Of Ramadan, Syawal & Bachelor Bakes

It has been a while since I updated my blog. I was quite depressed with how things was turning out for me initially. There was nothing much I can do except to be patient and have faith.

Eventually I got an offer to work with a telco, thanks to the recommendations of my ex colleague. I started working on the 22nd of June, a few days after Ramadan started. It has been a good a month over. Upside, the job is pretty ok. Downside, it is a good 1.5 hrs of journey.

Positive side - i lost weight from all that travelling to work!

At the suggestion of family and friends, I decided to take orders for cornflakes and chocolate chip cookies. I sold cornflakes for $18 per bottle and has about 120 pieces and $35 per bottle for chocolate chip cookies.

I manage to get an order of 40 bottles of cornflakes and 10 bottles of chocolate chip cookies. I had also 4 cake orders.

Alhamdulillah, it certainly help me for the month of July 2015.

I feel that due to my situation, I seems to take things easy during Ramadan. I was very relax though busy. Stressful yet happy.

I was aware that Syawal this year would be very different - I was not ready or in the mood for it. This was what happened:

On 3rd July, I received  a call from Mak. She informed me of the tragedy that had befall on our Maria's family - her son fell off FROM a tree (WTH he is doing on a tree is beyond me) and currently temporarily paralyzed.

I was definitely on the verge of an emotional breakdown. I took a deep breath and start making plans.
Send Maria on her way the very next day - that was after talking to her and ensure that we remain in contact through out. She has to let us know if she wants to continue working with us.

I made arrangements to check / call back on her weekly. After close to about 2 weeks away, she was unable to give an answer if she is coming back. I was on the verge of terminating her work permit when it was nearing Raya WHEN she called to inform she intends to come back by mid August.

We settle the deal there and then. Proceeded to make plans to the embassy to get the documentation for her so she can do her KTKLN card in Indonesia in order to return back to Singapore.

All that was settled last week Tuesday. She texted me to update that she is doing her KTKLN card today.

If all is well, she be back next week Wednesday - 18th August 2015.

 So as you can imagine, with this happening, the tasks of household management falls onto my mother's lap. I did the food for the guests this year. I prepared Mee Curry for all. Mak made the food for our family members only.

It has been a very trying 2 months. I was juggling with my own situation, family and the orders. My hair turn white even faster than usual.

I was so busy that I only cut my hair for Raya on the 2nd Syawal!

After the 2nd week of raya, I got a very bad migraine that lasted me a whole night that caused me to take medical leave for 2 days. I also did not rest enough after the endless cooking /  baking that I did.

My slip disc was definitely in action and my legs was turning to jelly any moment.

With the 2 days MC, i stayed home and recuperate. I went for more frequent schedule massage to combat the pain.

Health-wise, with my weight going down, I monitored my food intake. I started a self campaign on reducing my sugar intake. I still keep to my meals BUT i started eating more healthily.

I avoided fast foods altogether and only eat quality - home cooked food.

All in all, it is a turning point for me.

There are so many things to be done and with my main focus on my future and the mess that I am in now, I have to step up and be more proactive in getting the dollars in!

Aside from the current job, I intend to offer more thru bachelor bakes to create more opportunities for myself.

During the National Day long weekend, I prepared 2 new recipes to offer to my followers. Hopefully through that I can get more businesses and eventually or ideally it should be able to supplement my income.

Wish me luck on that!


Thank you.

Bachelor Bakes

Bismillah,

In my previous posting, I have mentioned that Bachelor Bakes was created for a purpose.
Aside from baking cheesecakes, tarts and mousse, I am also experimenting with simple home made cookies for sale.

However, my love is still cooking. This bachelor loves to cook.

I cook for family, for my friends, for strangers. I don't mind. It can be tiring however the satisfied look from those whom I cook for makes the tiredness go away.

As the fasting month is approaching, I would like to take orders. It is still open.

Cakes

1. All cakes order is open till 3rd week of Fasting Month or when order is full, whichever is earlier.
2. Payment made in full and delivery charge of $12 will apply.
3. I encourage consolidated orders.

Price as follow:
Cheesecakes - round 9"

1. Plain $49
2. Flavored (Blueberry / Strawberry / Oreo) $55

Blueberry Crumble
1. Square $38
2. Rectangle $45

Oreo Mousse - round 9" - $55
Mousse In a Cup - per box of 16 pcs -$50
Chocolate / White Chocolate Tart - $45

Sweet Treat Snacks (100pcs)
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies - $24 bottle
2. Honey Cornflakes - $18 per bottle

Bulk Purchase:
Honey Cornflakes
4 bottles - $66
8 bottles - $128

Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 bottles - $90

Delivery Additional $8 per location. I encourage consolidated orders.

For more pictures and info do check out BachelorBakes facebook account!

Look forward to your support.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Edz

Nindaku - Hajjah Mariam

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim

*Ninda - the royal equivalent of Nenek (Grandmother)*

An Nisa' Verse 36
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

Al An'Am Verse 151
Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason."

Al Isra' Verse 23 - 24
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small."

Al Ankabut Verse 8
And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

Luqman Verse 14 - 15
And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.

But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

Al Ahqaf Verse 15-16
And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims."

Those are the ones from whom We will accept the best of what they did and overlook their misdeeds, [their being] among the companions of Paradise. [That is] the promise of truth which they had been promised.

______________________________________________________________________

Read the verses above? See those red words?
That's how much Allah SWT loves us. He gave us parents who care for us - who EARNED rewards for caring for us and in turn He freely REWARDS us when we have to care our parents.

In my FB posting today, I mentioned that in June 2015, providence will be on their way to us. Allah SWT had answered my prayers.

After 7 years, my grandmother, Hajjah Mariam & aunt,  will be staying with us.
We last care for them in 2007/2008 period. My uncle, approached my parents about a few months back to initiate the discussion. However as they will be using my room, my mom suggested to my uncle to ask me directly. Of course I said yes. How can I say no?

Alhamdulillah, the whole family agree and excited to receive them. The idea was to get them in by end of May 2015. However, parents have a wedding to attend in Melaka in June and Mak is not comfortable with the idea of leaving them alone with the maid and us. She personally wants to oversee the caring of both Ninda & aunty.

There is so much to prepare. I have to start packing my clothes and place them in my brother's room and keep my wardrobe and some drawers free for them.

We have to start ensuring the house is spick and span and non slippery. The maid has been given instructions on the additional duties that she will have to do, however, her sleeping schedule remains the same. We have to enlist the help of my aunt if Ninda has to wake up at night to go toilet. I will also be spending more time here to ensure Ninda is well and fine.

It is going to be a busy raya as well. The last time when we had Ninda, our raya expenditure was about double. We have to host many extended families and that particular  year, I remember my parents were unable to visit others as they were busy receiving guests.

Ninda is 85 years old this year. A bit forgetful but still sweet in nature. Always thinking of a lot of things, talking about the past often and repeatedly that we all can only nod in polite acceptance.

Patience is the KEY in handling the elderly.

The ultimate reward however, is limitless.

I look forward to caring for Ninda again.

Inshaa Allah.

Edz

Culinary

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim,

And so, Abang Hisham, a figure whom I have known for at least 2 decades asked about my journey to cooking. Sulaiman, also ask me to write something exciting to which I am still thinking about his idea. See the snapshot from my facebook. Let's take an idea at a time.

The first time I learn how to cook was when Mr L came to stay over at my place one weekend and he requested for Mak to teach him how to cook her version of Mee Siam Goreng. So it was on a Sunday morning, Mr L and I (I was 17 years old and Mr L was 21), stand beside Mak and watch her cook a whole packet of Bee Hoon. 

At 17 years old I was not  impressed about it. However, it was much much later when the real spark took place - when I notice Mak isn't as strong as she was. It was in 2008 when I moved out of my parents home and start staying on my own - when I had to buy food instead of getting home cook food. To quote the Queen of Caldecott Hill, why cook when $3.00 can buy a packet of rice? 

Cooking can be an expensive hobby.

Anyway, the discovery for cooking started when I came back for Hari Raya in 2008 and I notice it was a very slow going for Mak. During Hari Raya there are 3 dishes that Mak will always cook and NEVER forego: 

1. Sambal Goreng 

2. Ayam Goreng Manis

3. Kuah Lodeh

I am sure most of you are familiar with dish 1 & 3, however not many is aware of dish 2. Try google it and you will never find the recipe. I will never release it as it is our family recipe for many many years.

Ayam Goreng Manis, had found its way to most of friends' tummy and since I refuse to share how we came up with recipe, they are contented to be invited to feast on it once a year and if I am nice, twice a year. 

There are many spices that is used for Ayam Goreng Manis. The preparation to cook this dish takes hours let alone to cook it. 

For the 3 dishes, Mak will NEVER, i repeat NEVER, use the blender. She cuts everything finely and use large quantities of it. She said blended ingredients dissolve the taste and to her it is most pleasurizing to prepare / cook it in the very traditional way. 

That got me thinking. If Mak one day isn't around, how do we deal with this. 

Hence I started to learn how to cook from then on. It seems natural to start learning how to cook your favorite dishes first.

Mak is my teacher for traditional malay dishes. The passing or excellent point was in 2009, when I came  home on the eve of Raya with a tupperware full of Ayam Goreng Manis. Her reaction upon me reaching the door, was to grab the tupperware, open it and scoop a spoonful of it and she tasted the gravy. 

What she said? 

"ahh..sama macam Mak punya...(ahhh same like mine)" That was the ultimate approval that I wanted.

Mr L is my teacher for cantonese / thai / ang  moh dishes. 

When I was staying in an apartment with full facility, I made use of the kitchen by cooking. It was a fantastic 2 years where I made use of it to evolve. 

Fastforward to today, I made full use of Mr L kitchen. I learn how to bake as well. Thus, with the support I received, Bachelor Bakes was born. 

Every year, I will host a catch up session during the CNY long holidays. I will prepare all the dishes in advance and cook up a storm in the kitchen. 

Friends whom I have the honour to cook for can vouch for me the effort that I took in each dishes, from preparing to presenting, that I love to cook and it shows. 

I do hope one day, I can host Abang Hisham to my own annual gathering, Inshaa Allah. 

Love, 

Aidil Edzwan 

Wedding of Yunizar & Hussien

My dearest beloved sister got married last year. The reception was held on the 2nd October 2011.

The family was kept busy for the wedding. There were many details to look into:

a.  Sleeping arrangements

The 2 sisters shared a room while the 2 brothers had a room each as I don't like to use the aircon when sleeping. Arrangements had to be made for the bride to be to have a splendid looking room before the wedding.

We engaged Roslan Renovation Contractor to do the renovation as:
a. he had done our renovation work back in our old home in Yishun
b. my sister wants a the same wardrobe that my parents had back then in Yishun and it is easier to explain to him on it
c. his office is very near to the caterer that we engaged for the wedding.
d. his price is reasonable as there were hacking works to be done too.

All the rooms was given a new look:

1. my parents master bed room
As the aircon pipes running around the place leaks in my sister's room, we decide to take the opportunity to look at it. As the assessment given that it is likely the pipes needs to be change due to wear and tear, it affects my parent's wardrobe as the pipe runs under their wardrobe too and therefore, there was a need to tear down their wardrobe.

2. my sister's bedroom
The study table / cabinet was hacked. During the assessment we informed the contractor that is likely to be a space under that window and we would like it to be replaced align it to the window. We were right and after the hacking, a sliding door cabinet was built.  The old wardrobe was tear down and a new wardrobe was built.

3. my brother's room
His room has a 5 door wardrobe shared with me and a study cabinet/table.
The cabinet table was hacked and replace with a sliding door cabinet was built in. I move my things out of the 2 door wardrobe  and my youngest sister occupy it . The 1 left was shared between the 2 of them

4. my bedroom/study room
I am having the smallest room. I had a study table/cabinet which was hacked and replaced by a built in. Mother built a 2 door wardrobe for me attached with a study table.
I moved my clothes there. I shared the wardrobe with my grandma's & aunt's items as they do come over once in a while and they left their clothes and items here for convenience.

As there are a lot of pictures, i have prepared them in flickr:

Click here for :

Before Home Renovation Pictures
And
After Home Renovation Pictures

We spend close about $9,000 on the renovation which we think is a fair amount.

Roslan Renovation has a good reputation and they understand what we want. There will be a Phase 2 of the renovation that will take place sometime next month and we will pass this next phase to Hamid & Sons.

So guys, remember this is the FIRST arrangement if you come from a big family to look into. Contact Mr Roslan for a good deal!

b. The Caterer

The search for caterers came after the official proposal hand in marriage. It was in April 2010 when the family of my then future brother in law came to propose for my sister.

I was asked by my mother to check out the prices - from expos to magazines to every single wedding that both my mom and i attended to check out their exquisite menu.

We found anything from $5000 to $50,000.

We were wondering too, how we can cope if indeed the final bill do come to that amount - however we put our faith in Him and believe that all will work out fine.

True enough, in 2011, my mother was walking around Joo Chiat Complex and for some reason she was attracted to this small corner shop on the 3rd floor - Salmah Manap Bridal Boutique.

The friendly nature of the matronly lady - Puan Salmah herself put my mother at ease. To my mother, Allah has answered her prayer. As this was the first wedding in the family, she wanted to give this business  to an experienced caterer cum planner.

We arranged for a food tasting session - at Clementi where a wedding was ongoing, and we were sold! The ayam masak merah is well cooked, quite a sizeable portion for each guest, the entertainment that was provided, the various deco to choose from and simple wedding favours for the guests.

We placed a $2,000 deposit to secure the date and we had to meet up with them a few times to finalize the whole menu. It was finalized a month before the wedding and after another $10,000 payment. Herewith is the menu:

1. Wedding Dais aka Pelamin
10ft Wrought Iron inclusive of chandeliers


2. Decorations
Bride & Groom Table with Fresh Flower
20 Round Guest Table with skirting
160 Seat Cover with Alternate Ribbons
Potted Plants (Palm Trees)
20 Fresh Flower Arrangement for Guest Table
Buffet Line with Fresh Floral Arrangement
Reception Table
Artificial Floral Arch
4 Aisle Stand with Fresh Flower Arrangement
Red Carpet
DJ Table + Cake Table
Ceiling Setting

Total: $2500.00

3. Solemnization - Menu for 100 pax
Nasi Putih
Ayam Lemak Cili Padi
Sambal Goreng
Beef Steak
Ulam
Salted Fish
Teh O
Bone Steak & French Loaf
2 types of kuehs
Blueberry Cordial

2 helpers for dish washing

Total $900.00

4. Main Wedding Reception - Menu for 1000 pax (buffet)
Nasi Putih
Nasi Briyani Dam (Kambing)
Dalca
Ayam Masak Merah
Sweet Sour Fish
Black Pepper Prawns
Sambal Goreng Pengantin
Rojak Melayu
Acar Buah
Bubur Pulut Hitam
Mee Hoon Goreng
Grapes
6 different types of kuehs/desserts
Ice Bed for the cold dessert
Candy Corner
Blueberry & Orange Cordials
Kopi O
Teh O

plus 100 packets of prepared dishes for guests to take home.

Wedding cake

4 helpers for dishwashing

Total: $13,100.00

5. Miscellaneous Charges
Kendarat  - $550
Music Panca Irama (11am to 5 pm) - $850
Gubahan - $250
Berkat aka Wedding Favours - $1500

FOC: Bunga Rampai 30 pieces

Total: $3,150.00

Caterer Final Cost: $19,650.00

We were very happy with their services and menu that was offered and prepared. Those who came, i appreciate very much if you can testify to their menu in my blog comments! :)

No amount of picture can justify their fabulous menu and i regret very much that i did not take time to snap some pictures of the food :(

But here is the link to their facebook account. Click HERE

The Mak Andam - Make Up Services + Photo/Video

I had wanted to do this for my sister very much but after she persuaded me not to as she told me that I am not an UP TO DATE pak andam and since i am the eldest in the family, chances is majority of the guests will LOOK for me after my parents.

Hence we look around again for mak andam and we settled for the famous Chantique Bridal.

My sister and I would prefer Abang Zul himself to do the make up but i understand that it will cost my sister more and furthermore, he was not available on that date.

On that day, Kak Salmah came instead and did the make up for my sister.

Here are some pics of the happy couple:

Solemnization Outfit

Kak Salmah

The Couple

The Last Costume

I can't remember their exact cost but it would be something close to $5000.00 inclusive of photography & videography.

6. About 3 weeks before the event, my mother have this wanting to desire to have a nasyid group to perform for the wedding which is from 11 am to 1 pm.

I knew she wanted that "A Romzi Group"

It's additional $650.00. Unfortunately, it's word by mouth only so whoever is interested, please let me know so i can pass you their contact.

(no, the charges for the panca irama which we engaged with the caterer was not reduced)

Total Cost: $34,300.00

This does not include, what we have spend on our own:

a. flowers for bride ($300.00)
b. vehicle rental for Saturday whole day + driver + Sunday morning ($350.00)
I don't drive hence i have to do this.
c. the back drop for the bridal room ($1000.00)
d. Family costume for the 2 days ($1000.00)

Alhamdulillah, He has been kind to us and we manage to clear all the expenses by the next day to the caterer.

I hope this entry has helped in an anyway to future brides & grooms and their families that it is important to have good support when you want to get married. At the end of the day, everyone wishes to have a great time.