Okra with Sambal

Okra with Sambal 

A very big hello to you!

I have not been blogging in the past 10 days or so. It has certainly been hectic since I arrived in Malaysia. I was too busy having fun meeting up with family and friends. I even managed to squeeze in an indoor rock climbing session and a session of paddling with my dragonboat team mates. If you are wondering what dragonboating is, have a read of this comprehensive article written by friend and coach Lee Shih.

As it is Monday, it is time for - yes, you guessed it - another Meatless Monday recipe!

Since I am currently in Malaysia, what better time than to introduce a famous and versatile Malaysian condiment - Sambal. Essentially, a chilli paste, Sambal can be used as a condiment for various dishes, these include but are not limited to a condiment for noodles such as Prawn Mee, Curry Mee, simple Fried Noodles, and even as an inclusion for stir-fried vegetables. However, Sambal is most famously used as a condiment in the de-facto Malaysian National dish, Nasi Lemak (stay tuned for a Nasi Lemak post in the near future).

Braised Steak au Poivre Delia Style

Dinner is served - Braised Steak au Poivre with Sweet Potato Chips and Broccoli

Hello and a very Happy Friday!

I am very excited about my trip to Malaysia now, only 3 sleeps away. I haven't seen my family and friends there for 14 months now so I am really looking forward to being reunited. 

Understandably I had to get some chores done before my departure. Dear husband will be travelling on business quite a fair bit so I wanted to make sure that the refrigerator is as empty as it can be. I do not want any unwanted surprises lurking in there when I get back in 6 weeks.

I had some leftover braising steaks in the freezer and decided to use one of Delia's recipes for it. Essentially slow braised steak in peppercorns. I love it because it was super tasty and so easy to prepare. All you have to do is leave it to braise for at least an hour and you can get round to all your other chores. I knew Delia wouldn't let me down! 

Basic White Bread

Basic White Bread

A Happy Wednesday shout out to you :)

I cannot believe that it is Wednesday! This time next week I will be back in Kuala Lumpur. Obviously I have not packed. I am really excited about my trip and have planned catch up sessions with friends and family already. Strangely enough, I have not planned what I would like to eat yet. It has to be mama's cooking first up right?

Friends often ask me what is a good recipe to try for bread. I guess for a first try, you can't go wrong with a basic everyday white bread. It is so easy to make and so versatile. I shaped mine into an easy round cob but you can easily adapt it to make rolls or plaits. I also used milk in this recipe as I find that it makes a very soft and light texture. Equally good eaten as toast or slightly warm to mop up a rich beef stew.