I
absolutely love all things kerabu (NASI KERABU KELANTAN). This traditional Malaysian Malay salad is a
delightful fusion of flavors, combining the crunchy freshness of vegetables
with the bold, tangy notes of Malaysian cuisine. Among its many variations,
there's the fruity KERABU MANGGA (Mango Salad). What makes kerabu so appealing
is its simplicity - sometimes the veggies need a quick blanch, other times they
don't, but it's always about prepping the ingredients and giving them a quick
toss. Today, I’m sharing three kerabu recipes with you, starting with Kerabu
Taugeh, a vegetarian version that showcases the bold flavors Malaysians adore. Don't underestimate this vegetarian kerabu - it’s just as satisfying.
I’ve also got a non-vegetarian twist with Kerabu Tauge Ikan Bilis Goreng (Bean Sprout Fried Anchovy Salad), and another unique variation, Kerabu Kaki Ayam (Chicken Feet Salad). And as a final treat, I'll include a recipe for Tauge Goreng Telur (Bean Sprout Egg Fried). Ready to dive into these recipes? Let’s get started before we drool any further.
No matter the festival in Malaysia, peanut cookies
are a beloved treat that everyone looks forward to. Whether it's Chinese New
Year, Hari Raya, or Deepavali, these cookies are a staple among the festive
offerings (NYONYA PINEAPPLE TARTS). Nowadays, buying peanut cookies is a breeze, with countless options
available, including homemade varieties.
I made peanut cookies for the first time during Chinese New Year, curious about the so-called "secret" recipes. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts with online recipes, I wondered if the impressive photos and popularity of these recipes were misleading. However, after some trial and error, my homemade cookies turned out fabulous (SUJI COOKIES).
Çanakkale - Troy
Troy, one of the world's most renowned archaeological sites, boasts a history spanning 4,000 years and was unearthed in the 19th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient Troy is famed for its association with the legendary Trojan War. This pivotal Greek mythological tale, centered around Trojan prince Paris and his abduction of Helen, sparked a decade-long conflict.
Growing bitter gourd aligns beautifully with Nava’s
Zen philosophy. The glossy, dark green fruits are stunning but don’t last long,
prompting a cycle of growth. After initial setbacks, I’m ready to cultivate
them again.
Cultivating bitter gourd is straightforward - you can either dry the seeds or use them directly from your cooking. To my delight, seeds from my kitchen have sprouted new plants.
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).
It's sambal belacan. Wowww! Who's a fan of sambal
belacan? If you are, we’re in the same sambal belacan tribe. My love for sambal
belacan began in my teens, and it's curious how I’m the only one in my family
who drools over it - neither my late dad, my late mum, nor my two brothers
share this passion. It’s a bit of a mystery.
Let’s start with belacan. Belacan is a fermented shrimp paste, widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA INDONESIAN TASTES), and Singapore. It’s made by fermenting tiny shrimp, often krill, which are salted and left to ferment for several weeks. After fermentation, the shrimp are sun-dried and ground into a paste, which is then formed into blocks or cakes and left to mature, developing a strong, pungent aroma. Belacan adds depth and umami to dishes and is often used in sambal belacan, curries, or stir-fries. It’s typically toasted before use to enhance its flavor (ASAM PEDAS IKAN BAWAL).
Abstract
This
article examines the misdiagnosis of depression during menopause and the
potential benefits of yoga as a complementary treatment. It highlights the
limitations of conventional approaches that often oversimplify menopausal
symptoms by labeling them as depression. Through the author's personal
experiences, it is demonstrated how yoga can offer significant relief and
mental clarity beyond what is typically achieved with standard medical
treatments.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating yoga into mental health care, not only as a supplementary remedy but as a vital tool for enhancing overall well-being. The findings suggest that a more nuanced understanding of menopause-related mental health issues and the inclusion of yoga in treatment plans can lead to improved outcomes and greater self-reliance.
Khao Niew Mamuang, or Thai mango sticky rice, is a dessert loved across the globe (TAM TIM KROB: THAI RED RUBIES). "Khao Niew" means sticky or glutinous rice, and "Mamuang" means mango. I’ve had plenty of Thai Mango Sticky Rice, but trust me, not all are worth raving about. Even in Thailand (CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI), some were just average, and the worst were those sold in the evening but made in the morning. But when it’s good, it’s really good - like the street food version I had in Pattaya. I tried a few varieties, including Sticky Rice with Dried Shrimp Sugar, Sticky Rice with Custard, and of course, the traditional Sticky Rice with Mango. I couldn't resist packing back to my hotel, stashing them in the fridge, and enjoying them bit by bit.
This Indian lady is definitely a bit different. While most Indian women and men make pineapple tarts for Deepavali, I chose to bake them for Chinese New Year. Strange, right? It was just me using my semester break to make Nyonya Pineapple Tarts. I wanted to practice my baking skills (EASIEST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE) - after all, practice makes perfect. But I’m not looking to turn this into a business; it’s just a fun hobby for me (INDULGENT CHEESECAKE SWEET DELIGHTS).
The vibrant, aromatic Thai Red Curry Paste is the heart of many delicious dishes. Once you've made this paste, you’re almost ready to whip up a flavorful Thai Red Prawn Curry. It’s a versatile paste, perfect for adding your choice of seafood, chicken, or pork. While I can't say for sure if it works with beef, I can definitely vouch for my Thai Red Mutton Curry. In fact, I’ve made it countless times, along with prawn and egg variations (THAI SPICY EGGPLANT).
Abstract
In
the fast-paced urban environment, the pursuit of pleasure and emotional
fulfillment has led to an increased prevalence of sexual and mental affairs.
This article explores how the demands and dynamics of modern urban life have
shifted desires and behaviors, leading individuals to seek connections outside
traditional relationships. The article distinguishes between sexual and mental
affairs, highlighting how each serves different needs and reflects the
complexities of contemporary relationships. It also addresses how these affairs
are influenced by factors such as emotional loneliness, libido crises, lust
over love, wear and tear of relationship, also, trills of affairs, the quest for
personal fulfillment.
Rice congee, or bubur nasi as we call it in Bahasa, is essentially rice cooked with extra water, creating a soft, diluted form of rice. I’m a huge fan of rice congee – how about you? On chilly days, nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of it. Now, let’s dive into making rice congee and explore some delightful additions to enhance the experience.
I have a wealth of stories, and one I'm excited to
share involves my journey with jellies. When I first launched Nava K, now known
as Nava’s Zen, 14 years ago, I started making desserts, and jellies made with
agar-agar were among the simplest to create. I'll be sharing these recipes, but
the standout is undoubtedly Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Jelly. Although it's a
traditional Chinese jelly, I was surprised to find that even many Chinese
people were unfamiliar with this style. It left me quite speechless!
Goji berries are a staple in my kitchen, often used in Chinese soups and noodle dishes (CHINESE VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP). I also regularly make chrysanthemum tea. With these ingredients always on hand, what more can I add?
(For those who prefer watching over reading, sit back, relax, and click play on the video above). Gone are the days of dining in high-end or...
