Archive for the 'SUNDAY SPECIAL' Category

Sunday Special

Posted in FOOD, LIFE, PICTURE TALK, MALAYSIA, SUNDAY SPECIAL on October 12th, 2008

While doing this posting, I realised that it is another Sunday again. How time flies! Hari Raya just over, next will be Deepavali. And before you know it, Christmas bells will be ringing. And then 2009 and you’ll see Badawi call it a day. Or will it be sooner? Will we see a history in the making, where for the first time, there will be a change of government. Let’s hope so!

Till then, let’s enjoy some simple home-cooked dishes and some take-away snacks.

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Seafood Noodles

Seafood noodles: Organic noodles soup cooked with Pomfret, prawns, squids and Shitake mushroom and lettuce, served with coriander and garlic in soya sauce and lemon juice.

Sambal Bendi (Okra) and Stewed Potatoes

Kacang bendi, is also commonly known as ladies’ fingers or okra. Best to fry it with just blended chilli, shallots, onions and garlic. I abstained from using belachan. And stewed potatoes with onions, tomatoes and garlic - simple yet yummy!

Tomato Omelette & Fish Porridge

Tomato Omelette fried with onions & Fish Porridge garnished with julienned ginger and shallots and a dash of sesame oil.

Take-Away Food

Sushi from Jusco & Egg on black sesame seed bread sandwich and chicken on wholemeal bread sandwich from Roti Boy

Moist double chocolate cake from Jenni’s Cake House & Sweet potato “Tong Sui”

And lastly, cinnamon, cheese and green tea donuts from Big Apple with a nice hot cup of brewed Arabica coffee with cardamon

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Sunday Special - So Much Food, So Little Stomach

Posted in FOOD, LIFE, PICTURE TALK, MALAYSIA, SUNDAY SPECIAL on October 5th, 2008

Last Sunday, I was so engrossed in re-writing the “Why I-S-A?” song that I missed out the Sunday Special - which I’ve set aside just for food that I prepared or “makan.” Cooking is my passion, eating is my pleasure. Food is such an important part of lives. especially we Penangites! “Remember so much food, and so little stomach,” quoted from LiteFM -hehe!!! Eat a little of everything, a little at a time regularly at an interval - so you can have more varieties! A good advice or should I say, “a food advice.”

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Nasi Lemak

Steamed basmati rice in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with sambal ikan bilis, cottage sun-dried salted fish, sliced hard-boiled egg and cucumber.

Braised Brinjal & Onions and Basil Omelette

Brinjal braised over slow flame in basil and garlic sauce with prawns and garnished with fried shallots & Onions and basil omelette.

Penang Assam Laksa & Teochew To’h Kueh (Pear Cake)

Laksa noodles in spicy and sour assam (tamarind) fish soup garnished with sliced red onions and mint. (Sorry, I missed out many other garnishing, such as julienne cucumber & pineapple, thinly cut lettuce, bunga kantan and red chilli. Option: heh Ko or prawn paste) Anyway, it’s the soup that matters, it’s all in the soup!

And this very unique pastry. To’h Kueh or Pear Cake (direct translation). The tang mee hoon (wheat starch flour) skin is filled with cooked yam, har bee and celery with seasoning. It is then moulded in a moulder in a shape of a pear, (no idea why the pear shape) and then steamed. When it is done it has a pinkish color with a chewy texture, like chai kueh, except it’s bit thicker. It is eaten with sweet chilli sauce. By the way, not many people know how to make it, it’s a dying skill. In the next generation, this To’h Kueh will be extinct. (This To’h Kueh is a compliment from a friend)

Pakoda - A Perfect Snack for Tea-time

Pakoda or Indian Onion Fritters: Fried chopped onions, coriander, red chilli (should have used green chilli) fold into gram flour batter and deep fried. It is best to dip the pakoda in mint and coriander sauce, and a nice hot cup of ginger tea.

(*** Gram flour is a flour made from ground chana dal, a lentil similar to chickpeas)

Abolish The ISA Song - “Why I.S.A?

Posted in MUSIC, LIFE, PICTURE TALK, MALAYSIA, VIDEO, SUNDAY SPECIAL on September 28th, 2008

This is my version of YMCA by The Village People. I changed the lyrics a bit (hehe!!!) and called it, “Why I.S.A? ” by The Global Village People. Yes, we are the Global Village People. Click on the video, boost up the volume and sing! And dance if you need to! If you have any suggestion to change the lyrics, please do post at the comment.

And on the lighter-side, enjoy the video. I laughed when I see those guys (?), doing their steps. Like the part where the lead singer doing the marching movements and the rest doing the synchronized steps behind him. So corny! Anyway, it;s a fun song so just enjoy (Sorry, this video is no longer available - due to copyright. So I replaced it with this one with just the music. Anyway, all you need is the music to sing along))

Latest news:
Some 300 people turned up for an Abolish ISA candlelight vigil in Penang on Friday night (Source Anil Netto)

About 2,000 people staged a peaceful march through the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night calling for the abolishment of Internal Security Act and freeing detainees under the Act. (Source Malaysiakini)

The Global Village People would like to dedicate this remix-lyrics to RPK, The Hindraf Boys and all who are detained under the Internal Security Act. The nation is praying for you guys. And also praying for the abolishment of ISA.

Why I.S.A?

Rakyat, there’s no need to feel down.
I said, Rakyat, get yourself off the ground.
I said, Rakyat, ’cause we’re in a New Dawn
There’s a need, for-Re-for-ma-si

Anwar, there’s a place you can go.
Putra-jaya, let the red carpet roll
You can, stay there, and I’m sure you will find
Many ways, to-bring-those-chan-ges

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A.
We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A
It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool
They can do, what they feel

Hear the people cry, Why I.S.A?
In this land we loved, Why I.S.A?
You can set people free, Kamunting we don’t need
So Abolish - The ISA

Rakyat, are you listening to me?
I said, Rakyat, what do you want to be?
I said, Rakyat, you can make real your dreams
But you got, to-know-this-one-thing!

No man, does it all by himself.
I said, Rakyat, don’t put your rights on the shelf
And just stand up, against this draconian law
Let us free, Ma-lay-sia-to-day

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A.
We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A
It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool
They can do, what they feel

Hear the people cry, Why I.S.A?
In this land we loved, Why I.S.A?
You can set people free, Kamunting we don’t need
So Abolish - The ISA

Rakyat, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was, down and out with the Blue.
I felt no man, cared if I were alive.
I felt my whole-world-has-no-rights …

That’s when, someone came up to me,
And said, Yo! man, know and fight for what’s right
And just say no, to the Foul ISA
We don’t need, this-trash-to-feel-safe

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A.
We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A
It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool
They can do, what they feel

No I.S.A!
We had enough of it, No I.S.A!
Rakyat, Rakyat, are you listening to me?
Rakyat, Rakyat, let me hear you sing

No I.S.A!
Everybody sing, No I.S.A!
Rakyat, Rakyat, you can set yourself free
Rakyat, Rakyat, that’s how it’s gonna be

(Lyrics re-written By DanielYKL)

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ISA PROTEST - ISA PROTEST - ISA PROTEST - ISA PROTEST

FLOOD THEIR EMAILS - Free RPK, Hindraf and other ISA detainees NOW!

CLICK on this URL (below) and send a letter to those who signed RPK’s, HINDRAF’s and other ISA detainees detention orders. We plan to flood their emails with thousands of protest letters. Your letter can indeed make a difference. The letter on this website was drafted by the Abolish ISA Movement or GMI (Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA):

Click here to sign ISA PROTEST AND RELEASE OF RPK AND ALL ISA DETAINEES

This is a peaceful protest. It’s as simple as ABC - type your name, click on SEND (NOW!). Make sure you click on all four, and make sure your name is typed in when you do it.

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“Futur” With My Middle Eastern Brothers - Sunday Special
Posted in FOOD, LIFE, PICTURE TALK, MALAYSIA, SUNDAY SPECIAL on September 21st, 2008

This week I was invited to join a Libyan friend and his family to “futur” with them. And in the same week, I had another futur with a group of Middle Eastern brothers of whom I have known for more than 4 years, and they are real “buddies.” They are all doing their PhD program here at USM. (Oops! By the way, “futur” in Arabic simply means breaking fast.)

And also just in case not to confuse you, I’m not a Muslim. I’m a Christian, but I make it a point to breakfast with my Muslim brothers whenever I can during Ramadhan.

So this week Sunday Special will just feature Middle Eastern food. The Libyan meal is courtesy from my Libyan friend and the “Penang” Middle Eastern Food - well, all I can say is, I tried!

Me and my Libyan friend, Mukhtar - breaking fast.

My Middle Eastern brothers: (From left to right) Fatemi from Iran, Ghayth from Iraq, me, and Saba from Iraq.

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Libyan Food

(Prepared by Mukhtar’s wife)



1. Starter (Sesame sweets & dates)        2. Salad

3. Sharba (Soup)                                        4. Tabahash (Side-dish)

5. Couscous                                 6. Kebabs and Fried Chicken

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The “Penang” Middle Eastern Food

Dried Dates from Saudi & Banana and Orange Milkshake

Iraqi Chicken Consome’: Chicken slowly simmered with tumeric and onions & Arab bread (bought from an Arab bakery at Ivory Plaza)

Cucumber and Tomatoes Salad: Diced cucumber, tomotoes and Onions with Middle Eastern dressing (yogurt, dill, cumin and fennel seeds) & Saffron Rice with sliced almond and dates. (Yummy!!!)

Maraq (Arab Chicken Stew): Chicken pieces slowly simmered in fresh tomatoes sauce with potatoes and Fava beans. & Fresh Dates for dessert

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A Taste of India - Sunday Special
Posted in FOOD, PICTURE TALK, MALAYSIA, SUNDAY SPECIAL on September 14th, 2008

Man, what a week! Three arrested under ISA in a day. Just hope that all these nonsense will stop. It just brings fear into the community rather than security. Feel like we are living in Myanmar or some third world country, where people are arrested without a fair trial or given a chance to challenge or defend the charges. Draconian law at work!

Anyway, we need to seek God and pray for our nation. Pray that justice will prevail, pray for those arrested under ISA and their families and pray for peace and unity.

And this week Sunday Special has a touch of India.

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Dhal Curry & Stir-fry “Kangkung”

Ingredients for dhal curry: Spices - mustard seed, cumin seed, fenugreek seed; Condiments - curry leaves, dried chilli, onions, garlic, fresh green chilli and coriander (for garnishing); Vegetables - potatoes, carrots, small eggplants (brinjals), bottlegourd Bhim (also known as bottlesquash) and tomatoes.

Dhal curry & Stir-fry “kangkung” with garlic. “Kangkung” is sometimes known as water spinach, water cabbage, water convolvulus or water morning-glory. Read the rest of this entry »

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“RAMADHAN” Sunday Special
Posted in FOOD, LIFE, PICTURE TALK, MALAYSIA, SUNDAY SPECIAL on September 7th, 2008

Happy Ramadhan to all our Muslim friends.

This is the month of Ramadhan, and just can’t believe what I’ve been reading. Isn’t this a time where you seek God. Isn’t this a time to forgive those who has done you wrong. Isn’t this a good time to ask for forgiveness for your wrong doings?

But what do we have? We have Ahmad Ismail refusing to apologize for the remarks about the Chinese being squatters in Malaysia during the recent Permatang Pauh by-election campaign. And if that’s not enough, he is accusing the media for making false reports about his statements.

He even claimed that his decision not to apologise for his racially inflammatory remarks has received “tremendous support” from Malay-Muslim groups. “They were flabbergasted with the emerging threats against Malay rights and privileges,” he said.

“I am surprised with the unexpected overwhelming support I had received from Malay-Muslims across the country. It seems Malays have kept back their disgruntlement for far too long and my issue had evoked their sentiments. “It is going to be a major issue now.”

I’m sure the majority of Malays-Muslims don’t feel the way Ahmad feels. I think he has killed the spirit or reason of Ramadhan. He has lost the purpose of Ramadhan!

So if he wants to continue on to stir up racial sentiments, let him be. I like to leave him alone and wish all our Muslim friends a “Happy Ramadhan,” (including Ahmad) and not let it spoil my Sunday Special and my hope for a better Malaysia.

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Saudi Dates

I bought this Saudi Dates stuffed with cashew nuts, almond, walnuts, and dried peach. I thought this would be a good way to start my Sunday Special this week since it’s the month of Ramahdan.

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Spaghetti alle Vongole il Bianco

Or Spaghetti with Clams in a White Sauce. Vongole simply means clams and Bianco is white sauce. So we have spaghetti cooked just long enough to be still firm, and not too soft (al dente) with clams, shrimps, fresh abolone mushroom, julienned carrot in white sauce garnished with fresh basil.

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Stir-fry Thai Basil Chicken & Stir-fry Petula

Sliced deboned chicken fried with basil and chilli padi in soy sauce & Stir-fried Petula with carrots.

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Nasi Goreng Kampung Siam

Kampung Fried Rice with long beans and carrots, served with chilli padi, fried ikan bilis (small anchovies), sliced red onions and egg omelette.

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Dessert

Snow Skin Mooncake with red beans paste fillings, and dragon fruit served with Lavender tea

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“MERDEKA” Sunday Special
Posted in FOOD, LIFE, PICTURE TALK, MALAYSIA, SUNDAY SPECIAL on August 31st, 2008

    A Happy Merdeka to all Malaysians. Ok, some may ask “What’s so happy about Merdeka?” Hmmm! A good question. Maybe it’s something for us to chew on. Is there really a “merdeka” in Malaysia? Yes, we did gain our independence from the British in 1957, but then we were hijacked by Umno/Bn. It’s just like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Which is worst! Until we see corruption, cronyism, nepotism being wiped out, eradication of poverty, economy stability, the juridicial system restored, police and ACA working independently, no racial discrimination where everyonewill enjoy the same rights and privileges regardless of race or religion, then we can truly say we are independent or Merdeka! Then we can all passionately and proudly shout with one voice in unity, “MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!” Till then … Long live the people. Freedom to the people! RAKYAT MERDEKA!!!

Oh! By the way, I don’t know whether you noticed it or not. Not many people are flying the Malaysian flag this year. Wonder why?

Merdeka or no Merdeka, here are the specials for this Sunday:

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Pasembur

Pasembur or Rojak as some people on the mainland called it. But here in Penang, we called it “Pasembur!”

Crispy prawn fritters (Cucur Udang), fried bean curd (taukua), hard-boiled egg, julienned cucumber, mangkaung (sweet chinese turnips), with thick sweet potato and chilli sauce and topped with chilli cuttlefish and grounded peanut and lemon.

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Curry Chicken & Stir-fry Chinese Sprouts

Nyonya Curry chicken with potatoes & Stir-fry Chinese sprouts with anchovies.

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Ikan Pangang & Stir-fry Ong Teh Chai

Ikan Pangang - Mackerel marinated in fresh tumeric wrapped in banana leaves and baked over hot pan served with shallots, garlic and chilli sauce & Stir-fry Ong Teh Chai (Emepror’s veg) with egg.

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Dessert

Pulut Inti - Steamed glutinous rice coloured with natural flower color topped with grated coconut cooked with Gula Melaka.

Red Dragon Fruit

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Sunday Special And My Prediction
Posted in FOOD, LIFE, PICTURE TALK, MALAYSIA, SUNDAY SPECIAL on August 24th, 2008

Sunday again. And two more days to the ‘mother of all elections.’ I’m talking about the Permatang Pauh By-Election. All eyes will be on Anwar, the hot favourite to win. And this is my prediction: “Anwar will win by a 18,000 and above majority.” Impossible? We will know this Tuesday.

In the meantime, let’s see what’s on this Sunday Special.

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Sambal Hehbee and Steamed Taufu

Sambal Hehbee: Dried shrimps fried with dried chillies, shallots, belachan, lemongrass, and lime leaves & Steamed Taufu with sesame oil and soya sauce, topped with small fried anchovies, garnished with plenty of spring onions.

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Nyonya Kueh

Dessert: A variety of Nyonya Kueh (Local sweet cakes)

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Home-made Muesli Bar

Yep, Healthy Home-made Muesli bar: Cashew nuts, almond nuts, rolled oat, sesame seeds, raisins, dried cranberries, dried lemon peels, lemon rind, coated with lemon, honey and organic sugar caramel.

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Archive for the 'SUNDAY SPECIAL' Category

Why I.S.A?

Rakyat, there’s no need to feel down. I said, Rakyat, get yourself off the ground. I said, Rakyat, ’cause we’re in a New Dawn There’s a need, for-Re-for-ma-si

Anwar, there’s a place you can go. Putra-jaya, let the red carpet roll You can, stay there, and I’m sure you will find Many ways, to-bring-those-chan-ges

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A. We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool They can do, what they feel

Hear the people cry, Why I.S.A? In this land we loved, Why I.S.A? You can set people free, Kamunting we don’t need So Abolish - The ISA

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A. We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool They can do, what they feel

Hear the people cry, Why I.S.A? In this land we loved, Why I.S.A? You can set people free, Kamunting we don’t need So Abolish - The ISA

Rakyat, I was once in your shoes. I said, I was, down and out with the Blue. I felt no man, cared if I were alive. I felt my whole-world-has-no-rights …

That’s when, someone came up to me, And said, Yo! man, know and fight for what’s right And just say no, to the Foul ISA We don’t need, this-trash-to-feel-safe

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A. We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool They can do, what they feel

No I.S.A! We had enough of it, No I.S.A! Rakyat, Rakyat, are you listening to me? Rakyat, Rakyat, let me hear you sing

No I.S.A! Everybody sing, No I.S.A! Rakyat, Rakyat, you can set yourself free Rakyat, Rakyat, that’s how it’s gonna be

Pages

Rakyat, there’s no need to feel down.
I said, Rakyat, get yourself off the ground.
I said, Rakyat, ’cause we’re in a New Dawn
There’s a need, for-Re-for-ma-si

Anwar, there’s a place you can go.
Putra-jaya, let the red carpet roll
You can, stay there, and I’m sure you will find
Many ways, to-bring-those-chan-ges

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A.
We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A
It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool
They can do, what they feel

Hear the people cry, Why I.S.A?
In this land we loved, Why I.S.A?
You can set people free, Kamunting we don’t need
So Abolish - The ISA

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A.
We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A
It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool
They can do, what they feel

Hear the people cry, Why I.S.A?
In this land we loved, Why I.S.A?
You can set people free, Kamunting we don’t need
So Abolish - The ISA

Rakyat, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was, down and out with the Blue.
I felt no man, cared if I were alive.
I felt my whole-world-has-no-rights …

That’s when, someone came up to me,
And said, Yo! man, know and fight for what’s right
And just say no, to the Foul ISA
We don’t need, this-trash-to-feel-safe

Let’s put an end to this, Vile I.S.A.
We had enough of this, Vile I.S.A
It’s evil and cruel, a Machiavellian tool
They can do, what they feel

No I.S.A!
We had enough of it, No I.S.A!
Rakyat, Rakyat, are you listening to me?
Rakyat, Rakyat, let me hear you sing

No I.S.A!
Everybody sing, No I.S.A!
Rakyat, Rakyat, you can set yourself free
Rakyat, Rakyat, that’s how it’s gonna be