It's my first time. Making rendang from scratch! No MSG. No colors. No preservatives. And most definitely no perencahs =)
Well, it turned out ok. While I personally think mama's version is much, much nicer. Adil n Haz thinks it tastes the same like hers. So I sms mama, told her how it turned out and how I think of it. She replied, 'Of course la tak sama. Mana boleh lawan pro and amateur. It takes time. Org semua puji my cooking, you should be able to take over the appreciation like me and my mother. Our only daughter.' Adoi.. pressure.. pressure..
I do enjoy cooking. While both Mama, Makcha, my late grandmother (Mama's mom), Mama's half sisters and most women I know on Mama's side could expertly with no doubt cook up a storm, I'm no where near a drizzle of rain. Well, I'm maybe just a few drops. Mama's cooking has been and still am, the talk of her in-laws. Papa comes from siblings of 13. Now with most of them married, with kids and some with grandchildrens, I'll leave to your imaginations how large my extended family on Papa's side is. Sometimes I don't remember their names or how I should address them. Whenever we hold an event, Mama's cooking is what they all look forward to. Come to think of it, Papa's sisters (only 2 of them left now, from 4) are also excellent cooks. Cik Ton's opor, Mak Ngah's kuih bakar (the talk of the town, in Pekan), to name a few. My uncle Bi (Mama's cousin, i think), was a cook for the royalties in Pahang. He used to live in the castle.
So I am surrounded by great cooks. Somehow, at 12 I wrote down in my small book how to make Milo. I only learnt how to fry an egg at 12. Rice, maybe 13 or 14. I first learnt to make nasi goreng (it was horrible!) at maybe 16 or 17. And a dish of chicken pieces with lots of soy sauce to feed Tok Cha (Makcha's mom, yes, she's still alive with severe dementia) at 16 or 17, which sadly, I don't think her taste buds are working too well at the time.
So how did I come from such an ignorant brat to being able to say I'm enjoying it?
Living to feed myself on my own, with very limited budget, overseas (this highlights it) and to have once had made the most crappy and spicy chicken masak merah for dinner. I tried to finish it but the next day I had to throw them away (wasted food and money). I had also made this horrible, horrible dish once that made me feel like throwing up.
I think it all started in April 2005 when Papa and Mama came over to visit. They brought all the perencahs I've never set my eyes on before. So very slowly I learned by looking at the ingredients they have on the packet expecially when that's the last perencah left in my stock. Also having to know this girl back in Magill. Emma. She loves Asian food and spicy. Her tastes are also more towards Thai cuisines. That's where my search, practice and a lot of common sense to cooking starts. While I don't mind cooking, she doesn't seem to mind requesting meals. So I reckon, that's where it all started.
Although I was totally ignorant with cooking, I took a lot of interest in baking. Everytime Raya comes, I'd make batches of kuih raya and cakes for my old uncles and aunties. They look forward to them every year till I came here. Every Puasa month, numerous recipe books my mom bought when we were in US would spread our kitchen table while I search for cookies to make. I most love the time when my cousins, nephews and nieces come over and started pointing out which cookies they want. Our open house every year would always be filled with my kuih rayas and cakes. The famous Blackforest Cheesecake, a highlight.
It's been 2 years now since I've stopped making kuih rayas. Maybe I should start again this year. Since I'll be starting a family soon. Maybe I should..
Friday, August 31, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Mohawk and San Remo
Aroma has reduced it's size and flavour to their San Remo so I decided to try making them at home instead. But of course with lots of alterations to suit with whatever there is available in our fridge =) The avocado oil infused with lime made the chicken extra extra yummy!It's been awhile since last I had Korean food so for we headed to the Korean BBQ place. But of course it is no comparison to the ones in Korea town *sigh* However, we were SO stuffed and took a walk around, had coffee before a movie night. After watching TV the other day on steamboat, I feel like having some. Any ideas where we can find one?
I've finally chosen a place for a bday dinner celebration with my beloved. And I've also a cake in mind. We've not made reservations yet, leaving me options if I decide to change my mind =) *which is likely, eh?*
My baby has turned mohawk.
And may I say, it really suits him.
*i like!*
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Chermoula
Lamb marinated with chermoula spice with homemade salad dressing *yum*
Yes, I'm back to cooking again. Never tried chermoula before and decided to try it on and it was yummy. Went well with my salad dressing. Well, that's what we had for lunch with a movie marathon.
Then we left for Glenelg for a walk and ice cream, watched sunset and dinner at Scampi (and yes, it is pricely and you don't see people wearing thongs and t-shirts in the restaurants). Lucky we dressed well =p That would be a perfect place for a celebration in style, with good, sweet, fresh seafood like no other. No rubbery calamari or flaky scallops. And we had some good, light conversation.
Good walk, excellent view, fresh food, thoughtful conversation, with the one I'm crazily in love with, what more could I ask for?
I'd have to say tonight was one of the highlights of my week ;)
thank you, b
Yes, I'm back to cooking again. Never tried chermoula before and decided to try it on and it was yummy. Went well with my salad dressing. Well, that's what we had for lunch with a movie marathon.
Then we left for Glenelg for a walk and ice cream, watched sunset and dinner at Scampi (and yes, it is pricely and you don't see people wearing thongs and t-shirts in the restaurants). Lucky we dressed well =p That would be a perfect place for a celebration in style, with good, sweet, fresh seafood like no other. No rubbery calamari or flaky scallops. And we had some good, light conversation.
Good walk, excellent view, fresh food, thoughtful conversation, with the one I'm crazily in love with, what more could I ask for?
I'd have to say tonight was one of the highlights of my week ;)
thank you, b
Friday, August 24, 2007
Friday
It's my favourite day of the week (who doesn't?)
Apart from the fact it's the end of the week and the last work day for most people, today is our groceries shopping day! The market here closes late til 9pm tonite so we usually go after he gets off from work.
On a different note.
I came across someone today complaining and whining about not getting along with his/her housemates. So far (as I can recall), I've heard 6 people having problems with their housemates and they all share few things in common. All from 'I'm tired cleaning up after them' to 'they entered my room'. Mama mentioned something to me the other day and got me thinking. This is my last chance of experience living with other people. Approximately half a year from now, I'd be living, running and having my own household! How creepy.
So from my past few experiences of living with other people as little as 1 other to a number of 9 people in the house, here are some things I've learnt to take note upon.
Room
Always try to ensure you have your own space to put your things in the kitchen, fridge and freezer, living room, shoe rack and laundry.
No matter how close you are to your housemates, knock and listen before entering your housemate's room. This is a sign of respect to other's privacy. You don't demand respect from others, you gain them by showing yours.
However messy you like to live in, it is your business, it is your room and no one can make you clean up. (Unless if you're sharing rooms, then good luck! I've only shared my room once before, in high school. I attended a boarding school for 3 yrs and bcos it's a private school, we only get to share one room with another girl. Some say, lucky. Looking at my brother today, I must say, I agree.)
Kitchen
Kitchen area and living area are common areas hence they are shared areas. Try not to leave your dishes washed or unwashed (no one wants to see your leftovers) in the sink or any other areas that you and your housemates may want to use on later on.
Allow time for yourself to clean up after your meal. Cleaning up after yourselves not only allow other people to use the kitchen but also leaves yourselves and other housemates to minimal 'spring clean' when required. Ever heard of the word responsibility? Yeah, well this is where you can work on it.
If you're sharing pots and pans, cutleries, dinner sets, cleaning them up after using them would be a good idea to allow other housemates the chance to use them.
If stove is shared, try wiping up the stove after you cook. Again, if everyone does their fair bit, this can minimize 'spring clean'. Encourage every housemate to do the same. Or you can try doing what we did (while living with 9 other), lay and stick foil over stove (cut up the burner part) and each time after cooking (or once a week), especially when you've made a right mess, lift the foil up and throw it in the bin. Warning: this may increase your budget on foils =)
Living Room
This is the best I can give.
Clean up after yourself! Whatever bits and pieces of paper, food, gum wraps, tissue, anything that is left behind by you, pick them up and throw them in the bin. It's little things as these that can build up and turn into a mess within a week of vacuuming.
Try wiping up the dining table after your meal. You'll be surprised to see how easy it is to be dirty after one meal.
Other Areas
Spring cleaning once a month is fine if the house is dirty. If not, don't bother. Generally, if every housemate do their little bit and not expect other people to clean up after them, 'spring cleaning' once a few months is also fine.
If you can't stand cleaning up, a good thumb rule;
put your dirty dishes, wrappers, tissues, dirt, all in your room. You can live with it, don't expect others to. Then it's up to you to clean whenever you want to. But make sure your dishes are yours though. Or your landlord will be chasing you for them.
Living with other people is not easy. Heck, living with your spouse is not easy, let alone with other people. At home, we are used to maids, cleaners, or family members whom don't mind cleaning up after us (believe me, I have and still am living with platoons of maids/helpers back in Msia, eventhough we have a dryer and a dishwasher, so trust me, I know how it feels). Friends, other people, they are not family so don't expect too much from them. Think about your actions and try to make living together easy by doing to others, what you'd want them do to you. However, if you do other people's dishes to expect them do yours, think again ;)
To avoid any misunderstandings (with a high chance of some 'typical' malays reading this), I will have to add here.
I am NOT a perfect housemate (you may ask Adil n Haz since I'm living with them, at the moment for opinions)
I am NOT a good housemate either. However, I can be the worst housemate you'll ever met if I want to.
I have my limits and wrong-doings.
I am NOT trying to be funny or put other people down.
I am also NOT not proud being a malay myself. I have all reasons in the world to be proud of my own nationality. It is the attitude and perception of some within the nationality that is, to my belief (and only mine, no one else. You may disagree all you want) needs to be improved upon.
This entry is also a mere touch to my understanding and experience from living with other people as a housemate.
*Now how did an entry supposed to be about Friday turned out to be about housemates? I really am nuts..*
Apart from the fact it's the end of the week and the last work day for most people, today is our groceries shopping day! The market here closes late til 9pm tonite so we usually go after he gets off from work.
On a different note.
I came across someone today complaining and whining about not getting along with his/her housemates. So far (as I can recall), I've heard 6 people having problems with their housemates and they all share few things in common. All from 'I'm tired cleaning up after them' to 'they entered my room'. Mama mentioned something to me the other day and got me thinking. This is my last chance of experience living with other people. Approximately half a year from now, I'd be living, running and having my own household! How creepy.
So from my past few experiences of living with other people as little as 1 other to a number of 9 people in the house, here are some things I've learnt to take note upon.
Room
Always try to ensure you have your own space to put your things in the kitchen, fridge and freezer, living room, shoe rack and laundry.
No matter how close you are to your housemates, knock and listen before entering your housemate's room. This is a sign of respect to other's privacy. You don't demand respect from others, you gain them by showing yours.
However messy you like to live in, it is your business, it is your room and no one can make you clean up. (Unless if you're sharing rooms, then good luck! I've only shared my room once before, in high school. I attended a boarding school for 3 yrs and bcos it's a private school, we only get to share one room with another girl. Some say, lucky. Looking at my brother today, I must say, I agree.)
Kitchen
Kitchen area and living area are common areas hence they are shared areas. Try not to leave your dishes washed or unwashed (no one wants to see your leftovers) in the sink or any other areas that you and your housemates may want to use on later on.
Allow time for yourself to clean up after your meal. Cleaning up after yourselves not only allow other people to use the kitchen but also leaves yourselves and other housemates to minimal 'spring clean' when required. Ever heard of the word responsibility? Yeah, well this is where you can work on it.
If you're sharing pots and pans, cutleries, dinner sets, cleaning them up after using them would be a good idea to allow other housemates the chance to use them.
If stove is shared, try wiping up the stove after you cook. Again, if everyone does their fair bit, this can minimize 'spring clean'. Encourage every housemate to do the same. Or you can try doing what we did (while living with 9 other), lay and stick foil over stove (cut up the burner part) and each time after cooking (or once a week), especially when you've made a right mess, lift the foil up and throw it in the bin. Warning: this may increase your budget on foils =)
Living Room
This is the best I can give.
Clean up after yourself! Whatever bits and pieces of paper, food, gum wraps, tissue, anything that is left behind by you, pick them up and throw them in the bin. It's little things as these that can build up and turn into a mess within a week of vacuuming.
Try wiping up the dining table after your meal. You'll be surprised to see how easy it is to be dirty after one meal.
Other Areas
Spring cleaning once a month is fine if the house is dirty. If not, don't bother. Generally, if every housemate do their little bit and not expect other people to clean up after them, 'spring cleaning' once a few months is also fine.
If you can't stand cleaning up, a good thumb rule;
put your dirty dishes, wrappers, tissues, dirt, all in your room. You can live with it, don't expect others to. Then it's up to you to clean whenever you want to. But make sure your dishes are yours though. Or your landlord will be chasing you for them.
Living with other people is not easy. Heck, living with your spouse is not easy, let alone with other people. At home, we are used to maids, cleaners, or family members whom don't mind cleaning up after us (believe me, I have and still am living with platoons of maids/helpers back in Msia, eventhough we have a dryer and a dishwasher, so trust me, I know how it feels). Friends, other people, they are not family so don't expect too much from them. Think about your actions and try to make living together easy by doing to others, what you'd want them do to you. However, if you do other people's dishes to expect them do yours, think again ;)
To avoid any misunderstandings (with a high chance of some 'typical' malays reading this), I will have to add here.
I am NOT a perfect housemate (you may ask Adil n Haz since I'm living with them, at the moment for opinions)
I am NOT a good housemate either. However, I can be the worst housemate you'll ever met if I want to.
I have my limits and wrong-doings.
I am NOT trying to be funny or put other people down.
I am also NOT not proud being a malay myself. I have all reasons in the world to be proud of my own nationality. It is the attitude and perception of some within the nationality that is, to my belief (and only mine, no one else. You may disagree all you want) needs to be improved upon.
This entry is also a mere touch to my understanding and experience from living with other people as a housemate.
*Now how did an entry supposed to be about Friday turned out to be about housemates? I really am nuts..*
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Another step
So it's back to normal life again. Another episode closed.
My plants died. One small stalk of parsley trying hard to stand and be strong for me so I watered it today.
I actually have absolutely no idea what to do after this. My status; officially unemployed with lots of food (leftovers from my parent's stay). My options? HUGE! He has widened my eyes into so many choices and showed me how lucky I am. *y'know what, b. I still hope you're right*
Due to May's multiple invitation and the news recently labelling it as 'a waste of time', I had joined Facebook. Still have absolutely not much idea of how it works but slowly learning.
Maybe I should start experimenting new recipes and baking breads/goodies. Yea, that sounds good for a start.
My plants died. One small stalk of parsley trying hard to stand and be strong for me so I watered it today.
I actually have absolutely no idea what to do after this. My status; officially unemployed with lots of food (leftovers from my parent's stay). My options? HUGE! He has widened my eyes into so many choices and showed me how lucky I am. *y'know what, b. I still hope you're right*
Due to May's multiple invitation and the news recently labelling it as 'a waste of time', I had joined Facebook. Still have absolutely not much idea of how it works but slowly learning.
Maybe I should start experimenting new recipes and baking breads/goodies. Yea, that sounds good for a start.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Disclaimer
I have wanted to blog this for quite a long time actually.
This is to those who still doesn't get it.
What I write in here is what I want to write.
It comes straight from the head and heart as I lay my fingers on the keyboard.
It is my own expression of my thoughts, my feelings and my ideas.
This has everything to do with me but if you feel that it has something to do with you, then that's probably because it has to do with me and you.
I do not use names inappropriately or intend to influence other people to dislike anyone.
This blog is my creation, my world, my story, my words, my space.
Hence, this is my right.
Now, how about knowing your rights.
If you happen to not like what I write, then don't read =)
This is to those who still doesn't get it.
What I write in here is what I want to write.
It comes straight from the head and heart as I lay my fingers on the keyboard.
It is my own expression of my thoughts, my feelings and my ideas.
This has everything to do with me but if you feel that it has something to do with you, then that's probably because it has to do with me and you.
I do not use names inappropriately or intend to influence other people to dislike anyone.
This blog is my creation, my world, my story, my words, my space.
Hence, this is my right.
Now, how about knowing your rights.
If you happen to not like what I write, then don't read =)
Monday, August 20, 2007
7 months
Still going on.. =)
Since we've the car, we bought cheesecake at the Cheesecake Shop only to disappoint ourselves.
Dear God.
i know i wish for many things.
and to add to the list,
today i wish i can open a cheesecake shop =)
Since we've the car, we bought cheesecake at the Cheesecake Shop only to disappoint ourselves.
Dear God.
i know i wish for many things.
and to add to the list,
today i wish i can open a cheesecake shop =)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
They left
And he cried. Tears welled up in his eyes.
Waving his good hand at me.
I wonder if it's now that he felt the way I did when I left him at the airport with my beloved to come here.
So slowly he wiped his eyes with his fingers and went back to do what he has to do. Gave me one last good look and disappeared.
It is as if there's many things he wants to say.
And somehow couldn't gather the words together.
I know he heard our argument the night before. I know he understands what I meant. I know he knows.. we both know, what she did and is doing. Because that's when he stirred and stroke a conversation. That's also, after a long while before I tuck-in, when he told me what he thinks, as if trying to convince and tell that nothing else matters because he approves.
So I replied, 'ntah la, pa.'
'Kenapa ija kata mcm tu?'
'Takde apa, pa.'
I didn't want to continue. I didn't have to.
Waving his good hand at me.
I wonder if it's now that he felt the way I did when I left him at the airport with my beloved to come here.
So slowly he wiped his eyes with his fingers and went back to do what he has to do. Gave me one last good look and disappeared.
It is as if there's many things he wants to say.
And somehow couldn't gather the words together.
I know he heard our argument the night before. I know he understands what I meant. I know he knows.. we both know, what she did and is doing. Because that's when he stirred and stroke a conversation. That's also, after a long while before I tuck-in, when he told me what he thinks, as if trying to convince and tell that nothing else matters because he approves.
So I replied, 'ntah la, pa.'
'Kenapa ija kata mcm tu?'
'Takde apa, pa.'
I didn't want to continue. I didn't have to.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
A Re view
August is here and soon it'll be September,
then with all bustles of puasa and raya,
the year comes to an end and a new year begins.
Here I am, close to reaching 26,
had started this year with something new.
Life changing moments.
The thing is, I do feel like a different person.
Interests change,
priority shifts,
perception deter,
values strengthen,
responsibility increase.
Maybe this is it.
This is the new step.
After all.. I am about to enter a new world.
Perhaps I am ready after all. *cross fingers*
then with all bustles of puasa and raya,
the year comes to an end and a new year begins.
Here I am, close to reaching 26,
had started this year with something new.
Life changing moments.
The thing is, I do feel like a different person.
Interests change,
priority shifts,
perception deter,
values strengthen,
responsibility increase.
Maybe this is it.
This is the new step.
After all.. I am about to enter a new world.
Perhaps I am ready after all. *cross fingers*
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Mushrooms
We absolutely LOVE mushrooms.
It's in our grocery list every week.
Enough of Thai cuisines, we viewed Italian cuisines now. So far only 2 places high in our list.
I tried my hands at making 'buah melaka' aka 'onde-onde'. I was nervous cos I like them soft and gooey but I'm afraid it would turn out hard. So I was careful making them. And guess what? The texture turned out nice, soft, gooey and green, but I've put in too little palm sugar in the centre. Sigh.
It's in our grocery list every week.
Enough of Thai cuisines, we viewed Italian cuisines now. So far only 2 places high in our list.
I tried my hands at making 'buah melaka' aka 'onde-onde'. I was nervous cos I like them soft and gooey but I'm afraid it would turn out hard. So I was careful making them. And guess what? The texture turned out nice, soft, gooey and green, but I've put in too little palm sugar in the centre. Sigh.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Bustle
Woke up today with a plan in mind.
Sitting by myself relaxing in a coffee shop at a shopping mall far away from town, letting my mind wander and go off as far as it want to, while watching people pass by.
I was still dreaming.
So today went rather the opposite. Somehow my beloved decided to ditch work and spend time with me off in my far-away land. I need a 'new' environment (as if Sydney and Perth is not enough, eh? hehe). So we went to my far-away land, had late lunch and binge on junk with Simpsons movie. Being a fan of the Simpsons series, the movie was rather disappointing. To me, the least. They could and have done better. But we had good laughs.
When we reach home, I called home and told them the news. We watched some TV then headed for pizza and few drinks.
Trying to swallow my guilt.
Sitting by myself relaxing in a coffee shop at a shopping mall far away from town, letting my mind wander and go off as far as it want to, while watching people pass by.
I was still dreaming.
So today went rather the opposite. Somehow my beloved decided to ditch work and spend time with me off in my far-away land. I need a 'new' environment (as if Sydney and Perth is not enough, eh? hehe). So we went to my far-away land, had late lunch and binge on junk with Simpsons movie. Being a fan of the Simpsons series, the movie was rather disappointing. To me, the least. They could and have done better. But we had good laughs.
When we reach home, I called home and told them the news. We watched some TV then headed for pizza and few drinks.
Trying to swallow my guilt.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Spring Clean
My poor beloved had been complaining so much about the state of it when I was away.
I've returned few days ago and so today without planning, we did something about it.
It was spring clean, indeed!
We cleaned the kitchen and living room upstairs but with no doubt it'll get back to its original state in no time =)
I've returned few days ago and so today without planning, we did something about it.
It was spring clean, indeed!
We cleaned the kitchen and living room upstairs but with no doubt it'll get back to its original state in no time =)
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