Chilli Crabs, Please?

Thursday, November 26, 2009

I have been thinking the whole day about chilli crabs.

I don't know why this sudden crave appears because I never eat this dish before.

Or is this a sign for the big appetite to come and linger in 2nd trimester?

photo from here

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) mud crabs or soft shelled crabs
4 tbsp plain flour if using soft shelled crabs
3 tbsp vegetable oil*
8 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
8 fresh red chilli, roughly chopped
1 egg
2 spring onions (scallions), cut into finger length
1 tsp freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice
1 small bunch coriander plant (cilantro)
*For soft-shelled crabs, oil for deep frying

Mix together for Sauce

1 cup of water, 5 tbsp tomato catsup, 1 1/2 to 3 tbsp sugar, or according to taste, 1 1/2 tsp cornflour, 1 tsp pounded brown preserved soya beans or dark miso (optional), 1/4 tsp salt
Method

Heat the oil in a wok or shallow saucepan over high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the chilli, stir-fry till fragrant. For mud crabs, add at this stage. Fry well till shells start turning red, add sauce ingredients stir well, cover with lid and simmer till shells are red. Break eggs into the wok and streak with a fork, simmer till cooked. Squeeze lime juice over and stir in scallions. For soft-shelled crabs, cut each crab into four, dry well, dredge in flour and deep fry till golden brown and crispy. Make the sauce as above, but omit the mud crabs. Toss soft shelled crabs in sauce just before serving.
Does anyone know where to find chilli crab dish?
I'm plain lazy to cook myself (because I don't think it will turn out good hehe)
p/s I heard of Fatty Crab in PJ, but I'm not sure about it being halal.

December

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

It's coming towards the end of the the year. Normally I dread the arrival of the month December because I will be super busy for the following year planning and marketing tasks. And, I also hate to make new year resolutions :p

But this year, I'm all smiles....

A concert I've been waiting for so long. The day I heard on the radio they are coming to perform in Malaysia, I searched on the internet for the more info. Managed to drag my other half and Razin to secure 2 tickets at Access Tickets outlet, The Curve. Also on the same day, we returned Beyonce's tickets for refund.

A roadtrip to the East Coast for a wedding. What a better way to spend quality family time than a few hours driving with irregular reception of radio (thus, more talking to do), squeezing 3 pax under the duvet and savouring dinner on bed !


Family gathering by the pool. As a start, I already puchased a one-piece swimsuit for Razin (50% off at Mothercare now).


More ka-ching for more savings and shopping hehe

Alhamdullilah for all His blessings :)

Terrified

Thursday, November 19, 2009

I did write on my experience almost being robbed, or better put, almost being hypnotized with the intention to rob. Until now, I have fear going to the bank to draw money. But thanks to debit card, currently I do most of my transactions without paper money.


Two months ago, after parking my car in front of a grocery shop near my mom's house, a middle-age I*ndian man suddenly approached my car. He knocked several times on the window at the passenger's side. Still securely locked in the car, I did not dare to wind down the window. At that time, my maid and Razin were at the rear seat. I quickly reversed and drove away.


When I reached home, I tried to re-play the scene again. What possibly he wants from me? Was he injured and needed a lift home? Did he actually want to tell something about my car, perhaps a punctured tyre? Whatever his reasons, I know I will never risk myself to even winding down the window.


Then I shivered when I realised my wallet was on the passenger's seat at that time. Gosh, maybe he wants some money. Perhaps if I wait any longer, he might turn violance.


Then a few days ago, when I was just about to park my car at my office one morning, I saw a middle-age I*ndian man (again, but of course not the same man) walked towards my car. He knocked my window a few times and kissed the window while smiling in the most disgusting way. I reversed my car and he walked away immediately. I waited until he was a few hundres meters away before I opened the door.


I told my other half of the incident and he asked me why I didn't press the horn? You watch Oprah every night and you didn't practise what you've learnt.


I don't know.


It happened so quick. The first thing came to my mind is to get away from the dangerous spots. That was why I reversed in both occasions. Perhaps, if both men keep on harrassing me a bit longer (than 5 seconds), then I might horn to attract attention or even dial for help.


Weird thing is, both incidents happened at open area where many people nearby. I'm very certain in the recent one, the patrons at the nearby restaurant can clearly see what's happening to me.


So were the I*ndian men so drunk they are oblivious of the surrounding?


Or because I am a woman, I am an easy prey?


I was fortunate in all incidents, but I am worry the next one (God forbids) I maybe not. I need to think how to protect myself so that I can protect my son.


After nights pondering, the movie Enough flickered to my mind. I remember Jennifer Lopez had a pepper spray in the shape of a wrist band...



I need a pepper spray, and I seriously think all women should have one too.








Going Anywhere?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

I'm thinking to go for a short holiday before the arrival of #2. That means I only have now till around March 2010 before I won't be allowed onboard anymore. Since my sister is sitting for SPM exam, we can only go after mid December.

Both my mom and my sis are keen to go to Europe again. London to be exact, since we considered our last trip as only 'dropping by'. We need to seriously explore London, especially when it comes to shopping.

After we got back from Paris, I got to know from Facebook that my dad has a cousin who is currently staying in Brussels. She invited us to stay over when we come again to Paris, with God's willing. In fact for the last trip, it's either taking a day-trip to Brussels for sightseeing or Paris Disneyland. Of course, everyone chose to meet Mickey Mouse :p

I succesfully convinced Tokyo to them. After all, it would be nice to go to another Disneyland. The only thing, the cost of going to Tokyo is almost the same if we go to Europe. So Spain then?

My aunts plan for Beijing, but both my mom and my sis are not that interested. They hate to go places shopping for fake products. Since March is my cut-off point, Beijing is not weather-friendly in Jan and Feb. The temperature can drop subzero.

My collegue suggested for Bandung. The last time I went there was in 2007 and I do think it is a nice place. It is only a couple of hours flight from here, halal food is almost everywhere, plus it is a shopping heaven with our currency exchange.

So peeps, do you book any flight during the last AirAsia Free Seats Promo /current MAS Global Promo?

Nutshell

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Okay, I don't know what has got into me. I seem not into broadcasting my life to public anymore. Or perhaps lately, nothing worth sharing. I just hope this phase of me having zero pizzazz will soon sink into deep ocean. I mean, the phase, not me, sinking :p

Let me think now, where shall I start.

I went for my first check-up at SJMC last week. Fortunately, I don't have to wait long for my turn this time. As you know, Dato' D*r S*iti has a string of patients and waiting for a couple of hours is nothing new. Initially I even considering another doctor because of that reason, but somehow making new social connection with a medical personnel is not something I want to embark right now.

Suprisingly, I gained 2 kg since I was pregnant. I didn't expect the extra pounds at all since I has no appetite and still battling with gassy tummy. In fact, I miss the gigantic appetite I had when I was pregnant with Razin. Now I know I will back in shape within 6 months time, I just can't wait for that moment to arrive. You know, the joy of eating everything for two, gaining weight without people commenting on how fat you are.


These are what the doctor prescribed to me which I guess common to all pregnant patients in private hospitals. I did notice the Obimin and Calcium supplements are different this time. The capsules pre-loaded with DHA and whatsoever, thus explains the so huge size. I always thought they stuck midway in my throat. Aaahh and not forgetting a little bit pricey too.
I also went for Razin's appointment on the same day. I mentioned to his paed my plight - Razin has not been eating well. Well is totally an exaggeration. The truth, he doesn't eat proper meals at all. He doesn't take his cereals for breakfast, nor porridge for lunch/dinner. He only drinks milk.

He is not the only one like this. Kids this age prefer to spend time playing than eating. After all, kids who drinks so much milk always don't eat much.

I was relieved to hear that. Even feeling better after seeing his growth on the chart - he is indeed a perfectly healthy boy. Yeah, even despite eating well ! So less worry I become now.


This was on rare occasion that he eats. Now I can tick off 'Chicken Milanese' from my Craving List, same go to BBQ Jerk (BBQ Chicken) and Cheese Rosti (Marche). Only left now is Nasi + Ayam Penyet (Waroeng Penyet) which must wait for my strong aversion towards rice subsides.