For the love of food....and love itself..

I love family gatherings.  There are lots of fun, laughter, chatter and not forgetting, lots of FOOD!  Anyway, what is a gathering without food and drinks, right?

During my younger years, Mum and Dad always had family and friends over for makan sessions.  These sessions were not very elaborate, but rest assured, nobody left the gathering hungry.  Mum would be in the kitchen preparing all the goodies.  Dad would be in charge of tidying the house and getting all the cutlery ready.  My brother and I would be busy too....keeping our parents busy running after us....hahaha...  Thinking back now, it can get quite tedious and elaborate, actually!  As fun and joyous as the feeling you get on Hari Raya eve!  The house will be filled with the spicy aroma of Nasi Bryani, the sharp pungent smell of pacri and acar, the milky sweet bandung drink and not forgetting the colourful array of desserts.....mmmmm...brings back sweet and yummy memories......

I am not an expert like my Mum, but I try my best.  Prepared some sausage rolls, roasted chicken and apple crumble to bring to a potluck gathering on Saturday.  And they looked like so......

While I am busy in the kitchen, Nadyn will be the one who will accompany me in the kitchen.  She's always asking "How is this made?", "Why did you cut that up?" and the final one would most probably be "Can I help?"....  This help from her usually is more of a hindrance for me.  I let her stay for a while then explain to her that I have to finish up quickly before we can go and have fun with the rest of the family.  She'll then scatter out of the kitchen.  Barely 5-10 minutes later, she'll be back in the kitchen, smiling and cheerfully asking me more questions...... sigh...that's Nadyn...

The door of my fridge is like a personal art exhibition space for her to display her works of art.  Every little note she scribbles, she'll stick on the fridge.  There are times I have to gently tell her to keep some in a folder, and I'll change the "exhibits" every few days.  As for the elder sister Widya, she would most probably be sitting quietly in her room or curled up in a cosy corner somewhere reading her book.  She loves reading, loves watching the telly and loves singing and dancing.  They are 2 very diferent characters but they are My Love, My Angels.

A bright sun shiny day

The sky is so clear and blue today.  So bright and beautiful.  I do not fancy the warm and humid weather though, but I dig the view and scenery.  I am indeed blessed to be able to witness the greatness of God....Alhamdulillah...

Eventhough the day was bright, my routine was uneventful.  Had a few chores to do but I only managed to clear 2 out of the 4 that I originally had!  Lunch for me was the leftover from dinner last night.  I love it when the girls and the husband are not home for lunch as I  do not have to prepare anything.  For dinner, the husband requested for Fried Rice and some fried chicken.  Today's a "fried" day for us!

My intention was to write more of what's on my mind but the little girl is calling for me.  The system seems to be a little slow too tonight.  Oh yes.  The episode of American Idol tonight got me a little distracted too...hahahaha...excuses, excuses....  Nite Nite to you.

Mohamed Noor Bin Abu Samah

My Dad. My Hero. 

Exactly 7 years ago, we were all busy preparing Dad's funeral.  His departure did not come as a shock or  a surprise to us.  He had Cell Lymphoma and the doctor diagnosed he had about 2-3 months to live.  With all the love, support and care, especially from Mum, Dad survived the cancer for 15 months!  I would visit him at the hospital during my lunch break.  It was convenient as I was then working at Jurong East and Dad was in NUH.

Dad was a quiet person.  Not very expressive but a strict disciplinarian.  He does not unnecessarily scold or beat us (he does let the "little black belt" he had lightly brush our legs.... hahaha......am sure my brother will remember that too!)  Whatever he did was for the well-being of his children.  Education was very important to him and he made sure we did our best.  Both my brother and I were well provided for.  We had more than what we could have asked for.  I was the apple of Dad's eye and my brother was closer to Mum.

Dad was always there for me.  He never said out loud "I love you", but showed it in many other silent ways.  I can always turn to him when I had any problems with my school work.  He was more than willing to help.  My Dad's an intelligent man.  He's smart.  Alas, I did not inherit that trait from him??!!

Now Dad is at a better place.  God loves him more.  I remember that particular day, about a week before he passed away.  He turned to me and said "I am sorry if I have not been a good father.  I always 'sebat' you with the belt...." Before he went any further, I quickly put my hand gently over his mouth and asked him to keep calm and do not say anything more.  Both of us had tears in our eyes.  I told him that all is fine and that he's the best Dad ever!  A few days later, early on a calm Wednesday morning, my Dad said his final goodbye.

I love you Dad.  The memories will forever be etched in my mind...

Some of my favourite food

These are some of the recipes that I have tried out.  Whenever I see an interesting recipe, I instantly get the urge to try it out.  So from now on, I will be storing all these "knick-knacks" in my wigwam(blog).  Have a good day!

An exciting new adventure for me

Blogging is not something new but it sure is new and exciting for me!  I love reading blogs on food and there are a few blogs that I use as reference, especially when I need a specific recipe or the method on how some cakes or cookies are made.  Some of these blogs have beautiful pictures and the food that has been prepared really comes to life.  I salute these people who can cook, take good pictures and are extremely talented and gifted!

I hope I am able to at least learn from some of these food bloggers and put some of their shared good work to practice.  As for now, I need to get some shut eye.  If I have the choice, I would still like to be awake and explore this blogging world.  But the eyes and mind are a little groggy already from all the excitement of this new blog of mine.

Nitey nite..