SOUTHEAST ASIAN FOOD & DIET - NO FRIEND.

Living in Southeast Asia, makes any sort of diet regime becomes a mission. Why? Because everything just taste SO good here. The staple food in this region are carbohydrate based - from rice, to roti and noodles. Also, we do prefer eating our Southeast Asian delicacies rather than eating raw carrots and a thin slice of grilled chicken as a diet menu. So, how do can you keep to your diet but still eat good Asian meals? Here's how...

Daging Salai Masak Cili Api / Smoked Beef in Hot Coconut Milk Broth

When we think about Malaysian food, you start imagining satay dipped into spicy peanut sauce, roti canai pan fried with enough ghee to last you a decade, teh tarik loaded with condense milk, sambal tumis ikan bilis swimming in at least two inches of oil and the warm steaming nasi lemak boiled in a gallon of coconut milk waiting for you in the morning at the corner. Is there anything on the Malaysian list of food that can be gorged without feeling a tad bit guilty? Here's a recipe that can give you the satisfaction in your tummy in a happy and healthier way.

(article as published on latitudes.nu)

Sri Lankan Cuttlefish Curry

Currently, I am in Sri Lanka, doing a Photography Residency for a month. Being away doesn't mean I am not in the position to whip up a good meal for husband and I. Upon arriving here, I just knew I had to get my hands on the local dishes. So, the best way to learn this apart from speaking and learning from the neighbours was to pick up a locally published cookbook.

Dear Bakers: Here's a bowl that Measures for you.

Stumbled upon this genius bowl that measures your ingredients for you! No more weighing scales, no more cups? Is this true? I wonder if this product is already available in stores? If it is, I will be purchasing this to add to my already packed kitchen cupboard. Not only is the bowl a great design, its cute and helps you bake in batches faster! check it out here.

Pragmatic Cook Book Review: 400 Best-Ever Budget Recipes

If you're a working mother, student, a boss or you just find yourself multitasking between 10 different tasks a day, this book can be your life saver. Again, I can't emphasize enough how cooking is just like riding your bicycle. Yes, cooking can be scary for those who have not venture into this domain, but I honestly have to say, its like any other task, once you've set a goal and accomplishing that goal just gives you a rush of energy to try and do it again. When you choose to cook for yourself or family, it really should be just fast and simple meals. Keep the more intricate recipes for special occasions. 

This book definitely has a great list of budget recipes to select from, however the "best-ever" expression used on the cover I find to be a very subjective expressions to use in the context of the book.