Moomy Said Farewell to Team Braverman

We've all got our fave TV sitcoms and dramas. I mean, TV will always bring people together (apart from food, that is). I grew up watching The Fresh Prince of Bel Air; my darling hubby remembered watching the talented Robin Williams from Mork and Mindy.

And if you're like me, I'm sure you had many a good laughs with Rachel, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe from Friends.

"How you doingggg?"

Well, 2 nights ago, another of my fave TV drama came to a tearful end. Parenthood drew its curtains close after 6 wonderful seasons of laughter, joy and tears.

I've followed Parenthood since its premiere in March 2010. I remember watching it on quiet afternoons while rubbing my pregnant belly. I had wondered then what parenthood might have in store for me once Baby O'Bayley has joined us.

Boy … A LOT! :D:D:D

The cast was great and I enjoyed watching the chemistry between each of them but the one who caught my attention was the character Max Braverman. Max and his parents discovered that he has Asperger syndrome and it was just … gripping watching the character unfold on telly as the actor, Max Burkholder, had portrayed it so convincingly.

I enjoyed the series because it felt so real, y'know - the ups and downs of any family. Whether its fights amongst siblings or arguments between spouses, interracial relationships (uh-huh!), cancer and autism, or running your own business, the stories Team Braverman portray were everyday issues that happen in real life.

And I love how they tackled it together and make things work, even though there were some scary twists and "OMG Julia, what did you dooooo???" moments.

There were lots of memorable lines in the series but if I could pick out one, it would be this:

The patriarch, Zeek Braverman, had a conversation with Hank Rizzoli about Sarah. Zeek said "No one has taught me more about unconditional love. She gives her heart to the people she cares about most. I would just ask you to take care of my daughter. You gotta be there for her."

And Hank replied "It would be my honor to do that. I never met anyone like her. I'll never stop loving her."

Yeah, I have shed a lot of tears with the Braverman family. I have never missed an episode and boy … my Thursday evenings are going to be lonesome now.

And I'm defo going to miss their opening credits. I love that song; its like a beautiful prayer for all of us:

May god bless and keep you always

May your wishes all come true

May you always do for others

And let others do for you

May you build a ladder to the stars

And climb on every rung

May you stay, forever young

Forever Young

Forever Young

May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous

May you grow up to be true

May you always know the truth

And see the lights surrounding you

May you always be courageous

Stand upright and be strong

And may you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young

May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy

May your feet always be swift

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of changes shift

May your heart always be joyful

May your song always be sung

And may you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young

May you stay forever young

~ Bob Dylan's Forever Young

So thank you, Jason Katims & crew. That was a beautiful series and one worth watching. :D #ParenthoodFarewell

And to you, my dear reader, "May God bless and keep you always" and have a wonderful Superbowl weekend!

Moomy & The Ginormous Party Platter!

Hello hello January and Happy New Year, everybody!! :D:D:D

If your festive hols were anything like mine, I'm sure your house was filled with sounds of wrapping paper tearing, boys squealing with delight over their new toys from Grandma & Grandpa, glasses clinking with ice and toasts for the new year, that delicious smell of prime rib roast cooking away in the oven …

And buttons popping off pants from all that feasting! Hehehe o yeah, I know that feeling alright *winks*

Remember my new found friends, Marlina and Eric? I wrote about them in my post a couple of months back: budandtheobayleyboys.blogspot.com/2014/09/moomy-and-her-newfound-friends.html

Anyhoo, the last time we had them over was for Eid ul'Adha (The Feast of the Sacrifice), in early October. We had barely digested our lunch then when we started talking about food in Singapore that we miss now that we're here in the States.

It must have been my darling hubby who mentioned Nasi Ambeng so the idea blossomed thereabouts about how wonderful it would be to re-create such a feast here!

When you say "Nasi Ambeng" in SG, local Malays will know and expect to be served a huge platter of rice with different meat, chicken and vegetable dishes piled over it. But you don't have that entire platter to yourself (mind you, it is slightly bigger than the extra-large 16-inches pizza from Papa John's); Nasi Ambeng is eaten by 4-5 people to a platter.

This dish originates from Java, Indonesia but the beauty of life is such that rich tradition and culture from our ancestors travel down through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so on. And now that I'm happily married and have 2 beautiful boys, my hope is that by documenting such stories as these, it will help my lil Tommy & Aidan understand the unique fusion of Mommy & Daddy's beautiful cultures.

Nasi Ambeng is typically served to guests during special get-togethers. It is a beautiful sight to see, really … you have groups of 4 sitting in a circle and sharing a rice platter amongst themselves.

Of course, prior to eating, a special water jug & receptacle is passed around so the diners can wash their hands. I was so glad I had packed mine along when we moved here because such a traditional Malay feast ain't quite complete without that humble item :D

So say no more, let me share with you the Nasi Ambeng feast that Marl and I had cooked together:

Nasi Ambeng, the Portland Experience, as Eric had described it :D:D:D

Marl had prepared Sambal Tumis Udang (Shrimps in Spicy Caramelised Onions and Chili Paste), Ayam Masak Lemak Cili Padi (Chicken in Spicy Coconut-Based Gravy) and Sambal Goreng (a heavenly mixture of tempe, tofu, green beans, beef and shrimp cooked in coconut milk and chili paste).

I made Beef Rendang (chunks of beef simmered in coconut milk & spices), Bagedel (little potato patties) and Acar Timun (cucumber pickles with carrots and pineapple).

The above dishes were ladled over rice which was placed on a huge platter covered with banana leaves. If you haven't tried it before, you must put it in your bucket list because its just a unique dining experience!

That silver pot & receptacle on the top left is what we used to wash our hands before we commence feasting ...

And the 'after' shot:

We were all stuffed but the leftovers on this platter weren't wasted: it's (a big) lunch for (me) today, y'all!! Hehehe :D:D:D

I wish you were there to share this unique experience with us … I had a friend on FB who had cheekily asked me if she could place an order from us. Hehehehe o my.

So with a full belly (still a wee bit stuffed from yesterday's feast. I don't think I can work on the leftover plate for lunch later hehehe) and a happy heart, me and my darling boys bid you, my dear reader, a prosperous, promising and fulfilling 2015!! :D:D:D

Love and hugs,
Moomy xo