chayohome2020

Kids’ Choice: Mama’s Cooking

I spent Sunday afternoon in a guided-cooking session with Ferninda, a mother of three young boys. The eldest proudly informed me that he is four and a half. The youngest, I discovered, is one and a half. The middle child is three and a half. The challenge for the afternoon was to cook while theyContinue reading “Kids’ Choice: Mama’s Cooking”

You Know It Is Easter When….

By Andrea Pavee The Peace Lily blooms. I had always heard about the beauty of Peace lilies and for a while longed to have one. Therefore, you can imagine my satisfaction when I snagged a small pot to bring home, at a sale. Back then, I was not proficient at gardening so getting a smallContinue reading “You Know It Is Easter When….”

Student Specials: Anne Lise’s Easter Dinner and Vici’s Easter Brunch

Anne Lise always amazes me with her culinary skills. I often wonder how she finds the time to cook elaborate meals for her friends at university in London. When I went to university I didn’t know how to cook. A family friend in Hong Kong gave me a beautiful cookbook which inspired me to attemptContinue reading “Student Specials: Anne Lise’s Easter Dinner and Vici’s Easter Brunch”

Beginner’s Choice: The Special Easter Brunch

Why Special Easter Brunch? Well, there are some simple explanations. Many Christians attend the Easter Vigil which ends late on Saturday night. Sunday morning is for catching up on sleep. There are others who wake up at the crack of dawn on Easter morning to make their way to Church to celebrate Easter. Easter isContinue reading “Beginner’s Choice: The Special Easter Brunch”

Exotic Beauties

By Andrea Pavee A popular and ecologically friendly gift, which is all the rage now, is the Phalaenopsis orchid. These beauties come in a rainbow of colours and while pleasing to the eye, can be a little hard on the pocket. As a child, I grew up around orchids in my godmother’s home. She hadContinue reading “Exotic Beauties”

Of Fresh Air and Sunshine

By Andrea Pavee In our climate in Malaysia, plants of all manner and form abound, from the massive raintrees scattered throughout the land, to the wispy ferns carpeting our jungles with their soft, intricate and gorgeous patterns. There is another alternative to grounded plants to beautify your hearth and home ─ air plants! They areContinue reading “Of Fresh Air and Sunshine”

Beginner’s Choice: The Thanksgiving Rice Dish

A few years ago, Carmen asked me to help her find a recipe for tumpeng, an Indonesian cone-shaped rice dish. She said she was going to cook it for a birthday celebration. She also needed help to make a cardboard cone to mould the rice in. I found a recipe for her and I heardContinue reading “Beginner’s Choice: The Thanksgiving Rice Dish”

Odds’ Cool Creations: Hooked on crocheting

By Audrey They say that you should clear your debts in the New Year or that would foretell the state of your year ahead. This article has been long-owed and I’m riding on the Chinese New Year (and my current school vacation) to write it. When I was little, I used to attend an after-schoolContinue reading “Odds’ Cool Creations: Hooked on crocheting”

Salting the Earth

By Andrea Pavee Gardening is a full-time job, with its monthly seasons of peaks and troughs. Within these cycles, fertilizing is a must. Additionally, topping, turning and aerating the soil also works wonders in maintaining your gorgeous greens and blooms. However, there is another addition that can be of great use in your monthly gardeningContinue reading “Salting the Earth”

Beginner’s Choice: Birthday, New Year and Longevity Noodles

I have always associated mee sua noodles with birthdays, because they symbolise longevity. They are long and thin wheat noodles and they are softer than other noodles. This week I learnt that they are also served for Chinese New Year. If you have been following this blog, you will remember Aunty Geraldine’s focaccia bread, heart-shapedContinue reading “Beginner’s Choice: Birthday, New Year and Longevity Noodles”