Oatmealll Raisin Cookies: A Delightful Twist on Traditional Treats

The anticipation mounted as I stood in my kitchen, contemplating whether to embark on one final baking venture (Semperit Cookies) before returning to the daily grind. With just three days left of my much-needed break, I found myself drawn to the allure of homemade cookies (Vanilla Butter Cookies) once more. This time, the spotlight fell on Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - a classic treat with a comforting charm.

 

Unlike some of my previous cookie escapades (Cayenne Chocolate Cookies & Nyonya Pineapple Tarts), the recipe for these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies promised simplicity and ease. Yet, as I soon discovered, even the seemingly straightforward can hold unexpected challenges. Armed with a recipe from a popular site, I dove into the baking process, only to encounter a sticky dough (Chinese Peanut Cookies) that defied all attempts at shaping.

Semperit Cookies: Crafting Sweet Memories, One Ribbon at a Time

Ah, the delightful rhythm of baking continues in my kitchen! With each new creation, I find myself drawn deeper into the enchanting world of homemade treats. Despite the challenges that may arise, I refuse to be discouraged. So, when the urge struck to craft Semperit Cookies-a beloved member of the Malay cookie family -I dove right in. Little did I know, this venture would test my patience like never before.

 

As I set out on this culinary journey, memories of past triumphs filled my mind. From the delicate Vanilla ButterCookies to the bold Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, and the detailed NyonyaPineapple Tarts to the comforting Chinese Peanut Cookies, not forget, the crunchy crumbly Suji Cookies, each creation had its own story to tell. Yet, none had prepared me for the meticulous process of shaping Semperit Cookies.

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: Sugee/Semolina Melt-In-Your-Mouth Bites

(Updated Version)

How can Deepavali be complete without Suji Cookies? For me, they're a beloved tradition. Growing up, baking Suji Cookies was a family event. We used an old round silver oven with a glass window to check on the cookies, but the round meter rarely worked—talk about old-school! Unlike today's high-tech ovens, that round one was all we could afford, and it did the job for our Deepavali baking. While Mom made the dough, the rest of us rolled, pinched, and added cherries before she popped the cookies in the oven. And yes, the raw dough was just too tempting (EGGLESS CAYENNE CHOCOLATE COOKIES).

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.

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.

Malaysian Fish Head Curry: Belimbing Buluh's Natural Tanginess

Are you a fan of fish head curry? I truly am. There's nothing like digging, biting, and nibbling on the rich flavors of a fish head curry. Whether you prefer to enjoy it as is or chopped into pieces for easier eating, this dish is a delight. Today, I'm featuring the Malaysian version of fish head curry. What sets it apart? It's the belimbing buluh (you can see how it looks in the picture), also known as the oblong small starfruit.

 

Belimbing buluh, or bilimbi, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It's small, green, cucumber-shaped, and has a very sour taste. Often used in Malaysian, Indonesian, and Filipino cuisines, belimbing buluh adds a tangy flavor to dishes and is sometimes used in pickles and chutneys.

Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup: Choices & Variations

(Updated Version)

Did you know that soup can nourish not just the body, but the breath, mind, and soul as well? Imagine the soothing warmth of a bowl of soup, bringing a sense of calm with every sip. This is the essence of Zen cuisine (JAPANESE VEGETARIAN CUISINE) - a mindful way of eating where simplicity and harmony are at the heart of every meal. There’s something almost magical about it, especially when it’s a Chinese soup infused with herbs, veggies, and ladled over tender noodles. The flavors blend together in a way that’s simply sensational.

 

As more people embrace vegetarianism, soups have taken on a new life. While I’m not strictly vegetarian, I enjoy both meat  (CHINESE HERBAL PORK SOUP) and meatless meals. For a vegetarian soup, the quality of the vegetable stock is everything. It’s what makes the difference between a truly nourishing bowl and one that’s just okay. While you can find artificial vegetarian stock in stores these days, often in granule form, nothing beats the depth of flavor from a homemade vegetable stock.

Sarawak Laksa: Tradition Meets Creative Flair

(Updated Version)
There’s a magic that stirs within me when I step into the kitchen—a dance of flavors that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul. Cooking, for me, is more than following a recipe to the letter; it’s about weaving my creativity into every dish, making it uniquely mine. After all, if you don’t infuse your own spirit into what you create, what’s the point of being different, of being you? That’s why you might notice my recipes always carry a touch of the unexpected, even if they share the same core ingredients as others. Don’t you agree that this is what makes each of us, and our culinary creations, one of a kind (SINGAPORE LAKSA LEMAK)?

Take my Sarawak Laksa (SIAMESE LAKSA LEMAK), for instance. It’s not your standard bowl of laksa—far from it. I’ve taken the traditional essence and infused it with my own flair, creating something I’m proud to call my own.

Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani: Spice-Infused Rice Classic

(Updated Version)
Let’s get familiar with the world of Hyderabadi Biryani. Known for its unique dum cooking method, where marinated meat and partially cooked rice are slow-cooked together, this biryani allows the flavors to meld into a perfectly balanced dish. It offers two varieties: kacchi (raw meat cooked with rice) and pakki (pre-cooked meat and rice layered together), both enriched with fragrant spices, saffron, and crispy fried onions. A fusion of Mughlai and local Andhra cuisines, Hyderabadi biryani is a true reflection of Hyderabad's royal heritage. Often served with mirchi ka salan and raita, it's an experience like no other. 

Now, here’s the truth - I’m not even sure if I’ve ever tasted authentic Hyderabadi Biryani, given the variety of biryanis we have in Malaysia. And honestly, I’ve never been to Hyderabad. Plans were made, but they didn’t materialize. I have, however, been to other parts of India (KOCHI KERALA), where the biryanis are simply sensational, each region offering its own unique twist. They’re super delicious - thanks to India’s rich spices and ingredients (CHENNAI DISCOVERY).

Tofu Manchurian and More: Tasty Tofu Dishes

(Updated Version)

I’m all about that tofu life! What about you? If you're as much of a tofu enthusiast as I am, you're in for a treat with the tofu recipes I'll be sharing, starting with the crowd-favorite Tofu Manchurian. Funny thing is, I’ve whipped up this dish a few times without realizing it had such a fancy name - I used to call it 'masala tofu' or 'spicy tofu' or whatever came to mind. But now, I proudly embrace its rightful name: Tofu Manchurian.

For those who don’t know, Tofu Manchurian is a star in Indo-Chinese cuisine, a vegetarian twist on the classic Chicken Manchurian, born from the fusion of Chinese and Indian flavors back in the 1970s, courtesy of Chinese immigrants in Kolkata. It’s a culinary blend that’s become a beloved staple across India. But here’s the twist - my version has a Malaysian flair. How’s that for a fusion?

Singapore Laksa: Ms. Nava's Version

Confession time: This Singapore Laksa may not be the original, authentic version. Although I've tasted what is claimed to be Singapore Laksa here and there, I must admit that I've never actually been to Singapore. Strange, right? Despite a few plans, nothing ever materialized for me to visit our neighboring country. So, I’ve never tasted Singapore Laksa in Singapore. But here's the thing - I’m a huge fan of laksa. Whether it's the curry or asam version, I've enjoyed it countless times. 

Nyonya Lam Mee: Hearty and Nourishing Choice

(Updated Version)

Noodles (MALACCA'S NYONYA FOOD FIESTA) are a delightful culinary experience, offering a welcome break from the routine of rice-based meals. Particularly enjoyable during wet and chilly weather, noodles provide warmth and satisfaction to the palate. Among the various noodle dishes I've explored, my preference often leans toward the soupy varieties. Soups, after all, are not only nourishing but also filling, making them an excellent choice for those mindful of their weight. The key is to opt for soups rich in proteins and loaded with vegetables, steering clear of heavy, calorie-laden options. 

 

When you desire more substance in your meal, incorporating noodles into your soup is a fantastic option. Today, the market offers a wide range of healthier noodle choices, making it easier to align your meals with your wellness goals.

Crispy Bitter Gourd Chips & Sri Lankan Karavila Salad Recipes

(Updated Version)

Growing bitter gourd has been a deeply fulfilling experience, perfectly aligning with Nava’s Zen philosophy. The glossy, dark green fruits are visually stunning, but unfortunately, they don’t last long. This means the cycle of growing must continue. Despite initial setbacks and pauses for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, I’m now ready to start growing again.

Cultivating bitter gourd is quite simple. You can either dry the seeds before planting or plant them directly after using them in your cooking. To my delight, the seeds from my kitchen produced new plants.

Indian Masala Chicken Curries & Dry Style Recipes

(Updated Version)

Let's get started, and let me tell you this - making masala chicken curry is absolutely doable! Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Even if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfect, trust me, with practice, you'll master it. Cooking is all about learning from mistakes, and as Ms. Nava, a lecturer for 22 years, would say, experience is the best teacher. So here’s a big dose of encouragement from her: You've got this. I truly believe you'll do a fantastic job cooking (PORTUGUESE CHICKEN DEVIL CURRY).

Now, here's what to keep in mind about Masala Chicken

Masala simply means curry paste or spice mix - sounds fancy, but it's really not that complicated.

There are different types of masalas, and it’s all about combining spices to create unique flavors (CHINESE CHILLI CHICKEN RECIPES).