New Chefs In Our Home

Assalamualaikum everyone.

Masha-Allah, happy to be able to find time and write here again.

Today was one of those days that inspire you to write a post - just so I can search and find recipes when it is too much of a bother to look up my recipe book.

And along with this, if you are reading this, and have tried this dish, do make a dua for me, and my family, In-Shaa-Allah.

Prawn briyani...as good as a one-pot dish, almost...

We had prawns today, and I felt like making a one-pot dish, instead of the usual sambal variations.

And I am specifically putting this up for two reasons.

- This turned out to be VERY child-friendly (was palatable for both my boys, ZY and ZD, with very different taste buds.)

- This was a method using both the stove-top and rice cooker. And the nice part from this was that the rice didnt get burnt at the bottom (like it would have at other times when I've used the rice cooker).

With very little modifications, the dish was made with the steps from this link here. 

I must say, though, it was a little dry, and not very masala-ish. So, if you are looking for a gravy-based type of briyani, this will not be it.

And today, ZY and ZD had their first experience of preparing for a meal too.

It was a spur of moment, activity filler for both boys. After cutting and smashing tomatoes, the little one cleaned up, while his brother was keen to cut up more vegetables. He managed to slice onions (tearing up!) and potatoes into fine pieces.

So, I offered if he wanted to have a go at cooking it - and he took it up.

So, he cut, peeled and sauted for two minutes in the oil to present this.

Potatoes lightly sauted in oil...

Alhamdhulilah. Here's to a great start for a lifetime of heartfelt culinary moments and experiences, my children!

Ameen. :)

42 Days To Ramadan

Assalamua’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakathu.

Grateful for life and all that Allah has written for us this far. Alhamdhulilah, and certainly very glad to be back on this writing space.

A couple of new changes in our lives have filled our homefront last year - and literally a new house to call home along the way too.

Everyone of us in the family have settled in quite fairly quickly; ZY and ZD are now both in preschool; with ZY in his year of graduation. Parenting has kept AZ and me on our feet, and my parents are finding new joy in caring for the boys everyday.

Children are really good teachers, in their own ways, Masha-Allah, With AZ being away for most of last year for work  trips (which partly explains my absence from writing here), the kids and I have learnt a lot about ourselves and one another, and I dare say, ZY grew into a matured child during those moments.

Honestly, with these things and more in mind, and I really felt 2022 was a year of reflections - in so many forms. Finding myself coping with family, work and all the trials that came with selling and buying a property, awakened realisations about relationships with friends and family, grappling with managing financial commitments.

A new job back in the organisation that nurtured my earlier career years; similarly for AZ, a whole new experience in a new sector.

In a nutshell, the time span over these two years have had me with one consistent dua - for peace.

Praying for the same for everyone reading this post. Ameen.

With that, I have found strength to prepare myself for Ramadan... counting down to the blessings of the blessed month. 

And keeping all our brothers and sisters in duas at this very moment. 

Counting Our Blessings, Always...

Assalamua'alaikum warahmathullahi wabarakatuh!

Masha-Allah, almost two years since I made time to pen on this space. :)

I sincerely hope that all of you reading this now, and your loved ones are in the pink of health.

These two years must have changed so many of our lives, with the global happenings around us.

For us, too.....

 And I thank Allah (S.W.T) for guiding us through this phase.

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And now, gladly introducing our second son, ZD, who has made up the most beautiful part of these years.

Our littler sweetheart, ZD. This year's post-Eid photos
at our favourite park, the Botanic Gardens.

This image pretty much sums ZD's little personality - always out to explore the world.

We have also seen ZY's transformation to a charming big brother. And are learning together with him every new day.

Hence, needless to say, both ZY and ZD are keeping us on our toes.

One of those quiet moments that lasted for a few seconds
for this shot.

  Parenting has taken a different form with two young boys 

  to care for and being entrusted with to nurture.

 

   While we could take things in at a much gradual phase with 

   ZY's birth in our lives, ZD's arrival had us thinking on our feet,

   on everything.

  Thankful for our parents' help and support on this journey. Their     presence so close to us definitely makes a difference. 

   And from there, other changes have also settled in for us.

   Pack these in with a few job movements over these brief time 

   span, that has made me reflect so much on career planning

   in the long run.

   In all, Alhamdhulilah for all the new relationships, friendships,       experiences, and life lessons.

It may look look like we like yellow too much. Actually,
 just that this was a coincidence.

At this point in time, we are looking forward to more changes in the coming months at the home front.

The months leading up to these changes have been peppered with tests, and along the way, HIS mercy has also been paramount.

Time and again, these have been reminders to refresh and renew my imaan and to hold tightly to the faith in HIM. Yet, these have been struggles. I really hope to do better, and to draw closer to HIM, In-Shaa-Allah. 

Please make duas for us, and we also send our prayers that HE helps to ease all our worries and keeps us comforted. 

Always.

Ameen.