tskk... tsk... tsk...

Ive got less than 24 hours to go for my trip and I am not in any way ready.

Have not done a single packing yet, and heaven knows what the heck am i doing in front of the telly and blogging my time away!!

I think it is largely due to the fact that I could not decide what should I take with me.

My dilemma as always - practicality or style?

I could never decide.

I surely want to take my camera plus its gigantic lenses and flash, bbbbut.... I also want to not look like a dork and the vain in me would want me to carry one of my pretty handbags instead.

So, now it boils down to:

Should take this Nikon pouch, and dump it in one of my tote

or should I go with this AND carry my totes at the same time (one on each shoulder?? err.. maybe not)

Or just pack it in this, and dump it all in the suitcase. (err lagi la No, I know I'd miss my camera )

Or forget about all that and just take my Kata.

Haih.... decisions... decisions... decisions....

Ikan Belah Belakang (recipe Auntie Nab)

I must say, one of the best Ikan Belah Belakang I have tasted has got to be at Auntie Nab's.

In fact perhaps it was at her home that I first tried it. Cant remember. Anyway, hers was always so nice and when we were invited for lunch the other day, I took the opportunity to ask her for the recipe.

Simple aja the ingredients she gave me. She didnt mention the quantity though, but of course to save myself from looking like a dopey and trying to make my self sound knowledgeable in kitchen talk, me just nodded here and there and scribbled macam expert. He he

Anyhow, here are the ingredients

• Ikan kembung Hitam (you need to slice vertically it throughout the body)
• Bawang putih (she said bawang putih banyak sikit)
• Bawang merah
• Kunyit hidup (or could be substituted with tumeric powder)
• cili kering like a spoon or two
• a pinch of gula
• and of course salt to taste

You see what I mean....?? a bit of this and a bit of that... and walla.... :) :)

How it woudl really turned out when I try it, tak tahula. So peeps how bout YOU give it a go and tell me what are the correct measurements instead . :)

Till then. Happy cooking, holidaying, resting etc etc

Happy 5th anniversary to us; Part II

Anyway I just noticed that I had the previous title of anniversary but didnt have any story about it. Well, kind of.

If you didnt get it, what I wanted to convey was basically we had Chicago Cheesecake as our anniversary treat.

Desserts aside, we've got another surprise this year. In laws had bought us an anniversary gift. Something that I am REALLY looking forward to use.

A GRILLER!!!

Thank you y'all! We both really appreciate it :)

oh and not forgetting... thanks to Mr Fluff as well for the lovely flowers

And above all, I thank Allah Almighty for this gift you have bestowed on both of us. May we be blessed with this marriage till death do us part. Insyallah.

Happy 5th anniversary to us

Goodbye New York Cheese of Secret Recipe,

Hello Chicago Cheesecake of Coffee Bean

I have found me a new favorite. If you love cheesecake and havent had a taste of the Chicago cheesecake from Coffee Bean, I suggest you do so. I promise you, it wont disappoint.

Just one word to describe it:

...................yummylicious..........................

Life as we know it

I am just a sucker for chick movies. For two reasons:

One - They usually feature good looking actors and actresses, and who doesnt want an hour or so of drooltime..??

Two - They usually finish off with a feel good ending. No matter how turbulence a relationship is, or no matter how bad the leading casts' lives are , at the end of the day, everyone is happy and dandy.

The only difference between a good and crap chick movies are the amount of humour you'd get watching it.

Life as you know it kinda bring a fresh storyline, away from the usual girls meet guys at the most unusual place or like work or in vacation etc etc.

It is about two people who could not stand each other's guts, but had to somehow work out their difference and hatred towards each other to raise suddenly orphaned Sophie, daughter of their deceased good friends. Holly (Katherine Heigh) is a good friend of Alison (the baby's mother) while Messer (notice the pun on the name?) played by Josh Duhamel is the baby's fathers good friend going way back in College.

Katherine and Josh made a good pair, plus I have always enjoyed Katherine's movies - so far I have not seen one that disappoint.

As expected, so off they go the unlikely pair (Holly & Messer) trying to fit Sophie in their lives and living together as part of the process.

Both of them could not have been more different, with Holly being an righteous kind of girl while Messer , is a typical playboy happy go lucky guy.

It doesnt take long before Messer loses it and despise the fact that his life is over and Holly being triumphal over her thoughts on Messer - about how unreliable he is.

There were some good emotional scenes as well, like when Holly first found out about Alison's death and when Holly was dumbstruck at Messer's anger about having to care for Sophie.

It wasnt difficult to like both leading actor and actresses and their characters and to see why their good friend had thought that they would be suitable for each other.

Needless to say they both fall in love in the end - and I know it is a good movie when even after the credit rolls, I'd still want to see more.

My rating would be 8 out of 10, err, maybe 9 - if you factor in Josh's smiles and boyish grins..

Beautiful blue sky

But will it rain today?

Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah

Watch out this space for more!

From melaka

Mari Menjahit

Okay, so I may not be the world's best tukang jahit, but I could do a simple sewing job or two. But I only know how to sew by hand. Sadly my skills do not extend to operating a sewing machine.

I have been wanting to blog about this, but havent really found the time to do it.

So it all started when Rizal bought a new pair of pants, but didnt it have it hemmed at the shop. I took it to the those alteration shop, and the lady demanded RM25 for it - because she was going to do the hemming by hand.

I thought then maybe I should just do it myself.

So I did. (With quick guidance from Imah of course)

First of all, you will need to measure it for the length that you want (or it might turn up looking like Mr Bean's).

For example, if you want a length of 42cm from the waist to the end, hold the pants together - and measure at the seam line. (or alternatively just have it worn and pin it at the length you want)

Once you have the length, turn the pants inside out, and fold it like image below. I usually iron it as well so that the fold stays

Next, sew the inside part (or the inner fold)

Once thats done, start hemming the outer part.

To sew the outer part, you should as much as possible hide the thread. My grandma calls it jahit sembat. What you do is you hide the thread in the folds (see image below). Kalau malas can just make the hidden part longer, but it would also mean that it will easily rip as well.

Keep hemming throughout. It should then look like this from the outside.

Finally, just iron it out to smoothen it further



Senangkan?

Asam Pedas Daging

Finally. I found the opportunity to get uwan to teach me how to make the Asam Pedas daging that I love so much.

Without further a do, here is the list of ingredients (rough estimation yah, cos u know la uwan, she doesnt go by sukatan but agak2)

1. Meat half kilo

2. Dried Chillies 7 pcs (blended)

3. Red Onion 1 pc (half in cubes, chopped)

4. Garlic 4 pcs (chopped)

5. Ginger around thumb sized <- typical of uwan.. thee hee hee (sliced thin)

6. Asam Jawa 1 teaspoon (mama uses Asam Jawa Xtra)

7. Daun limau (Kaffir leaves)

8. Tumeric powder 1 tablespoon

9. Oil (banyak )

10. salt to taste

11. Potato

The method:

- Sautee the chopped onions, garlic and ginger until slight brownish and fragrant

- add in the blended dried chillies

- Once the oil has surfaced, add in the meat

- The juice from the meat will make the paste watery, so we'd want it to become tender and just add a bit of hot water if the juice from the meat is not enough

- add salt

- Leave it to simmer (put the lid on to help the meat becomes tender quicker)

- Once the meat is tender add more water for gravy

- put in the potato and cubed onions

- Once potato is cooked and meat is tender, add in the sour paste (asam jawa) and Kaffir leaves

- Let it boil and walla.. its done!

Lagu Berhantu?

mengapakah tergamak sungguh, memperdaya harapan ini
tunas kasih yang aku semai, racun berbisa yang kau sirami

beginikah balasan cinta, manis kata dibibir sahaja
lembut lidah mengukir janji, segunung mimpi berkecai kini

sesalan tidak terucap, bila kau berubah sikap
kusedar siapa diriku, kau buat tempat berteduh
semoga engkau bahagia, disamping kekasih baru
andainya engkau kecewa, janganlah kau cari aku

Biar saja aku sendiri, yang mencari damai dihati
airmata basah dipipi, tak mungkin dapat membasuh luka

** Ku cari damai di hati , by Gingerbread ( listen here )

I have personally enjoyed the live rendition by Jamal Abdillah as well, which is here. (Performed at a live concert in Istana Budaya 2006)

~
This song was played by one of the radio station when I was in Melaka last weekend, and for some reason the song was playing in my mind ever since, up till today. I didnt really know the song, except that the song is sung by Gingerbread (or 'roti halia' as joked by the dj ) . It wasnt so difficult to google it as I knew the artist name, and some part of the lyric was like implanted in my brain. I guess this is what they mean by 'lagu berhantu' - it just wont leave your head, EVEN after you have deliberately listen to numerous other songs, including personal all time favorites.

Personally I think this song has such beautiful melody and lyrics. Though the composition is very 80-ish (duh, it is after all an 80s song), the way it flows and progressed from the early verses, and gradually catching its pace and soul as it gets to its refrain/chorus, i thought was just so awesome. It is accesible, simple, yet very dynamic and certainly gives lasting impression

The credit has to be given to the lyric writer as well, as it definitely complemented the harrowing melody. What I love about listening to the songs in those era was the poetic way a story was told, and it has a real art in it.

Sadly, they just dont make these kind of music these days. While I have heard some good ones, but rarely it stayed in my mind like a broken record as this one did.

* disclaimer *
To song writer and label, I dont intend to steal music by putting the song here, the link is merely to share to those who have not heard it. I would be more than happy to pay for it to make it legal and to support your art/talent.

True bargain!

Muahaahaha..... I was at Ampang Park for lunch, and they had this book sale.. Assorted books including hardcover, large print paperbacks and of course the standard paperback are all selling for RM10!

Muahahahaha.... All four books for only RM40! This is what i call true bargain!!

Ikan Belah Belakang

This is an updated post.

I have made some changes here and there, and this is the latest one that I used and quite like

The measurements are good for about 5 pieces of cencaru fish.

Cili merah x 6
cili boh - 1 tablespoon
Bawang kecil x 5
bawang putih x 3
Belacan - 1.5 inch (using the belacan in rectangle shape abt 10 cm slice)
lemongrass x 2
tumeric powder - 1 tablespoon
garam 2 sudu garam
air asam - 5 tablespoon
halia - 0.5 inch
gula - just a bit (i put about less than half of the scoop)

No added water just blend all above except cili boh. I added it after and mix well
-------------

For some reason, I am in cooking mood lately.

So Today I tried to make Ikan Belah Belakang, all by myself. After observing mama making it the other day, i am more confident to try it.

Here is what I prepared for the stuffing (Recipe below sufficient for 2 medium sized Cencaru.

1. 3 pcs of red chillies
2. 4 pcs of dried chillies
3. 2 pcs onions
4. 1/2 in belacan
5. 1 pc lemongrass (sliced thinly)
6. 1 teaspoon tumeric powder
7. salt to taste (i put in 3/4 pinkspoon)
8. Air asam about 2 tablespoons

Blend the above (WITHOUT WATER), or better still, pound them. I was lazy so I just throw it all in the blender. U should expect it to be a bit course, as there is (very)little liquid. But that is what we are trying to achieve, too much water will make frying more difficult.

Once blended, stuff in the fish.

Fry with low fire to start with, just to ensure that the fish is cooked inside out(The cencaru fish has thick skin). Once you think it is cooked inside, turn up the fire. I personally prefer it garing-garing and burnt a bit.

No pix taken, cos I wasnt sure if the recipe works or not.

Rizal's rate: 8 out of 10. His comments maybe need to add in a bit more bawang tumbuk kasar2.

My observation: taste ok, the lemongrass gave it a crunchiness and nice flavor, mixed with the belacan. Next time i think i would cut the lemongrass even more thinner, and I think I should fry it with more oil. Apart from that I think I almost perfected it.

:)

Asam Pedas Tenggiri

Today I attempted Asam Pedas again.

And this time around it is much much better. At least it looked like Asam pedas, and tastes like one. I am getting there , but frankly there is still something missing, macam tak cukup kick. But me dunno what.

Anyhoot, here goes the ingredients:

420gm ikan tenggiri (equivalent to 2 pc big + 2 pc small + 1 tail)

1/2 cup asam jawa juice

5 tangkai daun kesum

4 table spoon Oil (I'd add in a bit more cos it was a bit dry)

3 cups water

1 teaspoon sugar

garam

Blend:

15 tangkai cili kering

1 labu bawang besar

3 ulas bawang merah

3 ulas bawang putih

1/2 in tumeric (or 1 teaspoon tumeric powder)

1/2 in halia

1/2 in belacan

Cooking method:

1. Heat up the oil (I put 3 tablespoons - but i think need a bit more. next time will try 5tablespoon)

2. Put in Blended stuff, until it is sufficiently cooked (usually till the oil surfaces )

3. Add in water, then the Asam juice

4. Once it is boil over, add in the fish, lady fingers, daun kesum, sugar and of course the salt

I have observed that Asam pedas is one of those dish that tastes better when cooked/kept longer. So if you have time, add in water and let it to simmer.

Bon appetite!!

Sad, sad, sad...

Rizal and I were in BTS last night to catch RED. To kill the time, we thought of visiting border's new location, since i have read all of my books at home. ..
For those who didnt know, borders on 1st floor has closed its doors last september and re-opening on the Gr floor instead. We were quite excited to see the 'new' borders, hoping it would be bigger and better.
The first thing that came to mind when we were toilering the Gr floor was that the new location is harder to access. But, really, nothing compared to the shock we had when we finally spotted the new borders.
You know why?? It was sooo small!! In fact it is now called Borders Express. Still wouldnt believe my eyes i had asked their staff, to make sure that we got it right. Mana la tahu kan kotkot this is just the express outlet and they actually hv other outlet at different location. But nah ah ah. That was it.
I was so dismayed. So disappointed. I have always prefered going to borders instead of kino or mph but now i guess i just gotta find some other place to find my monthly doze of books. :(

Tsk tsk tsk...

Ampang yong tau foo

Location : ampang (same row as coffee bean, facing ampang putri hospital)
i'll let the photos to do the talking ay.

phone calls

Here is a real business conversation I had this mroning.

Me: "Hello, may I speak to 'so and so'?"

Him: "Who is this???" (in a huff tone)

I was thinking. Erkk??? Did i get the wrong number.. ? so i said in uncertain voice

Me: "sorry, I may have dialled the wrong number, is this 01X-XXX XXX?"

Him: "yes, Who is this??"

By that time I was really perplexed, I did dial the right number, but obviously not getting the right person. Then I thought maybe someone else picked up his phone. So I asked politely again

Me: "Sorry, may I speak to 'En So and So'?"

Him in annoyed tone: " yes This is 'So and So' , Who is this??"

aaaah... so finally, it was indeed the right person and right number. Except that his angry "who is this" really throws me off..  I mean, who answers their phone like that? Shouldnt you be saying yes this is blah blah blah... IN A NICE TONE  ???  Sheesshhhh... !

Tools ... tools.. tools...

When I first saw this at Jusco, I wasa very very interested indeed.

But when I looked at the price, I had to take a step back. I mean, its not like cooking on this excessively expensive kuali is going to make me an excellent cook, like at par with Jamie Oliver or Chef Wan...

No, I havent lost my marbles yet. I got it on promotion, costing only RM189. I took the pains to check the price at Isetan, and as it was in Jusco, they run the same promo. I am noyt sure if it meant that this skillet is no good or not really well received or whatever..

The main reason why I am so attracted to it cos this must be the only one wok with handle that Ive seen that is not flat in the middle. See what I mean?? It is like the good ol black kuali they use in the old days.



Close up sikit


With the lid

It comes with a warranty card. I thought that was funny, macam la kuali tu ada serial number to identify the unit.. but nonetheless, it is good to know that it comes with a 10 year warranty.

* After using it for a period of time, I have to say I cant really recommend this pot to others. The oil sticks on the surface and it was quite difficult to clean.

creme caramel

Norlinda brought in this divine home cooked creme caramel to work today.

She said it was easy to make, and all i needed was a steamer.

Intrigued, and I asked her for the recipe.

And here is what she gave me:
6 eggs/1 tin susu cair/half cup sugar/1 tin air/1sude teh vanilla
for gula hangus: half cup gula + sedikit air

*scratch head* errrr... what do i do with the eggs.. susu cair and and what naught...???

I really need to take a cooking lesson.

Kinokuniya

We went to Kinokuniya last night cos Rizal wanted to get this one hard-to-get book. I didnt really believe him, cos I thought he was just being dramatic, but true enough, there was only one copy left AND the book was already looking worn.

As the condition of the book is no longer tip top, I asked if we could get a discount. I was expecting like 30% off or something in that raange, but guess what,after that back and forth trip consulting the store manager, all we managed to squeeze is a teeny meeny discount - like 5%. Hello...??? a big huge bookstore, and all you could manage were 5%? I wouldnt have taken it, but this is my other half we are talking about. He couldnt have cared less, as long as the book is readable, he's happy.

Anyhoot, trips to the bookstore wouldnt be complete without buying books, ay? I could rarely resist buying books (or anything else for that matter), always using the tax rebate as excuses ;). Good thing, Rizal feels the same thing, so he usually encourages me to get one or two books as well.

What I hate about Kinokuniya is that their books are all wrapped up. So I cant read it before I purchase it. (the irony of it kan, all the books berbalut bagai, and yet the very one book we wanted to get were not in good condition pun)

WOthout being able to flip the pages to see if the book is intresting or not, I am left with looking at synopsis and reviews on the cover. Which for Kino's sake is actually a good thing, cos I ended up having to buy the book to know, rather than reading a bit to know if its any good.

Anyway, my loot is as below.

Bookstore

Gatecrasher
At the time of this updated review I have read gatecrasher and had this sense of dejavu, as if I have read it or seen iyt on the movies. The ending and middle part of the book didnt ring a bell so I must have flicked through it at Borders. What interests me with this book is that it is written by same writer as the Shopoholic series. She goes under different name previuosly, and as I have always enjoyed her books before I decided to give it a try.
It wasnt disappointing as I finish reading it within 2 days. Very light and suitable for leisure reading during vacations!

Eid Fitri 2010

Wishing all muslim readers Selamat Hari Raya ....

From the bottom of my heart, please accept my sincere apology of all wrongdoings I may have done, and I wish you a blessed Eid Mubarak, this year and many years to come



The four generations.... me, my mama, my uwan and forever cheeky niece