Happee Monkee

Photography, food & travel

Latest

Kaya

“Promise me something when you decide to write a cookbook.”
“What?” I looked at G curiously. The idea that he’s so confident that I’d write a book and that he’s making a request has got me.
“Make sure you put in a recipe for kaya.”
It’s true, G’s probably more of a kaya fanatic than I am. He [...]

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From My Mother's Kitchen

Braised Pork in Soy Sauce»

When I was back in KL recently, I noticed many hawker stalls had Cambodians, Indonesians and/or other nationalities cooks cooking Malaysian dishes. If I may say so, the platter – taste, texture, smell – were not how I remember it to be. The local flavours have become somewhat almost foreign in itself. I have nothing [...]

What's Cooking

Tempura»

Tempura @ Rasa Malaysia
I have always loved and admired the blog Rasa Malaysia. I am so happy that there is someone out there preserving and cultivating the interest on Malaysian cuisine. Bee has had for many years blogged and trialed Malaysian recipes, successfully expanding the palates of many people. I am only just appreciating Malaysian [...]

Curry Katsu Don»

Do you know who the best chefs in the world are? Mothers.
My best meals around Japan were in Japanese homes.

Roo Shepherd’s Pie»

I never thought I’d say this but, Skippy is rather tasty. Apparently it’s healthier eating kangaroo because it’s low in cholesterol and 98% fat-free.

Desserts

Doing the Fig Jig»

I look forward to Saturdays. Saturdays are reserved for getting the weekly groceries. Last week  the supermarket had figs on special. Hmmm… Specials. I love Specials, the Chinese in me just can’t help it.
We have been jet-setting in February (which is why it has been so quiet around here lately). So to kick-start things, I’m [...]

Plum Galette»

Having spent most of my life in a non-seasonal country, I’m fascinated by the way things grow in a timely manner in Australia. The last of the blood plums are picked but the green apples are just starting to ripen.
I like to think that it’s a little bit like life, no?
With science these days, we [...]

Continental Lemon Cheese Tart with Stewed Plums»

A girl friend and I were checking out old school and uni photos yesterday, some dated to more than 10 years ago. We were amazed at how baby-faced some of us looked and how some have simply ‘transformed’ themselves. We talked about the old days and how we have grown over the years.
A mutual friend [...]

Cupcakes

Birthday Cupcakes»

I’m one of those people who has been fortunate enough to have good mates. It hasn’t always been so easy. I’ve had people in my life that were toxic but it’s a journey I’d suppose everybody goes through.
We need to learn who’s good for us and who isn’t. It’s simply like trying peas once and [...]

Cupcakes Galore»

Do you have your cupcake hat on? Are you ready for a cupcake fest? Are you absolutely passionate about cupcakes? Are you positively mad about little cutesy sweet toothy cupcakes? Are you?? Are you???

Cherry Ripe Cupcakes»

The girls and I are having a pizza & chic flick night. A rampage of emails usually fly back and forth a few days before because everyone’s excited to meet up.

Travels

Wild, Wild Kangaroo Island»

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a fabulous Christmas and New Year.
Welcome to the first post of twenty ten! And, there’s no better way to start the year than with a travel post.  Over the Christmas holidays, G. and his dad invited me to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. This awesome island owns [...]

How to Eat an Okonomiyaki»

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese-style savoury pancake which you can add all kinds of ingredients (okonomi means “favourite” in Japanese and yaki meaning “grilled” or “cooked”).

The Road to Heaven»

In 593 AD, a Japanese prince developed a religious centre in Dewa Sanzan, central of Yamagata prefecture. Prince Hachiko, the eldest son of the 32nd emperor of Japan, established mountain asceticism called Shugendo

Other Stuff

Gavin & Mable»

“Are you ready?” G looks at me.
Funny how I landed myself in this spot. I was never the little girl who dreamed of white frock weddings.

Wedding Ideas»

I’ve been researching on engagement photos for G and I. And I came upon two fabulous photographers Jose Villa and Max Wanger. Both equally as talented and own photography skills I absolutely adore. G and I are all for pictures that will capture us the way we are: cheeky, cute, playful, happily in love and [...]

Bells & Rings»

When one hits twenty-something (such as myself), I find more and more friends either getting hitched or having babies. And before I say anymore, congratulations to my cousin Ali and her now-husband, Ryan. You both looked absolutely amazing and it was a beautiful, beautiful wedding. It was a perfect day for a perfect wedding and [...]