Simply Lambchops

[Review]: Delicious durian cakes and patisseries from The Durian Bakery

Food Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Are you a durian lover? I'm glad my family shares the same love as me in this aspect. Even L and K, who didn't particularly favour the fruit initially, have grown to love it after they tasted the Mao Shan Wang durians we get from our favourite durian vendor.

When the durian season is out, the next best thing for me to satisfy my durian craving would be a good durian pastry or dessert. But it is a challenge to find one that has the right balance of great quality durian puree filling while retaining the overall taste of the dessert or cakes. Some are too sweet, while some make you wonder why you should waste your calories on them.

I chanced upon The Durian Bakery while looking for a cake to pamper myself for my birthday. The website info looks promising and has many positive feedback from customers. They have also been featured in popular media sites like theAsianparent, The Smart Local and Best in Singapore.

The Durian Bakery website

Unique features of The Durian Bakery

The Signature durian puree is made with Grade A Pahang durians and no preservative or additives are added so you can taste the freshness and fragrance of the fruit.
They offer same day delivery and the cakes and pastries will be delivered within 2 to 4 hours from the time your order is placed online. If you need an express delivery, it can also be arranged at an additional fee.
The cakes and patisseries are freshly baked daily!

What I ordered for my birthday treat

So for my hatch day family celebration, The Durian Bakery suggested these signature bakes:

Signature Durian Mille Crepe Cake

Can you imagine the durian fragrance that permeated through my kitchen as I brought out this cake from the fridge? With 20 layers of thin handmade crepe skin and fresh Hokkaido whipping cream in between the layers, this cake is generously filled with 5 layers of their signature Mao Shan Wang SilkyGold durian puree (made with 100% pure durian pure). It's a heavenly treat especially when you get to the chunky durian flesh in the centre!

We had more than enough to eat with this 6" cake and shared the love with our neighbours who are also durian fans. Oh yes, K loves this cake and kept asking for more, so you can be sure that this signature MSW Durian Mille Crepe Cake is a winner!

(Update: The Durian Bakery has recently revamped their durian crepe cake. Instead of having 5 layers of durian puree in the centre, the cake is now layered with pure durian puree! No cream!)

Signature Durian Dessert Box

The highly recommended Signature Durian Dessert Box consists of 3 of their popular patisseries - a box of 8 Super Burst MSW Giant Puff, a box of D24 Snowy Mochi (6 pieces) and one Dark Choco MSW Mousse.

Super Burst MSW Giant Puff (photo credit: The Durian Bakery)

You must try the Super Burst MSW Giant Puff! This is a great dessert to bring along for your next potluck gathering. The filing is made with 100% Mao Shan Wang durian in a light, airy choux puff pastry and comes in a good size (8cm diameter). Though the choux pastry is a little dry to me, the generous filing definitely compensated for it!

Dark Choco MSW Mousse (photo credit: The Durian Bakery)

The Dark Choco MSW Mousse is an excellent dessert for any dark chocolate lover. The cacao beans are specially imported from Ivory Coast which is famous for their cocoa and coffee productions.

Again, you will expect the creamy, delicious Signature SilkyGold durian puree chilled with a dome cast of dark chocolate in this dessert. I wish I had tasted this. Son ate the whole piece and didn't leave any for me!

D24 Snowy Mochi (photo credit: The Durian Bakery)

I cannot resist any good mochi and these bite-sized, squishy and chewy mochi, paired with the pure, thick D24 core, left a deep impression for me. The mochigome (glutinous rice) is steamed, mashed and pounded with a wooden kine, carefully handmade with love and six pieces is definitely not enough!

They have a limited number of bakes for each item and are only available till sold out. So do place your order early to avoid any disappointment.

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Disclosure: We were sponsored the cakes and patisseries for the purpose of this review. No monetary compensation was given and all opinions and photos are ours unless specified.

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April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month and THIS IS MY STORY

Health & Wellness Tuesday, April 20, 2021

So, I've been informed that April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month. I guess it's so disruptive to one's quality of life that this has to be listed on the U.S. National Health Observances calendar to help others be more aware of this condition.

According to various articles found on the internet, it is estimated that 10 to 15% of the global population is affected by IBS, and up to 45 million people living in the United States are living with this gastrointestinal disorder daily. In Singapore, a community study done in 2017 found that 20.9% of the Singapore population has IBS and the statistics is on the rise. That's about 1.1 million people who suffer from this!

Wow, I feel more comforted now to know that I'm not alone in this journey.

So what exactly is IBS?

It is a chronic disorder with symptoms like abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and altered bowel habits like diarrhoea, constipation or both. The symptoms come and go, can be mild or severe, and may flare up suddenly after a meal or taking food that triggers. You can blame it on stress too. Basically, the cause is pretty unknown.

Two out of 3 IBS sufferers are females and people younger than age 50 are more likely to develop IBS.

How is IBS diagnosed and treated?

The doctor will have to rule out "red flags" for certain medical illnesses with similar symptoms based on clinical history and routine tests in order to diagnose IBS. There is NO CURE for IBS - current treatment involves managing the symptoms with medications. However, I have also read from some medical websites that a treatment is possible, but it is a long-term process.

My most embarrassing moments with IBS

I have IBS-D, that means my IBS issue comes with diarrhoea. I can't remember exactly when I started having IBS symptoms, but I highly suspected it could be linked to my ectopic pregnancy back in 2014. The fertilised egg attached itself to the wall of my intestines and caused internal bleeding.

Till now, I have yet to figure out my IBS triggers, but I notice there are some brands of coffee which gives me the runs shortly after I drink them. Sometimes it's after a spicy or heavy meal.

When I feel the urgent need to move my bowels, I HAVE TO GO. If I wait for the abdominal pains to ease a little or if I had taken a longer time to find a toilet, that would be disastrous because it would be TOO LATE. Embarrassing to say it publicly here, there were many unfortunate occasions where I soiled my undies.

At the peak of my IBS condition, it caused a lot of inconveniences to my work and social life. The worst was on "that day". I remember it was a work day and my students had a Chemistry practical exam. I was the supervisor for two labs and my role was to ensure the exam ran smoothly. Somehow, during the exam, my tummy started "churning" and cramping. I tried to bear with it as I was worried if any student needed my help while I was not around.

Within a short period, the abdominal pains escalated to a level where I knew I had to rush to a toilet. Thankfully the staff toilet was within 20m from the science lab. I dashed over, only to realise that I had started "leaking".

By the time I sat on the toilet bowl, I was in a mess.

The toilet cubicle was in a mess.

I looked at the mess I created and I almost broke down in embarrassment and anxiety. Feeling frenzied, I cleaned up the mess and threw my soiled undies and wished no one would discover this little secret. I almost "died" when I overheard a colleague exclaim in shock when she went in and saw the state of the toilet.

I never left home without spare undies after that day.

Since then, I saw a specialist who told me that I could possibly have IBS and prescribed 6 months of medications to "calm" my gut. That was 2 huge bags of pills. He also suggested a colonoscopy, but I didn't take up his suggestion back then.

Over the years, my IBS issue has reduced but I still have the symptoms. When I tell my family that I need to use the toilet, they understand the urgency and speed up in whatever they are doing or make way for me to get to the toilet in time. I no longer bring spare undies out but I'll be sure to keep a lookout for a toilet within close vicinity when I'm out in public space.

Zencoso Chewable Ball from BE International

Recently I found that after taking an enzyme supplement for a few months, it has helped with my IBS issues. My stools now have a shape and I can control my bowels better because they are not loose like before. My bloating issues have also stopped after diligently wearing the Aulora pants since May 2020.

Started taking Zencoso on 6 Aug 2020

Zencoso is a naturally fermented plant essence using 98 types of specially selected plants from Brazil and Japan. With its traditional Japanese natural fermentation technology that has been around since 1979, the Zencoso balls are power packed with co-enzymes and co-factors which effectively maintain enzyme function in our body. This helps to improve our metabolism and promotes healthy bowel movement too.

5 Uniqueness of Zencoso

There are many other benefits of Zencoso e.g. it helps to regulate blood glucose, cholesterol level and blood viscosity. It also helps to promote nutrient absorption. The recommended dose is 8 chewable balls once daily before or after meal. I started with 2 doses, once in the morning and once at night. When my gut felt better, I reduced to one dose for maintenance.

I have kept my little secret for more than 10 years, only sharing with my closest circle of friends. Today, I'm sharing it with you to let you know that if you have been suffering like me, there is a possible solution out there for you. Instead of managing the symptoms with medications, why not use a product which is natural and rich in nutrients to regain your quality of life?

Of course, you might be thinking, what works for me might not work for you. Please read up on your own to make a better judgment and feel free to connect with me for more info about my IBS experience or about Zencoso Chewable Ball. This enzyme product has also helped people with IBS-C (constipation).

Ways to connect with me: Facebook Messenger | Instagram | Email me at simplylambchops@gmail(dot)com

Do share this post with anyone who also has IBS issues and is seeking a solution. Thank you for sharing!

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[Review] How Shiruto and Aulora Kodenshi socks helped my son's eczema

Health & Wellness Wednesday, February 10, 2021

The state of L's arms during his eczema flares in 2020

How do you feel when you see your child's body like this? My family has struggled with eczema for many years, starting with the adults ourselves and then, our children. While the problem is not severe, it is annoying enough to be bugging us daily. Think moisturizing, moisturizing, moisturizing, and itch-scratch, itch-scratch.

Eczema is very common and I read that there are seven types of eczema - atopic dermatitis is the most common form. It usually begins in infancy or childhood but can develop at any point in a person's lifetime.

In Singapore, it is estimated that about one in 10 adults suffer from atopic dermatits and up to a quarter of the cases show a moderate-to-severe form of the condition. It is reported that eczema is also the top condition seen at the National Skin Centre with more than 18,000 cases seen in 2017.

What are some common symptoms of eczema?

Symptoms include dryness, redness and intense itchy rashes on the skin. These rashes are commonly found on the face, knees, hands or feet. It may affect other areas too. When the itch gets really bad, the person might scratch it until it bleeds, making eczema worse.

Very often, people with eczema often have allergies and asthma too. I have allergic rhinitis since young and I had asthma during my childhood too. I often had to "sit out" from PE lessons during my primary school days and could only look longingly at my class.

What are the causes of eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is not known but researchers know that this is a result of genetic and environmental triggers. For me, heat and dust will trigger tiny itchy bumps on my thighs and arms.

Researchers also know that people with eczema have a highly sensitive immune system which reacts to even the smallest allergens. This leads to the immune cells causing inflammation internally while itching and rashes occur on the skin surface.

The itching leads to scratching, which further weakens the skin and allows more foreign substances like bacteria to enter the body and increases the risk of infection. The vicious cycle continues.

Eczema behind the knees

Eczema management

Sadly, there is no cure for eczema yet. The most commonly given advice to me is to moisturise the skin. Moisturise consistently and liberally throughout the day to replenish the skin barrier while it heals. For moisturisers, I've learnt over the years that it's a hit-and-miss affair. What works for others may not work for self. I've had best results with QV and Cetaphil, as well as Theraplex balms.

Antihistamines can also help to lower the itch level. Immunosuppressant medication may also be effective at relieving itch at night.

Steroid creams can be applied to reduce itching and inflammation so that the skin can heal. Unfortunately, it causes another set of issues (like thinning of the skin) when used as a prolonged treatment. For my family, I try not to use the steroid cream unless we have to see a doc for the condition.

I also use a variety of essential oil blends based on recipes found online to reduce itch and repair the skin, but I've not found one that really improves the problem.

There are other treatments like oral prescriptions, traditional chinese medicine, accupuncture, mindfulness meditations etc which we didn't explore.

Recent discovery

After my backache and menstrual cramps improved from wearing the Aulora pants, I started exploring other products from BE International for myself. Then a friend asked if I want to try a Japan-made supplement called Shiruto to help L with his eczema.

From the testimonials I found online, this proprietary fermented wheat extract supplement with an active ingredient of IP-PA1 has helped many Shiruto users to heal from their skin conditions and "awaken their immune system".

I was still a little uncomfortable with the suggestion as anything taken orally has to be scrutinised and checked thoroughly before I would allow my kids to consume the product. So I searched for more info on Shiruto and IP-PA1.

IP-PA1 is a lipopolysaccharide that comes from a symbiotic bacteria called Pantoea agglomerans found in wheat and other food plants. In simple terms, IP-PA1 contains important vitamins for our immune cells (macrophages).

Also, Shiruto is GMP certified by the Japan Health Food & Nutrition Food Association, halal-certified and uses natural ingredients. IP-PA1 is also the first and only ingredient recognised by CIITRA Japan to be used as a natural immune health ingredient.

L started taking Shiruto from 22 May 2020. Here are pictures showing the journey.

L took 2 sachets daily, one in the morning, and one before bedtime. In a week, I saw some improvements on the patches. The red and itchy patches were slightly smaller behind the right leg and right arm. The progress was hopeful so I continued this for 3 months then decreased to one sachet daily.

Two months later, I had an ingenious idea to use the Aulora socks as arm sleeves to protect his eczema patch on his arms as the dry skin on my feet got smoother after wearing the Aulora socks. Actually not that ingenious as I later realised that many other users have also done the same! Haha!

Aulora socks as arm sleeves

How might the Aulora socks help to improve our skin condition? Aulora socks are made of Kodenshi fiber, a patented material that integrates ultra-fine ceramics into the fiber to enhance the absorption of far infrared rays. This improves our blood circulation. When our cells get more oxygen and nutrients more efficiently, the cells get "healthier" and better too. When our skin gets healthier, the damage caused by wounds gets repaired sufficiently.

After 5 months of Shiruto (one sachet a day) and wearing the Aulora socks every night when he sleeps, this is how it looks:

Are you amazed? I couldn't believe it when I took out his earlier pictures to compare! Without any change to his body wash, his moisturising regime, his diet etc, his red and dry eczema patches improved so much! We didn't even see such improvement since the past 4 years of this journey!

I think it's both the Aulora socks and Shiruto but the boy credited the improvement to the socks because he confessed that he hasn't been regular in taking Shiruto. Tsk tsk!

Since then, we have embarked on another experiment where he also wears the Aulora pants to sleep. Though we still have to maintain the daily moisturising regime, I am glad we have found two better and natural alternatives to improve his eczema problem. And he can look better with a fairer and smoother skin for the Chinese New Year!

Boy in Black - Aulora Kodenshi Pants, Basic Top and Socks

Interested to know more about Shiruto and any of the Aulora Kodenshi products? Contact me through Facebook messenger or email me at simplylambchops@gmail(dot)com

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[Review] Hassle-free steamboat experience with Steamboat King Singapore

Food Monday, December 28, 2020

When the day is rainy and cool, which is the best kind of food you will crave for?

a pot of delicious steamboat ingredients

Is this what you are thinking about?

I have found that my comfort food is a piping-hot steamboat meal or anything hot and soupy!

Preparing steamboat for a family of 5 or for just 2 people can be quite tedious and time-consuming. Going to the market/supermart to get the freshest ingredients (but very often, ends up buying excess cos most ingredients come in a certain portion), washing and slicing the meat and veg. Some of the more hardworking ones even boil the soup stock themselves while I usually just throw in a pack of Japanese soup base or some instant hotpot soup stock to add flavour.

Then I was introduced to the world of steamboat delivery services! Such pampering and convenience!

First impression

I ordered the bundle set suitable for 3-4 pax which was more than sufficient for my family of 3 adults and 2 teens. The food came on time and was nicely packed. The soups and sauces were tightly sealed without any spillage.

Steamboat King Bundle B (suitable for 3-4 pax)

Ingredients and Soup base

The meat and vegetables are fresh as promised too! That is because Steamboat King receives its ingredients in small batches every second day, hence retaining the freshness of their ingredients.

Now, on top of fresh ingredients, the soup bases are the next important feature of every good steamboat experience right? Steamboat King emphasises on the slow simmering of each of the superior broths for a minimum of 8 hours daily to bring out the ultimate flavour of all its premium herbs and ingredients to enhance to umami tastes.

There are 5 soup bases to choose from: Premium collagen soup, Kimchi soup, Sichuan Mala soup, Pork Tonkotsu soup and Tomato soup.

While the Premium collagen soup was rich tasting and brings warmth to my heart, I find the Tomato soup rather monotonous and lacking in depth. Will definitely order the collagen soup again to pamper me!

Signature Sauces

A good dipping sauce accentuates the flavour and freshness of good ingredients. There are 3 signature handmade sauces - Goma Soyu (which is sesame and soy sauce), Homemade Sambal and Thai Chilli. The spicy tangy taste of the sambal sauce is my favourite!

Homemade Sambal, Goma Shoyu and Thai Chilli

Overall, I'm happy with the service and quality of food!

Steamboat King Singapore has 30 years of culinary experience, they provide quality steamboat ingredients at affordable rates with a wide menu selection. You can also add on a portable steamboat stove or cute pots for that hassle-free experience at a small cost. The ordering platform is friendly to use too.

Free delivery is available with an order above $100 and you can get your food as fast as within an hour from your order timing!

For that hassle-free gathering (remember to limit your guest size to not more than 8 pax for now!), Steamboat King Singapore is a good choice to consider!

Thank you, Best in Singapore, for your recommendation! For more recommendations on the best steamboat delivery services in Singapore, check out this article!

For more info on Steamboat King Singapore:

Facebook | Instagram | Website

For more recommendations from Best in Singapore:

Facebook | Instagram | Website

Disclaimer: This review is a collaboration between Steamboat King Singapore, Best in Singapore and Liquid Gateway. No monetary compensation was given and all opinions and photos are ours unless specified.

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[Review] Sleep well with the Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow

Health & Wellness Sunday, November 01, 2020

An old Irish proverb says, "A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book."

With a good pillow and a mattress that is firm enough to support the whole body, it also elevates the quality of sleep without waking up with a stiff neck or shoulder aches.

Excited with my new pillow!

I'm no expert in pillows but I respond to not-so-good pillows like how The Princess responded to The Pea. I had switched from pillows filled with polyester to feathers and now to memory foam pillows in search of that perfect pillow for myself. So when the invitation to test out the All-New Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow from the creators of the award-winning Origin Mattress, I was happy to give it a try.

After using the pillow for a few nights, here's sharing my verdict!

1. Removable Tencel fabric pillowcase

The practical side of me super loves the fact that the pillowcase can be removed to be machine washed! No more unsightly stains to bear with!

Also, the pillowcase is made of Tencel fabric. I googled and found out that this "luxury" material has so many benefits! Tencel is known for its comfort, hypoallergenic quality and breathability - an important factor for Singapore's hot and humid climate and my fussy rhinitis-nose. A Business Insider article even compares Tencel with cotton as "Kleenex" versus "facial tissue".

Removable Tencel pillowcase and Natural Latex pillow

2. Good support from the natural latex foam

I'm usually a back sleeper but I enjoy sleeping on my side as I have snoring issues since young. So I frequently alternate between these two positions during my sleep. The latex pillow is soft yet firm and moulds to the shape of my head to give the right level of support for my spine. The Origin website also states this:

Being impression-resistant, it can also hold its shape for many years while still feeling soft.

I also read that latex foam has hypoallergenic properties. This means less dust, bacteria and mould issues in my bedroom!

My essential plushy sleeping companion!

3. Same day delivery and free shipping

It's an easy peasy ordering process on the Origin Mattress website and the pillow will be delivered on the same day with free shipping. If you urgently need it delivered within 2 hours, it can be arranged at a shipping charge.

Though the price of the Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow is beyond what I would usually pay for a pillow, it is a good investment in return for many nights of better sleep.

There is a 2-year warranty and it also comes with the promise of a 7-day free return. That certainly gives me the assurance that the company is very confident in their products!

To more pain-free days ahead!

This post is in collaboration with Best in Singapore and Origin Mattress.

Also, here are more recommendations on the best pillows you can find in Singapore.

For more info on Origin Mattress Singapore: Facebook | Facebook (MY) | Website

For more recommendations from Best in Singapore: Facebook | Instagram

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Pages

[Review]: Delicious durian cakes and patisseries from The Durian Bakery

Unique features of The Durian Bakery

What I ordered for my birthday treat

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month and THIS IS MY STORY

So what exactly is IBS?

How is IBS diagnosed and treated?

My most embarrassing moments with IBS

Zencoso Chewable Ball from BE International

[Review] How Shiruto and Aulora Kodenshi socks helped my son's eczema

What are some common symptoms of eczema?

What are the causes of eczema?

Eczema management

Recent discovery

[Review] Hassle-free steamboat experience with Steamboat King Singapore

First impression

Ingredients and Soup base

Signature Sauces

[Review] Sleep well with the Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow

1. Removable Tencel fabric pillowcase

2. Good support from the natural latex foam

3. Same day delivery and free shipping

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