Asam pedas - nogori style

Finally, for the umphteeth time, I managed to cook something that resembles an asam pedas.

It is still not perfect, but I am getting there. At least it wasnt a total failure.

The ingredients:
15 x cili kering (cut and rendam in hot water for a bit)
1 x Bawang besar
4 x bawang putih
Halia - size of small thumb
Belacan - size of a thumb

Blend all of above with little water

Air asam jawa - squeezed from about 30cm
3 x ikan kembung
Oil
Serai
Daun  limau purut
Tomato / bendi

1. Heat oil
2. Put in all of the blended stuff and cook until naik minyak
3. Add the air asam jawa, mix well for a bit
4. Add the serai
5. Add water until you get the consistensy you want
6.  Once boiled add salt
7.Add the fish and bendi and daun limau
8. Wait to boil until leave the kuah to thicken a lil bit

OK this is nogori or melaka style i think. Honestly I dont know there are just too many different variation of asam pedas, so this one is close to what I am accustomed to, the way my arwah grandma makes it. I kinda like it this way.

Hubs do not like ot so much, I think he prefers the kind with daun kesum. So Next time I will try it again with daun kesum instead, and I think with more water - lighter consistency.

So here goes - pix for memory

The day my whole being crumbles - 15/10/2017

15/10/2017 the day when my heart and soul broke into million pieces.

At around 7:30 am I received a call from ayah. Thinking that he wanted me to bring something for mama, I  was shocked to hear him say these words 'Ina, I think you better come to the hospital now, the Doctor kata mama sedang tenat'.

At that point, I just went into auto-pilot mode, don't ask me how but I arrived at the hospital about half hour later to be greeted with Mama already on oxygen mask, not being able to breath well. At about 10:54AM, mama had left us. With very little warning, all too soon.

I knew, someday - in my mind - some distance away - mama may leave us. I knew, what she had was terminal, and she may not be with us for long. I knew, but, I was not prepared that it would be this soon.

I was not prepared that when I left on the night of 14th Oct that would be the last time I was having a conversation with mama. I was not prepared that when mama was admitted on 28th Sept, that was the last time of her being at home with us.

Having lost your mother felt like something is snatched from your heart leaving a hole that could never be recovered.

Though I wanted my mum not to suffer, it is still too painful when Allah had taken her away from me.

Many times - I kept thinking, is it really true? is it really true to mama is not with me anymore??

It's cliche to say - I miss my late mum, but truth is, you could never ever register it until you have experienced it.

This grieve, and that intense feeling of lost, it would come to me at an unexpected time(s),  sometimes when I am alone, sometimes when I have roomful of people, sometimes even while I am laughing at something, and EVEN when I am elated, I just cant be too happy - because I had just realised that I could not tell mama about it. Can't even bring myself to talk about when I am feeling sad. The sorrow, it is just unbearable..

---

Today, its my first time home after coming back from my parents. No more calls to remind me to lock the doors and to tell me not to go out. No more eternal love who would love me no matter what, who would pray endlessly for me, who would move heaven and earth for me, who would always be there for me - one who is largely my reason to live and to do well.

Ya Allah, Ampuni dosa-dosa mama, terimalah ibadahnya, lapangkanlah kuburnya and tempatkanlah dia di kalangan yang beriman. Mama, I love you more than words can say, Ina doakan mama tenang di sana, I miss you so so much

Hospital wooes

I was reading this article this morning - yet another write up about the Singaporean died due hit-and-run in JB.

Now, I am not gonna lament on the tragic case it self nor about how it was wrongly reported out of proportion.

Just wanted to share and express what my experiences with public (government) hospitals itself.

I dont know about you, but I am just an average citizen. 

I earn fairly decent and enough to live comfortably. Not lavishly, but comfortably. Medical expenses are covered by my company and at this age Alhamdulillah I am still blessed with good health and have not had any major incidences in my life that requires frequent trip to the hospitals.

Having said that, as my age catching up, so are others close to me. In recent years sadly I have had to frequent the local hospitals as my loved ones were there.

My thoughts before were like most people who never had to spend considerable amount of time in local hospital - Government hospitals are inferior and private are better.

Those frequent visits in a way changed and opened my eyes.

One. Our government hospitals definitely are the ones that are better equipped when it comes to more advanced treatment. Both in terms of specialists and required tools.

Two. Unlike private hospitals, government hospitals medical staff have seen a whole lot more cases and therefore in my humble opinion (read: non-expert) would have had more experience.

Three. Newer built hospitals like Ampang hospital and Serdang to name a few are fairly comfortable almost like private hospitals.

Four. You won't ever get turned down. Regardless of the availability of beds, money or what not.

And finally, so far I have never really had any bad encounter with any of the medical staff. In fact, I would say almost all of them are really kind and polite. Of course some are more helpful than others, but really it is not something to complain about - not to the point where I would label them as incompetent. In any case this happens everywhere not just in medical line.

What is more important to realise is that you cannot have unrealistic expectations. Yes, you think your case is urgent but really if you look around, you will see that there are others that are in much dire need of help.

So, for me, I am always just thankful that I have the comfort of knowing that if I ever needed medical care when I am old (retired) or if I am without money, its there available to me. Even though it could be a tad longer wait or less fancy ward - at least I know I could get medical help rather suffer or left to die without any medical treatment. Or worst, die of heart attack upon seeing my (hefty) bill...

~note~
Once, when my mum admitted at the hospital, I was at the vending machine outside her ward to get a cup of coffee.
There was already a doctor there trying to juggle between her bags and many files (presumably her patient files). So I offered to get her drink but she refused politely. I left to go to the other vending machine instead not wanting to wait.
When I came back she was still there searching high and low in her purse and so I went near her and again offered to buy it for her. She took it finally as I insisted, profusely thanked me and looked really embarrassed. I told the good doctor not to worry about it, in fact I am the one who should be thanking her - for all the saving lives work or getting others better. So thank you all Doctors and Medical Staff whereever , whoever you are!

Laziness is an addiction

So. I know I have not written here for a long time. Not for the lack of topic nor idea.

Its just laziness.

Could not be bothered to pour out a sentence, could not be bothered to sit in front of the computer yet another minute. Yeah, staring at the screen day in day out does that to you.

Anyways, as I was saying it wasnt for lack of activity. Since the last time I wrote, there have been bit of travels here and there, new recipes I tried (or rather - new recipes thats EDIBLE), good movies every now and then, few great books too.

But what really made me want to write this piece is to remind me of the few movies I watched that's worth my space here. To serve the purpose of this blog, you know. Which is as reminder to me much much later about things. You know, being a forgetful lot I gotta write things down to refresh my miniscule memory,

So here goes - what great movies I watched (2016 & 2017) and worth to repeat.

Me Before You

I absolutely loved loved loved the book. And the movie did not disappoint. Go see it if you haven't. Of course read the book first.


Logan

Never really a fan of the Wolverines but Logan is good. Best among the lot I would say.


Wonder Woman

Maybe a 7. Its great and entertaining, I suppose its kinda refreshing but nothing really stick to mind. Lol as you can see why I am having a hard time trying to write about it

The Accountant

You know I dont high opinion of Ben Affleck. But this one, surprisingly good. Maybe sebab he wasnt being so poyo as usual. In fact he had to act dumb for this role.


The Great Wall

Something different. And Matt Damon. 'Nuff said.



So there goes my 5 top picks. Enjoy!

Kurma Telur

I have no photos unfortunately. So next time. Anyway I used the same recipe for chicken during raya recently and it was good as well. So its a keeper.

INGREDIENTS
Rempah Kurma (using Adabi)
Plain Yogurt
1/2 tbls jintan manis
1/2 tbls Jintan Putih
Kayu manis
2 buah keras (candlenut)
Cengkih
Bunga Lawang
4 eggs
2 large onions
4 pieces garlic
1/2 inch ginger
5 pieces bird chillies
Tomato x 1
Green Chillies x 2
Potatoes x 2
Mint Leaves
Black Pepper (Course)
Cooking Oil


POUND:


CUT TO PIECES of 4:
Tomato x 1
Green Chillies x 2

PREPARE
1. Boil the eggs - put aside
2. Blend together (onions, ginger, garlic, bird chillies)
3. Tumbuk (pound) buah keras
4. Cut to pieces of 4 (Tomatoes, green chillies)
5. Make the paste with rempah kurma, jintan manis and putih


METHOD
1. Heat the oil
2. Add blended items
3. Add rempah mix
4. Add cengkih, bunga lawang and kayu manis.
5. Let it cook with medium to low fire until naik minyak
6. once naik minyak add yogurt , buah keras and add water
7. add in the potatoes, tomatoes, green chillies, mint leaves, black pepper, telur
8. let it cook sampai potatoes masak

Bandung Indonesia

Before I travel usually I will vigorously look at tripadvisors and search on google to see what are the places of interest and where to go. For one, I am not usually keen being hoarded from one place to another trying to cramp everything in one day. I prefer to take my own time, and tailor the place i visit according to my preference and of course rajinness. After all it is my holidays right :)

So here I go again to the land with the largest archipelago and this time to the Java Island.

I flew direct to Bandung with Malindo Air. Its my first time on this airline and I have to say, it is pretty good! The seats are surprisingly not too cramped, snacks provided (sausage buns and muffins),and we are given 30Kgs BY DEFAULT. Not bad at all for a no-frill airlines.

Now Bandung. Most people I talked to - gushed about the shopping. Most common information is Factory Outlets like which streets etc, which one to go, and Kartika Sari cookies/brownies.

None of which of any much interest to me. Yep, I like shopping, but not when I travel.

When I travel, I really really would like to see and experience things.

Unfortunately for Bandung, I couldn't find much information except shopping places

With little information, I had almost very little itinerary. One thing for sure is I want to go to the Craters. Been wanting to for the last few trips to Indonesia and never had the chance to.

DAY ONE

We arrived and as the norm we were brought to factory outlets along jalan riau. They are ok, I dont exactly know if their products are genuine or not and for the price they offer, some are fairly good and some to me are nothing special.

The Valley, view from dining. Photos from dzignforyou.com

After dinner, we went to 'The Valley Resort' to have coffee, which is a short drive from Bandung to one of the hills where you get to see the Bandung town. It is actually a resort, which is pretty self-contained and the place where we had coffee is their coffee house, and it has the view overlooking the Bandung town. Sadly I couldn't get good shots as it was raining. But google it people, you will know what i mean.


DAY TWO

Still almost clueless about where to go, I decided to ask my supir (Pak Ervin) to just take me around town. What better way to know a city other than immersing yourself in it, ait.

Bandung is actually a very quaint city. Not too big and busy (because it is weekdays I suppose, I was told on weekends it is terribly busy) so we didnt take long to go around it.

The town does have few historical buildings way back to its dutch colonial days and one place that is also worth noting is alun alun. Its like a dataran in front of the grand mosque and I was told that the place is also really alive and popular at night time too.

Floating Market

We went to Lembang towards the Tangkuban Perahu then after, but as it was pouring cats and dogs, we couldnt go to the craters and Pak Ervin took me to floating market instead. I am glad I did, it is actually quite a nice place, there are few attractions for the little ones such as rabbit playground and you could also go kayaking around the floating market. It is not like the real floating market in Thailand or Vietnam, more like small hawkers on a floating boats. They sell mostly food rather than vegetables, so dont go bringing your shopping cart hoping to buy sayur or ikan.

There are many little huts made of bamboo, there are also mini padi field and vegetable patches around the area so overall it is quite nice. The entrance fee is also really cheap - just 20.000 IDR + 10.000IDR for the car. You could redeem the entrance fee with a drink at the floating market so I think it is totally worth it.


Farm House
Next up we went to the Farm house. This one has the dutch theme all over it. There are those hobbit houses, cute ones.
Entrance fee 20.000 IDR + 10.000 IDR for car, again it is redeemable with the fresh milk.





Dusun Bambu

As the name suggests, this place is a dusun but complete with a camping site and/or if you prefer huts with many other attractions and activities. When I was there it was nearly dark and it has been raining so it kind limits what I get to see and experience.

So I mostly spent my time taking photos of the place and one day I would definitely want to return. If it is not for staying there, perhaps only to dine.

Entrance fee 15.000 IDR + 15.000 IDR for car









DAY THREE

Tangkuban Perahu
Finally, I get to see the craters. Yay!

The first thing - this place is swarming with people. Like really a lot of people. local mostly. And there are wayyy too many touts and peddlers. They hassle you like crazey, and I was just glad that I finally manage let them to leave me alone once I started walking towards to the shops area.

Despite all that, if you happen to be in Bandung and have never seen a crater before, this is some place you definitely want to visit. It is surreal, and coming from Malaysia where we are blessed with fairly tame grounds, its definitely a sight to behold. I could almost not stop staring at it and clicking my camera.


In the hopes of getting better shots I had walked along the edges towards the greens, and finally reached the entrance to Kawah Batu. You have to pay another fee to the guides and you are not allowed to wander on your own. I bargained from the original 100.000IDR quoted to me to 50.000IDR so he took me in. Its not very far from the entrance (post guard said 250mtrs but seriously  I think its much further).

Please make sure you wear sensible shoes though if you intend to go down the craters cause obviously the hike is on a trail and you would be walking on slippery ground.

Entrance fee is really steep at 300.000 IDR per person + 15.000 IDR for the car.

Also to note, its really pretty heading towards the craters with the pines trees

TaHuRa (Taman Hutan Raya Juanda)

Single, narrow, and undulating
lane almost all the way!

Next up is the Tebing Keraton, which is located at the Taman Hutan Raya. Since we are travelling from Lembang so Pak Ervin took a shortcut, which turned up to be quite a scenic one. Along the way, we went through really small roads in between villages and really really nice view. According to him, on weekends these roads are always congested and I can imagine why...



Entrance to Tahura is like all other places (except tangkuban perahu) is really cheap 11.000 IDR per person + 10.000IDR for the car. The entrance fee allows you to go to Tebing Keraton, Gua Japang, Gua Belanda and many others. There are many entrances to this part as well, but I think we went to the Gado Pakar entrance. There are a few nice hipster coffee houses at the entrance area which is really nice for a relaxing.

So once you enter from the entrance, you will be greeted by beautiful tall pine trees... really nice.

I didnt have any specific place I wanted to go here, so I decided to just walk towards the closest Gua, which is Gua Belanda. OK, one thing, I seriously think their map and distance calculations are all wrong over there in Bandung. It says 1KM but seriously peeps I honestly think it is wayyyy further (or is it me??). All the while when I was walking there'd be someone of motorbike offering the
service to take me to my destination. I was tired but hey, I think I could do 1 or 2 kilometres. Or Not  (all the while cursing the misleading information). Anyway after what seem like eternity of dragging my feet, I reached Gua Belanda. The cave is a like a H shape, so you see two entrances from one side. And when you peep along you will only see on way. which is the other end.

I am glad I had the foresight to bring my tiny torchlight with me,  so I could finally use it to good use. (you know the many times you bring all sorts of things with you but NEVER use them?? ) Anyway, if you didnt bring any, not too worry, you could rent it at the entrance for 5000IDR (well that was the rate given to me, and mind you just like everywhere in indonesia it was not a service offered by the park or anything, but by the touts hovering at the cave entrance). Back to the cave, I walked along the cave to the other side, and on the other side, you were greeted with another trail. When I asked the pakcik selling foodstuff he said I could go towards the waterfalls from there.
There werent many people, and honestly by that time, I already learned that their 'nggak jauh' is not the same as my definition of short distance. I decided to give it a pass and walk back to the other side.

By that time, I was really kinda tired. Especially when I thought about all the downhill walk coming to the cave, and obviously going back to the other area requires me to walk uphill . At that point in time, the temptation of being transported instead of walking was really really a lot more appealing. 

I decided to take the plunge and negotiated with the motorbikes. The rate quoted to me was 90000IDR, to go to the Gua Japang, Tebing Keraton and back to the entrance. It is definitely pricier than the 'normal' rate, but because I was kinda short of option, and also I decided to just be generous (after all its only RM30) we had a deal at IDR100,000.

So off I was on the Ojek.....

First thing that you must know about me, I have only been on a motorbike like two times in my WHOLE entire life. And, those ride were short one and, it was with the people I trusted (People I know well). Taking motorbike honestly scares the shit out of me. So when this guy, sprinted off, on gravels mind you, you can just imagine how shit-scared I was. I had to tell him to slow down, because I was sooo nervous. Never in my lifetime I felt more relieved when we arrived at the Gua Japang - which was like 2 mins with the bike.

So Gua Japang unlike Gua Belanda is shaped like a horizontal E. So as you can imagine, there isnt 'light at the end of the tunnel' like the other. Its pitch dark, with no lights installed and no 'other-end' to go to. I almost wanted to give it a pass - but luckily for me, there were a group of students with their guide preparing to go in. So I just tumpang the group, which turned out good because the guide explained to us things.

And then.. its time to go to the Tebing Keraton which was my ultimate reason coming to TaHuRa.. With anticipation, I hopped on the bike again for my ride to the 'bestest view ever'. Wooo hooo hooo, the exhilaration slowly left me soon enough when the guy took me out of the entrance gates,and started going to a slip road.
1. I was already scared of riding a motorbike.
2. We are now not in the park anymore but outside road with actual traffic, AND I DONT HAVE A HELMET ON!
3. Remember all that small hilly roads I took to get here, well, its going even steeper.
Needless to say, I was feverishly praying all the way, and at some point, was closing my eyes (so that I dont get to see how dangerous it was.

Tebing Keraton

After what took like forever, we finally stopped at another entrance. Entrance to Tebing Keraton is already included in the ticket, so you just need to show them the ticket to go in. When I was there it was already mid afternoon so definitely no sunrise to catch. The area is also now cordoned off so you cant sit at the edges anymore looking as if you conquer the world. Tough luck. Though truth to be told I dont think I dared to sit on the boulder anyway. It is creepingly close to the cliff and with me careless as ever, no thank you. Maybe I will consider, if I have an abseil on. #dontwannadieyet#

Nevertheless, it is still breathtaking. The air is serene, and there is a look out point as well. Definitely no regrets. Oh btw, if you somehow could manage to balance your cuppa or some drinks over the motorbike ride, it would have been great to slowly sip your coffee with the view. Unlike near the other places, there isnt any peddlers or shops inside the Tebing keraton area so make sure you bring your water/rations with you.

What is worst that going uphill, is actually going downhill on a motorbike. I kept thinking, if he sprinted up, he would probably be twice faster going downhill. THANK GOD, that is not the case. In fact it was quite pleasant, as whenever we went downhill he killed the power - i guess to save fuel. So instead of sprinting down, we were just cruising as if we were on a bicycle. Phew.

Back at the main entrance, I made my way to the coffee shop and ordered my coffee and snack. Total bliss.

FINAL DAY

Rumah Mode
What can I say, I guess a visit to Bandung aint a visit if you dont go to one of their most famous factory outlet - Rumah Mode.

It is a really nice place, complete with a large coffee shop and spa center (you know, after all that walking and waiting).

I cant really comment about if the clothes are really that cheap, but I guess its not so bad.. You can get blouses for about IDR125000. To me its not expensive, but I think I could get similar priced items during mega sales or at the shops like FOS or Reject Shops in KL. I mean I wouldnt fly all the way to Bandung if it was just to shop for some clothes.

Kartika Sari
We were taken to the outlet near railway station, this one is where they actually bake the cakes. So if you go to this one usually you will get the ones that is fresh. I didnt buy much for myself, only one of the mix cakes. My cousin actually asked me to buy some for her so I was worried that it would be too difficult to bring the lot hand-carry. But turned out that they can put the item in a box, to make it easier to carry. Ah well. Next time then.

Bandung Airport
One advise - when and if you are travelling to Bandung airport during rainy season,  beware that:

1. If the rain is really heavy, expect your flight to be delayed

2. Your luggage might get wet so if you have a fabric type of luggage, you might wanna get it wrapped

This is because Bandung airport doesnt have a bridge from the gates to the aircraft, you will need to disembark from the plane through stairs and walk on the hangar towards the airport (and vice versa). Its kinda cool actually because you get to be at the aircraft pretty close, but the downside is that you are subjected to the elements, and if you are travelling with elderly, might also be a challenge.

Apart from that, its a smallish airport, with very basic departure lounge. Erm, I think there is only the one.


So there goes. All in all, it was a nice break. I particularly like the cooling weather and many many nice cafes with exceptional views.

I didnt get to go to the Puncak this time around, so perhaps on my next trip :)

Fish paste

I had a minor surgery recently, and have had to mind the food intake.

I was told to berpantang similar to those who had given a caesarean birth.

No chicken, no seafood (except white fleshed fish), no fried food, no spicy food and etc.

It recommended that you take as much as fresh food like fruits and vegetables, fish and soupy, steam and grilled food.

Yes, all those that I dont normally take

Anyway, after few days of steam and soupy food, I wanted a bit of variation and looked for recipe for grills. Found this one and tried it. http://qasehququinnie.blogspot.com/2011/12/ikan-haruan-bakar-berempah-harum.html

I pretty much copied everything.

Se here goes:
5 pieces onion (shallots)
3 pieces garlic
An inch ginger
Half inch galangal
1 piece lemongrass
1 piece bunga kantan (torch ginger)
3-6 pieces bird chillies
1 tablespoon fish curry powder
3 tablespooons tamarind juice
Half tablespooon soy sauce
Half tspoon sugar
4 pink spoon salt

Blend all together. I dont add water onto it, just using the tamarind juice. Try to use as little water possible, to make the paste less watery.

Once all blended well, sautee it on a wok with little oil. Just sautee until it is drier.

The get aluminum foil or banana leave, put the paste, and put the fish and smattering the paste all over.

Fold the aluminum foil or banana leave so that the juice is sealed in.

Using a flat pan, and medium fire, lay flat and cook on both sides. Mine turned out a bit dry, maybe because it left it too long so i guess if your fish is not too big should keep it around 5 mins on each sides.

Kenwood Mini Chopper

So my 2nd hand blender has gone kaput as well. I suppose they dont build those things to last forever.

I mostly used it with the chopper function, so i decided not to bother to buy the whole set of hand blender and leave me with a clutter of stuff in my cabs doing nothing, andjust scout for chopper.

Unfortunately there isnt much in the market, not the small capacity that I prefer/need.

I cant buy the bigger capacity ones because I usually cook for two and the larger chopper would not chop well with smaller amount.

That left me one option, which is the Kenwood mini chopper CH150.

So for those who would like to buy this, I guess there isnt much to review, except you might want to know that this little bugger, despite its small size is exceptionally loud. 

It also has this safety function where it wouldnt work unless you turn it in a certain way, which honestly to me is such a nuisance.

Apart from those grudges, it has worked well so far.

Note: you would also see on onlinesites, it doesnt do herbs well (at least not as good as my demised hand blender). But i dont use it much for herbs chopping so doesnt bother me much.

So there you go. Hope this helps for those in the look for mini choppers

Bihun goreng cina

Dalam banyak2 noodle my most favorite is, and will always be, is bihun. Or sometimes called mihun or meehoon.

And dalam banyak2 style goreng mihun, two of my all time favorite are mihun goreng cina and mihun hailam.

Now dalam banyak2 kali buat mi, mihun selalu tak jadi and therefore i lebih rajin buat mee sebab failure rate is lower. :p

Anyhoe, since pepagi dah kena tinggal and takde keta pulak tu, terpaksa la memberanikan diri goreng mihun jugak. Luckily for me, I have everything I need sans the prawns.

Took the recipe from here (Thank you madam!):

http://dapurkakyah.blogspot.com/2012/11/bihun-goreng-cina.html 

My cincai / apa2ygada version:

3 squares of bihun(rendam through out the prep time)
4 ulas bawang putih(tumbuk)
2 ulas bawang merah(tumbuk)
Sebiji cili merah(tumbuk)
1 sudu besar sos tiram
Seekor sotong(potong memanjang)
Isi ayam(Potong kecil)
Sebiji telur
Lada hitam
Lada sulah
Daun sup(potong kecil)
garam
Minyak untuk menumis

What to remember : once dah masukkan and sautee a bit chicken and sotong, add water at this point. And masuk garam siap2.

Then only masuk bihun and the vegs.

Final note, happy that it turned out okay. Definitely can repeat. 

Loving this beast!

I have just changed my router. 

Not only it is much more pleasing to the eyes... since it doesnt stand out in my range of equipments on the console...

But more importantly, it is making me flyyyyy!! Speed is 150mbps now. Awesome :))

As usual, here comes the question - why didnt I take the plunge much earlier also I dont know. It just proves you shouldnt be afraid of the unknown - but just do it.

You know this router is actually quite cheap, only about RM150. And configuring was a breeze. In fact its already preloaded with unifi and maxis configuration. I practically do nothing, except to choose which VLAN for which port (separating the internet and IPTV) and putting in the unifi details. I dont even need to configure DNS.

What a whole lot of cool aint it. :)

Sewing thread

Okay readers. Please ignore this particular post, because it is just to serve as my reference so that I wont be buying two of the same ones

Cap Kuching. (Purchased from Macy's)

Cole's. Bought from Ace Hardware. They only sell in package of three. Pre-packaged, cant choose colors

And finally the most sought after. Gutermann, bought from Spotlight. Sold in various shades, various length, various type :)

Another sad love song

I have this bad habit, if I want something die2 also must try to get.

Especially if I am being denied of it.

In this case, apam balik.

I went to two differnt Pasar ramadhan with the sole intent to get an apam balik and went back empty handed instead.

Totally disappointed.

So I googled and found that ramai je orang buat homemade apam balik.

Next thing I knew, I have gone to jusco to get me the ingredients for apam balik (pilot mode la kononnya). Anyway, original recipe is from www.myresipi.com/top/detail/627, and upon quick glimpse, it seems that the ingredients are easy enough to get and most of it are already in the baking-container i have at home.


So here goes (by the way I halved the original recipe)
1 cup of Fluor - Checked. ada kat rumah
1/2 tsp Baking Soda - Checked. ada kat rumah
1/2 tsp Baking powder - Checked. ada kat rumah
180 ml water - Ofkos checked.
1 x Egg- Checked. I didnt half this one, tak reti camana yang put in setengah aja.

For the fillings:
Peanut - I bought the packed salted peanut. Tak larat nak prepare from fresh
Sweet corn with creamer - Never knew this thing exists! but easily found in any supermarket
Sugar

Making the batter:
-Mix Eggs and Sugar
-Add baking soda, baking powder
-Add water and flour
Beat until mixed well. The recipe did ask to leave the batter for half hour. Not sure why so I leave it for about 15 mins sampai dah nak dekat2 buka time.

1.Using my pancake pan - I pour the batter (about 1.5 ladle) and wait for the bubbles to form.

2. Once bubbles are form, sprinkle the fillings in.

3. Fold in two.


Okay, I buat two times. First time wasnt very appetising

Second time - looks better.

But the final verdict?
FAIL. I wouldn't buy an apam balik from me! seriously tak sedap. Rasa tu ada la sikit2, but somehow memang tak sedap. Maybe the batter wasnt right, maybe too much filling, and maybe the pan memang not suitable.

Cravings!

Let me tell you about the start of my love affair with Mr Apam Balik.

When I was schooling, My grandma used to take me to this pasar tani, which starts as early as 4pm.

Its a weekly affair, every tuesday, and each time after collecting me from school, we would make a pitstop at this pasar tani. And every week as well, i would be buying apam balik.

Now, I havent realised how much I actually liked apam balik. Its sort of always there, and boleh je lah kalau nak beli kat mana2. And most of the time, rasa pun quite ok kat mana2 pun. Except ada kedai kedekut the fillings, ada kedai generous sikit.

Anyhow, jarangla nak ada cravings for apam balik. In fact after school, I think I hardly eat apam balik. 

Until recently. When I used to go to pasar malam at Tmn Maluri. I think thats when I rediscovered my love for apam balik.

Macam suddenly I terjumpa old flames. Haha. Sungguh over.

So now. Its bulan puasa, and out of nowhere tetiba teringin nak makan apam balik.

I have been looking for it at both nearby pasar ramadhan, and tak jumpa jugak apam balik. Like, suddenly every one has no interest in apam balik anymore, and semua sibuk nak jual all the complicated and hard-to-find kuih muih instead.

U name it, nasi kerabu ada.. Nasi tomato ada, kuih lagi lah memacam ada.. Tapi apam balik, takde. Apam balik yg usually ada je kat mana2, boleh disappear from the face of the earth during ramadhan.

How la like this? 

Kena tunggu lepas raya la nampaknya 

Of Ramadhan and bubuk lambuk

My stomach hasnt been very well these past few days, ever since I had that real bad food poisoning.

Because of that, I am still wary of eating macam-macam and somehow teringin nak makan bubur je. Tapi tak syokla makan bubur kosong, and in the fridge pun ada some meat. 

And I have always liked the masjid Kg baru bubur lambuk, so when i found this recipe here http://www.myresipi.com/top/detail/5478, and ingredients are also something that I can easily get from my grocery store, and walla.. Here u go..

I made some adjustments, and below is what i use instead of the original recipe

• 1 cawan beras
• 1 sudu besar minyak sapi - i skipped this
• 2 sudu besar minyak masak (I put in 3, since I skipped the minyak sapi)
• 1 kulit kayu manis, 1 bunga lawang, 2 bunga cengkih, 2 buah pelaga
• daging
• segenggam udang kering
• 2 helai daun pandan
• 1 sudu kecil halba
• 1 sudu kecil jintan manis
• 1 biji bawang besar 
• 3 biji bawang putih 
• 2 inci halia - i used ginger powder instead
• 1 sudu kecil serbuk lada hitam
• 2 cawan santan pekat (i used only 10ml)
• 6 biji bawang merah - buat bawang goreng
• daun sup dan daun bawang
• Air dan garam secukup nya
• Diced vege ( I just use the frozen mix vege)

Prep work:

- Dice the meat

- wash rice and put aside

- blend the ginger and get the juice (2 inch ginger and 2 cups water)

- sliced onion and garlic

- blend udang kering ( i didnt blend but i think would taste better if i did)

Method:

- Panaskan minyak

- Tumis bawang, garlic 

- Add kayu manis, cengkih, lawang, pelaga and halba

- Add the meat and a bit of water, add jintan manis, and udang kering

- when the meat looks well seasoned, add more water

- add rice

- put in daun pandan , pepper, garam

- add in the vege

- cook sampai beras jadi bubur-like

- once get the bubur texture, add the santan, let it boil few more minutes.

meanwhile tgh bubur nak masak, can prep the garnishing, buat bawang goreng and daun sup and bawang.

The verdict:

Hub says, its the best he ever tasted. Tak tahula cakap saja nak kasi encouragement or he was just being nice. In any case, he is not a fan... So cam takleh nak pakai sangat kot his feedback. Haha

My verdict pulak, its good - kena citarasa lah jugak. But then, sendiri masak of course la ikut citarasa sendiri kan kan kan...

Okay. Puas hati ku!

Since I have recently acquired a sewing machine, and learnt how to use it, I am indeed very pleased with it - and at the same time felt like kicking myself in the butt.

Macam like, duh, why didnt I do this sooner??

It is soo unbelievably fast okay. I remember I used to sew all that pillow cover and stuff and how it took me weeks to complete, when I could've learnt how to use the darn machine and have it over with within minutes! Tsk tsk tsk...

Anyhow, with this new hobby, I have started to read more to learn the ropes. Of course, part of the process is to also have the right tool.

Little that I know that it is not so easy to come by. 

Because of this, I am dedicating the post for newbies like me, on WHERE to find your tools.

First item I wanted was this L shaped ruler, this fella here:

I actually went to soo many places (not craft shops) and none of them carry it. In the end, I found it in Ace Hardware. Ace also carry the straight ones, so you have two options.

Next up, was to find sewing threads. The good ones.

I read that one of the reason the stitches break or don't last could very well caused by a poor quality thread. Now, this is a real tricky one. The thing is I have no idea how to tell if the thread is any good. I mean, not like you are able to see with naked eyes if the fibres on the thread is any good. The only way is to basically stick with well known thread brands, such as Gutermann, coal, etc. Which is another ghost hunt on its own. Kat Malaysia ni manalah nak jumpa semua tu. I tried Macy's but they also only carry china brand, which I suppose is still good but I wasnt sure. I tried that craft shop in Ampang Park, also they dont carry Gutermann nor Coal. Again, just some other brand. 

So it became an obsession pulak trying to find this apparently superb thread, in the hopes that my senget benget sewing will improve (as if!) , to a point that I wanted to order it all the way from UK.

Then, one fine day, I found a site which was giving away Gutermann thread as gifts, and I asked the blog owner where can I find those, and she said, Spotlight - the australian craft and party one stop center is spreading its wings to KL, and will carry those.

After a long wait (for the shop grand opening), finally I got my hands on them: 

And of course a whole bunch of other stuff which is scarcely available elsewhere.

So there, peeps if u ever need any sewing related items, scratch your head no more, just head straight to Spotlight in Ampang Point and you will surely go gagagaga like I did :) 

Note:

For those wondering how much are Gutermann thread selling over here, its RM8.99. Yeah, pretty steep compared to the brand selling in Macy which is RM1.99. Time will tell, if it is worth it...

Anxious!

Okay, here is what I did on a whim.

Well, not really a whim la cause I have always wanted to have one. Except that the ones I've seen so far are much more expensive than what I just bought.

Ta daaa

A sewing machine!

Usually I am skeptical with way below market price items. But this particular one has good reviews and quite a number of bloggers have actually used it and commended it.

Especially for newbie like me. So why not.

Apparently even if you don't know how to sew it doesn't really matter cause it has an auto sew function. Very useful I suppose for someone who is clueless like me.

On a sad note, arwah uwan used to sew all the time. And i learnt how to stitch from her. Sekarang uwan dah takde, dah takde sapa lagi nak bermanja nak mintak tolong jahit itu ini. Kena la buat sendiri :(

So nak jahit apa? okay so here is my list. Peeps please make sure I tick off at least one item per month ya.

1. Bed skirting . I already got Ikea sewing service to sort it for me. Yelah tak aci but tak kisah la kan.
2. Pillow case. For that big huge pillow.

Okay, I don't know why, but my mind isnt cooperating with me cos that is all that I could come out with. I know Ive got more things I wanted to experiment with but it just wont come to mind now. Hmm ape2 je la kan. You know you are already making stupid purchases the moment you click that 'Pay Now' button. :P

Missing her more than ever.

Until today, there are still times that I still just couldnt believe that she is no longer with me, with all of us.

There are still times when i would cry a river thinking about how much i am missing her.

There are still times when it gets too much and all I could do is look at her photos and smile at her cheeky face.

One month and a bit now. 

And it is getting worst and worst.

Because usually if I havent seen her this long, I would have already missed her and could call or see her.

Only that I cant anymore.

Uwan. Ina rindu uwan. Sangat2 rindu.

Alfatihah to my grandmother.

Roti Jala

The making of Roti Jala

And let the pictures do the talking! :)

Bon Appetite!

File sent from WD My Cloud™

Sent from WD My Cloud

Sent from my iPad

Salmon Patty

Ive got lotsa salmon leftover from the bbq, so I decided to have a go at making Salmon Fish Cakes or also commonly called as Salmon Patty.

Few recipes call for ingredients that I dont have. But Jamie's was very simple and I have all the things needed make them.

So here goes. Original recipe taken from: http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/recipes/SALMON_FISH_CAKES

Didnt actually follow the recipe to boot, kinda lazy to measure things up, so I just whip up whatever feels right.

Here's what I use:
It was probably about two slices of Salmon (not too sure since it was leftovers and already in broken pieces)
One potato (russet)
Two eggs
Lime juice (from quarter lemon)
a handful of english and italian parsley (more of english ones as I had plenty of those)
flour (in the mix, probably about one table spoon, for dusting I used more until it firmed up).


Method:
I first mashed the potato, salmon and parsley together

Then added the eggs (beaten)

Then the lemon

Added flour to firm it up, salt and pepper to season it, and scoop up in a ladle to make patty

Have not fried them yet so I dont know whats the end result's gonna be like. Will add pictures and comments on the taste.

Update: happy to report that it tastes quite good :)