Cooking – Page 20 – MakeCookGrow.com

Surprising Georgetown

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We have just been to Georgetown, the capital city of the Malaysian State of Penang, named after King George III. It was once an important Straits of Malacca trading hub and is now popular for the British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses, temples and great food.

Tiles in the entrance foyer Museum Hotel Georgetown.

We stayed at the beautifully restored Museum Hotel featuring antique furniture, a quiet but good location and the most wonderful, charming staff. So helpful, so pleasant.

Enfilade, front veranda of the Museum Hotel.

Little India, ornate temple.

Wonderful street art.

Beautiful tiles in the temple.

Reclining Buddha Temple ( Wat Chayamangkalaram) built in 1845.

Temple offerings

Visited the Botanical Gardens. Cool and calm area and a great waterfall. Lots of palms and monkeys. A nice rest from the hustle and bustle of this busy city.

To the renovated Eastern and Oriental Hotel and into Sarkie’s for lunch beginning with a double espresso after a morning touring the town. We hired a driver and told him the things we really wanted to see and asked for his ideas on other things we should see. Four really interesting hours. A busy city with diverse architecture and a multicultural society.

Hello lunch. A beautiful restoration of a grand old hotel, the Eastern and Oriental is on the waterfront. Lovely building, lovely lunch.

Many of the old buildings have tiled walkways. Some are original, some are restored.

Parking is at a premium.

Street food dim sum dinner. Variety and flavour. Yum cha and fish balls plus dipping sauces.

Crispy duck. Delicious.

Floral arrangement in the lift landing on our floor.

Some shophouses have been restored, some are falling apart. Acknowledging its cultural and historic heritage, the city was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2008. Here contrasted against the streets of shop houses are the new, glass and steel towers.

Today is World Porridge Day, celebrating the history and health benefits of this flavoursome breakfast food which originated in Scotland. So start your day with this economical and warming breakfast favourite.

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Waterford Crystal

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Last Saturday I went with my friend to a presentation by Tom Brennan, Craftsman and Spokesman for Waterford Crystal. As well as showing us Waterford Crystal pieces currently available, he talked about their history in Ireland, the raw materials used, the process, the designers and his life with Waterford, following in his Father’s footsteps.

One of the best known Waterford pieces is probably the iconic “ball drop” in Times Square, New York, where, since 1907, a Crystal ball has descended a flagpole at midnight, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. The integrity of the crystal became apparent when Tom Brennan talked about summer temperatures of 38° – 40° C and winter temperatures of -15° C in New York. Strong and beautiful.

Looking at the way these pieces reflected the light and thinking about how strong crystal is reminds us to use these lovely pieces everyday and to enjoy them rather than keep them in a cupboard for “best”.

Chicken and Leek pies. I’d like to say we froze some for later but we ended up eating them all this week. When I saw the beautiful, fresh leeks I knew I’d make chicken pies. So chicken, leek, thyme and a white sauce, plus a Granny Smith apple chopped up because I remembered seeing that in a recipe once. We were very pleased with our pies.

This is Louis, looking like a little woolly sheep BEFORE he went to the groomer.

This is Louis AFTER he’d been to the groomer. Hot and sunny weather before he went to the groomer, cold, wet and windy since he was shorn!

Planning a trip to Malaysia, so off to a Malaysian Restaurant for dinner. This is our starter, a Tasting Plate. It featured a selection of beef and chicken satays, spring rolls, cucur udang ( prawn and chive fritters), tuna cutlets and a kerabu salad garnish. Along with Nasi Jasmine (rice) we had Mee Goreng Mamak (seafood and noodles) Daging Masak Kicap ( beef and potato) plus Lamb Curry. All very good! And all eaten before I thought to take photos.

This is Farm Animal Awareness Week. People in Perth are lucky because the Perth Royal Show is about to start so everyone has the opportunity to see, touch and admire beautiful farm animals up close.

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How to Hygge

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Hygge ( I think its pronounced hue guh ) is the Danish philosophy of comfort, togetherness and well being. According to that great philosopher, Winnie the Pooh, ” You don’t spell it, you feel it.” You feel hygge.

Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen defines hygge as being “… about an atmosphere and an experience.” He explains, “It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling we are safe.”

It is a feeling of cosy contentment and well being.

It seems to be a Nordic concept. Last year in Norway I liked to go walking at dusk as all the houses were lit up with their windows uncovered and I could see cosy interiors with glowing fires, lanterns, flowers and simple, warm interiors. Norwegians also seem to value beautiful design, slowed down living and families gathered together.

Some easy to adopt elements of hygge are……

1. White walls so you start with a clean canvas to add your imprint.

2. Glowing candles, scented or plain.

3. A warm throw blanket or two, cuddly socks for comfortable feet.

4. Warm, aromatic drinks: tea, coffee, chocolate, mulled wine.

5. Baked goods, best homemade from quality ingredients. Good to share.

6. Board games and books. Lots of family time together. Fun, engaging activities and lovely memories.

7. Fresh flowers in simple, unstructured arrangements.

8. Natural fibres and materials.

9. Photos of family.

10. Enjoying friends and family.

So many resources online and interior decorating ideas in recently published books, but adopting the slowed down, focused approach to living is a bit more challenging in our technological, social media driven world where many of us have long work hours. Try eating dinner together at the table tonight. Talk, relax, hear about the day, enjoy each others screen free company.

Today is International Literacy Day. An estimated 800 million people throughout the world lack basic literacy skills. International Literacy Day highlights the importance of increasing literacy.

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A Steamboat, Some Crepes, a Coffee Machine and A New Fitbit

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On a wet and wintry night recently we enjoyed a lovely evening with friends who served a traditional Chinese dinner, a Steamboat (huo guo). This is a simmering “steamboat” or pot of stock also known as a Chinese Hot Pot. It sits on the table over its own gas fire. We sat around the table, each with a bowl for our cooked food, a bowl of rice and little bowls of dipping sauces and using our own small net, cooked our morsels in the stock. The hostess had set pork, chicken, beef, scallops, prawns, quail eggs, fish and fish balls for us to cook. She stirred Chinese vegetables into the pot, too. Everything looked so attractive and enticing.

Delicious, fresh and fun. Great conversation while our food cooked and lots of laughter as nets tipped over. Trawling the bottom of the pot was very tasty!

The lemons are still abundant. We like to eat them on crepes with sugar. Old fashioned food, so good.

We finally joined the coffee pod machine owners of the world. We drink very strong black double espressos or long blacks and I’d never really liked coffee from these machines until a demonstrator made me an espresso using a Dharkan and then a Kazaar pod. We’re hooked!

I have used a Fitbit since 2013. It took a while to consistently get to 10 000 steps a day and then, when I was easily achieving that, I aimed at 11 000+ steps. It was a habit to check my Fitbit regularly and get a bit more active when necessary. Unfortunately, the device needed charging more and more frequently, until it was almost every day rather than a weekly event. Wondering if I needed a new battery I wrote to Fitbit who monitored my device and then, despite it being out of warranty, replaced it free of charge! Dealing with them was so easy and the outcome amazing. Well done, Fitbit! (This is not a sponsored comment, either, I was just really impressed by their prompt replies and great outcome)

Today is Letter Writing Day. My Mother is computer adept but writes many, many letters. Receiving a hand written letter is a treat and shows the author made a special effort in this flick off an email, dash off a text era. Beautiful cards and textural writing paper are lovely to use and lovely to receive. Write a letter today!

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Some Making, Some Cooking and Some Growing

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Making.

Making Herb Pot Markers. I use wooden Tongue Depressors from the $2 Shop to make markers for herb pots. Using non-toxic paint, I colour most of the depressor as shown and when it’s dry I do the other side, making sure the edges are also painted. I use a waterproof marker to write the name on the stick ( I used a Sharpie) and a non-toxic paint, in this case a sample pot, for any food growing pot. Also, when Louis, our dog was a puppy, he chewed most of the labels one afternoon so I was glad they were non-toxic.

I usually paint ten sticks at a time.

Most paints only require one coat so this is a quick and easy job.

Cooking.

Cold Weather Cooking. I make several trays of pasties and freeze most of them for work lunches or weekend lunches.

Lots of nice spinach at the moment, so I made an egg, sheeps’ fetta, onion and spinach slice. Tastes best when cold, if you can wait that long.

Quick Apple, Almond and Coconut Slice. Didn’t add the coconut and it was still very good. Below is Ginger Caramel Slice. Irresistible. The recipe for both these slices comes from www.taste.com.au

Growing.

The Sweetpeas have begun blooming.

They look pretty and smell gorgeous.

The first tulip is blooming but there are lots more about to come. This is Tulip Leen van Mark.

August 21st is World Fashion Day. Thinking about the amount of clothing in good condition that ends up in landfill, maybe it’s time to re-fashion something you already have?

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Some Cooking, Some Reading, Some Decluttering and what to do if your Wallet is Stolen

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EATING Fish Curry. I spent so long preparing the curry I had to cook the rice using my no-fuss method. This involves putting the rice and water (one part rice to three parts water) in a pot and bringing it to the boil for about three minutes. I put a steamer on top with a handful of snow peas. After boiling for three minutes I stirred the rice, put the lid back on then when it was boiling again, turned off the gas.

Thirty minutes later I removed the steamer, re-lit the gas burner and cooked the rice for two more minutes then fluffed it up with a fork.

Easy rice and snow peas, delicious dinner.

READING a very old copy of Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress for my bookclub. It is about two youths sent to the countryside for re-education during Mao’s Cultural Revolution. They were forced to carry human excreta down the mountain to fertilize the crops, but slowly new worlds open to them. Not a happy book, but partly an historical account and partly a love story.

PAINTING. Enrolled in a water colour course and went shopping for some paints and paper as some of mine are very, very old. After hand surgery and seven weeks of therapy I am able to use scissors, write for longer and longer every day and, I’m sure, paint! Very exciting.

DE-CLUTTERING the top shelf of my Walk-In-Robe as it was too full and I don’t need so many work clothes. Looking at the pile I have made to send to the church shop, I realised they have one thing in common: they all need ironing. I’m keen on things that don’t need ironing!

What to do if your Wallet is Stolen. On Monday my wallet was stolen from my bag at the supermarket. I didn’t realise until I got to the checkout and reached into my bag to pay. It was a really horrible feeling but it was only the beginning of a dreadful week. If your wallet is stolen you need to

1. Contact the police and get a report number.
2. Notify your banks to freeze your accounts and get replacement cards.
3. Notify other credit card providers and arrange replacement cards.
4. Notify Medicare if you are in Australia or your social security provider. Also contact your health benefit provider.
5. Notify stores where you have store cards or loyalty cards and arrange replacements.
6. Notify any airlines you have loyalty cards with to get new ones.
7. Notify your car breakdown service to get a new card.
8. Download your drivers licence replacement form, complete it and get a paper licence until a new one is processed.
9. Get a new wallet and try to return to normal as soon as possible.
10. Always zip your bag. This has been a really awful experience. Before I could contact them, one of my banks notified me about unusual activity on one of my credit cards at liquor shops, a jewellery shop twice (first purchase, a thin gold chain, second purchase, a gold crucifix) and a jeans shop for clothing and K-Mart for more clothing. She was very busy in the hour and a half before the cards were frozen.

On a more cheerful subject note, today is Lamington Day. This is an Australian cake made from a small block of sponge dipped into a chocolate sauce and then rolled in coconut. Enjoy a lamington, or two, today!

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Growing Microgreens

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Microgreens are edible, immature germinated seeds and usually less than 5cm/2″ tall. These little nutrient powerhouses are simple to grow, packed with flavour and beneficial enzymes and they look pretty, too.

Within a few weeks of planting they’ll be at the cotyledon, or true leaf stage. Snip and enjoy scattered on your food! Some will regrow, otherwise tip the soil onto the compost heap and start again.

Common microgreens are lettuce, kale, spinach, beetroot and land/watercress. I’m growing lettuce, coriander (cilantro), spinach and beetroot. I grow mine outside, but they will grow well on a sunny window ledge indoors.

To add a little balance to all this healthy eating here’s the coffee cake, with coffee icing and chocolate dipped coffee beans, we devoured later!

Did you know today is Fresh Veggie Day? Get crunchy now!

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Citrus Time

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It’s officially winter and the lime tree is doing well. Our favourite salmon dish is a generous squeeze of lime and a splash of maple syrup on the salmon fillets a few hours before roasting then some more lime as it goes in the oven for about fifteen minutes. Delicious!

I like using seasonal produce so made a batch of Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Butter Biscuits. They went very quickly.

Cool enough in the evenings for a roasted shoulder of pork.

Hand surgery during the week and pleased with how this plastic sleeve meant I could shower. Very clever.

Did you know yesterday was Leave The Office Earlier Day? Good advice as it is a long weekend in Western Australia!

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Some Gardening, Some Cooking

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These hippeastra have bloomed for months.

Clivias are blooming, too.

Bought a worm composting farm and dug it into a garden bed in dappled light.

It’s citrus time in Western Australia, so I made a Lime Cake. This recipe has olive oil instead of butter and was very moist.

Neighbours put out a basket of oranges at their gate so I made an Orange Cake. It was very good.

Another neighbour gave me some lemons, so we had Lemon Delicious Puddings.

These Brussels Sprouts were oven roasted in olive oil. I stirred through sweet chilli sauce and put them back in the oven for 15 minutes. They tasted wonderful!

Cooler weather means our son uses the slow cooker to make delicious ragu. He serves it with pasta or couscous. The smell wafts enticingly throughout the house for hours before we eat it!

A recent article in delicious.com.au (A Wasted Opportunity) talks about the cultural, environmental and economic problem of food waste in Australia. I have redoubled my efforts to not throw out food, so more Bread and Butter pudding.

How did you celebrate International Nurses Day?

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WORLD READING DAY

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Except in the UK and Ireland.

We are a family of keen readers. We had shelves built on three walls of this upstairs room and all the shelves are full. I think we need to curate this collection!

Some recent holiday reading.

We have another break coming up and have already bought a pile of books to read, ready to pack when the time comes.

Just finished this bookclub book, Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood and really enjoyed it. Based on historical fact and rounded out with some fiction, it was a good read.

Tomorrow, the 25th of April is ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, when we remember those who courageously fought to keep Australia and New Zealand free. These biscuits were made from oatmeal, flour, sugar and golden syrup to stay fresh for long periods. They were sent by sea to the Middle East and France to the soldiers and all those men and women who supported them and we eat them on Anzac Day. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corp.

Read a great book for World Book Day!

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