my carrot cake

very happy with the result of this baking and with this recipe shared by a friend.

240g self raising flour

240 g grated carrot

250 g brown sugar

3 eggs

180ml corn oil

100g walnut

100g black raisin

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

1/2 tsp soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp nutmeg powder

cheese frosting recipe

cream cheese-250g

icing sugar-80g

2tsp lemon zest

2tsp lemon juice

Choong

Pumpkin Bread

It will become of one my favourite breads for sure, Pumpkin. Healthy and delicious.

Again, I follow Christine's recipes.

120 gm tangzhong (please refer to this recipe to make tangzhong and measure out the desired quantity)

100 gm pumpkin puree (i make the fresh one on my own)

50 gm whisked egg

110 ml milk

40 gm honey

12 gm milk power

½ tsp salt

350 gm bread flour

2 tsp instant dried yeast

25 gm butter, melted

pepitas (pumpkin seeds), optional, for garnish- I use Almond instead as I do not have pumpkin seeds at home..

Happy trying.

Choong

steamed rice huat kueh

I have been wanting so much of this recipe because I like the taste of huat kueh with rice, though the the fermentation process takes longer time (versus those using soda or baking powder). But end of the day, taste is very important. First time trying this, and hope I will try this another round, with much improved performance.

I got this recipe from "Resipi Kek Kukus" but modify a bit of the process and the recipe itself.

2 cawan nasi sejuk (2 cups of cooked rice)
2 cawan tepung gandum (2 cups of flour)
2 cawan tepung beras (1 cup of rice flour)
1 cawan brown sugar (1 cup of brown sugar)
3/4 cawan gula pasir (3/4 cup of sugar)
2 1/2 caw an air (2 1/2 cup of water)
2 sudu kecil yis kering - mauripan 2 teaspoon of yeast)

pewarna makanan
Kelapa parut putih dikukus - gaul dengan sedikit garam

Cara-cara :
1. Blend nasi dan air sehingga hancur. Setelah hancur, campur brown sugar dan gula ke dalamnya dan blend sehingga sebati. (add all ingredients together, rice must be blended with water)
2. Dalam bekas lain, satukan tepung gandum, tepung beras dan yis. Kacau rata.
4. Masukkan bahan cecair tadi ke dalam bekas tepung. Kacau sehingga sebati.
5. Perap selama 3 jam (fermentation process, 3 hours)
6. Didihkan air dalam pengukus dan balut penutupnya dengan kain bersih.
7. Sapukan sedikit minyak pada acuan kecil.
8. Ambil sedikit adunan ke dalam mangkuk kecil. Masukkan beberapa titik pewarna yang digemari dan kacau rata-rata.
9. Masukkan adunan dalam acuan kecil dan kukus selama 15 minit dengan api besar (steam for 15 mins)
10. Hidang bersama kelapa yang telah di gaul dengan sedikit garam (can be served with grated coconut)

pumpkin fried cake...

Tried making this yesterday, quite easy but I think my frying process was not properly done. 3 main ingredients:

Steam and mashed pumpkins, about 160gm, 60gm brown sugar and 80gm glutinous rice.

Add all portion by portion was still hot, because the texture will depends on this temperature upon mixing of the glutinous flour (polymerisation issue). Then knead a bit and add in a bit more of G. flour if it is still sticky and make it into the shape you want.

Let it cool and air dry a bit, then fry using your pan.

Best if to serve with tea, afternoon tea time.

Choong

Looking For A House, Apt, A Home, A Place To Stay....

This few weeks, or the last few months since coming back, I have been looking for a place, esp in Klang valley, as I think I need a place. Initially I was not looking seriously, just going from one place to another, take a "see and look" kind of approach. The last two weeks, I was more serious, looking at a few places, seeing show units and showrooms, talking to friends, bankers, developers, real estate agents, and my sister...etc.

You have to consider the locations, the unit, the design, the price, the budget you have, the "worthiness" of the project in terms of finishing, in terms of management, then you consider whether they have parking lots (1, 2, or 3), then you have to consider the legal fees and stamp duty who bears what, land title, the completion date (if it is not completed as yet).
When you have too many options, it will not be good, as you tend to get more confused....sometimes, and you might also get a bit tired and exhausted when you are going from one place to another. And when you see show units, I guess you will buy almost all projects you visited assuming money is not a problem.

Realistically, I think as a buyer, esp the first time buyer, I think most importantly, is a place that is reasonable with your budget, location wise, facility wise, environment wise, design wise....you see, I have already had listed a few items for your own checklist.
Then you have to consider if it is on the roof-top, and if the rooftop comes with a reinforced concrete, as you are worried of leakage, then about mgt fees, and also on how about transfer of title....Strata title....etc. Oh yes, and the key point, whether you have your relatives or family  members nearby esp if you are not in the country always, and you need someone to help and take a look.....this is another concern.
Next, you need to also meet the sales personnel, as by talking to them then you can make good partnership or good friendship with them, and they will give you a better idea about the place, about the unit, about the conditions, about the contract...remember we are all human beings first.....haha.

And you need to think over and over, lying your head on top of your pillows and think, is this the right choice, is this going to be fine, is this going to be a good place.....do I make the choice now....etc. Headache in a way, but fun in another way.....but somehow, quite time consuming.


Choong
Selayang

Book- The Power Of Intention

I have finished reading this book, and I think if anyone of you have the time, please get a copy of this book. You can consider this as a kind of self improvement book, more spiritual basis...I love reading this book and it helps me to clarify some questions I have been asking myself since I was a boy...and I found the answers I needed.

And one of the poem I found in this book which I like:

The Jeweler by The Poet Hafiz

If a naïve and desperate man
Brings a precious stone
To the only jeweler in town,
Wanting to sell it,
The jeweler’s eyes
Will begin to play a game,
Like most eyes in the world when they look at you.
The jeweler’s face will stay calm.
He will not want to reveal the stone’s true value,
But to hold the man captive to fear and greed
While he calculates
The value of the transaction.
But one moment with me, my dear,
Will show you that there is nothing, nothing Hafiz
Wants from you.
When you sit before a Master like me,
Even if you are a drooling mess,
My eyes sing with Excitement
They see your Divine Worth.

Enjoy reading this book.

Choong

心经－－－A Buddhism Song By Faye Wang and Tony Leung (Heart Sutra)

Pleased to share this song, for fellow Buddhists. Happy Listening.




Choong
Selayang

It Is Good Things Are Clear Now

haha, today we had a family members discussion, with my cousin sis and my sister and all my nephews. We had a short topic discussion.
Now, in my life until now, no body unfriend and block my we chat, but I guess when people did that, I am perfectly fine because I think that draws the line clearer, between me and that person. I have no bad feelings against that person and I guess there it is perfectly fine. As a Buddhist and as a relative of that person, I only wish that person well.
When people only look at one side and only think of herself, and only see things from her perspective, I guess she will be blinded by herself, her world and her view on many things.
Thinking back, I think people will forget about the growing phase, of appreciating what people have or had done, and it is up to her to judge that on her own, hopefully one day.

Like I discuss with my sis, I think we are kind of stupid sometimes, because basically, it concerns nothing to us, it is another family's issue. But because we treat them as close family members, and seeing your uncle in dilemma, in suffering and in a state of  being unhappy, we were just trying to help out, to let the other party know about it, to let her know and what should be done. I think there is nothing wrong with that, and if she has been responsible in the first place, things like this would not have happened. And there is nothing wrong for an elder person (comparatively) to her, to voice this out, simply because her dad did not dare to voice it out and simply because she has been pampered since day one. And how many things that have happened from beginning until now, from a young age until now that I/we had contributed and helped out. But that is not something I would like to list out now, pointless. if a person is ingratitude, there is no point to say anything at all, is this not so, and if a person knows what gratitude is, you do not need to even voice anything or say anything at all, as all will be engraved deep in his/her heart.
If a person is guiltless, why bother to react, and by reacting, is it not admitting to the fault?
Does she dare to say that she has no mistake at all? Haha, she knows the answer.
But I guess that I have no more interest to dwell into, not of my concern anymore. Bless her.

It has come to the stage where I think there is nothing much that I need to talk further.
If this is the beginning of an end, then let it be, I am fine.
If this is the beginning of being rude, then let it be, I am fine.
If this is the beginning of the end of being humble, then let it be, I am fine.
If this is the beginning of showing the true colours, then let it be, let is be the colours that please her, none of my concern.

I have never seen a person so rude, and it hurts so much as you have treated her like a sister, someone you have regard as a family member, hence you have to voice it out, when "family" problems appeared.
But since it has been viewed and treated in that manner, then it will be good to let it be as it is. I do not need to go and beg for an answer. It is clear to me as it is, and clear to me from now on and clear to me also, in the coming future, on how to act and treat this whole issue!!!

And I guess time will prove who is right who is wrong. But meanwhile I will be a good nephew to my uncle in whatever way I can. You never have the same uncle the second time, I guess, same like u never have your parents the second time. (and I remember things my uncle done for me since day i until now and that gratitude and appreciation is always in the heart).
And my conscience is clear, and I am glad that things are clear now. Before that, I think I was a bit ignorant and stupid to think that this is a kind of small misunderstanding, and since things have come to this stage, I guess, we shall let it be. Not harbouring any bad feelings as far as I am concerned, because I am a practising Buddhist and I do not want anything on that too. But being an elder and standing in my position where my uncle (I hope he dares enough to voice it out clearly to his beloved daughter what was his feeling the two days and nites he was with us, and how he was being taken care off) is concerned, I think I did the right thing and done what I think is fair to us all, my sis, my nephews and niece and myself included.
I rest my case, and I also wish her, my cousin well, for the final time.
I also thank my sis, cousin sis, niece and nephew for supporting and standing by my belief. Thanks yeah.
And with that, I rest my case and hope to let it go from the bottom of my heart and brain on this issue and on this person. When you are hurt deeply, though you do not have any bad feelings towards the other party, that scar is hard to recover. It brings with you even to death, though u let it go after saying things out.
All the best yeah.

Sincerely me.
Selayang, Selangor.

My Greenapple Cinnamon Raisin Almond cake...

Oh gosh, today, I did a lot of baking,,, first with my moon cake but it was not so successful, hence I did not write my summary here. For this cake, well, I kind of like it, though again, I learn from website but as usual, my Aquarius curiosity, I modify the recipe.

Here is the general recipe that i follow:

3 - cups all purpose flour 

 2- cups sugar (I only use 1.5 cup )

3 - eggs (average size)

3 - cups apples, peeled and chopped (I used about 4 small sized green apples)

 1 - cup olive oil (atau minyak masak pun boleh) 

2/3 - cup milk 

1 - teaspoon baking soda

 2 - teaspoon vanilla 

2 - teaspoon cinnamon (put more is better, I put 3 tsp)

1/4 - teaspoon nutmeg (i used my own nutmeg juices which I made on my own)

1/2 - teaspoon salt

1 - use almond and raisin as I do not have pecan

You mix everything well, then put inside the oven, and my baking time was close to 80 minutes, I am not sure, may be my oven is a bit old. And temperature has to be hot enough, and I put 200 degree C for close to 30 minutes, otherwise, it was hard for the middle portion of the dough to be fully baked and dry.

Anyway, taste is good as feedback by my cousin and friend eating them and personally, I feel satisfied since this is the first time I bake this.

Choong 

BM

My Beloved Grandma--Mdm. Kok Kooi Hoe

Finally, I have a chance to write something about my grandma....the late Mdm Kok Kooi Hoe (郭贵好）。 I only have this copy of picture of her, and I took a copy using my smartphone and transferred it here so that I can write something here, in my blog to remember her, and a soft copy here so that somebody in the family can find some information about her in near future, though this is not important. It is mainly for me, my own memory of my beloved grandma.
This year mark the 32nd anniversary since Ah Ma passed away, and never a day I forgotten about her and as I grow older, especially now, I miss her even more....
Sometimes, I just imagine talking to her, just imagine her being around me, as usual, or sometimes, I just shout out loud, calling for her, esp when I am alone and when I miss her so much......Two days ago, while I was driving and listening to a Buddhism hymns, I suddenly felt I was so close to her, spiritually, though I do not know where she is now. How I wish she will appear at least in my dreams and let me know where she is, or how she is doing. In all my Dana and prayers on merit transfer, I always prayer and transfer merits for her. I hope she is going well, wherever  she is. Ah Ma, I hope you still remember me, wherever you are, as it will be hard for your grandson to forget you, and I still harbour the hope to meet you when it is time for me to leave this world, at least I have a chance to say hello to you or hug you, wherever you are.
Ah Mah, I miss you, and as I write this article, I suddenly become more emotional.....teardrops fell freely from my eyes, I guess each drop representing how much I miss you my dear Ah Mah.
There are simply too many memories for me, with you, and I am sorry not being a good grandson, especially when I was a boy....but you were very patient and your love knows no barrier......I miss you when I come home from school, the first person I will look for and the first person I will call for, upon entering the door to our house... and you will be seating next to your room facing the dining table, with my lunch ready.......Ah Mah......................
I miss you my beloved grandma, and wherever you are, I hope you well, and I will keep on offering dana in your name and prayers. And I hope you have met Ah Pa and all uncles and aunties who have since joined you......
The memories will always linger on, until the day when I am not in control of my form anymore, or until the day when I do not need memory to remember you and talk to you...

Until then, good nite grandma, and may you be happy always, wherever you are, in the universe.

Sincerely,

Your grandson who misses you a lot,
Ah Heng.

When the nite is silent.....

I was sitting at my dining table, after jogging, as usual, to check some of my mail, reading fb, and checking some latest articles. First, I see so many negative and sad news....people being killed, people committed suicide, ..etc, all being in the form of negative energy..not so good, but then facing this kind of news, you got to stay positive and try to meditate more... or find ways to balance up.
And then messages coming in, from friends, discussing some issues. And one of them is a new friend, facing many problems about his job,  exhausted from his very lowly paid and high demanding job, and has been (has been very very) negative. And I have to stop everything and trying to talk to him to stay positive, to keep his energy high, to explain to him and make him understand this is just a phase of life, a process sometimes a person needs to face. And he asks me why God is treating him so badly, and I told him God is not treating him badly, instead he is treating himself badly, that's why he is feeling very bad, very negative. I remember I read a book before, that God will help those who help themselves, and presently reading two books on this related topics, I told him to stay positive, and he must be positive, and just to let go off the negative feeling he has inside of him (怨气实在太大了）。。in Mandarin, that complaining part from him is soon going to kill him emotionally and if he stays like that, good things will never happen. I told him as long as he is alive and as long as he stays positive and connected to the universe (this is what I have learned after reading Dr, Wayne's book), he will be good eventually.....just trust this, and I am glad that I managed to convince him about it.
And after that, I was sitting alone and thinking, what about me?
Am I practising what I was preaching to this friend?
Am I connected to the universe?
Despite all the things happening to me (could be negative), did I manage to overcome that negative feelings fully? Sometimes, when your friend contacted you, for instance this case, though it takes up your time, it allows you to understand the whole issue about what you are learning in a more clear and precise manner, and may be this is being arrange by the universe to allow me to understand more, as I am opening up more to the universe? Is it that when you are actually helping people, you are at the same time helping yourself? Betul kah? I am not sure but somehow I believe it is happening....It helps me to be more positive too..............That is why the saying goes, you help yourself by helping people.....

Anyway, in this silent nite, I just hope that the universe will help the earth to be a better place, will help every being to living more in peaceful manner, lesser pain, lesser war, lesser unhappiness, lesser greed, lesser selfishness. And more happiness, more love, more caring, more sharing, more positiveness.......
I hope I am not hoping too much and I trust this will happen if all of us open up and stay positive and be sincere to the universe.

Sincerely,
Choong
BM

Bread again-- With oats and dried fruits

Today must be very productive day I guess, as far as my baking is concerned. I tried 3 recipes today,  pic 1 is one recipe, pic 2 and 3 is another recipe and I also tried out the recipe for scones, but I think it was not very satisfactorily as yet, hence I did not include the picture here (though I can eat it and taste good too, but the texture is not something I want as yet. Will continue to try out more in near future as I like scones too). Pic 2 and 3, the recipe is actually the same as the Hokkaido bread which I shared already in my earlier posting. For pic I, again I tried the recipe from Christine's recipes, but I modified a bit of that recipe to suit what I want.

Here is the recipe from Christine's webpage and my modification is in red:

Ingredients:

• 350 gm bread flour, sifted
• 55 gm sugar use only 50gm
• 5 gm salt  use 4gm only
• 56 gm whisked egg
• 7 gm milk powder, optional
• 125 ml milk
• 120 gm tangzhong (refer to this recipe for making tangzhong)
• 5 to 6 gm instant dried yeast
• 30 gm butter, at room temperature
• 90 gm dried raisins, or to taste (add in oats and dried fruits)
• 2 to 3 Tbsp rum (didn't add this)
• 90 gm walnuts (didn't add this)

Recipe copied from this website:

Read more: http://en.christinesrecipes.com/2010/12/braided-raisin-walnut-bread-tangzhong.html#ixzz3C48j8hGN

Choong

BM