My birthday cake

'I thought you are done with baking' said my husband sarcastically as he saw me baking my birthday cake. I told him that I'm not going to bake anymore last week (and maybe several weeks before too haha) as we want to clear out the ingredients before we leave Malaysia, but the idea of me not having a birthday cake baked by me is kind of sad when I have baked for others for their special days.

So today, dear hubby, is the last day I'm baking before we are leaving to the Netherlands, officially!! (as if you are ever reading my blog)

We had a large pint of Greek yogurt thus I decided to make my favorite vegetarian cake with a twist - pandan flavor! I bought few pandan leaves couple of days ago and made pandan paste out of it. I combine it with my favorite vegetarian cake recipe and voila, delicious and moist vegetarian pandan cake. I decorated the cake with cream cheese frosting and made salted caramel cream cheese filling for between the layers. And yeah, I obviously had to decorate the cake purple - my favorite color!

Side view of my birthday cake - 6' tall pandan cake with salted caramel cream cheese frosting decorated in purple ruffles.

The taste was awesome! Just the way I like it - moist, not too sweet and refreshing pandan smell. I think I will miss baking this cake in Netherlands. The chance of finding fresh pandan leaves is slim, plus I don't like the idea of using the yucky and unnatural pandan flavoring.

Top and side view of the cake. Isn't it pretty? :)

For those who are not familiar with pandan, I would say that it has nice and subtle fragrance of rose. It gives out light and refreshing taste, and tastes well when you complement it with palm sugar :) I think most (if not all) of the Southeast Asian countries use it in their cuisines.

So yeah, happy birthday (more like belated) to me and hope I can make more delicious and pretty cakes in the future :D

Natural green color of the pandan makes this cake looks so yummy!

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Making memories

Okay, pretty schmaltz post title haha. So few more days before we are going to the Netherlands. At the moment we are spending our time at my parents house in Baling, Kedah. I feel a bit sad, knowing that I won't come back to this homey place for four years. I will miss this place for sure - the pretty environment, my loved ones and my mom homemade food! My parents slaughtered turkeys few days ago, knowing how much their daughter and son-in-law love eating them :)

I had spent some quality time with my friends and family. Having potluck party with the UCDavis peeps, lunch and tea party with UPM colleagues, lab mates and friends, meeting fellow bakers whom I adored (you guys know who you are ;) ), and yet there are more people who are meaningful in my life whom I am unable to meet due to my tight schedule :( . Sorry guys, hope we can still keep in touch.

Anyway, seems like I will be more active with blogging in the future *hooray* Need to hone my writing skills before it gets worst hoho.

Delicious desserts made by me for my farewell tea party held last week. Cute deco from my lovely sis Farah Munirah from @makeupbyferrarossa :)

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'Sabbatical' leave from baking in Malaysia until 2018

Received email for e-ticketing to Amsterdam today. Our flight will be on the night of the 1st of June. I haven't started packing yet, not planning to bring lots of things like I used too when I went to the States for undergraduate study. My feeling is a mixture of sad, happy, excited and scared. PhD will be a very different journey than undergraduate and Master, and I do hope that I can go through it.

Muniroh's Bakery has been a wonderful experience since me and hubby started it in 2012. I am not going to stop it, just that it will be like taking a 'sabbatical' leave from baking until I'm done with my study. I will still bake in the Netherlands though, just that it will be more like stress reliever than baking for order.

I have had very wonderful journey with Muniroh's Bakery. Made new friends, met up with lots of people, and had the chance to meet up with other talented bakers ;) I had sweet and bitter memories which help in making the business grow, and all I can say is thank you so much for supporting me and Muniroh's Bakery and hope we can meet up again one day <3

Me with the last wedding cake that I made before going to the Netherlands. Beautiful picture taken by my good friend who is also a very talented photographer, Peter Law (019-8844337). Thanks Peter :)

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Not taking any more orders for cakes etc, only brownies!

There is so much to do and so little time. Thus I can't take any orders for cakes/cupcakes/etc except for those who have made the earlier arrangements. I will not be in Malaysia the end of this May until June 2018. Thus during this time I cannot take any orders. I'm going to do my PhD and please pray that everything goes well for me and my husband :)

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Our last classes will be in April 2014 as we won't be available until 2018 :)

By POPULAR DEMAND we will be having Muniroh's Bakery baking and decorating classes in April. There will be three interesting classes to join! April will be the LAST MONTH we will be having our classes as the baker will not be here in June 2014 until 2018. All classes will be conducted at our house at No 30, Jalan Tambatan 19/16 Shah Alam. Special price will be given to those who register for more than one class and pay the deposit before 1st April 2014.

*email us thewhiteboxz@gmail.com (Don't call/sms) or PM us at our page if you are interested*  

*RM 100 booking deposit required for each class.*
*No refund will be given if you have paid the deposit and can't attend the class. Do email us for rescheduling etc*

ACC CIMB  7601815254

ACC Maybank 162143191189

Mas Muniroh binti Mohd Nadzir

**Cake Baking Class (Suitable for beginners and intermediates) – RM 350**

Learn how to make our BESTSELLER cakes:

-          Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.

-          Devil’s Food cake with homemade Nutella spread, covered with Belgium chocolate ganache.

-          Salted caramel cake covered with caramel cream cheese frosting and homemade caramel sauce.

-          Bonus Recipe: Magnolia Bakery inspired vanilla cake, vanilla frosting and Nutella frosting

What you will learn:

-          Bake three types of cakes in an efficient way to maximize your time.

-          Learn to use your senses – smell and taste to achieve wonderful results.

-          How to cut the cake and level.

-          Make your own Nutella spread, chocolate ganache and caramel sauce without fail.

-          Crumb cake and very basic decorating.

What you will get:

-          You will be taught from A to Z with our own personal baking tips.

-          Hands on, learn all important techniques and take home your own creations. This includes three cakes (not slices but the whole cakes), caramel sauce etc

-          Homemade lunch, coffee, tea and snack will be provided

What you need to bring:

-          Apron and hair net/scarf/ bandana so that your hair will not fall off

-          Pen for note taking

Fee: RM 350 per person (deposit RM 100) *6 people max. Prioritize to those who make the earliest payment*

Date: There will be three dates when we will be conducting our baking class and you can choose either on the 12^th April 2014, 19^th April 2014 or 26^th April 2014

Time: 9 am - 5 pm (or until 3 pm if everything goes according to plan)

**Cake Decorating Class (Suitable for beginners and intermediates) – RM 350**

Learn how to decorate lovely and pretty cake like Muniroh’s Bakery  (Suitable for beginners and intermediates):

-          Each person will get two prepared cakes (no baking required), and learn how to cut, level and crumb the cake.

-          Learn to make cream cheese frosting  and Swiss meringue buttercream and use them to decorate the cake.

-          Learn the basic skills and techniques to make swirl roses, star, daisies, hydrangea, daffodil, ruffles and more

What you will get:

-          Hands on, learn all important techniques on cake decorating and bring back your own personal decorated cake.

-          Homemade lunch and snacks will be provided

What you need to bring:

-          Apron and hair net/scarf/ bandana so that your hair will not fall off

-          Pen for note taking

-          Your own cake turntable

Fee: RM 350 per person (deposit RM 100) *6 people max. Prioritize to those who make the earliest payment*

Date: 27^th  April 2014

Time: 9 am - 5 pm (or earlier)

**Brownies and Pies Class (Suitable for beginners and intermediates) – RM 350**

Learn how to make our BESTSELLER treats:

-          Ultimate Belgian chocolate brownies with walnut and Belgian chocolate.

-          Banoffee pie

-          Pecan Pie with flaky butter crust

-          Bonus recipes: Pumpkin pie and salted caramel brownies

-           

What you will learn:

-          Bake three types of treats in an efficient way to maximize your time.

-          Learn to use your senses – smell and taste to achieve wonderful results.

-          How to make delicious flaky butter crust

-          Make your own toffee sauce

What you will get:

-          You will be taught from A to Z with our own personal baking tips.

-          Hands on, learn all important techniques and take home your own creations.

-          Homemade lunch, coffee, tea and snack will be provided

What you need to bring:

-          Apron and hair net/scarf/ bandana so that your hair will not fall off

-          Pen for note taking

Fee: RM 350 per person (deposit RM 100) *6 people max. Prioritize to those who make the earliest payment*

Date: There will be two dates when we will be conducting our brownies and pies class and you can choose either on the 6^th April 2014 or 20^th April 2014

Time: 9 am - 5 pm (or earlier if everything goes smoothly)

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You have our prayers

The news of flight MH370 went missing is affecting everyone in Malaysia. As I listened to the live broadcast on the radio, the sad feeling becomes deeper and deeper. No, I don't know anyone on the flight, but the fact many lives on the board went missing any 'normal' human beings would have felt the same way. A couple of ignorant and seemingly 'pious' people gave negative and rude remarks of the incident, if your statement make you feel 'good' then we know how little compassion you have and how inhumane you are. During this hard time, all we should do is be empathetic towards the affected family members, and pray that MH370 will be found. I'm happy that many Malaysians show their sympathy and pray for MH370.

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2 Exciting Classes by Muniroh's Bakery - Cake Decorating and Cake Baking

So we will be having two classes in the coming week:

On the 8th of March will be Cake Decorating Class and it will focus mainly on decorating, and no baking is required! We will provide the cakes :)

Learn how to decorate lovely and pretty cake like Muniroh’s Bakery  (Suitable for beginners and intermediates):

- Everyone will get a prepared cake (no baking required), and learn how to cut, level and crumb the cake.

- Learn to make cream cheese frosting  and Swiss meringue buttercream and use them to decorate the cake.

- Learn the basic skills and techniques to make swirl roses, star, daisies, hydrangea, daffodil, ruffles and more

What you will get:

- Hands on, learn all important techniques on cake decorating and bring back your own personal decorated cake.

- Homemade lunch and snacks will be provided

What you need to bring:

- Apron and hair net/scarf/ bandana so that your hair will not fall off

- Pen for note taking

- Your own cake turntable

Fee: RM 350 per person (deposit RM 100) *8 people max. Prioritize to those who make the earliest payment*

Date: 8^th March 2014

Time: 9 am - 5 pm

Location: No 30, Jalan Tambatan 19/16 Seksyen 19, Shah Alam

*email us at thewhiteboxz@gmail.com (Don't call/sms) or PM us at our Facebook page

ACC CIMB  7601815254

ACC Maybank 162143191189

Mas Muniroh binti Mohd Nadzir

Another one on the 22nd March 2014 is our Cake Baking Class which will be focusing more on baking! very minimal decorating technique will be taught as the class is very pack with fun activity! :D

As requested by many, we will be having Muniroh's Bakery baking class on the 22^nd March 2014

Cake Baking Class (Suitable for beginners and intermediates)

Learn how to make our BESTSELLER cakes:

- Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.

- Devil’s Food cake with homemade Nutella spread, covered with Belgium chocolate ganache.

- Salted caramel cake covered with caramel cream cheese frosting and homemade caramel sauce.

- Bonus Recipe: Magnolia Bakery inspired vanilla cake, vanilla frosting and Nutella frosting

What you will learn:

- Bake three types of cakes in an efficient way to maximize your time.

- How to cut the cake and level.

- Make your own Nutella spread, chocolate ganache and caramel sauce without fail.

- Crumb cake and very basic decorating.

What you will get:

- You will be taught from A to Z with our own personal baking tips.

- Hands on, learn all important techniques and take home your own creations. This includes three cakes (not slices but the whole cakes), caramel sauce etc

- Homemade lunch, coffee, tea and snack will be provided

What you need to bring:

- Apron and hair net/scarf/ bandana so that your hair will not fall off

- Pen for note taking

Fee: RM 350 per person (deposit RM 100) *6 people max. Prioritize to those who make the earliest payment*

Date: 22^nd March 2014

Time: 9 am - 5 pm

Location: No 30, Jalan Tambatan 19/16 Seksyen 19, Shah Alam

*email us thewhiteboxz@gmail.com (Don't call/sms) or PM us at our page

ACC CIMB  7601815254

ACC Maybank 162143191189

Mas Muniroh binti Mohd Nadzir

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First Baking Class from Muniroh's Bakery

Hubby went out to UPM for the MASUM chess team tryout. The house is quiet and it would have been a perfect day to relax and sleep the whole day, except for the fact that I have to bake lots of cakes. While waiting for the brownies to be done, a lot of fresh memory from yesterday's class flying around in my head. I can still remember the conversation that I had with them, their expressions, and my emotion.

I always like teaching. Have been teaching lab in UPM for a while and now I have the opportunity to conduct my own class. I want to make something different, where people can gain lots of knowledge and yet express their creativity freely.

Moritz told me to write out a tentative schedule a day before the class. I was reluctant, the idea of typing out nice schedule using Microsoft Word turned me off as my body needed to rest. He told me it is for me and not for the students as it will be a useful guideline so that I can plan ahead and maximize the short time that I have. It was a great idea! I scribbled my awful handwriting on a piece of paper and plan out which cake to bake first as well as the frosting and the time duration for each. 'This could work out' as I said to myself, but then again it could work for me who has the experienced in baking but I'm not sure for others.

As I was  anxiously waiting for the students to come,  I cooked simple lunch for me and the students (I made Maqlooba based on this recipe, but it doesn't turn out perfect and felt sorry to the students for that *sorry guys*). Buying food is always my last option as I am concerned of the hygiene and quality, and I want them to get a personal touch of the 'baker.' I made my famous 'Ultimate Belgian Chocolate Brownies' for snack so that I can give extras to the neighbors as well.

Ummul and Shafa were the earliest to arrive and we started off first to avoid the delay. As their red velvet cake almost finished baking, Mima and Nurul joined up and I taught them how to make red velvet cake as how I taught the first group. We started making the rest of the cakes and frostings together after that. During my busy time handling the class, my husband was helping out with the dishes. I am so grateful with his kind gesture. He lightened up the burden and I am blessed with that (thanks baby <3 ).

The whole day was filled with chatter and laughter. It was a relief that all of them were such easygoing and fun people. We met new people and learned a lot about each other. I love how we were able to get along so well despite knowing each other for less than a day.

I taught them the easiest, and simplest way to make cakes and yet produce great results. All of the ingredients are from the finest quality, and no substitute used. We make everything from scratch without depending the store bought processed goods like Nutella and caramel sauce. Just the way I do it.

I am not fancy in following long  instructions with lots of steps so I always modify things to make it simpler. I do that in the lab when I'm doing experiments, and in the kitchen when I'm cooking. Some of them were surprised with my method, and yet they were so happy looking how perfect their cakes look like. Tall and fluffy, and the most important part - Delicious!

As we were in middle of decorating cakes, one of them said 'no wonder the price of the homemade cakes are expensive, it is not easy to bake cake, and yet to decorate it,' and I was grinning listening to her. All bakers in the world would have hugged her if they had heard this - because it is true.

I gave the freedom for them to decorate the way they like it. No rules for that as I want them to use their own creativity. Besides, this class was mainly focused on baking. It is important to know how to make delicious cakes beforehand, and decorating second. For me, tasty cake is more important than how it looks like even though some people find it vice versa. If the students like to learn how to decorate, they can join my 'Decorating Class' which will be mainly focused on decorating cakes.

The timing was good, even though we overdid it a little. I can reduce the time in the next class based on my husband great suggestion and my experienced. All of us were tired in the end, and I remember this cliche ending that I usually used in Bahasa Melayu karangan (writing) in primary school - Walaupun penat, kami rasa seronok sekali (Even though we are tired, we feel very happy) ;)

Nurul, Mima, me,  Shafa and Ummul. All of them baked three cakes and bring back home all of the cakes. They also took home their homemade caramel sauce :) Thanks guys for joining, it was fun :D

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Our First Baking Class 2014

Alhamdulillah, finally we are able to conduct our first class after long awaited days. It will be on the 1st March 2014. Space is limited. 

This class is suitable for beginners and intermediates. We will provide you with high quality ingredients to make delicious cakes and frostings.

Venue will be at our home sweet home, No 30, Jalan Tambatan 19/16 Shah Alam

Email us at thewhiteboxz@gmail.com if you are interested :)

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CNY Promotion

I know this is a bit late, but hey, better late than never right. So yeah, we are having CNY promotion for our special treats, and we can deliver it nationwide via Pos Laju. PM us on our Facebook page or email us at thewhiteboxz@gmail.com for ordering. The last day to order is 2nd February 2014 :)

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