Thursday, September 21, 2023
Embracing the Fiery Passion: The Indispensable Chillies in Malaysian Cuisine and Gardening
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Indian Kachumber Salad: Zen Wellness with Creative Variants
I’m a huge fan of salads - how about you? I enjoy a variety of salads (AVOCADO TOFU SALAD), but Indian salads are truly the epitome of Zen Wellness. They’re refreshing, crunchy, spicy, and tangy - all the qualities that define Zen Cuisine. While salads, in general, are healthy, Indian salads take it up a notch. When I used to host gatherings, Indian salads were always a hit because they’re so easy to prepare: just slice or cut the ingredients, which are both accessible and affordable. You can prepare them in advance, store them in the fridge, and serve them chilled or at room temperature. Isn’t that a fantastic way to entertain, rather than spending hours stir-frying vegetables (ZESTY MALAY OKRA SALAD).
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Marriage and Culinary Exploration: Vietnamese Delights (Ding Xiang Bak Kut Teh Restaurant)
Monday, September 4, 2023
Embracing Roses: Lessons in Resilience and Growth
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
The Delights of K2 Kopitiam: A Foodie's Paradise
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger: Urban Farming's Culinary Gem
Have you ever caught a whiff of Bunga Kantan, also known as Torch Ginger or Torch Lily? If you have, you'll know the thrill it brings. And if you haven't, you're in for a treat. Beyond its enchanting scent, growing this plant is like adding a vibrant burst of green to your garden. Its simple elegance truly lights up any space. And when those torch-like blooms start to emerge, it's like witnessing a whole new level of natural beauty unfold right before your eyes. As an urban gardener passionate about cultivating local scents, my first attempt at growing torch ginger didn't quite go as planned. But let me tell you, the journey is just as enchanting as the destination.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Turmeric Black Cumin Rice - A Health is Wealth Dish
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Vegetable Biryani & Pulao: Zen Color & Taste Therapy
Zen Color Therapy in cuisine is all about the art of creating visually stunning dishes that nurture both body and soul. It’s not just about adding color but about crafting meals that engage the senses, enhance well-being, and bring joy. By incorporating a variety of colorful ingredients, you make your dishes not only appetizing but also a feast for the eyes, elevating both the presentation and the dining experience (HYDERABADI VEGETABLE BIRYANI: SPICE INFUSED).
High-end restaurants understand this, with their focus on plating that turns food into art. Similarly, when you elevate the presentation of your meals, you uplift the happiness of everyone who enjoys them (TURKISH SAFFRON RICE: GOLDEN RICE).
Monday, July 24, 2023
Rendang Recipes: Chicken, Goat, Potato & Fish
Let’s venture into the world of Rendang, starting with Malaysian Rendang - a favorite among the Malay community. This rich and flavorful dish features meat, usually beef or chicken, slow-cooked in coconut milk and a blend of spices like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and chilies. Malaysian rendang comes in various types, including Rendang Tok from Perak, known for its darker, richer flavor due to longer cooking times and the addition of kerisik/toasted grated coconut): KERISIK RECIPES. Another type, Rendang Minang, reflects the influence of the Minangkabau people, with a slightly different preparation and taste.
Personally, I’m most familiar with the classic rendang, always made with a blend of spices and kerisik - an essential ingredient for me. Since we don’t eat beef and my husband avoids chicken, I often make Rendang Kambing (Mutton or Goat Rendang). However, I also prepare Rendang Ayam (Chicken Rendang) when we have guests, and I’ve experimented with other variations like Vegetarian Rendang, Rendang Kentang (Potato Rendang), Rendang Sardine using canned sardines, Rendang Ikan Bawal (Pomfret Fish Rendang), and even TOFU RENDANG..
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Lavish Coffee House: A Treat for the Senses
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Spinach Lentil Recipes: 21st Century Wellness
Spinach is my go-to green - packed with nourishment and bursting with benefits. It’s no wonder it’s considered a superfood, and I proudly grow several varieties in Nava’s Zen. Though, I’ll admit, sometimes it’s tricky to pin down the exact names of each type. But hey, if it’s got those vibrant red or purple stems, I know it’s Malabar Spinach. Why are so many types lumped under the Malabar name? Beats me! But one thing’s for sure: spinach is a must-have in my garden (CURRY LEAF RICE 3 SIMPLE RECIPES).
Now, if you’re thinking you can’t grow spinach, think again. It’s as simple as grabbing seeds, tossing them in soil, and giving them a good drink of water. You don’t need to be a wellness guru or attend gardening seminars to make it happen (BRAZILIAN SPINACH A HIDDEN GEM).
Friday, July 7, 2023
Thai Green Egg Curry: A Spicy Green Goddess
Eggs - they’re the universal culinary treasure, right? At my house, they’re a staple ingredient, always on standby for those emergency cooking situations. I mean, who doesn’t love the versatility of eggs? Countless dishes, endless creativity (THAI GREEN CRAB CURRY & BASIL PEPPER CRAB). But let's get to the basics: how do you boil your eggs for those perfect recipes? Let me share my trick. I wash them and pop them into the rice cooker while cooking rice.
Yep, you heard that right! I’ve boiled up to six eggs at once this way. Once the rice cooker clicks off, I run the eggs under cold water, so I don’t burn my hands, then crack and peel. Efficient and energy-saving, right?
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Signature Tiffins Cafe: Exploring a New Eatery in Bandar Rimbayu (Teluk Panglima Garang)
Monday, July 3, 2023
A Foodie's Journey in Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Unveiling the Culinary Delights of Alora Spices
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Curry Leaf Rice: Three Simple Recipes for Zen Wellness
In the storm of today's wellness craze, it’s easy to forget that once upon a time, wellness wasn’t something you chased after - it was just a part of life. Back then, people were simpler, humbler, and frankly, more human. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we're all racing for success, wealth, and achievements, with the daily grind and city traffic serving up pollution and viruses on a silver platter. Now, instead of wellness being a way of life, it's become something we scramble for, popping supplements like candy and treating medicine as food, instead of food as medicine (MALAY HERITAGE TURMERIC RICE).
But for those of you willing to hit pause, rethink, and maybe even re-look, there's always the option of simple, homemade wellness. Yes, eating out and ordering in might seem like the easier route - because who has time to cook, right? But the truth is, there are plenty of quick and easy dishes that can save the day, especially if you’re a fan of rice (and let's be honest, who isn't?).
Monday, June 26, 2023
Simple Anti-Aging Tips
(Updated Version)
Have you noticed how people seem to be aging faster these days, even younger ones? So, what exactly is anti-aging? It’s not about looking 10 years younger than your age but about looking presentable for your age, aging gracefully, and embracing time with confidence. Anti-aging is about reflecting your inner and outer beauty as you age, not trying to turn back the clock.
Here are simple
anti-aging tips to help you maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance:
Eating Habits
Anti-aging isn’t magic, but it’s all about discipline - especially when it comes to eating. Drink plenty of water - plain water is best. Include a lot of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and opt for steaming or roasting instead of frying. Eat to satisfy hunger, not for socializing or out of greed. Keeping your eating habits aligned with anti-aging principles is key. After all, you are what you eat.
Laughter is one of the best anti-aging therapies. Don’t hold back - let yourself laugh freely. Watch comedy movies and enjoy lighthearted moments to boost those laughter hormones. Did you know that laughter acts as a natural face massage? It moves your facial muscles, stimulates circulation, and infuses your skin with oxygen.
Stay Away from
Unhappy People
For more laughter therapy, surround yourself with happy, soulful people who keep things simple, easy, and witty. Positive people are like happy hormones - they uplift your spirit. On the other hand, stay away from those who complain, criticize, or are constantly negative. More importantly, avoid people who show off or flaunt their egos. These individuals can drain your energy and negatively impact your anti-aging efforts.
Engage in meaningful activities that don’t cost a lot of money. Coloring, for example, can be a surprisingly effective hobby for adults. The act of coloring with vibrant crayons or paints can boost your mood and, since smiling is part of the process, it also works as an anti-aging exercise by activating your facial muscles. Other affordable hobbies like gardening can also help reduce stress and keep you youthful (GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS).
Yoga Therapy
Yoga is one of the best anti-aging therapies out there. It’s not just for blood circulation; it’s also a mental therapy that works on your mind, body, and soul. Even just an hour of yoga per week helps pump more oxygen into your system, improves blood flow, and leaves you looking refreshed - like you’ve had a facial. Yoga provides you with much-needed "me-time," and feeling relaxed and rejuvenated reflects positively on both your inner and outer self.
Yoga should be complemented by basic skincare routines. After your yoga session, cleanse your face, then apply eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These steps are essential to your anti-aging regimen and much more effective than piling on makeup to hide your age. A consistent, simple skincare routine is key to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. (BASIC SKINCARE TIPS).
Time to Take
Charge
Aging gracefully is about taking control of your well-being and making small,
consistent changes. With these simple anti-aging tips, you’ll enhance your
natural beauty and vitality, one step at a time. It’s time to embrace aging
with confidence and grace.
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