Portuguese Vegetable Pickle/Achar: A Flavorful Delight from Tradition

In 2020, I whipped up this Portuguese vegetable pickle, or achar, as some may call it. This isn't my first rodeo with it - I've made it a couple of times before. You might be wondering why I'm only sharing it now. Well, the idea struck me as I was browsing through our YouTube channel. I thought, "Why not feature it as part of our Zen Cuisine?" Plus, not everyone prefers video recipes; some prefer the written words. 

Named as vegetable pickle, I've experimented with various veggies like carrots, cabbage, long beans, fresh beans, and even ginger. But after a couple of tries, I've settled on just green chilies, shallots, and garlic because these are what we tend to prefer, not the vegetables. That's what you'll find in the final product.

Verona, Italy: A Journey Through Romance and History

As the days dwindled down to just two left in Italy (Venice), a feeling of reluctance settled in (Florence). How I wished our tour could stretch on indefinitely, allowing us to bask in the beauty of this enchanting country a little while longer (Rome). But alas, reality beckoned, and we had to prepare for our return to the daily grind (JOHANNESBURG WILDLIFE & PRETORIA MOMENTS). 

Our next destination: Verona. By 9:00 am, we found ourselves standing before the majestic Adige River, its clean waters flowing serenely beneath our gaze. The sight was a balm to our senses, soothing our souls as we took in the natural wonder of the surrounding hills and bridges that dotted the landscape (SHIMLA NATURE'S LOVE & CHANDIGARH URBAN MARVELS). 

Easy Bread Pudding: Delicious Vegetarian Dessert Recipe

Bread isn’t just a staple in my kitchen; it’s a cherished ingredient! Whether it’s the star of our light dinners or a perfect companion to savory curries, bread brings simple joy to our meals. But what about those leftover slices? Instead of tossing them out, why not transform them into something delicious?

Enter the delightful vegetarian bread pudding! With minimal effort and simple ingredients like canned peaches and raisins, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Raisins add natural sweetness along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this a healthy treat. Plus, you control the sweetness - use the syrup from the can or skip it for a lighter version.

Venice in a Day: Highlights and Experiences You Can't Miss

Amidst the hustle and bustle (EXPLORE THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA), we waited patiently to disembark from the boat and explore Venice on foot. Even with the chaos around us, I was excited to see what Venice had to offer. It was a busy Sunday, and navigating through the crowds in peak summer was a bit of a challenge. There were rules in place to manage the flow of people, allowing only a certain number to walk together to avoid congestion.

We followed our tour guide, trusting him to lead us through the winding streets and alleys. Our “Day in Venice” adventure started at Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square. We looked up at St. Mark’s Church, the tall Campanile Bell Tower, and the impressive Doge’s Palace. We could only admire these landmarks from the outside, but their beauty was clear (PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA). The square was full of life, with shops, stalls, and cafes all around, giving us a taste of Venetian life.

Gerai Signature (Kota Kemuning): Zen Dining Insights

Reflecting on my past as a blogger, approximately 7 years ago, invitations to private or group dining experiences were anything but straightforward. The portrayal of a zen dining experience often concealed the truthfulness of such reviews. Bloggers were given scripts and instructed to adhere strictly to them, mandating praise regardless of authenticity. These bloggers, now overtaken by so-called social media influencers, were sought after for their ability to craft beautiful narratives in exchange for complimentary food and products, presenting an idealized picture. 

However, I chose to maintain authenticity in my writing, even if it means receiving no invitations. Why would I need such invitations when I can afford to pay for my own meals? Paying for meals frees you from biased reviews, avoiding all the praise in exchange for free food.

Malaysian Potato Croquettes

Indulge in the universal allure of potatoes, a beloved staple found in kitchens worldwide. From the bustling streets to gourmet eateries, potatoes take center stage in diverse culinary creations. In my own home, they reign as a cherished favorite, whether added into comforting curries or delightful side dishes. Yet, what truly captivates the senses is the enchanting allure of Malaysian Potato Croquettes, a recipe close to my heart.

Why Malaysian, you may wonder? It's a nod to the fusion of flavors and traditions that define Malaysian cuisine. These delectable croquettes, lovingly shaped and fried to perfection, hold a special place in my Malaysian kitchen. The recipe embraces versatility, allowing you to craft them into any shape you desire, each bite bursting with savory goodness.

Explore the Leaning Tower of Pisa and More

As the sun set on our day in ROME and also, next in FLORENCE, my anticipation for the next morning's journey to Pisa soared. After all, what could be more captivating than the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa? With excitement coursing through my veins, we embarked on the scenic route to Pisa, a journey that unfurled over four hours of picturesque landscapes and intriguing encounters. 

As we approached Pisa, the sight of street vendors lining the roads, their vibrant displays beckoning to passersby, caught me off guard. What surprised me even more was the diverse array of faces behind the stalls - foreigners adding their own flair to the city's charm (CHANDIGARH URBAN MARVELS). 

Fried Kembung (Mackerel) With Assam Sauce

Cooking with Fried Kembung (Mackerel) and Assam Sauce evokes a journey of flavors and nostalgia. Have you ever wandered through the bustling wet markets or strolled the aisles of a hypermarket, catching glimpses of the humble boiled kembung? Perhaps you've even taken home this unassuming fish, its potential yet to be unlocked in your kitchen.

 

There's a certain beauty in the simplicity of this dish - a beauty that lies in its uncomplicated nature and the rich flavors it offers. Boiled kembung, or mackerel as Google kindly translates, is a fish steeped in saltwater, readily available at local markets and hypermarkets alike. But before diving into the cooking process, a gentle rinse and thorough pat-dry are essential to maintain the fish's integrity during frying. Careful attention to these details ensures a crisp exterior without sacrificing the tender flesh within.

Find Your Perfect Fit: Women's Sports Sets That Cater to Your Needs

There is no longer any reason to dress in a manner that is inappropriate for gym wear. Modern activewear has a wide selection to choose from that are of various designs that will make the most of your looks and boost your training effort throughout the course. It does not matter whether you plunge for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), you are a yogi dedicatedly or need a brisk walk to feel comfortable, a perfect Cosmolle sports set for women will have a significant impact on your performance and your comfort.

The Classic Combo: Sports Bra & High-Waisted Leggings

The classic two-in-one still registers in many fans` favorites list despite the presence of other more fanciful models. Sports bras offer distinct levels of support, running from low impact for yoga or any light activity to high impact for some heavy-duty workouts like running or jumping. Seek for moisture particularly wicking textiles which keep you cool and dry throughout your exercises.

Top Must-See Attractions in Florence, Italy

Time seemed to evaporate, slipping away unnoticed. In the blink of an eye, mere moments had whisked me away to a realm of tranquility, a fleeting Zen-like experience. My soul hungered for a deeper immersion in the wonders of  MUST SEE LANDMARKS IN ROME, ITALY, knowing full well that there were myriad treasures yet to uncover. Alas, such aspirations felt like mere fantasies, particularly amidst the constraints of a guided tour. But as one chapter closed, another beckoned with the promise of new adventures (HOKKAIDO WINTER WANDERLUST) and so we set our sights on Florence.