WW: Festival Jajanan Bango 2019

Festival Jajanan Bango 2019

Festival Jajanan Bango 2019

Have you guys heard or probably joined this event before?
Festival Jajanan Bango 2019 is the annual Festival held by Bango, one of Indonesia's leading brand for sweet soy sauce, which features traditional and popular Indonesian culinaries from different parts of the country. 

Welome to Festival Jajanan Bango 2019

It was certainly packed with food enthusiasts and those craving for Indonesian traditional food and those famous food outlets as well as hawkers. 

spent quite some time here.

There were around 83 vendors joining this event. Truly heaven for foodies like me LOL.

Tongseng, anyone?

Check out some photos taken during this event and tell me which one is your favorite!

Ready to enjoy...

Panggung utama di FJB 2019

Soto Betawi..with all its condiments

Check out as well my video about this festival which was held on 16 - 17 March 2019 at the 
parking area of Squash Field, Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex.

So that's some of the spoiler from the complete story, which I will share at the later stage.

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and fell free to join the link party by clicking the link

Top Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet for Breast Cancer Prevention

Top Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet for Breast Cancer Prevention

blueberries are packed with antioxidants

Studies have shown that one out of eight women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. Even though medical science has revealed a lot about certain cancers such as breast cancer, there’s still a large amount of uncertainty surrounding prevention and treatment. However, it has been shown that incorporating certain foods into your diet can aid in preventative efforts. Here are just a few foods to include in your diet to help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Apples

Apples have countless health benefits, so it shouldn’t be all too surprising that they’re helpful in aiding breast cancer prevention. What is surprising, however, is that you have to eat the right part of the apple to reap these benefits. The peel of the apple, as it turns out, has the most nutrients when it comes to cancer prevention, so always keep the apple in its natural skin before enjoying it.

“If you normally peel your apple and toss away the colorful wrapping, you’re also tossing away a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, and other compounds needed for anti-cancer nutrition. Lab studies suggest that apple peel can actually fight the spread of cancer cells. The good news is that you don’t need exotic varieties -- this research used readily available Red Delicious apples, so add them to your breast cancer prevention shopping list,” writes Madeline R. Vann on Everyday Health.

Walnuts

Nuts have a wide range of health benefits, but walnuts, in particular, are known for their healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These one-of-a-kind nutrients help the body fight inflammation. Plus, experts say walnuts can help to literally slow down the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice. With this in mind, it certainly makes sense to keep a bag of walnuts in your pantry to enjoy as a snack or top with certain meals.

Fish

As another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fish deserves a place on this list. Certain types of fish are also sources of lean protein and thus a wholesome part of an overall cancer prevention diet. This is especially true because many dietitians advise against the consumption of red meats and processed meats, which includes bacon and packaged deli meats. Instead, pick out some fresh sardines, tuna, salmon, or mackerel, which are omega-3 rich and ideal for cancer prevention.

Berries

Berries have long been considered a ‘superfood,’ and for good reason. Dark-colored berries like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help to reduce the growth of tumors and breast cancer cells. With that in mind, grab a frozen bag of mixed berries during your next trip to the supermarket, or pick up some fresh ones to top a bowl of oatmeal or cold cereal.

Ultimately, it’s not difficult to incorporate these hearty foods into your diet as part of a cancer prevention lifestyle. Of course, it’s always best to consult your doctor for the most accurate and personalized preventative care insight.

I sincerely hope we all can benefit from all this goodness!

Stay healthy, people

Annecy, France in Half a Day

So, where will you go when you only half a day to explore one beautiful town?

Last trip to Geneve, Switzerland, this February, I had a half day on weekend as I arrived in Geneve at 10 in the morning.

The first place I had in mind was Annecy, a beautiful town in the border of France and Switzerland dubbed as the Venice of the Alps.

When we were living in Geneva back in 2007 - 2011, Annecy was certainly one of the most visited towns. Driving less than 1 hour from GE, we usually took families and friends coming to Geneve and staying with us to this wonderful town. Spending a day or slightly a half day here is marvelous, especially for those who enjoy traditional French food, beautiful landscape, and other wonderful vista mother nature can offer.  

Annecy is also famous for its annual Venetian Carnival. 
Le Carnaval Vénetien à Annecy.

Le Carnaval Vénetien à Annecy in 2009

Yup, like Carnevale Venezia, the one being traditionally held in Venezia, Italy, but this time it is conducted in Annecy, the Venice of the Alps. 
Now, you know why this wonderful town is nicknamed likewise.

Carnevale Venezia 2009

As we went to Carnevale Venezia in 2009, we were excited to see some similar costumes and grandeur environment during the Carnaval Vénetien at Annecy, held approximately 1 - 2 months after the one in Italy or around March - April.

My hubby and I at Carnevale Venezia

Well, what would the Carnevale and le Carnaval be without those glittering masks, glamorous costumes and great pose?

In green...Venezia, 2009

You can compare these photos, taken in Venezia, and the ones up there and down here taken in Annecy during the Carnaval.
The difference is of course the background.
But the fun remains the same!

My hubby and friend were happy to pose with these cute ladies and their puppy!

Now, of course there are so many interesting things to do and places to visit in Annecy.
Including the annual Carnaval I was talking about before.
But since I last visited Annecy in February and only have a half day, merely 5 hours, here are a shot list of places and things you might want to consider for a half-day itinerary.

So, ready to explore Annecy, France in Half a day?

Let's start it with its famous lake, Lac d'Annecy.

Lac d'Annecy is beautiful and huge.

As the third largest lakes in France, the lake cover around 28 km square surface of clean water. Super clean so you can see the bottom of it when you are strolling around its bank.

In fact, this lake is coined as the cleanest lake in Europe, as I read in Wikipedia.

No wonder it becomes everyone's favorite spot.

From the romantic  Pont des amours and walking along Quai Napoleon III, you are more than welcomed to enjoy Jardin de l'Europe. 

On the other side of Jardin de l'Europe, you will find the Hotel de Ville or Mairie d'Annecy, the city town hall. 

This charming city hall is of course a beautiful photo spot.

Hotel de ville..

Or you can also walk on Canal du Vassé, slightly off the lake but heading to the same direction, pose a while and immortalize yourself in one lovely picture!

at Canal du Vassé, back in 2009 :))

Just simply strolling around, sitting on the grass or in one of the many benches there, or reading your favorite book will bring you peace and joy!

As for me, I keep taking pictures (you bet!)

Next, we have Vieille Ville Annecy, the old town.

As many old town in Europe, Vieille Ville Annecy is indeed charming with its petit restaurants, shops, boutiques, churches and lovely old apartments. 

Saint Franćois de Sales church in Annecy

All those centuries old shops and petit alleys are cute.

ready to shop?

For me, just walking around its cobbled alleys and enjoying every corners of this old city is a pleasure. Whenever I found some lovely corner, I just take a snap or pose :).

One corner of the old town.

The old part of Annecy is also famous for its Palais de l'Îles, the old mansion as well as prison now turned into museum, built on top of Le Thiou, the river outflowing from Lake Annecy. The last time I went here it was under maintenance.

the Palais is the petit one above the water

And of course, don't forget lunch time!

There are so many restaurants and cafes scattered around Quai de l'Îles or Quai Perrière, near Le Thiou and the old town. My favorite delicacies here are the crepes a la Savoyard, but as we were super hungry after arriving from NYC, we chose full blast menu at Le Sarto (go check lesarto.com for more info), au bord du Thiou

There we ordered the creamy mushroom soup, salad savoyard sans jambon, fondue Savoyarde - the cheese fondue with speciality from this region, 'Cafe des Paris' - the famous steak with special butter sauce, cocotte des mules marinières - the pot of clamps with butter and herbs, and creamy chicken and musroom a la Savoyard.
They tasted marvelous!
Please feel free to enjoy the photos of those lovely food.

And last but not least, Château d'Annecy, the Castle of Annecy.

A little hike up the hill at the back of the Old Town of Annecy, you will find this lovely Château. It's another beautiful castle built around the 12th century, with its famous Queen Tower. Wiki said it used to be the residence of the Counts of Geneve.

Too bad when we arrived there it was 15 minutes before closing time and being Swiss, the lovely guard didn't let us in even when we plead as we came a looong way to this beautiful place. So, if you happen to be here, make sure you check the opening hours and the last entrance. I could only take a few pictures from outside.

From the Château, we just simply walked back to the Old Town and enjoyed the beautiful weather and lovely atmosphere

And last sweet touch, don't forget to get your favorite gelato in one of the ice cream and waffle kiosks at the Old Town!

And finally, as the sun set down, we were heading back to Geneve.

Here's the map to give you clearer direction in this beautiful city of Annecy.




So, that's Annecy, France in half a day.
How do you like this town? Do you like it as much as I do?
Do you also enjoy exploring little town?
What's your favorite?

Combro - Spicy Tempe and Grated Yucca Fritters

Haloooo.. Apa kabar semuaaa?

Bagaimana liburannya?

Semangat tahun baru, semangaaat juga beraksi di dapur :).

How's your winter break?

I sincerely hope you all have a wonderful time with your loved ones.

And now we better get ready for brand new days with renewed spirit and determination!

To a fabulous 2016 :)

And I guess, one of my (silent) resolutions for 2016 is bringing more Indonesian tradisional food and recipes here in my blog. I do wish I can fulfill that :). 

And to start with, today I have Combro, spicy tempe and grated yucca fritters :).

Combro with C, not K.

One of my favorite all-time favorite, mood-lifting, comfort food :). I know, I have a looooong list of favorite munchies and more than happy to share it with you all.

Kalau di Indonesia, beli combro memang gampang aja. Saya ingat kalau selalu punya andalan tukang gorengan yang buat combro enak di mana pun berada. Di Lampung, di Jakarta, bahkan di kantorku. Tapi memang makin lama makin susah dan makin sedikit yang jualan combro. Mungkin karena membuatnya relatif lebih ribet dibandingkan bakwan, cireng atau tahu isi ya? Atau oncom dan singkong makin mahal harganya? Hmmm. Perlu survey lagi nih :).

Combro, or the abbreviation of oncom di jero, or oncom inside in Sundanese, is believed to be originated from West Java.  The authentic combro is using oncom, or fermented soybean leftovers, which is a common staple food in Indonesia. But since we don't have oncom in NYC, I use tempe, another Indonesian traditional ingredient, that you can easily find here in the USA. Since both are made of soybeans, they have similar taste and perfect for this recipe.

Berhubung oncom ngg ada di NYC (sampai sekarang belum ketemu yang jual oncom di sini hehe), jadi isi combronya kita ganti dengan tempe ya. Rasanya enak jugaaa kok :).

Here are the ingredients:

Cassava or yucca - 2 big ones, grated

Tempe - 1 package, beaten or cut into small cubes

Chilies - 2 or 3, depending how spicy you want it to be, if desired

Onion - medium 1, thinly sliced

Shallot - 1,  thinly sliced

Garlic - 2, crushed

Vegetable oil for frying

Salt, sugar and pepper - as desired
Coriander powder - if desired

Bahan-bahan yang dibutuhkan tidak banyak kok, hanya singkong, oncom atau tempe sebagai pengganti, bawang merah, bawang putih, cabe, garam, gula dan lada untuk membumbui. Plus minyak goreng untuk menggoreng.

How to cook:

First, we get the filling ready. Put the thinly sliced onion and shallots plus crushed garlic on a hot skillet, cook them until fragrance and put the chilies and tempe then saute it. Put it aside and let it cool.

In a mixing bowl, put the grated yucca or cassava, salt, pepper, a bit of sugar and coriander powder (if you like) and mix them well. Then get a spoonful of the mixture, flatten it in your hand, put a teasponful of filling then cover it with the mixture and shape it oval or as desired. then the last thing to do is deep fry it until golden brown. And Combro is ready :). Feel free to eat it with fresh chili or hot sauce if you like.

ready to eat Combro :)

Memasaknya juga super gampang.
Pertama kita siapkan dulu isinya. Tumis bawang merah, bawang putih dan cabe hinga matang dan wangi, campur tempe dan jangan lupa bewi garam, sedikit gula, lada dan bubuk ketumbar kalau suka. Saya suka bangeeet dengan ketumbar karena wanginya khas :). Setelah isi jadi, tiang siapkan adonan singkong yang telah diparut dan juga diberi sedikit garam. Bentuk oval dengan tempe atau oncom di tengahnya dan rapikan bentuknya. Lalu tinggal digoreng deeeh :). Dan combro hangat siap dinikmati, apalagi jika ditemani cabe rawit segar dan teh hangat. Aaah bahagiaaa judulnya.

Dan kalau melirik jam dinding, proses membuatnya juga cepat kok. Less than 1 hour, ngga sampai satu jam. Oke kan :)

Hope you enjoy Combro, the spicy tempe and grated yucca fritters, as much as I do and happy cooking.

Cheese and veggie Bitterballen

Heloooo everyone ..

How is your holiday?

I hope everyone isenjoying one's break in this festive month. Spending lovely time with family and friends, doing all the things you love :).

We have some friends coming at the end of this year and it was great meeting up with them after quite some times. After exploring NYC in its drizzling Christmas day, we decided to sit down at home and just relax.

And time for delicious munchies :).
Waktunya untuk  menikmati camilan ringan tapi enaaaak :)

I have been trying to use more veggies in my cooking, especially for the kids. Then with a little mixing here and there, I managed to make veggie and cheese Bitterballen. Yummy and easy for everyone to enjoy.

Untuk mereka yang sudah sering dan biasa membuat bitterbalen, pasti tau bahwa resep bitterbalen klasik adalah campuran daging giling, keju, susu, dan tepung yang bersalut telur dan tepung panir. Cemilan yang berasal dari Negeri Kincir Angin ini memang sudah menjadi salah satu resep andalan di keluarga saya.Namun kali ini saya mengganti daging dengan aneka sayuran seperti wortel, kacang polong, jagung dan buncis, supaya anak-anak lebih banyak asupan sayurannya. Sedangkan bahan yang lainnya sama, yaitu susu, keju (berhubung persediaan keju di rumah sedang melimpah, saya mencampur parutan keju Edam dan Gruyere plus Parmesan bubuk), tepung, garam, lada dan sedikit bubuk pala jika suka. Plus telur dan tepung panir untuk pelapisnya sebelum digoreng. Ternyata meskipun isinya sayuran namun rasanya enak jugaaa :).

So, let's cook..

Here are the ingredients:

Mixed veggies - 2 cups. I used carrots, corns, green peas and green beans. You're indeed welcomed to use other favorite veggies of yours :)

Onion - a half, thinly sliced

Flour - approximately 2 cups or as needed

Milk - 1 cup 

Cheese - I used a mixture of grated edam, gruyere and parmesan

Eggs - 2, beaten

Breadcrumbs

Vegetable oil

Salt and pepper 

Nutmeg powder - if desired.

How to cook:

Put the onion in the hot pan and cook it together with mixed veggies. 
Once it's ready, pour the milk as well as salt, pepper and nutmeg powder, then slowly add the flour and cheese, little by little until everything is well mixed and no longer sticky. 
Then shape the mixture into small balls, dip them into beaten eggs then roll them in a plate of breadcrumbs. You can do that twice or three times until the layers get thicker. 
Deep fry it until golden brown and you can enjoy cheese and veggie bitterballen with mustard, mayo, or hot sauce. I even eat it with fresh chili :).  

Cara memasaknya gampaaang bangeeet. Pertama tumis bawang hingga harum, lalu masukkan sayuran dan masak sebentar hingga agak layu, tapi tidak terlalu matang. Masukkan susu, garam, lada dan bubuk pala lalu aduk. Sedikit-sedikit masukkan tepung dan keju ambil terus diaduk hingga adonan tercampur rata dan kalis, tidak lagi lengket jika dipegang. Setelah adonan agak dingin, ambil satu sendok dan dibentuk bulatan. Masukkan ke dalam telur yang dikocok dan gulirkan di atas tepung panir hingga semua permukaan tertutup. Ulangi 2 kali jika ingin lapisannya agak tebal. Goreng dengan api sedang hingga kecoklatan dan Bitterballen siap disantap. Jangan lupa sambal atau cabe rawit untuk pelengkap buat yang suka pedas seperti saya :).

See.. I guess it's pretty easy for everyone to try it at home and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do :).

Happy cooking...

Fish and Shrimp Fried Wonton

Hello there..

Ready for another home recipe from my Astoria kitchen?
I know the holiday season is in full swings and everyone is usually spoiling one's sweet tooth with lots of sweets, cookies and cakes. That's just wonderful. And for sure yummy :).

But since I have to be extremely careful with my sugar intake, I stick to my savory plates at home. Including in this special time of the year for those who are celebrating Christmas.

And this time I have fish and shrimp fried wonton.

Perhaps you are wondering why I keep using the same ingredients. I just love fish and shrimp. It might be a bit messy to handle but I usually process them together and then keep them in my fridge if I have some leftovers. But Most of the time, I use them all as everyone in my house like it :).

Previously,  I copy the recipe for siomay time here and this time, it will involve similar ingredients and slightly similar process in the beginning.

So let's start :).

some of the ingredients :)

You will need:

White fish fillet, 1 lbs. you can also use fish paste which you can easily find in the Asian store.

Shrimps, 1 lbs

Flour, as needed.

Eggs, 2.

Tapioca flour, as needed.

Shallot, sliced. 

Garlic, peeled and crushed.

Scallion, thinly sliced.

Carrots, grated or chopped.

Wonton skin, preferably the round one.

Salt.

Pepper.

Fish sauce, if you like.

Vegetable oil for frying.

How to cook:

First, we need to prepare the mixture.

Grind together the white fish fillet, fresh shrimps, onion, and garlic using your blender or food processor.  After all is well mixed, add the salt, fish sauce, flour and tapioca flour little by little. Mix it well using your spatula or spoon. Add the eggs and thinly sliced scallion then mix it well again. I also like to use carrots because they give pretty colors in the mixture.

Once it's ready, it will look like this :).

Next, get the wonton skin ready and put a spoonful of the mixture in the middle of the wonton skin, press the side parts and shape it like a flower. 

It will then look like this.

feel free to make another shape and creation with the wonton skin

Get your deep fryer ready and heat enough vegetable oil on it. Fry it until it's brownish and serve it while it's hot. Feel free to deep it in any hot or chili sauce if you like. You can also eat it together with beef/chicken broth soup.

bon appetit..

Well, that's what I have from my kitchen at this moment. 

Fish and shrimp fried wonton is ready :).

Hope you like it and happy cooking, everyone.

Thank you :)

WW: Singaporean Laksa, everyone..

Having a super delicious Singaporean Laksa, the authentic one here in New York City, really made my day.

Its rich and spicy coconut milk soup, combined with fresh prawn and noodles.. Heaven!

Courtesy of my dearest sister from Singapore, Adele, let's dig ini, at least through my photos ;).

Enjoooy..

                                            

Super yummy, rite :)

Singaporean Laksa, everyone..

Do you like Laksa as well?

Come and link up in (almost) Wordless Wednesday here :)