The 'Niu' Year, Day Four

Kueh Bangkit, Kueh Sepit (love letters) and Kueh Lapis (Layered cakes) are among few rich in coconut milk confections made famous by the Peranakan community in Malaysia. During grandma's time, we never missed Kueh Bangkit and Kueh Sepit, they are like a-must-have in most Peranakan homes during CNY.

Kueh Bangkit from Mukah.

Perhaps, we are the almost lost younger generation of Peranakan, we have somehow forgotten about Kueh Bangkit until I was asked, 'what is Kueh Bangkit?' recently.

It suddenly comes back to me, the sweetness taste of greenbeans flour and thick coconut milk blended together to form Kueh Bangkit cookies. It's crispy when you bite it and then simply melt-in-your-mouth, it's simply addictive too.

Cake Lapis (layered cakes), Rendang and Mutton Korma are also authentic Peranakan cuisines. I somehow feel like I should learn how to cook Rendang and Mutton Korma and trace back my Peranakan roots of many rich traditions of authentic cuisines.

On the fourth day of CNY, my 10yo nephew picked up Mahjong on computer games and a 12yo learned how to make jelly.

On the fourth day of Niu Year, the door bell buzzed as early as 8.30am and the first early group of minors came visiting on their own while we were still in our sleeping pajamas then followed by few groups of handsome/pretty youngsters.

Chinese New Year comes with everything new for auspicious Chinese even new notes for angpows.

Guests of all ages 'lai pei nien', which according to the Chinese they are the sign of good things to come. Despite the rain practically the whole day on the fourth day of Niu Year. We had guests from morning till late in the evening. I stayed at home avoiding rain and had watched 'Bedtime Stories'.