Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Easiest Banana Chocolate Cake: Simple and Delicious

We've got everyone covered - whether you bake for therapy, for your loved ones who prefer homemade cakes, or for entertaining guests at your home parties. Even if you're simply a cake enthusiast who enjoys admiring pictures and dreaming of indulging, we're here for you. And if you own a baking business and want to use our banana chocolate cake recipe as your secret weapon, feel free - we have no qualms. Perhaps you could even mention Nava's Zen to your clients?

Monday, April 22, 2024

"Como, Lugano, and Milan: Lakeside Escapes and Urban Adventures

The final stretch of my 9-day Italian adventure (Verona) marked another chapter of exploration, beginning with a visit to the stunning Lake Como, nestled cozily in the embrace of Lombardy. The moment I laid eyes on its tranquil waters, I was utterly captivated. We took our time, strolling leisurely along the shoreline, capturing each moment with our cameras and basking in the peaceful atmosphere. The morning breeze was crisp, sending shivers down my spine, but thankfully, my trusty scarf came to the rescue. While I was wrapped up like a mummy, the others seemed unaffected, lost in the beauty of the lake. 

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Portuguese Vegetable Pickle/Achar: A Flavorful Delight from Tradition


In 2020, I whipped up this Portuguese vegetable pickle, or achar, as some may call it. This isn't my first rodeo with it - I've made it a couple of times before. You might be wondering why I'm only sharing it now. Well, the idea struck me as I was browsing through our YouTube channel. I thought, "Why not feature it as part of our Zen Cuisine?" Plus, not everyone prefers video recipes; some prefer the written words. 

Named as vegetable pickle, I've experimented with various veggies like carrots, cabbage, long beans, fresh beans, and even ginger. But after a couple of tries, I've settled on just green chilies, shallots, and garlic because these are what we tend to prefer, not the vegetables. That's what you'll find in the final product.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Verona, Italy: A Journey Through Romance and History

As the days dwindled down to just two left in Italy (Venice), a feeling of reluctance settled in (Florence). How I wished our tour could stretch on indefinitely, allowing us to bask in the beauty of this enchanting country a little while longer (Rome). But alas, reality beckoned, and we had to prepare for our return to the daily grind.

Our next destination: Verona. By 9:00 am, we found ourselves standing before the majestic Adige River, its clean waters flowing serenely beneath our gaze. The sight was a balm to our senses, soothing our souls as we took in the natural wonder of the surrounding hills and bridges that dotted the landscape.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Vegetarian Fruity Bread Pudding: A Guilt-Free Delight

Let's take a flavorful journey into your kitchen, where bread isn't just a staple - it's a cherished necessity. In my home, it's not just for breakfast; it's the star of our light dinner meals. Picture this: two slices, perfectly complementing the savory curries or veggies we enjoyed for lunch. It's a simple joy, made even easier these days. Thanks to bread makers that churn out loaves effortlessly.

But what about those leftover slices? Ah, fear not! They can be frozen for future use, ensuring that no crumb goes to waste. Simply wrap them snugly in plastic or foil, or pop them into resealable bags to preserve their freshness. It's a small step towards mindful, sustainable living.


Now, before those bread slices bid adieu, why not give them a delicious encore?

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Venice, Italy: A Day of Dreams

Amidst the hustle and bustle, we patiently waited for our turn to disembark from the boat and explore Venice on foot. Despite the initial chaos, I knew that the magic of Venice awaited just beyond the crowds, ready to be discovered and cherished (Florence & Rome).

As it was a bustling Sunday, navigating through the crowds that swarmed the streets of Venice during the peak summer season proved to be quite the challenge. Human traffic was carefully managed to ensure a smooth flow of movement, with only a certain number of people allowed to walk together at a time to prevent chaos and congestion.

Monday, April 8, 2024

Gerai Signature (Kota Kemuning): Zen Dining Insights

Reflecting on my past as a blogger, approximately 7 years ago, invitations to private or group dining experiences were anything but straightforward. The portrayal of a zen dining experience often concealed the truthfulness of such reviews. Bloggers were given scripts and instructed to adhere strictly to them, mandating praise regardless of authenticity. These bloggers, now overtaken by so-called social media influencers, were sought after for their ability to craft beautiful narratives in exchange for complimentary food and products, presenting an idealized picture. 


However, I chose to maintain authenticity in my writing, even if it means receiving no invitations. Why would I need such invitations when I can afford to pay for my own meals? Paying for meals frees you from biased reviews, avoiding all the praise in exchange for free food.

Easiest Banana Chocolate Cake: Simple and Delicious

We've got everyone covered - whether you bake for therapy, for your loved ones who prefer homemade cakes, or for entertaining guests at ...