Sunny Lamb Traditional Apam Balik: A Street Food Delight

While out buying groceries, I stumbled upon Sunny Lamb Traditional Apam Balik. Intrigued, I approached the van stall to explore this concept further. The menu offered a captivating array of apam balik varieties and these are vegan friendly. After considering my options, I chose the ori kelapa parut (original coconut) and jagung cheese/corn cheese. The other varieties were equally tempting, but I decided that three pieces of these Malaysian (EFFORTLESS MALAY DESSERTS) traditional pancakes would be enough to start with. Perhaps next time, I will try the other varieties.

Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup Recipe

Warm, nourishing, and aromatic, this traditional Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup is an ideal  one-pot meal for rainy days, chilly evenings, or anytime you crave comfort. Tender chicken pieces simmer with ginseng, dried wolfberries (kei chi), and longans, creating a mildly sweet, wholesome soup.

Truly delicious on its own or pair it with rice for a complete (PORK CHOPS CHINESE STYLE), immune-boosting meal the whole family will love.

 

Making authentic Chinese chicken soup is easier than you think. Using store-bought ginseng along with garlic, ginger, and dried herbs, all it takes is a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld.

Mental Health and Productivity: The Case for Corporate Yoga

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
Corporate wellness programs are increasingly emphasizing mindfulness, mental health, and work-life balance, yet yoga often remains sidelined. This abstract examines the integration of yoga into corporate wellness initiatives and the benefits it offers. Despite the growing popularity of mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathwork, which originate from yoga philosophy, many organizations overlook yoga's comprehensive benefits. This study explores the disconnect between the promotion of wellness practices and the actual incorporation of yoga into corporate programs. It highlights the extensive benefits of corporate yoga, including improved mental clarity, stress reduction, physical health, and enhanced workplace morale.

Pulut Inti: Glutinous Rice with Sweet Coconut

Pulut Inti (Pulut Inti Manis) is a classic Malaysian kuih-muih (sweet delicacy) made with pandan-scented white glutinous rice topped with grated coconut cooked in palm sugar (gula melaka).

Traditionally, the rice and coconut are neatly folded or wrapped in banana leaves, but don’t worry if you don’t have them. Pulut Inti can still be made and tasted without the leaves (STEAMED SAGO CAKES/SAGU KUKUS). 

Egg Sambal Recipe (Sambal Telur)

Sambal is always a favourite and a must on the Malaysian food list. No sambal, spicy chili gravy, means a Malaysian meal isn’t complete.

When boiled eggs are added, it becomes egg sambal, or sambal telur. This recipe is special because it includes dried shrimp (udang kering), adding a rich umami depth on top of roasted shrimp paste (belacan), all mellowed with fresh turmeric (MUTTON RENDANG/RENDANG KAMBING). 

Reviving Minds: Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health

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
Yoga, an ancient practice combining breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness, has emerged as a potent tool for improving mental health. This article investigates the therapeutic benefits of yoga in addressing stress, anxiety, and depression. It reviews recent academic studies to highlight how yoga's integrative approach - through breath regulation, mindful movement, and relaxation - enhances emotional resilience and mental clarity. The paper contrasts yoga with conventional mental health interventions and emphasizes its role as a complementary therapy. By examining current evidence and theoretical perspectives, the study advocates for the integration of yoga into mental health practices, underscoring its potential to rejuvenate and stabilize the mind amidst the demands of modern life.

Keywords: Yoga, Mental Health, Stress Relief, Anxiety Management, Depression, Breathwork, Mindfulness, Emotional Resilience, Complementary Therapy.

FIsh Ball Noodle Soup

While store-bought or ready-made fish balls offer convenience, homemade fish balls are a rewarding alternative. Making fish balls at home takes time, but it’s worth it. They are made 100% from fresh fish flesh and are completely free from preservatives. For this fish ball noodle soup, the fish bones and skin are for creating the fish soup (CANTONESE YEE MEE). 

This forms the foundation for a delicious homemade fish ball soup recipe. The rest comes down to additional ingredients: your choice of noodles, crispy fried shallots, and crispy fried basil leaves (or spring onions as an alternative). Pair it with the homemade spicy dip for an extra kick.

Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe: Eggless

Chocolate and coffee, a great match. Inspired by the Italian affogato, where hot espresso is poured over vanilla ice cream, this cake combines the gentle bitterness of coffee and cocoa with the sweetness of sugar and the tang of yogurt (CHOCOLATE CAKE VEGETARIAN). 

This chocolate coffee cake is hand-made and super moist, soft, and melts in the mouth. Using Nescafé here (though any coffee works), the coffee blends well with cocoa for a simple, balanced taste.

Loneliness Amongst Older Indians in Malaysia

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
Loneliness among older adults, particularly within the Indian community in Malaysia, presents a significant issue exacerbated by cultural and social dynamics. This article explores the manifestations and contributing factors of loneliness among older Indian individuals, focusing on their interactions, social behaviors, and the impact of modern technology. The study highlights how older Indians exhibit heightened levels of loneliness compared to other ethnic groups, influenced by societal changes and family dynamics. Key findings reveal that loneliness is frequently expressed through excessive social media use, persistent communication attempts, and the seeking of validation through personal achievements.