Asam Pedas Grey Mullet

I was planning to post an entry about my Back-To-Work pressie bought for me by MrHubby, unfortunately, I couldn't find my camera under the mounting stuffs (I haven't fully unpack my stuffs..we just moved into this new house a couple of days ago). So instead, I'll share with you an Asam Pedas recipe.

I used Grey Mullet fish ( don't know if they have this fish back home). But I know mullet family is like ikan kerisi back home. They have red mullet here in Ireland, looks like ikan kerisi merah in Malaysia but slightly hodoh compared to Malaysian fish..hehe..

It was the first time we ever tried this fish. This fish was actually really tasty (compared to Rockfish that we bought sometimes ago). It was fleshy, sweet (taste like most of fish back home) and it took Asian flavour nicely.

Se here is the recipe for Asam Pedas Ikan Kerisi Kelabu (Grey Mullet)
Original recipe: My mommy

Ingredients:

• 1 Grey Mullet (700g) or you could use any fish that you like (washed and drained)
  
• 1 large onion peeled *
• 3-4 cloves of garlic peeled *
• 2-3 cm of ginger peeled*
• 3 tbsp of chilli paste (more if you want it to be spicier)
• 2 lemongrasses (crushed/bruised)
• Handful of Daun kesum/ Laksa leaves/ Hot mint leaves/ Vietnamese leaves
• 3-4 tbsp of tamarind paste + 3cups of water (make 3cups of tamarind juice)
• 10 okra (washed and drained)
• 2 tomatoes (cubes) -I used cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp of cooking oil
• Salt and sugar to taste
  

Method:

1. Blend the ingredients that marked *
2. Heat up the cooking oil in the saucepan. Add in the blended ingredients and the lemongrass and cook for about 3-5minutes. Add in chilli paste and cook further for 5minutes.
3. Add in the tamarind juice and bring to boil.
4. Add in the daun kesum, okra and the fish. Cook for 10 minutes until fish is cooked. Add in the tomatoes and let it simmer for 3-5minutes and turn off the heat.
5. Ready to be served with warm boiled rice ;))

p/s: I added in the tomatoes as the last ingredients as I like my tomatoes not too soft.

Career mom

After 18months (great 18months) of being SAHM, I'll be returning to work again this coming Monday. Mixed of emotions and feelings..sad to leave my BabyZara to a babysitter while I'm working..surely I'm going to miss her mischievious, cheeky acts..am feeling uncertain of how the job's going to be (busy is definitely one of them), also uncertain of how the system works and hopefully my colleagues are nice and willing to help one another.

I'll be working in Paediatric department, which is a new experience. I was in Medical departent before and to start again in a new department (to re-experience this uncertain feelings all over again) is so tiring. (i'm tired even before starting the job!!) Oh God, please help make this whole new experience as smooth as it can be for me..

Because BabyZara is still breastfeeding, I will have to make time to pump the breastmilk while working. I pray that Allah s.w.t will grant me some times to do so and I also pray that my milk supply would be abundant, so I could give what is the right of my baby at least for 2years. InsyaAllah..

So, if my blog has been silent for sometimes, then you know that I'd been busy with the work..but surely, I'll try my best to update this blog from time to time. (This blog probably will be my escapade from the busy life of Paediatrician-in-training).

Till then, take care!

Ambong/Apam Dewa

This kuih is a traditional kuih of Eastern Peninsular Malaysia. As a Kelantanese, I call this kuih as ambong, but Terengganu people call it apam dewa. I remembered when I was little, my mom would make this kuih for us for evening tea. Traditionally, duck eggs were used but I'd substitute duck eggs with chicken eggs. if duck eggs were used, the apam will be fluffier and creamier.



Ambong/Apam Dewa
Source: Mat Gebu@myresipi.com

Bahan-bahan ( Tin berukuran 10 inci )

250 g tepung berserbuk penaik
200 ml santan
200 g gula halus
2 biji telur Gred A
1 camca teh vanila esen
1 camca makan ovallate
Secubit garam
Pewarna (eg: merah dan hijau - ikut kegemaran masing2)

Cara-cara

1. Satukan kesemua bahan dalam mangkuk adunan, kecuali bahan pewarna.
2.Pukul dgn speed perlahan sehingga semua bergaul mesra. Kemudian lajukan speed dan putar hingga adunan kembang dan pekat.
3.Bahagi 3. Satu dibiarkan kosong, satu diwarnakan hijau dan satu lagi warna merah.
4.Dalam tin yg telah dilenser dgn mentega, bubuh warna merah dan hijau secara berselang seli diikuti bahagian yg tanpa warna pada atasnya.
5.Gunakan spatula, buat pusingan satu arah sebyk 1 - 2 kali.. Kukus atas air mendidih selama 45 minit. Angkat dan keluarkan dari acuan. Biar sejuk baru dipotong.

p/s: I've used small muffin cups instead and down the steaming time to 15mins.

Sweet and Sour Rockfish

It's called a Rockfish, caught in the Atlantic Sea, near the Irish coast. This was the first time we ever saw this fish, but we bought it nonetheless. We're missing Malaysian style seafood so much and it's very hard to get variety of seafood here in Ireland despite this country is surrounded by sea!!

So, without any hesitation because of our craving, MrHubby paid for the fish (cost17euro for the whole fish! So expensive!!) and we headed home. The very next day, I scaled this fish (took alot of effort!) and cut it into 3 pieces. It was a big fish for us to finish in a single feast ;))

As requested by MrHubby, I cooked Sweet and Sour Rockfish. Let me share this recipe. It's simple and quick enough to make, best served with hot and steamy white rice ;))

Sweet and Sour Rockfish
Source: Myself ;))

Fish:

• 300g portion of Rockfish (you could use Seabass/Seabream/Snapper/Grouper)
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of tumeric powder
  
• 4 tbsp of cornflour (or enough to cover the fish portion)
• Cooking oil (deep fry)

Method:

1. Clean the fish portion and dry it with kitchen towel.
2. Season the fish with the salt and tumeric powder for 10-15mins. Meanwhile, preheat the cooking oil in a wok/deep fryer.
   
3. Cover the fish with cornflour. And when the cooking oil is hot (190'C if using deep fryer), fry the fish portion for 10-15mins or until cooked. Set aside.

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1 mediun onion (thinly sliced)
• 3 cloves of garlic (smashed)
• 2cm of ginger (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp of chilli paste
  
• 1 lemon grass (smashed)
• 1 leek (cut into chunky pieces)
• 2 tomatoes (chunky cubes)
• 4-5 tbsp of thai sweet chilli sauce
• 2 tbsp of chilli sauce
  
• 2 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1 tbsp of fish sauce
• 1 tbsp of tomato ketchup
• 50ml of water
  
• 3 tbsp of cooking oil
  
• 2 onion springs ( chopped/long cuts) for decorations

Method:

1. Heat up the cooking oil in a wok/saucepan
2. Stir in the onion, leek, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and chilli paste. Cook for about 3-5minutes.
3. Add in the the rest of the ingredients (except the spring onion) and bring it to boil. Turn off the heat and pour the sauce onto the fried fish. Spread the chopped spring onion and it's ready to be served!

p/s: I don't know what's been going on with blogger recently, I couldn't turn around those pics!

Cinnamon Rolls

I've been planning to bake the cinnamon rolls for ages!! And finally I've got time on my hands yesterday evening to bake these rolls. They're delicious and not too sweet for my liking.

So, here is the recipe for Cinnamon Rolls.




Cinnamon Rolls
Source: www.mekarwangi.blogspot.com

Bread dough:

• 250g bread flour (sieved)
  
• 50g plain flour (sieved)
• 50g butter
• 200g mixture of 1egg and fresh milk
• 30g of sugar
• 6g dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp of salt

Cinnamon Sugar:

• 50g brown sugar
• 25g walnuts ( I used 50g of mixed nuts and 50g of raisins)
• 1 tbsp of flour
• 1 tbsp of cinnamon powder

1. Mix everything together.
   

• 50g softened butter to brush onto the dough

Cream cheese frosting:

• 25g cream cheese
• 40g icing sugar
• 25g butter
• 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract

1. Mix everything together with a whisk. The mixture will turn into a creamy cheesy frosting!
   

Method:

1. Mix every ingredients for the bread dough in BM and select dough programme, let the machine do its job.
2. After that, take out the dough and and roll the dough about 20x40cm. Make sure to move around your dough when rolling so that it will not stick to your board.
3. Brush the softened butter onto the rolled dough and leave 1cm the upper dough unbuttered.
4. Spread the Cinnamon Sugar mixture onto the brushed area. Roll the dough together until becoming a log.
5. Cut the log evenly into 16 pieces. Put each pieces into a papercup.
6. Proof the cinnamon rolls until it double the size (40mins to 1hour)
7. Bake in the oven at 160'C for 12mins or until golden brown.
8. Then, while the cinnamon rolls are still hot, glaze them with the cream cheese frosting.
9. They are now ready to be eaten!

So there goes the recipe! Happy baking peeps!

Lemon Thyme Grilled Chicken, Cous Cous and Roasted Vegetables

It's been raining all day today..and most of the days this week. Doesn't feel like summer at all this year! Oh, how I miss the sunshines..we're lacking of Vitamin D this summer!!

Anyway, what did I cook for lunch on this rainy day? As the heading of this post, I have decided to grill chicken legs (finished them in the oven), with some roasted vegetables and cous cous. Cous cous is a kind of grain, can be a substitute to rice or pasta. It's very easy to prepare, literally, took only 5mins to cook! So, if you're in hurry or don't have enough time in your hands, cous cous could be very handy!


So here is the recipe:
Source: myself ;))

Lemon and Thyme Grilled Chicken

• 3 chicken legs (with skin, cleaned and dried)
  
• 1 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of ground black pepper
• 10-15 stalks of fresh thyme (just the leaves) -you could use dried thyme but fresh thyme make so much flavour
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 2 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  

Method:

1. Mix everything (except the lemon slices) and marinade the chicken legs for at least 30mins.
2. Insert the lemon slices underneath the skin of chicken legs. (I also put some of the thymes leaves underneath the skin).
3. Preheat your oven at 200'C.
   
4. Then, preheat your pan-grill on the stove. When flaming hot, grill your chicken leg for 5-7minutes on each side.
5. Transfer your chicken legs onto roasting tray and finish the cooking process in the oven for 10-15 mins.

Roasted Vegetables

• 2 small auberigines (cut into chucky cubes)
• 2 potatoes (chunky cubes)
• 2 carrots (chunky cubes)
• 1 sweet potatoes (chunky cubes)
  
• 2 onions (chunky cubes)
• 4-5 cloves of garlic (smashed)
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of ground black pepper
• 1-2 tbsp of olive oil

Method:

1. Preheat your oven at 200'C
   
2. Mix everything together and transfer them onto your roasting tray.
3. Roast the vegetables for 30minutes or until cooked.

Cous Cous

• 200g cous cous
• 250ml of chicken stock (boiling) -I used 250ml of boiling water and 1cube of chicken stock
• 1 tbsp Spring onion/parsley (chopped)
• Some chopped spring onion/parsley for deorations

Method:

1. Put the cous cous into a big bowl and pour the boiling chicken stock into the bowl. Add in the chopped spring onion/parsley.
2. Immediately, cover the bowl with cling film (make sure it's fully covered) and let the cous cous cooked in the chicken stock for 5-7mins.
3. After 5-7minutes, take a fork and fluff the cous cous using the fork.
4. Spread the chopeed spring onion/parsley on the cous cous. It's ready to be served.

I hope you'll try this easy peasy recipe. And it's so comforting in the rainy day just like today ;))

Apam PolkaDot

I saw this apam recipe a few months back, but had not had the time to make them until last weekend (plus, the recipe requires ovellete and I didn't have it, until I asked my mom back in Malaysia to post it to me). It's quite easy to make but you have to spend time on dotting the batter for the polka dot effect. But of course it's all worth it, they looked so pretty with different colours and they were yummy!

MrHubby who usually doesn't like eating kuih muih also liked this apam polka dot. BabyZara also loved this coulurful apam, and the funny part was, she only ate the polka dots. When the polka dots finished, then, she would ask for a new apam. Hehehe..always make me smiles with her cute, innocent actions.


Apam Polka Dot
Source: www.jintanmanis.com

Bahan-bahan ( 50 biji papercup medium )

3 biji telur-dari peti sejuk (gred A)
275 gm tepung gandum
220 gm gula halus
150 ml susu segar@susu cair
3 sudu teh baking powder
1 sudu kecil ovalette
filling-blueberry@strawberry@apa2 ikut citarasa
pewarna

Cara-cara

1. masukkan semua bahan apam kedal mangkuk mixer dan pukul dengan kelajuan maksima sehingga kembang
2. bahagikan adunan kepada beberapa bahagian,kemudian titiskan pewarna mengikut pilihan
3. masukkan setiap adunan berwarna kedalam piping bag
4. picitkan adunan ke dalam mangkuk kertas-setengah sahaja
5. letakkan filling secukupnya-nak senang masukkan dalam plastik kemudian picitkan
6. picit lagi adunan sama @ warna berbeza sehingga hampir penuh.
7. last sekali dot-dot kan dengan warna pilihan,kemudian kukus selama 10-15minit @ sehingga masak.

The busy week

Another week went by!! How time flies..I've been busy with BabyZara and packing up things for moving out to a new house..So much stuffs still waiting to be packed! And time is running out..we'll be moving to our new house in Letterkenny in 2weeks time.

As the night-sleeping-on-her-own-cot training, BabyZara is doing brilliantly! She is now sleeping in her own cot for 3nights consecutively. I only need to wake up once or twice at night to put her back to sleep without the need to nurse her! I'm so glad that she is a fast learner! Such a brilliant baby she is! She needed 6days of training all together from crying all night that I had to nurse her to sleep to sleeping in her own cot and back to sleep without the need to nurse her when she woke up in the middle of the night. Alhamdulillah..for she is so easy to learn and adapt..the patience and perseverance is the main key.

Anyway, there is one recipe that I want to share, Pasta Bake with Meatballs. It's easy peasy and it's delish! I made this sometimes last week. It's my own recipe (basic idea of meatballs from Ina Garten), you could always alter the recipe to your own liking.


Pasta Bake with Meatballs

Meatballs recipe

• 500g mince beef
• 100g breadcrumb
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 75g grated parmesan
• 50g grated cheddar
  
• 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
• 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of ground black pepper

Method:

1. Mix everything together until well combined.
   
2. Make round balls until everything finish.
3. Set aside

Pasta Bake recipe

• 250g of fusilli pasta (cook as per instruction)
• 1 jar of bolognese sauce
  
• 1 medium onion (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 4 cloves of garlic (peeled and roughly chopped)
• 1 leek (thinly sliced)
• 5-6 button mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 tbsp of cooking oil
  
• 8-10 cheddar slices or 200g grated cheddar for the topping

Method:

1. Heat up the cooking oil in a saucepan. Add in the onion, leek and garlic. Stir for 3-4minutes. Then, add in the sliced mushrooms and cook further for 4-5minutes.
   
2. Add in the bolognese sauce and bring to boil. Turn off the heat immediately.
3. Add in the cooked pasta, stir in and make sure it's well mixed.
4. Trasfer the pasta and sauce into an oven-proof dish or lasagna dish. Smooth out the surface.
5. Spread the meatballs onto the pasta. Then spread the grated cheese or the cheese slices.
6. Bake in the preheated oven at 200'C for 20-25mins or until golden brown.
7. Take it out and ready to be served.

Cherry Berry Cheesecake

As promised, I'm going to share this cheescake recipe that I've baked for MrHubby on his birthday celebration. This cheesecake recipe is a keeper, even MrHubby who is not a dessert guy really liked this cheescake. It's not overly sweet and so creamy! Will definitely bake this again soon!

Original recipe from: www.mekarwangi.blogspot.com
(some alterations made)

Cherry Berry Cheesecake

Biscuit Base:

• 2 cups digestive biscuits (crushed)
• 6 tbsp melted butter

Method:

1. Mix the two ingredients together and pressed into cheesecake tin ( I used the 10inch cheesecake tin)
2. Chill it in the fridge for at least 1hour

Cheesecake Mixture:

• 500g cream cheese
  
• 200ml of sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 tbsp of cornflour

Method:

1. Mix everything (except for eggs) on medium speed until well mixed. Add in eggs then mix again until well mixed.
2. Pour the mixture onto the base and bake use the water bath at 160'C for 45minutes. Let it cool for at least 1/2hour before spreading the topping

Topping:

• 1 can of raspberries in syrup
• 1 tbsp of cornflour
• Cherries for decorations
• Ready whipped cream

Method:

1. Put the canned raspberries and cornflour in saucepan on medium heat
2. Stir constantly with wooden spoon/spatula until thick and glossy. Set aside to cool
3. When cooled, spread over the cheesecake.
4. Then, pipe the whipped cream onto the cheesecake and decorate with cherries as you please.
5. Ready to be served.

A week away

Oh God..I've been away from this blog for quite sometimes..again..was too busy and tired to write a new entry.

For your info, I'll be starting my job in a month (after a very long break). So I was busy preparing myself for that. Been busy buying new work clothes, went out almost everyday for work clothes hunting! (as my old clothes now are too small for me!!). Oh how I wish I'll get back my old figure..since the Summer sale is just starting, there are plenty clothes for me to pick/choose ;)) My shopping spree has not end yet!

And my younger brother (who is living and studying in Dublin) came to visit for a few days before heading back to Malaysia for his Summer break. Wish we could go back to Malaysia this year..but unlikely as I'm starting my job soon. Maybe next year..InsyaAllah..
While he was in Galway, we went for house hunting in Letterkenny (where I'll be working in July). It took 3 1/2 hours drive from Galway to get to Letterkenny. We've found a house that's in good location and new and affordable. So, the plan is to move in by first week of July.

Oh..and the good news is...MrHubby will be living with us in Letterkenny! (remember that he was posted in Waterford for 2years?) His application to defer his post for a year has been approved!! Yes!! Alhamdulillah..he'll be having a year off..but he has a lot to do..while on a year leave, he needs to study for his MRCP (while doing locum jobs) and hopefully by one year he'll pass at least one exam!

We'll be very busy packing things and unpacking things for the next month! I couldn't believe how much stuffs we have now..BabyZara's stuffs are mounting! Probably we'll donate or sell some old/unwanted stuffs as well..(pening..pening..tgk barang yg berlambak2)

Plus, we have to train BabyZara to sleep without me on her side at night. A doctor needed to be oncalled and my BabyZara will need to sleep without me at night..sigh..since the first day she was born, she has been sleeping with us by her side and she's now 14months!! And during night time she'll breastfeed for a couple of times (at least). There would be no problem during day cos she'll take her breastmilk from bottles..the night time worries me..should start to train her by next week! Have to!! Need to do research on this matter as well before starting this project..

Father-Daughter Time. Zara's telling stories on the stairs (her fav spot)

It's going to be busy month ahead..and of course I'll be busy with work after that..Please God everything will be smooth and easy for our family..amin..

The Weekend

Been away from this blog for quite sometimes! Kinda miss to write and tell our stories..

So what did we do last weekend? I was planning to surprise MrHubby for his birthday and I managed to do that on Sunday 29th May ;)) (And Zara turned 14months on the same day!) But no pressie given as I had not buy him the other pressie that I wanted him to have. So, only birthday cake and food on Sunday. The menu on Sunday were kue teow goreng, seafood sushi, air bandung cincau and of course the birthday cake (Cherry and Raspberry Cheesecake). The recipe will follow in the next few posts. We also had a few company on the day for MrHubby's birthday celebration.

The Birthday Cake (without the candles)

Blowing those candles

MrHubby and his birthday cake

Cutting the cake

One big slice for me please ;))

Before the feast, I had been going out to town 3days prior as I was trying to find him another pressie (bought him an Armani perfume on Thursday). After thinking hard I'd decided to buy him a SatNav. We didn't have any SatNav and MrHubby tried to download the programme into his Iphone once before but didn't succeed. Anyway, I went to Currys on Monday and bought him TomTom SatNav (Via 110) with 5years warranty (should anything happen to it we could get a replacement).  I gave him the pressies on Monday when he came back from work. He smiled ear to ear when he got the pressies and I was glad that he loved them.

Trying to figure out what was inside ;P

Ear to ear..hehe..

Oh, on Saturday morning, we went for a movie..me and MrHubby on a date ;p 

We watched Pirates of the Caribbean while munching on the nachos and sweet popcorn! (They only have the sweet popcorn in EyeCinema Galway, no other cinema in Ireland (as far as I know) sells sweet popcorn!) The movie was really good and we didn't realise that the showing time was about 2 and half hour. And of course afterwards we rushed back to home as I was missing BabyZara so much! Found her soundly asleep in her swing..

Tamak..hehe..both nachos and sweet popcorn were in his hands

Mummy and Zara (she turned 14months on MrHubby's birthday celebration)

Laksa Penang

MrHubby was oncalled again yesterday..But I didn't cook anything for him for tea..instead I went to town centre and bought him a doner burger and 2pieces of fried chicken. 

And for dinner, I cooked Laksa Penang using my own recipe ;p (of course I have rough idea what to put inside the kuah/broth, thanks to my mum!). I used rice sticks/kuew teow instead of laksa because that was all I have in the pantry yesterday. And of course I used canned fish (2 small canned tuna and 1 small canned salmon) which had made my cooking so much easier! And the verdict...MrHubby said it was a bit too sour for his liking but for me, it's delish! I think Laksa Penang has to be sour, for it to taste better. So if you don't like to be too sour, you could always use less tamarind paste or asam keping.

My Laksa Penang is served

Recipe Laksa Penang (eat 5-6people)

Source: My Mum

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of ricestick/mee udon/thick rice noodles/spaghetti
• 2 small canned tuna (120g/can)*
• 1 small canned salmon (250g/can)*
• 1 large onion*
• 3 cloves of garlic*
• 2cm ginger (peeled)*
• 3 slices of galangal*
• 10-15 dried chillies (boiled and drained)*
• 4-5 slices asam keping
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste+1cup of water (mix well making 1cup of tamarind juice)
• 4-5 cups of water
• A handful of kesum/ Vietnamese mint/laksa leaves
• 1 lemon grass (smashed and bruised)
• Salt and sugar (I put 4-5tbsp of sugar and 2-3tbsp of salt) 

• 4 hard-boiled eggs (cut into 4sclices)
• 1/2 Pineapple (small cubes)- you could use canned pineapple
• Iceberg lettuce (julienned)
• Cucumber (thinly sliced and then julienned)
• Mint (chopped)-substitute with spring onion
• Lime slices (if needed)

Method:

1. Cook the noodles according to its instructions and set aside.
2. Blend together *ingredients with 1cup of water.
3. Pour into a big saucepan and heat up on high heat. Add the rest of ingredients and cook well. Season to your taste.
4. Serve with the laksa/thick rice noodles and the salads.

As for BabyZara, we are now starting to brush her teeth (she has 8 very sharp teeth) every night before she went to bed. Actually we had introduce the toothbrush since she was 5months but it was not consistent (that time she loved to bite the toothbrush bristles while teething). We have to make routine for her to brush her teeth but sometimes I forgot to do so..sigh..

Bangun pagi terus gosok gigi ;))

Then she found Abah's Iphone..one of her fav toys!

A new member of family

The blogspot acted up again and I wasn't able to update this blog for a couple of days. Glad that I could update my blog again :))

What did I do while I was away from this blog? Nothing much really..we haven't celebrate MrHubby's birthday..which I figure we would this weekend. Bought him a perfume (free Armani weekend bag with the perfume) which smell so good..I might buy him another pressie as well. 

And my old Sony Experia phone had been messing up with me few days ago. It would call and send texts on its own! Luckily the it called was MrHubby so MrHubby kept answering 'my' calls over and over again. Hehehe..so, I've decided that it was the time for a new phone. Went to town centre on Tuesday and there was great offer by 3mobile store. Iphone4 for free!! So without any hesitation, I went into the store and grabbed the free phone! But its under 24months contract, 40euro/month bill. It actually was not bad at all. I am now an Iphone4 user! Yehaa!!

While on Wednesday, BabyZara had an appointment with a dietician. She was referred by the Public Health Nurse who was so concerned about BabyZara's height (was at 2nd centile on the graph). When measured again that day, her height was 71.5cm (she was 69cm 2months ago) which just above the 2nd centile. As long it has not drop from the 2nd centile, we would be happy. And BabyZara's weight was 9.4kg (gained 300g in 5weeks) which was hovering on 25th centile. So the plan for her is to reduce the snacking time and to focus more on the major meals with more proteins. We have to re-schedule her meal times and her menu as well. But Alhamdulillah that she is healthy otherwise. And of course we couldn't expect she would be as tall as the Irish babies..sbb mummy and abah dia cinonet orang asia! Our prayers are always with you, our little princess. Semoga menjadi anak yang solehah dan dikurniakan kesihatan yang sempurna..amin..

Zara and Abg Irsyad (her cousin) celebrating their birthdays (Spring 2011-Netherlands)

In Keukenhof, Netherlands

Bertatih jalan..skrg sudah nk berlari

"Mummy, check out my new wheels!"

Our sweetheart

Okie dokie, will update again soon about a couple of recipes I've tried and tested this week. And if we were to celebrate MrHubby's birthday, I will update on the celebration as well. Till then..

Instant White Raisins and Walnut Bread

I've baked a sandwich bread this evening for tea and breakfast tomorrow. Its quite tasty and easy to bake as I used Tesco Crusty White Bread Mix (you could use any brand of white bread mix) and I added a few ingredients to flavour up the bread (so it instant no more! ;P)

It turned out pretty good. It was not overly sweet (I didn't add any extra sugar but I added some raisins), fluffy and soft. I definitely will bake this bread again! Hope you would try my recipe and enjoy eating the bread :))

Sliced and ready to be eaten!

So here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 250g of Tesco Crusty White Bread Mix (You could use any brand of white bread mix)
• 2 egg yolks
• 100ml of fresh milk (You could use water)
• 4 tbsp water roux (recipe is here)
• 50g raisins/sultanas
• 25g walnut (toasted and roughly chopped)
• 2tbsp of frsh milk+4-5drops of honey for glazing

Method:

1. Put everything in the BM. Select the dough setting and let the BM do its job. 
2. After that, took out the dough and divide the dough into two and round them up into balls.
3. Put them into sandwich pan and proof for 40mins-1hour or until they double the size. Then glaze the bread with the fresh milk and honey glazing.
4. Bake them in the oven at 175'c for 15-20mins or until golden brown. Take it out and let the bread cool on a wire rack. Slice the bread and it's ready to be served.
5. To store the bread, keep it in the air-tight container to keep the freshness.

Birthday without a celebration

Well, it was MrHubby's birthday yesterday! Happy birthday to my beloved husband. May Allah bless you and our family always.

We didn't plan for anything..(It should be me planning instead of "we")..so MrHubby ended up spending his birthday just like any ordinary day..poor him! So he's missing his pressie and birthday cake. Remember in the previous post that I was thinking buying him the Xbox console? Well, he said that he doesn't really want it..and he doesn't know what he wants for his birthday! Man..(shaking my head) It really hard to find a present for a man..I've been having the same problems everytime it comes to birthdays and anniversaries and any sorts of celebrations! Oh well, maybe I'll surprise him sometimes this week (i'm sure he doesn't expect anything from me anymore at this stage ;p). I'll find him something that he needs instead of what he wants :))

Neways, there is a recipe that I want to share today. It's Pandan Chiffon Cake, so light, soft and fluffy. I made the cake on Friday for MrHubby when he was oncalled.

Pandan Chiffon Cake

Original recipe: www.bluetiffin.blogspot.com

Ingredients A:

• 6 kuning telur (gred A)/ 6 large egg yolks
• 150 g gula halus/ 150g fine/castor sugar
• 100 ml pati santan/ 100ml coconut milk
• 70 ml air/ 70ml of water
• 100 ml minyak jagung/sayur/ 100ml vegetable oil/corn oil
• 225 g tepung gandum/ 225f plain flour* (I used cake flour)
• 1 1/2 camca teh baking powder/ 1 1/2 tsp baking powder*(*diayak/sieved)
• 1 camca teh pandan paste/ 1tsp pandan paste
• Secubit garam/Pinch of salt

Ingredients B:

• 6 putih telur (gred A)/6 large egg whites
• 135g gula halus/ 135g fine/castor sugar
• 1/2 camca teh cream of tartar/ 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Method:

• In one big bowl, mix all ingredients A using a whisk until all well mixed. Put aside.
• In another bowl, beat the egg whites and the cream of tartar using high speed. Add in the sugar bit by bit until fluffy and soft peaks.
• Fold in the egg whites into the mixture A using rubber spatula. Pour the batter into chiffon cake tin and bake in the oven at 175'C for 30-35minutes.
• When its cooked, take out from the oven and turn over the cake tin. Let it cool down that way and take it out carefully when it has cooled down completely. Ready to be served.

1. Dalam satu bekas, satukan ke semua bahan A dan kacau menggunakan wisk hingga semua larut dan sebati. Ketepikan.
2. Dalam mixing bowl, pukul putih telur dgn kelajuan tinggi bersama cream of tartar. Masukkan gula halus sedikit demi sedikit hingga putih telur menjadi kembang dan kental.
3. Gaul putih telur tadi ke dalam bancuhan no.1 dgn kaedah 'kaup balik' hingga sebati. Masukkan ke dalam acuan chiffon berukuran 26cm dan bakar dalam oven yang telah dipanaskan pada suhu 176C selama 30 - 35 minit.
4. Bila masak, keluarkan dari oven dan terus terbalikkan acuan chiffon. Biar berkeadaan terbalik hingga kek sejuk. Sisip dgn pisau bahagian tepi acuan dan keluarkan perlahan2 dan sisip juga bahagian dasarnya utk mengeluarkan kek...boleh dihidangkan.

So here are some pics of my chiffon pandan cake. It was not perfect but it tasted so yummy nonetheless!

Cracked surface!

Cooled and ready to be served!

Packed and ready to be delivered to MrHubby

Overview of Car Seats

Choosing the right car seat is a desicion worth taking a little time over. It will become a familiar resting place for your baby and something that you'll spend plenty of time lifting, carrying and fitting into place. Buying the best car seat (accordingly to your budget) is one of investment you'll need to do for your baby's safety when they are out and about in the car. They are a few types/groups of car seat according to your baby's age and weight. You definitely will be buying at least 2 car seats (just like I did) if not more.

Zara enjoying herself in her car seat

The types of car seat:

• Group 0/0+ (Baby/Infant)-Its suitables from birth until age 6/15 months approx (0-10/15kg)
• Group 1 (Toddler)- Its suitable from 9 months-4 years approx (9-18kg)
• Group 2,3 (Junior)- Its suitable from 4-11 years approx (15-36kg)
• Group 1,2,3 (Toddler/Junior)- Its suitable from 9 momths-11 years approx (9-36kg). This was the one I bought for Zara (picture above)

There are a couple of things that you should think about before buying a car seat,

1. Its never a good idea to buy a second-hand car seat. It may have been involved in an accident/sustained damage and wear and tear that will reduce its efficacy.
2. When it comes to buying, its the weight and not the age that matters. If your baby below or above the recommended wieght range for the seat, it may then not offer the best possible protection.
3. Always check that you know how to fit the car seat by yourself to correct position and the seat is fitted correctly.
4. NEVER put a child in a passanger seat fitted with an active front airbag. Airbags are designed to protect adults but can have opposite effect on children.
5. Keep babies in rear facing infant carrier car seat as long as possible (until baby reaches their maximum weight range). They offer the best protection for smaller babies by supporting their head and neck.

Group 0/0+ (Baby/Infant)

• This type offers the best protection for smaller babies and its a rear facing car seat.
• Comes handy with the handle to lift and carry the baby around.
• It could be fitted by the seat belts or a special fixture/base. (eg: ISO fix)
• Some types could be fitted directly on to the strollers which would be handy when baby asleeps. Baby could be transfered into the car without any dissturbance.
• Usually with padded seat liner and will be soft and cosy for baby to snug in.
• Ours came free with the stroller.
• NEVER put in a passanger seat fitted with an active front airbag.
• Example of Group 0/0+ car seat is the picture on the right

 Group 1 (Toddler)

• This is foward  facing car seat could give your child a better view.
• It could be fitted by the seat belts or a special fixture. (eg: ISO fix)
• Could come in with 3 points or 5 points harness/safety belts.
• Make sure that you baby has full neck and body support and the baby is comfortable on the car seat.
• Make sure that your toddler's head and body is well support in the car seat.
• NEVER put in a passanger seat fitted with an active front airbag.
• Example of Group 1 car seat is the picture on the right.

Group 2,3 (Junior)

• A forward facing car seat for your junior's safety.
• This group of car seat will only need adult seatbelts to secure them in place.
• You could either buy the junior car seat or only the booster seat. However, it is recommended that the child has full body and neck support. ( In this group, I would think it's better to buy junior car seat with high back support)
• However, booster seat is ideal for travel or back up option (eg: Grandparents' car or for unexpected situations) as it is small and handy to carry.
• NEVER put in a passanger seat fitted with an active front airbag.
• Example of Group 2,3 car seat is the picture on the right.

Group 1,2,3 (toddler/Junior)

• This type of car seat I bought for BabyZara as I was thinking, if I heva to change the car seat for at least 2 times more, why not buy the one which would last until she's 12.
• This car seat could be transformed into junior car seat just by taking off the safety harness. 
• As for my BabyZara car seat, it comes with safety cushion instead of safety harness. When she is big enough I would take off the safety cushion and viola! she would have the junior car seat. (and we don't have to buy her a new car seat, saves us some bucks!)
• NEVER put in a passanger seat fitted with an active front airbag.
• Examples of Group 1,2,3 car seats are in the picture on the right and the picture on the very first (BabyZara and her car seat)

So there you go, an overview of car seat group and types. I hope this will help you in anyway in choosing and buying the best car seat for your baby.

Nasi Biryani Ayam

Hi peeps!! It's pouring at the moment in Galway and its quite cold! MrHubby and BabyZara is sleeping soundly but I couldn't get my eyes to close! So here I am @01:30am sharing a Biryani recipe ;)) I made this Nasi Biryani Ayam (Chicken Biryani) and chicken curry a few days back. I used Shan's Biryani Masala Mix for the rice. It said "mild" on the box but for me (lidah Kelantan nie..) it was quite spicy. Next time I'll surely use less the Biryani mix.

While I was cooking, BabyZara was playing her Megablocks. Here are the pictures of BabyZara playing and of course the Chicken Biryani picture as well!

Zara and her Megablocks

Trying to climb in the Megablocks table again

The Biryani mix I used (of course you could use any Biryani mix you like)

Chicken Biryani is served!

So here is the recipe:

Nasi/Rice

Ingredients:

• 1medium onion*
• 2 cloves of garlic*
• 2cm of garlic (peeled)*
• 1/2 packet of Shan Miryani Masala mix (will use less next time)
• 3 chicken leg (cut into small pieces)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cardamons
• 1 star anise
• 3tbsp cooking oil/ghee/olive oil/butter/vegetable oil (whatever you have in the kitchen)
• 2cups of rice (washed and drained)-I used basmathi rice
• 4cups of water
• If you want, you could add in raisins/sultanas and cashew nuts.

Method:

1. Blend/finely chopped * ingredients.
2. Preheat the cooking oil in the rice cooker, then add the cinnamon stick, cardamons, star anise and blended/finely chopped ingredients. Cook for about 3-5minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add in the Biryani mix and cook for 1minute. Add in the chicken pieces and 1 cup of water. Let them cook for 10minutes.
4. Then add in the rice and the rest of the water. Cook well.

Vegetable curry:

Ingredients:

• 1medium onion*
• 2 cloves of garlic*
• 2cm of garlic (peeled)*
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cardamons
• 1 star anise
• 3tbsp cooking oil/ghee/olive oil/butter/vegetable oil (whatever you have in the kitchen)
• 3tbsp curry powder
• 1can/400ml of coconut milk
• 3small aubergines (cut into chunky cubes)
• 100g of fine beans (cut into 1inch long)
• 1carrot (cut into chunky cubes)
• 1onion (cut into chunky cubes)
• salt and sugar to your liking

Method:

1. Blend together *ingredients.
2. Heat up the cooking oil in the saucepan. Add in the cinnamon stick,cardamon, star anise and the blended ingredients. Cook for 3-5minutes until fragrant.
3. Add in the curry powder and stir for 1minute. Then, pour in the coconut milk and stir well.
4. Add in the vegetables and the seasoning and cook until tender. Serve with warm Biryani rice

Dai Dai

BabyZara now can says "die! die!" "dai dai"  means "bye bye" in her own cute pronunciation! I'm so proud of her. While waving her hand and says "dai dai" she would then continue her story telling. She is just so cute telling her stories in her own words and she has so many stories to tell! I could now imagine how she would be asking so many questions soon enough ;)) and I can't wait for it.

Here are a couple of pics of Zara taken last week when MrHubby was on his leave. We went out to a playground as BabyZara was so bored at home.

Now she would asks for her jumper/jacket and then she would walk to the shoe rack to pick up her shoes and would ask me to help her wearing those shoes! This is how she let us know that she wants to go out for fresh air! ;)) She's just brilliant!

Sitting on her carseat

Zara and her swing, enjoying herself

She loves the swing! Can't take her out until she says so ;p

Our BabyZara enjoying herself

And as for me, I had a new haircut yesterday! After so long, I finally had my hair cut and it costs so much! (I never knew that hairdressing in Ireland costs that much!!). Usually I would have my hair cut when I was back in Malaysia. Last 2years I had my hair straightened permanently in Malaysia but they don't have that kinda thing in Ireland, how unfortunate. I miss the super straight hair I had before. Oh by the way, I had my head massaged by the hairdresser and it felt so damn good! I have forgotten how to pamper myself for so long..(all super mummies out there don't forget to take 5 and relax and pamper yourselves). Wish I could go for full body massage! (wishing..)

Assorted Doughnuts

MrHubby was oncalled yesterday and I decided that I would make him doughnuts for his tea. I was planning to make these doughnuts since last week as it was Doughnuts' Week last week. This recipe is a keeper. The doughnuts were so soft and delish. And I made white chocolate and milk chocolate topping and sprinkles (roasted almond flakes, chocolate rice, sugar sprinkles) for the doughnuts.

It was cold and raining yesteday afternoon when me and Babyzara walked to the hospital. Babyzara was excited to go out for a walk but I didn't as I'll be walking in the rain. MrHubby drove to the hospital yesterday morning so I have no choice but to walk to the hospital. (took about 20mins to get there walking)

Assorted doughnuts on plates in Doc Restroom

So here is the recipe:

Source: www.bisousatoi.com

Ingredients:

• 500g bread flour/ strong white flour
• 100g sugar
• 11g instant yeast (I used 7g/1 packet instant yeast)
• 4 egg yolks
• 200ml water 
• 100g butter (I used 50g butter and 50g shortening)
• 1 tsp salt
• Cooking oil to fry the doughnuts

Decorations (use your imagination):

• Roasted almonds
• White chocolate
• Milk chocolate
• Sugar sprinkles

Note: Easy way to melt the chocolate is using microwave. Put your chocolate into microwave-safe bowl and using the full power, microwave your chocolate 10secs at each cycle. After each cycle stir your chocolate. Repeat the steps until your chocolate is melted and shiny.

Method:

1. I dumped everything (except for the cooking oil) into the bread maker (BM) and select the dough setting. Let the BM do its job (1hour and 30mins)
2. After that, took the dough out and punch the air out. Make the doughnut shape.
3. Let the doughnuts proof for about 40mins-1hour.
4. Then fry them on medium heat for 2-3minutes on each side. (be careful not to overcook the doughnuts)
5. Let them cool on wire rack then you could start to decorate them as you like.

Its easy and its yummy! 

Breast is the Best

Alhamdulillah..for all the blessings in our lives. This include the chance given to me to fully breastfeed our BabyZara until this day. She is now 13months and 2weeks young ;))

This post is specially dedicated to new mummies (2 of my closest friends have recently given birth, Congratulations!!), mummy-to-be, and all the ladies (and not to forget the daddies and daddy-to-be) out there with good intention to breastfeed their babies. I'm no expert in this field (Breastfeeding world is so much exciting and need more studies/explorations) but I would try my best to share the experiences and the knowledge that I have on breastfeeding from my point of view as a mother and a doctor. This topic would definitely need more than one post :)

Today, I would like to share the millions (that is exaggerated, but probably not, because some things we might have not discover yet) of breastmilk and breastfeeding wonder. When I was a medical student I was taught the benefits of the breastmilk versus the formula milk. There is no doubt through the science and research that the breastmilk (BM) is superior than the formula milk (FM). People has been misled that the FM are "nearly identical to breastmilk and that they are almost as good as BM" which is NOT TRUE at all!

Here are some highlights of BM and BF (breastfeeding) wonder:
Source: www.babycenter.com

1. BF will protect your baby from a long list of illnesses-Numerous studies from around the world have shown that stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis occur less often in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do happen. Exclusive breastfeeding (meaning no solid food, formula, or water) for at least six months seems to offer the most protection.The main immune factor at work here is a substance called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) that's present in large amounts in colostrum, the first milk your body produces for your baby. (Secretory IgA is present in lower concentrations in mature breast milk.) The substance guards against invading germs by forming a protective layer on the mucous membranes in your baby's intestines, nose, and throat. (So mummies, DO NOT give water to your baby before 6months, this will flush out all the good stuffs from BM that protect your baby's intestines, nose and throat)
2. BF may boost you baby's intelligence-Various researchers have found a connection between breastfeeding and cognitive development. In a study of more than 17,000 infants followed from birth to 6 1/2 years, researchers concluded from IQ scores and other intelligence tests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding significantly improves cognitive development. (Who doesn't want a brilliant baby ;P)
3. BF can protect your baby from developing allergies-Babies who are fed a formula based on cow's milk or soy tend to have more allergic reactions than breastfed babies.Scientists think that immune factors such as secretory IgA (only available in breast milk) help prevent allergic reactions to food by providing a layer of protection to a baby's intestinal tract. Without this protection, inflammation can develop and the wall of the intestine can become "leaky." This allows undigested proteins to cross the gut where they can cause an allergic reaction and other health problems.Babies who are fed formula rather than breast milk don't get this layer of protection, so they're more vulnerable to inflammation, allergies, and other eventual health issues.
4. BF may lower your infants' risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
5. BF can reduce your stress level and your risk of post-partum depression- When nursing your baby, your body will release the oxytocin hormone, a hormone that promotes nurturing and relaxation.
6. BF may reduces your risk of some types of cancer-Numerous studies have found that the longer women breastfeed, the more they're protected against breast and ovarian cancer. For breast cancer, nursing for at least a year appears to have the most protective effect.
7. BM nutrients are tailored to your baby- BM is species-specific for human and changes accordingly to the infant's needs. Its nutrients are easily digest and absorb by infants digestion system. (That's why BF infants usually will get hungry faster-2hourly feed, and that's why FM fed baby will usually get constipated. FM is hard to digest by baby).
8. And BM is FREE!!!!
9. BF babies usually will have healthier teeth, eyes and ears-FM fed babies more likely to get ear infections compared to BF babies.
10. BF will help mothers to shed post-partum weight-BF could consumes upto 500calories per day!!
11. BF may protect your baby from obesity-Experts think that breastfeeding may affect later weight gain for several reasons:

• Breastfed babies are better at eating until their hunger is satisfied, leading to healthier eating patterns as they grow.
• Breast milk contains less insulin than formula. (Insulin stimulates the creation of fat.)
• Breastfed babies have more leptin in their system, a hormone that researchers believe plays a role in regulating appetite and fat.
• Compared with breastfed babies, formula-fed infants gain weight more rapidly in the first weeks of life. This rapid weight gain is associated with later obesity.

These are the facts of BF and BM wonders. I believe and I know there are more benefits of BF that I have not mentioned above. And of course BF could build special bond between you and your baby. And if you'll be working you could continue to give BM to your baby (it would be in different post). 

Breast is the Best (Source:Google)

BF in the train from Paris to Amsterdam (Winter 2010)

Happy baby after BF! ;))

However, if you are not able to BF your baby (due to medical illnesses or any inevitable reasons) you are not becoming less motherly. Maybe you could try for your next baby? ;))

Oh, before I go, here are RARE reasons you CANNOT BF your baby (from medical point of view)

• Maternal HIV- transmission rate upto 30% to the newborn
• Maternal HTLV-1 and HTLV-2- transmission rate upto 20% to the newborn
• Maternal Metabolic Disease (Wilson's Disease)- Wilson's disease treated with penicillamine which is contraindication in BF
• Infant Galactosemia- diagnosed with newborn screening, baby requires lactose-free diet
• Maternal drug (Chemo/Radiotherapy,drugs of abuse-most commonly encountered)

 As I said before, these are the points that I know, and there are lots more that I do not cover in today's topic. I will try my best to post the topics related to BF and BM in the near future. I hope this post today would help you in anyway. All the best and keep up the good jobs you have done so far. HAPPY BREASTFEEDING LADIES!!