Monday, August 12, 2024

Pulut Inti: Glutinous Rice with Sweet Coconut

Steamed glutinous rice with palm sugar sweet coconut atop
(Updated Version)

When it comes to cooking, do you really need every ingredient listed in a recipe? Not necessarily. If you’re the type who follows recipes to the letter, you might feel compelled to gather every single ingredient. But if you’re like Ms. Nava, you’ll consider what you already have and adapt the recipe accordingly (MALAY DESSERTS MADE SIMPLE).

 

Making do with what you have often involves a bit of creative thinking and improvisation. Take, for example, making pulut inti. Traditionally, it requires banana leaves, but if you’re missing them, why not adapt? I did just that using my Pyrex dish to craft a delicious serving of Pulut Inti. See? You don’t need everything to be perfect to be a food hero (KUIH SAGO KUKUS).

Resepi Sambal Telur: Egg Sambal

4 boiled eggs in a spicy egg sambal
(Updated Version)

Always a classic and a favorite in my kitchen - Sambal Telur, or Egg Sambal. No matter how many times I prepare it, it never gets old. This version, however, stands out for its unique twist: the addition of dried shrimps. Have you tried making or tasting a sambal telur like this? The dried shrimps truly elevate the traditional egg sambal, adding depth and taking it to the next level of flavor (SIMPLE AND EASY EGG RECIPES).


Plus, nothing beats fresh turmeric for the vibrant yellow hue, contrasting beautifully with the red, vibrant shade of sambal. Fresh turmeric also infuses a delightful, fresh scent. Basil leaves can be replaced with other herbs of your choice to suit your taste (RESEPI SAMBAL TUMIS BILIS PETAI).

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Reviving Minds: Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
Yoga, an ancient practice combining breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness, has emerged as a potent tool for improving mental health. This article investigates the therapeutic benefits of yoga in addressing stress, anxiety, and depression. It reviews recent academic studies to highlight how yoga's integrative approach - through breath regulation, mindful movement, and relaxation - enhances emotional resilience and mental clarity. The paper contrasts yoga with conventional mental health interventions and emphasizes its role as a complementary therapy. By examining current evidence and theoretical perspectives, the study advocates for the integration of yoga into mental health practices, underscoring its potential to rejuvenate and stabilize the mind amidst the demands of modern life.

Keywords: Yoga, Mental Health, Stress Relief, Anxiety Management, Depression, Breathwork, Mindfulness, Emotional Resilience, Complementary Therapy.

Saturday, August 10, 2024

FIsh Ball Noodle Soup: Handcrafted Fish Balls & Homemade Broth

A bowl of homemade fish balls and noodles with a spicy dip
(Updated Version)

Forget store-bought fish balls! I ventured into making homemade Fish Ball Noodle Soup from scratch, and it was absolutely worth it. These hand-rolled fish balls, simmered in a rich broth made from fish bones and skin, were bouncy, soft, and completely odor-free.

Nescafe Chocolate Cake (Eggless): Simplicity Wins

Medium size baked eggless chocolate coffee cake. Baked a loaf and some sliced into squares and long pieces, dusted with icing sugar
(Updated Version)

Nescafe Chocolate Cake? I mean, why bother buying more coffee (EGGLESS MILO CAKE) when I’ve got Nescafe right here? So, here’s a cake that’s got it all: coffee, cocoa, and no eggs. It’s like a delicious dark knight in cake form - rich, moist, and vanilla-scented (SUJEE CAKE ELEGANCE).

Friday, August 9, 2024

Loneliness Amongst Older Indians in Malaysia

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
Loneliness among older adults, particularly within the Indian community in Malaysia, presents a significant issue exacerbated by cultural and social dynamics. This article explores the manifestations and contributing factors of loneliness among older Indian individuals, focusing on their interactions, social behaviors, and the impact of modern technology. The study highlights how older Indians exhibit heightened levels of loneliness compared to other ethnic groups, influenced by societal changes and family dynamics. Key findings reveal that loneliness is frequently expressed through excessive social media use, persistent communication attempts, and the seeking of validation through personal achievements.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Penang Food Adventures: Mainland Discoveries


Hey, remember how I showed you around Penang's sightseeing spots (PENANG WONDERS)? Well, now it's time to dive into Penang's food scene! Forget fancy restaurants, we're talking about the real deal - street food galore! There's so much to choose from, you won't believe your taste buds. Penang is like heaven for foodies. So, stick with me, and let's go on a culinary adventure (PERAK EATS) - Penang's mainland food spots awaits (KUANTAN FOOD DISCOVERY).

Chai Leng Park Hawker Food Stalls (Butterworth)

Cleanliness and hygiene may not be the selling point here, but for those of us who prioritize flavor over frills, this spot hits the spot. Picture this: you're a typical Malaysian, unfazed by seating arrangements, just eager to dig into deliciousness. That's where Chai Leng Park Hawker Food Stalls come in.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Malu Kirata: Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Milk Curry Redefined

A bowl of fish coconut milk curry, garnished with spring onions
Malu Kirata is a traditional Sri Lankan fish curry, typically made with fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. (KIRI HODI: SRI LANKAN EGG COCONUT MILK STEW). While I don’t have the exact recipe, I know it features fish in a coconut milk curry or gravy. Inspired by this dish, I created my own version of Malu Kirata, or Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Milk Curry. It may not be the traditional recipe, but it's definitely worth trying (MEEN PUTTU).

Friday, August 2, 2024

Kiri Hodi: Sri Lankan Coconut Milk Stew with Boiled Eggs

Coconut milk stew made with turmeric powder, boiled eggs, tomatoes, curry leaves green chillies,  fenugreek seeds and lime juice.
Kiri Hodi is the Sri Lankan version of coconut milk stew, known in Kerala as Ishtu and in Malaysia as Sodhi. This delightful stew typically features a base of coconut milk, turmeric, fenugreek seeds, onions or shallots, green chilies, tomatoes, curry leaves, lime juice, and salt. From this foundational blend, you can modify or enhance the stew by adding various ingredients like vegetables.

Meen Puttu: A South Indian Classic

Indian flaked fish dish, cooked with turmeric and spices in a bowl
What exactly is meen/fish puttu? For those in the know, it’s a cherished South Indian dish made from shredded fish. Typically using shark, kingfish, or mackerel, the fish is cooked, flaked, and sautéed with fresh coconut, shallots, green or red chilies, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, turmeric, and spices. Fish puttu is usually enjoyed with rice or as part of a larger meal.

If shark isn’t your choice, you can use mackerel or another fish. It’s worth noting that the shark used in meen/fish puttu, often smaller species like "sura meen," is not the same as the large sharks used for shark fin soup. The smaller sharks used here are caught for their meat, ensuring a more sustainable approach.

Creamy Buttery Mashed Potatoes - Italian Recipe

Nothing beats the luscious, super smooth texture of mashed potatoes - especially when you’re generous with milk and butter. This is an Itali...