Going Green

April 24, 2022 - Seri Muka and Kuih Talam

Green is versatile and has come a long way.  Celebrated for its earth friendliness and refreshing hues, it's my favorite color since I was a child but it wasn't by choice - it was fate!

Schools in Malaysia (taking after the British School System) are divided into four houses like the Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff of the Harry Potter World, except that ours was just plain Red, Blue, Green or Yellow House.  I was assigned to the Green House.  And I remember being deeply disappointed because it was (back then) associated with envy and I don't think I wear green well.  Alas, my fate was sealed and I had to embrace green otherwise, it felt like a betrayal if my favorite color is anything but green. 

Embracing green now is natural! After all, Pandan is the basis of all things green in the kuih world. This month's sweet box is made up of two popular green kuih - Seri Muka and Kuih Talam.  Both are two layers, one green and one white.  They look almost the same from a far, just an upside down version of each other but they have completely different texture and taste profile.

Seri Muka (Custard Sticky Rice) has a base layer of sticky rice cooked in coconut milk topped with fragrant pandan egg custard.  It is a decadent and delightful Malaysia heritage food. 

Kuih Talam (Tray Cake) has a sweet layer of springy pandan coupled with a salty layer of soft coconut cream for those who appreciate the delicate balance of sweet and savory in every bite.

I've offered them separately in the past and to the uninitiated, it may be hard to differentiate but here's an opportunity for you to try them side by side and find out if you have an affinity with either or both.

INGREDIENTS

Seri Muka  DF, NF
Glutinous Rice, Coconut Milk, Eggs, Pandan, Sugar, All Purpose Flour

Kuih Talam DF, GF, NF
Pandan, Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Mung Bean Flour, Sugar, Coconut Milk

Enjoy both kuih at room temperature.  Store airtight in fridge and gently reheat by steaming or intermittent microwave heat until soft and warm.