Verytiki Baby

Fresh Soya bean Milk right from my kitchen

2012-01-05T16:06:00.004+08:00

Dear Friends.

Something to share with you this new year. I recently found this amazing item that can make Fresh Soya Bean Milk right in your own kitchen. Fascinating isn't it ? Let me share the link with you. It's cheap and easy to handle.

Let's calculate : How much is a pack of soy bean ? How fresh is the milk you are buying from milk stall in hawker center ? Well...you have the answer. Hope you enjoy it too. Cheers :)

Here's The Link :

Daniel Kwok my Bro

2011-08-11T16:22:00.004+08:00

Bro this blog post is for you :)

Times really fly fly fly. I get to know you I guess in 2007...haha...sorry not sure. You are working with Play (video rental auto machine) and I'm your MOST VALUED client ^^ . Not knowing how to rent, how to register, how to return disc....but thanks for your kind patient and help. In now time, we became friends, close friends and now...bro+sis.

Do you still recall those wonderful moments :

1) Pushing you from MRT to my office to have lunch. I push you over humps with super trouper high speed that you keep yelling. However, you reach my office in one piece. After fixing my computers and had a wonderful sushi lunch, I dumped you in taxi and send you back. Hey, I'm kind to send you back by taxi cos you might fall from your chair if I gave you a F1 pushing speed.

2) Sending me your girl friend's pictures and asking me for my comments....well, sweet. Nope, not my comments nor opinions but all my Best Wishes and Blessings.

3) Meeting my family in Tiong Bahru Plaza and telling my son how he must be a good boy and treat his parents well. Come on lah...like old uncle haha.....but thanks for your kindness.

4) As and when I call you commanding you to send me FOC anti virus programmes, songs, links etc etc....you have no choice at all but to oblige. You will just make some noises, and say "wow, you think I owe you ah !!!....You Wang Bah Gao leh...." However, you guai guai also must do for me. Yeah yeah yeah...I know you are kind haha...

5) Treating me like your sis and sharing with me your ups and downs.

Not to mention all the wonderful quality you possessed :

1) Never let your immobility pull you back. You are so positive, helpful, cheerful and loving.

2) Despite your own difficulties, you are still helping orphanages in Cambodia, rescued young girls from selling as sex slaves in Thailand, recommending jobs for handicapper and most importantly being great friend to many others like me.

3) Top staff of the year must go to you for sure. You did a much better jobs then many others that has able body.

Bro, what you have taught me :

1) Always be positive despite of difficulties.
2) Never look down on ourselves nor others.
3) To be responsible and go extra miles.
4) To love and to serve.

Bro, you are great. It's my honor to have you as my friend and my bro. I'll never never forget all those wonderful moments and talks we shared.

Bro, can I still talk to you when I miss you ? can I share your stories with others when need be ? Are you watching over me like what you use to be ? Are you happy and in bliss now ?

Bro, I know the answer is positive. I know you will like to see me happy and strong. I know you will watch over those that you love so much. I know cos you are my bro.

Well....sis will not let you down. I'll not cry cos I know you want me smile. I'll smile cos I know you are in good hand of God. I pray to God to watch over you and to be in eternal Peace.

一切佛祖，一切菩萨，请照光给Daniel
让他跟佛走，跟经走。阿弥陀佛。

B Qssssss

2010-04-20T15:22:00.004+08:00

Hi all friends.

Friends who read my last blog must be wondering why my sis-in-law is called BQ1. Do you want the answer ? Haha.....

My nick is Verytiki. Antoher nick of mine is BQ2.

Can you guess now what we meant by BQ ? Nope....not BBQ even though I enjoy BBQ.

Just yesterday, new members have been enrolled to BQ club. This club is strictly for ladies only.

BQ 1 = Sis J
BQ 2 = Verytiki
BQ 3 = Sis W
BQ 4 = my little princess JX

If you guess it correctly, Your IQ = 200, else, IQ = 20 :P
(No offense please. Just joking)

BQ = Beauty Queen

Whoever interested to join the club, you are most welcome. The only condition is :
You Must Be Extremely Beautiful !!!

The benefit of joining is ......... You know that you are Beautiful and Brave (have to be brave enough to admit that you are beautiful.)

Girls....come and include your name under my comments box. Just type BQ5 = Esther, next beautiful friend BQ6 = Rose....etc etc.

Have fun and feel beautiful. Cheers !!!!

Happy Birthday to my Bro SF

2010-04-06T17:40:00.010+08:00

Creative + intelligent + determine = SF Bro (my eldest bro)

Last Sunday 04.04 was my bro's birthday and we plan for a surprise party for his 50th year old bday. He is actually not 50 yet but for some culture believe, we celebrate as 50th. hhaaa.....

The mastermind of the event is my sis-in-law BQ1. Planning has been going on for a month without my bro's single clue.All my in-law's family members and my family including grandma, papa, mama, bros, sis, cousins, niece, nephews etc arrived BQmama's house at 5pm. The hall is nicely decorated with balloons, flags and banner. However, he won't know that the surprise will be that huge. My bro is suppose to arrive around 6pm thinking that his mum-in-law BQmama is preparing some noodles (represent long life) for his birthday and a simple celebration will be within the in-laws. We kept all the shoes in a store room and those with vehicles will park them else where so that my bro is unaware at all about our present.

When Bro SF reached the car park, BQ1 signal us by phone. All of us hide in the rooms with party hats, whistles, party masks, flowers and cameras standing by. Upon his arrival, he is unaware as we are keeping very quiet (so are the little ones...good boys and girls). He opened the first room door (using keys arranged nicely in a box to match the doors) where BQ1's sisters and cousins were. He is delighted but not knowing that a bigger surprise is awaiting.

He proceeded to the second room where all the seniors, bro, sis and kids were. Everyone blew the whistles and shouted out loud "Happy Birthday" !!! He was so shock and overwhelm. My father was the first to receive him at the door with a sweet pinkish and purplish flower wreath presenting it to my bro around his neck.

Everybody left the room with a big hand shake with broSF. After exceeding the room and proceeded to the hall, my bro is requested by all to give a speech. All cameras were on him. You know what, he had mists in his eyes. My brilliant sis-in-law BQ1 announce to all to pay attention to my bro's eyes. Haha......I zoom in to his eyes to take a close up shot. My bro was so so touch so does the rest. Tears of joys flow from broSF, BQ1mama, sisters and papa too. You can feel bliss and love in the air. My bro thanks all for their love and wishes all with health and bless with love.

Sumptuous home cooked vegetarian meals were served in buffet style. Most of us ate 3 rounds each. Thanks to BQmama & BQpapa. What an excellent spread.

After dinner, program continue with two little nieces dancing in ballet. Two beautiful little angels of BQ1 eldest sis win rounds of applause from all. The funniest presentation of all was cousins (boys) wearing masks with my bro's faces printed on it doing cat walk and imitating broSF. They sway around the hall with my bro sitting on VIP seat enjoying the show. The last model is one of the handsome cousin dressed in BroSF's doctor suit with clutch bag imitating the way broSF walk and cough. The mask were super impose with my broSF's face and funny hair style such as hippies, african bob, girly style etc. Wonderful backgound music was played by BQ1's younger bro. He is also one of the event planner. Nice job bro.

The grand finale is the beautiful cake from my 2nd bro SS & sis-in-law ET. The chocolate cake is marvelous and beautifully decorated with fresh fruits and chocolate. Lights were dim and the cake was marched out by cousin. Wishes were made and more pictures and videos were taken.

I told BQ1 that it seems like we are celebrating 21st birthday for broSF. Walking down the memory lane, I still vividly remember how we celebrate for broSF on his 21st birthday. We booked a chalet and had a BBQ and buffet party with karaoke, disco dance and majong game. Many friends turn up and the party was fun. My mum and grandma were excellent cook and the food was unforgettable. We were young then and we were matured now (I do not want to use the word old hehe) but our love is as strong as ever.

I'm so glad and contented that my bro is being loved by so many. I'm sure my mum and my grandma will be very comfort too. As our guiding angels, I'm sure they are there with us in the party laughing and saying "Xiao Lok" (mad kids in teochew) haha..... It is their wish to see us in bliss, our promise to them to be cohesive and proud to say that we did it.

I couldn't sleep that night as I'm so overwhelm by the whole arrangement. I started sending sms to BQ1 telling her how great the party is and how happy I am. BQ1.....great job !!!!! Hey, will you arrange one like that for me when I reach 50 ? No tears please but laughter and fun ok. You have 30 years to plan cos I'm just 20. Take your time. I need a perfect party LOL.

Happy New Year 2010

2009-12-31T09:35:00.007+08:00

Custom Glitter Text

Love you.......All My Friends and whoever visits my blog.

May you be bless with joys !!!

Chinese Rice Wine Chicken – Confinement Food Recipe

2009-12-16T15:13:00.004+08:00

Here's a traditional chinese rice wine chicken recipes for lady under confinement period (one month after childbirth). It was passed down from my grandma to my mom to me. Now, I'm sharing with you my dearest sisters. It can be taken not only for confinement ladies. It can be taken for ladies after their periods which will replenish lost energy, reduce unwanted wind and make us super strong Haha...:)

(For normal consumption, amount of rice wine and sesame oil may be reduce by half)

Chinese Rice Wine Chicken :

Ingredients :
One Chicken (cut into small pieces)
Old ginger (slice into thin strips)
Black fungus (Sock 2 hours before cook and slice into thin strips)
sesame oil (sufficient amount to cover the ginger when frying)
1 litter of Chinese Rice Wine
a bit of salt to taste (you may go without it for confinement)

Direction :

1) Fried ginger for a while, add in sesame oil and continue frying till fragrant.

2) Add in black fungal and chicken. Continue frying for about 3 minutes

3) Cover with lid and cook in medium fire for about 20 minutes (chicken is about 70% or 80% cook)

4) Add Chinese rice wine and boil for another 5 minutes

This post is specially for you my sweet sisters C and R. You girls will be blessed with sweet and healthy babiesss....

When & Why to give Baby First Hair Cut

2009-10-07T11:38:00.003+08:00

The first haircut is actually considered as a special milestone that the little one has achieved often varies on his culture and religious. Different countries' babies have different way and some will even accompany by certain ritual and celebrations.

Some babies did their first cut on his first month, some did it when they begins to speak, some had it on his first birthday. It really varies with the tradition of his culture.

Since I'm Chinese, my kids had their first hair cut when they are one month old. I kept a log of his/her hair, tie up with red string and kept it together with his nails and umbilical cord. I placed all of it in a red packet (A red color packet which we use to put money in it and give it to the kids as good wishes during Chinese new year) and slot it beside their baby photo (taken in the hospital on their 1st day to this beautiful world).

The hair cut is done in the morning and celebration follows where all relatives and friends are invited to share our joys and give him their blessings. The father is a good cook and he will prepare a buffet lunch and dinner for all our guests to enjoy. We call this celebration 'Man Yue' which means full month.

Most of my friends did not shave the hair of their babies but some did. Anyway it's your own preference. Some believe that by shaving the hair, you are removing the hair that is growing since they are in their mummy's womb and their hair will become thicker. Well, I didn't do that cos I do not like 'botak' baby hehe....

For friends out there who miss the first hair cut on baby's first month, just do it on a meaningful day. It's the thought that counts.

Cheers to all babies !!!

When to feed baby water ?

2009-09-29T16:12:00.003+08:00

When to feed baby water ?
- When the lovely baby is about 6 months old.

Will he/she be dehydrated without feeding water ?
- She will get all the hydration she needs from formula or breast milk.

What will happen if too much water is given ?
- When giving young baby less then 6 months too much water, it will make her tiny tummy feel full and reduce the desire to feed. It will interfere her ability to absorb nutrients from milk.
In more serious case (rare case), it may cause water intoxication.
- For an adult who has too much water, it can result in hyponatremia that cause seizures and even coma. Too much water will dilute concentration of sodium affecting electrolyte balance which cause tissue to swell.
- Small sips of water is ok if your intention is just to cleanse her mouth. Anyway, you may just use a sterile and wet cloth to cleanse.

Should I add more water to formula to let her have more water ?
- By doing so, you are giving your baby lesser nutrients as formula is diluted. Follow the instruction on the formula carefully. Consult the doctor if stretching formula is necessary.

What happen if my baby seems dehydrated ?
- Consult a doctor. The doctor may give her electrolyte drink if need be.

When she reach 6 months of age
- It is ok to give her sips of water but there again do not overdo it. I saw some mummy and daddy pushing the baby to drink sips of water every one hour thinking that it is good for them. Well, that is overdone unless it is advise by the doctor.

When she is one year old and taking solid
- You may let her drink as much water as she likes. Do not force her but encourage her.

Happy feeding mummy and daddy. Hope this info is helpful.

Thanks to Dr PL who helps me and guides me with all her knowledge. Now, I'm a proud mummy of 3 and sharing what I've learn from her with my dearest friends.

Miss Piggy ???

2009-09-10T10:13:00.007+08:00

Miss Piggy is my all time favorite character in Sesame Street. My grandma adore her too especially the way she flick back her silky hair :). But since when I become Miss Piggy ?????.....Hm........actually, I really don't mind. She is a charming lady anyway.

It's one week school holiday in Singapore. Last night my niece and nephew came over to my place to have a computer game session. Imagine all five kids and Narcissus who is taking care of my kids and being a kid herself are all competing among themselves with their facebook games.

After the game and it's almost 11pm ET suggested to have supper in a nearby 24 hours coffee shop for dumpling noodles. The kids were trilled. While walking towards the coffee shop, I told ET that we really look like rooster and hen with 6 chicks. ET says I look more like Miss Piggy.

We ordered delicious noodles, porridge and lime drinks. The young chef after preparing the food finally ask, "Uncle uncle,.....can I ask you something ?.....Hm........you have 6 kids ? How can you manage ? So scary !!!! How ????....." Wahaha..........see, my instinct is right, we are rooster and hen with 6 chicks. Our answer to the young man is "Yes, they are all our kids !!!" The kids are all laughing and they too agreed that all are our kids. Suddenly, I have this wonderful and proud feelings that filled my heart. I'm really the hen of the 6 wonderful chicks.

I remember when I was young, my mum and dad too brought 9 kids for a movie (4 children and 5 cousins). Along the way, they collected strange stares and people did ask if they have 9 kids. Well, my mum is too shy to admit. haha.....I'm thick skin. To me, the more the merrier.

Here are the chick chick :

Marina Barrage

2009-07-02T14:23:00.010+08:00

It was a warm evening and ET suggested to go to some place cool, relax and unique. Yup...we ended up in Marina Barrage. It's our first visit and we fall in love with the place immediately.

Marina Barrage is Singapore's 15th freshwater reservoir. It is built across Marina Chanel right in the heart of the city. Brilliant idea and vision from our Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Since young I have this fear of Singapore unable to generate enough water for our consumption and buying expensive water. I'm sure this reservoir will definitely boost our water catchment and prevents flooding to our lovely city's low area.

It was so breezy and magnificent. We stroll through the barrage's compounds enjoying the stunning view. My little princess was running and shouting "Singapore Flyer" when she saw the Flyer from the barrage. we then proceed to the green roof and there are teenagers having fun time chatting and flying kites while young kids were having their fun with the fountains. Me ? haha...busy taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful city skyline.

It is indeed an architectural masterpiece. To all my friends who love beautiful sight, here's the address and operating hours of Marina Barrage :

Address :
260 Marina Way, Singapore 018976

Opening Hours :
Marina Barrage : All day
Gallery : Mon - Fri (9am - 6pm) - Closed on Tuesday
Sat, Sun & Holidays : 10am - 8pm
Tours : You may join their visitors tours and enquiry them at telephone at 65145959

Location :
Please click here - How to get there

P.S. This post is my 100th post of my blog.
So this is for you
Singapore....My Home.......I'm always proud of you !!!

Singapore Flyer (Marina)

2009-06-17T17:42:00.003+08:00

Many thanks to D&M for giving us Tickets to Singapore Flyer.

My family and I rushed to the Flyer on the very last half an hour before the entering time is up and it's really worth the rush cos it's a wonderful experience with magnificent view.

My kids were trilled when they saw Marina Barrage, Merlion, the constructing Integrated Resort, F1 track, city view, ocean view, etc etc. Many would have said it's borring but to me it's our pride to have such a lovely flyer, to be in it viewing our vibrant country, having good food with the interesting restaurants and welcome by friendly faces.

The little jungle at the foot of the flyer is a Must Visit. I love the little waterfall and beautiful coyfishes swimming gracefully in the beautiful pond.

We ended our day with a surprise.....Popeye (they serve fastfood similar to KFC) where they serve excellent biscuits with fried chickens, pastries and cakes. The biscuits really surprise me. Never thought that a fast food center can serve such a tasty biscuits.

P.S. Black Ninja....I promise you I'll let you try the Fish Foot Theraphy on our next visit to the flyer. I wonder how it feel with tiny fishes kisses our stinky foot :P

TIRAMISU Non-Bake Cake

2009-06-01T11:29:00.002+08:00

Encouraging my kids to do experiments, cook, bake, invent their own toys is part and parcel of our life which we really enjoy doing together. Baking cakes is one of our favorite.

I always start up with easy recipe so they will have no problem preparing, enjoy their own results and feel great achievement after that. Let me share with you one of my favorite recipe which never fail us. Try it mums and dads. Your kids will love it.

The best thing with this recipe is that it DOES NOT REQUIRE BAKING.

Ingredients :
75g sugar
3 egg yolks
250g whipped fresh cream
250g mascarpone cheese
2 packets sponge fingers
1 cup black coffee
8-10 tbsps brandy
Some cocoa power for dusting

Preparation :
1. Put egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl and cream them together until thick. Add mascarpone cheese and continue beating. In a separate bowl, whip fresh cream. Fold whip fresh cream into the cheese mixture and set aside.

2. Mix coffee and brandy in a separate bowl. Dip each sponge finger into the coffee mixture and line the base of a baking pan.

3. Spread a layer of cheese mix over. Add another layer of dipped sponge fingers and another layer of cheese. Dust with cocoa. Chill in the fridge for 4 hours but it taste best when chill overnight.

Enjoy little friends, big friends, dads and mums with this easy recipe. Hope you have fun with it.

Tips :

My kids and I love to eat it frozen like ice-cream. The pics above is after freezing for 1 hour.

You may just chill it and the texture will be soft. You can serve in beautiful desert bowls and scoop with spoon.

Facebook Games - Restaurant City, Pet Society & Farm Town

2009-04-14T16:01:00.009+08:00

Lately I'm or rather we (friends and my kids) are crazy about facebook games. I've been using facebook sending greetings to friends but recently my friends introduce new games (RC, PS and Farm) and all of a sudden we are competing with each other in the games.

Restaurant City -
We have to answer daily quize about food, how we should set the tables and chairs to be efficient, how to get awards, how to level up, how to save and spend money we earn etc etc.

Pet Society -
Hug pet friends to gain coins and experience, run in stadium, buy items to decorate food, buy food to feed pet, play with pet, exercise our pet and how to make our pet poo etc.

Farm Town -
Learn how to Plow the farm, buy seeds, grow plants, keep farm animals, plant trees. We need to harvest, pow, seed, arrange the farm, save money and expand the farm etc.

After trying out the games, I find it so interesting and it might be a good idea to introduce it to my kids as it trains them with some simple strategies of saving money, spending money wisely, be patient when faceing obsticles etc. Ofcourse I will have to limit their playing time before they get addicted.

Now, my kids and friends are enjoying the games and challenging each other. It gives me something in common to chat with my kids. There's this time when the game is under maintenance and my son supercute gets furious with it cos I can play my Restaurant City while he can't play his pet society. I encourage him to write blog but it seems that he feels very unfair cos I got to play, he can't, I ask him not to keep trying (cos no point trying when it's under maintenance) and he think I'm being contridicting (ask him not to play and I'm playing). Well, it gives us a chance to debate haha....

Have fun kids and friends but just dont get addicted !!!

P.S. My dear friend R played till 4am one night just to avoid me leveling up above her. Hahah....that's what I call addicting. Stop playing that way okay. It's just a game.

Happy Birthday SPrincess

2009-04-01T17:36:00.007+08:00

Happy Birthday little princess S !!!

My dearest son Black Ninja has been planning with his classmates to have a little party and outing to celebrate his classmate Princess S's birthday. They will be having good food in Jack's place follow by a good movie and games.

Initially I thought it's an April Fool's prank cos the birthday is on 1st April. Well, it's indeed a bday. A chocolate cake is specially done for her and I do hope they enjoy and have lots of fun.

BEAT

SLICE

DONE

Kueh Pisang (香蕉糕) Recipe

2009-03-23T16:51:00.006+08:00

It was a lazy Sunday and Supercute suggested we might as well sweeten it up by making a nice dessert. We had come to a decision and it's Nyonia Kueh.......Kueh Pisang (Nyonia Banana Pudding). It's very so easy and fun to prepare. My lovely cheif Supercute is going to put it up in his blog too. Hey son, see who is faster kay......hehe..

Ingredients :

3 Big Ripe and Soft Bananas
300ml Thick Coconut Milk
1 Packet of Hun Kwee (Mung Bean Flour) 绿豆粉
220g of Sugar
550ml of Water
Pinch of Salt
Banana leaves for wrapping

Direction :

1) Cut diagonally the banana into about 1cm thick.
2) Divide the coconut milk equally into two bowls.
3) Add bean flour into one of the coconut milk bowl and mix well.
4) Pour the other bowl of coconut milk, water, sugar, salt into a non-stick pan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves.
5) Add mixture (3) into the pan and continue stirring over low heat.
6) Keep stirring till the mixture is thickening (gluey, sticky but smooth paste).
7) Scoop 3 spoonful of mixture onto banana leaves and top with banana slices.
8) Wrap it up and place it in refrigerator.
9) Serve it as a cool dessert.

Tips :
1) It will be good to steam the bananas for about 5 minutes and leave it to cool before cutting if the banana is not very soft and ripe. (I prefer using Pisang Rajah)
2) Must continuously mix and stir over low heat as the mixture burns easily.
3) You may also scoop the mixture into jelly bowl or moulds and top with slice banana if you have difficulty finding banana leaves. (I use jelly bowl simply because I’m Too Lazy hehe….)

The Mom Song

2009-03-10T15:31:00.003+08:00

My cute son Black Ninja introduced me to a very funny song "The Mom Song". We watched it together and have a good laugh. Hmmm.....is he trying to imply something ? Anyway, I would like to share it with all moms and kids. Enjoy.

Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

2009-02-13T11:47:00.012+08:00

(Serving for 8 persons – 9” round backing tin)

Ingredients –

Pie Crust :
1-1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
6 tbsp (3/4 stick) of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 tbsp of sugar
1/4 tsp of salt (If the biscuits you select is salty or butter is not unsalted, you may go without salt)

Lemon Fillings :
1/3 cup of cornstarch
1 1/2 cups of sugar
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup of lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
1-1/4 of cup water
2 tbsp (1/4 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 tbsp of grated lemon zest (from about 4 lemons)

Meringue :
5 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions –

For Pie Crust crust:
1) Crush the biscuits into small crumbs.
2) Place all the pie crust ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Press mixture evenly into a 9-inch metal backing tin (I use a flat base heavy cup in helping me to press the crust). Bake till lightly brown (5-10 min). Remove from over and leave on a wire rack to cool.

For Lemon Filling:
1) Mix cornstarch, sugar, egg yolks, and lemon juice in a big non-stick saucepan. Slowly add in water and whisk till the mixture is well blended.

2) Boil the mixture over medium heat for 1-2 minutes and whisk constantly to avoid burning. The mixture will be a bit thickening. Remove saucepan from heat immediately and add in butter and lemon zest. Stir quickly till the butter melt and well mixed into a smooth and creamy paste.

3) Pour the mixture into the crust and let it cool at room temperature. Cover with baking paper.

For the Meringue:
1) Prepare a large bowl. The bowl must be absolutely clean.
2) Place egg whites and salt in it and whip with a mixer on high speed until soft peaks form (when you lift up the mixer a bit, the mixture is able to form soft peaks). Add sugar gradually and continue beating till glossy, firm, stiff peaks (when you invert the bowl, the mixture will not flow right down i.e. able to stay in the bowl even the bowl is upside down).
3) Remove baking paper from pie. Pipe or spoon meringue (step 2 mixture) over lemon filling. Spread meringue to cover the entire surface of pie. I prefer piping as it will forms peaks on the surface. When bake, the peaks will turn brownish while the bottom of the peaks remains white.
4) Bake for about 10 minutes at 180°C till meringue is golden brown.

5) Remove from oven and let it cool on wire rack to room temperature.

6) Chill in refrigerated for at least 4 hours. Slice and serve.

Tips –
1. Use center rack of the oven at 180°C for even heat.
2. While spreading/piping the meringue over lemon filling, MUST make sure that the meringue covers the entire surface and meets the crust. This is because the meringue will shrink inward. You will not like to see a meringue pie exposing fillings.

3. For additional fun, I sprinkle Almond slices on top of the lemon fillings before spreading the meringue.

P.S. -

I bake this pie for my son Supercute's birthday instead of cake and he is delighted. It's a great fun and beautiful pie for kids and adults. If you want something special for someone special, this pie never fail you.

RAY after STORM (阳光总在风雨后)

2009-01-16T12:12:00.007+08:00

Lunar New Year is around the corner. Many especially Chinese are preparing for this great year of Ox to arrive but many are facing undesirable situations such as wars, sickness, lost of jobs, reduction of pay etc etc which diminish the joy of celebrations.

However, we must have this Faith and Strength to Fight and Survive. All we need is Hope and Courage. I always tell my friends and myself when we face difficulties that we should "fight like a warrior"....."We are warrior of life".

So friends, believe that Ray of Hope and Happiness are awaiting after storm. I like this song RAY after STORM (阳光总在风雨后-yang guang zong zai feng yu hou) and would like to share with all of you. Always remember my friends......hope is always in your hand.

阳光总在风雨后
乌云上有晴空
珍惜所有的感动
每一份希望在你手中
(Sun will emersed after storm
There is clear sky above the dark clouds
Cherish all the touching moments
Hopes are in your hand)

阳光总在风雨后
请相信有彩虹
风风雨雨都接受
我一直会在你的左右
(Sun will emersed after storm
Please believe there's rainbow
Accept stormy days
I'll be by your side....always)

只有在风雨后我们才会体会阳光的可爱
那刺破苍穹的万丈光芒才会真正的温暖人心
只有经历了一些小小风雨后
才会真正学会面对人生
如果是为拥有一个精彩的人生过程
那么我们无论是风雨，阳光，甜蜜还是打击
也永远不要放弃我们的梦想
因为梦想终将实现！
努力吧朋友！

Happy New Year 2009

2008-12-31T09:30:00.006+08:00

Warmest Wishes from Tiki & Family !!!

祝大家在新的一年里：
小人远离您，贵人扶持您！！！
健康,平安，幸福，快乐！！！

Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-24T09:44:00.006+08:00

Custom Glitter Text

MAY THE WORLD BE FILLED WITH JOYS AND LOVE !!!

NAP Alumni Club XMas Party 2008

2008-12-18T23:41:00.003+08:00

Ho Ho Ho ~~ !!! Merry Christmas !!!

Merry Christmas to all my friends especially my lovely sisters and brothers who share and cherish a long 17 years of friendships since the day we graduated from NAP. Time flies but our friendships grew stronger each and every year. It's hard to maintain friendships with such length and I'm or rather we are so blessed to have each other through thick and thin.

Very thankful to LH for organising this annual Xmas gathering dinner held in Orient Ocean Restaurant (3rd Floor - Hotel Miramar). It serves Cantonese Buffet Dinner with 50 Dishes to choose from. You may order and eat as much as you can from the menu and they serve it hot. The price is very reasonable (S$22.80++/adult and kids from 3 - 11 yrs old is half price). It is spacious and a perfect spot for group like ours who always make so much noises chatting, laughing, exchanging gifts and taking pics. I was told that their buffet lunch dim sum is cheap and nice. Perhaps I'll give it a try one of these days.

We used to chat about our jobs, the latest accounting issues, updating new family members (the juniors who will take over our NAP Alumni Club one fine day)and exchanging knowledge. This year....hmm.....we talk about something we have never go into detail before.....HEALTH.

Hey....are we getting too old ? OMG....are we talking about HEALTH ? Talking about Ling Zhi ? Talking about Yoga ? Talking about Exercise ? Talking about Diet ? OMG........ I AM / WE ARE NOT THAT OLD OK !!!!! We are all Sweet 16. Haaa.....Hey girls, I know you will say health is important. Yayaya...you are right. We will all live healthy and happy till 100 years old :P

The night is warm with love and laughter. The juniors too enjoy their night. These young lady and gentlemen are so handsome, pretty and polite. How I wish I can turn back the clock and be 6 instead of 16.

Towards the end of the night, we are all set for gift exchange. However, there are still food left over but we are already filled to our throats. The lady in uniform keep reminding us not to waste food. We ended up distributing all the food and trying to stuff as much as we could. As evil as usual, I cut one of the yam ball into small pieces and soak it into my soup. Sorry, I really can't finish else I'll puke. Shhhh......please keep it a secret ;)

My dear Sis and Bro, thanks for being my friends. May the spirit of Christmas be with you and your family always!

(P.S. This is my 90th blog post. What a coincident cos "9" symbolize "Long". May our friendships be everlasting - 长长久久)

DIY Greentea Moisturizing Mask (绿茶滋润面膜)

2008-12-04T16:51:00.006+08:00

Green tea is tea undergoing minimal oxidation during process. It is originated from China and becomes very popular in Asia, Japan, Korea and Middle East. Regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease, cancer, balance cholesterol lever and maintain weight.

There are my type of green tea you may choose that suits your taste buds. There are Longjing (龙井) , Bi Luo Chun (碧螺春), Xiang Pian – jasmine tea (香片), Genmaicha – brown-rice tea (玄米茶) etc.

Ingredients –
4g Green tea powder
3 tsp Honey
3 tbsp Oatmeal

Directions –
1) Blend Oatmeal into smaller, preferably powdery form. Pour it into a bowl.
2) Add honey and green tea powder into the oak meal.
4) Stir and mix well.

Applications –
1) Cleanse your face thoroughly.
2) Spread the mask evenly on your face.
3) Leave it for 15 – 20 minutes.
4) Wipe it off with a clean wet cloth or wet tissue.
5) Rinse your face with water and tap dry.

Skin Type –
Suitable for most skin type. Good for face with open pores, rough complexion and Oily face.

Frequency of use –
2 to 3 times per week.

Properties –
Green tea is rich in Vitamin C but unlike most fruit, it is not acidic. It is a very good ingredient for DIY mask for its detoxification and gentle for sensitive skin. Green tea powder with the content of tannin (单宁酸) will gently lighten dark complexion leaving the skin bright and light.
Oatmeal has very good property in removing dead cells.

Honey contains several vitamins and minerals with several compounds to function as antioxidants. Not only it has moisturizing effect, it also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

With the combination of all these three characteristic, it enhance in whitening, moisturizing, tightening skin, balancing oil and gentle on sensitive skin.

Tips –
1) If you are running out of time or in a hurry, you may use instant oatmeal and forget about blending the oak meal into smaller piece. Instant oak meal is already pre-cooked, so you can skip the blending. You need to mix well and let it soften for a while before you apply.
2) Cover your mixture with stretch film and place it in fridge for 20 minutes and you will have a very cooling cold mask. I prefer cold mask as it always makes me feel sleepy haha…
3) It’s good to use the mask immediately after you mixe. Use the excess on your neck, hands or legs. Use it when it’s fresh.
4) If you really need to keep it for later date, keep it in air tight and sterile glass container and place it in fridge.

Happy Birthday Calla Lily

2008-12-01T23:30:00.000+08:00

Calla Lily is with us for exactly one month and today it's her birthday.

Happy Birthday Calla Lily !!!

It's just a blink of eye and she is already with us for one month. Still remember before her arrival, I pray to Swami (Sathia Sai Baba) to send somebody to me who loves my family knowing that he always heard what I say like a mother always know what and when her kids are in need.

All begins with love and that is the utmost important. Calla Lily, thanks for loving my family.

Today is your birthday but we can't afford to buy you buffet dinner in great restaurant, beautiful dress nor Breadtalk or Sweetsecret Cake. We have to budget our spending for the forthcoming expenses and downturn of economy.

Instead, we prepare for her a fun Singapore version of JellyBean hot dog buffet, Homemade Blueberry Apricot Passion Cake, small little gifts from all of us and a great Mahjong game. We are glad that she enjoy the night and she told us that it is the first time that she is having a cake for her birthday.

Blackninja and Supercute gave her chips as present and ET had a great laugh. However, it's the thought that count. I'm so glad that my kids are so wonderful.

Happy Birthday Calla Lily and many more to come !!!!

Mahjong, Laksa, EPL, snacks and Baby Sitting

2008-12-01T12:41:00.012+08:00

It was a wonderful and fun filled Saturday we had enjoyed. Here's the event of the night :

Mahjong :

My mom-in-law requested for a Mahjong game. However, we are unable to find enough players. We need four to start the game but there's only 3 of us (MIL, ET, Verytiki). ET suggested that we should train the younger generation. Yes, a good idea to train their maths and behaviours. Calculations, observations, self-control, politeness, considerations, composures, alertness etc are required for the game. We are not playing for money so it's not gambling. We are just playing for the fun of it and make our mind work better.

It's first time Supercute and Black Ninja playing this game. They learn fast. So does Calla Lily. We ended up more then enough players and we need to take turns to play. Haha...

We took many pictures of the game. Winners will have the honour of taking pics with his/her tiles. The ultimate winners are the kids :P

Laksa :

ET is the chef of the night and Calla Lily is the Assistant Chef. It's the first time Calla Lily trying this dish and she just fall in love with it. She is chilli queen indeed.

EPL :

It's the routine activities after dinner to watch EPL. However, it ended up only Riffle watching. The rest.....you know.....too busy playing Mahjong.

Snacks :

Delicious pastries were bought by Pebbles. I place the plate of pastries among the mahjong tiles and see what I've taken. I cought somebody red handed trying to steal one of it. Guess who is he/she........yeah yeah....who else.....the little Princess.

Baby Sitting :

Guess who is the one baby sitting the little Princess ? Hahaha......Nice job Riffle.

Happy 83rd Birthday Swami - Sathya Sai Baba 23.11.08

2008-11-23T23:53:00.003+08:00

For my friends who doesn't know or not familiar with my beloved teacher Sathya Sai Baba, this message from him is self explanatory :

"I have come to light the lamp of Love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added luster. I have not come on behalf of any exclusive religion. I have not come on a mission of publicity for a sect or creed or cause, nor have I come to collect followers for a doctrine. I have no plan to attract disciples or devotees into my fold or any fold. I have come to tell you of this unitary faith, this spiritual principle, this path of Love, this virtue of Love, this duty of Love, this obligation of Love. (4 July 1968, Baba)"

Today it's Baba's birthday. However, to ascribe the term 'Birthday' to the Birthless one seems inappropriate. Advent would be better to describe the magnitude of the event of the Supreme coming into our midst in a human form. As a devotees, we refer to it as Birthday. Swami has no desire to have his Birthday celebrated. Such trivial thoughts never goes to him. The celebration is to share his Love with us and to encourage us to lead lives full of bliss, aware of the unity of mankind, promote love and service the joy to every one on earth.

My god sis Ting reminded me a few days ago about the celebrations of the birthday held in Singapore Tao Payoh In Door Stadium. My God mum and dad who are one of the organisers for Chinese team will be singing Mandarin songs from 2pm for half an hour. They are very devoted and practicing Baba's teachings.

The even started from 6am till 9pm. The Stadium is packed with devotees and visitors. As usual, we went in the evening after taking vegetarian dinner in Bancoolen Foodcourt. It's raining cats and dogs. I'm not worried at all as I know Swami will make it easy for me and my family. I speak to him in my heart "Baba, I'm sure the rain will stop after our dinner." The rain stop after our dinner. The sky is clear the moment we finish our grain of rice. Baba heard me and love me as usual.

The night is wonderful and the songs are nice. We offer our respect to him and left for the night with bliss. Baba doesn't travel so he is not physically present in Singapore. However, we know our beloved Swami is present and always loving and teaching us. I bought some key chains and we are are also given wonderful gift.....the holy and healing gifts.

Happy Birthday Swami. I know you are always happy, everywhere. You said so. I know you want us to be happy all through, not just waiting for the birthday to recur every year. I will and I'll continue practicing your teachings even though I'm still very amateur.

Swami......
Thanks for guiding me when I'm weak. I'll keep trying to be a better person when many times I'm still very weak.
Thanks for sending me hints and messages when I'm in need.
Thanks for your Love and teachings.

Queenstown Secondary School 08 Open House

2008-11-22T23:00:00.000+08:00

It is a beautiful Saturday and I'm looking forward for Quest Open House. Supercute will be in Sec 2 next year and he is Volley Ball School Team. Today, he will be representing his team to display his superb skill to new comers. Well, we will be there to support him.

To my surprise, the Open House is fantastic. We are greeted by students and we have a tour guide (a student of Quest) to introduce the school, the various departments, projects that the proud Quest has done and the new indoor stadium.

It is PERFECT. Perfect events, perfect kids, perfect presentation, perfect environment, perfect door gift (Beautiful orange bag with Quest cartoons). Our tour guide is Supercute's friend and formally from River Valley Primary School just like Supercute. They are friends then and still good friends now. How wonderful to have such friendship. I tried to take a portrait pics of his handsome face but he is very shy. Haha....nice and polite boy...oops...I should say, young man. Nice and Perfect young man.

Our Tour Guide

Black Ninja has made up his mind to join the school upon his graduation from RVPS. Princess and Calla Lily are busy exploring the students' projects. I can't believe my eyes that such complicated projects were done by students. Just look at how they create their robots, grow their crystals, wood crafting, science experiments, maths quiz etc etc. For a moment, I thought I'm in University's Open House.

Supercute is very proud of his school so are we. We headed home and had Tiong Bahru Market's famous Wan Ton noodles and desserts. Just look at the roasted port, the crispy vinegar chili wow.....you have to taste to believe. The desserts too are beautiful and wonderful.

Celebrations continue with our perfect friends Riffle and Pebbles. We are prepared to stay up late for our soccer team MU MU MU. We don't mind being a herd of Panda :P cos the match will ends after 3am. Haha.... Life is great with great friends and family.

Pebbles has written in details about the evening and I'm too lazy to repeat. Haha....here's the link to her post for the night : Crazy Night

Yayaya....I'm Lazy....Okokok....I'll post some pics here :

Oyster Vegetables (耗油菜)

2008-11-19T11:44:00.016+08:00

(Serving for 5 persons)

Ingredients :

About 700g of Vegetables
(Any green leaves vegetables of your choice. Kai Lan and Yao Choi are a better choice.)
(Other vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, mixed vegetables with mushroom are great too.)

(A) Boiling Vegetables -
1 ltr Water for boiling vegetables
1 tsp Salt
1-1/2 tbsp Cooking Oil

(B) Frying Vegetables -
5 cloves of Shallot (cut into rings)
2 tbsp of Chop Garlic
2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
White Pepper
2-1/2 tbsp Cooking Oil

Directions :

(A) Boiling Vegetables -
1) Washing - Soak Vegetables in water (add 1 tsp of salt) for 2 minutes. Wash to remove unwanted particles and cut away the roots or lower stamps. Rinse with fresh water and put aside.
2) Bring water to boil in a pot. Add salt, Cooking oil and place vegetables into the pot. Continue boiling for 3 – 4 minutes (or till vegetables are cooked) on medium heat. Drain and put aside for frying.

(B) Frying Vegetables -
1) Place cooking oil in frying pan and turn on medium heat. Fried garlics and shallot rings till it turns brown.
2) Lower the heat, add oyster sauce into the pan and stir for a while.
3) Add vegetables and mix well with the sauce.

(C) Serving Vegetables -
Place the vegetables on a plate and sprinkle pepper.

Fried Garlics and Shallot rings

Tips :

1) Use Canola, Sunflower Seed or Olive Oil as cooking oil is healthier.
2) Add salt and cooking oil to boiling water is to keep the vegetables look green and greasy.
3) You may choose not to mix the sauce with the vegetables in the frying pot. You can arrange vegetables nicely on a serving plate. When the sauce is ready, just pour them over the vegetables and sprinkle with white pepper. Let your guest enjoy the fun of mixing over the dinning table.

Baby Kai Lan

Cabbage

Broccoli

More Green Vegetables

River Valley Primary School 5G Year End Party

2008-11-13T11:06:00.012+08:00

Congratulation to all 5G pupils. Finally all the hard works were paid off and you can enjoy the school holidays.

Little Bear in RV uniform

My handsome young boy Black Ninja told me that their class held a class party and some pupils and their form teacher Ms Woo will contribute some food, snacks and drinks for the party. This is the best part of school life. It leads me walking down my memory lane. I'm also from RVPS and I used to have my year end party too. Having fun just like you kids.

Black Ninja told me that you guys played card games with peanuts, compete eating sour candy, eating, drinking, laughing, taking great pics etc etc. Hey kids, can I join in future ???

Pleaseee.......I miss my good old days. Girls....can any of you lend me RV uniform so I can sneak into the class for the party ? Sigh......you girls are tall, I believe I can squeeze myself in your uniform :P

There are some pics the class took for the party. Check it out in their class bog 5G Class Blog. These brilliant kids come out with a class blog all by themselves. Good and fun classmates are not easy to come along with. You guys have a great class. KEEP THE BLOG going 5G. Black Ninja told me last night that you all will keep it going even after Primary School, JC, University, Polytechnics, Working, Married, be Parents, Be Grand-Parents, and till your last breath.

Keep writing !!!!! Make this class blog be the first in Singapore's History (age 11 till age 110) witnessing your long lasting friendships !!!!

FRIENDSHIPS ARE FOREVER AND EVER !!!!!

(Class 5G. Please find out for me who send me the pics allowing me to post ok. I'm furious too.)

Free Glitter Text to share with my Mom Bloggers Club friends

2008-11-12T16:11:00.005+08:00

To all my friends in Mom Bloggers Club, I want to say a Big Thank You for all the tips and knowledge you share with me. It's wonderful to have friends to share your thoughts even though we never meet.

Custom Glitter Text

(This custom Glitter Text is cool. Just go to the link above, type your text, copy the embed code and paste. Easy.)

Oriental Sausage Fried Rice (香肠蛋炒饭)

2008-11-11T10:04:00.000+08:00

(Serving for 5 persons)

Ingredients –

4 - 5 bowls of Cooked Rice

3 tbsp of dried shrimps
4 strips of Chinese Sausage
4 Large Eggs (Beat lightly with folks)
200g of Vegetables (Preferably Kai Lan)
5 tbsp of Cooking Oil
2 tbsp of Chop Garlic
1 tsp of Chicken Stock Powder (non msg)

(you may use msg if you can't get the powder)
1/2 tsp of Pepper
2 tsp of Salt
Slice Spring Onion and Red Chili for garnishing (Optional)

Directions –

1) Separate Vegetables stamps and leaves as we need to fried the stamps before leaves. Slice the sausages into think slices about 3mm thick.
2) Fried chop garlic and dried shrimps in cooking oil till fragrant and lightly brown.
3) Add sausage and stir fried till sausage slight curl and lightly brown.

4) Add Eggs and vegetable stamps. Stir fried for a short while till half cooked.
5) Add cooked rice, chicken stock powder (or msg), pepper, salt and stir-fry on medium heat.for about 3 minutes and add the vegetable leaves. Continue frying for another 2 minutes till all are well mixed.
6) Transfer the fried rice to rice-cooker for keeping warm or serve immediately.
7) Garnish with spring onion or slice chili (optional)

Tips –

1) You have to stir-fry faster to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom of frying pan.
2) If you wish to add seafood, the seafood must be added together with the vegetable leaves to avoid overcooked.

3) If you prefer the rice to have a light brownish look, replace salt with light sauce.

4) If you prefer the rice to have a brown rich look, relace salt with dark sauce.

Queenstown Secondary School

2008-11-10T16:43:00.003+08:00

Supercute has been promoted to Secondary 2 and I'm glad that he has shown improvements and sign of maturity.

The little boy 13 years back is a Big Boy today.

He was a bit nervous the day collecting his result but he was keeping cool. Hurray !!!! He is able to promote to Sec 2 and stay on in his same class.

He has a beautiful compass with a newly built indoor stadium which will be officially open next year. He will enjoy his volley ball game more by then. One thing for sure, he is very proud of his school and he really enjoy studying there.

Well done Supercute. Keep it up and make yourself proud.

Welcome Calla Lily

2008-11-04T17:36:00.021+08:00

CallaLily is from Philippines and will be with us for two years. It is of my concern whether Princess is able to accept her as she is extremely close to Roselle. It will be a nightmare to me if she doesn't get along with CallaLily.

It's the first time CallaLily visited Singapore and we hope she can make our home and family as hers like what Roselle did.

I pray to Baba many times for granting someone who loves my family with right attitude. With love, all problems will be solved easily. Princess is a very particular girl that she will not allow anybody who is not familiar to her to carry her. However, to my surprise, she is allowing CallaLily to play and care for her. God is great and he loves me so much. I can't thank enough for Baba's love and teachings.

To ease the tension and welcome CallaLily, We had dinner in Great World Food Junction. CallaLily is able to take spicy food and ET ordered for her a very spicy Malay food. It's really spicy. haha..

ET was in the mood of eating and he too ordered Malay rice Plus Grill Chicken in Hot Plate. Yes, that is the reason why he is having the size that he is having now. The kids enjoy Japanese Bento and I had Steaming hot seafood soup serving on mini steam boat.

After the sumptuous dinner, we headed back home for early rest. Yes, I said Early Rest cos we slept at 2.30am. The boys club slept early but the girls had party with Princess till 2.30am. As usual, Princess refused to sleep early and play till 2.30am. What a task for CallaLily on her first night. Hey CallaLily, very soon you will have two beautiful little panda eyes. No make up needed ;)

I took leave to guide CallaLily and ET will teach her and pass her all his culinary skills. I believe in no time, she will be a great chef. I took pics for her first dinner she prepared for us. Not bad for a person who doesn't know how to cook Chinese dishes.

First dish, Pork Vegetables Soup

Complement with, Pouch Egg

The following day, we had appointment with Gong Gong to have lunch in Zion Road Hawker Center. As usual, we had Bak Kut Teh, chicken rice and seafood soup.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to my two lovely sons Supercute and Black Ninja. The day we sent Roselle to airport, it's early in the morning and we returned home around 6am. For some reason, Princess was awake and Supercute was taking care of her. He had prepared nutritious breakfast (half bowl eggs with coffee and toasts) for all of us too. Black Ninja got ready himself independently and headed for school with his bro's nice breakfast in his cute belly.

ET is very tired as he need to rush to pick his students too. We were all exhausted but this love that my family is showing and sharing keeps us moving.

Black Ninja was having his last final year exam paper the day Roselle left. But he was very understanding and coping well. He was so happy that his exams were finally over and he could play comp the whole day. After playing for a while, he came to me and proposed that he will take a day off from school the next day to help Supercute and CallaLily in taking care of Princess. I'm delighted and speechless.

The boys really meant what they said. It has been almost a week now and Supercute is sleeping in Princess's room accompanying her till she sleeps. I know he is very tired too and many times I ask him to go ahead and sleep but he refuse to reason being I'm sick and he is not tired. There are couple of nights he dosed off before Princess. Zzzzzzz.......

Both boys will guide CallaLily too when she is in doubt. They are my left and right hand men.

Thank you boys. You boys are god sent and I never thank enough for that. Muacks.....

For Roselle

2008-10-30T06:00:00.011+08:00

Know Roselle for almost 8 years. She came to our family when Supercute and Black Ninja were still in kindergarten. She is a great help, a great sister, a great partner and now a great mama to my my little princess.

There are many ups and downs we had been through. There were happy time, sad time, angry time, all the time we have together with lots of laughters and arguments. Like what Black Ninja says.....what went up must come down. This is the time we have to say Goodbye but I'm sure there will be time we will say Hi.....like I always stress......the world is small and we will meet some day.

Still remember very clearly the first day we met. These were our respond to Roselle :

* Supercute & Black Ninja.........MONKEY (Had a fright when they woke up from their afternoon nap and saw Roselle) !!!!

* Verytiki.........Hm.....quite pretty.

* ET.........Wow, so skinny.

The first day upon her arrival, we had dinner in KFC. She was so week at that time. After taking 1 piece of KFC (can't eat much) she vomitted....ayoh....waste my money leh :P After which, she was frequently sick....almost every two week. Fortunately, we have many medicines at home. hahaha......no worry.

On this day, memory just flashes back. What I can recall is mostly the fun time. The Malaysia trips, Sentosa resort, New Year, Christmas, National Day, the bowling, the roller coaster, vi keen, shopping, nail polishing, hair colouring & straightening, golfing, eating, movies, singing, screaming for MU goals, F1 etc etc. Of course, there were times with arguments and heat but non of us will put in heart.

I'm very glad that now Roselle is not weak (in fact she has more mussel then me) and have a fat fat belly to bring home. I have nothing much to give you for remembrance but this belly you bring home is priceless.

DO NOT BE SAD !!! NO NEED TO MISS US !!!

cos.......we are never and will never be apart.

All the memories we have for each other keeps us together !!!!

What we want to say to Roselle :

* Supercute : Haha......hehe......write blog lah (he will stay happy and look forward to meet you one day)

* Black Ninja : Ayoh.....you only go army service for two years lah. No worry lah.

* Princess : Where's mama ?

* ET : I want to eat Babui.....(sigh.....only think of food leh), pump and massage for yr mum, take good care of yr mum, use the knowledge you gain in Singapore and be a different person, don't let people take advantage, don't be stubborn, use your brain on your coconut head, sell arowana, set up restaurant, set up stall to do therapy......etc etc.

* Verytiki : Be a warior of life and make us proud. (see, always short and sweet).

Our promise to Roselle :

Study hard, excel in life, earn and save more $ (we need this to buy air ticket leh.....why not Roselle buy us ticket instead :P). Blog a lot a lot.

I'm not going to say GOODBYE. I'll only say SEE YOU SOON !!!

Promise ?.....yeah...PROMISE.

REMEMBER !!!!!!!!

NO TEARS..........I hate tears, it makes you weak !!!!!!!!

JUST LAUGHTERS !!!!!!!

;P ;P ;P ;P ;P ;P ;P ;P ;P ;P ;P

CHEERS !!!

Happy Deepavali & Happy Birthday Supercute

2008-10-27T22:40:00.007+08:00

Happy Deepavali to all my friends.

Deepavali is a festival of lights. Lights brighten the street of Singapore and Indian family will light lamps and candles symbolising victory of good over evil. Beautiful and colourful design papers/flour are paste/painted on the floor of front doors and candles were lit and placed all over the house.

My Indian friend told me that the candles signifying welcoming of god to their family too. It's really very similar to our Chinese culture of hanging up red lanterns and paper cuttings on doors and windows.

This year, Deepavali falls on 27 Oct 2008. Since Supercute's birthday coincide with Deepavali, we give him the honour to light up the candles for Deepavali when the clock strike 12am. He is very happy lighting the candles and continue with his pc games till 2am.

Secret arrange has been plan by Black Ninja to give his bro a surprise the following morning. Black Ninja and Roselle accompany Supercute in the morning to Tiong Bahru Plaza for shopping and having fun time in Time Zone Acard. Supercute is delighted. They had Japanese food again for lunch while I'm baby sitting my princess and preparing the birthday cake for him.

It's the first time I try making Lemon Meringue Pie. Black Ninja is very helpful to be assistant chef. It turns out not too bad but the size is not so ideal. It will taste better if I make it pie/tart size. However, it turn out to be beautiful. Supercute has the honour to decorate the pie.

With left over egg yorks, I decided to bake another Prune cake as standby (just in case they do not like Meringue Pie). Too bad, I couldn't get Prune in the very last minutes and I replace it with craneberry and resins. Haha.....yayaya....this reserve cake is better.

We had western food for dinner with the wonderful accompany of Pebbles and Riffle in Tanglin Halt Hawker Center. As usual the kids and Pebbles had chicken cutlet and the rest of us have mixed grill. ET ordered mutton satay. Well, its delicious but a bit overcook and hard for old lady to chew.

After dinner is cake cutting time. Haha....Supercute blow candles twice, cut cake twice and we sing brithday song twice.....cos I bake 2 cakes.

My first cake is Lemon Meringue Pie.

Next is Cranberry and Raisin Cake.

Many great years ahead my dear son. Be healthy, be bright and be kind always. Enjoy many years of fun spray too. haha.. (the spray is nice and fun but stink.)

Pebbles and Riffle bid farewell to Roselle and the mood is low as departure is always heartbroken. Well, the globe is very small. We will keep in touch always. So, no tears but laughters. Cheers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUPERCUTE !!! BON VOYAGE ROSELLE !!!

DIY Greentea Tightening Mask (绿茶紧肤面膜)

2008-10-26T08:19:00.000+08:00

Ingredients –
2g Green tea powder
1 Egg white
3 tbsp Oatmeal

Directions –
1) Blend Oatmeal into smaller, preferably powdery form. Pour it into a bowl.
2) Beat the egg white lightly.
3) Add egg white and green tea powder into the oak meal.
4) Stir and mix well.

Applications –
1) Cleanse your face thoroughly.
2) Spread the mask evenly on your face.
3) Leave it for 15 – 20 minutes.
4) Wipe it off with a clean wet cloth or wet tissue.
5) Rinse your face with water and tap dry.

Skin Type –
Suitable for most skin type. Good for face with open pores, rough complexion and Oily face.

Frequency of use –
2 to 3 times per week.

Properties –
Green tea is also a very good ingredient for DIY mask for its detoxification and control oil’s benefit. Green tea powder is able to absorb excess facial oil, avoid excessive facial oil cloaking pores. Thus, it benefit in controlling facial oil and tightening pores.

Oatmeal has very good property in removing dead cells.

Egg white has strong tightening and cleansing effect.

With the combination of all these three characteristic, it enhance in tightening skin, prevent sprouting of pimple and acne. Many adolescents are suffering from pimple and acne. I use this mask for my eldest son (Supercute) who is showing sign of sprouting pimples and blackhead. I also use it on ET for removing unwanted dead face cells.

Tips –
1) If you are running out of time or in a hurry, you may use instant oatmeal and forget about blending the oak meal into smaller piece. Instant oak meal is already pre-cooked, so you can skip the blending. You need to mix well and let it soften for a while before you apply.
2) Cover your mixture with stretch film and place it in fridge for 20 minutes and you will have a very cooling cold mask. I prefer cold mask as it always makes me feel sleepy haha…
3) It’s good to use the mask immediately after you mixing. Use the excess on your neck, hands or legs. Use it when it’s fresh.
4) If you really need to keep it for later date, keep it in air tight and sterile glass container and place it in fridge.

5) You can easily get green tea powder from supermarket who sells Japanese and Chinese tea. If you have difficulty getting one, blend it yourself. Blend green tea to very fine powdery form and keep in air-tight and sterile container.

Mushroom Hot Pot, Shabu Shabu & Yong Dau Fu

2008-10-26T01:06:00.004+08:00

It has been many times that I wish o have Mushroom Hot Pot and Shabu Shabu but delayed for many reasons. To have warm up celebration for Superute's birthday and Roselle's departure, we made it a MUST to get it done.

We went to one of my favourite supermarket that store a wide range of Japanese ingredients and food. The price is a bit high but the freshness and convenient is there. It is located at Liang Court.

We bought Australian Lean Pork specially slice for Shabu Shabu and assorted mushrooms like button mushroom, golden mushroom, abalone musroom, shitake mushroom etc. They are extremely fresh and all are organic. We can even eat it raw.

The spread is great and we are too busy to get ready the miso soup base till we forgot one important thing.....cook rice. No rice for the night. We replace it with Japanese Udon instead. Anyway, we have evil plan of having a supper after midnight. So, it's perfectly fine to go without rice.

Pebbles baked rosemary wine cake with walnuts and resins. It's delicious and healthy as I was told it only involved 3 tbsp of butter. The ground walnut and sugar toppings are surprisingly crunchy and nice. Perfect combination with our Kim Tian Regency Coffee. Yeah..

When clock strike 12am, we charge to Buket Merah View for Yong Dau Fu. The stall only operate after 12am. I used to visit there with my parents and ET and we need to queue for about an hour at that time. The queue is quite ok nowadays but it still keeps us waiting for half an hour.

I chop a place by queueing and ET proceeded to do the selection and place ingredients in a bowl. After which, ET took over the queue and hand the bowl to the stallholder. We ordered noodles and beehoon. The yong dau fu is marvelous. It was serve in a aluminium bowl, hot and bubbling. The noodles with sweet sauce is mouth watering. Pebbles is amused with the aluminium bowl. Hey, our bowl is average size. They have bigger bowl :P

(Pictures will post very very soon.....cos, I misplaced my card reader again .....hehe...blur blur.)

Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

2008-10-25T08:54:00.007+08:00

I have been looking around for good ACV and came across in Fair Price supermarket which cost only a few dollars. Thanks to Pebbles else I’m be ending up buying expensive one.
Did some research and here’s what I’ve found from Wikipedia on Apple Cider Vinegar :

Apple cider vinegar, otherwise known simply as cider vinegar, is made from cider or apple must and has a brownish-yellow color. It often is sold unfiltered and unpasteurized with the mother of vinegar present, as a natural product. It is very popular, partly due to alleged beneficial health and beauty properties such as improving conditions of diabetes and obesity, digestive disorders etc .

Due to its acidity, apple cider vinegar may be very harsh, even burning to the throat. If taken straight (as opposed to use in cooking), it should be diluted (e.g. with fruit juice, honey, or sugar) before drinking. Others dilute it with warm water and add some honey. There have been reports of acid chemical burns of the throat in using the pill form.

So friends, drink moderately and consult doctor if you have some medical issues.

Would like to share with you some Recipes shared by Pebbles using ACV :

ACV Drinks (known as “Honegar”)

Ingredients :
250ml warm water
1 tsp ACV
1 tsp Honey

Directions :
Simply add ACV and Honey into the warm water and drink.

Tips :
1) Rinse your mouth after drinking and preferable drink with a straw to avoid enamel erosion on your precious teeth.
2) Do not use hot water as it will destroy the properties in honey.

ACV Salad

Ingredients :
1 cup of mixed vegetables, tomato, cucumber, carrot and nuts of your choice.
1 cup of dairy sour crème
2 tbsp of ACV
1 tbsp of Honey
A pinch of salt.
Optional – Mixed herbs (you may get from any supermarket)

Method
1) Mix Sour crème, ACV, Honey, Salt in a bowl well.
2) Place vegetables in a salad bowl, sprinkle mix herbs and pour in salad dressing (1).

Tips :
It goes well with salad served over white meat such as chicken and fish (salmon, tuna)

Homemade ACV

Ingredients :
Fuji Apples
1 square of wine yeast
Glass Bowl and bottle

Method :
1. Wash enough apples to end up with 19 litres of strained juice.
2. Quarter the apples, then crush them and strain the pulp through a piece of cloth.

3. Save the apple juice for the next step.
4. Remove 1 litre of the apple juice from the rest. Place a square of the yeast into the 1 litre of juice and mix thoroughly. Thereafter, stir the starter mix into the remaining litres of juice and mix well.
5. Place the yeast/apple juice mixture into several glass bowls or lid-less containers. Each bowl or container should be approximately three quarters full. Cover the tops with cloth so air can reach the mixtures. Then, set them where they can be left undisturbed out of the direct sunlight. The ideal location will have a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees celsius. Leave the mixture to ferment.
6. One time a day, you will need to use a plastic or wooden long-handled spoon to stir the yeast/apple juice mixture in each of the bowls or containers. It will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks for the mixture to properly ferment. After 3 weeks, taste test the mixtures to see whether the vinegar is strong enough.
7. When your ACV is ready, use several layers of small-holed cloth placed on top one another to strain the ACV.
8. Heat the ACV in a stainless steel pot on your stove top over a low to medium temperature and stir it occasionally till it reaches a temperature of 60 degrees celsius, Once it reaches that temperature, immediately remove it from your stove top.
9. Pour the ACV into clean bottles that have air-tight lids. Place the bottles into a hot water bath. Allow them to cool down. Then, store the ACV in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Tips :
1) Do not use metal utensils, containers and bowls as vinegar will have chemical reaction with it. Use glass instead.
2) Do not use yeast that is meant for bread making.

Picasa Web Albums

2008-10-23T09:36:00.004+08:00

Many of my young friends and friends that are very new to blog have the same questions of how to add slide show and how to add pictures to their blog and what and who provide easy uploading of pictures.

There are many web albums available on the Web and I am currently using PICASA WEB ALBUMS as it's very user friendly and fast in uploading your pics.

Here's the link that you can sign up your account : Picasa Web Albums

What you can do :
1) Post photos and videos online
2) Share photos with friends and family
3) View and save your friends' photos
4) Add captions / comments to your photo
5) Create a photo album on certain topics (eg Otah Recipe), download all your otah photos, copy the embedded code and paste it on your blog......your slide show on otah is done.

My review on Picasa Web Albums :
1) Fast uploading speed
2) Seldom hang while uploading
3) You can choose multiple photos to upload and go on with your other job.
4) It will not slow down and slack your blog too much when your reader is scrolling your blog post.
5) The slide show appear smoothly.
6) I hope they can improve further for us to have more varieties of slide effect (eg pics moving in a circle, pics dropping from top, etc) rather then the current standard slide. However, the fast speed and user friendly features compromise this. I'm sure they will come out with better features soon.

Sign up an account and have fun with it.

Greentea Wolfberry Agar-Agar Recipe (寧夏枸杞)

2008-10-19T21:41:00.001+08:00

Wolfberry also known as snowberry is currently grow in many regions and China is having commercial cultivation for its great demand especially Asia market. What we consume is the fruits which have a vibrant orange red colour with many tiny seeds in it.

It has been playing important role in TMC (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for it’s medical effect of enhancing immune system, improve eyesight, protect liver, boost sperm production, improve circulation, enrich ‘yin’ energy, act on liver, lungs and kidneys.

Wolfberry Flower

They can be eaten raw like raisins. Just rinse with warm water and eat it. My kids love eating them as titbits. They can be added into black chicken soup, ginseng soup, herbal soup and brewed into an herbal tea. Just pick up a handful of wolfberry and add them to your soup and tea. It gives a sweet taste and you can consider having your tea without sugar. I like to add a generous tablespoon of wolfberry to my chrysanthemum tea.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfberry

Green tea is tea undergoing minimal oxidation during process. It is originated from China and becomes very popular in Asia, Japan, Korea and Middle East. Regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease, cancer, balance cholesterol lever and maintain weight.
There are my type of green tea you may choose that suits your taste buds. There are Longjing (龙井) , Bi Luo Chun (碧螺春), Xiang Pian – jasmine tea (香片), Genmaicha – brown-rice tea (玄米茶) etc.

Here’s a recipe I make it up with my son Supercute which combine the benefit of Wolfberry and Green Tea. You can try making different type of Agar using different type of Green Tea. This dessert is good especially when the weather is hot or you have just consume heavy food as it is very refreshing and a perfect thirst quencher on a hot day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea

Sharing with you a recipe that my family like and it's very refreshing :

Ingredients – (Serving for 5 persons)

650ml hot water (70 degree C)
Abt 10g Green Tea of your choice
1 sachet of Agar Agar powder (White) – 12g
250g of sugar
half cup of wolfberry

Directions –

1) Place green tea leaves in a bowl and pour in hot water (70 degree c). Let it steep for 1 - 2 minutes. Steep further if you prefer very strong aroma.
2) Drain the tea to another pot and keep the tea leaves (I chill the tea leaves and use them as eyes mask at night :P).
3) Add the sachet of Agar Agar powder and sugar into the tea, stir and bring to poil over low heat.
4) Put wolfberries into the mould and pour the agar agar liquid into it.
5) Allow to cool.

Tips –

1) Place wolfberry into the mould first then pour the liquid agar gently into the mould. Some of the berries will float and the rest will remain at the bottom.
2) As I’m having a round mould, I push the floating berries toward the edge and center of the mould to form a lovely ring.
3) Be adventurous. Try different flavour of tea. It’s always full of surprises.

Coffee Bean & Tea & Verytiki

2008-10-19T19:43:00.011+08:00

It's Verytiki's birthday and I want the whole world to know how happy and bless I am. Haha....

The morning is exceptionally beautiful. ET and I decided to have a good breakfast at Coffee Bean Tea in Tiong Bahru Plaza who serves mouth watering breakfast, cheese cakes and my favourite Earl Grey Tea. A picture speaks a thousand words. See for yourself how nice the breakfast is ;)

Today will be all about food. We continue our food hunting with my kids and we ended up in Hong Lim Complex eating their famous Duck rice and noodles. After which we proceeded to China Town Point and bought a DVD player for Roselle's mother. We would love to give her the world but we can only afford a DVD player as farewell present. Well, it's the thought that count isn't it ?

We had fried Bee Hoon for dinner as the weather is not so fine in the evening. We do not wish to be caught in the rain. Dinner is simple but great.

A birthday celebration is not complete without a nice cake. We had rasberry cheese cake and it's yummy.

Thanks Pebbles & Riffle for your e-card, e-mail wishes and present. The bag is perfect when I go shopping with Princess.

Thanks Supercute and Black Ninja for spending 1 hours searching in Tiong Bahru Plaza for this cute and useful ceramic container. My ring is sleeping comfortably in the box.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VERYTIKI and many more to come. Cheers....

Verytiki birthday Eve

2008-10-18T16:15:00.000+08:00

Am I too lucky to have my birthday celebrated for so many days ? Yes, indeed. I'm very lucky. Celebrations continue today.

Saturday is a day I do marketing and housework. However, my sons come to me and say "Mom, it's your big day. You don't have to do anything. We will do whatever you say." I'm so glad to hear that but they have not finish their sentence....."Hmm....you have to let us play computer games when we did what you want us to do.".........faint. These are my kids. Good negotiators.

Supercute came out with an idea to surprise me. He took the Rainbow Agar Agar that we have make earlier and convert it to a birthday cake.

What a surprise. It's the thought that count. He understand it and I'm glad that he does.

Love is what I need as my present and I'm bless with it.

Chicken / Pork Macaroni (鸡肉/猪肉通心粉)

2008-10-18T08:48:00.005+08:00

Ingredients (Serving for 5 persons) –

400g Macaroni
600g Chicken Cubes or Lean Pork Slice
1 whole small Cabbage (about 400g)
2 stems of Celery
3 tbsp of chop Garlic
1 cube of Chicken Stock or 2 tsp of Chicken Powder (non msg)
1/2 tsp of Pepper
1/4 tsp of Salt
1 tsp of Light Sauce
1 stem of Spring Onion
3 ltr of Water

Directions –

1) Bring water to boil in a deep pot and add chop garlic..
2) Add chicken cubes and continue boiling for another 15 minutes (for pork slice, since it is thin slice, you may just boil for 5 minutes).
3) Add macaroni and continue boiling for 10 minutes.
4) Add cabbage and celery. Continue boiling for 20 - 25 minutes.
5) Add chicken stock, pepper, salt and light sauce. Stir and continue boiling for a while till the chicken stock dissolve.
6) Off the heat, scope into bowls and garnish with spring onion.

Tips –

1) You may replace chicken with seafood such as prawn, scallops, slice fish etc.
2) If you wish to have seafood macaroni, the seafood must be added only 4-5 minutes before serving else it will be overcooked.
3) I prefer to save some spring onions for garnishing and put the rest into the pot once I off the heat for extra aroma.

Vivocity & Verytiki BDay Celebration

2008-10-17T23:15:00.005+08:00

The lunch is nice and Verytiki is going to have a nice dinner again with boss and colleague. We are counting our time and tidying our table for the evening. My boss step in before 6pm and give me a big surprise. SUN FLOWER !!!!!

I love flowers. I'm crazy over flowers beside food. So thankful for being so thoughtful. He even allow me to take pictures during office hours for that lovely sun flower.

Boss suggested Vivocity and we definitely have no objection. It is Friday night and the traffic is horrible. We were stuck for an hour trying to squeeze ourselves into Vivocity's car park. Being the biggest shopping center in Singapore, we have no choice but to be patient.

Upon arrival, everywhere is so crowded. We do not know which restaurant to patronise and I suggested to just go into one that has shortest queue. We ended up in a Thai restaurant. We thought that the food might not be nice that's why the queue is short. However, it's not the case. We are just very lucky to get a seat. After we enter the restaurant, the crowd just flop in and I guess they have to wait for at least half an hour before allotted a seat.

Being the bday girl, I have the Power to decide what to order. Oh my gosh....it's expensive. Even though my boss is paying, I can't order expensive food else I'll be out of job the next day :P.

Olive rice is my favorite. It's a must in my list when I visited Thai restaurant.

The Phad Thai noodles is chewy and thumbs up.

Green Curry Chicken is not very spicy but the herbs are fantastic. It's a 4 stars dish.

Thai Tou Fu is the only dish that is not spicy. haha....my boss order this cos he knows I can't take spicy food.

Save the best for last. Tom Yum Soup is THE BEST. They have two soup base. One is clear base and the other is cream base. For my sick, my colleague order the clear base soup thinking that it might be less spicy. This soup comes in steam boat style that serve 3 - 4 persons. They sell per bowl too if you can't take much.

Wow.....the soup is MUST TRY. It's very very spicy but it never deter me from taking. After a few sip. My lips swollen and I drank 2 big glass of water. Well, too nice you see. After drinking water....I continue with the TY soup. haha...

Thanks to my boss and my best colleague cum friend Regine. Who say you can't have colleague to be your friend ?

Beauty Credit

2008-10-17T16:39:00.009+08:00

My lovely colleague Regine gave me a surprise present today (she is really lovely. Not just because she gave me a present :P).

Opening present is a fun game to me. See what she has give me :

WHAT !!!!!! Toothpaste ?????.....It's ok to give me toothpaste. But I know it's not that simple. What's inside ?????.......A trap ? A worm ? A cockroach ?....AAAAhhhhh......

NOnonono.........it's a lovely gift that is so useful for me. Yeeaaah....

Yes. It's Beauty Credit BB Cream !!! I remember asking my colleague why her complexion has improve and her beans on her face reduce. Her face is improving and look as though she has makeup on but she didn't put on any except sun block and BB Cream. She ask me how different she looks now but I just can't tell what's the difference. The only difference is she looks much better and brighter. I did mention to her that I wants to look brighter and prettier too and I'll save money to get the cream (the cream is not expensive but as a mother of 3, funds are always set for the kids. Beauty product is always the last on my purchasing list no matter how much I wish to have it).....No, it's not a hint for her to buy for me. She just remember what I want. So sweet of her.

I am a busy and lazy person when it comes to skin care. This cute BB cream is 5 in 1 (uv protection, foundation, green tea essence, vitamins, insulation) . So easy and convenient to use. It's also very gentle on sensitive skin like mine. All I need to do is to apply a thin layer on my face and neck. As simple as A, B, C.

Press and apply. Simple simple....

I'll be so beautiful on my birthday. Yesss......with my new and sweet pink Beauty Credit (Korea) lip gross.

I declare to the world...I...VERYTIKI....From today onward. Ladies and gentlemen........I'll charm the world. Kekeke......

Lao BeiJing Dinning Hall Restaurant

2008-10-17T14:51:00.011+08:00

Yeah.....my birthday is around the corner and I had some advance celebrations with my family last night and with my colleagues today . My celebration is all about food.

The moment I step into the office, I was greeted by my colleagues with good wishes and present. So happy as they always remember my bday. My colleague's husband called and my colleague put him on speaker and make him sing me a bday song. Hahaha.....so touch. I know that he doesn't like to sing unlike my colleague who is a song bird. What have I done to deserve this? Thanks a million to all.

My boss brought us for lunch at Lao Beijing (Novena Square Branch) -238 Thomson Road #02-11/12Velocity@Novena Square) as we have not been there and It's very near to my office. Actually he propose Sakura but we have been there a couple of times and we request for a change.

They serve good noodles, dumplings, steam fish, beijing duck etc Beijing style of food. As it was just lunch, we prefer noodles. We tried Dan Dan noodles
(担担面), Zha Jiang Mian (炸酱面), Mian Xian (面线), dumplings (饺子) and Xiao Long Bao (小笼汤包). We all give A to the Dan Dan noodles which is soup base and the Xiao Long Bao is delicious too. As for the Zha Jiang Mian, it's a bit salty. Mian Xian is slightly above average.

They also serve nice chinese tea, herbal tea and flower tea. As the weather is not so good recently, we order warm herbal tea. It's nice and not very sweet.

The meal cost us around S$65++. Not very cheap as we only order noodles and dumplings. Anyway, my boss pay for it..hehe....We dare not order too much cos my boss is going to buy us dinner again this evening. Well, it's my birthday and I deserve it okay :P

I like the deco and renovation in this Novena branch especially the wooden deco ladder that goes up all the way to the second level where they place all the old wine pots. Nice job.

Swiming + Eating + The Tikis

2008-10-13T11:27:00.010+08:00

Advance invitation was received on Friday from Pebbles to have dinner at her place on Saturday. I know Pebbles love to show off her culinary skill. If you are reading this, Pebbles....a piece of advice : Practice makes perfect. You need to practice every Saturday. Thus, you have to invite us every Saturday. We will not mind at all. :P Well.....at age of 16......able to cook for us......thumbs up.

We always look forward to meet Pebbles and Riffle. We arrived around 5pm and off we go to the pool leaving Pebbles dancing in the kitchen. The kids enjoy swimming and I enjoy taking pics. The pool is wonderful will many tropical plants and flowers. It's so cozy and serene. How wonderful if I could have aroma therapy beside the pool. Princess and Roselle were overjoy kicking and splashing the water whereas Supercute and Black Ninja was enjoying their water polo.

We proceeded to the Riffle Restaurant after the swim and dinner was all set. Homemade Otah, self invented Kimchi Vegetables, noodles, mixed veg & meat dish, prawn salad, white grape juice, durian cake....wow, I'm drooling.

Eat, drink, watch horror movie, play pc games, chat, eat again, drink again, chat again......non-stop fun and laughters. That's how we spend most of our weekends. So bless to be able to enjoy great time with great friends. What can I ask for more ?

Sunny Golf - Happy Birthday

2008-10-12T12:50:00.004+08:00

It is Sunny Golf Gong Gong's birthday today. Happy Birthday, Ah Hia! (hehe....stolen sentence from Pebbles.)

Have been trying hard to get Sunny but his mobile is engaged till late afternoon. We have prepared a surprise dinner (Curry Pork Rib with Bamboo Shoot and Hokkien Noddles) for him. Too bad....he was out of town for his golf game and was advance booked by his OCC friends upon his return in the evening. I should book him one month in advance haha....

Anyway, we enjoy the food and we almost sing birthday song without Sunny's present. Haha...

Sunny is Hokkien and we cooked hokkien mee (flat yellow noodles) with clams, vegetables, fish cakes, pork slices and prawns symbolizing longevity. As usual, snapping pics becomes a rouine. Some of the clams flesh has dislodged from the shell and it all happens on Supercute's plate. He manage to dig out at least 10 shells without flesh and he can only say "Oh....man...."

There was also pork rib curry with bamboo shoots and potato wadges. It's one of my favorite dish as it's not spicy at all. Princess who is only 2-1/2 year old is able to drink the gravy like soup.

Burping in satisfaction, dessert was served. Dessert was chin chow mixed with honey sea coconut and longan. Chin chow is cooling and refreshing. It's always good to have something cooling after taking spicy food.

The grand finale is hot and creamy KT Regency Cafe Latte with colourful donuts bought by our Kakis P+R.

I'm sure Sunny too enjoy his dinner with his friends. Happy Bird-day !!! May you be healthy and happy always.

Tsukimi Soba (Hot Japanese Noodles) Recipe

2008-10-12T08:37:00.000+08:00

Tsukimi (月見, Tsukimi) is Japanese festivals honoring the moon of Autumn. The word "Tsukimi" consists of two words tsuki (moon) and mi (seeing). The celebration take place on the 15th of August for the full moon and on the 13th of Septemer for the growing moon on the traditional calendar.

Tsukimi soba is hot buckwheat noodles with a raw egg topping. The egg resembles full moon. For me, celebrating Mid Autumn Festivals are eating mooncakes and pomelo. Well, friends, why not trying something different on your next Lantern Festivals ?

Ingredients: (Make 4 servings)
One packet of dried soba noodles (abt 12 oz / abt 340g)
6 cups of dashi soup stock
1/3 cup of light soy sauce
2 tbsp of mirin
1/2 tsp of salt
4 eggs
2 tbsp of green spring onion (finely chopped)

Melthod :
Boil water in a deep pot. Once the water is boiling, add dried soba noodles. Gently stir noodles with chopsticks. Read the instruction on the packaging for boiling time. The best is to break a small part of the noodles and try it. Your mouth is the best judge. Once it is cooked, remove the noodles from the pot and drain it.

Place dashi soup stock, light sauce, mirin and salt in a pot. Heat the mixtures to make soup.

Divide the noodles equally into four bowls and pour hot soup over it. Crack an egg on top of teach bowl and sprinkle with chopped onion.

Tips :
1) Please refer to my earlier posts Dashi Soup Stock to find out how to prepare the stock (under “Recipes – Sauces & Dips").

2) You may also refer to Zaru-Soba (Cold Japanese Noodles) Recipe (under “Recipes – Dishes”) for pictures and informations on Soba Noodles.

3) Wondering what Mirin is ? Go to my post Mentsuyu (Japanese Soba Noodle Dipping Sauce Recipe) (under “Recipes – Sauces & Dips). You can see pictures and information about it.

4) There are cooked soba noodles in packet forms with sauce included. Unlike instant noodles where the noodles are dried, the soba pre-cooked noodles pack’s noodles are soft. They are normally stored in chill department (together with toufu and fish cakes section).

Zaru-Soba (Cold Japanese Noodles) Recipe

2008-10-11T08:09:00.003+08:00

Zaru Soba is Cold Wheat Noodle served on a bamboo plate over ice cubes to keep the noodles cold. It is served with a dipping soup known as Mentsuyu (you can find the Recipe under my previous post “Recipe – Sauces & Dips”)

Ingredients: (Make 4 servings)
One packet of dried soba noodles (abt 12 oz / abt 340g)
2 to 2-1/2 cups of mentsuyu (dipping sauce)
Wasabi paste
4 quail eggs (do not cook)
Seaweed Strips
Green onion (finely chopped)

Preparation:
Boil water in a deep pot. Once the water is boiling, add dried soba noodles. Gently stir noodles with chopsticks. Read the instruction on the packaging for boiling time. The best is to break a small part of the noodles and try it. Your mouth is the best judge. Once it is cooked, remove the noodles from the pot. Wash the noodles under running water and drain it.

If you have a bamboo plate it will be great. However, if you do not have one, you may make use of any drainer you have at home. Put the drainer on top of a bowl. Place ice-cubes on the drainer and cover the ice-cubes with the cooked noodles. The bowl is to collect the water when the ice starts to melt. Sprinkle seaweed strips on the noodles.

Divide the Mentsuyu dipping sauce equally into 4 small bowls or cups. Serve green onion, quail eggs and wasabi paste on separate small bowl or plate.

Each guest will have their own dipping sauce. Crack one quail egg (if you can’t get quail egg, replace it with small eggs) into the dipping sauce and mix lightly. Add wasabi and green onions. Pick up the noodles with chopsticks and dip it into the sauce. Coat the noodles well and Sooooopp…….suck the noodles right into your mouth. Don’t be shy to make loud sucking noise. It’s very fun. Anyway, for Japanese, it’s not rude to suck noodles and make some noise as it is showing the cook that you are enjoying the noodles…..very Japanese right. Yeah !!!

Where to get the Ingredients ?
You can get the dry noodles, seaweed and wasabi paste from many supermarket who sells spaghetti, Japanese noodles, macaroni. I got mine from NTUC Fair Price supermarket. They have a corner selling Korean and Japanese Ingredients and dry food. The dry noodles come in packet like spaghetti strips and wasabi comes in tubes like toothpaste.

How do Soba Noodles and Wasabi look like? What is it ?
Did some research from Wikipedia and link it here for your easy reference.

Soba (そば or 蕎麦, Soba) is a type of thin Japanese noodles from buckwheat flour.
More details on : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba

Wasabi (わさび,ワサビ , 山葵 (originally written 和佐比) is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Its root is used as a spice that has an extremely strong flavor. Its hotness is more akin to that of a hot mustard.
More details on : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasabi

Tips :

1) Please refer to my post on Mentsuyu (dipping sauce) and Dashi Soup Stock. You need Dashi Soup Stock to make Mentsuyu..

2) There are cooked soba noodles in packet forms with sauce included. Unlike instant noodles where the noodles are dried, the soba pre-cooked noodles pack’s noodles are soft. They are normally stored in chill department (together with toufu and fish cakes section).

Culinary Unit Converter

2008-10-10T12:18:00.005+08:00

Many thanks to my new friend Rose Gianopoulos who is an expert in blogging and baking. I have been looking for a widget that can be added to my blog for the convenient of my readers and myself to convert metric units like grams to lbs and vise verse. Thanks Rose, I have one nice converter and I would like to share with all.

Just clicnk on the "Add it to your blog" link in the Culiverter. It will bring you to the official site. The html code will be there. All you need to do is copy the code and add it to your blog under "Add Widget"...."Add HTML Code". It will automatically appear on your side bar.

Culiverter
Add
it
to your blog

Black Ninja's Prank on Dad..GAG

2008-10-07T16:12:00.008+08:00

Black Ninja is my lovely son. He is full of tricks and extremely funny. Many times I do not know whether to laugh or angry with his jokes and tricks. He always go for 'extra' miles.

Perhaps he is receiving too many genetic combinations from Verytiki. Results being......disastrous......Just see what he did :

Dandraft or Snow ?

Post It Messages ?

The Victim.....Dad

Evidences of Crime

Hahaha......I'm sure you are laughing all the way. Yes.....this is my son's creation.

Isin't he creative ? Just like his mum. Yeaaaahh.......

Mentsuyu (Japanese Soba Noodle Dipping Sauce Recipe)

2008-10-05T13:06:00.003+08:00

To enjoy Japanese Cold Zaru-Soba, you need to prepare this Mentsuyu Dipping Sauce or you can just buy ready made Soba Sauce if you do not have the time to make one. But homemade dipping sauce is still the best.

Ingredients: (Make 4 servings)
1/3 cup Mirin (Rice wine with lower alcohol content)
2 cups Dashi Soup Stock (please refer to my post under “Recipes-Sauces & Dips”)
1/3 cup Soy Sauce

Method :
Pour Mirin into a sauce pan and heat on medium heat. Add in Dashi Soup Stock and soy sauce. Bring to boil and off the heat when boil. Cool the sauce and ready to be used for Cold Soba Noodles as dipping sauce.

Where to get the Ingredients ?

You can get it from any supermarket like NTUC Fairprice, Cold Storage, Market Place etc who is having a corner selling Korean or Japanese Ingredients and Dry Food. If you are unable to find Mirin, you may consider using Sake but the alcohol lever is much higher. Boil longer to get rid of the alcohol if you are using Sake.

How does Mirin looks like? What is it ?

Did some research from Wikipedia and link it here for your easy reference.

Mirin (味醂 or みりん, Mirin) is an essential condiment used in Japanese cuisine, consisting of 40%–50% sugar. It is a kind of rice wine similar to Sake, but with a lower alcohol content—14% instead of 20%.

More details on : Mirin

Kombu and Katsuobushi Dashi (Dashi Soup Stock)

2008-10-04T08:04:00.002+08:00

My family love Japanese food especially Sobah. Sharing herewith our simple homemade Jap Soba Soup Stock and Recipes.

Dashi is a form of soup base (cooking stocks) use for many Japanese noodle broths, clear soups and simmering liquids. It is use as one of the ingredients for our Hot and cold Soba.

Ingredients:
20cm Dried Kombu (dried seaweed)
20 g Katsuobushi Flakes (Dried Bonito)
4-1/2 cups of water

Method :

1) First Stock – Ichiban Dashi (Make about 4 cups of soup stock)
Clean the Kombu with wet cloth. Place them into a deep pot and sock in water for 10 minutes. Boil it on low heat. Just before water boils, remove the Kombu. When water continue to boil, add in Katsuobushi Flakes. Foam may rise to the surface. So remove the foam if any and turn off the heat. Cover the pot and let it set till the Flakes sink to the bottom. Strain the stock using paper filter or paper towel. Use the stock immediate or keep in clean container for future use. Put aside the drained Kombu and K-Flakes for making second stock.

Uses – Use for cooking clear soups for noodles. I use it as one of the ingredient needed for Hot Soba Noodles (Tsukimi Soba) and one of the ingredient needed for Cold Soba Noodles dipping sauce.

2) Second Stock – Niban Dashi (Make about 2 cups of soup stock)
Put the Kombu and K-Flakes back into the deep pot. Add another 2-1/2 of water. Heat on low heat. Again, before the water boil, add another 10g of K-Flakes into the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes and remove foams on the surface, turn off the heat, cover and let the flakes sink (just like the first stock but this time simmer for a while longer before you off the heat). Strain the stock using paper filter or paper towel. Use the stock immediately or keep in clean container.

Uses – Use for cooking simmered dishes like chicken toufu mushroom pot (our favorite)

Where to get the Ingredients ?

You can get it from any supermarket like NTUC Fairprice, Cold Storage, Market Place etc who is having a corner selling Korean or Japanese Ingredients and Dry Food. You may be able to get ready made Dashi Soup Paste or Powder from some Japanese Outlet. But homemade is the best.

How do the Kombu and K-Flaks look like? What are they ?
Did some research from Wikipedia and link it here for your easy reference.

DRIED KELP – KOMBU

Kombu or konbu (Japanese: 昆布), also called dashima (Korean: 다시마 dasima), or haidai (Chinese: 海带 - pinyin : Haidài)

More details on : Kombu

KATSUOBUSHI FLAKES

Katsuobushi (鰹節 or かつおぶし) is the Japanese name for a preparation of dried, femented , and smoked skipjack tuna sometimes referred to as bonito.

More details on : Katsuobushi Flakes

Faces & Fashions of Different Eras - GAGS

2008-10-02T08:00:00.002+08:00

I've been taking portraits of myself on different eras. Here are some info of fashions from the 50s to 2000. Hope you like the info and my portraits.

They were all the way back to the 50s....Can you guess how old am I now ? Hahahaah....I'm an alien no doubts !!!

Fashions of the past :
In 1950, every girl had to have a poodle skirt. Today’s must-have ? Swing skirts.

In ’52, pearls were big. Today oversized necklaces are huge.

In ’54, cat-eye glasses got all the stares. Today…all the trendy and oldies are pop.

Ballet flats were the price possession of girls in ’56. And they’re still on the top of the list for today’s shoe divas ?

In ’58, no wardrobe was complete without a cardigan sweater.

In 1960, the “little black dress” was seen on all the gals. Today’s girls are favoring the “long dress” with its inspired prints and bold hues.

’62 our First Lady was setting the trends for the nation. Want to be today’s Jackie O ?

Miniskirts turned heads in ’64. What’s making head spin today ?

Knee-high go-go boots were groovy in ’66. Today’s girls favor a more petite ankle-high boot.

Oversized sunglasses were big in ’68. Today they’re even bigger.

In 1970, it was hippies in bellbottoms. Today, it’s hipsters in denim.

In 1972 it was all about colorful corduroys.

Gold accents brightened things up in ’74. Today’s girls are standing out from the crowd by pairing bow necks with their skinny jeans.

Flip-flops were flippin’ through the hallways in ’76. Today gals are sliding into a trendy pair of shoes.

Designer jeans hugged the hips of every girl in ’78. Twenty years later, they’re still hugging away.

Leg warmers heated up the fashion scene in 1980. Today, ruffles are the perfect addition to any outfit.

In 1984, neon colors made the hallways glow. Thday’s can’t-miss color is a cooler blue.

In ’86, girls were cruising the halls with their Walkmans. Today’s gals sport their music on their pocketsize phones.

Fanny packs were stylish in ’88 (no joke).

Overalls were worn over the shoulders of every girl in the ‘90s. Today’s girls are sporting off-the-shoulder sweaters.

In ’92, Seattle’s grunge scene swept the nation.

Baby tees were the tight fitting trend of ’94.

Doc Martens combat boots were worn by civilians in ’96. See how today’s military looks are marching forward with.

In ’98, girls were sporting platform heels that were popularized in the ‘70s. See what trends of the past are coming alive today.

In 2000, everyone got their exercise on their little push scooters. How will you burn some calories today ?

P.S. The first picture of this post looks 90% like my mother......Many told me before that I look like her. She is in heaven watching over me and my family. Misssssss X 10000....infinity you Mom.

Hahaha.......I'm not that old dear friends. Isn't it funny and cute ? XO XO XO...

Gogogo.....go to Year Book Yourself and do it yourself....Enjoy.

F1 Singapore – First Night Race in the World

2008-09-29T14:54:00.005+08:00

Brief Introduction :

F1 is the most advance and most expensive car motor sports (IMO). The cars are open wheel racing cars. All the cars almost look the same but they are not when you look closer. Different teams are completely different. Try to notice the nose of the car (some are high, some are medium and some are low), the front and rear wings, side pods etc. The different in designs are mainly because of aerodynamics. The other difference is the different brand of engines used.

It’s a game to me and my kids to spot the differences between teams and notice the improvement of designs & engines with the same team.

Unlike with other racing cars like CART or Champ car racing, F1 doesn’t have turbo chargers. They rely on pure Naturally Aspirated (NA) engines. They have to maximize their technology to achieve higher horsepower every year.

3 Qualifying rounds will take place before actual GP (Grand Prix). Driver with the shortest time around the race track will be on the pole (first car), second faster will be next diagonally behind the first car on the pole and so on.

F1 and the Tikis :

F1 was introduced to me years back by my friend Alderman from Philippines. He is F1 fan and thought me some basic knowledge and rules of F1. Thanks Explorer for your patient and knowledge. From the day you introduce me the sport, I enjoy it till day.

Guess which team I support ? Well, years back, I supported McLarren (because Kimi Raikkonan is so cool….Iceman indeed), my eldest son likes Williams BMW (because Montoya is skillful and Ralf Schumacker is fast) and my youngest support Ferrari (because Michael Schumacker – Ralf Schumaker’s brother is a legend).

Years passed, drivers joint different team , car changed, engines improved. The legendary Michael Schumaker had retired as F1 driver, Montoya left too, Kimmy join Ferrari so does Massa. Lewis Hamilton is with Mclarren, Fernando Alonso is with Renault, Nico Rosberg in Williams etc. They are all the raising stars of F1.

So, for my idol Kimi, now we all supported FERRARI !!!!!

Singapore – The World FIRST F1 Night Race :

Prince of the night - Fernando Alonso (Renault)
(Nico Rosberg-Williams comes in second and championship leader Lewis Hamilton-McLaren third)

Bernie Ecclestone described the Singapore race as Jewel in the F1 crown.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said that the night race is not just a new experience but a big step in the history of grand prix racing.

Singapore has proven every success and our model can be apply to anywhere in the world. Plans to turn the Japanese GP into a night race is the next the world will be keen to look at.

More then 300,000 people poured in over the three days, lightings are fascinating, hawker stalls offering authentical Singapore food, jugglers, magicians and singers entertain the masses, F1 cars howl through the modern as well as historical buildings, all details are being observed.

The race was a new experience for every driver on a street circuit under powerful spotlights and it turned out to be one of the most exciting of the season. Teams, visitors, journalist, drivers……all had given us a big thumbs up.

The Unlucky Ones :

It’s painful and miserable to see Ferrari’s Massa started from pole and Kimi third but were both met with disastrous mistake which cost them the race and valuable points.

Massa was in 13th place finish which means he is 7 points behind Hamilton with just another 3 GP left (Japan, China and Brazil). He was in the pit on lap 15 but was given the green light to drove off too early with fuel hose still attached to his car. One of the pit crew was floored and carted off in a neck brace. Massa had to sit in his car at the end of the pit lane and wait for his crew to ran and pull out the hose. Chances for him to win was ruined by giving a drive through penalty and he could only rejoined in 18th place.

Kimi rammed his car into the barriers with just 4 labs left.

Nelson Piquet (Renault) was rammed into a wall causing massive damage to his car. Fortunately he managed to climbed out unscathed but safety car was deployed.

David Coulthard was also drove off with fuel pipe attached and knocked over a mechanic who was subsequently stretched off.

Adrian Sutil slammed his Force India into the wall bringing the safety car out again. It happened just after Massa left the same wall, else he would have slammed right onto Massa’s car.

The Aftermath –

This morning my colleague knowing that I’m supporting Ferrari, kept telling me how stupid the Ferrari drivers are and how lousy the Ferrari Team is whenever he saw me.

I’m furious of course. I asked him to “SHUT UP, DIAM DIAM” !!! However, he still kept criticizing continuously and laughing hilariously. So, I told him “You know nothing, you SHUUUUUUTTTT UUUUUP !!!!”

You know what ? He still kept laughing. Hahaha……So, I said to him “I forgive you because you are ignorant.” Then I started laughing louder then him Haaaaaa…….XOXO. My other colleague said "You guys add up already more then 100 years of age, still like little kids." Hey, that's what friends are for right :P

It’s not Ferrari’s fault anyway. We are just lack of a little bit of luck that’s all. Hehe…

Sunny Golf House Warming

2008-09-29T12:41:00.004+08:00

Ringgggggggg…..Phone range on Friday night for invitation to Sunny Golg’s place on Saturday evening for house warming. He has shifted in since December last year and we had done our mini housewarming a few times there. Haha…this time, his sisters requested for a grand housewarming and it’s set on Saturday evening (27.09.08).

Sunny Golf is like a younger brother to my mum. He is like a father to me even though he is not that old. How he played and teased my kids makes me recall how he tickled and swing me around when I was as young as my little Princess. His family and my family met every week to have good food, watch soccer (his younger bro is Singapore National Soccer Team Player), ride roller coaster, watched drive-in-movies, traveling, playing catching with his younger brothers, nieces and nephew etc etc. Time really flies. All of us ended up in different places, experiencing different lives and slowly drifted apart. I’m eagerly anticipating the meeting with all of them again.

When time approaches, we drove to pick up otah from a otahman who is supplying Muar otah for clubs in Singapore. It cost S$1.20 per piece. Sorry Otahman, your otah is not as good as mine :P
After picking up the otah, we drove by F1 circuit hoping to have a gleams of some of my favorite cars and hear the roaring noise . However, the night was still young and race had not commenced.

We reach Sunny Golf’s place on time and I recognized all his sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces and nephews. However, the nieces and nephews couldn’t recognize me. It’s not that I’m too old ok. They just have poor memory and I have a better one that’s all. Haaa…..Sorry, no hard feelings Sunny’s family….I know you wouldn’t mind cos you guys know me too well…..I’m VeryTiki remember.

Great food was prepared by Sunny Golf’s sister and nice fruit pie was served on top of dumplings, curry chicken, mixed vegetables, otah, poh piah, spice roll, grass jelly and bobo chacha. Sunny’s family grown up in Malay Kampong in Singapore. Their culinary skills are greatly influenced by Malay style. However, they have reduced the chili for guests that cannot take spicy food. They are all born chili queens and kings.

We complete our duty in consuming as much food as we are able to, tapao food back, rob Swiss rolls that Pebbles & Riffle bought for Sunny and headed for our second program. Sorry Sunny. I’m guilty of not helping you to clean up the place. I’m sure you won’t mind. It’s not my fault. It’s Pebble’s fault. WAHHAAAAA………Hmm…..anyway, she is used to being blame for nothing. One tiny additional blame is nothing to her.

Riffle’s Swiss Roll is fantastic. Soft from the outside, creamy and rich inside. I love the coffee, mango, berries and durian. It’s long I have not tasted a cake with good coffee butter cream and I’m thankful for Pebble granting my wish.

We continued with our MU v Bolton match and F1 qualifying match. We ended up turning on two TVs with two programs so that we could walk around and watch both. MU made us proud this round. Ronaldo, you are so handsome. Hehee…..

Simple Apple Pie Recipe

2008-09-28T08:45:00.002+08:00

At times I have craved for certain food or desserts. Most of the time, I crave for desserts. This crave will motivate me to try making/baking whatever I crave for. Last month I wanted so much to eat Cheese Cake and I pamper myself with one non bake peach cake (recipe can be found on “RECIPE Cake”). Today, I’m missing apple pie. Haha…

Here’s one that I bake that is for 8 servings.

Pie Plate – 9”

CRUST (for one double crust):
Ingredient (A)
2 1/2 cups plain flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
Ingredient (B)
1/2 cup chilled cold butter
5 tbsp. chilled cold vegetable shortening
Ingredient (C)
8 tbsp. ice water

FILLING
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 to 2/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
6 - 8 medium sized apples (Peel, core and slice in even size)
2 tablespoons margarine

(Mix flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, salt well and add apple. Stir well and dot with margarine.)

(Note : My picture of the pie is using 5 apples as my kids requested to have a flat pie. I prefer one that is with 8 apples.)

STEPS :
Place Ingredient (A) into a big mixing bowl and stir together till combine.

Cut chilled butter and shortening (B) into the bowl using pastry cutter or knife. I find it easier using forks. Do not over mix and try to squeeze the butter/shortening with your hand.

Add ice water (C) into the bowl and mix until a dough is formed and holds together. You may add a bit more water if the dough is too dry (like cracking).

Turn the dough onto a clean and lightly floured surface. Knead it till the dough is smooth. Divide it into two parts. One for base crust and the other for top crust. Flatten both half into a disk (like a CD disk) and wrap up with saran wrap or clean plastic bag if saran wrap is not available. Chill for half an hour.

Roll out one disk on lightly floured surface to form a 12 inches diameter round base. Grease the pie plate with butter (or olive oil / sunflower seed oil). Place the flatten dough into the pie plate. Trim away excess dough from the edge with a knife. Poke holes on this base crust using forks. Place it back to the refrigerator while getting ready the fillings and top crust.

Get ready the fillings and roll out the second disk for top crust. Bring out the base crust from the refrigerator, add filling and cover it with top crust. Use a fork or your fingers to pinch the edges together. Cut a few slits or use forks to poke holes on top crust.

Preheat oven at 270 degree for 4 minutes. Place the pie into the oven and bake for another 40 – 50 minutes until crust turn brown. You will see juice begins to bubble through the holes you poke. Use skewer or satay stick to insert into the pie crust to test if the pie is ready. If it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

TIPS :
1) If your oven is of strong heat, you may cover the pie using aluminum foil to prevent it turning too brown.
2) When apple is too juicy, it will exudes a lot of juice. Thus, it is advisable to leave the apple after mixing for a while before picking them up and placing them onto the base crust.
3) You may include other fruits like berries, peach, resins to add extra flavor.
4) I choose Crisco shortening as it is 0% trans fat. It has markings on the wrappers indicating 1T, 2T etc (1T = 1Tbsp) for easy measuring. I don’t even need a measuring cup to measure how much to use.
5) Use remaining dough if any as decoration on the top crust.

Barley Water

2008-09-27T08:23:00.006+08:00

Ingredients :
300g Barley Pearls
300g Rock Sugar
3 liters Water
5 Pandan Leaves

Method :
1) Wash barley pearls (don’t need to sock)
2) Tear vertically from the center of the pandan leaves into three or four smaller strips so that the fragrant will emerge better while boiling.
3) Place water and pandan leaves into a pot and bring to boil.
4) Add barley pearls and simmer till barley pearls are soft.
5) Add rock sugar and boil till sugar dissolves
6) Serve warm or cold.

Tips :
1) Barley water is cooling. It’s also very good for kids who loves to eat heaty staff.
2) Do not over cook barley water as it will change it’s property to become heaty instead. (Many drink sellers tends to overcook barley water as it gives a thicker and stronger taste.)
3) People who’s body is cold in nature, drink barley warm.

P.S. My cute and handsome son is the assistant cheif and camera man :P

Funny Faces - GAGS

2008-09-24T10:23:00.011+08:00

To all my friends who are facing problems.
To all my friends who are blessed without problems.

"Don't Worry, Be Happy !!!"

能解决的问题，就不是问题。。。所以，不用担心。
不能解决的问题，担心了也无济于事。。。所以，也毋须担心。
(A problem that can be solved, is not a problem...So, don't have to worry.)
(A problem that cannot be solved, Worries will not solve it....So, there's no need to worry.)

学着放下，快乐地活在当下。
(Learn to let go. Live at the present with Joy.)

尽量的让自己快乐，尤其是在自己很不快乐的时刻。
(Make yourself happy as much as possible, especially during hard time.)

A picture speaks a thousand words. These pictures were taken when we were having great worries. SMILE my friend......Just Smile !!!

New Creation Church + Guan Yim Temple = Love

2008-09-23T12:13:00.009+08:00

Roselle has been troubled by her mum’s sickness and we have suggested her to do prayers. We believe that with faith, nothing is impossible and miracles will happen. I’m Buddhist and she is Catholic. I truly believe what my respectful teacher (Sri Sathya Sai Baba) taught me and many others. He says “All religions call upon the one, Omnipresent God.” It is this unitary faith that he has been emphasizing that touches me, guiding me and healing me.

I have been conveying his message to my love ones and whoever in need that “Believe in God – for there is only One God for all mankind, though He may be called by many names.”

Last Sunday we arranged a trip to the Guan Yim temple in the morning for Roselle to put forward her doubts and worries. We pray for her mum’s recovery. She was given a message mentioning that there seems troubles but there’s a lotus flower rooting and blooming. Peace in choppy wave. I told her not to worry as her mum’s condition will improve. God is great.

To reassure her, we arranged with Pebbles and Riffle for attending a service in New Creation Church. I went to the Church before as a supplier of polybags and their kindness and love they had shown to a non Christian is very much appreciated. That is also the reason why we suggested visiting NC Church. This was also my first time attending a service with my kids. We met up with Pebbles + Riffle and proceeded to the Church.

We went to 4th floor as 3rd floor is occupied. Princess is only 2-1/2 year old and supposed to join the children’s class. Graciously, they allowed us to stay with Princess for our first visit with Pebble’s explanation. Pebbles accompanied Roselle to the healing room where she could do her prayers with guidance. She returned with tears.

Songs were sung and they were very touching and nice. Messages were sent across to us too. I can’t help myself to relate the message to Baba’s teaching. It’s not comparing or competing whose teaching is better. It’s mere relating the similarities in the teachings.

Pastor’s teaching : God’s power is in God’s Word. Jesus does not have to appear in the flesh for our healing and manifest miracles. God’s Word is like seed that we can sow and brings forth a mighty harvest.

Baba’s teaching : God is Love. He is omnipresent. God’s word is like ray of sun that shines at us and through us. His words are words of Grace and Pure Love. He is with us and in us. Seek it within you for there’s the ocean of nectar divine.

Paster’s teaching : God will not force us to take his word and stand on it. He lets us decide.

Baba’s teaching : God put forth his gracious love to all mankind. It’s like a man sprinkling water in a hot summer. Those who are standing in the open area enjoys the cooling mist, those choose to take shelter behind a tree receive some and those taking shelter behind tall buildings collect none. We decide where we want to stand. We can make changes and move to any spots we want. We decide. He gives and he guides.

Instruments played while Joseph Prince was addressing his message. It’s angles’ visits.

While Baba’s birth mother is pregnant with Swami, Tamboura leaning against the living-room wall twang and drum on the floor throb as if an expert hand were beating it. It foretold an auspicious birth of Baba.

It doesn’t really matters which religions you are from. It’s the spiritual principle that has been teaching. This path of Love, this virtue of Love, this duty of love, this obligation of love that has been extended to us. God is Great and we are bless with his divine and pure Love.

Sri Sathya Sia Speaks :
There is only one Caste, the caste of humanity
There is only one Religion, the religion of love
There is only one Language, the language of the heart
There is only one God and He is Omnipresent

There’s something funny happened while we were in the service. We had a good laugh whenever we talk about it. When bread and small cup of red juice passes around (representing flesh and blood of Jesus), Roselle and I pick up a piece and put into our mouth instantly. We didn’t know that we have to wait for the blessing before we eat. I have a misconception of eating immediately because in my JC, we would go up to the pastor and he will give us the bread and drink where we would eat immediately. God is great, he blesses us with double dosages !!!

After the service we notice that there’s F1 show held on ground floor lobby. Click click click, my habit to take pictures again. Black ninja was approached by a lady and he filled up a lucky draw coupon. Wish you good luck handsome (that lady said he is handsome and should have many girl friends). Haha…see who is the mother lah.

Riffle bought some doughnuts and we headed home as ET got ready food at home waiting for our arrival. All of us squeeze into Riffle’s F1 car. It’s really fun to pack like sardine and race like F1 driver. We drove passed F1 race track and we keep making F1 car’s noise “OOooooo…….”. We had great food and MU Super Sunday match (draw again.....sigh....) Anyway, it’s a wonderful day filled with Love and joy.

Rice Cup Cake / Huat Kueh / Fat Koh (Pre-Mixed)

2008-09-21T09:52:00.007+08:00

Ingredients :
1 Egg
240ml Water (I replace it with Sprite / 7-up)
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
Some food colouring
1 Packet of Cup Cake Mix
(I use Sing Long Traditional Cup Cake Mix. It’s easily obtained from NTUC Fairprice supermarket from the Flour section)

Method :
Pour Traditional Cup Cake Mix, Eggs and 120ml water into mixing bowl at low speed for 1 minute and another 4 minutes at high speed.

Add the remaining water (Sprite/7-up) and mix at low speed for 1 minute and another 4 minutes at high speed.

Prepare paper cups, pour in the batter and steam for 12 minutes.

Tips :
1) I replace water with Sprite or 7-up so that the cake will have a lemon taste and it rises well.
2) You may add additional Eno (Fruit Salt) about half a teaspoon to let the cake smile wider. In my pictures, I didn’t add Eno as I wish to test the result without Eno Salt.
3) To have more fun, I have added chocolate chips, resins, rainbow colour candy resins, almond, dry fruits or nuts etc.
4) I like to use natural fruit colouring extract from fruits. Eg. Red from smashing cherries.
5) You may pipe in some fruit jam (to add on colour and flavour) and stir it lightly to have some marble effect (please refer to my pictures).
6) Boil the water first before placing the cakes in the double boiler. After placing the cakes in, do not open the cover (to retain the heat so that the cake will rise and smile better).

Tortally Jelly Crystal (Pre-mixed)

2008-09-20T21:25:00.009+08:00

Ingredients :
1 box of Tortally Jelly (90g)
1 can of Fruits of your choice
500ml of water (I prefer to use juice)

Method :
Drain juice from can fruits.
Distribute fruits (in my picture, I use longan) equally into mould.
Dissolve jelly in a cup (250ml) of hot water.
Stir it and when dissolved, mix in another cup (250ml) of cold water.
Pour into moulds and place in the refrigerator.
Ready to serve in around 15 minutes time.

Tips :
I prefer to use the juice / liquid drained out from the can fruits in replacement of water. It will enhance flavour of the jelly. Just heat up half of the juice so that it can be used to dissolve jelly. The other half will add on later. If the juice is less then 500ml, you may add on water to make it 500ml

Queenscup Volleyball Tournament 2008

2008-09-19T08:03:00.001+08:00

My son Supercute is a great volleyball player. He has been selected as first 6 of school team.

Day after day he undergone hush trainings and he was all ready for the major match against Queenstown Secondary School for The Queenscup Volleyball Tournament. His division had made his school proud by bringing back a silver medal. His division lost the 1st set 16-25 and won the 2nd set 25-22with him scoring the ace for the win on 2nd set. They lost eventually on the 3rd set and was awarded silver.

We were all eagerly waiting at the doorstep for his arrival home. Sunny gong gong came over and ET bought a wide spread of food for celebration. We were all delighted and started snatching the trophy.

Supercute is very happy too for his achievement. However, the sad thing is that his coach Mr Koh has better offer and will be leaving the school to work for a private establishment. He announce the news to the players and they were all filled with sorrows. The kids love him dearly as he is a fantastic coach. All girl players were broken into tears. However, Mr Koh will select a new replacement himself and I trust that he will get a coach as responsible and experience as him.

All the best to you Mr Koh for your future undertakings. Do keep in touch with the kids. They are going to miss you deeply. Supercute promises that he will definitely work harder and train better to make you proud. He promises too not to put your effort into waste. I never see him so committed before. Thank you Mr Koh. You are the best leader.

Supercute. You have made us very proud. Your trophy has added to our existing collection and I’m sure you will excel in near future.

北京残奥运会08闭幕典礼 Bei Jing Paralympic 08 Closing Ceremony

2008-09-18T12:08:00.003+08:00

One World One Dream…..The curtain of Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games dropped yesterday (17.09.2008) and the idea of One World One Dream is still touching many of our heart. It was a perfect ending to both Olympic and Paralympic Games with credit to artistic directors Zhang Yimou, Zhang Jigang and many volunteers.

Olympic Games Opening Ceremony showcased a prosperous China and Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony presented the respect that Chinese people hold for life and their reverence for the harmonious relationship between heaven, earth and human beings. From the painting in Olympic Opening Ceremony which incorporated both ancient and modern elements to the letter sending by audience and atheletes to the future in the Paralympic Closing Ceremony, this interactive characteristic was carried out at a level never seen before in previous Games. China has all the talents, love, foresight and culture that makes us all truly proud.

For all the unforgettable moments and strength the athletes displayed during the games, for all the supports from their family and friends, for those voluntarily supported the events, you have my utmost respect.

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games successfully concluded with an ideal ending:
A letter that carries the dream of the entire human race into a bright future.
The dream lives on though the flame fades.

(Would like to thanks Alder for forwarding the pics for the events.)

Mid Autumn Festivals 2008 with Verytiki Family

2008-09-17T16:54:00.004+08:00

Takes me a while to complete my part 2 of Mid Autumn Festival XOXO….Here’s the story :

After setting up prayer’s table for the night and had our Wan Tan Mee as dinner, we proceeded to my dad’s place for the Lantern Parade. Everybody is ready for the parade. Click click click….photo taking session again for me, my cute niece Xian Huey and my 1st bro “Fong”. I didn’t know that photo taking is our family’s gene.

The kids have grown up so fast and they are not so keen in carrying lanterns but playing with fire. The have great fun playing with fireworks as well as burning dry leaves, sticks and paper lanterns. My poor eldest sister-in-law Tong Tong ended up carrying all the lanterns and bags for the kids. My 3rd sis-in-law Kathy's job is to make sure all the lanterns are lighted up.

The night had to end early as my niece Charlene is having her exams so does Supercute. We headed home for our prayers. Click click click …..again. Pictures were taken.

Supercute and Black Ninja wanted to make the night special by arranging a mysterious gift in the balcony. They forbided all the adults to enter the balcony. After 20 minutes, we were allowed to enter. What a great surprise. They arranged a big heart shape on the floor using tea candles. It’s really beautiful and so romantic. Boys, you did it again. You make us proud with your brilliant creativity.

We ate the yogurt mooncake before we call it a night. I like to try exquisite mooncakes besides the traditional ones. The mooncakes are special mooncakes – yogurt flavour, lemon greentea, sesame, lotus, jelly, yam and curry. Not to worry Pebbles, We had reserve all except the yogurt for you and UR. We shall continue the feast on Saturday.

Nuffnang Free Movie Ticket - Babylon A.D.

2008-09-15T12:06:00.008+08:00

Many thanks to my beautiful niece Charlene for introducing me to Nuffnang. I've been in Adsense programme for sometime but she told me last night that Nuffnang (an advertising programme where bloggers can generate income when their visitors visit their blog-CPM or view the advertisement on their blog-CPC) is generating steady pocket money for her in S$. Hm......$$$$.....I love $$$$$....Hahaha....

I gave it a try today and managed to joint the scheme. To my surprise, they have many interesting events and contest that I can join. Currently they have collaborate with 20th Century Fox movies to give away movie tickets of Babylon A.D. Ofcourse, I'll not miss the oppotunity.

I'm always interested in reading/watching sci-fi story and movie since the age of 4. I'll not give this show a miss for sure.

Friends, wish me good luck to win the tickets. If you do not wish me it's ok, just buy me the movie ticket !!!! Wahaha......Cheers.

Zion Road Hawker Center – Double Happy Bah Kut Teh & More

2008-09-14T15:45:00.002+08:00

Advance booking was done on Saturday night with my eldest bro “Fong” and 3rd bro “Song” to have lunch with my dad on Lantern Festivals today (14.09.2008). My lovely and cute 3rd sister-in-law (Kathy) will be present too (my bro Song and Kathy station in Penang). My second brother “Sun” is not a fan of Bah Kut Teh and he gives it a miss.

We met in our regular spot, Zion Road Hawker Center, in the afternoon for lunch. My dad is a fan of Double Happy Bah Kut Teh (双喜肉骨茶). We become close friends with the stall owners since 20 years back while they were in Hill Street Hawker Center (already extinct). The stall is run by Ba Kut Teh Uncle, Auntie and their 2 sons. They are very friendly people. It’s like going to friends’ house for lunch. So warm and so loved. Never short of laughters.

As usual, we ordered steaming BKT in clay pot, vegetables, extra toppings of seaweeds, livers, intestine and pig skin (good supplement for our collagens). Their rice is something that I would highly recommend as it is charcoal cooked. I can’t express with words. You just need to try the difference. The nice aroma and texture will let you fall in love with rice. You can just eat it plain. We are always served with rice looks like Fuji Mountain.

Greedy us always order extra dishes…….deep fried dumplings from the store along side with Double Happy BKT – the Hao Bei stall (华北). The crispy dumplings are crispy outside and juicy inside. Serve with vinegar and ginger chili dip. How can anybody resist ? The stall order is a chubby uncle who likes to disturb my Princess. They all adore her and at times give her free dumplings. Hahaa….

Fried Kuay Tiao (at the corner) is a must to try. I don’t remember the name of the stall but you can never miss as they always have queue. Not many fried kuay tiao fried with leek (韭菜) and they did. It is so Teo Chew and so authentically prepared.

The opposite stall selling Xiao Wan Tang (hot pot seafood soup with noodles) is Supercute’s favorite. Not only the soup is delicious but they serve on pot with wax candles to keep the soup warm.

Black Ninja and Roselle ordered chicken rice (along side with BKT) as usual. They ordered white chicken plus lemon chicken rice. The uncle too become Black Ninja’s friend.

My eldest bro is vegetarian. He brought along his own food from another Malay coffee shop in Zion Road just around the corner of Zion Road Hawker Center.

There’s one stall selling Cheng Tng dessert which is running by an old uncle. His stall is on the same stretch with Hot Pot Soup stall. His Cheng Tng is so famous that many came all the way from as far as Changi and Woodland. However, due to his funny character, he has not many friends and at times shouted at customers. Even though, people still comes to him and forgive him. As usual, he is also our close friend. I don’t know why all the people there seems very friendly. Perhaps my dad is very good in building relationship with people for his direct character. Good or bad, he will just tell directly without fear of offending. That gets him many friends I guess.

As usual, I took many many pics and Black Ninja did the same. He manage to took some pics of “crocodile” in the river (Singapore River) next to the Hawker Center. I’ve posted the pics in my slide show. Take a good look :P

Tummy big big liao. My dad made us Chinese Tea with combination of Green Tea and Da Hong Pao tea. You cannot find it else where. The taste will stays and smoothen your throat. ET bought sweet pineapples as closing ceremony to conclude the day.My dad’s good friend Uncle Yuan pop by for ET’s pineapples. He stays nearby and will pop by when he knows we are there.

Time to leave and looking forward to meet again in the evening for our Lantern Carrying Ceremony. I’m wondering will the kids be enjoying carrying the lanterns or the adults.

Mooncake Festivals Eve 2008

2008-09-13T23:51:00.003+08:00

Supercute, Princess and Roselle stayed over in Sunny Gong Gong’s house last night and had a wonderful lunch and cycling session today in East Coast. They returned as 3 red cooked lobsters.

It’s eve of mooncake festival and we had a pre-holiday party with my best kaki Pebbles and UR. We had steamboat dinner with oyster egg omelettes and steam crabs. Pebbles bought delicious Indian rojak. The spicy gravy is simply heaven when dip with fresh onions. The oysters were marvelous and the crabs were sweet. Roselle, ET and I are oyster lover. I’m already dreaming of going for oyster buffet……drooling drooling…..

UR came later part of the evening for he needs to work. I did propose him to take mc as there’s early kickoff of Manchester United vs Liverpool soccer match. Luckily he didn’t listen to my evil advice cos the match turns out to be a disappointment.

Our devils scored first goal and ET was cheering with excitements. However, Wes Brown give present to Liver Pool with own goal. Sigh…..without Roselle’s darling Ronaldo, MU seems straggling. Weak mid-field and bad luck (it’s 13th…..13 is unlucky number), MU loose the game.

Anyway, we cheered ourselves up Pebble’s mini-pastries bought from Four Leaves Bakery, Maria’s Homemade Jelly Mooncakes and Coffee Latte. With our overfed chubby bodies, we proceeded to the room for The Mummy movie starring Michelle Yeoh, Jet Li and Brendan Fraser. It’s more like kiddy show and big kids like us enjoy it.

HOMEMADE OTAH

2008-09-11T16:47:00.002+08:00

My kids love otah. They use to buy it from some a Malay uncle near my house who is selling it on his mobile stall. It’s not cheap take into consideration of the portion. So, one day I told my kids, “Hey kids. Your mum knows how to do it. Fresher, tastier and most of all……cheaper.”

The best is to use oily fish like mackerel. If you wish to be innovative, you can also try other fish like tuna, sardine, salmon, etc. When you have excess fishes in your fridge and you are tired of frying or steaming, try doing otah with it.

What you need :
Mackerel fish – 200gm (Mince into fish paste)
Corn Flour – 3 tablespoon
Sambal Chilli – 3 tablespoon (if you like it spicy, you can add more)
Oyster Sauce – 1 teaspoon

Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. There after, you can either steam it, bake it or BBQ it.

(A) Steam :
Put all your otah mixture on a plate.
Boil some water in your wok, place a metal stand and place your plate on top.
Cover it and steam for about 10 minutes.

(B) Bake :
Place your otah on greased aluminium foil and wrap it up firmly.
You may pack them in about 10 wraps.
Preheat your oven (not microwave oven of course) 220 degree C
Place all the otah warp into the oven and bake them for 10 minutes

(C) BBQ :
The most authenticable way is to wrap them in banana leaves.
Place the otah mix in the center of banana leaves and faster with
toothpicks at both end.
BBQ them on charcoal for 5 - 10 minutes depends on how strong
the fire is.

(In the above slide show, I Steam the otah. We serve the otah with Chicken Soup Macaroni top with Japanese spices. My sons love potato chips. Thus, I let them have it as a side dish. Funny right. Anyway, they love it.)

Tips :
For busy people like me….Hmm…..actually busy is only an excuse. Lazy is the reason :P
You may consider getting fish paste from supermarket where they sell such paste for making fish balls. As for Sambal chilli, you can also get it off the racks. It comes in many varieties and brands. You can find them in bottles and packets. You can also get it from wet market where there are stall selling pre-mixed spices.

If you wish to mix your own house brand sambal chili, you can make it with onion, turmeric, galangal, chili, balachan, garlic, buah keras and lemon grass. (haha…troublesome isn’t it ?) I skip this. Yeah…

I like to add some surprises in my otah. Sometime, I’ll add some squid, prawn or crab meat. My preference is squid but my kids prefer prawn and crab stick.

If you are not sure whether the otah is cooked, you can use toothpick or satay stick to test by poking it into the otah. If it comes out clean, your otah is done.

It’s very simple and I’m sure, you will do it again and again after your first try.

Fruity Prawn Salad

2008-09-10T17:53:00.002+08:00

Ingredient :
One Canned of Mixed Cocktail Fruit
250g of Fresh Prawn
Coleslaw (I prefer Kraft Coleslaw)

Cook prawn, deshell and halved it. Drain syrup off the canned cocktail fruit. Place cocktail fruit into a nice plate and lay the prawns nicely on the fruit. Chill them in the fridge till ready to serve.
Upon arrival of your hungry guests, squeeze coleslaw on the salad and serve them with pride. You may light a candle and place it on the salad, dance or march your way to the dinning table ;-)
There’s no secret to this recipe. Just Serve Cold.

In Search of USB Cable for Camera

2008-09-08T17:11:00.003+08:00

I have been pushing ET to source for me a USB cable so that I can upload my pics taken from the digital camera (Panasonic Lumix DMC-F7) which I rob it from him. The camera does not come with a cable. So, it’s his job to look for one !!!!! Kekeke….

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning and we decided to give it a try to search from Sim Lim Square for the cable. Princess, Jo and Supercute tag along. Black Ninja choose to stay at home for his favorite PC game. Princess was so happy and dressed up like an angel.

We searched the whole building but in vain. They do not sell cable. What a disappointment. There’s no choice but to go for alternative….Card Reader. Managed to get a All-In-1 Card Reader/Writer for less then S$20.00.

It’s almost 3pm and we headed to the food court for lunch. The Indian food stall is surprisingly good. They serve good Garlic Nan with Mutton and Samosa. Jojo tried Shanghai Cha Jiang Mian. It’s delicious too. Supercute had his favorite chicken rice, dumplings and Dao Suan (cos his nick name in school is Dao Suan).

Guess what I was busy with the whole afternoon after returning from Sim Lim ? Downloading and organizing all my pictures !!!! Yeah !!!!!

Bak Kut Teh, Moon Cake, Tea & Prawn Salad

2008-09-07T12:32:00.004+08:00

It was another lovely weekend I enjoyed with my family and friends. I was rather sick with unbearable headaches yesterday (Saturday) and I prayed hard to god to let me recover so that I can enjoy the evening. As usual, god granted my wish. Thanks god, thanks Baba (Sri Sathya Sai Baba)….my spiritual teacher.

ET has displayed his culinary skill and prepared delicious Bak Kut Teh with winter melon, vegetables and golden mushrooms. Verytiki Prawn Salad and UR crackers were the kid's favorite. The recipe of Prawn Salad is rather simple. I’ll post it in a separate blog post under “RECIPE Salad”.

After dinner, Pebbles and I were so busy taking pictures of the moon cakes she bought from Holiday Inn Atrium. I was busy exploring different lightings and angles (what to do, when camera is no good, I’ve to practice my skill to compromise. Haha…), while Pebbles was busy arranging the slices of moon cake on the plate. Nobody was allowed to taste the cake till we were done. Supercute was complaining but, sorry son, the moon cake did taste better when you wait. Don’t you think so ? Indeed, it taste marvelous. Soft, smooth and not too sweet. It blended so well with a hot cup of Japanese Green Tea (玄米茶)

No EPL for the night !!!!! Have to wait till next Saturday. Glory Glory Man United !!!!! See you next week (13.09.08). Can’t wait to see how you are going to trash Liverpool. No soccer…….it’s ok…..Pebbles manage to superseded with volleyball. I guess she enjoy playing with princess : P

Marina Square & Tan Kim Seng (陈金声) Fountain

2008-09-05T22:08:00.001+08:00

It’s end of the week and it’s time to pamper myself and my family. ET proposed a night out in search of good food. We had chosen Marina Square.

We parked our vehicle near Padang so that we can enjoy a slow walk and introduce my kids to Tan Kim Seng(陈金声) Fountain near Esplanade Park. The fountain was built to commemorate Mr. Tan Kim Seng’s contribution toward Singapore’s first public waterworks. I had been there almost every Saturday with my family when I was a kid, as small as my princess daughter now. We would visit Satay Club near by for the fantastic satay and chandol/ice kachang dessert, play catching around the fountain and hide and seek in the World War Two monument near by.

After a short history briefing, we headed to Marina Square. On the way there, we passed by an underpass which link to MRT station. There are so many young people dancing and playing skating. They dance so well that we almost wanted to join them. We drop the idea as we are very hungry.

We proceeded to Marina Food Loft on 4th flour. It is a well designed food court that holds a perfect mix of international food stalls. It has stalls selling local dishes, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Hong Kong, Western cuisine at reasonable prices. You may choose to enjoy your food in air-condition or waterfront seats. We had chosen the open-air tables where we can enjoy a panoramic view of Esplanade waterfront with soft pipe music. We ordered our favorite food. There’s Korean Hot Plate Chicken for me, Dim Sum for ET, Korean Grill Fish for Jojo, Japanese Bento for Black Ninja, Japaness Tempura Bento for Supercute, Satay, Sotong with nice Juices and Tea to go along with. The chicken satay and sotong are thumbs up. The food were so marvelous that we ended up digging into each other’s plate. For a moment, we thought we were on vacation in Spain as it is playing Spanish Instrumental music while we were enjoying our food. It’s our best food court experience we ever have.

After the sumptuous food, we started gallivanting around the square. ET enjoyed updated himself with latest sound systems where my kids, Jo and I were stuck in the children’s corner. We ended up playing swing and slide together with our princess. We had great fun.

The night was ending and we are tired else we can continue with karaoke in KBox, bowling in SuperBowl or night movies in Golden Village. Next time perhaps.

Roselle Flower洛神花 (Luo Shen Hua)

2008-09-05T11:20:00.004+08:00

My family and I like to try unique things especially food. Two weeks ago, while doing my routine shopping for grocery in NTUC Fair Price super mart, a packet of red beautiful looking flowers (fruits) caught my eyes. It is displaying on the fridge racks. They are Fresh Roselle Fruits. I’ve bought dried Roselle flowers but not fresh Roselle fruits. I grab it immediately.

Not knowing what to do with fresh fruits. Not knowing if I should cut it out to eat, smash it to make a paste for my bread, extract the juice or boil it with water like what I've did for the dried flowers. I seek help from Wikipedia and flipping some books from library. Here’s what I’ve found :

The Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
It is a species of hibiscus. It is an annual subshrub growing to 2-2.5m tall and takes about six months to mature. China and Thailand are the largest producers. It is a relatively new crop and industry in Malaysia (Terengganu state). Surprisingly, Singapore is also growing in Organic Farm. The one I bought is actually grown in Singapore. Best of all, it is Organic too.

The LEAVES are deeply 3-5 lobed, 8-15cm long arranged alternately on the stems.
The FRUITS are harvested fresh, and their calyces are made into a drink rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins.

The FLOWERS are 8-10cm in diameter, white to pale yellow with dark red sport at the base of each petal. It has a Calyx at the base about 1.5-2cm wide and turns bright red as fruit matures. Calycus are normally dried and use to make ice and cool roselle drink.

USES :
Roselle, has been used in folk medicine as a mild laxative, and treatment for cardiac and nerve diseases and cancer. In Europe and America, calyx is use as food colouring. . In Africa the flower tea is use as a tea to relief cough. In Thailand it is use as a tea to reduce cholestrol. This drink is particularly good for people who have a tendency, temporary or otherwise, toward water retention.

In France the green leaves are used like a spicy version of spinach to give flavour to fish and rice dish. In Myanmar the leaves are main ingredient in making Chin Baung Kyaw Curry. The heated leaves can be applied to cracks in the feet and on boils and ulcers to speed maturation.

What I’ve done with my kids :

RECIPE :

1) TEA :

200g roselle fruits (The packet I bought from NTUC Fairprice is 200g per pack at S$2.80/pack)
2 – 3 liters water
Some rock sugar to taste (Cane sugar is equally good)
Cooking time : Abt 8 – 10 minutes

In Africa it is commonly sold in the street where people use to make it into sugary herbal tea. Put the roselle and water in a pot and bring it to a boil for 8 to 10 minutes or till water turns red (don’t have to cut the fruit). Then, add sugar. Drink as floral tea. You can also combine with Chinese tea leaves in the ratio of 1 : 5 (Roselle Tea : Chinese Tea).

2) BEER :

Combine the Roselle tea with beer. It gives a fruity berry/current taste beer.

3) COLD BEVERAGE :

Boil dried flowers for 8 to 10 minutes (or until the water turns red), then adding sugar. Served chilled. You can mix with mint leaves, dissolved menthol candy, and/or various fruit flavors or juice. Alternatively, you can add Soda into the tea to make it a fantastic carbonated beverage.

4) JELLY / AGAR AGAR :

Just add Roselle juice to your jelly/jam/agar agar recipe. It will have a taste very similar to Black Current candy like Ribena.

5) ROSELLE JAM :

Ingredients :
1 kg apples, washed and chopped
200g roselle flowers (don’t have to cut)
1.50 liter water
75g sugar per 100ml liquid

Put the roselle, chopped apple and water in a pot and bring it to a boil for 20 – 30 minutes until the apples are very soft. Drain the liquid into a bowl (use clean filter bag or cloth). Do not squeeze the filter/bag as this will make the jelly cloudy). Just set aside and let it drip by itself. It will take a while, just be patient. You may leave it overnight and let it drip by itself till the next morning.

Discard the fruit and flowers. (You can use the apple for apple pie or apple fruit bar if you wish). Measure the liquid to determine amount of sugar use (75g of sugar per 100ml of fluid. Place juice in saucepan, heat up and add sugar. Stir well till sugar dissolved. Cook rapidly and bring to boil for another 15 minutes.

Test if the jelly is done by scoping a little of jelly out from the saucepan, place on a clean plate or saucer and place it in the fridge (while the rest of the jelly is still cooking in the saucepan). If a skin like texture is form, the jelly is ready. If not continue boiling and testing. Place the jelly in sterilized jar. Allow to cool and store.

This Blog Post is specially dedicated to my lovely Water Retention Friend......Pebbles !!!!

Roselle helps water retention.

NON BAKE PEACH CHEESE CAKE

2008-09-03T16:55:00.009+08:00

The Cheese Cake Picture looks familiar ?? Yes, I posted it in my earlier blog post when we had it as a Singapore National Day Birthday Cake on our national day celebration. I've been receiving some requests for sharing the recipe of my Non Bake Peach Cheese Cake. It's easy to prepare and save you some trouble of baking. Kids can do it so why don't you give it a try.

INGREDIENTS :

The Cake :
400g Digestive Biscuits
120g Butter (melted)
1-1/2 tsp Gelatin
100ml Hot Water
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
250g Philadelphia Cream Cheese
4 tbsp Condensed Milk
1 tin Evaporated Milk – Chilled overnight

The Top Decoration :
1/2 Peaches (sliced)
2 tbsp Gelatin Dissolved with little Hot Water

METHOD :

1. Crush biscuits into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix well and press crumb mixture into a 9” baking tin to form a firm and even crust. Chill for 2 hours while making the filling

2. Dissolve 1-1/2 tsp gelatin with hot water. Stir in the lemon juice and put aside.

3. Mix cream cheese and condensed milk well.

4. Whip the chilled evaporated milk until thick and combine with the gelatin mixture and (3). Beat till the mixture is smooth. Pour filling into crust and decorate with sliced peach. Pour the dissolved 2tbsp gelatin over the cheese. Chill overnight to set.

TIPS :

1) I prefer to line the tin with aluminum foil before pressing the crumb into the tin for easy removal. It’s not necessary but I prefer as it’s really very easy when removing the cake from the tin.
2) I add extra peach cubes into the cake to give it an extra peach flavor and it looks prettier and colorful when you present slice cake to your guess.

3) You may wish to use Oleo biscuits if you like to add some chocolate flavor into your every bite. Digestive biscuits are preferred as it will compliment the light and fruity cheese cake.

4) I actually freeze it at times and serve it as ice-creme. My kids really love their cheesy ice-creme. Best of all, it's calcium rich.

4) Be creative by changing the fruits to Kiwi, Strawberries, Blue Berries or any seasonal fruits of your choice.

Saturday…The Feasting Day

2008-09-02T17:32:00.007+08:00

Saturday is a day I look forward to as I’ll be meeting Gong gong, Uncle R and Auntie Pebble :P to enjoy lots of laughter, chatting and Makan makan. All of us love desserts with good coffee. We had steam boat last Saturday for dinner and Roselle drink to aid our digestion. Recipe and in formations on Roselle Flowers/Fruit will be published soon in my blog.

After dinner, ET and UR decided to go for a stroll in search of desserts. They bought Dao Suan, Ice Jelly with cocktail fruits and Cheng Tng. My son said he must eat Dao Suan as his classmates give him a nick name Dao Suan. So, I took a pic of him “Dao Suan” eating “Dao Suan”.

I bake Apple Pie in the afternoon eagerly waiting to share with UR, AP and GG. That’s my first try of a new recipe given to me by a friend. I did some research on Internet trying to improve and make it my version of Verytiki Apple Pie. I’ll put up the recipe soon in my blog under “Recipe Cake”. Check it out then.

Coincidentally TS bought a box of apple pies too. Too bad, if TS and I didn’t fall asleep, we will have our apple pie as supper. I had them in the next morning as breakfast instead. Guess who’s apple pie taste better ??????......Verytiki Apple Pie lah !!!!!! Still need to ask de meh ?????

Don't complain that I'm boastful. I'm just very me....VeryTIKI ;p

Tiong Bahru Park

2008-09-01T17:45:00.004+08:00

Ring Ring……my phone rang on a relaxing Friday night. It’s my dear nephew Xian Wen requesting for my permission to stay over at my place with his sister Xian Hui. Of course they are always welcome to enjoy their weekend with Supercute, Black Ninja and Princess as they had just completed their CA term examinations.

All the boys are having fun with computer games and the girls were playing imagination slide by stacking up pillows and resting a mattress on it to form a tilting slide. They are all having a wonderful fun time and seem to me that they were not going to sleep for the entire night. To encourage them to have an early rest, I proposed to have morning exercise on the following day in Tiong Bahru Park. They agreed to wake up at 6.30am and went to bed immediately.

Tiong Bahru Park had been around for as long as I can remember. I used to have morning walk on Saturday morning with my parents and brothers as early as 6.30am. After the walk, we would proceed to a small stall selling half boiled eggs, toasts and coffee on a little hill in the park. Those were the days…..the happy days. The small stall was no longer there and replaced by a pyramid like stage in activity area. The pyramid is for instructors to play music and show visitors how to do their exercises.

Today, it is face-lifted by introducing Gan Eng Seng Secondary with a nice soccer field, good route for jogging, fitness corner, large open fields, central playground, sandpit and activity area where you can find many early birds gathering early in the morning (6.30am) doing aerobic dance, line dance, Qi Gong, Sword Art, etc. You can find people of different age range doing exercise and jogging. Girls, if you want to see muscular men, go to the fitness corners hahahaa…….Old Aunties, if you want to see handsome uncles, go to the activity area.. haaaaa…..Oops…sorry. It’s just a joke.

TB Park is very near to Tionh Bahru Plaza. It’s at the corner of Lower Delta Road, Henderson road near Tiong Bahru Road. There’s a small car park in the park. However, you can rarely find cars parking there cos most of the people walk there. Here’s the full detail location of TB Park : Tiong Bahru Park

As for the Scenery and Surroundings, you can find many Palm trees providing shades for the visitors. Shelters are distributed evenly and ample sitting benches can be found. I love seeing senior uncles and aunties sitting around on the benches chatting happily. That’s how life should be isn’t it ?

Why go to a gym when you have TB Park ? Their fitness corner is simple but good. You can do your warm up and stretching before your jogs. You can find foot massage stone walkers too. I have a friend who is wheelchair born. He told me that TP Park’s toilet is wheelchair accessible. How wonderful.

I personally love the serenity of the pond with wooden bridge and exotic plants along the pond. I found some berry trees in the park near the pond. I do not know if they are edible but the flowers and berries are beautiful.
Not to worry about your post exercise meal. There are many easy accessible eating places like Tiong Bahru Plaza, Tiong Bahru Market, Red Hill Market, Bukit Ho Swee Market etc. All within walking distance.
My niece, nephew and kids had a great time playing swing, spinning wheels, sliding, swinging, climbing in the wooden fun train in sandpit central playground. There after, we proceed to Mcdonald for breakfast in Tiong Bahru Plaza to conclude the morning fun.

KBOX Karaoke

2008-08-29T14:39:00.005+08:00

Singing and eating are some of the things I love to enjoy with my family and friends. It’s my boss’s birthday and he invited us for a makan and singing session. KBox is our favorite KTV lounge as we can have buffet dinner and sing our heart out.

We’ve been to their branches in Marina Square and Orchard Cinelesure. So, we decided to give their new branch at Kallang Leisure Park a try. Anyway, it’s very near to our office. The rate is rather reasonable at S$23++ per head inclusive of buffet dinner and room till 11pm. It’s cheaper then what we had paid for in the other 2 branches. However, the spread is not as good (lesser food).

Upon arrival at 7pm, we were allocated Room 21 at the KTV lounge. Hey, Pebble, your KTV session was in room 12 if I’m not wrong. Want to buy 4D ? 1221 or 2112 over this weekend ? haha….

The room is big and no odor is detected :P We were given a sticker each to paste on our arm for the buffet dinner. Air-con was so cold and the food turned cold in a short while. So, you have to eat when it’s hot….hmm….it’s not really hot at the first place. They have good spread of Japanese food. They also serve Western food (I like the Cream of Mushroom soup) as well as Chinese Dim Sum and best among all is Laksa. However, as compare to Marina branch, I still prefer the later as the food is warm and spread is wider.

What I like most was their drinks and desserts. They have a good coffee machine dispensing Black Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino and Teh Tarik. We tried all the drinks and all of them were surprisingly well blend. Their cold drinks were lemonade, lemon tea, peach tea and green tea. I strongly recommend lemonade. I give it 4 stars.

As for their dessert, they serve Japanese Rice Cake, Sea Coconut, Gui Lin Gao Jelly, Peach Pudding and GOOD CAKES such as Chocolate Cakes, Tiramisu, Cheese Cakes, Fruit Cakes etc. Can you imagine, a nice cup of Latte with Cheese Cake and good singers around singing songs that you requested ? Its simply heaven.

My colleague Regine is a born singer. She sings better then Singapore Idols especially her Cantonese songs (she is not Cantonese). She is too humble to join Singapore Idol Contest else she will be cutting records now instead of being shouted by clients and suppliers at times :P

As usual, I’m busy taking pictures and eating then singing. Too bad the room was too dark and the pics I took was not to my satisfaction. So, I stepped out from the room and took pictures on the nicely arranged spread. Before I took pictures, I seeked permission from the lounge assistant. After lengthy explanation of why I I wished to take pictures for my blog, he just stared at me with a blank on his face. Well, he didn’t understand a single word I uttered. I spoke to him in English and little did I know that he is from China. So, I need to explain all over again in Mandarin. Finally, permission granted and happily I took those beautiful pics.

The session ends with another good cup of lemonade and final song sang by the birthday boy. Oopsss…..now then I realize we didn’t even wish him happy birthday. Anyway, we had wished him and bought him a cake a day before on his actual bday. Celebrating his birthday on the following day is only an excuse for us to “CHOP” him and belanja us dinner + KTV. Hahaha…..what an brilliant excuse. How fortunate my boss is to have smart staffs like us.

BEN....the poodle

2008-08-26T15:53:00.000+08:00

Ben is Gong Gong's best buddy. He is a poodle about 14 years human age (14 x 7 years = about 98 years in dog age). ET bought it when he was 3 month's old in 1994 as a gift to Gong Gong. He is a very gentle and intelligent dog. He used to jump in great height till a day when he fell and broke his leg. After underwent operation, his hind leg is still weak. He is such a kind soul that even Mei Mei squeeze his tail or pull his ears, he will never retalliate. When Mei Mei gets near Ben, I've to be very careful not worring that Mei Mei being bitten by Ben but Ben get hurt by Mei Mei. He is such a jewel.

Ben eats fruits everyday. An apple a day..keeps the doctor away. He has pinkish completion :) However, due to old age, Ben developes some heart problems and on medication which makes him lost appetite. I hope he can get well soon but I have this worry that should anything happen to Ben, Gong Gong will be heart broken. ET and I bought him Ben because he lost his pet dog King who was with him for 14 years. He was very down when King had to put to sleep but Ben brought back all the laughters. Gong Gong will be very lonely without Ben.

Am I going to get him another dog after Ben passes on ? Should I let Gong Gong break his heart every 14 years ? I really don't know.....Is there a dog that will live for 20 years ?

Ben....please stay healthy as your papa needs you most.

Beijin Olympic 08 Closing Ceremony

2008-08-25T11:30:00.011+08:00

The Beijing Olympics, has finally drew to a magnificent close at the Bird's Nest Stadium last night (24.08.08 Sunday) featuring 16 days of spectacular games.

At the end of the competition and 302 events, China had 51 gold medals, 15 more than the United States on 36 although in total USA won 110 medals to China's 100. It is the first time China has won the gold medal count. Russia comes in next by winning 23 and Great Britain 19.

International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge handed over the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson (Mayor of London), which will host the 2012 edition.

Even though China has invested more than 40 billion dollars on the Games and more than 1.5million volunteers helping out, it is definitely handsomely rewards. As what Mr Rogge said "Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. These were truly exceptional Games." Indeed. China has made many proud.

What touches me on the closing ceremony was the entrance of all athletics. All athletics entered through different entrances casually towards four corners of the center stage. No grouping of countries and no differences between all human. That's what Olympic spirit is. This spirit should carry on and encourage even after the game. Peace to the world.

As a soccer fan (MU fans). It's a real surprise to see former England (MU) football skipper, David Beckham, booted a ball off the top of a London Transformer bus before the Olympic flame was extinguished. Just look at the smile on the lucky fan who received the ball. What a nice surprise.

Last but not least, I wonder if London feels the pressure of hosting after China putting up such a spectacular games. London ...you can make it too !!! Cheer for you in four years time.

Beijing Olympic 08 Closing Ceremony

SUNNY's Famous Chili Crab & Bee Hoon

2008-08-23T14:42:00.001+08:00

SUNNY Gong Gong is my mum's god brother. He is like a father to me and a grandpa to my kids. He is so young at heart and tough like a iron rock. Sportsman like him has been collecting many awards and trophies in skying, bowling, boat racing, golf, diving and shooting. He is teaching us Golf and definitely a perfect Golf Pro to many. Many times, my kids just fool around with him as though they are of same age.

He invited us over to his place last night for dinner to celebrate the completion of my kids' examinations. Hmm.....it's just an excuse to celebrate...actually we are just aiming for his famous Chili Crab and Bee Hoon. He is a brilliant cook.

Jo, Supercute, Black Ninja and Mei Mei went to Gong Gong's house in the afternoon to get the food ready. Gong Gong tought Supercute to cook vegetables and he excels it. ET and I arrived in the evening follow by Pebbles and UR. The braised duct that ET bought complements the meal. Pebbles and I kept taking pictures for our blogs while the rest were busy eating. The meal ended well with canned dessert, bananas, gin lime and crackers.

Supercute, Jo and Mei Mei stay over for the night for computer games. I've downloaded a few pc games for them to compete with each other at night. Apparently, Gong Gong was hooked to the game. I heard from Supercute that Gong Gong kept playing and was the last one to end the game :P. Looks like we have another PC Game addict. Welcome to the club Gong Gong.

HOMEMADE SNOW....Kids having Fun

2008-08-22T12:05:00.004+08:00

I rarely buy toys for my kids. It's an idea passed down from my grandmother to my mother to me. The idea is not to buy toys but to invent toys or games for kids.

Since I was very young, my mother always says she doesn't believe in ready made toys as they are not fun. I have 3 brothers and I'm the youngest. We always invented toys made from papers, cups, discarded items like pot, wire, rope, etc etc. We make use of recycle items and convert it into toy house, cable cars (using boxes and ropes and attached to our double deck bed), build rooms using blankets and bamboo sticks in our bedrooms (we even have a tiny toilet in our room), paper balls, boat, kite etc. Anybody came out with an idea of certain toy, we would make that fun toy immediately. Most of the time the craft is done by my eldest bro as he is the smartest among us.

Many times, we would come out with script and act it out as a game. My eldest bro was always the bad guy, my younger bros were the heroes and I was the princess they need to protect and rescue. We played haunted house (my second brother is ghost and we are visitors cos my second bro acts ghost well), zoo (my bros are animals and I'm visitor), hero rescue, ghost comb (my second bro...ghost again...holding a ghost come and chased after us. Whoever being poked by comb would be the ghost), riding mad horse (my bros are the mad horse and I need to ride on them till I fell from their back). It's really fun and at zero cost.

Now, it's my turn to pass this idea to my kids. I started with them when they were very young. When they were one year old, I made toys from papers and cloth. When they get older, they are able to make themselves. It just happen naturally.

My kids simply love their own invented games and toys. There's once my youngest son told me "mum, ready made toys are not interesting as compare to the toys or games we come out with ourselves." I guess, it's the fulfillment that hey have being able to create something fun to play. At times when my kids receive toys as birthday and Christmas presents, they really love the toys but the feelings are a bit different. They will play for some time and you will notice that they normally put them aside and go back to their own games.

Here is a vedio I capture when my younger son was playing "Homemade Snow" with his sister using papers. See how much fun they have. Enjoy the vedio. Cheers.

Homemade Pizza (AMC Pot / Oven Bake)

2008-08-19T12:55:00.007+08:00

As what have mentioned in Pebble’s blog, it’s so convenient to call a pizza company and ask for delivery. My family love pizza with extra cheese toppings as the regular toppings are normally not to our satisfaction.

Extra toppings = extra money. Thus, auntie like me is always looking out for cheaper alternatives. There’s pizza joints that offer buy one get one free. Hey, it’s still not cheap and doesn’t taste as good without extra toppings. I’m greedy though…. :P

You can also make your pizza at home with ready made pizza base and spread your pizza sauce, cheese, toppings. However, nothing is cheaper and better then a Homemade Pizza with homemade dough. Thanks to Pebble and SC for this easy recipe. It works like miracle. It taste good and it’s absolutely easy to make.

I’m using AMC pan but if you do not have one, an oven is equally good.

INGREDIENTS FOR PIZZA BASE
1/2 bowl fresh / low-fat milk
1 Egg
1 tsp dry yeast
a pinch of find salt / sea-salt
a pinch of sugar
1-1/4 bowl of plain flour

INGREDIENTS FOR SEAFOOD PIZZA TOPPING
tomato base (note: you can use paste sauce)
sliced ham (cut into squares)
sliced bacon (cut into squares)
sliced mushrooms
sliced prawn
sliced crab meat
sliced pineapple (cut into small pieces)
sliced capsicum
grated mozzarella cheese
shaved or grated parmesan cheese

INGREDIENTS FOR PORT FLOSS PIZZA TOPPING
tomato base (note: you can use paste sauce)
mayonnaise (optional but it really taste better with it)
pork floss (I choose one with sesame seed and seaweed)
grated mozzarella cheese
shaved or grated parmesan cheese

METHOD

1. Mix the milk, egg, yeast, sugar and salt in a big mixing bowl.
2. Add the flour and mix till a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough.
4. Cover the dough with a wet cloth (note: remember to squeeze out as much water as possible) and leave the dough to rise for about 30 minutes. The dough will rise about another 3/4 of the original height.
5. Grease the inside of an AMC flat pan with butter / margarine.
6. Place the dough in the middle of the pan and use your fingers to spread out the dough until it covers the bottom of the pan and a little of the sides of the pan.
7. Cover the entire pizza base with a layer of tomato / pasta sauce.
8. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese liberally.
9. Add the bacon, ham, mushroom and pineapple (note: the ingredients are to be squeezed as dry as possible before placing them on the pizza base).
10. Top with shaved parmesan cheese and grated mozzarella cheese.
11. Flatten the pizza so that the cooked pizza will turn out even.
12. Cover the pan with the AMC cover and cook on a low flame until the dial reaches "M". The cooking time is about 15 minutes.

Remarks & Tips

As the dough will rise after 30 minutes, place the dough in a tall container and cover it with wet cloth. If you place it in a small container or bowl, the dough will rise and touches the wet cloth. Why should you spend extra time washing the cloth isn’t it ?

The above pizza topping is for Seafood Pizza. Use your imagination and creativity to make your unique pizza. Give your invention a name. I name mine Kim Tian Regency Royal Pizza.

I made two pizzas at one go. One is Seafood Pizza and the other is Pork Floss Pizza. For Pork Floss Pizza, since the floss is cooked, I cook the base with tomato base, mayonnaise and cheese without topping the floss. Once the base is ready, I spread a bit more mayonnaise (so that the floss can stick to the base) and top the base luxuriously with seaweed pork floss.

My Fun with Kids & Friends

Our Royal Pizza was served with mixed vegetable salad, coleslaws, cakes, and drinks. It’s a Saturday night party feast.

Do it with your kids. My kids did it with me with minimum help. They feel very encouraging being able to show their talent. My Buddies TS and UR tried the pizza and the result is ……thumbs up. My eldest son Supercute can’t get enough of it and he did another two pizzas on the following morning as our surprise breakfast. He serves with hot lemon tea. Simply Delicious !!! Thank you son.

Beijing 08 Olympics Medal for Singapore

2008-08-18T15:43:00.003+08:00

Our Singpoare Women Tabe Tennis Team has finally bring us back a Olympic Medal after a long 48 years wait. We have been following the game closely and cheer for our team with out heart out. Yeah…..girls, you make us proud.

Our women trio of Feng Tian Wei, Wang Yue Gu and Li Jia Wei (world ranking 9, 7, 6 respectively) have done us proud by coming in second after beating South Korea, USA, Nigeria and Netherlands in the women’s table tennis team event at Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Our girls in yesterday match display good sportsmanship. You can see them putting up great smiles even if they are beaten by China top rated team consisting of the world’s no 1 & 2 players.

We are extremely delighted having such result. Even my 2-1/2 year old daughter is supporting our team. She “Jia You Jia Wei” and claps her tinny hand whenever we claps. Haha….cool girl.

So, Singapore, let’s dream of our Olympic Gold and strive for it.

FA Community Shield 08 - MU v Portsmouth

2008-08-12T10:56:00.016+08:00

So many events over the weekend. First the wonderful Olympic Opening on Friday (08.08.2008 at 8.08pm), then our National Day on Saturday (09.08.2008 at 5.30pm) and FA Community Shield on Sunday (10.08.2008 at 10.00pm).

Manchester United and Portsmouth drew 0-0 after 90 minutes. The game was finally put out of its misery with a penalty shoot-out, with United winning 3-1. Man United dominated parts of the game but were unable to break through. Darren Fletcher miss the best chance before later hitting the crossbar when chipping from long range. Gary Neville lasted around 70 minutes of the match before being replaced by Wes Brown.

Manchester United claimed their first piece of the silverwear of the season when Tevez, Giggs and Carrick all converted their penalties whilst only Jermaine Defore could score for Portsmouth. Diarra, Mvuemba, and Glen Johnson all guilty of missing with some poor penalties, handing the Community Shield yet again to Manchester United.

We are MU fans just like TS and UR. It is the first trophy of the English season, FA Cup winners Portsmouth against Premier League Champions Manchester United for the FA Community Shield. The result is ...... for sure......MU !!!!! Glory Glory Man United!!!

HIGHLIGHTS FIRST HALF http://videos.sapo.pt/Q0QkITzVjNbY01VgId8t

HIGHLIGHTS SECOND HALF http://videos.sapo.pt/AGu0Qgf6gtdESdHEZPwV

PENALTY SHOOTOUT http://videos.sapo.pt/ZzS1jJzqg177pcHTWRwZ

THE SHIELD

Too bad TS is unable to join us on Sunday for our first MU triump at Wembley Stadium. Hey, you miss our Homemade Peach Cheese Cake done by Black Ninja. Not to worry, we have reserve some for you. It taste like peach ice-cream cos we leave it in the freezer. I'll post the recipy in my next blog (Label as RECIPE Cakes).

北京奥运会08 Bei Jing Olympic 08

2008-08-08T10:09:00.010+08:00

奥林匹克运动会今天在北京开幕了!!!

奥运是全世界人民的共同节日，追求更快、更高、更强的奥运精神体现的是人类自强不息、追求卓越的崇高价值观念。奥运会不仅仅是单纯的体育竞技活动，也是各国人民传达友好、和平信息，促进彼此交流，增进友谊的盛会。

2008年北京国际奥林匹克运动，不但是中国人民的荣耀，也是亚洲人民和世界华人的荣耀。奥运会的火炬在世界各国传递，奥运圣火传递过程中虽然发生一些干扰和无知者的企图破坏,但最终还是能够顺利、圆满地完成“点燃激情和传递梦想”的和谐之旅,平安地抵达北京！

虽然我是土生土长的新加坡人，不知怎的我和家人都感到特别骄傲。不为什么，就因为我们是炎黄子孙吧。每隔四年才举行一次的奥林匹克运动会，今晚,在中国首都北京隆重开幕。特开心！！！特骄傲！！！

在那么美好的日子里，还是有部分对中国抱有歧视和偏见的人批评治安，交通，空气素质，甚至食物，还有零星的恐怖事件。其实，目前北京可能是全世界最安全的城市之一。希望从今晚开始，大家都能抛弃所有政治和成见，好好享受奥运带来的欢乐。也让我们为建儿们加油，打气！并祈求天下同心，太平。并共同欣赏“鸟巢”上演的连场好戏吧！

很喜欢这首歌。歌手来自不同国家，唱同样的歌。喜欢它那天下大同的精神。和您一起分享：

Olympic song "Beijing Welcomes You" 北京欢迎你

Bei Jin Olympic 08 Openings 北京奥运08开幕典礼

SINGAPORE Happy 43th Birthday

2008-08-07T11:44:00.009+08:00

Singapore National Day falls on 9th Aug and it is a day where we celebrate Singapore Spirits. The Spirit of being One People, One Nation, the Spirit of fighting together through hard times, the spirit of helping each other, the spirit of loving and sharing. The Singapore Spirit has brought us prosperity, peace and prominence on the international stage, and we celebrate it this year and many many years there after.

My dear kaki Pebbles has written about the history of Singapore and I'm going to make it a skip. (Hey Pebble, how can you write before me ? I wanted to write about that you know !!! It's all your fault. Now I have to crack my head and write on other topics. Do you want me to cut and paste your blog post again ? )

Let me share with you my slid show and Singapore NDP 08 Theme songs. Lets sing together and transcend from multitude of voices into one unified voice for our Small but Strong Singapore.

(I prefer the Chinese version "Qing Kong Wan Li-Joi Chua" then the English "Shine for Singapore-Hardy Mirza". Sorry Hady :P)

Happy birthday Singapore. With our determination to stay as ONE, I am sure our next generation can enjoy what we are enjoying now for the things our previous generation had generated. Keep it going, Singapore, regardless of race, language & religion. I love Singapore, we love Singapore.....Singapore My Home, My Country, My Pride.

KIDS SAVING

2008-07-30T11:08:00.004+08:00

I have a kid in secondary school, one in primary and another is about 3 year old. My eldest son used to have financial control problems as he can’t really control his desire to spend all the money he has on tit bits he loves to eat, game cards he loves to own and nice stationeries he wish to have. It is a straggle for him and me trying to manage money.

It is of great concerns to guide him and the rest of my kids to let them be Money Smart Kids. I started off introducing my saving plans for my eldest son and my youngest son voluntarily wishes to do the same. Results are good and we are very happy with the change.

Many financially savvy adults have developed good money saving skills when they are very young. Children who learn the benefits of saving money will benefit them and they will have a very essential skill in life. They will know how to source for funds, maintaining funds and even expanding funds in positive way.

Ways for kids to do their savings :

1) Saving Accounts :
Open Saving Accounts for your kids as young as possible. Many local banks offer kids’ bank account. They often waive minimums to welcome these little bank customers. Some will provide incentives like giving small credit into kid’s account when they first open the saving account. Others will give attractive gifts and toys as encouragement.

2) Piggy Bank :
Encourage your kids to own a cute and small piggy bank. Let him/her choose her own bank and place it at a prominent place. Some piggy banks can produce music once a coin is slotted. There’s one bank I came across is a miniature ATM machine. You can deposit coins and notes similar to bank automatic deposit machines. There’s a smart card that will update the value so that when your kids slot in the card, it will show how much he will have. The kids will find it cool to have something similar to adult world. Of course, such bank comes with a price. You will need to spend some money before you can start saving. Thus, encourage your kids to consider wisely their budget. Ask your kids for their opinion on their choice. Once they have make up their mind, go for one that they have decided on. This will give them recognition too which is very important. Kids has pride and wants to be treated like adults.

3) Extra incentives :
Give your kids a real extra incentive when they hit their saving target. Let say, if your kid gets allowance of $10 per week and if he can save $1.50 out of it, you give him extra $0.50. He will have this weekly incentive. If he doesn’t spend the savings in the first month, he will get another $2.00 as extra bonus. This will keep your kids looking forward to hit their target and even if they do not hit the extra bonus, it will be an added advantage of fewer frivolous spending.

However, you have to stress to your kids that they have to take their meals in school. Do not skip meal just to save extra and get extra incentives. Show concern on what they eat, how they spend and how the saving going is. Guide them on the right path.

All good habits start from young. Encourage them to be young money managers. As child ages and maturity grows, they have already set their right foundation. Better investment on greater returns such as Trust, Bonds and Shares can slowly be introduced. The rest is to watch them soar and be proud parents.

LG Viewty Mobile Phone

2008-07-25T11:53:00.003+08:00

I got my LG touch screen phone for it's nice look and new touch screen feature. I've been using it for past 3 months and I'm quite happy with it except for a few set back.

First it's the sms. It's a bit slack when I'm trying to sms. As it's touch screen, I need to either use the pan or my finger to do it. Lazy woman like me is too lazy to use the pen :P. Unlike other buttons phone, you can press the buttons easily and with speed. But touch phone is slower by half a second. I've started to scold my phone when I need to sms. Poor phone.

Another problem is the battery. It can only last me a day. I'm not a person that chat on phone. I seldom have calls except my kids reporting to me when they reach home. Being able to standby only a day is frustrating. My colleague who is a heavy user (having the same model) need to standby two batteries. He is having it for 4 months and thinking of selling.

Anyway, I'm still ok with my phone. Except that the pics I took is too small when I download to my pc. When I enlarge it, it becomes very blur.

Yesterday while having good lunch with my colleague and office neighbours (we are the flowers of Kallang. Really, we can't find any others that are more beautiful and intelligent then us.), I mentioned my frustration regarding my phone. One of the girl's (Elaine) sis is having the same phone too so Elaine knows the features quite well....Hm.....actually...better then me. You know what, I guess she almost fainted after hearing that my pics are too small on screen. She said "Your phone is having 5MP. You have to set your phone so that the pics will be big. You can even put it as Wall Paper on your PC." Wahaha........my dear friend Kelly said "Auntie, why you buy such a good phone and do not know how to use ?"

I thought my phone is a lousy phone that's why I can't have good pics. I even took some pics with my colleague before lunch using different LG phone on same object, same distance, same lightings and comparing our pics. We came to a conclusion that my phone is lousy.

After resetting my phone, walaa......the pics are superp....All of us can't stop laughing cos it's really funny. How can I get good pics when I only set the resolution as 1MP ? Wahaha.......I didn't know that I'm such a retard.

I'm bless to have friends and colleauge like them. It's not easy to have friends that can tell you off directly and have a good laugh out of it. Having lunch with them is always our happy hour.

Cheers to our friendship : Angie + Elaine+ Kelly + Regine rocks...
.

ANGRY DAY

2008-07-21T10:53:00.005+08:00

Yesterday was a beautiful Sunday but it's not that beautiful when some happenings really spoil the day.

I need to take my eldest son for his English tuition in the afternoon. As the papa is not available, we decided to take a bus to the tuition center. To take the bus, we will need to cross a T junction. While crossing the lane with my two kids, a red vehicle just turn into the lane (two way traffic) from the main road without giving any signal. We are crossing half way on the lane with opposite direction against the red car. It's obvious that the red car turned into the wrong direction lane. If it wish to turn, it should turn to the lane in front of us.

Without even apologize, the Fat (really very fat) chinese Ah Lian driver started showing hand signs with anger. I was so angry too as her reckless driving might cause us harm. Thus, I lift up my hand and show her "What is that ?" Ah fat get so angry. She wind down the window and started scolding vulgar words. There were three passengers all girls with her just starring at us. I was furious too. The first thing came to my mind was to pick up a huge rock and smash right onto he car. Ofcourse I never do that haha...It's just a evil thought that comes and goes.

I held my kids' hand and crossed the road as it all happened in the middle of the lane. When they are safe, I simply turn around and show that Fat Lian my beautiful long finger that I'm always proud of, turn my head and walk off. Haha....I guess the Lians will have fumes on their heads.

I don't know why these young girls have such bad attitude. My kids are very angry and wanted to report police. However, we didn't take down the vehicle's number. It's partly my mistake as at that moment I'm so furious and I forgot to take down the number. If I've taken down the number, they will definitely get their punishment. I should have kept cool and take down the number.

Anyway, it's good to let my kids experience that. Now they really know what impression people will perceive when a person speak and behave like Ah Lian or Ah Beng.

After dropping my eldest son to class, I proceeded to NTUC with my younger son to do our marketing. After all our selection of good food, we took an escalator (flat belt type) up to the floor where we will be making our payment. However, towards the end of escalator, there's this young Malay boy playing on the escalator. He was walking backward. Our cart is approaching him and we started yelling at him as we can't move the cart or stop the cart. The boy didn't hear us. Booooom......we bang into him on his batok. The boy is frighten and ran away. I hope he was not hurt.

After payment, we met my eldest son and proceed home by bus. The bus was full and we have to stand. My youngest son is standing beside a big and tall Indian man. This man started to hum like a humming bird. "Hmm....hmm.....hmm.....". I thought he is singing with ear piece on but my son didn't see anything on his ear. This man started humming louder with his eyes closed. My son was annoyed and frustrated too due to the earlier two incidences. My son told me that the man was humming in the same tone and same interval as though he was being possessed. So weird.

Well, weird things happen in three. What a day.

DESARU MALAYSIA - Free and Easy Trip

2008-07-18T14:41:00.017+08:00

Desaru is Located in the Malaysian State of Johor. It takes just 2 hours from Singapore or 1 hour from Johor baru Town. It features a wide variety of attractions such as beautiful beaches, fruit farm, golf resorts, water falls and it's definately a Gourmet's Paradise.

Last week I took a short break with my kids (my eldest son and youngest daugher), Jo (my daughter's mama) and god papa who is also my kid's golf pro to Desaru. My god papa is just like his name SUNNY. He is so active, sporty, funny and sunny. He has been there so oftern that he knows almost all the roads, farms, lanes, golf course even mountains where robbers used to stay to avoid being caught.

We reached JB for breakfast....the famous Ba Kut Teh. Yam yam. It's so delicious. The coffee shop is so pack, noisy and hot but they really serves good Ba Kut Teh.

After which we proceeded to Desaru Fruit Farm. As the weather is so hot and it's not durian seasons, we decided to give give a miss to the fruit tour cos we need to pay for entrance fees...haha..Why should we pay when we can't see durian. We just went to their fruit mart and grap some fruits (just to prove that we've been to the fruit farm.)

Sunny is a golf pro thus, visiting various golf courses is in our itinerary. We visited two golf clubs and took some pics. They are so beautiful with lots of ponds and palm tress. I like the resting hut where golfers can grap some drinks and snacks. The rest room is a must to visit. It's a very beautiful and authentical wooden hut. One can find peace visiting and doing Big Business in it :P.

Just look at the pic. Can you imagine ? It's actually taken outside a toilet !!!

It's lunch time, we left the golf course for our seafood feast. There's another surprise awaiting us on the way to our lunch. Along the golf course road, we saw many monkeys. They move in herds and each herd has a leader. The leaders are big fierce male. We pull over our car and threw whatever titbits we had in hand. My kids were all so excided seeing monkey mummy hugging it's baby. There's this one little monkey dashed up to the window trying to rob a piece of crackers from Sunny.

Nobody should miss the seafood when you visit Desaru. They are famous of the seafood especial baby lobster. There again. Golf papa drove us to a famous restaurant for baby lobster. We ordered steam lobster so that we can really taste the freshness of it. Ofcourse, you may wish to have it prepare with chilly, pepper, butter etc. It's really mouth watering. It's not expensive too. Take a look at the pic. Simply irresistable isin't it ?

After lunch. Golf Papa drove us to beach and show us where the fishermen do their catch for the baby lobster. The wave is choppy and water is milky. We were told that lobster suits this type of environment. We saw many small little huts where the fishermen lives. Well, perhaps, next trip we should go earlier and try catching some ourselves.

We had a wonderful one day tour and decided to head back to home. Golf Papa had all these weird recommendations. He wanted us to try Basar Feast before we call it a day. We reach one special restaurant in JB serving special food. Take a look at the pic and guess what we had for our dinner.

Have you got the answer ? Well...... They are .........

Leopard, Bat and Porcupine !!!

The taste is quite strong as they were prepared in herbs. To me, they taste like wild boar but the meat is not as stiff as wild boar. Not bad actually.

Bye bye Malaysia. See you again in near future.