Hazardous haze, caused by open burning at plantations in Sumatra, Indonesia, has been enveloping Singapore, parts of West Malaysia and some Indonesian cities recently. For some parts of Malaysia, the pollution index hit a record high and emergency had to be declared, forcing schools to close and people to stay indoors. As the smog headed north reaching Kuala Lumpur late last week, it’s now our turn...

  Tofu has always been my favourite food ingredient for cooking. I love how it can miraculously fit into a variety of recipes ranging from salad to dressing to entrée and more. Other than its versatility, tofu is also inexpensive and rich in protein. That’s why it’s a must-have item in my fridge.   Tofu, with its ability to absorb flavour, is best braised turning its seemingly bland taste into...

  Great British Chefs (GBC) is a cookery website that provides food lovers with inspiring recipes, how-to videos, tips and tricks from some of the best chefs in the UK, most of whom have been awarded a Michelin star.   GBC has recently started running a campaign in association with Tesco, aimed at encouraging parents to bond with their children by cooking healthily as well as to inspire food education...

  In the blink of an eye, it’s already March. Chinese Lunar New Year has passed and the first quarter of the year will soon be over. March is also a month where seven of my family members celebrate their birthdays. This includes my not-so-little boy (who is turning eight soon) and me. As usual, we don’t hold birthday parties but will celebrate in a simple way. On my recent birthday, my hubby and...

  Salmon provides us with an excellent source of omega-3. So, try using whichever cooking method you prefer to add this great brain food to your child’s diet once a week. If you have not succeeded in any of your previous attempts, perhaps give these salmon potato fish cakes a try. Who doesn’t like finger food, especially if they are BAKED not DEEP-FRIED?   In this recipe, fresh salmon is combined...

  Does your child like muffins? My son does. He will beam from ear to ear whenever he sees me busy making muffins in the kitchen. He has been my loyal muffin supporter from day one I learned making homemade muffins. Sometimes, he will request me to bake some for him to bring to school which makes me love making muffins even more.   Making muffins is indeed easy and has the highest rate of success...

  This school term, my son is required to take up swimming lessons as part of his PE curriculum. While attending one of his swimming lessons, I had a casual chat with my son’s class teacher. She suggested that I packed some light snack for my son to bring along to eat after his swimming lessons. My first thought was to make those healthy, energy-boosting oat bars that I posted awhile back. However, these...

  I, being a big fan of Malaysian-style satay, love the peanut sauce more than the satay. Having said that, they still complement each other perfectly.  To have one and not the other, it won’t be a complete meal to me.   A while back, I chanced upon a satay dip recipe in Annabel Karmel’s Family Cookbook Magazine. I truly liked her brilliant idea in using this satay dip as a way to encourage...

  Lately, my family has a new liking. That’s my multigrain congee (rice porridge). Having this tasty yet healthy meal makes our bellies feel so satisfied and great.   This congee is not exactly 100% multigrain. Instead, it’s made up of 50% multigrain, 20% millet and 30% short grain rice. The presence of millet and short grain rice gives the texture a new dimension from toothsome to smooth, as...

  Have you ever thought of making your own peanut butter? Just imagine this. Put roasted peanuts into your food processor. Add some sugar, salt and oil to your liking. Relax and let the machine do the wonder. After a couple of minutes, you will get to taste your  fresh creamy dreamy or even crunchy munchy homemade peanut butter!! How cool is that? It’s something you and your kids can have loads of fun...