Saturday, October 26, 2024

Sago Pudding with Palm Sugar (Sago Gula Melaka)

Cooked till translucent sago pearls, with coconut milk and palm sugar syrup.
Translucent sago pearls in creamy coconut milk and palm sugar syrup make this dessert a soft, slightly sticky indulgence. Sago pudding with palm sugar, or Sago Gula Melaka, is a cherished part of Malaysia’s traditional kuih-muih desserts (CEMPEDAK GORENG).

Visually appealing and irresistibly tempting, this sago dessert is surprisingly simple to make. Just simmer rinsed sago, locally known as sagu in Malaysia, in boiling water until translucent, rinse again, and set in a large mould or individual cups.

Friday, October 25, 2024

Molten Lava Cake: Eggless

Molten Lava cake, made with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, butter, baking powder and a piece of chocolate.
Oozy, gooey chocolate in the middle of a soft, melting-in-the-mouth cake. This is the eggless Molten Lava Cake. A no-fuss, chocolaty dessert chocolate cake (MARBLE CAKE), ideal when you crave a portion of cake, even for one person.

It can be made as mug cake, or in small Pyrex dishes, or any microwave-friendly container. Yes, it’s also the microwave Molten Lava Cake, ready in minutes. You can also make a steamed version if preferred.

 

The method is simple: sift the dry ingredients, mix in the wet ingredients, place a piece of chocolate in the center, and cook. The result is a warm, gooey chocolate center every time.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Chettinad Mutton Curry Recipe

Mutton curry, made with spicy curry paste, mutton, potatoes, yogurt, red chilies, and dried fenugreek leaves.
Karaikudi food is about South Indian cooking, and within this category, there is also the Chettinad food. Spices play a role in Chettinad cooking, and that’s what makes a Mutton Curry Chettinad style simply mouthwatering (KARAIKUDI CHICKEN CURRY). 

There is the typical version, or authentic version, and there is also a Malaysian-style Chettinad Mutton Curry. Which means Indian mutton curry recipe can be tweeted.

Tandoori Salmon

Pan Grilled Salmon, with ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder and chilli powder, paired with no cook yogurt mint dip.
It’s all worth it for the no-smell, omega-packed salmon. While salmon is rather pricey in Malaysia compared to our local catch, a simple pan-grilled salmon with lemon juice, crushed pepper, and salt is one of the best ways to have it.

 

Tandoor-style salmon, on the other hand, brings in Indian spices, making it a tasty, healthy dish (STEAMED FISH THAI STYLE). 

 

Traditionally, North-Indian Tandoori Salmon is cooked in a tandoor oven, or oven-baked for a home version. But the pan-grilled version is just as satisfying. Served with a no-cook mint dip, also known as mint chutney, and a crisp salad, it becomes a complete, restaurant-style salmon meal at home.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Kodai Kueh Shah Alam Review – Malay Kueh & Noodles

Entrance of Kodai Kueh Shah Alam, banner visible, with customers walking around the shop
On my way to an eatery I’d been eager to try on Jalan Kebun, I stumbled upon Kodai Kueh Shah Alam by Aboy Eisha, located at Lorong Ikhsan. It’s just a quick 10-minute drive from Nava’s Zen in Kemuning Greenville. I found it intriguing that it’s called kodai instead of the more common kedai, which means "shop" in English. Ah! Just one of those quirks I can't comment on. Never mind; it’s not a big deal anyway.

As I approached this unassuming roadside shop, I noticed a growing crowd. Curiosity piqued - what was it about this place that was drawing so many people in? The closer I got, the more intrigued I became.

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Mutton Curry Recipe

A serving of mutton curry, made with spices, curry powder, potatoes, coriander and curry leaves.
The simple, easy curry is the best curry. The best mutton curry features ingredients commonly used in Indian cooking. Items you likely already have at home. Mutton curry is all about bold spiciness and aroma (MUTTON DALCHA). 

This South Indian-style mutton curry is ideal for beginners or for days when time is tight. With mutton pressure-cooked first, it saves time and lets you focus on cooking the rest of the ingredients.

Friday, October 18, 2024

Marble Cake Recipe

Swirled of butter batter and cocoa batter, as swirl cake.
Marble cake, also known as swirl cake or butter cocoa cake, is a hybrid of half butter cake and half chocolate (cocoa) cake. This is a pretty easy recipe. You can even use a regular butter cake recipe, split the batter into two, and fold cocoa powder into one portion, making sure there are no lumps (BUTTER CAKE RECIPE). 

If you like, add a little extra cocoa powder. The slight bitterness blends well with the sweetness of the buttery cake batter.

Sleep Struggles for Women in Midlife: Yoga Solutions

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This article investigates the sleep struggles faced by women in midlife, particularly those in their forties and beyond, and emphasizes the role of yoga as a holistic solution. As women in this age group encounter various challenges - such as emotional fatigue, physical inactivity, and disruptions in circadian rhythms - these factors significantly contribute to poor sleep quality. The research highlights how the practice of yoga can address these issues by enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By incorporating yoga into their daily routines, women can cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and foster a deeper sense of tranquility, which are essential for reclaiming restful sleep.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Sarawak Laksa Recipe

Bowl of spicy coconut milk, herbs and prawn broth gravy, with noodles, tofu pok, fried prawns and coriander leaves.

Fragrant, spicy, and creamy Sarawak-style noodle soup with a rich prawn-coconut broth layered in tangy, aromatic flavors. The famous Sarawak Laksa or laksa made in Sarawak. Though spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds and fennel seeds are roasted before adding into the making of Sarawak Laksa Paste, for easy cooking, store-bought already grounded ones make it easier.

 

The Laksa paste is what determines the delicious of laksa, which also be said as curry or laksa gravy. Once this has been made, the rest of the cooking technique is rather straightforward (PRAWN CURRY LAKSA). 

Mutton Dalcha Recipe

Top view of mutton cooked with lentils, turmeric powder, spices, tomato, onion, ginger, garlic, yogurt, curry leaves and coriander leaves.
When mutton is cooked with lentils and spices, it becomes a thick, spicy curry with tender meat. A vibrant yellow hue, soft lentils and meat, tasty Indian-style Mutton Dalcha.

What makes this Mutton Dalcha, or Mutton with Lentils Curry, stand out? It’s the cooking technique. Pressure-cooking the mutton softens the tough meat. The flavor is enhanced by store-bought spice powders instead of making masala from scratch.

 

Add the creamy richness of natural yogurt and the aromatic touch of curry leaves and coriander, and the curry is full of depth and aroma (INDIAN LAMB SOUP).

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Tofu Stir Fry: Indian Style

Cubed fried tofu, stir fried with spices, chili powder, coriander leaves and ginger.
Tofu, the protein-packed ingredient made from soybeans, is suited for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. These days, it comes in different tyoes. from traditional blocks to sofu and even organic varieties (VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK). 

For this Indian-style stir fry, firm tofu works best. Otherwise, tofu will crumble apart, unless you’re after a softer, scrambled texture.

NIVEA Rose Care Micellar Wash Gel with Organic Rose Water

Front view of NIVEA Rose Care Micellar Wash Gel tube featuring organic rose water
As a woman in my 60s, I’ve long avoided traditional face soaps and powder-based cleansers, regardless of how promising their ingredients sound. These products tend to strip my skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight - exactly the opposite of what mature skin, in need of moisture and hydration, requires. I usually stick with milk cleansers, but when I came across the NIVEA Rose Care Micellar Wash Gel with Organic Rose Water, I was intrigued enough to make an exception (WARDAH UV SHIELD ESSENTIAL GEL).

First Impressions
The packaging caught my eye immediately - a tube in a delicate pink shade with a convenient flip-top lid. Its simplicity and elegance appealed to me, but what really drew me in was the product description. This micellar wash gel promises to gently remove waterproof makeup and deeply cleanse the skin without drying it out, all while being infused with organic rose water. It also claims to purify the skin, control sebum, and leave it feeling moisturized for 24 hours (FOOT CREAMS: DRY SKIN & CRACKED HEELS).

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe: Italian Genoise

chocolate cake, made with cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, butter and flour.
This Easy Chocolate Cake: Italian Genoise is light, tender, slightly dense, and soft yet crumbly, all the way through a chocolaty delight. With just six simple ingredients, it’s amazing how such a minimalist recipe can create a cake that melts in your mouth (BUTTER CAKE). 

Baking this cake requires the boiler method, where eggs and sugar are whisked over simmering water until foamy, then whisked off the heat to reach the ribbon stage. Folding in the flour carefully is equally important.

 

Fold in one direction and avoid lumps to keep the cake airy and light (CHOCOLATE COFFEE CAKE). 

Warung Mak Dara Corner (Jalan Kebun): Taste of Malay Heritage

Warung Mak Dara corner main entrance with its signboard prominently displayed
Living just 10 minutes from Jalan Kebun via Kemuning Greenville, I’ve yet to explore the eateries in Jalan Kebun. However, being a true lover of Malay cuisine, I’ve already indulged in every Malay eatery within Kemuning Greenville, where Nava's Zen is located as well. This time, for a casual lunch with my dining companion, we decided to venture into Jalan Kebun. Though I initially had another spot in mind, my lunch partner suggested Warung Mak Dara Corner (Kampung Jln Kebun), and we arrived around 11:30 am on a Sunday.

Parking was a breeze - being both Sunday and an early lunch hour. By the time we arrived, a few patrons were already enjoying their meals. While they offer breakfast and noodle dishes (likely served later in the day), the main attraction for lunch is Nasi Campur.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Ghee Mutton Roast Recipe

Cooked with spices, ghee, curry leaves, and mixes spices curry paste, Ghee Mutton Roast.
A really thick-gravy South Indian mutton curry with a tadbit of masala around tender mutton. This popular Ghee Mutton Roast is cooked in ghee with aromatic spices for spiced-up flavour profile and aroma (MUTTON RENDANG). 

Though the name may sound exclusive, making this easy spicy mutton recipe is surprisingly simple. Using a pressure cooker helps tenderize the mutton quickly, and the rest follows easy, step-by-step cooking.

Indonesian Street Food

When in Indonesia, it’s impossible to ignore the street stalls. From lone roadside carts to clusters of vendors, they appear everywhere as y...