Bingka Pisang

I decided to make our Malay delicacy, i.e bingka pisang using the ripe bananas in stock.  My first time trying this recipe and I am glad that it turned out well.   Honestly I still prefer my old time favorite kuih, bingka ubi. Yummy.

 

My daughter likes it very much. Alhamdulillah..tak cerewet budak sorang ni. 

Today's quote:-

Have a terrific Thursday peeps. Take care. xoxoxo

One happy girl

A friend of mine was here last week for business meeting and brought gift for Sofea. It's a glamour girl - princess makeup kit. Makeup artist with step by step instructions.  Being princess-like/girly herself, she is super duper excited and thrilled.  

Gift from aunty Yana.

The styling notepad containing step by step instructions to help you plan your best look

.

Ok, so she has been pretty busy with her new hobby, being makeup artist :p

My 4 yr old vain pot. My little sunshine.

Today's quote: Fajr - The key to start your day beautifully.

Random post and sardine puff

Assalammualaikum..

It had been a hectic week spring cleaning the house (washing linens, finalize plans for the old children while I'm in the hospital, packed my hospital bag and etc) before the little bundle of joy arrives. Alhamdulillah all done.

I had my last scanning yesterday at the hospital.  Alhamdulillah she is looking good at 36 weeks. On the other hand, I am still having sporadic vomiting. Blood pressure was taken yesterday at the hospital and that was fine. I didn't eat anything out of the norm but I threw up out of nowhere.  I am keeping strong for my two older children. 

Both Danish and Sofea have started attending the Islamic weekend school every Saturday from 1000-1300 hrs.  It is an introduction program for children age 5 to 6 years old.  The program consists of nine levels, carried out over three years - that is three levels per year. Each stage consists of 12 weeks lessons - ie. three months and provides clear and concise target criteria for what the child should be able to understand before proceeding to the next level.  "YA ALLAH YA TUHAN KU..Tambahkan la ilmu untuk anak2ku dan mudahkanlah kefahaman untuk mereka. Amin."

Ok back to cooking, baking and alike..

I made sardine puff on Sunday.  We had that while watching Man United vs Liverpool game.  Sardine puff is one of my favorite snack but it didn't last for 10 min before i vomited it out.  It's kinda ironic. 

Sardine puff pastry
Source: own
Ingredients for rough puff pastry:-

200 grm plain flour
½ tsp salt
150 grm pastry margarine
8 tbsp cold water
½ tsp lemon juice

Method:-
1. Sift flour and salt.
2. Cut fat into small even pieces and stir into the flour.
3. Add the water and lemon juice at once, mix well to a soft but not sticky dough.
4. Shape into a rectangle on a lightly floured board.
5. Fold into 3. Seal edges with rolling pin.  Give a half turn. Repeat 5 times.
6. Allow to rest before using.

Sardine filling:-
Sardine -  mashed
Red chilli - chopped
Onion - chopped
Salt and pepper

Lemon juice

It is worth the effort to make your own rough puff pastry at home.  Do not be intimidated by the preparation. It is actually easy. Try it.

Today's quote: "Hardship will be felt if we did not appreciate what we have."

LEGO Creator 3 in 1

My 6 years old is obsessed with Lego.  Since he likes to build them, then rip them apart and do something else, dear hubby decided to get him Lego Creator 3 in 1.  

happy boy..he got not 1 but 3 Lego Creator.

Personally I find Lego is good for kids.  It is seen as creative, educational, great for developing fine motor skills.  Lego also challenges one imagination and dexterity. 

Done - robot all by himself. Well done!

From robot to helicopter within less than 1½ hr. Good job sayang!

Today's quote: ~Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory~unknown

Have a Tremendous Thursday all..

Ice hockey - Rungsted vs Herlev Eagles

It was indeed a busy Saturday for us.  We headed to Saxo Bank Arena situated at Hørsholm to watch ice hockey match between Rungsted and Herlev Eagles right after usrah.  It was my first time watching ice hockey.

It's amazing to see how one can skate on ice and using stick to shoot a hard rubber hockey puck into their opponent's net to score points. It is definitely a fast-paced physical sport.  New experience for me as well as Sofea.  We really enjoyed it!

Our tickets

Excited kids waiting for the game to start

Local rivalry Rungsted vs Herlev Eagles

The Team Rungsted IK won the Game against Herlev Eagles with Result 5 : 2 (2 : 2) (1 : 0)
(2 : 0) .  Congrats!

Today's quote: ~some people come in your life as blessings, others come in your life as lessons~ unknown

Usrah at Ariff and Zanariah's abode

We attended Usrah on Saturday.  What is Usrah?  It is a type of Islamic teachings among Muslim in a small group who gather to share knowledge and values about Islam which implied in the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet.  It's a monthly thingy and this month Usrah was held at Ariff and Zanariah's abode.

3rd Usrah 2014

The host prepared and served buffet style spread of Javanese influenced cuisine.  Nasi ambeng refers to a platter of white rice served with chicken cooked in soy sauce, stir fried noodles, sambal goreng, serunding and etc.  Heavenly delicious!!!

I needed to bring something to contribute so I decided to bring mini cheese tarts for the gathering.  They disappeared within an hour! Alhamdulillah.

Mini cheese tarts

They are fairly easy to make but maybe a little time consuming, but worth it to the last bite!

Today's quote: ~Worry ends when, faith begins~ 

Fastelavn 2014

One of the traditions in Denmark's celebrations include the carnival “Fastelavn” in February.  Fastelavn is sometimes described as a Nordic Halloween.  Children will dress up in costumes and gathering treats for the feast. It is generally considered to be a time for children's fun and games.

The event include "hit the cat out of the barrel".  The Danes use a wooden barrel, which is full of candy and sometimes oranges and has the image of a cat on it.  The one who knocks down the barrel and  making all the candy spill out becomes kattedronning ("queen of cats") and the one who knocks down the last piece of the barrel becomes kattekonge ("king of cats").

Danish and Sofea celebrated fastelavn on Friday 28 February.  

Princess Sofea Dhaniyah

 

Princess Sofea Dhaniyah & Pirate Izz Danish

Smashing the barrel (this was taken yesterday.  Fastelavn celebration in Bilka, Fields)

A sweet roll usually covered with icing and filled with whipped cream is served during fastelavn.  A popular children's song in Denmark is "Fastelavn er mit navn".  Fun celebration for the kids.

Banana Muffins with White Chocolate

Assalammualaikum...Hello and Good Thursday Morning to all you.  A pleasant morning with a great smile.

We baked banana muffins with white chocolate chunks yesterday for our mid week treat.  Another recipe from joy of baking.  These delicious sweet and moist muffins are packed full of white chocolate chunks and banana goodness.  The crusts of the muffins wonderfully crisp while the interior is soft and moist.  Give it a try..you won't regret it. 

Banana Muffins with White Chocolate

Source: Joy of Baking

Makes 12 muffins.

Ingredients:- 

225 grams all purpose flour

100 grams white granulated sugar

40 grams light brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

65 grams white chocolate chunks

3 large ripe bananas mashed well

115 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method:-

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C and place the oven rack in the middle of the oven. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners-.

2. In a large bowl combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and white chocolate chunks.

3. In a medium-sized bowl combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.

4. With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, lightly fold the wet ingredients (banana mixture) into the dry ingredients just until combined.  The batter is thick and chunky.

5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins. Bake about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Place on a wire rack to cool for five minutes and then remove muffins from pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips: Do not over mix the batter. Over mixing the batter will yield tough, rubbery muffins. - joyofbaking-

Today's quote: ~Silence is the best answer of all stupid questions and smile is the best reaction in all critical situations.~

Blueberry muffins

Good Wednesday morning to all!  It's the last week of February. How quickly time flies.  I am actually feeling a bit under the weather.  Feeling fatigue and sporadic vomiting at 33 weeks. Hmm...don't remember having that with the previous 2.  Hoping that the delivery will be smooth insyaAllah.

On Monday we decided to experiment a recipe from joy of baking. Blueberry muffins...We really didn't regret trying out this recipe – it's so tasty!  

 

 

Busy making their own after school snack.  My happy kids, always willing to learn new things and definitely good helpers too. I'm blessed!

Blueberry muffins

Source: Joy of Baking

Makes 12 muffins.

Ingredients:

1 large egg, lightly beaten

240 ml) plain yogurt

80 ml vegetable, canola, sunflower, or corn oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

260 grams all-purpose flour 

100 grams granulated white sugar

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

300 grams fresh or frozen blueberries (If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding them to the batter.)

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. Position rack in center of oven. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

2, In a large bowl whisk together the lightly beaten egg, yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract. 

3, In another large bowl whisk the flour with the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently stir in the blueberries. With a rubber spatula fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir only until the ingredients are combined and moistened. (The batter will be thick.)

4, Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter, using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Place in the oven and bake for about 15 - 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin just comes out clean. 5, Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for about 10 minutes before removing from pan. 

Simple, moist and tasty blueberry muffins. Great for after school snack or even for breakfast.  Try this recipe if you're a blueberry lover. (",)

Today's quote: -Someday everything will make perfect sense. So, for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.-

Rezeki on Wednesday and Thursday

First and foremost, an update on the little princess at week 32.  She is doing fine, kicking and moving.  Alhamdulillah. 8 weeks to my due date. Semoga Allah permudahkan segalanya for me. Amin.

On Wednesday I decided to cook honey chicken rice. My dear hubby and daughter all time favorite.  Jom jamu mata aje lah ye. I bet most of you out there can figure out how to cook this popular dish.

Honey chicken rice served with chapchai, soup, cili sambal and salad.

I suddenly had craving for beefsteak mamak style ala2 at Beach Road. Luckily i had all the ingredients and decided to give it a go. Tengok gambar je lah ye..malas pulak nak type recipe. :P

Beefsteak mamak's style and fruit platter for our dinner yesterday

Well actually I am feeling a bit under the weather.  Painful leg cramps have started to plague me.  It is a challenge to get a good night sleep but i guess that is a norm when you have reached the 3rd trimester.

Anyway I leave you guys with today's quote:- "the struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow." 

Jumaah Mubarak!!!

Ladies lunch

I invited few friends over on Friday 14 Feb 2014. The last time I organized ladies get together was years ago. 

I made gado2, an Indonesian salad and noodles soup. Simple food for my beautiful guests.

 

My guest- Kak Ros, Kak Yati, Sherry, Aya & Jalmit. 



Gado gado

Thank you for coming ladies.

Today's quote: ~The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply~

Pineapple tart filling

There were too many postings/pictures on pineapple tarts lately that it triggers my craving for that once a year goodies.  It is certainly a must have during Eid.  Our family all time favorite.  I am making my late mum's version of an easy and delicious pineapple tarts filling.  




Recipe for Pineapple tart filling
Source: family recipe

Ingredients:
2 large pineapples
300 g sugar
coloring (optional)

Method for pineapple tart:
1. Slice and grate pineapples till fine or use use a food processor.
2. Let it simmer in a wok till the juice has dry up and add sugar.
3. Stir till the pineapple has thickened and dry.
4. keep on stirring till the pineapple filling is thick, sticky and dry.  Remove from heat.
5. Leave to cool.
Note : You can make the filling in advance and refrigerate it.

Today's quote: "Nothing is impossible..the word itself says I'm possible. :p - Audrey Hepburn"

One of the Essential Tips if one is new to Denmark

LEARN THE DANISH LANGUAGE!!!

Photo from Google

 Although English is spoken widely and fluently across the country but frankly I think, if you wish to adapt to the society, you have to learn the language.  I took 1½ years to complete the whole course (5 modules altogether) and it feel great to be able to communicate in their language.  Programs usually last up to 3 years and are free of charge.  I took mine at Hellerup Sprogskole.

They say Danish is one of the hardest Scandinavian languages to learn because of its speaking patterns and yes, it is a distinct reality.  It is also flatter and more monotonous than English. The Danish alphabet has 29 letters with the basic 26-letter Latin alphabet plus the three additional letters Æ, Ø, Å.

Danish pronunciation is impossible to learn from a book so the best way is to enroll for the course.  It is easier to read it than to speak it.

Learning any new language can be an uphill struggle but hey...nothing is impossible.  Trust me! A language is a means of communication.  Put aside all those negative feelings; embarrassment, hesitation, etc and you have to actually use the language in its natural context. That's what I have been doing.  Speak speak speak.

To speak a language you have to actually speak it!!!

3 days 2 nights cruise to Oslo

We took mini cruise to Oslo via DFDS Seaways on Sunday.  This was sort of a birthday present for our beloved son.   Coincidentally few of the Malaysian students bought the same tickets which was on offer.  It was indeed a great deal.

We departed from Copenhagen on Sunday at 1630 hrs. Bought few stuff from the duty free shop on board, relaxed and had dinner together with the rest at deck 11.

 

He chose the cabin with window and dear hubby ikut kan aje. Afterall it's his birthday present.  Love you sweetheart.

Dinner together and enjoyed each others company with some good home cooked food.

Nasi impit, kuah kacang, karipap, sambal daging, serunding ikan, bihun goreng, pasta, sandwiches, fingers food. Alhamdulillah rezeki2.

Having dinner.

Dinner time...everyone brought some food to be enjoyed together

The little ones enjoyed themselves at the newly renovated Kidz' Club with games, activities and a playroom.  Danish as usual made few new friends there. Friendly as ever!

 Sofea and Khayra...peace Yoh!

We arrived in the vibrant city Oslo on Monday 27 Jan at 0945 and we had 5 hours to explore and see the city. There are countless museums, national landmarks to visit but since this was our 2nd trip in Oslo, we opted to just enjoy some shopping and relaxation before returning to Copenhagen on another pleasant evening aboard the ferry.

Snowy Oslo.

Happy face

Abang with one of Oslo's most photographed "inhabitants.

Oslo tram

Islamic Cultural Centre Norway situated is situated in Grønland.

After a good 1.5 hours of walking around, we decided to have lunch at Marhaba Grill Restaurant which is situated just beside the Islamic Cultural centre in Grønland.  My lunch - spicy grill chicken..yummy!

Back at the terminal

RnR in the cabin before the kids had another fun time at the KidzClub.

Alhamdulillah we had a fun filled short trip to Oslo.

My son's 6th birthday

Izz Danish, the day you were born

And lay curled up in my arms

That very moment

I succumbed to all your charms

Nothing has changed

From that day to this one

I hope it always stays this way.

Izz Danish, you’re our greatest blessing. May your birthday and all your tomorrows be blessed with everything good in life!

Happy 6th birthday sayang...

Indoor ice skating.

We took our kids ice skating for the first time this year. We went to an indoor rink since it was so cold outside.  The purpose of indoor ice skating is to provide an ideal safe skating environment on a level floor with a good surface and this makes skating much easier especially for beginners. It was fun to Danish and Sofea making their way around the rink.  For a first timer, they did pretty well. Well done!!!

Not bad for a first timer.

posing

Future figure skaters. :P

They really enjoyed themselves.