Butterfly Pea (Clitoria Ternatea)

The Butterfly Pea flower is what I call the "Beauty and Brains" flower!

Its scientific name sound rather mischievous... sexy maybe!!! Other than being seductive and stunning in color and shape, this is one of the most versatile flowers I know that God had created.

Are you a versatile person?

Are you someone who is capable of changing or adapting to different situations?  Are you willing?

Why is versatility so important?

The measure of intelligence is the ability to change (Albert Einsten)

Being versatile is a challenge to many. When we are used to doing things our way, it's a pain in the behind to have to learn new things in order to keep up with the race. The most difficult step is the first: You struggle, you make mistakes, you learn, and unconsciously things becomes easier. Then, when you look back, you begin to wonder..."How in the world did I do it?"

We first make our habits, then our habits make us. (John Dryden)

I totally love this quote from the legendary Bruce Lee. Simply put but contains a deep meaning.

You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend. (Bruce Lee)

THOUGHTS...

Common sense tells us that to mature and gain knowledge, we must be open, receptive, and positive to new and unknown experiences, and apply the lessons learnt to our lives in an honest and just manner. Strictly speaking, we must stand in another's shoes and see from another's eyes, and, more importantly, challenge not only another's beliefs, but our own. We should practice demonstrating versatility in our perspective and mindset.

With inspiring vision and versatility... we become better leaders to our own lives, and to others. 

You are what you love, not what loves you. (Charlie Kaufman)

Very nicely put Charlie Kaufman because I LOVE FOOD! This blog entry is a unique one because I incorporated food photos this time.  Perfect opportunity to share the magic of the Butterfly Pea flower with all of you. 

May I present to you a culinary flower named Butterfly Pea.

Dried butterfly pea flowers

How the blue rice is made

One of my favorite traditional Malaysian dishes: hailed from a state named Kelantan with its signature blue rice, and known as the Kelantan Herb Rice Salad or in the Malay language "Nasi Kerabu." The particular one (photo above) which I enjoy locally comes with salted egg, prawn crackers, a salad that consists of coconut, chopped long beans, bean sprouts, and spices, chicken kurma and beef rendang.

Below are some photos of Malaysian traditional desserts or "kuih" using the Butterfly Pea flower natural coloring, courtesy of my buddy Google! Most of the "kuih" are made with sticky rice or "pulut".

Rice dumpling

Kuih Talam

Kuih Serimuka

Kuih Salat

Pulut Inti

Kuih Lompang

Kuih Inti

Pulut Tai Tai

Rempah Udang: Savory "Dried Prawn Spices"

Pulut Tai Tai

Butterfly Pea tea

Blue Pea Mooncakes

Going Western now...

Blue Pea cheesecake top with raspberry syrup and garnished with strawberries and blueberries.

Blue Pea Chiffon Cake

Blue Pea Cake