From Entrée to Sweet Treat: Exploring the Versatility of California Raisins

Recently I attended the Flavours of Festivity: Epicurean Delights for Raya, a pre-Ramadan celebra,on hosted by California Raisins at Texture by C3 Lab in Atria Shopping Mall. 

Upon arriving, I was impressed by the diverse ways California Raisins could be enjoyed during the festive Ramadan season, showcasing their versatility and everyday appeal, whether in cooking, baking, or crafting a delicious drink. 

The event started with a captivating introduction to California Raisins, exploring how they journey from vineyards to our tables, adding flavor to both special occasions and everyday meals. 

Loved for their sweetness and health benefits, California Raisins were the star of the show, enchanting everyone with their versatility and deliciousness.

As I arrived, I was greeted by the aroma of pastries and drinks featuring California Raisins. I headed to the Raisin Garden, where I explored the diverse varieties, savoring their unique flavors and
textures. It was an immersive experience highlighting the culinary potential of raisins.

This Vegan Milkshake made with California Raisins is absolutely delicious! It would be great to see it available in cafes!

We enjoyed a variety of culinary creations featuring raisins, presented by two well-known pastry chefs from Malaysia. These demonstrations offered innovative recipe ideas, combining traditional Raya flavors with modern culinary methods.

Chef Aison is a skilled artisan baker with a rich culinary background, celebrated for his creativity in crafting artisanal baked goods. 

He showcased his talent by creating several unique pastries featuring California Raisins, such as California Raisin Hazelnut Babka, California Raisin Kouign-Amann, and California Raisin Carrot Cinnabon.

On the other hand, Chef Lawrence Bobo, nicknamed 'The Mad Scientist' for his innovative approach to pastries and confectioneries, brought his expertise in patisserie to the table. 

He crafted a series of delectable treats including California Raisin Apple Tarte Tatin, California Raisin Chocolate Orange Cake, and California Raisin Vanilla Petit Gateau.

During lunch, we had the chance to indulge in a full epicurean experience.

We started with a refreshing California Raisin & Calamansi Spritzer and a California Raisin Waldorf Salad as an appetizer. 

For the main course, we were treated to delicious hot dishes and bakes featuring California Raisins. 

This Nasi Berani with raisin served with juicy grilled chicken is absolutely my favourite!

The meal concluded on a sweet note with a mouthwatering California Raisin Apple Tarte Tatin, followed by delightful California Raisin Chocolate Cake 

And California Raisin Vanilla Cake as the grand finale of our lunch!

Thanks to these two talented chefs for serving us delicious food infused with California raisins!

As the event came to an end, each of us was handed a tote bag filled with California Raisin snacks to take home. We also received booklets featuring recipes from Chef Aison and Chef Lawrence Bobo, giving us the chance to try making these delicious treats ourselves. 

The event really emphasized how incorporating California Raisins into our daily diets, especially during festive seasons, can have lifestyle benefits. As a natural sweetener and easy snack, they perfectly suit the preferences of health-conscious individuals like me.

Flavors of Festivity wasn't just about showing off delicious food; it was about celebrating the balanced and joyful lifestyle that California Raisins support. I left feeling inspired, excited to add the rich, natural sweetness of California Raisins to my upcoming festive celebrations.

California Raisins are a staple in my kitchen because of their premium quality and versatility. They're a wholesome alternative to processed sugars, making them perfect for both festive feasts and everyday cooking. Try them out today!

Thank you California Raisins for having us! 

Grand Launch of Skeyndor Eternal Series

SKEYNDOR, a globally recognized leader in skincare innovation, is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Eternal range. This exclusive event, marking Skeyndor's latest unique formulation in Malaysia, took place at the luxurious Regno KL in Bandar Sri Damansara. Attendees included Skeyndor affiliates, esteemed beauty influencers, and special guests.

Guests were welcomed with a product showcase highlighting Skeyndor's Eternal skincare range. 

The Eternal range is a testament to Skeyndor's commitment to anti-aging excellence. Central to this new line is the innovative use of plant stem cells and biotechnological ingredients, designed to rejuvenate and redensify skin at a cellular level. The range includes:

Skeyndor Redensifying Night Oil : A sumptuous oil that envelops the skin in nourishment, promoting overnight rejuvenation.

Skeyndor Extraordinary Redensifying Serum: A luxurious formula that revitalizes skin for a youthful glow.

Skeyndor Rich Redensifying Cream: Specially formulated for very dry skin, offering deep hydration and rejuvenation.

Skeyndor Redensifying Eye Contour: Targeted treatment for the delicate eye area, reducing puffiness and dark circles.

Skeyndor Eternal Redensifying Facial Roller with salon grade products

There were also very fun stations where we could play games in order to receive a free gift like this creative Laser Reflection Game using Mirror.

The launch commenced with speech by Mr. Patrick Sha, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of

Unique Aesthetics. He emphasized: “The Eternal range, our latest innovation, embodies our ethos

‘Eternal Beauty, A Timeless Legacy’ and aims to revolutionize the approach to combating skin aging

and environmental damage.” 

Also present was Mr. Bryan Hew, Executive Director of Unique Aesthetics.

I really enjoyed the mesmerizing dance routine featuring ballerinas in LED-decorated costumes during the opening performance. 

The dance is beautifully set the tone with grace and beauty.

    

Ms. Margaret Beales, an international beauty specialist from Spain with over 35 years of experience. She shared valuable insights on the significance of early skincare regimes for maintaining skin health and preventing premature aging. 

She also demonstrated how to apply the Eternal range for the best effect on stage.

This was followed by a presentation of awards given to the brand and its associates presented by SISTERS magazine. Unique Aesthetics Sdn Bhd was honored with the Top Leading Trusted Company For Professional Brand 2023/2024 award.

The Skeyndor Eternal Series also received the New Successful Product Innovation of The Year 2023/2024. La Skinz Beauty Centre was recognized with Editor’s Best Choice 2023/2024 and The Best Service of Beauty Salon 2023/2024 awards.

The event also marked the launch of Skeyndor's Christmas and New Year CSR project, benefiting Rumah Kasih Harmoni Paya Jaras, home to 123 children. Gifts were received by En. Jamalludin bin Wahab, the principal of Rumah Kasih Harmoni on stage.

`

In addition to Skeyndor’s own contributions, the brand encouraged event guests to bring gifts for the children, to give them a good start to the New Year. 

The event concluded with a buffet lunch, followed by a floor game and a prize-giving ceremony for social contest winners. 

Thank you for picking me as one of the lucky winners! 

The event concluded with a buffet lunch, followed by a floor game and a prize-giving ceremony for

social contest winners.

Thank you Ms. Margaret Beales for the insightful sharing! 

Me with Charlene Wong,

SKEYNDOR products can be purchased online at https://skeyndor.com.my or through its authorised

beauty salons. 

For more information, please visit
Website https://skeyndor.com.my
Instagram https://instagram.com/skeyndor_malaysia
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/myskeyndor

Experience the Jingle and Magic of the U.S. Potatoes Festive Extravaganza

The Jingle U.S. Potatoes All The Way Christmas Workshop, a unique culinary event celebrating the versatility and flavor of U.S. potatoes, took invited guests and influencers on an immersive journey through the world of potatoes. Hosted at FunFun Event Space in Puchong, the event featured a variety of activities, cooking demonstrations and interactive workshops. Although it was a very long drive to Puchong it's all worth it because I have fun!

The event kicked off with guests arriving to a vibrant product showcase. They were presented with a Potato Christmas Garden displaying an array of U.S. fresh potato varieties such as Russet, Red, and Purple along with different cuts of frozen U.S. potatoes as well as instant U.S. mashed potatoes mixes.

Russet Potatoes are starchy and I like how it “dissolve” into my ABC soup or chicken potato stew.

This Red Potatoes, only available in selected season like July-Oct. And this is the healthiest potato among all! 

This is the first time I'm seeing Purple Potato! I brought home some and taste very good! These also have lower glycemic index compared to white potatoes, making them a better choice for blood sugar control.

The photo booth area is so pretty! Feeling Christmas already!

The fun-filled events feature various activities and games at the product showcase with successful participants receiving special prizes and free gifts, adding an element of friendly games and engagement like arranging potatoes! Looks easy but it's not! 

Mr Eddie Saw, who is the Country Representative of Potatoes USA, delivered an enlightening speech about the journey and significance of U.S. potatoes. Thank you for bringing delicious U.S. potatoes to Malaysia for us! 

The Jingle U.S. Potatoes All The Way Christmas Workshop was a celebration of U.S. potatoes, highlighting their nutritional benefits and culinary versatility.

I have always enjoy learning from Chef ZieZie class! This time around she showed us how to prepare Baked U.S. Potatoes with Cheese and “Twinkle U.S. Potatoes Stars”, a delightful potato dish using U.S. Russet potatoes. Check out the recipe at the end of this article! 

Stuffing in potato skin

Always be generous with your cheeseeeeee!

Final product of  Baked U.S. Potatoes with Cheese

Pipping my Twinkle U.S. Potatoes Stars before putting into the oven to bake!

Chef Taufiq Halim is super talented. He did a potato carving workshop where he demo how to carve two festive figurines using U.S. Russet and Purple potatoes.

Looked at all his masterpieces and my Twinkle U.S. Potatoes Stars dish!

When I watched the Chef doing his food craving, it felt so difficult but nevertheless I made it!

Graduated from Chef Zie Zie class for the second time!

Group picture!

With the girls! 

Recipe for Baked U.S. Potatoes with Cheese

Recipe of Twinkle U.S. Potatoes Stars

You can be creative with your pipping shape! 

Enjoy preparing these simple, tasty, and nutritious meals with U.S. Potatoes this Christmas! 

Merry Christmas in advance to all of you!