My foodiosophy

In my previous post before CNY, ambitiously I write down my wish menu for CNY…however, I only manage to do quarter of them due to many reasons. I am not going into the reasoning part, but let us focus on what I already done instead.

All Chinese cuisines… combination of old and new technique

Something different for every year… lots of cheese and cheese and cheese!!!

It is a challenging year because I am preparing meals for only 4. This also means, I have the choice of preparing small portion with many varieties (more work), or big with less variety (less work). This doesn’t end here…some meals were very appetizing in nature don’t even need other company, but the rice alone. The good example is the Jap curry. So, the thought of preparing a few more dishes have to be postpone to next, or it will all end up in the already pack fridge. This complicated the process and I ended up cutting down all the fancy thought and being realistic.

Then, by the time I complete the cooking, everyone (my mother) already anxiously waiting at the table for food. So, I don’t have much time to take photo. It is quite challenging for one to prepare, cook, take photo at the same time and aspect good result (yeah…I am justifying myself). Anyway, just bare with what you see lah! ^_~

most easy to prepare, yet the most refreshing meal of all…

Menu for 2008 CNY

Today, I start browsing for new ideas to be explored in Chinese New Year 2008. I don’t personally like to stick to the same food all the time, or follow the traditional family menu. Instead, I enjoy exploring new recipe, working on something I didn’t try before, because I would have plenty of time, and loveable audience to “judge” my attempt.

Important disclaimer, I am not a good cook, so don’t volunteer yourself to be my tester ^_~. I simply enjoy doing it because my family members love it. We love the idea of taking turn in cooking, trying something fancy, especially when my elder sister is around. We will take turn to cook different cuisine base on different theme. Here’s a snippet of what we have for 2007 CNY.

Jap sukiyaki, Sushi, Shanghai fried rice, Nyonya Pok Piah, Teo Chew Steamboat, Yu Shang and etc.

Now, back to 2008. I have total of 5 days with my family, but I only prepare for new year eve, 1st day and 2nd day of CNY, meaning I have to prepare 3 different themes. Here are some ideas I collected from a friend’s blog, a famous food blogger and some other recipes I am interested to work on.

Japan Fusion
Seafood Papaya Motoyaki – Baked papaya filled with seafood & vegetables with a sauce
Nikujaga Croquette – Deep fried potato & meat
Wasabi Cucumber Egg Salads
Garlic fried rice

Remark: I never tried seafood papaya motoyaki ad nikujaga croquette, but I think I can guess ^_~ Anyway, it don’t have to be exact, as long as the result is good. However, I don’t mind if you willing to give me some insight what it is about…

Fisherman Delight
Crab Fried Noodles
Salted egg yolk squid
Anchovy double fried Kailan
Lotus root & French bean with prawn

Remark: I always wanted to do this…since my last family vacation to Kuala Selangor.

Go Cheese!
Cheese Bake Garlic Escargot
Garlic Cheeses Mussel
Cheese Seafood Baked rice
Fresh Salad with FETA Cheese

Remark: I met a beautiful lady in supermarket yesterday named “Mashita”. She shared with me how to make salad with FETA cheese and how lovely it taste. So, here I am…changing my mind ^_~

Okie, that’s all! Next, shopping time.