Bonding with Family

Had not been working for the past months since I left my last job in July. Spending more time with my 2 princes as well as my hubby. These period of time builds our relationship stronger and closer.

Though working does gives me the money and freedom to buy and spend on my 2 princes, but that does not brings our relationship as close as now. I used to spend my time after work with friends to chill and drink, almost a everyday event (except on weekends). Reason I gave was too stress with work, and thus does not want to go back after work to face the room alone. Others would say I could go back to accompany my 2 princes, but reason I gave was I do not want to spend my time getting frustrated with them after a long day of work. I do not want my princes to only remember I only go over to scold them thats all. Thus, I avoided them on weekdays. Bad mom I was.

Hubby had always work late and never home until 12mn at times, therefore I am always out chilling and drinking with friends. Chilling is fine but it would be ridiculous that I did it everyday without fail. Now most of my chilling time would be with hubby's friends instead, short chilling at the regular coffeeshop hangout (my late FIL's friends). Though "auntie" but I am spending my time with my hubby as well as enjoying drinks. Chatting with those friends kills my boredom too, fun and nice people.

Loves grows stronger with hubby too. Now that he is expanding his business, he had requested me to help him in his business. We used to be argue and quarrel a lot while working together last time. Thus, it seems alot different now. We learn to give in and to accomodate with each other. We start a new company besides his current and hoping to work together for many years to come. I had even commit myself to getting another Diploma in Interior Design, for the future of our business.

Yes, I do miss those days at work with loads of money in my bank at the end of the month, but working with hubby reminds me of the day I took my vows to love him forever. During my working days, our love was not as strong, going home early to face the room alone frustrate me, and when he is back at wee hours, I tends to get even more crossed and avoid talking to him. In the end, the solution I did was to avoid him totally, and that is to chill and drink till late daily.

In the past, dating him for a dinner was such a disappointment, probably only 1 successful date after 15 requests, and that 1 successful date would be dinner at the hangout coffeeshop. Now we would have dinner daily together. I had always cooked lunch for hubby to work, now I could even enjoy our bento lunch with him together.

His friends even joke that all my expenses are under my hubby, 吃喝嫖賭 all under him. I had my freedom to work at flexible timing too, at times to play a little mahjong too.

Some would say all these happened because I am not a good planner with my time and not able to handle stress levels. To some may comment I am just finding excuses to laze around not to work, but it does not matter what others says about me. I had worked and had been there where I never thought I would. I had failed before few years back doing business, and learnt from lessons. For now, its to build our businesses together with hubby and to spend more time with my family.

Braised Duck

This would be my recipe for my Braised Duck. As mentioned, ugly photo but tasty duck. I would be doing another soon next week. Thus, come back to visit for nicer pictures!!!

Ingredients:
1 Duck
2 Sticks Cinnamon
5 Sticks Gan Cao
3 Dried Tangerine Peel
5 Star Anise
6 Cloves
10 -12 Slices Galangal
Five spice powder
Water
Rock Sugar
White Sugar

Seasoning:
Chinese wine
Light soy sauce
Dark soy sauce (for colour)
Salt

Steps:
1) Boil water with galangal and place the duck in to "rinse". Drained the duck and rub Five Spice Powder on the whole duck and leave it aside
2) Heat oil in a wok, melt white sugar and rock sugar until it caramelises
3) Add in galangal slices and water into wok to a boil
4) Add in the Spices to the water to a boil, add in the duck and Seasonings and simmer for 2 hours
5) After 2 hours, turn off the fire and leave the duck in the sauce for another hour
6) Serve!!!

White Cut Chicken

Love this to the max. Its my first time cooking it and it turns out well. Delicious but the sight of it was not too pretty, the skin does fall off a little. 

Ingredients:

1 Whole Chicken
5-6 Few Slices of Ginger
4 Spring Onions

5 Cloves Garlic
1 Tsp Salt
4 Tbsp Sesame Oil

Ice Water

Method:
1) Bring a pot of Water to a boil

2) Place 2 Spring Onions, 2 slices of Ginger, Garlic, 2 tbsp of Sesame Oil into the Water

3) Stuff the rest of the ingredients into the cavity of the Chicken and place it into the boiling water. 

4) Make sure the water covers the whole Chicken

5) Cook for 20mins till Chicken floats

6) Test if its cook by poking a chopstick in it

7) Remove from the boiling water once cooked and soak into the Ice Water for 2-3mins

8) Mix 2 tbsp of Sesame Oil with 1 tsp Salt and rub onto the Chicken

9) Serve!!!

P/S: Sorry the picture looks bad but it taste delicious!!! 

Braised Duck

Its my first working on Braised Duck. Since its the death anniversary of Hubby's granny, instead of buying, I suggested to prepare it myself. Though its tiring to wake up at 530am but when I see happy faces, it energize me again. 

Not only Braised Duck, also done White Cut Chicken and other small dishes. Im glad I did a fairly good job. Had to work even better next time. My late fTher-in-law's death anniversary is around the corner. Will have to do another round, and definitely would be better. 

Will post the recipe soon. Nite... Zzzz... Zzzz... 

Recapping on my DIY Hair Mask

Had not been posting quite a while, thiugh I should be much more free as Im not sorking currently. Had thought of leaving my previous job earlier for a short break, also happens that my boys are having their school holidays too. Hubby had some work that I would be helping out too this period. That makes me even busier than working. 

Now that almost all settled, I would have to do my job hunting seriously in the next couple of weeks. Had few interviews earlier but couldnt match my expected. Next would have 2 more MNCs, the Top 5 players in logistics industry that I would go for interview. Now the biggest problem is the distance. From West to East daily, till now Im still considering. Good company but distance is a big problem. 

Do some recaps on my posts. My last post was on my DIY Hair Mask. I had been doing the hair mask for at least twice a week, and its feel much healthier and softer. The coconut oil really helps alot for my dry and damaged hair. Though it is still not perfectly smooth and healthy, but its alot less frizzy and feels so much softer. I had taken out the honey and apply only coconut oil directly to my hair and extended the treatment time too. I try to leave it as long as I can. Usually at least 2 hours or more. 

Just yesterday, I did coconut oil with egg hair mask. Egg is very rich in protein and our hair needs lots of protein to stay healthier, shinier and softer. It condition hair cuticles and soothe dry scalps. 

Strengthing

Egg hair masks revive and strengthen hair because of the high protein content. Egg protein fortifies hair strands weakened and stripped from the direct heat of blow-dryers and hot curlers.

Hydration

When dry hair becomes brittle, it tends to look like straw. The cholesterol component in eggs adds moisture to dehydrated hair caused by chemical styling, giving it volume and bounce.

Conditions

Oil from fat conditions the hair shaft making the cuticle lay flat and preventing split ends and breakage. When massaged into the scalp, oil-based masks and conditioners also treat dandruff and itchiness caused by dry scalp.

Types

Oils and cholesterol beat dryness, but other types of egg hair masks can be created for different effects as well. An egg yolk and apple cider vinegar mask seals the hair cuticle leaving hair with unbelievable shine after it is rinsed. The addition of yogurt to an egg mask softens hair making it an optimal smoothing and relaxing conditioner. Adding lemon juice to an egg mask turns it into a simultaneous cleansing and conditioning agent. 

I had been using only coconut oil as the only ingredient for my hair masks, as honey with its sugary content tangles my hair. Though its good for hair but as alazy  and impatient person, I would skip the honey to easy manage my hair. 

Had done the egg with coconut oil hair mask and it turns out to be the same as honey. Tangled but not as bad. I guess I would had to keep my patience level higher. But overall, I really love the hair masks that I had done so far. Peeps do try it out and keep me posted on the results!!!

Stay closely for more DIY stuffs coming up and more cooking too!!! Cheers!!!

Do add me in facebook: Nicholette Hong

• Hydration

  When dry hair becomes brittle, it tends to look like straw. Egg hair masks can counter this condition which is exacerbated by direct heat and the chemical effects of harsh dyes, relaxers and curly permanents. The American Egg Board advises that one whole egg has 185 milligrams of cholesterol. The cholesterol component in eggs adds moisture to dehydrated hair giving it volume and bounce. Some masks combine mayonnaise and egg yolks for additional cholesterol benefits. With all the health advisories about the potential dangers of ingesting too much cholesterol, topical egg hair masks are a nice alternative for garnishing the benefit of cholesterol.

• Hydration

  When dry hair becomes brittle, it tends to look like straw. Egg hair masks can counter this condition which is exacerbated by direct heat and the chemical effects of harsh dyes, relaxers and curly permanents. The American Egg Board advises that one whole egg has 185 milligrams of cholesterol. The cholesterol component in eggs adds moisture to dehydrated hair giving it volume and bounce. Some masks combine mayonnaise and egg yolks for additional cholesterol benefits. With all the health advisories about the potential dangers of ingesting too much cholesterol, topical egg hair masks are a nice alternative for garnishing the benefit of cholesterol.

• Hydration

  When dry hair becomes brittle, it tends to look like straw. Egg hair masks can counter this condition which is exacerbated by direct heat and the chemical effects of harsh dyes, relaxers and curly permanents. The American Egg Board advises that one whole egg has 185 milligrams of cholesterol. The cholesterol component in eggs adds moisture to dehydrated hair giving it volume and bounce. Some masks combine mayonnaise and egg yolks for additional cholesterol benefits. With all the health advisories about the potential dangers of ingesting too much cholesterol, topical egg hair masks are a nice alternative for garnishing the benefit of cholesterol.

• Hydration

  When dry hair becomes brittle, it tends to look like straw. Egg hair masks can counter this condition which is exacerbated by direct heat and the chemical effects of harsh dyes, relaxers and curly permanents. The American Egg Board advises that one whole egg has 185 milligrams of cholesterol. The cholesterol component in eggs adds moisture to dehydrated hair giving it volume and bounce. Some masks combine mayonnaise and egg yolks for additional cholesterol benefits. With all the health advisories about the potential dangers of ingesting too much cholesterol, topical egg hair masks are a nice alternative for garnishing the benefit of cholesterol.

  
  

• Hydration

  When dry hair becomes brittle, it tends to look like straw. Egg hair masks can counter this condition which is exacerbated by direct heat and the chemical effects of harsh dyes, relaxers and curly permanents. The American Egg Board advises that one whole egg has 185 milligrams of cholesterol. The cholesterol component in eggs adds moisture to dehydrated hair giving it volume and bounce. Some masks combine mayonnaise and egg yolks for additional cholesterol benefits. With all the health advisories about the potential dangers of ingesting too much cholesterol, topical egg hair masks are a nice alternative for garnishing the benefit of cholesterol.

DIY Hair Mask - Coconut Oil with Honey

I had extreme dry damaged hair after my perm and hair dye. It was terribly sad as I would have to start all over again to take care and do treatments to grow them back beautifully. 

Had been going through some DIY beauty regimen using natural ingredients. It was interesting and seems fun and effective. Most importantly its preservative free, chemical free. 

Last week I had did some homemade DIY Scrub for the boys' teachers. Teachers like it, they like the bright colour and the nice fragrant smell of the Peach fragrance. Sweet!!! Since My hair are so damaged, I was thinking why not try out some DIY Hair Mask. 

I did a Coconut Oil Hair Mask today. I am always afraid of Coconut Oil, as excess of it would stink. But this time round I went on and try. While applying on, it really tangles my hair seriously, and was so dry and fizzy feel. For a moment, I was  so wrong about having it so oily on my hair that I may have a hard time waiting through that 30mins. But I was wrong, my hands are oily but not my hair. 

Honey is an excellent treatment for conditioning hair, as it contains potassium and vitamins A, B and C. All of these nutrients are essential for moisturized, healthy and shiny hair. These honey hair treatment recipes can be used regularly to repair damaged hair, or as a preventative measure. They are particularly effective for dry, brittle and color-treated hair, although any hair type will benefit. But due its sugary content, it does give hair tangled feel while applying to hair. Fear not just do more conditioning after washing your hair after the mask.

Coconut Oil able to penetrates completely by the hair filling up the hair shaft. It is the only oil which is able to penetrate deeply, thickens and protects, while Olive Oil only helps in providing shines as it only smoothes the hair cuticles. It also prevents protein loss and boost shine to hair. It seals in moisture, making hair stronger and silkier. 

Coconut Oil also prevents dandruff too, also protects the hair follicles, strengthening hair, less breakage and less hair falling out. It promotes hair and scalp health with Vitamin E and K, norish hair snd boost shine. Massaging it into the scalp makes it easier for hair follicles to sbsorb nutrients, whilst stimulating blood curculation to the area , moisturizing and preventing build-up of dry skin. 

During the washing off, my hair was very hard to manage, due to the sygary solution in the honey. Hence I added more conditioner to smoothen it. But after blowing dry my hair, i feel my hair did soften a bit, which surprised me. I did put on some treatment water as well as some treatment essence to add on to my hair. 

This is definitely something which I would do it frequently and recommend to everyone. Try it out and let me know if you shared the same thoughts!!! Have fun!!!

 

Ingredients

- 1 Tbsp Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

- 1 Tbsp Organic Honey

Method

1) Slightly wet hair to make it damp not wet with warm water to open up the hair shaft

2) Mix the Coconut Oil and Honey together

2a) If your Coconut Oil is in creamy white solid paste, warm it up in a double boil, or in a pot over low heat to melt it with the Honey

2b) You can also microwave itself without Honey, once melted, mix in Honey

2b) Mix well and leave to cool a little to suitable temperature for handling with bare hands

2i) If your Coconut Oil is in normal liquid form, simply mix in Honey

3) Massage the scalp while applying the Mask

4) Work it more at the ends which are the most dry and damaged area. Then slowly work up to the rest of the hair and scalp

5) Tie it up in a bun and cover with shower cap

6) Let it rest for 30mins or more, the longer the better. If you could do it overnight would be the best but I dont like the feel of having sticky hair in bed, though I had a shower cap

7) After 30mins or more, wash it off throughly with warm shower to allow the hair shaft to open up for deeper absorption. Then finish it with a conditioner.

8) You may blow dry your hair or let it air dry naturally

You can even use a hairdryer to blow warm your hair during the hair mask, allows the hair to absorb even better. Do the Hair Mask at least twice a week for better results. Enjoy!!!

Steam Pork Belly

Its a simple dish that wins over people's taste buds. But most importantly it wins over my family's taste buds.

The most important things to note are:

1) Pork Belly have to be sliced thinly

2) Garlic and Chilli had to be finely minced

I added some Spring Onion this time to add a little taste for my boys who dont take Chilli. 

Ingredients:

- Pork Belly

- Spring Onion

- Garlic 

- Chilli

Method:

1) Sliced Pork Belly thinly and set aside

2) Cut Spring Onions into inch size

3) Spread the Pork Belly on steaming plate with Spring Onion

4) Steam for 45 mins

5) Minced Garlic and Chilli finely and mix together

6) Serve Hot

I had placed the Minced Garlic with Chilli Dip on the Pork Belly for hubby's bento.You  may leave it as a dip by itself so kids would be able to enjoy it. 

(The one on the right is the Steam Pork Belly with the Garlic and Chilli Dip over it)

Sleepless Nights

Good Morning!!! Didnt manage to sleep well this week. Had been having insomnia, always awake till 4am. This is real bad.

Today even though without sleep, I was amazingly wide awake and fresh. Thus, I did my cooking for hubby's lunch bento at 6am. Hopefully I would be able to nap in the noon with my 2 boys around, but i seriously doubt so. 

Today cooking was fast, only took me 45mins to prepare and cook all 3 dishes. Hubby's favorite Steam Pork Belly with Minced Garlic and Chilli Dip, Red and Green Omelette, Spicy Dried Shrimp with Long Beans and Garlic Sprout. 

Its the all-time favorite dishes for hubby, easy to go with rice. I would post the recipe for each dish on different post soon. 

 

Healthy Snack

Prince Jacob is going to Science Centre for their school outing today. They are supposed to bring some snacks along as their tea break. Thus, he had reminded me to prepare Salsa for bread. 

This time I added in Kiwi for him. Other than that, I had also prepared wraps for him. Hubby had also requested for some healthy food, but he doesn't like the sourness in lemon, hence I did a simple pasta salad for him with sesame dressing. 

Prince Javier is so happy to see his brekky too. He loves the wraps and he is so excited with the Kiwi Salsa. He is that excited that he reminds me to keep the Kiwi Salsa in the fridge to chill.

I am so happy with the colours of the food I had prepared for them today. It looks so colourful and appealing. Everyone would love them. The citrus from the Kiwi Salsa and the bright colour definitely attracts anyone to it.  

Kiwi Salsa

Ingredients

- 15 Baby Tomatoes

- 2 Japanese Cucumber

- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper

- 1 Kiwi

- Zest and Juice from Half a Lemon

Method:

1) Cut Cucumber in cubes and rubbed with salt

2) Place Cucumber on a strainer on a bowl for 30mins to strain excess water 

3) Cut the Baby Tomato in quarters

4) Cut Kiwi and Yellow Bell Pepper in cubes

5) After 30mins, rinse the Cucumber

6) Place all the ingredients together and mix it with the Lemon Zest and Juice

7) Serve chill for a refreshing taste

Pasta Salad 

- 5 Baby Tomatoes, cut in quarters

- 1 Carrots, cooked cut in cubes

- Handful of Pasta, boiled and strained

- Quarter Japanese Cucumber, cut in cubes

- Quarter Bell Pepper, cut in cubes

- 3-4 Tbsp of Japanese

Sesame Dressing

Method

1) Place all ingredients together and mix well.

2) Can serve Hot or Chilled

Wraps with Ham

Ingredients

- Half Japanese Cucumber, julienned

- Half a Carrot, julienned

- Half a Yellow Bell Pepper, julienned

- 1 Medium Tomato, de-seed & cut into half slices each

- Picnic Hams

- Lettuce

- Cream Cheese Spread

- 5 Wraps

Method

1) Spread Cream Cheese onto Wrap

2) Place 1 piece of Ham, ingredients (quantity accordingly to own preference) onto Wrap

3) Roll it up

4) Cut the 2 ends away and cut the balance in half

5) Serve

All these are actually very simple cooking. It doesn't take up too much time and effort to prepare and best thing is, it is very healthy and refreshing. Perhaps as I had used Lemon as the dressing which would be light. 

Assam Bitter Gourd with Chicken

Bitter gourd is never a well-liked vegetable for a lot of people. Though its bitter it does have a lot of nutrients in it. 

The vegetable is an also good source of niacin (vitamin B-3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, manganese and magnesium.

From young, my family had always like bitter gourd. My grandma had passed on one of her best recipe, bitter gourd with pork belly to all of us. Its bitter with sour-ness from the salted vegetable which helps compliment the whole dish. Thus, my aunts and uncles will always prepare this dish too. 

Other than this dish, I would always try my best to do new creations to  "lure" my hubby and kids to eat. This time I had prepared Assam Bitter Gourd with Chicken for hubby's lunch. The sour-ness and spicy-ness had given more flavour to hide the bitterness in the bitter gourd.

Ingredients

- 1 Bitter Gourd

- 2 medium size Chicken Thigh (de-boned)

Chilli Paste Ingredients

- Chilli

- Water

- Oil

- Onions

- Salt

- Tamarind

- Prawn Paste

Method

1) Blend all the Chilli Paste ingredients and fry till fragrant, leave aside

2) Cut Bitter Gourd in cubes and Chicken Thigh in cubes

3) Stir fry Bitter Gourd for 3mins

4) Add in Chilli Paste and stir fry for 8 to 10mins, allowing the Bitter Gourd to soften

5) Add in Chicken Thigh and stir fry for another 3mins

6) Add in water and simmer for 1min

I am a chilli lover and this really wins my heart. Loving it. 

My 2 Handsome Princes

Im glad I have 2 lively handsome princes in my life. Though they are extremely  naughty and active but still deep in my heart they are my sweet and adorable princes. 

Prince Jacob is 7 years and Prince Javier is 5 years now and Im very strict with them more on their behavior, character and attitude. I believe having a good behavior, character and right attitude really matters a lot. 

Having good results is important, but if they do not have the right attitude towards school work, it will land them nowhere eventually. They might hates school with the wrong attitude and results would just fall. The right attitude does not only applies in school work but also in life. This comes with character. Positive attitude comes along with positive and strong character which influences to good behavior towards life n people surrounding them.

Having strong character of being independent and having their strong stand in correct decision making but still able to accept suggestions from others for their planning. Of course having that strong character and us to accept him decision or ideas after gathering ideas or suggestions from us for their planning will definitely boost their level of confidence up. 

With all that mention, correct n good behavior brings them to be able to communicate with better with friends or anyone around. A good behavior definitely needs a very positive, strong and optimism self approach. To be able to self-control one's behavior and attitude at any point of time. 

All these may be too young to guide them on, but still everything has to be cultivated since young. Prince Jacob's have a very "violent" and "harsh" character which leads to bad behavior when things are not agreed on his way, be it playing or others. But still not to the unapproachable situations. He might be a little petty over small issues or getting impatient with things. He might be very harsh with words when he faced situations he is upset on, which needs lots of patience and guidance to cultivate him. 

Prince Javier on the other hand, better in his behavior, beta in EQ. He is more understanding towards others feelings, able to behave at the correct time. When he sees people who are sad, he would do funny things, trying to coax them. When he knows something is wrong that his brother would be scolded, he simply stay still and act good. Neverless to say, he had his stubborn silly times too. Keeping quiet at times when he gets scolding. Keeping quiet and rather be alone at a corner to show his "anger". Though all these are wrong, but at least he handle the situations well. He doesnt scream or shout but keeping quiet till he feels comfortable to mix around again. 

One great thing about him is that he could simply be alone at a corner playing his toys or watching tv or playing his IPad. He does not needs too much attention. On the other hand, Prince Jacob is too active, and also needs a lot of attention from us or anyone that he wants to play with. Being active is good, sociable enough, but too active and attention seeking does tire us down. Though both are different in character, but they are very loving to each other. They takes good care of each other and looks after each other.

Speaking of all these, most importantly is being healthy. As long as they are healthy and strong, the rest are just secondary. Thats the reason why I started cooking and loving cooking. Kids always gets tired of food easily or they could be picky (my kids do not have the choice to say "no", they would need to try every kind of food). Thus having to do new things and interesting things to make them eat is my challenge. Im always happy when they love my food. 

Im blessed with a great family who takes care of them so much, spending so much time with them while I worked. Thanks to them who helps me with guiding, teaching and spending time with my 2 princes. Without my family, I would not be able to do a lot of things. KUDOS to my FAMILY!!!

Onigiri

Onigiri is the japanese word for rice balls. Its a very simple recipe that we can play around with different ingredients for the fillings. Most importantly it is a very convenient way of carrying it around. Simply wrapped it with cling wrap and off you go for school or work. 

I had done many versions of Onigiri, with different ingredients, different shapes, different style. One of my favorite would be Salmon with Spinach Onigiri and Deep Fried Breaded Onigiri. Not only I love it myself, my kids n colleagues love them too. 

The tricky part of doing it its the size n shape of the Onigiri. I used to find it hard to shape it to a triangular shape with my bare hands. Thus, in the beginning its always big round balls I had done. After long practicing and watching YouTube, I finally could do some simple triangle Onigiri. 

In this post, I will put up 2 different recipes for my Onigiri. 

Salmon and Spinach Onigiri

Makes 8-10 Onigiri

Ingredients

- 1 bunch of Spinach - chopped finely

- 400g of Salmon Fillet

- 2 cups of Rice (either Calrose or Jasmine will do)

- 1 cup of Barley

- Salt and Pepper to taste

Method

- Wash and cook Spinach with Rice and Barley

- Pan-fried Salmon Fillet till crispy and golden brown

- Peel the Salmon Fillet to small pieces

- When Rice is cooked, mix the Salmon in

- Add in Salt and Pepper to taste

- Roll small balls of Rice mixture in balls (size depends on individual)

- Place each Rice balls onto clingwrap and wrap up

- Mould them into triangular Onigiri

- Serve Hot

Fried Breaded Onigiri

Ingredients

- 2 Cups of Rice

- 1 cup of Barley

- 1 can of Tuna in Olive Oil

- 2 Eggs whisked up

- 500g Bread Crumbs (best to use Panco)

- Salt and Pepper to taste

Method

- Cook Rice and Barley together

- Peel the Tuna into small pieces

- Mix Rice mixture with Salt and Pepper to taste

- Roll small balls of Rice mixture in balls (size depends on individual)

- Place Tuna into center of each Rice ball

- Place each Rice balls onto clingwrap and wrap up

- Mould them into triangular Onigiri

- Dip Rice balls into Egg mixture

- Then dip it into Bread Crumbs

- Dip fry the Onigiri till golden brown

- Place them onto cooling rack or kitchen towel to absorb excess oil

- Serve Hot

It really depends on individual preference on ingredients. I did not take pictures of the Deep Fried Onigiri, will do it next time. I really love both of it, both actually wins kids over. The crispy-ness of the Salmon and the Spinach gives a balance diet for them. The Deep Fried will give them a little excuse to have some junk food. Have fun!!!

P/S: Picture on the right would be the Salmon and Spinach Onigiri. Yes, you can wrap seaweed over, i use the Crispy Seaweed (Snack) for kids, as for normal Seaweed it will taste wonderful too. 

Night to Remember!!! "The Phantom of The Opera"

I had a amazing awesome night on last Thursday watching "The Phantom of The Opera". That was my "virgin" musical watched and it was truly a wonderful experience. 

The casts with fantastic voice with magnificent costumes, breathtaking scenery as well as beautiful props. I was totally in the musical, I would its my first time feeling so deep into a musical, felt my soul was caught into the musical. There were no words, no way to describe my feelings at that time. 

The heart-wrenching love story between Christine and the Phantom. The story of the Opera House. The selfishness of him on his obession on Christine. His love for her and the creation of her to be the opera star by disguising himself as "Angel of Music". His devotion had leads him to execute reign of terror over the Opera ahouse with death and blood to win her over from his rival Raoul. Love simply makes one crazy to do things in the wrong way. 

It had always been my wish to watch it ever since my first encounter with the musics. My very first encounter with it was in Secondary School, that was in Secondary Four. I was appointed as one of the Senior Staff Sergeant, Senior NCO. I was also been trained as the Student Conductor as out of the 4, I was the only one with music background, I had a grade 4 violin grade with a theory background. I had the chance to learn to play the scores of this musical as well as to conduct my band members on the music. Thinking back, there were so much fun and memories. Thus, till now no one believes I had such artistic background. 

That was then I started to love the songs of the musical, and I had went on listening to their songs. With that love, I went on to watch the movie through DVD and knows more of it. I had so much wanted to watch the musical but I just cannot find anyone who would be keen to do it with me. Everytime they visit Singapore, there is no chance for me. Perhaps alot may think I could have done it alone. Hence, I just cant. 

Maybe you think Im weak or just not independent. I had never like to watch movies alone too. With couples or group of friends here and there, and Im alone walking side by side them. Looks so miserable. I never like to let my feelings show that Im alone or miserable or should say I never like that awful feeling in me, especially in public. Thus  I choose to not do it alone.

After all these years of not able to find a companion to enjoy the musical with me, till this year. I was extremely happy like a kid when I finally found friend to watch with me. When I found this friend, i was so excited. This would be the 3rd time for my friend, but still willing to go for it. I was so excited and booked the tickets right away. 

I just cant explain the excitment in me and the happy me during the show. It was just so much that I cant express. Not only on that musical only, I had a great time with my friend. My friend had chatted with me so much, and it was like a decade that I last somehow chatted with my heart out. Thanks a lot to my friend who spend time with me that night. I really and had enjoyed myself so much. I would say I had long forgotten when I last adored with love on such a night out with friend. Though I may be naggy to keep thanking my friend's company, but I sincerely appreciate. To my friend is nothing, but to me, no words csn explained more. 

I hope and wish the next time we could go for more musicals together. My next would be Les Miserables and Wicked. Hopefully my friend would be there for me again. 

Rainbow Tuna Mee Hoon

Other than Sardine Mee Tai Mak, I did Rainbow Tuna Bee Hoon too. Watched Ayam Brand's video on Rainbow Tuna Mee Hoon, and thought of giving it a try. 

A very light simple dish with lots of greens, healthy n tasty!!! 

Ingredients:

- 1 can of Tuna in Olive Oil

- 1 packet of Bee Hoon

- 8 to 10 Shallots

- 8 to 10 cloves of Garlic

- 1 to 2 handfuls of Beansprouts 

- 1/2 Carrot

- 1/2 Red Pepper

- 1/2 Green Pepper

- 1/2 Yellow Pepper

Method:

1) Soak Mee Hoon till soft

2) Carrot, Bell Peppers, julienned

3) Chopped Shallots and Garlic

4) Heat up oil in pan

5) Fry Shallots till light brown n add in Garlic

6) Fry till golden brown, add in all Vege, fry for 1 minute

7) Add in Tuna with Olive Oil, fry for 30 seconds

8) Add in Mee Hoon and stir for about 1 minute

9) Add in about 200 to 300ml of Hot Water

10) Cover and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes

11) Add water if needed, it all depends on the texture of the Mee Hoon you want

12) Serve Hot

Sardine Mee Tai Mak

Thinking of whipping up a simple lunch for my boys for my boys on Saturday. Had a large can of sardine in tomato in my cabinet and mee tai mak in fridge, thus did a sardine mee tai mak for them. Since my boys love both individual ingredients.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of Mee Tai Mak

- 1 large can of Sardine in Tomato

- 8 to 10 Shallots

- 8 to 10 cloves of Garlic

- 1 to 2 handfuls of Beansprouts 

- 8 to 10 Lime, squeeze for Juice (depends on own preference)

(May add vege according to own preference)

Method

1) Slightly minced up the Sardines

2) Chopped up the Shallots and Garlics

3) Fry up the Shallots till lightly golden brown

4) Add in Garlic, fry till golden brown

5) Add in Beansprout n fry for 1min

6) Add in Sardine n the Tomato Sauce tt comes with it

7) Add in Mee Tai Mak, fry for 3mins

8) Add in Lime Juice

9) Serve Hot

Bacon w Pressed Beancurd

Had some left over bacon which I need to clear it from my fridge, thus thinking of what to do with it. Had an idea, had a packet of beancurd therefore thought of doing something which Hubby may like. Indeed he love it!!!

The saltiness in bacon immersed into the pressed beancurd thus creating a balanced taste for both. Beancurd is bland thus the bacon's saltiness immersed into beancurd to balance the taste.

Bacon w Beancurd

- 1 packet of beancurd

- 8 bacons (depending on individual)

1) Wrapped the beancurd with kitchen towel, lay it in a dry bowl and placed a cup or bowl on top of it

2) After 20-30 minutes, cut them into 4 sections, halve them to smaller thickness

3) Wrapped each piece with bacon

4) Pan-fried each piece with the loose end facing down

5) Pan-fried till crispy, turn over and fried till crispy

6) Serve hot

Note:

- The thickness of the beancurd depends of individual preference

P/S: 

Sorry for ugly photos, was rushing for work after cooking.

Sardine Steam Egg

The first time I've done this new creation was for Hubby. Getting tired and lazy to plan what to cook for him therefore just grabbed whatever I had in my cupboard and tried. 

Hubby like this dish and on my 2nd time, my Hubby told his frens have to try cos cant get it anywhere else. 

Same creation I did it for my colleagues and they thought was Otah. Im glad this creation of mine was successful and well liked by them.

I've met up with 2 of Ayam Brand's staffs (know them through my work), they are so excited with my creation. They never thought we could do so much with their sardine.

After all my lengthy talk, let's look into my simple menu.

Steamed Egg w Sardine 

- 2 small can Sardine 

(usually 3 pieces/can)

- 2 eggs

1) Smash sardine to fine pieces (blend or pound will do too)

2) Whisk 2 eggs

3) Pour egg over fine sardine w sauce

4) Steam for 10-15mins

Note: 

- I had steamed longer to have it more "tough" texture, taste more like Otah

- The ratio of eggs to sardine depends on own preference (I had use more sardine so it feels "tougher"

Overall, I do love this dish. "Thumbs up!!!"

Late

Due to work... I busy till

There's no time for blogging... But my passion for cookings still stays... Tried my best to wake up early on weekdays to do up bento lunch for Hubby n myself... Not forgetting to share w colleagues if there r more... 

Previously I would update my blog w my phone... But lost my phone thereafter i totally forgotten about having that app again... Now that it had been re-dowloaded I w try my best to blog whenever I m free... Stay tuned...