Age: From 3.5 years old
There may come a time, when we have to ferry J around to the various classes. Don't always turn on the radio, take the time to connect with our child child by:
1. Talk and ask questions like:
- What did you learn?
- What do you think about that?
- Tell me about your friends.
- What can I be praying for you?
2. Sing praise songs all the way home
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
J's Lunch Pack 7
J's lunch pack for sunday after music class: Sphagetti meat sauce (made with minced beef, corn, carrot, peas, 4 homemade mix beans baby cubes and wholegrain pasta).
I added puree vegetables baby cubes (french beans and carrots) to increase the the nutritional value, but this is not necessary. It provides a contingency plan, if J doesn't feel like eating the whole vegetables in the meat sauce.
I make this dish for dinner today and freeze a portion for J's lunch on Sunday. In this way, it frees me to do other things during the weekend, and still having ready homemade food for J when we are out on Sunday :-) I bring it along with me in the bag on Sunday morning, letting it thaw naturally by itself, and it will be ready by lunch time after the music class.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
A Personal Phone Call from the Mayor of Lyngby-Taarbæk County
Today, we were pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call at 8.30 pm which lasted for approx. 15-20 minutes from the Mayor, Søren P. Rasmussen, of Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune, the county which we recide. We had written a letter to express our disappointment over the closure of the daycare for 3 weeks in the month of July this year, which will cause a lot of inconvenience for us in terms of juggling work and child care. The Mayor called and explained to us why they are doing that. They are encouraging or almost forcing Danish parents to take time off to spend with their children. Also they are facing budget shortage to run the daycare for the whole year. They would gather the children of those parents who need daycare into fewer daycare centres, so as to cut cost. We explained that we would prefer to pay more for the 3 weeks to keep the daycare open, but he explained that not all citizens can afford to make the extra payments, and he should take into account the needs and resources of other families. It also made us reflect and be more aware that we should think more of others, and that more payment can solve our problem, but not necessarily other families.
The Mayor spoke with me and asked if I would prefer to speak Danish or English. The willingness of him to go out of his way to speak in another language touched me a lot. He later spoke with my Significant Other, and we were both very touched by a Mayor who calls his citizens personally and listen to them. Our anger over the daycare closure issue subsided after this call. He has opened a dialogue and made us understand the issue from different angles.
This reminded me of another similar incident encountered by my friend, whose family moved to Lillerød last September. She told me that she had received a welcome visit from the county civil servant. During the visit, it came across clearly that they showed concern over how the new family is settling in, and how the toddler is coping. When they heard that my friend, who is Thai, is trying to speak Danish with her toddler, they kindly advised her to speak to the little boy in her own mother tongue, which is Thai. The generosity of Lillerød County to "decrease themselves" and "increase others" in language tolerance heap burning coal in my mind as described in Romans 12:17-21.
What a large society Denmark is. The fact that the civil servant in Lillerød went out of their way to visit a new family is really heart-warming and commendable. It is not the norm, of course, that we receive personal visits from the county administrator, and I have never had such an encounter.
In most countries, money works to solve many things, but not here in Denmark. The more well-to-do are treated equally and cannot pay their way out. I am beginning to appreciate this more and more, as it keeps the more well-to-dos more level-headed in Denmark.
How many countries in the world would one see such a humble Mayor personally calling his citizens, even the foreigners? I don't think there are many. I wonder how it is like in Singapore, since I am away from home for 10 years now?
Denmark is not a perfect country, but when the going gets tough being an immigrant in a foreign country, which is now my second home, may I always remember all the kind, sincere and wonderful Danes that I have met along the way from my ex-boss Louise Kruger Koefod to the civil servant in Lillerød County and our own Mayor, the generosity of the Danish state in providing me with totally free master education and the various scholarships I have received from the various Danish foundations.
There is bright future for Denmark, with such a wise, sincere, hard-working and caring politician and ministers in high position, setting a good example top-down.
May I learn to have a large heart like many Danes and the larger Danish society.
The Mayor spoke with me and asked if I would prefer to speak Danish or English. The willingness of him to go out of his way to speak in another language touched me a lot. He later spoke with my Significant Other, and we were both very touched by a Mayor who calls his citizens personally and listen to them. Our anger over the daycare closure issue subsided after this call. He has opened a dialogue and made us understand the issue from different angles.
This reminded me of another similar incident encountered by my friend, whose family moved to Lillerød last September. She told me that she had received a welcome visit from the county civil servant. During the visit, it came across clearly that they showed concern over how the new family is settling in, and how the toddler is coping. When they heard that my friend, who is Thai, is trying to speak Danish with her toddler, they kindly advised her to speak to the little boy in her own mother tongue, which is Thai. The generosity of Lillerød County to "decrease themselves" and "increase others" in language tolerance heap burning coal in my mind as described in Romans 12:17-21.
What a large society Denmark is. The fact that the civil servant in Lillerød went out of their way to visit a new family is really heart-warming and commendable. It is not the norm, of course, that we receive personal visits from the county administrator, and I have never had such an encounter.
In most countries, money works to solve many things, but not here in Denmark. The more well-to-do are treated equally and cannot pay their way out. I am beginning to appreciate this more and more, as it keeps the more well-to-dos more level-headed in Denmark.
How many countries in the world would one see such a humble Mayor personally calling his citizens, even the foreigners? I don't think there are many. I wonder how it is like in Singapore, since I am away from home for 10 years now?
Denmark is not a perfect country, but when the going gets tough being an immigrant in a foreign country, which is now my second home, may I always remember all the kind, sincere and wonderful Danes that I have met along the way from my ex-boss Louise Kruger Koefod to the civil servant in Lillerød County and our own Mayor, the generosity of the Danish state in providing me with totally free master education and the various scholarships I have received from the various Danish foundations.
There is bright future for Denmark, with such a wise, sincere, hard-working and caring politician and ministers in high position, setting a good example top-down.
May I learn to have a large heart like many Danes and the larger Danish society.
10 House Rules for My Family
As J is reaching pre-school age in a year's time, and starting to understand conscience, morals, rights and wrongs, I am stepping ahead with researching some house rules to instill good habits.
This is a goal which I hope to implement in our home. We are not there yet, as we are self-centred sinners, saved only by God's Grace. It will take God the whole lifetime to perfect us, but this is what we are working towards prayerfully with J and as a family. Please pray for us and with us:
1. Practice J.O.Y. - Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.
2. Be polite - Do not use any swear words.
3. Be responsible - If you use it, put it away before moving to the next. Use one toy/activity at a time.
4. Be diligent - Work before play.
5. Be kind - Always display kind words and actions, even if you have been mistreated.
6. Take initiative to reconcile - Never let the sun go down, while you are still angry (Ephesian 4:6).
7. Be gentle - Never raise a hand to hit, a foot to kick or an object to throw.
8. Show self-restraint - Never raise an eye to scowl or a voice to yell.
This is a goal which I hope to implement in our home. We are not there yet, as we are self-centred sinners, saved only by God's Grace. It will take God the whole lifetime to perfect us, but this is what we are working towards prayerfully with J and as a family. Please pray for us and with us:
1. Practice J.O.Y. - Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.
2. Be polite - Do not use any swear words.
3. Be responsible - If you use it, put it away before moving to the next. Use one toy/activity at a time.
4. Be diligent - Work before play.
5. Be kind - Always display kind words and actions, even if you have been mistreated.
6. Take initiative to reconcile - Never let the sun go down, while you are still angry (Ephesian 4:6).
7. Be gentle - Never raise a hand to hit, a foot to kick or an object to throw.
8. Show self-restraint - Never raise an eye to scowl or a voice to yell.
J's Lunch Pack 6
Here is another idea what to do with lunch, if you have to be out with your toddler and still want to maintain a healthy diet i.e. without pizza, chips, cookies, etc. to satisfy the hunger panks.
Wholegrain rye wheat pasta with 1 cube of french bean and 1 cube of sweet potato*. The pasta can be made beforehand and freeze. Thaw overnight in fridge and toss with pasta. Can be eaten cold or warm up in the microwave (if you can get hold of one, when you are outside).
Easy to pack for lunch after the music class. J having his lunch pack after music class last Sunday (13 Feb. 2011) and he finished everything :-)
* It is better to use a cube of carrot here than sweet potatoes, since pasta already provides the carbohydrates, but I ran out of carrot cubes.
Consistent Discipline - How to Show it to Your Child?
Reproduced from http://www.thestayathomemissionary.com/2010/05/practical-vision-for-young-moms_10.html These are not my own words.
Consistent Discipline - Number two of the three C's.
1. Train your children while they are young
The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6:
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Yes, it will require a LOT of time and consistency on your part, but I will promise you that you will not regret it as they grow older. My oldest is almost 10 and I am now reaping the benefits of my (very) hard work in the beginning.
2. Teach your children first time obedience
Teach your children to obey right away, all the way, and with a happy heart. If you start teaching your kids that you expect them to obey the first time you say something, it may take some time, but they can learn to do it.
3. Consistency, Consistency, Consistency
It isn't easy to be consistent, but I truly believe that it is the one thing that is missing in so many scenarios where the child is unmanageable. Notice I didn't say every, but I did say many. Many of our headaches and trials as moms could be avoided if we would say what we mean and mean what we say, and then follow through on what we said. This takes discipline on the mother's part, and it's hard, I know. When you are exhausted it is easy to let one little disobedience or negative attitude slide. I understand. But, pray for the strength to get up one more time, to reinforce one more time, to be consistent one more time.
4. Reach their heart, not just their behavior
Don't settle for outward behavior, but as much as you are able, seek to draw out the why's of your child's disobedience. Connect your heart to theirs, seek to understand them, give them grace, and train them in the way they should go. Love them in the midst of training and discipline!
5. Speak God's Word into them
Scripture is useful for all things, so get those Bible verses into your child's head and heart from a young age!
Things like,
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths....
Be kind and gentle towards one another....
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.....
6. Pray with them and pray over them
Prayer is an often untapped weapon that we have as mommies. Show your kids the power of prayer, specifically as it pertains to their lives!
Some of my favorite resources on training children/discipline/reaching their hearts:
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman (excellent!)
Wise Words for Moms also by Ginger Plowman (a calendar-like chart with offenses, heart questions to ask and Scripture to help teach and train)
Making a Peace Place: Godly Anger Management for Children an amazing post by Ann Voskamp, one I use and has revolutionized my parenting!
18 Kids and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar - lots of great advice sprinkled throughout this book! If they can do it with strength and grace with 18, now 19 kids, then I certainly can with 5!!
Useful Links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wojtOxz_4
Consistent Discipline - Number two of the three C's.
1. Train your children while they are young
The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6:
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Yes, it will require a LOT of time and consistency on your part, but I will promise you that you will not regret it as they grow older. My oldest is almost 10 and I am now reaping the benefits of my (very) hard work in the beginning.
2. Teach your children first time obedience
Teach your children to obey right away, all the way, and with a happy heart. If you start teaching your kids that you expect them to obey the first time you say something, it may take some time, but they can learn to do it.
3. Consistency, Consistency, Consistency
It isn't easy to be consistent, but I truly believe that it is the one thing that is missing in so many scenarios where the child is unmanageable. Notice I didn't say every, but I did say many. Many of our headaches and trials as moms could be avoided if we would say what we mean and mean what we say, and then follow through on what we said. This takes discipline on the mother's part, and it's hard, I know. When you are exhausted it is easy to let one little disobedience or negative attitude slide. I understand. But, pray for the strength to get up one more time, to reinforce one more time, to be consistent one more time.
4. Reach their heart, not just their behavior
Don't settle for outward behavior, but as much as you are able, seek to draw out the why's of your child's disobedience. Connect your heart to theirs, seek to understand them, give them grace, and train them in the way they should go. Love them in the midst of training and discipline!
5. Speak God's Word into them
Scripture is useful for all things, so get those Bible verses into your child's head and heart from a young age!
Things like,
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths....
Be kind and gentle towards one another....
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.....
6. Pray with them and pray over them
Prayer is an often untapped weapon that we have as mommies. Show your kids the power of prayer, specifically as it pertains to their lives!
Some of my favorite resources on training children/discipline/reaching their hearts:
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman (excellent!)
Wise Words for Moms also by Ginger Plowman (a calendar-like chart with offenses, heart questions to ask and Scripture to help teach and train)
Making a Peace Place: Godly Anger Management for Children an amazing post by Ann Voskamp, one I use and has revolutionized my parenting!
18 Kids and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar - lots of great advice sprinkled throughout this book! If they can do it with strength and grace with 18, now 19 kids, then I certainly can with 5!!
Useful Links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wojtOxz_4
God's Highest Career Calling - Motherhood - Inspiration from Sarah Edwards
Below are not my own words, but it inspires me and spurs me on in this life long and exciting journey of motherhood.
Reproduced from http://www.thestayathomemissionary.com/2010/03/practical-vision-for-young-moms-big_20.html
Throughout history we can see examples of how one woman can greatly influence and even change history by embracing her high calling of motherhood. The old adage is SO true, "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world."
We, as mothers, are to rise up and take dominion of this high calling, and when we do, remarkable things can happen.
One example of this is Sarah Edwards, wife of Jonathan Edwards. Jonathan Edwards is arguably one of the greatest theologians in American history. His sermons and writing continue to impact and influence Christianity to this day.
Sarah supported her husband and his very long works hours and devoted herself whole-heartedly to the raising of their 8 children...thereby fully embracing her Royal Calling.
And what was her legacy?
Throughout the generations can be traced:
11 college presidents
65 professors
100 lawyers
30 judges
66 doctors
80 holders of public office
3 mayors of large cities
3 state governors
1 controller of the US treasury
3 US senators
1 Vice-President of the US
many authors and editors
How's that for a legacy? Now, hear me out on this one. I'm not saying that big important professions is the goal. A long line of dominion-oriented, passionate-for-Jesus trash collectors would have been equally impressive. This list is simply showing just how far-reaching our mothering can be!!
Another great example of a visionary mother is Betsy Moody, and Kelly at Generation Cedar wrote some posts about her recently. Betsy Moody was the mother of DL Moody, who is special to my heart since I went to college at Moody Bible Institute!
We are raising mighty arrows for the Kingdom....arrows that will go from our house and shoot out to the world and for generations to come!
Psalm 127:5, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."
We want to raise our children so that they will go out into the world and be salt and light. We need to raise them to not be ashamed, "when they speak with the enemies at the gate." (Ps. 127:5)
We can raise our children intentionally to live their life on purpose and for a purpose, before a watching world. We have the opportunity to show the world what a godly, functioning family can look like and what children raised with purpose and vision can truly accomplish for God.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Edwards_(theologian)
http://www.thirdmill.org/newfiles/sim_vibert/CH.Viebert_Churchman_Edwards_9.15.03.html
http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/honoring-the-biblical-call-of-motherhood
Constant Love - How to Show it to your Child (and Spouse)?
God taught me SO MUCH, and is still teaching me, since J came along. And the lessons I am learning to implement on a child is also very good for our marriage too :-)
Reproduced from http://www.thestayathomemissionary.com/2010/05/practical-vision-for-young-moms.html. They are not my own words.
C - Constant Love
The first C in the 3 C's is Constant Love. It's what a child truly needs from us as mothers, we all know it.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Visible love is the only love a child can understand. You can't tell a child, I love you, and expect them to believe it if your actions don't back it up. Fill up your days not just with time spent with your children, but time loving and enjoying your children.
Constant Love. Yes, but how?
1. Smile. Really smile at them.
2. Enjoy. Take time to revel in the wonder that is your child. Slow down and be present mentally so that you will remember the moment. Make memories together.
3. Play.
4. Engage and give them your heart.
5. Bake together.
6. Whisper in their ear.
7. Listen to their dreams.
8. Sing and dance.
9. Goof off together.
Do it. Do it today. Go do it right now. I'll join you.
Reproduced from http://www.thestayathomemissionary.com/2010/05/practical-vision-for-young-moms.html. They are not my own words.
C - Constant Love
The first C in the 3 C's is Constant Love. It's what a child truly needs from us as mothers, we all know it.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Visible love is the only love a child can understand. You can't tell a child, I love you, and expect them to believe it if your actions don't back it up. Fill up your days not just with time spent with your children, but time loving and enjoying your children.
Constant Love. Yes, but how?
1. Smile. Really smile at them.
2. Enjoy. Take time to revel in the wonder that is your child. Slow down and be present mentally so that you will remember the moment. Make memories together.
3. Play.
4. Engage and give them your heart.
5. Bake together.
6. Whisper in their ear.
7. Listen to their dreams.
8. Sing and dance.
9. Goof off together.
Do it. Do it today. Go do it right now. I'll join you.
J Summary (23M10D) - Language Development
Asking more questions in Danish
J is sick with fever today, so I had to stay at home with him. I discovered that he could say questions such as Hvor er abe hen? meaning where is the monkey in English, but he doesn't know how to do the finite noun yet, which should be "hvor er aben hen?". He is also asking in Danish "Hvor er sokkerne hen?" meaning where are the socks in English, but it is of course, not totally correct, as he doesn't know the plural formation yet, which should be "Hvor er sockerne hen?" But he is putting the words in the correct sentence structure.
Can say 4-syllabus word
Today, I noticed that he could say krokodille, which is a 4-syllabus word in Danish meaning crocodile. He now prefers to say elephant, dog, cat, monkey in Danish. I think it is because Daddy has been taking him for bedtime reading. I would have to take over more of the bedtime reading to increase the mandarin experience.
Enjoyed cutting toy food
He is also enjoying playing with toy food now. Today, I noticed that he could cut the fruit and vegetables, which previously he hadn't shown any interest in it.
Yesterday during bed time, he asked to play with the jigsaw puzzles I bought from Popular, but he wasn't very good at it.
J is sick with fever today, so I had to stay at home with him. I discovered that he could say questions such as Hvor er abe hen? meaning where is the monkey in English, but he doesn't know how to do the finite noun yet, which should be "hvor er aben hen?". He is also asking in Danish "Hvor er sokkerne hen?" meaning where are the socks in English, but it is of course, not totally correct, as he doesn't know the plural formation yet, which should be "Hvor er sockerne hen?" But he is putting the words in the correct sentence structure.
Can say 4-syllabus word
Today, I noticed that he could say krokodille, which is a 4-syllabus word in Danish meaning crocodile. He now prefers to say elephant, dog, cat, monkey in Danish. I think it is because Daddy has been taking him for bedtime reading. I would have to take over more of the bedtime reading to increase the mandarin experience.
Enjoyed cutting toy food
He is also enjoying playing with toy food now. Today, I noticed that he could cut the fruit and vegetables, which previously he hadn't shown any interest in it.
Yesterday during bed time, he asked to play with the jigsaw puzzles I bought from Popular, but he wasn't very good at it.
Sunday, 13 February 2011
J Summary (23M8D) - Language Development
The final overthrown of the "confusion hypothesis" in bilingualism in the case of J
This morning, I was too busy making the alphabet puppet for J, thus Daddy had been a great help in taking over the duties with J. Daddy picked J up from the crib when he woke up. Daddy told me that J asked for "morgenmad", which is breakfast in Danish.
When I pick J up every morning, he will ask for "zhao can", which is breakfast in Mandarin.
This incident further confirmed that the hypothesis of children getting confused if one starts multiple languages at an early age does not stand. J clearly choose to say the Danish word for breakfast to Daddy and the Chinese word for breakfast to Mommy.
Having said that, it could also be our blessing that Chinese and Danish are so different, so that there is no room for confusion. If you are in a cross-cultural marriage and your spouse's and your language are very similar and may cause confusion. I have not scientific means to over-throw this hypothesis, but in our experience with Danish and Chinese, this hypothesis is overthrown totally.
J prayed for more people
On another subject, J and his cousin Filippa played very well at granny's place this evening. At bed-time, J prayed for Amy, Thor, Anna and Filippa, that God will give them a peaceful and sweet good night sleep until the next morning, when mommies and daddies go in to pick them up. I have taught him to pray for his friends, and he now always remember it. I learn this from another pair of parents - Allan and Jannie, who taught Anna to remember others and pray for others. I think it is such a brillant way to teach a child to show sincere care and concern for others. Thanks to Allan and Jannie :-)
Hmmm... oh ya... so many of his friends are girls, apart from Thor... I have to start asking him to pray to God to also bring him more male friends.
This morning, I was too busy making the alphabet puppet for J, thus Daddy had been a great help in taking over the duties with J. Daddy picked J up from the crib when he woke up. Daddy told me that J asked for "morgenmad", which is breakfast in Danish.
When I pick J up every morning, he will ask for "zhao can", which is breakfast in Mandarin.
This incident further confirmed that the hypothesis of children getting confused if one starts multiple languages at an early age does not stand. J clearly choose to say the Danish word for breakfast to Daddy and the Chinese word for breakfast to Mommy.
Having said that, it could also be our blessing that Chinese and Danish are so different, so that there is no room for confusion. If you are in a cross-cultural marriage and your spouse's and your language are very similar and may cause confusion. I have not scientific means to over-throw this hypothesis, but in our experience with Danish and Chinese, this hypothesis is overthrown totally.
J prayed for more people
On another subject, J and his cousin Filippa played very well at granny's place this evening. At bed-time, J prayed for Amy, Thor, Anna and Filippa, that God will give them a peaceful and sweet good night sleep until the next morning, when mommies and daddies go in to pick them up. I have taught him to pray for his friends, and he now always remember it. I learn this from another pair of parents - Allan and Jannie, who taught Anna to remember others and pray for others. I think it is such a brillant way to teach a child to show sincere care and concern for others. Thanks to Allan and Jannie :-)
Hmmm... oh ya... so many of his friends are girls, apart from Thor... I have to start asking him to pray to God to also bring him more male friends.
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Making Alphabet Come Alive with Letter Puppets
Age: From 2 years old
How?
1. Make Alphabet come alive and be your toddler's friend by using a cardboard approx. 60x45 cm for big letters or A3 size for small letters * and cut it out.
* It is harder to make small letters, thus use a letter template here:
http://rubberstamping.about.com/od/templates/ig/Lower-Case-Alphabet/
2. Stand behind the letter, make the letter puppet dance and speak the sound of the letter.
Tips:
You can also draw eyes, nose and mouth and make a face on the letter if you have the time, but it is not really necessary.
Why?
This strategy and its corresponding benefits:
1. Big size - creates strong impression and greater memory impact.
2. Colour - creates strong impression and greater memory impact.
3. Movement - stimulate memory absorption.
4. Peronification - Everyone remembers better if there is a face to it. This would be the alphabet's face.
5. Fun - Encourage learning in a fun way.
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Additional Information:
The Europeans, Americans, Australians, Americans, etc. are so blessed - they have alphabet that are so fun and easy to teach. Each of their letters makes a sound and is so beautifully simple. This is not the case with Chinese characters - and I am still scratching my head how to teach Chinese characters to toddlers and make learning Chinese fun. For now, I will concentrate on teaching the English alphabets.
How does a working mom like me have time to make this? Sacrifice - I woke up early this morning to make the letter A. I bought the cardboards from Pandora. It costs 7.50 DKK each.
The first lesson was during breakfast this morning together with Daddy and J enjoyed it.
On average, it takes me 45 minutes to make one letter, faster with practice I would imagine. However, if I am to make a Chinese character, it would probably be one whole day!!!
References:
http://rubberstamping.about.com/od/templates/ig/Lower-Case-Alphabet/
http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/marcysabcs.htm
http://www.firstpalette.com/tool_box/printables/alphabetlower.html
Quick & Easy Goji Berries Tea/Hurtig og Nem Goji Bær Te/枸杞子茶[gǒu qǐ zǐ chá]
Our concoction
Ingredients:1. 10 goji berries
2. 1 tsp honey
3. 1 cup hot boiling water
Directions:
1. Add goji berries into a cup.
2. Pour hot water.
3. Add honey, stir and serve :-)
Nutritional Value:
Weight for weight, goji berries are supposed to contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots and more iron than steak.
The beta-carotene in the fruit is thought to help fight heart disease, defend against cancer and protect skin from sun-damage. The berries are a good source of B vitamins and anti-oxidants - which may help protect against the fallout from chemical reactions in the body.
Goji berries are also rich in copper, calcium, potassium and zinc. They are believed by the Chinese to be beneficial to the liver, improve eyesight, reduce heart disease, reduce diabetes and promote overall good and strong health.
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Additional Information:
Daddy requested for goji berries tea this morning. This is how the Danes consume their goji berries, very different from the Chinese, but quick and easy.
Tangyuan - Modern Healthy Chinese Sweet Rice Balls/汤圆 [tāng yuán]
Makes 22 tangyuan
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 2/3 cup white glutinous rice flour
- 1/3 cup brown rice flour
- 100 ml water
Natural colouring:
- 1 small beetroot for the red colour
- A handful of baby spinach leaves blended
Sesame paste filling 芝蔴:
- 2 TBS black sesame ground
- 2 TBS tahini
- 2 tsp maple syrup *
Peanut paste filling (optional):
- 2 TBS organic unsweetened and unsalted peanut butter
- 1 tsp maple syrup *
Red bean paste filling (optional):
- 5 cubes of the homemade red bean baby cubes
- 5 tsp maple syrup *
* As a rule of thumb for my family in terms of desired sweetness, for every 2 TBS of ingredients, add 1 tsp of maple syrup. You can add more or less adjust to your taste.
Sweet ginger soup (甜姜汤):
- 1 litre water
- 1 inch ginger
- 4 TBS brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 Pandan leave (optional) – In Singapore, we add this to the ingredients for the fragrant of the Pandan leave in the soup, but since I can’t get it in Denmark, I just leave it out.
Directions:
Sesame paste filling:
1. Grind 2 TBS of black sesame seeds in a baby blender for 30 seconds until it turns into powder.
2. Mix well with tahini and maple syrup.
Peanut paste filling:
1. Mix organic peanut butter with maple syrup.
Red bean paste filling:
1. Thaw the homemade red bean baby cubes overnight in the fridge.
2. Mix well with maple syrup.
Dough:
1. Grind the white glutinous rice and brown rice in a baby blender until they turn into flour (approx. 10 mins – but make sure you switch off the blender in between to avoid it from overheating).
2. In a mixing bowl, add the ground rice flour and slowly mix in water until it forms a smooth dough that no doesn't stick to your fingers.
3. Divide the dough into 3 smaller portions.
4. Grate the beetroot and dab the slices on one of the doughs to give it a red colour.
5. Blend a handful of baby spinach leaves with a tsp of water and slowly add it to another dough to give it a green colour.
6. For each dough, roll it into a sausage about 2.5 cm in diameter and cut it into 6 portions.
7. Flatten each portion in your palm until it resemble a little round pancake of 7 cm in diameter.
8. Use a pair of chopsticks to pick up some black sesame, peanut or red bean filling and place it in the middle of the flatten dough.
9. Fold and seal the edge.
10. Lightly roll it into a ball shape using your palms, then set aside and cover with a cloth.
11. Repeat step 7-10 until you have made all the balls.
Sweet ginger soup:
1. In a pot of water, add ginger and Pandan leaves and bring to boil.
2. Add the brown or coconut sugar and simmer it under low heat (no. 3 on my stove).
Cooking the sweet balls:
1. Bring to rapid boil a separate pot of water and add the sweet balls into the pot.
2. Let it come to a second boil. The sweet balls are done once they float to the top.
3. Dish it out into a bowl and add the sweet ginger soup into it.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy :-)
Additional Information:
Tangyuan is eaten on the last day (or 15th day) of Chinese New Year (CNY) known as Yuanxiao. It is the first full moon after the start of the CNY. This day is commemorated with tangyuan symbolizing that the year would be sweet, round and complete, just like the full moon. Tangyuan is also eaten during the Lantern Festival.
However, traditionally-made tangyuan is not the healthiest choice as it is made up basically of white glutinous rice, lots of sugar and artificial colouring! Tangyuan can be made without the filling, just plain glutinous flour balls. I remembered that tanggyuan is not my favourite CNY food, as even as a young child, I found it a rather empty food, when my granny or my mum made it during the Lantern Festival.
Now as a mother, I face the dilemma of whether or not to pass down this tradition to J. If I am to pass this tradition down, tangyuan has to be more nutritious and not just an empty calorie food. I have decided to make a modern more healthier version of tangyuan that will pass the nutritional standard requirement that I have set for my family, otherwise, I am prepared to throw this Chinese cultural tradition out of the window.
Culture has to move with time. China is changing, and as the knowledge of food and nutrition increases along with wealth, so do Chinese food and ingredients. What is not useful will be demolished without any regrets. I have to innovate to make a more modern, healthier and nutritious tangyuan. This is done by making the dough more nutritious by adding 1 part brown rice to 2 parts white glutinous rice, instead of using just totally white glutinous rice. The green colouring from spinach and red colouring from beetroot, all very nutritious vegetables. The spinach taste is very subtle and will not affect the taste of tangyuan. Beetroot, as we all know, is a rich well of antioxidants.
Next, the fillings are also very nutritious. Here I use the traditional fillings made of sesame seeds, peanut and red bean paste, since they are very nutritious food. As a working woman, I use organic peanut butter available in the Danish market, instead of making it myself. If you don't like peanut butter, you can also use almond butter, hazelnut butter or cashewnut butter instead. Unlike Chinese, you don't have to be bounded by traditions.
Lastly, the healthier version of sweet soup is with ginger and using brown sugar or even blackstrap molasse. Blackstrap molasse is the most nutritious type of sugar, but it has a strong licorice taste.
I am super-duper happy with my creation, and now I can enjoy tangyuan and the CNY tradition without being guilty of loading my body with junk :-)
To simply this recipe, if you wish to make it on an ordinary day, you don’t have to make the sweet tea. You can also just serve the sweet balls with hot water. The Chinese eat it colourful, especially the red is a must have during CNY to bring in good fortune, but you also do not have to make colourful sweet balls. You can just keep it white and skip the red and green colour. You don’t need to make the red bean paste, if you find it too troublesome, you can just use the peanut paste straight from the jar of peanut butter. You can also just add maple syrup to tahini, instead of grinding some black sesame paste yourself.
In general, the tangyuan can tolerate 20% - 33% brown rice and still tastes as good.
The sugar can be reduced to 80g for every 100g of sesame seeds.
Measure 1 cup sesame seeds
Roast the sesame seeds on a pan on low-medium heat (no. 5.5 to 6 on my stove until it is fragrant)
Blend the roasted sesame seeds together with the sugar
Black sesame filling done :-)
You can store the sesame filling in an air-tight jar with lid in the fridge for a couple of months.
Here is an alternative and faster method to wrap tangyuan's filling:
Measure 8g of dough and roll into a ball.
Use your finger to impress a hole in the middle of the ball of dough.
Add the filling.
Close the opening with your finger by pushing up the dough.
Smoothen and roll it into a round ball and a tangyuan is done :-)
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