Tips anyone?
April 17, 2008
April 13, 2008
Penang Food
There is nothing special in Penang food ingredients. It is the same ingredients you would get in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Singapore. The only difference is some magical skills are required to achieve Penang food quality.
Freshest ingredients-time to deliver from source to consumer, patience-time to pick, clean and prepare, care-manage raw carefully in the hot weather which even the roadside hawker would and superb cooking skill-time, heat and moisture are common traits of Penang food. Penangite often have individual palates to satisfy, each nurtured from young by loving family background irregardless of race nor religion.
I cannot compare Char Koay Teow(left) and Chee Cheong Fun(middle) in Penang and anywhere else I have been too.
My only comment – Speechless.
Penang Road’s TeoChew Chendol(right)-Icekachang also sell my childhood favourite, giant ice ball drenched with sarsaparilla and rose syrup. Selamat Makan!!!
April 12, 2008
Chicken Rice Lunch at Ayer Hitam
Can you taste from looking at the pictures? Yes, the roasted meat, chicken, duck and pork are great. Let me introduce the chicken rice too, it is a star in its own. We almost had rice alone. Forget about asking me where this location exactly is. We passed by Sunshine Farlim, LonePine Condominiums (not the Lone Pine at Feringghi) and this is by the busy road. Our funny local friend, Kang Herng mentioned a haunted house on the Penang Hill, visibly blue or green in color (too sunny to see clearly). I hope you can figure where it is.
April 11, 2008
Weekend In Penang
It was a beautiful cloudy day when we were on Penang bridge. Awesome blue and grey colours accompanied by cool wind, hint of thunderstorm and downpour approaching. It has been too long since the last time to be in this beautiful moment. Trapped in air conditioned office, home and concrete jungle.
The rain came and left. By the time we reach Park Royal, sunny blue sky were already there to welcome us. I love to lie under the coconut tree all day, reading, napping and let the breeze run all over while the sun bake a roast of me.
April 3, 2008
March 28, 2008
No-Knead Bread Project
Someday I am going to try the the No-Knead Bread Project.
See demonstration on You Tube and some recipes at NYT
NYT Recipe
Bread machines:
Bluesky from CarreFour
http://www.zojirushi.com/ourproducts/breadmakers/bb_hac.html
‘Paris, I Love You (Paris, je t’aime)’
March 26, 2008
Games for Reading (Paperback)
Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Games-Reading-Peggy-Kaye/dp/0394721497
Book browse link http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0394721497/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Product Details
- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Pantheon; 1 edition (June 12, 1984)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0394721497
- ISBN-13: 978-0394721491
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
HERE ARE OVER SEVENTY GAMES TO HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN TO READ–AND LOVE IT.
Peggy Kaye’s Games for Reading helps children read by doing just what kids like best: playing games. There is a “bingo” game that helps children learn vocabulary. There is a rhyming game that helps them hear letter sounds more accurately. There are mazes and puzzles, games that train the eye to see patterns of letters, games that train the ear so a child can sound out words, games that awaken a child’s imagination and creativity, and games that provide the right spark to fire a child’s enthusiasm for reading. There are games in which your child has to act silly and games–sure to be any child’s favorite–in which you do.
Easy to follow and easy to play, these games are ideal for busy, working parents. You can read a game in a few minutes and start to play right away. You can play on car trips, while doing the laundry, or while cooking. These games are so much fun for the whole family that you may forget their serious purpose. But they will help all beginning readers–those who have reading problems and those who do not–learn to read and want to read.
Games for Reading also includes a list of easy-to-read books and books for reading aloud, and a “Note to Teachers” on how to play these games in their classrooms.
Inside Flap Copy
HERE ARE OVER SEVENTY GAMES TO HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN TO READ–AND LOVE IT.
Peggy Kaye’s Games for Reading helps children read by doing just what kids like best: playing games. There is a “bingo” game that helps children learn vocabulary. There is a rhyming game that helps them hear letter sounds more accurately. There are mazes and puzzles, games that train the eye to see patterns of letters, games that train the ear so a child can sound out words, games that awaken a child’s imagination and creativity, and games that provide the right spark to fire a child’s enthusiasm for reading. There are games in which your child has to act silly and games–sure to be any child’s favorite–in which you do.
Easy to follow and easy to play, these games are ideal for busy, working parents. You can read a game in a few minutes and start to play right away. You can play on car trips, while doing the laundry, or while cooking. These games are so much fun for the whole family that you may forget their serious purpose. But they will help all beginning readers–those who have reading problems and those who do not–learn to read and want to read.
Games for Reading also includes a list of easy-to-read books and books for reading aloud, and a “Note to Teachers” on how to play these games in their classrooms.
Reading List 26-March-08
Post your secrets to http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
Kylie writes her thoughts on books she read on http://kyliesbooks.blogspot.com/.
http://kimbooktu.wordpress.com is a blog of a book lover from Holland.
January 18, 2008
New Orleans Beignet 3
Recipe #3 from YatCuisine
INGREDIENTS:
1 package active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (105°)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup undiluted evaporated milk
7 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup soft shortening
oil for frying
confectioners’ powdered sugar
PREPARATION:
In large bowl, sprinkle yeast over water; stir to dissolve.
Add sugar, salt, eggs and milk.
Blend with beater.
Add 4 cups of the flour; beat smooth.
Add shortening; beat in remaining flour.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
Roll out on floured board to 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut into 2 1/2-inch squares.
Deep fry at 360° 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned on each side.
Drain on paper towels and sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar.
Yields 5 dozen.
End of Recipe #3
New Orleans Beignet 2
Recipe #2 from New Orleans Cuisine
INGREDIENTS:
1 Envelope Active Dry Yeast
3/4 Cup Water (110 degrees F)
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Beaten Egg
1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk
3 1/2 – 3 3/4 Cups A.P. Flour
1/8 Cup Shortening
Vegetable Oil for Frying
Powdered Sugar in a shaker or sifter
PREPARATION:
Combine the Yeast, Water, and Sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook
(You could also make this in a food processor, or the old fashioned way, by hand).
Let this sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, then add the Salt, Egg, and Evaporated Milk.
Mix on low speed, then add half of the flour until it starts to come together, then add the shortening.
When the shortening is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated.
At this time I always turn the dough onto a floured bench to finish by hand, just like when I make bread; it’s a touch thing.
Knead the dough adding just enough flour as necessary to make a non-sticky, smooth dough.
Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and let rise
(I made mine last night and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator).
After the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle that is about 1/2″ thick.
With a very sharp knife working at a diagonal to the rectangle, cut into 2″ wide strips.
Now cut into diamond shapes by making diagonal cuts in the opposite direction.
Place the Beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise about 40 minutes in a warm place (I place them in a barely warm oven).
When the Beignets have risen, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350-360 degrees.
Place 2-3 Beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them.
When they are golden brown, flip them over until golden brown on the other side (They go pretty quickly so start checking them right after they go into the oil).
Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain.
Serve hot topped with plenty of powdered sugar (because the dough doesn’t contain much sugar, you will want a lot!).
Best served with Cafe au Lait. Enjoy!
Makes about 2 dozen.
End of Recipe #2
January 17, 2008
New Orleans Beignet 1
Recipe #1 from About.com
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 envelope active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (approx. 105°)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup shortening, softened
- oil for deep frying
- powdered sugar
PREPARATION:
In large bowl, sprinkle yeast over the warm water; stir to dissolve and let stand for 5 minutes.
Add sugar, salt, beaten eggs, and evaporated milk.
Whisk or use electric mixer to blend thoroughly.
Add 4 cups of the flour; beat until smooth.
Add shortening; gradually blend in remaining flour.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Roll out on floured board to 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut into 2 1/2 to 3-inch squares.
Deep fry at 360° for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned on both sides.
Drain on paper towels and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
Serve hot with coffee.
Dough can cut and frozen, separated in container with waxed paper.
Makes 4 to 5 dozen.
End of Recipe #1
January 11, 2008
January 8, 2008
January 2, 2008
Home Project #1: In Law Moving In
I have massive spring cleaning to do. 4 members of the family is moving into the house we are staying. This is good news to us that we have more people in the house of 6 bedrooms. Both of us have to give up some luxury of privacy. No more walking around naked or without undies. We will need to practise living like nun and monk with other people….
Watch Persepolis, an animated movie about a child’s experience of freedom and struggle.
Back to Normal Life
I admit I do not like holidays. Miserable.
We thought today is the first day of school. Woke the boys up early. Dressed the older in school uniform.
Sent them to the day care for breakfast and school transport pick up.
But….
Today is not a school day, tomorrow is…
The older was grinning from ear to ear, must be thinking how silly his parents are
I am glad tomorrow is a school day.
I have a super tight deadline which 9th January 2008.
Wish me luck…
January 1, 2008
Hello 2008
New Year has arrived
House is in disarray
Looks like spring cleaning was done
Micro management is still not truly successful
December 28, 2007
2008 New Year Resolution
- Sleep better
- Listen better
- Paint more
- Read more
- Write more
- Eat lesser
- Clean often
- Talk less
- Be discplined
- Love well
