tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80231103374560571602024-03-06T10:15:28.959+08:00KL girl now in IpohKL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-61907111127897264912018-05-31T15:03:00.000+08:002018-05-31T15:03:07.709+08:00The Passing of a FriendYouth made everything seem possible.<br />
<br />
Youth gave strength, energy, good health, optimism, fearlessness, courage, and an endless timeline to fool around and also to achieve dreams, for those who had tangible dreams.<br />
<br />
Science and medicine have given so many people a longer life span.<br />
<br />
The risk of dying from disease or childbirth in places with good medical facilities and access to jobs, clean water and food, has fallen greatly from the era of my grandparents in the early 1900s.<br />
<br />
My maternal grandma died shortly after giving birth to my aunt and my paternal grandpa died while still in his prime. I never met them.<br />
<br />
That was in the past.<br />
<br />
It is with great sadness that I write this in remembrance of my friend William Gan, who was called to be with the Lord on the weekend of 27 May 2018. His passing was sudden and unexpected. He was far too young to go. Friends and family alike are in shock and disbelief.<br />
<br />
I met William in Monash University, Melbourne. He was my senior. We both stayed at the Halls of Residences. The Halls is a place students call home during their time at university and is also a place where friendships are forged and lasting memories are made.<br />
<br />
William was always kind and cheerful. He was encouraging if you were down, and reassuring when you were in doubt. He was at once a friend and an older brother. Always calm and sensible.<br />
<br />
I remember William was one who took health and exercise seriously. He worked out at the gym diligently, and had a good physique to show for his hours of exercise.<br />
<br />
Upon our respective graduations, we returned home to our motherland, Malaysia. Life began. Work. Earning your keep. Growing your career. Family life.<br />
<br />
I caught up with William several times over the years but have not seen him for the last 10 years. Not since my family relocated to Ipoh. Thanks to FB, our friendship continued online.<br />
<br />
Rest in peace, William. You have left so suddenly and too soon.<br />
<br />
You are cherished, as so many friends have expressed their heartfelt memories of you.<br />
<br />
May your parents and siblings and other family members draw strength from, and be comforted by, God and each other in this difficult time when they will have to say goodbye to you.<br />
<br />
Goodbye, my friend.<br />
<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-27001995383611443342018-05-11T20:16:00.000+08:002018-05-11T20:16:39.382+08:00Another Malaysian in Australia talking about MalaysiaI am on a roll about Malaysians residing in Australia.<br />
<br />
Forgive me but one must write when the muse visits.<br />
<br />
I find it amusing and hypocritical of Malaysians residing abroad commenting passionately and criticizing whatever developments that take place back here in beautiful Malaysia, their former homeland.<br />
<br />
More disturbing are those Malaysians living abroad who talk a lot about Malaysian politics and happenings but do not vote!<br />
<br />
That is a unique breed. don't you think?<br />
<br />
Just today, a Malaysian friend residing Down Under (let's call him Dun) criticized the newly elected government of Pakatan Harapan for focusing only on the country's budget and fiscal concerns in its first 100 days fiscal reforms.<br />
<br />
<b>The criticism</b><br />
<br />
"It's all about the money money money! I'm not sure that that is really
the only area that the 100 days should be focused upon. But then, it's
all about the money. I think that that was BN's priority also. This only
fuels my skepticism and my fears. I so so so hope that I'm wrong.<br />
No one is saying that they are not important. They are.
But if 100 days is all about money ....This is what BN was
about. That's not the Malaysia that so many people are looking for.I'm just not celebrating yet about who they are especially when they
talk about all that we were against. Society is not all about money. I'm
saying that we need to press and maintain the goal of what we want."<br />
<br />
<b>Freedom to express</b><br />
<br />
Sure, of course.<br />
<br />
Even when you are not IN Malaysia. Even IF you might not have even voted in the Mother and Father of All Malaysian Elections that finally brought the CHANGE that Malaysians wanted.<br />
<br />
Sure, go ahead. Express yourself, Dun. Give us your criticism and counsel. Dun.<br />
<br />
I am free to express what I think too. I have no political or economic or fiscal counsel to give.<br />
<br />
All I can and wish to say is that I am PROUD change has come to Malaysia. It has been a long 6 decades of single-party rule in Malaysia. Leaders had become complacent and comfortable. A very dangerous combination.<br />
<br />
Living costs have sky rocketed. The Ringgit is dismal. Petrol pump prices fluctuate every week. The GST was introduced at 6%. More jobs are needed but not generated. Affordable housing is needed, was promised but not delivered by the now defeated BN ruling coalition.Graduates drive GRAB on weekends. <br />
<br />
Who knows the true situation of the country's coffers except the newly elected government? It must not be in a very good state given the shocking excesses of the fallen National Front and the still unresolved 1MDB mega scandal and other financial scandals in the last decade.<br />
<br />
I am willing to give our newly elected government time to fix stuff. And there's a lot of stuff to fix. 60 years' worth.<br />
<br />
<br />
I say to Dun.... a country runs on money and not just patriotism and fresh air, essential as they are.<br />
<br />
I'm not even sure of your nationality anymore. <br />
<br />
Dun, reserve your comments will you? Maybe until day 101 of the new administration, at the soonest.<br />
<br />
Australia is lucky to have you.<br />
<br />
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KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-77665148344575207652018-05-11T18:59:00.000+08:002018-05-11T18:59:30.651+08:00My Runaway Malaysian FriendIn my vocabulary, a runaway is someone who runs away from a place to seek love, or refuge or simply a change of scenery. Usually, it is associated with teenagers running away from home, or lovers being denied their right to be with the beloved of their choice.<br />
<br />
I am thinking of a dear friend as I write this. And this is written for and about her.<br />
<br />
<b>Backdrop</b><br />
<br />
Malaysia has just completed her 14th General Elections with stunning results.<br />
<br />
The ruling coaltion, The National Front, that has had an iron grip rule over the country for 6 decades was voted out of power by the rakyat.<br />
<br />
<b>My friend</b><br />
<br />
She is a dear friend and former colleague. She emigrated to Australia with her 2 sons and husband just over 1 year ago to seek a better life.<br />
<br />
She said that life in Malaysia was getting more difficult.<br />
<br />
Things were getting expensive. Education was of inferior quality, which is why she chose to pay hefty private school fees for her sons. The ruling coalition was not governing the country right, government leaders were corrupt and ineffective.<br />
<br />
All common complaints of the rakyat.<br />
<br />
Before she emigrated, and when I first met her, she had never voted in her life. Hearing her complaints during one of our lunch conversations, I asked if she was a registered voter. She shyly said that she was not. Needless to say, I was flabbergasted and urged her to register to vote.<br />
<br />
"If you want to complain about your government, then you should vote to change it."<br />
<br />
She voted once before she chose to emigrate.<br />
<br />
<b>May 5. 2018</b><br />
<br />
My friend and I were chatting online. Elections were days away.<br />
<br />
I asked if she had voted via postal ballot as she now lives in Australia. She said, "No, because the government was making it difficult to vote via postal ballot."<br />
<br />
She added, "Hope the best for our country"<br />
<br />
I lost it! I told her, "Sometimes hoping is not enough." I had a few more choice words for her.<br />
<br />
I was completely disappointed in her. For all her educational and professional background, she failed to see the importance of her right to vote. She complains about the Malaysian government and how her homeland is rotting away.<br />
<br />
Yet she does not even vote to bring change. Or attempt to bring change. She is not a citizen of Australia yet. She is merely a PR.<br />
<br />
<b>Choose to run away</b><br />
<br />
And she plays no role in nation building.<br />
<br />
What has she done? She has chosen to run away to another country that is willing to take her and her family in, a country she deems better than Malaysia.<br />
<br />
Sure, it's a free world. And it is almost borderless today. She has every right to move away and make another country her homeland.<br />
<br />
After the National Front defeat in the elections, she happily messages me on May 10 to declare that "The Opposition has won!"<br />
<br />
My dear friend, you are a Runaway Malaysian. Remiss in your duty as a rakyat of our beautiful, sunny and prosperous nation.<br />
<br />
I wish you well in your adopted homeland.<br />
<br />
And do teach your sons to vote. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-34240410198010096082018-05-11T18:29:00.000+08:002018-05-11T18:29:05.973+08:00Malaysia, A New BeginningMay 9, 2018.<br />
<br />
A date that will go down in Malaysia's history as the day her rakyat went to the polls for the 14th General Elections and voted overwhelmingly to remove the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional from helming the nation.<br />
<br />
BN has ruled Malaysia since independence - for 6 long decades.<br />
<br />
This achievement by the rakyat is spectacular given Malaysia's colorful multi-ethnic and multi-religion population.<br />
<br />
There is so much euphoria and so much news coverage and articles being written and disseminated even as I type this.<br />
<br />
There is no need for me to write more.<br />
<br />
I only want to write this short piece here, on my blog, for me to look back on and for my children to look back on many years from now.<br />
<br />
So that we will always remember that power, in a democratic country, lies in the rakyat, not in the politicians and definitely not in an ineffective, arrogant, disconnected and increasingly corrupt government. <br />
<br />
I am Malaysian. And I am proud.<br />
<br />
May God bless Tun Mahathir, the oldest Prime Minister in the world, and Malaysia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-21204941679809024762018-04-27T15:28:00.000+08:002018-04-27T15:28:07.911+08:002018 Malaysia's 14th General ElectionsElection fever is upon the nation again.<br />
<br />
Well....perhaps not upon the nation. But upon the citizens who understand and appreciate the significance, importance and privilege of having the right to vote.<br />
<br />
Democracy and the right to a fair government is fundamental to all progressive countries. And all elected governments, in theory, are elected to serve the people. Not the other way round.....the people do not serve its government.<br />
<br />
The civil service serves the people.<br />
<br />
The armed forces serve the country and its people.<br />
<br />
The people's taxes pay for everything in a well-run country.<br />
<br />
Yes, the people's taxes pay the salaries of the Prime Minister and ministers who sit comfortably in office making laws and policies that affect the lives of millions of rakyat - YOU.<br />
<br />
And how that tax money and GST money is used is to be accounted for, to the people.<br />
<br />
It is mind boggling to hear people voice strong opinions about politics, news, government policy and politicians only to answer a simple question of "have you voted?" with a stunning answer of "No, I'm not a registered voter. My vote won't make a difference anyway".<br />
<br />
OMG! Seriously?<br />
<br />
As a citizen, of any country, exercise your right to vote. If you don't vote, someone will vote for you.<br />
<br />
If you do not choose, someone will choose for you.<br />
<br />
God bless Malaysia. KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-73182798363603469042018-04-03T15:57:00.002+08:002018-04-03T15:57:55.220+08:00Malay Proverb "Buruk Siku"Malaysians who studied in national schools would probably have heard of the proverb "buruk siku".<br />
<br />
Literally, the proverb may be translated into "bad elbow". It refers to someone who gives something to someone, then asks for the item to be returned.<br />
<br />
Extending your elbow, then retracting it. Bad elbow. Get it?<br />
<br />
As anyone with grace and manners would know, you do not give something and then ask for it back. Perhaps young lovers who break up might do it. One enraged and temporarily insane ex partner would demand that every gift he or she had ever given to the other partner be returned once the relationship ended.<br />
<br />
But a normal, well brought up person with a grain of intelligence and dignity would not do such a thing.<br />
<br />
I am sad that a family member personifies "buruk siku" . Actually, let's be more precise. It's an in-law.<br />
<br />
I was flabbergasted, gobsmacked, even furious that she could ask for something back. But I shouldn't be.<br />
<br />
She has a penchant for keeping things - until they rot, disintegrate and fall apart from neglect and disuse. But if you ask for the item as it would be put to good use, you either get the item then have to return it because she suddenly develops a passion to use it, or be rejected outright. The latter would be more gracious.<br />
<br />
It simply demonstrates a mean spirit: that she would rather the item sit and rot in her house than to benefit others. But yet she preaches about charity and compassion. And she seeks spiritual enlightenment and is a vegetarian. What's that word? Oh, yes. HYPOCRITE.<br />
<br />
I do apologise for going AWOL only to post my first entry in years and a rant, at that.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness for blogs. I feel better already.<br />
<br />
I'll be back with a better post. I promise.<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-62061270190372997342016-06-30T15:33:00.000+08:002016-06-30T15:36:02.304+08:00Homemade Chicken Stock Powder Recipe<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13524524_10209797593758877_7934352051317989520_n.jpg?oh=029179de72755a69b580bc76bdb82451&oe=57F2ADA1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13524524_10209797593758877_7934352051317989520_n.jpg?oh=029179de72755a69b580bc76bdb82451&oe=57F2ADA1" width="192" /></a>Wow! This is amazing.. I never thought I could do it.<br />
<br />
But I did, and this recipe works.<br />
<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13537770_10209797571798328_8011270311378172304_n.jpg?oh=7629b66b9b81d69b8b9ed8d09eadfe0a&oe=57E995FC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13537770_10209797571798328_8011270311378172304_n.jpg?oh=7629b66b9b81d69b8b9ed8d09eadfe0a&oe=57E995FC" width="176" /></a><br />
<b>Main ingredients</b><br />
800 g raw boneless chicken<br />
200g salt (you may want to increase this amount for greater taste if you want it to taste like the Maggi chicken stock cubes)<br />
1 bunch fresh coriander<br />
2 tbsp Parsley flakes<br />
1 tsp coriander seeds<br />
1 tbsp white pepper corns<br />
2 sticks carrot<br />
2 sticks celery <br />
5 big yellow onions<br />
20 cloves garlic<br />
<br />
2 tbsp oil <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13510802_10209773893966397_5154238210388977118_n.jpg?oh=0f5685e575a29d20e903af4fb4627b43&oe=57F1E247" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<b>How</b> <br />
Place all ingredients in to food processor and blitz till fine or pasty (I used my meat grinder). (or place into TMX 10 sec speed 7)<br />
Heat up wok and stir fry minced ingredients until dry. (I took 1 hour 15 minutes!)<br />
(Much easier in a TMX - MC/25 mins/VC/Spd7)<br />
<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13567488_10209797572038334_3102227715728468378_n.jpg?oh=7272e233e29e2212ea5b4d0badfc5d51&oe=57F8724A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13567488_10209797572038334_3102227715728468378_n.jpg?oh=7272e233e29e2212ea5b4d0badfc5d51&oe=57F8724A" width="320" /></a>You can spread the cooked mixture onto a lined oven tray and bake at 160 C until it's completely dried out (but I did not do this. I felt the frying was sufficient)<br />
Place mixture back into blender for a finer texture.<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-56719886298277674932016-06-30T15:08:00.000+08:002016-06-30T15:08:39.755+08:00Delicious Penang Acar Recipe (nyonya spicy mixed vegetable pickles)I only post recipes that work, and taste like the real thing. Because this blog is for my own reference as well as for yours.<br />
<br />
And for my kids, too. When they grow up.<br />
<br />
My son said, "Mom if I wanna eat the dishes you cook for me as a kid, I'll ask my wife to go to you for lessons."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13557671_10209773895966447_8796342714100898799_n.jpg?oh=2ee60929d1e4ec69602f9d677736c6aa&oe=57F927C9" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13557671_10209773895966447_8796342714100898799_n.jpg?oh=2ee60929d1e4ec69602f9d677736c6aa&oe=57F927C9" width="176" /></a>I said, "Son, just ask your wife to read my blog." Isn't that simpler, and far more pleasant without the potential for any conflict?<br />
<br />
<b>Vegetables </b><br />
600g cucumber, keep the skin on and slice length-wise into inch-long pieces <br />
300 g cabbage, cut into large pieces<br />
100g carrot, skin peeled and cut lengthwise like the cucumber<br />
200 g long beans, cut lengthwise<br />
A handful finely chopped kefir lime leaves (daun limau purut) <br />
Salt and sugar to taste<br />
100g ground, roasted peanuts<br />
5 tbsps roasted sesame seeds (as much or as little as you like)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Spice paste (to blend)</b><br />
10 shallots<br />
18-20 fresh red chillies (discard seeds) (adjust to your spice level)<br />
1 inch fresh turmeric or turmeric powder<br />
5 candlenuts<br />
<br />
<b>To add into the work when frying </b><br />
5 tbsp oil<br />
2 stalks lemon grass (you can add this whole, and bruised into the wok. Need not blend)<br />
80ml rice vinegar or tamarind juice (large ball of tamarind pulp, soak in water then squeeze out the juice)<br />
Water<br />
<br />
<b>How</b><br />
Prepare the vegetables. <br />
Blend the spice paste.<br />
Heat up the wok with oil and fry the spice paste and lemon grass till aromatic.<br />
<br />
Add vinegar or tamarind juice. Let boil, then add salt and sugar to taste.<br />
Add all vegetables into the wok and turn off fire immediately. Add ground peanuts and stir everything well.<br />
Top with sesame seeds when serving. <br />
Dish out, let cool and serve.<br />
Or, keep in refrigerator and serve the next day.<br />
Keeps well in fridge for several days.<br />
<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-4485616714494250382016-06-17T23:40:00.003+08:002016-06-17T23:40:55.463+08:00Snatch thefts and muggings... in MalaysiaEvery Malaysian has read, heard about or even experienced a snatch theft, or worse, a mugging.<br />
<br />
Sure, such crime could happen in any country. But I live here. In Malaysia.<br />
<br />
How do you protect yourself from falling victim to such a crime?<br />
<br />
<b>My experience # 1</b><br />
<br />
This happened 20 years ago when I was still a Chambering Student fresh out of university and undergoing my pupillage with a law firm in Kuala Lumpur.<br />
<br />
It was a Saturday morning and I was going to the office. I had parked my car and was walking along the road towards the office building. Handbag was on my shoulder facing out towards the street.<br />
<br />
Mistake.<br />
<br />
I was walking in the same direction as the traffic flow.<br />
<br />
Mistake.<br />
<br />
A motorbiker came noiselessly behind me, and smoothly grabbed my handbag by its sling. I didn't scream. (I'm not the screaming type) . I probably jerked my handbag strap towards me more out of reflex than a conscious effort to save it.<br />
<br />
Fortunately for me, my cheap handbag (hey, I was only a poorly paid chambering student then) strap snapped and the snatch thief rode away. All in about 5 seconds.<br />
<br />
God's grace.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Lessons?</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Always walk against traffic so that you can see oncoming vehicles. </li>
<li>Walk as far into the sidewalk as you possibly can.</li>
<li>Sling your handbag on your other shoulder, facing inwards away from and not outwards to traffic</li>
<li>Be alert, and listen listen listen.</li>
<li>Never pull or fight to save your handbag. You might fall and be dragged on the road by these thugs who care nought about your life.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>My experience #2</b><br />
<br />
I had arrived at my parents' house at 830pm after work, to pick up my kids. This was 10 years ago.<br />
<br />
My parents, brother, kids and maid were in the house. My brother's car was parked in the driveway and I pulled up behind.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure whether the gate could close with 2 cars parked nose to back in the driveway. So I did something uncharacteristic of me.<br />
<br />
I got out of my car with the car engine running and the gate opened.The gate was open!<br />
<br />
One big mistake.<br />
<br />
As I surveyed the distance between my car and the gate, deciding that yes the gate could close, a motorbike with 2 helmeted men rode by just outside the gate. I felt alarm almost immediately.<br />
<br />
Good reaction.<br />
<br />
In a second, the motorbike did a U-turn and came back towards my parents' gate. I KNEW I was in trouble. The pillion guy jumped off the bike and moved towards me. The gate was still open.<br />
<br />
Think!<br />
<br />
In that few seconds as the guy was coming close to the gate, and as I stood and watched him, I frantically thought:<br />
<ul>
<li>Do I shut the gate with the remote in my hand? Of course!</li>
<li>Will it close in time? I don't know, but do it!</li>
<li>If it doesn't close in time, do I run towards the house? I didn't have the house keys in my hand, they were in the car. So, no! Don't run to the house.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I was more worried for my family than myself. I didn't want the muggers
to hold me hostage with a knife to my throat and use me to force their
entry into my parents' house. To rob my parents and brother. To possibly hurt my kids. That possibility spurred me into speedy action to get back into my car! It's nearer. Go, now!<br />
<br />
So I did. I pressed the gate control, turned in my high heels and ran back to my car, jumped in, slammed the door shut and locked it. I could see in the rear view mirror that the gate had not shut in time and the biker criminal had come through. I saw his helmeted head bobbing on the left side of my car (we are right hand drivers in Malaysia).<br />
<br />
I wanted to reverse my car into him, but he was at the side, not the back, of my car. Damn!<br />
<br />
I heard him trying to open the passenger door on the left. I pressed down hard on my car horn and it blared. I saw my dad and brother come to the front door of the house. I hoped they would NOT come out. I didn't want them in danger.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thankfully, with me holed up in the car and my family safe in the house, and my car horn blaring, the 2 biker-would-be-robbers decided to leave. Bastards.<br />
<br />
<u>Lessons?</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Never get out of your car before you shut the gate.</li>
<li>Make sure you are not followed before you get out of your car</li>
<li>Stay calm and think</li>
<li>Play out different scenarios in your head to prepare for an emergency. I consider this experience an emergency</li>
<li>Consider running over would-be attackers with your car if you have the chance to </li>
</ul>
<br />
I attribute the safe outcome of experience #2 to calmness and a certain measure of mental preparedness. And God's grace. Always God's grace.<br />
<br />
Be safe, everyone.KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-56970618482330288852016-05-03T21:09:00.002+08:002016-05-03T21:09:49.697+08:00Easy butter cake recipeI never thought I would say this... but after 2 stressful weeks, I actually felt like baking something for the kids' school break time tomorrow.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xlf1/v/t1.0-0/s526x395/13139097_10209346477361249_207109960960600178_n.jpg?oh=7ff45eeda9219eb174dd3bc79719ab12&oe=579EA5E8&__gda__=1474697252_69a24545a13b1d955be3241f71eee531" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xlf1/v/t1.0-0/s526x395/13139097_10209346477361249_207109960960600178_n.jpg?oh=7ff45eeda9219eb174dd3bc79719ab12&oe=579EA5E8&__gda__=1474697252_69a24545a13b1d955be3241f71eee531" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty butter cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Me, bake??? I am not a good cook, nor am I a good baker.<br />
<br />
But I have been getting better over the years (ahem).<br />
<br />
So, I searched the net for a recipe and found one that appeared simple enough for a noob like me. I am sorry I can't find the original recipe site to give it its due credit.<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
250g butter<br />
230g castor sugar (I reduced it to 219g but it was still rather sweet - depends on your sweet tooth)<br />
4 large eggs (or 5 small ones)<br />
250 g self raising flour<br />
2 tsp vanilla essence<br />
6 tbsp UHT milk<br />
(I added half a tsp of baking powder and baking soda, also half a tsp of salt)<br />
<br />
<u>How</u><br />
Preheat the oven to 180 Celcius.<br />
Line an 8 inch cake tin with baking paper<br />
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy<br />
Add the eggs 1 at a time, alternating with the flour and beat<br />
Add in the vanilla essence. Beat just a little more <br />
Gradually add in the milk and fold the mixture with a spatula<br />
The batter should have a soft, dropping consistency<br />
Pour batter into baking tin<br />
Bake for 50 minutes until done.<br />
<br />
I was pleased with the result. I have not baked a butter cake from scratch in quite a long time.<br />
<br />
This recipe is a keeper.KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-9021461185835393952016-04-08T10:37:00.000+08:002016-04-08T10:37:25.640+08:00A refreshing soba dinnerThe weather in Malaysia has been so hot since Chinese New Year!<br />
<br />
My green grass is now yellow and crackles under your feet. I struggle to keep my herbs and potted plants and fruit trees green.<br />
<br />
But that is Mother Nature and I respect that. You will give us rain when you want to.<br />
<br />
So....
I don't feel like hot rice and dishes for dinner. 2 nights ago, I made
roast chicken thighs, cold mashed potato and a fruity-salad. Much
better.<br />
<br />
Last night I decided we would go with cold soba.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/20681_10209906405443210_7141510574424105396_n.jpg?oh=d84e3c49c906a6f9e1dccbd925a8c92d&oe=57BDF71C&__gda__=1472002037_35f450854004ed501bdd93987dda4e7e" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://fbcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/20681_10209906405443210_7141510574424105396_n.jpg?oh=d84e3c49c906a6f9e1dccbd925a8c92d&oe=57BDF71C&__gda__=1472002037_35f450854004ed501bdd93987dda4e7e" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So I visited <a href="https://www.facebook.com/midorifoodstuff/">Midori</a>
, a new Japanese mini market that opened in Ipoh 7 months ago to pick
up some additional cha soba (green tea Japanese buckwheat noodles) and
suyu. I added breaded scallops and marinated seaweed to my basket.<br />
<br />
It was a refreshing dinner ... we almost finished 600g of soba.<br />
<br />
<u><b>How to</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Boil the soba in unsalted boiling-then-simmering water till right (taste it)</li>
<li>I used Kombu Suyu and diluted it with water till it tasted right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://onlprd.s3.amazonaws.com/images/pics/1809/large/original.jpg?1454409318" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://onlprd.s3.amazonaws.com/images/pics/1809/large/original.jpg?1454409318" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Chill the cooked soba and place ice cubes under it before serving</li>
<li>Use Miso paste to make the Miso soup. I added a tube of soft tofu, strips of dried toasted seaweed and chopped spring onions </li>
<li>I Air Fried my 24 piece of breaded scallops</li>
<li>Serve chopped spring onions and the marinated seaweed as side dishes</li>
<li>A small dish of Wasabi</li>
</ul>
<br />
Simple, healthy and cool!KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-64806027325538879462016-03-10T09:57:00.001+08:002016-03-10T09:57:40.700+08:00Pandan Chiffon Cupcakes via AirfryerI tried out this recipe that was shared by Joyce Tan on FB. It's easy
and quick, a real pleasure to whip up. Although whisking the egg whites
takes some effort (as always). Thanks Joyce!<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><u>Ingredients:</u> </span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">4 egg yolks<br />35 g castor sugar<br />50 g corn oil (I didn't have any so I used olive oil)<br />65 g liquid (15g pandan extract and 50g coconut milk)<br />1/8 tsp salt </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12472827_10208813627760342_2603368706035394980_n.jpg?oh=9a9a2799b29a90dda12dfadb615006ef&oe=5760D233" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12472827_10208813627760342_2603368706035394980_n.jpg?oh=9a9a2799b29a90dda12dfadb615006ef&oe=5760D233" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
80 g cake flour <br />
¼ tsp baking powder(sift with cake flour)<br />
<br />
4 egg whites<br />
70 g castor sugar<br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><u>Method</u><br />1)Whisk
egg yolks and 35 g castor sugar till thick and pale. Add oil.
Whisk till well combined. Add 65 g green liquid. Whisk
till evenly mixed. <br /><br />2) Re-sift sifted cake flour and
baking powder into the mixture above. Whisk till just evenly mixed. Set
aside. Wash whisk thoroughly.<br /><br />3)Whisk
egg whites till thick. Gradually add 70 g castor sugar whilst
continuing to whisk. Keep whisking till egg whites just reach firm peak
stage.<br /><br />4) Add egg whites to yolk-and-flour mixture in 3
batches, mixing till almost even after each batch. Scrape down
thoroughly. Fold till just evenly mixed. Bang mixing bowl against
worktop 3-4 times to get rid of big air bubbles.<br /><br />5) Bake in AF @ 150 degrees C for 10-11 mins.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><u>Pandan extract:</u>
I plucked a large handful of pandan leaves from my garden and cut them
into small pieces. Then chuck into a blender with a splash of water and
blend. Strain out the liquid. Or if you don't have pandan leaves I
guess you could just cheat and use green food colouring plus pandan
flavouring.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xlt1/v/t1.0-0/p200x200/12800340_10205834102160193_297448328399414485_n.jpg?oh=5619a89639374754e22b26f89f312a8c&oe=574F13F1&__gda__=1469432474_e8968918a8b298b5220290235a32df95" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://fbcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xlt1/v/t1.0-0/p200x200/12800340_10205834102160193_297448328399414485_n.jpg?oh=5619a89639374754e22b26f89f312a8c&oe=574F13F1&__gda__=1469432474_e8968918a8b298b5220290235a32df95" /></a><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><u>Note: </u>My
paper cups were too thin and several kinda lost their shape as the
batter sat in them. Joyce said to use thicker cups, like in the picture.
</span></span><br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-88721153403822724502016-03-01T17:31:00.001+08:002016-03-01T17:31:50.789+08:00Sure fire cure for hiccupsHic! Hic! Hiccups!<br />
<br />
I've been meaning to share this guaranteed hiccup cure for some time , so here it is.<br />
<br />
Take a mouthful of water, and swallow in little gulps up to 7 times, if you can make your mouthful of water last that many little gulps.<br />
<br />
I can only make it last for as many as 5 gulps.<br />
<br />
It's worked for us ever since a friend told us about it.<br />
<br />
Happy trying!<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-9597285381780589102016-02-16T10:41:00.000+08:002016-02-16T10:41:03.815+08:00Dogs: Snake bite and eye infectionIf you are a pet owner, you will surely know that owning pets, comes with great responsibility. (just not super powers)<br />
<br />
My Rottweiler has not had a great month.<br />
<br />
<b><u>The cobra</u></b><br />
Just after Christmas, a cobra came a-calling (we get that sometimes), and my husband had gone out with our Rottie to investigate what was causing all the dogs to bark madly. He was expecting an iguana. What waited outside the gate that afternoon, under the shade of our sidewalk trees, was a black cobra.<br />
<br />
Of course our Rottie sprang at it before hubs could stop her. Fortunately, hubs had gone out with a long bamboo cane in hand. In a short time, the cobra was subdued and hubs scooped it with the cane and threw the cobra into the wildlands just outside our borders.<br />
<br />
However, he didn't realise our Rottie had been bitten by the cobra.<br />
<br />
When , they came back into our compound, our Rottie went for a drink, as she is apt to do after exertion. My maid and I noticed that her right ear was wet. We touched it, and there was blood. Shortly after, our Rottie exhibited weakness in her hind legs and had to lie down. We feared she had suffered a snake bite.<br />
<br />
She started breathing heavily and rapidly, her whole body heaving. I called our vet. He said if indeed she had suffered a snakebite, there was nothing to be done, and there is no anti venom available. The vet said that a sever snake bite may lead to death in one hour.<br />
<br />
One hour?<br />
<br />
We were stunned. My kids did not quite grasp the gravity of the situation. I tried to comfort our dog as best I could, talked to her, stroked her, calmed her. I also attempted to squeeze out blood from her bitten ear.<br />
<br />
Her breathing became increasingly laboured. Her eyes glazed over. My heart sank.<br />
<br />
But still we remained by her side.<br />
<br />
Without warning, she defecated. She had no control over her bowels. It was watery stools. Then our Rottie got up, moved away and lay down again, breathing heavily. Her eyes lost the glossy look.<br />
<br />
Then, she retched and vomited. A lot. All signs of snake poisoning.<br />
<br />
But it had been more than an hour. We made her drink. We sat with her. Her breathing was still rapid but her eyes brightened. We called a friend who suggested feeding her 2 egg whites. What did we have to lose? So we did. I had to pour the liquid down her throat.<br />
<br />
By nightfall, her breathing had quietened and she was still alive! She had survived the snake bite, probably on account of her size (40kg) and perhaps the snake had not delivered a full dose of its venom.<br />
<br />
We took her to a different vet the next morning. She said our Rottie was lucky to have survived the snake bite.<br />
<br />
The vet snipped off the fur on our Rottie's ear to reveal the wound; we could not see 2 distinct puncture marks. The vet administered an antibiotic shot to our Rottie, sprayed a wound healing substance onto her ear, and sent us home with more antibiotics, pain killers and anti swelling medicine.<br />
<br />
It was a long week - our Rottie's ear swelled, Then the skin turned black while the surrounding tissue turned white and mushy. The skin on the ear was dying. My son said "it looks like a monster eye sitting in the middle of a volcano of pus". It was that ugly to behold. I had to made sure our Rottie ate her medicine, made sure to spray her ear with the vet's herbal spray, keep her ear clean and dry. And keep her from scratching at it. Which means I had to put our Rottie in an Elizabethan Cone (remember, the Cone of Shame in Up?)<br />
<br />
I am happy to report that my Rottie has fully recovered.<br />
<br />
<u><b>The eye</b></u><br />
In the midst of this, our Rottie got an eye infection.<br />
<br />
I was like, what???<br />
<br />
Her left eye exuded a lot of sticky substance and was watery. So I wiped her eye with a cotton ball soaked in warm salt water, followed by human unmedicated eye drops. I did this for a few days, and her eye healed. <br />
<br />
I hope there will be no more health challenges for my Rottie, this year of the Fire Monkey.KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-38698646974495522552016-01-28T12:15:00.001+08:002016-01-28T12:15:48.196+08:00Air Frying Seaweed Snacks for CNYI am happy to add another feather to my cap.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12643030_10208505689262072_656036636807377506_n.jpg?oh=75d7aba5058b664662399b8d17fd65b1&oe=57324A56&__gda__=1462102377_b999e140e3d53fbfaae3e913b427a858" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12643030_10208505689262072_656036636807377506_n.jpg?oh=75d7aba5058b664662399b8d17fd65b1&oe=57324A56&__gda__=1462102377_b999e140e3d53fbfaae3e913b427a858" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice and crispy air fried seaweed snacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Inspired by my Air Fryer group on FB, and following their instructions so generously shared, I attempted to air fry seaweed snacks. It is one of my daughter's favourite snacks during the CNY period and I would usually buy a few tubs of this snack each year.<br />
<br />
It was delightfully easy to make; the recipe is simple and the AF made it even easier! I was ever so pleased with the results.<br />
<br />
Now, my girl can have the seaweed snack homemade by Mommy and oil-free too.<br />
<br />
<u>Recipe:</u><br />
Frozen popiah (spring roll) skin (from supermarket)<br />
Large sheets of seaweed (ideally, the toasted ones for making sushi)<br />
1 egg, beaten with some soya sauce (or salt or sugar, to your taste)<br />
<br />
Thaw the pastry skin.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11995_10208505689062067_7916020711120278086_n.jpg?oh=f6819bc676766cdd35513edbe820e467&oe=57475853&__gda__=1464413485_53f77e00cce02b0e6140ebe3053bd004" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11995_10208505689062067_7916020711120278086_n.jpg?oh=f6819bc676766cdd35513edbe820e467&oe=57475853&__gda__=1464413485_53f77e00cce02b0e6140ebe3053bd004" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaweed pasted onto popiah skin and cut into strips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brush each piece of pastry skin with the beaten egg and paste a sheet of seaweed onto it.<br />
Cut into bite size strips.<br />
Place into your AF at 180 degress for 3-5 minutes. You may check it midway, and toss it around a bit. Increase the air frying time if you have placed a lot of pieces into your basket and find that some pieces haven't crisped yet.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
My husband appraised my snacks with a satisfactory nod and didn't realize I had used the AF and not deep frying with oil, until he walked into the kitchen and saw the AF sitting there cooking away. "No wonder it seems lighter and less oily than those bought outside."<br />
<br />
My daughter too was more than happy with the snacks.<br />
<br />
Another first, and another success. KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-45100914529016567162016-01-18T13:31:00.001+08:002016-01-18T13:31:32.328+08:00Homemade Authentic Bak Kwa or Barbecued Dried MeatThree more weeks to Chinese New Year to welcome the year of the Monkey.<br />
<br />
Continuing with my many firsts (baking bread, roasting turkey, making soap), I attempted to make Bak Kwa, also called Ro Gan or Long Yook, depending on your dialect. In English it is just called Barbequed (Dried) Meat, hopefully not to be confused with Char Siu.<br />
<br />
I don't know why I decided to take the plunge to make Ro Gan this year. Guess I am becoming more adventurous. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12507480_10208442761368914_2081486279270455745_n.jpg?oh=6f268734737c913a0bf11b40a630bde8&oe=56FE6B51" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12507480_10208442761368914_2081486279270455745_n.jpg?oh=6f268734737c913a0bf11b40a630bde8&oe=56FE6B51" width="176" /></a>So with just one day's online research I picked a recipe that sounded authentic and homemade. I used the Bak Kwa recipe from Shanon who posts through her blog Just as Delish .<br />
<br />
I liked Shanon's recipe because she tried it twice, once without grilling and once with. She preferred the one that she grilled. Also, Shanon's recipe does not use any <i>hoi sin sauce, </i>or <i>char siu sauce, </i>which in my opinion are flavourings made for the Western/ Caucasian market. I find food flavoured with hoi sin sauce or char siu sauce artificially sweet, with a distinct telltale taste of the sauce.<br />
<br />
Even my homemade Char Siu never incorporates Char Siu sauce.<br />
<br />
I did tweak Shanon's recipe just the tiniest bit, so here it is:<br />
<div class="ERSIngredients">
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
<b> </b></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1kg fatty Meat Mince - either Chicken, Beef or Pork (Fattier mince makes more tender, juicy bak kwa)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">120g Brown Sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons Chinese Five Spice Powder (Shanon used 1 tsp)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 tablespoon Fish Sauce (I used Squid Sauce)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients"> 3 tablespoons Light Soya Sauce </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 tablespoon Rice Wine (Shao Tsing) which I omitted</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3 tablespoons honey (I increased it to 4 tbsp but brought it back to 3)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 tablespoon Vegetable oil </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 tablespoon dark soy sauce </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons Sesame oil </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">Red food colouring - optional </li>
</ul>
</div>
<ol><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfl1/v/t1.0-9/10399720_10208424704717509_3511948375893823525_n.jpg?oh=4f39604d63acda2459f30a55127480c0&oe=5740DB89&__gda__=1460292680_717fbd7cd29990b2b6205e9310dafd26" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfl1/v/t1.0-9/10399720_10208424704717509_3511948375893823525_n.jpg?oh=4f39604d63acda2459f30a55127480c0&oe=5740DB89&__gda__=1460292680_717fbd7cd29990b2b6205e9310dafd26" width="176" /></a><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12400480_10208424704557505_5223399065525259552_n.jpg?oh=7cdec540722f5af6010f9d5aa2ab85a2&oe=5736D5F5&__gda__=1463549191_14471281dc13557dd2a1b8edad107835" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12400480_10208424704557505_5223399065525259552_n.jpg?oh=7cdec540722f5af6010f9d5aa2ab85a2&oe=5736D5F5&__gda__=1463549191_14471281dc13557dd2a1b8edad107835" width="176" /></a>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Thorughly
combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Cover and marinate 8 hours or
overnight in the fridge.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Preheat
oven to 150°C (Shanon used 100 degrees, which I found too low and did not dry out my pork enough). Wash and dry flat baking trays. Line with aluminium foil.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Place mince onto the tray then spread and press down to form a thin sheet over the surface of the tray to a thickness
of 3-5mm. You can either use wet fingers/ wooden ladle to manually press it or
you could lay a sheet of plastic or baking paper over it and roll it
thin with a rolling pin. Try to keep the edges as straight as you can so
you can cut into neat squares. </li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Place
the trays in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the meat has dried
out - the surface is dry to the touch, most of the liquid has evaporated
and is holding together without breaking (It's fine to be a little
moist underneath the sheet). </li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Cut the dried meat sheet into squares with a kitchen scissors.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Heat
up your charcoal bbq or grill and grill each square until
darkened and caramelised. It’s totally ok to have the tiniest hint of
charring but keep your eyes on them because they burn quickly and
easily.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">These
Bak Kwa do not have preservatives, so it's better to keep them in an
airtight container in the fridge with sheets of greaseproof baking paper
between each slice of Bak Kwa. When needed, reheat Bak Kwa in grill or
microwave. </li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1935791_10208424705357525_6917318620225905630_n.jpg?oh=bbca8355d41b5fd36162b46ff16d823b&oe=57373687" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1935791_10208424705357525_6917318620225905630_n.jpg?oh=bbca8355d41b5fd36162b46ff16d823b&oe=57373687" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilling over charcoal imparts smoky aroma to the meat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xal1/v/t1.0-9/12512529_10208442761768924_557017051528153233_n.jpg?oh=1f0e54b1109cfc5b516e6fc9b678b32c&oe=5747726E" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xal1/v/t1.0-9/12512529_10208442761768924_557017051528153233_n.jpg?oh=1f0e54b1109cfc5b516e6fc9b678b32c&oe=5747726E" width="176" /></a>I made 2 batches of Bak Kwa. The first batch tasted good, but I did not press the mince thin enough. For the second batch, my maid pressed the mince with her hands, making it a much thinner layer than mine. The second batch looked much more like the Ro Gan or Bak Kwa that you buy from the shops.<br />
<br />
Many elderly people now say not to eat too much Bak Kwa due to concerns about the quality of meat, chemical colouring and preservatives used in making them.<br />
<br />
<br />
As my family loves Bak Kwa, I can now serve them my homemade Bak Kwa with peace of mind.<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-84267272130887141542016-01-15T12:22:00.000+08:002016-01-15T12:22:30.080+08:00Chinese New Year of the Monkey 2016Christmas has come and gone, and now we are set to welcome the Chinese New Year.<br />
<br />
This is more of a checklist of things to be done, and I hope my current high energy levels continue as I am now ahead of schedule:<br />
<br />
<ul><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHMFaJ4XrMLPnGBOeGk4Ry3w__2pnyDiMlMHtxlaSNT7MdNuHJ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHMFaJ4XrMLPnGBOeGk4Ry3w__2pnyDiMlMHtxlaSNT7MdNuHJ" /></a>
<li>wash curtains</li>
<li>wash sofa covers</li>
<li>wash throw-pillow covers</li>
<li>cream-wipe leather sofa </li>
<li>clean balconies</li>
<li>power jet the driveway</li>
<li>wash mosquito nettings</li>
<li>put up decorations</li>
<li>wipe windows</li>
<li>wash all patios </li>
<li>wipe ceiling fans</li>
<li>tidy up garden</li>
<li>bake cookies</li>
<li>try to make barbequed dried meat</li>
<li>plan CNY menu and pre cook some dishes</li>
<li>throw out accumulated junk</li>
</ul>
<br />
I think those are the major CNY preps. Gonna get busier soon, therefor wishing those celebrating the festival a Very Happy Healthy and Successful New Year!KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-82908554898282512172016-01-06T21:18:00.004+08:002016-01-06T21:18:48.215+08:00Christmas Dinner 2015So another year is coming to an end. Another Christmas to celebrate and to be grateful for.<br />
<br />
This year, everything costs more. Malaysia is bearing the consequences of a very weak Ringgit, a crisis of confidence in the ruling government and PM Najib, introduction of GST in Malaysia, record low world oil prices and a slowing China economy. All bad news.<br />
<br />
But hey, I'm no politician. So who wants to hear what I think about the government and the PM right?<br />
<br />
So let's talk turkey.<br />
<br />
After having roasted turkey from Maria's Cafe and Beacon Point, we decided that we like Maria's turkey better, but they don't roast turkey for Christmas anymore. And this year's roast turkey costs about RM450 for a 5 kg bird from most places I called to enquire.<br />
<br />
I decided to take the plunge. Roast my own turkey.<br />
<br />
First find the frozen raw turkey. Not so easy in Ipoh. The main supermarkets, AEON and Tesco don't stock frozen turkey for Christmas anymore, citing "halal" problems. Whatever. So then, what do I do? I texted a friend right in the supermarket aisle. And bless her, she told me she got her frozen turkey from InTrico. Ah, I know that place! So off I went to buy my turkey.<br />
<br />
It was a giant of a bird - 6kg! InTrico didn't have anything smaller, and I didn't want to hunt elsewhere, and then risk my bird in InTrico being sold off. So I bought it.All RM228 of it.<br />
<br />
And came home to my husband giving me a hard time about buying such a big bird, that we would have leftovers forever, blah blah blah. Not a very nice start to my first ever attempt at making a home roasted turkey. Oh well.<br />
<br />
I scoured the internet and found a recipe that I liked from Simply Recipes; described as the family's traditional roast turkey year in year out. I liked the sound of that. And they cook the stuffing separately, because having the stuffing inside the bird makes it harder to roast the turkey evenly. I like that logic too!<br />
<br />
Honestly it was rather nerve wracking roasting such a huge bird. I had to worry about defrosting it completely before roasting (which took 2.5 days) and then seasoning it and watching it (literally) roast whilst in the oven. Of course while the bird was cooking, I was cooking the stuffing and cranberry sauce, making pasta, cutting vegetables and getting the pumpkin soup started.<br />
<br />
And in the middle of all that, my husband walks in and asks why I am roasting the turkey so early (it was about noon, and dinner was going to be at 7pm) Was I roasting it too early? Instructions said it would take at least 3.5 hours to roast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-sin1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/1982259_10208267876356898_6713859728818685548_n.jpg?oh=f8fab264839ced7974e357c5db322980&oe=574201A9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-sin1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/1982259_10208267876356898_6713859728818685548_n.jpg?oh=f8fab264839ced7974e357c5db322980&oe=574201A9" width="220" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-sin1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/1919008_10208267877356923_4725316616367042218_n.jpg?oh=6e8fe23969c016c95914cbc7d4c8e82c&oe=5716BBFC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-sin1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/1919008_10208267877356923_4725316616367042218_n.jpg?oh=6e8fe23969c016c95914cbc7d4c8e82c&oe=5716BBFC" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranberry sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am happy to report that the turkey turned out well, the stuffing was delicious and dinner (all home cooked) was a success.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-sin1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/12390935_10208267877596929_8854524928628042152_n.jpg?oh=381079707b21c0c2ea6d9badd7a623d8&oe=5742EE07" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-sin1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/12390935_10208267877596929_8854524928628042152_n.jpg?oh=381079707b21c0c2ea6d9badd7a623d8&oe=5742EE07" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's encouraging all of you to roast your own turkeys too! If I can do it, so can you.<br />
<br />
My son loved my cranberry sauce and the turkey gravy. My daughter, who usually complains that turkey smells funny, ate her turkey happily this year and said "No smell Mommy!"<br />
<br />
Only spoiler, father in law said, "maybe next year you can cook the stuffing inside the turkey".<br />
(He can, if he wants to.)<br />
KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-82256337795650197122015-11-25T17:35:00.001+08:002015-11-25T17:35:25.731+08:00Homemade Soap - unveiledI waited anxiously for 48 hours. For my soap to harden.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12247089_10208089656381510_7800569135306152402_n.jpg?oh=ce86ac8bdf5015c349841dd3e517c1e6&oe=56F92A27&__gda__=1458193010_bb9787059262baf96423f4376760f64e" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12247089_10208089656381510_7800569135306152402_n.jpg?oh=ce86ac8bdf5015c349841dd3e517c1e6&oe=56F92A27&__gda__=1458193010_bb9787059262baf96423f4376760f64e" width="176" /></a>So with bated breath, I removed the insulating towels from the soap tray. A waft of pleasant lavender greeted me. A creamy white substance sat inside my tray. Was it solid or liquid, that is a success or a failure?<br />
<br />
Gingerly, I touched it. Woohoo! It was solid. It was smooth and silky.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-0/p160x160/12311128_10208089656981525_4803663019378989532_n.jpg?oh=ccf4da98ba7241554c368d06db50c90b&oe=56E408C2&__gda__=1457712187_399090e796cfef395a44cb98fe9d4c51" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://fbcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-0/p160x160/12311128_10208089656981525_4803663019378989532_n.jpg?oh=ccf4da98ba7241554c368d06db50c90b&oe=56E408C2&__gda__=1457712187_399090e796cfef395a44cb98fe9d4c51" /></a>Everything is looking right with this first batch of homemade and handmade soap.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12294850_10208089657381535_2099862521409117784_n.jpg?oh=0f1041af6e6ed7a972b1e61e6960c6cd&oe=56E19EAE&__gda__=1457336684_53afec0cd916950d1c9d36ebf562cfc1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12294850_10208089657381535_2099862521409117784_n.jpg?oh=0f1041af6e6ed7a972b1e61e6960c6cd&oe=56E19EAE&__gda__=1457336684_53afec0cd916950d1c9d36ebf562cfc1" width="176" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, the next wait will be longer, 4 to 6 weeks for the soap to cure. They are now sitting in my study area.<br />
<br />
Shall I order more oils to make another batch of soap?<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-67538500000799576292015-11-23T18:44:00.000+08:002015-11-23T18:44:26.375+08:00Homemade SoapI made soap today. The cold process method.<br />
<br />
It's still sitting in the tray, hardening for the next 24 hours. Only then will I know whether Project Soap is a success. <br />
<br />
This year has seen a lot of firsts in homemade products for me, like my breads and rolls, and collagen soup, and now soap.<br />
<br />
I saw a few posts on FB regarding hand made soap, and with the drastic decline in the value of the RM this year, our usual soap costs a lot more. We use One with Nature, an American brand that uses Dead Sea minerals. The soaps are mild, and my kids don't step out of the shower with red blotches on their skin like they do if they use other readily-available commercial brands.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12279129_10208079494087459_6822096277477942143_n.jpg?oh=e2cb6197b648a302c8649157dbfad7a1&oe=56B1FECB&__gda__=1454273574_99b82c3fedd139cf3a1d41ff657b34fe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12279129_10208079494087459_6822096277477942143_n.jpg?oh=e2cb6197b648a302c8649157dbfad7a1&oe=56B1FECB&__gda__=1454273574_99b82c3fedd139cf3a1d41ff657b34fe" width="110" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lye solution</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So I thought why not try soap making? Doesn't seem that hard. And the attraction for me was the thought of making soap that is all natural and chemical free.<br />
<br />
Alas, soap cannot be entirely chemical free. It has to have lye (sodium hydroxide) to interact with the fatty molecules of oil in order to saponify into soap. At least, that is the ONLY chemical in home made soap.<br />
<br />
The ingredients for making soap are delightfully simple: water, oil and lye. That's it.<br />
<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/11046271_10208079493647448_3120413171112076811_n.jpg?oh=3361c00d1bb28cd9e013f866182911bb&oe=56DD9AB6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/11046271_10208079493647448_3120413171112076811_n.jpg?oh=3361c00d1bb28cd9e013f866182911bb&oe=56DD9AB6" width="176" /></a><br />
The Youtube videos on soap making give dire warnings of the potential dangers of lye - it is a caustic alkaline substance that will burn you upon contact, and the fumes it produces when dissolved into water are powerful.<br />
<br />
So I had to do some psyching up before taking the plunge. I purchased my first soap making kit from Soap Lab and designated my work area outside the house; the patio by the fish pond and bamboo hedge just outside the family room. Perfect.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12107722_10208079494527470_35322372288945481_n.jpg?oh=4740a0ac14dbc8dbd7883bf286ec3650&oe=56F61F8D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12107722_10208079494527470_35322372288945481_n.jpg?oh=4740a0ac14dbc8dbd7883bf286ec3650&oe=56F61F8D" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I achieved trace very quickly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everything went well today; I set up my work table, I laid out my utensils, I weighed out my ingredients, I suited up with goggles and gloves and mask, and I kept the children and pets away.<br />
<br />
Now I wait.<br />
<br />KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-44162133657947782132015-11-17T16:12:00.002+08:002015-11-17T16:12:55.500+08:00Bone broth or is it collagen soup?OK. Is this fact or fad?<br />
<br />
Sure, any home made, home brewed, home boiled stuff is good. I believe that. I'm sure you do too.<br />
<br />
But it seems in the last couple of years, bone broth is touted to contain lots of minerals and amino acids that may help us look younger, feel younger all on account of the collagen potential.<br />
<br />
So much so that there are collagen soup restaurants and take-aways.<br />
<br />
So, after a very brief read-through on the net and on FB, I went to the market early, got my stuff and made myself a batch of bone broth.<br />
<br />
<b>My bone broth recipe</b><br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12243474_10208029340153642_8942750706026094244_n.jpg?oh=5bf1b9299bad6113b2ab636bff95333a&oe=56EEE013&__gda__=1458359660_0de25dbff3c46aa473553703586fe233" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12243474_10208029340153642_8942750706026094244_n.jpg?oh=5bf1b9299bad6113b2ab636bff95333a&oe=56EEE013&__gda__=1458359660_0de25dbff3c46aa473553703586fe233" width="176" /></a>2 pork knuckles<br />
2 chicken carcasses<br />
1kg of chicken feet<br />
5litres of water<br />
<br />
Place everything into a large pot and let it boil on high for 10-15 minutes then lower it to a simmer for about 6 hours.<br />
<br />
Remove all bones and allow broth to cool.<br />
<br />
I then spooned it into containers and placed into the fridge, waiting anxiously for it to gell. I read that only if the broth gells, have you got it right as the broth then contains enough of the nutrients to become jello.<br />
<br />
Well, I'm happy to report that my broth gelled wonderfully. Doesn't it look like a piece of smooth raw fish? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/11230973_10208026223835736_3951416840848292154_n.jpg?oh=424bb14f5da3bdfde5bf76102a752e95&oe=56AF591A&__gda__=1458797797_411f5777f22e0f5e64fb60df3dce36f7" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/11230973_10208026223835736_3951416840848292154_n.jpg?oh=424bb14f5da3bdfde5bf76102a752e95&oe=56AF591A&__gda__=1458797797_411f5777f22e0f5e64fb60df3dce36f7" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Note: </u>I was told that 6 hours is not long enough to leach out the calcium from the bones. The person who told me this also said that the bones should be brittle and can be broken with a fork by the end of the process - well, my bones were falling apart! Then someone else said that a chef said it's utter nonsense, as one should only boil for 1/2 hour otherwise all the nutrients are destroyed. (I don't believe that chef). Yet someone said you should boil for 24 hours. Oh, and another person said the bones should be presoaked in apple cider vinegar first.<br />
<br />
<u>Conclusion: </u>You gotta decide for yourself. But for me, heck I'm not gonna boil for 24 hours. Enjoy! KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-36774856404895251552015-11-17T16:12:00.001+08:002015-11-17T16:12:48.216+08:00Baking journeyWow! Time flies. I haven't been to my blog in a year. 2015 has just flown by.<br />
<br />
It seems that with the kids in Form 1 and Standard 4, I am just as busy as when they were babes! Instead of feeding and cleaning them, it's ferrying them to and from classes, guiding them in their lessons and just engaging with them in their lives.<br />
<br />
Well, apart from the happy routine of a SAHM, we had a wonderful holiday in Austria this year, and in September, I dug out my Breville bread maker (BM) from storage and gave it its purpose in life once again.<br />
<br />
For this, I must thank a friend who encouraged me to bake breads. Looking at all her marvelous photos of buns and loaves, I was inspired to try as she assured me that the BM is a great help. And it sure is!<br />
<br />
I hate messes. So it follows that I dislike kneading dough with my hands as my hands get dirty, the counter top gets dirty, the floor might get dirty and so on. Here is where the BM is such a wonderful tool as it kneads for you and you have a wonderfully kneaded and rested ball of dough. So wonderfully clean!<br />
<br />
The same friend gave me my first bread recipe, and it was a success.<br />
<a href="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12143353_10207956107562873_7762603370856892552_n.jpg?oh=147f16583cae6ff63c788eca8ab838fc&oe=56F7D1D4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-kul1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12143353_10207956107562873_7762603370856892552_n.jpg?oh=147f16583cae6ff63c788eca8ab838fc&oe=56F7D1D4" width="176" /></a><br />
<b>Happiness Bread Recipe</b><br />
150g fresh milk<br />
1 egg<br />
300 g bread flour<br />
20g milk powder<br />
1g salt <br />
60g sugar<br />
<br />
5g yeast<br />
30g butter <br />
<br />
After more than 8 years of not even looking at my BM, to use it again felt great.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11214093_10207885231551017_7262411978173362731_n.jpg?oh=426bb5569e68c42e5f2deaba3e9d3616&oe=56AD62DC&__gda__=1457955865_829d92f8350d08a60624944001972b53" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11214093_10207885231551017_7262411978173362731_n.jpg?oh=426bb5569e68c42e5f2deaba3e9d3616&oe=56AD62DC&__gda__=1457955865_829d92f8350d08a60624944001972b53" width="176" /></a>With this new-found confidence, I went on to experiment with more breads. I am quite bad at baking, but the BM almost always guarantees success. If you would like to make your own breads, and don't have a BM, I highly recommend you getting one.<br />
<br />
The egg bread was next in my to do list, which I paired with a lovely Egyptian beef stew. After that it was Milo buns, banana loaf, cinnamon rolls, Hokkaido milk loaf etc. and the baking journey isn't over. <br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/12042837_10207771569829545_6781149659604977125_n.jpg?oh=77978237271b288e96c5a81ba1b31cbc&oe=56EACF7F&__gda__=1458490758_8ce0718f9759d0b685c621462706aa2d" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/12042837_10207771569829545_6781149659604977125_n.jpg?oh=77978237271b288e96c5a81ba1b31cbc&oe=56EACF7F&__gda__=1458490758_8ce0718f9759d0b685c621462706aa2d" width="176" /></a><br />
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KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-60693831628927916262014-11-15T19:44:00.001+08:002014-11-15T19:44:34.019+08:00Why is Chinese (Mandarin) so difficult to learn?I just read that Mark Zuckerberg spoke in Mandarin during his Q&A at Beijing's Tsinghua University.<br />
<br />
I watched the <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/03/world/asia/china-language-learning-jaime-florcruz/index.html?hpt=ias_r1">video</a> in the article and frankly, I could hardly make out what he was saying, but the Chinese audience seemed to get it. <br />
<br />
The article went on to discuss how extremely daunting it is to learn Chinese if you are not native Chinese and / or not living in China where people speak the language the whole day.<br />
<br />
I wholeheartedly agree with the reasons given in the article as to why it is so damn hard to learn Chinese:<br />
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph21">
-- Because the writing system is ridiculous.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph22">
-- Because the language doesn't have the common sense to use an alphabet.</div>
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-- Because the writing system just ain't very phonetic.</div>
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-- Because tonal languages are weird;</div>
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-- Because East is East and West is West, and the twain have only recently met.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
Uh, that last reason probably just applies to Westerners.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
I am a Malaysian-Chinese. I did not learn Chinese growing up, but instead learned my country's national language, Bahasa Malaysia and of course English. My family speaks the Cantonese dialect at home, and I picked up a smattering of spoken Mandarin from my mother who was educated in the Chinese medium of instruction. I also picked up the tiniest knowledge of the Hokkien dialect from Hokkien colleagues at work. </div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
Now, my 2 children attend Chinese vernacular schools where they are instructed primarily in Mandarin, but also learn Bahasa Malaysia and English. It has been very tough going to keep them in Chinese schools when both my husband and I are illiterate in Chinese.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
I just cannot comprehend how an entire language can be constructed with no alphabetical structure. Chinese words seem to have been created at the whim and fancy of whoever it was that conceived the language. A large part of learning Chinese is having to memorise words, to memorise how those words are supposed to be written (this stroke first followed by a curve then a dot then another slash etc.) and to memorise how those words sound.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
It is so simple in English: if you come across a new word, one you have never ever seen in your life, you can at least pronounce it. That's half the battle won. No such luck in Chinese!</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
Whenever my kids come across a new Chinese word, they are well and truly stuck.My kids are intelligent and I know they would do much better in their exams and school ranking if not for Chinese derailing them. I continually encourage them and tell them so.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
I am proud and happy that despite the difficulty of learning Chinese my kids have persevered in Chinese schools and not asked to be put back into the English or Bahasa Malaysia medium schools.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph28">
It has so often been said that the world is now witnessing "a major shift in economic and cultural influence,
from the U.S. to China," hence raising the profile of the Chinese language. </div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph28">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph28">
For me, I feel it is good to learn more languages and being ethnically Chinese, there is that added obligation.</div>
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</div>
KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-9483677117105281982014-11-07T21:09:00.000+08:002014-11-07T21:09:08.904+08:00My first mammogramI went for my first mammogram 2 days ago. <br />
<br />
Being above 40 (under 45) my doctor said it's time to do it. I've been asking for it the last couple of years but she said wait a few years.<br />
<br />
<br />
I live in Ipoh and my doctor told me to go to the Ipoh Specialist Hospital(ISH), part of the KPJ group. No problem with that. It's close to home and well established in Ipoh.<br />
<br />
<b>What did I expect from my first mammogram?</b><br />
<br />
I was expecting discomfort, some pain and embarrassment.<br />
<br />
This was my experience :<br />
<br />
<b>1. Register at the radiology department</b><br />
<br />
This is on the ground floor of ISH, the same level as the covered parking. It was relatively quiet at the hospital today (Yay! Means not many people are sick and more people are enjoying good health, hopefully). There were 2 patients ahead of me and 2 patients after. Out of the 5 of us only 3 were going for the mammogram.<br />
<br />
It was a short wait. I was called in after about 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
<b>2. The mammogram room</b><br />
<br />
The technician brought me to the mammo room with some small chit chat along the way ~ is this your first time, are you married etc. It was an appreciated distraction.<br />
<br />
The mammo room was small but adequate. It contained a small changing area with curtains, the mammo machine and the control desk.<br />
<br />
I was asked to undress from the waist up. No robe. Then I noticed my name lighted up in a display panel at the foot of the machine.<br />
<br />
Even though the technician is a lady I still felt awkward stepping out from behind the curtains when she called me. She asked me to take off my shoes and stand close to the machine.<br />
<br />
<b>3. The positioning</b><br />
<br />
Now, people have mentioned the pain and discomfort but nobody said anything to me about the awkward poses expected of you and the effort needed to position your breasts just right onto the plastic plate!<br />
<br />
I am doing a 3D mammo today. I don't know how different an experience that would be from a 2D mammo.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-a-kul.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/522055_10205178679448906_4143328216073626962_n.jpg?oh=49175b46f8e6e0e8570546f13a0b0ccf&oe=54E7D860" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-kul.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/522055_10205178679448906_4143328216073626962_n.jpg?oh=49175b46f8e6e0e8570546f13a0b0ccf&oe=54E7D860" width="180" /></a></div>
Now, here is the big mammo machine. You see the black lower plastic plate? And the upper clear plastic plate?<br />
<br />
Well, one has to position the object of scrutiny nicely between the 2 plastic plates. The technician explained to me that that the image would be taken from 2 angles for each side, so 2x2 in total 4 times.<br />
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Right.<br />
<br />
The first angle: I was asked to stand directly in front of the machine. The lower black plate was positioned exactly beneath the breast. Lean forward slightly for the technician to lower the upper plate that would then compress the breast as much as possible. The technician needs to help you position the breast correctly onto the lower plate for the upper plate to compress it the way it should.<br />
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Did it hurt? For me, yes!<br />
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The technician tells me to hold that position and to avert my face slightly away from the top of the machine as she said the machine will move when taking the image.<br />
<br />
<br />
The technician retreated to her control desk, leaving me trapped and feeling extremely vulnerable. Oh, and in pain. The machine then swiveled above my head from left to right, making an almost 180 degree arc. Done.<br />
<br />
I am released from the painful grip momentarily until I got into position #2. This time I had to stand at an angle, with my hip close to one corner of the lower black plate. I was told that I had to assume a leaning stance. How?<br />
<br />
The technician pushed me forward and asked me to extend my right hand forward to grab a hand-hold in front of me. At the same time my upper body was half-lying on the black plate. The technician had to do a lot of handling of the breast to get it just so onto the black plate while again lowering the upper plate to compress the breast. She didn't get it compressed to her satisfaction so she raised the upper plate, readjusted my body's position and maneuvered my breast onto the black plate until it was just right. The pressure came back on.<br />
<br />
"Right! Stay right there! Don't move! And remember to tilt your face back."<br />
<br />
I think I gritted my teeth.<br />
<br />
And this was repeated for the other side. <br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaCBjzOhTTWiyfGlH2XPW_X_drwWg-yVvcUMxDW2vCYM6BgJZ30A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaCBjzOhTTWiyfGlH2XPW_X_drwWg-yVvcUMxDW2vCYM6BgJZ30A" width="113" /></a><br />
Then, it was done. The technician was professional and polite, apologizing for the discomfort numerous times.<br />
<br />
<b>Screening is important </b><br />
<br />
Despite the discomfort and awkwardness of the procedure, we are fortunate that medical science has come so far in providing a way to detect potential breast abnormalities. I have relatives and friends who have suffered from breast cancer. My cousin-in-law impressed on me the importance of regular screening and early detection.<br />
<br />
I hope and pray for good health, for myself and you.KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023110337456057160.post-7447120931536934992014-10-13T18:17:00.000+08:002014-10-13T18:17:03.838+08:00Buy a house get a BMWHousing deals are getting more creative!<br />
<br />
Even here in Ipoh, not exactly the Big Apple or in our case, the Twin Corn, of the country.<br />
<br />
One Sunday morn, we went to have a look at Golf View Residences.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1780673_10204992924965160_3008564289010525896_n.jpg?oh=e85d670d6ecfe06b17bf6422cf18fa70&oe=54F44E8D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1780673_10204992924965160_3008564289010525896_n.jpg?oh=e85d670d6ecfe06b17bf6422cf18fa70&oe=54F44E8D" width="180" /></a>It is a small development of not more than 20 semi-detached houses located within Taman Golf. It is a gated and guarded enclave inside Taman Golf.<br />
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The houses are designed in 3 levels, with each unit equipped with a lift.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10672288_10204992924605151_5448329230581119693_n.jpg?oh=9481fe65b4b10049495ad69962339786&oe=54C65BEE&__gda__=1420470161_df7becbb5bf70018a3747611a8b835cd" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10672288_10204992924605151_5448329230581119693_n.jpg?oh=9481fe65b4b10049495ad69962339786&oe=54C65BEE&__gda__=1420470161_df7becbb5bf70018a3747611a8b835cd" width="180" /></a>IF you don't want the lift, you may swap it for a brand new BMW. It is a smart partnership between the developer Kai Zen and Tian Siang, the BMW distributor here.<br />
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Prices for the houses start from about RM1.5million.KL girl now in Ipohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00040156454448597566noreply@blogger.com0