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!!!"