Thursday, July 30, 2020

Three Meals In A Day

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS... and I do that when I go to sleep each night.  My thoughts will be on food for the next day, what do I want to eat, what shall I cook and sometimes I end up feeling hungry just by thinking of them and drinking a mug of oats to ease the hunger.  

I went out for breakfast with my friend last Monday, she wanted to send her car for repair and I have to pick her up from the mechanic.  It was quite far from my place and we took our breakfast in a new place called One Bowl Each or something like that.  I must ask my friend for the correct name.... and we ordered these... 
I took the vegetable soup with the fried pork patties....
I like these patties.. very crispy and nice... RM6 per bowl....
Full till dinner!
Lunch for the next day.... 
I braised some ribs with carrots and I opened a small can of abalones... 
Eaten with one plate of greens cooked with the mushrooms...
And a plate of grains mixed with basmati rice....
These two dishes were enough for my lunch and dinner....
Food done for the day!

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Reanaclaire's Homecooked Curry Chicken

CURRY MODE... I went to the market this morning, my fridge was practically empty, it had to be refilled with meat and greens.  In a matter of 15 minutes, my marketing was done.  My residential market is very small and rectangular shaped, from one end to the other, it takes only one or two minutes to walk.  Though the stuff sold are slightly higher than those bigger markets, I prefer to come here, so clean and convenient plus easy parking.  

Bought 4 chicken thighs, one kampung chicken, some vegetables and bananas and that was it.  So what did I plan to cook today?  Curry chicken!  I went to my left and right neighbour to pluck some curry leaves and kaffir leaves to enhance the curry.  This time I cook the curry with fresh milk instead of santan, the market has no fresh santan and I am lazy to drive all the way to the main market to get some.  Moreover, there is still one cup of fresh milk left from the carton..... 
4 thighs and 4 potatoes in my shogun wok...
Oh by the way, I bought this Shogun wok from La Gourment...
No regrets...in fact, it is so nice to use that I thought of getting one more...... 
Easy to cook, easier to wash.... no scrubbing needed... 
Oh back to my curry.... 
Half an hour later.... everything is cooked... 
Gave some to my neighbour.... 
She blessed me with a piece of fish.... 
And my lunch is ready.... 
My grainy basmati rice with two dishes for lunch!

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Signs A Sand Filter Isn’t Working In A Swimming Pool Filtration System



Everyone enjoys using the pool when the weather is exceptionally warm. Some even like to indulge in the cool months if the water temperature is just right, whether it be strictly for recreational purposes or therapeutic. A pool requires substantial maintenance and adequate upkeep to keep it functioning correctly, particularly ensuring that the water remains free of debris, dirt, and particles. 
A critical component of a swimming pool is the filtration system, visit https://bluewaterspoolservices.com/pool-filter/  to view examples. One such method is the sand filter, which helps capture fallen leaves, grass, insects, and other particles. In order to keep the pool at peak cleanliness and within safety limits, it’s crucial to know whether the system is functioning optimally or if it needs cleaning or replacement. 

Signs Indicating A Sand Filter Is Not Functioning Properly 

When a sand filter is not functioning, you may begin to notice that the water is not as clean as it usually is. It would be wise to avoid using the pool until you or a professional service can determine the problem. Signs can lead up to the point where the filter stops functioning altogether that you need to be aware of. Some of those include:

·         Begins Operating Slowly: If you notice the water starting to look unclear or becoming cloudy, the filter may be functioning at a slower pace than average. Upon appearance, it may look exceptional, and it may seem to be running as it’s supposed to, but the indication is that it isn’t filtering the debris like it usually would.

In this case, the recommendation is to do a water chemistry test to ensure the balance is right and check using the backwash valve to ensure function and standard flow rate there. If everything is as it should be, the next suggestion is to change out the pool filter sand.

·         Valves Leaking: The multiport valves may be leaking, which does not directly correlate to the system, but it does relate because they are attached to it either on the sides or at the top. Inside the tank, you’ll find the spider gasket responsible for maintaining a consistent flow through to the appropriate ports.

The gasket can develop issues due to wear and tear, age, or if it gets twisted or loose. This forces the water to go out through the wrong ports creating the valve problem and malfunctioning the filter.

·         Needs Cleaning Or Replacing: If you see that backwashing cycles are getting shorter, there is probably an accumulation of dirt or grease in the system. It will give the appearance of ‘sandy lard’ disallowing flow. Instead, the water has to find another path creating a ‘channel’ along the side rather than through the filter returning into the pool. 

It is possible to buy a cleaner for which there will be a temporary solution to the issue. The suggestion in order to have a permanent resolution is to replace the pool filter sand.

·         Problem With Pressure: You want to consistently be aware the pressure is maintained where it should be. Filters that are not large enough for the pump can cause a build-up of pressure to develop in the tank because the pump is trying to push more water than the tank is able to handle.

Pressure can also elevate from dirty filters in need of rinsing. But high pressure is not only a problem. Low pressure is also not good. You should check to make sure there is no debris stopping water from going in.
 Knowing what signs to watch out for will help you to troubleshoot and possibly fix simple issues. You might need to call in a professional who can take care of potentially damaging problems before they get out of hand, particularly if you’re unsure what the problem is. Read for advice on cleaning filters.
A pool is a significant investment. It’s critical to engage in a stringent maintenance and proper upkeep regimen either on your own or with an expert’s help. Doing so can help extend its lifespan and keep you safe and healthy in the water.

Monday, July 27, 2020

Dinner For Six At Soo Har Yee Restaurant, Bercham Ipoh

SOO HAR YEE is the name of this restaurant, it reminded me of Stephen Chow's movie in which he portrayed a Beggar with this name too.  That is how I remember the name of this restaurant, famous for their soft bread.  We have three choices of fillings, curry chicken, prawns or crabs and we opted for spicy sweet prawns for our dinner last Friday.  

With the Covid19 still lingering, this restaurant was affected as well.  Those days this place was filled to the brim and on that day, we were the first customers even though it was already 6.30pm.  Business does look bleak nowadays.... 

There were 6 of us and we ordered the following dishes to fill our tummies..... 
Their signature bread... soft and nice.... 
The prawns are fresh and the sauce was out of the world... 
Simply the Best!
This is called "Chew Yim Pai Kwat" meaning salty meatbones
But it came out sweet and there was no bones... 
Perhaps we got the name wrong or we expected something else which is salty... 
It tasted like BBQ pork instead... 
A bit too sweet for my liking...
This dish fetch some compliments cos the meat was crispy and well marinated...... 

Two plates of noodles...
Nothing to shout about.... 
We can forgo that the next time... 
With three bowls of rice, the bill for this dinner came to RM178... 
If we come again the next time, we will go for the crabs and steamed clams...

Sunday, July 26, 2020

A Seven Hours Itinerary In Ipoh

ON A WEEKEND... and that was Saturday, just yesterday, two of my friends came from the north.  It was just a day trip.  They arrived at 11.30am, parked their car in my house and I became their tour guide for the day.  LOL... Before that, I did some research on what to eat, they wanted local food and I try to squeeze as much as I could in a matter of few hours.

Firstly, I took them to town to try the famous chicken rice, Pak Kong is the name of the shop.  We ordered a two persons portion for the four of us.  Need to save some space in our tummy for other food.  No photos taken, we ordered a mixed combination of roasted chicken, steamed chicken and roasted pork, plus two side dishes of Achah and salted vegetables (kiam chye).

After we finished our lunch, we walked around the vicinity to get some food stuff such assalted chicken and Ipoh famous cookies.  Next, I took them to old town where the tourists go... Concubine Lanes... got some egg tarts and iced white coffee from Nam Heong to drink in the car.  Then we proceeded to get more goodies, this time from JJ rolls and cakes.  Tourists do not leave Ipoh without these.  

Since Ipoh is famous for white coffee, I took them to Chiang Jiang for a short rest and some cooling air.  We ordered some snacks to go with the white coffee.  The day trip did not end yet, I continued driving to the famous The Big Tree to let them try the fried stuff, Ipoh famous fish paste to go with laksa and curry soup.  By the time we finished, it was almost 4.30pm... time to go home for a short rest before dinner.

Rested an hour in my house before we stuffed ourselves again, for dinner I took them to the famous restaurant in Ipoh, Public Mun Choong.  Finished our dinner around 7pm and it was time for them to go back to Penang.  Come to think of it, much can be achieved in a matter of 7 hours!
Tea time snack at Chiang Jiang... 
3 dishes at Mun Choong Restaurant....
Mixed Vegetables....
Their signature dish... Fried Cod Fish...
For 3 dishes, the bill came to RM155...
All in a day's trip... 
Time to rest my tummy from today onwards... 
Reanaclaire's kitchen is confirmed open... 


Friday, July 24, 2020

Pizza Fresh From The Oven

PIZZA NIGHT... we had our homemade pizza fresh from the oven.  No really homemade, I have to confess.  I bought the pizza pastry from Jaya Jusco, a box with two pieces inside plus a packet of tomato sauce.  But I did not use the paste provided, I used my own bottle of Prego sauce.  The size portion of the pastry is in-between Small and Regular so we need two pieces to feed four grown ups.

As for the fillings, I diced one yellow and red pepper, two big onions, a packet of chicken ham, three cilipadi for some ompph... and a can of pineapple as a side dish.  So simple actually, just spread Prego sauce on the pastry and dumped everything on top, last to go is the mozzarella cheese.  Baked them for 20 minutes and they were good to go!
Our pizza, full to the brim! 
Greedy us!
One spicy and one is not.... 
Into the oven they went.... 
I rotated them after 15 minutes or so...
Next time I should put one by one... 
So that the top and bottom is evenly cooked....
After 20 minutes.... 
See what I mean?  Not so evenly cooked on top.... 
Still got room for improvement... 
Less ingredients next time...
Our quarters for one pizza.... 
Layers and layers of fillings!
Crispy at the side.... 
Best eaten with the sweetened pineapples!


Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Porridge At Kar Heng, Ipoh

MISSING IN ACTION AGAIN....  My blog has been neglected for more than a week?  Yes, almost a week... what have I been busy with?  It is only my laziness, I have lots of work to do at home actually.  As my kids are working from home, so does their mom.  Busier than ever for more than two weeks now.  Enjoying every moment with them though there is more work to do.... how often do we have this time of being together, my son used to joke about it....

These few days, news of the covid is not good, rumours have it saying that the second wave is back, we might have to face another lockdown again?  For the past couple of weeks, life seemed to be back to normal, at times, I forgot to bring out my mask... and now I must not take things for granted...
Started going out for the past one week...
We came to this shop called Kar Heng for porridge...
I ordered a bowl of porridge with crispy fried fish... 
Very nicely done... only for RM7
My friend opted for mixed intestines... RM4.50 or RM5
I prefer this choice anytime... 

For dinner we had these homecooked dishes.... 
Sambal petai (stinky beans) with minced meat.... 
Steamed eggs with silky beancurd.... 
My friend boiled salted vegetables with duck bones....
Very appetizing indeed!!
These are my meals for yesterday.... 
Today is another story... 
Stay safe, everyone!!

Thursday, July 16, 2020

King Of The Fruits Online Delivery In Singapore

DURIAN LOVERS IN SINGAPORE, you are in for a treat!

Durian, the king of fruits, it is either loved by many or "detested" by some.  For us durian lovers, the fragrance is breathtaking and the cravings for this fruit can be pretty strong when we think of the creamy durian flesh in our mouth.  LOL.... During the recovery of this Covid19 Pandemic in Malaysia, the durian season was on and that did not deter me from ordering some durians via online.  Two boxes of Musang King were delivered to my house and the cravings was duly satisfied.  Now we have to drive all the way out to get them, no more doorstep delivery in my area and no more good durians guaranteed when we buy them from the vendors.

Unlike this website from 8durian.com in Singapore, you can now order the freshest durians online and have them delivered right to your doorstep.  Well, you might ask, what is so great about this 8durian?  From what I read from their website, these durians are freshly plucked from the plantation in Pahang, graded with care and arriving in Singapore before noon.  8Durian adopts good and stringent durian farming with state or art technologies and premium tools to ensure that the durians are the best of the best!  They are then de-husked and hygienically sealed to ensure freshness before they are delivered to the customers on the same day.  All these are critically acclaimed by renowned food critics and popularly loved by thousands of Singaporeans.

So how do you order?  Very easy, just a few simple steps as mentioned below:
1.  Log in to https://8durian.com
2.  Choose your favourite type of durian and add to cart
3.  Fill in your details and select your preferred time slot for delivery
3.  Place order and fill in your payment details
4.  The durians will be delivered within an hour.
5.  Free delivery for orders above $100.

Sounds good, right?  No hustle since everything is done online, no sweat and bargaining needed, you just have to sit back and relax.... Enjoy the King of the Fruits from 8Durian!

Hurry now... the durian season is going to be over soon!
Yummy!!

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

A Disappointment At Kuala Sepetang

OUT OF IPOH but into Taiping.  We stopped at Kuala Sepetang for lunch.  My kids had not been there before though I have been many times.  It was a weekend and to our surprise, the small fishing village was booming with people, tourists like us, I guess.  Wrong timing but no choice, they have to work from home during weekdays, only time off is weekend. 

Food was definitely not tasty at all during such peak hours.  We managed to get a place and ordered a few dishes.  But it was quite disappointing, the taste was not there and we even got shortchanged for the number of crabs.  We ordered 3 but when the dish was served, I counted and recounted, there were only 2 crabs cooked for us.  I sounded it to three servers and only the third one had a feedback for us.  He checked the bill, it was written three and was charged RM59.... and he told us to mention it at the cashier when we finished our food.
While waiting for the food, we looked at the murky waters...
And fishing boats....
The bustling crowd... got SOP in front... just scan and go... 
The mini size crabs... how not to go unnoticed...
Easily can see that there are not 3 here... 
The pomfret is fresh though... Rm36 for this...
Small shrimps deep fried but no tasty at all...
And some greens... nothing to shout about... 
Four dishes plus rice came to RM112...
The missing one crab were deducted RM20....
I guess we won't be going there again for a long long time...



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