Easy Gardening: Seed Sowing for Beginners

(Updated Version)

Now that we’ve covered the basics of gardening - understanding climate, choosing the right equipment, and identifying soil types - it’s time to dive into seed sowing. But where do we begin? Where do we get the seeds? Good questions (THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO GROWING HERBS). 

 

Getting the Seeds

Start with affordable store-bought seeds, or better yet, save seeds from your favorite vegetables while cooking. For instance, seeds from chilies, gourds and cucumbers, can be easily collected. Some leafy vegetable roots can also be replanted, though results may vary - I haven’t had success with this method, but it might work for you (EASY TIPS FOR GROWING SPRING ONIONS). 

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 Italian-style recipe. Surprised? I picked up the technique during my time in Italy, tasting and coaxing hints from restaurant owners who were reluctant to share their secrets but offered enough clues to get me started (THINGS TO DO IN LAKE COMO, LUGANO & MILAN).

Mental Health Tips & Benefits - Mandala

Mental health and well-being have become essential topics in the 21st century. Before you dive into deep thoughts about mental health (SIMPLE MENTAL HEALTH TIPS) and risk overcomplicating things, let me assure you that mental health and well-being can also be approached gently. It’s true that the percentage of people struggling with mental health issues has risen significantly over the years.

Ginger Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

If not the whole world, countless voices have already extolled the benefits of ginger. So, I’m not here to be another parrot. What makes my ginger rice special? It’s made with freshly harvested ginger from Nava’s Zen - specifically, the prized Bentong Ginger variety (WHAT TO DO IN BENTONG). By the way, anyone can grow ginger. There’s no rigid rulebook for it. The same goes for making ginger rice. But a gentle reminder - too much ginger can increase body heat, so moderation is key to reaping its benefits.

Restaurant Mee Kari Jia Siang (Kota Kemuning)

Recommendations and suggestions naturally come when people know you're a foodie, especially as a Zen dining blogger with a supporting YouTube channel. That’s how I ended up at Restaurant Mee Kari Jia Siang, a spot I was told I simply must try. Formerly a mixed rice restaurant, it has now pivoted to offering a variety of noodle dishes and sides.

Stir-Fried Luncheon Meat Recipe: Korean Style

Are you a fan of luncheon meat? Then this recipe is for you! Even if you're not, why not give it a shot? Before diving into the recipe, let's clear up the difference between Spam and luncheon meat.

Spam is a specific brand of canned, cooked pork, while luncheon meat is a more generic term for similar products that come in various types, including pork (PORK CHOP RECIPE), chicken, beef, or turkey. Though some criticize luncheon meat for being unhealthy, there are now higher-quality options available.

Soto Ayam/Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup

The best food for rainy, chilly weather is undoubtedly comfort food. For me, comfort food means a hearty bowl of noodle soup - a wholesome, satisfying meal. Over time, I’ve made various types of chicken noodle soup, but this time I chose to prepare Soto Ayam, a Malay Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup (VEGETABLE STEW/MASAK LODEH PUTIH). 

A Day Trip To Sekinchan, Selangor

Similar to Pulau Ketam (WHAT TO DO IN PULAU KETAM - PART 2), Sekinchan is another gem that leaves those who visit it singing its praises. Sekinchan is often touted as a must-visit destination, and if you haven't experienced it, it's like missing out on a significant chapter of life. This, ladies and gentlemen, sparked my curiosity to uncover the allure of Sekinchan.

Crispy Potato Cutlet Recipe: Aloo Tikki

One thing I've learned about cooking is that simplicity and minimal ingredients go a long way. In today's fast-paced world, a well-stocked pantry can make cooking dishes like crispy potato cutlets, or aloo tikki, a breeze. While the potatoes simmer, gather the rest of the ingredients. Once mashed, simply combine everything, shape into balls, flatten, and fry until golden.

Ucu Talapia Terbang & Kaklong Rock Kitchen (Jalan Bani)

(A video of my dining experience at Ucu Talapia Terbang & Kaklong Rock Kitchen, featuring traditional Malay dishes and an open-air setting).

Eye Care Product: Simple Water Boost Hydrating Eye Gel

Taking care of your eyes isn’t just important; it’s essential. Eye care has no age limit - it’s never too early or too late to start (SIMPLE ANTI-AGING TIPS). Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, paying attention to the delicate skin around your eyes can make a difference. When it comes to eye care products, you’ll typically choose between an eye cream or an eye gel. Personally, I’ve grown to favor eye gels over the years.

Easy Instant Bak Kut Teh Recipe

Bak Kut Teh - some call it pork ribs soup, others refer to it as pork bone tea, and for people like Ms. Nava, it's Chinese Herbal Pork Soup (VEGETARIAN BAK KUT TEH RECIPE). Making bak kut teh at home, especially the easy instant version, is quite different from the ones served in Chinese restaurants or stalls. They often have secret ingredients that elevate the flavor, and they cook it for hours using large pork chunks.

At home, we typically slice the pork into smaller pieces, and you can choose your preferred pork cut. Personally, I love pork belly - it cooks quickly, and the pork fat is said to be a source of collagen, which is great for anti-aging.

Butterfly Blue Pea Flower - Growing, Benefits & Cooking

(Updated Version)

Butterfly blue pea flower, known locally as Bunga Telang in our local Bahasa Malaysia language, is also referred to as Clitoria ternatea and Asian pigeonwings. I simply adore the vibrant blue color of the flowers - simply sensational, wouldn’t you agree? Growing blue pea flower plant is far from complicated; in fact, it’s one of the easiest (ROSELLE - HEALTH BENEFITS & USES). 

Vegetable Stew Recipe - Sayur Lodeh Putih

Vegetable stew is a beloved dish worldwide, but in Asian countries, it's often prepared with coconut milk. In Sri Lanka (KIRI HODI RECIPE) and Kerala, you’ll find variations with turmeric for a yellow hue or simply showcasing the creamy whiteness of coconut milk. In Malaysia, we have our own unique version - Sayur Lodeh Putih.

This Malay dish is traditionally served with nasi hempit, lontong, or ketupat (compressed rice cakes), or you can pair it with your usual rice meals, along with other sides as well.

Chor RZ (Restoran & Katering) - Jalan Bani, Shah Alam

(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 luxury restaurants for us. We've had more than our fair share of those experiences. Now, it’s about rediscovering traditional eateries that celebrate the essence of Malaysian food pride.

Spiced Pumpkin Masala Recipe - Indian Style

(Updated Version)

The sweetness of pumpkin, cooked in a rich spiced masala paste. This is a pumpkin dish revelation - a true delight for your taste buds. For those who cook regularly, these ingredients are likely staples in your pantry (EASY PUMPKIN COCONUT MILK CURRY). Grab a small pumpkin or a quarter of a medium-sized one, and let’s get started. Spiced Pumpkin Masala will awaken your senses and leave you craving more - one dish you’ll surely make again and again (BEST INDIAN NO COOK SALAD RECIPES).