DELIAH'S DELI

THE PRISTINE GREENS OF BORNEO: Joy In Looking & Comprehending Is Nature's Most Beautiful Gift...

2011-11-01T20:30:00.137+08:00

The gift of nature: Banana petals. Pretty yet edible :)

The pristine greens of Borneo, where one may observe the sun greeting the mountains on a daily ritual, a cycle that replenishes and regenerates and teaches all of us again on the virtues of patience and simplicity. It is all about a new mandate of fresh trust a new day brings; a trust in us to do what’s best.

The heavens have not given up.

“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” - Henry David Thoreau

Back in wonderful then, humanity was simpler. We compete less commercially, and dare I say that the world was a simpler place in time? Absolutely; it truly was simpler.

I blog simply to reach out and make new friends and to share with precious similar others what ever bits and few I may have for such a resolve, to learn and share. But they say to dish out advice is to judge, and so I would refrain as much from both mannerism.

And there is no trade or employment but the young man (& woman),

following it may become a hero. – Walt Whitman…

Interweaving of meandering thoughts; “Hats off to the Wonderful Men & Women of Air Asia!” Over the weekend & the recent holiday breaks, we hosted visiting friends in tri-city JB, KL and KK, and all I can say is, they gave very tall observations for Air Asia friendliness and casual welcoming approach in their travel itinerary. Truly, Air Asia is in a class of its own, and I am very proud to say that this is a Malaysian innovation! Their jobs may look easy and simple, that’s because their professionalism and friendliness all bundled into one, has created a cozy outlook of the trade in service to nation.

Here is a quick montage of a misty early morning approach and landing in Sultan Ismail International Airport Johor Bahru. All fun and friendly, in the light and smiles of wonderful Air Asia no less :)

Home again. Even though I am not an IT savvy person, nevertheless I have been a close observer ever since the early days of its mass commercial inception. I gather from observance of the trade, it has always been one issue that defines the endless parameters of refining internet services, and that is the issue of internet security. The internet has evolved from simple cash register applications, into mass dot.com communication applications, into borderless banking, and finally a successful integration into the mobile communication platforms, moving the human mass with our hand held mobile devices.

Spicy Banana Petals Salad (Kerabu Jantung Pisang) with Spanish Mackerel (Ikan Tenggiri).

Saving the best for last: Kak Pah, my other-half asyik duk ingatkan "Bila nak ambil jantung pisang buat kerabu Kak Pah? :)" This is the most we could do :) Memang sedap! Sorry lambat sikit :) Hehe.... understaffed at Deliah's Deli :)

With satellite navigations, and as advance and progressive the internet may consistently evolved itself into, but left is the one issue which has remained stoic in its assault over the internet community, and that has always been matters regarding to its safety and security.

I would not be getting into complex matters of internet security. I would like to touch on the simple aspect of internet safety, and that is our personal safety. Would you walk up to a stranger and share your family album with them? But on the internet, a few seems to have shared and exposed everything with the world already…why?

A puzzle that beggars understanding, existing in-between internet and reality that has deceived and eluded some into believing falsely the virtual internet is not “real” and it’s all only an innocent foray into the great virtual unknown. Alas, reality shall assail such innocence less we respect it first.

The one about safety. You close and locked your gates, then you switch “ON” the alarm system as defense against any possible intruders and you try to sleep soundly at night…but you still can’t. One bump and you are up already, checking and double checking on security and looking out into the dark of night from the safety of your caged and locked homely environment. But even then you still worry; because you know that the notion of total safety is completely false…

High up, nevertheless precious water bringing us back to uncomplicated basic again; with the entire half empty and all the half full…leaning against the bigger picture…and Who’s actually observing us higher? The more you have the bigger the trust, the more you owe the higher the stakes and the taller the heights…

A good name is much better than great new riches. I was visiting a home which caters to special children recently. The link for one of these homes is here, you may click here to assist them. A poor and lonely child may read innocently and suddenly looks down upon his tattered shoes in light of your scattered millions. Humbled and crumpled becomes his heart, in a labyrinth of inferiority complex he staggers away…

“Blogging in good faith”, and praises would be what the blogging angels would like to have thought, but greatly missing was good faith.

Make a change, reach out in love and create love where you’ve touched. It is never too small and insignificant, it is always much needed and it even expunges centricity.

Hush, voices carry; keep the golds and millions quietly for those who have above us who don't, think of safety on this open hunting ground for once, and remember; the lack of judgments derides the neighbors and spools desperations into greed…

In the context of safety: Do we really know who our virtual neighbor is? My point exactly.

SALAM EID UL'ADHA 1432 HIJRAH TO ALL

A special time to ponder, a blessed time to honor all the sacrifices around us, a time to reach back again to all the familiar faces who have paved and made way for us, and yes; ever always a right time to give back upon all the blessings. Subhanallah.

HOME for the celebrations.

I dedicate this posting to the many wonderful bloggers I have come to know here. Mainly, maternal and much beloved KAK PAH (IBUNDO), who keeps the delicate balance here with her straight from the heart scribes, ZARIN, PUAN ROS, KZAI, NAZ, JUWITA and SUZI who has since gone to the cyber banks :), PETE & ANN; far but near at heart, DEBBIE my dear friend from so long ago and friendly AKHEELA in Toronto.

Warmest regards to PUAN LIZA and family of Taman Melawati KL, whom we had the chance to meet again in KL Sentral Terminal recently (and by chance after nearly 15 years! :). The very best in her bakery ventures! :)

Deliah’s Deli would be going on a sabbatical for the time being. Would like to blog again one day soon Insyallah. Terima kasih, thank you, grazie, gracias, shukran.

Hargailah segala kurniaan-Nya dengan serendah hati kita beserta keimanan yang ikhlas.

Pixels of all images are wallpaper sized, free for sharing.

Just click on image and then click "Save Image As".

CHARMS OF PHNOM PENH....with cheese flan cake.

2011-10-30T09:00:00.013+08:00

Unique hand-crafted & handwoven souvenirs of Phnom Penh, courtesy of my dear sister Rania.

I added Philadelphia Cheese and good old Van Houten's Chocolate Powder for extra taste and colors.

For original recipe you may go to YASMIN'S kitchen...:)

AN ALL FEMALE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER...

2011-10-27T11:55:00.002+08:00

Image by RedPat

Few women enjoy taking their car to the mechanic in fact; it can very well be a particularly daunting experience. But why does that chore brings fear into us?

Several days ago a friend of mine took her car to an open service facility; you know, one of those many sprouting “Servitekar” for a simple tyre balancing job.

It was only such a small job of balancing the wheels and it was non mechanical thus she had informed the authorized service center for her vehicle of her intention to have the tyre job done at the “Servitekar” instead of at the dealership and they consented to it.

She had expected the job would only take about an hour max and around RM90 to RM100.

I think almost every woman reading this would at least had the experience at least once of going in to a mechanic shop, and being a woman immediately feeling like you’re not taken very seriously at all, or kind of looked down upon by the mechanics and supervisors there and that your ignorance of “mechanical jargons” is an instant bother to them. They expect you to hand them the keys, shut up, go read something and then come up to the counter to pay for stuffs you do not even need done.

You would be made to feel up the creek, intimidated and insecure. Well, you could call the other half over to handle it for you or you could step on things and speak up and be heard!

This friend of mine handed the keys for a simple tyre balancing job and 45 minutes later and she was told that she needed a new timing belt on a 12 months old car that’s still under factory warranty and with just around 10,000 kilometers on the clock!

As consumers in Malaysia, we are protected by the Malaysian Consumer Protection Act 1999. The Act which came into force on the 15 of November 1999, had lead to the establishment of the “Tribunal Pengguna Malaysia” (Consumer’s Tribunal Malaysia). The principal function of this tribunal is to make available an official channel for aggrieved consumers to properly file claims (provided they are below RM25, 000 and with a statute limitation of not exceeding 36 months) in a simple and speedy manner without needing to resort to expensive personal legal services (you only pay them RM5 for the service).

With the existence of the Tribunal, consumers can now seek redress against unscrupulous/unethical traders and suppliers of services or goods. All settlements are spoken as “Awards” and not judgments as this is not a criminal court.

However, any non-compliance with a Tribunal award within 14 days after finality is indeed a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act, 1999 and the Enforcement Division, in the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism shall take over the case and that would be big financial misfortune for the traders in questions.

If any of you ladies have these sorts of issues that needs a Tribunal redress, please visit these sites:

1) Laman Portal Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna Malaysia

2) Get your “Form 1” from the “Portal e-Tribunal” here for commencement of action.

Finally, I have seen this elsewhere; an all female automotive service garage.

With some remnants of the old attitude around, and with the ancient mentality still harassing on our feminine honesty and humility, I think that it is just a matter of time before this becomes a “feminine” economic reality here too in Malaysia.

Ideally, as is the case in Toronto with "Miss Lube"; even men took their machines to the women for servicing nowadays...

A DEEPAVALI GREETINGS AND WISHES...To All Our Hindu Friends, Bloggers & Readers..

2011-10-24T16:30:00.000+08:00

A very happy and joyous Deepavali wishes to all our Hindu friends, bloggers & readers.

Best wishes especially going out to the wonderful Ganesans’, the wondrous Sundrams’ and the groovy Mehtas’ :)

Thank you ever always for the friendship and above all else; thank you for your unrelenting support :)

My Quick CHICKEN ROULADE...With Red Plum Sauce.

2011-10-20T23:10:00.000+08:00

Cooking From Memories…

I think we all have this chapter in our mental cook books…and quite frankly, for it to be able to linger into the passages of our time and surpassing the others, it has to be quite a spiritual inspirational touch no less. Food goes far beyond filling the tummies and making you go burp into the night; but good food has the ability to go even further, to create an environment all of its own, a vibrating awareness into our past and maybe even a silent wish for a future tradition.

This is a recipe that I really do not know the name of it, but I could still quite clearly recollect its distinctive taste and aroma on my much younger taste bud. It is no Michelin 5-Stars recipe, not quite chicken roulade, and probably just made out of left-overs in the fridge. But the taste has always been unique and exceptional.

The fillet is made of deboned chicken breast (you could also use duck meat - tapi kalau guna itik, perap dengan rempah sup sedikit), thinly sliced and spread, marinated with Lee and Perrins for flavor and then rolled with a filling that’s made of:

Boiled quail's eggs,

Finely cut carrots

Oat meals (to hold the fillings together)

Parsley

Button mushrooms (I have omitted that and swapped it with dates (buah kurma) - out of allergy with a few in this household).

Some spices (I am guessing what they were and this is the closest I could put it today): Rempah Sup (naturally I used Adabi products).

Rolled neatly (you may string it like I did or just roll in a thin-foil wrapper), and then baked at 160°C for 45 minutes. Layer down a few zesty lemon slices on top of the chicken (lemon slices to be removed before serving).

Cooking time is about an hour, provided the quail’s eggs has been boiled and de-shelled earlier.

Serving suggestion: garnish it with asparagus and grace with home-made sweet and sour plum sauce.

As a child, it would fill you till the next stop. But for adults, you might as well add in some side dish to it like pasta or maybe even Asian style fried rice. This is good when entertaining guest for dinner on a short notice, but just be sure to add on pasta or fried rice as a second course to the dinner menu.

Cooking is an absolute necessity for humans; it is all a strong part of evolution ahead. If you don’t eat just how would you evolve? But sometimes, a good recipe opens a lone window into days gone by and it summons back pages of a gone past.

“A dash of sugar for the past, a pinch of salt for the present and a sprinkle of pepper for the future; there you go, bon appétit!” – Anonymous.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2011 :)

2011-10-18T21:30:00.012+08:00

The Moat :)

The famous journalist Sydney J. Harris had once proclaimed: "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows."

Yes, he was right. All we do is merely to impart knowledge and understandings of the world into young inquisitive minds and makes them see themselves and the world around them much better.

Sometimes the loads become heavy and sometimes light, but at all given times it has been pleasurable no less!

Alas, sometimes I get too forgetful and just completely forget the going-on/happenings around me other than my work. I am quite sure we all do that at one time or another.

First and foremost, congratulations to the graduating class of 2011.

The first thing that strikes me about education is the knowledge we gained from it. A good education works both ways and a good educator would eventually “be educated” as well, with each passing batch of graduates that moves under her or his tutelage. Education gives us that added perspective of looking at things in life.

It helps us construct opinions and it gives us a new dimension of understandings at life. Many debate over the subject of whether “is education in classrooms and text books the only thing that gives knowledge”.

I personally think that educations come to us from every points and corners we may touch in life. It is one big endless circle of giving and taking. Education is the process of gaining information about the surrounding world, but knowledge is something quite very different.

Knowledge comes after education.

They both shall work in tandem, to assist us into charting the future. We gather every bits of knowledge from all sources of educations around us.

But then again, we cannot convert that inputs into an understandings of knowledge without educations. Thus the circle becomes complete; of giving and taking.

That’s why I have always said that when we enrolls in to college or university for a specific tertiary education, we are merely polishing our natural instinct and gifts; our natural inborn instinct and gifts.

Your vocation learned, is God’s gift to the world and humankind through your minds, your hands and your polished passion. Each of us have that gift for man and woman kind, and it is up to us to deliver that gift. It has been entrusted to us from our Maker and we cannot fail such a request.

Therefore, beyond these walls and lectures, into your future, be your passionate best at your vocation. Always be humble in educating, always appreciate the power of their inquisitive minds. Rich or poor, we come under one in seeking knowledge.

Congratulations and Happy Graduations All!

“Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive: easy to govern, but impossible to enslave.” – Henry Peter Brougham

GIVING NATURE A DIGITAL HELPING HAND...(not that she needs it though :)

2011-10-15T09:05:00.003+08:00

Venue: The Splendor of Mount Kinabalu Malaysia...

Hi and good morning, buongiorno!

Sometimes in the beauty of creations, the thought is already there…

but it gets a bit slow in deliverance…

you know, the winds, the drafts, kismet and all…
God knows best.

Something spectacular with a bigger beautiful meaning…

in the impatience of good intention and digital wizardry...

I slightly “Photoscaped” this one…

And done affectionately though…

To remind all on the beauty and magnificence of nature and creations :)

Well anyway, here’s some more beautiful QUOTE on beauty to share with all :)

If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere

Vincent Van Gogh

If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house. If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world. - Ancient Chinese Proverb

The creation of beauty should offer a diverse opportunity filled with the fragrance of tolerance so that many can use their own tastes and definitions. - Ralf Nader

The beauty of women is like the beauty of flowers… there are many kinds, and yet each has unique beauty to offer. - Author Unknown

True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul

It is the caring she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows

And the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows. - Audrey Hepburn

Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. - Franz Kafka

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND EVERYONE!

(IP rights waived; all images herein this posting are free for sharing in good use).

A POST SPECIALLY DEDICATED TO IBUNDO...buat ganti jantung pisang :)

2011-10-12T19:35:00.000+08:00

Let's take a moment to admire the natural beauty among us.

This is our Bunga Kantan aka Ginger Flower (Etlingera Eliator).

In the right lighting's and angles it is transformed into it's own creation of beauty.

I think in my book it goes right next to the English Rose :)

This one has added bling-bling for export-market! :)))

*Kak Pah,insyaallah kalau ada rezeki dapat la makan urap jantung pisang hujung minggu ni bila ada yg sudi bawa dari kampung nanti. :)

NEW DEALS, NEW MEALS :)

2011-10-11T16:00:00.000+08:00

Spicy Tom Yam, Deep Fried Batter Prawns With Kai-lan in Oyster Sauce and White Rice.

Short note: New line-ups of healthy meals with the new and pleasantly friendly dining hall operators at my work place :)

All being well, may this one maintains their standards and keeps the pricing reasonable. The menu is sizzling hot and quick to the order and it is aptly priced too and everyone seems very happy :)

Good luck and good prosperity to them :)

CHILI CON CARNE...Buen Provecho! (Enjoy Your Meal!)

2011-10-08T14:00:00.027+08:00

Specially for MAMAFAMI

In successive theme of KAKPAH's Mexican tortilla, here is my version of "chili con carne"; a spicy Mexican stew with traces of origin all the way back to Spain with the Spanish Conquistadors. The name of the dish derives from Española chili con carne literally meaning “chili with meat”.

I am quite familiar with variations of this dish and originally it was cooked without beans, but that got added along the way. If you have eaten the famous A&W “Coney Dog”, then you may have already tasted “chili con carne” the delicious A&W way!

This simple and inexpensive dish is predominantly popular as a simple source of protein and fiber from the beans. Cooking it would usually consume some times over slow fire as the beans should ideally be tendered down and the sauce should be thickened to the walls (or just used canned beans for speed).

Preparation is simple and straight forward. You may serve this dish with rice as the Mexicans do, over Tacos & Burritos too, or with spaghetti on the side, or to be eaten in a bowl with a few slices of toasted garlic bread. For the two of us & the kids, we much prefer it with just simple bread or rolls. Do give this a try and hopefully you would come to enjoy it too and then maybe creatively explore to create your own “chili con carne” recipe.

Ingredients

1 kg ground beef or chopped meat

500 gm. of canned pinto beans, drained

400 gm. of canned kidney beans, drained

1 or 2 chopped bell pepper (you may use several colors excluding green)

450 gm. of canned tomato sauce (Campbell was the brand I had used)

1 bottle of Prego Traditional Pasta sauce (this is not a norm)

550 gm. of diced fresh tomatoes

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 or 2 Jalapeno or Cili Merah minced

1 large onion, finely sliced

2 tbsp olive oil (I used palm oil)

2 tbsp of dried chili powder (I use Hajjah Faizah Bayumi’s excellent products)

1 & 1/2 tbsp brown sugar (or plain sugar)

3 tbsp dried oregano (or use Oregano powder instead)

3 tbsp. ground cumin (leaves it out if you don't like it and I did left that out)

A little bit of grounded cloves

A bit of allspice (you may use Rempah 5 rasa or even a bit of the versatile Rempah Sup ADABI)

Beef broth (or Knorr chicken cubes would do)

Chili con Carne Recipe Directions

Prepare a pot, put the oil and heat to medium. Put in the ground beef, and cook it just nice.

Add green or red chili, garlic, red bell pepper, jalapeno (cili besar merah), and onion to the meat. Sauté (goreng semua dengan api medium) those up until it produce a nice flavor. Then add in chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, allspice, and cloves. Slowly stir in the beef broth (or dissolved cubes). Maintain heat a little while more and then add tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook it on low heat for 25 minutes. Then add the kidney beans, pinto beans. Continue cooking for an additional 35 minutes (1 hour total stove time). Level of thickness would depend on stove time, amount of ground beef & heat.Garnish it as you wish and then you are done!

Enjoy your meal!

Selamat Menjamu Selera!

Buen Provecho!

ANGEL'S HAIR PASTA & award from gee-hut. :)

2011-10-07T20:10:00.008+08:00

How To Capture A Snapshot With A Totally-Black Background?

Here's a very simple setup and technique to try with...

*IZAH, really hope it helps...enjoy!! :)

1. Lay a non-reflective black colour cloth on a flat surface.

2. Elevate subject(s) from cloth surface in order to "fade out" the cloth texture/surface.

3. Use flash/extra lighting to "shoot" (capture) the subject.

Below is the award I've received from GEE.
Thanks sweetie. :)

1. I'm casual & low profile

2. Loves to read & write

3. Loves traveling & learning new cultures

4. Loves kids & homes

5. Loves cooking & eating

6. Loves crafting & the arts

7. Loves photography & mobile technologies

Many have received this so I pass it to everyone of you..sesapa sudi, sila ambil ye :)

NOSTALGIA : AIS KRIM MALAYSIA...sirap bandung + jagung! :)

2011-10-06T18:40:00.000+08:00

A TRIBUTE TO A VISIONARY: STEVE JOBS, Apple Computers Inc.

2011-10-06T16:20:00.002+08:00

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolence, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

FREEDOM FROM WANT: An Inspiring Read.

2011-10-05T21:10:00.004+08:00

This is a true inspiring story of a young lady who faced and overcame all hardship and obstacles in beating the odds out of homelessness on the cold ruthless streets of New York to prestigious Harvard University.

Just like how we need food for our body; good healthy food to keep us fit and trim, we also need at certain times food for our minds and passion that comes in the lines of touching and inspirational sayings, words in a form of a story, a quote or poem that lifts you up and makes you feel restored both spiritually and conceptually.

This story below was forwarded to me by a colleague at work and I have read it earlier on and found it to be most powerfully written by the young writer Liz Murray. You may click HERE on your computer to go to the original site at Readers’ Digest or you may just read the story below.

I do not own any rights to the story (it belongs to Readers’ Digest) and if I may have inadvertently breached any statute copyrighted materials, please email me and I would promptly take down this “copy & paste” posting with much apologies.

Remember; always go to READERS' DIGEST for a whole lot more of good reading!

The Kindness of Hundreds of Strangers Lifted Her from Homeless to Harvard.

In 1997, I found myself in a situation I never thought I’d be in: alone and begging for money in New York. I was 16, homeless, and desperately searching for a high school that would let me enrol after years of truancy.

My father had been estranged from our family for a while, and though I knew he was in a nearby men’s shelter, he was in no position to help. My mother had recently died from complications related to AIDS, and I’d spent the few months since her death sleeping in friends’ homes or on a staircase landing in some random building in the Bronx.

What I remember most about such nights is lying on the cold marble floor and using my backpack for a pillow, my worn out flannel shirt draped over me to dim the unrelenting fluorescent lights. I’d listen as the sounds of families echoed up to me in the staircase – children calling out for their parents, TVs playing cartoons, dinner plates clanking – all the sounds of life that transform an apartment into a home.

To deal with the isolation, I escaped into daydreams. With my eyes shut, I would envision my family together again: snapshots of Ma alive and the way she’d get those little lines around her eyes whenever she laughed really hard, and the four of us – Ma, Dad, my sister Lisa, and me – safe under one roof again. But the most vivid daydreams were about my future.

I would see myself sitting in school, diligently taking notes. I’d see myself walking across a university campus filled with tall stone buildings drizzled in autumn leaves, my attention focused as I walked briskly to class. The feelings of safety, belonging and hope helped soothe me to sleep.

My life today bears no resemblance at all to my life then. I graduated not only from high school but also from Harvard University. I no longer wear tattered clothes or sleep in hallways. Instead, I am safe each night in my own apartment in Manhattan. And my passion for the past 11 years has been to travel around the world helping people transform their own lives. In short, I am unrecognisable from my former self.

Oddly enough, even after all that I’ve been through – and maybe because of it – I believe that a certain amount of want is healthy. In fact, “freedom from want” was never my goal. Indeed, want served as a catalyst for my dreams, not a hindrance, and my dreams have always been what motivates me.

When I was that young homeless woman struggling to find a break, I’d spend hours trekking the footpaths of Manhattan searching for a school – any school – that would admit me. What would have been torturous for most was not for me. That’s because I recognised that I was on the verge of enacting the very scenes I had imagined back on those frozen stairwell landings where I slept.

These scenes even had their own soundtrack. In my pocket I carried an old, busted-up CD player on which I played inspirational tunes: Paula Cole’s “Me” and Cake’s “The Distance”. I saw my future and clearly envisioned stepping into it.

Even though I had lost my family and was carrying around nothing more than some music, a photo of my mother, a few articles of clothing, and some shoplifted food, dreaming about my future and then acting on it was as exciting as getting into Harvard. Much the way a captain orients his ship to a constellation, I realised there was a place I wanted to be, and my goals guided my daily actions as I took steps to get myself there.

While I made choices every single day to turn my life around, equally critical to my journey were the people there to see me through. There was the alternative high school, Humanities Preparatory Academy, that was my one yes in a world filled with no. There was also the haven for homeless teenagers called the Door, a non-profit organisation that provided me with counselling, medical care and food, all of which kept me going while I completed my homework in train stations and under hallway lights. For me to have succeeded, there had to be people to meet me halfway, and when I searched for them – they were there.

Perhaps the most surprising help though, I did not seek out; it found me. After I’d spent two years as a homeless student earning As in my courses, The New York Times told my story.

In the weeks that followed, dozens of strangers reached out to me from all across the United States. At my high school, I began receiving handwritten letters of encouragement. Strangers showed up bearing brownies, clothes, books, and even hugs. Since the article mentioned I was applying to Harvard, one woman knitted a blanket for me. She attached this note to the box it was posted in: “It gets cold in those dorms. May you warm yourself knowing that people care about you.”

Before these people – some of them nameless – I just didn’t realise how good people could be. But now I do, and I can say that the people who helped me have forever changed me. They are the reason behind my decision to join the board at the Door so that I can be part of a small team of people opening a high school for homeless teenagers. They are the reason I dedicate my life to opening pathways for others.

CYBER HACKING & THEFTS - Be Safe When Surfing!

2011-10-03T16:30:00.001+08:00

How safe actually are you when using a free Wi-Fi such as those available at hotels, shopping complexes, airports, and even inside airplanes to surf the internet, and then logging into your blog or VPN for all your online banking stuffs?

Well the typical answer is: Quite on the “very low” to almost “none at all”.

Internet has become a gold mine for those air hack pirates. Sometimes when you have access to the internet via hotel complimentary Wi-Fi connections, think twice about logging into anything sensitive; an “evil twin site”, sometimes referred to as WI-phishing, is a potential security threat to users of Wi-Fi, predominantly in public hotspots. A hacker sets up what is called a “rogue access point” which impersonates the characteristics of the network to which users expect to connect. Users unknowingly connect to the rogue access point and the hacker’s network instead of the intended network and all your passwords would be harvested.

This “evil twin” is a potential security threat to users of Wi-Fi (it does not matter WEP or WPA key-shakes), and predominantly in public hotspots. An accomplished hacker would set up a “rogue access point” which is a convincing carbon copy in the fullest available characteristics of the network to which users expect to connect. Users unknowingly connect to the rogue access point and the hacker’s network instead of the intended network. The “evil twin” hijacks data, such as passwords, account information, credit card information, etc., and then connects the user to the Internet as intended and the users (by now the victims) would know nothing of the security breached which had just transpired.

It’s relatively easy to intercept session-IDs, cookies or random strings in the session URL from nearly all popular web applications, such as Gmail, Bloggers, Facebook, You Tube, Word Press, Hotmail, AOL and Yahoo Mail, when you're using Wi-Fi. Interception works even if you're using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).

Using certain software’s and a basic notebook, a hacker may crack a 6 character password in roughly 5.15 minutes, 4 characters password could be done in less than 50 seconds and for 3 characters (no longer allowed by providers) it’s just in mere 0.05 seconds. So use a 14 characters password instead because even with the best software it would still take around 2,046 millennia to crack and that’s a very polite way of saying “till hell freezes over”.

Combine your passwords in alphabets and numbers and for none less than the maximum allowable 14 characters for a “Strong” password. Just adhere to all suggestions made by your service providers for safe surfing and you should be okay. If you suspect that you have just recently become a WI-phishing victims, immediately notify all your internet bankers by voice phone calls (they have 24 hours global connection hotlines) and freeze your internet banking accounts until you could pay them a visit and change the numbers over the counter the next day.

Yes true, it does not have to be just through a “free” hotel Wi-Fi for them to do the hacking act. WI-phishing could be done from anywhere and just about on any access point you may be entering the www connections from. But complimentary hotel Wi-Fi is a lot more dangerous for the very reason that they already have your credit card numbers and most of your privy details upon check-in…

And if you are using your mobile phone’s Wi-Fi to surf along free Wi-Fi spots and you also happen to be on a “Pre-Paid” system for your mobile telecommunication service, well they could easily clean out your credits the next time you try to surf on a “free” Wi-Fi. If possible, go “Off-Line” first with the phones before establishing a W-LAN connection off line. Truth is nothing is really free anymore these days.

My final advice for now is, to never ever disclose any credit card numbers on the emails, never list down phone numbers in close succession on the emails (if you must send out numbers do it like this 012-12 3 45 6 7 instead of the standard format of 012-123 4567. The hacker bots would miss this most likely. But absolutely NO credit cards numbers and if you are using free Wi-Fi; make it a habit to change your password in every 24-hours cycle and use only “Strong” password set ups. I change my passwords every 2 weeks (and do write them down in your safe data storage).

Well, thanks for coming by, and safe surfing to everyone.

Deliah’s Deli says a big: “Thank You” to the IT faculty for helping me out overnight with this cyber episode ;)

STEAMED PINEAPPLE BREAD PUDDING...on a cozy sunday.

2011-10-02T15:20:00.001+08:00

BREAD PUDDING...

8 slices of bread - cut into small squares

1 cup of fresh milk

2 tbsp of brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 egg

Beat egg, sugar and milk.

Pour on bread. Mix together.

Leave for a while until the bread is totally soaked.

Steamed for about 40 mins.

CARAMELIZED PINEAPPLE SAUCE...

2 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 cups pineapple juice

2 slices of pineapple

Bring sugar and pineapple juice to boil.

Add pineapple. Cook until thicken.

Pour generously on top of pudding, and serve warm.

OR...

You could just have it this way; upside down, out of the cup, and into a saucer with rich pineapple caramel :)

SAIGON : c'est une belle ville! :)

2011-09-30T22:30:00.017+08:00

There were several other Malaysian owned restaurants such as Seri Saigon and Seri Penang.

Shiny art works with lots of shiny lacquers, Fine Arts Museum.

Fountain Square and statue of General Tran Nguyen Han, a 15th Century Warrior.

Knock offs Louis Vuitton and Out-Door back packs were plenty available.

Ben Thanh Market area near to the Tran Hung Dao district.

Night market area of Cho Ben Thanh adjoining earlier markets.

Saigon Yuppies. City of romance is a living city.

The Saigon Metropolitan Building with "The Coffee Bean" outlet near the Notre Dame Cathedral of HCMC.

Smart for Two: Kecil Cili Padi!

Saigon Software Park and park adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Another Tourist Market scene.

Fine Arts Museum HCMC.

Post Office at the Cong Xa Paris Blvd is highly artistic on its own.

ATM (Auto teller-banking machine) has Bahasa Melayu. The building was built by French colonialist in the early 20-th century and it was designed and constructed by the famous Gustav Eiffel.

Vietnamese are friendly and hard working.

You can tell their successful future even today.

Overview of Saigon (or new name Ho Chi Minh City).
You could fly there on MAS, Air Asia or Vietnam Airlines.

Sorry for the late/delayed description of photos :)

LEFTOVER RICE for FRITTERS - absolutely irresistible! :)

2011-09-22T08:30:00.007+08:00

Click HERE For The Irresistible Crispy Fritters.

Thanks Kak Pah. :)

2 1/2 cups of flour

2 grated medium sized potatoes

1 grated carrot

1 tsp of chicken granules

some parsley & spring onion - finely chopped

2 tbsp butter

2 eggs

salt to taste

oil for frying

1 medium sized onion*

1-2 red chilies*

1 cup leftover rice*

hand full of rinsed anchovies*

In a big bowl mix all ingredients except those with the * symbol. Then, blend all ingredients that has been marked * with a glass of water. Pour the blended mixture into the earlier bowl. Mix well. Batter mustn't be too thick or too runny. Heat the oil and spoon in batter one at a time. Fry until golden brown. Drain and serve hot with any kind of sauce you prefer.

Voila!! :)

APPLE DONUTS...With Green Tangy Granny Smith Bits! :)

2011-09-19T20:00:00.002+08:00

3 cups of all-purpose flour

1 tbsp of dried yeast

1/2 cup of water

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

2 green apples (Granny Smith) - finely chopped

some confectionery sugar for dusting

2 tbsp condensed milk

2 tbsp of butter

oil for frying

1/2 tsp salt

In a big bowl mix flour and yeast together. Add in butter and mix well. Mix water, salt and milk together then pour into the flour mixture. A slightly sticky dough will be formed and let it rest for 15 minutes. Next, add apple bits and knead until smooth. As you go along, you may sprinkle some flour if the dough is somewhat sticky. Once done, let it rest again for another 10 minutes. Place dough on floured board. Roll the dough and use donuts cutter to form donuts shape. Cover and let them rest for about 30 minutes more. Deep fry until golden brown. Drain and then let the donuts cool-down on a rack. Once cooled, dust donuts with confectionery sugar.

This Recipe Has Been Adapted From HERE.

Thank You For Sharing! :)

Enjoy! :)

ONION BIALYS...meet bagel's twin sister! :)))

2011-09-18T13:40:00.002+08:00

Thanks To TREAT & TRICK For The Recipe.

This is the 3rd time I've indulged my self into this unique recipe :)

ONION BIALYS

Adapted and modified from The Bread Bible

Yield : 6 bialys

2 C high gluten bread flour

1/2 tsp instant yeast

1 tsp salt

3/4 C plus 2 TB warm water

ONION FILLING

2 and 1/4 tsp oil

6 TB chopped onion

1/4 tsp salt

black pepper to taste

METHOD

Mix together flour, instant yeast and salt. Gradually add the water and forms into a dough. Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes and place it onto greased and covered bowl. Let rise for 1 1/2-2 hours until doubled. Punch the dough down, let sit for another 45 minutes. Prepare the filling by heating the oil, saute the onion until translucent. Remove, add salt and black pepper. Cool.Punch the dough down, divide into 6 balls. Shape each ball into 2 1/2 in-4 in round and make a deep indentation in the center leaving 1 in rim. Spoon the filling in the center.. Let sit for 15 minutes. Preheat oven @ 180 C. Bake the bialys for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool on rack. Serve warm.

SELAMAT HARI MALAYSIA....& Salam Bulan Kemerdekaan Malaysia!

2011-09-15T20:30:00.002+08:00

Merdeka! Hargai & Sanjungi Jasa Serta Pengorbanan Para Pahlawan Kita.

Hargai Barisan Pertahanan & Keselamatan Negara Kita.

SELAMAT HARI MALAYSIA 2011!

GULAI DAGING DENGAN MAMAN....Kak Anymz, Masak Kari Pun Sodap! :)

2011-09-09T15:00:00.002+08:00

Sodap Lauk Hari Ni! :)))

Jeruk Maman yang dapat hari tu saya buat ulam sikit dan sebahagiannya masak kari macam Kak Anymz cakap hari tu. Terima kasih Kak Anymz..Sodap! :) Nanti yang masih ada baki lagi tu saya nak buat masak lemak cili padi dan ulam dengan ikan bakar pula. :) Terima kasih buat kawan-kawan yang bagi macam2 idea cara masak jeruk maman ni. Bagi saya, rasa gulai tu lebih complete dengan ada jeruk maman ni.

* Tapi Kredit Untuk Masak Kari Ni Saya Tak Boleh Ambil .:)))

OLEH-OLEH DARI PULAU MUTIARA.....masak apa sedap?

2011-09-06T20:00:00.002+08:00

Inilah oleh-olehnya. Cuba teka apa? :))

JERUK MAMAN ni pemberian rakan sepejabat yang pulang dari bercuti raya di Pulau Pinang. Mungkin ramai yang dah biasa makan/masak maman ni. Saya memang tak pernah langsung masak maman, beli pun tak pernah tapi kalau makan masak gulai daging salai campur maman di rumah kenduri tu pernahlah sekali dua. Itu pun dah lama dulu dan saya pun hampir terlupakan rasanya. :)) Ada yang cakap jeruk maman boleh dijadikan ulam, makan begitu saja dengan nasi...ermm, yang ni saya belum pernah cuba. Sekarang ni sedang fikir nak dibuat apa dengan jeruk ni, nak dimasak gulai atau buat ulam sahaja. Boleh digulai ke jeruk ni? Ada sesiapa yang pernah masak jeruk maman, boleh kongsi resepi? :))

OPEN HOUSE FIRST GUEST...Eid Ul-Fitr 2011 :)

2011-09-03T17:50:00.000+08:00

Guest Being Served With Cake & Fresh Milk. :)

SALAM AIDILFITRI.....Eid Mubarak :)

2011-08-27T09:15:00.005+08:00

Buah pauh di tengah bendang,

Jadi dagangan di tengah kota.

Saudara jauh datang bertandang,

Bermaaf-maafan sesama kita.

Salam Aidilfitri buat rakan-rakan blogger & ucapan selamat pulang buat semua perantau.

Eid Mubarak wishes to all, and have a bright and blessed Eid!

FUN-FILLED SUNFLOWERS...fun cookies for kiddies!

2011-08-23T10:15:00.001+08:00

Ode To Sunflowers

Of all kinds of flowers, the Sunflower is an absolute exception! An incredible part of His creation, the Sunflower praises the Creator in glorious celebrations across the hours of the day. This is a testimony to the greatness of His creations. Never missing a moment, never missing a position, the Sunflower dutifully observes the sun and changes with it. Glorifying Allah in all we do, to worship Him in all glory shining bright! If we open, every little thing around us shall communicate in us again upon the glory of His creations! Ramadhan Kareem and a bright joyous Eid Mubarak wishes to all :)

You May Click HERE For The Original Recipe. :)

1 1/2 cup self rising flour

2 cups coarse cornflakes

1 1/2 cups almond powder

150gm butter

100 gm castor sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

1 egg

Sift flour and mix with coarse cornflakes and almond powder. Cream butter and sugar until mixture turn light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla essense. Fold in sifted flour mixture and mix well. Roll out dough and cut out desired shapes using cookie cutter and place it onto greased pan. (I used flower pineapple tart cutter so that I could later arrange the cornflakes on the flower petals and then spoon in some chocolate rice in the deeper center too) Bake for about 12 minutes in 170 C oven.

Ramadhan Kareem!

MOMEN ISTIMEWA : bersama sahabat maya! :)

2011-08-20T00:01:00.026+08:00

CUBA TEKA SIAPA?

Tentu ramai yang dah dapat meneka siapa beliau. Tahniah! :)

Boleh dikatakan Suzi ni ialah sahabat maya saya yang pertama dan menjadi follower ke-2 Deliah's Deli (follower yang pertama tu mungkin bina blog hanya utk cuba2 agaknya kerana sehingga sekarang 1 sahaja entry dalam blognya). Masa tu saya belum begitu aktif berblog (mcm la sekarang aktif sangat...kan? :D:D:D ) Suzi masih di Adelaide ketika tu dan menggunakan nama blog Resepi & Cerita Perantau. Beliaulah yang sering menjadi komentator blog saya ni. Dah banyak resepi yang saya cuba daripada blog beliau. Sekarang bila dah balik Malaysia, Suzi menukar nama blog ke Dapur Suzi. Beliau juga mempunyai blog jualan secara online. Bolehlah klik SINI kalau mahu ke sana. :)

Happy Birthday Suzi! :)

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

It's Nice To Be Important,

& It's Important To Be Nice. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER RANIA...may all your wishes come true!

2011-08-19T05:00:00.005+08:00

*psst...tu fikir nak balik raya ke? tiket dah beli?

ZAKAT FITRAH...sudahkah anda menunaikannya?

2011-08-17T22:00:00.015+08:00

Dalam kehidupan ini, kita yang berkemampuan perlu senantiasa membantu mereka yang masih kurang mampu dan memerlukan pertolongan serta bantuan ikhlas daripada kita agar mereka memperoleh kehidupan yang lebih baik dan sejahtera. Doa-doa mereka ini dimuliakan Allah, dan walaupun mereka mungkin fakir pada hari ini, namun rezeki doa mereka berlipat ganda berkatnya. Oleh itu, marilah kita bersama-sama berkongsi rezeki pemberian Allah ini dengan seikhlasnya dan berdoa semoga kita dapat menunaikan zakat dengan sempurna tahun ini. Amin.

Takrif Zakat Fitrah:

Zakat dari segi bahasa bermaksud bersih, suci, subur dan berkembang. Zakat Fitrah bermaksud zakat diri yang diwajibkan ke atas setiap individu muslim lelaki dan perempuan dalam bulan Ramadhan dan menjelang Idil Fitri mengikut syarat-syarat yang ditetapkan.

Jenis Dan Kadar Bayaran Zakat Fitrah:

Jenis zakat yang dikeluarkan ialah berdasarkan makanan asasi sesebuah negeri seperti beras. Kadar yang dikeluarkan ialah 1 gantang baghdad bersamaan timbangan metrik 1.60kg. Nilai bagi kadar ini adalah berubah dari semasa ke semasa bergantung kepada harga beras yang dimakan oleh kebanyakan penduduk Islam di sesebuah negeri.

Hukum Zakat Fitrah:

Mengeluarkan Zakat Fitrah hukumnya adalah wajib ke atas setiap orang Islam yang merdeka dan mampu mengeluarkannya pada waktunya. Orang Islam adalah meliputi golongan tua dan muda, lelaki atau perempuan dan berakal atau tidak.

Fadhilat Mengeluarkan Zakat Fitrah:

* Menampung kekurangan semasa berpuasa.

Maksudnya : Berkata Waki’ bin al Jarah : Zakat Fitrah di dalam bulan Ramadhan seperti sujud sahwi di dalam solat,menampung kekurangan berpuasa sebagaimana sujud sahwi menampung kekurangan dalam sembahyang.

* Membantu fakir dan miskin pada Hari Raya.

Dari Ibnu Abbas r.a bersabda Rasulullah SAW : Mewajibkan zakat fitrah itu sebagai pembersih bagi orang yang berpuasa daripada perbuatan yang sia-sia dan perkataan kotor dan sebagai makanan bagi orang miskin. Kerana itu, sesiapa yang mengeluarkan selepas solat (Idilfitri) maka ia merupakan salah satu sedekah daripada sedakah-sedekah biasa. (Hadis riwayat Abu Daud dan Ibn Majah).

Sumber: Pusat Zakat Negeri

INDIGO THEME: LONGAN PURPLE JELLY...adapted from CMG!

2011-08-15T10:00:00.004+08:00

It was evocative to see CMG nostalgic bright red jelly popping out from my blog 'side window' and so I've decided to make some for iftar. While boiling away the (agar-agar) jelly, I found a can of longan and ended up doing this magenta/indigo themed, purple longan jelly.

& if you are interested, please click on the link above. :)

STAINED GLASS COOKIES...another weekend baking project! :)

2011-08-14T16:30:00.004+08:00

Just wanted to share some pics of cookies made by the girls over the weekend...:)

& you can easily get the recipe from the internet. ^.^

Have A Blessed Ramadhan Kareem!

CARROT JUICE WITH FRESH MILK...So ReFrEsHiNg!!

2011-08-10T17:00:00.009+08:00

Thanks E-NA!! :)

This Was Made Using Extra Amount Of Fresh Milk For Extra Calcium Intake. ;)

KUIH BADAK BERENDAM...sama tapi tak serupa! :)

2011-08-08T16:10:00.007+08:00

Bila saya tengok IKA tayang kuih badak berendam untuk iftar minggu lepas, teringin juga nak merasa. Masuk ni dah dua kali buat kuih yang sama, mungkin kena dengan selera orang kat rumah ni agaknya, itu yang minta saya buatkan lagi. Jadi, semalam saya buat lagi gunakan resepi yang sama cuma kali ini saya tambah keledek sikit dalam adunan dan untuk dapatkan bentuk seperti itu, saya guna acuan bahulu cermai/kuih cara. :)))

Kalau ada sesiapa berminat boleh klik SINI ya. :)

Resepi asalnya daripada KAK BESAH.

Ramai yang dah mencuba & memang terbukti SEDAP!!

Kalau nak tengok YASMIN buat badak berendam boleh klik SINI.

Caranya lain sikit tapi rasa kuihnya tetap SEDAP! :)

Terima kasih pada semua yang sudi berkongsi resepi!

Selamat Berbuka Puasa! *tunggu maghrib ya... :)))

A TRADITIONAL IFTAR...with family :)

2011-08-03T18:00:00.001+08:00

Click HERE For Bread Recipe (Turkish Bazlama).

Bazlama is a traditional Turkish Bread that has been localized into "Roti Arab". For added taste, I had that paired with the Mughlai Chicken Curry and then too, servings of Mint Chutney in light (not too sour) tairu blend.

MINT CHUTNEY RECIPE:

a handful of mint,

a handful of fresh cilantro.

fresh onion,

green and (red chilies - optional),

half a cup of water,

lime juice (or tamarind juice)

light salt,

all blend (or you may traditionally grind them all).

finally, add fresh Tairu (or evaporated milk) prior to serving.

Click HERE For a good North Indian Mughlai Chicken Curry Recipe.

ENJOY!

THE RAMADAN MOON UPON US ALL...

2011-08-01T14:00:00.002+08:00

Ramadan Moon Observed From The Backyard.

“(It was) the month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…”

- al-Baqarah 2:185

Ramadan Mubarak to all. May the spirit of Ramadan illuminates the world and show us the way to peace and harmony. May Allah(SWT) shower his blessings on you during this Ramadan and always!

PULUT TAI TAI..SERIMUKA DURIAN..TALAM TERANG BULAN - the 3 in 1 kuih! :)))

2011-07-23T22:40:00.009+08:00

Just wanted to finish off the DURIAN JAM @ GULA DURIAN which I've made a few months back. This morning I goggled up some of the recipes posted by blogger friends. Hence, I came out with this...the 3 in 1 Traditional Malay Kuih...:)))

To make this, I used KAK CM'S pulut tai tai@tetal recipe for the base. Then, I used YATIE'S serimuka durian recipe for the filling...& finally, KAK ANYMZ'S talam terang bulan recipe to get the idea of shaping this kuih...:))

Those who are interested may just hop into their respective 'blog kitchens' for the original recipe. I had omitted some of their listed ingredients and used instead what I have in my pantry. :))) Anyway, zillion thanks to you ladies..I really enjoyed doing this & definitely eating it too! :)))

MEATLOAF; A Good Comfort Food For Iftar.

2011-07-20T20:15:00.007+08:00

We had this for iftar during our Nisfu Syaaban fasting recently.

Only one quick photo as everyone was waiting to eat :)

Meat loaf is a simple basic easy to make home “comfort” food. It is basic, low in cost and easy to make whilst at the same time, containing very good nutritional values and depending on your kinds of side garnishing, it may in the final presentation be transformed into one healthy nutritious meal for the whole family. It is perfect for iftar as it is not too heavy on you and that helps during tarawih prayers.

The world’s total meat supply was 71 million tons in 1961 but by 2007, it was estimated to be around 284 million tons. Global per capita consumption has more than doubled over that period. Surprisingly, in the developing world, the numbers even rose twice as fast, doubling in the last 20 years suggesting that as our income per capita gets better, so does our diets too. A 2009 projection had stated that global meat consumption is expected to double again by year 2050 to almost 550 million tons per year.

Could there be enough resources for that? Would the environment of tomorrow be able to support human imminent desire for more food? That’s another topic I guess.

Meatloaf has high protein value and protein is one of the basic building blocks of the human body. Muscle, hair, skin, and connective tissue are mainly made up of protein. And if you chose from an organic beef source for your meatloaf, it would also mean that your meatloaf dish may contain a lesser amount of cholesterol too and that makes it healthier. To be frank, I much prefer the “Malaysianized” meatloaf (no offense) over the other alternatives I have tried.

Easy Peasy Malaysianized Meatloaf Recipe:

1 package of creamy soup mix (any flavor you may like)

1 kilogram of lean organic ground beef (usual variant too is perfectly okay)

2 large eggs

1 cup of evaporated milk

3 tablespoons of yellow mustard

3 tablespoons of castor sugar if desired (or you may add some slight ADABI beef curry powder or ADABI Rempah Sup powder instead – and that’s what I did!)

A pinch of salt here and there...

A tip on making the beef well mashed together is by using a full cup of home made breadcrumbs. It would also serves as absorptions for the beef melted fats as you bake later.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the soup mix, ground beef, brad crumbs, egg and milk together. Form the combination into a well packed and greased loaf shaped pan (or just use a non stick pan). Combine the rest of the ingredients and spoon onto the top of the meatloaf (so that you get the spicy taste as you first bite into the meatloaf!). Bake uncovered, for about an hour. When done, take the meatloaf out of the baking pan and place on a serving plate. Let stand for 10 minutes (to cool down) before slicing. Serve with your own style and your own taste side garnishing. ENJOY!

ADELE - Rolling In The Deep & Tag From NIEZA Too! :)

2011-07-17T09:20:00.001+08:00

Thanks To NIEZA For This Award! :)

1- Dislike impoliteness and such. Prefers low profile. :)

2- Happy being me and myself. Alhamdullilah.

3- Teaches economy and some management (was slogging at it 9 to 5 then).

4- Likes cars, especially MPVs and the slippery nippy ones too.

5- Likes vacations, especially when it’s a free one J haha!

6- Loves children especially little babies (before they grow up!J)

7- Likes cooking, reading, crafting and blogging. ;)

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND EVERYONE..ENJOY!

"DINER" HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH - with home made malt drink :)

2011-07-10T14:20:00.011+08:00

"Diner" Hot Chicken Sandwich

a few bbq chicken slices (link for recipe below)

2 slices of bread

french fries

green peas

chicken gravy

Click HERE For Our Own Chicken Recipe. :)

White Chicken Gravy (and I added cheese in mine...)

Voila! :)

NESTEA JELLY...Kenapa, Tak Percaya?! :)))

2011-07-08T13:00:00.004+08:00

Resepi ni diambil dari Dapur YANI. Lepas tu, tengok KAK NOR pun buat juga. Mula-mula ingatkan teh 'o' lemon, rupa2 jelly! Lain daripada yang lain kan? Kreatif betul! Terima kasih Yani sebab sudi berkongsi. Rasanya pun sedap dan tak rugi kalau ada sesiapa nak mencuba.

Terpikat dengan teknik pencahayaan KAK SITI DELIMA, saya pun cuba2 la. Phew, berpeluh2 nak dapatkan gambar yang cantik2 mcm kat sana!! :) Akhirnya ini je yang saya rasa sesuai dikongsikan. Layankan je la ya...:))))

PEACHY BREAD PUDDING - with clear caramel sauce! :)

2011-07-06T17:30:00.004+08:00

PEACHY BREAD PUDDING

2 1/2 cups of full or low fat fresh milk

4 eggs - slightly beaten

2 tbsp sugar

1 loaf of trimmed and buttered bread

a can of peach + syrup

some raisins

vanilla essence

Mix milk and sugar in a bowl and whisk until sugar dissolved. Add eggs, peach syrup and vanilla essence. Arrange buttered bread in a greased (buttered) baking pan *(you may also arrange and bake the pudding upside down in the pan). Pour the milk and eggs mixture on top until fully soaked to bottom of pan. Arrange peach on the bread and sprinkle some raisins. Bake in 160C oven for about 45 mins. Keep in fridge overnight. Pour caramel before serving. Enjoy! :)

CLEAR CARAMEL SAUCE

1 1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup water + peach syrup

Boiled these two ingredients in a skillet until sugar turned thick and brown.

Add peach syrup. Done! :)

ENJOY!! :)

CHICKEN CORN SOUP....Vermont Street Style :)

2011-07-05T09:00:00.004+08:00

3 tbsp peanut oil

3 crushed garlics

1000ml water

2 chicken breast - finely minced

1 can of corn kernel - blend to get a smoother texture

2 eggs smoothly beaten

a cup of home made chicken stock

a pinch of salt

Heat oil and add garlic. Fry until golden brown. Add in water and bring to a boil. Add minced chicken and corn. Let it simmer. Then, add eggs and stir continuously counter clockwise and then rotating the cycle. Add the chicken stock. Salt to taste. Garnish with spring onion. Serve hot. You may enjoy it with wholemeal bread. :)

VOILA!

P/S: shark's fin has been omitted from this recipe

& you may add corn starch to thicken soup.

KUIH LOPES......Terima Kasih Puan Kamila! :)

2011-07-03T21:00:00.002+08:00

Kuih Lopes ni pemberian Puan Kamila yang datang bertandang petang kelmarin. Dah lama betul tak berjumpa beliau. :) Berborak panjang kami petang tu sambil menikmati kuih kegemaran saya ini. :)

Yang ini saya punya, kelapa tak boleh letak banyak2, nanti batuk! :)

SINFUL ORANGE ESPRESSO BROWNIES : dare to try :)

2011-06-18T15:45:00.012+08:00

I made this brownies a couple of weeks ago.

They were fantastic and you just can't go wrong with cocoa, coffee and orange! :))))

3/4 cups all purpose flour

2/3 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cocoa powder

1 tsp espresso/instant coffee powder

2 large eggs

1/2 cup pecans - toasted & chopped

1 tsp vanilla essence

2 tbsp orange zest

a pinch of salt

Melt butter and stir in cocoa and espresso powder. Add in sugar, eggs, vanilla and stir to combine. Fold in flour, pecans, salt and orange zest. Spread into baking pan and bake for about 35 minutes in 170 C oven (depending on oven size really). Leave to cool and drizzled with melted chocolate on top if desired. :)

Voila!

ENGLISH MADELEINES - A Tribute To Aunt Chris, In Canada :)

2011-05-31T08:45:00.002+08:00

2 cups self-raising flour

1 cup softened butter

1 cup caster sugar

1/2 cup condensed milk *I added this ;)

3 medium sized eggs

1 tsp vanilla essence

1/2 cup raspberry seedless jam - I used Roselle :)

1 cup desiccated coconut

5 glaced cherries - green/red

In a mixing bowl beat butter and sugar until the mixture is creamed well/fluffy. Add egg one at a time to produce a smooth and combined mixture. Gently fold the flour in to achieve an even combination. Place the mixture equally into the buttered+floured dariole mould/muffin tin about 2/3 a mould. Bake in a preheated 170°C oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Leave to cool in the mould/tin for a while before turning out onto a wired rack to cool down completely. When they have temp down, using a knife, carefully cut the tops of each cake to form a flat base. Then, apply jam on the cake surface and roll that into the desiccated coconut. Lastly, stick a glace cherry on top of each Madeleine.

This yummy and simple recipe was introduced to me and my sisters by our kind, supportive, caring and lovely Aunt Chris somewhere back then. She has since left for Canada and we wish her the best of everything and a very good life for her and her family. She is always remembered warmly and dearly missed in our family.

ZERO '0' CALORIE DONUTS & MUFFINS!

2011-05-25T15:50:00.002+08:00

Sugar Glazed & Choco Topping Donuts?

Strawberry Choco Muffin..anyone?

Felt Pincushion! :)))))

TOTE BAG - A Simple Heart Felt Crafting

2011-05-18T18:30:00.006+08:00

CREATIVITY & A LITTLE PATIENCE : creates such wonderful tidbits!

2011-05-17T16:30:00.006+08:00

A Fusion of Japanese and Chinese Taste!

RM5.00 per packet - Japanese Seaweed in Spring Roll Skin

Click on the link below for further info about them:

Koperasi Mualaf Johor Berhad.

CHEESY STEAMED CHOCOLATE CAKE & Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T14:30:00.008+08:00

Thanks to MAS for sharing an easy steamed chocolate cake (apam) recipe. I added some Philly Cream Cheese into it for some extra surprise! :)))

Surprise!!

Simply Delicious!

Wishing ALL MOTHERS out there a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

KUIH CARA MANIS...gula durian :p~

2011-05-06T15:45:00.011+08:00

Durian lagi? Layankan aje la ye..;))) Kali ni buat Kuih Cara Gula Durian. Resepi kuih ni ambil kat Dapur YATIE. Mudah je nak buat & sedap. Yang paling penting seisi rumah suka!

Terima kasih Yatie sbb baik hati berkongsi resepi.. :)

Untuk inti Kuih Cara ni pula, saya guna Gula Durian@Jem Durian. Kalau suka, boleh tinjau2 Dapur NOORSHA untuk dapatkan resepi. *tiba-tiba teringat jem manggis la pulak..mmm,sedapnya :p~

Unik rasa kuih dgn durian ni & memang nostalgik betul ;)

Terima kasih Noorsha sudi kongsi n singgah :)

LAND BENEATH THE WIND : A Short Visit To Colorful Kota Kinabalu

2011-05-01T16:35:00.001+08:00

BUBUR SOMSOM...& kuah durian :)

2011-04-17T15:20:00.007+08:00

Assalamu'alaikum semua...Lama betul tak jengah "Deliah's Deli" & 'dapur' kawan2 blog....biasalah ada saja kekangannya :(( Ermmm, sekarang ni kan musim durian....jadi tiba2 je dpt idea nak reka resepi ni....Kalau siapa2 suka durian bolehlah cuba makan bubur somsom dengan kuah @ serawa durian. Resepi Somsom Kak Hanieliza ni sedap tau! Terima kasih kak sebab murah hati berkongsi resepi bubur somsom tu! :) Saya suka sangat rasanya yg lemak..manis..& bau harum daun pandan tu buat kita nak makan lagi & lagi & lagi..Burppp! Oppss, Alhamdulillah.. :))

Jemput makan sama-sama..tapi jangan pulak makan daun pandan tu sekali ya..:D

Klik SINI untuk Resepi Bubur Somsom Kak Hanieliza.

Kalau nak Resepi Kuah Durian boleh klik SINI..:)

BON VOYAGE RANIA! =D

2011-04-04T20:40:00.001+08:00

The winds of life blow in all directions.

And just like a colorful kite, we grace the skies.

Congratulations and good-luck to my sister Rania

in her new posting in Phnom Penh Cambodia.

Small thin freckled little girl with really big dreams, never giving in to anything no matter what, always promising herself the sky and the stars!

One day so long ago, it was against the old man advice; but stubborn like none other, she went to bike school intending on learning riding one but ended up with a broken toe instead! Ouch! But missed her graduation she would not; hence convocation in plasters and crutches and a picture says a thousand words indeed!

Come the years; some hearts get broken, and some broken hearts mended, but it’s all the snakes and ladders of living; a chalk mark in the rain storm.

Good with numbers and projections, she saw far and reached even further ahead of the rest in her very own style and relentless trademarks. Her blazing persistent trails; we have never failed to appreciate, and we have never failed to quietly beam proudly no matter where we are. A once dream that was left unclaimed in the far dust of time, and yet today in destiny she comes again; her father’s daughter, for she is picking up the dreams once more where he had once left off out of obligation.

To Allah we pray and we say our thanks. We reach out and we make our future. Fulfill all your duties beyond promises and all expectations, as that is an assured way to greater heights.

REMEMBER:

The world at large is still “mankind wilderness” yet to be domesticated by womankind, a realm where “trust” is actually spelled; a four letter word. So do not walk alone into the unknown.

See, what else I missed here...? But she knows all that already I guess :)

Bon Voyage Sis!

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW.....& fun time in the kitchen :)

2011-03-16T21:40:00.008+08:00

Inspired By The Rainbow : Rainbow Edible Bowl & Spoons

Essentially nature inspires us with endless beauty and splendor. There’s an old adage: at the end of every rainbow, you’d find yourself a bucket of gold. I just think that we make the buckets of gold with all kinds of inspirations and gifts life brought us. But if we do not stop to give thanks and appreciations for nature’s gift, we may miss our buckets here and there in this journey. Observing a beautiful rainbow way up high a few days ago, we were inspired to come up with our own rainbow theme fun time in the kitchen. We give thanks for all we have; peace, security and wellbeing. Our prayers and well wishes go out to all our friends affected by the tsunami calamity in Japan. May they be strong and rise up again to better days ahead.

To Along Roz, Kak Tie, Kak CM & Those Who Are Interested:

Please Click HERE For Dough Mixture :)

1 - Make dough into small balls.

2 - Roll out dough and cover the back of the spoon with dough.

3 - Cut out the edges and prick/press air bubbles out.

4 - Bake for about 5 minutes or until it loosens from the spoon.

NO-BAKE PINEAPPLE CHEESE CAKE....& edible spoons too! :)

2011-03-06T18:00:00.012+08:00

Is there any better way to enjoy your creamy pineapple bits?

This recipe was adapted & respectfully altered from HANA :)

Thanks sweetie for sharing...:)

Click HERE For The Edible Spoons Making. :)

HONEY GLAZED CURRY PUFFS...Our Uncle Hussein's Style :)

2011-02-27T19:00:00.004+08:00

It is quite an obligatory substance for legendary curry recipes and it goes without saying that without curry leaves, curry is to be tasteless. From Indian soil to the land of Mediterraneans, karuvepillai has made quite a name for itself, for its taste, a one of a kind fragrant and certainly too for its medicinal properties.

Apart from its rich iron values, the curry leaves are also widely used as herbs in traditional Ayurverdic remedy. Their known medicinal properties include anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti hypercholesteromic (an agent that helps to control and maintain a healthy cholesterol level).

To quote an old Persian proverb on honey (halva); "it is not by saying halva-halva, that sweetness will come to mouth". It means that it is not just by merely saying honey-honey, sweetness will come to the mouth ;)

Blend onion, garlic, ginger and fresh karuvepillai leaves (curry leaves/daun karipulai). Fry in oil and add beef curry powder. Stir well and then add ground beef, carrot, tomato (or a bit of tomato paste) and finely chopped potatoes. You may add chili powder for extra heat. Cook till beef and potato becomes almost mashed. Add in salt and beef stock. Fill each 4x2 inches ready made puffs with curried beef mix. Fold the squares into two. Use fork to press down the edges. Neatly lay the puffs into an oiled/buttered pan and brush the top of each with beaten eggs and honey. Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes. Serve.

ENJOY!

LOMPANG...A Traditional Malay Kuih :p~

2011-02-22T16:45:00.006+08:00

THANKS TO MAMAEINA FOR SHARING THIS LOVELY RECIPE...
WE REALLY LOVED IT!

CHICKEN POT PUFFS.....not exactly :))))

2011-02-10T20:00:00.005+08:00

My Square Pot Puffs :))))

Pastry Puffs Preparation:
1) Cut 2 slices of 4x4 inches pastry into 4...you'll get 8 pcs.
2) Cut a hole in the center of the 4pcs using a cookie cutter.
3) Patch them together with the other 4pcs...now you'll get 4 tiny square pots :))
4) Using a fork, poke at the center of the hole and brush puffs with egg yolk.
5) Bake until golden brown.

Filling Preparation:
1) Cook a can of mushroom soup with cubed chicken sausages and cheese.
2) Add some green beans if you like.
3) Spoon in some of the mixture into the baked puffs.
4) Done..serve immediately :)

Enjoy It.....Just The Way You Like It :))

TRICOLOR DE TRIOMPHE..3 gorgeous colors that makes 1 delicious cake

2011-02-03T22:00:00.008+08:00

A Post Especially Dedicated To My Friend MARIMI :)

I - First of all thank you very much for the award - really appreciate it :

http://saboresyolores-garlutti.blogspot.com/

A wonderful blog made up of lively colors and aromatic fragrances :)

II - 7 things about me :

1) I am simple and easy going
2) I am devoted to the family
3) Like to travel and explore new places
4) I enjoy reading a good novel
5) I enjoy my work
6) Love rustic comfy homes
7) Punctual with my time and not a fussy person :)

III - I forward this award to 15 other blogger friends *but it has to be at least 55 for me :) & apply the rules below:

1)http://perutkenyang.blogspot.com/
2)http://anymz-mykitchen.blogspot.com/
3)http://nasyieen.blogspot.com/
4)http://myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com/
5)http://hanamemories.blogspot.com/
6)http://ovenkecil.blogspot.com/
7)http://alifaimanaqil.blogspot.com/
8)http://subhieskitchen.blogspot.com/
9)http://fiqah99.blogspot.com/
10)http://sue-hasue.blogspot.com/
11)http://mas-dapurmas.blogspot.com/
12)http://www.blogresipi.com/
13)http://myinahar67.blogspot.com/
14)http://supjagungmanis.blogspot.com/
15)http://mamakitchen-makcikmanggis.blogspot.com/
16) http://mysweetlife-nurindah.blogspot.com/
17)http://dapurcomelku.blogspot.com/
18)http://www.kakinakl.com/
19)http://love2cook-msia.blogspot.com/
20)http://decochoco.blogspot.com/
21)http://andthenidothedishes.blogspot.com/
22)http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/
23)http://elizasfamily.blogspot.com/
24)http://treatntrick.blogspot.com/
25)http://salam2benua.blogspot.com/
26)http://linapg.blogspot.com/
27)http://homekreation-recipes.blogspot.com/
28)http://yatiememories.blogspot.com/
29)http://qasehmu-abadi.blogspot.com/
30)http://kayteeze2.wordpress.com/
31)http://www.potretkasih.com/
32)http://herfrozenwings.blogspot.com/
33)http://mamaeina.blogspot.com/
34)http://dirayna.blogspot.com/
35)http://my-sweetthots.blogspot.com/
36)http://seleraputeri.blogspot.com/
37)http://bicaramataku.blogspot.com/
38)http://ummiaffaf.blogspot.com/
39)http://secubitgaramnor67.blogspot.com/
40)http://dapurkecilnorul.blogspot.com/
41)http://ummizaihadi-homesweethome.blogspot.com/
42)http://hazila.blogspot.com/
43)http://mamafami.blogspot.com/
44)http://auladjannah.blogspot.com/
45)http://yummylicious-jun.blogspot.com/
46)http://izahdaut.blogspot.com/
47)http://fuzidss.blogspot.com/
48)http://yateasybakes.blogspot.com/
49)http://normarlida.blogspot.com/
50)http://ilahmasakanku.blogspot.com/
51) http://mummyalyssa.blogspot.com/
52)http://kurniaanmu.blogspot.com/
53)http://myskitchentherapy.blogspot.com/
54)http://prathimarao.blogspot.com/
55)http://aidahomeer.blogspot.com/

- RULES -

Post the link of the person who gave the award.
Share 7 random things about yourself.

Reward recently discovered 15 blogs

Place them in a list and discuss them

Thanks To Pn. Mastura Yasak & KAK AM
For Sharing This Delicious & Beautiful Cake Recipe :)

ROSE SYRUP JELLY.......with fermented tapioca

2011-01-30T10:45:00.002+08:00

Thanks To MAMAFAMI For Sharing This Delicious Jelly Recipe :)

150g castor sugar
15g 'agar-agar' powder
1 litre water
130ml thick coconut milk
1 egg white
1 tablespoon rose syrup
1/4 teaspoon rose essence
pink food coloring
2-3 packets of fermented tapioca/tapai ubi - *I added this in the recipe :))

Boil water with agar-agar powder until powder dissolves. Add in sugar, coconut milk, rose syrup, rose essence and pink food coloring into pot. *Add in mashed fermented tapioca/tapai ubi into the pot and stir well. Remove 1/3 of the mixture from the pot and add in egg white. Stir and mix well. Remove pot from heat and pour in the egg white mixture. Stir. Pour the mixture into a tray and leave to cool down before putting the tray into the refrigerator to set. Cut and serve....Enjoy !!

NYONYA FARE : angkoo kueh...but in rose mould & pink in color :))

2011-01-22T14:24:00.008+08:00

Angkoo Kueh also known as kuih koo or kuih peria. This is one of my favorite authentic nyonya kuih besides kuih bingka beras. For this recipe, I substituted green beans or moong/mung beans with red beans as I love the taste of the sweet red beans and also the combination of sweet potatoes and the chewiness texture of the glutinous flour. The aroma of the banana leaves makes it even tastier :))

Click HERE for the original recipe &
Thanks to MARLIDA for sharing :)

EASY PEASY PEANUT BUTTER & VANILLA ICE CREAM CAKE...when kids goes in the kitchen

2011-01-21T21:10:00.000+08:00

EAT!...EAT!...EAT! :)))))

Stir peanut butter and honey until evenly combined and spoon it into several small cups. Next, scoop in vanilla ice cream over peanut butter in every cup. Lastly top with crumbled chocolate sandwich cookies (those with white filling such as OREO or CREM-O :) Freeze until firm. Enjoy! :)))))

APPLE CRISPS & CRUMBLES....& Award From Three Lovely Ladies :)

2011-01-19T18:00:00.005+08:00

When I saw KAK ANYMZ posted an entry on her BANANA CRUMBLE...I was like.."Oh! Looks delicious and I must give this a try...but have to look for something quicker and simpler since this is my first time trying.." After digging up into a few cooking sites, I found this recipe..:)) You may click HERE @ HERE if you wish to :))) *many thanks to Kak Anymz for a great looking recipe..& must try this crumble recipe with banana some day :))

3 apples - cut and sliced/diced

2 cups of flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup Nestum cereal
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp salt

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Rub room-temperature butter with flour mixture using hand until breadcrumbs like mixture is obtained. Later, lightly buttered baking pan and sprinkle 1/4 crumble mixture into it. Place apples onto crumble mixture. Pour the rest of the crumble mixture. Bake for about 35 minutes at 180C. Lastly, sprinkle cereal on top of the crumble after 33 minutes of baking :)))) Serve warm with ice cream or custard if desired...Enjoy!

Here Is The Award Given By Three Lovely Ladies
KAK ANYMZ & HANA & IZAH :)

Thank You So Much Dearies...Your Kind Words Are Most Appreciated
&
I Forward This Award To All My Blogger Friends
May Friendship Remains & Treasured With A Grateful Heart :)

JUICY HAWAIIAN PINEAPPLE TOAST...an easy breakfast idea :)

2011-01-15T11:00:00.001+08:00

I wish to share my favorite kind of toast for breakfast...something simple and easy to make yet tasty :) Breakfast is important and it's best that you starts the day off right with a good meal and this recipe is quite the ideal choice for people on the go. So, let's check out how I got it done...:))

2 slices of french toast

1 slice of chicken pastrami
1 slice pineapple - ring shape
1 slice cheese

Bake in oven until the cheese is melted...Done - Enjoy! :p~

COFFEE ROLL CAKE.............my 1st attempt :D

2011-01-11T10:20:00.005+08:00

Tengoklah butter cream yang x cantik langsung ni...:((
Looks oily but I added some Nutella into it & ended
quite delicious - hehe :DDD

Cake x cantik pun tunjuk gambar banyak2..:))))
Improperly whisked eggs hence the cake has plenty air bubbles...I guess...
atau silap sukat tepung eh...hehehe :))

Yet...it's YUMMYY!!

Thanks To HANA For Sharing...SEDAP!! :)

FRANKFURTER PUFF....and the making :)

2011-01-10T21:30:00.003+08:00

Click HERE For The Making Of Sausage/Frankfurter Puff...:))))

Thanks To Kak Nor @ Secubit Garam For Sharing :)

QUICK + EASY CREAMY FRUITY DIP...Enjoy!!

2011-01-09T11:00:00.005+08:00

ASSORTED FRESH FRUITS....

MIX NESTLE CREAM + CONDENSED MILK...CHILLED

SPRINKLE ROASTED ALMOND CHUNKS...ENJOY!

PLAIN OL' BISCOTTI....yet to have your favorite things added to it :)

2011-01-07T21:11:00.004+08:00

Taste Good With Coffee...

2 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

In a large bowl beat sugar, butter, vanilla, eggs and salt with spoon. Add flour and baking powder and mix well...(*you may add in nuts, raisins and light cinnamon spices if you wish to...) Divide dough into half and shape each dough into log on cookie sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes or until center is firm to touch. Leave to cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes.

Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices with serrated knife. Place cut sides down on cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes. Turning once, until crisp and edges turn light brown. Then, remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely and ready to serve...Enjoy! :))

Goes Well With Nutella..:))

Click HERE For More Biscotti Recipes :)

CHERRY VANILLA TEA CAKE - just don’t eat the stem.

2011-01-05T17:20:00.001+08:00

Click HERE For The Original Recipe :)

VOILA!!

BAKED THREE LAYER BREAD BEEF PIE - a simple brunch recipe :)))

2011-01-01T21:20:00.001+08:00

1 loaf of bread - each slice cut into two
100 gm minced beef
3 onions - finely chopped
2 garlic - finely chopped
1 tomato - diced
1 potatoes - diced
5 slices of cheese
parsley - finely chopped
1/2 cup green peas
1/2 cup fresh milk
1tbsp spices
oil for frying
2 eggs

Fry onion, garlic, and spices. Add minced beef and potaoes and cook until potatoes softens. Stir in green peas and parsley. Arrange 1/3 bread that already dipped into eggs and fresh milk in buttered baking pan. Spread 1/2 beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Arrange one more layer of bread, beef and cheese. Covered with the last 1/3 bread on top. Press a little bit - evenly. Then bake in 200C oven for about 30-45 minutes. Layered with cheese in the last 2 minutes of baking time. Done...Serve & Enjoy!

HEY MICKEY : Kiddies Baking Project :)

2010-12-31T08:30:00.001+08:00

Thanks IZAH For Your Muffin Recipe...we really enjoyed it!

Click HERE For Basic Fondant Recipe...:))

ENJOY!

HAPPY NEW YEAR :))

2010-12-26T00:02:00.005+08:00

SALAM AWAL MUHARAM 1432 HIJRAH....masih cuti lagiiiii :))

2010-12-07T13:18:00.001+08:00

GOING ON A VACATION...WILL BE BACK LATER - take care all and see you again :)

2010-10-28T20:50:00.005+08:00

Hallå :) HASSELBACK POTATOES - Swedish Fare : A Tribute To Our Uncle Idrose And Family :)

2010-10-23T20:35:00.020+08:00

6 medium size potatoes

2/3 cloves garlic - pound

3 tbsb butter

a pinch of salt

freshly ground black pepper

Wash potatoes thoroughly. Trim one side of potato to a leveled surface (flat) for ease of cutting later. On a chopping board, with the trimmed flat side down, start from middle of the potato, cut almost all the way through, but being careful not to actually cut through. Well, the two forks in the picture, I've used those as stop-gap/leverage to maintain the consistencies and pattern of the slices.

Arrange the processed potatoes in a greased baking tray and insert the pounded garlic in between the slits. Brush some butter on top of each potato, then sprinkle some salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Bake potatoes at 200C for about 40-50 minutes until the potatoes turn crispy. You may serve this with sprinkles of cheese or sour cream.

Thanks to ANGIE for sharing :)

Click HERE for more potato recipes :))

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH COOKIES :))

2010-10-17T19:50:00.012+08:00

2 cups butter

1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup cornstarch

Preheat oven to 180C. Cream butter, confectioners sugar and vanilla. Sift flour, cornstarch and add to creamed mixture. Mix well until a dough is form. Flatten the dough and cut with cookie cutter. Place cookies carefully on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Done! :))

CLUMBSY COOKIE bracelet...:))

ENJOY!!

OLD-FASHIONED BANANA PUDDING...on a sunday morning :))

2010-10-10T14:20:00.005+08:00

1 cup corn flour, 5 cups fresh milk, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 3 sliced bananas, a pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract & fresh mint :))) Mix sugar, flour and fresh milk in a pot...bring to boil until thickened. Add salt, vanilla extract and bananas. Chill, garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve cold - ENJOY!! :)))

ENGLISH BANANA CAKE - with caramel :))

2010-10-07T20:26:00.004+08:00

Click HARYATI @ HANA @ MARLIDA @ ANA

For English Banana Cake Recipe :)))

CRYSTAL STRAWBERRY JELLY...with custard :))

2010-10-05T16:20:00.004+08:00

CUSTARD RECIPE:

1 cup custard powder, 5 cups water + evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix all ingredients in a pot and bring to boil and thickened. You may then put mixture in several small cups and let it set perfectly for about an hour or two :)))

CRYSTAL JELLY RECIPE:

90 gm strawberry crystal jelly powder, 400ml water and 1 can of mix fruits+nata de coco - set aside the fruit juice (we won't be needing it). Bring to boil and let it cool for a while before putting it on top of the custard. Refrigerate for about 3 hours and serve cold...Enjoy :))

UBI GETUK...sedapnyeeeerrrrr :)))

2010-10-01T15:36:00.002+08:00

JEMPUT MAKAN.... :))

LAMB IN TOMATO STEW - My Style :))

2010-09-26T22:03:00.003+08:00

Have been quite busy lately :) But never too busy for blogging :)))) hehehe! Anyway, this was what we had for brunch today : lamb in tomato stew with home made garlic bread and linguine.

500-600g lamb meat - diced
8 shallots - diced
1/3 cup cooking oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 inch ginger - minced
4 garlic - minced
2 fresh tomatoes - diced
3 tbsp allspice (5 spices may also do)
375 ml of traditional pasta sauce
some fresh coriander leaves
400 ml water (or you may add or reduce according to your taste)

Brown the shallots, garlic and ginger in oil. Add lamb and stir thoroughly. Then, add all other ingredients, cover and leave to simmer for 40-60 minutes. Serve with pasta of your choice and some home made garlic bread. It would be nice if you could complement all of that with a glass of freshly squeezed cooling orange juice - Enjoy!! :))

You may sprinkle some Parmesan on top if you like it that way :)

HITAM MANIS - R. Azmi :))

2010-09-19T12:54:00.004+08:00

Jemputlah Makan Cekodok Pisang...
Sambil Layan Lagu Hitam Manis R.Azmi :))))

EID MUBARAK TO ONE AND ALL :))

2010-09-17T17:28:00.002+08:00

SELAMAT HARI RAYA & MAAF ZAHIR BATIN :)

YATIE - Yatie Memories

IJAN -Blog Resepi

IZAH - Muffin Lover

FA10 - Bicara Mataku

IRA - My Lil' Circle Of Memories

WANIEYRA - Ummi Affaf

KAK INA KL - Tertunailah Hasrat Di Hati

SUZI - Suzi's Kitchen

NURINDAH - My Sweet Life

WANA - Potret Kasih

LOVE - Love 2 Cook

KAK NOR - Secubit Garam

AS - My Nur Kasih

UMMI - Home Sweet Home

DR. INAHAR - Inahar's Cooking Time

AIN - Me & My Story

HANA - Hana's Family

CHIK MIMI - Aku & Kehidupanku

DEETHA - Mlebu Pawon

ANYMZ - My Kitchen

ALONG ROZ - Home Kreation

BUBUR LAMBUK TIMUR SELATAN :)))

2010-09-05T10:28:00.003+08:00

Bubur Lambuk Terengganu yang telah diJohorJawakan :) Kenapa nama dia mcm tu...sebab makan dengan sambal kicap..Hish,teruk betul orang 'kacukan' Jawa ni...mkn apapun dengan sambal kicap!! :)) Yang menariknya tentang bubur ni ialah sayur-mayurnya...bagi yang menyukai segala jenis ulam/daun2 blh cuba masak bubur ni - memang sedap :p~ Kalau tak percaya, tanya NURINDAH atau SUZI...*pandai-pandai je bagi nama....ngeeee :))))

2 pot beras - masak jadikan bubur
2 ekor ikan kembung - rebus, perisi dan kisar
1 sudu besar lada hitam - tumbuk
1 inci halia - kisar
8 ulas bawang merah - kisar
3 ulas bawang putih - kisar
ulam-ulaman - pucuk paku merah & hijau, daun kesum, daun selasih, daun kaduk, daun kunyit (bersihkan & racik)
1/2 cawan santan kelapa
garam/perasa secukupnya

Masukkan semua bahan ke dalam bubur nasi kecuali sayur-sayuran. Biarkan mendidih dan kemudian masukkan sayur-sayurnya. Masak hingga sayur layu dan angkat. Siap, hidangkan bersama sambal kicap :)) *Oppssss, thanks KAK NAZ for the recipe!! :p~

ORANGE POPSICLE FROTHY :)

2010-09-02T16:48:00.005+08:00

1-2 oranges cut into cubes and put it into a freezer overnight, 1 glass of orange soda and 1 cup evaporated milk. Pour evaporated milk (or fresh milk) in a glass of orange soda and stir with a straw...Put in cubes of frozen oranges (the ones you made earlier) and...Enjoy :))))

ROTI JALA...& Erti Kemerdekaan - A. Samad Said

2010-08-31T21:37:00.003+08:00

Merdeka!
Merdeka!
Merdeka!

1 Malaysia Menjana Tranformasi....

Hari ni untuk iftar buat roti jala. Adalah ciri-ciri keMalaysiaan memandangkan hari ini genap 53 tahun Malaysia merdeka...Dah lama betul tak buat roti jala atau ada juga orang panggil roti kirai...Kali terakhir kalau tak silap masa zaman sekolah-sekolah dulu...uishhh, lama betul tu! :))) Oleh sebab ada permintaan bulan2 puasa ni kenalah juga membuatnya...Tengok la rupanya pun tak seberapa...tapi sebab dah berlapar seharian tentulah apa-apa sahaja yang ada atas meja makan tu semuanya sedap :)

Roti Jala

2 cawan tepung gandum
2 1/3 cawan air+santan...blh juga guna susu cair/fresh milk/low fat milk
1 biji telur ayam
sedikit garam
serbuk kunyit untuk warna...pewarna kuning pun boleh :))

Masukkan semua bahan dalam mesin pengisar dan kisar sehingga sebati...kalau agak pekat tambahkan air. Panaskan skillet/pan dan sapu minyak dengan menggunakan daun pandan pada pan. Isi acuan roti jala dengan bancuhan tepung dan kirai secara pusingan dalam pan. Bila dah masak, terus lipat ikut kreativiti masing2. Ulang proses sehingga bancuhan selesai. Hidang dengan kari, sambal atau serawa :)))

Kari Ayam

1 bahagian isi ayam - potong 3/4
5 sudu serbuk kari daging/ayam
1 biji kelapa - ambil santan
3 biji bawang besar - kisar
5 ulas bawang putih - kisar
1 inci halia - kisar
1 inci lengkuas - kisar
1 batang serai - titik
2 biji cili hijau
1 sudu besar kerisik
sedikit daun kari
sedikit rempah campak/tumis - bunga lawang/biji pelaga

Panaskan minyak dan tumis bahan kisar sehingga naik bau. Masukkan serbuk kari, ayam serta kentang dan masak sehingga mendidih dan kentang agak empuk. Masukkan santan, serai, asam jawa, cili hijau, kerisik, daun kari, bunga lawang, biji pelaga dan biarkan mendidih. Tambah perasa *jika perlu dan juga garam secukup rasa. Angkat dan biarkan selama 2,3 jam kemudian panaskan semula dan barulah dihidangkan :))

ERTI KEMERDEKAAN

SN A. Samad Said

Kita mencari hanya yang tulen dan jati
sekadar hidup mengerti dan berbudi
dan bumi akan subur, makmur dan mewah
jika kita bekerja dan berikrar hidup bersama
tanah air memberi banyak
mesra mendakap kita
kemerdekaan mendorong kita berdiri dan berbakti
dan dalam alaf baru
semangat kita wajar padu berjalan kita
atas nama tanah air dan bangsa
bangga kerana merdeka
megah kerana bahagia.

SAFIHA RA'A - pastri gulung & teh pudina :)

2010-08-25T16:13:00.007+08:00

Safiha Ra'a ini ialah resepi dari LAILA'S BLOG. Kami buat berbuka semalam sehingga ke moreh. Pastrinya rangup dan sedap dimakan dengan teh panas. Kalau suka letak sedikit daun pudina ke dalam teh panas2. Bagi yang suka bau pudina, tentu sedap :)

Bahan Untuk Inti:
250 gm daging cincang
1 biji carrot disagat
sedikit batang celery/daun bawang - hiris
1 biji bawang merah sederhana besar - tumbuk
5 ulas bawang putih - tumbuk
1 sudu besar rempah sup
garam secukup rasa
3 sudu besar minyak sapi untuk menggoreng...minyak lain pun boleh :))

Tumis bawang putih dan bawang besar dengan minyak sapi. Masukkan daging cincang dan rempah sup. Kemudian masukkan carrot dan batang saderi. Masukkan garam secukup rasa dan masak hingga lobak merah dan batang saderi lembut. Angkat dan tos minyak.

Bahan Untuk Doh:
3 cawan tepung gandum
1 cawan minyak -1/4 cawan minyak untuk doh - boleh guna minyak zaiton/minyak jagung bg yg menjaga kesihatan sebab doh ni memang menggunakan banyak minyak... :)
1 cawan air - agak2 jgn terlalu melekit
1 sudu kecil garam

Gaul tepung dan garam. Masukkan minyak dan air sedikit demi sedikit sehingga menjadi doh. Bulat2kan lebih kurang 10 biji yg saiznya besar sedikit daripada bola ping pong. Masukkan doh ke dalam bekas berisi minyak dan simpan di dalam peti ais selama 4 jam....keluarkan dari peti sejuk, biarkan lembut sedikit dan mula mencanai...*sila rujuk gambar di bawah utk proses ini :))

1. Tebarkan doh macam roti canai.
2. Kemudian lipat kepada dua bahagian hujungnya.
3. Letak di tengah2nya inti daging+sayur.
4. Lipat kedua2 hujung doh.
5. Gulung sehingga menjadi seperti siput...
6. Hujung yang terlebih tu dilipat ke bawah :))

Doh yang siap digulung diletakkan atas dulang pembakar yang dioles minyak dan bakar dengan kepanasan 200 C selama 40 minit atau sehingga keperangan... :))

KERABU PERIA...Resepi Kak Anymz :)

2010-08-23T19:55:00.004+08:00

Resepi ni dapat kat dapur HANA yang asalnya dari dapur KAK ANYMZ....Kalau suka kerabu mesti cuba resepi ni sebab memang SEDAP!..rugi tak cuba tau...Resepi ada kat bawah ni..cnp jer..terima kasih kat kalian berdua :))

Bahan-bahan:

3 biji peria- dihiris nipis *saya guna 1/2 peria biasa jer-lagi la x pahit :))
1 biji tomato- buang empulur dan dihiris nipis
1 labu bwg besar- dihiris halus
1 sudu besar kerisik
1 sudu besar udang kering- ditumbuk
daun ketumbar-dihiris halus
1 batang serai- dihiris halus
cili api -ikut suka nak pedas buh le bebanyak-dihiris halus jugak
sedikit gula dan garam *dan nampla/sos ikan :))
air perahan limau nipis

Cara-cara:

Rendam peria dengan 1 sudu kecil garam. Kemudian perah buang air garam.
Masukkan mangkuk dan satukan dengan bahan2 lain.
Perasakan dengan garam dan gula secukup rasa.
Hidangkan.

Jom Makan - Selamat Berbuka Puasa...:))

BAKTHIARI CHICKEN BBQ :)

2010-08-22T08:51:00.004+08:00

Barbecue chicken Bakhtiari is a unique lemon (Citrus) flavored charcoal essence Farsi style BBQ recipe, which is commonly served during iftar in traditional and modern day Iranian homes. In our household, owing to schedules, we don’t get to spend much of iftar time at home together. So when we could, we make it extra special by cooking things up all together in the kitchen and then serving and enjoying it later at iftar. You may also use this BBQ recipe for lamb and beef. Alternatively, you could also put the chicken in parts onto skewers if you like. Commonly this BBQ dish gets served with traditional fluffy Iranian style rice cooked with a slight zesty taste of saffron. I must also apologize to all my dearest Malaysian cyber friends for not using Bahasa Melayu (my mother-tongue) when writing this up, as several of my non BM speaking friends have requested for this recipe as well, and in particular dearest Abby, I thought might as well just put it in English for all :)

Serves 5 (*leftovers can be made into sandwiches )

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken wash and dry.

For the marinade:
1 liter freshly squeezed lemon juice (I use the citrus variant)
Slices of lemon to rub on the chicken
4 table spoon of finely ground saffron (mixed with lemon juice)
4 large onions, finely chopped
8 cloves garlic, finely mashed
1 spoon full of thyme finely pounded
1 spoon full of rosemary finely pounded
a few strands of saffron finely pounded
4 table spoon of Dijon mustard (I prefer Dijon, but just any kind of mustard will do)
Salt and pepper to taste

How to make BBQ chicken Bakhtiari:
Mix the finely grounded saffron with the lemon juice until it is a thick consistency then add to the rest of the marinade ingredients and mix well.

Rub the chicken with the slices of lemon to tenderize the skin then cover chicken with the marinade and leave in the fridge overnight or for 12 hours roughly. The Dijon mustard which is particularly strong and pungent would usually be able to seep into the fowl flesh structure faster than any other kind of mustard I have tried with before.Try not to rub any salt on the chicken’s outer skin as salt under heat would produce dryness, try rubbing the salt inside and within the chicken’s inner section instead. Then pour melted ghee and rub over chicken skin so that it becomes crispy under heat.

Put the chickens on metal dish (or metal skewers) and cook over a medium-hot charcoal grill or a hibachi. But I just use my kitchen oven as it has the ability for an even and near mesquite quality roasting, and basically I prefer electric over charcoal nowadays. Dress cooked dish with grilled tomato, potato and bits of fresh mint leaves.

Farsi rice has always been known to be almost totally starch free and aromatic. I have included below a simple recipe. Only that I have added ghee to the recipe for taste. Originally butter would be use instead of ghee but my kids prefer ghee over butter and so I substituted the two.

Properly wash the Basmathee (4 cups) in tap cold water and drain. In a skillet add 5 spoon full of ghee/butter and 1 or 2 tea spoon of sugar and fry for a couple of minutes. But do not let the sugar turns to brown; suffice for it to just melt over as we would want the rice texture to be yellowish and slightly golden later.

In a small bowl add 1 or 2 tea spoon of finely grounded saffron with lukewarm water and mix well then add in the uncooked rice. Immediately boil the rice with mixture, let it cook then add in the ghee and sugar which you have fried in the skillet earlier. The taste should ideally be very rich and creamy, slightly neutral in sweetness (not totally bland or sweet) and slightly saffron smelling. The color should be slightly yellowish resembling gold. That’s it, serve for iftar. Enjoy! :)

MOUHALABIEH - A Sweet Dessert For My Dearest Sister : Happy Birthday Rania :)

2010-08-19T19:00:00.004+08:00

Mouhalabieh, mahalabiya, mahalabia, muhalabia or mahallabiyya is a simple, delicious middle eastern dessert with origins that traces back to Jordan, and it would always gets served after you have done stuffing yourself with the main course meal ;)

Ingredients:

3 cups rice flour
1 cup corn flour - I used custard powder...for a change :)
3 cups sweetened condensed milk
10-12 cups evaporated milk+water
2 pods cardamom - lightly crushed
pinch saffron threads *optional
3-4 tablespoons rose water
chopped pistachios and raisins to garnish :)

Directions:

Combine rice flour and corn flour. Add to a pot containing milk. Slowly bring to boil and whisk vigorously. Be careful not to scorch the mixture. Add cardamom and saffron* and continue stirring until the mixture thicken. Remove from heat, add rosewater and stir well. Pour pudding into cups and refrigerate to chill. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and raisins. Serve :)

Scientific researches have found that eating 1.5 ounces of Pistachio a day, coupled to a low cholesterol and saturated fat intake diet may actually be very good for cardiovascular health. So enjoy your Mouhalabieh :)

Suggestion: it is best after some refrigeration, but no too long or the pistachio bits would lose its crunchiness.

When God wanted us to have a sister

He sends us the best we could ever want

We treasure every memory we created

For it's unrivalled worth

No one can know us as we do

And all we treasure of our past

We have our special secrets

And understand each other's heart

We may not tell you as we should

How much you mean to all of us

So, today we send you lots of love

For today to be a treat

Have a special birthday then dear sis

You deserve the very best

And so we ask in prayer

For every moment to be blessed

And we keep your past by having sisters

And as we get older

They're the only ones who don't get bored

When we talk about our memories together...

Happy Birthday.....:)

CHA-CHA JELLY - sharing is caring :)

2010-08-15T22:30:00.002+08:00

Thank you ALONGROZ for sharing this delicious jelly recipe. It really does tastes like the classic bubur cha-cha and everyone simply just loves it :)

1 packet (13g) agar-agar/jelly powder

1 liter water
250g sugar
200ml coconut cream
250ml fresh milk
1 cup cha-cha bits
1 pandan leaf
1/4 tsp salt

Boil cha-cha bits until soft. Then strain. Next, boil jelly powder with water and sugar until dissolved. Add in coconut cream, milk, pandan leaf and salt. Discard pandan leaf. Pour into a mould and cool. Chill until fully set. Enjoy!

KHATIRA - best thirst quencher during ramadan :)

2010-08-14T20:51:00.006+08:00

Khatira Gum (Getah Anggur)

~soak 1/2 cup of khatira gum in water overnight, then rinse thoroughly....the practice of soaking overnight in cooking helps to remove natural gasses in foodstuffs...~

Basil Seed and Rock Sugar

~soak 1 cup of rock sugar and 1/4 cup basil seed until rock sugar dissolve and basil seed is expanded and soft~

Malva Nuts and Raisins

~soak 6 malva nuts until gelatin is formed and add 1/4 cup of raisins~

Dates - I Used Medjool Dates

~1/3 cup dates...cut dates into small pieces~

Fresh Cooling Khatira Drinks

~1 liter of plain water plus 1 can of evaporated milk and 1 glass of ice cream soda...mix all the ingredients above...you may also boil the mixture for awhile *except ice cream soda :) then, refrigerate to chill....enjoy!~