Kueh Bulu

Kueh Bulu has been one of my steady favorites since childhood. I love them crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy in the center. It's like an Asian-version of madeleines. Recently, my MIL was searching for a metal kueh bulu tray. She wanted to bring the tray to France to make some for my nephews. I did some research on the different types of kueh bulu trays and discovered that that there are different types in the market.

1. Copper Tray
The most traditional ones are made from copper. These trays are usually placed on a charcoal stove and the kueh bulus are painstalking made one by one. The cakes made from copper trays taste the best as the outside would be crisp and the inside will be moist and fluffy.

2. Electric Tray
These ones work like waffle makers. They give a nice dry texture on the cakes and each one is baked with the same consistency.

3. Aluminum Trays
These are like regular muffin trays with various shapes and sizes. The trays are usually placed in the oven and the cakes will turn out like regular baked cakes.

4. Modified Aluminum trays

I bought this for my MIL. According to the sales person at Phoon Huat, these modified ones can  be used over a stove or in an oven. Hopefully my MIL will be successful in her attempts to make kueh bulu for my nephews.

Ohana

I've been married for slightly more than 8 months now. Prior to my marriage, I was afraid of the relationship with my future mother-in-law (MIL) because my mom had a tumultuous relationship with her MIL. I grew up watching the tension between them both and it made me think that it is almost impossible to get along with a MIL. It didn't help that some friends and relatives shared their bad experience with their MIL and how badly it affected their relationship with their spouses. It bothered me so much that I felt miserable just thinking about it.

However, in these 8 months spent with my husband's family, I learnt that my MIL is a wonderful woman who always put her family first. She would take care of my needs and ensure that everyone in the family gets well taken care. In Lilo and Stitch, I learnt that Ohana means family, but I think my MIL taught me the real meaning of what a family is. Today, she will catch a flight to France to spend a couple of months with my nephews and their family. I think I'll miss her very much.

SPCA

Recently Tim and I went to SPCA to find out more about adoption procedures. It was my first time visiting SPCA. We noted that the premise was rather old and is in need of a new furnishing. Thankfully, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) went to SPCA to volunteer last weekend. They paintedthe premises and walked the dogs. In my opinion, I think it is wonderful to see civil servants doing their part to help local charities and shelters.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs volunteered at SPCA

Sleeping Kitty who refuses to wake up

A mischievous cat disturbing another one in a separate cage

A dog up for adoption

A golden retriever up for adoption

Cages where the dogs are kept