Nyonya Curry A La Moo in 30 minutes!

Yes, you read that right.

Now you can fool everyone into thinking that you have spent the better part of the day in the kitchen, slaving over a hot stove and pounding your neighbours crazy with your mortar and pestle, when in fact the only thing you've been crushing are candies.

Let Jamie do the hard work for you.

The older folks would probably baulk at his methods, but who  can afford to be a Stepford wife these days?

Cooking is therapeutic for me, and growing up watching my Granny cook has somehow made me associate cooking with good, comforting memories. Even though I love to cook, as a working Mum, I find it can be quite challenging to attempt to whip up a meal from scratch after a long hard day at work. I don't cook often enough these days, because I would much rather spend the extra precious time with the family.

We're fortunate to have my mother-in-law cook daily for us, and being of Peranakan descent, you can be sure that we're always well fed! The Peranakans are noted for their fussy palates, and it is said that a nonya can determine the culinary skill of a new daughter-in-law simply by listening to her preparing spice mix with a mortar. Fortunately, she's a modern matriach... otherwise DaddyMoo would not have such a wonderful wife! (Truth. He won't dare disagree)

Now that I have Jamie Oliver helping me in the kitchen, I can actually start cooking again without compromising too much family time!

Unboxing the Dude

Not styrofoam!! Green is in, honey!

Right now you're probably thinking: So bulky and cumbersome!! which was exactly what I thought when I opened the box.

I feel like a surgeon!! I'm holding the scalpel, by the way.

Actually, it was just the box and packaging that was bulky. When I deconstructed the contents, there were just the attachments and tools which usually comes with a food processor.

Figuring out what makes him blitz

So there I was, feeling rather overwhelmed by all the shiny stuff. I decided to ask the hubs to meet this new man in my life, because me and gadgets don't get along.

He looked at all the items, and put it together in less than 5 minutes. I was amazed (I suspect he was quite proud to be able to 'show off' to me) and told him I already gave up the moment I opened the instructions manual. He looked at it, and told me: "Women all over the world will find it difficult to put this together because they always refer to instruction manuals. It's actually very simple. Insert, fix and click. Always in a clockwise manner."

So our advice is - ignore that manual with the diagrams which need a magnifying glass to view. It was definitely not designed by Jamie who likes to keep things simple.

The attachments

A

• Adjustable slicing disc for thin to thick slices (1mm - 7mm) 
• Reversible shredding disc (fine or coarse)

B

• Stainless steel chopping knife for chopping, cutting, mashing and mincing
• Kneading tool for mixing dough and batter
• Serrated knife for quick frozen deserts (yes! you can make sorbets and ice-cream, too!)

C

• Metal double balloon beater for egg whites and cream (whipping and whisking)

D

• Citrus press for pressing fresh juice

He's actually got everything covered! Now if only the machine also puts kids to bed...

Ok - let's get down to business!

Dancing with the Dude

I decided to test him out with a recipe from my mum-in-law because I've always enjoyed her chicken curry. She was more than happy to give it to me, because Peranakans (and Indonesians) are big on keeping traditions alive. The Nyonya version of the chicken curry (also called Curry Kapitan) is sweet with onion and fragrant with fresh spices. It's also dry, like rendang, unlike the regular curry with gravy adapted in other cultures. 

Nyonya Curry A La Moo

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Serves 4 adults

Ingredients

A 

• 4 whole Buah Keras (Candlenut) - you can substitute this with almonds or macadamia nuts.
• 2 stalks of Serai (Lemongrass), sliced - remove the hard outer layer first.
• 3 slices of Lengkuas (Galangal)
• 15 whole Shallots
• 2 cloves of Garlic
• 3 tablespoons of Curry powder - this can either be pre-made and stored, or bought off the shelf.
• Red Chilli pepper (optional)
• Chilli Padi (optional)
• Quarter cup of water

B

• 1 whole chicken, cut into parts.
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 5 Potatoes, cut in halves.
• 3 pieces of Kaffir Lime Leaves - can be purchased from the wet market. Please substitute with 4 tablespoons of lemon juice if you can't find any.
• 10 pieces of Curry Leaves - most supermarkets sell these.
• Vegetable oil for frying. Do not use any oils which are naturally flavoured as this will affect the taste.
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste
• Water

Directions

I cheated and bought whole chicken which has already been pre-cut at the supermarket.

While I was preparing the ingredients, I put the potatoes to boil, and drained them out while they were half cooked. I then soaked them in cold water to stop the cooking process. We don't want mashed potato curry!

Back in the olden days, pounding these will make a woman out of a girl.

Put the ingredients in Section A in the food processor, except for the curry powder and water. Blitz on #2 setting till it's almost finely chopped, then put the curry powder and water in.

Jamie cooks curry, too!

When the blitzing is done, the paste should look like this.

I would totally fail as a prospective daughter in law back in the olden days! Imagine having to pound the ingredients till it becomes this... because Jamie wasn't born yet.

Heat the oil, and put in the paste when it's semi-hot. If you wait till the oil is super hot, chances are you will be suffocated by the pungent fumes when spice meets oil, not to mention oil will splatter everywhere! Saute till fragrant. Make sure that you control the fire, so as to avoid burning the spice. If it's even slightly burnt, you have to start all over again, because it will affect the taste of the curry.

Add in the chicken, and make sure all pieces are evenly coated. Add in a cup of water, along with the kaffir lime leaves and curry leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes, before putting in the coconut milk. If you prefer it to be 'rich and creamy', add more.

"Cook, little wok!" This is my magic curry wok!

Add in salt and sugar to taste. Sugar is used to 'balance' the contrasting flavours and 'bring out' the taste individual ingredients. Put in the parboiled potatoes. The potatoes are not cooked together so that they would not 'disintegrate' during the cooking process while you stir the chicken to make sure that it's cooked evenly.

Leave the chicken to simmer for another 10 minutes, slightly longer if the pieces are larger. If it gets too dry, you can opt to add more water.

Serve with baguette or steamed rice.

That's it! We're done!

Nyonya Curry A La Moo. Curry in a hurry!

***

Keep life simple with the PHILIPS | Jamie Oliver range which includes a food processor (S$268), handblender (S$128) and blender (S$108).

Available at leading electronics and departmental stores.

DISCLAIMER: This review post is part of a series of sponsored conversations between PHILIPS Singapore and MummyMoo. All opinions are based on my personal experience.

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The Rationale behind being Rational.

Some things don't change, no matter what we may go through, or what we have learned as we grow in time.

We can pride ourselves in being smarter, being more discerning, and becoming more knowledgeable, but there are certain aspects about ourselves that we can't seem to change no matter what we have experienced.

Recently I was talking to a friend about a few choices that I've made, things that I've been through... and what I portend as the shape of things to come.

I explained that even as I live and grow, learn through what I have been through... and perhaps even become more cynical day by day, there are certain choices which I've made that I believe will not change if I were to be faced with a similar situation. Even when I know that these choices will eventually turn the tide unfavourably on me. I said that my own personality will not let me choose otherwise, even though I know and understand the consequences of my action. It's simply about being true to myself.

... he said simply, and with a straight face:
"Um... that's not being who you are - that's sheer stupidity, and of you being resistant to changes."

I guess.

Perhaps a lot of people will see it that way. Rationally speaking, one should always learn from one's mistakes... but I'm not a very rational individual. I have never been. I have always let my heart do the talking, more often than not, with disastrous results. It may be said that it's sheer stupidity and stubbornness on my part - but how do we go against our feelings when it comes to matters of the heart?

Can it then be said that if we were to think rationally all the time - we will be truly happy?

For me, every moment of sadness that may come from totally succumbing to that moment of folly when I go with my heart - is part of life's journey. At the end of the day, even if I'm left with nothing, I will still have myself... and the realization that I have tried, I have done all that I could, and stayed true to myself.

I did not compromise.

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A Chinese Wedding: Two red dates and lotus seeds in tea

For the Chinese, perhaps the most important part of a union between two people is the tea ceremony which makes a significant part of the entire day's festivities.

In the olden days, it symbolises the introduction and acceptance of the bride into the groom's family. In modern times, the tea ceremony is observed at both the groom's and bride's family, because gone are the days when a woman, once married, will then 'belong' to her husband's family.

Too bad I ain't got no daughter to pass this on to!

Traditionally, the tea sets are considered 'heirlooms' and are passed down from generation to generation. It is a part of the bride's 'dowry', and will be used again for her own daughter's ceremony.

Sweet tea is served by the newlyweds to the elders in the family, and it is believed to bring happiness and 'sweeten' the relations between the bride and her new in-laws. A common practice is to place lotus seeds and two red dates in the teapot.  The words "lotus" and "year," "seed" and "child," and "date" and "early," are homophones, i.e. they have the same sound but different meanings in Chinese. Secondly, the ancient Chinese believed that putting these items in the tea would help the newlyweds' fertility. We had longans (龙眼) added in as well, because the hubs is born in the 'Dragon' (龙) year.

There is a set order as to how the tea is served to the elders, according to the family hierarchy.

• parents,
• grandparents,
• grand-uncles and grand-aunties,
• uncles and aunties,
• elder brothers and sisters,
• elder cousins

However, there are also families that prefer to serve the grandparents tea before the parents. Within each generation, the father's relatives are served before mother's relatives. In traditional families, the young couple is required to serve tea whilst kneeling down. Most modern family only requires them to bow while serving tea. All women should always be either seated or standing on their man's left.

The hubs and I chose to kneel while serving tea to our elders as a mark of respect and gratitude, but we didn't do so for the elder brothers, sisters and cousins (who are married). In fact, we were not allowed to kneel while serving tea to family members of the 'same generation' as advised by the old wise ones - because it would only signify submission instead of respect.

In return for offering tea, we received red packets containing cash, cheques and jewellery. Which totally explained the huge smiles on both our faces!

The wicked grins were due to the heavy red packets, not because I officially became Mrs. Moo.
I know of some brides who insists that everyone call them by their married name even before the celebrations are over!

My side of the family. That's Mum in the main picture with my Uncle.

There's just something absolutely romantic about observing wedding traditions. It reminds me of bygone eras, and for that one day, we were able to experience the rituals that our parents, grandparents and millions of Chinese couples for hundreds of years have gone through.

A connection to the past, in the present, on the first day of our future.

It doesn't get any better than that.

    

PasarBella: A Farmers' Market in Singapore!

The idea of a food and lifestyle destination all under one roof overseas is not new, but in South East Asia, we are more used to grocery shopping either in supermarkets or the wet market.

When I told the husband that there will be a 'farmers' market' the like of those found in Australia (where he went to Uni), he was all excited. He mentioned that he has always looked forward to shopping for groceries in these markets, because the ambience and people made it a very pleasant experience.

We decided to head down to PasarBella during their soft launch on the first weekend of May.

PasarBella brings together traders based in Singapore, selling their wares from all over the world. Located at The Grandstand and housed in 30,000 sqf of space, it promises to make grocery shopping a brand new experience for the entire family.

From here on, I would let the pictures do the talking, although they are inadequate to capture the true atmosphere. You would just have to drop by for a visit to truly get the vibe.

There are 3 entrances / exits. 'The East End' (facing the race track), 'The Southern Belle' (within the mall) and 'The Westpoint' (facing the open air carpark). They make me feel like I'm entering an era in which the American Deep South's upper class presided.

Seafood

Ginormous offerings from the sea.

Deli

Breads and Sandwiches for brunch, lunch, or a mid afternoon snack.

Flowers

So whimsical, and absolutely picture perfect!

Cakes and Pastries

Pretty offerings, guaranteed to bust any diet!

Salads and Snacks

For the health conscious, or those who bypassed the pastry section without being tempted!

Alcoholic Beverages

DaddyMoo's favourite section.

Fruits and Vegetables

The prices are competitive... and some fruits can be had for a lower price than they are sold at the regular supermarkets! We bought BabyMoo's favourite strawberries (with stem) at $16.00, as compared to $19.00 sold elsewhere!

We also loved the fact that there are ramps where there are steps - so pushing a stroller around is so much easier!

There are also other stores which sell anything from crockery to cutlery to party supplies, so it's truly a one-stop market! View the complete listing of traders here.

We were very lucky to have visited the place a day prior to a feature by The Sunday Times. I was informed that many people had to queue for hours (there was also no parking space) to visit the next day. We will definitely be back, because there's just so many things to ogle at, buy and eat!

PasarBella @ The Grandstand Bukit Timah Singapore
200 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 6887 0077

Location and Directions

By Car: 
Turn left to Turf Club Road from Bukit Timah Road, head straight, and proceed up the ramp to the open-air car park, right on top of the used cars section.

By Train:

The nearest MRT stations are Farrer Road, Holland Village and Botanic Gardens.

By Bus:
The bus services available are 66, 67, 74, 151, 154, 157, 170, 171 and 174.
Alight at B42019: Opposite Sixth Avenue Centre or B42029: After Swiss Club Rd.

By Shuttle Bus:
FREE Shuttle services daily at designated bus stops from Newton MRT (B40181),
7 Botanic Gardens MRT (B41021) and Toa Payoh MRT (B52189)

Please click here for the complete schedule.

Linking up with:

       

TUESDAY'S TWENTY QUESTIONS: Workaholics Anonymous

Hard workers experience their work as a necessary and at times, a fulfilling obligation. Workaholics see their work as a hiding place, a form of solace, and a place where they seek safety from life, unwanted feelings and obligatory commitments.

Maybe it's time to take stock of our lives. If you answered "Yes" to 5 or more of these questions, you may be letting work get in the way of life.

***

Hmmm... let's see:

1. Do you get more excited about your work than about family or anything else?

No.

2. Are there times when you can charge through your work and other times when you can't?

Yes. Most of the time work's a breeze, but there are times when it's just that little bit more difficult.

3. Do you take work with you to bed? On weekends? On vacation?

Nope. Sometimes I get nightmares about work, though.

4. Is work the activity you like to do best and talk about most?

Depends on who I'm with.

5. Do you work more than 40 hours a week?

Yes. Definitely.

6. Do you turn your hobbies into money-making ventures?
I wish I could.

7. Do you take complete responsibility for the outcome of your work efforts?
Yes.

8. Have your family or friends given up expecting you on time?

Yes. I'm usually late. Work has nothing to do with it.

9. Do you take on extra work because you are concerned that it won't otherwise get done?

Yes. If I'm concerned that it HAS to be done a certain way. I would not compromise.

10. Do you underestimate how long a project will take and then rush to complete it?

No.

11. Do you believe that it is okay to work long hours if you love what you are doing?

Yes. Duh.

12. Do you get impatient with people who have other priorities besides work?

No. At different stages in life, your priorities are different... but I get mad when people don't take their work seriously and work below their abilities and standards. I also don't think much of people who work as a means to an end, and have no pride at what they do.

13. Are you afraid that if you don't work hard you will lose your job or be a failure?

No. I won't let that happen. Even if it seems I'm not working hard - I try to work smart.
(Yes - I AM lazy!)

14. Is the future a constant worry for you even when things are going very well?

No.

15. Do you do things energetically and competitively including play?

I hate to lose.

16. Do you get irritated when people ask you to stop doing your work in order to do something else?

Depends on what that 'something else' is.

17. Has your long hours hurt your family or other relationships?

Yep. Too many times.

18. Do you think about your work while driving, falling asleep or when others are talking?

Sometimes... I even drive people up the wall!

19. Do you work or read during meals?

At times. When I really have to make full use of every minute I have.

20. Do you believe that more money will solve the other problems in your life?
Material things, yes - but interpersonal relationships, trust, friendship and love can never be measured by money. On the contrary, in fact. Many relationships have been lost because of money.

Don't be confused between being 'hard-working' and being a 'workaholic'. Workaholics value work over any other activity, regardless of the consequences of their preference. There are those who put in long hours, but they don't let work become their way of life - because there are other things which make their life worth living.

Being a Mum is a full time commitment to a (sometimes) thankless vocation. Weirdly, I don't mind being a workaholic when it comes to that!

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Flashback Friday: First Swim

31 August 2011: 7 months old

BabyMoo gets ready for his first swim experience.

The expression said it all. He HATED the cap, but I loved how it irritated him!

Grooming Moo Wei Hao, the next Ang Peng Siong

Having Mummy holding on to him is so NOT cool. 

From that day on, the rest, they say... is history.

If I lived in the 80s (like my Mehmee did!) I would be 'The Boy from Atlantis'.

Contributing to: