My Serenity Prayer in a Changing World

Some 13 years ago, I sent my eldest off from home to study in a foreign country. Reluctant though my husband and I were, we had to, as tertiary education opportunities were limited then, and we would be curtailing his potential in keeping him here. I had expected him to complete his studies, return home to Malaysia to work, and to resume his life.

As it happens, he decides to stay on in the country he has grown to love, and over the years he has brought a brother and sister with him to further their studies. Younger brother completes his education, gets into Big 5 and settles down there too. Fast forward, youngest sister is pursuing tertiary studies, and he's even moved his parents there too. But that is a separate story.

He has been home lots since then. Last week he came back home on a special mission. He is on the trade delegation accompanying his Prime Minister in the signing of the FTA with Malaysia.

I have not seen him as much as I wish to, on this trip back home he's been busy on the many functions in his role as a delegate of the NZ Government. He's been on the motorcade as the entourage travels through the infamous traffic jams of his hometown, with a couple dozen policemen clearing a way for them. He's been visiting Malaysian affiliates of NZ corporations with his PM. He's been in the company of high ranking Malaysian and NZ Government officials and corporate men.

Am I affected by all this hoopla? No, because I have not even been able to catch much of him, despite there being flashes of him on the late night news. And no, because this is part of his work.

Am I proud of him? Yes I confess so, him doing what he is doing for the country he is living in now, and him making small inroads in his career, business and social work. Return home to Malaysia? Well he's showing me that he can work and live there, and can return home in style :) It is surreal but it has also brought home to me that the world we live in is really not that big after all.

My expectation has evolved – I have long since learnt to give it up for the greater good and entrust my sons' future in their own hands.

These days I travel to NZ more and it seems like the country I sent my children to with so much trepidation back then has also become like a second home to me. Meanwhile I continue to be mindful that life is ever evolving...

"God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know
the difference."

This prayer encourages me and I wish that it will you too.

In memory of ...

Lately I have been prompted on how evanescent life can be. It didn’t help that people – no matter if I did or did not know them personally - were called home from their sojourn on earth, expectedly or otherwise. July ‘09, Michael Jackson was stopped in his tracks as he prepared to embark on a long awaited revival. A month later much loved Malaysian story-teller Yasmin Ahmad made an unexpected exit in the midst of another exciting project. Then my brother-in-law Steven succumbed to health problems leaving family members grieving in his wake.

It was in this mood that I learnt of yet another departure barely 2 weeks on. Two Sundays ago, on a hazy September morning, I was there to send good old Uncle Dato’ Maniam off on his last journey. It was poignant for me in that he was a reminder of the time I had worked in HSS, where “Uncle” had been a Consultant in since its early days. That he had fought a good fight, was now relieved of any pain from his ailing health and would be in a better place is my small piece of hope of comfort for the family of relatives and workmates that he has left behind.

“Uncle Maniam” was “the” grand old man of HSS. In the years that I had worked there, through staff gatherings, his presence around the office, through many management meetings, I saw a knowledgeable man, a valiant soldier, a compassionate soul; fearless in his prodding, wealthy in his wisdom and support.

In brief, Uncle had had a successful civil service and had retired some 30 years ago. I had the honour to co-interview him for an article for the Company’s in-house magazine, and had the privilege of an insight into the background of his career, his work ethics and the various contributions he had made in the public sector.

Call it selective memory or sentimentalism. But the Uncle I shall remember is one who has left a fatherly image that I can cherish. As with Michael Jackson, Yasmin Ahmad, brother-in-law Steven, may Uncle’s soul rest in peace among the angels.

KL takes a Hari Raya break

For the past one month Muslims have been fasting through the holy month of “Ramadan” and during this period, they fast from sunrise to sunset. As such most office workers and school children are allowed home early to prepare for the breaking of fast. This means heavy movement and traffic gridlock in the hours prior to it as people try to be home in time to celebrate with family members.

Today is Hari Raya Puasa, it marks the end of the fasting month, and the start of the month of “Syawal". This sees a heavy exodus of people leaving the city for their hometowns of origin to celebrate with kin. Here is where “balik kampong” takes on its full meaning. It also means the city takes a break from the usual humdrum of the rat race as offices and schools close for two days. This year Hari Raya Puasa falls on Sunday, and it is an extended weekend, and therefore a good excuse for non-Muslims to get away too!

I normally will not drive into the hotspots of the city, avoiding them like the plague. Not today, as I take the camera and hit the streets in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and enjoying the views - here are some shots taken on the second day of the festival.

Do you know these places (9 pictures)? Recognise some of them? Send me your answers, let's see if you get them all right!

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9.

Notice that the roads are much quieter - a stark contrast to the usually busy, chaotic, lively and noisy jams that are so much a part of KL.

Clue: These are popular roads and landmarks...

Have fun!

Book Review - "Desperation" by Stephen King

Although reading is considerably a much loved preoccupation I haven't been doing much of it at all. It is only lately I have procured some free space and time to indulge in such pleasures, and landed myself with an old book lying in the bookshelves. Not my best choice at returning to reading but it served the purpose for the moment.

"Desperation" by Stephen King was un-nerving and scary in opening up the horrors of evil and suffering the perpetual fight of good against evil. Noticeably it was more of a spiritual war here. Characters were portrayed with their all their realistic peculiarities such that it was easy to identify with them, and characters there were a plenty. Spooky in huge doses and mysterious in parts, it was a captivating read.

This, I will venture to say, is not for the faint-hearted, nor for the "home alone" nights. There is a challenge posed by Stephen King in the synopsis - "enter if you dare". Not a frivolous statement as I was to discover.

Still it may lead me on to more Stephen Kings to come!

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns! One a penny, two a penny hot cross buns!

The rhyme rang in my head as I played with the dough. And though it wasn't Good Friday I had just wanted to find out what this famous bread tasted like. For curiosity's sake...

I got my answer - it is a tangy fruit bun, smells of cinnamon and spice and all things nice.. and is at its best hot and fresh from the oven. Though I might have done an injustice to the dough and texture as I was short on yeast. Oops!

And then I also found out that the cross did not sync with the bun - it was hard and detached!

Note to myself: Although the recipe says water and flour for the cross, I could include some butter and sugar for taste..

Leftovers were reheated and eaten with butter and marmalade jam - still fabulously delightful for breakfast.

On reflection, I should do this at Easter - for sure there will be a "rise" then :-)

Good ole' fashioned Fruit Cake

This fruit cake was baked in July, and left to keep for 3 weeks. I know I promised to update on the outcome of it all and this posting is long overdue. Still it's better late than never, and at least I can sit back on this one.

Well I can say it has survived and passed the cake tasting (with the folks around, and friends)with good results!

This is how it looked when it came out from the oven.

After more than 3 weeks of being soaked in brandy this is how it looked.

Texture: A little crumbly still, but the body stood well, the fruits well spread out, I think the high protein flour withstood the weight of the fruits well. Moist but not heavy. Easy to the bite, although I wished it was more solid.

Taste: An initial taste and smell of brandy, a fruity flavour, and the texture of the cake makes it memorable and satisfying at least for me. Having decreased the sugar, it felt good as the fruits with alcohol imparted a natural sweet taste.

Feedback: Some pretty encouraging remarks on the flavour and smell. Great stuff - thanks Edmonds!

Note: I used Brandy XO on the cake. Also the taste seemed to grow better the longer it kept. I had some stored in the fridge and it kept for another 3 weeks, moist soft and tasting even better from the storing. Just needed to keep it wrapped and covered.

Hmmm should be good for Christmas...

Pandan Sponge Cake

Further to my earlier post on pandan kuih (Kuih Seri Muka-Aug 13), I realised it was actually Pandan Sponge Cake, and not the kuih kuih. Anyhow as my curiosity got the better of me, I searched for the recipe online, found and liked the one at thestar's Kuali, from Amy Beh.

I must have done something out of sync, or the fire wasn't right, or is it the recipe? That final one is a defence, after all "a poor carpenter blames his tools". Is it?

Here's the recipe:

4 large eggs
125g sugar
125g flour, pinch of salt sifted together
1 tbsp pandan juice
1/8 tsp pandan essence
60g butter, melted


Method
Grease and flour a 23cm round cake tin. Preheat oven to 180°C. Place eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl over a large pan of simmering water and whisk briskly until mixture thickens and almost doubles in volume.Remove bowl from the simmering water and continue to whisk until mixture turns cool. Mix in sifted flour. Gradually drizzle in the cooled melted butter. Fold in gently with a metal spoon.Pour mixture into prepared tin. (smoothen the surface with a spatula.) bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until cooked. The cake is cooked if the surface is golden brown and it shrinks slightly from the sides of the tin.Remove cake from oven and leave to cool in the tin for five to six minutes before turning out on a wire rack.

Having followed the recipe to the "t", I am puzzled - can anyone help?

By the way, I have an even bigger bump on this than on the "seri muka"...

















Inside the hump:

I know it looks funny - try not to laugh ok.

As it looks, the texture is hard, not sponge as its supposed to be. Pandan flavour is not very strong as I did not use essence,but fresh pandan juice only, but not quite enough. Our pandan plant is still very young and the dry season is not doing it favours, the leaves were rather dry therefore too litte juice and not fragrant enough. But its not about the taste alone, as totally I am disappointed with the outcome of this mis-adventure.

My late mother-in-law used to tell a tale of how her first cakes turned out flat, and how my father-in-law would call such cake "ah ngek", how he would tease her about her baking. But she overcame all the "ah ngeks" and had become such a wonderfully good cook. If she was around, I know what she will most certainly say - "don't let ah ngek stop you - try till you get it right"

Just what I will do... Meanwhile I shall search for another recipe and try to find out what went wrong. Watch this space...

Peek at nature in Langkawi

Here are some shots taken over the weekend - of nature - some by lazy indulgence, some by chance and others with a little composure ahem..

Clouds over skies approaching Langkawi. No wonder it rained so much while we were there.

So close to nature - a squirrel was minding its own business, making music and dancing in its courtship ritual. We humans are such voyeurs.... In case you missed, it's right there on the lone coconut trunk.

Padi fields along the highway.


Casuarina leaves fringing the sky

A mountain slope on the way up Mount Mat Cincang, the highest peak on the island where views of the surrounding islands are afforded. Also usually visible are Cambrian-age forests and the island Sumatra on a good day. However we were greeted upon arrival on the cable cars - by mist, winds and pouring rain on the peak - robbed of a chance at the glorious view and a walk across the suspension bridge...

These are shops alongside the road fronting the Cenang beach - they are well landscaped with a rural ambience. Looks like Batu Ferringhi in Penang

Parasailing in Cenang Beach while the sun was having a field day.

Coconuts freshly plucked and waiting - in the background chalets for rent

The lure of azure skies, white sands and a vast beach - Cenang Beach

Just for the fun of it - blue and green do match!

And then the rain came, and stayed...

I like this pic taken from the car we were in - the effect of water, wind creates some movement in a dull picture like this.

Salad for Monday anyone?

After a weekend of dining, meeting folks and friends, it's Monday again. Not wanting to stuff any more rice or noodles, nor any starchy soup, I settled for ....




a cucumber tomato lettuce and egg salad with a favourite of french dressing - simple and satisfying. My brewed hot and fragrant Lipton tea afterwards was heaven... Bon apetit all the way!

Kuih Seri Muka

Deliberating on my daughter-in-law's hankering for "pandan kuih", yesterday I decided to try out Lily Ng's recipe (http://lilyng2000.blogspot.com/ ) among dozens on my google results. Just as well I find her recipes reliable, handy and true to origin, and recommendations useful - esp for wherever I am, be it in good old Kuala Lumpur or abroad.

What Lily recommended I did, and to my delight and expectancy, it turned out quite nice. Apart from some quirks, for a first attempt I am pretty indulged. The quirks? See pictures below.

I also realise that apart from taste, texture and looks, one other important aspect is cutting the custard. A firm hand and even size makes it pleasant and inviting . For me it was a shaky hand and poor judgement. Anyone has a good idea here?

My daughter in law will not be able to try it right now as I can't send it through this website - if any invention comes along, I'd appreciate being among the first to know. Just kidding of course.

RECIPE - SERI MUKA

Rice Layer:

300g glutinous rice - wash, soak 4 hours, drain
180ml - coconut milk
1 tsp - salt
1tbsp - sugar


Egg custard layer:


3 - large eggs
4 tbsp - flour
4 tbps - rice flour
350ml - coconut milk
150g - castor sugar
1/2 tsp - pandan paste (I had the luxury of fresh pandan pounded juice here)
1/4 tsp - salt
2 drops - leaf green colouring




Method:

1. Steam rice on 22cm round tray for 20 mins.
2. Remove from heat, fluff rice, pour in coconut milk, sugar, salt
3. Use spoon/spatula, press cooked rice firmly. Useful to use another tray to press

4. In another bowl sieve 2 flours mixture, add to lightly beaten eggs, strain
5. Add coconut milk, pandan, salt, sugar, green colouring
6. Cook high microwave, 1 min at a time, till thicken (mine was 1 min, and half min)
7. Pour half custard over cooked rice, steam 10-15 mins (slow fire), scratch surface
8. Pour in balance, steam 10-15 mins (slow fire)
9. Let cool completely before cutting.



The results:



Taste/Texture:


1. I had reduced the sugar significantly, therefore to my liking.

2. The rice was flavourful, tasted savoury and nicely cooked.

3 The custard had a firm but soft texture, like egg custard with a crunch to it. Pandan flavour was distinct. I steamed close to 15 mins on the top layer, wanted the top to be firmer, unfortunately the bottom layer was under done.

The Quirks:

1. The hump on the top is actually that - it was much bigger before it cooled, but remained stubbornly there, so I cut it and ate it..

2. The bottom layer of the green custard (not visible) was not cooked long enough therefore had a layer effect to an otherwise good texture.



3. A firm hand is important to achieve a neat cut and pretty picture. Uneven cutting here takes points off from an otherwise satisfactory experience.

Constructive comments appreciated.


I am wondering if this is what "pandan kuih" is...?

A Blast of Bali

Lots of walking, eating, shopping, of security checks, of currency notes to carry and lots of zeroes in my head. That sums up my Bali experience this time around. Along the way we discovered that civet cats can make coffee. Yes, its in their genes!


Luwak Coffee comes from the faeces of civets. Yuccks! Civets pick the choicest coffee berries, eat them whole and, combined with their natural enzymes in the digestion process, excrete them intact. The end product is collected from the faeces, cleaned, cooked, processed and marketed. Apparently this product is the most expensive coffee in the world, as supplies are limited. None of us had ventured to try it at the Coffee Gallery...

When the twin Jakarta bombings of Marriot and Ritz Carlton happened, we were just 2 days away from embarking on our flight to Bali. At the same time there was huge concern about swine flu, so we did what we could do - bring our Vit C tablets, hand gels and face masks for the just-in-case. And hearts full of thankfulness to Providence for a holiday, trusting that protection which comes from Providence will also cover us all too.

"Bali is more serious about terrorism than about swine flu" Jac's revealing comments, on our 2nd day in Bali, couldn't be more accurate here. As the trip progressed we saw more evidence of Bali's serious attitude towards the more evil of the two. Our vehicle was checked inside and out when we approached places like hotels, the beaches, some food eateries. And when we walked into shopping malls, we were frisked by the men in uniform. It sure made us feel more secure knowing that there was some measure of control. Of course some caution - like staying out of crowded places and avoiding American and American-affiliated establishments (ouch!) helps. One thing for sure there were less people out there this visit than my previous. Less crowd and good weather = memorable holiday for us. However, for all it seems: People - Bali is safer than it looks from the outside - at least 2 days fresh from these latest attacks it is!

It's been 12 years since my last visit to this little paradise renowned for honeymoons, spas, its beaches and waves, and lately, for destination weddings. Bali remains clean, uncluttered and unharried by worldy cares. Thanks to Viv and family we had a cool, elegant suite hotel at Seminyak where we could share some beers and stories, lay our tired heads and legs in the comfortable beds and spacious rooms. Where we dealt with the shared expenditure to be settled - we decided it was better to deal with them at each day end. Thanks too to Viv for sparing me the humongous tasks of doing the calculations...

Money was a phenomenal issue, at least for me. Juggling with the price, mentally converting, bargaining and then matching of the notes to the figures to be paid was quite a chore. Roughly, Indonesian Rupiah100,000 = RM35. Mental torture for little brains like mine.

I also found that we had to bargain to one third at places like the bazaars, where goods are well marked up. It's a process that usually ends with us walking away, and being pulled back at our last asking price. A little game that gets better each time...


It was to our amusement that Chinese edition newspapers are way out expensive (they are imported). Stuck in a long queue of traffic, LPH's attention was caught by newspaper vendors walking the divider (much like the 4D results vendors in KL). He did not ask how much it was, suddenly he was digging for the currency to fit the payment. And how much was it? Rp45,000/-! (RM16.20) I guess advancing age plays a humorous trick on us more often these days, opening the plastic wrap, the date of the newspaper was 13 July- one week old! We did not spare him from this embarrassment either - each time we saw another vendor, it was a merciless chorus of "Paypar Lama! Oowld Newspaper..."


We also had our fair share of the local delicacies like Babi Guling, Dirty Duck, Nasi Padang, Bakso. As for Babi Guling we were told that Ibu Oka's at Ubud has the best around - to our delight it truly was good. Tender meat with a crispy skin served with spicy chilli sauce, it was just yummy. However we were also disappointed to not try the "Alpocat", avocado juice which Viv wanted so much - it was off season. Funny how avocados are available in Malaysia but not in Bali despite it being nearer to Australia.

There were the usual visits to places of interest eg Uluwatu temple, Mt Batur, Palace temple, Jimbaran beach, Tanah Lot, Ubud arts and crafts. 4 days just whizzed past! Even so, we managed to have a Balinese spa one late evening at a place called Alur Spa which our guide took us. For Rp225,000 we had a foot bath, Balinese massage and the "mandi lulur" (exfoliating process which has a herbal scrub, milk soak and a flower bath). I thought we were overcharged, nevertheless we were glad that we had so much with so little time. Given more time, I would have tried more of the beauty treatment spas, which Indonesia/Bali are famous for. For would-be travellers, do check out beforehand - competition for the spa business is thriving in Bali :-)

Shopping was fun with Viv the home decorator and Jac the eloquent shopper - out there were stone handicrafts, silver accessories, paintings and wooden decorations, beaded sandals and more. It felt good to bring home a bit of Bali and Viv, Jac sure had quite a bit of it!

Bali will serve to remind me of the splendour of Mother Nature. How a volcanic country can produce such beautiful landscape, is beauty from ashes. Even with the second visit, I cannot fail to be inspired by its beautiful sunsets, rugged coasts, and awesome waves which are visible even within an urban area like Kuta, like how some parts of Auckland are. The raw energetic waves at Uluwatu remind me so much of Muriwai and Huka Falls combined. Of course they each have their own beauty - got to see to believe. Which is why we need to see more of the world and its wonders . All credit to the God who is Lord of all Creation! Ole Bali!

Pics with courtesy of Jac

My First Attempts at Baking

Baking has become a favourite new pastime. My "sifu" is the Edmonds Cook Book. Ingredients are common and easy to measure (usually in cups - less messing with scale) . Methods are simple but effective. And so far the results are favourable.



Here are some "results":



CUPCAKES
On Fathers' Day, with niece Natalie's help, we had lemon butter icing and colourful toppings of hearts, coloured balls and choc rice for each father at our family's fathers' dinner. Too bad we did not have pictures...


CARROT CAKE
As it appears here, the cake is too soggy and does not have the desired carrot cake taste and feel. Unsatisfactory aesthetically and flavourwise. I feel the carrots and pineapples should have been squeezed of juices. Will also try brown sugar instead, to make it darker - next time.. Any comments?





MARBLE CAKE

Did not try this, it was a birthday cake gift. Hope it tasted ok!

FRUIT LOAF

Is actually raisin bread, but the texture is more like light sponge with raisins. Looks untidy, but tastes good and has a satisfactory light, refreshing after taste that makes me reach out for more...

Need to improve on appearance!

LADYSMITH CAKE

It's got a layer each of sponge, jam and cinnamon mixture. Why Ladysmith I can't figure. Was very popular as an after dinner dessert over coffee and chitchat. The marmalade jam must have done the trick! Gary, Patrick, continue to ask and I'll keep it coming....

FRUIT CAKE

A very rich fruit cake with mixed fruits and peels. Just days old now, need to store this away for the brandy to work, and to make it easy to cut (no crumble). Don't know yet how it will turn out..

More to come, watch this space...

To the Choos: Thanks for cheerfully testing out the food. Game for more?

Sai Mang!

"Sunning Life"? It is my English verbatim translation of the Cantonese term "Sai Mang", and means bragging, immodest, un-shy... It's an artform perfected by constant gloating over of one's achievements, possessions or successes.

Have we met Life Sunners? Have I been a Life Sunner? This question has been playing in my mind since my sister and I were in conversation in reference to a case. I am intrigued...

Yes, though we may be happy to hear of the successes, yet we may be put off by the repetitive immodest way it is delivered. Should we persecute them? Crucify them? Love them? Join them? Like Garfield says "Life is a beach"...

Be it as it may, let's remind ourselves to always be sensitive and kind to others around us.

Sai Mang tip: Get more SUNSHINE!