Corned Beef Patties

Crispy on the outside but mushy on the inside, these patties are suitable as party fillers.  Serve them on a bed of lettuce with a chilli dip on the side.

CORNED BEEF PATTIES (makes about 15 patties)

Corned Beef Patties

Ingredients

1 can corned beef, about 340g
3 large Russet potatoes, about 600g

1 tsp salt
1 stalk spring onion, finely chopped
5 shallots, finely chopped
2 eggs, about 60 g each
1 cup breadcrumbs
2-3 tbsp cooking oil

Method

1. Cut potatoes into quarters.  Place the potato pieces into a deep pot with enough water to cover them and sprinkle them with salt. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer the potatoes for 15 minutes.  Drain the water.  Cover the pot of potatoes with the pot cover and leave for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes. Add corned beef, spring onion, shallots, breadcrumbs and eggs.  Mix well.
3. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan.  Form the potato mixture into patties, about the size of a hamburger disk. Fry the patties until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Notes

• This can be served as a side dish, with rice or noodles, or use it as a hamburger substitute.
• Goes well with Kimchi.

Handicap

It happened again...

Everyone else had had their turn to share something, anything, that had touched them when they went through their study on the book of Isaiah.  It was to be the Swallow's turn next.  She opened her mouth but the words stucked in her throat.  She tried again but her voice started to wobble.  She tried again.  It did not get any better.  Either each word came out with a choke or her voice broke.

Talking had not been a problem when the Swallow was in primary school.  In fact, several of her teachers had noted in her school report book that she was talkative.  In her secondary school days, if the teachers had not arrived for lessons, she would be found debating with her friends.  She had thrived in her first job in the customer service line as she enjoyed the interaction with customers, bosses and colleagues.  But these were personal encounters with close friends, or one-to-one encounters with newly-met people.  When put in the spotlight, however, there was that occasional slip here and there which gradually activated her retreat mode.

Then she became a stay-at-home-mom.

After spending so many years where most of her conversations were with her young ones, she yearned for more conversations with adults.  By then, however, holding a one-to-one conversation with any adult, other than family or friends in the inner circle, became even more of a mental challenge.  With so much effort needed, it was easier to let others do the talking.  Serving in the Sunday School ministry didn't help either as interactions with other teachers were few and far in between, and again it was easier to be a listener, asking a question here and there to keep the conversation going.

Going to BSF changed the status quo.  At each fellowship session, members were encouraged to open up and share.  Initially, she had looked forward to these sharing sessions as she thought, "More conversations with adults.", but at the first fellowship session, when she had to take her turn to share her thoughts, she realised that her difficulties in speaking out had not diminished.

Half a year back, she was asked to share some tips about teaching young children to some members of her local church.  Having experienced the nerve-shaking situations during the BSF fellowship sessions, she was hesitant to do so.  However, after seeking the Lord in prayer for His guidance, wisdom, and equipping, she heeded the call.  The Lord's power and control over all things were clearly seen as the session went smoothly.  Another call up at a Sunday School event had also gone smoothly, based on her trust and confidence in her Lord.

So at a fellowship session yesterday, she was willing to share if she was called upon to do so.  Due to the high number of attendees and the short time set aside for sharing, the Swallow thought she would be spared this time from sharing aloud.  Although there were many lessons she had learnt at the Lord's feet, she would have preferred to let her fingers do the talking.  Alas, it was not to be.  The group size had shrunk by then as several members had had to leave earlier.  Since it was a smaller group of people and most of them were actually quite well known to her, with a little prayer in her heart for the Lord's help, she opened her mouth to speak...and that's when it happened again.

Was there an inconsistency?  Why didn't her Lord answer her prayer this time, giving her the power again to overcome her fear of public speaking?  Why was she faced with her handicap when glorifying the Lord was what she had hoped to do with her sharing?

Well, let it be said here that in no way was the Lord not in control.  He had allowed the Swallow to say that her study on the book of Isaiah had helped her during her trial with her near relative, as many verses had reminded her of the Lord God's faithfulness to His chosen people even when they were not doing the right thing.  Her breaking voice did keep her from any chance of saying unwise words, and she managed to choke out "God is faithful, God is faithful" before her throat closed up.

Psalm 19 : 14 (NKJV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

He Holds My Hand

In Singapore, it is usual to hear of parents who take part of their annual leave to coach their children whenever major exams are around the corner.  Some parents send their children for tuition or enrichment classes at a young age to prepare them for school and exams.

Just two days back, the Swallow was in a conversation with several friends when the topic of children's major exams came about. A friend had noted that the Swallow had young ones who were going to sit through major exams next year too. Another friend was quick to point out that the Swallow was 'relaxed' about it.

The Swallow believes that exams should be taken as a gauge of what her young ones have learnt.  They should not become a challenge between parents to see whose child has done better.  Thus, her contributions to her young ones' academic future are to provide them with nutritious food, ensure that they have adequate sleep, and help them keep a balance between work and play.  Moreso when exams are at the door.  As a homemaker, she stops her housework to coach them only after they have attempted to complete their work on their own but were unable to do so.  Over the years, the coaching part has been getting smaller as the topics have been getting harder.  In spite of this, she and her mate have kept their resolution not to send their young ones for tuition classes.  Instead, the young ones were reminded to put in their best effort, to pay attention in class and to complete all their homework and assignments.

Does this mean that the Swallow is relaxed?  To her friend, it would seem so.

This resolution of saying 'No' to tuition classes, however, is tested each time less-than-desirable results follow the exams.  When comparisons are made, between some parents, of their children's results and the Swallow is pulled into the conversation.  When careless remarks, though unintentional, are made that the Swallow is relaxed concerning her young ones' academic future.

Yet, at each testing, her Lord God had faithfully reminded her, through His Word and through various other means, to keep her focus on Him, on the goals He has set before her, on what was more important than life on earth.  This time, her Lord God used the teaching leader at a BSF session.

She had used a long piece of string to illustrate life - on earth and in eternity.  One end of the long white string had been wrapped with red tape. This red part measured several inches to several feet of the rest of it.  The other end of the string could not be seen as the string wound around the front part of the hall.  Holding the red part of the string in her hands, the teaching leader had likened it to a person's life on earth. There was the beginning and there was the end. The white part had been likened to life in eternity. Where the red part ended, the white part began.

Where will one spend eternity?  What will he be doing in eternity?

The Swallow's eternity will be with her Lord God.  She has seen the wonder of His ways.  When He was unknown to her, He had patiently called to her.  When He became her Lord, although she had faltered many times in her walk with Him, He had never given up on her.  He continues to hold her hand and pulls her up, out of the holes she had dug for herself.  He is worthy of her praise and honour.  Little wonder that her desires for her young ones are for them to know Him too, for them to follow in His ways, and for them to enjoy eternity with Him.

I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW (author unknown)

I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray
I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today, I'll walk beside him
For He knows what is ahead.

Chorus:
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Ev'ry step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb
Ev'ry burden's getting lighter
Ev'ry cloud is silver-lined
There the sun is always shining
There no tear will dim the eye
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty
But the One who feeds the sparrow
Is the One who stands by me
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.

The Swallow acknowledges that exams have a part to play in life. Preparing for them brings discipline and endurance. The balance, therefore, is to place enough emphasis on her young ones' studies without extinguishing the flames of joy in learning. The goal, however, is to put exams in the right perspective to eternity.  For that, the Swallow will continue to stay 'relaxed'.  At least until the next testing.

Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian Pizza

Click here to find out how you can easily create this with your children at home.

Super Fruits

One morning, the Swallow came across a slip of paper hidden among the pages of her collection of recipes. On one side of the paper was a poem.  On the other was a list of Super Fruits.

Although some of the fruits in that list of Super Fruits have not been proven for their health-attributing factors, yet their delicious and yummy flavours alone will make them part of the Swallow's own list of Super Fruits.

Kiwi

• a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and fibre
• its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange

Apple

• contains antioxidants and flavonoids which enhance the activity of vitamin C
• may help to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke

Strawberry

• highest total of antioxidant power among major fruits
• may protect the body from cancer causing and blood vessels clogging free radicals

Orange

• may keep colds away
• may lower cholesterol
• may prevent and dissolve kidney stones
• may lessen the risk of colon cancer

Watermelon

• coolest thirst quencher as it is composed of 92% water
• boosts immune system
• a key source of lycopene, a cancer-fighting oxidant
• has vitamin C and potassium

Guava

• high vitamin C content
• rich in fibre which helps prevent constipation

Papaya

• high vitamin C content
• rich in carotene - good for eyesight

Pork Loin in Plum Sauce

Plum paste may be mixed with cold water to make a cooling drink for hot days.  Another way to use plum paste is by adding some chilli sauce to it.  This will produce a delicious alternative to plum sauce.  So when a recipe calls for plum sauce, the Swallow does not need to go shopping for it...

PORK LOIN IN PLUM SAUCE (serves 4)

Pork Loin in Plum Sauce

Ingredients

• 300g pork boneless loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tsp oil
• 2 tbsp plum paste
• 1 to 2 tsp chilli sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 stalk spring onions, chopped
• marinade - 2 tsp cornstarch, 2 tsp light soya sauce, 2 tsp hua tiow jiu, 2 tsp brown sugar, a few drops sesame oil, 1 clove garlic (minced)

Method

1. Combine marinade ingredients with pork cubes.  Marinate for at least half an hour.
2. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat.  Add pork, reserving the marinade (very little), and stir-fry until browned.
3. Mix plum paste, chilli sauce, and water together with the reserved marinade.  Pour into the wok and mix well.
4. Add spring onions to the mixture.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  The sauce would have thickened by then.
6. Serve hot with rice.

Notes

• If plum sauce is preferred, use 2 1/2 tbsp and omit chilli sauce.
• Adjust amount of water to suit individual needs.

Using Plum Sauce in a Recipe

Pork Loin Cooked in Plum Sauce

Click here for the recipe.

Higher Ways

One morning, the Swallow came across a slip of paper hidden among the pages of her collection of recipes.  On one side of this paper was a poem.  Although its author was unknown to her, the words echoed the Swallow's reflections of the past few months...

I cannot trust the plans I make
Nor see what's round the bend
But there is One who is all-wise
On Him I can depend.

Oh, that I may not be stubborn
Nor stray in foolish pride
Oh, that I may not be fearful
Nor from the storm clouds hide.

For the end of the self-sufficient ship
No matter how sound it seems
Will finish in disaster
With a trail of shattered dreams.

His ways are not the way I'd choose
His thoughts are so much higher
But His wisdom knows the best for me
And all things are within His power.

So may I read my Bible diligently
Daily seek to do His will
May I pray expectantly
And learn when to be still.

For when the way seems rough
And I get kind of low
May I press on with a steadfast trust
So that my faith might grow.

Isaiah 55 : 8 - 9 (NIV)
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."

May the Swallow, though wearied and faltering, seek her Lord even more as her journey goes on...

As the Deer

Tired.  Exhausted.
Downhearted.  Downcast.
Stressed.  Uphill struggle.

Negative emotions, all.  Any different for the Swallow?

No!  For she is human after all, and God had not promised that as a Christian, she will be exempted from such emotions.  And as a human, still with the sinful nature within, the times when her eyes of faith are somewhat dimmed, these are the emotions that often assail her...

Yes!  For He has promised that "no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10 : 13, NKJV)

Yes!  For the Lord Jesus has paid the price for her sins, so "though her sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1 : 18, NIV)

Thus, how can she not respond to the Lord's love for her?

AS THE DEER (author unknown)

As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You.

You alone are my Strength, my Shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You.

You're my Friend and You are my Saviour
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything.

Spring of Life

In 2011, if one was staying in Singapore, southern Johor in Malaysia, or Batam, he had the opportunity to tune in to a new radio programme called "Times of Refreshing".  This programme was run on Mondays to Fridays, from 8pm - 8.30pm (Singapore time).

One night, the Swallow's mate led the family in prayer for the radio programme.  The rest of the family was tickled, but contained their laughter, until the end of the prayer.  When everyone said a hearty 'Amen', the young ones were quick to point out to their father that he had called the radio programme "Spring of Life" instead.

Giving more thought to the incident, it was easy to understand why the Swallow's mate had made the error.  Indeed, the Lord God is the Spring of Life to all who seek Him.  He is the Source of refreshment and nourishment.

Isaiah 58 : 11 (NIV)
The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

John 4 : 13 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Every man has a God-shaped vacuum in his heart which is waiting to be filled with this Spring of Life, but many seek instead to fill it with idols of all shapes and sizes.  Even the Swallow, as a Christian, is not exempted because as long as she is in her physical body, the sinful nature is present and she has to actively seek her Lord, daily, to remove idols like family, money, self or pride (these are just some of them...) from the throne of her heart.

Jeremiah 2 : 13 (NIV)
My people have committed two sins: they have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

In the eleven verses of Psalm 42, its writers, the sons of Korah, wrote "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." (verses 1 & 2), and repeatedly made mention of the soul being downcast (twice in verse 5 & once in verse 11), but they also reminded its readers twice to "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God." (verse 5 & 11)

Let all who seek to find the true source of sustenance, to bring them through their days on earth, find Him - the Lord God, the Spring of Life eternal and everlasting.

Edited in 2017 as the radio programme had been discontinued.

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

A simple recipe suitable for the dining room experience as well as for a BBQ.

SPICY MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN (serves 4)

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

Ingredients

1 kg chicken mid-joints
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp chilli powder

Method

1. In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, combine the herbs and seasonings. Add the chicken. Seal the bag and give it a shake, coating the chicken with the herb mixture.
2. Place the bag in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally.
3. Remove the bag of chicken from the refrigerator an hour before cooking.
4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
5. Place a metal rack in a baking pan. Smear a little oil over the rack. Then place the chicken on the rack. Set aside any juices that remain, for basting purposes.
6. Bake the chicken for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and baste the chicken with the juice.
7. Turn the chicken over, baste this side of the chicken and return the pan to the oven. Continue baking for another 10 minutes.
8. Remove the pan from the oven, give the chicken a final basting. Change the baking function to a grilling function and grill the chicken until it is golden brown, about five minutes.
9. Remove the pan from the over and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
10. Plate them and serve with rice, noodles or as-is for a simple snack.

    

    Freshly baked
    Spicy Mediterranean Chicken
    

Notes

• If cooking over a BBQ, follow steps 1-3. BBQ fire should not be ablaze as this will char the chicken without cooking it through. Check the chicken is cooked by poking it. Juice should run clear.
• A whole chicken (about 1.5 kg) can also be used and adjust the cooking time to an hour, basting the chicken at the half interval time.

Sweet Sour Chicken

When chicken breast is required in a recipe, the Swallow usually buys a whole chicken, remove and set aside the other parts for other dishes, and keep the breast for such use.

SWEET SOUR CHICKEN (serves 4)

Sweet Sour Chicken

Ingredients

2 pieces of chicken breast, about 450g cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, sliced into chunky slices
1 can of pineapple rings in syrup, drained (but keep the syrup) and quartered
Roasted cashew nuts (optional)
Cooking oil
Garnish - spring onion, chopped & red chilli, cut

Marinade

2 tsp corn flour

1/2 tsp light soya sauce

1/2 tsp sugar

Dash of pepper

Sauce

2 tbsp tomato sauce

5 tsp sugar

1 tbsp vinegar

Pinch of salt

2 tsp corn flour

4 tbsp water

A few drops of sesame oil

Dash of pepper

Method

1. Marinate chicken for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat wok with enough oil to shallow-fry the marinated chicken until both sides are golden brown.  Drain.
3. Remove excess oil, leaving only 1 tbsp oil in the wok.  Heat the oil for a while.  Stir-fry the sliced onions until they are fragrant and slightly charred.
4. Add pineapple pieces and the sauce.  Mix well.  Add a little syrup from the can of pineapples if more sauce is preferred.
5. Dish up and sprinkle with cashew nuts.