"Have you eaten yet?"

I had my first cooking class this year by starting it off with a huge kick of heat in the air. Yes, a sambal dish is always spicy. It contains a generous amount of chili peppers as well as the other flavorings. It helped clear some of our sinus passages as well.
This is also my first class after my recent trip home. My journey home was such a great and delicate equilibrium of wonderful family time and mastering some of mom's dishes.

I was telling my students yesterday that eating is almost considered a national pastime for Asians especially Malaysians and Singaporeans. "Have you eaten yet?" is a customary way to greet in most Asian countries. We don't talk much about the weather but we do talk a lot about food. And by doing so, we are inquiring about your well being, your body and soul. Try it sometime...with your friends and family. It's really a warm way to say you care about them.

Watching and learning from home was like going to culinary school of mom. I ate all the time and would always anticipate with excitement what she would cook up next. Let it be something to snack on with some chai at 4pm or something for dinner. Mom is such a wonderful cook, she is bold and adventurous. We went to the market almost every morning to get fresh seafood or veggies. I forgot how convenient that was.

So, I have attached some pictures from my recent trip home and also some from yesterday's class. Also, please know that my next class is on the 15 of April and i'm teaching Chicken Kurma (Mild curry made with yogurt sauce or cream, and almond paste) and Vegetable Pakoras (Indian veggie fritters).