Finding comfort in a familiar place

So its been some time since I've had the chance and time to really immerse myself in the kitchen with the oven and I missed it. On my recent move from the States to Australia, I waited impatiently for my boxes to arrive. Everything I had was in the boxes, pots and pans, KitchenAid mixer, processor and blender, measuring cups, Nielsen-Massey Pure vanilla extract...and the list goes on.

When everything was finally packed in its respective places, I decided to warm myself up to the new oven. Its winter in July, what better excuse to bake soft and cakey chocolate chip cookies, green tea and azuki red bean cake and warm apple crumble. As I dish out all the gadgets and the smell of freshly baked cookies and cakes fill the house, I was in a familiar place again. Irregardless of where I move, as long as I have the oven, I know I can find comfort there.

The comfort of knowing a certain amount of flour with baking powder, butter,sugar and chocolate chips will produce some soft and yummy chocolate chip cookies.

And storing them into a pretty jar makes my day.

The baby that saves the world.

Every time when we celebrate someone's birthday, we never fail to have a birthday cake. This Christmas, we remember we are actually celebrating Jesus' birthday and not just another festive season of gifts exchanging and Christmas tree decorating. I baked a double chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache for HIM. I used the best ingredients I can find and didn't feel a pinch when it cost more than the usual chocolate melts. I know HE deserves the best from me.

More than 2000 years ago HE was born to save the world. Jesus was born into this world so that all may live and be forgiven. HE was the perfect lamb of GOD. HE created the heavens & earth. HE moves mountains and make the ocean roars. HE created me.

Can you just image the creator...actually loves and cares for you. How HE is so interested in your life, in the big and small things. How HE is always there 24-7. How HE never fails to catch you when you fall. How HE forgives you regardless of how many times you have messed up. How HE loves you unconditionally.

I'm thankful that my GOD is always there for me, that HE is the same yesterday, today & tomorrow. I pray that as you realize how loved you are by the almighty God, with that new revelation, you will reach out...touch hearts & change lives. GOD loves you so so much.

Fight or Flight

Standing Bow

Its 105F degrees and 40% humidity and you are fighting against the heat and the beads of perspiration. 90 minutes and 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. What has it taught me?

Some say its a torture chamber and its killing yourself. Some attest to a stronger back and healthier body. This is Bikram Yoga.

My first experience was rather interesting as I breezed through the 90 minutes of class without panting nor dizziness as many have claimed. I loved it since it reminded me so much of dance. I can just hold the positions just like my dance pose. All that perspiration felt like I worked really hard while all the time I was positioned on my yoga mat. I wasn't running on the thread mill for 5 km. I wasn't having a rehearsal for a full length repertoire. I was just stretching my body and holding for 6-10 seconds. At the end of class, my towel was wet, my hair was dripping like I fell into the pool and my costume was drenched. I enjoyed every bit of it.

I took class almost everyday and sometimes I did double. As I proceed and learnt more from a fellow yogi the proper placement of the body, class got harder and more challenging. I felt that each class was more difficult than the last. That's when I learnt how to train my mind to just FOCUS. Regardless of the heat, regardless of the perspiration getting into my eyes, I have to just breathe and not give up. I learnt about perseverance and just pure Focus. Bikram's very own words were "Use your Bull-dog determination, Will power and Bengal Tiger Strength".

Coming out of the heated room, I carry the same attitude I developed in there to the outside world. No matter what I encounter, whatever distractions that come, I have learnt to tell myself to Focus and get my job done. When I'm doing the 5 km runs, sometimes the heat is scorching and the stitch is killing me, I remember how I have to Focus and not give up. I clenched my teeth and pushed myself even further and run faster.

In life, there are many distractions and obstacles that we encounter. Close your eyes and just breathe and tell yourself that you can do it. Focus and never give up.

A need to move

Matters of the Heart - Centre Dance Ensemble @ Herberger Theatre

(Dancers - Jas L, Christa C & Lisa C)

My first encounter with dance was watching my elder sister perform at Victoria Theatre. She was wearing a blue leotard, baby blue tutu and blowing bubbles on stage. That vivid image stuck with me all these years. I have to move and I cannot stop moving.

I grew up studying ballet, tap and jazz. I just love to dance. I know that's my passion. Until one day, when I was asked to perform for my church in Australia, I knew dance was a higher calling. I did a simple worship dance. After the piece ended, people were tearing and one lady came up to me and said " I felt God's presence as you danced."

When I dance, I feel a deeper connection with my creator and I just forget about all the inhibitions within me. When I move, I know I have found my purpose and calling. And I know He can use me to reach out, touch lives and change hearts when I dance for Him.

I'm moving for Him.

Sticky Buns

Sticky Buns

So you want pecans instead of walnuts, more raisins or cinnamon...

Make your own Sticky Buns!

I followed Ina Garten's Easy stick bun recipe and its really easy.

You can adapt the ingredients and make it your very own favorite stick bun.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/easy-sticky-buns-recipe/index.html

Cookies

So I decided to give my artistic director a box of home made cookies but can't make up my mind on what flavors. I was so excited after reading through my Martha Stewart's cookies book.  I thought to myself the more the merrier and I chose four varieties. 

Top left corner- Chocolate Almond Cookies

My mum 'stole' this recipe from my aunty. Apparently these Chocolate Almond Cookies were sold at some fancy upscale hotel in Singapore. And yes! You can use Chocolate Chips instead of almonds if you are allergic to nuts.

Top right corner- Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are so soft when they first come out of the oven and when cooled, they become chewy and nice.

I followed Martha Stewart's Cookies book.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chewy-chocolate-gingerbread-cookies-2

Bottom left corner - Chocolate and Pistachio Biscotti

I used to frequent Olio Dome and they always serve their coffee and hot chocolate with a small piece of biscotti.  Nowadays, cafes sell many variety of biscotti and some are even coated with chocolate.

I followed Martha Stewart's Cookies book.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chocolate-pistachio-biscotti?autonomy_kw=chocolate%20pistacho%20biscotti&rsc=header_3

Bottom right corner- Sugar Cookies

So if its Christmas you use Gingerbread man cookie cutter. If its Valentine's Day you use a heart shaped cookie cutter. How easy can it be? These sugar cookies are so easy to make and look inviting both plain or with festively decorated with royal icing. 

I followed Martha Stewart's Cookies book.

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=a3e9a8e8ef665110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Kueh Pie Tee

Also known as 'Top Hats', this turnip-filled topped with your choice of shrimp, crab meat and maybe lobster meat for the Bostonians? It's relatively easy to make the filling but the Kueh Pie Tee case is a challenge. I had to get my sister from Singapore to send me the mold so I can make me some Kueh Pie Tee cases. I've looked everywhere in Arizona to Chinatown in Los Angeles to no avail. 

These little snacks are so pretty to look at and easy to enjoy since its bite-size. 

I followed Rose's Kitchen recipe:

http://roseskitchen.wordpress.com/?s=kueh+pie+tee