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Good Enough

When I was in eighth grade, my Language Arts teacher had a poster that hung above her chalkboard.  It read,

"Good enough, is NEVER good enough."
 
I didn't really get it, until she explained how much she disliked when students would ask if something was "good enough."  She continued with, "If you have ask if something is "good enough," it isn't."

Isn't that so very true?

I never forgot that moment, even though it was (gasp) twenty years ago.  That year, I'm certain I learned many important lessons, but that is the one I remember.  The one I took with me.

Since that day, and now being a mommy, I've realized how much I also dislike those words.  I don't like it when they are asked about homework, about cleaning a bedroom, weeding the yard or anything.  They represent work done half-heartedly, which drives me nutty.  If it's worth doing, do it right and do it well.

What a tough lesson to teach my kids.  It's a difficult line to walk, the line between doing the job right and your child feeling like you're a total drag, or even worse, that they aren't "good enough."

Ugh, those words.

I'm on my kids about manners, and keeping their rooms tidy.  They have to finish homework and read before bed.  I stick with gentle reminders, since I understand how overwhelming remembering everything can be.  I'm lucky if I remember my underpants.

With my reminders, I remind them to do the job well.  Write neatly, shake hands firmly and keep that laundry folded when it goes in the drawer.  My kids don't have to be perfect; they have to work hard.  I want them to show effort, to leave everything they touch better because they were there. 

There is no asking if anything is "good enough."  Do your best and leave your mark.  Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

Even hugging your mama.

Have a fab Tuesday everyone, make it wonderful!
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Baklava Kosher Dessert Ideas for Your Party

Its festive time again, if you are wondering what must you gift your loved one, then I have a perfect idea. Why not just make some perfect dessert and pack them on glossy paper and present them to your loved one. It's a know fact that whatever may the occasion be Baklava dessert is a much loved dessert at all times. Make this time a bit different, Chocolates are fun but are an usual gift so if you want to give a surprise then try your hand with some Mediterranean dessert this time.

You can find Baklava in any of the bakery or sweet shop but will it not be fun to try your hands on some of its Recipe and bring a big smile on your loved ones face. Kosher Desserts are a great gift for people of all ages you can add your won flavors and deconstruct it to make it more appealing. If you are not too confident about your cooking skills then it is advisable to go in for the basic recipe and then move on to the more tempting and complicated ones. There are different kind of baklava the ones which you see in shops are mostly made by professionals and are made in Baklava factory which follows a strict recipe.

Gourmet Baklava Pastries and Greek Baklava are one of the baklava which are most cherished , not only does it melt in the mouth due to its fine layer pastries but also had added health benefits due to nuts and dry fruits. Due to its mind blowing taste it is fast moving and is getting quite popular throughout the world. Baklava was traditionally a Middle East and Mediterranean dessert but now is getting more and more popular in the west with every passing day. You can also find it recipes in various recipe books and famous websites.

Baklava is so tempting that it's very difficult to control at one piece. Baklava may be light and fluffy but is loaded with calories. Though it is also regarded as healthy as it has loads of dry fruits which helps in increasing the good cholesterol.

If you are a dieting freak and are conscious about calories then you can use sugar free instead of sugar. Because of its increasing popularity , baklava is now available in various supermarkets in various packaging especially during festive seasons. If you are not so lucky to find it in your supermarket then you need not get depressed as you can now order it online and it will get delivered right at your door steps.

If you are fond of cooking then you can also add a special dimension to the traditional Baklava recipe by adding fruits and flavors of your choice to make it more tempting. And if you are trying your hands on baklava for the first time, bear in mind that this dessert needs lots of patience and practice therefore make sure you try it over and over again until you attain perfection. Once you have mastered the skill of preparing baklava then you can very proudly present them to your friends and make your parties even more memorable.

Allen Mathews Photo The Baklava Factory is certified kosher by the Rabbinical Council of California. Online, you can purchase products and enjoy sweet Baklava pastry dessert. Find out more on Kosher Dessert .
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Tampoi Laksa, Johor Bahru 淡杯辣沙

Tampoi-Laksa-Johor-Bahru-淡杯辣沙

Tampoi Laksa is a household name in Johor Bahru and I've been asked many times, since I started blogging about Johor food, "Have you tried Tampoi Laksa?" When I shook my head coyly, the response was always an awkward pause and surprise written all over their faces. And, the words tripped out in disbelief, "You haven't tried Tampoi Laksa?" Their cringed faces and wrinkled noses shouted the unspoken words, "Where have you been, really?"

So today, I am so glad that I finally visited Tampoi Laksa :)

Tampoi-Laksa-Johor-Bahru-淡杯辣沙
Tampoi-Laksa-Johor-Bahru-淡杯辣沙

Tampoi Laksa is run by a 3 person team - Mdm Wong, her daughter and son-in-law (not in this picture). The 30 year old street side push cart stall is just in front of their house in Tampoi.

Tampoi-Laksa-Johor-Bahru-淡杯辣沙

This is the menu of this street side stall - everything at one glance. It says laksa, rojak, cuttlefish kangkong and seeham. We tried everything except for the seeham which was not available on Mondays.

Tampoi-Laksa-Johor-Bahru-淡杯辣沙

This is the famous Tampoi Laksa. Fiery looking, most of the ingredients covered by the fried tofu skin and submerged under the curry.

Tampoi-Laksa-Johor-Bahru-淡杯辣沙 Fried-Tofu-Skin-Johor-Bahru

The ingredients were quite simple really. The yellow noodles, taugeh (bean sprouts), fish balls, see ham, tau pok and even the fried tofu skin were quite average.

Tampoi-Laksa-Johor-Bahru-淡杯辣沙

But what sets Tampoi Laksa well apart is their curry laksa. Tampoi Laksa's curry has the usual spices and santan but it also has a subtle umami-ness not usually found in other laksa places. Mdm Wong said they boil anchovy for hours to get the stock (and the umami flavour).


Next time, I will order bee hoon (instead of yellow mee) with my curry laksa in order to better appreciate the gravy's flavours. 

 
Rojak-Johor-Bahru

Mdm Wong tossing the cut fruits and vegetables with prawn paste and sambal chili to make rojak.

Rojak-Johor-Bahru
Rojak-Johor-Bahru

The rojak is made with thick and mildly flavoured savoury prawn paste, so it would suit most palates. The cut fruits and vegetables were fresh and crunchy. The pieces of cut you char kway were not toasted, so they were soft - many people like it this way though personally my preference is for mine to be toasted and crispy.

Cuttle-Fish-Johor

We also tried this cuttlefish kangkong. The sauce was savoury, slightly sweet, mildly spicy and blanketed with a layer of crushed peanuts. The kangkong was market fresh and the cuttlefish was springily bouncy.

Cuttle-Fish-Kangkong-Johor-Bahru

We enjoyed the cuttlefish kangkong. I asked Mdm Wong if they also serve this dish with bee hoon. Mdm Wong said yes and that many customers from Singapore asked for it as they are used to eating this dish with bee hoon.

Tampoi Laksa is also famous for their boiled live seeham (cockles) eaten with savoury sauce and crushed peanuts. Unfortunately for me, the was no seeham on Mondays. Shall have to be back to try the seeham :)

Tampoi-Laksa-Johor-Bahru-淡杯辣沙

Restaurant name: Tampoi Laksa 淡杯辣沙
Address: 17, Jalan Dato Muthuthambi, Tampoi, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/Pfjnn
GPS: 1.497811,103.703309
Hours: 5:00pm to 11:00pm (opens daily but no see ham on Mondays) 
Non Halal

Date visited: 29 Apr 2013

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Where Have all the Soap Operas Gone?

Growing up I have many memories of my mother sitting at the edge of our kitchen counter, lunch in front of her, watching All My Children from one to two every afternoon.  She was hooked on the trials and tribulations of everyone in Pine Valley, and still to this day loves Erica Cane. 

Naturally, as I got older, I became hooked as well.  I remember one summer, when I was in seventh or eighth grade, I was glued to the television alongside her every afternoon.  These were the days of Palmer and Opal, Erica and Dimitri and my all time favorites, Tad and Dixie. 

When school started in September, I set a VHS to record All my Children.  I watched every day after school.  I can't remember when Tad and Dixie were heating up, but I do remember one particular episode that my mom picked me up from school early to watch with her.  We were beyond addicted to the crazy story-lines and extravagant characters.

I was heartbroken when after nearly 42 years, All my Children went off the air in 2011.  I felt it was the end of an era, a time when women indulged in soap operas that were so unbelievable they provided a mid-day escape from hectic lifestyles. 

The good news is that All My Children, and One Life to Live, are returning on Hulu and Hulu Plus starting April 29th.  The all new episodes will be 30 minutes long, and many of the original cast members will return.  Hulu makes watching and enjoying your favorite shows easy, and the service is FREE.  Sign up online, and you can watch the latest episodes on your computer.

Hulu Plus is $7.99/month, and it makes watching your favorite programs easier than ever.  You can stream shows through game consoles, laptops, ipads and even smartphones.  Imagine the convenience of watching your favorite shows on-the-go, never missing an episode because you can't get home in time to watch?  Hulu Plus also offers full access to their online library, which features complete series episodes of top television hits. Best yet?  You can try it for free for one week by signing up online here.

 

I'm excited to tune in and get lost in the lives of all my favorite Pine Valley characters from the past, and the new characters set to join the show.  Watching and caring for four kids all day is mentally exhausting, and I need "me time" to unwind and recharge.  Thanks to Hulu, I will be enjoying All My Children again, one of my ultimate guilty pleasures from the past!

For a chance to win a free one year subscription to Hulu Plus, comment below and tell us:

Which characters do you miss the most from the old show?

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Sarawak Market in Johor Bahru

Sarawak-Market-Johor-Bahru

I didn't know there is a Sarawak market in Johor Bahru until Rajan the owner of Original Sarawak Kolomee showed it to me. Thanks, Rajan! (Sarawak market is also know as Tamu Dayak or Pasar Borneo.)

At first look, there is nothing really spectacular about this little market. It's actually just a small car park ringed by shop houses, many selling Sarawak food, including Rajan's Kolomee shop. But, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, this car park becomes a street market with many vendors selling Sarawak food.

And so, this unique market is special, especially for Sarawakians. Sarawakians from all over Johor Bahru, and even Singapore come here for Sarawak vegetables and hometown foods.

Here's some pictures I took of the market on a Saturday afternoon.

Sarawak-Market-Johor-Bahru

This lady was doing a brisk business selling dabai (Sarawak Olive) which is a seasonal fruit. Dabai is cooked in warm water and Sarawakians like to eat them either with salt or with black soya sauce mixed with sugar.

Sarawak-Market-Johor-Bahru

Huge bamboo shoots.

Crabs-Sarawak-Market-Johor-Bahru

Live mangrove crabs.

Sarawak-Market-Johor-Bahru

Sayur midin or bidin, a wild jungle fern unique to Sarawak.

Midin-Sarawak-Market-Johor-Bahru

I love to eat this crunchy Sarawak vegetable boiled and fried in sambal belacan or simply stir fried with oyster and soya sauce.

I am not a Sarawakian but I will be here once in a while to satisfy my craving for Sarawak specialities such as sayur midin. I also need to come back for the sago worms which I missed during my visit.

Sarawak Market
Address: Jalan Bayan 37, Taman Megah Ria, Masai, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/F6fbZ
GPS: 1.498266,103.856538
Hours: 12:00noon to 7:00pm Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

Date visited: 6 Dec 2012
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Fried Siakap at Kedai Makan Rahmat, Kampung Pasir Putih, Pasir Gudang, Johor

Fried-Siakap-Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

I had always wanted to visit Kedai Makan Rahmat in Kampung Pasir Putih, Pasir Gudang for their famous deep fried Siakap or Siakap goreng. My friend Foong knew the founder, the late Encik Rahmat for nearly 30 years from Foong's banking days. Foong brought me to Kedai Makan Rahmat a few days ago. The famous shop by the sea is now run by Encik Rahmat's son.

Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

The Sultan of Johor (then Crown Prince) graced the opening of Kedai Makan Rahmat in 1986. These photos hanging at the entrance proudly commemorate this significant event.

Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

The restaurant set on stilts over the sandy beach and water had a charming kampung ambiance. 

Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

Kedai Makan Rahmat was full house during our visit. The sun was blazing outside, but inside the restaurant, the sea breeze kept everyone cool and comfortable.

Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

This is the view of the Johor Strait from Kedai Makan Rahmat. That forested land in the background is Pulau Ubin, Singapore. Foong said he used to just swim across when he was a young man.

Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

Customers queue, place their orders at the counter and go to their seats. The food are served shortly at the tables.

Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-JohorKedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

I was stalking this young man with my camera whenever he comes out of the kitchen with a stack of fried Siakap and prawns. He was moving so fast, I was having a hard time trying to get a good picture of him in action. A few times, I got into his way. So sorry about that :P

Fried-Siakap-Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

Our order - Foong and I shared this large deep fried Siakap, deep fried shrimps and a couple of lime juice. Foong paid about RM50 for all these.

Fried-Siakap-Kedai-Makan-Rahmat

Fried-Siakap-Kedai-Makan-Rahmat

The large Siakap was deep fried with scales on. This created a crispy outside layer of skin and scales which kept the thick Siakap flesh tender and slightly juicy. I like my fried fish done this way. The fresh white Siakap flesh was sweet and still had a slight muddy taste that did not bother me. Dab the Siakap meat in a little kicap pedas or sambal chili and we have a marvellously delicious treat.

Siakap-Johor-Bahru

The fried Siakap scales are edible, though personally I felt they were not crispy enough for that today and had a slight "metallic" taste. Shall try again next time :)

Sambal-Johor-Bahru

This pounded sambal chili is a "power". Very spicy and this sambal was what took the simple fried Siakap to the next level of taste for me.

Prawns-Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

Seeing that almost every table ordered a plate of these deep fried shrimps, we had to get one too.

Prawns-Kedai-Makan-Rahmat

I love these large meaty shrimps. The shrimps were fried to the point just a shade below dry. Would have been perfect for me if some of the natural juices remained but I still liked this.

Lime-Juice-Kedai-Makan-Rahmat

Our lime juice - simple and nice.

Fried-Siakap-Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

There is plenty of parking space at Kedai Makan Rahmat, though you might have to walk a little bit during peak hours.

Kedai Makan Rahmat is an excellent place for lunch. Besides their signature Siakap goreng and fried shrimps, they also serve a variety of Malay vegetable, beef rendang and chicken dishes.

Kedai-Makan-Rahmat-Kampung-Pasir-Putih-Pasir-Gudang-Johor

Restaurant name: Kedai Makan Rahmat
Address: 3, Jalan Pantai, Kampung Pasir Putih, Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/J6MNk
GPS: 1.434552,103.931629
Hours: 10:30am to 3:30pm
Halal

Date visited: 24 Apr 2013
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Moonlight Cake House at Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru

Spaghetti-Johor-Bahru

I visited Moonlight Cake House at Taman Bukit Indah yesterday at the gracious invitation of Boon Lin, the branch manager.

I love chilling out at the contemporary coffee shops in Johor Bahru that are clean, spacious, serves a wide variety of good Asian and Western food and beverages at reasonable prices, have pleasant service staff and provide complimentary and fast wifi. Moonlight Cake House at Bukit Indah has all these features of a good modern Johor Bahru coffee shop.

Moonlight-Cake-House-Bukit-Indah-Johor-Bahru

I especially love Moonlight Cake House's very cosy al fresco dining area which is cooled by a dozen whirling ceiling fans and shielded from road dust and traffic by closely planted scrubs and cooling mist curtains.

Aglio-Olio-Johor-Bahru

My first dish was the Aglio Olio with Mushrooms at RM10.90.

Spaghetti-Johor-Bahru

The spaghetti was smooth and el dente - it had that pleasant slightly springy bite that makes a good spaghetti. The tender lightly fried mushrooms were fragrant and the whole dish was perfumed by cheese and olive oil.

Spaghetti-Johor-Bahru

We next had the Spaghetti Soup with Clams at RM12.90.

Spaghetti-Johor-Bahru

The el dente spaghetti was submerged in a light savoury soup with distinct touches of fried garlic.

Spaghetti-Johor-Bahru

These fresh and very well cleaned clams gave the soup and spaghetti a sweet seafood savouriness. A couple of chili paddies gave the soup hints of sharp spiciness that heightened the enjoyment by opening the taste buds.

Moonlight-Cake-House-Johor-BahruMoonlight-Cake-House-Bukit-Indah-Johor-Bahru

Chef Surya Rumba whips up the spaghetti dishes with flare and gusto.

Moonlight-Cake-House-Bukit-Indah-Johor-Bahru

After enjoying the spaghetti dishes, it's time to pick some cakes and sweets for dessert :P  That's a very pleasant but not too easy task given the whole parade of tempting choices at Moonlight Cake House. So many cakes and sweets but just one 3/4 full tank :P

Crepe-Cake-Johor-Bahru

Fortunately, the task is much simplified for me as whenever there are crepe cakes, it will be my default choice. This is my "Berry Berry Milk Crepe" at RM8.80. Yum yum.... not overly sweet, creamy and has that special delicate bite that only good crepe cakes have. I am a sucker for good crepe cakes :P

Creme-Brulee-Johor-Bahru

I also had a creamy rich, sweet and smooth Vanilla Crème Brûlée at RM7.50.  

Coffee-Johor-Bahru

To go with my crème brûlée and crepe cake, I had a cappuccino. The cappuccino made with coffee beans from Argentina was full bodied, robust and smooth.

I enjoyed myself at Moonlight Cake House and look forward to trying out their other dishes and cakes.
 Moonlight-Cake-House-Bukit-Indah-Johor-Bahru

Restaurant name: Moonlight Cake House (6 branches)
Address: 1, Jalan Indah 16/12, Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/BVJmT
GPS: 1.480843,103.664631
Hours: 9:00am to 2:00am
No pork, no lard, Halal cert in process

Date visited: 25 Apr 2013
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