Lilian

Joined August 2023

9 stories

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Lili's rural upbringing has lent a rich authenticity to my works, often drawing inspiration from the landscapes and characters of my childhood.My writing seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, romance,introspection and life stories

Stories (9)

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Tapioca: The Underrated Hero of the Food World
Tapioca: The Underrated Hero of the Food World Tapioca. You’ve probably encountered it in puddings, bubble tea, or as a side dish, but let's be honest—it doesn’t usually steal the spotlight in the world of superfoods. However, before you brush it off as just another passing trend, let’s take a moment to appreciate this humble yet incredibly versatile ingredient. Tapioca isn’t just tasty; it’s a nutrient-packed gem that deserves more love and attention.
By Lilian11 months ago in Education
Langkawi: The Jewel of the Andaman Sea
Langkawi: The Jewel of the Andaman Sea Langkawi, an enchanting archipelago in the Andaman Sea, is often referred to as "The Jewel of the Andaman." Known for its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and golden beaches, this Malaysian island group has long captured the hearts of travelers from around the globe. From its rich cultural heritage to its untouched natural wonders, Langkawi is a destination that offers both adventure and serenity in equal measure.
By Lilian12 months ago in Earth
What the Duck
Peking duck is a well-known Chinese dish famous for its crispy skin and tender meat. It is typically accompanied by thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced scallions. While preparing Peking duck at home can be time-consuming and challenging, it is definitely achievable. Here is a simplified recipe for making Peking duck: Ingredients: For the Duck: - 1 whole duck (around 5-6 pounds) - 1 tablespoon of Chinese five-spice powder - 2 tablespoons of kosher salt - 1 tablespoon of honey For the Pancakes: - 2 cups of all-purpose flour - 1 cup of boiling water - 1 teaspoon of sesame oil For Serving: - Hoisin sauce - Sliced scallions - Julienne cucumber Instructions: 1. **Prepare the Duck:** - Thoroughly clean the duck, removing any excess fat and giblets from the cavity. - Use paper towels to pat the duck dry. - Rub a mixture of Chinese five-spice powder, kosher salt, and honey inside and outside the duck. - Leave the duck uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This step helps to dry out the skin, which is crucial for achieving crispiness. 2. **Roast the Duck: ** - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the duck, breast-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. - Roast the duck for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on the size of your duck. - Periodically baste the duck with its rendered fat during the roasting process. 3. **Prepare the Pancakes: ** - While the duck is roasting, make the pancake dough by mixing the flour and boiling water in a bowl until the dough forms. - Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. - Roll the dough into a long log and cut it into small pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. - Flatten each ball into a thin pancake using a rolling pin. Brush one side with a small amount of sesame oil. - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pancakes, oiled side down, until they are lightly browned and puffed. Flip and cook the other side briefly. 4. **Serve the Duck: ** - Allow the roasted duck to rest for a few minutes before carving it into thin slices. - Serve the duck slices with the pancakes, hoisin sauce, sliced scallions, and julienned cucumber. - To eat, spread hoisin sauce on a pancake, add duck slices, scallions, and cucumber. Roll it up like a burrito and enjoy! Keep in mind that this recipe is a simplified version of traditional Peking duck, which involves a more intricate and time-consuming process. However, this method will still yield a delicious homemade Peking duck that you and your guests can savor. Peking duck is widely loved for several reasons: 1. **Delicious Taste: ** Peking duck is renowned for its incredible flavor. The combination of tender, juicy meat and crispy, flavorful skin creates a delightful culinary experience. The duck is often seasoned with a blend of spices, including Chinese five-spice powder, which adds a rich and aromatic taste. 2. **Texture Contrast: ** Peking duck offers a pleasing contrast of textures. The crispy skin, soft pancakes, and refreshing crunch of cucumbers and scallions come together harmoniously and appeal to many palates. 3. **Cultural Significance: ** Peking duck holds deep roots in Chinese culinary tradition, especially in Beijing (formerly known as Peking), its place of origin. It has been enjoyed for centuries, and its cultural significance enhances its popularity. 4. **Impressive Presentation: ** Skilled chefs often carve Peking duck tableside, making it visually captivating. The meticulous presentation adds to the overall dining experience. 5. **Versatility: ** Peking duck is versatile and can be savored in various ways. It can be wrapped in pancakes with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumbers, or its leftover meat can be used in other dishes like duck stir-fries or duck fried rice. 6. **Special Occasions: ** Peking duck is commonly associated with celebrations and special events in Chinese culture. It is a dish that people enjoy during festivals, birthdays, weddings, and other significant occasions. 7. **Global Popularity: ** Peking duck has gained international acclaim due to the global presence of Chinese cuisine. Numerous Chinese restaurants worldwide serve their own versions of Peking duck, making it accessible to a diverse global audience. 8. **Culinary Tourism: ** Travelers often seek out Peking duck when visiting Beijing or renowned Chinese restaurants known for their authentic preparation of this dish. It becomes a memorable part of their culinary exploration. 9. **Social Experience: ** Sharing Peking duck with loved ones creates a social and interactive dining experience. The process of assembling the duck, condiments, and pancakes together adds to the enjoyment of the meal. In summary, the popularity of Peking duck stems from its delectable taste, cultural significance, impressive presentation, and its ability to offer a unique culinary experience that combines flavors, textures, and social interaction.
By Lilian2 years ago in Chapters
Coconut Rice
Nasi Lemak is a beloved Malaysian dish known for its fragrant coconut rice, flavorful sambal sauce, and an array of delicious accompaniments. This dish is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a favorite breakfast and comfort food.
By Lilian2 years ago in Chapters
The Mystery of the Vanishing Crown Jewels
In the heart of the bustling metropolis, deep in the grandeur of the Royal Museum, lay a mystery that had puzzled generations - the legendary Crown Jewels of Veridonia. These priceless treasures, which bear witness to a bygone era, adorned the heads of the rulers of the kingdom for centuries. Encrusted with the rarest jewels, the crown and scepter were symbols of power and sovereignty that transcended time and carried with them a tapestry of stories whispered in the annals of history. It was a cold autumn morning, when the sun's rays gilded the great hall of the museum, the unimaginable happened. The guards who were on guard and sworn to protect the priceless relics were greeted with a chilling sight, a large display case containing the Crown Jewels shattering like brittle glass. The majestic treasures that had once adorned the most precious jewels of the kingdom were nowhere to be found. Panic ensued, and the best minds of the city were summoned to solve the mystery that perplexed Veridonia. Detective Evelyn Sterling, known for her unusual investigative skills, was called to the scene. Her piercing emerald eyes, framed by cascading brown curls, saw the depths of betrayal as well as the heights of glory. Sterling was a paradox, a detective who valued intuition as much as evidence, and he was about to embark on the most complex investigation of his illustrious career. As Sterling investigated the crime scene, he couldn't help but admire the brazenness of the theft. The shards of glass that once held the crown jewels were free of fingerprints and showed no signs of forced entry. As if the treasures had vanished into thin air. But Sterling knew better than to be fooled by appearances. His research led him down a maze of clues and intrigue. He noted that the city was covered in a thick blanket of fog the night of the theft, unusual for Veridonia. It was said that the Crown Jewels were protected not only by vigilant guards, but also by a mystical ward, a spell handed down through generations of royal wizards. Sterling was convinced that the thief had some knowledge of a mysterious theory that led him to the magic and mysticism of the city. Searching for answers, Sterling sought guidance from the enigmatic Lady Lysandra, who lived on the outskirts of the city. With piercing blue eyes and an air of ethereal wisdom, Lysandra was known as the revealer of the most mysterious secrets. Along with the theft of the crown jewel, he discovered mysterious visions - images of a shadowy figure wrapped in a vortex of emerald light, gliding through spells. As Sterling dug deeper, he discovered a story of betrayal and longing, a love lost in the sands of time. It was whispered that the lost heir of the kingdom sought the crown jewels not for their monetary value, but to reclaim a love that had been unjustly torn apart. A thief believed to have extraordinary magical powers developed an elaborate plan to infiltrate the royal museum and was desperate to steal the crown jewels in the hope that they would open a portal to the past. With this new knowledge, Sterling put the puzzle together. He met a thief whose identity was a shocking revelation. The thief, a woman named Seraphina, remembered the long-lost love of a fabled monarch from centuries ago. Seraphina tearfully confessed her daring robbery and the depth of her love. In a dramatic twist of fate, Sterling was able to convince the current ruler to pardon Seraphina. When the Crown Jewels were returned to their rightful place, they were not only symbols of power, but also a reminder of the enduring legacy of love etched in the annals of Veridonia's rich history. "The Mystery of the Vanishing Crown Jewels" became a story told and retold in the kingdom of Veridonia about love, betrayal and the lingering power of the past, wrapped in a veil of unsolved mystery that will capture hearts forever. of those who heard it.
By Lilian2 years ago in Fiction
Meat Rendang
Rendang is a well-loved Malaysian dish, especially during the Raya festive period, that traditionally requires hours of cooking to achieve tender and flavorful meat. It can take anywhere from two to three hours on low heat, or up to 12 hours in a slow cooker. However, Ayam Brand has introduced a starter pack that allows you to enjoy rendang in just 30 minutes. With their rendang paste, kerisik (toasted grated coconut), and coconut milk, all you need to do is add your preferred meat and you're ready to cook a delicious rendang dish. Ayam Brand, a renowned household brand in Malaysia with over 130 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry, has recently launched a range of rendang paste without any preservatives, flavor enhancers, MSG, or additives. Their kerisik and coconut milk also contain no coloring, preservatives, or artificial flavoring. In addition to rendang, Ayam Brand offers three other pastes for quick meals: curry chicken, asam pedas, and sambal tumis. These convenient options are perfect for busy households while still maintaining the authentic flavors that Malaysians are familiar with. To cook rendang in just 30 minutes, follow these three simple steps: 1. Heat cooking oil in a pot and stir-fry the Ayam Brand rendang paste until fragrant. 2. Add 500g of chicken, meat, or seafood to the pot and stir until semi-cooked. Pour in 120ml of Ayam Brand coconut milk and mix well with the meat. 3. Add one pack of 40g Ayam Brand kerisik to thicken the dish. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat with kerisik. Continue stirring occasionally until the oil rises, indicating a well-cooked rendang. And that's it - your rendang is ready in just 30 minutes. While rendang is typically enjoyed with rice, it also makes a delicious burger. Here's how to make a rendang burger: 1. Cut chuck roast into 5cm cubes and sauté the meat in a pan with two tablespoons of cooking oil until the sides are browned. Add beef stock and transfer to a pressure cooker to cook until tender. Shred the beef into small strips. 2. Heat some cooking oil in a pan and stir-fry the Ayam Brand rendang paste until fragrant. Add onions and mix well. 3. Add the shredded beef to the pan and coat it with the rendang paste. Then, pour in 100ml of Ayam Brand coconut milk and add a pack of 40g Ayam Brand kerisik to thicken the dish. Ensure the meat is well-coated with kerisik. 4. Assemble your burger with your preferred salad and cheese. Meatball Rendang (Rendang Bulat) To make Meatball Rendang, simply substitute the beef with an equal amount of minced beef. Grind 100g of roasted desiccated coconut and combine it with 4 finely grated garlic cloves. Use a food processor to blend the beef, coconut, and garlic until smooth. Shape the mixture into 20g meatballs. Cook the spices and coconut milk over medium-high heat until the liquid has reduced by three-quarters. Then, add the meatballs and cook for 20 minutes until the liquid has completely evaporated, resulting in a dark brown rendang. Tempeh Rendang (Rendang Tempe) For Tempeh Rendang, replace the beef with an equal amount of tempeh cut into 2.5cm cubes. Cook the mixture for 1½ hours until it becomes dry. Please note that Tempeh Rendang will have a paler appearance compared to beef rendang. Jackfruit Rendang (Rendang Nangka) To make Jackfruit Rendang, replace the beef with 3 cans (each weighing 565g) of firm jackfruit in water. Make sure to drain the jackfruit before adding it to the spiced coconut base. Cook the mixture for 1½ hours until it becomes dry. Keep in mind that Jackfruit Rendang will have a much lighter color than traditional beef rendang. Goat Rendang (Rendang Kambing) If you prefer a different meat option, you can replace the beef with goat meat to create Goat Rendang. Enjoy your homemade rendang, whether it's the traditional version or as a flavorful burger option.
By Lilian2 years ago in Chapters
The benefits of Pandan Leaves
Pandan leaf, also known as screw pine leaf, is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine due to its strong and sweet aroma, which enhances appetite and enriches food flavor. It is commonly used in daily and traditional dishes, as well as for adding scents and colors to cakes, sweet rice, and beverages. However, pandan leaf offers more than just culinary benefits. Pandan leaf has been found to have health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure. According to traditional recipes, drinking a potion of pandan leaves twice a day can lower symptoms of high blood pressure, such as dizziness and tiredness. Furthermore, pandan leaf extract can help control blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Research conducted by Chi Absolute and Nuran suggests that extracts from pandan leaves can even stimulate insulin production in mouse pancreatic cells, although further research is needed for general medical use. Additionally, pandan leaves have traditionally been used for pain relief, particularly for stomach cramps. Their laxative properties make them effective in treating stomach cramps. Pandan leaves can also act as a natural mosquito repellent. Rubbing pandan leaf extract on exposed skin can help keep mosquitoes at bay, which is especially important during monsoon season when mosquitoes can transmit various diseases. Furthermore, pandan leaves contain essential natural oils, such as glistens alkaloids, traces of tannin, and isoprene esters, which can contribute to overall health. Drinking boiled pandan leaf water is known to reduce uric acid levels in the body and can help with conditions like gout and kidney stones. Pandan leaves also have practical uses beyond health benefits. When soaked in water and used as a spray, pandan leaves act as a natural and safe cockroach repellent, making them a preferable alternative to chemical repellents. Additionally, pandan leaf tea is believed to have anti-carcinogenic properties, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and acting as a protective barrier against toxins. It may even aid in the healing process when used in conjunction with regular therapy. Furthermore, pandan leaves can be used to improve skin and hair health. A paste made from soaked pandan leaves can effectively treat dandruff and enhance the appearance of skin, giving it a healthy glow. Pandan leaves can also be used to boost appetite, making them useful for individuals who have a diminished desire to eat or are recovering from an illness. In addition, pandan leaves can help reduce fever and enhance stamina. Boiling five pandan leaves with three glasses of water, then adding lemon water and drinking the mixture every two days, can gradually lower body heat and improve energy levels throughout the day. For married couples, especially men, pandan leaves can offer benefits in overcoming impotence. Boiling fragrant pandan leaves and consuming the concoction twice a day has been found to be effective in treating impotence. Pandan leaves can also be used to alleviate anxiety. Brewing two pieces of pandan leaves with boiling water and drinking the strained water two to three times a day can help reduce anxiety levels. Lastly, pandan leaves have been traditionally used to relieve symptoms of rheumatism. By boiling three pieces of fresh pandan leaves with half a cup of boiled and stirred coconut oil, then using the resulting liniment to massage the affected area, individuals with rheumatism can find relief. It is important to note that pandan leaves have not been reported to have any side effects.
By Lilian2 years ago in Longevity
The Promise (2005)
"The Promise" is a 2005 Chinese epic fantasy film helmed by Chen Kaige and featuring Jang Dong-gun, Hiroyuki Sanada, Cecilia Cheung, and Nicholas Tse. It is a loose adaptation of "The Kunlun Slave," a wuxia romance tale penned by Pei Xing during the Tang dynasty in the ninth century. Reception to the film was predominantly mixed to negative. Synopsis: Qingcheng, a young girl suffering from hunger, roams the land in search of food. By chance, she encounters a boy, deceives him, steals a mantou from him, and flees. Along her journey, she encounters the goddess Manshen, who presents her with an enticing offer: a life of wealth, luxury, and unmatched beauty. However, Qingcheng must pay a price - she will never experience true, everlasting love with any man. As she grows older, she becomes a concubine to the King. General Guangming achieves a remarkable victory against a massive army of barbarians with only 1,000 soldiers, and rushes back to rescue the besieged King from the treacherous Duke Wuhuan. He encounters Manshen, who warns him that a person wearing his Crimson Armour will commit regicide and tarnish his reputation. Later on, Guangming is caught off guard and wounded by Snow Wolf, Wuhuan's henchman, but is saved by his slave, Kunlun. Guangming instructs Kunlun to don his crimson armor and save the King. When Kunlun asks how he can identify the King, Guangming informs him that the King is the one without a weapon. Kunlun arrives at the palace and mistakenly believes Qingcheng, who is unarmed, to be the King. Consequently, he accidentally kills the actual King, who had just unsheathed his sword. Kunlun flees with Qingcheng, but they find themselves cornered at a cliff by Wuhuan and his men. Wuhuan promises to spare Qingcheng if Kunlun jumps off the cliff. Remarkably, Kunlun survives the fall. Meanwhile, Guangming's subordinates accuse him of regicide and turn against him. Kunlun returns, rescues his master, and returns the Crimson Armour to him. They later embark on a mission to rescue Qingcheng from Wuhuan. Qingcheng mistakenly falls in love with Guangming, believing him to be the person who jumped off the cliff. Conversely, Kunlun is captured by Wuhuan, who discovers that Kunlun is the true murderer of the King. While Guangming and Qingcheng lead a blissful life in the countryside, Kunlun utilizes his speed powers to witness the Veil of Time, discovering that Wuhuan is responsible for the destruction of his family and homeland. It is revealed that Snow Wolf, Wuhuan's servant, hails from the same land as Kunlun and was coerced into servitude. Snow Wolf also reveals that no one can cross over to the other side of the Veil of Time. Wuhuan lures Guangming back to the palace and captures him. He subjects Guangming, Kunlun, and Qingcheng to a show trial on charges of regicide. During the trial, Kunlun confesses to killing the King, and Qingcheng realizes that he is the one who saved her earlier. Guangming, Kunlun, and Qingcheng are sentenced to death, but they manage to break free and engage in a fight against Wuhuan. Wuhuan reveals to Qingcheng that he is the boy from whom she stole a mantou. He grew up consumed by hatred due to Qingcheng's betrayal, ultimately becoming the evil person he is. Both Wuhuan and Guangming perish in the battle, while Kunlun sustains severe injuries. However, Kunlun survives by wearing Snow Wolf's immortality robe. Manshen appears when Kunlun and Qingcheng attempt to pass through the Veil of Time, cautioning Qingcheng about the fragile nature of promises made between deities and humans. Qingcheng finally finds true love and is presented with an opportunity to choose once again. Manshen advises her to choose wisely. The film concludes with the opening scene depicting a young Qingcheng wandering aimlessly.
By Lilian2 years ago in Writers
One Sweet day in Thursday Island
Heading out to Thursday Islands again is something I haven't done before. I've always been focused on reaching the sign and not going any further. So, being able to go somewhere a little bit further and broaden my horizons was great. Today, we have the team from Petals Fairies with us, who will give us a good tour. It's time to catch up with them. I've been to Cape York several times, but I've never been to Thursday Island. I don't know why it hasn't worked out before. Having Christine with us, a passionate local who knows the island and even speaks the local lingo, is a great opportunity to learn about the place and its history. It's definitely worth the trip. It showed me a different side to Cape York, revealing some interesting Australian history in the Green Hill area. It's bizarre when you hear the story. It was a setup in case the Russians came in the 1800s, so they set up gun placements and defenses to protect Australia, as it is the main shipping channel and an international shipping channel. Green Hills also houses an underground museum with relics from the pearl diving era and artifacts from the traditional people of the island. If you're ever up here, I highly recommend exploring these bunkers. It provides a great insight into the history of this island, which I didn't realize Thursday Island had. It made me realize there is so much more to explore. From Thursday Island, we took the ferry to Horn Island. It was a nice little drive on the water, very relaxing. When we arrived, Vanessa, our host for the day, picked us up. She was full of life and clearly had a passion for the area and its history. We knew we were in for a great experience. Horn Island offers a blend of modern history, especially from the World War II period, and the traditional history of the Torres Strait Islanders who inhabited the area before the arrival of white settlers. Seeing the two histories together gives you an idea of what life was like when they started to blend. These people had rich traditions and suddenly had another culture moving in with them. It's impressive to see how they worked together and developed a culture where they could coexist in harmony. There is a lot of mutual respect between both sides. In Horn Island with Vanessa from Torres Strait Heritage, we are doing a tour that focuses on the World War II sites on the island. The one we are currently at, King Point, used to be a 34th factory. Horn Island is like a time capsule from that era. As we walk around, you can find remnants of that time everywhere. My husband and I are working on conserving as many examples as we can. This particular site is the most conserved World War II site in the region. This 10-ton gun is a three-point-seven-inch anti-aircraft gun with a range of 30,000 feet. There were four of them at King Point and four at Horn Island Wharf. The soldiers who manned these guns came from Victoria and had an average age of 19 to 20. They spent two years here, starting by digging holes with pickaxes and shovels and then moving the guns using ropes and pulleys. It took them hours despite having all the necessary equipment. World War II history wasn't something I paid much attention to in school. It wasn't until later, when I got older, that I found out my grandfather had served in the war. He was quite secretive about some of his experiences, but being able to connect a family member to that era is special and makes it more personal.
By Lilian2 years ago in Earth

Lilian

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Tapioca: The Underrated Hero of the Food World

Langkawi: The Jewel of the Andaman Sea

What the Duck

Coconut Rice

The Mystery of the Vanishing Crown Jewels

Meat Rendang

The benefits of Pandan Leaves

The Promise (2005)

One Sweet day in Thursday Island

Stories (9)