AND THE FUN BEGINS

​And The Fun Begins! ✨

The moment we landed at Changi Terminal 3, the joy started — our son was there to greet us, as always, making us feel instantly at home.

He drove us straight to our daughter’s, where she had lovingly prepared a delicious feast: tagliatelle pasta negra, tender squid, chicken with olives, and a refreshing red cabbage salad with apples and pineapple. Every bite was filled with love!

I forgot to take a photo in my excitement, but there will be plenty on this getaway. Watch this space — the fun has only just begun! 💛

LUNCH WITH A VIEW AT JEWEL’S PS.CAFE

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Our daughter and son-in-law treated us to another lovely meal at PS.Café—this time at their branch in Changi Jewel, the same establishment where we enjoyed lunch at Dempsey with our son just two days ago.

Jewel is always a world of its own—busy, vibrant, and full of energy. Being connected to Changi Airport, you’ll see travelers wheeling their luggage as they shop, dine, and eagerly pose for photos with the breathtaking Rain Vortex, the giant indoor waterfall cascading four stories down. There’s a sense of excitement in the air, as if everyone is either coming from somewhere special or headed toward it.

We settled into a wonderful alfresco lunch, thanks to our thoughtful son-in-law who secured the best table with a lush garden view. The food was exceptional—each dish beautifully presented and truly gratifying. A simple lunch became a memorable afternoon, shared with loved ones and surrounded by the unforgettable charm of Jewe

A WARM WINE-KISSED EVENING WITH CHERISHED COMAPNY

​Last night, our son and daughter-in-law treated us to a night out at Bukit Bistro and Bar, one of the cozy gastropubs inside the Singapore Island Country Club, where our son spends many weekends playing golf.

It’s the kind of place where the staff greet them like old friends and already know their preferred drinks. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried—perfect for lingering conversations, laughter, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

No photos of us this time—our son and daughter-in-law have been generously posing for us since the day we arrived. They would gladly indulge me again, but perhaps I’ll give them a little break. Instead, I captured the stars of the evening: the beautifully plated dishes that paired so well with a smooth red wine.

We indulged in a 4-cheese pizza crowned with a runny egg, briny-fresh oysters and shrimps with classic fish and chips, and delicate scallops topped with caviar in a silky white-wine

To roundup the meal, we got a slice of salted caramel cheese cake to share. 

It was a simple evening, but one of those moments that gently remind you: good food is wonderful—but good company is the true feast.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY DINNER TO REMEMBER

​Tonight, we returned to our son’s home for a simple yet heartfelt celebration of Grandparents’ Day. For the past three days and two nights, our daughter and son-in-law have given us such a wonderful time, and tonight felt like the perfect finale.

Our ever-gracious daughter-in-law prepared a beautiful Japanese-themed dinner that truly felt like a labour of love. Every dish was delicious, made even better with sake and a smooth red on the side. The surprise of the evening was the crunchy round seafood tempura—our beloved ukoy—that instantly brought a smile to myself, I love ukoy!

Dessert was a tray of crisp moscat and sweet, fresh strawberries. They were complimented with a melt in the mouth mango roll brought by our daughtet. A perfect ending to a perfect meal.

But more than the food, it was the warm company that made the night unforgettable. Love, laughter, and stories flowed endlessly, weaving new memories that we will carry with us for a long time.

It was one of those evenings that reminded us how deeply blessed we are—surrounded by family, wrapped in love, and held by moments that feel truly home.

STEAMED SOLE IN BLACK BEAN SAUCE

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Today, I decided to steam sole with black bean sauce—a recipe that always put a smile on Jim’s face. Really, any fresh fish works

Ingredients

• 1/2 kilo fresh fish (I used sole)

• 2 tbsp salted black beans

• 3/4 tsp sugar

• 1/4 cup hot water

• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/4 tsp sesame oil

• 2 1/2 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 3 tbsp chopped leeks

• 1 tbsp cooking wine (optional)

Procedure

1. Soak the fish in water with a little baking soda for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, pat dry, and sprinkle with cooking wine.

2. Place the fish in a steamer.

3. Steam for 4–5 minutes. I check for doneness by ensuring the temperature near the bone reaches 160°F.

4. Sauté the garlic and ginger in a little oil.

5. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper, and hot water. Bring to a boil.

6. Pour the sauce over the steamed fish and sprinkle with chopped leeks.

A healthy, simple, and delicious meal!

MY MORNING RITUAL

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Lately, I’ve been trying to slow down my mornings — to really savor the little rituals that make the day feel calm and intentional. Breakfast has become that quiet moment I look forward to.

This morning, I made my favorite onion–tomato omelette with fresh moringa leaves from the garden. It’s simple but full of flavor — the moringa adds a lovely earthy note and a nice boost of nutrition.

Next to it, I had a jar of overnight oats with chia seeds and my homemade yogurt. I love how creamy it gets overnight — it feels like a treat, even though it’s so wholesome.

And of course, my drink: matcha powder whisked into cold almond milk with lots of ice. It’s refreshing, gently energizing, and honestly, the best part of my morning routine.

It’s amazing how something as simple as a nourishing breakfast can make the whole day feel lighter and more balanced. 🌿💛

BAkED CHICKEN THIGHS! Simple, Juicy and Conforting

Sometimes, the best dishes come from a spark of inspiration — and that’s exactly what happened here. I was craving something hearty but simple, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how flavorful chicken thighs are — especially when you include the drumsticks. So, I rolled up my sleeves and made these baked chicken thighs that turned out perfectly tender, golden, and absolutely delicious.

            Prepping the Chicken

The secret to good chicken starts with how you prepare it. I always soak my chicken in a baking soda and water mixture for about 15 minutes — it helps clean and tenderize the meat. After that, rinse well and pat dry with paper towels.

Here’s a small trick: make crosswise cuts, about an inch apart, all the way down to the leg bone. This lets the marinade get deep inside and helps the chicken cook evenly.

            Making the Marinadee

This part smells amazing! 

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then stir in 1 teaspoon each of salt, paprika, rosemary, and pepper.

The combination of butter and herbs creates that classic, savory aroma that fills the kitchen before the oven even turns on. Dredge the chicken in this buttery spice mix, making sure every piece is well coated.

            Searing for Extra Flavor

Before baking, I like to give the chicken a quick sear — it makes the skin a little crisp and seals in the juices.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down and cook for about 10 minutes on each side, until they turn light golden brown.

Then, transfer them to a foil-lined baking dish — they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

               Adding the Veggies

Every great chicken dish deserves good company, right?

I used carrots and sayote (a lovely low-carb alternative to potatoes). Drizzle them with a little olive oil and season with paprika, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Toss them until evenly coated, then arrange the veggies all around the chicken in your baking dish.

               Baking to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes.

When it’s done, check with a meat thermometer — the thickest part of the chicken (near the bone) should read 165°F (74°C). That’s your sign it’s perfectly cooked!

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving — trust me, it’s worth the wait.

            

                  The Payoff

And there it is — beautifully baked chicken thighs surrounded by tender, roasted vegetables. The skin is lightly crisp, the meat is juicy, and the butter-herb flavors come through in every bite.

It’s the kind of meal that feels homey and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a quiet night in.