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”

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”

Beginner’s Choice: From Durian Treats to Sustainability Efforts

The durian debate It’s always a joy to receive news from Feisan and to hear about her life in Sabah. A few days ago, Feisan sent photos of some toasts with delightful unusual spreads. Yes, durian and ube spreads! I don’t know what durians in Sabah are like, but my Malaysian friends and I oftenContinue reading “Beginner’s Choice: From Durian Treats to Sustainability Efforts”

P’Pew’s Mum’s Arroy Chicken Recipe

P’Pew is a childhood friend of mine. You might be wondering how to pronounce P’Pew. (The P’ is pronounced as the letter P, so it is “Pee Pew”.) Phi or P’ is the way Thais address an older person in a familiar way. It actually means “elder brother” or “elder sister”. The idea is thatContinue reading “P’Pew’s Mum’s Arroy Chicken Recipe”

A Reason for Every Season

I never really understood the expression “Season’s Greetings” on cards. One would be expected to be more specific about the season. I have been getting photographs from friends in different countries, and they all look the same because there is snow covering gardens and garden furniture. It’s definitely the season of winter. In many countriesContinue reading “A Reason for Every Season”