Saturday, 8 August 2009

Two new recipes from mummy


8th August 2009

Mummy's first recipe is "apple turnovers". We were watching the Asian Food Channel the other night and saw this simple recipe. Mummy told daddy that the only thing she needs is for him to buy frozen puff pastry sheets from the supermarket, and so he did. It was as claimed; simple, easy to make and really delicious! The glaze gives that extra taste and shine that anyone may mistake them as bought ready from the bakery.

The pastry sheets are quite expensive though, but it's worth it. You can get the recipe [here] to give it a try. By the way, mummy added raisins in the filling as well.

Tips: Any excess pastry? Cut it into long triangles. Brush remaining cinnamon sauce and roll up with the tip on the outside. The mini croissants are delicious and crunchy too!





Mummy's second recipe is "sweet chilli crabs". Yesterday afternoon daddy bought some fresh live crabs (although rather small in size) and requested that mummy try and cook them in sweet chilli sauce. This is actually a speciality of my aunt, Wawa Jay, but since mummy didn't have much time until dawn to call her up (daddy was about to break his fast), mummy tried to apply her talent and the result... yummmyyy!!! Hehehe... just look at these pictures!



The recipe:

Firstly, prepare the crabs. Be careful if using live ones. Cut the crabs in half and clean away any dirt. A useful trick: immerse the live crabs in boiling water for a minute before chopping them in half - really useful especially if the crabs are very active.

Stir fry shallots, garlic, ginger and large onions (all minced) until fragrant. Then, sprinkle some curry powder and a little bit of water. Then, put in the cut crabs and stir fry on high heat for approximately two minutes. Put in bottled sweet chilli and tomato sauces and add water. Let it simmer for a minute and pour in beaten egg(s) depending on the size of the dish. Ready to serve!

Tuesday, 4 August 2009

Chinese steamed yam cake


4th August 2009

Last night, mummy tried out a new recipe. It's actually a long-time favourite of daddy, which is a dish that our late grandmother ("Popo") used to make years back. Mummy had never seen nor tasted the steamed yam cake, but hearing that daddy was craving for it, she searched for the recipe through the internet.

The result; quite tasty and daddy assured us that the taste is similar to that which our late "Popo" made. We'll definitely try making it again when my uncles and aunts come by to visit.



On a personal request from a friend, the recipe can be accessed [here]. Another option can be accessed at a different [site] which displays a similar recipe but with a slight difference.

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

Fishing attempt ended with frustration


22nd July 2009

Hehehe... In the afternoon today, nini laki and nini bini as well as bungsu Hazim came by the house with self-made 'fishing rods'. Apparently nini bini has long been wanting to try and fish at the nearby pond adjacent to our [new home]. Unfortunately, no fish took the bait and we were quite frustrated. A good attempt though, and a new experience too!




Tuesday, 14 July 2009

His Majesty's 63rd royal birthday


15th July 2009

"Sembah Tahniah & Ucap Selamat Hari Puja Usia"
Sempena Hari Keputeraan

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddien Waddaulah

Friday, 10 July 2009

JIS Summer Holiday

10th July 2009


Yipeeee!!! Today was my last day of school for 2008 - 2009 session. Starting from tomorrow, I will be enjoying almost 2 months "summer" holiday (hehehe... as if we have four seasons here in Brunei) and school will resume on August 31st for 2009 - 2010 session.

Another good news, I made it to Year 1! Frankly, daddy was a bit worried that I might not be able to catch up since I only began schooling at [JIS] in January after our one year stay in Brisbane while my classmates had began studying since August last year. Thankfully, the Jolly Phonics reading method proves to be of a great assistance and not only I am able to read on my own, but I am starting to write down words too.

On this note, many thanks especially to my very dedicated class teacher Ms. Louise Cooke and the hard working assistant teacher Ms. Zainab, as well as my other teachers; Tamsin Harris (ICT), Wei Daiwei (Malay), James Instone (music) and Sarah Kallu (swimming).


Looking forward to Year One and meeting with new classmates as well as some former ones!

Thursday, 9 July 2009

Receiving guests at our new home


9th July 2009


Last night my grandparents (nini Lumut) came to drop by for dinner and brought with them nini's relatives from Singapore and Australia. We had a big feast and had a really wonderful time. To nini Lumut, thank you for bringing warmth to our new home.

More pictures can be seen in the other [blog].

Tuesday, 7 July 2009

A birthday wish for Machar

7th July 2009
Happy birthday to Machar (7/7/1977)... May you be blessed with happiness on this memorable day!

Sunday, 5 July 2009

The BIG 33

5th July 2009
Happy 33rd wedding anniversary to our beloved nini laki and nini bini. Both of you as a couple has been a great source of inspiration for us, and we all hope that the marriage last a lifetime. We love both of you very much! Congratulations!

What a great example of love and dedication...

Wednesday, 1 July 2009

Flag Hoisting

01st July 2009

It's July... the month full of celebrations in Brunei commemorating the 63rd royal birthday of His Majesty the Sultan this coming 15th. To mark another historic event, today is the official start of flag hoisting in all shops, office buildings as well as private residences.

In Bandar Seri Begawan this morning, a large group of 4WD lined up, each with flags for the ceremony which took place at the SOAS field right at the heart of the city. Mummy took some pictures from her office (shhhh...) to share with all of you...


Hmmmm.... Now I will need to remind daddy about the flag...

Friday, 26 June 2009

My 5th birthday!

26th June 2009


Five years ago at about 12.06 am, mummy and daddy became proud first-time parents with the birth of their first child... me! Today, I celebrate my 5th birthday with immediate family members. What makes it more memorable is that we had the celebration at our [new house]. Yes, we moved in last night just in time for my birthday party.

At the same time, we also celebrate the birthday of my beloved nini bini, who turned 58 (but still young) last 23rd June. Nini bini was definitely surprised, since we didn't inform her of this 'extra' celebration.

To all family members who came, thank you very much! On behalf of nini bini, we would like also to thank you for the lovely birthday gifts. For myself, I got a scooter, a billiard table, a goal post, clothes from Pengkalan Batu family, Transformers school bag and stationeries, a Tigger bolster, a toy car, Ultraman toy gun, 'ang pow' and my most favourite, a Bumblebee headgear. The play room is definitely full of toys now! Hehehe...

Enjoy these pictures!

Prayer recitation in the living room


Dinner time... On the menu was rice with honey chicken (ayam madu), 'sayur batang pisang', kelupis with beef curry sauce, corn soup and spaghetti with meatballs.


My birthday cake... with 'bumblebee' car on top


Nini bini's gorgeous birthday cake. Both by Bakerlyn.


Make a wish...!


My two lovely cousins, 'Elmo' Lizam and Nazrah


Eager to unwrap my presents...


Thank you to [Warya family] for making my dream come true!