Monday, October 29, 2012

Spanish Market

Shopping at a Spanish market is a unique way of meeting people and discover an enchanting shopping experience. Being able to make friends not only with the locals but also from other parts of the world.

What you can find in a typical Spanish market are goods from around the world like clothes and toys from China; jewelry from Africa and India; leather goods and souvenirs from Spain and a lot more.
Like any other market, haggling is not a problem.

So when in Spain, a visit to the local market is a must!


strike a pose before shopping...:)


The marketplace!!!


Goods from China like bags, toys, caps,shoes...


Souvenirs from Spain... Hand crafted chimes and plates..


:)


Silver jewelry from Africa. One of the reasons why I love the marketplace. The silver rings and earrings are lovely and sold at a very reasonable price. Leather bags (Made in Spain) starting at 20 euros....good finds!!!


Yummy Spanish goodies...

Churros..


Fresh fruits...


:)

Pollo Asado or Roasted Chicken...

Saturday, October 27, 2012

The Temple of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It became the king's state temple and the capital city. Angkor Wat is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world.
Mainly made of sandstone blocks, it is the prime example of the classical style Khmer Architecture. The Khmer architects had become skilled in using sandstone, molding and building it into a great temple.

The temple is a very important symbol to the Cambodians that it even appears to their national flag, and it is also the country's main attraction for visitors.  Also a UNESCO Worl Heritage Site, it attracts thousands of tourists every day.

I have visited the temple and been to Siem Reap twice and I just can't wait to see it again this November. :)

















































Friday, October 26, 2012

My Version of Macaroni and Cheese

I would love to visit Italy one day, can't wait to check this off my bucket list. I have only been to the Swiss-Italian border, Lugano, when my parents and I went to Switzerland ten years ago.
The history of Macaroni and Cheese dates back to the late thirteenth century in Southern Italy.

Ever since I was a child, Italian food like pizza and pasta has always been my favorite. After I finished University, my sister and I opened a small café and that's when I started cooking. I tried experimenting Pasta dishes like Lasagna, Tomato Spaghetti, Carbonara and Macaroni and Cheese. I have tried a lot of recipes from different cookbooks, sometimes combining or mixing the ideas until I came up to this recipe that has become my favorite.

Hope you enjoy! :)



Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

500g Macaroni
1 can Tomato Sauce
3 Medium Tomatoes chopped
1 Large Onion chopped
3 Cloves Garlic chopped
Rock Salt
Ground Black Pepper
2 Tsp Parsley
2 Tsp Paprika
Olive oil

Method:
1) Boil water in a deep pan, add olive oil and salt, carefully place Macaroni Pasta into the boiling water.
    wait until the pasta is soft and done, do not overcook. Drain the hot water,
    wash the pasta with cold water then drain again. Set aside.
2) On a pan with olive oil, turn heat to medium until oil begins to bubble, saute chopped onion and garlic
     until golden brown. Add chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce into the pan,
     dash some paprika, salt and pepper.
3) Place the boiled macaroni carefully into the hot tomato sauce, dash some parsley, paprika,
    salt and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes.

Mornay Sauce:

3 Tbsp Butter
3 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
2 Cups Milk
1/4 Tsp Salt
1 Ounce Parmesan Cheese
2 Ounces Grated Cheddar Cheese

Method:
1) In a deep pan, turn heat to medium, melt the butter. Add milk.
2) Slowly dash flour into the pan, mixing it with the melted butter and milk.
3) Add Parmesan Cheese and Cheddar Cheese
4) Dash some salt and simmer for 30 minutes. Make sure it doesn't burn.

-Place Macaroni with tomato sauce in a large Pyrex bowl or Oven SAFE container,
   put mornay sauce on top.
-Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
-Place the Macaroni bowl in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

All that Sparkles

Your travelling experience in Bangkok will never be complete if you don't visit the Jewelry shops. Yes, Thailand is known for its magnificent jewelry and gems. In fact, Ruby, Sapphire and other gemstones have historically been mined in Thailand.

When in Bangkok, don't be fooled by the tuk-tuks or other travel agencies, they normally take you to the touristic and expensive Jewelry shops. 

My first Jewelry purchase in Bangkok
White Gold Ring with Amethyst


Bought this in Gems Productions Co., Ltd.
Good thing with the shop, if you have problems with the jewelry
show them the certificate and
they will fix it with lifetime warranty



I have been to a lot of Jewelry shops in Bangkok but so far, the best jewelry shop that I have been where the staff are so professional and not this "buy, buy, buy" mentality is the World Crystal Co., Ltd.



My husband knew about this place when he asked a taxi driver where to buy the best jewelry with not too many tourists when he was in Bangkok a few months ago. He surprised me a beautiful Amethyst with pink Sapphires drop Earrings on our wedding anniversary. :)



Anyway, a few days ago we came back to this shop for me to see. The shop has 2 levels and all the jewelry are exquisitely beautiful. We were the only guests and the staff were really assisting us. The reason why this place is not so touristic, most of their jewelry are exported to Europe. If you are looking for a high quality jewelry with very unique designs and reasonable price then you should visit

World Crystal Co., Ltd.
55 Mahaset Rd.,
Siphraya, Bangrak
Bangkok 10500
Thailand


One of the world's most expensive Chandelier made of Amethysts, Rubies and Pink Sapphires.
Can you believe this cost 1,200,000 USD???
Well it's a beautiful Chandelier anyway!!! :)


Not travelling to Thailand? No problem visit their website World Crystal Co., Ltd. for online shopping. :)

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Food Avenue @ MBK

So happy to dine once again at The Fifth Food Avenue, MBK.
No need to write anything about The Fifth Food Avenue for the pictures says it all.



































The reason why I love coming back to The Fifth Food Avenue
Garlic Shrimp from Jimbaran, Bali
and
Shrimp Siomai from Panda House




The Fifth Food Avenue
MBK Center
Bangkok, Thailand