Malaysian In Germany

Heart Sutra

2012-04-09T11:00:00.000+02:00

Inscriptions from the Heart Sutra can be found on these 38 timber columns along the Wisdom Path on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.The main highlights of the island are the giant Buddha statue and the village of Ngong Ping. H and I found the little village to be a little too touristic for our taste. Even the fabled wishing tree was made in plastic!! However,the true gem of the island in our opinion, was these massive columns set out in the figure of eight which also coincides with the symbol for infinity. The path is just a short walk away from both the Po Lin Monastery and the giant Buddha. However,the lack of signs made it a little tricky to get there. This is a sight worth seeing and certainly not to be missed!

Plastic wishing tree!!!

Hong Kong Lantau Island

2012-04-08T11:00:00.000+02:00

Taking the 'Crystal Cabin' cable car enroute to Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

Check out the ultra cool clear glass bottomed cabs!

Statue of the giant Buddha atop the island

Breathtaking views!

Getting it right

2012-04-07T11:00:00.000+02:00

Who would have thought that the secret to this sinfully delicious sweet treat would lie in the use of condensed milk? MMmmmm..best eaten when they are still warm and it´s hard not to go back for seconds.

Happy Easter!!!

2012-04-06T22:56:00.001+02:00

Lovin' these gorgeous dyed eggs! The colours were store bought from dutch retailer Hema for under 1€!Next year,I shall attempt using natural colours instead. For instance tumeric,red onion,beets and screw pine leaves!

It´s spring again!

2012-04-04T12:51:00.001+02:00

My favourite spring bloom!

S.O.S

2011-10-04T21:51:00.003+02:00

I have developed a love-hate relationship with the country I am now inhabiting within. The intensity of this relationship was propelled to greater heights with the discovery of the many changes I had to make in order to fit in and during this journey, lost a part of the person I used to be.

Is this what extreme home sickness may feel like?

Or do I need to get back on the wheel,join the rat race again and have negative time left to ponder over things?

Keukenhof in Lisse,Holland

2011-05-31T14:01:00.000+02:00

Colourful beds of tulips and other spring blooms awaits visitors each year in Keukenhof Garden. Opened annually from end March to end May,Keukenhof Garden is a huge park beautifully landscaped in the little town of Lisse,which is situated in the Netherlands.

Here are some photos to share from our relaxing and rewarding trip.

Light and Refreshing Mango Charlotte

2011-05-31T12:36:00.002+02:00

My MIL loves the taste of mangoes in all forms. From dried and preserved mangoes to pickled ones to juices and the candied assortments. For her 53rd birthday, we decided to surprise her with a light almond vanilla sponge cake layered between layers of creamy mango mousse.

It was a challenge to achieve the delicate balance between sweet and sour for the mousse layers, being limited to the type of fresh mangoes available here in Germany. The canned ones unfortunately fell far off the mark. Edeka´s fared the best while Rewe´s were a little bland and mushy. The one that went striaght into the bin was a brand called `Real Thai`. The fruit prices were mushy and had a strange smell and an even odder taste! In the end,I settled for a combination of fresh pieces and canned ones from Edeka. I´m pleased with the end result and even happier to have made someone else´s day.

The taste of the mango mousse is refreshing and paired well with the soft airy texture of the almond vanilla sponge. The slightly sour top mirror layer contrasted nicely and gave the cake the balance it needed.

A mini one for Wolfgang,my husband´s colleague at work whose birthday coincides with MIL´s

After numerous failed attempts and sinking not-at-all sponge like pieces, I´ve finally discovered the secret to baking the perfect base! Behold the miracle ingredient,CORN FLOUR!

Almond Sponge Layer
3eggs(seperated)
75-80g fine sugar
1 packet Dr.Oetker Borbon Vanilla
pinch of salt
42g almond flour
42g corn flour
1tbsp warm water

Sieve together the almond flour,corn flour and salt.
In a clean dry bowl,whisk the whites on low speed until bubbles start to form. Increase the speed and continue whisking gradually adding half the sugar. Stop once the whites achive soft peaks.
In another bowl, add a tablespoon of warm water and the vanilla essence to the yolks. Whisk the mixture gradually adding the remaining sugar. Stop once this mixture has doubled and achieves a pale and fluffy consistency. Takes about 4-5 minutes with an electric hand mixer.
Fold in the flour mixture in 3 gradual additions.
I used two seperate 6" mini spring form pans lined at the bottom.
Tap the filled pans lightly on the counter to get rid of air bubbles. To achieve a smooth surface, hold on to both sides of the pan and gently turn the pan anti clockwise and then turn it back clockwise while ensuring that the bottom of the pan never leaves the surface of the counter. Kind of like holding the pan down on the counter while rotating the pan to the left and then to the right again several times. This will result in an even spread of the mixture on the surface.
Bake the cake in a pre-heated oven at 175°C for about 15 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a rack.

Mango Mousse
250ml of puree(from canned and fresh mango pieces)
25g icing sugar
2 tsp Stabilizer
250ml whipping cream
5g gelatin powder bloomed in 35ml water

Dissolve the bloomed gelatin in the microwave and allow it to cool.
Combine the sugar,stabilizer and gelatin mixture with the fruit puree.
Whipped the cream to soft peaks.
Gently fold in the puree mixture.

Mirror layer
75ml mango puree + 30ml water/juice
15g icing sugar
5g gelatin powder bloomed in 35ml water
1tbsp lemon juice

Dissolve the bloomed gelatin in the microwave and allow it to cool.
Combine the sugar and lemon juice with the puree and water.
stir in the dissolved gelation mixture.

To Assemble
Remove the sponge layers from the pan.
Line a cake ring with a piece of platic foil. This will ensure smooth border surface when you attempt to remove the cake ring later.
Place a pice of sponge cake at the bottom of the cake ring. Adjust the cake ring allowing about 1-2cm of space between the edge of the cake and the border of the cake ring.
Pour half of the mousse mixture on top of the sponge layer. Using a rubber spatula,guide the mixture to the edges and smoothen the surface. You can also add cubes of mango to the mousse layers.
Place the second sponge layer and repeat with the remaining mousse.
Refrigerate the cake for about an hour. Pour the cooled mirror layer mixture on top and place the cake back into the fridge.
The cake will set nicely overnight and you may remove the cake ring the following day.

Recipe:Cashew Nut Chicken

2011-05-16T10:08:00.000+02:00

Here´s a recipe for a popular Malaysian Chinese dish,better known as Kung Po chicken. Albeit containing more fat, the texture of the meat from the thigh is better suited to this dish. Tender juicy bites,smothered in an aromatic sweet,savoury and slightly spicy gravy.

2 Chicken Thigh-deboned and cubed into bite sized pieces

3-4 Dried Chillies-soaked until slightly softened

a handful of Cashew Nuts-toasted

2 stalks of Spring Onion-chopped 1 inch length

5 Ginger slices

2-3 cloves Garlic-minced

2 large Onion-wedged

1/4 cup water

1tbsp whole Sze chuan pepper/1 tsp cracked black pepper

1/4 cup Water mixed with 1 tbsp Cornflour

Marinade for Chicken Cubes:

4 tbsp Oyster sauce

3 tbsp Black caramel sauce

1 tsp Brown sugar

3 tbsp Chinese Rice Wine

Marinate cubed chicken pieces for about 20 minutes. In a wok/deep pan,saute ginger,garlic,onions and dried chillies in some oil.Lower the heat and add the chicken pieces and pepper.Stir fry for 1-2 minutes adding 1/4 cup water gradually.Turn the heat back up and cover wok/pan with a lid.Allow the chicken to simmer for about 3-4minutes.Uncover and slowly pour in the cornflour mixture to thicken the gravy. Turn the heat off before tossing in the spring onions and cashew nuts.Serve with steamed jasmin rice.

The Glass Slipper fits one very happy Kate Middleton!

2011-05-15T11:53:00.000+02:00

Cinderella & Step Sisters

Here´s an interesting observation from another cyber space user which has been circulating over Facebook. Thought I´d share it with you!

Frog Killer on the Rampage!

2011-05-14T08:05:00.000+02:00

Picture from The Local.de

For blowing the instestines off one frog and seriously injuring another,a man in Germany had to pay an estimated fine of RM6,300!
It seems Malaysia´s not the only country with its share of crazy headlines!Check this out.
I think a pair of ear plugs may have served him better!

Recipe:Caeser Salad dressed in 'Wonder Drug'

2011-05-11T15:59:00.001+02:00

Garlic is purported to be beneficial health wise and even touted as a herbal 'Wonder Drug'! From combating the common cold bug to preventing acne and blood-suckers,both the type with fangs as well as it´s smaller fang-less relation,the mosquitos.Click on 'Read More' for a link to my version of the classic Caeser Salad with all the benefits from garlic consumption!

Ingredients:

Romaine lettuce (washed in ice cold water,drained and cooled in fridge)

Cherry Tomatoes

Almond Flakes(toasted)
Dried Cranberries

Boiled Eggs(wedged)
*optional: roasted chicken

Croutons:

Baguette(cubed) and mixed with:

minced garlic

sea salt

parmesan powder

melted butter

sprinkle of thyme

Toast in pre-heated oven at 200°C until golden brown.

Dressing:

4 tbsp Mayonnaise

2 tbsp Sour Cream
1/2 tsp minced garlic

1 tbsp lemon juice

sea salt

coarse black pepper

5 tbsp parmesan powder

Mix all the ingredients together and chill.

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks:

Baguette (cut into thick strips)
minced garlic(raw garlic has a very strong taste.adjust accordingly)
Butter(softened)
Parmesan powder

Mix softened butter with minced garlic and salt.Spread over the sides of the bread sticks. Place the bread pieces on parchment paper and sprinkle parmesan powder over the surface and sides. Toast in preheated oven at 200°C until golden brown.

Survival Kit

2011-05-09T12:34:00.002+02:00

I´ve put together my incomplete list of useful links *here* to share with other expats living in Cologne/Bonn/Germany. Find web addresses to the local dailies in English, cinemas offering movies in English, real estate, lifestyle magazines,local transportation and other information to surviving Germany.

Please do share any other links you may know of with me. Huge thanks!

Hillarious News from Home:Goodbye Viagra,Hello Queen Termite!

2011-05-09T11:43:00.000+02:00

Sourced from Encyclopædia Britannica Online

Stimulating and invigorating sexual experience can apparently be bought in my country!
The price? Between 595€ to 1190€.
Men can now rest assured that guaranteed success is within their grasp, simply through the consumption of one queen termite,15 minutes before the act! Hahaha :)
A new form of pest control perhaps? I must say it´s very effective indeed! The target/aphrodisiac happens to be the root of the problem.The Breeder.
Anyway,this piece of news which appeared in Malaysia´s main newspaper today, had me laughing so hard,I´d thought I`d share it!
Get the low down on this piece of errrrrr... news/crap here!

EEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwWWWWWW!

Recipe: Delicious New York Cheesecake with a Lovely Oreo Crust

2011-05-06T15:58:00.001+02:00

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

This recipe is definitely a keeper!The texture is great and the Oreo base complements the vanilla filling perfectly. A must try!

Crust:

20 Oreo cookies(crushed)

3-4 tbsp butter(melted)

pinch of course sea salt

Preheat oven to 175°C. Spread a layer of butter on the bottom of a medium springform pan. In a bowl,combine the crushed Oreos with the melted butter and salt. Spread and flatten over the base of the pan.Freeze the dough for 15 minutes. Bake in preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes.Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Filling:

800g cream cheese

100g sugar

half cup sour cream

2 eggs

1 pack vanilla flavouring

*optional-lemon zest

31g flour

On medium speed,beat cream cheese with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Add in flour and sugar gradually,followed by sour cream and flavouring. Mix well. Add in eggs,one at a time. Do not over mix. Wrap bottom of pan using aluminium foil. Place the springform pan into another larger pan. Pour batter onto cookie crust.Have a kettle of boiling water ready to fill the larger pan until the water comes up to about half the level of the springform pan.Bake in preheated oven at 175°C for about 35 minutes.Reduce temperature to 160°C and continue baking for another 20 minutes. Shut the oven and leave the cheesecake inside to cool for an hour with the door of the oven slightly ajar. Remove and let the cake cool before refrigerating overnight. Served with strawberry sauce. To make strawberry sauce,puree and strain some fresh or frozen berries. Pour the puree into a pan and heat over medium heat.Squeeze some lemon juice and add sugar to taste. Lower heat until the sauce thickens. Chill before serving.

WHERE TO GO? : List of Castles and Ruins along the Rhine River and the Mosel Valley

2011-04-25T12:16:00.003+02:00

Along the scenic Rhein, lies a trail of fascinating stone walls and perhaps even ghosts of fallen knights!

Listed according to the distance from Bonn(nearest) to Bingen(furthest)

Godesburg Photo sourced from http://www.bonn-region.de/

Schloss Drachenburg Photo sourced from hloss Drachenburg http://www.schloss-drachenburg.de/index.html

Burg Olbrück Photo sourced from http://www.burg-olbrueck.de/

The sun is finally shining and the chill is but a thing of the past. It´s the perfect weather to explore a little more of my new home.

Speaking of Germany,it´s a delight to those who love the romance of medieval castles and mysterious ruins.Like yours truly for example!

My MIL(Mutti*-In-Law) had been really nice to save a particular issue of the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger´s Magazine,which appears every weekend for me. The issue given to me features castles and ruins situated to the south of Cologne from Bonn to Bingen(somewhere along the Rhein and Mosel Valley).
*Mutti is like calling your mom 'Mother' and they usually fret and groan over said nickname

Here is a post to share with those of you who may share my mutual love of romantic Schlösser and Burgen. Or simply just to help provide ideas for weekend getaways. Click here for more links to other castles and ruins within the region.

Schloss Stolzenfels Photo sourced from http://www.schloss-stolzenfels.de/eng/

Burg Lahneck Photo sourced from http://www.burg-lahneck.de/html/gb.html

Burg Thurant Photo sourced from http://www.thurant.de/

Burg Pyrmont Photo sourced from http://www.burg-pyrmont.de/

Burg Ehrenburg Photo sourced from http://www.ehrenburg.de/

Burg Sterrenberg Photo sourced from http://www.burg-sterrenberg.de/english/die-burg.html

Reichsburg in Cochem Photo sourced from http://www.reichsburg-cochem.de/english/
*** The ruins of Winneburg can also be found in Cochem

Burg Reichenstein Photo sourced from http://www.burg-reichenstein.de/

Burg Rheinstein Photos sourced from http://www.burg-rheinstein.de/en/index_en.htm

Here´s a great link to an interactive map of other castles found along the Rhine.

Castles on the Rhine Between Mainz and Cologne retailing NOW on Amazon for $0.01

Search Amazon.com Books for German Castles and Ruins

Discounts in Cologne

2011-04-22T14:38:00.000+02:00

Has anyone tried this out? https://deals.wergehthin.de/

Bremen Sights

2011-04-22T14:28:00.001+02:00

Standing at 5.55m tall,this particular statue of Roland is the largest and most famous of its kind in Germany out of 26 others

Bremen is like a stroll through the centuries. The second most populous city in northern Germany offers architectural delights dating from the 13th century old Gothic cathedrals, to the Town Hall built between 1405 and 1410,to the 15th and 16th century houses lining the Schnoor Quarter and finally the State Parliament in 1966. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, basking in the sun, walking through narrow alleys and getting lost in the maze of 15th and 16th century old buildings. Do try and visit this lovely city and discover for yourselves, the many sights waiting in Bremen.

Town Hall,a designated UNESCO World Heritage site

Bremen Town Musicians,internationally acclaimed bronze sculpture by Gerhard Marcks from 1951

1200++ years old St Peter´s Cathedral

Market Square

Böttcherstrasse;the 'secret high street of Bremen'.

Gateway to Böttcherstrasse

Bremen famous tea houses and specialty candy shops lining the street or tucked away in yet another hidden corner

The other end of the Böttcherstrasse

Upon exiting the Böttcherstrasse, I found myself standing on the promenade along the Wesser river

The Schnoor Quarter waiting on the other end of a tunnel found along the Wesser Promenade

More narrow alleys to be discovered. My curiousity is piqued!

Goldsmiths´workshops and artits´galleries line the narrow alleys at the quaint and idyllic Schnoor Quater

Christmas can be found from Janaury to December here

A quick bite at Vapiano

Some of the best pasta meals can be found here at Vapiano along Knochenhauerstrasse

Back at the main train station to catch my ride home

A walk back into the past: The LVR Open Air Museum,Kommern

2011-04-17T16:30:00.001+02:00

'The Husband' and I decided to treat ourselves a healthy dose of Vitamin D yesterday by taking a long and relaxing walk at an open air museum in Kommern. The museum((LVR-Freilichtmuseum Kommern) is just a short 40 minute drive away from where we live in Cologne.

The concept of the museum is interesting and especially beneficial to children studying about Rhineland´s history. A total of 60 buildings made primarily out of a combination of hay and soil stood scattered in four main groups, on a large plot of land with many twisting pathways in between and just as many confusing intersections. It is best to pick up a map from the ticket office at the entrance.

Don´t forget the map!

Walls composed out of what seemed to be straws and mud?

A quick bite and my first taste of blackberry wine. Sweet but potent. The lentil soup reminds me of a very popular Indian breakfast in Malaysia, which consists of Paratha bread dipped or rather soaked either in lentil or fish curry gravy.

It was a shame that we started our day late and hence could not make it to visit the two castles which were supposed to be just a stone´s throw away. I can´t recall the name of the first, but the latter is called Burg Satzvey, a moated castle in the Eifel region.

Photo taken from:http://www.burgsatzvey.de/eng_index.html

Much Needed Cheer

2011-04-17T01:09:00.001+02:00

Pictures from The Oatmeal

Available Here

Everytime I needed a good laugh, I´d pop by this website: http://theoatmeal.com/

I was absolutely delighted to find out that the author has managed to get his collection of self drawn comics published this year. Of course I snapped it up from Amazon for under 10€ (if i´m not mistaken) inclusive of postage. The book is a wonderful gift idea that would certainly provide hours of entertainment and cheer to the receiver.

Of late, 'The Husband' has been under tremendous amount of stress, having recently started on a brand new project. Routines are pieces of cakes. However,when one is challenged to step out of his or her comfort zones, then the unknown can be pretty daunting. Hence,I´m glad he enjoyed the comic book as much as I did.

Do you know any good reads to recommend to us?

Fresh Strawberries & White Chocolate Mousse Mirror Cake

2011-04-16T10:18:00.000+02:00

My two attempts with mousse cakes and I must say that I´m quite pleased with the recipe for the mousse layer. The sponge layer however, requires further tweaking! The second cake is for a friend´s birthday.

I´m aware of only three places in the city of Cologne, where one can find beautiful cakes, cookies and cupcakes. Törtchen Törtchen Madamme Miammiam and Royal Cupcakes. Madame Miammiam offers gorgeous customizable cookies and cakes. However, the price is a little one the steep side. Royal cupcake is a little too sweet for me.

Does anyone know where to purchase good cakes in Cologne?

The Beauty of Spring

2011-04-16T10:08:00.000+02:00

Spring is in the air!Blue sunny skies, Magnolias,Cherry Blossoms and Forget-Me-Nots. Fresh lovely hues of colours everywhere certainly does wonders to elevate one´s mood, especially after what seemed to be like endless chilly grey winter months.
Not everyone it seems,is a friend of beautiful Spring. The hubby for one has fallen prey to 'Allergy Season'. Sporting a red muffled nose on most days, this is certainly not his favourite time of the year. Having said that, tissue manufacturers must be enjoying a profitable season!

p/s: what is the best prevention against allergies? any remedies to ease the symptoms?

Custard Egg Tart

2011-04-16T09:45:00.000+02:00

Yet another post about the indispensable mighty egg!

Ask any Malaysian to name the best things about their country and 'Food' will definitely be one of those. Malaysia is home to people from different races and ethnic backgrounds. The majority being the Malays,Chinese and Indians. Malaysia is also the second home to a multitude of expats from Japan,Korea and other Asian countries,the Middle East and of course the Western countries. With new eateries popping up every 2nd week and mushrooming in every corner of the city, we are definitely spoilt for choice. Competition is intense,thus allowing the consumer to enjoy great tasting food at low prices.

I for one,definitely suffer from intense ´Heimweh` from time to time, especially in between meals. There are many choices and places one can go to, for a quick bite of heaven in the afternoons. From sweet banana fritters,to little barbecued buns,to traditional Malay steamed cakes, to intricate little pouches made out of the most delicate noodle based shell holding creamy avocado puree within and sigh, the list goes on for miles :) Oh and of course one of my all time favourites, the custard egg tart as pictured above! With it´s slightly salted flaky crust and sweet smooth filling inside,it is definitely a delight to have for tea.

Here is a link to my friend´s site with a fantastic recipe for the Egg Tarts. The custard filling is one of the best I´ve tasted and its consistency and texture is simply divine. The pastry dough is a little challenging to work with.However,rolling the dough in between sheets of baking paper does help tremendously. Do give the recipe a go. Have fun!

Fake Eggs?

2011-04-07T18:04:00.000+02:00

Photo taken from The Star Newspaper Malaysia

According to the report from a Malaysian newspaper today, a housewife has alerted the authorities after suspecting something fishy about the eggs she recently purchased. These so-called 'fake' eggs are imported from China. The eggs are reported to have a rougher surface, larger in size and is lacking in chalaza,the structure which holds the yolk in place within the egg. For a full report,please follow this link: The Star Newspaper Malaysia

Shocking indeed! I cannot imagine having to make do without eggs. Eggs are to me like the invention of wheels! My baking frenzy and kitchen experiments would have been severely interrupted without the constant supplies of eggs! First contaminated eggs from Germany. Now fake eggs from China?

THE German Language/Cat got your tongue?

2011-04-07T16:30:00.001+02:00

The word 'THE' in English and its varied forms in German.

Nominativ Forms.

Die - feminine
Der - masculine The pen/Der Stift.
Das - neutral
Die - plural

Akkusativ Forms:

Die - feminine
DeN - masculine I bought the pen/Ich kaufte den Stift.
Das - neutral
Die - plural

Dativ Forms:

DeR
DeM - masculine I write with the pen/Ich schreibe mit dem Stift.
DeM
DeN

Genitive Forms:

DeR
DeS - masculine The colour of the pen/Die Farbe des Stiftes.
DeS
DeN

I´m concluding that there is actually 16 different possibilities of the simple word 'The' in the German Language. No wonder I´m tongue tied most of the time!