Precious Moments in Life

Reflection 2011: GOD IS GOOD

2011-12-30T15:57:00.001+08:00

2011 started without my permission. I hated 2011 and wished I was dead instead of my younger brother. It started as a very very tough year. Mom and dad were not in talking terms and my imperfect family has been torn apart. My home is no longer a home but a structure; there's no warmth, no love and no care. Everyone was mourning. My world just crumbled into million pieces overnight.

My prayer this year has constantly been God's comfort will be upon my parents. God is good and He is faithful! His love, comfort and grace was evident throughout the year with so many testimonies to show He is good!

I experienced His supernatural favours and they were undeniable.

1. Insurance company compensated my family the full amount of RM250k although my late brother paid only two months premium. He bought the policy two months before his passing. The claim process was a tedious with a lot of investigations to prove that my brother wasn't ill prior. We were worried that the insurance company will not pay the amount, an amount to pay off a link house that he bought. But praise be unto God, within 4 months, we received a full reimbursement from the insurance company.

2. God provided us a temporary house with rental below our budget of RM800.

3. A smooth process of selling off my parents' house.

4. Supernatural favour from Amanah Raya in handling my late brother's assets. He passed away without a will and we needed a profesional body to manage his assets. A SOP to close a case is 18 months but within 10 months, we are closing my brother's case.

5. A salvation in my family - my cousin sister, Merene has accepted Christ!

6. My mom didn't say NO to my invitation to church. She used to say NO and I'm believing for a miracle that she and my dad will go to church with me one day.

7. I passed my IELTS test in one attempt with an average score of 8 points. I was extremely not prepared for the test and it is definitely not my own effort. A technical person by training, I haven't written an essay for close to 13 years and to score 7.5 points in writing is a MIRACLE!

8. Reconciliation has taken place in my hon's household.

Tell me that these testimonies are not the works of God. These are God's favours upon my life, someone who is so unworthy of it, so undeserving but yet God's blessings upon my life has been overflowing. All I can do is stand in awe of Him.

ALWAYS GOOD by Pr Kenneth Chin & Joel Vijay

God You are so, so good

There is just none like You

You make me sing

Out loud for joy

Lord I'm so grateful

Jesus, Your love for me

Like nothing I've ever seen

I lift up my hands

To praise Your name

O how I love You

Every time I'm in Your presence

I can't help but overflow with gladness

You are so good and merciful

All I want to do is to stand and worship You

I delight myself in You O God

Make all my hopes and dreams come true

Only You are worthy Lord

All I want to do is to shout my praise to You

You make everything beautiful

You make all things new

You are ever so wonderful

You are always good

I hated the beginning of 2011 but God has turned it around for me and my 2011 ended with a bang, knowing that my Daddy God has always been there for me and He's always good!

Come 2012, a brand new nest for hon and I! An opportunity for us to exercise our faith in trusting Him and depend on Him! More importantly, a brand new journey with Him again! Can't wait for the brand new year!

Deeply missed

2011-12-30T15:52:00.000+08:00

A year has gone by..... mom, dad and Kelvin seemed to have moved on slowly and well. Your first anniversary was the hardest day of the year for me. Without the support of Stephen, I accompanied mom, dad, Auntie KY and Jason for prayer at the temple. Mom & dad held up alright but they broke down when we visited you at your final resting place. A first meltdown after many months. My heart felt like being teared apart into million pieces seeing them. All I could do is be strong for them, held back my tears. Someone has to and that was my choice.

That day was indeed the hardest. No avenue for my own grief, I seeked refuge in Stephen only to be pushed away and let down. Prayer meeting was on that day and it was the last place where I want to be. Although church is a place where I should find comfort but I was angry. Angry at everyone because I felt that no one cared. Why I should put up a smile on my face though I'm in pain inside. What about me? Me too, lost my brother and I witnessed every single event, he collapsing right before my eyes to his body carried away to the morgue in a body bag by the police truck and lastly being laid down into the casket. Why nobody asked me how have I been coping?

I wasn't given any time to mourn or grief of your passing. My responsibility were too heavy to allow me to do so. I had to put up with the name calling, being blamed for not taking care of you, the paperwork from the police station, mortuary, to your belongings. Does anyone know the pain I felt inside of me? I kept myself busy, a way I found to keep me going and to pretend that you have gone somewhere for holiday for a long time.

But today I broke down, cried so hard after watching a korean drama. It was speaking about an elder sibling who lost his younger sibling in a car accident. The elder sibling felt that he should be the one dead rather than the younger sibling. That's exactly how I felt a year ago. I wished it was me instead of you. Things would be a lot easier for mom and dad. This was the first break down I had since your passing and cried so hard.

It was also that very instance I realized that I haven't allow myself to mourn for your passing. Because I was in denial, I avoided it, I pretended it didn't happened. Just over the weekend, Terry boy asked me 'Where's Hwee Yeung ko ko? Why is he not here?' Earlier on, he came over our place and he probably realized that you weren't around. I almost broke down into tears but didn't want mom to find out, I held it back. I told him that you have gone somewhere very far and can't come back. He didn't understand and asked 'Why can't he come back? He can take a plane back.' Gosh, tears were welling up and utterly speechless.

Although things have been tough but I thanked God for His graciousness, comfort and love upon my imperfect family. We are moving on slowly but one thing for sure,

You are greatly missed by all of us!

Children's Party at SDMC Cancer Centre

2011-12-23T16:57:00.000+08:00

The month of December is known as a month for Christmas Cheer in our church. HOMES or cell groups are all geared up for Christmas Cheer; hospital visitation, welfare homes visitation or even blessing less fortunate families with essential items like rice, cooking oil, sugar, etc. My HOMES has committed to help out at SDMC Cancer Centre children party. We had a team of 11 and went rather clueless about it coz the organizer were away and the PIC was unavailable as well. The team, many of them have no experience in children ministry and lack of time to practice, we pulled off the party rather well. God's presence were undeniable on that day with the children and parents enjoying themselves. We did games with the kids and a skit based on the gift of friendship and healing. The skit was done the night before without a script but the children has so much fun because of the witty-ness of the characters.

The team shared that we were supposed to be there to be a blessing to the children but instead most of us were blessed by the children. The children are cancer survivors and these were precious children as young as three years old who wear a smile on their faces despite their hardships. One of the team member said that he's so touched by their positiveness towards life. Yours truly is also blessed by the children and now fully understand why they are so precious in the eyes of the Lord. Their innocence is so real and undeniable.

Praise report from the parents: They thought that we were professionals hired by SDMC to run the show and they were told we were doing this voluntarily, many were touched. Wow! That praise belongs to the Lord for through Him, we managed to pull it off seamingly.

The three Billys who were the main characters in the skit.

Fishing game with Kyle and Joanne.

Can't remember all of them. Left most: Joanne, right most: Kerwin and the little one in the centre is Alfred.

Ice breaker with one of the kid, Rusell, brother of Kyle.

Children watching the skit.

King Lonely and his pet, Dogfish!

Kudos to the team and awesome Christmas cheer.

RAINBOW = HOPE

2011-12-23T16:45:00.000+08:00

The Lord, my God is an awesome Daddy! He knows me very well; when to comfort me and He knows how - RAINBOW! Rainbow holds a special place in my heart; it's beautiful creation that only appears after a rain. To me, rainbow signify as hope after a storm and it has been awhile since I've seen a rainbow. My life has been gloomy since the passing of my brother and it's hard to lift up my spirit.

As the year drawing to a close, things back home is getting better but my heart is still gloomy. And my Daddy God knows that it's time for HOPE again. He painted not just one rainbow but two rainbows within the span of 35 minutes. That day, he showed me that there's HOPE and with HOPE comes dreams. I also learnt that my God knows my heart and He's there watching over me even during the times where I doubt him.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10: 29-31 -

Four Keys for Making Mr. Right: Part 2

2011-12-22T10:44:00.003+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

Wives can't change their husbands, but wives can and do have a tremendous influence on their husbands. How can you make that influence positive? Here are the second two of the four keys for making Mr. Right:

3. Observe His Defense.

A wife says, "Why does my husband get so defensive? All I have to do is mention that the grass needs mowing and he goes ballistic."

This husband is revealing his self-esteem hot spot. Defensiveness reveals the inner self. Some experience in his past has tied his sense of self worth to mowing the grass. Your mention of the grass translates "She thinks I'm not doing my job. I work like crazy, and now she is on my case about the grass." He sees it as a negative statement about his worth.

I know you didn't mean it that way. That's why I suggesting you observe his defensiveness, so that you can learn what is going on inside of him. We don't know these emotional hot spots until we touch one. It would be a good idea to make a list of all your husband's defensive reactions. Note what you said and did and how he responded. This insight will help you discover another way to discuss the topic that will be less threatening to his self-esteem.

Both husbands and wives hold a tremendous influence on their spouse. However, it is up to you whether your influence is positive.

4. Love Him in His Language.

If a wife wants to enhance her husband's ability to give her emotional love, perhaps her greatest influence will be in loving him. In my book, The 5 Love Languages, I talk about the importance of discovering your husband's primary love language - the thing that really makes him feel loved: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, physical touch, or acts of service. Once you discover it, pour it on. Husbands are drawn to wives who are meeting their emotional need for love.

Can you do it, even if he is not loving you. God did. He loved us when we were unlovely. But that's God. I'm me. I know, but you are God's child and He can empower you to love an unlovely spouse. I've seen it many times. A wife chooses to speak her husband's love language, even though she doesn't feel loved by him. He warms up and in time begins expressing her love language. Can emotional love be re-born in a marriage? You bet. But someone must begin the process. Why not you?

Life is Heart (Updated)

2011-12-21T11:13:00.002+08:00

My church will be presenting a Christmas production this Christmas. Here's a snippet of the production.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MljKSmlVPQA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuG0ZYwzw6c&feature=related

Can't wait for it! And the most awesome thing, my cousins are coming with me!

My church's short film is being featured on The Star Metro today! So awesome!
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/12/29/central/10162173&sec=central

Four Keys for Making Mr. Right: Part 1

2011-12-21T11:03:00.003+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

Wives can't change their husbands, but wives can and do have a tremendous influence on their husbands. How can you make that influence positive? Here are the first two of four keys to making Mr. Right:

Give Him Praise.

Men respond positively to praise. One of the most common complaints men make in my office is: "Dr. Chapman, in my work I am respected. People come to me for advice. But at home, all I get is criticism." What she considers suggestions, he reads as criticism. Her efforts to stimulate growth have backfired.

Give him praise. The fastest way to influence a husband is to give him praise. Praise him for effort, not perfection. You may be asking, but if I praise him for mediocrity, will it not stifle growth? The answer is a resounding "No." Your praise urges him on to greater accomplishments.

My challenge is to look for things your husband is doing right and praise him. Praise him in private, praise him in front of the children, praise him in front of your parents and his parents, praise him in front of his peers. Then stand back and watch him go for the gold.

Make Requests.

None of us like to be controlled, and demands are efforts at controlling. "If you don't mow the grass this afternoon, then I'm going to mow it." I wouldn't make that demand unless you want to be the permanent lawn mower. It is far more effective to say, "Do you know what would really make me happy?" Wait until he asks, "What?" Then say, "If you could find time this afternoon to mow the grass. You always do such a great job."

Let me illustrate by applying the principle to you. How do you feel when your husband says "I haven't had an apple pie since the baby was born. I don't guess I'm going to get any more apple pies for eighteen years"? Now, doesn't that motivate you? But what if he says, "You know what I'd really like to have? One of your apple pies. You make the best apple pies in the world. Sometime when you get a chance, I'd really love one of your apple pies. Chances are he'll have an apple pie before the week is over. Requests are more productive than demands.

Liquer Collection

2011-11-21T15:33:00.001+08:00

More liquer added to my collection. Can't wait to bake with these babes.

Our stay at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa

2011-11-21T13:23:00.000+08:00

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is well known as a luxury getaway and I'm blessed to celebrate our pre-wedding anniversary at the resort. I've booked and paid for our 3D/2N stay by accident. Due to some mistakes between myself and the receptionist, I booked myself a 3D/2N getaway which is a pre-payment non refundable package. Nevertheless, after reading countless praises of the resort on Tripadvisor, I went with anticipation of a good holiday, a relaxing one.

Being 'kiasu', I booked an early flight to Langkawi and praying that we can check in early. We arrived at the hotel at about 11am and we were greeted by a friendly front desk staff. She sat us down and have us served some refreshment while she checks on the availability of our room. 10 minutes passed and we were delightfully informed that the room is ready. PTL! Now, that's a good start to our holiday. Beautiful hotel, friendly staff and good hospitality.

Our room is a honeymooner room with partial seaview and it was fabulous. The highlight of our stay is its signature heavenly bed which hon adored dearly. Reason being, he fell ill on the first night and was 'bedridden' for a full day. We both rested well, thankfully to the bed and it is indeed as good as what they have claimed - HEAVENLY BED. This trip was more like a recuperating cum resting trip as we both been on our toes for a full year without rest. It's a shame that we didn't take pictures of the room but I assure you that the room was fantastic.

Sad to also say that 3D/2N is too short a stay to enjoy their heavenly spa and their watersport activity, let alone to use their facilities like the gym, the tennis court, etc. But, I would definitely consider staying here should I visit Langkawi again. And this time, I will make sure that I get to drive one of their Minis.

Our welcome drink and a cold tower, totally refreshing on a hot day.

A little gesture goes a long way. During the reservation, I've informed the hotel that it's our anniversary and here's what they did for us. A bottle of sparkling juice, some fruits and truffles to sweeten our holiday, although I would prefer a bottle of wine over sparkling juice.

The truffles were scrumptious! They are not very sweet and each and everyone of them melts in your mouth.

Enjoying our complimentary drink - virgin colada (non booze) while watching the sunset at Breeze Lounge. The view was spectacular isn't it? I'm already loving the resort at this point.

Another view from Breeze Lounge

A little showcase of the products used for the heavenly spa.

One of the sea-front villas - the ultimate getaway!

For more information about The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, click here

Garrett Popcorn

2011-11-21T03:00:00.000+08:00

Here's a conversation between a friend and myself

Friend: Eh, have you try Garrett popcorn?
Me: Garrett who?
Friend: Garrett popcorn, the one that has mixture caramel and cheese popcorn. I've tasted them while I was in Singapore and it was soooooo goood, and I'm dead serious.
Me: Nope, never heard of it. Do they have one in Malaysia?
Friend: Hmmm, don't think so.

This was many many weeks ago and two weeks ago, hon and I went down to Singapore for an event, and I was introduced to Garrett Popcorn and boy, it was good... so good that it was addictive. Not having enough time to do any shopping, I've asked a friend who stayed back to get me a bag of Chicago Mix. Not having a clue of how big is the bag, and what is Chicago Mix, I was greeted with this HUGE bag of CaramelCrisp & CheeseCorn popcorn. The popcorns were all perfectly popped and coated.

Don't be deceived by the look but it's a real huge bag of popcorn. My mom was saying 'Aiyo, why buy such a big bag of popcorn' and she was munching away happily. :P

As I've said, it's addictive, once you pop, you can't stop. Don't say I didn't warn you. I have to literally stop myself from eating or else, my endocrinologist and dietitian aren't gonna be pleased with me.

And recently, I heard that there's a Garrett Popcorn store in KLCC. Maybe I should try their Buttery popcorn, but perhaps in a small quantity. :D

Breakfast at Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Langkawi

2011-11-21T00:30:00.000+08:00

I love big breakfast, I heart hotel breakfast buffet because I am a glutton, seriously. What I like to have for breakfast - pancakes/waffles, omelette, a variety of bread/pastries, cereal, roti canai, fruits, yogurts, and the list goes on. Whenever, I'm on holiday, I always look forward to the breakfast buffet. It's a holiday and I can let my hair down and eat to my heart's content.

The buffet breakfast at Seasonal Tastes. Westin Langkawi is very colourful and fun. Albeit the limited spread, hon and I enjoyed ourselves stuffing ourselves to the brim.

Hungry hon waiting to be fed.

The variety of yogurts and muesli. The yogurts were simple yet scrumptious - made of plain yogurts and topped with the various toppings, eg blueberry, kiwi, orange, mango, etc.

The pastries corner

The cold cuts - salmon, salami and chicken ham.

My favourite corner - cereal! Honeystars, cornflakes, bran and muesli - power packed with fibre to jumpstart the morning

Jars of milk - chocolate, strawberry, full cream and low fat milk.

Salad bar

Asian corner - congee and soba

Another favourite station - EGG!

Look at my plate! Mine you, I had finished a bowl of cereal. :D

Hon's must have breakfast - nasi lemak

Our view at the breakfast table - breathtaking isn't it?

The Last Polka, feel-good ice cream

2011-11-18T12:00:00.000+08:00

I finally get to try The Last Polka ice cream. And it's my favourite flavour - Mango! And I loved it! It's so yummy and flavourful. Hon and I can't stop eating and it was although we are eating mango. It is as real as that, I kid you not. Can't wait to get a big tub of Mango!

What flavour shall I try next? Nutella?

http://www.thelastpolka.com/

A night stay @ Le Meridien, KL

2011-11-16T17:35:00.000+08:00

Hon and I celebrated our fifth year anniversary with a night stay at Le Meridien KL. The check-in was a breeze with a beautiful lady at the reception, ever ready to make sure our stay were perfect.

The bedroom were fabulous - clean, simple yet comfortable minus the view as the room was facing the construction site.

Yes, we are cartoon addicts and this is hon's fav cartoon. What's interesting about this picture is the hidden treasure beneath the tv.

So equipped! I loved it! Makes me feel at home.

Look at all the goodies in the pantry! By looking at this, I know that I'm in a pampering experience. LM KL filled it to make sure that we are filled!

It was a very short stay and wished we would have stayed another night but we enjoyed a good night rest and pampered all the way. We love the buffet dinner and breakfast at Latest Recipe, which is our regular place for buffet because of their widespread selection. And guess what, we are staying here again to celebrate NY's eve with style - thanks to Le Meridien KL's facebook promotion, a night stay at RM 280++ inclusive of breakfast for 2. A good deal I reckon and can't wait to celebrate the NY in style!

A blessed 5th wedding anniversary

2011-11-15T15:26:00.000+08:00

To my best friend and lover of my life, HAPPY 5TH Anniversary! It has been a great 5 years and I'm looking forward to the many years ahead with you!

Vintry, Jaya33

2011-11-14T17:13:00.000+08:00

I bought two Vintry deal from Groupon Malaysia and it was a good deal that I can't resist - [52% Off] Vintry Signature Roast Pork Snack Plate + 1 Glass of House Pouring Red or White Wine. RM15 instead of RM31.30

Great deal isn't it? Off we went to Vintry in Jaya33 for our porky meal.

Ultimate indulgence for a non-porky person - Blue Cheese Pork Burger with fried bacon. It's very yummy but I would give this a pass in the future because it's too porky to my liking.

Hubby's BBQ Pork Ribs served with mashed potatoes and coleslaw. The ribs were succulent and melts in the mouth but hon didn't really enjoyed the meal coz he doesn't like the bbq sauce.

The legendary roast pork - a little let down coz the crackling skin aren't so crispy and the meat is a little too 'fat' for us. We prefer lean meat than the fatty one.

We enjoyed the wine the most, Vintry, living up to their standard of excellent selection of wine. Our house wine were fantastic and we should have asked for the name of the wine.

For more information about Vintry, click here

Thank you TGV Cinemas and Nuffnang

2011-11-14T17:00:00.000+08:00

Last week in my inbox, I received an email from Nuffnang and a BIG THANK YOU to TGV Cinemas, I was given an early birthday gift of 4 TGV movie passes! Woohoo!

Thank you once again, TGV Cinemas

Chocolate craze???

2011-11-14T16:59:00.000+08:00

Indeed! Chocolates that were given to me by my brothers, friend and aunt. How am I going to finish all these by myself?

Some sugar free chocolate coz I'm diabetic. Hope they taste as good as the 'real' chocolates.

Happy 23rd burfsday, my lil chef

2011-11-14T15:23:00.000+08:00

My lil brother, may the year ahead be filled with joy, happiness, good health and abundant wealth. May all your wishes and dreams come true as well. Always love you and proud of you! Hope you like the gift and the card that I sent you, although they will arrive late for sure. :) Sorry about that but it's better than never!

cupcake Chic

2011-11-12T15:05:00.000+08:00

I was craving for cupcakes and I'm nowhere near Delectable, so I resorted to Cupcake Chic. One can consider Cupcake Chic as the pioneer who started the cupcake frenzy here in KL. I remembered that their Fatal Attraction, as the name suggested, was a scrumptious and to-die-for cupcake. A friend were kind enough to purchase some cupcakes to satisfy my craving.

Black forest, RM4.90 (left) - cherry centered chocolate cake topped with lightly whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings. Available on their menu on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Rocky Road, RM4.90 (Right) - Rich devil’s foodcake topped with chocolate frosting and nuts. Available on their menu on Fridays and Sundays.

All the Cupcake Chic lovers out there, please don't stone me for my following comments. This is strictly based on my tastebud and liking. The black forest cuppie was a let down because I was expecting the cuppie to be laden with cherries, only to find one cherry in the cuppie. It is just like an ordinary chocolate cuppie with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. As for Rocky Road, the texture is dry and hard, and it's too sweet for me.

Verdict: Cupcake craving - not satisfied.

Unkaizan, Langkawi

2011-11-11T17:26:00.000+08:00

Being the creature of habits, hon and I went back to Unkaizan for dinner while we were in Langkawi. This place never fail to impress with its excellent food selection and quality, breath taking scenary and their ever friendly staff. They did some renovation to its exterior but the interior is untouched.

The tatami setting on the 1st floor

They have expanded their ice cream selection! But guess what I would go for? Hint: I'm a creature of habit.

Huge serving right? This is their special - Bento set special @ RM 70, served with chawanmushi, miso soup and rice

Unagi

Salmon & tuna sashimi and assorted tempura. The sashimi is superbly fresh and I swear that I would ask for more if my stomach allows.

Hon's tenderloin steak set - the tenderloin cooked to perfection and melts in the mouth, literally. I loved the gravvy!

Us camwhoring :P

Did you guess it right? Matcha ice cream was my choice and is always my choice whenever I dine here. :P

Fruits to finish off the dinner and by then, we were filled to the brim! No kidding and I could barely walk.

If you in Langkawi and craving for Japanese food, try Unkaizan.

UNKAIZAN Japanese Restaurant

Lot395 Jalan Telok Baru, Pantai Tengah

07000 Langkawi, Kedah

Tel: 04 955 4118

http://www.unkaizan.com

Opening Hours: 6:00pm - 11:00pm (Close on the 2nd Wednesday)

Lunches @ Red Tomato, Pantai Cenang, Langkawi

2011-11-10T17:37:00.000+08:00

Red Tomato is our favourite breakfast/lunch place. Why, you may ask? Because they serve fantastic breakfast and home made bread.

Egg Benedict - hon's first egg benedict and he loved it.

Farmer's breakfast - laden with potatoes, bacons, tomotoes, onions, mushrooms and served with warm home made bread. I'm a happy girl because I love big breakfast!

Bolognese penne - hon's order coz he needed something simple, light and not too oily. A little led down because it's mediocre and a little spicy for him. Too much pepper.

Turkey ham sandwich with home made bread - can't go wrong with sandwich right?

Always love this place because of their food and we found out that the GM of Westin Hotel hang out here too. :D

Where to find them:
Red Tomato Restaurant & Lounge
No. 5 Casa Fina Avenue
Pantai Cenang
(Keep a look out for the red Mini or the bright pink Volkswagen Beetle parked outside.)

http://www.redtomatolangkawi.com/
Telephone +60 (04) 955 40 55

Opening Hours: Everyday from 9am - 10.30pm

Ramly Burger Hunt: SS15, Subang

2011-11-04T17:28:00.000+08:00

I have always been on the hunt for good Ramly burger and I was told by my BIL that there is one in SS15, Subang. This was confirmed by a few of hon's colleagues in the office. The fateful day came whereby hon and I were craving for ramly burgers and decided to look for it. And we found it - operating from a truck near the SS15 market. Boy, this place is packed with eager patrons like myself.

Spot for this truck in SS15, opposite the market

One double beef special, one double lamb special and one double chicken sausage special.

It's sinful!

It's sloppy!

Verdict: Fantastic if you like the burger to be sloppy. It is a little overly sloppy and messy for hon and I. The bun were a too soft which was fine but we prefer a thicker one. Nevertheless, it's the nearest I can find and we can always pop by after work to satisfy our craving whenever we want.

Ramly Burger Hunt: SS2

2011-11-03T17:42:00.001+08:00

I was introduced to this burger joint by Digimon! It's in SS2, opposite the Police station. This is my fav joint coz the owner is very passionate about making the best burgers in town. Chatted with him coz he's very buddy with Digimon and got to know that he uses imported mayo coz local mayo are not as good. His best sellers are the lamb burgers!

Why I love this ramly burger? I love the bun as they don't disintegrate and it's not too sloppy. The meat is more favourful!

Beef burger special - what is ramly burger without the egg! I love this combo

Just beef burger - so boring right? Nonetheless, it taste just as awesome!

As I'm writing this, I can sense a craving come! Should I have this for dinner or fried chicken? Hon and I have been craving for a good fried chicken. No, not KFC! Hmmmm maybe A & W?

Lorraine McKay & Alan Dunn's Demo @ ICCA

2011-11-01T15:37:00.000+08:00

Demonstrations by

LORRAINE McKAY of Extra Icing on the Cake. She does marvelous modelling!

She made Mr Froggie during the demo - a masterpiece

And ALAN DUNN who's a genius in flower making

Aren't the flowers looked real?

The legendary Alan Dunn and yours truly

I have to have this book! :P

My first LC!

2011-11-01T12:26:00.000+08:00

Thanks YL for carrying this back for me from London to Spore and Spore to Malaysia! So sweet of you! Can't wait to cook beef bourguignon with it.

Can you spot what's wrong with this photo?

2011-11-01T11:43:00.000+08:00

ICCA Cake Competition 2011

2011-10-27T16:33:00.001+08:00

Now that I've completed the ICCA cake decorating course, I wanted to challenge myself by joining this year's ICCA wedding cake competition. But I was too busy on the home front and didn't put much thought about the competition. As the dateline drew closer, I decided not to join this year - too timid to do it. And thank God, I didn't coz look at the work of the competitors.... my gosh! My creation would be so small compared to these.

The winner - his work is so detail and intricate.

A Tender Touch

2011-10-27T16:11:00.004+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

Keeping emotional love alive in a marriage makes life much more enjoyable. How do we keep love alive after the "in-love" emotions have evaporated? I believe it is by learning to speak each other's "love language." This week we will focus on physical touch.

For some husbands, when they hear the words physical touch, they immediately think of sex. But sexual intercourse is only one of the dialects of this love language. Holding hands, kissing, embracing, back rubs, or an arm around the shoulder are all ways of expressing love by physical touch.

Physical touch can make or break a marital relationship. Do you know how to speak this love language? To the spouse whose primary love language is physical touch, nothing is more important than your tender touches. You may give them words of affirmation or gifts, but nothing communicates love like physical touch.

Touches may be explicit and call for your full attention, such as a back rub or sexual foreplay. They can be implicit and require only a moment, such as putting your hand on his shoulder as you pour a cup of coffee. Once you discover that physical touch is the primary love language of your spouse, you are limited only by your imagination. Kiss when you get in the car. It may greatly enhance your travels. Give a hug before you go shopping. You may hear less griping when you return. Remember, you are learning to speak a new language.

When you reach out with tender touch, you create emotional closeness. This is especially true if the primary love language of your spouse is physical touch. You may say, "What if I'm just not a toucher? I didn't grow up in a touchy-feely family." The good news is that you can learn to speak this love language. It can begin with a pat on the back, or putting your hand on their leg as you sit together on the couch.

Almost instinctively in a time of crisis, we hug one another. Why? During these times, we need to feel loved more than anything. All marriages will experience crises. Disappointments are a part of life. The most important thing you can do for your wife in a time of crisis is to love her. If her primary love language is physical touch, nothing is more important than holding her as she cries. Your words may mean little, but your physical touch will communicate that you care. In a time of crisis, a hug is worth more than a thousand words. Physical touch is a powerful love language.

Dinner @ Yishensu, Bukit Tinggi Klang

2011-10-21T16:07:00.003+08:00

Mom has changed her diet to become a vegetarian after the passing of my brother. She claimed by being a vegetarian, it would redeemed her past sins. Respected her decision and I try to eat vegetarian food with her whenever I can. But honestly, I still need my meat, may not be necessary pork but I must have chicken or beef. Terrible right?

So, it has been a while since I took my parents out for dinner and hon were away for office retreat, what a fantastic opportunity to take them out. Hon dislike vegetarian food coz he doesn't think highly of the mock meat, etc. He call it hypocrisy. Took my parents to this fancy vegetarian restaurant in Klang. Mom sing praises about this place and thought why not just splurge it. So, I went with a skeptical mind (I'm just bad coz I don't like vegetarian food).

Like any other chinese restaurant, you start your meal with a complimentary bowl of soup - old melon soup.

My favourite, a must have whenever I have vegetarian food - siew gor a.k.a mock goose. A tad oily but very crunchy.

Did I mention that my mom is an excellent cook and one dish I love is mixed veg with beancurd sheet. Craving for that dish, I made a mistake and ordered this. Not as good as my mom's and there's hardly any beancurd sheet in it. And a tad salty too.

Recommended by the wait staff, a claypot mixed tofu and the taste is the same as the previous one. But I love the tofu and mushrooms. :D

Another favourite dish - mixed veg with lotus root. I wished they could give us more lotus root.

Overall, it's a nice place to consider if your family member(s) is a vegetarian but my only complain is that the food a tad salty. Maybe I can have a CNY dinner here for my family, if only mom is up for it. Pricing is kinda steep unless you treat it as another meal. Total bill for the night - RM 65.

Yishenshu, a vegetarian connoisseur

B12-A-1-1 & B12-1-1, BBT One,

Lebuh Batu Nilam 2

Bandar Bukit Tinggi

41200 Klang

Tel: 03 3325 1015

1-Utama Shopping Centre

Lot G207, Ground Floor, 1-Utama Shopping Centre

1, Lebuh Bandar Utama

Bandar Utama

47800 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03 7729 4313

www.yishensu.com

Durian @ SS2 Durian

2011-10-21T15:15:00.003+08:00

Before the durian session ends, we made our trip to our usual haunt for durian - SS2 Durian. Look at how much durian for the two of us. No wait.... I had a few only, the rest, hon sapu habis! I didn't really enjoy the durians as they aren't as good as we had earlier. Blame it on the end of the season. hahahha!

But my hubby definitely enjoyed himself!

Hidden treasure - chicken chop @ Jalan Kem, Port Klang

2011-10-21T15:06:00.000+08:00

Well hidden comfort food in Jalan Kem, Port Klang - Hainanese chicken chop! I heard so many good things about this place but never really know where it is. My friends would drive all the way from KL to Klang just to have this and I told myself that I gotta try to hunt this place down.

It's not that hard to find the shop; it's a corner shop along Jalan Kem with an empty land on its left. Don't expect a fancy restaurant with fancy cutlery. This is your mom and pap shop, running the business in pre-war building with coffeeshop tables and chairs - so go with no expectation except for a hearty meal.

I love everything about the chicken chop - fantastic french fries, nothing like the commercial made ones. The chicken were flavourful and succulent, and the gravy - excellente! Besides chicken chop, they also serve excellent fried noodles!

Durian Mooncake by Oriental Pavilion

2011-10-21T10:37:00.002+08:00

Although Mid Autumn Festival was over a month ago, this mooncake is so good that I have to have a post on it. I chanced upon it during a yumcha session with my girlfriend at Oriental Pavillion, Jaya33. We were introduced to this awesome snow skin durian lotus paste mooncake. The snow skin is soft and melts in your mouth while the durian filing are made of durian flesh, not paste but flesh! It's so good I tell you! This is the best snow skin mooncake I've ever had and now I'm looking forward to the next Mid Autumn Festival. This compensated my crave for Purple Cane tea flavoured mooncakes - was very disappointed that PC didn't sell their usual tea flavoured mooncakes. :(

Did you see the durian flesh? It's so scrumptious - freshly made everyday, according to the wait staff.

An Encouraging Story

2011-10-17T11:37:00.000+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

Mark Twain once said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." Good for Mark Twain, but I don't know many husbands and wives who can survive on six compliments a year. Solomon, author of the ancient Hebrew wisdom literature, wrote, "The tongue has the power of life and death. "Many couples have never learned the tremendous power of verbally affirming each other. Verbal compliments are powerful communicators of love.

A Kind Tongue
There is a difference between encouraging words and nagging words. Encouraging words always focus on something your spouse wants to do, not something you want them to do. A nag is anything you tell your spouse more than three times. If we are to express love by words of affirmation, those words must be kind words.

Kindness also has to do with the manner in which we speak. Sometimes our words are saying one thing, but our tone of voice is saying another. Our spouse will usually interpret our message based on our tone of voice, not the words we use. The same words expressed with a loud, harsh voice will not be an expression of love, but an expression of condemnation and judgment.

An Encouraging Story
One way to verbally affirm your spouse is to give encouraging words. Allison always wanted to be a writer, but after receiving her first rejection slip from the publisher, she gave up. One evening her husband Keith came into the den and said, "I hate to interrupt your reading, but I have to tell you this. I just finished reading your article. Allison, you are an excellent writer. This stuff ought to be published! Your words paint pictures that I can visualize. You have got to submit this stuff to some magazines."

"Do you really think so?" Allison asked.

"I know so," Keith said. "I'm telling you, this is good."

Ten years later, Allison has had several articles published and has her first book contract. She credits her success to Keith's words of encouragement. Perhaps your spouse has untapped potential in one or more areas of life. That potential may be awaiting your encouraging words.

Sponsors for Health Carnival, PPR Kg Muhibbah

2011-10-05T16:06:00.003+08:00

Calling out to the big hearted ones!

I'm looking for sponsors for the following items:
1. Cost for 1000 pcs of toothpicks (sharp points) for sand art activity.
2. Cost for 200 pcs Wooden Clothes Pegs & 10 rolls of Parcel Strings for colouring contest activity.
3. Cost for 1000 - 1500 pcs of modelling balloons for balloon sculpting activity
Any takers? Buzz me ya! Appreciate your contribution.
Some information on the Health Carnival:

Asian Youth Ambassadors (AYA) will be organizing a health screening day cum carnival, simply called the PPR Kg Muhibbah Health Carnival (“Health Carnival”) on the 15 October 2011. The Health Carnival will be held at PPR Kg Muhibbah itself. We are looking at various organizations big on corporate responsibility (CR) to partner with us through various methods of sponsorship in order to make this Health Carnival a successful giveback to this community.

BACKGROUND OF AYA

A non-profit youth development organization, AYA was founded 14 years ago with the primary purpose of raising youths and leaders of high standards and excellence, with the belief that sound and solid leaders determine the overall health of a whole generation as it does a whole nation.

AYA is and has been creatively involved in a variety of things and ways that support its purpose.

These include among others: -
• Promoting compassion and unity events and other nation building projects;
• Organising motivational talks, concerts and conferences;
• Producing youth development resource through research.

BACKGROUND OF HEALTH CARNIVAL PPR KG MUHIBBAH
PPR Kg Muhibbah, located off Jalan Puchong, is one of several low cost government housing developments under the purview of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall. The entire development houses approximately 2,800 low cost apartment units and was completed in 1999. Majority, if not all of the residents are from the lower income group.

This will be our first time running a full day event at PPR Kg Muhibbah. So far AYA has also been running a monthly children’s programme and soon we will be starting a futsal clinic within this community. The highlight of this carnival will of course be the health and dental screenings. Government agencies such as the Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri, Wilayah Persekutuan, Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (“LPPKN”) and the Health Department of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall have all pledge their verbal support to this event. We are still in the midst of finalizing the details of their involvement in this Health Carnival.

However, we will also be organizing a futsal competition as well as carnival events to run concurrently with the health screenings. This we hope will be able to assist us with crowd control as well as to give back to this impoverished community a fun-filled event at the same time.

Min Fes Hamman & Cafe, Mutiara Damansara

2011-10-05T15:57:00.000+08:00

A bunch of the HOMIES organized a birthday do for our beloved Dennis Teoh and I suggested this place - perfect for the meat eater (am referring to the boys) and it's affordable. As our friends trickle in, so did our food. Service were slow and we wished for more attentiveness and promptness. Having said that, the food compensated their service as it was awesome and something new to all of us.

Appetizers (from left to right):

Zaalouk - grilled eggplant mashed with tomatoes, cilantro and garlic

Hummus served with soft bread- chickpea puree and tahini sauce with lemon juice. Love it and very addictive when it's eaten with the soft bread.

Traditional Moroccan mint tea - very sweet yet refreshing

Chicken couscous - an acquired taste. Order only if you are a couscous lover.

Lamb Aukdah - shredded lamb, mixed with diced tomatoes and onions. I LOVE THIS! Perfect combination - the soft bread is truly truly a comfort food for me and the shredded lamb were cooked to perfection; flavourful and succulent.

The birthday boy

Min Fes Hamman & Cafe

19-1N Jalan PJU 7/7A

Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03 7722 5049

Revealing Yourself

2011-10-04T11:20:00.001+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

Intimacy comes from a Latin word meaning 'inner'. It is two people sharing the 'inner self'. Marriage is meant to be an intimate relationship-one in which a husband and wife reveal themselves to one another. Two of the things we share are 'thoughts' and 'emotions'. Emotions can't be seen, but they can be revealed. When I say to my wife, "I'm feeling disappointed," I have shared an emotion. If I tell her why, then I'm sharing my thoughts.

We make it easier for our spouse to share thoughts and emotions if we don't pounce on them with condemnation. If you say, "Well, that's nothing to be disappointed about. You shouldn't let that bother you," you have become a preacher not a loving spouse. When you say, "I can see how that would be disappointing, tell me more about it." You are encouraging intimacy.

Intimate Desires

We are creatures of desire. That is, we want certain things. Desires are usually expressed in terms of "I want..., I wish...I hope... or I would like... In an intimate marriage couples can share their desires without making demands. If my wife tells me that she would like a new dress for the party, then perhaps I can make it happen.

If she doesn't tell me, I have no way of knowing her desire. I don't mean that any of us can have everything we desire. But if we share, then we can discuss the possibilities - is it realistic or not? If so, then what steps need to be taken? Helping fulfill the desires of your spouse is one way of expressing your love. Love always wants what is best for the spouse.

Getting Intimate
The easiest level of self-revelation is sharing some of the experiences you have throughout the day. Every day we are constantly seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling our world. We call them the five senses.

Why not begin by sharing one item from each of the categories.
•One thing I saw today was...
•One thing I heard ...
•One thing I touched today was...
•One thing I tasted ...
•One pleasant smell I had today was...

This is communication 101. Try it, you'll like it. It just might lead you to greater intimacy in your marriage.

Better Than Money

2011-10-04T09:59:00.000+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

In today's economy, it might be helpful to remember the words that are printed on our money: "In God we trust!" No matter how much money we have, it is still "in God we trust." To trust in money to give life meaning is to trust in an idol.

C.S. Lewis said, "One of the dangers of having a lot of money is that you may be quite satisfied with the kinds of happiness money can give and so fail to realize your need for God. If everything seems to come simply by signing checks, you may forget that you are at every moment totally dependent on God." Life's meaning is not found in possessions, but in relationships - first with God, then with family and friends. "In God we trust."

In the midst of hard financial times, one wife said, "What we have discovered is that we can live on a whole lot less than we thought. It has really brought our family closer together. Now that we no longer have cable TV we are pulling out the games we used to play when the children were young. We're all having great fun and we are building memories."

For the Christian, some things are more important than money. We have all learned that money can be 'here today and gone tomorrow.' But God is always 'here'. He is never 'gone' today or tomorrow. So in hard times, we put our hand in His, and use whatever money we have to feed or families and help others. Our security is not in money, but in a loving and faithful God.

Marshmallows and Patience

2011-09-19T15:51:00.000+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

In Western culture, we are not trained to be patient. We get irritated just waiting for the computer to boot up. We are also impatient with people who don't operate on our time table. Or waitresses who bring us the wrong order. And yet, patience is one of the traits of love. To be loving is to be patient. In a nutshell: patience is accepting the imperfections of others.

A Better Way
When I become impatient, lose my temper, and spout condemning words to my wife, I have become an enemy, not a friend. So, she will likely fight the enemy or flee from the enemy. So, we have a royal argument that no one wins, and both of us walk away wounded, and try to avoid each other the next few days. All because I was impatient.

On the other hand, had I been patient, I would have asked questions in an effort to understand my wife's behavior. Once I understand what motivated her behavior, I'm more likely to have a reasoned response. I am now her friend and she responds positively to a friend. The whole atmosphere remains positive because I chose to be patient.

Patience begins by recognizing that people are not machines. They have thoughts, feelings, and they make decisions. Those decisions do not always please us, but we must give them the same freedom that God gives them. To condemn your son for not going to college will not have a positive effect on his life. Step back, and give him freedom to be human.

Marshmallows
More than 40 years ago, Dr. Walter Mischel conducted an extensive long-term study at Stanford University that came to be known as the Marshmallow Test. The researcher put a marshmallow in front of a 4 year old child and said: "You can have one marshmallow right now, or you can wait 15 minutes while I do something else and then you can have two marshmallows.

About one third of the children waited and received the second marshmallow. Fourteen years later the same children were interviewed about their present lives. Those who waited had better self-esteem, higher SAT scores, and were considered more socially adept and trustworthy. Patience, is indeed a virtue.

It's NOW in the Popular Bookstore

2011-09-12T16:27:00.000+08:00

Chin Up is now available at all the major Popular Bookstore! It's a must-read. So, don't miss out! I had read the book in like 2 days and was so blessed by it. Definitely inspired by it too! I want to be action a little, I have the hard-cover one. :P

My early birthday gift

2011-09-08T15:40:00.000+08:00

My early birthday gift from hubby - a cross trainer! Now, rain or shine, I can still exercise - at the comfort of my room. :D

A Fresh Look at Money

2011-08-29T11:06:00.000+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

In today's world, many people are suffering from the pain of debt. Others are troubled with the upheavals of the financial markets. Let me remind you of the words of Jesus: "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." If you understand that truth it will change your life forever.

Money alone will never bring you happiness. Do you want to a healthy marriage and/or family? It all begins with recognizing that your marriage and family are more important than your money. Money might be a great servant, but it is a terrible master.

Real satisfaction is found not in money, but in loving relationships with God, our spouse, children and friends. Loving relationships are our greatest assets. Most of us could live with less money, and may of necessity have to do so. But, if that helps us focus on relationships, then we still come out winners. Why not have a family 'soup' night - eat only soup and crackers and thank God that you are alive and together.

The greatest satisfaction in life is in investing your life in the lives of others.

Where was God?

2011-08-26T10:34:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

In response to yesterday's Catch, someone wrote in the following. As I was reading these words, an answer came that I believe is important enough to share with everyone, because we all have these recurring questions all the time as we view so much evil and injustice in the world. Suddenly I saw this as not a simple answer, but an all-encompassing one.

God, where were you when the little girl was padlocked in a cooler and left to die in there while the adults left in her charge sat in lawn chairs drinking?

God, where were you when Jacee Dugard was being raped night after night by a religious nut?

God, where are you when the innocent are victimized?

I believe there is an answer to these very difficult questions.

God was on a cross, reconciling these very victims to himself through his own bitter death -- a death that reaches into time and eternity and forgives perpetrator and victim alike. Christ's death is not a thing of the past; it is actively reaching across all time and paying the price for everyone. I believe the very horrible acts listed here were laid upon Christ.

Where was God when these things were happening? He was right there, closer than anyone ever would want to know.

And God goes on reconciling the world to himself through Christ on the cross and the resurrection that followed.

Love is Practical

2011-08-26T10:32:00.000+08:00

by Dr Gary Chapman

God's Expectation

"Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it." I, for one, am fully willing to admit that apart from the work of Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life I am not likely to be that kind of husband. I am in fact, self-centered and often selfish.

However, there is no question that this is God's expectation of me and all husbands. As Christians we must not accept the cultural norm as our standard. Rather, we must recognize that in Christ we have the ability to transcend the pull of selfishness and truly become lovers. Few wives will run away from a husband who is loving as Christ loved.

Contract, Criticism, and Covenant

Many people view marriage as a contract. "I'll do this if you will do that." With enough criticism your spouse may do what you want, but it will not be an expression of love. True love is a choice and cannot be coerced. Criticism and demands tend to drive wedges. Each of us must decide daily to love or not to love.

If we decide to love, then we need to view marriage differently. The Bible paints for us a better picture of how we are to love and commit ourselves to one another. It views marriage as a covenant, not a contract. Covenants might include such affirmations as:

•I will look out for your well-being no matter how you treat me.
•I view our marriage as a permanent relationship.
•I will not walk out on you.
•Because I love you, I will confront you when I see you doing things that I believe are harmful.
•I will speak the truth in love.
•When you confess wrong doing, I will forgive you and never hold it against you in the future.
•I am committed to helping you accomplish God's will for your life.
•You can count on my support.

Where does one get the heart and the power to live out such a covenant? I know of only one source - God. He is a covenant keeping God and will help you keep your covenant.

2011-08-26T10:31:00.000+08:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7 -

It's easy to find things to worry about, but in truth, worrying does not improve a single moment of life. Instead, find peace through prayer and give your worries up to the Lord. In turn, your spirit will be happy which will make each day of your life and the lives of those you love even better.

Flower & Fruit weekend

2011-08-19T12:46:00.000+08:00

Fancy some calla lily? I love calla lily, simple yet elegant and classy. Did these beauty for PL's wedding but when I wanted to put them on the cake, it didn't really fit the theme and omitted them. I have been thinking of what I can do with them coz it's such a waste to let them sit in a container. One Saturday, a few friends got together for a crabby dinner and it was my gf, TE's birthday. Perfecto!

Aren't they pwetty?

Now, the following cake was a last minute request. It's for an 80th birthday and I was ambitious to make a peach shaped cake to signify longevity. My first mistake is to bake the cake in a square pan instead of round, and that led to second mistake, accidentally shaped the cake as a strawberry. And third mistake, didn't even out the top of the cake. :(

My strawberry wannabe peach cake.

Happy 31st Birthday Hon!

2011-08-19T11:53:00.000+08:00

Football themed cupcakes for hubby's pre birthday!

Hon and his futsal kaki after the game!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Stephen, my beloved God given hubby! May God bless you with His abundance and may He prospers you in everything that you do!

TWD: Sour Cream Chocolate Cake Cookies

2011-08-09T17:39:00.000+08:00

I always wonder what is cake cookies and now I know how it tasted like, I love them. Baked two batches of these yummy for ACTSpresso last Sunday in church. Unfortunately (at least to me), these yummies didn't fare well and wasn't a show stopper. As a consolation, hon said the kids loved them. If you like cake cookies, you must try this recipe. I've replaced sour cream with yogurt, not intentionally but I bought the wrong tub, thinking they were sour cream. :D Something is utterly wrong with me. I kept messed up things.

2 ¼ cups all purpose flour

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ¼ cups (packed) light brown sugar
½ cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled to tepid
1 cup sour cream
½ cup plump, moist dried currants or raisins (dark or golden)

GETTING READY: Position the racks to divide the oven into thirds and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until it is creamy and smooth. Add the sugars and beat for 2 minutes or so, then add the eggs one by one. Beat for another minute – the mixture should be smooth and satiny. Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix in the vanilla extracted and melted chocolate. With the mixer still on low speed, add the dry ingredients and the sour cream alternatively, adding the dry ingredients in 3 batches and the sour cream in 2 (begin and end with the dry ingredients). Mix only until the ingredients are incorporated and the batter is smooth, then mix in the currants.

Drop the batter by heaping teaspoonfuls onto the baking sheets, making certain to leave 2 inches between the spoonfuls.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the sheets from top to bottom and front to back at the midway point. The cookies will puff, spread and round themselves out in the baking. They’re done when they are set on top but still springy to the touch. Pull the sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest for 1 minute, then, using a wide metal spatula, carefully transfer them to a rack. Cool to room temperature.

Repeat with the remaining batter, making sure to cool the baking sheets between batches.

TWD: Honey Nut Brownies

2011-08-09T17:34:00.000+08:00

I've been far behind in my TWD and attempting to follow as close as I could. So last week, I attempted two recipes and the results were not that great. My honey nut brownies is very densed at the bottom and overly 'padat' to my liking but the HOMEies loved them! Thank God for them, ever so willing to try out my new creations. :D

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
4 large eggs
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup honey
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts or toasted almonds

Cocoa powder or confectioner’s sugar for dusting

GETTING READY: Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 326 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, butter the foil and place the pan on a baking sheet.

Put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, just until the ingredients are melted – you don’t want to overheat the chocolate. Remove the bowl from the heat.

Working with a stand mixer, preferably with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the eggs and salt together on medium-high speed until light and foamy. Add the honey, sugar and vanilla and beat for 2 minutes, or until light and foamy. Add the honey, sugar and vanilla and beat for 2 minutes, or until well blended and smooth. Reduce the mixer speed to low and pour in the chocolate-butter mixture, mixing only until incorporated. Still on low speed, add the flour and mix just until it disappears into the batter. Using a large rubber spatula, fold in the nuts. Scrape the batter into the pan.

Bake for 45 minutes to 50 minutes, or until the brownies have risen, are beautifully brown and a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for about 5 minutes.

Turn out onto a rack, peel away from the foil and invert onto another rack. Cool to room temperature right side up.

Just before serving, dust the top of the brownies with either cocoa powder or confectioner’s sugar or, if you’d like, a little of both. Cut the brownie bar into 16 squares, each roughly 2 ¼ inches on a side.

The Wizard of Uz

2011-07-28T17:26:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. What did this man learn from his life - from the pain and suffering, the wise and unwise counsel, from all the unanswered questions - 288 of them to be exact, including 78 questions from God?

Even after his health and wealth were restored, he never knew that God and Satan were bartering over his soul in heavenly places. He never knew that his story was going to be chronicled in the most important book in history and read for thousands of years by millions of people, that it would be pored over and picked apart by generations of scholars, that it would continue to be debated in the classroom and literary halls of history, that indeed whole volumes of books about him would stand in seminary libraries, and songs and plays would be written and performed about his life.

All he knew was that things were going along swimmingly for a while, and then suddenly everything got really bad, and then it got good again. Did he ever get his questions answered? No, but he did see God, and apparently that was enough. "My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you," declared Job after facing God's 78 questions. "Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:5-6).

What did Job do to repent of? "I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (Job 42:3).

He spoke too soon.
He tried to answer questions he had no business answering.
He tried to explain his life.
He tried to put tab A of his theology into slot B of his experience, and it didn't fit.
He tried to make sense of his life instead of learning to live it, regardless of what was happening to him.

I think a similar repentance is in order today from people who often speak to soon. We have rushed to fill the void where only wonder should be - wonder, and doubt, and suffering, and ambiguity, and worship. We have knelt too freely at the cultural shrines of easy answers rather than live a courageous asking, seeking, knocking life - open, honest, and needy before the Lord and before the world.

Questions

2011-07-28T16:58:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

"Why do you weep when you pray?" he asked me, as though he had known me a long time.

"I don't know why," I answered, greatly disturbed.

The question had never entered my head. I wept because - because of something inside me that gelt the need for tears. That was all I knew.

"Why do you pray?" he asked me after a moment.

Why did I pray? A strange question. Why did I live? Why did I breathe?

"I don't know why," I said, even more disturbed and ill at ease. "I don't know why."

After that day I saw him often. He explained to me with great insistence that every question possessed a power that did not lie in the answer."
-- Elie Wiesel --

Questions leave us vulnerable, weak, needy. They open up gaping holes in our personality, our theology, or our lifestyle. Questions force an honesty that we are unwilling to confront - an honesty that requires us to live with our lives unresolved. We don't like that. Especially when we're trying to sell a theology that has an answer to every problem we face.

I once counted 288 question marks in the book of Job. Many were from the mouth of Job; others were spoken by his counselors. But surprisingly, when God finally speaks in the closing chapters, his answer to Job comes in the form of more questions - 78 of them, to be exact. Of the 288 question marks in the book of Job, 78 of them belong to God; they are his answer to Job.

Sometimes God answers us with questions - questions that leave us humble, awed, speechless, weak, and believing - believing not because we've found the answer, but because we've seen God. It doesn't matter that we have more questions now that when we started. It matters that we see God, for in the seeing, we discover that the truest answer to all our questions is to worship God.

Little Penang Cafe, Mid Valley

2011-07-25T18:06:00.000+08:00

What do you do when you miss the hawker fare in Penang? You can always head to Little Penang Cafe in Mid Valley to satisfy your craving, just like me.

Curry noodle - the gravvy that day was a little dilute but the sambal make up for it. Don't like the fishball that comes with it though. We also ordered a plate of char kway teow which we forgot to take a picture of it. The CKT was a tad too wet and not as good as I first tried it.

A must have - Penang Rojak but something is missing here, the yau char kwai. The rojak is very refreshing but the gravvy is not as gooey as I like it. I still prefer the rojak at Swatow Lane.

This is a must have for my husband - cendol!

Nothing spectacular about this place but definitely a quick fix when you crave for Penang food. It's as close as you can get in KL.

Hourglass Faith

2011-07-25T17:55:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

Jesus never closes a mind: he opens it. Jesus is never threatened by a question: he welcomes it. He knows all questions will ultimately end up with him, so fire away!

Jesus is the answer, and when he walks through a question, he always leaves the door open so anyone can get to it from either side. We want to shut the door (once we've passed through it, of course). Bad idea. Leave the door open.

For many Christians, the experience of truth has been a narrowing one, and in one sense this is right. All those questions - religions, sins, frustrations, explorations - finally ended up with Jesus. Like following the inside of a cone, all experiences funneled to a point, and at that point was Jesus on the cross for my sin.

The error, however, is when we stop there and move no further. For our experience of truth to grow, we must move through the cross back out into the same reality - the same questions, the same world - with a different perspective.

It's like an hourglass with the cross at the center. All my pre-conversion experiences narrowed me toward a personal encounter with Christ; but once through, he leads me back out into the world I came from where the lines now, instead of converging, open up into an ever-widening reality. The sands of truth always move this way - in toward the center and out again.

Yes, Jesus is the answer, and it's precisely because he is the answer that we can venture out. Because he is Lord of all, we can walk into "all" and find him Lord. This is not only a privilege, it's a mandate. It's what we are called to do in the world.

Char kway teow @ Melawis, Klang

2011-07-25T17:53:00.000+08:00

Hubby brought me to this place some time back and I've been wanting to go back. Last Friday, we were in that area and hubby decided to give me a treat - Melawis char kway teow. Now, you will ask what is so special about this place. Let's get the picture to do the talking.

An uncle behind the black iron cast wok - cooking the perfect CKT.

Spot the lark in my CKT? Yes! Pork lark - lots of them in the CKT. They make my CKT superbly fragrant and not to mention the grease that would probably stop my heart. What's lacking is lap cheong and gigantic and succulent cockles! A plate of CKT at RM 3.70

A hidden treasure and only known to the residents nearby. Sorry, I won't be able to direct you coz I don't know the way very well.

Nigel's 5th Birthday

2011-07-25T17:32:00.000+08:00

It was an honour to be commissioned to do Nigel's cake. His mom and I were discussing about the perfect kiddy cake design only to be shot down by Nigel. We didn't present him with any super hero cake design and he was not so pleased, asking why no superhero cake design. He's a big fan of the super hero characters eg, Batman, Spiderman, Ultraman, Superman and the list goes on. His mom, knowing his love, wanted something else for his birthday year. Looks like the boy is adamant about getting superhero themed cake. Here's what I did for him.

Last minute order by Cindy, choc buttermilk cupcakes with orange frosting. At the birthday boy's request - Ben10. Because it was a last minute request, mom has to get the printed icing for and they are short of five. So, I replaced them with Ben10 buses - perfect for the 5 year old birthday boy.

This design is taken off the internet. I can't find the source but it's not my design - I replicated it. Top tier is a dummy cake while the bottom tier is choc buttermilk with ganache filing.

Hope Nigel love the cakes! I know his lil bro, Zayden loved the Ben10 buses. According to their mom, Zayden swapped all the five buses.

Frozen Yogurt

2011-07-24T20:16:00.000+08:00

Frozen yogurt to me is a 'healthier' option compared to ice cream due to my health condition. Not sure if it is true but I will continue to believe that it's true. :D I'm a BIG fan of Moo Cow Frozen Yogurt and have yet to find one that could match them. Coffee Bean frozen yogurt is a tad dilute and pale in comparison to Moo Cow. With Moo Cow, all you need to pay is RM 9.90 to get a cup of original flavour plus one topping or add an additional RM1 for seasonal flavour. To add an additional topping, just add another RM1. Pretty easy right? It's easier for me coz I hate making choices, especially if it is food related.

My all time favourite frozen yogurt - original flavour!

Recently, I came across I Heart Yogurt. There were a lot of buzz about them on Facebook and they also had a promotion on Groupon, pay RM 5 for a RM 10 worth voucher + 1 free topping. Hon bought two coupons and we headed for I Heart Yogurt last Saturday.

At I Heart Yogurt, one need to work the brain a little with choices to make. Not as simple as MooCow but yet simple enough.

Here we go:

1. Pick your size:

a. Simple Snack with one topping @ RM 8.50

b. Meet Me Halfway with two toppings @ RM 13.50

c. Larger Than Life with three toppings @ RM 17.50

2. Pick your yogurt: Original, Twist or Seasonal (this month - Mango)

Guide to help you with your selection

3. Lastly, pick your toppings

Yummylicious toppings!

More toppings!

The free toppings! You can help yourself to them as much as you want.

Hubby's creation - blueberry and peach topping with Loackers choc wafers.

My utterly sinful indulgence - strawberry & choc rocky and lychee topping with lots of almond flakes, choc chips and loackers choc wafers! Our verdict: love it coz of the ample choice of topping but in terms of the frozen yogurt, I reckon MooCow is still the best - creamy and flavourful.

Passion Fruit Chiffon Cake

2011-07-24T20:05:00.001+08:00

Ingredients:

4 egg yolks

50g castor sugar

1/4 tsp salt

50g vegetable oil

65g passion fruit pulp

20g water

100g low protein flour/cake flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

4 egg whites

100g castor sugar

1/8 tsp cream of tartar

Methods:

1. Mix (A) until well blended. Add (B) and mix until well combined.

2. Whisk egg whites in (C) until soft peak form. Then add sugar and cream of tartar. Continue whipping until stiff.

3. Take 1/4 of the meringue from step (2) and mix with the mixture from step (1) until well combined. Add the remaining meringue and fold until well blended.

4. Pour the batter into 22-cm angel food cake tin. Bake at 170C for 40-45 minutes.

5. Immediately invert the cake after taking out from the oven and let it cool.

6. When it is cool, remove it from the tin.

'That I may know Him...'

2011-07-19T12:39:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

God shows up wherever He wants. He is the rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him, and seekers know there is still more to be found.

Paul was one of those seekers and he gave us a clear indication that his search was never over - his longing heart never fully satisfied.

"That I may know Him..." he wrote. Knowing Christ was his driving passion, the motivation for which he was willing to give up everything.

"That I may know Him..." When did Paul write this? While he was sitting in Damascus waiting, blinded by the revelation of Jesus Christ Himself?

Or was it when he was in the desert for fourteen years, hearing directly from God, "consulting no man"?

Maybe it was right before he was caught up into the third heaven, when he didn't know if he was in or out of the body. Or before he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible things, "things that man is not permitted to tell."

No, it was after all that. After the missionary journeys, after the shipwrecks, after the beatings and imprisonments, after so many miracles, after the founding of many churches. While he was in prison in a Roman jail cell, Paul penned this great passion of his soul: "That I may know Him..."

If finding was the end of seeking, then Paul would have never written this. And if Paul was still seeking near the end of his life, what does his search say to us?

Ask, Seek, Knock

2011-07-19T12:34:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

"Do you want to get well? - surely one of the most important questions Jesus ever asked anyone. The answer is not as obvious as it may seem. Even the man to whom it was addressed didn't give a direct answer. An invalid for 38 years, he responded by muttering something about never being able to get into the healing waters of the special pool. Why not a simple "Yes"? Why not an enthusiastic and glorious "Yes!"?

No doubt he didn't realize the Lord of the Universe was speaking to him. But even that knowledge might not have guaranteed a different response. Thirty-eight years is a long time to settle into the comforts of being an invalid - of always having an excuse. Being well holds more responsibilities. Jesus wanted to know what the man wanted.

He wants to know the same from us. Jesus can do little for us if we are comfortable with our place, if we have made compromising alliances with our losses and excuses for our inability to change. Too often we languish in our condition when all along, Jesus stands there asking, "What do you want?" And if we don't languish, then we lull; we settle for less.

Though physical healing may be involved, it is not the main point. Jesus' question refers to life itself, What do you want from life? What do you want from me? "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find: knock and the door will be opened to you." Then he repeats "For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

The first statement is a formula - a cause and effect proposition - do this, and this will result. The second has a different emphasis - on the person, not the formula. "For everyone who asks... he who seeks... to him who knocks..." Jesus is talking about a type of person. God's economy rewards the askers, the seekers, the knockers.

In the end, the process is quite simple: I ask because I don't know the answer; I seek because there's more to find; I knock because this door goes someplace.

Words of Inspiration by Sam Butcher

2011-07-13T14:53:00.000+08:00

One day a little boy was lost in the forest with his brother and they couldn't find their way. Their home was on the western slope of the mountain and they were so afraid. Billy, the older brother said, "I remember my Boy Scout leader told me that our village was west of this mountain, and if I ever got lost, I needed to follow the sun." So the two boys kept their eyes on the sun as it slowly drifted over the horizon. And in time, they were safe at home.

So many of us today are like those two young boys. We too are lost, not in the forest, but in the world of confusion and uncertainty. We have tried so many things to satisfy our longing for peace and security, and nothing ever happened. The good news is that God has a compass for mankind, and we can find our way to happiness if we keep our eye on His SON. Proverbs 3:5-6 says that if we trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and we do not depend upon our own understanding, that He will direct our paths.

Are you looking for peace today? Peace within? And peace with God? If so, this is the way to find it. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the father but by me." If we keep our eyes on the Son of God, he will lead us to his father and if we put our trust in Him, He will always direct our paths.

Seeking God

2011-07-13T14:28:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you. (Psalm 9:10)

This is a pretty strong statement. It says that if you search for God, you can't not find him. If you search for God, you can't come up empty.

Yesterday we talked about the fishbowl theology of the human predicament. We had five fish in a fishbowl swimming around looking everywhere for God when all along, God is the water they swim in. ("...for in him we live and move and have our being.") (Acts 17:28)

It's almost comical if it weren't so tragic. God is all around us but we can't see him. So we're searching, reaching, trying to find what is right under our noses.

It can be so confusing, I know. Do we find him or does he find us? Is it our choice or his? Well, the answer is, Yes. It's both of these at the same time, and anyone who claims to fully understand how this works has got a less than adequate explanation for it.

If God opens the eyes of some and closes the eyes of others, then why bother searching? Because that is the mystery. In spite of all this opening and closing, God has clearly stated that those who seek him will find him. Given a promise like that, wouldn't you have to conclude that only a fool would not seek him? Wise men still seek him; fools do not.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:10-13)

Mini fruit tarts

2011-07-11T17:29:00.000+08:00

Mini fruit tarts that I churned out on Saturday for a little girl's 3rd birthday party. My mom used to babysit her and mom decided make fruit tarts, or shall I say that she decided and I made it happened. :D I've made this before in my TWD but this time around, I've only used the pastry cream recipe. Mom insisted that I use my aunt's recipe for the tarts.

Tart recipe (makes about 80-90 mini shells):

The what:

250gm butter (very cold, or frozen), cut into small pieces

1 large egg

30gm Almond meal

400gm all-purpose flour

100gm sugar

The how:

1. Whisk the flour, sugar and almond meal until well combined or you can pulse them in a food processor.

2. Add in the butter and rub them together lightly. If you are using the food processor, pulse them until it well incorporated.

3. Add in the egg.

4. Press the dough into the mould and bake them in preheated oven at 180 degree celcius for 15 minutes, depending on the size of your tart.

5. Make your pastry cream and refrigerate it before use.

6. Decorate the tarts with favourite fruits.

A day full of choices

2011-07-11T17:15:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

I used to think that you only repent once, when you get saved. You turn from going your own way to wanting to go God's way and receiving His forgiveness and eternal life.

But, in fact, repenting is something we need to do all the time. It's not just "repent and be saved," it's "repent and live." "Repent and get with His program." "Repent and act."

In each of us there are two ways present at any given time. There is our way and God's way. Our way is full of self. It's what we want to do. It's soft and comfortable. It's what we've always known. It's familiar. God's way is full of Himself, full of others, and full of His laws (another way to say His way of doing things) that become our delight once we embrace them. It's new and challenging. And the reason we repent all the time is that our way is fully engrained into or being - our thoughts, emotions and will. Our way never goes away. It manifests itself in our habits and addictions - even our compulsive behavior. Going God's way requires turning from our way to His, all the time. There's a word for that: repent. Turn from one way and go this other way. It's a moment-by-moment decision.

But here's the good news. We can make the right choices because we are not alone. It's not just you and me trying to whip our selfish selves into being better. We have the Holy Spirit to empower our choices, and a new self that is in line with God's way - like a receiver tuned into the right frequency.

In Marti's comments from yesterday's Catch she wrote: "It is all about an attitude of obedience and stepping into the power, which of course we cannot do without the Holy Spirit doing it. So even the will to repent is not an intention, but always an action. Even the 'break on through' can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is nothing about you, but all about the power in you. You cannot fake it until you make it. Either you are in the Spirit or you are not. You cannot just think about it and expect to go anywhere. You have to step into it and the power lifts you to do more than you ever thought you could or would do without Him or even with Him on your own."

It's a day full of choices. What will you choose?

"Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)

You got to serve somebody
You got to serve somebody
It may be the Devil; it may be the Lord
But you've got to serve somebody
- Bob Dylan

First wedding cake

2011-06-13T17:44:00.000+08:00

I have been yearning to do a wedding cake and the desire is even stronger after I've completed my Wilton Method Cake Decorating course. Secretly, I wanted to do a wedding cake for my girlfriend, PL. Told her hubby-to-be that I will do it and it is going to be a surprise for her. But knowing her well (we known each other since high school), she doesn't like surprises and I told her. Er, not really, I sort of 'begged' her to let me do her cake - at no cost! So crazy right? I took a gamble/challenge to do it. And I even have a design in mind coz she's a petite lady, simple yet sophisticated.

So, I started searching for the right topper that represents them and I found the right one. And here's my first wedding cake...... What do you think?

The cake on display at the restaurant

Cornelli lace - my favourite design; simple yet elegant, befitting the couple and the occassion. Piping them were a pain (spent 6 hours piping them) but the result - priceless. I've made some mistakes but overall, I'm quite happy with it. I hope the couple and the family like the cake. I made Cocoa Buttermilk with chocolate ganache, taken from Dorie Greenspan's Baking from Home

Congratulations to Dennis & Pei Ling

2011-06-13T17:06:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Dennis & Pei Ling! May you both have a blissful journey together!

A treat @ Prime, Le Meridien KL

2011-06-08T18:42:00.000+08:00

Ever since we bought the Starwood card, we have yet to go to Prime and hubby has been bugging me to go. And finally, we went last week to celebrate our anniversary (we try to celebrate on every 24th of the month). Both eager beagles, scrutinized the menu for the best cut while trying not to break the bank. Once we ordered, we were served bread and butter.

Three assorted butter (Left to right): Black pepper, Salted, Chili

A basket of Emmental Cheese & Black Pepper Bread and Walnut Bread

Yours truly's rib eye - 12oz Australian Black Angus 200 Days Grain Fed. This is a huge piece and I soon realized that I'm going to waste it by not finishing it.

Hubby's 12oz Blackmore Wagyu Filet Mignon - this was the perfect cut and hon is so in love with it that he vouched never to eat other cut beside this. It melts in your mouth and the meat is so juicy and succulent.

Fondue of celery and leek - I ordered this for some reason, that I needed vegetable and I don't even like celery and leek. This was the ultimate combo that I vowed to never order again; not because this side is not worth ordering but yours truly don't really fancy creamy stuff and the celery-leek combo, is just overwhelming. Guess who sapu everything - my hubby dearest.

Mashed potatoes with truffles - the most exquisite and delish mashed potatoes ever! One of our must order sides. :D

Hon, enjoying his finest cut!

My dessert choice - Chocolate cake and this was a disappointment. The cake wasn't dense or chocolatey at all and was a little wet in the centre. I wasn't sure if it was meant to be that way or a molten cake overbaked. But I was disappointed, very! So, I gathered that I should just stick to the steaks and not dessert.

If you fancy a night of luxury and a steak lover, this is one fancy place that you must try. The damage is quite bad but thankfully I have the Starwood Priviledge card that entitled me to 50% on the food and 20% on the beverage (I ordered a glass of red wine). Hon is already planning for his next dining here.

Other posts:

http://alilfatmonkey.blogspot.com/2010/05/prime-le-meridien-kl-rare-and-well-done.html

http://www.vkeong.com/2010/food-drink/prime-steak-house-le-meridien-kuala-lumpur/

http://kampungboycitygal.com/2011/03/a-prime-birthday-celebration-prime-le-meridien-kl/#more-3290

http://thamjiak.com/best-steak-prime-le-meridien-kl-review/

http://www.quirkymalaysia.com/2010/06/steaks-prime-le-meridien-kl.html

Premium vs 'local'

2011-05-31T16:05:00.000+08:00

Hon, is a durian lover! One of our main reason for visiting Penang is D U R I A N! One should see how fidgety he was when we didn't get to feast on durian upon our arrival. Also to his despair, the actual season for Penang durians starts only in June and we are a month earlier. I remembered that Lyrical Lemongrass blogged about durians in Teluk Bahang and told hon to try them out. Off we went to Teluk Bahang to hunt for durians. It was a long drive before we found the durian stall recommended by LL and lucky us, they just open.

Halia Kuning - RM 30 sebiji

Hor Loh - RM 40 sebiji

The happy customer a k a my dear hubby who's extremely pleased with the durians

Hanging durians to attact customers

The durians we had at this stall is by far the most expensive durians we both have eaten. We have never tried halia kuning/hor loh/ang heh and other premium durians. I personally like the local Pahang durians, sweeter and has softer texture. The two premium durians have harder texture and honestly, I wasn't that happy a customer.

Hubby knew that I didn't enjoy the premium durians and he was adamant to get me some before leaving Penang for good. For me konon, just an excuse for him to feast on more durians, hahahhaa! Then, I remembered that Cherz brought us to this durian stall at Mt Erskine. Quickly look up in Cherz's blog and voila, we found the place.

Liulian liulian....

Look at all these yellow soft texture fruit.... aren't they heavenly looking. Their taste is even more divine than what I had the previous day at Teluk Bahang. I was a happy queen that late morning; yes we had durians at 11.30am in the morning. I know, only crazy people like myself and hon do that. To add more craziness, we even ta pau some for our fellow HOMIES at church camp. Deb jokingly asked us to ta pau and I was being greedy (to have more) but tummy space is rather limited, so we packed 3 durians. Yes, I kid you not. You must be thinking man, 5 biji durians is sure gonna cost me a leg.... Wrong. It cost only slightly over RM50 and the durians were fantastic!

Gosh, while writing this, I'm craving for durians! Hon, when are we going for durian buffet in SS2? This time, no premium durian please, gimme local Pahang durians.

Penang's hawker fare

2011-05-31T15:31:00.000+08:00

Oysters omelette @ Cafe Heng Huat @ Lorong Selamat - Not great and nothing to shout about.

Sisters' Char Kway Teow (CKT) @ Cafe Heng Huat @ Lorong Selamat - this is a huge disappointment. It was oily and overly spicy, and of course overpriced too - RM 6.50 (if I remember correctly)

Curry mee @ Chowrasta Market

Prawn noodle/Hokkien mee - Chowrasta market. I didn't enjoy this due to tummy upset, so I can't give any comment on it except that the broth is too little. Very kiam siap with the soup ar.

Da best chee cheong fun @ New Lane - I love the rojak sauce that come with it, yummylicious. It is something that you can't get it in Klang/KL.

CKT @ New Lane - this is SOOOOOOO much better than the Sisters' CKT and a lot cheaper too. And it has my fav lap cheong.

Charlie Brown Cafe, Straits Quay, Penang

2011-05-31T14:47:00.000+08:00

We thought the decor is rather cute at Charlie Brown Cafe at Straits Quay, Penang and decided to take some pictures. We didn't dine at the cafe and was told that the food ain't great.

Other posts:

http://princesscheryljw.blogspot.com/2011/04/charlie-brown-cafe-straits-quay-penang.html

http://eaterland.blogspot.com/2011/04/charlie-brown-cafe-straits-quay-penang.html

Sunshine Bay Seafood Restaurant, Penang

2011-05-31T14:37:00.000+08:00

Another round of seafood in Penang but this time with my Penang foodie buddy Cherz. It was very sweet of her to take us out for dinner on Saturday night you know. She took us to Sunshine Bay Seafood Restaurant in Tanjung Bungah. Parking here can be a little tricky and to secure a good spot, be sure to be there early. We were there at about 6.30pm and it was a packed house.

These were highly recommended by the wait staff:

Bittergourd omelette with soy sauce - it's unique and what's best was that the bittergourd wasn't bitter. Hahahaha! I'm not a bittergourd lover but I like this dish but it's a tad salty.

Lam mee crab - must be devour while it's piping hot or else the noodle will turn soggy. Cherz and I were busy yakking away and sort of abandoned this dish. And my bad too, didn't realized that it's a challenge for Cherz to eat the crab coz of her braces. Sorry babe! I should be more sensitive next time.

I heart this - 'Blanched' squid in soy sauce'. I'm a squid lover and this is as fresh as you could get albeit the saltiness.

All time favourite - kangkung belacan

The company was great and the food is so so probably because it's too salty to our liking (referring to hon and I coz Cherz patronize this place quite often). Hon prefers Fishing Village Restaurant over this.

Sunshine Bay Seafood Restaurant

569-B Jalan Tanjung Bungah

11200 Penang

Business Hours: 6.30pm – 10.30pm

Closed on Tuesday

Tel : 012 4737276 & 016 4689168

Other posts:

http://www.what2seeonline.com/2010/04/sunshine-bay-seafood-restaurant-in-tanjung-bungah-penang/

http://chleong.net/2010/06/26/sunshine-bay-seafood-restaurant-tanjung-bungah/

http://makantrip.com/2010/04/penang-dinner-sunshine-bay-seafood/#awp::2010/04/penang-dinner-sunshine-bay-seafood/

Seafood at Fishing Village Restaurant, Teluk Bahang, Penang

2011-05-31T12:16:00.000+08:00

Hubby has been craving for seafood for the longest time and I did some blog-hunting to search for seafood in Penang. I stumbled upon What2See's blog who posted a seafood restaurant review - Fishing Village Restaurant in Teluk Bahang. And Fishing Village Restaurant it is. Forget about your fancy air conditioned restaurant as the restaurant is like an ordinary coffee shop that's quietly tucked at a corner in Teluk Bahang. Be on the look out for it or you might have missed it.

Now, let's get down to the seafood business, our order for the night.

Clams in superior soup - the clams were super fresh and the broth was superb with a hint of herbal taste and not too peppery.

Fried calamari, it's chewy and again - FRESH! As though they were freshly caught from the sea. Although it's not crispy like those served in KL but the freshness speaks for itself.

Now, this kam heong crab is very different from KL. KL version is cooked with dried shrimp and dried chilli while this is cooked with curry powder - absolutely POWER! Highly recommended if you are a spicy lover. The flesh is succulent and 'addictive'!

Mango jelly with sago - not delish PERIOD

Fried ice cream - a disappointment too. I don't like the thick batter, a tad too thick.

Overall, hubby and I love the seafood dishes and we noticed a lot of patrons ordered the lobster thermidor and also the oysters with cheese. Will definitely try those during our next visit. And guess what's was the damage for the night - we paid slight more than RM80, a good deal right?

Other posts:

http://www.mytasteheaven.com/2009/10/fishing-village-restaurant-teluk-bahang.html

http://foodwhore.wordpress.com/2008/10/16/fishing-village-seafood-restaurant-teluk-bahang-penang-island/

http://foodwhore.wordpress.com/2009/08/29/fishing-village-seafood-restaurant-teluk-bahang-penang-island-2/

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Food_DeliciousseafoodatTelukBahang/Article/index_html

Kek Seng Restaurant, Penang

2011-05-31T11:42:00.000+08:00

In my previous trip to Penang last year, we visited Kek Seng Restaurant but we were way too early. So we missed a lot of good stuff. This time around, we make sure that we will have our lunch there before leaving for Kampar. And we were not disappointed. The place was packed with locals as well as 'tourists' like myself.

Top Hat/Pie Tee - I love these; the top hat is crunchy and its filling were made of yam bean and cucumber topped with eggs. It's like eating popiah but in a 'hat'.

Kek Seng's famous home made durian ice cream

My favourite lor bak - fantastic, the best I've eaten so far in Penang. It's crispy on outside and the minced pork inside is so succulent. Beside lor bak, I've ordered fishball and prawn fritters and they were equally good, so good that I regretted for not ordering more.

Kek Seng's ice kacang - hubby prefers the one at swatow lane than this. He said too little ice shavings.

Fried kuey teow - full of 'wok hei' and it's better than the sister's fried kway teow

It's one of the best coffee shop that I've had in Penang. And I don't mind going back in my next visit.

Other posts:

http://www.what2seeonline.com/2009/06/penang-hawker-food-kek-seng-ice-kacang/

http://www.vkeong.com/2006/food-drink/ais-kacang-kek-seng-coffee-shop/

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/745086

http://sufentan88.blogspot.com/2011/04/kek-seng-coffeeshop-penang-road.html

http://diehardowl.wordpress.com/2009/09/30/kopitiam-kek-seng/

Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum, Ipoh

2011-05-31T11:06:00.001+08:00

Hubby and I just came back from our annual food-hunt travelling trip to Penang. We would usually make a stop over in Ipoh for dim sum before heading to Penang. As creatures of habit, we would go to Foh San for dim sum but decided to try another dim sum favourite among the locals - Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum, which is right opposite of Foh San. Pleasantly surprised by the lack of crowd, we plonked ourselves on a huge table, sharing with an old loving couple. Can't wait to dig in, we 'reached' out for our favourites.

Here's what we ordered. Don't be fooled by the bite size dim sum coz they are stomach fillers. And the dim sum were superb! Much better than Foh San, if you ask me and then again it's my personal preference. Hubby also agreed.

The har kow is soooo good, translucent skin and the shrimp inside were so scrumptious!

My favourite - loh mai kai; the glutinuous rice were not too soft neither it's too hard and the meat were prefectly marinated and flavoured.

Black sesame paste dessert - this is by far, the yummiest dessert I've ever had. Not too sweet and the aroma of the black sesame is just so fragrant!

Now, Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum is definitely my favourite dim sum place in Ipoh.

For other posts on Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum:

http://www.j2kfm.com/ipoh-dim-sum-ming-court/

http://kyspeaks.com/2010/05/21/ming-court-hong-kong-tim-sum-ipoh/

http://kampungboycitygal.blogspot.com/2006/10/ming-court-dim-sum.html

http://www.taufulou.com/2010/06/01/ming-court-hong-kong-dim-sum-ipoh/

http://rachelteng2.blogspot.com/2011/05/ming-court-min-kok-dimsum-ipoh.html

Doll Cake for Rachel

2011-05-30T11:55:00.001+08:00

My FIRST doll cake! What do you think? Realistic enough? A little too pink? I reckon and thankfully, the birthday loves pink.

Baked it without a dome shaped baking pan and was painstakingly assembled in a stuffy kitchen. You won't believe the humidity in that kitchen and it was really a challenge to work the fondant. Most important of all, a big THANK YOU to SW for allowing me to do this cake for Rachel. Hahahah and thank you so much for the token. I told SW that I'll do it as a gift for Rachel and SW refused. Hope Rachel liked it!

Once again, HAPPY PINK BIRTHDAY to you, RACHEL HUAN!

Happy Birthday Rachel Huan!

2011-05-27T11:51:00.000+08:00

This is a request from SW for her daughter Rachel's 5th birthday. I baked a batch of Vanilla Pecan Yogurt cupcakes and decorated with orange buttercream. I didn't realize that they were so pretty and sweet until I start packing them. Delivered them this morning and were enjoyed by the birthday girl and her school friends. According to the mom, the kids loved them.

And I can't wait to deliver the doll cake this Sunday. :D

Rachel, Happy Birthday once again!

My lil indulgence

2011-05-25T11:49:00.000+08:00

It never fail to bring a smile on my face everything I walked into the shop. I get them whenever I needed a smile on my face. :D While others indulged in retail therapy, yours truly indulged in Delectable therapy.

Lulu - Vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream and zesty lime curd filling

Teddy - Chocolate cake with espresso buttercream and chocolate ganache filling (This is my favourite!)

Moe - Vanilla cake with Green tea buttercream and chunky red bean filling (The latest flavour!)

For other flavours, visit http://cookingismypassion.blogspot.com/2011/03/tortoise-whats-my-name.html

The Xtra Mile Run

2011-05-23T11:58:00.000+08:00

Want to help the less fortunate children? But don't know how.... how about helping someone who is running to raise fund for the less fortunate children? My friend, Alex Au-Yong is hoping to complete a 100km run to raise fund for StART Society. You can help by contribute a minimum of RM10. For more information, kindly visit Xtra Mile Run

Other blog/newspaper article:

http://bangsar-babe.blogspot.com/2011/05/go-xtramile-help-children-lead-better.html
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/People_Goingthedistance/Article

Prized Sosej

2011-05-23T11:00:00.001+08:00

Organizing a hen's night for PL was a challenge; firstly the bride-to-be is an extreme unwilling soul and secondly our schedule were so busy to have a common time. As much as I'm against impromptu-ness but can't deny that impromptu-ness do get things going. Eg, a 'surprise' hen's night. The bride-to-be wanted to have a dinner together with the 'chi muis' to discuss about the heng tai 'games' and to brief us on the itinerary. And we thought, what a perfect time to have the hen's night; kill two birds with one stone. So, our little plan started - buying gifts and some pranks perhap? All of us know the bride-to-be very well and she's not the sort that like sexy lingerie and game to do silly things. The only 'naughty' thing we did for her was to get a naughty cake but that also a toned down one like the 'Prized Sosej'. I had only 2 days to pull it off and was a little stress about it coz it was very humid - fondant and humidity doesn't go well. Baked a chocolate cake as it is the bride-to-be's fav and she loved it. Thank God despite the disastrous beginning (at least for me).

Idea taken from Debbie Brown's Seriously Naughty Cakes. Isn't the sausage super duper cute?

A snapshot of the bride-to-be

Codependent town

2011-05-23T10:40:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

Change always means adjusting to what's uncomfortable. All change, even for the good, is upsetting.

It is a big responsibility to be well. There is a story in the New Testament where Jesus heals a man possessed by a legion of demons who, when facing expulsion by Jesus, ask to be sent into a herd of 2,000 pigs. Jesus grants their request and the whole herd rushes headlong into the sea and drowns. You might think the town would be happy to be rid of this menacing madman, but that's not the case.

"A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, but they were frightened when they saw the man who had been demon possessed, for he was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane. Those who had seen what happened to the man and to the pigs told everyone about it, and the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone." (Mark 5:15-17)

Although at first it sounds odd that they would want Jesus to go away after healing someone, I don't have to think very far past my own dysfunctions to understand this. The demon-possessed guy belongs in the graveyard, screaming, breaking his chains, and terrorizing the neighborhood. And the pigs belong on the hillside gently grazing. This is definitely a codependent town, comfortable with its accepted blend of sickness and tranquility.

Until Jesus comes and messes everything up.

Are you refusing to let Jesus into some area of your life because you know he's going to want to touch some things that you would prefer he left alone? There's a responsibility to being well. Being well might mean we lose our excuses for not doing more.

So what will it be: the challenge of change, or send Jesus away?

Finding what you weren't seeking

2011-05-18T17:01:00.000+08:00

by John Fischer

At some point along one's process of spiritual growth, a wave of questions comes along. Some people worry about this, thinking that they are losing their faith. Suddenly it seems some of the answers you have been using appear shallow to you. Faith may start to look too simple for life, as life becomes more and more complex. As it turns out, your life may not be that much better than it was before you decided to follow Christ. For some, it may be worse. Those who try to "sell" Christianity based on the success/happiness/overall well being of the final product may look like shysters based on what you now know.

I think a lot of this disappointment is due to a common misunderstanding of what it is that we find when we find Christ. We don't find a bunch of answers, or a system of beliefs that work, or a god that is going to guarantee us everything our culture has taught us to desire. We found a relationship with God, and finding this relationship is only the beginning.

What we have found is a lifetime of learning, growing and deepening in that relationship with God. Some of that involves pain. Some involves losing. It all involves a redirecting of our lives from one way of looking at the world to another.

What makes it worthwhile is not the end product, but the fact that, all along the way, the living God-the one who will be the center of our eternity, accompanies us.

If you read the Psalms of David, what you come away with is not the triumph of David's exemplary life, but the heart relationship with God that holds it all together through victory and defeat, joy and sorrow, friends and friendlessness, depression and elation-the presence of God and the seeming absence of God. It's not an altogether pretty picture. It's not what TV preachers promise. It's what God gives. Himself. And a major part of the finding is finding out that He indeed is enough. He is everything.

That's what you find when you "find" Christ. It's a little like finding what you weren't seeking, but really wanted all along.

Banana Passion Fruit Cupcakes

2011-05-11T11:55:00.000+08:00

Itching to bake and with some passion fruits in the fridge, I found this recipe from 1 Mix, 100 cakes by Christine France. Made these for my mom, a so-called Mother's Day cupcakes. I didn't know how to celebrate with her and even how to do it without making her sad. So subtlely, I baked this and hope she would like it. Initially, she asked me to make bread for her Tzu Chi Foundation but the microwave is rather hopeless in baking. She then decided not to bring these cupcakes for her outing. A little disappointed coz I put in some effort to bake these but oh well, whatever she pleases to do.

So, mom HAPPY MOTHER'S Day!

The What:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tbsp cornstarch

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

generous 3/4 cup light brown sugar (I reduced to 1/2 cup)

3 eggs, beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 ripe bananas (I used 3 instead; I love more banana in my cake)

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 passion fruit

2 tbsp honey

The How:

1. Preheat the oven to 190C. Put 30 paper liners into shallow muffin pans or put double-layer liners onto cookie sheets.

2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch into a large bowl and add the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat well until the mixture is smooth. Mash 1 of the bananas with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and stir into the mix.

3. Divide the mixture among the paper liners and bake in preheated oven for 15 - 20 minutes, or until risen, firm and golden brown. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool. Note: fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full as the recipe doesn't really rise. And do not overbake else, it will be too dry.

4. Halve the passion fruit and scoop out the pulp into a small bowl, then stir in the honey. Thinly slice the remaining banana and brush with the remaining lemon juice. Place a banana slice on top of each cupcake and spread a little of passion fruit glaze over the top.