Ikan masak pedas

Each time we go to Usop (the Thai restaurant near our place), without fail Rizal would order this Ikan Kembong masak pedas.

So after seeing it like thousand of times, one day I decided to try it at home.

The ingredient for this dish is quite simple, all you need are:

Ikan Kembong 3 ekor (medium size)

From Ikan masak pedas

Cili Boh 3 tablespoon

Tomato 3 tablespoon

Bawang Besar 1 1/2 biji (taruk 2 pun takpe)>> Slice

Halia >> Slice

Cili Merah >> Slice

Optional: Baby Corn >> Slice

Optional: Cauliflower >> Slice kecik2

Optional: Tomate >> cube of fours (or sukati camana nak potong)

From Ikan masak pedas

From Ikan masak pedas

Yang ni pound together:
Garlic 4 cloves
Cili padi setengah genggam (kalau nak pedas put more)

From Ikan masak pedas

Okay. First thing to do is to fry the fish. Rizal likes it garing, so usually I would make 3 diagonal scores on both sides like this

From Ikan masak pedas

In on of the recipe I read you need to put a bit of cornflour to make it crispy, so I put added a bit of cornflour to the tumeric and salt mix

From Ikan masak pedas

Mix it well with the fish

From Ikan masak pedas

Then fry it when the oil is really really hot. Once fried then take out and put on the serving plate

From Ikan masak pedas

Next, take out unwanted oil from the wok and leave only enough like below

From Ikan masak pedas

Add in all the pounded stuff (cili padi + garlic), sliced ginger, sliced bawang besar

From Ikan masak pedas

When it is slightly cook add cili boh (about 3 spoons). Add Sliced red chilli, Cauliflower and baby corn

From Ikan masak pedas

Continue to stir and add tomato sauce, again about 3 big spoons (if prefer masam sikit add a bit more)

From Ikan masak pedas

I added a bit of water so that it is not so thick, and to allow it mix well. Oh and don't forget to add pinch of salt.

Leave it dry out to the thickness you like, and then just pour over the fish.

From Ikan masak pedas

Lastly, just garnish it with parsley

From Ikan masak pedas

That's it! Bon appétit..

Camerons... in search of sweet corn

Yep. You read it right, but since we went on a new year so... i consider it like a first time also lah..

Anyway this time around we stayed at different hotel, and did different things.

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

It started out dark, like literally dark cos we left KL around 9PM. Point to point on highway was a breeze, we made it to SimpangPulai at around 10.30PM. This is the second time we are climbing the Camerons road at night, and as we remembered it from last trip it wasnt so bad. BUT... last time we had a 'guide'. There was this car in front of us who seems familiar with road and was driving through effortlessly. So we just followed that car and the drive up was pretty fast and easy. We were hoping the same this time, but unfortunately there was none. Except for this one Honda. This one was familiar with every nooks and corner. Too familiar, and drove very fast... sampai kitorang takleh catch up... so poor us..

Anyway. Now that we were being left alone to navigate ourselves, I noticed a few things. The roads are quite okay overall; however there are no street lights, and there are no visible reflectors on the 1st half of the road. But once we were already halfway, (i'm guessing its at Perak/Pahang border) it was better, there were reflectors both on the lines and sides so it wasnt so bad. However, once reached into Camerons, its back to dark, reflectorless road. You know, just like a normal jalan kampung.

Having said all that, we still managed to reach Brinchang around midnight. Headed straight towards the hotel which according to the receptions is just before Atrium Village. The hotel was just along the mainroad so it wasnt too difficult to spot it..

Hotel Dela Fern

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

Since this is an impromptu trip, we obviously hadnt booked in advance. So there were no more Deluxe room available, whats left was only Deluxe Quad - 2 queen size beds at RM348. We decided to go for this one rather than the RM699 Suite at Century Pines or RM600 Suite at casa Dela Rossa.

I didnt expect much given the so-so price, but was pleasantly surprised when I was shown the room. Room rates not as expensive as Casa Dela Rosa, but room quality almost as good.

What you get:
Flat screen TV - Toshiba Regza, no less.
There is a desk convertable to workspace (Note: next time rizal needs to do work there is a table there for him)
Wifi available at RM5 per hour. It says unsecured and I tried to curi2 but cannot get in, signal is not strong enuff from our room.
Bathroom equipped with Bath. This room has no balcony, only a window.
Yang lain2 tu sama la, just like any other 5 star hotels... iron and board already in closet... hair dryer available. My only complain is that there were no Hot water. Dont know if its because they have full occupancy but nevertheless I had to shower with air suam2...

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

The room came with breakfast for 4, and I thought the food was range was quite good, and whats great is that they top up their food even it was already nearly 10.

Okay. Since we dont really have any specific plan for the day, so we decided to just hang around the hotel for a bit before checking out at 11.

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

Once checked out, we headed towards Ringlet. I dont exactly remember why, but I am glad we did. Rizal took me to this lake - which technically is actually just a part of the river, but was big and calm enough to look like a lake.

Beautiful huh..?

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

After the serene time at the lake, we headed up towards Tanah Rata again. On the way, at Habu, I saw a big Boh Plantation signage and suggested to Rizal to go in. I thought it is not far from the mainroad, but nay, it was quite far inside, infact further than the one at Sungai Palas. As we drove inside it started to drizzle.

What surprises me when I got out of the car was the coldness. With it being not too far from Ringlet I wasnt expecting to be cold. But cold it was, complete with mist and fog.

See?? takyah pun travel to 4 seasons countries...

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

From Cameron Highlands 10.01.01

We spend about half hour or so there, drink Boh tea of course, and then head back towards the main road.

Drove all the way back towards Brinchang to take the Simpang Pulai road, and to stop over at Brinchang to buy the corns I was craving for, and to get a bit of veggie. It was truly excruciating though, cos the traffic jam was maddd.... it started just after Brinchang town itself and it was crawling all the way to the market area... took us TWO hours just for that!

Anyway in the end, I was glad I get to eat the sweet corn (it is truly truly yummy... sapa2 yang pergi camerons, you have to try it.. ) . It is so cheap to... imagine satu longgok of about 10-12 pieces was only RM10.. they sell the cooked ones as well.. you know, the typical jagung bakar and rebus.

So that was it for our short Cameron trip on the new year. It was a sad sad thing to see the temperature meter climbs from 18C to 19C... then to 20C... and finally 25Cy when we reached Simpang Pulai .. .which means tata titi tutu Cameron Highland.. see you next time...

last word- one day, if I am rich , memang nak beli a piece of land there and build a small cute house :)

New year, new resolution

Yesterday Rizal had to do a stress test (for work). Of course, prior to the test he had to go through medical checkup to ensure that he is in the pink of health.

He called me - right after he got the result from the Dr. And guess what, his cholesterol level which was borderline before, now is WAY above unhealthy level. When he both did our checkup last year his was around 5-ish and yesterday his was 7+! I dont exactly know the scaling but an increase from 5 to 7 is surely high, no?

Anyway. That summons for a complete change in our daily diet. Starting last night.

We went to JJ to get fresh fruits, lots of it. Same with veggies.

And Today, for lunch I am going to cook some healthy food...

MENU for today
Steam Pomphret
Taugeh with kuchai leaves and tofu
Boiled/Steam PakChoy
Sambal Belacan

EXTRA NOTE: taken from Yayasan Jantung Malaysia

Your Cholesterol Reading

Cholesterol readings generally include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is important to take note of all 3 readings and not just total cholesterol.

Total Cholesterol [mmol/L (mg/dl)]
Desirable: <5.2>=6.2 (>=240)
Borderline High: 5.2 - 6.2 (200 - 239)
High: >=6.2 (>=240)

Ketam Kari

This recipe was given to me by Auntie Ayie when I was in Penang for Eid Adha, and I am yet to try it tried it last night. Auntie is a great cook, so I am sure was glad it will turn out super. In fact, Rizal rated it 4/5. Not too bad huh?


Ingredients
____________________________________________________________

Ingredient A
Bawang besar sebiji, hiris
Santan RM1
Garam to taste
Tomato 1 biji
Cili Hijau 1

Ingredient B

3 ekor Ketam
Rempah 2 packets
Serbuk Jintan Manis 2 sudu
Halia 3 cm (blend / pound)
Sebatang Kayu Manis
Daun Kari
::mix all above ingredient, with a bit of water

Cooking Method
____________________________________________________________

1. Panaskan minyak

2. tumis bawang until wangi

3. Masukkan all item ingredient B, masak till naik minyak

4. Put in santan & garam to taste

5. lastly, put in Cili hijau and tomato. Leave it to settle for awhile. For me, I feel that curry tasted better if its cooked longer, let the taste of Ketam/ayam/ikan to blend in. I also added a bit of vinegar (since I didnt put in any nenas as the original recipe).

Note: This same recipe can be used for Chicken, meat or udang Curry

____________________________________________________________

Last night, since both me and Rizal already had dinner, I just made capathi to accompany the curry (instant one la... buy frozen at the supermarket)

Tofu Soup

The first time I had this was at Madam Lim's in Jusco Maluri. Since then I have made it a home couple of times, and to date still am not tired of it.

The dish is quite easy to make, and is a healthy one too. Especially sedap to eat during rainy nights, like last night :)

Okay, what you need:
- Soft Tofu
- Broccoli
- Baby corns
- mushrooms
- corn flour
- white eggs
- garlic (pounded)
- Ginger (pounded)
- Chicken breast (sliced) / Prawns

Step 1
- prepare ingredients. Cut Broccoli and baby corn in small pieces


- same goes with mushroom. Cut and wash. If using Oyster Mushroom, make sure you squeeze dry it


- Make the cornflour water mix



-Cut the Tofu in slices (tip: Cut into two first, then cut in slices)
-Fry the tofu till it is goldenish like below


-Separate the egg whites from the yolk. Only use the egg whites


The method:
- Sautee the garlic and Ginger
- Once garlic is golden, put in the chicken meat or prawns. Add water
- Bring to boil
- Once boil, put in solid ingredients first like baby corn and the shiitake mushroom
- Leave it for a minute or two, then add in the tofu, broccoli and cornflour
- Stir and add in the egg whites (continue stirring while adding)
- Close the lid for min or two, and turn off the fire

If ur using a claypot like me, note that the soup will continue to boil in the claypot, so dont leave the fire too long after all ingredients are put in.

The end result... tada...
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New accessories for me.!

Ahem...

Just purchased a new flash for me...

Decided to go with the SB400, due to the size and price. Bought it from Foto Selangor at RM450. At first I wasnt sure if I made the right decision.

So why SB400? I have looked at the SB600 before and I felt it was too big for an amateur and occasional photographer like me. It also looked quite complicated with the settings on the flash. I think I should try with the SB400 first, at least master the skill of using flash gun before venturing to expensive ones. Plus, I was thinking, since I am only on a RM500 budget (thanks baby!), and I also wanted a CPL filter, I think I should settle with the SB400 for now.

An after thought - I think I made the right decision, especially after reading
this

So here goes

From others

From others

From others

Apart from the flash, I also bought a CPL filter (Hoya Circular Polarised). Unfortunately they didnt have any stock, so will collect it probably Monday or tuesday. Got the CPL for my 18-200mm, and hopefully will be able to capture better skies and water photos soon...
I purchased a Hoya, 72mm and quoted price was RM195, and since I bought both filter and flash at the same time, managed to get another RM10 discount..

Photos of the filter & its outcome to follow soon. :)

Happy Anniversary to us!!

Alhamdullillah.. Its been four years. How time flies :)

I wasn't really expecting anything for our anniversary, but was so pleasantly surprised when I got flowers at work. Thank you baby! Love you lots

From 09AnniversaryFlower

From 09AnniversaryFlower

From 09AnniversaryFlower

Now sitting prettily at our dining table

From 09AnniversaryFlower

From 09AnniversaryFlower

More than anything, I thank Allah for this blissful marriage, and hope that both me and Rizal will continue to be blessed with lots of love, respect and care for each other. And hope and pray that our marriage be blessed with many many children. Insyaallah. Amin.

*********************************************************************************
1. Oh Allah, bless our marriage and let it be a means for us to become closer to You in love and devotion. Let it be a source of untold blessings, happiness and joy.

2. Oh Allah, let our marriage be a way for us and our families to enter Jannah.

3. Ya Allah, protect our marriage from the whisperings of Shaytan. Give us the strength to live together in justice, equity, love and, mercy.

4. My Lord, let this marriage bring untold blessings to us individually, to our families, and our children Insha Allah.

5. My Creator, bless us with children who will be a source of great joy and happiness.

6. Oh Allah, give us the love which you had blessed Muhammad, Allah's Peace and blessings be upon him, and Khadija with, May Allah be pleased with her.

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Bonjot's 1st car wash

I have nicknamed Rizal's new ride as bonjot. Why? cos its lights terbonjol-bonjol here and there.

Kan??



Its been nearly a week, and finally today Jot (kasik glamer sket) gets its first wash..







If you live around Pandan / Maluri area, do visit this shop, cos their service is quite good, and price is reasonable. Normal size carwash like mine costs only RM10 for wash and vacuum, while bigger sized car is RM11. Its easy to spot this shop, as it is in Pink color - in fact I nicknamed it pinkie (hehe). I am not sure of its actual opening hours, but they are open on sundays and usually closes around 11PM.

Oh I forgot, how to get there?
From Maluri Jusco, just keep go along Jalan Jejaka, the shop is just along Pizza hut.Just keep goin till you see a corner Pink shop (it is 2 shops away from Domino Pizza). Map below for reference

View Larger Map

The lost nurseries of Sg Buloh

I havent been to Sg Buloh for quite a while. I think ever since we moved to KL, even so. Here in BAM there is not much space for plants, so naturally the need to go to Sg Buloh is not really there.


Anyhow last weekend we went to Sg Buloh to get some grass for Papa's lawn. We took the new exit, which is the exit of Hospital Sg Buloh. Its very easy with this new entry to Sg Buloh, cos the moment you are out of the highway you are already in front of the hospital. As we drove in, we noted that the roads are widen, it is now a dual carriageway both sides. The newly constructed road no doubt has made it easy for us to go towards the nurseries. However imagine our surprise when we reached there, the many many nurseries there was reduced to only one lonely shop crammed by the roadside!.

See what I mean???


Regardless, we still manage to get what we came for. The price is still way cheaper than in KL itself (especially compared those overpriced nurseries around Pandan). The Philippines grass quoted at RM2 for 1 x 2 ft. Since we buy in big amount, we got it at RM1.80 per piece. Which is cheap, compared to RM3.50 in KL. Same goes with the tanah. Red ones is RM1, but if buy more you can get it as low as 80sens. In KL, prices vary, I think it Tesco and Giant, they are selling for RM1.50, but the overprice nurseries here is selling it at RM2.50. Steep huh.

So, all in all if you are thinking of buying a lot i think it is still worth visiting Sg Buloh since it is considerably cheaper still. Though I dont know how much longer they will there....