Quick and Easy Cocoa Fudge Cookies

I had a baking craving yesterday so my sister suggested either brownies or chocolate chip cookies. I wanted to try out a new recipe, so I looked through all the recipes I've bookmarked in the past, and Baking Bites save the day again. From the description on her blog, the texture of the cookie was almost like brownies, this was just perfect as it fits my sister's requirement and I get to try a new recipe! This recipe is also relatively healthy compared to other chocolate cookies recipes I've tried as some of the butter in the recipe is replaced by plain yogurt. This was a great idea and I'm not surprise as the original recipe was from Alice Medrich, the Queen of chocolate!

Cocoa Fudge Cookies From Baking Bites(Originally from Alice Medrich)

Ingredients:
1 cup plain flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
7 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 170 C. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in cocoa powder, sugar, yogurt and vanilla extract. Add flour and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips, if using.
Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Press down slightly to flatten; cookies do not spread a lot.
Bake at 170 C for 9-12 minutes or until set and slightly firm at the edges. Allow to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 2 dozen.

Deja Vu @ Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel

After reading about a 5 course French dinner promotion prepared by Sylvain Royer, 1 star Michelin Chef at Deja Vu, we decided to try it out. There are many areas in Bangkok I have not visited, and this was one of them. I've read about "Cuisine Unplugged", a popular classy buffet restaurant also located at Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel from food blogs, but have not heard of Deja Vu until I read about the promotion on the newspaper.

When I called to make the reservation, the receptionist was very friendly and happily answered any queries I had. Their excellent service was proven again when we arrived and were promptly seated by enthusiastic and cheerful waiters and waitresses. The restaurant itself has a very modern yet classy ambiance with high ceilings. It was furnished with beautifully polished red acrylic tables to give it that 'sleek' modern touch which was very different from the perfectly bleached white table cloth I was used to.

My Tequila Sunrise

My mom's cocktail

The first dish that arrived was a complimentary starter from the restaurant. Each dish was served in a beautiful, good quality, matte-finished serving plates.

Amuse Bouche:Chicken Mousse

This was creamy with a smooth taste, almost as if I was eating flavored clotted cream.

Fresh Lobster Salad with Garlic Chips

I like the use of lemon grass in the decoration. The lobster was very fresh with shavings of parmesan. I did not manage to finish the little cubes of unidentified objects. I believe it might be pate.

Pike Dumpling Souffle and Mushroom Mousse with Champagne Sauce

This may look small, but it was extremely rich. I enjoyed it, but in my opinion, the portion size could be reduced. The Champagne sauce complement the dish very well.

Roasted Duck Breast with Mashed Potatoes and Shavings of Foie Gras

This was my main dish. For some reason though, I couldn't find the 'shavings of Foie Gras', maybe it was shaved so thin that I couldn't see it with my naked eyes. I enjoyed the shaved crispy taro piece though. The duck roasted duck breast was cooked to medium, however, it was slightly tough.

Rolled Dover Sole with Chorizo and Green Bean Ragout
My dad's main dish.


Beef Cheek in Red Wine Confit with Roasted Beef Aiguillette
My mom's main course. I enjoyed the red wine sauce as it complemented the beef very well. The beef was very tender, certain parts were so tender that I thought I was eating braised beef.


Brie Cheese on Rocket Salad

By our 4th course, we were very full. This was quite refreshing for our palate. Some of the walnuts from the salad wasn't as fresh as it should have been though.

Warm Waffle, Chocolate Sauce and Yogurt Icecream

I didn't enjoy their dessert as much as the waffle was already cold. The chocolate sauce also tasted a bit diluted. I really enjoyed the complimentary mini apple tart though.

A cup of Cappuccino to finish the meal.
Their coffee is not as good as we'd expected though.

Overall, we were quite satisfied with this meal and thought it was very valued for money! I would definitely come back and try it again when they have a new menu.

Dejavu The Restaurant
Pullman Bangkok King Power
8/2 Rangnam Rd, Thanon Phyathai
Rachatevi, Bangkok 10400
026809999