HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

Last day of the year 2012.

As always, time to reflect on the past year happenings.

There had been so many so incidents- be it to the world, nation or to my family and be it sad or happy occasions.

It is time to give thanks to God for seeing us through another year.

We all won't know what the new year will bring, but one thing we are sure that God will be with us. Amen.
I thank everyone who took the time to read my blog.

This blog is something close to my heart.   It is about my inspiration,  my hope, my failures, my family and most important what I am able to do with God by my side.

So, wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR.

THE GUESTS AT CHRISTMAS!

Our Christmas party was filled with good food and much laughter and fun.

Santa Pinata welcoming the guests

Sarah took almost 3 days to finish this pinata in time for the party. She filled it with lots of sweets, chocolate and papers and of course money... from her own pocket?

Our guest of honour- Jeremy and Eunice

The youngest member of the family with his parents- YZ

Ryan and little Matthew with Sandy from Australia

Why are all the kids looking so bored and tired after the food?

Chester with grandma Mei Lian and Chloe with Aunty Siew Leng

Finally .......Santa making her appearance!

 I have been good, Santa, and I want......

Santa getting ready to do her job!

My brother Leong and family.

First one to be called - Chloe with her mummy.

Chester was so lucky to receive so many presents and he gamely posed with each present even though he was tired as they had just came back from a trip to Golden Palms Resort, Sepang.

Little Sze Jia want her present not the hug, Santa, she is scared!

Qiqi with Santa

Chee Ken must be very happy to  receive his present, though must be nothing compare to  his all As  results in his PMR exams- Congratulations and well done!

Jeremy (and Eunice ) were not forgotten too!

The brothers receiving their presents

Too shy for a hug!

"I want to put this moment on You-Tube"

Chee Ken's father -very happy with his good results! 

My brother - the head of the Bunn Family from Australia.

Psss Santa - your slip is showing, hahaha.

My sister in law Siew Leng.

There were lots of tears as well (little Sze Min- behind crying her eyes out  each time her sister was called)!

Wai Fun "che che" (sister) so happy-  that she was not called "aunty" instead! 

Show us your smile, shy Yan

Esther finally called   

The only one who got a kiss from Santa, Wai Khuen (her son)

First, the mother-in-law, my sister Jennifer

Then Nicole, her daughter-in-law

Ging has been waiting and waiting..

Handy tupperware "crown"

The trio of "Pineapple Tarts Queens" were finally all crowned!

"We got the same presents!" - my sister in law Serena 

 The new mother - Ing

Pik Hwa- mother of the crying Sze Min

These are decorative enamelled plates which I got for them - these plates are going out of production, so treasure them!

Nicol 

 Jason was also "Santa Claus" giving away Nike sportswear to the all the ladies

Sandy 

Finally all the presents were given out including these Christmas crackers made by me.

DIY- recycle empty toilet rolls, wrapped and  filled with sweets, lollipops and chocolate before tying  both ends with ribbon.

I am sorry if your photos were not here but your presence and gifts were very much appreciated and I hope you all had a great time as I did.

The night ended with a Big Bang to crack the pinata and as the sweets, paper and money cascaded down, the kids rushed to pick them up.

HAVE A HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR 2013.

THE FOODS FOR CHRISTMAS

Christmas Tree Cranberry Bread

Early mornings, late nights, cuts on my finger, burns on my arm, back aching and feet swollen from standing long hours, hair frizzle in the heat; smelling sweaty and hot, yet I am lovin' it!

In case you are wondering why the silence, I was on leave preparing for the pre-Christmas party  which was held on the 23/12/2012.

When Jeremy told me that he is coming home with his girlfriend Eunice for Christmas, I straightaway started planning for a Christmas party and besides my youngest brother (the Bunn's family) were also back from Melbourne for holiday too! This would be a prefect opportunity to gather the family together  to meet her and to welcome her to our BIG family. A Big Warm welcome from the Chan Clan, we are happy to meet you Eunice.  After all that's what Christmas is about- family togetherness and love; fun and laughter; joy and forgiveness!

It has been a long time since -was it 2 or 3 years since the last Christmas party? Time to plan my Christmas menu and I wanted to include the family favourites as well as introduce new food.  

Besides taking over 3 days to finish my cooking(yes it was that long for me),  I had enlisted the help of my sisters to cook their own speciality!  The table was laden with food- a potpourri of East meets West. 

Starting off is the main staple, Fried meehoon cooked my sister Jennifer. She also cooked her special Hakka Abacus.  These are yam dough shaped into abacus coin and fry with minced meat and mushroom. Very yummy and addictive.

Hakka Marbles 

The evergreen Chicken Curry cooked by eldest sister 

Braised Duck with Ginger in Fermented Bean Sauce- by sister Yoke.

Scotch Eggs by sister Yoke  

   Prawns and sotong sambal - Yoke

Chilled Chicken roll seeped in brandy and 

served with pickled carrots and cucumber ribbons
this was done 3 days ahead by me.

Roast Chicken with lemon and sage served with cherry tomatoes 

and roasted potatoes. 

Roasted Pork Loin wrapped with bacon 
and stuffed with cranberry and apple sauce 

(recipe will follow later)

Roasted Pumpkin and beetroot 

Caramelised onion and porcini/shitake mushroom quiche
(too much handling, hence  the pie crust was broken in some places)

Salmon and Spinach Quiche 

I even baked some baguette for the
Tomato Bruschetta which was a hit!

The side dishes included: a coleslaw with red and green apples and celery dressed with yogurt and a potato salad with sour cream and chopped chives and dill.  The Pork Loin was served with the remaining cranberries and apples cooked to a sauce and a mustard sauce as well.

The dessert table included the Christmas Tree bread above as well as these cakes below:-

Steamed Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel mousse and topping


Chilled Oreo Cheesecake


Last but not least Tiramisu Crepe Cake

There were gummy jellies done by my sister-in-law Evon and the girls, while Sarah made a cocktail of Gingerbeer, orange juice and cream soda drink.

I am very happy to see everyone tucking heartily and going for seconds as well- it was worth all the pains and aches!  

Nothing can beat wholesome food, homecook with love and joy!

Coming on next, after the food....... Santa is coming......