https://www.straitstimes.com/life/food/6-cool-recipes-to-whet-your-appetite-on-sizzling-hot-days

(Adapted from the above article)

Drunken Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs (950g)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp Chinese rose wine
• 1 Tbs white rice wine
• 3 Tbs Shaoxing wine
• 400ml water
• 4 pieces of danggui (Chinese angelica)
• 12g rock sugar
• 1½ flat tsp salt
• 15g wolfberries
• 350ml Shaoxing wine (for soaking liquid)
• Four 30cm × 30cm pieces of aluminium foil

Preparation:

1. Marinate the deboned chicken thighs in a mixture of salt, Chinese rose wine, white rice wine, and Shaoxing wine for 1 to 2 hours.
2. Prepare a danggui mixture by boiling danggui with water, rock sugar, salt, and wolfberries.
3. Roll each chicken thigh tightly in aluminium foil.
4. Steam wrapped chicken for 20 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes in residual heat.
5. Cool chicken in ice water for 15 minutes.
6. Prepare soaking liquid by combining the danggui mixture, steaming liquid, and additional Shaoxing wine.
7. Soak chicken rolls in the liquid overnight.
8. Slice into 1cm pieces and serve with the soaking liquid drizzled over.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with cucumber salad. Serve on a white rectangular plate, accompanied by a small bowl of the soaking liquid for dipping.

Cold Capellini

Ingredients:

• 300g capellini pasta
• 4 Tbs.s olive oil (homemade)
• 30g shio kombu (seasoned kelp)
• 2 tsp furikake (Japanese seasoning blend)
• 4 tsp tobiko (flying fish roe)
• 4 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 12 pieces sashimi-grade aka ebi (Argentine red shrimp)
• 1 stalk spring onion, sliced
• 2 tsp salt (for pasta water)

Leek Oil Ingredients:

• 17g ginger, sliced
• 1 stalk leek (260g), sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced lengthwise
• 550ml olive oil

Preparation:

1. Make leek oil by cooking ginger, leek, and garlic in olive oil over low heat for 17 minutes until browned.
2. Cook capellini in salted water until al dente, then chill in ice water.
3. Mithex drained pasta with the leek oil.
4. Plate and garnish with shio kombu, furikake, tobiko, cherry tomatoes, aka ebi, and spring onion.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in shallow pasta bowls or on flat white plates. Arrange the toppings artistically, featuring the red shrimp and colourful garnishes for added visual appeal.

Chilled Somen

Ingredients:

• 400g dried somen noodles
• 60g myoga ginger bulb, sliced lengthwise
• 1 Tbs mirin
• 2 Tbs sushi vinegar
• 350g daikon
• 35g ginger
• 4 perilla leaves
• 8 drops yuzu juice
• 4 slices large lime
• 300ml tsuyu sauce
• 2 tsp roasted sesame seeds
• 2 stalks spring onion, finely sliced

Preparation:

1. Pickle myoga ginger in mirin and sushi vinegar.
2. Grate daikon and ginger, draining excess liquid.
3. Cook the somen for 2 minutes, then rinse and chill in ice water.
4. Prepare dipping sauce with tsuyu sauce, yuzu juice, and lime.
5. Arrange toppings on a serving plate.

Serving Suggestion: Serve noodles in a glass bowl with ice, accompanied by a small bowl for dipping sauce and a plate of toppings. Traditional presentation uses a zaru (bamboo strainer) for the noodles.

Lemon Pasta

Ingredients:

• 100g dried linguine
• 1 whole organic lemon (143g)
• 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs lemon juice
• 100-120ml pasta water
• 8g fresh mint or sweet basil
• 25g freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 Tbs salt (for pasta water)

Preparation:

1. Cook linguine 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
2. Grate lemon zest and squeeze juice.
3. Heat olive oil with lemon zest and juice.
4. Add partially cooked pasta to the pan, along with the pasta water.
5. Cook for 1 minute, then add the herbs and continue cooking for an additional minute.
6. Turn off the heat, add Parmesan, and toss.
7. Garnish with additional zest and herbs.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in a shallow pasta bowl with a sprig of fresh herbs and a light dusting of additional lemon zest.

Lemon Jelly

Ingredients:

• 4 lemons (764g)
• 120ml lemon juice
• 850ml water
• 200g caster sugar
• 10g unsweetened konnyaku jelly powder

Preparation:

1. Halve lemons and remove pulp to create cups.
2. Extract juice from pulp, reserving 120ml.
3. Mix konnyaku powder with sugar.
4. Boil water and gradually add konnyaku-sugar mixture, stirring for 5 minutes.
5. Add lemon juice and pour into lemon cups.
6. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Serving Suggestion: Serve halved on small dessert plates with additional lemon zest grated on top. Add a small sprig of mint for colour contrast.

Basil Limoncello Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 80ml limoncello
• 40ml lemon juice
• 30ml undiluted elderflower cordial
• Ice
• 2 slices of organic lemon
• Mint or sweet basil leaves for garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine limoncello, lemon juice, and elderflower cordial with ice.
2. Stir well.
3. Garnish with lemon slices and herbs.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in a rocks glass or stemless wine glass with herb-infused ice cubes for visual appeal.

Ingredient Sources & Delivery Options

Speciality Asian Ingredients:

• Dry Goods: Redman (offers delivery), SHFresh Market (online), Fairprice Finest
• Chinese Herbs (danggui, wolfberries): Hockhua Tonic, Eu Yan Sang (both offer delivery)
• Japanese Ingredients (shio kombu, furikake, somen): Meidi-ya, Don Don Donki, Isetan Supermarket
• Sashimi-Grade Seafood: The Seafood Market Place by Song Fish, Tankfully Fresh (offers delivery)

Organic & Fresh Produce:

• Organic Lemons: Quan Fa Organic Farm (mentioned in the article), Little Farms, Cold Storage Finest
• FreshRyan’s: SuperNature, Ryan’s Grocery (both offer delivery)

Alcohol:

• Limoncello & Wine: Wine Connection, Cold Storage, RedMart (delivery)

Delivery Services:

• Specialised services: Oddle Eats, GrabFood, Deliveroo for restaurant-quality ingredients
• Supermarket deliveries: FairPrice Online, Cold Storage Online, RedMart

Best Cooking Equipment & Methods

Specialised Equipment:

• Drunken Chicken: Bamboo or metal steamer, large glass container with an airtight lid for soaking
• Cold Noodle Dishes: Large pot for boiling, colander, ice bath container
• Leek Oil: Wide, deep frying pan, glass jar for storage
• Lemon Jelly: Saucepan with good heat distribution, muslin cloth for juice extraction
• Cocktail: Cocktail shaker or mixing glass, bar spoon

Serving Ware:

• Drunken Chicken: White porcelain rectangular plchicken’s showcase the chicken’s colour
• Cold Capellini: Shallow pasta bowls or flat plates
• Chilled Somen: Traditional zaru bamboo strainer with matching dipping sauce cups, or glass bowls for modern presentation
• Lemon Pasta: Warmed pasta bowls (ironically, warm bowls keep the pasta at an ideal temperature longer)
• Lemon Jelly: Clear glass dessert plates to showcase the brightness
• Cocktail: Short rocks glasses or stemless wine glasses

Serving Style & Presentation Tips:

• Drunken Chicken: Fan out thin slices in a circular pattern; serve on chilled plates
• Cold Capellini: Create height with pasta using tongs; arrange toppings in small, distinct areas
• Chilled Somen: Traditional Japanese serving with separate components; consider individual portions
• Lemon Pasta: Twirl pasta into a neat mound; garnish with fresh”hero’clock”ioned at “10 o’clock”
• Lemon Jelly: Display halved jelly-filled lemons on a bed of crushed ice
• Cocktail: Use a clear gladrink too showcase the drink’s colour; garnish with herb-infused ice cubes

Make-Ahead Notes:

• Drunken chicken needs overnight soaking—perfect for preparing a day ahead
• Leek oil can be made 1-2 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator
• Lemon jelly can be prepared 24 hours ahead
• Prepare herb-infused ice cubes days in advance for cocktails

These recipes are well-suited to Singapore’s climate, as they require minimal high heat while delivering refreshing flavours that are perfect for hot, humid days.

The article highlights Singapore’s CE Group, Singapore’s largest retailer, is helping Singaporeans meet their everyday needs through several key initiatives:

1. Affordable Groceries
   • FairPrice house-brand products cost 10-15% less than branded alternatives
   • Special discounts for CHAS cardholders (3% on Thursdays, doubled to 6% for SG60 celebration)
   • 1 in 3 products bought at FairPrice is a house brand
2. “resh Food Do”ations
   • “A Full Plate” donation drive raised over $1.6 million to benefit 600,000 people.
   • Focus on fresh produce rather than traditional Foundation’s
   • Fa”rPrice Foundat” on’s “Protein Pledge” to donate $1 million worth of fresh protein by 2030
3. Nutrition Education
   • “Star Strong, Stay Strong” program for preschoolers
   • Teaching children about nutrition and sustainability through classroom sessions and supermarket visits
   • Developed with partners including NTUC First CampWomen’sra SGChildren’somen’s and,, Children’s Hospital
4. Timeline of Impact
   • Founded in 1973 as NTUC Welcome during a period of inflation and high food prices
   • Merged with Singapore Employees Co-operative in 1983 to become NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Limited
   • 2025 initiatives supporting SG60 celebrations include vouchers and doubled discounts

The article uses personal stories to illustrate the impact:

• Madam Zeng Jindi, who feeds her family of five on $1,800 monthly
• Madam Rosemary Stephew Santhana, an 84-year-old who benefits from food distribution sessions
• Children participating in the nutrition education program

The article positions FairPrice Group as more than just a retailer, but as a vital community institution that helps address affordability, nutrition, and education needs in Singapore.

Analysis of FairPrice’s Benefits and Formation

FairPrice Singapore’s benefits as Singapore’s Staple Grocer

Based on the article, FairPrice Group provides sevSingapore’snefits as Singapore’s largest retailer and staple grocer:

1. Affordability
   • House-brand products are priced 10-15% lower than branded alternatives
   • Special discounts for CHAS cardholders (3% on Thursdays, doubled to 6% during SG60 celebrations)
   • Functions as a price stabiliser in the grocery market, fulfilling itsoriginall 1973 mission to “keep essential items affordable for everyone and combat businesses c chargingg unfair prices”
2. Accessibility and Convenience
   • A vast network of stores makes groceries accessible across Singapore
   • Product mix catering to various income segments, particularly benefiting lower-income households
3. Community Support
   • Fooddoes o”ation progra”s like “A Full Plate” ($1.6milliond)
   • Fa”rPrice Foundat “on’s “Protein Pledge” ($1 million worth of fresh protein by 2030)
   • Educational io”al initiatives like “Star” Strong, Stay Strong”
4. Nutritional Focus
   • Emphasis on fresh, nutritious foods in donation programs based on research showing lower-income households prefer protein, fruits, and vegetables
   • Nutrition education for preschoolers

Digital Transformation Element

While the article doesn’FairPrice’sly detail FairPrice’s digital transformation, it mentions several digital elements:

1. E-commerce P Presencee
   • Reference to “online shopping carts” containing Own Brands products (7 in 10 carts)
   • Suggests a well-established online grocery platform
2. Data-Driven Decision Making
   • Conducted market research (with Nielsen) to understand nutritional needs and preferences
   • Used insights to develop ta”geted progra”s like “A Full Plate”
3. Digital Integration with Community Initiatives
   • Digital voucher systems for food distribution programs

How Digital Transformation Likely Helped Fair Price

Though not explicitlyFairPrice’ss article, FairPrice’s digital transformation would have enabled:

1. Enhanced Customer Experience
   • Online shopping options provide convenience for all customers, especially those who are ethe lderly, disabled, or time-constrained.
   • Personalised promotions based on shopping habits
2. Improved Operational Efficiency
   • Better inventory management, reducing waste and improving product availability
   • Supply chain optimisation ensures fresh products reach stores quickly
3. Deeper Customer Insights
   • Collection of shopping data to understand consumer preferences
   • Ability to tailor house brands and promotions to actual customer needs
4. Expanded Reach
   • Ability to serve customers beyond physical store locations
   • Particularly important during pandemic periods
5. Social Impact Measurement
   • Better tracking of community initiative outcomes
   • Data-driven approach to charitable giving and community support

FairPrice appears to be leveraging both its physical presence and digital capabilities to fulfil its mission of making daily essentials accessible while supporting nutritional education and community well-being in Singapore.

How Cloud Computing Makes Transactions Verifiable, Accurate, and Securely Stored

Cloud computing has fundamentally transformed how organisations handle transactions, particularly for retail companies like FairPrice. Here’s how cloud technology enhances transaction verification, accuracy, and storage:

Transaction Verifiability

1. Distributed Ledger Technology
   • Cloud platforms can incorporate blockchain or distributed ledger technologies.
   • Creates immutable transaction records that cannot be altered retroactively
   • Enables audit trails where every transaction is timestamped and linked to previous entries
2. Real-time Verification Systems
   • Cloud-based verification occurs instantly across distributed systems
   • Multiple nodes can validate transactions simultaneously
   • Reduces fraud by confirming authenticity before transaction completion
3. Digital Signatures and Authentication
   • Cloud systems implement robust authentication protocols
   • Digital signatures ensure the identity of transaction participants
   • Multi-factor authentication adds additional verification layers

Transaction Accuracy

1. Automated Processing
   • Reduces human error in transaction handling
   • Rule-based systems flag anomalies or inconsistencies immediately
   • Smart contracts execute transactions only when predetermined conditions are met
2. Centralised Truth Source
   • All transaction participants access the same cloud database
   • Eliminates discrepancies between different local systems
   • Synchronises data across all touchpoints (in-store, online, mobile)
3. AI and Machine Learning
   • Cloud-based AI identifies potential errors or suspicious patterns
   • Automated reconciliation systems balance transactions
   • Continuous improvement as systems learn from transaction history

Secure Transaction Storage

1. Redundancy and Geographic Distribution
   • Transaction data is stored across multiple servers and locations
   • Protects against physical disasters or local outages
   • Automatic failover systems maintain data integrity
2. Advanced Encryption
   • Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest
   • Key management systems protect access to sensitive information
   • Compartmentalisation limits data exposure even in breach scenarios
3. Compliance and Governance
   • Cloud providers implement regulatory standards, such as PCI DSS and GDPR.
   • Automated compliance checking for every transaction
   • Comprehensive logging for regulatory reporting requirements
4. Scalable Storage Solutions
   • Seamlessly handles fluctuating transaction volumes
   • Cost-effective storage that expands as needed
   • Long-term archiving without physical storage limitations

For retailers like FairPrice, these cloud capabilities translate into more reliable operations, enhanced customer trust, better data-driven decision-making, and a high level of omnichannel transaction ecosystems across physical and digital retail environments.

How Digitalisation consolidates Fair Price Singapore’s position as Singapore’s Staple Grocer

Creating an Integrated Ecosystem

DigitalizatFairPrice’sengthenedpositionn as Singapore’s essential grocery retailer through several strategic advantages:

1. Omnichannel Presence
   • Seamless integration between physical stores and online platforms
   • Meeting customers where they are—whether in-store, on mobile apps, or on web platforms
   • Creating consistent shopping experiences across all touchpoints
2. Data-Driven Decision Making
   • Collection of comprehensive customerbehaviourrr data
   • Optimisationion of product mix based on actual purchasing patterns
   • More accurate demand forecasting reduces waste and improves stock availability
3. Personalised Customer Experiences
   • Targeted promotions based on individual shopping history
   • Customisedd recommendation , increasing relevance to each household
   • Digital loyalty programs rewarding continued patronage

Operational Excellence

4. Supply Chain OOptimisation
   • Real-time inventory tracking across the entire network
   • Improved supplier integration and coordination
   • Better management of perishable goods, critical for a grocer
5. Cost Efficiencies
   • Automation of routine processes, reducing operational costs
   • Streamlined logistics and delivery networks
   • Digital transactions reduce handling costs
6. Agility and Resilience
   • Rapid adaptation to market disruptions (as seen during the pandemic)
   • Ability to quickly implement new policies, promotions, or safety measures
   • Business continuity, regardless of physical limitations

Enhanced Value Proposition

7. Price Transparency and Competitiveness
   • Digital pricFairPrice maintainss FairPrice’s affordability promise
   • Real-time adjustments to remain competitive
   • Dynamic pricing capabilities during promotions
8. Expanded Accessibility
   • Serving digitally connected consumers previously outside physical store reach
   • Making groceries accessible to elderly or mobility-limite” customers
   • Extend “ded “operating hour” through 24/7 online ordering
9. Community Integration
   • Digital implementation of community support initiatives
   • Better targeting of assistance programs to those most in need
   • Measuring and optimising social impact

Long-Term Market Position

10. Building Customer Loyalty
    • Digital engagement builds deeper customer relationships
    • App usage creates shopping habits centred around FairPrice
    • Data insights enabling the retailer to evolve with changing consumer preferences
11. Future-Proofing the Business
    • Establishing infrastructure for emerging technologies (AI, AR/VR shopping)
    • Creating pathways for integration with smart homes and Iot devices
    • Positioning FairPrice ahead of potential digital-native competitors

Through comprehensive digitalisation, FairPrice has transformed from a traditional grocery chain into an integrated retail technology company, solidifying its role in Singapore’s food supply ecosystem while maintaining its founding mission of accessibility and affordability.

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