However you want to spell this sweet coconut milky goodness of a dessert, it is delicious! I was at the Asian market and saw some taro that inspired me to make my own bo bo cha cha dessert. The funny thing about this is that if I was back in Singapore, this would not be my first pick for dessert.

I looked at a few recipes online and ventured forth. Many recipes describe boiling the taro and sweet potato but I decided to do it my mum’s way - steaming it then topping it off with the sweetened coconut milk. I prefer my taro and sweet potato to be firmer, I guess.

Here’s how I did it.

Ingredients:
2 cups taro, diced
2 cups sweet potato, diced (I used Japanese purple yams)
1 can coconut milk
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
3 pandan leaves, knotted
1 cup tapioca pearls (for bubble tea)

Method:
1. Boil tapioca pearls according to package instructions - 1 cup of dried pearls to 10 cups of water. I did this in a rice cooker and the pearls cooked quickly and were so tender. Set aside.

2. Cut up taro and sweet potato in 1/2″ dice cubes.

3. Steam taro and sweet potato for about 30 mins till fork tender.

4. While steaming is going on, bring sugar and water to a boil then pop in the knotted Pandan leaves, turn down to a simmer.

5. Add coconut milk. I try not to let coconut milk boil furiously, it tends to separate the oils. I like to simmer coconut based dishes.

6. When taro and sweet potato are tender, add some of each (taro, sweet potato and tapioca pearls) in a bowl and ladle on the sweet coconut mixture. This can be served warm or cold.

Anyone who has been reading my blog, will know that I am a big Nigella fan. I have a lot to look forward to in the new year but I find the most meaning in what she says here about the new year:

“We are only at the beginning of it: think of all those meals to be eaten that lie ahead!”

It really changes my perspective and I know that I can look forward to some great meals this year.

First of all, a heartfelt wish to all my friends and family, near and far. I am thinking of you fondly as we cross the threshold of this new decade. I hope that all you wish for and desire will be yours.

This new year is significant for me. I know I will experience several changes and I am so happy for excited for them. You will definitely be finding me here more than before and I’m really looking forward to it.

Just a sprinkling of updates:

- Getting ready for Christmas and Boxing Day, time with family and dear friends. Learning to be grateful for these times together. Missing those far away.

-  Winding down from the year but at the same time, gearing up for some action in 2010.

- Met a longtime blog friend, finally. She is fabulous in real life too.

-  Listening to Ella’s Christmas tunes…timeless.

-  Enjoying the simplicity of good red sauce for spaghetti and peanut butter on bagels, while craving more complex SE Asian flavors of home.

- Thumbing through the first seed catalog that arrived - a most beautiful one too.

- Wishing all my friends here a safe and happy holiday time…

Thank you A & S, this was just the perfect ending to a slightly crappy day. It made me smile endlessly. It moves me when my loved ones see me and know exactly what I love.

I cannot wait to use this adorable set of measuring cups. I am afraid it might be relegated to be displayed because they are so cute.

Thanks a million!

I picked up a loaf of challah bread the other evening to make Mike a bread pudding since he had a “run-in” with the dentist.

It turned out delicious but what I really wanted to share is what I had for breakfast this morning. I took 2 slices of leftover challah bread, toasted it up and drizzled honey (thank you, J!) all over it. It was heavenly.

Can you feel fall in the air yet? I’m enjoying this cool and crisp weather, stomping on leaves with my new boots, admiring the orange, yellow, reds and browns on the trees, drinking cider, dreaming up stews/soups and lighting candles. Fall doesn’t last for long - get out there and enjoy it while you can.

I saw these at Urban Outfitters a few months ago and thought it would cool to own a reasonably priced twin lens reflex camera. Even better, it uses 35mm film instead of the usual 120mm for TLRs. That means easy developing of film.

Also, you can shoot in 3 formats - normal 35mm, square 24mm and large square 36mm.

More information here.

Lately, I have been fascinated with necklaces. Maybe it’s because I had recently got rid of some old pendants and suddenly feel a clear lack of adornment options. Here are some picks from Sundance Catalog - I have to scour Etsy for some great indie options too.

Three-bead Linen Necklace - Silver and linen, organic and beautiful to me

Cherry Blossom Necklace - they actually remind me more of pussy willow

Ebony Sequins Necklace - this is a smart and unique design

Droplet of Sterling Necklace - I love the simple organic pendant

Rosy Coral Necklace - I love the reds

I had a most wonderful time away, from the blog and from home. I won’t talk more about it because it’s quite personal. But I assure you that I am back and ready to tackle it again. With fresh eyes, with a fresh perspective and a heart full of gratitude.

It’s been a week since I’ve been back and tonight will be the first time I’m cooking a full meal (breakfast does not count). I’m thinking Tom Yum Goong and Prawn Cakes. Spicy and warming, just perfect for the fall.

Mike was supportive of my staying out of the kitchen and took me to enjoy some delicious dinners - our favorite pho place, chicken kariage at The Cutting Board (thanks, K!) and of course, the fabulous Delancey (one word: burrata).

In garden news, my garden was overgrown while I was away but now it’s all cleaned up. I am hoping to plant some winter greens and maybe get a crop of Asian greens. We’ll see how cooperative the weather will be. This year, Seattlelites should have nothing to complain about our summer.

Oh, my current favorite drink is a Washington hard apple cider - the name slips my mind now but the taste has my attention now.