chayohome2020

Student Specials: Mexican Fiestas

When I was a student in London, I was introduced to Mexican cuisine by Mexican students. They were teenage school girls who missed Mexican food and they were happy for the opportunity to cook mole (a type of Mexican traditional sauce) and frijoles (mashed beans). They always had tajin (a sour chili powder) with them,Continue reading “Student Specials: Mexican Fiestas”

Kid’s Choice: Memories of Childhood Favourite Food

Most of us have memories of our childhood favourite food. Mine was without doubt a macaroni dish my mother used to cook. It was a simple tomato paste-based macaroni dish with onion and chopped ham, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and fish sauce. The fish sauce gave it an anchovy flavour. It was probably from oneContinue reading “Kid’s Choice: Memories of Childhood Favourite Food”

Beginner’s Choice: Mother’s Day Thai Noodles

Mother’s Day began early for me, as I was mindful that I had to start cooking lunch early. It takes at least two hours to make a good chicken broth from scratch, and it takes time to cut all the fresh vegetables and herbs which go into it (daikon, onions, lemongrass, cilantro) A bowl ofContinue reading “Beginner’s Choice: Mother’s Day Thai Noodles”

Beginner’s Choice: A Cool Way to Start May

We always look forward to the 1st of May, because it’s always a holiday. We have a number of festivals which are based on the lunar calendar, such as the Lunar New Year, Easter, Deepavali and Eid (Hari Raya), which fall on different dates every year. Family Day This year we decided to celebrate FamilyContinue reading “Beginner’s Choice: A Cool Way to Start May”

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”