Kellie's Castle Revisited

En route from Universiti Teknologi Petronas today, my friend and I stopped by Kellie's Castle. The last time I visited this place was some five years ago when it stood in ruins. Now it is undergoing restoration process, which aims to create what might have been as this monument of love a'la Taj Mahal was never fully completed.

There is a rumor that the ghost of Mr Kelllie wanders around the castle. Can someone explain how this can happen when Mr Kellie actually never lived in the castle and he died in Scotland? There is a Hindu temple nearby, so that could explain the alleged sightings, so recite ayatul Kursi while you are there for protection.

To cover the contractor's cost, you now have to pay RM4 per person to explore the castle.

Barack Obama Wins!

Subhanallah! Who would have thought there would come a day when America elects a "person of colour" to lead their country. I am hopeful that things will get better for the world, InsyaAllah. Why? Because, it is a major paradigm shift. I have goosebumps!

Masak Lemak Ikan Darat

Our wonderful neighbour Ela, gave us 2 very big ikan haruan (measuring more than 1 foot) recently which became our lauk today. Ikan haruan is our choice fish for this dish, which can be substituted with ikan kerisi if ikan haruan became scarce or too expensive for our wallet. The following recipe is a rough one; please adjust to your taste.

A. Main Ingredients:

2 medium size ikan haruan, cut into 8 pieces
1 stalk bunga kantan
2 sprigs daun kesum
2 pcs asam keping

B.Mix and grind in a blender:

2 cm galanggal
2 cm tumeric
3 pcs onions
2 tsp chili paste
5 sticks cilipadi

C. Liquid

Thick santan from 1/2 coconut
2 cups of water
Juice from 5 limau kasturi

D. Seasoning

Salt
Kerisik (optional)

Steps:

Combine bunga kantan, asam keping and B in a pot. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Then, put in fish, santan, and daun kesum. Lastly, pour in limau kasturi juice, salt and kerisik. Using low heat, let the gulai simmer until the santan turns slightly oily.