octopus has become a common menu dish in many good class restaurants, and for good reason.
it is a fine, lovely dish, excellent texture and great taste with good balsamic or romesco dip . ^_^
this also very easy to make at home.
I bought mine from song fish, 2 big, good quality tentacles about S$45/kg. can also get from chinatown market, quite a bit cheaper at S$16/kg, usually smaller.
Ingredients-
500g octopus tentacles
1tbsp sake, mirin, tsuyu
romesco dip
1 large red pepper
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 clove smashed garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
Directions –
place octopus tentacles in boiling water or stock for 50mins
remove and season with mirin, sake, tsuyu, and set aside in fridge for 6hrs.
when serving, flame the octopus tentacles with a torch over a stainless steel pan.
serve with romesco dip. voila!
for romesco dip
roast red pepper in 250degC oven 20mins
roast slivered almonds on 120deg desktop toaster for 15mins
add red pepper, slivered almonds, garlic, red wine vinegar to blender & blend to smooth
did a multi-course family dinner this evening on 23.10.2024.^_^
this evening family dinner-
Menu
1 salad by mommy 2 grilled octopus with romesco sauce 3 seafood bouillabaisse 4 sous vide pork tomahawk with chimichurri 5 prawn squidink pasta in prawn bisque 6 seafood paella 7 sous vide beef tomahawk 8 dessert/fruits by children
the key to bouillabaisse is the stock. I use one seabream fish head (didn’t have fish bones) ..can also use any (say) salmon fish head
key to the stock is to clean the fish head and bones thoroughly…remove all blood clots, best remove membranes.
wash with salt, a little white vinegar, rubbed with sliced ginger and rest in clean water 15mins.
Ingredients
for stock-
1 fish head (I used seabream)
salt, 1tsp white vinegar, 1cm julienne ginger to rub and clean
100ml chicken stock to combine mellow the fish taste
1/2 bulb garlic cut into 1/2 or 1/4 & 2cm sliced ginger
6 peeled chopped tomatoes
for dish-
4 large tiger prawns
5 large scallops sliced in 1/2
1 medium squid (I used 2 large squid head/tentacles)
400g toman fish
5 peeled chopped tomatoes (I only had 3)
3tbsp thickened cream
2tbsp olive oil & 1/2 bulb garlic cut into 1/2 or 1/4
Directions-
clean the fish head and bones thoroughly remove all blood clots, best remove membranes.
wash with salt, a little white vinegar, rubbed with sliced ginger and rest in clean water 15mins.
brown sliced ginger, add 1/2 bulb cut garlic & bring out flavours.
add fish head, fry and turn, add 1tsp salt, add water, cover and boil for 2-3hrs.
drain the stock and add chicken stock. add 6 peeled chopped tomatoes and boil for 30mins
marinate sotong, prawns, toman fish for 30mins
when serving, boil soup, add scallops and prawns (with shell for good presentation).
then add toman fish and sotong. off fire, add 3tbsp thickened cream, mix and cover.
brown 1/2 bulb cut garlic with the olive oil and add to bouillabaisse, add garnishing (parsley or coriander). serve. voila!
Garlic Steamed Tanhoon with SotongGarlic Steamed Tanhoon with Sotong
Garlic Steamed Tanhoon with Sotong
made garlic steamed tanhoon with sotong for 10pax dinner for my SMU 苏杭 course mates on 9.10.2024. ^_^
this an easy dish the make. the sauce is basically the hk steamed razor clams, steamed scallops with lots of garlic flavours..
the other key preparation is the sotong which must be done just right to be sweet and succulent and not rubbery(when overcooked)
Ingredients
300g sotong
2 rolls of tanhoon
6 chopped garlic cloves
2 tbsp top grade soy sauce
2-3tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp (flat) sugar
chilli padi if desired (I didn’t add)
Directions
cut 3cm width rings in sotong. this is done by putting a knife into the cavity the cut sotong till second knife touch the first knife. then cut the rings lower. this primarily fir the lovely presentation
clean sotong thoroughly with salt, wash and dry.
add olive oil and chopped garlic to wok. stirfry to bring out fragrance of garlic without burning garlic. add 1tsp sugar, 2-3tbsp soy sauce, 3tbsp water and stir, melt sugar, off fire, sauce is ready.
cook sotong in the sauce to 90% cooked- 3mins.
soak tanhoon in water 1/2hr then drain.
when serving, heat up sauce, add drained tanhoon, and use scissors to cut tanhoon. then add back sotong and cover for 1-2mins.
plate the dish. when eating cut the sotong along the rings. voila!
made pan grilled lamp chops for dinner today on 12.10.2024.
SIL has 4 leftover lamb chops from meatman. I bought 1 packet 5 lamb chops from Cold Storage, promotion S$57/kg…price wise about same as meatman..meatman’s looks bigger because it’s caps on, with thick layer of fat! but grilled fat is nice haha!
just clean thoroughly with salt and squeeze and rub julienne ginger. Pat dry with kitchen towel. season with seasalt, black pepper, dry herbs – basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, paprika. Just a little butter to grease pan. medium high. add the chops one by one. brown and turnover. reduce to medium low and brown. voila! if not serving immediately, place fully covered in aluminium foil so chops do not dry out. put in 40degC oven to keep warm.
Grilled Red Snapper Head on 12oct2024Grilled Red Snapper Head on 12oct2024
make a grilled red snapper head for family dinner this evening.
I have fresh dill, the rest dry herbs.
most important step, thoroughly clean the fish head, removeall blood clotting from head and bones.
rub with salt and squeezed and rubbed with sliced ginger, and 1 tsp of white vinegar, then place in water for 15mins. drain and pat dry with kitchen towels.
seasoned with salt, pepper & herbs. I also sliced tomatoes, would also put sliced lemon but I didn’t have. add slice of butter. place on a rack (I wanted it grilled, can also place on a tray and bake)
then heat oven to 250degC. when ready I add 1 tbsp olive oil. place in oven for 15mins.
voila!
drizzle 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil when serving.
thoroughly clean the fish head, remove all blood clotting from head and bones.
rub with salt, squeeze and rub with sliced ginger, and 1 tsp of white vinegar, then place in water for 15mins. drain and pat dry with kitchen towels.
season with salt, pepper & herbs, sliced tomatoes, sliced lemon. add slice of butter. place on a rack (I wanted it grilled, can also place on a tray and bake)
heat oven to 250degC. when ready I add 1 tbsp olive oil. place in oven for 15mins. Voila!
when serving sprinkle a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
a cold wave suddenly sweeps in in a turn, a world of floating snowflakes endless mountains, vast expanse of white snow some silently encircles a piece of lapel moisture spreading out
chilly wind brushes the face a breathe, and rises the clear mist gazing at the forest, donned in silver snowflakes floating in the wind purifying a heart of dust spirit returns to being free and natural
strolling through the snowy scene as a family, leaving footprints in the mountains in the years of growing up, joy abounds appreciating nature connecting the heart to heaven and earth and all things cherishing, knowing, protecting
with a childlike heart a lifetime of gentle guidance warm familial love, nurturing like spring light on tiny blades of glass a lifetime of guardianship instilling good values and perspectives kindness and love passing down through generations
searching for food, having massage traveling miles without looking back crossing borders is a tiresome chore, traffic jams and queues three hours in line, car smoke and sweat wait! wait! wait!
bakuteh, “kway teow kia” full of flavor, a delight to savor taste zichar dishes, steam live fish sanlo (chaotar) beehoon, roast duck and “siu lap” (roast meats) craving! craving! craving!
strolling in the mall, shopping galore quality goods at affordable prices bring joy to the heart repair vehicle, fill up the tank happily and freely relish delicious meals, and load up with purchases for the return shiok! shiok! shiok!
relax and wander around JB is simple and authentic, offers true hospitality one day tour, but the joy isn’t complete soon we’ll return, together for more fun looking forward! looking forward! looking forward!
P.S.
inspiration for this poem came from 唐婉陆游诗-钗头凤， the rhythm and tempo is truly 千古绝句.
sadly, pretentious scumbag 陆游 gained fame 用情极深的千古佳话, but his careless irresponsible public rendition (on a wall) of a beautiful poem with questionable shallow feelings directly led to the death of 唐婉， whose public rejoinder was a poem of true beauty and deep conflicts and emotions, tearing open a wound 10years in the healing…
my poem is indeed quite ordinary, just benefitting from the wonderful tempo of 陆游唐婉 千古绝句 structure
RTS Link 施工的朋友让我写一诗，我便写了 新币33亿新柔捷运系统 (RTS Link) 估计2026/2027完工开始运作
====================
my english translation 👇
New Singapore-Johore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link)
the setting sun descends on the new RTS Link bridge shadows play on the water, the water feels even cooler
kinship and friendship between the two places extends for hundred years family connections, the feelings are long-lasting
steel and concrete support a thousand years concrete piles sink deep, rooted 50 meters six years of construction deliver rapid transit system with ten thousand people per hour capacity
morning glow at the sky’s edge reveals the rising sun welcoming 10,000 rays of brilliance
brightly-litted transit cars, spacious seats make border crossing speedy and convenient
the three-fives target crossing immigration, journey, exiting immigration each takes five minutes 3 hours of waiting reduced to 15 minutes
Singapore-Johore corridor rivals Hong Kong-Shenzhen a ten-year strategy S$3.3 billion in infrastructure investment
strengthens competition, attracts foreign investment manufacturing, medical infrastructure and tourism investments increasing employment, benefiting the people
350,000 daily commuters shopping, touring, dining, vehicle repairs, fueling businesses thrive, careers prosper fortunes rolling in
the bright sun shines on the brotherly nations uninterrupted flow of people and goods the two shores mutually reliant, water connects issues of the hearts the golden age of Singapore and Malaysia resides in the coffers of the wise
met a Malaysian lady professor teaching comparative literature 夏大比较文学教授 in 夏大外文学院， Xiamen University Faculty of Chinese Language and Literature， who shared with us her life story bringing up a 2year old daughter as a single parent while pursuing master/doctorate on chinese government scholarship in Wuhan University over 6years and then teaching at Xiamen for 10yrs
==========================
published on 15.7.2024
my english translation 👇
With Love in the Heart
life’s encounters are unpredictable fate weaves many twists and turns one person’s abandonment and breaking of oath results in countless students gaining a good teacher
the green water traverses a hundred turns the path of life is long the opportunity to have a good mentor for a day a beneficial friend accompanies you for a lifetime devotes oneself to nurturing talent students blossom everywhere
supporting husband and bringing up children a harmonious home giving up a career path with no regrets betrayed by a loved one falling into a valley of despair with blessings from guardian angels mother and daughter are joint by love in the hearts
loving life challenging fate in high spirits sunshine everywhere life’s awakening elevating the heart and mind literature and art my heart is free and joyful
youth fades like the flower in the mirror and moon in the the water success and failure, gains and losses are but a drift of smoke with love in the heart there’s no regrets the bonds of mother, daughter, mentor, and friends are longlasting
[镜湖] – mirror lake [大小锋巢] – big beehive, small beehive [维多利亚冰川] – Victoria glacier
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published on 16.5.2024
see my english translation 👇🏻
Lake Louise
[Lake Louise] in the early morning mist, all things awaken the morning hue dazzling reflections lit the lake lake water so clear scene is like in a painting
strolling by the lake gentle breeze brushing the face, a clear day surrounded by blue waters and towering peaks nature’s beauty surpasses poetry
mountains and lake so picturesque the lakeside scenery, leisurely and delightful stroll round the lake and experience the ecology morning and evening, longing for the dawn and dusk glow
hiking up the mountain reflection in the [Mirror Lake], scaling [Big Beehive] and [Small Beehive] joyful outing in the mountain and wilderness, forgetting to return longing in heart and soul for the lake and autumn colors
looking down from high above blue skies, white clouds, shimmering lake and green mountains mountain ranges, forests, and blue lakes standing amidst the mountains, relishing the sights of heaven, earth, lake and river
[Victoria Glacier] a spectacular backdrop, melting water feeding into the lake of such magnificence the glacier for 10,000 years lake and glacier standing by each other in an enduring symbiotic bond
climate change global warming, glaciers receding human folly, inflicting self-harm to Mother Nature It’s lamentable glacier once mighty is no longer same 10,000 years of standing guard will eventually come to an end
the glacier is magnificent, the enduring sentiments of heaven and earth valleys cloaked in silver, vast mountain ranges stretch endlessly frozen for eternity, a long time passing blanketing mountains and streams, the white snow extend timelessly
hiking up the mountain, the air is crisp and relax the mind feeling the wind on the mountain ridge, the heart rides the wind with delight gazing into the distance from a high vantage point, in full sight of the amazing wonders of nature light and refreshing, the consciousness wanders in a fairyland and beyond
the beauty of nature, inspiring awe and longing strolling snug in warm clothes, joyous thoughts dance in the heart mind at ease and spirit refresh pure heart and tranquil reflection, freely compose and recite poetry with open heart and free mind
glacier in quiet embrace of the snow over a thousand autumns moves like a meandering dragon, shaping a hundred rivers dragon roams the ice valley, and towering into the clouds freely soaring in the vast expanse of heaven and earth continuous snowfall cover the vast and boundless land heart like the pure white ice, eternally beautiful
[Morraine Lake] sitting by the lakeside watching the mountains and shimmering lake dawn hues ignite the mountain peaks golden bricks rest on the water mirror snow covers the foothills and water surface in layers of white a moment of beautiful scenery bid welcome to a morning of glorious sunlight
the sky is azure the lake water is crystal clear like jade glacial debris accumulate, light reflects off the rock flour in suspension in the water, forming a turquoise-colored lake steep mountain peaks surround the lake guarding this tranquil moment
the mountains and lake are magnificent clear reflections of the snow-capped mountains on the lake surface for a moment, heaven and earth, time and space stood still all the beauty before my eyes is captured like a painting a gentle breeze whispers, accompanying my sentiments ideas float lightly around the soul of poetry bring to fore reflections on the beauty and vastness of heaven and earth all encapsulated in this moment
in the afternoon, encounter with autumn snow snowing into the night the next day, the sides of the mountain roads are covered in snow september snowflakes flutter, frosting the sky the lakeside and forests are shrouded in silver stroll in a snowy scenery, brew and sip tea indoors bring a unique charm
the lakes and mountains are beautiful and tranquil leisurely elegance without distracting thoughts with the dawn, life flourishes as night curtain falls gently, all things rest the quiet natural sounds purify the heart, freeing the body and spirit
三角洲夜思 Reflections on a Delta Night-glenorchy ecoscapes 17.2.2023
三角洲夜思
天地悠然，時空停滞 晚霞繞嶺臥山峰 水鏡倒影畫綠洲
心如止水，神無歲月 自然美景展畫卷 思緒空靈游詩篇
夜寂靜清幽 遠望不動的永恆 風清晰涼爽 近聽草曳蟲鳴生命的氣息
夜幕漸垂 天際絢麗斑斕流逝 送走最後的光芒 只留下依戀
星月長空 水光山色心如明鏡 坐觀落地窗外景色 迎來靜思的長夜
夏夜蟬鳴清氣息 淺洲清澈葉微風 月明如畫萬物靜 萬縷溫柔入我眠
c.h.e.f andy
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published on 10.5.2024
see my english translation 👇🏻
Reflections on a Delta Night
the earth and sky tranquil, time and space stagnate and standstill sunset hue surrounds the horizon ridges, resting on the mountain peaks the water reflection paints a green delta
heart serene as still water, spirit roams timeless nature’s beauty unfolds like a painting scroll thoughts ethereal, tour freely like poetry scripts
in the quiet and serene night gaze afar at the unmoving eternity wind clear, cool and refreshing listen close to grass swaying, insects chirping, the breath of life
the curtain of night gradually descends the splendid and colourful evening hues in horizon slowly fade away bidding farewell to the last rays of light leaving only longing
stars and moon in vast night sky scenery of gleaming water and mountain, heart like a clear mirror sit and watch the scenery outside the ceiling to floor window embracing the quietude of the long night
on a summer night, cicadas sing, the air is clear and fresh shallow delta clear water, leaves rustle in the breeze the moonlight paints a tranquil scene moonbeams of tenderness enter my slumber
used to think that time could sustain a melody that has not reached its ending used to think that summer’s healing could repair winter’s afflictions
yet, yesterday we were together, and today no more a dear friend no longer by my side, only in memory even without thinking about it, impossible not to remember gatherings with your empty seat, chatting over coffee after meals arouses thoughts and emotions of your presence in moments of quiet solitude, remembering our past joy together
used to believe years could mellow the pain of abrupt separation used to believe spring could warm the losses of autumn
yet, memories flood my mind in an instant lost in communication between heaven and earth, only beauty remains in the heart alone missing you, will we eventually forget? in lonely, desolate nights yearning for past get togethers will our next meeting be but a dream or in netherworld?
uncorrupt by worldly affairs, never forget the original heart keep a good heart and see the beauty everywhere in the world in this world there is affection, in humanity there is love with a heart filled with kindness and love, life shines brightly everywhere
may the days be tranquil and every encounter is met with kindness may family be well and the thoughts and longing are for the warm affection
clear skies for miles the morning hues in the horizon reveals the morning sun accompanied by dazzling radiance welcoming a day filled with sunlight
gentle threads of tenderness the caress of starlight and moonlight evening breeze brushing the face and whispering in the ears accompanying me into the realm of dreams
cherish a person, guard a family even with the vicissitudes of life, my heart holds steadfast that perseverance in the long corridor of time the more it emerges as unforgettable, to be cherished a lifetime just like those memories that never fade treasured at the bottom of the heart
cherish a sentiment, embrace a lifelong bond cherries turn red, bananas turn green, this love remains unchanged this steadfastness in the stream of destiny is even more hard to get and cannot be forgotten like our footprints that traverse the growth circles of time together leaving an indelible mark
c.h.e.f 