My Favourite Cakes

 We Malaysians love our food. Being a multicultural nation, our food consists of a rich variety of original and fusion of the traditional dishes of all the races. We have a variety of comfort food of which roti canai and nasi lemak are the most popular.

Ever since I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, my daily diet totally changed. One of the ingredients totally taken out of my food intake is added sugar. So most of all the cakes I love to eat are off limits. However I would love to share my most favourite cakes of all time.

Kueh Bingka

There are two popular types of kueh bingka: pandan and tapioca. I prefer the one made from tapioca. It consists of grated tapioca, coconut milk, sugar and a pinch of salt. Bake. The best part is the caramelized crust.

The other popular type is kueh bingka pandan. It consists of wheat flour, pandan water, coconut milk, butter, eggs and sugar. Sprinkle with sesame seeds on top. We can taste as well as smell the sweet aroma of the pandan. The sesame seeds gives us the slightly crunch texture.

Roti Canai

The word roti is recognised internationally. Canai supposedly comes from the word Chennai, India. When I was young, there is only the humble plain roti canai. Today, if we want the basic roti canai, we have to say 'roti kosong' which means plain roti. There is a rich variety of types of roti canai depending on how we want it made and what fillings we fancy -- Eggs, onions, banana, cheese and sardines. There's the paper thin roti called roti tissue. If want a compacted version, we ask for roti bom.

Kueh Tepung Pelita

Kueh Pelita is a sweet cake cooked inside a small rectangle cup made of pandan leaves. A simple recipe of sugar, rice flour and water. It's sweet but what makes it delicious is the taste of the pandan leaves infused into the cake. We normally use a small spoon to scoop the soft watery delicious contents.

Kueh Lapis

The word lapis means layers. Kueh lapis is a layered cake with the usual colors of white and red. It's made from rice flour, tapioca flour, coconut milk, sugar and water. And, of course, pandan leaves. Easy to make but time consuming. We have to steam each individual layer. When I eat my kueh lapis, I would peel and eat each layer one by one until It's all gone.

Kueh Cucur Badak

This kueh has a delicious spicy grated coconut filling. Usually there's one shrimp placed on top of the kueh. It's taste is mixture of sweet and spicy. The sweetness comes from sweet potatoes and the grated coconut filling is mixed with chilli.

Kueh Sarang Semut

The literal translation is ants nest cake. Made from lots of

sugar, terigu flour, eggs, maizena, baking soda and a few other things. The sweetness comes from the caramel potion of the cake. The distinctive feature of this cake is its dark caramelized colour and it's bee hive like cavities inside.

Karipap

The word karipap, if I am not mistaken, is derived from the words curry puff. Well, there is curry inside the fillings but there is no puff pastry in karipap. We can put almost anything we want as fillings but the most common is potatoes. Because it's cheap. Minced meat would taste much better but most sellers are not willing to because it will drive price up and customers are not willing to pay. My favourite is karipap sardin. Recently, oversized karipap has become popular.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak literally translated is fatty rice. It's actually rice cooked with coconut milk. The traditional nasi lemak is served with fried peanuts, sambal, boiled eggs, sliced cucumber, fried anchovies, kangkong (water spinach) rapped with banana leaf.  Today street vendors offer a variety of other stuff we can eat with our nasi lemak-fried chicken, assortment of vegetables, and calamari sambal. Tolong reduce cost, most sellers today cut down on the coconut milk making the nasi lemak not so lemak. Although nasi lemak is definitely not a cake, it is too important not to include it here

Pulut Panggang

One of my absolute favourite. It's grilled glutinous rice with spicy coconut filling appreciate rapped in banana leaves. The two ends of the banana leaves are secured by bamboo twigs or (if lazy) stapled. Usually one side is a bit burned because of lack of attention. The smokey smell and taste of the grilled banana leaves infused into the cake makes it delicious. The spiciness of the coconut filling mixed with the sweet taste of glutinous rice is heavenly.

Kuih Keria

This is Malaysia's version of doughnut. It's made from flour and sweet potatoes and glazed with sugar. The distinctive difference is the sweet potatoes. The dough is made from meshed sweet potato mixed with rice and wheat flour. The dough is fried like a typical doughnut. Once out of the frying pan, it is glazed with cooked sugar.

Kuih Koci

One of my all time favorite is kueh koci. It is made from glutinous rice flour as its dough. Its filling is made from grated coconut mixed with palm sugar (gula Melaka) and corn starch. When cooking this filling, throw in a pandan leaf to give that added aroma. Once this filling is put inside the dough, it is rapped with banana leaf and then cooked inside a steamer.

I have seen are many varieties of kuih koci but all of them are super delicious. There are as many varieties that are rapped in banana leaves as there are not. I have seen one version that is made to look like a turtle's back. My absolute favorite is the one that is made to 'swim' inside a coconut mixture. I guess the softness of this cake, an the overindulgence of coconut inside and outside, and the sweet taste of the pandan and banana leaves infused into the cake that makes it one of my all time favorite.

Mini Buses

In the 1970s the fastest way to get around Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya was the mini bus. The drivers drove these buses like men possessed; weaving through the traffic, back then these manoeuvres were referred to as 'kona baring'.

Taking the mini bus home from school, I would wait at 'Bas Stand Kelang'. Being true Malaysians, we stampeded ourselves into the bus instead of forming a line like civilised people. Usually I would let everyone push each other until the bus was jam-packed. As the bus start to move, I would put one foot on the steps of the bus while hanging on to the handrail. My entire body would dangle outside. It felt like riding on a horse in a rodeo. Only half of my foot would be inside the bus. I would be hanging on to dear life about one-third of the way to Petaling Jaya.

I remember a time when my elder brother and I would wait for the mini bus to go to school at the bus stop along Jalan Semangat (now renamed Jalan Professor Khoo Kay Kim). Everyday we had to endure listening to a bunch of Chinese songs played on the cassette player. One day my brother and I decided to bring our own cassettes, and got permission from the bus driver to play our songs.

A few of the mini buses had really low rooftops. If you cannot find a seat, we had to stand in a bowing position. With all the inconveniences that came along with the mini buses, it was still very popular because it was fast and at that time the ticket price was 40 sen no matter where your destination. This was before they were all painted pink and fondly referred to as the 'pink lady'. 

Growing Up in Petaling Jaya

 Introduction

Have you ever wondered the first recollection of experiences when you were young? My first memories of my childhood was when I was 3 years old. Back then, I remembered there was me and my elder brother. I could remember the time when my younger brother was not yet born. Black and white TV was introduced in Malaysia in 1963. I remember waiting patiently late afternoons when the broadcast would start. Minutes before that I would stare at the patterns and listen to the ‘toot’ sound on the TV. If I were blown away by coloured TV, imagine how amazed I was when colored TV was introduced for the first time.

Back in the early 1960s, we did not have computers, hand phones, tablets and Internet. For fun, I climbed trees, catch spiders, and played a game that was made from twigs called kunda kundi. We make our own cherry guns and kites. My friends and I would play Police and Thief, Hide and Seek and Galah Panjang. Playing kites and marbles were seasonal. I bet the children today will not be able to imagine how my generation could have the time of our lives without electronic gadgets. I remember playing a game with my elder brother where each of us chose a car brand like Toyota and Mazda, and we'd sit by the side of the road and count how many Toyota and Mazda cars passed by our house. The person who chose the car brand that had the most cars pass by would be declared the winner.

My family and I lived in the teachers quarters located at Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya. It was a walking distance from the railway station where my late father would wait for the train to take him to work in Kuala Lumpur. The house was close to the shops, school and the wet market. This part of Petaling Jaya was known as PJ Old Town. Soon after my younger brother was born, my family moved to a house my mother bought in Section 14, Petaling Jaya. When we moved there, the place was a barren land with rubber trees. Today, it is one of the most developed part of Petaling Jaya

National Type Primary School (English)

I spent 6 years of my primary education at a school nearby my house. Back then, schools are 'national type' schools categorized by medium of instruction. The school that I went to had a generic name; National Type Primary School (English) Road 10, Petaling Jaya. The name of the school tells us that its medium of instruction is English and it is located at Road 10, Petaling Jaya. I went to this school because my mother was a teacher of that school. Convenient.

Every day, my mother gave me 20 sen school pocket money. Usually I would spend my money buying fried noodles (10 sen) and a cordial drink (5 sen). That leaves me 5 sen for my piggy bank. Today, if we see 20 sen lying around on the ground, most people will not stop to pick it up. Back then 20 sen has value.

Bukit Bintang Boys Secondary School

My first 3 years of secondary education was at a school named Bukit Bintang Boy Secondary School (BBBSS). Back in the early 70s, many schools were either a boys school or a girls school. BBBSS is a missionary school which meant they only got partial funding to operate. I remember how the school continuously initiated activities to raise funds. Back then, classes were named after colors. I was in the Yellow class from Form 1 to Form 3.

The school was a 15 minutes walking distance from my house. I remember taking the longest route possible because I hated going to school. My route usually involved going through Jaya Supermarket and alleyway between houses and fields. The only motivation to go to school early was that I get to play Police and Thief or chopping with my friends.

Our school field had little grass. Playing football on the school field was like playing on some desert. At least the ground was flat. I was quite good at this sport. I represented the school and got to play against the rival schools. Back then, football boots were expensive. Many of us wore ankle guard instead of actual football boots.

This was the time when parting our hair in the middle, wearing jeans and bell bottoms were cool. The most popular but very expensive jeans back then was Amco. Heads turn if you wear Amco jeans. Back then Chopper bikes were the in thing. The Rolls Royce of bicycles was the Raleigh. My friends and I would make sure our bikes were sparkling clean and fit them with all kinds of accessories.

Victoria Institution

After Form 3 and having taken the LCE, I transferred to Victoria Institution. This school has a long history, rich in school traditions. It was established in 1984. The British Resident, W. H. Treacher was successful in convincing the governor of the Straits Settlement to build the school. During the first year, the school took in 115 students. Tuition fees were $1 per month.

I joined VI in 1974. It was hard trying to make friends in a new school. My skills in playing football helped me make many friends. Living in a hostel also helps. For the first few months schooling in Victoria Institution I lived in Asrama Dr. Latiff, Jalan Gurney. Living away from the comfort of my Petaling Jaya neighborhood was unsettling. Slowly but surely I adjusted. I spent 4 years here from Form 4 to Upper 6. It was here that I my wife, Noraini.

Live Long and Prosper

 Introduction

When I reached 60, I had mixed feelings. I am happy to be alive but at the same time I know there is not much sand left in my hourglass. No matter how much I have accomplished, I would be lying if I said I don't have regrets; lots of 'been there, done that' experiences but there are so many more items in my bucket list if only I were younger and had more time to squeeze into my already full life. It is natural many of us want to live forever if we could.  I admit there is no benefit worrying about the inevitable; this we cannot control. What we can control is how we can make the best of what time is left.

Move It

No matter our age, sitting still is bad for our health. When I was younger, I was a marathon runner and represented my high school in football. Then, I grew older. I embrace the sedentary lifestyle with gusto-studying for hours preparing for exams, writing programming codes and preparing for my lectures. When obesity creeps in, shedding excess fat seems to be near impossible. As we grow older, not moving much and being overweight will not help in achieving good health and aging gracefully.

We need to put in place a exercise regime in our weekly routine. Walk, cycle, swim or workout at the local gym. Start gradually and slowly increase our effort. Breaking a sweat and intentionally raising our heart beat through rigorous exercise help to get rid of harmful toxic in our bodies. 

Very obvious many of us can't get around to lift our butt of the couch and exercise. There's always a voice inside our head telling us to keep sitting on that comfortable couch and watch Netflix all day. Believe me, if we just lift our body, put on those running shoes and start walking, we will never regret it. Nike's motto 'Just Do It' should be our motto. There is never a good time to start doing something 'unpleasant'. Now is just as good as any.So, let's get off our butt this morning or evening and walk, run, cycle or swim.

More Greens Less Soda

As we age, eating healthy foods is essential for quality of life. Eat less but if we want to eat more, eat more leafy greens, nuts and berries; hold back on meat, soda drinks, process foods. Obesity is rampant among most society around the world. We overeat, and we are not active enough; and many of us are not sleeping enough and not at the right time.

Soda and energy drinks are full of added sugar. Stop smoking if we can. Drink lots of water. Add lemon to our water. Avoid or reduce sugar intake. Added sugar is extremely unhealthy for our bodies; it contains sucrose and empty calories. Consuming too much added sugar has dire health consequences we do not need at any age.

Sleep

Sleep serves a multi function. Our bodies need rest. During sleep, our body repairs itself and our brains sorts out our memory. This is why we feel fresh physically and mentally after a good night sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential; around 7 hours a night. Sleeping consistently at the same ant at the right time is just as important. The ideal time to sleep is 9-10 pm. Nowadays, the younger generation sleep late, and don't get enough quality sleep. As we grow older, sleeping habits is instrumental to our health.

When we sleep, it is best to sleep in the dark. For the longest of years, I have slept with the lights on; until I read many articles that highlights the benefits of sleeping in the dark. Sleeping in the dark tells our body it's time to sleep; helps our body to relax. Melatonin is a very important hormone in our body. Sleeping in the dark makes our body regulates the production of melatonin. I feel uncomfortable sleeping without the lights on but since I switched off the lights when sleeping, I find that I wake up more relaxed.

Try Something New

It's never too late to learn something new. Learn a new language, travel and visit places we have never been before. Take up a new hobby. For many years I have been trying to learn French and Arabic. Now that I am retired, I can make a more serious effort. Learning and experiencing something new help improve our brain plasticity; help our brain to grow. I have a few more holiday destinations I have not checked off my bucket list. Maybe once it is safer to travel my next dream destination is Istanbul.

Prologue

Introduction

We can divide our life into different periods; like chapters to a novel. This year, I have probably reached my final chapter; retirement.  As a young adult, I have always aspired to be a happy contented retiree even before I landed my first job. I believe being a retiree is the ultimate prize for a life well spent. Most people regard employment as a way to define who they are; their station in life and a legacy depicting a 'life well spent'. I, on the other hand, regard employment simply as a way to earn a living so that one day I would be free from all financial debt before retiring. I have never been an ambitious person; easily contented to be average and mediocre. It is this very disposition that allows me to appreciate and enjoy not having to work everyday.

Having lived 60 years, I have experienced many things--life changing, mundane, routine and quite a few I would rather forget. If I were asked to spell out, on top of my head, what I have gone through in my life, I bet 95% of them I will find it hard to recall. This is where writing a blog in the form of a biography comes handy. Writing down lived experiences forces me to remember, relive events and incidents that in one way or other influence my perspective of life 'as I see it'.

Joy for Writing

I have always loved writing. Using words to express our thoughts and emotions give clarity and understanding to our experience with. I have always wanted to write about my life experiences but I was always preoccupied with my struggles raising my family with my wife. I started my working life in 1985 when the economy was not doing well. I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to be. I was just grateful I had a job. This was still my mentality right down to my last day before I retired.

When I was lecturing, I always love telling stories to my students in class. Sharing life experiences is very satisfying. Most of my stories are anecdotal and narrate the lighter side of life. These are the tales I want to compile and post them as blogs. Maybe one day, this compilation can be published in the form of a printed book. I am not aiming to write a 'best seller'; just a sort of diary to help me remember all the things I have gone through--just in case I forget.

It is Now or Never

On 17 March 2020, I finally become a retiree. Finally, I am free from the shackles of a domineering organization. With time on my hands, I have decided to start this blog. I read somewhere that to avoid brain degeneration due to old age, do novel things; learn and try new things. Maybe blogging might help me to exercise my aging brain. My desire to document my life experiences feels more urgent as I celebrate my 60th birthday this year. After being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer 4 years ago, what I do everyday took on new meaning. So this attempt to write about my life and what I have learnt is a 'Now or Never' moment. Wish me luck. I am honored if you make time to read a little about me. Thank you.