Carving the Smoked Turkey

Voila!

Mum's gibblet stuffing

Cheng's chicken pottage chowder

Las Careta's Smoked Turkey (a darn good one at that)

Deep-fried back bacon

Oven-baked sausages

Cheese bread twist

Butter-fried hazel nuts

Mince pies

Cheese-baked tiger prawns

Butterhead lettuce with croutons salad

Me carving the turkey

All those efforts paid up in the end...

Making Christmas Eve dinner

Mince pie in the making..

Brandy cream for the pie...

Mum's gibblet stuffing...

Noodle lunch - quickie whilst at work..

Cheese bread twist

Chicken pottage chowder

Sponge cake

Choong Fong Restaurant, Subang New Village

The progress into winter is often times celebrated with glutinuous rice balls... This restaurant had graciously served a complimentary bowl to each table on this special day...

This is a unique dish is not common. It's a vegetable called "tin chat". Somewhat slippery with a crunchy texture.

Long pork ribs

Thai sauce fried fish

Deep fried fish paste tofu

Meeting Ella Koon

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Was talking an evening scroll at Sunway Pyramid tonight, with intent to get some last minute Xmas shopping done. Lo and behold I walked into a Meet The Fans session with Ella Koon.

For the unknown, she's an up and coming HK actress/singer, and she's here to promote her latest album titles Stages. Also, she's to make an appearance in the Super Trio game show at Genting Highlands tomorrow night.

I was observing her from the Mezzanine floor, whence she looked up and looked at me (I could've sworn she was looking at me..).

How could I be so certain?

Well, she looked, I smiled, and she smiled back.

There you have it. She was looking at me!

Images taken using the Zinc II built-in 2MP CMOS camera... oh well..

Christmas is round the corner

* Bells ringing

Christmas is round the corner. It's 10 days and 30 minutes away to the best day of the year. Right about this time of each year, I'd be in a joyous mood, looking forward to that day when I'd wake up early in the morning (cold) and rush down to wish everyone Merry Christmas!

And this year will not be any different. No doubt it's going to be a quiet Christmas, spent only with family and loved ones. This Christmas will be the first without JD. I'll miss having him by the chair, all puppy eyed awaiting the chunks of turkey meat. I'll miss him running about wearing his silly Santa hat. (I pray each night that he would be in a home with loving friends that treat him well, that feed him well, and that he remembers me).

Somehow over the years, I've drifted away from the true nature of Christmas, even though I still remember what it signifies. I believe this year I will not be there either. I don't belong anymore.

So what do I want for Christmas?

I ask for good health for my parents, in their golden years, that they would live it to the fullest.
I ask for forgiveness from my friends (and buddy) for the time I could not give, and my failure to be there when I'm needed.
I ask for happiness for my beloved, that I could give all that is expected of me.
I ask for the strength and will to make the move that I've long spoke of.
I ask for a White Christmas.

* Bells still ringing


And I'm going to bed

Mum's TR ribs

Parents got back from Singapore, and brought with them the local version of Tony Roma's ribs, courtesy of Aunt Anscy.

Whilst I do love meat (especially the grilled variant), TR overdid the tenderizer this time. The flesh practically falls off the bones and melts in the mouth. Not what I'd expect from a porcine.

I will follow you.....

I was at a client's site today (due to reasons of confidentiality, I shall not name the site - suffice to say it is a well-known telco's operation office) and I met three friends that I've not seen in a while.

First it was Paul Yong, former school mate in sixth form. He's doing well, having moved into Financial Serivces for the telco. Good for you mate.

Second was Raymond Loh, former colleague whom I worked with briefly 7 years ago. He's now a happy owner of a premium gifts company. I was surprised to have bumped into him, and that am flattered that he still recognised me.

Third was another former colleague, who arrived in a sporty car with doors that swings upwards (what do you call such cars anyway). Jennifer Neal, now a Regional Head for the telco. I was indeed surprised, and really glad I made the effort to visit this client today.

A small world indeed, or perhaps I should say this telco must be doing things right, for they're definitely attracting all the right people.

Hmmmm... wonder if they're hiring... They certainly exudes an air of corporate efficiency and professionalism. Most importantly, every corner are signs of a Company that cares for its employees. Nevermind the fact that they may not know each other in there. You just feel right at home.

(Disclaimer: Every care had been taken to ensure that no logo of any kind is seen in the image. Nonetheless this is as far as my naked eyes could see)

Home cooked 9 course dinner

It's another of those long weekends, with nowhere to go or anything to do that would not cost more moolah than necessary...

So back to the fav past time. We woke up Saturday morning for a quick breakfast, and then it's off to the market for ingredients. Our challenge for this Saturday, a 9 dish dinner for 6. Jo, Cheng and I take 3 dishes each, whilst Lindy supported us with all the work that needs preparation.

The end result...

Deep fried Crabstick wrapped in Wanton

Stir fried lotus root with broccoli, chickpea, gingko, carrot and macadamia nuts

Stuffed fried "yu tiao"

Sweet and sour pork

Steamed white tofu with minced chicken meat and spring onion

Whiskey-steamed prawn with ginger

Vegetables stuffed with fish paste "yong tau fu"

Stir fried chinese spinach with "sa cha" sauce (Taiwanese style)

Maize soup

Fresh fruits (the bunch of longans were taken from the big tree at front of my house)