Teochew braised pork in HappyCall Pan

I must confess...

The HappyCall pan went into storage for a while. I stopped using it because...I lost interest. After the novelty wore off, I must admit that a wok is still more convenient, and is about all I need! I couldn't get over the fact that HappyCall's double pan feature means that you are washing TWO pans every time you cook. Yes, they are TWO pans, even if they are stuck together. 

But there is one thing which HappyCall does exceptionally well - slow braising. I suppose it works like a tight-fitting dutch oven. When shut, all the steam is trapped within the pan, and the food turns out tender and full of flavor. So one day when I decided to cook a tau-yu bak, aka soy-braised pork, HappyCall was called into duty again :P 

The seasonings are very simple: dark soy sauce+freshly cracked peppercorns

I caramelised some cloves of garlic to give the dish more fragrance. The pork was seared before braising. It turned out very well. 

How to tickle a rabbit

Some moments, Blackie really makes me go "awww" :) When I go into his yard to play with the rabbits, he would lay down to let me pet him. Here he is now, waiting for some pampering.

First, I stroke his cheek gently.

Then I run my hands lightly up and down his ears.

It's rabbit-bonding time :)

This picture terrifies me

This picture terrifies me

from Yahoo

Where shall I begin my explanation? Is it the look of angry defiance on his face? Or the tightness in the gathering of fellow protesters, giving the impression that the event was packed with supporters? Or the naked, unabashed jingoism in the simple message on the placard?

It terrifies me to see our usually trouble-fearing (kiasi) people stirred into such angry passion that they would brave the rain, accusations of xenophobia, and infamy just to go and tell a group of people how little they welcome them. No, this isn't the Singapore I know. Something is changed...and I don't like it.

Territorial Rabbit

Just because rabbits are quiet, fluffy and cute doesn't mean that they are gentle or peace-loving. As a new rabbit owner, I was surprised to find out that they can be fiercely territorial, especially the does. I often toy with the idea of adopting more rabbits, but where are they going to live? In the past, bringing Whitty home to Blackie was a breeze, because Blackie was only too delighted to have a girlfriend. But see how possessive Whitty looks about her litter box. I would worry for any other rabbit trying to use it. 

I don't like the way you are eyeing me when I am in my litter box. What do you want? 

Love me tender

Rabbits want a group hug. 

There is nothing they love more than being huddled together, with their bunny slave giving them a massage. Blackie likes it so much that he would grind his teeth in happiness. 

First, I stroke their cheeks gently

 Follow it with firm strokes around their backs

Hey, bunny slave, don't go away. We still want more :)

I've walked off, but they are still huddled together, hoping I would go back to continue their VIP treatment.

Loving mood

The rabbits are in the mood for some love. See how they run up to me, nosing my hands and trying to climb onto my lap. The reason? I've shared a little banana with them. They go crazy over banana, but aren't allowed too much of it. 

 Whitty wants some attention. She likes getting her cheeks scratched.

CNY Survival kit

A flask of homemade oolong chrysanthemum tea - cools down the body and oolong helps with digestion, since we are going to be offered endless cookies and BBQ meat :P A pretty deep purple bag holds two pairs of mandarin oranges, in case someone forgets to return you a pair. The ang pows go into a matching purse. I packed extra red packets and cash just in cash.

Chinese New Year

Eve of CNY. Time to do last-minute cleaning. The fridge is well-stocked for the next few days. Have a good holiday, folks! Too busy to write more for now :P

Blackie in his slipper cave

It is always a relief to see the rabbits playing with their toys, instead of: 

1. Attacking my walls

2. Nibbling the door frame

3. Scrabbling at the pet gate asking to come out