Sisterhood

Good morrow to all readers. This entry would be totally different from the previous ones. As I was flipping through my photo folder, I couldn't help noticing the photos of my younger sister's engagement day, which took place in December 2009. Talking about the photos, I have been wanting to share them with you folks but somehow, I just didn't know what happened to my initial plan.

Sincerely, I do have mixed feelings about her tying the knot. We have been together through thick and thin all these years. The thought that we might not be able to do things together, to have fun or even to share the pain, do make me feel a bit sad. As sisters, we laughed, we teased, we reprimanded, we shared, we scolded and eventually, we came back to our sanity and we forgave and forgot. True enough, blood is definitely thicker than water. In between the heartache, (jealousy at times) and painful experience, the sisterly bond surfaces and all is well once again.

Being the eldest, I have been given the responsibility to cater for her engagement and wedding ceremonies, in terms of preparing the 'hantaran'. In fact, I'm in the middle of completing the hantaran for her wedding, which will take place, Godwilling, next Friday, the 4th of June. Well, since I have never planned to be a wet blanket, dear sister, congratulations and many happy returns in years to come. My dua' is forever for you. Amin.

Here are some photos of her engagement day. Enjoy!

The star of the day!

Going back to roots - 'Sirih' is a must

Another 'hantaran '

and last but not least...........

'Makan Time'!!!!

Surprisingly, during the engagement ceremony, I was not asked to do any cooking at all. Perhaps, my Mak didn't have the heart to ask me to do so but who am I to be compared to all the experienced chefs who were around on that day! Anyway, the ceremony ended well and I was a very happy (and tired).

No dear, it does not fly. It zooms!

Last night, as I was 'struggling' to decorate the cupcakes, the thought that my boy is already four years old suddenly triggered me! What? Does time really fly? No dear, it does not fly. It zooms!

My Daus has always been the funny one. Despite being clingy, (as boys usually are to their mothers) his actions do melt my heart most of the time. Aha, not to forget his 'ways' of stopping me from scolding him by saying "It's okay Mama. I'm sorry" and a few pecks on my cheek to compensate for the damages done. Kids and their wonderful ways- never fail to convince you that all the hardship that you go through to provide for them, is worthwhile after all.

Well, as I am not planning to be mushy very early in the morning, feast your eyes upon my amateurish creation for Daus to celebrate his 4th birthday with his friends in school. Really hope that that they would enjoy the cupcakes!

Daus' 4th Birthday Cuppies

This time, I decided to you a very simple butter cream recipe. All you need is:

• 120g butter (soften)
• 280g icing sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence

This recipe is simple and let you exercise your muscle at the same time! All you need to do is to beat the butter till pale and add in the sugar a spoonful at a time and keep on beating using a wooden spoon. keep on beating till you reach a soft consistency ans spread on your cupcakes. One more thing, for the letters, I just used ready made fondant and guess what? I finally had the chance to use my alphabet cutters which have been sitting in the kitchen drawer for years!

Simple yet Satisfying

Good morrow peeps. What is your plan today? As for me, the usual activities - cooking, cleaning my messy room (the kids' stuff scattered continuously) and trying to finish marking my students' exercise books. After a tiring day at school yesterday, I couldn't stop thinking of what to cook for dinner as I was driving home. Thanks to Mr KHz who only requested for my home version of 'Prosperity Burger'. As usual, burgers are very simple but never fails to satisfy his hunger pang. Notice the burgers in the photo below? Yes, he gobbled up three!

PROSPERITY BURGER

I tried the recipe for the sauce after reading MamaFami's blog. I had my first try making the sauce when I went back to Melaka last month. The verdict? The recipe is definitely a keeper! Since the buns and meat patties were bought, I shall include the recipe for the sauce. Please have a try!

Ingredients:

2 cups of chicken stock ( I used 1 chicken cube and mixed with boiling water)

1/4 cup of fresh milk

2 tbsp black peppercorns (coarsely ground)

1/2 onion (diced)

1 tbsp cooking oil

2 tbsp sweet soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp butter (MamaFaMi used margarine)

3 tbsp of cornflour (mixed with 3 tbsp of water)

salt and sugar (if necessary)

Method:

1. Heat the oil and stir fry the onion till fragrant.
2. Then, pour in the chicken stock and let to boil.
3. Next, put all the ingredients except the cornflour mixture and let to boil again.
4. After that, lower the heat and pour the cornflour mixture until you have achieved the desired consistency.
5. Dip the meat patties into the sauce and enjoy your burger!