Black Bean Sauce Squid

TGIF. Had a round of shopping at IKEA and headed for supper at Udders with Bro and SIL. Wanted to bring Jewel along but my Mommy stopped me, saying it is lunar seventh month. Bro kept asking,' Why? Why cannot? Why lei?' Because it is not advisable for kids to stay out late at night during this period. Superstitious? I rather believe than not.

Lunar seventh month is the period where the Gates of Hell are opened. It is also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival. During this month, all ghosts and spirits are allowed to access to the world of living. Some of them will visit their families and go feasting while some may…..erhmm….'look for victims'. *creepy* It is also a month where families will offer prayers to the deceased relatives such as burning of  paper money, paper necessities and preparing a fiesta of food. These are done to enable them to live comfortably after leaving back to their own world.

 Besides praying, there are also certain taboos we are advised to abide. Following are some that are told by my old folks;

1. Avoid wearing black clothing as it is inauspicious.
2. Avoid water activities such as swimming as you might get pulled down. (Drowning)
3. When someone calls you from far, DO NOT turn only your head but the whole body, make sure your head and shoulders are facing the person….. if there is one. Humans have three lights. One at our forehead, two at each of our shoulders. 
4. If possible, get home early and stop night activities such as clubbing, midnight shows, prawn fishing, dating till late night etc.
5. Many will not renovate and shift house during this period. It is being said that you might be disturbing a resting spirit.
6. Do not any how pee on the grass as you may offend the spirits if they are there. In fact we should not pee publicly. Love the country, fellow singaporeans.
7. Do not kick the offerings, such as candles and food on the streets. They are meant for appeasing the spirits. If you accidentally kicked it, apologize immediately. It is fine to say, " Sorry, I didn't mean it." Say it in with sincerity. They will know it.
8. If you still choose to go to the cinemas and catch a show or to any places for performance watching, DO NOT  sit at the front row. They are meant for the spirits. Show some respect. You can try sitting IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS. 

Today's Dinner Menu

Fried Fish with Soy Sauce

General Tso's Chicken 

Black Bean Sauce Squid

Dou Miao with Mushrooms

Black Bean Sauce Squid

Ingredients;

2 Squids

1 Thumb Ginger, Stripes

3 Cloves garlic

2 Stalks of Spring Onions

2 Chilli padi

2 Tbs fermented black beans

3 Tbs light soy sauce

3 Tbs sesame oil

1 Tbs oyster sauce

1 Tbs hua diao wine

1 Tbs sesame oil

1 Tsp sugar

5 Tbs water

1 Tbs cornflour

Steps;

1. Peel off the skin, remove the bone/plastic from the body and the eyes. Wash the squids and drain off excess water.
2. Cut them into bite pieces and lightly slice criss cross patterns on it.
3. Marinate with light soy sauce and sesame oil and set aside for at least 4 hours. ( Squid are tasteless )
4. Rinse and drain the fermented beans. Chop them up roughly.
5. Using a skillet, heat the oil and stir fry garlic, ginger, spring onion ( the white part only) and chili paid till fragrant.
6. Add in oyster sauce, hua diao wine, sesame oil, sugar, fermented black beans and water. Stir fry for about 30 seconds.
7. Add in the squids and stir fry for about 3 mins.   
8. Mix cornflour with water (1 Tbs) and add into the skillet. Continue to stir fry till thickens.
9. Transfer to a serving plate.