Pandan Juice

Shrek-like drink. Bottoms up? 

I have heard my Mom told me many times how to make your own Pandan Juice. I have seen my MIL done this couple of times. But it took me this long to give this a try. And man! If I had listened more intently and do this earlier myself, I would be one happier baker!

The stubborn streak in me can be rather annoying at times, especially when it doesn't serve any good purpose. *sheepish grin*. Yet my dogged-ness is a trait I refused to relent nor give up nor surrender. It is exactly coz of my "never say die" attitude that has endeared me to many (or so I like to think. Ha!)

I call it Perseverance.

Oh well, back to this, it is soooooooooooooooooo easy! Gosh. No sweat really.

Snip a few stalks of pandan leaves, as fine as you can, with a pair of razor sharp scissors. Place them into a blender, and add an equal amount of water (ie, if you manage to get one cup of cut leaves, then add one cup of water). And puree them away till it resembles moss.

Strain and squeeze those mossy leaves (oh the texture is quite nice on my hands! I kinda like it. Wonder if that's how moss feels like.... yeek!). And repeat the blending with a second cup and 3rd cup of water... reducing the water a little each time you puree them.

The first cup is the best and it just kinda gets lighter as you go along. Measure what you will need and keep the rest in the fridge. It keeps very well; as long as it doesn't start smelling like rotten leaves. After a couple of hours in the fridge, the concentrate of the pandan will settle at the bottom of the container. Now, that is the BEST! Use it for your prized bakes.

No prize for guessing what cake I'm going to bake next.

Best part of a meal...

... is the fellowship, not the food.

"Better is a dry morsel with peace and contentment, than a feast with strife." (Proverbs 17:1)

An epitome of fellowship. A table of laughter and hearty conversation where every member gathers at the end of the day. While the food nourishes the body, the fellowship nourishes the soul. Is not a table of humor, thanksgiving and grace better than a meal of riches and delicacies with contention and discord?

Boys have learned they are to come to the table to bless and be blessed. Only the best behavior is welcomed here; not tears nor arguments, whines nor complains.

Save for Son3 who's relatively new to the table, Son1 & 2 have learned their lessons well. Both having been banished and barred from the table. Son3 is learning the ropes real neat. I sure hope he soon acquire the skill of diplomacy at my table. Till then, I will have some more years of mess and mishap to bear with.

It should not be long before the table is truly a civilized one, I hope.

My latest loots

There are serious moments that I deeply regretted my school days. I swear I should have paid more attention during Chinese lesson.

Though I cannot read these bakery books well, I'm taken by its beautiful pictures and the detailed photos. Carol is one of the best teachers I have come across. Very precise, very comprehensive. I have learnt a lot from her, and still is. In fact, she is now in my blog list.

One of the other things I am learning from her -- Chinese! Look at the sample pages. Am I dizzy?! These Chinese characters, like those in our local Chinese dailies that my parents read, never fail to give me headache. A major one in fact. I cannot read them competently, and I am not proud of myself. These are the moments that I wished I had done otherwise in school.

All's not lost yet I tell myself. I have a Primary school boy and 2 other pre-schooling kids in tow... surely I can pick it up from here.

Good grief... or what?!

Confinement

I'm sure every mother has her fair share of things to say about their confinement experiences. With the excitement of a new born baby, there is a truly lot to do now, and talk about later. Everybody I know, is always eager to share about their 'secret' know-hows for their confinement. Starting from my own Mom and MIL.

Being a (relatively, ahem) young mother when I had Son1, I was naturally clueless about what confinement was all about.

Myths and old grandmothers' tales aplenty.

* cannot wash hair (hello! excuse me!)
* cannot shower (gosh)
* cannot touch tap / cold water (errr...)
* sweat it out (aka no fan or air con)
* no cold drinks / plain water; drink only red dates tea or brown rice water...
* cannot sit or lie on floor, not even mattresses on floor
* cannot walk on floor barefooted; best to keep socks on 24/7
* shower only in those herbal bath and not running tap water
* rest in bed as much as you can (a luxury really especially when Son3 was born)

In this incredibly humid part of the world, any wonder why some of these new mothers are driven to depression with these to-dos? Or, rather, to-not-dos.

I kept to some of these practices but bend the others. I shunned from wind and fan and air con (rather religiously). It was true for me that I developed major headaches after sitting beside a rather breezy window. Wind in my head sorta feeling. It was a heavy-headedness feeling and no caffeine or rest could take the discomfort away. I had to drink this specially concocted herbal soup for a week before I started to feel better.

And to not wash hair?! Gosh! Kill me right away. No way I can do that! So I sought 'permission' to wash on alternate days and was told to blow them c r i s p y dry.

The most torturous confinement I had was during Son3's birth. Sorry Son, but you were born in the peaking summer heat. I swear I sweat it out real good. What's more, I had two older boys to care for. They were stickier than ever, as though they fear you will usurp their positions in the family.

But it is true that I do feel worse off after 3 births. Age has something to do with it I believe (though I'm not that old according to WHO's standard). I do feel that I tire more easily these days, and my body aches after a day of outing or even nothingness. I think my 3rd epidural wasn't well administered. It's been a year since Son3's birth and so often, I can still feel that dull pain at the spot on my back.

So much grievances it seem. Where was my comfort and joy?

In retrospect, I can see that I was very blessed. I had endless string of support, particularly from all the grandparents. All throughout my 3 deliveries. Especially so for the latest, I recalled MIL made my soup daily and FIL had to lug pots and pans all over town to deliver these specially brewed soup to me. Of course, Grandpa FIL killed many birds with that one stone. He get to see all his 3 grandsons with every visit!

My Mom and Dad helped out with the other two boys on top of their regular working hours, thus allowing me time and space to rest and bond with Baby3.

And thankfully, I enjoy confinement food. Special fondness for Ginger-Fried Rice, Black Vinegar Pig Trotters, Herbal Soups (all kinds), Ginger Sesame Oil Pig's Liver... Slurp. Love.

Many of these recipes were lifted from books, family, and friends.

With 'ailing' memory and depleting memory space, I told myself I had better blog these down quickly. So I shall endeavor to include these in my posts. Sadly though, I have no photos to show. I should have thought of this a year earlier right? Sighz...

Mother's Day

A Mother's Love

A mother's eyes reflect the love of Heaven

A love borne long before this life began

A love which grows each day

Which will not fade away

A love inspired by Heavenly Father's plan

A mother's hands reflect a life of service

A life of sacrifice for those she loves

And with her giving hands she shapes the soul of man

Prepares him for eternal life above

A mother's words teach children righteous living

And her example leads them to the light

She speaks the words of truth that guide their tender youth

And point the course they take throughout their lives

A mother's life reflects itself in our life

Her ways of living are engrained in ours

And through the changing years and days of joy and tears

Her love will lead us on

Her words will point the course

Her hands will lift us up to God

... ... ...

How beautiful is this lyrics! Even though I can't remember the tune as I made my way out of church service today, the words echoed in my ears. It epitomizes motherhood in God's eyes. By His divine calling, Motherhood is a lifetime of dedicated service unto Him. What a privilege. What a blessing. To be called by Him.

If these words are how my children will look at me years later as they grow in strength and wisdom, then I pray that God's lesson for me to begin right here right now.

All glory unto Him. Amen.

This brought to mind a song that my primary school teacher taught us yore ago,...

"Mother of mine

You gave to me all of my life

To do as I please

I owe everything I have to you

Mother, sweet Mother of mine

Mother of mine

When I was young

You showed me the right way

Things should be done

Without your love

Where would I be

Mother, sweet Mother of mine

Mother you gave me

Happiness much more

Than words can say

I pray the Lord that

He may bless you

Every night and every day

Mother of mine

Now I am grown

And I can walk straight

All on my own

I'd like to give you

What you gave to me

Mother, sweet Mother of mine"

Vanilla Cupcakes

Oft times, I wonder, why blog?

Is it for me to stay connected with my friends? So that my friends know what I am up to? Is it to feature my culinary repertoire? There isn't much to showcase, really. There is nothing here that you can't find elsewhere with more interesting, colourful, better taken photos. Most blogs are so sophisticated, they even have step by step photos. Others, videos.

The more I blog, the more I'm humbled. By these mother-chef out there. They boast of a family with at least 2 kids, yet, all manage to cook out such fantastic dishes and bakes. I'm very sure in the midst of this, their kids are not neglected. Not a chore is left undone. Never was a meal not home-cooked, nor a treat not carefully planned.

Considerable effort and time goes into planning an interesting post. Not an easy feat. I'm bowed over. Kudos to these mothers!

I'm here because I want to own a space in time. I have come to believe it is for my benefit. With 'degenerating' memory, it is becoming important that I put on record some of these little moments, as though I'm desperately trying to leave behind some footprints.

Today, I baked some Vanilla Cupcakes for my mother-in-law. Not quite exactly a birthday cake. Would be great if I can do some frosting on them but I'm doubtful if the frosting will last coz we will be out for a long time. That's why the cupcakes are bare and naked. But I do hope she will enjoy these little treats that her first grandson helped to put together.

Well, at least, I know the last time I made these, Man swear I bought them. If the son enjoyed it, I hope his mother would too! *wink*

Here's what you'd need:

* 85gm self-raising flour
* 70gm plain flour
* 115gm unsalted butter, softened
* 150gm sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1/2cup milk
* 1/2tsp vanilla essence

This is what I did:

1. Cream together butter and sugar till fluffy. Add in egg one at a time. Mix till well incorporated.

2. Sift flours together.

3. Add flours into butter mixture (1), alternating with milk/vanilla, in 3 successions

4. Spoon batter into cupcakes liners (I lined them in muffin pan). About 2/3 full (coz they will rise during baking)

5. Bake in preheated oven at 160degC for about 30-35 mins till top is golden brown. Check doneness.

6. Remove cupcakes from pan and leave to cool. Top with your favourite frosting (optional).

Makes 10 cupcakes.

Recipe adapted from Ju.

Bringing Up Boys - James Dobson

This is a FANTASTIC book!

Naturally, what drew me and glued me was Chapter 7 -- Mothers and Sons.

Brace yourself. I'm gonna share some excerpts (and reflections, if any) as I re-read this book for the 4th time... ... deep breath...

Except 1... Breathe in... Ready... Go!:

Despite the importance of an early mother-child bond, it may seem strange that little boys begin to pull away from their moms during the period between 15 - 36 months. Boys,... become negative at that time and resist any efforts to corral or manage them. ... They usually respond better to fathers - but not very much. ... Mom must take charge during these delightful but challenging days of toddlerhood. ... Respect for her authority and leadership are rooted in this period, and opportunities that are lost will be difficult to recover later on. Just remember that boys desperately need to be supervised. They also need to be 'civilized', quite literally. In the absence of firm but loving leadership, they tend to follow their own selfish and destructive inclinations, which can be harmful to a boy and to other members of the family. ...

breathe out... ...

Separation Anxiety Round II

Now it's starting all over again.

I went through this half a decade ago when Son1 started his nursery. I am going through this RIGHT NOW with Son2 in his new nursery. And in another 2 years' time, Son3's turn. Pant.

Round II, this time, is not easier than Round I.

I recalled my Mom used to tell me how sticky I was to her when I was a little girl. I was cared for by a stayhome babysitter. I remembered her unit was directly beside the lift landing where I knew my mom will come through at about 4pm daily. So, according to my Mommy dearest, I was so bright, though I couldn't read the clock as yet then. I would park myself promptly at the door, just about 345pm or so. I faithfully eyed the lift. Once I see my Mom, I would shout out and would not stop till she picks me up and bring me home. *hee hee hee*

Guess that was cute for a while. Till my Mom decide that she should take the other lift at the opposite end of the block. Though it was a longer route home, she took it anyway. So as to avoid me. How cruel.

Well, it is pay back time now. To the power of 3. Pant.

Son1 calls himself "Mommy's brain" (since I tend to forget things and would 'borrow' his brain to remember grocery list). So, whenever and wherever I go out, I have to bring him.

Son2 calls himself "Mommy's shadows"; he follows me everywhere I walk, even at home. Except the bathroom; he parks himself outside, intermittently knocking on my door, reminding me of his presence.

Son3, blessed is he. An infant still he may be but come nighttime, he too, will wail and search for me with his little round eyes. You can see just how he relaxes and settles back in once I carry him over.

These are the days where your children are needy and sticky. But it won't last long, many well-meaning older mother-friends will tell you. One day, slowly but surely, they will grow up and leave. Even the Principal during the Orientation said, "Mommies, step back and let the Daddies do their jobs. These young boys will gravitate towards their fathers as they grow... come P3 or P4, they will LOOK UP and LOOK FOR their fathers..."...

"Oh don't worry. They won't forget you. They will still come to you,... but for different things."

I wonder what those 'different things' are.

So for now, I shall cherish these moments and carve them deeply in my memory -- whatever space there is left. I shall remember your tears, Sons,... your clinging to me like monkeys to the tree... your sticky, slimy mucus and tears all over me... your suffocating hugs and wet kisses... your MOMMMMMMY, come..."...

Now,... Who's having the separation anxiety?! *sob*

A new awakening... Food or Mood?

Which prevail? The type of food? Or the mood at the table? 

I have a new awakening; that it is not the type or setting of a dinner that matters -- be it hawker centre, a fine restaurant, a elaborately prepared home-cooked meal or a rushed simple canned food dinner, it is a joyous heart at the dining table!

Which is why Christians believe that we say Grace and be thankful for the meal set in front of us. For surely one way that God blesses us is bread at the table. And the way we bless the Lord is to enjoy our food.

I have long taught my boys, it is those hands that worked the field to bring back the bacon, and the hands that cooked the meal that we give thanks for. And at my table, we must always remain thankful and enjoy our meal and most of all, the fellowship. Keep the conversations lighthearted. Fill every mouthful with praise. Drown the table with chatters and laughter. Speak nothing more than trivialities.

Being a stayhome mom has caused me to cherish all these tiny moments a lot more than when I was working and hurrying through my meals. Where no time is to be lost; every seconds count. Where family gathering together, though important is far and few.

Nothing pleases and blesses my heart more these days than when I know my family and Lord is blessed with my labor. It makes my heart swell with pride when I know every grain of rice and every slice of meat that I have cooked are nestling nicely in some tummies out there. 

Does it matter if it is canned sardine or a canned baked beans? Will you cry foul if it is a overnight dish? Does it warrant a reaction if it's a hawker centre takeaway rice? Must it be 3 dish 1 soup e-v-e-r-y meal?!

If you put things in proper perspective, honestly it really does not matter. Once you have determined what is a Rule and an Exception to the Rule, you become more accepting of a varied arrangement.

Ever seen a black face at a table before? Or crying, cranky children? Does it not just spoil your entire mood and appetite?! Because, truly what's the point of serving the best cut of beef or the freshest fish or the most expensive wine if the hearts are not happy? Some may beg to differ... that food can be equally uplifting and comforting. Sure it can be! No debates about that.

But I would rather sit alone at a corner with a pack of cold, stale nasi lemak.

Know why McDonald's is a timeless hit? Junk as it may be labelled, people are always happy eating it and eating there.

It epitomizes the spirit of eating -- Joyous Hearts.

Apple died

Never knew it can be so devastating. And I thought modern technology is supposed to enhance your life! I feel rather enslaved by IT.

I have to live my days without Chat, without emails, without online shopping, online news etc etc etc... I felt so handicapped. And I had to beg Man to repair it quickly. Had to rely on this iPad to blog / check mails / shop / read but realized it's super unfriendly! The trouble one has to go through urgh...

I hope my Apple will come back quickly! Silly dumbo me, didn't do the last backup... And I had all my foodie photos in there! WAIL!

What am I to doooooooooo?!?!?!!! I miss my apple.

Tiger / Endo Thermal Pot

When my career-driven, high fashioned girlfriend first told me about this Pot she bought for her new house 4 years ago, I was skeptical. Come on! What does a hardly-step-into-kitchen-barely-lifted-a-wok girl know about POTS!!?

Yet, as I listened to her and the sales lady (u know those very experienced, motherly sales Aunty) at Takashimaya Home Section, I knew I was caught. I parted with $268 for a 4.5L Tiger Thermal Pot, and it came FREE with a Endo 2.5L Thermal Pot. (I congratulated myself for the free pot *wink*)

I cooked its maiden soup in the Tiger, and I was bowed over! I thanked my girlfriend profusely! Now I feel like a real chef! The soup was magic (though I cant quite remember what soup was that... Must be something pork...).

You see, a soup is good when the ingredients and ALL its flavour FuSED together in every spoonful u drink! Yum! You must be able to taste the different parts in its entirety. And that can mean hours and hours of low-fire boiling over the stove, or long hours in the slow cooker. Talk about conserving gas and electricity.

So then what happens if you are working full-time with NO time to cook? Or like me, a SAHM with young children to attend to, meals to prepare, diapers to change, clothes to iron, books to read, friends to catch up with,... ... I cannot afford to stand at the fire even if I can afford the gas.

Thermal Pot! I call it the Magic Pot :)

The Endo comes with a Inner Pot and a shallow Inner Tray, with a lid. These 3 parts sit inside the Thermal Pot, and using the same keep-warm logic of a thermal flask, the Thermal Pot traps the heat from the Inner Pot, and allows the content to self cook and keep warm!

Of course there are some tricks I have learnt overtime on efficient heating/cooking. First, the soup content must be at least half of the Inner Pot volume. Next, you must transfer the Inner Pot quickly, immediately from the fire to the Thermal Pot, and close the Thermal Pot lid. Do not open and peek too often as this will cause it to lose its heat. If time allows, 2-3 hours before serving, reboil the Inner Pot for another 5 mins. This, I find, really helps to keep the soup Hot, and contents Soft. Though some friends only heat up just before serving, while others didn't even bother with either.

The shallow tray is for any other things that you want to keep warm (yay, by borrowing the heat from the soup below). So when Man is coming back late from work, I will place his rice, and dish in the shallow tray with the soup in the pot for him. That way, we save on electricity to keep rice warm, heat up soup, microwave the dishes blar blar...

I have cooked all kinds of things in these pots... Oxtail soup (ya! The oxtail is soft and it tears away from the bones and it melts in your mouth and it... ... Unimaginable!) My daily pork ribs soup,... Curry Chicken,... Chicken soup,... Porridge, Brown rice porridge... Many many...

The Tiger is simple. It is just a big soup pot that you boil with and keep in the Tiger Thermal Pot. Viola!

No more bad, shallow-tasting soup that taste like water with pork, but deeply flavorsome soup that wins Praises, and Hearts. :)
...