♪ Smile - Charlie Chaplin

TIKOY

Photo Courtesy of  cebu-food.com

Photo Courtesy of  wikipilipinas.org

Photo Courtesy of I Heart Manila [mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com]

Special tikoy recipe | Filipino Desserts

Ingredients:
3 ¼ cups (400g) glutinous rice flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
7 oz boiling water
½ cup Chinese dates, softened in water, cut in half, pits removed, or ½ cup other dried fruit or ¼ dates and ¼ cup nuts
1 tbsp. milk
Water, as needed
1 tbsp white sesame seeds
1 tbsp vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray

Directions:
1. Prepare the wok for steaming.
2. In a bowl, mix the boiling water and the sugar. Stir constantly to dissolve. (If using peen tong, break the candy into several pieces, so that it will dissolve more easily in the boiling water.) Cool.
3. Soak the Chinese dates in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften. Another way is to place them in a bowl with water and microwave on high heat for 30 seconds. Cut the dates in half and remove the pits.
4. Place the glutinous rice flour in a large bowl. Make a hole in the middle and add in the sugar and water mixture. Add the milk and begin shaping the dough. Add 1 tablespoon of water to the dough at a time, until you have a smooth dough with a satiny texture. Mix ½-¾ of the Chinese dates, nuts or other dried fruit as you are adding water and working with the dough.
5. Grease a 7 inch square cake pan with vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the dough in the cake pan and spread it out to the edges. Decorate with the remaining dates, lightly pushing them into the dough. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.
6. Steam the cake over medium-high to high heat for 45 minutes or until the edges of the cake pull away from the pan. Remove the cake from the heat and cool.
7. Use a knife to loosen the edges, then remove the cake. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate overnight.
To serve :
1. Cut the cake into quarters and then into thin slices 2-3 inches long and ¼ inch wide.
2. You can serve the cake as is or reheat it in the microwave (the amount of time will depend on the size and power of your microwave-start with 10 seconds and then microwave an extra 5 seconds if needed) or re-steam it for 4-5 minutes.

You can also pan-fry the cake, dipping the cake in an egg wash before frying. Use a small amount of oil so that the cake will not taste oily. Heat the oil on medium-high to high heat, then turn the heat down to medium and brown the cake slices briefly on both sides.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Many thanks to FilipinoDesserts.net!!!!!

Check this link too....

http://www.chow.com/recipes/28077-baked-chinese-new-year-cake

Caramel Cheesecake | Wild Yeast

Caramel Cheesecake | Wild Yeast

Caramel Cheesecake
(Cake adapted from SFBI. Topping adapted from Epicurious.)

Yield: one 8-inch cake

Time:

* Mix: 15 minutes
* Bake: 1 hour 15 minutes
* Cool: at least 2 hours
* Chill: overnight
* Unchill and top: about an hour
* Chill: 2 hours or longer

Crust Ingredients:

* 132 g graham cracker crumbs
* 44 g sugar
* 64 g butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

* 532 g cream cheese, softened
* 160 g sugar
* 26 g melted butter
* 10 (2 t.) g lemon juice
* 5 g (1 t.) vanilla extract
* 139 g (3 medium) eggs at room temperature
* 46 g heavy cream
* 46 g sour cream

Topping Ingredients:

* 150 g sugar
* 14 g (2 T.) water
* 1/4 t. lemon juice
* 120 g heavy cream
* pinch of salt
* 2 Heath Bars, coarsely chopped

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 285F if you have a convection setting, or 325F for the regular bake setting. Start boiling water for the water bath.
2. Butter the bottom and sides of an 8-inch cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, and butter the parchment.
3. Mix the crust ingredients together well with your fingers. Press the crust into the pan and partway up the sides, to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
4. In a small bowl, blend the cream and sour cream together.
5. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese on medium-low speed until it is very smooth.
6. Add the following ingredients is this order, mixing on medium-low speed until smooth after each addition and scraping the bowl frequently:
* butter
* sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla
* eggs, one at a time
* cream/sour cream mixture
7. Pour the batter over the crust in the prepared pan. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
8. Place the cake on a rimmed sheet pan and set it in the oven. Pour boiling water in the sheet pan to just below the rim.
9. Bake until the cake has just a slight wobble in the center when nudged.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool, still in its water bath, to room temperature.
11. Run a knife around the edge to make sure it is free of the pan, then invert the cake onto a plate and again onto a second plate so that it is right-side-up.
12. Cover the cake with plastic wrap directly on its surface, and chill overnight.
13. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it unchill slightly while you prepare the topping. Keep the plastic wrap on during this time so any condensation forms on the plastic and not on the cake.
14. In a medium saucepan, stir together the topping sugar, water, and lemon juice over medium-high heat to dissolved the sugar. Heat on medium-high without stirring, washing down the sides with a wet pastry brush occasionally, until the mixture turns an amber color.
15. Add the cream and the salt and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring from time to time, until the caramel is thick but not chewy (gauge the consistency by dripping a bit onto a metal spoon).
16. Remove from the heat and pour into a metal bowl. Cool at room temperature until it is slightly warmer than body temperature; it should still be quite pourable at this point.
17. Pour the topping over the cake; use an offset spatula to spread it to the edges and let it drip down the sides.
18. Top with chopped Heath Bars.
19. Cover with a cake dome and chill for 2 – 6 hours before serving.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Many thanks to WildYeatblog.com!

Golden Corn Rolls | Wild Yeast

Golden Corn Rolls | Wild Yeast

Golden Corn Rolls

Yield: 12 rolls

Time:

* Mix: 10 minutes
* First fermentation : 3 hours, with folds at one and two hours
* Preshape, rest, and shape: 35 minutes
* Proof: 2.5 – 3 hours
* Bake: 20 minutes

Desired dough temperature: 78F

Ingredients:

* 463 g flour
* 249 g yellow cornmeal
* 324 g water
* 16.4 g (2 3/4 teaspoons) salt
* 73 g olive oil
* 214 g active 100%-hydration sourdough starter

Method:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine all of the dough ingredients, holding back a little of the water. Mix in low speed to incorporate, adjusting the water as needed to achieve a medium-soft dough consistency.
2. Continue mixing in low or medium speed to a medium level of gluten development. The graininess of the cornmeal will make it a bit challenging to pull a windowpane, but you should be able to do it if you’re gentle.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled container. Cover and ferment for three hours, with folds after the first one and two hours.
4. Turn the dough into a lightly floured counter. Divide into 12 pieces of approximately 100 grams each. Preshape it into balls and let rest, covered, for 20 minutes.
5. Shape the dough into “ears” as above, and place it, seam-side-down, on a couche.
6. Proof, covered, for 2.5 – 3 hours, until the indentation left by a fingerprint fills in very slowly and about halfway.
7. Meanwhile, preheat the oven, with baking stone, to 475F. You will also need steam during the initial phase of baking, so prepare for this now.
8. Just before baking, slash the rolls with a crosshatch pattern to resemble kernels.
9. Once the rolls are in the oven, reduce the temperature to 450F. Bake for 5 minutes with steam, and another 15 minutes or so without steam, until the crust is golden brown.
10. Cool on a wire rack.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Many thanks to Wildyeastblog.com!!!!

North Bend House + Johnston Architects

WANKEN - The Blog of Shelby White » North Bend House + Johnston Architects

Every time I come across work by Johnston Architects, I become an even bigger fan. This house is located in North Bend, only about a half hour from seattle. It sits boldly in the clear cut and is composed mainly of wood that was milled on site.

The last house I posted from Johnston Architects was the Miner’s Refuge. It as well as this house, were shot by a local photographer and friend, Will Austin. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of his architectural photography here on the blog in the near future.

Via Arch Daily

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Ribbon House by G2 Estudio

WANKEN - The Blog of Shelby White » Ribbon House by G2 Estudio

This house is a fortress. It was designed by G2 Estudio for two families from Tahiti- French Polynesia. The house was intended as a holiday house and is located in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentinean Patagonia. Space seems to not be an issue inside—the interior is open between the floorings making it feel vast.

There is a very warming juxtaposition of materials in use, which just happens to be my favorite combination: wood and concrete. The interior images after the jump show just how stunning this combination can be. You can bet my future house will utilize both wood and concrete to the teeth.

Found through Arch Daily & Photography by Laila Sartoni

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Beautify Your Salaat with Khushuu....

Assalamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

♥:: Beautify Your Salaat with Khushuu' ::♥

Khushuu' during Salaat is misunderstood by some people as crying and weeping. Rather, it is the presence of the heart during an act of 'ibadah. When a person's heart is fully occupied of what he says or hears, he is in a true state of khushuu'. The concept of Khushuu' in Salaat is very essential.

1- It is a vital factor in making a person successful in this life and in later life.
"Indeed, the believers, who have khushuu' in their Salaat, are the winners."
قد أفلح المؤمنون الذين هم في صلاتهم خاشعون
2-It is a contributing factor for the acceptance of Salaat.
3- It is a way to gain more rewards from the Almighty Allah; the more the
khushuu' a person has, the more rewards he gets.
4- Without Khushuu' the heart cannot easily be purified.

Ways to Gain Khushuu':

It can be obtained from the 3 parts of Salaat : A) Pre-Salaat, B) During Salaat, C) Post- Salaat.

A. Pre-Salaat

1- A Muslim should know his Lord very well. Knowing whom one worships makes a person a better worshipper. Having clear and authentic knowledge about Allah increases His love in our hearts. Consequently, faith also increases.
2- Avoiding major and minor sins is very helpful in gaining Khushuu', as the heart becomes more receptive to the words of Allah during and after Salaat.
3- Reciting the Qur'an frequently and consistently softens the hearts and prepares it for Khushuu'. Hard hearts do not gain Khushuu'.
4- Minimize attachment to worldly matters. Gearing one's intentions towards the Afterlife helps against the temptations of life.
5- Avoid excessive laughter and useless arguments as they harden the heart and lead to heedlessness.
6- Stop working as soon as you hear the Azaan. When you listen attentively to the call of Salaat repeat after the muˆz-zin then offer the relevant supplication. This prepares you for a smooth transition from the business with worldly matters to the business with Salaat.
7- Performing wuduuˆ immediately after hearing the Azaan prepares you for the pending Salsat. Wuduuˆ also works as a buffer zone before engaging in Salaat.
8- Going to the mosque early for praying and continuing mention of Allah drives Satan away and help gain concentration.
9- The waiting time for the congregational Salaat helps create a buffer zone between the state of mind before Salaat and the state of during Salaat.

B. During Salaat

1- The Iqaamah itself is a final signal to the mind to be well prepared for performing the actual Salaat. Remember what the messenger of Allah said to Bilal (ra) "Let us enjoy the comfort of the Salaat."
2- When you stand facing the Qiblah remember the following:
a. It might be the last Salaat in your life. There is no guarantee to live longer to catch the next Salaat.
b. You are standing between the hands of Allah, the Lord of the worlds. How can you be busy with something else?
c. The angel of death is chasing you.
3- Do not forget to make isti'azah. It wards off Satan's whispers.
4- Keep your eyes focused on the place of sujuud. This helps you gain more concentration.
5- When reciting the Fatiha, try to recall the response of Allah to you after every ayah you say. (When you say: "al-hamdu lillahi rab-bil 'alamin) Allah responds: "My servant praised me." etc. This feeling of speaking to Allah puts you in the right mood of khushuu'.
6- Beautifying the recitation of the Qur'an has a positive impact on the heart.
7- Recite the Qur'an slowly and reflect upon its meaning deeply.
8- It is recommended to change the suras that your recite from time to time to avoid the mechanic-like state of repetition.
9- Alternate between the various authentic sunan such as proclaiming a different opening supplication in every Salaat.
10- Undoubtedly, understanding Arabic helps you focus on the intended meaning.
11- Interact with the recited aayahs;
a. if you hear an ayah about Allah, glorify Him by saying "Subhaana Allah";
b. If you hear an ayah about Hellfire, say "a'uuthu billaahi mina-n-naar".
c. If you hear a command to make istighfaar, do it.
d. If you hear an ayah that requests tasbiih, make tasbiih.

12- These forms of interactions are very helpful in keeping you focused.
13- When you prostrate, remember that this position brings you closer to Allah. Seize the opportunity to make sincere du'aaˆ. Invest these moments in making sincere supplications.

C- Post-Salaat

e. When you make tasliim, make istighfaar to Allah as you might have made during Salaat.
f. When you praise Allah, thank Him from the bottom of your heart that you have experienced the beauty of Salaat in your heart. Getting used to this habit prepares your for the next Salaat, as you will always be eager to focus in your prayer.
g. One perfection leads to another perfection. If some one perfects his Salaat once, he would be self-motivated to continue on the same level.

May Allah fill our hearts with khushuu' - Aameen.

Fear Allah wherever you are in all times and in all places.
Stand up for Islam no matter who likes it or dislikes it.
Dedicate yourself in changing this world. Go against the grain.
The world needs you.You are the best Community raised up for mankind.

Let us try a dumb experiment.....!

Break open your personal self
to taste the story of the nutmeat soul.

These voices come from that rattling
against the outer shell.

The nut and the oil inside
have voices that can only be heard
with another kind of listening.

If it weren't for the sweetness of the nut,
the inner talking, who would ever shake a walnut?

We listen to words
so we can silently
reach into the other.

Let the ear and mouth get quiet,
so this taste can come to the lip.

Too long we have been saying poetry,
talking discourses, explaining the mystery outloud.

Let us try a dumb experiment.....!

~Rumi

Never Give Up....![On yourself, on other people, on life...there is always HOPE!]

"When you go through a hard period,
When everything seems to oppose you,
When you feel you cannot bear even one minute,
NEVER GIVE UP
Because it is the time and place that the course will divert."
...--Rumi, Quotable Quotes

The Right Path....

"If the path is beautiful, ask where it leads. But if the destination is beautiful; never ask how hard the path is. Just keep walking!"

The one who kneels to Allah can stand up to anything....!

The shortest distance between a problem and its solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. the one who kneels to Allah can stand up to anything..!!!!

5 Ways to Propel Yourself Not to Give up | arkarthick.com

5 Ways to Propel Yourself Not to Give up | arkarthick.com

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. – Thomas Edison

Many thanks to arkarthick.com!!!!

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Meyer Lemon Bars | Kitchen Runway

Meyer Lemon Bars | Kitchen Runway:

Ingredients:

Crust:

* 1 C of unsalted butter, at room temperature
* ½ C sugar
* 2 C flour
* 1/8 tsp kosher salt
* 1 tsp Meyer lemon zest

Filling:

* 6 extra large eggs, at room temperature
* 3 C sugar
* 2 Tbs grated Meyer lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
* 1 C freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
* 1 C all-purpose flour
* powder sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F.
2. Prepare the crust: Cream butter and sugar until light in color in a electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the lemon zest and mix. Combine the flour and salt. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined, do not over mix. Place dough onto a well floured surface and shape into a ball. With floured hands, press the dough into a 9×13 pan. Chill the dough for about 15 to 20 mins.
3. Bake the crust for about 15 to 20 mins, until the crust is just slightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
4. Filling: Whisk eggs, sugar, Meyer lemon zest, Meyer lemon juice and flour until combined. Pour filling over crust and bake for about 30 to 35 mins, until the filling is set. Cool on wire rack. Dust with powder sugar and serve.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Many thanks to KitchenRunway.com!!!!

Banana Cake!

6 Miles Down and Banana Cake! « Baking with Buttermilk

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Honey-Toasted Almonds (makes 1 double layer cake, or 1 single layer cake and 6 large muffins)

For the cake: (adapted from Culinary Covers)

2 1/2 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour (I used white whole wheat)
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (8 ounces/230 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups (300 g) sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp instant espresso or coffee powder (I omitted this)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
6 Tbsp (90 ml) buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream (regular or low-fat), at room temperature (I used Fage 0%)
2 cups (50 ml) banana purée (3 to 4 very ripe bananas) (I used 4)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Spray with oil or butter 2 9-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper. (If making muffins, prepare one cake pan and 1 muffin tin)
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda and salt. Whisk to combine.
4. In a stand mixer bowl (or large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer or spoon) beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. It should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Incorporate the vanilla and espresso powder. Beat in eggs one at a time until each is completely mixed in. Add half of the flour then the buttermilk and banana purée. Add the remaining flour and stir until combined, but don’t over mix.
5. Divide the batter between the two prepared pans (or pan and muffin tin) and bake until golden and toothpick comes out clean, about 40 minutes. (12-15 minutes for muffins, or until tops spring back to the touch) Cool in pans on wire racks.

For the frosting: (adapted from Cheeky Kitchen’s Come-to-Mama Cream Cheese Frosting)

1 stick butter
4 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 Tbsp. almond milk

In a large bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until very light and fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar until well mixed. Add vanilla extract. Tip in a Tablespoon or two of milk, if needed.

For the almonds:

1/3 cup sliced raw almonds
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt

Place almonds in a small pan over medium heat. Allow to begin toasting, 1-2 minutes. Add honey, cinnamon and salt, stir until golden. Add water 1 tsp at a time if clumping together. Toast until fragrant but not burnt, about 5 minutes. Pour onto lined baking sheet or Silpat when done until ready to use.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Many thanks to BakingwithButtermilk!!!!

Surah Al-Fatihah....

The most liked deeds to Allah....

The most liked deeds to Allah:

In the Name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful

Praise be only to Allah, and peace and blessings on the last Prophet, and so:

From the most liked deeds to Allah the Exalted:

1- The generous Hanifia (Islam): according to the Prophet's (pbuh) speech: "The most loved religion to Allah is the generous Islam (Hanifia)" [Narrated by Ahmad and declared Hasan by Al-Albani]

«أحب الأديان إلى الله الحنيفية السمحة»

2- Praying, kindness to parents, and Jihad (fighting): according to the the Prophet (pbuh) speech: "The most liked deeds by Allah are Prayer at its proper time, Kindness to the parents, and Jihad in the cause of Allah." [Corrected by Al Albani]

«أحب الأعمال إلى الله: الصلاة لوقتها، ثم برُ الوالدين، ثم الجهاد في سبيل الله»

3- Faith, maintain ties of kinship, enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong, according to the Prophet (pbuh): "The most liked deeds to Allah is Faith in Allah, then maintaining the ties of kinship, then enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong." [declared Hasan by Al-Albani]

«أحب الأعمال إلى الله إيمان بالله ، ثم صلة الرحم ، ثم الأمر بالمعروف و النهي عن المنكر»

4- Persistence on the duties, according to the Prophet's (pbuh) speech: "The most beloved deeds to Allah's the most regular and constant even though it were little" [Narrated by Al Bukhari]

«أحب الأعمال أدومها إلى الله وإن قل»

5- Remembrance of Allah, according to the Prophet's (pbuh) speech: "The best deeds to Allah is that you die and your tongue is wet with the remembrance of Allah") [declared Hasan by Al-Albani]

«قلت أي الأعمال أحب إلى الله قال: أن تموت ولسانك رطب من ذكر الله. »

6- The mosques, as the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The dearest parts on the face of the earth near Allah are its mosques, and the most hated parts near Allah are its markets" [Narrated by Muslim]

«أحب البلاد إلى الله مساجدها، وأبغض البلاد إلى الله أسواقها»

7- A word of justice in front of a cruel (inequitable) king, as the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The most liked Jihad in Allah's cause to Allah is a justice word said to a cruel king" [declared Hasan by Al-Albani]

«أحب الجهاد إلى الله كلمة الحق تقال لإمام جائر»

8- Saying the truth, as the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The most liked speech to Allah is the most truthful" [Narrated by Al Bukhari]

«أحب الحديث إلي أصدقه»

9- Fast as Dawud, depending on the Prophet's (pbuh) speech: "The best fasting with Allah is that of the Prophet Dawud (pbuh), he observed fast one day and leave off the other. And the best prayer with Allah is that of Dawud (pbuh) for he would sleep half of the night and stand for prayer for the third of it and then would sleep sixth part of it." [Narrated by Al Bukhari]

«أحب الصيام إلى الله صيام داود: كان يصوم يوما ويفطر يوما، وأحب الصلاة إلى الله صلاة داود: كان ينام نصف الليل ويقوم ثلثه، وينام سدسه»

10- Having a lot of people eating from the food, as the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The most liked food to Allah is the one that many people eat from it" [declared Hasan by Al-Albani]

«أحب الطعام إلى الله ما كثرت عليه الأيدي»

11- Saying "Sobhan Allah wa Behamdih", as the Prophet said: "The most loved expression by Allah is Subhan Allah wa bihamdih (Allah is free from imperfection and his is the praise)" [Narrated by Muslim]

«...إن أحب الكلام إلى الله، سبحان الله وبحمده»

12- Saying Sobhan Allah, Al Hamdo Lellah, La Ilaha Ila Allah, and Allaho Akbar, depending on what the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The dearest words to Allah are four: Subhan Allah (Hallowed be Allah), Al Hamdulillah (praise be to Allah), Wa la ilaha illa Allah (there is no God but Allah), Allah-O-Akbar (God is the greatest)." [Narrated by Muslim]

«أحب الكلام إلى الله أربع: سبحان الله، والحمد لله، ولا إله إلا الله، والله أكبر...»

13- Having good Morals (temper), as the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The most liked servants of Allah to Allah who have the best temper"[declared Hasan by Al-Albani]

«أحب عباد الله إلى الله أحسنهم خلقا»

14- Naming after Abdullah and Abdul Rahman, depending on what the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The dearest names to Allah the Almighty are 'Abdullah and 'Abd al- Rahman" [Corrected by Al-Albani]

«أحب الأسماء إلى الله عز وجل عبد الله وعبد الرحمن»

15- Helping people, make the Muslims happy (glad), revealing sorrow, paying the debt for the people who are in debt, feeding the starving (hungry), as the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The most loved people to Allah are the most beneficial, the most loved deeds to Allah the Exalted are making a Muslim happy, revealing his sorrow, paying his debt, or revealing his hunger, and I'd prefer to help my Muslim brother who is in need of something than staying in the mosque for praying (I'tikaf) for a month, and who stopped his anger God will cover his private parts, and who absorbed his rage (and if he wants to leave it he would do it), God will fill his heart with satisfaction on the Day of Resurrection, and who walked with his Muslim brother in a need till he attained it God will attain (strengthen) his feet on the day when all the feet will fall (slip), and the bad morals decays the deed as when the vinegar decomposes the honey"[declared Hasan by Al-Albani]

«أحب الناس إلى الله أنفعهم، وأحب الأعمال إلى الله عز وجل سرور تدخله على مسلم، أو تكشف عنه كربة، أو تقضي عنه دينا، أو تطرد عنه جوعا، ولأن أمشي مع أخي المسلم في حاجة أحب إلي من أن أعتكف في المسجد شهرا، ومن كف غضبه، ستر الله عورته، ومن كظم غيظا، ولو شاء أن يمضيه أمضاه، ملأ الله قلبه رضى يوم القيامة، ومن مشى مع أخيه المسلم في حاجته حتى يثبتها له أثبت الله تعالى قدمه يوم تزل الأقدام، وإن سوء الخلق ليفسد العمل كما يفسد الخل العسل»

Kenny G - Forever In Love

Banana Walnut Waffles | Macheesmo

Banana Walnut Waffles | Macheesmo

Banana Walnut Muffins
Makes 8 waffles.

- 1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Cup oat flour (sub for your favorite flour)
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 3 Eggs
- 2 Cups milk or buttermilk
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- Pinch of salt
- 1 banana, mushed up
- 1/2 Cup walnuts, crushed
- 2 Tablespoons poppy seeds

Helpful Equipment:
- A Waffle Maker

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Many thanks to Macheesmo.com!!!!

"When the world pushes you to your knees...."

Assalam o Alaikum

When the world pushes you to your knees...you are in perfect position to pray.
If ALLAH(swt) brings you to it... He will bring you through it.
Twakkul: Make Du'a... do your best...and leave rest to ALLAH(swt).
Whoever follows patience...success will follow him.
Suffering is a gift... in it is hidden mercy.
Better to avoid the person altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes.
Cease to sin...because you will not meet Allah with anything as valuable as few sins.
Reflect on the work of art that you may attain the artist.
The only lasting beauty... is beauty of the heart.
The chains of habit are too weak to be felt...until they too strong to be broken.
To know oneself...study oneself in action with another person.
If a gem falls into sand...it still remains valuable.
If dust ascends to heaven...it still remains valueless.
God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry it's weight.
Experience is not what happens to a man...it is what a man does with that happens to him.
Beware of this world..for it is sweet and tempting.
Action is the biggest measurement of knowledge.
Do not ask, "Where is God?"
Rather ask, "Where am I?"
The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness... while they snub contentment.
Learn the wisdom of compromise...for it is better to bend a little... than to break.
Gratitute to God should be as regular as your heartbeat.
Be with ALLAH(swt).
You will find ALLAH(swt) always with you.
Learn silence as you have learned speech.
Speech will guide you...silence will protect you.
Be not afraid of truth...nor implementing it...for one of the worst attributes of man is the art of deceit.
Even if you don't feel like smiling...do it anyway...you may make someone else smile.
If you care about someone...tell them...they are the words that remain in the mind and the heart♥

Worry about ALLAH(swt) and what He wants you to do...and He will take care of your worries.

May ALLAH(swt) bless and protect all of you...and remember to keep in your prayers those who are suffering from the injustices of man...

Iyyaka na'badu wa Iyyaka nasta'een...

[From our Sister Zikra Maryam]

Kangen Banget Kamu....