Saturday, April 13, 2024

Bread Pudding Recipe

Baked easy bread pudding with pieces of canned peaches in a small transparent Pyrex dish

Five-ingredient bread pudding, a beloved dessert. An absolutely beautiful, visually appealing result. Soft, warm, and creamy, it has a custard-like texture that melts in your mouth. This is not an ordinary recipe. It has a twist that’s probably unlike the others.

 

What makes it special? It’s made with almost expiring bread slices. A vegetarian dessert that won’t let down non-vegetarians either. Naturally sweetened with dark raisins, it’s an ultimate easy vegetarian bread pudding.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Things to Do & See in Venice, Italy

Gondolas parked in the water of Venice, against the buildings, with people seating around on the pavement, Venice, Italy.
Mention Venice, and most visitors will picture a water world - boats, gondolas, or vaporetto boats gliding through narrow canals. This historic city in northeastern Italy is built on more than 100 small islands. There are no roads, only canals, with the Grand Canal as the city’s main waterway. If you’re heading from Pisa to Venice, the journey takes approximately 4 hours (5 TOP THINGS TO DO IN PISA).

Sadly, due to climate change, Venice is slowly but surely sinking, and in the years ahead, the outcome may not be favourable. For now, it remains a spectacular must-see city in Italy. Be prepared to be surrounded by thousands of visitors, it’s usually packed. Weekends can be even busier, with Italians from other parts of the country joining in for sightseeing. That’s exactly why Venice is one of the top sights in the world. Your time in Venice is truly priceless, a travel experience of a lifetime (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE).

Friday, April 5, 2024

Top 5 Things to Do in Pisa, Italy

Indian lady posing in Pisa, Italy, against the marble structure Baptistery of Pisa.
Spending a day in Pisa, Italy, offers just enough time to see its main attractions. Located about 1.5 hours from Florence by coach (WHAT TO DO IN FLORENCE), Pisa is ideal for a day trip unless you're planning to stay overnight or enjoy a local dinner. Starting in the morning, you can easily cover the top five sights by evening. All of them are located within the spacious Piazza dei Miracoli, officially known as Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also referred to as the “Square of Miracles” for its stunning architecture.

How Does It Begin

The coach drops you off just outside Pisa’s main area. From there, you hop onto an open-air shuttle with other visitors for a short ride closer to the entrance. As you get down, non-Italian street vendors crowd around, selling everything from fake sunglasses and keychains to souvenirs you didn’t ask for. Walk ahead and you’ll find rows of permanent stalls on both sides - bags, hats, T-shirts, fridge magnets, Pisa towers in every size. Keep moving, and soon you’ll pass through an old stone gateway, and your moment of sightseeing in Pisa begins (VARANASI INDIA TOP SIGHTS).

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Fried Kembung (Mackerel) With Assam Sauce

Four pieces of fried salted mackerel fish, with sauce made with tamarind juice, ginger, onion, red chilies, palm sugar, kaffir lime leaves and salt.

Ikan kembung, sometimes spelled kembong and known as Indian mackerel, is a small, affordable local fish common in Malaysia. These fish sometimes come in slightly bigger sizes and are popular across Southeast Asia.

 

In Malaysia, this same fish is boiled in saltwater and sold as Ikan Kembung Rebus, or literally “Boiled Kembung.” This variety is aptly for an easy, no-fuss, traditional Malaysian fish recipe. 


Simple and packed with authentic flavors, it’s a staple in Malaysian street food, especially at nasi campur stalls and casual eateries.

Monday, April 1, 2024

What To Do in Florence, Italy

Florence’s Duomo and Arno River seen from above, with bridges and city buildings below.
Florence, the city of art and design, is located in central Italy in the Tuscany region. It lies along the Arno River, surrounded by hills and vineyards, and is known for its romantic dining, complete with Italian cuisine and local wine. From Rome, it takes about 4 to 4½ hours by car or bus (TOP THINGS TO DO IN ROME).

One of the best things about Florence is that vehicle traffic is limited in the city center. Thanks to traffic control zones, it’s convenient for tourists to walk from one attraction to another. Be prepared to walk a lot, and if you visit during autumn, expect chilly mornings and cold evenings. A day is usually enough to cover the main attractions in Florence, unless you plan to explore more tourist spots or discover hidden gems.

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

Indian lady posing in front of the Colosseum theater, Rome, Italy.
Italy is a land of love, where ancient history lives on and food lovers can enjoy real Italian cuisine. Despite modernization, many of Italy’s historical sites remain untouched. It’s a country that attracts thousands of tourists year-round (HOKKAIDO JAPAN BEST THINGS TO DO).

While Italy can be an expensive destination, especially for Asian travellers, that hasn’t stopped them from visiting. There are many cities in Italy, but Rome is a must. You can easily spend days in Rome going from one sightseeing spot to another, but if you're touring other parts of Italy, two or three packed days in Rome are enough to cover the top sights (CHANDIGARH INDIA TOP PLACES TO VISIT).

Monday, March 18, 2024

KKSV Restaurant: Malaysian Coffeeshop Eating Culture

Formerly recognized as Restoran Poh Yap, this establishment underwent refurbishment a few months ago and now goes by the name KKSV Restaurant. The makeover includes an expanded, air-conditioned dining area. While some familiar stalls, like the Pork Noodles, remain, new additions have also been introduced, creating an exciting blend of the traditional and the novel (Exploring A Kopitiam).

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Bay Leaves: Health Benefits and Cooking Uses

Tall, medium-sized bay leaf plant with fresh, glossy green leaves growing outdoors under the afternoon sun
(Updated Version)
In Malaysia, bay leaves are somewhat unfamiliar, with many people unsure of their appearance or uses. Some wonder if these are the same leaves used in biryani rice - referring to the dried ones commonly found in stores. It might seem surprising, but bay leaves offer a wealth of health benefits, making them a valuable addition to any pantry (GROWING SPRING ONIONS IN URBAN GARDENS).

Health Benefits of Bay Leaves

Here are some key health benefits of bay leaves: 

Heart Health

Bay leaves help lower bad cholesterol levels and strengthen blood vessels, reducing heart disease risk.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Turmeric Eggs Recipe

Seven eggs, boiled in fresh turmeric and boiling water,  and removed shells.
Whether you call them Turmeric Eggs or Golden Eggs, these vibrant eggs are striking with natural turmeric patterns. Using fresh turmeric gives the best aroma and flavor, though turmeric powder works too. 
A large pot of turmeric plant with turmeric leaves.
Packed with health benefits (TURMERIC FRIED FISH), these healthy turmeric eggs are simple to make and perfect as a snack, breakfast, or a colorful addition to any meal.

Sometimes, the best recipes are the easiest. This guide shows you how to make turmeric eggs with minimal effort, producing eggs with attractive, golden hue, natural patterns (MORINGA LEAVES STIR-FRIED).

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Moringa Leaves Stir-Fried Recipe

Moringa leaves stir fried with grated coconut, black mustard seeds, dried red chilies, dried shrimps, oil and salt.
Moringa Leaves Stir-Fry with dried shrimps is a simple, flavorful dish packed with nutrients and health benefits. Often called a superfood, every part of the moringa tree (POTATO MORINGA CURRY) is valuable, from the leaves and flowers to the fruits. (Branches are generally used for planting.)

This easy stir-fry keeps the leafy greens fresh while adding taste and texture. Dried shrimps, fresh grated coconut, black mustard seeds, and dried red chilies give the moringa leaves a mild spiciness and a lasting punch of flavor.

 

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the dried shrimps, and the dish remains delicious and wholesome (VEGETABLE KURMA CURRY). 

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

The Beginner's Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs

Urban gardener standing on a ladder, carefully pruning plants in a modern city garden
(Updated Version)

Gardening is a fulfilling practice that contributes to your overall sustainable zen. It’s also about preserving our eco-world, not just for today but for future generations. Having equipped ourselves with the basic and essential tips on gardening, let’s now move on to the art of growing herbs (ESSENTIAL GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS).

Take it from Ms. Nava, who has been gardening for over 20 years - a journey filled with its share of mishaps. While some gardening challenges are inevitable, let me share with you my guide to growing herbs.

Monday, January 29, 2024

Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings (Kota Kemuning): A Rainbow of Colors

A few days ago, while in the midst of grocery shopping for our home, I stumbled upon Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings in Kota Kemuning. The Rainbow Dumpling immediately caught my attention with its vibrant colors:

Earthy Green Spinach/Chives 

Bright Yellow Pumpkin/Signature 
Soft Red Beetroot/Spicy Kimchi 
Vibrant Blue Butterfly Peas Flowers/Fresh Prawns 
Original/Fresh Fish 
Mellow Black Charcoal/Cabbage  ...........all crafting a holistic wellness color allure on my palate.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Turmeric Fish Recipe

6 pieces of pan-grilled turmeric wrapped fish on a white plate.

The vibrant golden hue of fresh turmeric, wrapped in aromatic turmeric leaves and pan-grilled, makes this Turmeric Fish Recipe a healthy and delicious dish. Cooked in traditional Malay style, the aroma of turmeric blends perfectly with fresh herbs, adding both fragrance and flavor (MALAY STYLE HERBED RICE).

 

For those who grow turmeric plants, fresh turmeric and turmeric leaves are readily available. For others, these ingredients can be purchased at local markets. While you can substitute turmeric powder and skip the leaf wrap, nothing quite matches the freshness and aroma of the real leaves.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Vegetable Kurma Recipe: Malaysian Style Curry

Indian curry, made with spice mix, spices, red chilies, pandan leaves, lemongrass, yogurt, and vegetables.
Kurma curry, whichever the style, whether made purely with vegetables or with meat, always comes down to one choice. A homemade kurma paste or a store-bought kurma powder.

For those who love home-cooked meals but need to save time, ready-made kurma powder is not a let-down. The foundation of the curry is there. As for the vegetables, the assortment is entirely up to you (POTATO CURRY VEGETARIAN). 

 

But what makes a Malaysian Style Kurma special? It’s the addition of Southeast Asian herbs. One version that closely resembles it is the Sri Lankan kurma. Also features pandan (screwpine) leaves and lemongrass, fragrant elements that give the curry its tropical lift.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Essential Gardening Tips for Beginners

Ms. Nava showcasing her gardening passion
(Updated Version)

Congrats on taking the first step toward gardening (GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS). Whether you're working with a small patch or a larger plot, it’s always exciting to start your own garden. After cleaning up your plot, it’s time to dive into some essential gardening tips for beginners. Let’s get started.

 

Define Your Garden's Concept

It’s helpful to have a rough idea of the concept or theme for your garden. If you’re still deciding, don’t worry. A clear concept will give you direction as you begin. For instance, my garden’s theme is Zen, which led me to incorporate bamboo plants, stones, and pebbles. You could also choose a modern, traditional, or minimalistic theme. Without a clear concept, you may be planting without direction, so it’s worth spending some time thinking about what resonates with you.

Burgers Near Me: Burger Stalls and Street Eats

A burger, meat patty in a bun, has roots in Western culture. While minced meat patties trace back to Hamburg, Germany, it was the United Sta...