ingredients, all are freshly packed upon request. Soup wise, we got to choose one from seafood/tomato/chicken/curry/mala. There were so many varieties to choose from to suit everyone's palate (just to list down a few):

1. Seafood lover
2. Meat Mania
3. Korean Tteokbokki
4. Combo Campur
5. Super Combo Campur

We ordered Super Combo Campur 2 in 1 Steamboat and BBQ. After a great afternoon out to Aquaria KLCC, all the 3 adults and 2 children were famished and were looking forward to a sumptous dinner. For my Muslim friends, all the ingredients are sourced from JAKIM certified Halal suppliers.

This is what we had in the set:

-Seafood Platter (fish, scallop, lala, prawn)
-Beef Slice (100g)
- Lamb Slice (100g)
-Chicken Slice (200g)
-- Full steamboat equipment including pot and cutleries.
- Steamboat Platter (8 types of variety)
- Veggie Platter (6 types of different veggie)
- Noodle & Eggs (Noodles, Mee Hoon, Eggs, Fried Bean Curd Skin)
- Mushroom Platter (3 types of different mushrooms)
-Lamb skewer (100g)
- Beef skewer (100g)
- Soup concentrate of choice
- Birdseye's chilli (Cut), BBQ sauce, Fried shallots, Sweet & sour sauce, Spicy soy sauce

Me cooking the steamboat. The soup concentrate was very flavoursome and could be diluted at least in 1:4 ratio with water. Be careful not to fill the pot more than 2/3 of its depth at one time to avoid spillage and malfunction. The hotpot and hotplate heats up within minutes and is reusable. It is easy to clean up by wiping down with a wet cloth afterwards as the surface is non stick.

At a glance, you would think that it's not much. But it really filled up 5 hungry tummies! We were actually struggling to finish all the ingredients by the end because we were so full. Burp! No photos while we were eating because we were too busy feeding the children.

Hurry up and order your GoGoPot now if you are in Klang Valley or Johor Bahru. Price starting from RM79.90!

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How to treat melasma? | Always Be Pure Marine Therapy Dark Spot Correcting Serum Review

Who doesn't like a fair complexion with even skin tone? I first started to notice worsening breakout and melasma during my second pregnancy. This is not uncommon due to the hormonal changes in pregnancy. It's already 1.5years down the road now. But I'm still troubled by these brown or grayish-brown blotches on my face. With the constant summer in Malaysia, this is making my melanocytes (skin pigment producing cells) even more active.

Besides avoiding the sun and putting on sunscreen, there are many other treatments such as chemical peeling and laser treatment, as well as topical preparation like Always Be Pure Marine Therapy Dark Spot Correcting Serum.

Read this article from Harvard Health about Melasma.

Besides that, skin hyperpigmentation issues can also be caused by the ageing process, post-acne (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and certain medical conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Always Be Pure Marine Therapy Dark Spot Correcting Serum

The powerful whitening ingredients are:

50% deep sea water from East Sea is rich in over 70  types of natural minerals. From 200m-depth,  this is the cleanest water made by nature with similar composition to the mineral content in our bodies to replenish deficient.

10% sea grape extract aka Caulerpa Lentillifera extract with fucoidan that controls melanin formation.

Other important ingredients include

-4.9% niacinamide (vitamin B3 can be used to treat acne)
-NEUROLIGHT 61G (an extract of sea daffodil)
-magnesium ascorbylstate (a form of vitamin C with potent antioxidant properties) 
-pearl extract
-Oriental Beauty Fruits Newplex (pomegranate, fig, mulberry, and ginkgo are traditionally used by Asian ladies in skincare)
-topical collagen (to replenish dwindling production as we age)

Always Be Pure Marine Therapy Dark Spot Correcting Serum is free of alcohol and harsh chemicals. The ingredients are labelled in the “green” range in EWG’s Skin Deep® cosmetics database. Furthermore, the serum has passed the Skin Irritation and Sensitization Patch Tests. Therefore, The serum is suitable for daily use on ALL skin types, including sensitive and combination skin.

Full ingredient list:

Sea Water (50%), Water, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract (10%), Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide (4.9%), Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine, Carbomer, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Laminaria Japonica Extract (893 ppm), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Pearl Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract (13 ppm), Undaria Pinnatifida Extract (13 ppm), Chlorella Vulgaris Extract (12.5 ppm), Ecklonia Cava Extract (12.5 ppm), Gelidium Cartilagineu

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Always Be Pure Marine Therapy Dark Spot Correcting Serum is a great product to be used after cleansing and toning the skin. It is lightweight, soothes irritated skin and has definitely faint my hyperpigmentation as well as wrinkles. The serum gets absorbed quickly info the skin, leaving a cooling and refreshing effect.

Get yours from

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Environmentally Friendly Sheet Mask | NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask Review

Want to have great skin but am worried about the carbon footprint we leave behind? There's now an option to use Bio-Cellulose sheet mask! I have been using NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask for a week now and I would like to share about the science behind the product.

What is Bio-Cellulose?

Bio-Cellulose is an exopolysaccharide produced by various bacterial species. These are made of sugar residues, essential components of what we called biofilm which is a cosy home for microorganisms. Normally, doctors hate biofilm formation because it stops wounds from healing. However, biocellulose can also be made into wound dressing to maintain moisture balance of the wound bed by both donating or removing moisture in dry or wet wounds respectively.

In NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask, the biocellulose is all natural and toxin-free from a unique bacteria strain. Biocellulose is able to hold fluids 100 times its dry weight and 10 times more than fabric or paper mask sheets. This helps to hydrate, nourish and soothe irritated skin. Funfact-do you know that the Water Absorption Capacity for Bio-Cellulose is as high as 1150% !

NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask is also extra soft & gentle for the skin. At the same time, biocellulose adheres to the skin very well-- it is able to lock in moisture and effectively deliver serum to the skin. It's so fast, in fact, NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask is capable of transporting 90% of active ingredients deep into the skin in a mere 10 minutes.

Why Quintuple Hyaluronic Acid?

Quintuple Hyaluronic Acid is the main ingredient in NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask. In other words, the mask is infused with 5 forms of topical collagen, namely Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate and Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum.

These collagen molecules differ in sizes to allow different layer of skin penetration and moisture retention. In fact, Collagen regeneration of the skin is seen as early as 7 days after using NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask

2 other important active ingredients are:

Palmaria Palmata aka Dulse, is a red algae found in the Atlantic Ocean. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which is able to nourish, soothe, heal, condition and brighthen the skin.

Avana Sativa Kernel is yummy colloidal oatmeal which has beta glucan, lipids and antioxidants like avenanthramide. This moisturizes, soothes and protects the skin from irritants and sensitivity.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask uses the power of medical science to design high quality sheet mask to push skincare to another level. Having used biocellulose for my patients, I have experience in witnessing how good this is. This is definitely a good skincare product minus a sky high price tag. Topical collagen is great choice as it directly boosts skin condition after application.

Good news! NUViT Bio-Cellulose Mask is already available and selling on Egreenbeans.com since 4th of June 2020. Grab yours now!

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Dry Or Dehydrated Skin? | IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask Review

No, dry and dehydrated skin are not the same! It's important to differentiate them because the management differs. Dry skin means the skin type lacks sebum/oil gland and production. This may manifest as itchy and flaky skin. Dehydrated Skin, on the other hand, is the lack of water caused by weather, environment, diet, including excessive caffeine consumption. Symptoms include dull, tight skin with wrinkles and dark circles looking more apparent, as well as congestion.

More information on Allure.

My face is fairly dehydrated recently which is explaining the breakout! Partly because I have to wear surgical face mask for prolonged period at work. This makes me less likely to consume enough water. Since work is picking up its pace post covid, I am also more tired and rely on my daily caffeine boost.

Besides drinking more water, topical collagen can be helpful. Collagen aka hyaluronic acid is an important skin component that is lacking in dehydrated and ageing skin. Topical collagen binds water to keep the skin supple, lock down the moisture content as well as to faint wrinkles and scars.

IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask

IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask contains Nano Miracle Hyaluronic Acid and Micro Hyaluronic Acid. The Micro molecules are bigger and get retained in the epidermis to stop moisture from evaporating. On the other hand, the nano molecules are able to penetrate deeper into the dermis which keep it hydrated, double the effect of conventional hyaluronic acid.

There are 8 forms of hyaluronic acid used in the mask!

1. Conventional hyaluronic acid stimulates water channel insertion onto the skin to allow water molecules to enter the skin.
2. Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid maintains skin moisture.
3. Potassium hyaluronate supplies the skin surface with constant moisture.
4. Sodium acetylated hyaluronate is lightweight and stays on the skin surface better to retain moisture.
5. Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate forms a water film on skin surface.
6. Sodium Hyaluronate stops water from evaporating.
7. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer locks moisture in the skin and prevent wrinkle formation.
8. Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is small and can penetrate deep under the skin.

Other active ingredients include:
Saccharide isomerate has anti-ageing properties and keeps the skin hydrated.

Chondrus Chrispus is rich in fatty acids which are important components of healthy skin.

Hydrogenated lecithin repairs dry skin and restores the skin's natural ability as a protective barrier.

Arginine is a potent antioxidant and promotes collagen formation.

What is IMBZ?

IMBZ is Malaysia's first company to have a fully mechanized sheet mask production. This allows  a controlled and hygienic environment with precise quality monitoring to ensure consistency and efficiency in production. Only quality ingredients are used.

IMBZ strives to deliver VIP level skincare products to your doorstep in this fast-paced world when people have very little free time, let alone to focus on good skincare.

How to use IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask?

After cleansing and toning, apply a sheet mask onto the face. Leave on for 15-20mins. After removal, gentle pat the face to help absorption. The mask is suitable for daily use.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

I absolutely love products with collagen. Topical collagen in the form of sheet mask is one of the safest ways to boost collagen content in the skin compare to consuming collagen by mouth, especially if one is pregnant or breastfeeding or has chronic illnesses and am worried about systemic side effects. IMBZ Infinite Hyaluronic Silk Mask is a great way to wind down after a busy day at work. Very refreshing and is definitely a great way to boost skin hydration.

IMBZ also has another sheet mask range called Aquagenic ColdMed Mask. The mask is made of ultra thin and light texture natural silk which is anti-ageing, boosts collagen synthesis and hydration.

More info about IMBZ
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Oysters Chive Pancake Recipe

When my mother in law sent over some home grown chives, it means Oysters Chive Pancake time! This is a crowd pleaser and a foolproof recipe. All you need is a tad more oil to pan fry and remember do not squish your pancakes or they will become too dense.

Ingredients

225g miniature oysters

75g Chinese chives

2 eggs

2 tbsp tapioca starch

Seasoning

1/2 tsp Salt

pinch of fish sauce

pinch of pepper

Yields 2 pancakes 

Method

Wash the oysters. Mix with a little salt and corn flour and rinse thoroughly.

Pan Fry oysters for 1-2 mins then set aside.

Chop chives; beat the eggs in.

Add oysters, salt, then tapioca starch to make a batter.

Fry pancake over medium heat until golden, flip the pancake over and fry the other side.

Before removing the pancake, turn the heat up, the strong heat helps to 'drive out' some of the oil that has been absorbed by the cake. 

Sprinkle with pepper and serve with fish sauce or sweet chilli sauce.

Lazy Keto Pumpkin Custard Tarts

Here's more recipe without adding refined sugar. Just the natural sweetness of pumpkin and dates. People with prediabetes and diabetes shouldn't add sugar to their food. But this doesn't mean we cannot enjoy dessert. Just improvise and use sweetener or natural fruits/vegetables! After a while you will realise food actually tastes much better without added sugar.

Ingredients

280g pumpkin, peeled and diced into 2cm cubes

250ml milk 

8 dried dates, chopped

¼ tsp. cinnamon

3 tbsps custard powder

400g frozen puff pastry

Method

If you have time, it's best to thaw puff pastry overnight in the fridge. 

If not, thaw it on the counter until it's pliable enough to unfold without cracking, but still cold to the touch. 

If the butter is starting to melt or if the dough feels very limp, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.

Steam Pumpkin until soft and mash. Set aside.

Add dates in milk and simmer for 5mins.

Add custard powder until the mixture thickens.

Add pumpkin and cinnamon powder.

Cut and shape the puff pastry into aluminum cupcake mould.

Pierce the pastry with a fork.

Bake in preheated oven at 180C for 15 minutes until just light gold.

Pour custard into the tart shells.

Bake in preheated oven at 180C for another 25 minutes.

Enjoy while warm!