Craving for Caramel custard

This is one of those days that for no apparent reason, you get this sudden urge for something, and today is one of those days. I have this sudden urge for caramel custard, don't know why, just wanted to sink my teeth into some soft, silky smooth, rich and sweet caramel custard! Luckily making custard is not too much of a work, it is rather simple actually. I like mine rich so I used full cream milk, rich thickening cream, 5 eggs, brown sugar(instead of white sugar) and some rosemary. You can use anything from vanilla, rosemary to all sort of spices that tickle your fancy.
First thing is to make the caramel by cooking the brown sugar till it's bubbling and when you get a whiff of the caramel scent, you are done. Now is where you have to have quick hands as you need to line the bottom of the bowl with the caramel before it turns hard. Then move on to heating up the milk(full cream) and thickening cream. I added some rosemary to get some fragrant to it. I don't actually boil the milk, cream and rosemary but just on low fire and heating it up. Once those are done, let it cool down a little before mixing it into the eggs, otherwise you will cook the eggs!
Anyway, as the milk are cooling off, whisk the eggs until they are all properly mixed(the yolk). I know some people like to use only yolks and maybe just one whole egg(yolk and egg white) but for me, no difference. I just use 5 whole eggs, whisk it till they are properly mixed and smooth, remember to avoid getting too much air into them. Once the milk is cool enough to mixed into the eggs, slowly pour the milk into the eggs, whisking all the time. The end result is you should get a smooth, thick and rich mixture, this is called the custard. Then fill the custard into the bowls that you had earlier lined the bottom with the caramel.
The last step is baking it in the oven at 150C for 30 minutes, I usually heat up the oven before hand and fill the pan with hot water(just enough but not overfilling until it overflows). Put the bowl of custard on the pan(that is fill with water), this way of baking will make sure that the custard will not be burnt or over cooked as the water helps smooth out the heat.
Once it's in the oven for about 30 minutes, you should see the top of the custard firmed up, otherwise leave it in the oven for a few more minutes. Let the custard cool down before serving, I like mine to go with some mint leaves, yummy. Enjoy everyone!

Hair Cut

Finally my daughter agreed to go for a hair cut(trim actually) as her hair is getting too long and it's in the way when she eats and play. She was not really agreeable and rather reluctant even as we walked into the saloon. She keep giving me this "long" and hesitant face, but I keep consoling her that it will be okay. She is worried that we will cut her hair short as her hair grows very slowly. Even when she was a baby, she does not have much hair, so I can understand the fright. Anyway, after much coaxing and persuading, she decided to go, though still hesitant.
When we were in there, watching her from behind and catching her peeping at us from the front mirror was a dejavu experience for me. It dawn on me that not too long ago, I was sitting there and my mom was behind me watching me have my hair cuts. I suddenly realize that the circle of life is playing it's role now, how we felt when our moms took us to the barber(not saloon those days), how she would sit behind and look at us and every now and then points out to the barber/stylist how she wants the hair cut. How funny life works and revolves between generations.
Anyway, luckily we told the stylist to trim down her hair and when she was done, it did not put my daughter off. Let's hope she will be more willing the next time around.

Race and religion politics

I am disturbed by what is happening with the recent spat going on in PKR. I am referring to the on going spat between Sivarasa and Zulkifli Nordin. I cannot see why this Zulkifli fella is still in PKR as from what I understand, PKR from day one project itself as a non race and religion base political party. It is suppose to be a "Malaysian" setup where all race, religion and color are equal and fights for truth, fairness and above all equal rights! Actually, since the tsunami victory for PR in 2008, this Zulkifli fella has been a torn in PKR flesh. He is shouting for Muslim rights, as if the other Malaysians of other races are robbing of the Malays, come of it! He is also involved in the bar council issue, the cow head incident and the ban of beer sales incident, which I personally think is a act of sabotaging PR and PKR. What is wrong with this fella! He still thinks with mentality from a 3rd world country, shouting for issues that are non issues, claiming to fight for his Muslim brothers but as far as I know, the "rakyat" have no issues amongst themselves, and when old friends meet up, be it with their Chinese, Malay or Indian friends, they are all calling themselves "bro"........which means we are all good friends and are considered brothers of different mothers and fathers.
This is truly very disturbing as we are all trying to work towards a united front and be known as true Malaysians, so that our children's and future generations will have a better future and life, and not worried about being told off as second class citizens like some countries from other part of the world, eg. African countries. And that by working hard and paying one's dues, they will get the fruit of their labour based on their hardwork and not on the color on their face.
I realize this Zulkifli fella does not truly understand what caused the tsunami election in 2008, just like BN, and that is a worrying sign for PR as I wonder how many more MPs in PR are of the same mentality like Zulkifli. I sincerely hope Datuk Seri Anwar Inbrahim walk the talk, bring this Zulkifli fella in and have a heart to heart talk to see what is his real intention is and bring all this to a closure so that PR can concentrate on doing other more important things!