Food & Drink

Turkish Cuisine Week – An International Celebration of Türkiye’s Ancient and Sustainable Culinary Tradition

H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur

I am so honoured to be invited to the exclusive dinner event held by Ambassador Emir Salim Yüksel for Malaysian chefs and members of the media last Friday in conjunction with Turkiye Cuisine Week (21-27 May 2023).

One with H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur

I had the opportunity to sample the regional cuisine of Hatay, one of the cities in the gastronomy field of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, during the dinner event last Friday, which was held at the Ambassador’s official residence here, through a demonstration session by renowned Turkish chef, Chef Turgay Gündodu.

H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur is in a conversation with Members of the Media

The annual Turkish Cuisine Week, which takes place from May 21 to 27, is an international celebration of Turkish cuisine, which has traces of many different civilizations and is fueled by a fertile geography and a rich history. The regional cuisine of Hatay, which has been named the “26th Gastronomy City of the World” by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, will receive special attention during the second edition of Turkish Cuisine Week. The Turkish Cuisine Week will also highlight Turkish food culture’s commitment to sustainable and zero-waste production practices.

Turkish Cuisine Week is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. The diplomatic missions of Türkiye throughout the world organised a variety of events and social media campaigns to highlight the distinctive flavours of Hatay cuisine.

The international events for Turkish Cuisine Week this year include a special menu featuring flavours from Hatay cuisine. One of the Turkish cities that stands out for its unique cuisine is Hatay, which is a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the culinary arts. High-quality olive oil, grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, native herbs, and spices are all combined in Hatay cuisine, which is characterised by its fertile soils and Mediterranean climate.

From left – Raja Syahiran (Malaysian Singer), Chef Ismail, Uyaina Arshad (Host and Actress) and H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur

Turkish Cuisine Week began in Malaysia with an exclusive dinner hosted by His Excellency (H.E.) Emir Salim Yüksel, the Turkish Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur. This was followed by an online activity with Chef Maximilian J. W. Thomae and a Turkish Cuisine demonstration workshop with 29 students from Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia featuring ksr (fine bulgur salad) and Sini Kebab/Tepsi Kebab.

Turkish chef, Chef Turgay Gündodu demonstrating kisir, a fine bulgur salad with tomatoes and fresh herbs

Türkiye Embassy in Malaysia Kick-Started the Turkish Cuisine Week
The Turkish Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, H.E. Emir Salim Yüksel, organised an exclusive dinner as part of Turkish Cuisine Week to unveil this year’s special menu, which featured regional dishes from Hatay cuisine.

Through the week-long Turkish Cuisine Week, the healthy, traditional, waste-free and sustainable nature of the deep-rooted Turkish cuisine is promoted on an international scale. Türkiye is among the top five countries with the most intangible heritage values inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Among these, we also have traditional recipes from Turkish cuisine, such as flatbread, as well as keşkek, a Turkish dish with meat and wheat; and mesir paste, consisting of 41 herbs and spices. Turkish coffee is also part of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, symbolising not only a special brewing technique but also a rich communal traditional culture and history.

said H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur
Welcome Remarks by H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur

H.E. Emir Salim Yüksel also said that cultural heritage, as defined by UNESCO, goes far beyond just monuments and artefacts; it actually includes customs, rituals, skills, and recipes that we pass down from our ancestors to our descendants. The dishes we prepared for the guests today are from Hatay, one of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network cities in the gastronomy field.

At the dinner, renowned Turkish chef Turgay Gündodu demonstrated how to make “stuffed grape leaves with meat” and kisir while serving the Hatay menu, which included biberli ekmek (flatbread with red pepper paste), olive salad, hummus, kisir, and “kunefe” (a kadayif dessert with cheese).

Chef Turgay Gündodu demonstrated the dishes to the Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia students

Ancient, Sustainable, Zero-Waste, Healthy and Timeless Traditions of Turkish Cuisine
A live online cooking demonstration by Chef Maximilian J. W. Thomae using regional ingredients and traditional cooking methods provided attendees of the Turkish Cuisine Week event with a comprehensive overview of traditional and sustainable Turkish cuisine. Those who were invited to watch the live streaming had the chance to learn about the diverse and rich Turkish cuisine, as well as about its capacity and willingness to adapt to changing eating and drinking trends. Participants got a hands-on introduction to the sustainable and waste-free cooking techniques used in Turkish cuisine. Turkish eating and drinking rituals, which were built around emotions of unity, togetherness, and cultural sustainability, brought participants together around healthy and time-tested recipes.

Chef Turgay Gündodu (front, second from left) with culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia

Hatay a Table of Civilisations
Chef Turgay Gündodu also conducted a demonstration class for 29 culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia as part of his efforts to promote the city’s culinary heritage, which has been influenced by the fact that it has historically been home to a variety of civilisations. The students had the chance to get their hands on some kisir and Sini/Tepsi kebabs during the demonstration.

Interesting isn’t it? Get more information on Turkish Cuisine Week from this website: https://turkishcuisineweek.com/homepage

One for the Blog

About Türkiye
Located in the Mediterranean Sea and connecting the Asian and European continents that are separated by the famous Bosphorus, Türkiye is a unique destination and a hub for cultural interaction. In addition to its perfect climate, Türkiye inspires visitors with its history, nature and gastronomy, all of which reflect the diversity of civilisations from over many centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Türkiye has a distinctive understanding of art and fashion which is the synthesis of tradition and modernity, and its dynamic shopping and entertainment life also attracts visitors from all over the world. For more information about Türkiye please visit: https://www.goturkiye.com/

Food & Drink

Malaysian Foodies Get Creative with Real California Milk Cheeses

I was thrilled and excited to accept an invitation from Real California Milk to attend an event at The Cooking House in PJ along with other bloggers and influencers. The purpose of the event, which was held on May 5, 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm, was to enlighten us about the use of various types of cheeses from California in cooking. In the cook-off mini competition held on that day, fellow blogger Zahira Hanafi and I partnered up for our first time to create our own special cheese platter using Real California Milk cheeses. Despite not getting any placement, I definitely had so much fun in the event.

Pick Products with Real California Milk Seal
The event was organised by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the largest agricultural marketing organisation in California, to educate Malaysian consumers about their high-quality cheeses bearing the Real California Milk seal. The CMAB portfolio includes a large variety of dairy products, including far more than just cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, and ice cream.

To my surprise, the cheese industry is steadily growing in Malaysia. There are more cheese-containing food items available now, and the market is home to a growing number of cheese varieties. Malaysia’s cheese market is currently worth RM1.094 billion and is projected to increase yearly by 7.52% from 2023 to 2027 (CAGR).

Variety and Adaptability of California Cheeses
I find the availability of California cheeses like Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, and Monterrey Jacks for Malaysians to eat is a blessing. There are also blue cheese, smoked cheese, and organic cheeses from California that are all marked with the seal “Real California Milk” for those who prefer artisanal cheeses.

More Malaysians are beginning to recognise the quality of California dairy goods like cheeses and ice creams that bear the Real California Milk seal, according to Eddie Saw, the CMAB’s Malaysia Country Representative. You can eat the cheeses plain at any time of the day because they are so delicious. Cheeses are now being used in cooking by many Malaysians.

Eddie Saw, Malaysia Country Representative for CMAB

Different cheeses offer their own unique quality and function – which open up a whole world of culinary possibilities via a wide selection of cheesy indulgence.  It is important to note that cheeses that carry the Real California Milk offers are authentic natural cheese.  Our cheeses use 100% real milk from cows in California and have won awards in the United States as well as abroad.

enthused Eddie Saw, Malaysia Country Representative for CMAB
Certified Executive Chef Barbara Alexander

With more than 30 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industries, Certified Executive Chef Barbara Alexander developed four delectable recipes using Real California Cheese: Blue Cheese Chips, Korean Cheese Dogs, Iced Coffee Cheesecake Cream Puffs, and Buffalo Chicken & Blue Cheese Pizza. These chef-developed recipes, according to Chef Barbara, are simple to prepare, very popular with Asians, and perfect for serving at family gatherings and quick meals.

One ounce of natural cheese, such as Cheddar, Jack, or Mozzarella, contains approximately 20% of a person’s recommended daily calcium intake. Those who are lactose-sensitive, or lactose-intolerant can still enjoy cheese if they eat natural hard (aged) or soft-ripened varieties, which contain little or no lactose.

said Certified Executive Chef Barbara Alexander

Cook-off Mini Competition Among Foodies
As I mentioned earlier, the cook-off session featuring 20 lifestyle and food influencers from Malaysia was held to share the quality of California dairy products and cheeses, particularly those bearing the “Real California Milk” seal. Everyone put on our chef hats and created our own cheese platters using a variety of Real California cheeses and other foods and ingredients. To add on the excitement, we had only one hour to do so! Our creations were evaluated based on presentation and creativity, which highlighted the adaptability, delectability, and simplicity of each recipe. I personally find cooking with cheese is so interesting as these California cheeses are really versatile with endless culinary possibilities.

Well done to all fellow foodies and my heartiest congratulations go to all the winners:
First: bebelancikmin & shamieraosment
Second: penaberkala & mawardiyunus
Third: sunshinekelly2988 & foodmsia

Sustainable Cheese Production in California’s Dairy Industry
The USA is the largest producer of cow’s milk in the world, with California ranking first for milk production and second for cheese production. Using only California milk, about 50 cheesemakers create more than 250 different types and styles of cheese.

California dairy producers take seriously their responsibility to provide for the safety, comfort, and health of their cows. The quest for a cleaner, more sustainable future has led to California becoming home to many of the most cutting-edge, technologically sophisticated, and effective dairy operations in the world, with best practises for herd comfort and care. In terms of sustainable dairy farming methods, California leads the nation.

For information and recipes, visit:
Official website: www.realcaliforniamilk.com
FaceBook: Real Cheese Malaysia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcalifmilk/

Food & Drink

Healthy Potato Recipe – Honey Mustard & Herb Scallop U.S. Potatoes

I was looking through the U.S. Potatoes website for some interesting recipes when I came across this one – Honey Mustard & Herb Scallop U.S. Potatoes by Consultant Dietitian Indra Balaratnam. It is a low-fat dish made with thinly sliced U.S. Russet Potatoes and a flavorful herb cream sauce. It is made with U.S. Russet Potatoes, vegetable broth, low-fat milk, honey, fresh tarragon herb, butter, onion, and pinches of salt and pepper. Per serving, it only has 4g of fat and 164 kCal overall.

You may check out the wholesome recipe from this link : https://uspotatogoodness.com.my/recipes/honey-mustard-herb-scallop-u-s-potatoes/ By the way, each click increases my chance of winning a token from U.S. Potatoes. I really appreciate your help, guys! So start clicking away!

Wholesome goodness of U.S. Potatoes

I enjoy potato dishes a lot personally. For good reason, potatoes are an appreciated staple food in countries worldwide. In particular, U.S. Potatoes are delicious, extremely versatile, and packed with nutrients. There are plenty of ways to prepare and eat this nutrient-dense vegetable, from baked potatoes to mashed potatoes and everything in between.

The fact that U.S. Potatoes are a healthier option is one of their main advantages. They are the perfect food for you who are seeking to maintain a healthy diet because they are free of cholesterol, sodium, and fat. They are a low-calorie food that can help in weight management because each serving only has 110 calories, which is approximately the same as a medium-sized potato.

U.S. Potatoes are not only low in calories but also higher in energy than any other popular vegetable. About 30% of your daily value of vitamin C, which is crucial for boosting the immune system of the body, can be found in a medium-sized U.S. Potato. Our immune systems can be naturally strengthened by vitamin C, which can help us fight off illnesses like the common cold.

Vitamin B6, which is crucial for healthy cell function, is another impressive nutrient found in U.S. Potatoes. 10% of the recommended daily value of vitamin B6 is found in one medium potato. A critical component of metabolism, the production of blood cells, and cell health is played by vitamin B6. Additionally, each serving of potatoes contains 3 grams of plant-based protein, an essential component of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues.

Potassium, a mineral that is essential to many bodily processes, is another nutrient that can be found in abundance in U.S. Potatoes. A medium-sized potato, including the skin, has 620 milligrams of potassium per serving, which is 15% higher than a medium-sized banana. Potassium supports healthy hydration levels, controls blood pressure, and supports healthy muscle and nerve function.

U.S. Potatoes are extremely versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. They offer countless cooking options for meals, including baking, steaming, boiling, frying, and grilling. U.S. Potatoes are a delicious and wholesome addition to any meal, whether they are served as a side dish, the main course, or in a salad.

I really like how versatile, tasty, and nutrient-dense potatoes are—they have lots of advantages for your health. They are a high-nutrient food that is low in calories, fat, and cholesterol and high in vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. U.S. Potatoes are a great option whether you want to enhance your general health or just enjoy a delicious meal.

For more fun facts and interesting recipes of U.S. Potatoes, check out:
Official website: https://uspotatogoodness.com.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MYpotatoesUSA

Food & Drink

Cooking with Love Earth Organic: A Tasty Nasi Impit Recipe for Hari Raya

Hello guys! I recently tried a delicious Nasi Impit recipe using Raya treats from Love Earth Organic, and to my surprise, I discovered that it was both simple to make and tasted good. I was thrilled to find this recipe, which uses Love Earth Organic Jasmine Rice, Love Earth Mushroom Seasoning and a few other ingredients also from Love Earth Organic. It’s a recipe that works great for special occasions like Hari Raya Aidilfitri or buka puasa. You can get almost all the ingredients from Love Earth Organic. Try this Nasi Impit recipe if you’re looking for a tasty and simple recipe of Malaysian cooking. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

Nasi Impit is a traditional Malay cooking that is made of rice that has been cooked and compressed into a solid block or cylinder, and then cut into small cubes. It resembles our Malaysians favourite, ketupat, which is also made of compressed rice, except that ketupats are cooked in a woven pouch made of palm leaves. Usually nasi impit is served with many kinds of delicious dishes like rendang, sambal, dried chili flakes, satay and peanut sauce.

Although it is a straightforward process, making Nasi Impit takes some time. However, you can quickly and easily prepare this classic dish using Love Earth Organic’s Jasmine Rice and seasoning. The products from Love Earth Organic are healthier options for you and your family because they are 100% natural and organic.

If you’re not familiar with Love Earth Organic, it’s a Malaysian brand that focuses on providing high-quality organic and natural products. They sell a variety of organic foods, snacks, as well as personal care and home goods. They support small-scale farmers and use eco-friendly packaging as part of their commitment to sustainability and reducing their negative impact on the environment.

Overall, I highly suggest you making this Nasi Impit recipe with Love Earth Organic ingredients. It’s not only delicious, but it’s also a better and more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, by participating in Love Earth Organic’s promotion, you can save money and support a regional, eco-friendly business. Wait no more! Please let me know how this recipe turns out for you after you try it.

What you need:
2 cups of Love Earth Organic Jasmine Rice
4 cups of water (usually I agak-agak with finger, the traditional way)
1 tbsp Cooking oil
Love Earth Mushroom Seasoning (to taste)
Love Earth Crispy Chili Flakes (to taste)

Direction:
1. Rinse the 2 cups of Love Earth Organic Jasmine Rice with water a few times.
2. Add water to the rinsed rice and sprinkle Love Earth Mushroom Seasoning.
3. Cook the seasoned rice in a rice cooker.
4. Once the rice is cooked, add 1 tbsp of cooking oil and use a spatula to squash the rice until it becomes smooth.
5. Brush a thin layer of oil on tray.
6. Transfer the rice onto the oiled tray.
7. Use a spatula to flatten the rice and let it cool.
8. Let the rice cool for 3 hours before cutting it into small cubes.
9. Serve the small cubes of rice with Love Earth Crispy Chili Flakes.

Promotion
Use the discount code LOVECOOK when you shop at https://www.myloveearth.com/seasoning to save 10% off with a minimum order of RM50 and above. Valid from 1 April to 31 July 2023.

Food & Drink

KitKat ®’s First Ever Ketupat-Stamped Chocolate Launched in Conjunction with “Rezeki Dikongsi Bersama” Raya Campaign

Nestlé Leadership Team with AEON Leadership Team, MK K-Clique and Nabila Razali unveiled the First-of-its-kind Raya Limited-Edition KitKat ® Ketupat at the launch of KitKat ® “Rezeki DiKongsi Bersama” Raya campaign

Do you also have sweet tooth like I do? Whenever my sweet tooth strikes, I take a break with KitKat ®! Nestlé’s KitKat ® celebrates Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya by showcasing the spirit of sharing and togetherness of Malaysians with the “Rezeki Dikongsi Bersama” campaign. A KitKat ® Raya animated music video, exciting limited-edition product offerings, and various unique collaborations are all part of the campaign.

Mr. Frederic Porchet, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Confectionery

“KitKat ® “Rezeki Dikongsi Bersama” Raya campaign aims to connect people via
tasty, memorable KitKat ® moments together. The month of Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya celebration are equally meaningful times of the year for many Malaysians, regardless of race or background. It is a fantastic time to gather with families, neighbours and friends to cele-break all the joy and festivities of the season. Just like our catchphrase – “Have a Break, Have a KitKat ®”, it’s all about enjoying a break, having a wonderful time together and sharing ‘rezeki’ all around”

Frederic Porchet, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Confectionary

The Limited-edition Raya KitKat ® Ketupat
This year, KitKat ® is introducing the limited-edition Raya KitKat ® Ketupat, which provides consumers with the ideal balance of creamy milk chocolate and crispy wafer encased in a brand-new “Ketupat” motif stamped onto the KitKat ® 4-Fingers chocolate bars. A traditional Ramadan and Hari Raya treat, ketupat is made of compressed cooked rice and wrapped in woven coconut leaves. The intricate Ketupat weaving pattern also symbolises Silaturrahim, a form of good relationships and friendship that is honoured in Islamic traditions as well as Malaysian culture, representing the “Rezeki Dikongsi Bersama” campaign’s spirit. On the basis of this idea, the KitKat ® Ketupat seeks to inspire Malaysians to share their “rezeki” with everyone by bringing love, joy, and togetherness into a many homes during the Raya celebrations.

The four distinctive collectible designs of the Raya limited-edition KitKat ® Ketupat, each of which highlights significant Raya traditions, make it the ideal Raya gift to share and “cele-break” with friends and family. There are two different pack sizes for the KitKat ® Ketupat: the KitKat ® Ketupat 4-Fingers Multipack of 4 and the KitKat ® Ketupat 4-Fingers Multipack of 2.

In addition, KitKat ® and Mimpikita have teamed up to release the limited-edition KitKat® x Mimpikita Raya Edition pack, which comes with two packs of KitKat ® Mini 9g Sharebags and a specially created Luminarc drinking glass from Mimpikita. These chic glass mugs are offered in three different, one-of-a-kind designs.

Nabila Razali and MK K-Clique performing the KitKat ® “Rezeki DiKongsi Bersama” theme song

Support from Local Celebrities
Two local celebrities, MK K-Clique and Nabila Razali, performed the KitKat ® “Rezeki Dikongsi Bersama” theme song that is featured in KitKat ®‘s most recent Raya animated music video at the KitKat ® “Rezeki Dikongsi Bersama” Raya campaign launch event. The animated music video for the Raya holiday from KitKat ® honours all the special moments that bring people together during the festive season while embodying the values of the Ramadan and Raya seasons. The characters on the KitKat ® Ketupat packaging, which represent diversity, community, and the joy of sharing “rezeki,” served as the inspiration for the animated music video.

I am honoured to be back again and be part of the KitKat ® “Rezeki Dikongsi Bersama” campaign together with Nabila Razali this year. We hope this song will liven up the spirit of Ramadan and Hari Raya for everyone this year.

MK K-Clique

According to MK K-Clique, food plays a significant role in the celebrations of Ramadan and Hari Raya, but sharing your “rezeki” with those around you makes the holiday season even more special.

To view the video, click THIS LINK or go to the KitKat ® YouTube channel.

Additionally, you can now “LIKE” the KitKat ® Raya music video featuring MK K-Clique and Nabila Razali on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where you can share your “rezeki.” Up to a maximum of RM100,000, KitKat ® will donate RM2 for each “LIKE” with all proceeds going to selected charitable organisations. *Subject to terms and conditions. Wait no more and head over to hit that “LIKE” button!

Mr. Frederic Porchet, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Confectionery and Dato’ Adnan Pawanteh, Executive Director Corporate Affairs of Nestle (Malaysia) Berhad presented RM10,000 donation to AEON Mesra, a community outreach initiative by the Malaysian AEON Foundation

As a part of the campaign, KitKat ® also contributed RM 10,000 to the Malaysian AEON Foundation’s community outreach programme AEON Mesra. During the Ramadan holiday season, this community outreach initiative enables underprivileged kids to go on shopping sprees at AEON stores, further bringing cheer for the approaching Hari Raya festival.

For more information, check out:
Website: https://www.nestle.com.my/brands/confectionery
FB: https://www.facebook.com/KitKatMalaysia
IG: https://www.instagram.com/KitKatMalaysia

About Nestlé KitKat ®
Created in 1935, KitKat ® was first known as Rowntree Chocolate Crisp. Two years later, the name has changed to KitKat ®. In 1988, KitKat ® became part of Nestlé range of confectionery products. It grew to be the no. 1 chocolate brand in Malaysia, enjoyed by young and old as a light snack. Today, it is exported to more than 14 countries globally. KitKat ® is 100% Halal and is produced locally at Nestlé’s Halal-certified facility in Chembong, Negeri Sembilan.

“Have a break, have a KitKat ®” has become a popular phrase, aptly describing the enjoyment of the chocolate-coated wafers whenever one needs to take a break amidst a busy and stressful moment.

Nestlé’s KitKat ® is the first global confectionary brand to be made from 100% sustainable cocoa sourced under the Nestlé’s Cocoa Plan. The brand has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2025. KitKat ® aims to reduce the emissions generated through the sourcing of its ingredients, the manufacturing of the product and its distribution by more than 50% as part of its plan.

About Nestlé Malaysia
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturer. Headquartered in Switzerland, Nestlé is present in more than 180 countries around the world, and our over 270,000 employees are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Our performance is driven by our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy. Nourishing Malaysians since 1912, Nestlé has earned the trust of our consumers through our quality brands and products. We are committed to improving the lives of the communities in which we operate, whilst maintaining our Halal excellence and integrity.

This is in line with our promise of delivering GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE to all. To learn more about how we have been nourishing Malaysians for over a century, do visit www.nestle.com.my or our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Nestle.Malaysia.

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