Makes 2 medium or 1 very large pizza
Preparation 15 minutes (plus 1 hour standing time)
1 cup warm water
8g sachet dried yeast
1 teaspoon caster sugar
2½ cups plain flour
1 teaspoon salt
1. Combine water, yeast and sugar. Stand in a warm place 10 minutes until mixture is frothy.
2. Sift flour and salt into a large bowl. Blend in yeast mixture to form a soft, sticky dough. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in a large oiled bowl. Cover with a plastic wrap. Leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour until dough doubles in size. Knock down dough to remove air. Knead into a smooth ball. Continue kneading as required.
4. Roll out dough intp flat base. Then sprinkle on ingredients as desired.
P.S. Sorry forgot to add one detail: Bake pizza for around 20-25 minutes in a preheated 180-190 degrees celcius oven. That should do it. If you've sprinkled cheese over, remember to keep watch to prevent cheese from burning.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
My latest cooking escapades...
...includes kari ayam with roti canai and puff pastries
I concocted the curry in just half an hour using my trusty pressure cooker. Hubby and BIL gave two thumbs up! They said the taste really seeped in well into the meat.
The roti canai were frozen ones I picked up from the freezer section at Chan Brothers Asian Grocery.
The puff pastries were a hit. A simple and sure party pleaser. Got the tip from Diana. Just roll up sheets of frozen puff pastry and pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy with the curry... shiok betul!
I also made my own pizza. The pizza base was also made from scratch... flour, yeast, and water kneaded together and left to rise for 1 hour.
Before...
After...
Super yum!
Hubby said it tasted great even though it was a homemade low-additives pizza. Or maybe that was the secret? The generous ingredients and fresh dough...
BIL was simply amazed that it was possible to make pizza from scratch.
Making the pizza reminded me of those fun afternoons when mum taught us how to make our own pizza. She gave each of us kids our own lump of dough to roll out into the base and let our creative juices flow as we decorated our bases with the ingredients.
Good future project to do with kids in the future. KIV!
I concocted the curry in just half an hour using my trusty pressure cooker. Hubby and BIL gave two thumbs up! They said the taste really seeped in well into the meat.
The roti canai were frozen ones I picked up from the freezer section at Chan Brothers Asian Grocery.
The puff pastries were a hit. A simple and sure party pleaser. Got the tip from Diana. Just roll up sheets of frozen puff pastry and pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy with the curry... shiok betul!
I also made my own pizza. The pizza base was also made from scratch... flour, yeast, and water kneaded together and left to rise for 1 hour.
Before...
After...
Super yum!
Hubby said it tasted great even though it was a homemade low-additives pizza. Or maybe that was the secret? The generous ingredients and fresh dough...
BIL was simply amazed that it was possible to make pizza from scratch.
Making the pizza reminded me of those fun afternoons when mum taught us how to make our own pizza. She gave each of us kids our own lump of dough to roll out into the base and let our creative juices flow as we decorated our bases with the ingredients.
Good future project to do with kids in the future. KIV!
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Some images from YA Retreat
Seashells Resort, Mandurah.
Pool right beside the beach... shiok!
Exploring the area.
Something interesting that caught my eye in the nearby market. Kinda ironic, don't ya think?
Smooch!
Takes an occasion like this for hubby to cook breakfast for me!
Chipolatas, eggs sunny side up and toast.
After breakfast... morning walk by the beach.
There were plenty of other moments spent with friends in the sessions and in fellowship. But as usual when I'm having fun, I always forget to snap some photos. But here's an image from a group activity we had to do... each group needed to build a structure (rated on height, strength and aesthetics).
Pool right beside the beach... shiok!
Exploring the area.
Something interesting that caught my eye in the nearby market. Kinda ironic, don't ya think?
Smooch!
Takes an occasion like this for hubby to cook breakfast for me!
Chipolatas, eggs sunny side up and toast.
After breakfast... morning walk by the beach.
There were plenty of other moments spent with friends in the sessions and in fellowship. But as usual when I'm having fun, I always forget to snap some photos. But here's an image from a group activity we had to do... each group needed to build a structure (rated on height, strength and aesthetics).
Slab down
More activity happening on our site.
The builders have already poured the concrete into the pre-slab area... yeah!!! foundations for building our house are now laid.
I was a bit concerned as I found it hard to imagine all the rooms and areas in our design to be able to fit into the slab area. Perhaps it is an optical illusion. Dad suggested that the next time we go down, we can measure the whole area to see if they match the measurements in our plans.
The soakwells have also been delivered and are ready to go down into the ground soon. I know of some people who have ATTEMPTED to dig their own soakwells... but I think we are happy to leave it to the experts to handle this. Especially considering the size of these huge solid concrete cylinders.
We couldn't stay very long as we were heading down to Mandurah for the Young Adults' Retreat. But we did manage to snap a photo of the nearby primary school which is now currently under construction. The school will be a mere 5 minutes walk away from our future home.
The builders have already poured the concrete into the pre-slab area... yeah!!! foundations for building our house are now laid.
I was a bit concerned as I found it hard to imagine all the rooms and areas in our design to be able to fit into the slab area. Perhaps it is an optical illusion. Dad suggested that the next time we go down, we can measure the whole area to see if they match the measurements in our plans.
The soakwells have also been delivered and are ready to go down into the ground soon. I know of some people who have ATTEMPTED to dig their own soakwells... but I think we are happy to leave it to the experts to handle this. Especially considering the size of these huge solid concrete cylinders.
We couldn't stay very long as we were heading down to Mandurah for the Young Adults' Retreat. But we did manage to snap a photo of the nearby primary school which is now currently under construction. The school will be a mere 5 minutes walk away from our future home.
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Me so blur
Oooooowwwwww... my thigh muscles are aaaaachiiiiiiing... I feel as if I had just finished running a marathon. When I attempted to get out of bed this morning, I felt so sore all over my legs.
"Why???" I was so puzzled.
I sat a moment and tried to recount what I had been up to the day before that could have resulted in this.
Okay, let's see... there was the Hen's Night. But I wasn't the subject of any torture or humiliation, so that couldn't be it.
Hmmm... or was it when hubby and I *ahem*.... but aiyah where got so vigorous until like this one!!! That can't be it.
I whined to hubby.
"Why am I suffering like this, honey? Whyyyyyyy???"
"I dunno lar... what were you up to yesterday?"
I recounted the events of the previous day to him.
I give up. Maybe it will be a complete mystery that would continue to baffle me forevermore.
Me: "Maybe it's because we... you know!"
Hubby: "Haiya, noooo laaaar... it must be because of the housework you did yesterday clearing the whole kitchen. You were squating and bending over to clear all the cupboards and shelves right?"
Me: *Slap Head* Oh yaaaaa!!! Now why didn't I think of that??? Eeee... so clever lar you!!!"
Hubby: *Grunt* "Means you lack of exercise lar!"
Me: *Pout* "I knooooow"
"Why???" I was so puzzled.
I sat a moment and tried to recount what I had been up to the day before that could have resulted in this.
Okay, let's see... there was the Hen's Night. But I wasn't the subject of any torture or humiliation, so that couldn't be it.
Hmmm... or was it when hubby and I *ahem*.... but aiyah where got so vigorous until like this one!!! That can't be it.
I whined to hubby.
"Why am I suffering like this, honey? Whyyyyyyy???"
"I dunno lar... what were you up to yesterday?"
I recounted the events of the previous day to him.
I give up. Maybe it will be a complete mystery that would continue to baffle me forevermore.
Me: "Maybe it's because we... you know!"
Hubby: "Haiya, noooo laaaar... it must be because of the housework you did yesterday clearing the whole kitchen. You were squating and bending over to clear all the cupboards and shelves right?"
Me: *Slap Head* Oh yaaaaa!!! Now why didn't I think of that??? Eeee... so clever lar you!!!"
Hubby: *Grunt* "Means you lack of exercise lar!"
Me: *Pout* "I knooooow"
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Construction Preslab
Well people, after a big gap in my updates on building our new home we finally have something new to report.
Granted, there has been plenty happening behind the scenes... choosing colours, tiles and finishings at our pre-start, going through many rounds and rounds of edits of our house plans, working out our financing with our broker and bank, and numerous phonecalls to chase our builder to move their butt!
But I share spare you the details, some of which are somewhat painful to recount.
And finally, there is some real physical activity happening at our site:
Tadaa!!!
Our construction preslab has now begun...
For those who are not sure what they are supposed to be looking at: Basically the workers have outlined the area of the house with planks, fitted the wire mesh in, and the next step will be to pour the concrete in. This will form the base slab upon which the house will be constructed.
Dad advised us to note down a few key spots for taking photos throughout the construction process, so that we can view each stage of construction from a uniform vantage point.
Hubby was down at the site yesterday to take these photos. He said he has already marked a couple of spots around our 'territory'... dunno mark with what lar... maybe with a leaf or something.
Okay, that's enough excitement for today. Till next time readers... muaks!
Granted, there has been plenty happening behind the scenes... choosing colours, tiles and finishings at our pre-start, going through many rounds and rounds of edits of our house plans, working out our financing with our broker and bank, and numerous phonecalls to chase our builder to move their butt!
But I share spare you the details, some of which are somewhat painful to recount.
And finally, there is some real physical activity happening at our site:
Tadaa!!!
Our construction preslab has now begun...
For those who are not sure what they are supposed to be looking at: Basically the workers have outlined the area of the house with planks, fitted the wire mesh in, and the next step will be to pour the concrete in. This will form the base slab upon which the house will be constructed.
Dad advised us to note down a few key spots for taking photos throughout the construction process, so that we can view each stage of construction from a uniform vantage point.
Hubby was down at the site yesterday to take these photos. He said he has already marked a couple of spots around our 'territory'... dunno mark with what lar... maybe with a leaf or something.
Okay, that's enough excitement for today. Till next time readers... muaks!
Saturday, April 12, 2025
More on our shopper booty from Singapore
More of our favourite games from Settlers Cafe
We played a couple of rounds of Galloping Pigs on one of the first nights we arrived back in Perth
Since then, we've introduced it to our cell group who are now crazy about this game. We even played it for one of our ice-breakers... super fun I tell you!
Pressure cooker... an (almost) 'must have' for every modern housekeeper.
Soups and stews brewed to perfection in less than half the time it would normally take on a normal stove top.
(Above) All I need to do is dump in the ingredients, switch it on and after 40 minutes... Voila! Chicken herbal soup with white cloud ear fungus.... soooo yarmeeee that I forgot to take any "After" photos.
And of course, Charles & Keith footwear. FYI, I'm gradually converting to lower heeled shoes. So these are a far cry from the 3-inch stilletos I bought last year
On another related note: Remember my favourite breakfast-on-the-go companion? Here's another example of how I've put it to use...
(Above) Tea and cookies!
We played a couple of rounds of Galloping Pigs on one of the first nights we arrived back in Perth
Since then, we've introduced it to our cell group who are now crazy about this game. We even played it for one of our ice-breakers... super fun I tell you!
Pressure cooker... an (almost) 'must have' for every modern housekeeper.
Soups and stews brewed to perfection in less than half the time it would normally take on a normal stove top.
(Above) All I need to do is dump in the ingredients, switch it on and after 40 minutes... Voila! Chicken herbal soup with white cloud ear fungus.... soooo yarmeeee that I forgot to take any "After" photos.
And of course, Charles & Keith footwear. FYI, I'm gradually converting to lower heeled shoes. So these are a far cry from the 3-inch stilletos I bought last year
On another related note: Remember my favourite breakfast-on-the-go companion? Here's another example of how I've put it to use...
(Above) Tea and cookies!
Friday, April 11, 2025
Wednesday, April 09, 2025
Monday, April 07, 2025
The correct way to wash dishes
Today at work I was chatting with my newly married colleague asking him how marriage life was treating him... so nice to have dinner ready and nice wife waiting at home every day after work... such a nice wife!
"I hope you help out with the dishes at least!", I said mock severely.
"Of course I do, I like washing up better than cooking. But now I can't wash dishes the normal way. I have to do it her way now"
"Her way? Are there different ways of washing dishes?" I asked curiously.
"Definitely... you see the proper Australian way of washing dishes is this way: first you fill up the sink with water, pour in some dishwashing liquid and lather it up, then I sponge and dip the dishes in the soapy water, and then put them aside to dry..."
"What??? Don't you even rinse off the soap???" genuine shock.
"What for? The soap will dry off on its own anyway..."
"But... but... what about all the detergent residue???"
"As I said, it will evaporate on its own... that's how it should done... now the weird Chinese way the wife does it is to have this little tub on the side, then squeeze in some dishwashing liquid, mix it with some water to create some kind of super soapy water, and then you dip the sponge in there and scrub the dish... and after that you rinse off the soap with running water before putting it aside to dry..."
*Me Flabbergasted* "But... but... that IS the proper way to wash dishes... the CORRECT way!"
"Yup, that's exactly what the wife says too", resigned air.
*Me Speechless*
"I hope you help out with the dishes at least!", I said mock severely.
"Of course I do, I like washing up better than cooking. But now I can't wash dishes the normal way. I have to do it her way now"
"Her way? Are there different ways of washing dishes?" I asked curiously.
"Definitely... you see the proper Australian way of washing dishes is this way: first you fill up the sink with water, pour in some dishwashing liquid and lather it up, then I sponge and dip the dishes in the soapy water, and then put them aside to dry..."
"What??? Don't you even rinse off the soap???" genuine shock.
"What for? The soap will dry off on its own anyway..."
"But... but... what about all the detergent residue???"
"As I said, it will evaporate on its own... that's how it should done... now the weird Chinese way the wife does it is to have this little tub on the side, then squeeze in some dishwashing liquid, mix it with some water to create some kind of super soapy water, and then you dip the sponge in there and scrub the dish... and after that you rinse off the soap with running water before putting it aside to dry..."
*Me Flabbergasted* "But... but... that IS the proper way to wash dishes... the CORRECT way!"
"Yup, that's exactly what the wife says too", resigned air.
*Me Speechless*
Sunday, April 06, 2025
Revolutionaries
Guess what? My brother was recently featured in the local paper back in KK as (and I quote) "...a young architect from Sabah who is steadily making a name for himself in Singapore..."
Haha... Steady hor?
My parents are bursting with pride over this... and I couldn't help grinning ear to ear with somewhat of the same feeling too as I read the article my dad posted up in his blog >>here
Or you can click on the image below to read the scanned newspaper article. My dad has already highlighted the relevant sections mentioning Sam's name for your convenience and easy reading... (he probably has the article framed up somewhere already!)
Haha... Steady hor?
My parents are bursting with pride over this... and I couldn't help grinning ear to ear with somewhat of the same feeling too as I read the article my dad posted up in his blog >>here
Or you can click on the image below to read the scanned newspaper article. My dad has already highlighted the relevant sections mentioning Sam's name for your convenience and easy reading... (he probably has the article framed up somewhere already!)
(click on image above to enlarge)
Looks like I'm going to be related to two up and coming revolutionaries making their mark in the building and construction industry in the region. I can only hope to bask in their reflected glory! *grin*
Saturday, April 05, 2025
Eating in Singapore
Our cute host
Sakae Sushi at Novena
Dinner at Dian Xiao Er in Vivocity
Mabel's little Aften... the blurry images were him waving enthusiastically at the camera
Enjoying xiao long bao at the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant in Paragon
Last day in Singapore breakfast: Kuay Chap, Kaya Toast and Chap Fun
~~~
But... my absolute favourite this time round was at Tiong Shian Porridge Centre nearby Sam's place. Sam brought us there for dinner. I was so mad at myself for forgetting to bring my camera. The porridge was BEEEEEST man, and the side dishes were just amazing, especially the raw fish!!! and the taufu was not bad either. Apparently they also have a branch in Chinatown... a definite MUST MUST try when you're in Singapore.
Here is a photo I took the next day of the porridge centre when we happened to walk pass. Haaaai... too bad I didn't take any photos of the actual food. But like Sam said, sometimes the best moments are the ones that cannot be captured on camera, which perhaps might make you appreciate and savour it more with your own eyes and emotions.
This was the same day we had lost hubby's wallet, so we were feeling a bit down that day. But the porridge and delicacies at Tiong Shian were almost like manna to a dejected spirit. It definitely made our day to be able to enjoy this food. Especially since Sam belanja us dinner too!
I just luuuuuurve the raw fish. This will be definitely one of the things I will look forward to the next time I'm back in Singapore.
(pic source: virtualtourist.com)
Sakae Sushi at Novena
Dinner at Dian Xiao Er in Vivocity
Mabel's little Aften... the blurry images were him waving enthusiastically at the camera
Enjoying xiao long bao at the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant in Paragon
Last day in Singapore breakfast: Kuay Chap, Kaya Toast and Chap Fun
~~~
But... my absolute favourite this time round was at Tiong Shian Porridge Centre nearby Sam's place. Sam brought us there for dinner. I was so mad at myself for forgetting to bring my camera. The porridge was BEEEEEST man, and the side dishes were just amazing, especially the raw fish!!! and the taufu was not bad either. Apparently they also have a branch in Chinatown... a definite MUST MUST try when you're in Singapore.
Here is a photo I took the next day of the porridge centre when we happened to walk pass. Haaaai... too bad I didn't take any photos of the actual food. But like Sam said, sometimes the best moments are the ones that cannot be captured on camera, which perhaps might make you appreciate and savour it more with your own eyes and emotions.
This was the same day we had lost hubby's wallet, so we were feeling a bit down that day. But the porridge and delicacies at Tiong Shian were almost like manna to a dejected spirit. It definitely made our day to be able to enjoy this food. Especially since Sam belanja us dinner too!
I just luuuuuurve the raw fish. This will be definitely one of the things I will look forward to the next time I'm back in Singapore.
(pic source: virtualtourist.com)
Thursday, April 03, 2025
I like KK...
Tonight as I sat back to enjoy a cup of chicken herbal soup freshly brewed using my new pressure cooker (details on that another time)... I heard a melodic "teeeet teeeet" on my mobile.
It was from Audrey: "Hey, with your parents at the moment. Nice of them to treat us to dinner :) I quite like KK. Maybe a trip here together next time?"
Earlier today I received a Skype message from my dad (super canggih kan, my parents?) telling me that they were meeting up with Audz and her parents tonight. Dad asked me whether he should take them to Ocean Restaurant in town, or to Kampung Nelayan. I suggested that Kampung Nelayan might be a good experience because they had cultural dances performing during dinner... it might impress them to see one of the local Magunatip dancers in action.
Anyway, as I read Audrey's message, I couldn't help but smile as I felt touched by her saying that she liked KK. When she first told me that her family were planning a holiday to KK, I couldn't help but wonder what her perception of KK would be as an outsider. I myself would find it difficult to give an objective view as my feelings of KK are too much mingled with my own childhood memories and adolescent experiences.
If an outsider were to ask me what's great about KK, I can only give surface facts... Mt Kinabalu, beautiful islands with clear waters for snorkelling/diving, FANTASTIC food (like my hubby's all time favourite Tuaran mien). But it's very hard to explain the serenity and simplicity behind it all. Many people arrive in KK expecting an exotic holiday experience, but some go away a little dissatisfied. is not at all like some picturesque town you sometimes see in coffee-table books. But quite a number of people I've met who have visited KK admit that there's something different about the place which they can't put their finger on... I myself probably never even realised it because for me this has always been the KK I know.
So I am now picturing Audrey with our parents, enjoying a magnificent seafood dinner... steamed Garupa? Butter prawns? Enjoy betul bah dis girl! Don't forget to share photos.
It was from Audrey: "Hey, with your parents at the moment. Nice of them to treat us to dinner :) I quite like KK. Maybe a trip here together next time?"
Earlier today I received a Skype message from my dad (super canggih kan, my parents?) telling me that they were meeting up with Audz and her parents tonight. Dad asked me whether he should take them to Ocean Restaurant in town, or to Kampung Nelayan. I suggested that Kampung Nelayan might be a good experience because they had cultural dances performing during dinner... it might impress them to see one of the local Magunatip dancers in action.
Anyway, as I read Audrey's message, I couldn't help but smile as I felt touched by her saying that she liked KK. When she first told me that her family were planning a holiday to KK, I couldn't help but wonder what her perception of KK would be as an outsider. I myself would find it difficult to give an objective view as my feelings of KK are too much mingled with my own childhood memories and adolescent experiences.
If an outsider were to ask me what's great about KK, I can only give surface facts... Mt Kinabalu, beautiful islands with clear waters for snorkelling/diving, FANTASTIC food (like my hubby's all time favourite Tuaran mien). But it's very hard to explain the serenity and simplicity behind it all. Many people arrive in KK expecting an exotic holiday experience, but some go away a little dissatisfied. is not at all like some picturesque town you sometimes see in coffee-table books. But quite a number of people I've met who have visited KK admit that there's something different about the place which they can't put their finger on... I myself probably never even realised it because for me this has always been the KK I know.
So I am now picturing Audrey with our parents, enjoying a magnificent seafood dinner... steamed Garupa? Butter prawns? Enjoy betul bah dis girl! Don't forget to share photos.
Tuesday, April 01, 2025
My favourite buy in Singapore
Of all the various things I picked up during my shopping in Singapore, this happens to be my favourite find...
Aaaaahhhh... so what is this clever little contraption?
It's called a "Cookie Dunker" or as I like to call it "Breakfast-on-the-go companion". See I put in my precious little Cheerios in the bottom compartment. And then I pour in some milk in the top (which contains a freezer gel which I've already placed in my freezer overnight)... then I toss it into my bag and off I go!
My colleagues were oohing and aahing today when I pulled it out of my bag, separated the two compartments to mix the cereal and milk together.
Cool kan?
Aaaaahhhh... so what is this clever little contraption?
It's called a "Cookie Dunker" or as I like to call it "Breakfast-on-the-go companion". See I put in my precious little Cheerios in the bottom compartment. And then I pour in some milk in the top (which contains a freezer gel which I've already placed in my freezer overnight)... then I toss it into my bag and off I go!
My colleagues were oohing and aahing today when I pulled it out of my bag, separated the two compartments to mix the cereal and milk together.
Cool kan?
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