Media release at Hotel Royal Penang

by beeleetan on June 17, 2010

It was a lovely event with many media coverage about my recent published cook book – Penang Authentic Nyonya cuisine. Siti Fatimah did an excellent  job organizing media and regular hotel guest to attend the occasion. It was buzzling with lots of  interesting questions about Nyonya Cuisine and there will be a celebration in July by UNESCO in Penang and Hotel Royal will be hosting Nyonya Cuisine for their patronage to celebrate the grand occasion. Many ladies were dressed in their beautiful sarong kebaya and beaded shoes with their outfit. It was lots of fun and laughter.

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PENANG BOTANICAL GARDENS

by beeleetan on May 31, 2010

The sun glared down through the hot sticky afternoon as I was walking to the Panang Botanical Gardens. As I entered the gardens I was transported into a new world. The leaves were waving and welcoming me. It was dark and cool. The trees were a dark green creating a paradise. The waters meandered downstream humming their guitar like rhythms. The birds came in on cue with their melodies while the insects provided the percussion. There were just so many exotic flowers of all colours, and the fragrance permeated the air. Time stayed still for the next two hours as I lost myself in the beauty of it all.

But then the gentle sounds were interrupted with the screetching of monkeys as they shook the trees frenetically. They treat you as their prisoner insisting on your payment of bananas and peanuts. However, my handbag was not up for grabs this time. Previously they tipped out passport and other valuables after scampering up the trees with it. But after all, this is their domain now and I could rejoice with them in their mischievous behaviour – something for me to imitate in my own time.

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Kalamunda Farmers Market

May 6, 2010

It’s the most interesting farmers’ market I’ve ever seen! The sellers come with fresh vegetables and foods, home made cakes, chutneys and pickles. it’s very cosmopolitan with all the different nationalities bringing their own home cooking. It’s a beautiful drive up the mountain and the cool atmosphere titillates your appetite for coffee and cakes and [...]

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My Book Launch: Penang Authentic Nyonya Cuisine

March 24, 2010

As mentioned in my previous posts, I was fairly busy the past few months. Want to know the secret? I am happy to announce that on the 2nd of February, I launched my second book, Penang Authentic Nyonya Cuisine: Mother’s Recipes, at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Penang, Malaysia. This cookbook is 180 pages long [...]

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Video: Salt Fish and Pineapple Curry; and Kerabu Chicken Cooking Demonstration

March 2, 2010

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone! I’m so sorry that I have not updated my website in quite a while. Last year, I was a Guest Presenter in Singapore for their annual Peranakan Festival where I did a cooking demonstration to celebrate Penang nyonya cuisine at the outdoor Mobile Kitchen at Singapore Management University. Although [...]

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Poh Pia – Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe

November 27, 2009

Poh Pia (sometimes also spelled Popiah) is almost like the famous Chinese spring rolls – but even better! Unlike normal spring rolls which are fried and therefore unhealthy for you, this spring roll is both a fresh and filling healthy meal.

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Sambal Udang Petai Recipe

November 27, 2009

Sambal Udang Petai, or Prawn Sambal with Petai, is a well loved curry-like dish in Nyonya cuisine. 500g banana prawns 200g petai beans 2 stalk lemon grass, peel and slice 5 red chillies wash and slice 2 tsp turmeric powder 1 large brown onion, peel and slice 4 cloves of garlic, peel and slice 3 [...]

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Mooncake Recipe for Children

November 27, 2009

Cooking time about 1 hour. Serves 8-10. SYRUP: 600g sugar 2 cups water 1 lime or ½ lemon Boil ingredients slowly for one hour. Keep stirring until sugar has thickened and turn into golden syrup. Leave at room temperature for 1 month. 600g plain flour 375g syrup 90g oil 1 teaspoon lye water 1 beaten [...]

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Mooncake Recipe

November 27, 2009

Cooking time about 2 hours. Serves 4-6. 600g plain flour 375g syrup (see syrup in Moon Cake for children) 90g oil 1 teaspoon lye water 1 beaten egg yolk (sieve) Mooncake moulds Mix ingredients except egg yolk by hand then divide into 12 equal portions. FILLING: 12oz red beans 4 cups water 125g margarine 250g [...]

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Mooncake Festival

November 27, 2009

In 1969, when man landed and walked on the moon, I was devastated … Chang Er, the Moon Goddess lives there, the moon is her kingdom and she has lived there for centuries—How could have Neil Armstrong invaded her territory without her permission! I could see the ever graceful Moon Goddess in her beautiful white [...]

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