Making prawn crackers

Besides all the ang paus, new clothes and clear roads, my CNY will not be complete without mum's prawn/ fish crackers. She's been making this every year for as long as I can remember. And shame on me for not keen enough to learn or even helping out...until this year. And boy oh boy...it was not easy at all.
Step1:
Peel and de-vein white medium sized prawns - use only 'whitish' prawns as it will not make the crackers too yellowish. DO not buy anything smaller than your pinky finger as you will have hell of a time peeling and de-vein-ing them.
Step 2:

Mince medium-sized white prawns until it become paste - this takes like forever until both my arms are tired. My mum doesn't use food processor as she said it will make the paste watery and taste different wor...

Step 3:

Add in salt, sugar, pepper, baking soda and a little msg...

Step 4:

Mix the paste with tapioca starch and a little bit of water

Step 5:

Knead the dough (and toss it and turn it and squeeze it) - and this is again a tedious thing to do...poor arms of mine...

Step 6:
Roll the well-kneaded dough (ermm...when it is a bit tough and getting harded to knead) into logs of the same size

Step 7:
Steam the logs for hmmm....until they are cooked

Step 8:
Once cooled, put them in the fridge and refridgerate overnight for it to harden
Step 9:
Use a sharp knife (very important) and cut them in small pieces
Step 10:

Dry the slices under the hot sun for several days - watch out for cats/ monkeys for they will steal... 

Step 11:

Lastly, fry them in hot oil and put them in tin cans...or straight to the mouth (which might cause sore throat the next day).

I was guided by my mum all the time (and maybe she helped a bit....ok ok...helped a lot). I make a promise to myself to make it all on my own the next time. :P

Can't really figure this out....Can you?

Pic taken in a lady's restroom outskirt of KL.

Remembering you

Sounds of the fire crackers reminded me of Lucy. During CNY every year, she will try to find every possible way to get into the house. She's so scared of the sound of fire crackers that she will tremble and tries to snuggle to any of us hoping that we can protect her. I miss Lucy.
Indeed CNY should be a joyous time but it should also be a time of remembrance. Treasure your loved ones, be it your parents, relatives, spouse, friends or even your pet/s.

Pic 1:Was looking forward to come home everyday to these cute puppies

Pic 2:Lucy-miss you deeply

Pic 3:Kitty who jumps to our laps and loves it when we sayang him...

Happy Chinese New Year + Valentine's Day

Wishing all a Happy Happy Chinese New Year and Sweet Sweet Valentine's Day....

Abuchiakk...

Walking down memory lane

I'm supposed to be in Putrajaya now, sweating my pants running the night run but due to some personal reason (yeah, that time of the month and it shhhucks), I am home-bounded. With nothing better to do, I dug up some old photos and took a trip down memory lane. Some made me laugh, some made me smile and some brought back bitter-sweet memories. Following pictures are taken in New Zealand. It was one of the best trip I've had so far. I remember waking up to the sound of chirping birds, cool wind and green pastures everywhere.

Pic 1:Seagulls in Queenstown

Pic 2:Seals sunbathing in Milford Sound

Pic 3: View of Mount Cook

Pic 4:Sheeps and more sheeps

Pic 5:Blue skies and sea

Pic 6: Whale-watching in Kaikora

Pic 7: Sunset view in Mount Cook

Pic 8:One Tree Hill, Auckland

Pic 9:Breathtaking

Pic 10: Robert Burns statue, Duneidin

Pic 11: Tasman Glacier

I miss that country.

Looking back at all the photos, I wondered all the what-could-have-beens and what-ifs...And I wondered how you are getting on now. Well, it's part of the past. And I am glad that we shared it.

Growing old

Finally after may hours of labour, I finished wrapping all the chicken floss with a pack of popiah wrap. You don't need to be a genius to do this - just cut the popiah wrap to small squares, put a bit of chicken floss and wrap them ala popiah style.

But mind you, it was no easy task. NOT easy at all. It took me almost 5 hours in total, spread out to 2 days. I remembered making this for CNY a couple of times few years back but half way through it, I gave up. It was my mum who finished the task. But this year, I am proud to say, I have the determination to finish what I have started. No matter how tiring it was, I managed to psycho myself to keep wrapping - thinking of how nice the end product will be...

It got me thinking. The younger me would have complaint a lot. It's so tiring la, so boring la...etc etc...But I do feel I have a lot more determination to carry on through a difficult task as I grow....errmmm...older more mature.

Speaking of growing more 'mature', it's hard to believe that my age is coming to a big x0. At times, I still feel very childish inside, reacting stupidly to situation which I could have taken control. So, resolution number 6. To be in control of my fear/emotion/difficult situation (aka act like a grown up).

Then downside of growing more 'mature', my shoulders/back/legs are a bit sore from the hours of sitting and doing the same repetitive thing....(+ spring cleaning + shopping, etc etc)

Muscle rub, anyone?

Food : Tony Roma's

I finally had a chance to dine in Tony Roma's. Not sure why I was so craving about it. We ordered:

1. Crispy Onion Loaf - onion rings that is served like a tower with their special sauce. It's really yummy when it's served hot but after a few mouthful, we feel like it's too much for two person.

Pic 1:Onion loaf - top view

Pic 2: Onion ring - side view

2. Grilled chicken ala something something....Served with rice pilaf (rice browned in oil, and then cooked in a seasoned broth) and brocolli. The gilled chicken is quite tender but nothing to shout about.It's not served with any sauce thus, a bit dry.

Pic 3: Grilled chicken

3. Smokin’ Burger- beef burger patti topped with cheddar cheese and crispy beef bacon strips. I love this but somehow, I got full after half of it... Too much of meat.

Pic 4: Beef burger

4. Apple Crisp a la Mode - A delicious blend of apples, cinnamon and sugar, baked to a golden perfection with a granola topping. What I like most is the vanilla ice cream, drizzled caramel topping...But it's tooooo sweeeettttt...

Pic 5: Apple Crisps

My verdict? Hmmm....not so satisfying...But I heard that their steak and ribs are not disappointing (as well as the shrimp cocktail). Staff are not so friendly (well, maybe only one of them). I like the environment (The Curve,Mutiara Damansara branch) as it's not crowded and suitable for chit chat over lunch/dinner.

I am a hoarder

Hi everyone, my name is Kee Fong. I am a hoarder. I like to keep things. I keep everything from pretty labels of clothes, bookmarks, tickets, newspaper cuttings, magazines, etc etc...I find it very hard to throw things away.
I keep things that I think are memorable. I keep things which are unique and pretty. I keep things that others might find it useless and think that it should be in the rubbish bin.
Once in while, I took out some boxes of the things I keep. One reason I like keeping things is because I find it very amusing everytime I look back at them. Certain things bring back sweet memories. It might be a souvenir from somebody, or a movie stub for my first date or the air tickets of my first out of country flight or the appreciation gift from my company a few years ago. I know that 10 years down the road, I will still smile when I look at these again.
Not so long ago, I attempted to sort out all my 'collections'. It's futile and I gave up after 15 minutes. There's just too many things!! So, I just chuck them away in boxes, neatly stored in the store room.
So, not to worry. All your souvenirs or cards or gifts are still in good condition somewhere hidden in those boxes. Now, only if I can get more space for my future collections...

Food:Sushi Zanmai

Making my way in a rush towards Sushi Zanmai in Gardens, MV and saw the long queue in front of the shop. First thought-wow! the food must be great to attract so many people. And I must say, the food indeed does not disappoint.Although a bit on the pricey side compared to other sushi restaurant like Sakae Sushi, Zanmai's menu is a lot more extensive. The salmon are fresh, the softshell crab are very crunchy (i'm not a big fan softshell crab but I really like it now) and the enoki wrapped in thinly-sliced beef is mouth-watering just by looking at it. The service tends to be a bit slow, not surprising with the non-stop amount of customers. Will definitely go there again, off-peak hours, that is...

Pic1:Wide variety of food

Pic2:Fulfilling bento set

Pic3:Soft shell crab wrapped in sushi

Pic4:Variety of sushi

Pic5:Enoki wrapped in beef slices

Pic6:Scallop with mayonnaise (expensive)

What have you done so far?

It's the 6th day into the new year. What have I done so far?

1. Skipped my jog routine - checked
2. Eat unhealthily - checked
3. Being irrational and emotional at work - checked
4. Being irrational and emotional at home - checked

Aint so much into my resolutions huh.....Well....I still have almot one year (minus 5 days) to fulfill them...WTH...

Happy New Year 2010!!!

2009 is coming to an end. Looking back at the resolutions I've set, I did quite good this year, achieving almost 70% of it. 10% are still ongoing. 2009 has been a year full of hope, love and challenges ( at least towards the end of it). It's a year I've learnt to see through the eyes of people around me. It's a year I yearn to do some soul searching but failed to do so. I just feel that the world out there is too big. Too many things to experience.

To my family, I felt closer to everyone. We had some fun time during the trips and makan makan. I spent more time qith my parents, watching TV together, helping my mum wth the dishes (which is one of the ongoing item in my list), going to the market and splurging on my parents.
To my dear, thanks for enduring with me. I know I might be too demanding and intolerable (aka bitchy) at times but we're learning each day to understand each other. And you are right, I am not ready to be tied down.
To my friends, thanks for all the times you're there to listen to my rantings. We had some fun-filled trips and outings together, right? Hope to have my in year 2010.

So, have a HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR and may 2010 be a better year than 2009. Cheers!!!!

XOXO

I'm back....

Need to catch up on some zzz and will start work tomorrow...shucksss...
Will blog about the trip in the next post.
Edited thousands over pictures...so much to blog about*sweat*...Keep tuned...

Mood for some fruits

It has been a great day today so far...Went to the morning market with parents and bought some fruits as I suddenly have the urge to make a fruit salad. Surprised my dear by dropping by his place later in the morning. Came back and helped mum make 'prawn crackers'. Damn tiring, I tell you....And we still have to slice it but it can only be done tomorrow (and I won't be around to help...:( ).Will blog about the process in my upcoming post. And now, I've just finished dyeing my mum's hair...

Feeling excited now...Going to finish packing later on. Luggage is quite empty...but I bet it will be fully loaded on the return trip. So, Merry Christmas to all of you and have a whacky crazy year end.

Bon Jovi - Hallelujah

Not exactly the perfect Christmas song to dedicate to you all but this version of Hallelujah is so cool.*hearts Bon Jovi*
So, Merry *early* Christmas everyone...
XOXO

Christmas is in the air....

My fave season of all...Let's take a look around Klang Valley this year for the xmas atmosphere...

Pic1:Xmas trees in Pavillion

Pic2:The colour-changing 'bowls' which is said to costs RM8mil

Pic3:Rudolf,where's your red nose?

Pic4:It's snowing...(used to snow at Satrhill but i guess they shifted to Pavillion)

Pic5:Curve...not as interesting as last year's White Xmas

Pic6:Spot the angel...

Morning thoughts...

I love morning jogs.


It's nice to be able to spend some time alone and just run, breathing in the fresh morning air, cool atmosphere and the feel of a lazy morning. Reminds me of New Zealand.

When I run, ideas seem to be streaming in on what to write on this blog. Maybe I should just bring a notepad along when I jog. Ha ha...

Almost every morning (except Sunday), I will be able to catch a bunch of elderly, doing morning taichi at the playground. I'm not a big fan of tai chi (or any s l o w m o t i o n excercises eg. yoga), but what caught my attention are the weapons used (ps:I have a thing for swords). There are some pretty slick and cool moves involved. And so, secretly, I tried to remember those moves and practises them at home. Needless to say, it's a futile atempt.

Now, I admit I'm a choreograph-challenged person. I am NOT able to follow most moves if you throw me in an aerobic session.

Hmmm....I wonder if the master (an uncle in his seventies) will accept me as a student. On second thoughts, maybe not as I think I will add to his blood pressure. -_-"

(Pic source:www.thetaichicentre.co.uk)

my blog is dying

arrrgghhh....
seems to be in a dry spell nowadays. no ideas on what to blog. or maybe no mood to blog. it's been freaking messy lately. with work mostly. can't wait for the holidays.
I N-E-E-D a break....
and i need it S-O-O-N....
!!

Food Review: Nagomi, Menara Hap Seng

Not so long ago, I participated in a walk hunt around KL. It was organised by Menara Hap Seng. We were given food vouchers and so we ended up in Nagomi Shabu Shabu, a Japanese restaurant for lunch before the hunt begins. Four of us ordered different Bento sets.

Hmmm....I've never really had much of Bento sets before but I think mine tasted quite ok ok only.

Each set includes a miso soup, some preserved vege and salad.

I guess the best is the unagi set as its sauce is just nice to be eaten with rice.

 We ordered a mango salad also and I highly recommend it. Topped with a bit of wasabi, the sourish mango+crabstick+vege+some special sauce tasted good.

For dessert we ordered icecream made of black sesame with soy milk and green tea.