Christmas in the Heart

Christmas Day...almost over...and what a Christmas this has been...

Christmas season for the past few years had been time with the family back in Malaysia, then back to Singapore for Christmas events with the church family. With travel restrictions, Christmas season this year has been over Zoom, a quick half-hour chat with her parents and extended family on Christmas Eve instead of almost two-weeks of togetherness. With safe management measures, there were a couple of Christmas events, again over Zoom, instead of face-to-face meet-ups and even then, with no handshakes or hugs.

Yet, when the Swallow reflects on the changes that the pandemic brought with it, there is a measure of comfort. And hope. And joy. And peace. In the hustle and bustle of Christmas festivities, it was easy to lose sight of the real reason that Christmas celebrates...the birth of the Messiah who came to save a lost mankind. But now, when the hustle is gone and the bustle has slowed, it was a gentle reminder that Christmas is always in her heart...the Lord has come to save her and He is coming again! And that reason for Christmas will never change. Maranatha!

Kid's Craft: Creation Story Spinning Wheel

Something to do with the young ones during school holidays...

The wheels are made with recycled cardboard

Use a push pin to hold the wheels together

Seeds Oat Muffins

Seeds Oat Muffins

Click here for the recipe.

Thought for the Day #4

Better to thank God for putting roses on thorns than grumble that He has put thorns on roses - a matter of perspective.

Proverbs 15:13 (NKJV)

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Advanced Planning Makes an Easy Lunch to Prepare

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

Click here to find out how you can have lunch ready in less than an hour with a little advanced meal planning.

Pan-Fried Corned Beef Patties

Corned Beef Patties

Click here for the recipe.

Mee Jiang Kueh (Sweet Peanut Pancake)

Growing up in Malaysia, the Swallow loved staying with her maternal grandmother during school holidays. Besides enjoying her gentle nature, the Swallow enjoyed the Mee Jiang Kueh which would surely appear at least once for breakfast during her stay.

The Swallow remembers how her grandmother would go out of the house for some time and came back with this delicious pancake. She recalls how it was packed full of crushed roasted peanuts, tasting sweetness yet with a hint of salt in each bite. How the peanuts didn't fall out each time she took a bite. How warm it felt in mouth, freshly cooked. How warm it felt in her heart, because of her grandmother's love for her.

Her grandmother passed away many years ago, bringing with her the knowledge of where she had bought this pancake. Her grandmother had also been suffering from dementia several years before her passing, and with the Swallow having moved to Singapore prior to that, there was not an occasion when she could ask her grandmother.

Unable to find something similar to her recollections, she decided to try her hand at making her own Mee Jiang Kueh a couple of times. She managed to get pretty close this latest round as the peanuts didn't fall out as much as the previous time.

MEE JIANG KUEH (serves 4)

Mee Jiang Kueh

Ingredients

130 g plain flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp instant yeast

2 tbsp sugar

Pinch of salt

150 ml warm water

1 large egg

1 tsp oil

60 g ground roasted peanuts

40 g sugar plus a pinch of salt

Method

1. Place flour in a large bowl. In separate areas of the flour, place the baking soda, yeast, sugar and salt. Give each area a gentle mix so that each ingredient is coated with the flour. When this is done, mix them together well.
2. Add warm water to the mixture and mix well so that there are no lumps in the batter.
3. Add the egg and continue to mix the batter well.
4. Set the batter aside, covered and leave to proof for an hour. Bubbles will form during this time.
5. Soak a clean kitchen paper towel with the oil and smear this over a non-stick 9” frying pan.  Heat the pan over a low heat. When it is heated evenly, pour the batter in. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the ground peanuts and the sugar/salt mixture over the pancake. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Fold the pancake in half with a spatula. Remove from the pan, cut and serve warm.

Notes

Keep an eye on the batter. Timing may have to be adjusted if the heat is inconsistent e.g. windy conditions. It should still be sticky when adding the peanuts at step 6 so that the peanuts do not fall out easily when eating. But if too late, no worries, just add some peanut butter at step 6, then proceed to sprinkle the ground peanuts and continue with the rest of the steps. Taste may change a little. Alternatively, just enjoy it with some peanuts falling out 😊

Daily Acts

A few nights ago, the Swallow's family was discussing about mental health over dinner. The topic came up because on two occasions that very same day, the family had heard quarrels erupt from their neighbours (staying in a heartland flat, that could be from any direction).

One of the young ones raised the possibility of a higher occurrence of mental or emotional breakdowns during this period of isolation and stay-home. The rest of the family was in full agreement. The same young one thought of Philippians 4:8.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.

Good advice? Definitely, because it is from God's Word!

The other young one quipped, "Easy for someone who has no mental health issues".

The Swallow used the example of playing ping-pong (her favourite sport) to 'reject negative thoughts'. Like the sport, if you practice, over time you will get better. Giving it some thought, the other young one then said she preferred the example of throwing a shot-put instead as 'the negative thought would not be given a chance to come back, unless you went to pick it up'!

Regardless of the example used, the Swallow admits submitting to God's advice in Philippians 4:8 was not easy to do. Not in her own strength, thus the struggles she had faced all those years. But!!!

Redefining Your World for Jesus, a Daily Submission

We live in a changing world. Just at the start of 2020, change has been wrought in many lives due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

Some changes came with a heavy price - lives lost...

Some came with a price though not as heavy - jobs lost, opportunities lost...

Some came with heavier responsibilities or challenges - caring for young ones / the elderly while working from home, continuing to work because you are in essential services...

Some changes were seen as rewards or benefits instead - extra bonding time with young ones, no need to commute to work, can sleep-in a little...

And the Swallow sees this time (and every other day) as a time for reflection...

• What is the world to you?
• What are your priorities in life?
• Where will you be when the world or your life ends?...

And the following song puts her answers well...

JESUS IS ALL THE WORLD TO ME (author unknown)

Jesus is all the world to me - my life, my joy, my all.

He is my strength from day to day - without Him, I would fall.

When I am sad, to Him I go, no other one can cheer me so.

When I am sad, He makes me glad - He's my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me, my Friend in trials sore.

I go to Him for blessings, and He gives them over and over.

He sends the sunshine and the rain, He sends the harvest's golden grain.

Sunshine or rain, harvest of grain - He's my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me, and true to Him I'll be.

O, how could I this Friend deny, when He's so true to me?

Following Him, I know I'm right, He watches over me day and night.

Following Him, by day and night - He's my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better Friend.

I trust Him now, I'll trust Him when life's fleeting days shall end.

Beautiful life with such a Friend, beautiful life that has no end,

Eternal life, eternal joy - He's my Friend.

1 John 4:19 (NKJV)
We love Him because He first loved us.

Because He first loved her, she is willing to redefine her world i.e. to see change as allowed by Him and submit to His will, His ways, His time, His results - whether in life or service for Him.

Rejoicing in Jesus, a Daily Testimony

Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV)
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

What Can You Do With Over-Ripe Bananas?

Two versions of Chocolate Banana Shakes
- can you guess which is which?

Click here for the answers to both questions.

Banana Oat Muffins

Banana Oat Muffins

Click here for the recipe.

Steamed Glutinous Rice for Lunch

Glutinous Rice

Click here for the recipe.

Resting in Jesus, a Daily Commitment

Like the water she has committed to drinking daily to ensure good physical health, she wants to be committed to rest in Jesus daily for good spiritual and mental health. Looking to Him to lead and guide her. Waiting for His direction rather than plunging headlong into unwise situations. Spending time reading His word first before checking her messages or reading the news.

Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again

Psalm 23:1-4 (NIV)
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Not be in want.

Soul restored.

Notice how the "He" became "You"? That's the type of relationship that the Swallow hopes to have with her Lord.

Personal.

Intimate.

And that can only come as she spends time with Him. Daily.

John 4:14 (NKJV)
But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

Sambal Cooked with Anchovies (Ikan Bilis) aka Sambal Ikan Bilis

Sambal Ikan Bilis

Click here to read how to make this delicious and spicy dish with little effort after some smart meal planning!

Cranberry Oat Muffins

Cranberry Oat Muffins

Click here to see the basic recipe for these muffins.

Basic Oat Muffins

For several years now, the Swallow has been preparing breakfast muffins for her mate. Working in the healthcare, he required a substantial and healthy breakfast that could last him till the lunch hour which would usually be about six hours later.

Initially, the Swallow made sandwiches but this couldn't fill him long enough and he wasn't really a 'bread' person. Having an oatmeal in the morning was something he could consider and this went on for a while. He didn't complain (yes, the Swallow is grateful he is 'low-maintenance') but she felt there was something more that he could eat for breakfast. Also, he was frequently on the move each day and he felt the weakening effects of a small breakfast many times.

Many experiments later, the Swallow has found that breakfast muffins made with oats filled him best. Adding in dried cranberries and he easily ate two muffins every morning when he was on the go. Making these in a batch of twelve also lessen the Swallow's anxieties for the week as she wasn't much of a 'morning' person.

BASIC OAT MUFFINS (makes 12 muffins)

Dry Ingredients

Muffins baking in the oven

120 g rolled oats
120 g plain flour
50 g brown sugar
50 g fine sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
1/2 tsp fine salt

Wet ingredients
250 g plain yoghurt, at room temperature
2 large eggs, about 60g each, at room temperature
125 ml sunflower oil
1/2 tsp vanilla essence (optional)

Additional ingredients - see variations below

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. 
2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Remove the lumps of brown sugar by pressing them to the side of the bowl with a spoon.
3. Mix the wet ingredients together in a smaller bowl.
4. Add the additional ingredients accordingly (see variations below). If its a dry ingredient, to the dry and if it's a wet ingredient, to the wet. Mix well.
5. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Using a spoon, combine them together quickly but don't over-mix.
6. Spoon the combined mixture into twelve muffin cups.
7. Bake the muffins for at least 20 minutes. They are done when a  toothpick inserted into the centre of the each muffin comes out clean.

Notes

• This is a basic recipe. Variations can be made but adjust the bake time as needed. Some variations may produce moist muffins while others are drier. Some sweeter, some less. Experiment and let your family tell you what they like. 



Cranberry Oat Muffins

• If you are not a fan of oats, replace the oats with plain flour. However, the texture of the muffins will change.

Variations

1. Cranberry Oat Muffins - 200 g dried cranberries



Banana Oat Muffins

2. Banana Oat Muffins - 200 g bananas (mashed)
3. Seeds Oat Muffins - about 160 g mixture of various types of seeds such as pumpkin, melon, sunflower, sesame, etc

   

   Seeds Oat Muffins
   

4. 100g dried cranberries, 25g pumpkin seeds, 25g melon seeds & 25g sunflower seeds
5. 100g dried cranberries & 80g chocolate chips / couverture droplets
6. 100g bananas (mashed) & 80g walnut pieces

Grilled Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken

This recipe can be made at home or grilled at a barbecue. Click here to find out how.

A Cantonese Favourite with a Twist

Sweet Sour Chicken

Click here for the recipe.

A Grandmother's Love

Mee Jiang Kueh

Click here to read the story behind this attempt.

A Korean Meal!

(L-R) Brinjal Salad, Korean Fried Chicken & Kimchi served with cooked short grain rice and sprinkled with shredded toasted seaweed & toasted sesame seeds

Remembering Jesus, a Daily Attitude

Since late March, in view of the COVID-19 precautionary measures implemented by her church leaders to protect its members, the Swallow and her family have not been able to attend the worship service in their church. Initially, they had their own family worship time at home. But as the situation worsen and the Singapore government laid down additional measures to protect its citizens and members, the church leaders decided to have online worship services instead. Thus every Saturday, in preparation for this online service and as far as possible, the Swallow will bake bread.

Breaking of Bread Worship at home

But remembering Jesus is more than just baking bread on Saturday or dressing up for church on Sunday (even when it is for an online service). For the Swallow, she has been reminded time and time again that remembering Jesus is a daily attitude. Always being conscious of His presence have helped her to stay calm even in stormy situations. Remembering she is never forsaken has given her the confidence to walk in His ways even when she is feeling isolated or alone.

So as she baked the bread today, she is glad that she has this privilege to remember Jesus again and she is looking forward to the day when she can go back to meet up with like-minded believers to remember Jesus together!

Thought for the Day #3

"Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it." ~ Author unknown

Home-Made Kimchi

Home-Made Kimchi

Click here to find out how you can make an easy Kimchi from your home!

Stay Home, Stay Safe...and Cook!

With many countries implementing quarantine measures due to COVID-19, Singapore too has put a "circuit-breaker" isolation situation on its citizens and residents.

Many are affected - those who are infected themselves or having someone close to them infected with the coronavirus; those whose jobs are on the line or who are already retrenched; those who find themselves having to juggle the many roles of being a spouse, child, parent, employer/employee, etc, with no respite or a breather because there just wasn't enough time to meet everyone's needs; those who find themselves truly isolated because they lived alone and extended families couldn't even visit each other; or those who are elderly with health concerns. And on and on the list goes.

The Swallow herself was not able to visit her parents and extended families in Malaysia since the circuit-breaker started. Her mate was in the healthcare sector and had to commute daily to work. Her parents were living on their own and had to delay their regular check-ups at the hospital. Her young ones did home-based learning. Yet in all this, there is peace in her heart. She knows it is because of the lessons her gentle Shepherd had taught her not too long ago and most important of all, she knows whom she has believed. Her Lord has always reminded her that He alone is in control. He is the Sovereign One. He is the One who has made the whole world and everything in it. No, she may not always understand the why and the why not but that's what trust truly is...isn't it?

So what does one do to cope with such a situation? Bend with the wind and feel the breeze on the skin. Feel the love that touches your heart when you sit and rest in His presence. Then you arise...and do what needs to be done...with His strength...and cook!

For the Swallow, staying at home means feeding your loved ones. And with the young ones being not so young already, that means bigger appetites. Out came her long-shelved recipes. Her knife was sharpened. Her menus were fine-tuned to meet her family's current palate. And her marketing skills returned with a vengeance.

The situation hasn't improved much these last few weeks, but with the right focus and perspective, the Swallow actually finds this situation to be a blessing in disguise. Let's get cooking!

Renewed Focus & Strength

Two years ago, the Swallow had to adjust to an empty nest. Married earlier than her peers, she couldn't really relate with them as they still had young children to look after. Again and again, despondency hit her. She wallowed in self-doubt and hormonal changes made the adjustment harder.

But her ever loving, personal Lord and Saviour reached out to her. Amidst all, she felt His tender care upon her soul. Touching her life with His very presence and filling her life with renewed focus and joy.

Isaiah 40: 29-31 (NKJV)
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.