Simmered Daikon

Salmon, tofu, mushrooms, eggs and daikon, or radish (Malaysian Indian Fish Curry). Don't you think these are some of the favorite ingredients for Japanese cooking (Egg Fish Roll, Grilled Salmon, Mushroom Veggie Burger & Chinese Tofu Soup). If you are asking me, its a big yes from me to you. These ingredients are generally showcased in various ways in Japanese cuisine. Either by themselves or a combo alongside other ingredients (Yong Tau Foo, Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Winter Melon Soup) and of course, when Japanese food is a concern, we need those Japanese ingredients like dashi stock, Japanese soy sauce, mirin and sake, well, not a must if you don't fancy, but for the rest of of us who enjoy alcohol, I don't think we will have any qualms? Not me though. I love alcohol, though I find that sake is somewhat quite strong for me. Yet, I wouldn't mind a few sips and of course, why should I not add sake when its a Japanese dish in my house? For this Simmered Daikon? Oh yes. Quite a thing actually getting the Japanese ingredients which are rather pricey, but I guess if its once a while, we won't mind spending. Especially for a hardcore Malaysian who only believe in our local ingredients? Having said that, for the sake of Simmered Daikon? Soft, tender daikon in  tadbit of sauce made from the customary Japanese ingredients (Teppanyaki Salmon).

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.

Rendang Ayam

Rendang Ayam. Chicken Rendang. How can we possibly forget about rendang ayam. How we possibly don't pay attention to this our, Malaysian, forever famed (Kangkung Belacan, Ikan Pari Sambal, Mee Rojak, Sambal Udang Petai & Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang) and I think world known dish. Its like a customary and much looked forward to dish during our festivals, regardless which religion and race in Malaysia. Of course, without a doubt, the best rendang I must vouch are those made by our Malay friends (Laksam Kelantan & Gado Gado). Of course. We shouldn't doubt it. Then again, anyone for the matter can make and trust me, stop believing those who claim rendang ayam is so difficult to make and its recipe is a guarded secret. Oh please. I used to fall for those crappiness until I started making. Who said you can't? Its matter of practice and of course, you can make an over-the-top rendang or simplicity can be your call as well for rendang ayam (Ayam Goreng Berempah, Malaysian Chicken Chop & Ayam Masak Merah), and for a simplified simple version, perhaps my recipe? I don't know. Really up to you, but I can assure you that my rendang ayam, let me repeat myself again, our Malaysian popularity (Malaysian Fried Rice, Malaysian Sour Spicy Noodle Soup & Malaysian Chilli Crab) will not fail you. Our Malaysian herbs, kerisik and all the ingredients listed below for an appreciated and delightful rendang ayam/chicken rendang.

Chinese Tofu Soup

One of those days, in fact the day I dined on my own. I think I have told you before on this me and cooking a meal for myself only when my other half-half is away (Baked Lemon Chicken)? Of course, I do have a choice of eating out, but, the thought of it? Finding parking and then deciding what to eat or what to pack back seemingly sometimes is more confusing and stress leading compared to returning home and grabbing whatever ingredients I have for cooking a simple meal. Of course, a meal in a jiffy or I don't have to really slog in my kitchen (Onion Soup, Thai Carrot Soup, Tomato Spinach Soup & Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup). I think I have also told you that I make sure my pantry and fridge are usually stocked up? So, back home, whatever ingredients that will jive and balance together for my meal. Soups of course are the easiest (Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup)?

Black Pepper Crab

Herbs and spices? Don't you think they just complete our dishes? They just bring with them the appreciated scent, aroma and tastes? I reckon. In fact, I must say yes (Baked Lemon Chicken, Coriander Rice, Easy Chicken Kebab & Hong Kong Style Steamed Fish). Whether these are the local herbs and spices, or imported or growing in your garden. If you are asking me, I generally stick to local herbs and some of it like lemongrass, curry leaves and basil leaves are plucked from my garden. Of course, if I need to buy, I still do, but my style to my cooking is our local herbs. Seldom, maybe once a while, I won't mind paying, other than that, its a no (Chilli Lime Fish & Curried Roast Chicken). Therefore, the basil leaves for this Black Pepper Crab? Yep. From my garden and trust me, this type of basil will grow like nobody's business in our Malaysian weather. And crabs? Not always because (Crab Curry & Indian Crab Soup)?  You must make sure the crabs you buy are really fresh and what else should I say? Maybe we are concern about seafood and cholesterol, but when we eat, we don't stinge. We make sure we satisfy our crab craving to the maximum. How to cook Black Pepper Crab? Follow this recipe of mine and I am certain you won't be lost (Nandu Rasam & Malaysian Chilli Crab). Fresh grounded/blended paste made from ginger, turmeric, shallots and black pepper, and the rest of the ingredients listed below in which crabs are cooked. Can you imagine how it will be like tucking into this Black Pepper Crab (Chilli Honey Clams)? 

Baked Lemon Chicken

When its a meal on my own, I can't think of none. It has to be chicken. The chicken my other half-half is anti about, or better to be said as he does not eat chicken (Butter Chicken, Sweet Chilli Chicken, Braised Chicken Feet & Chicken Varuval). So? Chicken does not come into my hunger and food picture unless and until he is away. Or when we are entertaining or when I want to try new chicken dishes which will be packed and handed over to our friends (Spicy Chicken Wings, Easy Chicken Kebab, Thai Yellow Chicken Curry & Malaysian Chicken Chop). Otherwise, there can't be chicken in my house. Actually, my other half-half does not mind if I cook chicken. Then again? I cooked chicken for myself and then cook another dish for him? God! Extra kitchen work. No way. On this day, obviously, my meal on my own and I decided to go for a Western style baked style. Baked (Baked Rice Pudding & Baked Bread Rolls) Lemon Chicken (Baked Cornflakes Chicken). Lemon, rosemary, chicken and baking? Pow! You tell me. Like a rocker the best combination right? Scent and fresh citrusy burst of lemon (Lemon Buttermilk Cake, Lemon Cashew Rice & Lemon Cream Pie), absolutely pleasing to our senses rosemary scent and tender succulent chicken, all in one as a wholesome meal. My-my! Paired alongside rice, fresh salad and yogurt. What do you think (Curried Roast Chicken)? 

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?