Our Reunion Dinner Tradition

 

Apart from our casual get-together for dinner, we make it a point as a family, to meet with our elders and siblings for meals during important occasions. There is certainly no exception when it comes to the reunion dinner during Chinese New Year's eve, as we gather to usher in the new year together, for happiness and prosperity for every member of the family. It is the simplest form of family tradition that I personally cherish and hope to instill this importance to my children, so that they learn the values that has been passed down from generation to generations.What makes our reunion dinner more joyous is having the extended family (aunts, uncles and cousins) join us for this important dinner at the home shared by my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. It certainly makes a good celebratory atmosphere!

Food is, no doubt, an integral part in our Chinese new year celebrations. A s I am married into a traditional Cantonese family, the home cooked food that is prepared during reunion dinner are often "auspicious" dishes. Here are some of the significant dishes we had.

 "Yu Sheng" or raw fish salad. In Cantonese, they would call it "lao yu sang". This dish, represented by the above Chinese phrase, "feng sheng shui qi", brings forth success, prosperity and vitality towards the family, the whole year through. The higher you toss, the better it gets!

In Cantonese, prawns are pronounced as "har". So it is very apt that the above phrase "ha ha da xiao", brings forth laughter and joy for the family throughout the year.

"Fatt Choy" - or prosperity, as the black moss seaweed is called. It is usually braised with dried oysters with black mushrooms, however, the one you see here is with sea cucumber, which is pronounced as "hoi sum" in Cantonese, meaning "happiness". You would be able to guess the significance behind this dish - yes! It is for all to have wealth and happiness throughout the year!  

A snap shot of our extended family, tossing "yu sheng" at my mother-in-law's home!

 

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What does reunion dinner means to you?

Watch this heartwarming video clip by the National Family Council (NFC), showing realistic stories and thoughts about what some Singaporeans think about reunion dinners.  Through this video, NFC hopes to encourage everyone to reflect on the significance of family reunions and spend more time with our loved ones, creating memories and building stronger bonds.

With the reunion theme in mind, the National Family Council is organizing contests in relation to Chinese New Year reunion dinners and the significance it has for different people. Share your thoughts at their facebook page and stand to win attractive prizes!

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  From our family to yours, we wish you :  

"家和万事兴"  (jia he wan shi xing) Meaning : A harmonious family will prosper.  And may all blessings be upon you and your family throughout the year of the horse.   Till the next post, have a blessed week!

Disclaimer : The Accidental Mom Blogger was invited to share the objective of the National Family Council. My family and I support it's vision to foster stronger family ties in Singapore.  A token of appreciation was presented to us for writing this post. 

[Recipe] Bee Hoon with Clams and Prawns

While I was doing my marketing one day, I had a surprised vision of a slurpilicious bee hoon dish in rich chicken stock, covered with fresh clams and prawns, spring onions and mushrooms. These are rare inspirational times for a trip to the supermarket. Usually I can be found walking aimlessly, going around the same aisles 2-3 times, searching for inspiration.

There and then, I settled for a quieter spot along the aisle and did a search for "clams with bee hoon" recipe on my mobile and was thrilled to find varied recipes on 'xing hua bee hoon'.

I've personally not tried this dish before at any eateries, and I've heard raves about this dish at a certain restaurant. I can't tell if it tastes as authentic as it should be. But I am sharing with you my simple adaptation nonetheless which didn't go wrong. As long as my family enjoyed it, it's all that matters. :)

Total preparation time : Approx.40 minutes

Serves : 7-8 portions

Ingredients :

- 1 packet bee hoon (rehydrated. I use chilli brand)

- 300 grams fresh medium sized clams  (I used venus clams. Amount approx.or more if you like)

- 300 grams fresh medium sized prawns (de-shelled, de-veined.)
- 1 pc fish cake (sliced)
- 6 pcs flower mushrooms (soaked and sliced)
- half a carrot (shredded)
- 2 stalks spring onions (cut to length like shredded carrot)
- 1/4 chinese cabbage (sliced thinly)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup hua tiao jiu (chinese cooking wine)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- salt & pepper to taste
- cooking oil

Method :
- fry the garlic and mushrooms till fragrant.
- add the vegetables, fish cake slices and continue to stir fry quickly.
- add clams and prawns with the chinese wine and chicken stock. Bring to boil and simmer till clams open up.
- Season with salt and pepper to broth.
- Add bee hoon while gently tossing it till broth is absorbed.
- Serve and enjoy!

Linking up with :

 

  Till the next post, have a blessed week!

I'm Happy! And I'm a Singaporean!

Have you seen the recent controversial video about Steph Micayle? (or Stephanie Koh, if you must know her real name) If you've not seen the video, I recommend you spend about 15 minutes of your time to hear what this young lady has to say about her not being proud to be a Singaporean. Perhaps then you'll see why this blog post came to be. But, it's also okay if you do not wish to add to her numbers.

I shall not debate about why I am proud or not proud to be a Singaporean. But I would like to reason a few points close to my heart that were brought up in the video, which did not go down so well with me.

No country is perfect in their system. There will always be people finding fault with theirs because it doesn't serve their specific needs.  But let's give the government more credit than they deserve. It is not reasonable to fault how a country should run if you are not qualified to run it. Though I am not inclined to agree on every rule and regulation in my country, I am also certainly not one who will rebel.

As a mature adult, I understand that a system is in place to hold Singapore together and for it's people to have a common bond. Simple reasoning. Since we are born and bred here, we should learn to live with it and deal with it. It's the same wherever you may relocate to. You have to abide the law.

 

In every country, in every race, in every organization and sometimes even within the family, there are some black sheeps. A few black sheeps do not represent the majority of people.

 In every society, there are also different type of personalities, upbringing and values. Maybe some choose to be narrow minded because it's a challenge not to be one. Maybe some don't want to be nice because they happen to have a bad day. Maybe some gave up trying to be creative because they lost their patience. Maybe some are submissive to maintain harmony and some are just unhappy because they are finding fault with everything but themselves! There are also the MAJORITY of us who are not like that. It's unfair to say that most Singaporeans are not nice. I know plenty of nice Singaporeans!

I've always liked to give the benefit of the doubt so I feel, kindness do exist in everyone. In Singapore, I observe that we generally impart random acts of kindness to strangers when it is being called for and I am quite confident that many adult Singaporeans will step in to help one another in need. Kindness is evidently growing. Spread the kindness like it's second nature instead of killing it with self-righteousness and point fingers at others expecting them to be the same. That is arrogance and certainly, not very nice. (Sorry but I had to add this : having someone run after you from afar to ask if the computer you dropped is okay, is an act of a nosey-parker. #justsaying)

In other words, let's stop nitpicking about how "bad our system is" or "how strict the law is". Singapore is already on the right track, listening to people on the ground. Give Singapore more time. It may not be much for everyone but it will impact those that matter. There is no "one size fits all" policy. Our country is doing our best so we should lend a hand. If we can't lend a hand, hush up. Let's respect her, enjoy the simple pleasures of life and peace she has to offer that many often take for granted.

 Do you have something to say about being a Singaporean? Do you beg to differ my thoughts? Come and share your thoughts with me and link up if you are a blogger or leave a comment in this post. I would love to know what Singapore means to you and your family. I also welcome thoughts about Singapore if you are an expatriate living here or have visited Singapore. Copy and paste the code below at the end of your blog post and link up!  

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 Till the next post, have a blessed week!

Wearing The Right Accessories And a Giveaway!

I'm not an absolute fashion guru as I would like to be, but when it comes to accessorizing, I think this should be my forte since I have been making and selling jewelries for the past 7 1/2 years. So hear me out with some advise on wearing the right accessories to give your wardrobe a boost!

An outfit is never complete without the right accessories to complement it. Fashion is not always about putting the right clothes together. What you also need are the accessories to complete your look. Even an inexpensive jewelry, when worn with the right clothes and attitude, can make a difference in how you carry yourself.

First and foremost, consider about the colors you are wearing. Is it a neutral tone? Dark or bright bold ones?  Is the style tailored or elegant? Even if its a casual outfit of a tank top with bermudas, putting on a funky or playful colored necklace brings out the best in that simple get up.

I feel, in every woman's jewelry box, there should be a good mix of all kinds of lifestyle pieces to suit the outfit you are wearing. For example, if you are wearing loud prints, keep your accessories to a minimum so it wouldn't look like everything on you are fighting for attention. A good choice would be to wear just a bold bracelet and stud earrings, enough to make a statement. If necklaces are a must, keep it simple and clean lined.

If you are wearing a plain top or dress, play up with any kind of colored accessories - a long or chunky design necklace, for that wow factor. Another option would be to keep your top bare from jewelries but wear a statement pair of earrings - large stylish hoops, long sweeping ones or a big studded pair of jewels.

Stud earrings are one of the most common and favourite choice for almost any outfit. It comes in many designs, namely man made stones, gemstones, metallic (my personal favourite!) or fun floral pieces. Speaking of which, I am giving away not one, but TWO pairs of acrylic rose stud earrings to TWO fashionistas, just in time to adorn your Chinese New Year outfits!

Pretty rose earrings in light orange and coral pink at approximately 1cm diameter. The studs are in rhodium plating.

To enter this giveaway, leave your comment on this blog post and tell me how you would dress yourself up for the coming Lunar New Year to go with either pair of the above earrings! 2 winners will be randomly picked by Rafflecopter.

This giveaway will end on 17 January 2014, 12am, Singapore time. 

It is opened only to ladies residing in Singapore.
 Appropriate comments with email address are mandatory to facilitate this giveaway.
no email address indicated = disqualified entry. 
Winners will be announced on this blog post and on my facebook page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HAVE FUN! And here's wishing all a Happy and Prosperous Lunar New Year!

"dong dong dong chiang"!

CONGRATULATIONS to Adeline Tan and Susan Koh!

You have both won this giveaway and I'll be in touch with you soon.

Thank you all who have participated in this giveaway!

*The earrings are brand new and made by yours truly, at Adeline's Loft - my humble little online store for lifestyle handmade jewelries. I specialize in custom orders for all occasions.*

Till the next post, have a blessed week!

[Recipe] Traditional Peanut Cookies

It's that time of the year again to prepare for the Chinese Lunar New Year! What are your usual traditions? Do you buy your cookies off the shelves? Do you make them? Or do you commission a reliable source that hand makes these goodies from their home?

I've never made cookies for Chinese New Year before, although it is a tradition for me to help my mum make her infamous pineapple tarts which the whole family (plus extended families) love so much!

This year, I've decided to step out of my comfort zone and try making some cookies instead of getting them off the shelves. Hmmm... maybe two varieties of cookies at most! It is considered a mean feat for me because baking has not been my forte. But I'm giving this my best shot because nothing beats home made goodies.

I'm sharing an almost fail-proof peanut cookies recipe in this post, adapted from A Table For Two. I was in awe when I popped one into my mouth! It was unbelievably good with a light crunch before it crumbled and melted in the mouth - that's how the hubs described it. It was absolutely savory and I loved the hint of saltiness in each bite. I never knew something so easy to make could taste so good!

Total time spent : approximately 40 minutes
Prepare ingredients (yields 40-50 bite size cookies) :

- 300 grams ready made peanut powder (you can find it from supermarket. Get one that is purely peanut powder with no sugar added)

- 200 grams castor sugar

- 250 grams plain flour

- 200ml of canola oil (to be used sparingly, till the mixture is combined)

- 1 teaspoon of salt

- egg white for glazing the top 

Method :

- Preheat oven at 160 degree celcius. (Heat defers oven to oven. Mine gets really hot at this temperature.)

- Pour the peanut powder into a large bowl. Sift flour, sugar and salt into the same bowl and mix well.

- pour in half the oil and knead the mixture with your hands. Subsequently, pour in the oil a little at a time while you continue to knead.

- once the mixture is able to roll up into a dough without sticking to the bowl or your fingers, it is ready to be made!

 - I like my cookies small enough to pop into my mouth. So I used a small spoon to scoop from the dough, roll it to a ball shape and place it on a lined tray.

- You can leave the cookies in a ball shape or lightly press the top with a fork for a little pattern.

- Glaze the top of the cookies with egg white before putting into oven.

- Bake it for 15-20 mins or until it turns golden brown. 

- Cool on rack completely before keeping it in a tightly sealed container. This can keep for 2-3 weeks but I can't guarantee if you can stop at one!

- Enjoy!

I think I just might make more to give my mum and my mother-in-law. heehee...

  Till the next post, have a blessed week!

GIVEAWAY - Stickygram Phone Case

I don't know about you, but I dig mobile phone covers. You know, it's just like playing dress up on your phone every other week just so that your phone looks new and cool on the outside even though the physical phone I am carrying now is 3.5 years old.... *hint hint*

When I was invited to review Stickygram's phone casing, I simply couldn't resist! I just LOVE this kind of novelty. Stickygram is originally known for turning Instagram photos into magnets, which I had also review last year. Now, apart from magnets, they also offer photo prints on phone and tablet casings. How about that? Photo memories are now on the go!

 They currently have phone cases available for iphone 5/5s and 4/4s. As well as Galaxy S3 and S4.

Placing an order was a breeze. All I needed to do was connect my instagram account with them and it will load all my photos for selection ----> add to basket ---> checkout!

 There are various collage designs you can choose from to make your own personalized phone cover! 

My end product! I chose to select an image of my faith and family that matters the most in my life.

What I really really love is the convenience of creating this case at the comfort of my home and the fuss free steps to place an order for it! Shipping is always FREE and arrives safely within 2 weeks from the UK! 

Stickygram has kindly agreed to give my readers a special discount of 10%.

Key in this code : AMB13 upon your checkout.

But wait. Before you go off ordering your phone case now, why not try your hand at my giveaway? You may just be the lucky one to receive a complimentary case worth US$34.99 from Stickygram!

Simply follow the easy steps below, hosted by Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced on this blog post as well as on my Facebook page. As this is an international giveaway, please note that this will end at midnight on 10/01/2014, Singapore time.

GOOD LUCK and have fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Update : 10/1/2014 CONGRATULATIONS KL Teo! You have been picked to win this phone case! Stickygram will be in touch with you on how to claim your prize.   Till the next post, have a blessed week!

Disclaimer : The Accidental Mom Blogger received a phone case from Stickygram. All opinions are my own. Some of the above images were extracted from the website of Stickygram.com.