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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Europe Day 2 in Brussels

 Me & Cik Liz woke up early in the morning on the second day to catch a train to Brussels and had our breakfast (croissant and tea) in the Paris hotel before we left. We had another round of breakfast in the train from Thalys first class service. I had mashed apple & yam sprinkled with muesli, a cup of yoghurt, layered cheese & pine nut sandwich and a cup of tea - all were really good. The trip took 1 hr 22min from Paris to Brussels and we enjoyed the country view along the journey.

I brought quite a big luggage because we had no time to do laundry as we scheduled ourselves to hop to a different country everyday. It was indeed a very ambitious plan and doing something out of my own comfort as I've been spoiled so much by my husband when he is around but traveling without him means I got to do everything by myself. Carrying the luggage up and down trains and station stair cases really took away my breath. So we decided to take a taxi this time from Gare du Nord train station to the hotel.
 We stayed in Bloom Hotel Brussels which I rate as 5* - spacious & beautiful lobby nicely scented with their own created air fragrant, comfortable bed and the special thing about this hotel is you can choose your room deco theme and we chose floral for ours. This hotel is only 5min from the next metro station Botanique.
We did not plan for specific things to do in Brussels and thought will find out when we reach there. There was no tourist information from Botanique station except for metro map. So we gambled and decided to take a metro train to Gare Centrale (4 stations away from Botanique) to look for Grand Place. We took the wrong exit but we enjoyed walking through the city with beautiful architecture around us. Accidentally we saw a beautiful St Michel Cathedral after 15 minutes walk. The place was quite crowded with tourists.
 We saw the crowds walked towards one direction and decided to follow which then took us to the Grand Place (Grote Markt) which is Brussels central square. It was a very impressive landmark surrounded by magnificient 10th century architecture. Later I learned that they display flower carpet every two years and certainly not happening during our visit but we had opportunity to snap some nice spring flowers sold in pots below. By the way, the temperature on the day was hot, I think more than 25C - not what we anticipated.

 Grand Place is surrounded by lots of restaurants and there is one street which most restaurants serving almost the same menu with seafood specialties. I was attracted to try pot of mussels - it was huge so both of us shared and was surpised that we managed to finish it. It was served with fries and very delicious.
After whole day walking, my right lower carf was swollen and I was limping - not sure whether it was muscle or tendon problem but terribly painful. However, I got to go on (kesian kat Cik Liz if I stop and rest in he hotel) so limping slowly to tour Brussels at night to look for Mannekon Pis. After about 15 minutes walk from the metro station, we found it and to my disappointment the peeing boy statue was such a tiny size (smaller than a real human being) located at a corner of a shop. After taking photos, we went to look for dinner nearby (spaghetti served in huge wok but not that impressive taste) and later return to the same street (leading to Mannekon Pis) looking for hot chocolate and waffles. The waffles was very nice and a must have if anyone visiting Brussels.

We returned to the hotel about 11pm and repacking the luggage as we will be leaving Brussels for Germany in the next early morning train. So catch up the next story in Germany.

Friday, April 29, 2011

First Day in Europe in Paris

 ok, friends here is the story (Paris part only) on my recent holiday trip and also to answer some questions received earlier. Don't be surprise that I actually went alone without my family along.... It was just me and a female friend....hehehe (sounds pelik ke....). My boss keep on reminding me that I deserve a real good break, somewhere away from Malaysia. My hubby been encouraging me to do so too and he said he can take care of the family without me (what a lovely husband and the best in the world). So it was a real break for me from everything in the office and home....

I departed from KL at almost midnight & reached Paris 6am in the morning. It took us quite a while to get a train from Parris des Gaulle airport to Hotel des Arts Bastille near Charonne metro station.It was 15 minutes walk from the station to the hotel but we were looking for it more than an hour before able to locate it. The most memorable part of the hotel is the lift which is the smallest lift I ever ride on (could also be the smallest hotel lift in the world...haha). It can only carry one person at a time even a person as petit as I am.....LOL. I do not have the picture of it because it is in my friend's camera which she has not yet downloaded for me.
Once we settled our luggage in the hotel, the first destination was the famous Eiffel Towel. We went there twice to have both day and night view. A very impressive gigantic lattice iron structure. Along the streets you can find many men selling Paris souvenirs like key chains, magnets, scarfs, t-shirts, etcs.
 The next destination was visiting Sacre Couer which is located at the highest point in the city. The nice thing about this place, you can have Paris city view once you reach the top staircase. Adjacent to it is art galeries with impressionist painters.

We also went to Montmartre not far from Sacre Couer where we had our lunch. It was a huge plate of chicken kebab from an Arabian restaurant. I only managed to eat half of it.
At night, we had pizza for dinner near the Eiffel Tower (photo with my friend). Although it was just a plain tomato & cheese pizza, it was very delicious - the aroma of the bread was really nice.
 Arc de Triomphe (nothing special but just photo taking to show that I've been there)

The most prestige shopping store in Paris is Printemps located in Boulevard Haussmann. I didn't buy many things apart from my blue Lancome eyeliner (that I've been using since the last 25 years and not sold in Malaysia) and perfume for UsusRaz. We didn't have much luxury of time to do proper shopping.

Early in the morning of the next day, we were in a train heading to Brussels. Watch out for the next update.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Asam Pedas Fish

 I missed home cooking so much after the Europe tour....LOL. The food in Europe were fabulous (I'll share the foods we had in Europe soon) but being the typical Malay, I longed for rice and dishes so much. So, as soon as my head was clear, I started cooking again and ya Allah this Asam Pedas is heaven....hahaha (bunyi orang kemaruk...hehehe).
I've posted several Asam Pedas recipes before and this one is slightly varied.

Source: Roz@HomeKreation
INGREDIENTS:
More/Less 700g Fish
5 Shallots*
2 cloves Garlic*
1/2" Ginger*
2cm Belachan*
2" Turmeric Root*
1 tsp Coriander Seeds*
1 tsp Fennels*
1 tsp Cumin* (* blend with some water) 
1 Lemongras - bruised 
6 tbsp Chili Paste
1 tbsp Tamarind Paste - mix into 1 bowl of water
1 Ginger Flower (I used dried one) 
2 Tomatoes - cut 
2 tsp Sugar
Salt

METHOD:
1. Heat up 1 scoop of oil and stir fry blended ingredients & lemongrass until fragrant.
Add in chili paste & continue stir fry until fragrant.
Add in tamarind juice, ginger flower, sugar & salt and let it boil.
Add in fish & tomato.
Cook until fish is done.

2. Serve with omelet, veg and white rice.
***************************************

BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION
Ini lauk orang tengah kemaruk nak makan nasi....hehehe

BAHAN2:
+/- 700g Ikan Isi
5 ulas Bwg Merah*
2 ulas Bwg Putih*
1/2" Halia*
2cm Belacan*
2" Kunyit Hidup*
1 st Biji Ketumbar*
1 st Biji Jintan Manis*
1 st Biji Jintan Putih* (* blend dgn sedikit air) 
1 btg Serai - ketuk
6 sb Pes Cili
1 sb Asam Jawa - perah dlm 1 mangkuk air
1 kuntum Bunga Kantan (Along guna yg kering) 
2 biji Tomato - potong
2 st Gula
Garam

CARA2:
1. Panaskan 1 senduk minyak & tumis bhn blend & serai sehingga wangi.
Masukkan pes cili & tumis lagi sehingga wangi.
Masukkan air asam jawa, gula & garam dan biar menggelegak.
Masukkan ikan & tomato.
Biar sehingga ikan masak sempurna..

2. Hidangkan dgn telur dadar, sayur & nasi putih.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

I'm Back with Ole-Ole

Hi and assalamualaikum...! I'm back from my Europe tour which was beautiful spring time. Here are some ole-ole for all of you from Paris, Brussels, Germany and Netherland. I'm still tired, so not much story for now.....




Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Blog On Break

I will be taking a break from blogging for quite a while for various reasons. Hope I will be backed again. I will definitely miss all my cyber friends and readers.....

Award from Love

Love called me to collect gifts from her home and she had so many of them but I chose this particular one that I like most. Thanks so much sis Love.... love ya....mmmmuah2 & hug2....! You are a such wonderful friend....

I would like to pass on to all the friends in my blog link, my followers and the one I follow too.... There are just too many to list, so please don't be shy, will be honored if you accept. Mmmmmmuah2 for our friendship....!!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Hello from Liana

Salam rindu makcik2 semua, dah lama Liana tak muncul kan.... mama nak bercuti sekejap, so Liana tolong ganti kat cini jap. Bukan Liana sorang tapi Lili pun ada tolong temankan.... (Lili tu twin Liana sebab nama Liana pun sebenor nya Lili (Rozliliana) tapi Opah tak kasi guna nama tu, so mama namakan kat baby alive tu). Liana cayang cangat2 dengan Lili, pergi mana pun dia usung, tak henti2 cium....! Lili pun kena kasi nenen & ganti pempes bila shee shee & puu puu, pandai nyanyi2 & sembang2 dengan Liana.... meh makcik2 main dengan Liana sebab mama nak gi jauh....

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Beancurd in Dried Shrimp Paste

 I bought some beancurds with no idea in mind what I was going to cook until I saw this recipe at Noorsha's house. My children don't normally like beancurds but they complimented this dish.
By: Roz@HomeKreation
Source: Noorsha
INGREDIENTS:
4 pieces Beancurd - cut each piece into four
15 Dried Chilies
1/2 Big Onion
5 cloves Garlic
Handful of Dried Shrimps - soak for a while
2 tbsp Chili Sauce
2 tbsp Tomato Sauce
2 tbsp Sweet Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Thick Soy Sauce
Salt & Sugar (only if necessary - I did not put any)

METHOD:
1. Deep fry beancurd until golden.
Be careful not to overcook.
2. Blend chilies, onion, garlic & shrimps.
3. Stir fry blended ingredients until fragrant.
Ad in all types of sauces & cook until thicken.
Adjust taste with salt & sugar if necessary.
6. Mix sauce with fried beancurd & dish out.
 **************************************************

BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION:
Lauk simple tapi sedap.... Maceh Noorsha & Along minta izin copy-paste respi kat sini ya.

TAUHU GORENG DENGAN SAMBAL UDANG KERING

BAHAN2:
4 keping tauhu - potong empat 
15 tangkai cili kering
1/2 biji Bawang Besar
5 biji Bawang Putih
Segenggam Udang Kering - rendam seketika
2 sudu makan Sos Cili
2 sudu makan Sos Tomato
2 sudu makan Kicap Manis
2 sudu malukan Kicap Pekat
sedikit Garam (jika perlu)
sedikit Gula (jika perlu)

CARA2:
1. Goreng tauhu hingga kekuningan. 
Jangan terlalu lama, bimbang tauhu rasa agak 'kering' bila dimakan.
2. Kisar cili kering, bawang besar, bawang putih dan udang kering.
3. Tumiskan bahan² yang telah dikisar hingga garing.
4. Setelah garing, masukkan sos cili, sos tomato, kicap manis dan kicap pekat. 
Kacau lagi.
5. Rasa dahulu. Jika tak cukup masin @ manis, tambah garam dan gula mengikut citarasa.
6. Gaulkan sambal keatas tauhu tadi....

Award from Hani (Sembang Dapur)

Lovely award received from Hani from Sembang Dapur. Maceh ya dik cayang sebab ingat pada Along..... mmmuah2 hugs & kisses from Along & baby Liana. Homework tu Along nak skip ya sebab Along dah buat dulu kat sini.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Grilled Turmeric Fish (Ikan Panggang Kunyit)

I had a big slice of tuna and turned it into this lovely dish. I like playing with different aroma but this time was simply plainly turmeric fragrant and purposely did not add in any turmeric leaf or lime leaf but you can add them if you like.
By: Roz@HomeKreation
INGREDIENTS:
1 slice Fish Fillet ( I used Tuna)
1 Lime
1 Lemongrass - cut 
2" Turmeric Root*
4 Shallots*
1 clove Garlic*
1/2" Ginger*
1 Candlenut*
2 Green Chilies*
Some Chili Padi*
1/2 packet Santan Powder*
Salt & Sugar* (* blended)

METHOD:
1. Cut fish into small pieces & rub with salt, lime juice & lemongrass.
2. Blend ingredients marked* with some water.
3. Lay a piece of banana leaf on a griddle & pour blended sauce.
Cook above medium fire until done.
BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION
Ikan Panggang Kunyit
Sedap ikan panggang ni rasa cam ikan percik pun ada, lemak2 pedas & wangi.

BAHAN2:
1 keping Isi Ikan ( Along guna Ikan Tuna)
1 biji Limau Kasturi
1 btg Serai - potong2
2" Kunyit Hidup*
4 uls Bwg Merah*
1 ulas Bwg Putih*
1/2" Halia*
1 biji Buah Keras*
2 bj Cili Hijau*
Cili Padi*
1/2 peket Serbuk Santan*
Garam & Gula* (* blend dgn sedikit air)

METHOD:
1. Potong ikan kpd kiub2 kecil & lumurkan garam, jus limau & serai.
2. Bentang sekeping daun pisang ke atas kuali leper.
3. Tuangkan bhn yg di blend & masak dgn api sederhana.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Smooth Loofah & Fish Masak Lemak

 Just the typical Malay dish.... too tired to type the recipe. Just use any Masak Lemak recipe that I posted earlier but replace the content with Smooth Loofah and fish (I used Cencaru / Torpedo Scad). Here is one of the Masak Lemak recipe that you can use.

Beautiful Words


I received these beautiful words from a friend (DL) and would like to dedicate it to all readers.

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2] So a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.


3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.


4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.


5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!


6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, God smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!


7] When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when God doesn't solve your problems He has faith in your abilities.


8] A blind person asked: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" Answer: "Yes, losing your vision!"


9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.


10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today’s PEACE.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Curry Mee III

 I actually made this for yesterday's breakfast but I couldn't update it at the same day.... I was advised by my therapist to rest my neck and shoulder muscles and sometimes I'm struggling even to do one post holding myself from the pain. So friends, I hope you understand why I don't blogwalk so often. Anyway, let's enjoy this delicious noodles.....
 I woke up early in the morning to prepare my own homemade noodles. Recipe was posted earlier here. The curry gravy is my own recipe, slightly modified from the first Curry Mee that I posted earlier.

By: Roz@HomeKreation
Serve 5 persons
INGREDIENTS:
1 Big Onion*
4 cloves Garlic*
1/2" Ginger* (* blended)
Mixed Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamon & Star Anise)
2 tbsp Chili Paste
2 tbsp Curry Powder
1/2 Chicken - cut
1/2 can Evaporated Milk
1/2 pot Water
2 Potatoes - boiled & mashed
1 Maggee Chicken Cube
Fish Cakes/Balls
1 Beancurd
Salt
1 kg Fresh Yellow Noodles**
Bean Sprouts** (** blanched)
Garnishes - Lime, Chilies, fried onion

METHOD:
1. Heat some oil & stir fry mixed spices & chili paste until fragrant.
Add in curry powder & blended ingredients and for a while until fragrant.
Add in chicken & stir until well mixed.
Add in evaporated milk, mashed potato, water & chicken cube and stir until boiling.
Add in fish cake/balls and bean curd.
Add salt to taste.

2. Serve noodles with curry gravy, topped with bean sprout & garnishes.
Enjoy!
***********************************************

BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION
Mee Kari
Along buat mee kuning sendiri, resepi ada kat sini. Kuah ni simple je nak buat & kesukaan semua orang kat rumah ni.

Hidangan 5 orang
BAHAN2:
1 bj Bwg Besar*
4 ulas Bwg Putih*
1/2" Halia* (* blend)
Rempah Tumis (Kulit Kayu, Pelaga, Bg Lwg, Cengkih)
2 sb Cili Mesin
2 sb Serbuk Kari
1/2 ekor AYam - potong
1/2 tin Susu Cair Evaporate
1/2 periuk Air
2 bj Kentang - rebus & lecek
1 Kiub Ayam Maggee
Fish Cakes/Balls
1 kpg Tahu
Garam
1 kg Mee Kuning**
Taugeh** (** blanched)
Bhn Tabur - Limau, Cili & Bwg Goreng

CARA2:
1. Panaskan minyak & tumis rempah & cili mesin sehingga wangi.
Masukkan kari, bhn blend & kacau lagi sehingga wangi.
Masukkan ayam & masak sehingga sebati.
Masukkan susu, kentang lecek, air, kiub ayam & kacau sehingga mendidih.
Masukkan fish cake/balls, tahu & garam.

2. Hidangkan mee dgn kuah, taugeh & bhn tabur.
Enjoy!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Limbang Wajik

 A specialty from Limbang shared by my best friend Q. It is made from special glutinous rice that very rare and very pricey (about RM90 per kg) due to very small scale organic production. The grains are so small like 20% size of the normal glutinous rice grain. The kuih is wrapped in Nyirik leaf and the aroma is so nice. Thanks Q for sharing such a lovely kuih. Liana and the whole family like it so much.
 Wrapped in a tiny size....

Friday, April 1, 2011

Baked Sugee Kuih (Bingka Suji)

 I love this, I love this.....! It tastes so nice, moderately sweet and perfect texture which is not too hard neither too soft. The top was browned under a grill for extra fragrant.
Sorry, for late update. Here is the recipe.

By: Roz@HomeKreation
Source: Jo's Deli Bakery (slightly modified) - sorry no link
Makes 8" round
INGREDIENTS:
3 Egg
110g Sugar
160g Sugee
250ml concentrated Coconut Milk
1 tsp Pandan Paste
1/4tsp Salt
435ml Water
90g Butter

30g Plain Flour

METHOD:
1. Beat eggs & sugar until sugar is dissolved.
Transfer into a saucepan & mix in sugee, coconut milk, pandan paste, salt & water.

2. Cook over medium heat until thicken like porridge consistency.
Remove from heat & add in butter & flour.

3. Pour into a greased tin & bake in preheated oven 190C for an hour.
Use grill for the last 5 minutes for extra brown top.

4. Cool completely before slicing.
*******************************************


BAHASA MALAYSIA VERSION
Resepi yang sangat bagus menghasilkan kuih yang sedap. lembut & wangi.

Source: Jo's Deli Bakery (ubahsuai sedikit)
Saiz 8" bulat
BAHAN2:
3 bj Telur
110g Gula Pasir
160g Suji
250ml Santan Pekat
1 tsp Pandan Paste
1/4tsp Garam
435ml Air
90g Butter
30g Tepung Gandum

CARA2:
1. Pukul telur & gula sehingga gula hancur.
Masukkan ke dlm periuk & campurkan suji, santan, pandan paste, garam & air.

2. Masak dgn api sederhana sehingga pekat spt bubur.
Tutup api & camourkan butter & tepung sehingga sebati.

3. Tuangkan ke dlm tin yg di minyakkan & bakar 190C selama sejam.
Gunakan function "grill" utk 5 min terakhir untuk extra garing.
4. Sejukkan sebelum di potong.