Nyonya Hot and Sour Noodles in Fish Soup

Cooking can be interpreted in different ways to all of us. For the most of us, cooking basically is about ensuring a healthy home cooked meal in a clean environment compared to exposing ourselves to what not when we eat out. Of course definitely if you are asking me and I will totally vouch nothing like a home meal even if its just basic and simple dishes. You can include me in this category of women who make it a point in cooking, but every now and then, cooking for me personally is about setting my own bar against how better I can cook. Basically, I like the thing of allowing my mind to wonder for my own invention. Rather challenging for oiling my thinking cap and which does land me in the zone of happiness whenever I come up with my invented dishes. Take this Nyonya Hot and Sour Noodles in Fish Soup which is actually the other door to Assam Laksa, and I have already previously opened two doors (Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles & Penang Assam Laksa). 

Tandoori Chicken

Honestly guys, if you thinking that you can't make tandoori chicken at home because you don't own a tandoor oven, you are definitely outrightly wrong (Grilled Chicken Wings). Who told you so or you yourself have concluded? Ask me and I will tell you that you can bake tandoori chicken in your oven, (Baked Lemon Chicken) or grill over a BBQ pit, and for those of you can't possibly do both, you can use the portable over the stove grill. Yes you can. I know what I am saying. In fact, I initially thought I will use the grill, then again, unless you cut chicken to small pieces, most probably you will be spending much time in being concern if tandoori chicken is cooked inside, of course, the outside char won't be an issue. Alright, so much for the cooking technic (Moroccan Chicken Stew & Chilli Chicken), can we get down to the recipe. Sure.

Aam ka Achaar

Aam Ka Achaar. What are we talking about, are you asking me right now? Guys, I thinks pictures have already spoken and connected you to this Mango Pickle, a Punjabi style achaar or pickle. Mouthwatering and you are salivating right now right? My favourite. Any kinda of pickle or chutney, or even sambal dip for the matter (Tamatar ki Chutney, Penang Acar & Sambal Terasi). Aam ka Achaar obviously showcases mango as the core ingredient and mango by far, I think a favourite among many of us (Prawn Mango Curry, Thai Mango Sticky Rice & Mango Mocktail)? This Punjabi style achaar is just plain and simple, but trust me, a perfect fab fit as a condiment for our rice meals (Vegetable Achar & Salted Fish Pickle), and you basically need a couple of ingredients listed below, unless you want to take it to the sky level by adding whatever other ingredients. Aam ka Achaar nava-k's style by the way is different (Indian Mango Chutney), or better for me to say as unique because I did it my way instead of the conventional method of following others. Aam ka Achaar? The burst of sour spicy notes in one.

Khao Niaow Ma Muang

I think I must start off by mentioning the Thai savoury dishes I have already shared with all of you. Quite a variety mind you. From the non-vegetarian and vegetarian various types (Thai Crispy Fish, Tom Kha Gai, Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Tomato Soup & Thai Vegetable Curry) and believe me, the list is on-going. Nevertheless, this is my time I am sharing a Thai dessert, of course a Thai drink has already taken its spot (Thai Lemonade) and on the whole when its a sweet Thai pleasure, how can we not do this Khao Niaow Ma Muang? Thai Mango Sticky Rice, aka Thai Glutinous Rice Mango. So easy. So simple. So uncomplicated. Steam Glutinous rice alongside pandan leaves/screwpine leaves (Pandan Coconut Jelly) till plump, and obviously you need sweet mangoes (Mango Salad, Mango Mocktail & Mango Cucumber Salad) and I think we did speak about coconut milk for Asian desserts previously (Sago Gula Melaka). My version of Khao Niaow Ma Muang if you have noticed is served as separate compartments. Meaning, steamed glutinous rice by itself, palm sugar syrup by itself, coconut milk by itself and mango by itself, but as one delight. Why, are you asking me? Well, let's tuck into Khao Niaow Ma Muang as we wish. We decide on how much of sugar, coconut milk and mango we want alongside glutinous rice. Regardless, I must stress that this version of mine Thai Mango Sticky Rice is still a proud and pride sweet pleasure in your mouth (Baked Rice Pudding, Watermelon Sorbet, Saffron Poached Pears & Pineapple Bread Pudding).

Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Month of August and sure, rain is falling from sky. So far, nothing worrying nor rain has flooded our area, but when it rains almost daily, our life is woman interrupted right? Potentially. Clothes taking longer to dry up and we must be careful on the roads due to puddles of water sometimes we can't see from the distance. Having said that, food must go on because we either live to eat or eat to live. If you are asking me, basically, food must enter our tummy. Whatever kinda food, but wouldn't you agree that soups (Mixed Vegetable Soup, Corn Soup & Turmeric Tomato Soup) will complete us for rainy weather? Especially for a night meal and when you don't want to pack yourself with heavy meal, yet a meal for keeping us warm and cuddly? Maybe not as in the light, runny and watery mild soups I have already mentioned (Chinese Tofu Soup & Lentil Vegetable Soup), but this thick and creamy (Creamy Avocado Dip) and a totality to veganism (Vegan Potato Curry) absolutely wonderful Vegan Pumpkin Soup, paired alongside toast (Caldo Verde, Thai Tomato Soup & Creamy Mushroom Soup). Sort of also can be considered as a cousin to my previous (Pumpkin Soup) and definitely for celebration pumpkin (Pumpkin Salted Fish Curry).

Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa

 

Guys,
In case, just in case you are wondering what is Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa, of course we Malaysians don't need any explaining, but to the rest of you, I must mentioned that Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa (Ayam Masak Merah, Ayam Goreng Berempah, Rendang Ayam & Sambal Serai Ayam) is known as Chicken Cooked Three Flavours, or even Chicken Three Tastes.Three flavours or three tastes (Ikan Asam Pedas)? Obviously, we Malaysian love spiciness, sourness and sweetness as one in a dish and specifically today, its in ayam or chicken. Of course, if you are asking me, there are hundreds of recipes for Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa and to each I suppose their best known style of cooking and ingredients too. How about my style to making Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa? I think its a totality of a different kinda and unique too. Why? If you take a look at the ingredients, I am sure you can understand why and I also didn't want to stick to the traditional type of Ayam Masak Merah. The common and as if we must follow the standard guideline to the ingredients (Sesame Chicken & Honey Chilli Chicken). I don't know about you, but I have never been comfortable with conforming to ingredients others opt for, as well as cooking technic because, like I always tell you, cooking begins with the ingredients we already have at home and we should set our own benchmark against our own cooking instead of comparing with others (Chicken Curry Potato, Butter Chicken, Chicken Varuval, Chicken Kebab, Masala Chicken Curry & Chicken Stew). I am sure you are agreeing? Alright guys, grab this recipe of mine to a Malaysian style spicy, sweet and sour Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa.

Malabar Fish Curry

Recipes can be tweeted, remember I have already told you? I told you that we can tweet the originality to recipes according to how we prefer them to be and of course, making do with ingredients from own country ground (Moroccan Chicken Stew, Thai Tomato Soup, Aloo Gosht, Tofu Katsu & Vietnamese Fish Soup)? Instead of buying or buying for the sake of buying or just because we badly want to trend in front or at the back of other people's recipes? Guys, stop doubting yourself and you must believe me(Chilli Soy Fish, Fish Sandwich, Fish Noodle Soup, Teppanyaki Salmon & Salted Fish Bone Curry). That's how it has been for me and my cooking, and I have not regretted, neither will I regret if I continue to do so. Thus, for this Malabar Fish Curry, of course, the must use ingredients are part of it and let's not forget about coconut milk (Thai Green Fish Curry).

Brotzeit Bier Bar & Restaurant (Sunway Pyramid)

Enthusiasm ran high. My enthusiasm, forever will dash fast when I am gonna experience food. My colleague spoke about the German Pork Knuckles in Brotzeit Bier Bar & Restaurant, over and over again, for the last few days, and I, I finally agreed. An early lunch, we arrived by 12.10 and sat at one of the tables at the corner where you can see through the glass panelling on how hyped up is Sunway Pyramid. All sorts of people walking in and out, also, a popular tourist spot among the "Woman In Black" Middle Eastern ladies, but should you be among them in the toilet, in the mall, you will, definitely, I bet notice their glittering and sexy outfits.What lies beneath the black long loose gown. I had the honour a couple of times. So, when I saw these, not the same ladies though, walking in and coming out of the mall, I had grin to myself. 

Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip

Me and avocado, me and dip? Like a strange thing right? Me, the typical Malaysian who is mostly showcasing our local sambal dip (Sambal Belacan) or Indian style chutney (Indian Mango Chutney), and all of a sudden, you actually see a dip made from Avocado in this precious space of mine? Honestly, to tell you the truth, maybe you already know it as well, me settling for our local produce and for a change, I decided I will pay for Avocado. To say Avocado is pricey, I am not really sure. RM5.00 for a single avocado? What do you think? I suppose once a while paying a bit more for ingredients, especially for an imported ingredient should be a fair deal right? Right. Back home with the single avocado, and already by then I had visualized a dip, this Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip (Creamy Mushroom Soup & Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry) came into our food picture. Yogurt of course as you know is one of my favourite ingredients (Cucumber Yogurt Salad) and yogurt pulsed alongside avocado, mint leaves, olive oil, salt and pepper for this Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip, served with fresh salad (Asian Watermelon Salad) and crackers. Platter food (Gado Gado).

Eggless Orange Cheesecake

Seems like I have not pulled the brakes to cheesecakes. I have not obviously, but I think I will finally. Enough of me (Chocolate Cheesecake & No Bake Cheesecake), and me practicing on cheesecakes and for me personally, since I stick to the easy way out cheesecakes (Mango Cheesecake & Pandan Cheesecake), neither do I have the intention of spiraling my cheesecake making further, I see the end. This eggless, yes guys, eggless, who said you can't make eggless cheesecake, not me though, another fruitiness version (Honeydew Sago, Mango Cocktail, Lemon Cream Pie, Poached Pear & Grapefruit Jelly), definitely is the last draw. Sort of similarities, what can be different anyway for the bottom layer except a biscuit layer, but like I have already told, fruity cheese topping made from fresh orange juice (Orange Sangria), cream cheese, condensed milk only instead of adding sugar and orange zest. My-my! Don't you think Eggless Orange Cheesecake is truly luring your dessert attention? Your crazing really popping up? Of course? So, get going foodies. Make this my version of Eggless Orange Cheesecake and of course, I will be glad to hear from you how it turned out. Bye. Take care guys.

Ixora Hotel - Perai, Penang

First thing first once we stepped foot in Penang airport. Food (Kayu Nasi Kandar), next was to Ixora Hotel. The latest addition to the existing list of hotels in Prai, Ixora indeed was super clean and akin super polished. What do you expect? A new hotel. Everything must be impressive, otherwise, something is wrong somewhere. Nice. I won't dispute, prompt service too though smile was tight, after collecting our smart cards (2x),  off we left for our room. 

Orange Fruity Sangria

Gone with the wind and gone out of the window the Friday or Saturday nights of clubbing and partying. Indeed, yes, sure, admittedly age has caught up, I have slowed down mentally, physically and I definitely can't take the loud clubbing-partying atmosphere. However, those 5 years behind me were a different story all together. Dolling up, rounding up the girlfriends, partying and boozing with unlimited glasses of brandy, whisky and what not I have never regretted. Still, looking back now, I realise that it was a waste of money, friendship if not all some are fake and I don't have the guts to drive after drinking. 

Kerabu Mangga (Mango Salad)

Kerabu? What is kerabu? Kerabu is basically our Malaysian, Malay style (Sayur Lodeh, Sambal Petai Bilis & Masak Lemak Nenas) raw salad. Nothing much to do actually when this kinda of kerabu is a concern, though for some other types, sometimes a tiny bit of cooking is involved (Gado Gado), but generally we should just look at tossing and mixing the ingredients together (Chicken Feet Kerabu, Thai Mee Hoon Kerabu & Prawn Cocktail). Kerabu Mangga or Mango Salad? Ohlalala! Dang a million times. I bet you are agreeing how attractive and tempting this mango salad is (Prawn Mango Curry)? Of course. I should vouch. Not only temptation to the highest degree, its also a burst of freshness and crunchiness (Shrimp Thai Salad, Watermelon Salad & Cucumber Yogurt Salad). Can you imagine the sweet sour mango notes, spiciness from chillies, appreciated acidity from shallots, fresh burst of mint leaves and of course crunchiness of nuts, all coming together? My-my! Can't get enough right? And Kerabu Mangga by far is a great pairing for rice and other side dishes or as a start-up before your main course. So, tell me, why slog in your kitchen for a veggie side dish when mango salad is the wonder easiness. Oh, before I forget, its a vegetarian version as well without compromising on deliciousness. 

Bitter Gourd Chips

Bitter Gourd Chips or Pavakkai Chips. Trust me, even those who can't stand bitter gourd I bet will truly love these crispy fried bitter gourd chips. Maybe I shouldn't speak on behalf of others, in my house, oh-my-god, the moment these chips are out of my frying pan, they just disappear even before anything else (Lotus Root Chips, Crispy Fried Okra & Mushroom Rolls). Hands will just crawl just like that. Even myself, I myself can't help putting some in my mouth (Cauliflower Fritters). To make bitter gourd chips, lemme tell you that its  really simplified. Yes. But make sure you slice bitter gourd to utmost thinly which by far is crucial (Valakkai Chips). Otherwise, I'm afraid chips will not be as crispy as you expect and believe me, somehow its like magical that once bitter gourd is fried, its bitterness just vanishes in thin air (Bitter Gourd Puli Curry, Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry & Bitter Gourd Sambar). Bitter Gourd Chips? Ahhhhh! Just so good. Oh, what is unique and out of this world for this my version Bitter Gourd Chips? Curry leaves fried together. You should try and trust me, you won't regret.

Honeydew Sago

Its me and my easiness. Always and forever mostly. Honestly people, the big way to desserts is seldom in my house. Unless maybe, every once a while (Chocolate Cheesecake & Chocolate Rum Tart)?  Otherwise, as it is, we are not into desserts, but when family comes calling, its still in a jiffy dessert. You know family? They somehow will expect, maybe not directly, they still will look forward to a complete meal which by far must include a dessert. Alright. Honeydew melon and the rest of the ingredients listed below already bought and even before they came over, I made this Honeydew Sago (Watermelon Sorbet, Saffron Poached Pears & Baked Rice Pudding). So easy and quick. The simplicity to a Chinese dessert (Tea Eggs & Fungus Ginkgo Nuts). Sliced or scoop melon out of its skin (Chinese Winter Melon Soup) and remove the seeds, thereafter simmer sago (Sago Gula Melaka), make your sugar syrup and these ingredients assembled with coconut milk (Grapefruit Coconut Jelly) and of course, some ice cubes will be fab, or you can also serve at room temperature. 

Asian Watermelon Salad

Watermelon for a savory salad (Watermelon Sorbet)? Why not? Why shouldn't we give a go (Prawn Cocktail & Shrimp Pad Thai Salad)? In fact, already proven. I made and I can't be food happier. The Asian style to a watermelon salad and when we speak about Asian savouries, what else you think they can be? Obviously, we Asians, don't you think we love loudness and boldness in dishes? Of course, if you are asking me. Unlike Western salads, as far as I know, Asian salads are a different matter food lingo all together? Take this Asian Watermelon Salad as an example and even our veggies stir fried. Whether the simplicity or profoundness with more than enough ingredients veggie dishes (Tofu Green Beans Stir Fry, Red Cabbage Thoran, Bean Sprouts Salted Fish, Kailan Oyster Sauce & Chloe Masala) and when refer to Asian tastes, what can possibly be? Vegetables by far and by themselves (Vegetarian Sandwich) are the fiber and nutrients for our overall well being? And Asian Watermelon Salad is also no short of the appreciated sweetness, tanginess, tadbit of spiciness and aroma of mint leaves. Wouldn't you as well agree that Asian Watermelon Salad is an ultimate stand up and pop up in terms of color vibrancy and excitement? Pleasing to our eyes and to all our food senses? Of course without a doubt (Apple Cucumber Salad, Mango Cucumber Salad, Cucumber Yogurt Salad & Vegetable Raita). 

Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas

Ikan Masin. Salted Fish. Oh my goodness! My all time, anytime favourite. In fact, I won't mind every day and for every meal. Then again, too much of saltiness (Dried Shrimp Sambal, Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis Petai & Ikan Bilis Fried Rice) has been said as not good for our health (Kangkung Belacan)? I know. Yet, I can't resist salted fish and if you really give it a good soak and rinse, I think salted fish should be okay right? I think so. Masak Lemak on the other hand is the typical Malay style dish (Ikan Assam Pedas, Ayam Goreng Berempah & Petai Prawn Sambal), or can be said as the non-vegetarian version of our Indian sodhi. Both basically showcasing coconut milk as the core or one of the primary ingredients (Nasi Lemak Prawn Sambal & Coconut Grapefruit Jelly). Alright, let's now get down to the business of cooking Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas (Salted Fish Pickle, Pada Salt Fish Pickle & Salted Fish Mango Sambal). Salted fish/ikan masin, coconut milk, pineapple/nenas and a grounded/blended paste made from chilies, fresh turmeric, onion, garlic, belacan and lemongrass/serai, and garnished with turmeric leaves (Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin, Pumpkin Salt fish Curry, Pineapple Salted Fish Curry & Bean Sprouts Salted Fish).  

Indian Mango Chutney

Ohlalala! Mango Chutney. What should I say? You tell me. As far as I know, a favourite? Am I right or you want to out-rightly tell me I am wrong? Up to you really. I am not in the mood for arguing or changing your opinion, but I think I am right. I believe I am. I know, unless for whatever reason, generally mango chutney is selleable (Mango Coconut Jelly, Mango Mocktail, Mango Cheesecake, Mango Cucumber Salad, Mango Prawn Curry & Mango Coconut Cake). Obviously, we Indians tend to make more often than others? For our vegetarian meals or why not? You can pair Mango Chutney alongside other many side dishes and mains (Beans Thoran, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Aloo Gobi, Tapioca Stir Fry & Lamb Kofta Curry). Alright. Let's make. Listed below are the ingredients for this tangy, spicy and much looked forward to Indian Mango Chutney.

Mango Mocktail

Cocktail (Prawn Cocktail) and now Mocktail. One of those days when you feel you want to try something new or let's say when mangoes are already there in your house and also when hot weather is really killing you? I bet you won't mind spending some time in your kitchen for coming up with a Mango Mocktail? Mango of course the star ingredient. Always a favorite for most of us (Mango Coconut Jelly, Prawn Mango Curry, Mango Coconut Cake & Mango Cucumber Salad)? Or am I assuming without gathering my facts? Most probably (Mango Cheesecake), I can conclude if not all, some of us I bet will appreciate a Mango Mocktail. A fruity Mocktail (Fried Apple Fritters, Poached Pears In Citrus Syrup & Watermelon Sorbet). What and how to Mango Mocktail? Mangoes, sparkling water, yogurt, honey and thyme or mint leaves. Pulse the first four ingredients, pour into glass, add thyme and ice cubes. Wow! Fresh burst and wouldn't you agree this Mango Mocktail will like instantly light up a broad smile on your face?

Watermelon Sorbet

Let me see? Any cooling, chilled desserts I have shared before? Nope. Not as far as I know and not as far as I have checked through all the recipes I have already rolled out. What's with watermelon and this Watermelon Sorbet, or you can also call it Watermelon Granita? Whichever. As you wish to call it. I actually bought a big watermelon and after the usual, eating it as fresh, just like that after slicing, some slices were still available. So, the idea of making watermelon sorbet popped up. But how and which recipe? I admit I did refer to a couple of recipes and then, instead of replicating them as their originality, I added milk. Milk and watermelon? Yes. Got you worrying or you are not sure if you will make this watermelon and milk in one sorbet? You shouldn't. Nothing should hold you back. I made and those who tasted credited its taste. The fresh burst of watermelon and the creaminess of milk working and jiving in tandem. Super smooth, super luscious and one of the best sweet treat delight for a hot weather Watermelon Sorbet.