Steamed Pumpkin Bun

May is meeting its end. And to really recall, I guess I had done nothing worth mentioning and just slacked off most of the time.

I have yet to go for a swim, produce a nice presentable bakery, jog a lapse and I didn't even finish reading a book. Worst of all, UNEMPLOYED. Totally screwed.

So stop with the rants and work for a better result. That is way more useful over all the complaining and self pity.

Anyway, I did make good use of time today by trying out a recipe I got from Min's Blog, and I made steamed pumpkin bun. Hee

Before getting to that, there is this beef kuey teow I must definitely recommend to everyone. It's at Ho Ping Cafe, which is located opposite Kayu Nasi Kandar. It is open everyday from 8.30am to 2.00pm, except Thursdays.

For RM4.50, you get a bowl of soup with beef balls, stuffed tofu and 'Ngo Hiong'. This is the dry version.

So back to my buns, I wouldn't say its a failed attempt as the buns turned out nice, edible of course. But the texture is rather chewy than fluffy. WHY?!! Guess I haven't got the key to making a simple bun. Somewhere must have gone wrong during the process.

My buns which looked more like 'ki ka ku'

Here's the inner filling. The pumpkin is really sweet. Yum yum

Hollow

Glumness revisit

The air is stuffy

There seems to be no way out

Nothing is right

Drowned in helplessness

Please pull me out

From the churning depression

Engulfed in emptiness

Prayer

Life is a hassle

Things gone upside down

Putting everything in God's hand

Please take hold all affairs

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up."

James 5:15

Yearning for a shoulder to lean on...

Shingles

I've had tomyam soup for three days in a row this week. Urgh~ This is so sick and unhealthy. Yeah.. Tell me more. am just too lazy to think of anything else more decent.

So tired of seeing this appearing repeatedly in my blog. Duh.

So my mum noticed that my dad was having some kinda red rashes at his body and ushered him to the hospital which turned out to be, according to the doctor, Shingles. Or more known as 生蛇 where when the head meet the tail then you are one doom person.

And I made some online research, appears that Shingles is also known as Herpes zoster. This occurs to individual who have had chickenpox at a very young age under 1. The skin rash is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox which lives dormant in the nervous system and is never fully cleared from the body. Under certain circumstances, such as emotional stress, immune deficiency, etc. the virus reactivates.

Complications will arise depending on different individual and they should take note on their diet such as cut down on dairy products and meat. Sufficient rest is vital for a faster recovery. And shingles do spread. So I am hoping I don't catch them.

Trying to be a filial daughter and take care of my dad's daily needs. Haha. But there is not much I can really do. Just pray that he gets well soon and will learn to put himself first over other people and his work.

Meanwhile am craving for durian cheesecake. Aww... How does that happen that I am deprived of good food at my own house in Penang Island? Ironic much.

p/s: Miss you so much. Pretty damn pathetic. Sigh

Holiday 3

Its drizzling and I am playing with dough again. Haha. My body are now kinda tuned to this laid back mode where I just enjoy reading, doing the housework and some other stuff which I enjoyed or am interested.

Just checked my provisional result. All the (P) listed beside is good enough to make me gleeful throughout the day. Hehe. My heart was actually beating kinda fast. Thank you Dr. Lim. You are one kind soul which made my day. ^^

My breakfast this morning with my favourite Post cereal with real strawberries. Totally falling for it. As brand loyalty as I am, I always go for this and this only.

Crispy flakes, crunchy oat clusters with a touch of honey! And of course dried strawberries. Yum!~

Had some deep fried 'nian gao' made by my ex-babysitter. Eating 'nian gao' during Chinese New Year actually means getting taller, or so I was told. I suppose having it some other time would do the same trick? Haha.

Some of my home cooked meal. Instant noodles with a mix and match of ingredients which are suppose to make the meal healthier and tastier of course. Hehe

Egg, tofu and mushroom

Brocolli, tofu, egg and chicken frankfurt

So who says instant noodles are boring? It ain't when they are no longer made instant. ^^

So back to my chinese steamed bun (mantou). After all the proving and steaming, this is how it turned out to be. Due to the dough getting really sticky and me failing to roll it up like a swiss roll, I had no choice but to make it into 5 dollops and just steamed it.

Can I forcefully said it does looks like a flower kinda shape?

Certainly needed more practice in order for my creation to turn out more presentable. But at least its edible, actually tasted nice. My parents came back the moment I took it hot for the steamer and guess what, it's gone within the minute. I myself is left with one small piece for tomorrow's breakfast. Hehe.

This is the recipe I got from Jane's Corner. Do refer her's to see the proper, beautiful bun.

Ingredients:

180g water

3.5g instant yeast

350g plain flour (sifted)

25g caster sugar

10g oil [omitted]

1 tbsp cocoa powder (sifted) [I used Milo]

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients together except the cocoa powder to form a smooth dough.

2. Divide the dough into 2 portion, 330g and 220g.

3. Set aside the plain dough to prove. Add cocoa powder into the smaller dough and continue kneading till a smooth dough formed. Rest for 5 mins.

4. Roll out the plain dough into a rectangular shape sized 30cm x 20cm and set aside.

5. Do the same for the cocoa dough but slightly smaller than the plain dough.

6. Brush some water in between the plain dough and the cocoa dough with the cocoa dough

placed on top. Make sure they stick well together.

7. Roll the dough like a swiss roll and cut into 8 pieces.

8. Prove the dough for another 30-45 mins in the steamer.

9. Add water into the steamer and bring to boil. Steam over medium heat for about 15 mins.

Month Six

Just a mere simple reason

To be shone with light

To be fill with happiness

To be gleeful

And bliss

♥ Happy Sixth Month's Anniversary ♥

Need You Now

It's a quarter after one. Insomnia strike. Right now a song playing vividly in mind.

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

Picture perfect memories

Scattered all around the floor

Reaching for the phone cause

I can't fight it anymore

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind

For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one

I'm all alone

And I need you now

Said I wouldn't call

But I've lost all control

And I need you now

And I don't know how

I can do without

I just need you now

Another shot of whiskey

Can't stop looking at the door

Wishing you'd come sweeping

In the way you did before

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind

For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one

I'm a little drunk

And I need you now

Said I wouldn't call

But I lost all control

And I need you now

And I don't know how

I can do without

I just need you now

Guess I'd rather hurt

Than feel nothing at all

It's a quarter after one

I'm all alone

And I need you now

And I said I would't call

But I'm a little drunk

And I need you now

And I don't know how

I can do without

I just need you now

I just need you now

Happy 520

It's Friday, again. I realised that when given all the leisure time, I no longer appreciate Fridays much as there seems to be nothing dissimilar between weekdays or weekends. Perhaps the only difference being the absent of my parents during the day when they go to work. In that case I would definitely prefer weekdays. XP

Another random post about my daily encounters. Yeah, me still blogging in ease here confirmed my unemployed condition. I really should try harder. Just give anything a shot. So I you happen to have a post or vacancy, please do consider me.. *hoping eyes. I am this desperate!

Some Spongebob Kiddie Pack toothbrush I came across. The only cuter thing I had way back then was the Kodomo Lion toothpaste which tasted horrible. Why can't I have this? Me and my Spongebob love. Who can resist something so innocent and erm, yellow?

Home cooked lunch few days ago. Practically just toss in whatever was in the refrigerator. Of course, the baked beans tasted best. Haha

My breakfast this morning. Just love the chewy Indian bread with generously spread Kaya (coconut jam).

Lunch are these super mix and match Domino pizzas my mum shared among her colleagues. She claimed there are 5 different toppings but I just can't tell them apart which is which. Just the sweet one which I suppose is banana and kaya.

Aloha Chicken, Tuna Temptation and Vegie Galore. I assumed.

Since I just had bites of the pizzas, was still full then, I headed out for some kuih. These traditional nyonya baba kuih selling at the Jelutong Market near my house are sold out like hot cakes. Rain was pouring when I went to the market, it wasn't then till the moment I step out of the house. Zzzz. Anyway, I had to wait for about 15 mins till its my turn to choose my favourite.

I don't know what they are called but I guess they are common to locals. All these for RM2.60. Love the Kuih Tapah (white in the middle) best. The gooey glutinous skin wrapping the fragrant peanuts and sugar.

The physical appearance is still very important as I would suggest to all female friends. In fact males nowadays are putting more attention to it too. Haha. Especially after the times in campus where my skin was left unattended. I had my own facial treatment session. A very simple one in fact.

Pardon my scary look. This is the only time when I kinda feel grateful for my long forehead. See the mask fit just perfectly? Not an inch that goes to waste or sticking to my hair.

*self-satisfaction

Better complexion? Nah, just an excuse to cam-whore. In my old T? WTH

What's so special about today? It is 520! May all of you have a very nice weekend spent with your loved ones.

Singing In The Rain

I noticed my blog so much 'lively' during the holidays. As I guess I have nothing better to do and would much prefer to 'speak' through my writing. Shy away from people. *Chuckles

Perhaps I should look out for some freelance writing, provided I had a better language command. Duh.

My stomach is playing tricks all day long. It must have been either the food I cooked, but why am I the only one, or the food i ate. Wriggly legs now.

Enjoy watching Glee with all the singing and dancing. Skip the bitchy part though. Mr. Schuester said the movie 'Singing In The Rain' always made him better when he is sick. Perhaps I should give it a shot. Since its raining now anyway.

Is blabbering all the way. It's nice to know that somebody actually enjoy reading my entries. Touched. Thanks for the support. Thats what keep me going. Haha.

No matter what you are up to and whatever weather you are in, be it a hectic sunny day or a crawling one with huge rain drops beating down your rooftop. Good day peeps!

A happy heart will make the wonders.

Lost

Hate this feeling.

It felt so wrong to be so lost when I am so blessed with all that I have.

What felt worse is the hollowness that comes from no where.

I haven't the faintest idea.

Perhaps I am easily affected by the happenings around me.

Or it happens to be my emotional nature.

Have so many things to put into consideration.

Am I doing good enough or at least up to par?

Putting too high a hope in myself.

Would keeping myself occupied drown all these thoughts?

Or would they still call out to me?

It's just this feeling...

The air is stuffy

My chest is heavy

I'm kinda lost

Finding somewhere I belong...

蒸鸡蛋糕 (Failed Attempt)

My house is like a treasure chest. The other day I was troubled for not having an electric mixer, and tadaa~~ Turns out we do have one. Kept deep inside the storeroom. My dad won it during a lucky draw I have no idea how many years ago.

So I tried the easiest recipe I've got in my hand. But to my dismay, it turned out as hard as a rock. I failed even the simplest one. Must have done something wrong while whisking the eggs and sugar.

Here's the recipe from 苏联妈妈 as requested by Ying Ying. Haha. You can see that her's is really fluffy and nice. Do try it.

I don't know what it looks like.

The texture is somehow similar to 'kuih', but its harder.

Is having insomnia these days. I would toss and turn in the bed, while all the thoughts just keep pouring in, playing like a movie through my head. Some are good, some not so pleasant. Just can't get them to stop.

Should really get a job or just find anything beneficial to do before I started to act all weird and grumpy. I need to get a life out of somewhere else. Learn to live my life and give more freedom and rely less to others.

This 4 months holiday must not go to waste. Stop thinking of what wrong that was already done. Instead forget them and look forward to not repeating the same mistakes and change a perspective which makes my life easier and lighten the burden of others. Thats for the best.

I always love sweet food when I am under pressure or feeling depressed. But self-control is vital before it got out of control.

White Chocolate Macadamia from Secret Recipe I had recently.

Holiday 2

Yet another day. Still failed to find any job so am slacking and lazing at home all day.

Am hooked to CSI recently. Just love the way each case is solved and the mystery revealed.

Came across a book at Borders telling of the mindset of series killers. Hope I can get my hands on it.

Speaking of which, bought two Collins Classics at the price of RM11.90. I missed reading them during high school. Craved for some good books.

Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights both by the Bronte sisters

Planned to go to the market but I woke at 10.30 in the morning so I had to called of my plan. Had butter cookies for breakfast. Hehe. Scrumptious. Had been such a long time since I had this due to its price as well as the calories. Mind you a 2000+ KJ per 100g.

I personally preferred the raisin ones (top right) and the bottom left the most. Hee

What I love at home is the continuous source of fruits. Haha. I get to have fruits of different colours every. Bye bye to constipation.

Super sweet watermelon and my favourite mango. I could just have them for dinner.

Was raining cats and dogs and I was starving. Found this, Daddy Mee at Giant Hypermarket. Manufactured in Sarawak. Haha. But they just come in chicken flavour here so I'll have to do with that.

Added egg. Simple but hearty meal at a slow and chilly day.

Nice day peeps!

Green Bean Soup

Since I have yet to find a job and nothing much to contribute to the family, I tried to cook at least simple meal everyday. Before I can move on to the more complicated ones. Haha. Cut down the unnecessary MSG as well as saving money. But then of course it would be kinda lacking taste wise.

Today I cooked green bean soup. A very simple dish right. Haha. I had barley added to my version as it is smoother and avoid choking. But somehow due to several mistakes, the soup kinda turned porridge-like. Very thick.

Piping hot

But as usual I prefer anything cold. Haha. So I refrigerated it. When I ate it, its somehow pudding like. Reminds me of baby food. Kakazz. Still tasty nevertheless.

Bon appetite. So filling

Holiday 1

Today is the 5th day of my holiday. Life is full of contradictions, now that I can slack and shake my legs whole, it felt so boring and I am kinda in a lost.

I practically have nothing to do except some minor house chores, sweeping the floor, doing the laundry. Am in budget mode so shopping is a no no.

Thought of baking but lack of the equipments and ingredient. Bummer.

I kept telling myself its time to get my ass moving and shed the calories but the momentum is kinda too low to get me on the go. Sloppy..

I am now a STAIN in the couch. I need a job so desperately!!

So what do I do most nowadays? The answer is clear. EAT!~ Such glutton. Tsk tsk tsk...

If you ask me which potato chips is the best? Lay's Nori Seaweed flavour definitely reign supreme.

Not forgetting the ever yummy tofu skin crisp. Yummy!! It's one after another.

Cautious as one will tends to overeat.

And this is my brunch. Erm, stir fried vermicelli and instant noodles with chicken meat, egg, mushrooms and vegetable. Haha. Ok, it doesn't look so good and it tasted only so-so. But who cares. Haha. I'm loving it. Plus I'm kinda a beginner. Bear with me....

Appetizing, no? I finished em all! ^^

Last but not least, Happy One-Year-Old to my blog. Looking back, I've been through quite a hard time. Thank God for the people around me, friends, family and relatives. Most importantly for bringing You into my life, introducing more laughter, teaching me that there are more to love and love me more.