How to Kill Ants

The weather is getting warmer and that means those creepy crawlies are out again. If you find your house infested with ants, don't bother calling the Pest Controllers that will charge you and arm and a leg. Try this simple method first which should take about a week. This mixture NEEDS to take a few days to a week but it works. It a mixture of borax and sugar so the ants would take it back to its nest and feed it to the Queen thus killing the source of your pain.

Questions about pets eating it, I doubt it would as I do have a dog in the house. The amount that you need is little so I doubt if your dog or cat would ingest it, it would kill them. Now, please don't leave a bowlful of this mixture cos then it would be too much even for me... hahaha...

Just mix: 1/ 4 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp borax.

It is alot for even ants so keep them in a secure container for future use (I still have mine from 2 years ago under my sink). Sprinkle a bit of this mixture in the midst of the ant traffic so they would take it back to their nest.

I've made this mixture for my neighbors too. I'd one neighbor who had so much ants that he had to come and ask for me but his ants has now all gone to heaven. Good Luck.. If after 2 weeks and you still have tat much ants.. do call the Pest controller...

Don't let your kids eat those sugar mix ok.....

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Music from the Past

Today I've not been in the best of mood. I just didn't feel like talking much to anyone so phone calls and IMs were ignored. What did I do tonight to make myself feel better?? YOUTUBE. Yes I was just "youtub-ing" and what did I youtube?? PETER CETERA. He has always been my one that melts my heart. Listening to him sing brings back all old memories.. yes of all my party days and days of going gaga over certain guy. No... I don't long for any of my old flames but just a nice nostalgic feeling that comes whenever I hear Peter Cetera's voice. Man... would it be nice for him to just serenade to me.... if only my hubby can sing like him... dream....

I managed to request some song books from the library. Maybe I'll just pretend to play for Cetera while he serenades me.

Enjoy what I've been listening too... Yes.. and I'm that old to you twentysomethings.....

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I Finally Gave Up

Yes, I finally gave up and caved-in to Gilly's constant begging for an American Girl Doll. American Girl Store is just a few blocks from my doctor's office so during Spring Break, with my 2 kids in tow, I decided to treat Gilly to a doll. Hey! Parking in downtown is so freaking expensive why not do it before my doctor's appointment which means parking fee cost only $9.

Gilly decided on a "Just like You" Doll and has named her Paige. Paige has since been tossed around and even once forgotten. I did warn her about being mean to her brother as I've heard from a few friends how brother's would take revenge on their sisters by doing something to their dolls.

Grandma and Grandpa had sent the kids some money, so technically Paige from them. I wondered for a few days how to tell Grandma that I had spent her RM400 on a doll. Dollar to Dollar, its just like us spending $400 on a doll. My mom had never bought me a doll when I was small as we couldn't afford it and being a teacher she prefered books to toys. I guess being a Grandma, you are more generous with your grandchild.. she was surprise by the price but didn't protest. Phew!! I guess its just a typical American child to want an American Girl Doll.

I just couldn't believe how crazy things get in there... an ER and a beauty salon for the Dolls!!!! Geess... I do love the entreprenuerialship of the Americans... I have to say the Americans do know how to make a buck out of anything... Oh... I can't believe how much an outfit cost for the dolls. $26!!!!!!!!! I could have bought Gilly 3 shirt or pants at Target with that $26.

Now comes the part where I refuse to spend any money on those $26 clothes... I decided I was going to try to make Paige clothes. Since I've made PJ pants, I kinda figured out how to read sewing patterns. Thanks to the guidance of a Ms.Katherine. I paid $12 for the pattern which turned out to have 12 designs. Hey what a bargain. While reading the material requirements did it dawn to me how little yardage a doll requires.. Yahoo!!!!!

My in-laws who are seamstress laughed at me when I showed them the sewing pattern. The first thing they asked was "Do you know how to sew?" I said "For $26 an outfit, I will learn to sew."

Before I could start, I had to call Ms.Katherine for guidance. I had to ask her what is "Overcast all outer edge and then hem the sides and bottom." See how much I know. hahahaha It was basically a zigzag stitch on all sides then straight stitch the sides and bottom. Duh!!!!!

I started out with a Wrap around skirt. It seemed the easiest to do, and it took me 1 hour to sew it. As I had more cloth and now knowing what to expect, I made 2 more skirts with the same material in less than an hour. I gave one to my neighbor's daughter and another to a church friend. Being over enthusiastic, I started out with a dress at dinner time. This one was more complicated and it took me about 4 hours. This time round, the challenging part was the sleeves and I think I've gotten the hang of it.
I've added photos of the dress and skirt. I can say I'm pretty happy I managed to sew these outfits. I guess a sense of achievement for one whose mom took her out of home education class to accounting class because she was hopeless.

Paige in Hello Kitty dress

Paige in wrap round skirt

Gilly with Paige

Gilly with tooth missing.

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Food Bloggers and cooks with their secret recipes

This post is dedicated to the chefs/cooks who have taught me and shared with me their passion for cooking. Especially to Lily Ng and Gertrude. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for your generosity and unselfishness. With blogging, all our lives have changed. We have found new friends and made our lives more interesting. I don't stand at the kitchen and wonder what I should cook anymore. I know.. I still do but less often now. I get all excited when I see my Google Reader saying there are new post. That would mean, I may have something new to experiment in my kitchen. Blogging about food is your legacy, Lily and Gert, you have passed on your legacy to us food beginners. Not only have you taught us how too cook but also how to be generous like you. Once again, Thank you.

I've this story to tell, my dad's cousin brother had a wife who was a very good cook. Her specialty was Achar, pineapple tarts and kuih bangkit tat was to die for. We always looked forward to her cookies just before CNY and she would also bring a bottle of her acar. My mom would make her famous jagung custard and in return, give her the custards. One day, Aunty A asked my mom for the recipe and my mom willingly taught her how to make it. Then came the day my mom asked her for the acar recipe. Her response was "I'll make for you to eat whenever you want." That meant "No, I don't want to give you the recipe." I guess my mom must have felt slighted abit by this.

I don't remember how long after this, one day out of the blues, she came over with her hubby and there was this bottle of achar. Mum was happy to see the achar as we always look forward to anything delicious from anyone. That happened around Christmas time... and to our shock, a few days later we got a call that she had passed away. It was truly a sad thing as she wasn't all that old. Maybe in her late 40s or early 50s.

She died when her kids were in their early 20s and not having any interest in cooking. Later we found out that her recipes died with her as none of her kids had learnt how to cook her specialties. About 8 years ago, her daughter did tell me that she regreted not learning how to make pineapple tarts from her mom. The ironic thing is if she had taught my mom, without hesitation my mom would have given her daughters' the recipes. I've made it a point to learn my mom's specialties and always tell my friend to learn from their moms. Those recipes are not just ingredients and directions but also a reminder of the people who have pour their love and passion into our stomachs.

Once again, Thank You to all the Food Bloggers who have generous and never expecting anything in return.

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Grandma in Florida?

Last Friday, my son and I had a nice breakfast together which is rare as I usually do a grab and go kinda breakfast on a school day. We both sat down and had a nice half boil egg (3 minute egg) breakfast. He did the usual dunk with his bread and I told him to tear his bread to little pieces and drown them in the egg. I just casually said, "you know, my grandma taught me how to eat it this way". He replied "my grandma in Florida?" I was puzzled and realized that he was refering to his Grandma in Florida. Wait a minute!!! you have no Grandma in Florida. You have Grandma in Malaysia, Grandma in Chinatown Chicago and a Grandma White but not Grandma in Florida. It dawn to me that the last time he saw my mom was in Dec 2005 and it was in Orlando Florida and he now thinks my mom lives in Florida. Poor boy...

I spoke to my mom on Saturday and we were casually talking about our cancelled trip to Malaysia due to rising plane tix. She suggested meeting halfway in London as her youngest sis lives there. I laughed and said "Oh no... Greg is now going to think you live in London." And before I know it he will go to school and tells his teacher that Grandma lives in London and Orlando. His teacher will think his Grandma must be very rich.

Did anyone else have this same situation with their kids? I doubt I'm the only that has experienced this. I'm thinking of getting a globe and teaching him more locations of places. Kids and their way of thinking.. they sure keep us entertained and keeps us on our toes.

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My Pure Holy One!!!

Last weekend was truly a blessed time for us. My hubby was baptised, received his first communion and confirmed all at the same time. Yes, he is now a Catholic. The kids and I are very proud of him. Gilly can't believe her dad is receiving holy communion before her. hahaha...

Hubby did go to a Chinese Catholic School all those years before his high school days. He did go thru all the religion classes and even for Mass but he never converted. He would bring us to church every Sunday and never complain about it. He would sleep thru sermons sometimes and wait for 2 hours while Gilly was at CCD and he never made a fuss. Finally this Fall he signed up for RCIA and after 5 months of classes, he got the "package". I jokingly told him how lucky he was compared to us kids as we had to go thru cathecism for years.

So for now.. I told him he is "Holey" hahahaha....

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PJ Pants

I bought this sewing maching from Costco about 8 years ago when Gilly was still a baby. I bought it on at the spur of the moment. I didn't know how to sew with just needle and thread whatmore a sewing maching. My aunt (Tua Ee) laughed at me when she saw me drag the sewing maching to pay. I've sinced learnt that I can do a straight line so my first attempt was Gilly's bedroom curtain. You could see it was amateur work. I did make myself a camera bag and a knitting bag.

I finally decided to try sewing some PJ pants. Hey.. pants tat if its so ugly nobody would know since you only wear them at night to bed. So.. I bought some cheap flannel and made Greg and Gilly some pants. They turned out ok... but I had learnt from those pants what not to do next.

Here are the latest pants I made for Gilly with cloth I bought on sale $2/yard. Cupcake pants was easy as the cupcakes were all over the place. I messed up on the Ballerina prints as the ballerinas were standing... I ended up making the ballerinas upside down... I was kicking myself after I realize my mistake.. too late, I had already cut the cloth. I just have to laugh about this pants everytime I see it.

Cupcake Pants

Ballerina Pants

Gilly was so sweet when she tried both pants on. She loved it and notice it was a better job this time. Then when she put on her Ballerina Pants, she looked at her pants.. and said "Mummy, when I look down, the ballerinas are just perfect for me." I guess she was right, our looking at upside down ballerina was rightside up for her looking at it down towards her pants. I guess I didn't mess up too bad. And everytime I see this pants, I'll remember no matter what, our kids just love the fact we did something for them.

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Skipping Hippos Ponchos @ momviews.net

Now, these are the cutest ponchos I've ever seen. I want one for myself too (if I could squeeze in one). Go to momviews to have a look at them and even try winning one for your cute little girls.

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Instant Rendang Mix

Last Saturday was our usual weekend errand running day. From Soccer to Costco to ToysRus and finally we got home at 4pm. I still had to cook dinner and didn't know what to cook. Since I had cut up some chicken, I decided to try cooking one of the rendang mix that I had received a few weeks ago from MyTasteofAsia.com.

In less than 20 min, I had my dinner ready for me and hubby. Yes, I couldn't wait to try the food as it smelled so good. I loved it, it had enough zing to it that made my tongue heat up.

Cooking it was easy as the instruction was easy and simple. Only 3 steps to it.

Steps:

1) Heat up oil and sautee the mix,

2) Add chicken and cook for 15 min

3) Pour coconut milk and stir. Cook for 3 min.

Isnt' that easy? Even for a beginner cook or someone who has never cooked curry, this is easy.

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Gum !!!

Both my kids are now into Gum, even my Greg who always forget to take things out from his pocket. You must know where I'm going now... yes, he forgot to throw away the gum like I always tell him to do. When Daddy did laundry, Daddy did his usual routine to only later find out the dryer is streaked with gum. Yes Gum and who has to clean that dry gum??? MUMMY!!!! Yehaa!!!! The best job in the world is to stick one's head into the dryer and clean up gum.

I started by scrapping it off with just my fingernails. I got bored and called my friend to laugh about the gum (what can I do, cry about it?) So, with my head in the dryer, butt sticking out, I had my conversation with my gf. Thank God I did, cos she gave me an idea on removing of Gum. She told me to try ice. Rubbing ice on gum would work was what she said. I was desperate as I didn't want to break my nails. So up I ran to my kitchen still armed with my partner in crime on the phone. I got my ice and started the "Ice Rub". To my delight it worked!!! So there you go... To remove gum... try rubbing ice on it.

Partial view of my dryer filled gum.

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Mummy, you need to eat that!

One afternoon, while I was busy knitting a scarf and barely noticing what was on TV, Greg suddenly said "Mummy, you need to buy that." I looked up to see what he was telling me. It was a tv commercial, and it was showing a lady in a bikini showing off her well toned body. I realize it was the Xenical commercial and I smiled as I knew what was my son trying to tell me. What he meant was "Mummy, you are too fat and you need to eat this to lose all that weight."

I pretended not to understand and asked "Why do I have to buy that."

He sheepishly came and hugged my hands gently telling me "you loo wey." He had speech problems back then and what he meant to say was "you loose weight".

I acted puzzled and ask "why loo wey?" He quietly replied "you pat, momma." Until that day, I didnt' realize my son knew what was fat and thin. It was just so funny to see how he was trying to be diplomatic and not hurt mummy. Even at this age he knew to come cuddle up to me before giving me the "blow".

I've to admit this is the first time someone came and told me I'm fat and I didn't feel hurt or insulted. Wait till he is 15 and tells me that.. then he'll see what will happen.

Back to eating my keropok.

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My baby is going to Kindergarten

Today seems like another ordinary day, getting Gilly ready for school and finding out Greg has a slight fever. Gotta blame it on the crazy weather over this weekend. It was freaking 36ºF which sounds very cold but with weeks of 18-20ºF, 36ºF does feel warm. Now what do boys do when they think its warm? They refuse to wear their wintercoats and then... he catches a chill.

This isn't the biggie for mummy, I took him to Gilly's school. It wasn't his speech lesson today but to register him for Kindergarten. Yes, my baby is going to Kindergarten this fall. Another mom who was signing up her oldest child asked me if I was crying. I laughed and told her I can't wait to get out the champagne when he jumps up the school bus in August.

I don't know if I would really be jumping for joy or crying. I remember tearing up realizing that Gilly wasn't with me all the time anymore when she left on the school bus on her first day of school. Now Greg, for the past 3 years he has been my little best buddy always following me everywhere while his sister was in school. I really don't know how I'm going to feel. Yes, I've plans to start stain glass class and cake decorating class but not having my "baby" with me will be something I'll have to learn. For the past 8 years, I've put my life aside to attend to my babies. I guess I'll be on another journey again. For now... I'll enjoy the next 3 months I have my "baby" with me.

Gregory when he was just born.


Greg now

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My Saturday Surprise

I woke up this morning and when I went downstairs, I found this box in the middle of my kitchen. Greg had dragged it to the middle so that I could trip over it. I wondered who sent it to me as I didn't buy anything online lately. To my surprise I recognized the sender... yahoo.... must be food .. it was from Raymond See of MyTasteofAsia.

I wondered what goodies he sent and quickly I opened it.. Its just like Christmas!!!
Here is my loot!!














I'm excited to see the seafood paste as its Lent and that means every Friday I'll have to cook fish or shrimp. MyTasteofAsia has a very good selection of Malaysia food supplies. It helps alot of us who have not gone home for along time. My kids have fallen in love with our Mamee noodles. They just love snacking it and has since taught their kwai-lo friends to eat it. This past Christmas I ordered some of the curry paste and gave them away as presents. My friends were delighted as they just didn't dare venture into cooking our South East Asian cuisine. The paste helped alot. I'll post some of the dishes when I've cooked them.. my weakness is eating up the food before my camera can do anything...

Notes by Jane: I just tried the teh tarik and I love this version as its less sugar.

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Kids & their thoughts

My kids are now 7 and 4. Throughout these years they have kept us on our toes and very well entertained.

I've decided to write down some of their thoughts. Its just amazing how a tiny litle human can think of things.

My all time favorite....

Gilly was then 4 years old. While driving to preschool, she started noticing the houses that we drive-by would have 2 garage doors (3 car garage). One day she tells me she wants a house with 2 garage doors. I told her we don't have the money as only Daddy works. This went on for weeks. Another time she played at her classmate's house and noticed her friend, J had a walk-in closet. Again, she tells me she wants a walk-in closet in her room. I again told her we don't have enough money to buy a bigger house with a walk-in closet. I told her if she doesn't mind going to daycare and I would go to work then we can have a bigger house. She agreed at first until I further explained that I would have to stop her ballet lessons as I would be at work and she would have to stop preschool as she would be in the daycare from morning until almost night time. She then said "I want Momma stay home."

Then... she starts telling me she wants another baby sister. Here we just had a baby boy (Greg) and there she starts asking for another sibling. I guess I'm not the only who was dissapointed in not having a baby girl.. but another this quick??? hahaha no way.... I laughed and told her "No.. only Daddy is working we can't afford another baby. Another baby means we need more baby food and diapers." She tried convincing me that since she doesn't wear diapers, her baby sister can have her share of diapers."

A few weeks passed and in the car again(it always happens in the car), suddenly the request of baby sister started again. I smiled and told her the same thing "Daddy is the only one working so we can't afford another baby". She was quiet for awhile and then came the sell -- "Mummy, how about this? You go have more husbands then we can have babies." I was shocked and tickled at the same time at her suggestion. She kinda got the concept of more people at work = more $$$ = more babies. She just didn't know mummy can't have too many husbands at the same time.

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Tinley Park Shooting - Why are people so dumb??

Yesterday, while driving out of our local library, my cellphone rang and it was my hubby. He asked where I was and when I told him I was just leaving the parking lot. He told me not to return home. Next came the shocking news which took me 10 minutes to digest. "Don't come home, there is a gunman driving around. Cops are all over the place and I can hear the helicopter. They don't know where is the gunman so just don't come anywhere near this area". My neighbor had called our house to warn us.

Wow... here in my car, I have 2 guests from NYC visiting. Boy they must think this place is worse than NYC... that was what I thought.... I kept driving while I was still digesting my hubby's call. I lived in a quiet neighborhood, how can this happen? I finally told my friends and my 2 little ones as they were in the car. I called a friend who lived nearby, to warn her about the incident.

Even at Costco, I overheard someone's phone conversation. Obviously that person too was warned not to return home. Its a sick feeling when you know you can't even go home to your own house. I was looking for cop car to ask if it was ok to even go back and that was 4 hours after the first 911 call.

Yes... I live in Tinley Park and the strip mall is named after my subdivision. Its just a few blocks away and this mall is only 2 years old. We were so excited when we first heard this patch of cornfield will turn into a mall... with Target coming in.... now.. its going to remind us that 5 people lost their lives in this insane/stupid attempted robbery. How can someone be so stupid to kill innocent people while wanting to rob a place???? Can't they just rob the place and walk away without shooting anyone??? Those were just ladies who most probably won't be able to overpower a big man!!!! I do hope they catch that heartless person and my heart, thoughts and prayers is with those innocent victims' family.

We finally went home at 3 pm and we got this city wide call from the Village. They were informing us about the incident. The ironic this was it was already in the news and on the internet. Too late Tinley Park Village, that call should have come right after the shooting incident not 4 hours later. That would have been more effective..... and why did they call us again at 3:56 A.M ???? Oh well... at least I know their phone announcement system works!!!!!

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My exciting morning

I was busy cleaning my 1st floor windows this morning. For someone who has dust allergies, I hate doing this as I will keep sneezing for hours. My little helper was nice to tear kitchen towels when I needed new ones. While working on my bay window, something brown dashed by our window. For a second, I thought it was a coyote as we do have sightings of them in our subdivision. But after looking at it again, it looked more like a German Shepard breed. Quickly I ran to my front door and called it. It responded which surprise me. Usually strays would run but not this one. I grabbed my dog's treat and threw it out. The dog jumped up and grabbed it. My dog got excited and started barking, we had to gate him as I didn't know if this dog was agressive.

After a few more treats, I made my son hold a treat and stand infront of the glass door. I ran upstairs and Googled our local animal control. We called and made a report and the lady on the phone told us one would be dispatched soon as the officer was just a street away at the local PAWs. It took them about 10 minutes to come and while waiting, I grabbed more dog treats and threw it out to the dog. I gave it some of my dog's food but stopped when I realized the dog treat was cheaper than my dog's food due to the allergies requirements. My stupid dog is allergic to normal dogfood so we have to buy the more expensive one... and funny thing.. I'm allergic to my dog!!!.... ok.. back to the lost dog ...

Dog coming for more treats

Finally the animal control officer came. With her sweet voice, she called the dog and it came cautiously. She gave it some treats and tried to put a leash on it. It walked away from her and came back to my front door. I saw all those as I stupidly ran to my driveway to let the lady know the dog was at my front door. I said stupidly as I didn't put on a coat... which I am paying now as I'm coughing more now.. I am recovering from flu over this weekend...

Dog must have seen the Animal Control Office

I went back inside and stood at my front door... to kinda assure the dog its ok. It came and grabbed another snack from me. This time It allowed the lady to put the leash on. It did show its teeth at her but I guess her soft sweet voice did some magic as It allowed her to pat it's forehead. Next thing she said was "can you sit?" and the dog sat... hahaha I who trained my dog pretty good... never thought of tat command with this lost dog. At least we know the dog was domesticated. Hopefully its owner knows to call Animal control. I did put up a notice at my subdivision's forum and maybe the owner reads it.

Dog finally leashed and It's showing it's teeth.

Back to my window cleaning... what a nice break from a boring task....

p.s. in the midst of all the excitement, the amazing part is I remembered to take some photos!!!! Alleluia!!!

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Kaya made with Breadmaker

This is my attempt at making kaya with a breadmaker. I've to admit that its so much easier than the stand and stir or steam method. It was abit lumpy (not too bad) but I tried using the food processor to make it smoother.

This is my recipe:

Ingredients:

• 550g eggs (10 Extra large egg bought from Costco)
• 300g sugar
• 200g brown sugar
• 3 pandan leaves
• 600ml thick coconut milk (1 1/2 cans of chaokoh coconut)

Directions:

1. Beat eggs and sugar together for 10 minutes.
2. Strain egg mixture into Breadpan.
3. Set to Jam mode. Press Start. It takes about 20 min. to pre-heat.
4. Add strain coconut milk into breadpan once the padde starts stirring. (That way I know the sugar is all melted. Depending on your breadmaker, it will take up to 90 minutes to cook. Entire Cycle takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
5. Once the Breadmaker beeps, cooking is complete.
6. Press Stop and take out the Bread pan.
7. If texture is lumpy, transfer to a food processor and blend it to make it softer.
8. Transfer kaya to a refrigerator/freezer-safe container. Cover tight.

Note: I used brown sugar so that the kaya looks brownish. That way I didn't have to carmelize the sugar. Some have used just brown sugar or palm sugar.

Enjoy this recipe. Those who are thinking of trying.. try it... if you dont' like it, you can always toss it away.

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My Expensive Day

Wednesday, January 23rd 2008 turned out to be not only a cold day for me but an expensive one. I went to Costco knowing I should get another cordless phone. Although I love the Panasonic brands, I've given up on my 2nd Panasonic cordless phones. After time, I notice the keypads dont' function too well and somehow I get this "bleep" and I miss a few seconds of my conversation with person on the other side of the phone.

What did I get? A Vtech cordless phone with 3 handsets for $$59.99 as I had a $20 coupon from Costco. To my delight, I discovered that Costco now sells the Daylight Compact Fluorescent bulbs. I bought a 6 bulbs pack for $10 which is very cheap. I went home very happy and contented as now I've completed changed all the bulbs in the house to daylight bulbs.

Being a Wednesday, I dropped Gilly at the local Library for her Brownies and dragged Greg to Bed Bath and Beyond with my big envelope full of coupons. I was planning to buy a set of cookie sheets as I plan to bake cookies for CNY. I found my cookie sheets and while strolling by the small appliances, I saw 2 different brands of breadmaker. Cuisinart breadmaker for $129.99 and Breadman's for $79.99. Breadman's tag mentioned "Last One"... I found an associate and casually asked if they would give extra discount being the last unit and a demo. She told me yes and I further asked if I could use my 20% discount as well. To my delight she said Yes and said to mention her name. I usually dont' buy on an impulse but this was too good to let go. I grabbed that unit, it didn't come with a manual nor a box. I ended up paying $51 for this breadmaker. I've been thinking of getting one and now I finally bought one. Is it impulse buying??? I guess no as I've been pretty patient waiting for a good buy. As I'm typing this, my breadmaker is put to use. I'm trying out Kaya on the Jam mode. If it turns out good... I'll remember to add it to the blog.

When we came home after brownies, about 100 yards from my garage. I heard this "pop" sound and wondered what it was.... shoot... my windshield had a 2 feet crack. Looks like we will be replacing the windshield... OH NO... what a day... I've spent too much today!!!! Oh well at least I hope to enjoy my Kaya...

Till then....

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Kueh Bakar

This is one of my favorite Malay Kuih that I used to buy from pasar malam (night market). The last time I ate this kuih was in Langkawi at 1996. I have to admit I never knew the name of this kuih but loved it. I once saw a photo of it in Lilian Chan's blog but there was no recipe. I got all excited when I saw photos of of this kuih at Raymond See's party which he gladly posted on mybuddies.net. I learnt that it was fellow blogger and now my sifu Gert who made brought this kuih to the party. I got more excited when she said she would post this recipe in her blog. I didn't have to wait long and finally got the recipe.

This is my attempt at this kuih and it turned out good. I guess I added too much green coloring (2 drops). I took it to church for a Singaporean lady to try and we do have a Malaysian priest there and he loved the smell of pandan, he said it was good. I don't know if my kuih was all that good or if they both had not eaten this kuih for so long that even a bad one would taste good.. hahaha... Enjoy!!

Here is Gert's recipe...
Ingredients :

• 1 1/4 cups of sugar
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 cup of pandan juice (6 pandan leaves + 1 cup of water - blended)
• 2 1/4 cups of coconut milk
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tbsp of melted butter
• 1 tsp of pandan paste
• few drops of green food coloring
• 1 tbsp of sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degree F and greased a baking pan.
2. Mix all the above ingredients except sesame seeds until well combined.
3. Pour mixture into baking pan and sprinkle with some sesame seeds and bake until golden brown or skewer comes out clean when tested. It should take an hour.
4. Cool it down before cutting.

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Welcome 2008

Happy New Year!!!
I've had such a wonderful holiday season. We didn't go anywhere but spent all our hours just relaxing and playing with the kids. I didn't make Gilly do any math and they got to sleep late. She had so much fun for the 2 weeks that she was reluctant to go back to school.

We went for midnight mass and to my surprise, they both were wide awake. The next day, we went to my in-laws for lunch. The kids had a nice time playing with their cousins. Gilly and Greg are the babies in the family as my hubby is the baby of the family and he married late. I've learnt my lesson this Christmas... I'm gonna let the kids open their presents after midnite mass... cos we went to bed at 2am and Gilly woke us up at 7.30am.. just to open her presents... Lesson learnt!!! The kids loved their presents. We did get them a Wii and now I'm hooked.




Came New Year's eve, we went for mass and then stayed back for "Hot Pot" aka Steamboat. The food was good and eventhough we didnt' sign up for it, there was enough for people like me who didn't sign up.

New Year Day, we had dinner at my Sister in Law's. She had her kitchen redone and it looked beautiful. However as alot of us are allergic to cats, even with medication, I had trouble breathing. I would force myself to take deep breathes. That is why sometimes, I don't like going to houses with cats as medication isn't effective.

Kids are now back in school and I'm trying to get the Christmas decorations packed up. Hopefully I'll get them all done today...

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