Friday, April 29, 2011

The Royal Wedding

This morning I went to the Gym right after sending Sofiyah to school.  But then, I went to Tm Point to enquire regarding my Streamyx application.  I also got the new telephone set for Loteng, having applied for a new phone line.  The installation was done yesterday, minus the phone set.  The contractor informed me to get the new phone at Tm Point by producing the installation receipt.

I reached KakiGym around 9am.  It was deserted except for the trainer attending to his lady client who looked exhausted (after a session) I guess.  Anyway, I went looking at the stationery bike and seek one of the trainers to teach me how it works.  I then decided to use the aerobic studio to begin my tai chi routine.  

I began by warming up, i.e. the 13 steps movement.  That took about 20 mins.  Luckily I could still balance myself when doing the one leg stand for 2 minutes (both right and left).  Not bad...... even after laying off for some time... otherwise I sure would topple if I could not balance properly...

After that I did my Tai Chi Ser Pak Se (37 steps).  I managed to do it in exactly 10 mins!  Bravo!!! When doing the 37 steps, timing is crucial...  If less than 10 mins... too fast already.. Yet, if more than 12 mins....too slow... so, have to be precise!! This needs a lot of practicing... I have been practicing Tai Chi for almost 12 years now... yet sometimes I could not achieve the 10mins deadline....
I then went to the workout machines and rode the stationery bike.  I cycled for 10 mins (again!!) only.. must reached 20 mins by next week.  In 10 mins I managed to cycle 2.8km, effort level 4... okay lah....

OK!  Now about the Royal Wedding.  Firstly congratulations to Prince William and his royal bride to be, Kate.  Today is their wedding and the whole world is watching the occasion live over the idiot box!!  Malaysia included.  As for me, I won't be watching it live... because I have other things to do.. Also, my attention span watching the idiot box is kinda short... like always....except of course when I am watching Capt Jack Sparrow!!  Only he can keep me 'glued' to my seat for hours at the cinema and watching reruns (NEVER ever getting bored) over the idiot box... Give me Capt Jack Sparrow any time...

Anyway, I hope Kate will treasure the engagement ring which Prince William gave her.  That ring belongs to his late mother... the lovely Princess Diana (popularly known as Lady Di).  I sure miss Lady Di... She was so beautiful, and very down to earth.  I remembered this friend of mine, Rose was her name, who wanted me to accompany her to the hair salon (Lee Bernard, he was THE hair stylist in the early eightiess) and Rose brought along this newspaper cutting of Lady Di's with her short wavy hair.  Rose told the stylist, "Bernard, I want to have my hair done like Lady Di."  Actually I  was quite amused, because Rose would cough out RM110 to copy Lady Di's hair style.  Luckily she got what she wanted!! Wonder where Rose is now....

Well, Prince William is the eldest among his siblings, and so is Kate.  According to tradition, the marriage will be kinda 'panas'  (meaning the marriage is going to be 'hot').  Hot in the sense that tempers flare easily, it would be difficult to compromise over small disagreement...thick egos....etc etc etc... And... usually, the marriage does not last long.... But then, maybe Prince William and Kate's marriage will be forever....I wish them all the best in their royal marriage together...


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Dried Shrimp Sambal





200g dried shrimps, soaked, cleaned and lightly pounded
2 tbsp tamarind paste mixed with 100ml water, strain to obtain juice
4 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
1/2 cup oil

Spice ingredients (ground to a paste)
5 dried chillies, soaked
7 red chillies, seeded
10 shallots
2 cloves garlic
2 stalks lemongrass
1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Seasoning
3 tbsp sugar or to taste
1/2-3/4 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp chicken stock granules

Heat ouil in a wok and fry ground spice ingredients over medium low hjeat until aromatic.  Add tamarind jiuce.  Fry for a while.
Add dried shrimps.  Stir-fry until well combined.

Add kaffir lime leaves and seasoning.

Reduce the heat and keep frying until mixture is dry and crumbly (to the desired texture).

Dish out and leave to cool.

This sambal can be spread on bread slices or even served as a condiment for fried rice.






Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Spicy Potato Chips

200g sweet potatoes
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp finely grated lime rind

Peel and cut sweet potatoes into thin slices or thin strips.

Combine the chilli powder, salt and lime rind together.

Heat oil in a wok.  Add sweet potato slices in batches and deep-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until crisp.

Remove onto a plate lined with several pieces of paper towels.  Sprinkle sweet potatoes with combined salt mixture.  Toss to combine.



Fried Chicken in Spicy Sauce

350g chicken fillet, sliced
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
4 bird's eye chillies, cut into sections
1 stalk spring onion, cut into sections
1 red chilli, cut into wedges

Marinade (A)
1 tsp light soy sauce
1/8 tsp pepper
Pinch of salt and sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornflour

Sauce (B) (combined)
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp Thai chilli sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp black vinegar
1/2 tsp cornflour


Season chicken fillet with marinade (A).  Parboil chicken in hot oil for less than a minute.  Remove and drain well.


Heat sesame oil and oil in a wok, fry garlic, bird's eye chillies and rfed chili until aromatic.  Add sauce (B) to mix.  Bring to a quick boil.


Return chicken pieces to the wok and add spring onion.  Toss over high heat to combine.








Simple Pancakes





60g plain flour
60g self-raising flour
1/4 tsp salt
125ml water
120ml milk
1 egg


Sift the flours and salt together.  Combine the water and milk.  Put the flour mixture into a mixing bowl.  Make a well in the centre and break in the egg and add half the liquid.  Work gradually into the flour using a whisk.  Beat lightly until well combined and smooth.  Add remaining liquid gradually.  Whisk gently until the batter has the consistency of pouring cream.

Cover the batter loosely with a piece of  cling film wrap and leave in a cool place for 30 minuts.
Lightly brush a pan with oil and heat until just hot.  Wipe off excess oil and pour about 3 tablespoons of batter into the middle of the pan.  Tilt the pan from side to side so the batter runs into a thin and even layer across the bottom of the pan.

Cook over medium heat for about 1 1/2 minutes or until pancake browns around the edge and begins to curl away from the pan.  Slide a palette knife under the pancake and flip it over.  Brown the underside for a further minute.
Turn the pancake out of the pan and continue to make the rest of pancakes.  Stack the pancakes between sheets of parchment paper until ready to serve.



Sunday, April 24, 2011

Hooray!!!! No injection..

When I went for my follow up appointment with my orthopaedic doctor, re my plantar fasciitis, he told me not necessary to have the injection, just yet.  Instead he prescribed another brand of painkiller to replace the Arcoxia.  I have to take Celebrex 400mg cap (celecoxib) 1 tab when necessary after meal.  

I had completed my dosage of Arcoxia on Friday.  Since I did not have any pain, till now, I abstained myself from taking the Celebrex.   I hope I won't have to take any painkiller whatsoever... Doc also adviced me to change my lifestyle... in sports i.e. , meaning, to avoid running for the time being, and do cycling or swimming instead.  

Well, I love cycling and swimming also, but then, to cycle outdoors would mean having to go on the streets... which is quite risky, with heavy traffic almost daily.  So... I need to go on the stationery bike, meaning, to the gym.  Well..... got to start next week then.

As for swimming, I love doing it too.  But then, the part I dislike most is having to change into the swimsuit.  Of course, I will be wearing the 'diving' suit, meaning covering from the neck to the ankles, and also covering my hair....and having to swim at the Bukit Jalil Golf Club.  Wish I have a private pool (indoors of course) where I could swim in a bikini....hehehe....or in my birthday suit....HAHAHAHA... that will be the day my hubby will 'die' of shock!!! 

So...will I be able to run in the Standard Chartered International Marathon (of course I am running the 10km only) in June??? I really...really...really...want to run....but then, I am also afraid of injuring my already painful left heel... So...again, plantar fasciitis...PLEASE.....go away... shoo..shoo...go away....



Friday, April 22, 2011

Laksa Sarawak

(Laksa Sarawak Paste)






My husband really enjoy eating Laksa Sarawak.  So, when I was in Kuching, I bought a few packets of the Sarawak Laksa Paste.  I would cook the Laksa Sarawak every weekend, i.e. since all my children are at home with me.

To make the laksa:

Boil 1 whole chicken together with 1/2kg of fresh prawns (no need to remove head and shell) and 1 stalk of lemongrass (smashed) in a pot of water till chicken cook (this is for the chicken/prawn stock)

Remove chicken and prawns. Separate prawns' heads and blend with a little of the chicken/prawn stock.

Then add the laksa sarawak paste into the stock pot, together with the blended prawns heads, salt to taste. Bring to boil.  Add in thick coconut milk. Bring to boil again over a small fire.

In a bowl, put the rice vermicelli, shredded chicken meat, prawns, tauge and shredded omelette.  Pour the gravy into the bowl.  Ready to eat.  If not hot enough, can add sambal belacan.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Chicken Pox...@52...

When I was in Kuching last week, I noticed these rashes on my right arm.  I thought it was something I ate that cause the rashes.  So, I just ignored it.  Also there was no pain whatsoever.


Then, when I returned home four days later, the rashes were still there, and I began to feel pain whenever I accidentally touch it.  So I told hubby about it and he told me to see the doctor.

Since I had an appointment with my orthopaedic doctor (re Plantar Fasciitis), I decided to see my physician too.  So, I went to see my physician before seeing the orthopaedic doctor.  When I showed the rashes to my physician, she said, "You have chicken pox my dear".   WHAT???? But I had it before, when I was 10.  Doctor said, the remaining virus decided to present itself... Ha...ha...

Thus I had to take Zoral, 2 tab 5x a day....and Acorxia if there's pain.  My follow up treatment is on Friday.  As for my Plantar Fasciitis, the Doc said, better for me to have the injection.  But then, the chicken pox have to disappear first....

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Farmers' Permit @Pasar Tani Paroi

(YB Dato' Yunus Rahmat, exco Pertanian Negeri Sembilan)

(My brother and hubby waiting for the YB)

(My brother shook hands with the YB)

(YB reading our flyer)

(YB presenting the Farmers' Permit to my hubby)

(The Permit hanging proudly at our stall)


Hubby and I reached Pasar Tani Paroi at 8am Sunday morning.   Our workers, my brother and Acot had already set up our stall.  2 kgs of mutton were already sold.  The crowd this morning was exceptionally huge, probably because of the event being held, i.e. the presentation of the Farmers' Permit by YB Dato' Yunus Rahmat, exco Pertanian Negeri Sembilan.

There was a colouring contest for kindergarten children at one of the tents.  They had to colour pictures of the local fruits available at our Pasar Tani.  Prizes were given to the winners and also to those who did not win...meaning every child received at least a consolation prize.

The YB was very sporting when he rode the three wheeled motorcycle around the pasar tani site.  He then went from stall to stall to present the permits to its owners.  My husband was one of them.  We are the only stall selling mutton.

Our nephew and his wife came to buy 2kg of mutton.  Thank you Irwan and Mumtaz.  Oh yaa, my secondary schoolmate from Singapore, Siti Hawa and her family, also visited our stall.Thank you Siti Hawa.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Raffero hazelnut cookies



INGREDIENTS
(A)
150gm butter
40gm margarine
20gm shortening
40gm castor sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp cappucino emulco

(B)
(sifted together)
180gm plain flour
a pinch baking powder
20gm corn flour
20gm potato flour
1 tbsp milk powder
30gm milo
50gm chocolate rice
20gm hazelnut - roasted and ground


METHOD
1)   Cream ingredients A until light and fluffy.
2)   Add in ingredients B and mix slowly until a soft dough is formed.
3)   Take a piece of the toasted whole hazelnut and cover with some 1 teaspoon dough and shaped into a round shape.
4)   Arrange in lined baking tray and bake at 150degrees C for 15-20 mins in preheated oven until light brown.
5)   Remove to cool.  Take a cookie and coat it with melted dark chocolate.  Lace the chocolate coated cookie into a paper cup and line with white chocolate.



Green Peas Cookies



INGREDIENTS 
130gm deeep-fried green peas (milled) - available in ready packets
130gm icing sugar
1/4tsp salt
150gm plain flour
100ml groundnut oil 


FOR GLAZING
1 egg yolk (beaten)


METHOD
1.   Place ingredients in a mixer and combine to form a dough.


2.   Remove dough no.(1) and ;place between sheets of ;plastic.  Roll into a thin sheet, stamp out cookies with cutter pre-stained with flour.  Arrange cookies on lined baking tray.  Glaze surfaces.


3.   Bake no.(2) in a preheated oven at 170 degrees C for 15-20 mins till well-baked.  Cool before storage.



Thursday, April 14, 2011

Sayang Sarawak




When I was staying at the Grand Margherita Hotel in Kuching, my room was opposite the mini-studio of the 'Sayang Sarawak" programme by TV3.  Since the door to the mini studio was opened, I stood at my door and watched the crew setting up the technical aspect of the shooting.  The hosts were rehearsing their script for the programme.

Then, when they noticed me, they waved at me.  So I signalled to them whether I could take a photo with them, and when they beckoned me... I quickly took my camera and entered the studio.  So...this was how a mini-studio look like....

I stood between the hosts, and a make-up artist (a she or a he??, well.....whatever) took our photograph.  I thanked them all and returned to my room... When I downloaded the picture into my computer.... alamakkkk ... my eyes were shut.... But I still post it in my FB (facebook). 

Then when my FB friends commented about my eyes being shut in the picture... they told me  to take another shot with the hosts... of course I declined... where can take another picture... malu lah...(shy lah).. But luckily I have an FB friend who is a photographer... He said, "No problem kak (sister), I can open your eyes for you....small matter only...".  He told me to email my picture to him and he will do the rest....

So...the final result after he edited my picture, is as per above....with eyes wide open....hehehe... Thank you so much Rosman bin Jantan   http://rosmanjantan.fotopages.com

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Kuching waterfront - an evening

 (Standing infront: L to R: Ahmad n Adha - Behind: Afiq, Maya n my sis-in-law))

My sister-in-law was supposed to fetch me at 5pm, and by 6pm, there was still no sign of her, so I called her on her mobile.  She told she was waiting for her son to drive her to the hotel where I was staying.  Five minutes later, she called me and told me her son said they will be fetching me at 7pm.  So... since I have to wait for another hour, I decided to jog along the Kuching waterfront which was about 20metres from the hotel.

After changing into my sports gear, I left the hotel at around 6.15pm.  I walked briskly to the waterfront, and at an area in front of the Chinese Association building, I warmed up and after that I did Tai Chi (37 steps). I then walked briskly to the other end of waterfront which was about half a kilometre. As I reached the clock tower, I could hear the Azan Maghrib.  So, I turn around and headed back to the hotel.  I jogged all the way to the hotel. 

As I was cooling down near the pool area, a hotel staff approached me and told me that the hotel has a gymnasium on the 4th floor.  Aiyaaaa!!! Now you're telling me!! How come it was not mentioned in the hotel's brochure in my hotel room?? Anyway, I went up to the 4th floor to have a look at the gymnasium.  Well, not bad...there are treadmills, cross-trainers, exercycles, weights and also the 'ball-thing' usually use during pilates.

It was already 7pm when I reached my room, and since there was still no sign of my sister-in-law and her children, I took a bath and had my maghrib/eshaq prayers.  By 7.45pm, there was still no sign of them, so I watched television... They finally came at 8.10pm.  So....unpunctual!!!

Anyway, her son then drove us to a food-court in Kuching town and we had dinner of Ayam penyit, udang goring tepung, tempe (my favourite) and french-fries.  My sister-in-law has a daughter with downs syndrome and her name's Adha who is now 14 years old. Her two other children are normal, both are boys.  Her elder son, Afiq, is working at a factory, while Akmal (her second son) is unemployed.  Akmal is at the hospital taking care of his father (my brother who was hospitalised for almost a month now)...

After dinner, Afiq drove us to the waterfront where we took a few pictures.  We then walked along the waterfront back to the hotel. 


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

London Almond Cookies



INGREDIENTS
(A)
250gm butter
130gm fine granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1tsp vanilla essence
450gm plain flour, sifted
toasted whole shelled almonds
toasted blanched diced almonds
cooking chocolate


METHOD
1.  Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
2.  Add in egg yolks and vanilla essence. Beat until smooth
3.  Add in the flour and mix slowly until a soft dough is formed.
4.  Take a piece of the toasted whole shelled almond and cover it with some 10gm dough and shaped into an oval shape
5.   Bake at 180 degrees C for 15 minutes until light brown.
6.   Take a cookie and coat it with melted chocolate.  Place the chocolate coated cookie into the paper cup and topped with toasted blanched diced almonds.

Cornflake Coconut Candy Cookies

INGREDIENTS
(A)
250gm butter
220gm fine granulated sugar
220gm brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla essence
180gm self-raising flour, sifted
1 tsp corn flour
150gm dessicated coconut
250gm cornflakes
100ml evaporated milk
150gm chocolate chips


METHOD
1.  Cream butter, fine granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy
2.  Add in egg and vanilla essence.  Beat until smooth
3.  Add in the rest of the ingredients.  Beat until dough forms.
4.  Take about 15gm of the dough to roll into a ball and flatten it slightly
5.  Bake at 180 degrees C for 15 minutes.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Sayang Sarawak @TV3



Posing on the set of Sayang Sarawak TV3.  The set was opposite my hotel room.

Kuching Hospital - Wad Mata

 (My brother being given treatment to his eyes, surrounded by trainee nurses)


I visited my younger brother at the Kuching Hospital this morning.  He was hospitalised for conjunctivitis.  From the hotel to the hospital, I took a taxi, where upon reaching the hospital, the taxi driver charged me RM12 whereas the meter showed RM6.50.  When I enquired, he said, that was the normal flat rate to the hospital.  I thought this category of 'daylight robbery' only happen in big cities.....

Anyway, I followed my brother to the specialist clinic at the ward, and he sat outside the door while waiting for his turn.  There were also other patients queing.  When the doctor finally attended to my brother, I enquired from the nurse whether I could speak to the doctor to hear about my brother's ailments.  The doctor obliged.  He explained to me about  my brother's illness and that my brother had to be hospitalised until his condition improves completely. 

I can only pray to Allah for my brother's recovery. Ameen.

Kuching Waterfront - Sarawak











I arrived in Kuching safely via AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur.  In the plane I was sitting next to this UMS student (her name's Gee) who is from Perak.  We chatted for a while as the plane was about to take off.  Since I was so sleepy, having to wake up at 4.30amto go to LCCT, I doze off so easily....so did Gee...

When we safely landed at Kuching International Airport, Gee offered to send me to Grand Margherita Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn).  Her friend, Mike, drove me there.  I invited her and Mike to have breakfast with me, she declined because she was so sleepy (lack of sleep over the weekend...) and wanted to return to her university soonest possible...
Since my room was still not ready, I left my luggage at the hotel, and went to the nearby shopping complex to have breakfast, but the food court was still closed.  So... I walked to the Kuching waterfront and waited for the boat at the jetty to take me across the river to Kampong Boyan.  Thought of buying the kek lapis at Dayang Salhah.  

Anyway, otw to Dayang Salhah, I had breakfast of Mee Jawa and Kopi radix at the only stall open at the new Food court.  The Food court is only active in the evening.  After my breakfast, I was about to return to the jetty when I passed by this shop selling Sarawak Laksa paste.  So..I bought 10 pkts of Hj Manan Sarawak Laksa paste.

At the jetty, while waiting for the boat to take me across river, I took a few photographs of the scenery around the jetty.  I met this family from Kuala Lumpur who invited me to share the ride to the clock tower at Kuching waterfront. Since I wanted to go to Kuching Hospital to visit my younger brother who was hospitalised, I took a taxi from the Waterfront to Kuching Hospital costing me RM12.00 (it was just a 5mins ride). 

The Sarawakians in Kuching town is so friendly... They are not stingy with their smiles.  The moment our eyes met, they would readily smile when you smiled at them. The city is also very clean, even their wet market is so clean with hardly any litter.  I was so impressed.  The Sarawakians are also very helpful.  Approached them to ask for directions, and they would explain to you.  If they are unsure, they will ask their fellow Sarawakians nearby.  This is amazing. 




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