Vanilla Butter Cookies

With some days still ahead of me during my leave from work, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to dust off my baking skills and whip up some homemade cookies. It's been ages since I last made cookies, mainly because neither I nor my husband are big snackers. But with time on my hands, I felt inspired to dive into the world of cookie making once again.

 

After trying my hand at Suji Cookies, Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, and Chinese Peanut Cookies, I was on a roll and couldn't resist the urge to try another recipe. This time, I decided to go for something classic and comforting: Vanilla Butter Cookies. There's something special about these cookies—they're simple yet delicious, and making the dough is a breeze.

Suji Cookies

Suji Cookies, an integral part of our Indian heritage, hold a special place in our hearts, especially during the festive season of Deepavali. Fond memories flood my mind of gathering with loved ones, rolling dough and delicately placing cherries atop each cookie, a cherished tradition that remains etched in my memory. Following the recent successes with Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, NyonyaPineapple Tarts, and Chinese Peanut Cookies, the allure of Suji Cookies was undeniable. With their humble yet captivating aroma, these buttery delights promise to evoke reminiscence and delight with every crispy, sweet bite.

Moroccan Pea Soup

I wouldn't and couldn't stop. In fact, I don't want to. I want to put my hands to as many cuisines from throughout the globe. Most probably because of this burning desire within me for learning to cook and these days, you can sit in front of your laptop and learn. So simple and so easy to learning and also picking up the vital tips to cooking. Of course, you can't do it in a jiffy. Instead, you have to put your heart and soul in firstly searching for recipes and then whether you are apt for copying exactly or allowing your thinking to wonder for coining your own dishes. So far I have achieved quite a good bit. The types of dishes I have made (Mongolian Prawns & Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal) from my own initiative and I must also thank the virtual world because admittedly, the food research in the virtual world did help. Moreover, when soups are a concern, should I, must I blow my own trumpet (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup, Chinese Vegetable Soup, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup, Korean Radish Soup & Japanese Lotus Root Soup)? No right right? Your reading action and reaction I think will unveil all of it?

Cayenne Chocolate Cookies

Indulging in chocolatey delights became my next irresistible temptation after mastering Nyonya Pineapple Tarts and Chinese Peanut Cookies. With my partner away on travels, the kitchen was my playground, and time was on my side. So, why not dive into the world of cookies again?

 

As someone who prefers a hint of spice over overwhelming sweetness, I decided to embark on crafting Cayenne Chocolate Cookies. Armed with cocoa powder and a mysteriously acquired bottle of cayenne pepper, I set out to create these eggless treats that promise to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds. The thought of their rich, chocolaty aroma filling my kitchen with warmth and comfort was simply irresistible.

Nyonya Pineapple Tarts

After crafting Chinese Peanut Cookies, I found myself drawn to another delightful treat: Nyonya Pineapple Tarts. What led me to these delectable delights? Simply put, it was my curiosity and desire to explore the sweetness of Nyonya cuisine (Nyonya Lam Mee) that beckoned me forth.

 

The journey to perfecting Nyonya Pineapple Tarts was fraught with setbacks. Despite consulting various recipes, I found myself grappling with failed attempts and wasted dough. Yet, from these failures emerged a recipe uniquely my own. What sets Nyonya Pineapple Tarts apart? It's all in the crumbly, buttery pastry and the distinctive open-face design, a departure from conventional tarts.

Chinese Peanut Cookies

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, sometimes it's the simplest pleasures that bring the most joy. And for me, that joy comes from the warmth of my kitchen and the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air.

 

It all started with a moment of inspiration during my annual leave, where instead of succumbing to the monotony of idle time, I decided to embark on a culinary adventure. With travel plans on hold, I turned to the comforting art of cookie making.

Milo Cake With Milo Glaze (Eggless)

Cake time ladies and gentlemen. Looked like I was in the mood? I was in fact. Most probably because my cake making utensils were lying around instead of me putting them back in the cupboard. Great valid reason I told myself before moving on to thinking and deciding which kinda of cake it should be this time (Traditional Butter Cake & Eggless Orange Cheesecake). Thanks to instructables for the recipe which caught my attention the moment I started searching online. Thank you once again, but me being someone who don't fancy a totality in replicating a recipe, I made the change. The change to using Milo instead of cocoa and despite doing so, cake turned out as a fantasy coming true. Recipe definitely can't be disputed compared to those other cake recipes I have taken from the virtual and which turned out witches from hell. This one must be utterly praised. Soft melting moment and beautiful to look at and once I did the glazing with Milo too, and after some of the store bought pink sugar flowers going atop, oh-my, what a beauty to the eyes and fantastically fabulous in the mouth. 

Traditional Butter Cake

So I baked after a lapse of few months and I baked traditionally. In other words, I baked a Traditionally Butter Cake. Why traditional? Well, because traditional will always be in demand and traditional also means the recipe has been existing for many, many years and still cherished till this day (Sujee Cake, Eggless Orange Cheesecake, Lemon Buttermilk Cake, Lemon Cream Pie & Marble Cake). Where did by the way the  recipe for this traditional butter cake derived from? From my friend. My friend who bakes like nobody's business and she sharing her recipe on the phone. To tell you the truth, initially I hesitated. I doubted myself if I can do a real-deal baking job for ensuring that I will not be a failure in making this traditional butter cake, though generally I never doubt myself when other types of sweet delights are a concern (Malaysian Sago Pudding, Kuih Buah Melaka, Rava Laddu & Payasam). In the end, as much as I wasn't really sure what will be the outcome, Traditional Butter Cake that came out of my oven I must say was a winner in my own category (Baked Rice Pudding). Soft, crumbly, not overly sweet and honestly, awesomeness.

Malaysian Fish Head Curry

Malaysian Fish Head Curry, aka Kari Kepala Ikan. Believe me, not the ordinary nor you should compare with those from the restaurants. Why are you asking me? Because this is a typical, authentic and most dangerously delicious, finger licking homemade Malaysian Fish Head Curry (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Nyonya Fish Noodle Soup, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fish Curry) Yes, stop questioning me. Fish head curry cooked alongside belimbing buluh from our Malaysian grown trees, and belimbin buluh somewhat I think can be regarded as the other side to the coin to starfruit though these are oblong in shape and greenish and yellowish in color. Trust me please, due to this really mostly sour fruit, you don't have to think twice on tamarind juice and when fish head is cooked alongside the customary ingredients (Chilli Soy Fish, Spicy Stingray & Fish Noodle Soup) we need for any curry and also coconut milk, pow-wow (Asam Pedas Bawal, Salted Fish Bone Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap). Malaysian Fish Head Curry by Nava K? Unbeatable for rushing your mouth towards its spiciness and coconut milk creaminess.

Mongolian Prawns

Not bad. I deserve a pat on my shoulders. I should because I am actually taking the height and depth to learning and knowledge thirsting on the various types of cuisines from throughout the globe and mostly from Asian region which of course stretches from this end till that end. Where and which part of Asia is Mongolia located? Somewhere within Asia and neighboring China and Russia on the across side. Why I am going into a such fact on Mongolia, are you now asking me? Well, to let you know that China has an influence, to a certain extent on the types of ingredients Mongolians tend to use for their cooking. Ah! I think I got it right. Otherwise, I don't think you could have digested the fact to me coining this Mongolian Prawns (Grilled Prawns, Chinese Prawn Fritters, Shrimp Wanton, Prawn Cocktail, Butter Prawns & Devilled Prawns). Actually, to tell you the truth, mutton and beef seemingly are the popular take in Mongolia, but considering that beef is taboo for us and since we have already hit our limit to mutton or lamb (Nepalese Mutton Curry), I decided on prawns (Goan Prawn Curry).

Sri Lankan Carrot Salad

The raw deal to a raw salad must be recognised and hailed as healthiness and for keeping it really easy and simple in our kitchen. Of course. I in fact love the concept to raw salads, but can't be a regularity because my half-half does not really fancy. Maybe every now and then is acceptable to him, whereas I am every willing to tuck into a raw salad even if its daily and sometimes raw salads are not necessarily an accompaniment for my rice meals (Penang Acar). They can be my snack as well when I feel like munching instead of grabbing junk food (Apple Cucumber Salad, Watermelon Salad & Malaysian Mango Salad) and anything for the matter made with vegetables is most probably low in calorie counting (Shahi Gobi, Cabbage Upkari, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup & Vegetable Raita). Moreover, when we speak about this Sri Lankan Carrot Salad (Carrot Poriyal)? An ultimate fresh raw burst to natural sweetness (Cucumber Yogurt Salad) of carrot and cucumber, refreshing tropical grated coconut (Sri Lankan Coconut Gravy), tadbit of heat from red chilli and green chilli, and tangy lime juice.

Malaysian Sago Pudding

Such is so that when you coin your own dessert, you must proudly profess and where else is a better place except in the virtual world. Specifically, for food bloggers, it must be in our blog. True enough. Yes indeed. I was in the mood of making a dessert and me being someone who love to definitely showcase our Malaysian ingredients (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles, Malaysian Chilli Crab & Malaysian Fish Curry), trust me, our ingredients are mostly affordable, in fact you just pay a couple of dollars, I decided I will twist, tweet and modify my previous Sago Gula Melaka. Furthermore because me and my preference for our easy to put together desserts we are proud of and known as kuih-muih (Kuih Buah Melaka, Bingka Pisang, Bubur Kacang Hijau, Poached Pears & Pandan Jelly), instead of baking or getting down to tremendously dessert works. Malaysian Sago Pudding? Obviously, sago is the main highlight (Sago Payasam) and of course, how can run away from coconut milk, Gula Melaka/palm sugar and for this my version sago pudding, drops of rose essence and red coloring. What a way to go for a delicious and an ultimate Malaysian Sago Pudding right? Wouldn't you agree Malaysian Sago Pudding is also so eye catchy as a a sugar sweet attraction?

Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon (Rice Vermicelli)

Malaysia My! Malaysia Mine! Malaysian Me! Me the typical Malaysian and I won't in any way or no way compromise our Malaysian food. The best food in the world I vouch and trust me, no food in this world can come close to our Malaysian food. Of course because we Malaysians are not short of the various types of dishes and instead of segregating ourselves by mentioning the three main races in Malaysia (Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Chilli Clams, Sayur Lodeh & Malaysian Indian Fish Curry), I must include all of us together when Malaysian food is a concern. Anything for the matter, including our forever and always loved fried rice (Malaysian Fried Rice) and I might as well include this Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon because we Malaysian love adding some anchovies (Anchovies Fried Mee Hoon) or dried shrimps for our variety of a simply fried together noodle dish. Moreover, there is limit to Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon (Malaysian Egg Benedict, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles & Malaysian Chicken Chop). In other words, its a meal for anytime of the day. For breakfast, for bunch, for lunch, for tea time, for dinner and we Malaysians (Malaysian Lamb Stew, Malaysian Pumpkin Soup & Malaysian Fried Mee) sure can extend our eating time till supper. Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon! A joyous meal once you fry mee hoon alongside our Malaysian ground found ingredients. Of course, like I have already told you, do not forget for celebrating dried shrimps (Malaysian Chilli Crab & Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles).

Cambodian Sour Fish Soup

Just in case you are wondering how do I know to make Cambodian Sour Fish Soup, there's nothing for me to say right (Angkor Wat & Siem Reap)? No point repeating over and over like a parrot right (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup)? Furthermore, I shouldn't also mention their neighboring country Vietnam (Vietnamese Steamed Fish & Vietnamese Fish Soup)?  Pretty much logically, I don't need a long intro for substantiating this Cambodian Sour Fish Soup. Thank god! Nevertheless, it will be good if I relate some of the fish recipes I have already shared with all you beautiful people (Indian Fish Curry, Asam Pedas, Thai Crispy Fish, Steamed White Pompret & Ikan Masak Kicap) and what is the cooking story to Cambodian Sour Fish Soup? Oh, so easy, so uncomplicated, so straightforward, so food slurping and you add local veggies. Notably, mine had to okra/bendi/ladies fingers and I added some turmeric powder for bright hue and extra flavor (Nyonya Fish Soup, Thai Fish Soup & Mutton Soup).

Nyonya Hot and Sour Noodles in Fish Soup

Cooking can be interpreted in different ways to all of us. For the most of us, cooking basically is about ensuring a healthy home cooked meal in a clean environment compared to exposing ourselves to what not when we eat out. Of course definitely if you are asking me and I will totally vouch nothing like a home meal even if its just basic and simple dishes. You can include me in this category of women who make it a point in cooking, but every now and then, cooking for me personally is about setting my own bar against how better I can cook. Basically, I like the thing of allowing my mind to wonder for my own invention. Rather challenging for oiling my thinking cap and which does land me in the zone of happiness whenever I come up with my invented dishes. Take this Nyonya Hot and Sour Noodles in Fish Soup which is actually the other door to Assam Laksa, and I have already previously opened two doors (Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles & Penang Assam Laksa). 

Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup

Don't ask me why and what not, I really can't tell you why even among the Chinese, there are vegetarians (Vegetarian Fried Mee Hoon & Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup). Most probably due to religionism, I believe so and like the Indians, more and more Chinese (Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup, Chinese Fried Rice, Chay Kway Teow, Chicken Wanton Soup & Cantonese Yee Mee) are now opting for vegetarianism. Beat me why. Honestly I don't know. As it is, I myself am not a vegetarian, (Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup & Hakka Noodles) neither will I want to be because I can't be a meatless person, nor I am trying hard. Of course, every now and then, in fact my other half-half is a vegetarian (Vegetarian Chow Mein) every Saturday, not me though but I don't actually mind a vegetarian meal and I quite like the concept to a tasty to like this Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup mostly, plus cooking such dishes mind you is not really mind boggling. Nevertheless, a flavorful vegetable broth definitely is a must (Old Cucumber Soup & Burdock Root Soup). Otherwise, vegetable noodle soup dishes will taste bland, and you can either make the broth or get the ready made store bought ones. Whichever, up to you and for this style Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, I doubt you will struggle in getting the ingredients as listed below. This my style Chinese Vegetable Nodle Soup seriously is flavorsome and unbeatable. 

Tom Yam Steamed Fish

Tom Yam, can you believe it? Ready made tom yam paste or made from a stretch tom yam paste which by far is a food show stealer for Thai savory dishes. Of course if you are asking me and if you are asking me again about Thai food boldness and explosion of different role play of tastes, I sure can tell you (Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Thai Vegetable Curry). So much so, when tom yam paste is a concern, I sure have it at the back of my hands as well (Tom Yum Goong). Moreover, I think by now, you must be already tired listening to all those of my fish stories I have repeated over and over again (Tandoori Salmon, Bengali Fish Croquettes, Ikan Masak Kicap, Ikan Balado, Malabar Fish Curry & Unagi Kabayaki). So, what do we have to do for Tom Tam Steamed Fish? Steaming of course is most probably an easy cooking chore, but you still need to make the tom yam paste. Make the paste, and saute it alongside kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, lime juice, birds eyes chillies (Thai Crispy Fish & Thai Green Fish Curry) and the rest of the ingredients as listed below, followed by tipping tom yam paste over fish which has already been steamed (Nyonya Steamed Fish, Vietnamese Steamed Fish, Thai Steamed Fish, Teochew Steamed Fish & Hong Kong Steamed Fish) with ginger. The outcome and food result? Absolutely tempting, inviting and color vibrant Tom Yam Steamed Fish (Chilli Soy Fish & Chilli Lime Fish).

Peshawari Mutton Karahi

Peshawari Mutton Karahi!! From the land of Pakistan and specifically from the city of Peshawar. Already sounding mouth watering right and I bet the pictures are additionally making your tummy hunger topsy-turvy right? In fact, to tell you the truth, I myself can't contain my hunger and I think without me realizing, my saliva is gonna drip down soon. Regardless, any mutton dish for the matter most probably can trigger hunger for the both of us and I must go ahead by mentioning that I quite know it about the different kinds of mutton curries from this part and that part of the world. Furthermore, should I blow my own trumpet to how far I have come in making all sort of dishes from around the globe (Tandoori Chicken, Aam ka Achaar, Bengali Fish Croquettes, Chicken Vindaloo, Cari Poisson & Goan Prawn Curry)? Enough of me and marketing myself, let's not waste anymore time in getting down to making Peshawari Mutton Karahi. Thick, spices infused, yogurt creaminess, ghee and coriander leaves scented, plus honestly guys, blame it on my habit of adding potatoes for most of my mutton curries. Can you like possibly blame me for adding potatoes? We Malaysian Indians and we just must somehow find a reason for merging potatoes and mutton as one (Nepalese Mutton Curry, Aloo Gosht, Shahi Mutton Curry, Rogan Josh, Mutton Keema, Masala Mutton Curry & Mutton Parathal).   

Rava Laddu

Me and making sweets? God! Wonder what got into me for a change (Kuih Buah Melaka, Mango Cheesecake & Lemon Buttermilk Cake). Must be the Deepavali,, Diwali or Festival Of Lights spirit. Or maybe since I had some semolina or rava in stock, I thought I might as well. I might as well use it up  (Sujee Cake & Rava Kesari) and the type of sweet that popped up on my mind  was Rava Laddu, also known or spelled as Ladoo. Rava Laddu? Round sweet rava made and ghee loaded and scented by cardamom and mine as you have already noted, are the small, cute adorable ones instead of huge balls which by far are such a waste. I mean, honestly, tell me, can we like finish off the one huge ball? Seriously, I can't understand why people make big laddu balls? I think these people don't understand the concept to wasting or they must be rich until they can't less about whether laddu is eaten or after taking a few bites, thrown. Rava Laddu by the way, definitely is a sugar rush pleasure amongst Indians and without laddu, Indian festivals are not complete. 

Sarawak Laksa

Guys, I thought maybe for the time being, we will just stick to within our Malaysian recipes instead of humping and jumping to other countries around the globe and most probably, my last few recipes have indicated that I am staying put and standing on my Malaysian ground (Ayam Pongteh & Chicken Vindaloo). Of course, I am not denying that a gastronomical tour to other countries is definitely a food show for exposing us to the various types of cuisines (Singapore Laksa & Vietnamese Noodle Soup). Yet, to a certain extent, I think we must do our local food hunting as well. Trust me, I myself personally have not completed making noodles from our different states (Cantonese Yee Mee, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Mee Yoke), though Curry Laksa, or Laksa Lemak or Curry Mee been trended in this space of mine (Nyonya Curry Laksa, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Penang Curry Mee) and back then, don't know how moons ago, I did make a trip to Sarawak whereby I tuck into their well known Sarawak Laksa.