COVER STORY Serina for Dessert By Nanny Eliana A bubbly and irrepressible cook and now a proud mother, Serina Redzuawan has come a long way since her infotainment show Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan alongside co-host Suzairhe Sumari several years ago. Photography: Soon Tong, Calibre Pictures and Ideas Hair & Makeup: Andrea Claire, Tel: 9450 8841 Styling: Nanny Eliana and John Battersby erina is a chip off the old block. The famous Chef Wan s mannerisms are often apparent as she hams it up for the camera with the mango mirror cake and the iced muffins supplied by Tiffany Cafe at at Furama Hotel for the photoshoot. Just Desserts The TV host and avid cook tells us that it s impossible for her or anyone born in her family to escape the kitchen, coming from a culinary family with a figurehead such as Chef Wan for a father. There are many cooks and chefs who would kill for the opportunity to learn from my father so it would have been such a waste if I hadn t picked up some culinary skills from him. So I ve been learning the chops from my father since I was in school - anything and everything; spaghetti, Middle Eastern, Indonesian cuisine, the list goes on. She admits it s not been a structured apprenticeship, more like stealing into the kitchen to watch him at work and then picking up a few of his books to test the recipes at home. I get very excited when my attempts are successful and that s when I ask him to test my food! I feel very proud and accomplished when he says that I ve done his recipes justice and my dishes get his stamp of approval, but he also gives constructive criticism on dishes that do not quite meet his standards, which I take seriously. Serina adds, While my father has a more international culinary repertoire, my mother is a champion of local kampong cooking. From her, I pick up traditional kampong recipes such as curry puffs, buah melaka, spicy asam stingray, beef rendang and chilli padi coconut catfish. 38 HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011
It turns out that desserts and bright colours are among her favourite things. Posse purple assymetrical jersey dress by Trixilini, $209 Black pants are model s own, shoes are stylist s own Shoulder duster earrings by New Look, $15.90 RICE orange plastic multi-tier cake stand by CK Tangs, $21.90 HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011 39
All confectionery except for biscuit sticks courtesy of Tiffany Café Furama City Centre Yellow short-sleeved cardigan by New Look, $43.90 Posse empire-cut Mandarin silk chiffon dress by Trixilini, $689 Teardrop earrings by New Look, $15.90 Chain and pendant are model s own 40 HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011
I can never fully express how lucky I am to be born into a culinary family. My entire family, from my grandmother to my mother and aunts are all great cooks. Her eyes round in excitement with the mere mention of the cover shoot s dessert theme. It turns out that desserts and bright colours are among her favourite things, alongside baking chocolate chip cookies, her husband s favourite. A lover of dessert herself she also loves making chocolate cake, tiramisu and durian cheese cake. In fact, she has become so good at baking that she tried her hand at making Hari Raya cookies for sale during Ramadan last year, based on a combination of her father s recipes and her own creations. She quips, It was quite a profitable venture and it s something that I would consider doing again, perhaps when my son is a bit older and I have more time to juggle my familial responsibilities, work and other interests. Selamat Hari Raya I can never fully express how lucky I am to be born into a culinary family. My entire family, from my grandmother to my mother and aunts are all great cooks so during Hari Raya it will be impossible to resist the massive feast cooked up by the women folk in my family. Everyone has something to contribute; my mother has her rendang daging and lemang, my aunts have their pineapple tarts, nasi himpit and kuah kacang as well as the soto ayam that is my grandmother s specialty. Apart from helping each other with the festivities, it s Serina s family tradition to trade cookies and cake between family members and serve them up to visiting guests. Although my father is a fulltime professional chef, he still loves showing off his chops during the RICE green plastic large multi-tier cake stand by CK Tangs, $41.50 RICE purple plastic multi-tier cake stand by CK Tangs, $21.90 RICE green plastic platter by CK Tangs, $8.90 RICE fuschia plastic printed cake stand by CK Tangs, $62.50 RICE salmon pink plastic rectangular platter by CK Tangs, $16.70 White ceramic cake stands by iwannaghome, $26 each Degrenne Paris red ceramic serving platter by iwannagohome, $69 Giant ceramic cup and saucer by iwannagome, $49 Glass cylinder vase by iwannaghome, $69 HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011 41
I cook four to five times a week; it could be lunch or dinner. Fortunately for breakfast it s usually quite simple. My Irish husband, Gavin, is a simple and healthy eater; he doesn t like the greasy breakfast foods popular with Malays, he prefers oatmeal or cereal with milk. family Hari Raya gathering. He will whip up several special dishes including nasi bukhara or tomato rice. It s also his usual custom to bake 30 one to two kilo pieces of cake for our guests! Family Life En route to the cover photo shoot, she distracts this scribe with pictures of her family hovering adoringly around her baby boy, named Tristan Tareef. He is the pride and joy of his grandfather! she exclaims, showing a photograph of the famous Chef Wan cradling his grandson instead of the wok and ladle he is usually seen with. I cook four to five times a week; it could be lunch or dinner. Fortunately for breakfast it s usually quite simple. My Irish husband, Gavin, is a simple and healthy eater; he doesn t like the greasy breakfast foods popular with Malays, he prefers oatmeal or cereal with milk. During the month of Ramadan, Serina cooks extra food so that she can store some of it for sahur the next morning. My husband is a convert so I make it a point not to force him to wake up, I will have to gently persuade him. I prefer to prepare non-greasy and spicy food which is usually easier to digest in the morning. We also do not have rice for sahur as I find it hard to go back to sleep on a stomach full of rice, preferring bread, soup or noodles or even cereal or oats with milk. Although she has to make adjustments to cook according to her husband s tastes, her husband often compliments Serina on her cooking. Like her mother and the other women in her family, she believes that cooking is one of the ways to strengthen the bonds between husband and wife and the whole family. She adds, I m careful not to over indulge my baby as he s only seven months old, but that also means that it s 42 HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011
Apart from motherly and wifely duties, the chocolate lover is currently busy with her sixth season of Inspirasi Koko, a Malaysia-based TV documentary that explores the use of chocolate in various cuisines around the world as well as other creative uses such as crafting gifts including hantaran the gifts customarily exchanged by newlyweds before the solemnisation ceremony. easier to feed him. I prefer to cook his food and not rely on convenience baby food from the supermarket. I m particular that Tristan has a healthy diet; I include fatty fish such as salmon, broccoli, spinach, potato, chicken and olive oil in his porridge and I take advice from both my parents in giving him the right nutrition. Apart from motherly and wifely duties, the chocolate lover is currently busy with her sixth season of Inspirasi Koko, a Malaysia-based TV documentary that explores the use of chocolate in various cuisines around the world as well as other creative uses such as crafting gifts including hantaran, the gifts customarily exchanged by newlyweds before the solemnisation ceremony. As of printing time, Serina is also waiting to hear from Astro TV whether she has been selected to host and judge the Malaysian version of MasterChef, a syndicated reality TV show. HFBM wishes her the best of luck! Exuding pure comfort, Tiffany Café & Restaurant is a splendid place to bond over a good meal and chill out with family and friends. The restaurant offers an international buffet spread from a halal kitchen. From salads, seafood to sashimi, the selection is wide-ranging and the pickings are all fresh and delectable. The main highlight is the aromatic chicken rice, a popular local dish. Mouthwatering desserts such as chocolate fondue, durian pengat, crème brulee and marbled cheesecake are available. Tiffany Café & Restaurant is located at the lobby level of Furama City Centre. For reservations and more information, kindly call 6531 5366 or visit www.furama.com. HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011 43
Semua kek dan manisan kecuali biscuit sticks oleh Tiffany Café Furama Hotel Kardigan berlengan pendek warna kuning oleh New Look, $43.90 Gaun sutera chiffon potongan empire jenama Posse oleh Trixilini, $689 Anting-anting oleh New Look, $15.90 sepasang 44 HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011
Serina Buat Cuci Mulut Terjemahan oleh Nanny Eliana Lincah dan penuh bertenaga walaupun hanya tujuh bulan setelah bersalin, Serina Redzuawan kembali ke kota Singa setelah sekian lama mengakhiri tugasnya sebagai hos Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan bersama Suzairhe Sumari beberapa tahun yang lalu. i mana tumpahnya kuah kalau tidak ke nasi. Serina memang mirip bapanya Chef Wan lebih-lebih lagi apabila beraksi di hadapan kamera dengan kek mangga dan tart buah yang ditaja khas oleh Tiffany s Café di Furama Hotel untuk sesi penggambaran ini. Main Masak-Masak Pengacara TV dan tukang masak ini berkata yang ia memang mustahil untuk sesiapa sahaja yang lahir dalam keluarganya untuk lepas dari memasak, lebihlebih lagi jika mempunyai bapa seorang tukang masak profesional seperti Chef Wan. Penghargaan: Jurugambar: Soon Tong, Calibre Pictures and Ideas Dandanan: Andrea Claire, 9450 8841 Penggaya: Nanny Eliana and John Battersby HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011 45
Rantai dan loket kepunyaan model sendiri Tingkat kek plastik hijau jenama RICE oleh CK Tangs, $41.50 Tingkat kek plastik ungu jenama RICE oleh CK Tangs, $21.90 Pinggan sajian hijau jenama RICE oleh CK Tangs, $8.90 Dulang kek merahjambu berkaki jenama RICE oleh CK Tangs, $62.50 Pinggan sajian plastik segi empat tepat merah jambu jenama RICE oleh CK Tangs, $16.70 Dulang kek berkaki seramik putih oleh iwannaghome, $26 setiap satu Pinggan sajian seramik merah jenama Degrenne oleh iwannagohome, $69 Cawan dan alas raksasa oleh iwannagohome, $49 Silinder gelas berkaki oleh iwannaghome, $69 Dres ungu berlengan satu jenama Posse oleh Trixilini, $209 46 HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011
Memang ramai tukang masak dan chef yang ingin belajar di bawah telunjuk bapa saya tetapi tidak berpeluang untuk berbuat demikian. Pada saya memang ia satu kerugian besar jika saya tidak belajar memasak dari bapa saya. Sejak dari bangku sekolah lagi saya sudah belajar memasak hidangan dan jamuan yang pelbagai dari seluruh pelusuk dunia seperti Timur Tengah, Indonesia dan lain-lain. Saya mengaku saya belajar dari ayah bukan secara formal. Saya curi-curi masuk ke dapur untuk menyaksikan bagaimana beliau memasak dan mengambil beberapa buah buku resipinya untuk saya cuba sendiri di rumah. Saya rasa sungguh bangga dan teruja apabila percubaan saya berjaya dan inilah waktu saya menjemputnya untuk mencuba masakan saya. Kalau lulus saya akan melompat kegembiraan tetapi ada juga dia menegur akan kekurangan saya; saya juga menerima kritikannya kerana ini juga akan menajamkan proses pembelajaran saya. Serina menambah yang ibunya tidak kurang hebatnya di dapur, Kalau bapa saya seorang tukang masak yang bercitarasa berbilang negara, ibu saya adalah seorang ahli masakan tradisional Malaysia. Dari beliau saya pelajari masakan kampung seperti karipap, buah Melaka, masak lemak cili padi ikan keli, asam pedas pari, rendang dan lain-lain. Serina memang seronok apabila mendengar yang penggambaran ini bertema manisan dan cuci mulut. Warna yang ceria dan manisan antara perkara-perkara kegemarannya seperti membakar biskut cip coklat, yang juga merupakan kegemaran suaminya. Kerana sangat gemar akan manisan dan cuci mulut, Serina juga pandai membuat kek coklat, tiramisu dan kek keju durian. Kerana minatnya dalam bidang masakan, pada Ramadan tahun lepas dia telah mencuba nasib berniaga kuih raya berasaskan resipi bapanya dan juga resipi rekaannya sendiri. Pada saya memang ia satu kerugian besar jika saya tidak belajar memasak dari bapa saya. HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011 47
Saya memasak antara empat atau lima kali seminggu, biasanya untuk makan tengahari atau makan malam. Sarapan dalam keluarga kami ringkas. Suami saya, Gavin, tidak suka makan sarapan yang berat dan berminyak seperti kebiasaan orang Melayu, dia lebih gemar makan bijirin dengan susu. Serina menambah, Percubaan saya tahun lepas memang lumayan dan memang saya minat untuk mencuba lagi, mungkin setelah anak saya besar sedikit dan saya mempunyai lebih masa untuk diluangkan untuk hobi dan minat-minat saya yang lain. Selamat Hari Raya Saya tidak boleh mengungkapkan berapa bertuahnya saya lahir dalam keluarga yang pakar memasak. Ibu, nenek dan makcik-makcik saya semuanya pakar masak dan memang tidak sah sambutan Hari Raya kami jika tidak ada hidangan rendang daging dan lemang ibu saya, tat nenas, nasi himpit dan lemang makcik-makcik saya dan soto ayam nenek saya. Selain daripada saling membantu dalam persiapan hari raya, ia memang satu kebiasaan untuk ahli keluarga Serina bertukar-tukar kuih dengan sanak-saudara dan rakan taulan. Walaupun bapa saya seorang tukang masak profesional, dia tidak pernah jemu memasak untuk keluarga lebih-lebih lagi pada waktu Hari Raya. Menu Hari Raya bapa saya memang istimewa dan lain dari yang lain; pada tahun-tahun yang lepas dia ada hidangkan masakan seperti nasi tomato dan nasi bukhara dan sebagainya. Ia juga menjadi kebiasaan Chef Wan untuk membakar sebanyak 30 biji kek yang beraneka untuk menjamu para tamu di waktu Hari Raya! Memang rugi kalau tak beraya di kampung saya, tau! Bersama Keluarga Dalam perjalanan ke penggambaran ini, Serina menunjukkan gambar-gambar anak lelakinya Tristan Tareef yang baru berusia tujuh bulan. Inilah kesayangan atuknya! kata Serina sambil menunjukkan gambar Chef Wan, yang lebih sering kelihatan dengan sudip dan periuk, menggendong cucunya dan disaksikan oleh suami dan ibu. Saya memasak antara empat atau lima kali seminggu, biasanya untuk makan tengahari atau makan malam. Sarapan dalam keluarga kami ringkas. Suami saya, Gavin, tidak suka makan sarapan yang berat dan berminyak seperti kebiasaan orang Melayu, dia lebih gemar makan bijirin dengan susu. Waktu bulan Ramadan, Serina lebihkan masakannya untuk disimpan buat santapan waktu sahur hari keesokannya. Suami saya seorang muallaf dan harus dipujuk baik-baik dan tidak dipaksa untuk bangun sahur. Kami lebih suka makanan yang tidak berminyak dan tidak pedas yang mudah untuk dihazamkan. Kami juga tidak gemar makan nasi untuk sahur kerana ia memayahkan kami untuk tidur selepas sahur. Kami lebih gemar makan roti, sup, mi ataupun bijirin dan susu. 48 HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011
Serina sering mengambil nasihat kedua ibubapanya dalam memberi anaknya khasiat dan pemakanan yang seimbang. Saya lebih suka memasak untuk anak saya sendiri daripada membeli makanan yang sudah siap dari supermarket. Walaupun Serina harus menyesuaikan masakannya untuk lebih menepati citarasa suami, suaminya sering memuji masakannya. Saya rasa sungguh dihargai apabila masakan saya dipuji dan saya juga percaya yang masakan di rumah juga akan mendekatkan dan mengeratkan lagi kasih sayang antara suami-isteri mahupun keluarga. Serina sering mengambil nasihat kedua ibubapanya dalam memberi anaknya khasiat dan pemakanan yang seimbang. Saya lebih suka memasak sendiri untuk anak saya daripada membeli makanan yang sudah siap dari supermarket. Saya sangat teliti tentang pemakanan anak saya dan sering memastikan yang bahan-bahan berkhasiat seperti ikan salmon, broccoli, bayam, kentang, ayam dan minyak zaitun dicampurkan ke dalam buburnya. Selain daripada tanggungjawab Serina sebagai ibu dan isteri, penggemar coklat ini sekarang sibuk dengan musim keenam Inspirasi Koko, sebuah dokumentari tentang khasiat dan kegunaan koko dalam pelbagai aspek di mana penonton juga dapat belajar menggunakan daya kreatif membuat hadiah, hiasan ataupun hantaran majlis pernikahan menggunakan coklat. Kek coklat 1kg $39++ di Tiffany Café & Restaurant Furama City Centre Tiffany Café tempat yang sesuai untuk berkumpul dengan keluarga dan sahabathandai. Restoran ini menghidangkan juadah antarabangsa dari dapur halal. Dari salad ke makanan laut dan sashimi, nikmati hidangan yang pelbagai dan segar. Nasi ayam beraroma, cuci mulut seperti pengat durian, kek keju marble, crème brulee dan chocolate fondue antara hidangan yang disediakan. Tiffany Café & Restaurant terletak pada tingkat yang sama dengan lobi Furama City Centre. Untuk maklumat lebih lanjut hubungi, 6531 5366 ataupun lungsuri lelaman www.furama.com Pada waktu majalah ini dicetak, Serina juga sedang menunggu keputusan pihak Astro jika dia telah dipilih sebagai pengacara dan pengadil dalam rancangan berbentuk realiti MasterChef. HFBM mengucapkannya selamat maju jaya! HALAL Food and Beverage June 2011 49