BENTO #147

#2 didn't go back to school yesterday because she was exhausted! She was floating in and out of sleep at different times of the day. Woke up at 3.30a.m. to study Chemistry. I was told that one of her team mates didn't even sleep the whole night! Owwww....! In fact they were 'alarm clocks' waking each other up in the middle of the night/morning(????) to study. What desperation!! LOL!!

Today, exams began for six of her debate team mates. The seventh just finished PMR so the final exams doesn't affect her although her fair share of exam stress began earlier!

Yesterday, I asked her if she wanted a Bento for this morning but #2 declined. This morning on the way to school #2 decided she better opt for a lunch bento otherwise she'd be stuck with canteen food and she wasn't up to it as she only finishes at 4.00p.m.

So I prepared this for her lunch. In the left Bento box is rice with her favorite furikake and some chicken fried with red onions, fresh button mushrooms, shoyu and oyster sauce.
In the right Bento box are some sliced Kiwi fruit and a mixed salad with sliced cherry tomatoes and sesame seed dressing.


It feels good to be packing Bento for her again.
#2 sat for 4 exam papers today.

CHAMPIONS!

I got this SMS on my phone at noon today from #2!

"DJ is officially the national WIRA champions 2008! And the only school in Malaysia to have won the WIRA competition THREE times!!!!!!!!! Praise God!


Well done team! God is an awesome God!!


-Edit-

A mother's journey recapped:

I think it was around October 17th when #2 got a call from one of her friends on the debate team that their school was in the running (being Selangor runner's up) for the National Wira debate since the original Selangor champions had decided to drop out from the race for reasons that they were a form 5 team and SPM being round the corner.

My heart goes out to them because if my kid was in the same situation, it would be a predicament to decide and even if one wanted to go for it, it would not be enough because the WHOLE TEAM had to agree to go for it TOGETHER!

I took this off an ex-DJian's blog:

"The greatest of debaters are not only the most eloquent -- they are the most bruised, the most resilient, the strongest of heart".

And...so true it is! I know for a fact that this team worked very, very hard to get to where they are today. It wasn't only about writing speeches, discussing motions and running debating mocks. They've had their moments of joy, tears, unhappiness, friction, frustrations and a roller coaster of emotions.

Working in a team is a most wonderful experience once the rough edges have been polished but getting there with a team of intelligent, independent, loud (sorry ah!), opinionated, eloquent and individual characters is quite another story. (Their team made up of six from Form 4 and one from Form 3, eventually three debated while four others worked hard together on the motions)

#2's previous school, BU4 had helped mould her but after her PMR results she requested to be transfered to a school with sub-science streams because she already set her heart on doing music as a career and she wasn't ready to slog through the pure sciences.

It was not by chance that we chose DJ and I can proudly declare that transferring #2 to this school has been a great blessing!

For #2, it was a dream come true to be part of DJ's prestigious debate team because she had just got into this school January 2008. I still remember when she came back one day after school and told me that she was asked to take part in an inter-class debate activity in the early part of this year.

She came home and started preparing her fist attempt, vigorously 'attacking' dictionaries and cyberspace for information! That moment forth brought the beginning of an amazing journey of friendship, commitment, triumph and defeat.

She was then invited to join the school's debate society which eventually led her being part of the winning team of this year's WIRA national debate. I have seen her and her team slog long, long hours working towards every single competition.

My heart cringed as she continued the long hours into the wee night at the computer doing more research and writing more speeches. All I could offer was words of encouragement, more food and hugs for this child of mine who never ever sleeps later that 10.00p.m. and all because of a commitment to her team and their goal. She's still at it even after I leave my computer at past 1.00a.m.! *sigh*

At 5.00a.m. in the morning the hair dryer buzzes incessantly while she tries to catch up on her music practice on the piano. Then the vicious cycle begins again - rush to school and into the 'debate room' for more discussions, strategies, plans, practices, editing and every brain draining activity one can think of. This goes on up to 4.30p.m., oblivious to whatever that is happening in or around the school mind you.

When the debate team failed to clinch the state title, I think everyone was bruised - quote: "The greatest of debaters are not only the most eloquent -- they are the most bruised, the most resilient, the strongest of heart".
But they remained strong and best of friends.

When my husband heard of the defeat, his first words were: "Praise the Lord! Now you can go back to your life"! And so true...#2 had 'no life' literally, other than giving that 110% to the debate team and it's goals. I'm sure the six others in the team experienced the same.

It was back to hitting the books again! Home work to catch up on, projects to finish and disappointments with piles of unattended school related work assignments. (Walks around the house like a zombie reciting moral nilai).

All that said and relieved that things were back to routine again, suddenly there's news that the debate team has to decide if they want to take a shot at the Wira debate 2008, national trophy! The final exams were round the corner and when #2 asked me what she should do, I advised her to pray about it and decide herself. She came back with a positive and that I had to be ready for her to fore go the exams. Personally, I'm fine with her results, not outstanding but she's been consistently working - that's enough by my standards.

The vicious cycle began again, only worse than ever. Sleeps later than ever because discussions take place via MSN late into the nights and tight dateline submissions of speeches. Early mornings were dedicated to more editing and printing of speeches and transfers of soft copy into thumb drives. By now, my heart has a 'cold hollow feeling' one that is honed by insecurity of my child's well being and insane adrenaline drive of long late nights, deprived sleep and too early morning beginnings!

But I see her grow in determination, comradeship, understanding, emotional stability, time management and lots of positives! I am pacified and soothed. Thank you Lord!

I think lunch time is the only relaxing break for the seven of them, running around looking for decent eateries for a supply of 'nutritious' food to feed the brains. To keep the energy, they turn to sweets to keep awake. Then it's back to 'work' up to 4.30p.m.

My heart cringes again everyday when I fetch her from school. She looks exhausted and I'm sure her team is too. But her heart is on fire and the adrenaline is on the high and once back home it's straight to the computer again.

Music classes (her favorite) has to be adjusted and postponed, music practices has declined tremendously, music competition preparations also set aside, Violin classes postponed indefinitely, family dinners declined (please pack food for me), shopping sprees declined (no time), sleep deprived but Church activities carry on (but must finish on time).

To cut the story short, the seven of them with their dedicated teachers worked, worked and worked like there was no tomorrow.
Quoting my eldest daughter:
"What other schools did in months, they did in twelve days".

I believe one common contributory factor that brought them to victory was the power of prayer. All seven believers or non believers among them spent time together and alone praying to God. Many friends, families, former school mates from all over the world cheered them on while silently praying for this great victory.

When we declare we are praying, it does not make us Saints. We are not better than others or in a clique of elites. It is because we have failings and are weak that we pray so that we can draw strength and grace to live in the light and walk the right path.

Just to recap an old post:

"When I say "I am Catholic" I'm not shouting "I've been saved! "I'm whispering "I get lost - that's why I chose this way. "When I say "I am Catholic" I don't speak with human pride, I'm confessing that I stumble - needing God to be my Guide. When I say "I am Catholic" I'm not trying to be strong, I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on."


"When I say "I am Catholic" I'm not bragging of success, I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt (The debt of Christ's death on the Cross). When I say "I am Catholic" I don't think I know it all, I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught. When I say "I am Catholic" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I'm worth it."


"When I say "I am Catholic" I still feel the sting of pain, I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His Name. When I say "I am Catholic" I do not wish to judge, I have no authority - I only know I am loved. "


Quotes from: World Youth Day, Sydney 2008

Temporary Hiatus

Sorry for the lack of Bento posts. I'm busy with the arrangements for my mother's 80th birthday celebrations this weekend. We're having a big bash for her although this is not her "big birthday"! We celebrated that when she was 75 years old so this is just the 'ordinary' birthday bash! If you don't understand it's okay, it a Chinese cultural thingy and I'm also quite confused with it's traditions. Just follow what the 'aunty consultants' advice.

I haven't packed a bento for almost 2 weeks reason being #2 has been very busy preparing for the national debate competition with her school team. It's been a chaotic 2 week (stressful too!) since the school debate team were informed that the original Selangor state winners for the Wira debate pulled out of the run at the last minute leaving #2's school team (Selangor runner's up) to decide whether to go for it or not with 12 days to prepare for the nationals. Their preparations covers 4 motions, Government and opposition for 3 speakers which amount up to about 32 speeches in 12 days.

Being naturally competitive as they are, they obviously decided to sideline their final exams and set to compete for the national debate competition held in Kota Baru in Kelantan. #2 left for Kelantan last Saturday with her debate team and two teachers. There are sixteen competing schools in the national debate. Last I heard from her this morning, her school is in the semi-finals. The finals is taking place tomorrow morning if they win another round in the afternoon.

#2 returns home on Tuesday night and her team has to sit for 'belated exams' on Wednesday onwards. They will stay back at school up to the afternoon so that they can finish 4 papers a day. It's a stressful life to live but I am inspired by a quote that #2 put in her blog:

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count,

rather the life in those years.

- Abraham Lincoln

I will be back to packing bento's when things stabilize. Meanwhile happy bento-ing to all out there!

Latest update on debate results: #2's school debate team is in the finals scheduled for tomorrow morning!

Away for camp!

Leaving for camp today and will be back next Tuesday. Check the You Tube funny videos I've linked for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Chicken Katsu Donburi

Today's lunch, the evergreen chicken katsu donburi! #3 loves this dish and has it for dinner at least once a week. I find it too dry so I served today's meal with a bowl of soup and some baby bok choy.

A close up of the chicken katsu donburi with a drizzle of Bulldog sauce.

The Recipe:

Chicken Katsu Donburi

Chicken breast meat
Pepper and salt
Katakuriko (potato flour)
Egg
Panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

1. Pound the chicken with a meat mallet.
2. Dust pounded chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare 3 plates to contain the panko, beaten egg and katakuriko.
4. Prepare a frying pan with some oil for frying.
5. Dip the marinated chicken first into the katakuriko and coat well, then dip into the beaten egg and finally into the panko.
6. Fry till brown and allow the oil to drip dry into some kitchen paper.
7. Slice accordingly and top with Tonkatsu sauce (tastes like Worcestershire sauce) a.k.a Bulldog sauce.
8. Top it into a bowl of steaming hot rice and viola you get a Donburi!

Bob apetite or should I say Itadakimasu! LOL!

The original recipe is called Tonkatsu which uses pork fillets. I've used chicken fillets as an alternative here.


Other related Donburi posts: Tri-color Donburi
Salmon steak Donburi

BENTO #146

I had fun putting together this morning's Bento! I reminiscence my childhood days when my parents used to take holidays with their best friends and families to Penang, Cameron Highlands and Port Dickson.

All these memories came back just because I remembered how one of the 'aunties' made the world's best egg and meat patties. This 'aunty', a friend of my mum was in charge of the kitchen while the rest of the friends and her spouse would be busy playing 'Mahjong'. Us kids (about 9 - 15 years old) were allocated chores during meal times and spent the rest of the day by the beach or gallivanting around nearby haunts.

Honestly, I detested meal time chores because I had to help in the cooking and cleaning up. But then again, all that experience has now become a skilled asset. For many years we holidayed together and my dad being a Government employee (those days called 'servants') had access to booking holiday bungalows owned by his employers.

The bungalows were well furnished and the kitchens were awesome. We looked forward to every holiday in the year because we always had a blast! Just imagine three families in two bungalows with about ten hyperactive and mischievous kids! If we weren't delegated chores, I think our faces would not have been visible until bedtime.

In the early years, I learnt to wash and clean and subsequently, my buddy Lisa and I could dish out breakfast and decent lunch meals by the time we were 15 years old! At that time, we thought that it was a HUGE MISTAKE to show off our culinary skills because after that she and I were put in charge of a whole week of breakfasts'.

Looking back, it was the best time of our lives and Lisa's mum was a great cook and every time we would cajole her into making her egg and meat patties. We were eventually taught to make them but some how ours never quite made the mark. Now the egg and meat patties seem quite ordinary and simple to make, yet, then, it was the most delicious and favorite dish of all time!

So, this morning when I made the egg and meat (the chicken soboro from yesterday's lunch) patties all these wonderful memories of our kiddy experiences in the kitchen came flooding back. The funny thing is, I now remember more of our kitchen experiment successes and failures than the vague 'adventures' we had by the beach and from sight seeing.

It's left me with a very happy feeling and a thought that, perhaps I should contact those 'surviving aunties' who once labored in the kitchens during our youthful holidays dishing out hot, delicious favorites to satisfy a group of boisterous youths!

This morning's Bento

In the left Bento box are some grapes and a mixed salad mixed with salad sauce and Parmesan cheese.

In the right Bento box is a wedge of cheese and the egg and meat patties! *dreams on*

Tri-color Donburi (Sanshoku Donburi)

Being a naturally lazy cook, having to cook an extra meal for lunch is not a very exciting thought! I normally avoid cooking lunch and manage to churn out dinner a few times a week in between eating out.

Since #2 insists on eating lunch at home, I have to cook. #2 doesn't like to eat fried rice unless it's Salmon and garlic fried rice so I have to resort to Donburi meals.

This afternoon, we had Tri-color Donburi, in Japanese - Sanshoku Donburi.

A delicious lunch of egg and chicken soboro and boiled lady fingers.

The recipe:

Tri-color Donburi (Sanshoku Donburi)

Steam 1 cup of rice

150 g ground chicken
A squeeze of ginger juice
1 1/2 tbs of soy sauce
2 tsp each of sugar and sake

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 Tbsp sugar
pinch of salt

6 lady fingers or French beans

Method:
1. Mix ground chicken with ginger juice, soy sauce, sugar and sake.
2. Cook in a saucepan over medium heat until almost dry. Be careful of heat, do not scorch meat.
3. Mix the eggs with sugar and salt.
4. Cook in another saucepan over medium low fire. Stir egg mixture with four chopsticks to achieve fine crumbles.
5. Boil lady fingers or French beans in salted water till done.
6. When done, slice them diagonally.
7. Place the steaming hot rice in a serving bowl and arrange the chicken, egg and lady fingers.

Bon apetite!


Have you ever seen lady fingers this color? I was quite intrigued and bought some home to try. The seller claim to be from Janda Baik and selling organic vegetables. He said that once the lady fingers are cooked, they turn green!



True enough, if you look at the second picture from the top, it shows the cooked lady fingers in 'light green', the darker green ones are the original green lady fingers pictured below.

Original - green lady fingers.

Other Donburi recipe: Salmon Steak Donburi

BENTO #145

After a very hectic weekend, it's back to Bento-ing again! We're off to camp again this weekend and there's loads of planning and packing to do.

This morning was something light and a quick fix because I've been asked to cook lunch so that there is less downtime involved in our 'long lunches' outside. Usually I enjoy long lunches with my kids after school but it's exam period and #2 says she doesn't want to eat out! "Wastes less time" she says.

Today's Bento box on the left are rambutans de-seeded and filled with cherry tomatoes. In the right box is a tub of beef bolognese sauce to be eaten with the French beans and endamame beans.

Results for Handbag Planet contest!

There were 3 Malaysians out of 24 who won free handbags from Handbag Planet. Were you one of them?

Quickly check this out!

BENTO #144

I've been really busy lately, I foresee much more upcoming activities and deadlines to meet. End of the year is always a very busy time for me. I'm sorry if I've not been responding efficiently to your comments. I'm trying hard to post something daily but sometimes it just seems so impossible. I'm not giving up yet!

My daily Bento posts really depends on whether #2 goes to school. She's been on official study leave the last one week.

Today is Friday and usually, she has fish for Fridays! In the left Bento box is some cut Kiwi and Strawberries and two individually packed Japanese rice cracker.

In the right Bento box is some canned herb Salmon on a bed of Broccoli and Alfalfa sprouts. (a delicious combination!).

BENTO #143

Hubs and I was away for an assignment yesterday to Seremban. We left in the morning and was to be scheduled back by night fall. Luckily #1 just finished her exams and she was off College thus she could fetch #3 back from school.

While running through the day's schedule with #1 and #2, I sheepishly proposed that they could either cook their own dinner or go over to my friend's house to eat.

Funny how they responded with such enthusiasm and glee at the prospect of having to cook their own dinner. They both started to plan their menu and I was involved in a conversation somewhat like this:

#1: I'll cook the spaghetti!
#2: I'll roast a chicken!
#1: Yeah! And you make your Caesar's salad too.
#2: So mum, how to roast the chicken ah?
Mum: You rub the chicken with pepper and salt, add butter, rosemary and lemon juice and roast it!
#2: Oh! Okay.
Mum: You sure you don't want to go over to Aunty T's house for dinner?
#1: Ah....see first.
Mum: Okay then, I'm off.

In the afternoon there was a barrage of phone calls querying for ingredients, methods, where food items were stocked and what was available in the refrigerator. I had taken half a chicken out of the freezer for them to roast and assumed that they would just simply follow my methods of cooking.

How was I to know that they were a little more inspired by this 'little adventure' to try out some varied recipes from my cook books and downloaded the roast chicken recipe.

Hubs and I had dinner in Seremban and when we were setting out to leave for home, #1 called to say that they had kept some dinner for us. I was looking forward to trying 'their' dinner.

When we got home, close to 10.30p.m. the food was on the dining table and #1 was waiting for us. The other two girls was in bed already. I opened the food covers and tried the roast chicken. Oh my goodness!! The roast chicken was absolutely delicious! Didn't taste like mine at all! #1 told me that they used the same ingredients as I did and added balsamic vinegar and it tasted awesome! I went on to taste the Fettuccine with fresh tomato sauce. The Fettuccine was a little under done but had a lovely aroma of garlic, basil and fresh tomatoes minus the salt and pepper!

"Oh! That's what was missing said #1, salt and pepper wasn't in the recipe". My jaw drops and we had a good laugh.

She then took the Caesar's salad out from the fridge and it was delicious. #2 has always been able to make a 'killer salad'! Hubs and I was quite surprised and certainly proud at the turn out of their 'experimental cooking'. From what I heard from #1, they had a great time trying to figure out the various herbs and cooking methods and I'm very happy to see that they are able to work together and enjoy it as well!

Fettuccine with fresh tomato sauce.

Last night's dinner - home made by #1 & #2!

Clockwise from top: Fettuccine with fresh tomato sauce, Apple juice with apple cubes,
Caesar's salad, fried nuggets for #3 and roasted rosemary balsamic chicken!

I've not packed a Bento for one week already. When I got back late last night, all I thought of was my bed and I knocked off at 11.30p.m. which was pretty early by my standards. Obviously there was no planning of this morning's Bento, but I did purposely leave some of their dinner for this morning.

In the left box is the Fettuccine with fresh tomato sauce topped with last bit of the delicious roast chicken. I sliced some cucumbers and carrots for vegetables.

In the right box is a mixture of strawberries, grapes, kiwi and orange for fruits.



edited this post with pictures taken from #1.

Everything you need to know about MISO!

Image downloaded from Google image

This is a very educational article on MISO. There is information about the various types of Miso and it's uses, it's storage and cooking methods. There are even some simple recipes.

Enjoy!


Related articles: Did you know? (MISO)

Win a free handbag from Handbag Planet!

I've been so busy the last week even though I've not been required to pack Bentos! #2 is officially on study leave from school because of the PMR examinations.

Currently #1 is having her exams and #3 started her final year end exams today. #2 only goes back to school on Thursday. Normally exams are not a big thing in this household but this time round we're also planning and organizing my mum's 80th birthday so it's a little chaotic!

My two elder girls are a great help and are involved in planning the guests list, invitation cards, the menu, entertainment, the birthday cake and a whole load of customary guidelines to follow. Even #3 is excited because she gets to belt out a popular ABBA number from the latest movie favorite Mamma Mia.

Thus, when H sent me an e-mail for a chance to win a free handbag from Handbag Planet, I was surprised and at the same time delighted! Thank you H! All I had to do was to provide my name and e-mail address. Cool!
When I entered for a chance at the competition, I was randomly assigned this particular model. Handbag Planet allows the participant to select a different design bag but I didn't exercise that option because I like this one very much. Simple, classic lines - suits me perfectly!

There are no strings attached and it's a great opportunity for you to get a free handbag!! Why don't you treat yourself for a chance to win a handbag? You never know!! Good luck!!

BENTO #142

This morning's Bento was "Lui Cha" left overs again! #2 absolutely loves "Lui Cha" - this is the last batch and she's asked me to cook some more! I think I'll give it a pass for the time being because she's been eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and still lovin it). This is a meal which you either love or detest - in her case it's love at first 'bite'!

In today's Bento box are slices of orange, a bed of alfalfa sprouts doused with some salad cream dressing and some Turkey chunks.

This is the balance "Lui Cha" ingredients of rice, French beans, pickled veggies (Choy Poh), Long beans and peanuts.

A friend passed some free tickets to us for the Westphalian Chamber Youth Orchestra and the Young Westphalian Baroque Ensemble performing tonight at the Securities Commission. Acclaimed to produce some delightful sounds, I'm looking forward to listening to them!

This is NOT Bento!

I had another "Lui Cha" party over the weekend. This time the "Lui Cha" stock was even more delicious because I had this brain wave to use "Ikan billis stock" instead of plain old hot water!

My guests were raving about the entire meal and even the critique among them complimented on the the marked improvement of the soup and asked for the recipe. As it is in it's original form using hot water, the soup was good but with the flavored stock, the soup was richer and sweeter!

I had this for my lunch today. No Bento either because #2 didn't go to school today.


In the bottom of the bowl is some garlic rice topped with a mixture of vegetables, peanuts and pickled vegetables. Visually pretty and a deliciously healthy meal mixed together! Yummy!!