In the 21st century, it’s alarming to see rising mental health issues affecting individuals from as young as five to those over seventy. Many of these challenges stem from a relentless pursuit of wealth, fame, and societal validation, heavily influenced by the curated perfection of social media. This trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Yoga and Mindfulness for Mental Health: A Healing Journey
Biskut Semperit (Kuih Dahlia) - Malaysian Custard Cookies
(Updated Version)
Have you ever tasted the delightful crunch of a Semperit cookie? Whether you call them custard cookies, Biskut Semperit, or Kuih Semperit - also known as Biskut Dahlia or Kuih Dahlia when shaped into a dahlia flower - these cookies evoke nostalgia and celebrate a cherished heritage (EASY EGGLESS VANILLA BUTTER COOKIES). These Malay heritage cookies are beloved for their crumbly texture and attractive appearance.
They hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate them and will never go out of style during festivals, especially during Hari Raya, where they are often served as a treat for guests and enjoyed with family (CHILI CHOCOLATE COOKIES).
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Singapore Laksa: Ms. Nava's Version
Confession time: This Singapore Laksa might not be
the traditional, authentic version. While I’ve tasted what’s labeled as
"Singapore Laksa" here and there, I must confess - I’ve never actually
been to Singapore. Strange, right? Despite a few plans, none ever materialized,
so I’ve yet to taste the famed Singapore Laksa in Singapore.
But here's the
thing - I’m a big fan of laksa, whether it’s the curry or asam version. Over the
years, I’ve enjoyed them many times and even made several variations of curry
laksa myself (HOMEMADE VEGETARIAN CURRY LAKSA, SARAWAK LAKSA & ASAM LAKSA VARIATIONS). After some reading, I realized there’s not much difference
between Singapore Laksa and Malaysian Laksa, except that Singapore's version is
said to be more lemak (rich and creamy), thanks to the extra coconut milk.
Cempedak Goreng Rangup: Crispy Delight with Black Sesame
My Experience with Wardah UV Shield Essential Gel Sunscreen
Neglecting to shield your skin from sun exposure
and indoor light sources can lead to several adverse consequences:
Accelerated Skin Aging
Prolonged exposure to UV
rays can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Increased Risk of Skin Cancers
UV radiation can
damage the DNA in skin cells, raising the risk of skin cancers, including
melanoma.
Skin Inflammation
The blue light emitted from
electronic devices is linked to various skin issues, potentially causing
inflammation and contributing to conditions like acne and pigmentation
disorders.
Monday, September 30, 2024
Nyonya Lam Mee: Hearty and Nourishing Choice
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.
Climate Change and Mental Health: A Call to Action
Author
Abstract
This
article explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change, emphasizing the
interconnectedness of individual actions, leadership accountability, and mental
health repercussions. It highlights the significant role of food choices in
exacerbating climate issues, particularly the wastefulness associated with
leftover consumption and the environmental toll of processed foods and
single-use plastics. Additionally, the article scrutinizes the effectiveness of
leaders and politicians in promoting sustainable practices, questioning their
commitment amidst lavish lifestyles that contradict their public advocacy.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Authentic Indian Masala Chicken Curries & Dry Recipes
Making masala chicken curry is absolutely doable!
Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Even if your first attempt isn’t
perfect, remember that cooking is about learning from mistakes. Here’s a dose
of encouragement: You’ve got this!.
Here’s What to Keep in Mind
Masala Basics
Masala means curry paste or spice mix. It
sounds fancy, but it’s quite simple.
Types of
Masalas
Different masalas create unique flavors. Experiment with them to find your favorites.
Friday, September 27, 2024
Homemade Vegetarian Curry Laksa & Curry Mee - Malaysian Style
To me, it’s quite simple: both are essentially the same dish. Curry Mee typically refers to the type of noodles used, namely the yellow or egg noodles. Additionally, there are various styles and regional variations to explore.
I’ve also prepared a Thai-style Vegetarian Curry Laksa, which you can find in my recipe for Siamese Laksa. Moreover, I’m including a recipe for Vegetarian Curry Mee that I created quite a while back; it remains a favorite and is definitely worth a try.
Easy Tips for Growing Spring Onions in Urban Gardens
Spring onions are known by different names around the world - green onions, scallions, bunching onions, or Welsh onions. In Malaysia, we commonly refer to the green stalks that sprout from onions or shallots as spring onions. I only discovered they’re also called scallions after using the term "spring onions" and finding out they go by both names. Regardless of what you call them, did you know how easy it is to grow spring onions?
Repurposing Shallots and Onions for Growing Spring Onions
Never throw away onions or shallots that are no longer suitable for cooking or are about to spoil. These can easily be repurposed to grow spring onions. That’s exactly how I grow mine.
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies
What’s more, these cookies are eggless and require minimal effort - just a handful of ingredients. When choosing your vanilla essence, invest in high-quality options rather than synthetic ones to truly elevate the flavor and aroma of your cookies. This recipe highlights purity and taste while keeping health in mind for both kids and adults. Forget fancy cookie cutters; a simple fork will do the trick, just like with the CHILLI CHOCOLATE COOKIES. Plus, a basic hand mixer will save you time and energy in the baking process. Enjoy the simple pleasure of making these scrumptious cookies.
Must-Visit Sights in Turkey
Sultanhanı/Aksaray
Sultanhani Caravanserai, located about 40 km (25 mi) from Aksaray on the way from Konya, was built in the 13th century as a safe trading post and way station on the Silk Road. Constructed between 1229 and 1236 by Turkish Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I, the Sultanhani Caravanserai has been restored numerous times over its eight centuries of existence. Over time, the caravanserai became a stopover for traders heading to Istanbul.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Chili Chocolate Cookies (Eggless)
Have you ever made chili chocolate cookies? I’ll be honest - it was my first attempt. I got the idea after watching cooking shows that combined chili and chocolate. I thought, “Why not?” since I was already in the baking mood (PEANUT COOKIES & FA SANG WOO).
I needed to buy a box of cocoa powder, but luckily I had some cayenne pepper at home. The rest of the ingredients were already in my pantry. So, I decided to bake chili chocolate cookies, and to my surprise, everyone who tasted them loved them (NYONYA PINEAPPLE TARTS). The bitterness of the cocoa, the sweetness of the sugar, and the touch of spiciness from the chilies created a perfect balance. Wow! I’m sure you can’t wait to bake these eggless chili cookies.
Monday, September 23, 2024
Easiest Malaysian Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is often translated as "rich or creamy rice" in English. This name refers to rice cooked in coconut milk, giving it a rich, creamy flavor - essentially, coconut milk rice. Whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the rice is the star of the dish, and for both variations, it is always vegetarian (GOBI MANCHURIAN & VEG CAULIFLOWER RECIPES).
Kuih Lompang & Kuih Kaswi: Traditional Malaysian Desserts.
While Kuih Kaswi and Kuih Lompang share similarities, Kuih Kaswi is typically chewier, whereas Kuih Lompang is denser and often steamed in cups, making it a unique indulgence. As you indulge, remember to enjoy mindfully. A little goes a long way (BANANA DESSERTS: PANCAKES & COCONUT).
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Crispy Fried Prawns Recipes: Oats & Cereal Coated
(Updated Version) Cooking prawns is a fun adventure, and with Zen Cuisine, it’s all about creativity ( CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES ). Today, I...
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(Updated Version) Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, co...
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(Updated Version) Ever wondered how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say I’m one of them. In our lit...
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(Updated Version) As I reflect on my cooking routine ( SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY ), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish ...