It is difficult to summarize the variety we have in Singapore because of the many cultures which have converged there. The strategic geographical position is what we have much to thank for. Though just a tiny dot on the map of the world, Singapore’s food is much larger, more vast.

Taken from Cultural Profiles Project, here is what I found written about Singapore’s food. {found this link from Suzanne}

“The food of Singapore reflects its multiethnic society. Chinese, Malay, Peranakan and Indian food are all widely available and Western food is increasingly popular.

Chinese dishes combine rice with pork, poultry or fish and fresh vegetables. Dim Sum is popular for lunch. It consists of bite-sized portions of food, such as steamed dumplings stuffed with meat, seafood or vegetables.

Malay cooking also uses rice and usually includes vegetables with fish, meat or eggs. Satay is a favourite Malay food. It consists of small pieces of meat on skewers grilled over a charcoal fire, served with rice, onions, peanut sauce and sliced cucumbers.

Peranakan food is a unique blend of Malay and Chinese cuisines. It is time-consuming to make, and for that reason is disappearing in modern Singapore. Otak-Otak is a popular Peranakan dish, made of fish mixed with spices and coconut milk, wrapped in coconut leaves and grilled over a charcoal fire.

The Indian community in Singapore includes both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. All Hindus are forbidden to eat beef because the cow is considered a sacred animal. Thosai is a popular Indian dish. It is a paper-thin, slightly sour pancake made with rice flour and lentils. Hot fish-head curry is another favourite.

When Singaporeans serve food at home, they usually place dishes in the centre of the table at the beginning of a meal, so that everyone can help themselves throughout the meal. Chinese families usually eat together. They use chopsticks to eat. In Malay and Indian homes, which are more conservative, men usually eat first and the women eat later. Both the Malays and Indians eat with the fingers of their right hand.

Hawker centres are popular markets where Singaporeans can buy Chinese, Malay and Indian food from stalls. The food is inexpensive, fresh and varied.”

I want to share more about my home, my origin with you. But one main focus will definitely be on our food. Mike will agree with me.

This is the 100th post on my blog! I can’t believe it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I was posting like crazy just to get my 100th post. I just opened my blog page and found that this was going to be it.

Anyhow, enough of beating around the bush. I didn’t blog yesterday because I was cooking (mee siam, curry chicken), baking (sugee cookies for the bake sale at work) and watching dvds (Lord of the Rings Extended Version). It was a good day.

I have another project on hand – making a spring craft. I spent all my time wrecking my brain for an idea and finally came up with a good one. One I had a while ago but never had the time to get down. I’m ordering the materials today and making them this weekend! Can’t wait. This is for a spring craft swap. Make 5 and get 5 new crafts in return.

Before I let the cat out of the bag, let me begin my Monday.

Small hand held tote $49.00
Knit tote with cotton ribbon trim. Magnetic snap closure. Internal multipurpose and zip pockets. Two internal compartments separated by a zipper divider.
Dimensions: 11.5″ long, 4″ wide, 6.5″ high. 5.5″ strap drop.
Style #: 2070
Color: Romantic
Owner: Stef

I just wanted tell everyone about the state swap that Rachel is organizing. It is a Vacation theme swap.

More information on the swap is available in this email that Rachel sent out:
“From: “Rachel Orem”
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2003 1:46 pm
Subject: More Vacation Swap Ideas

The theme this time is Summer Vacation. Think travel sized things, flip flops, sunblock. We are going to want get boxes out by May 10th, so there is plenty of time to shop for this! As we did in the other swaps, each person collects a box full of stuff (around a $25-$30 value) using the theme (ie vacation) to guide the items to send to one other person. We like to have one craft in each box and at least 4 items but the rest is up to you! If anyone knows anyone who would like to join in, have them do so before April 15th so I can get a master list together and email everyone the addresses to send to.”

I usually put my recipes in the side of my blog, “Pabulum”. Today, I was just reading Keri Smith’s newsletter, Wish Jar Tales, (she’s the first creative person that inspired me!) and I found a new cookie recipe. I think I’m going to try it this weekend. Maybe for the bakesale – if they make it through the weekend with Mike and I at home!

Since we’re talking about cookies… I might try the Ginger ones which loobylu made too. I’m going to be one baking queen!
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1. What was your most memorable moment from the last week?
When we drove to Atlanta in our new car. It was so quiet and so comfortable.

2. What one person touched your life this week?
A work colleague who brought in a book to help me in my work. Even without me asking for it. A good book too.

3. How have you helped someone this week?
It was last week, hmm… may be time for a another good deed… I noticed a car stopped at the side of the highway who was waving for help to jump start their car. We stopped and helped them.

4. What one thing do you need to get done by this time next week?
Get my car’s new tags… I’m thinking about a personalized tag.

5. What one thing will you do over the next seven days to make your world a better place?
I’m going to bake cookies for a bake sale and also to give to our new neighbors who just moved in the day before.

I have been looking for a nice red stone ring. It’s hard to find any interesting settings. But today I got the new Sundance Catalog in the mail. They have some lovely rings. Here is that I might consider buying:

These days, I don’t have as much time as I used to. I get distracted by the routine of work. But I have been trying to remember to appreciate things around me, go the extra mile to make the day a little brighter. Maybe it’s spring time, maybe it’s just living in a different place.

We have a tiny pond at the back of our apartment… because of that, 5 mallards have decided to squat there. I saw them last week but this morning as I walked to the car, they were sitting there, lined up and sleeping. I tiptoed to the car and started it… they didn’t flinch. Those were some cool ducks. When I came home from work, they were still there, awake and flapping their wings as if to welcome me. I’d like to believe they notice me too.

This afternoon, I decided to eat lunch outside. There is a walking trail just next to my office and it has benches for anyone who might want to enjoy the weather. Although I didn’t have fancy picnic fare, I enjoyed my Whopper and Rings. Sometimes, you just need to get out into the open. Amazing what fresh air can do for you.

Not so long ago, I started an online e-boutique called Bajubarang.com – it has since been laid to rest due to changes in the partners’ whereabouts. Still, I had gained much experience from it and had always enjoyed my time working on the site. I was the webmistress, in charge of the site’s aesthetics and all the other techie things.

Here are some of the links that I had designed to help promote the site before. I’m getting involved with a friend online, to help her out with her site. A volunteered thing, because to do something I so love is just pleasure enough.

The Arts Edition

1. Poetry or prose?
Defintely love both, but I would pick poetry because I dabble in it sometimes.

2. Funky modern art or the older, “classic” variety?
Mostly modern art… it’s not always funky. I’m tended towards the contemporary

3. Sculptures or paintings?
Paintings, although I enjoy Rodin’s work a lot

4. Theatre: exuberant musical or serious drama?
It really depends on my mood, but if I have to pick, serious drama. I love intense moments

5. Ballet or modern dance?
I’m tended towards modernity but enjoy a little ballet sometimes.

6. Movies: major studio or indie?
Indie…

7. Authors: Shakespeare or Dr. Seuss?
I enjoy both, tongue twisting adventures! Tough choice!

8. TV: PBS or A&E?
PBS

9. Music: Beethoven or Beatles?
Beetles

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You are a contributing member of your favorite art museum, and visit on a regular basis. They announce a new, temporary special exhibit by an artist surrounded by controversy…this person’s work and/or political views offend you. Do you stop supporting the museum, or just stay away during the time the exhibit is there?
Just for the time that the exhibit is there… I would stop supporting the museum is more and more exhibits were leaning towards the views which offend me. I like to give a 2nd chance, mostly.