Indian Marriages confuse western folks. Unlike the western marriages, ceremonies in India are loud, multi-day, drawn out events. In the western world, the bride and groom are the stars of the ceremony. Both of them get to plan everything about their wedding - the venue, the flower arrangements and the honeymoon. Things are not so simple in India, where both families have a say in every aspect of the event. The bride and groom might not even know most of the people on the guest list! My western friends find the topic of Arranged Marriages especially bamboozling. I have seen some of them spread their eyes so wide open when I talk about arranged marriages, I worry about their physical … [Read more...]
Poached Pears Coconut Milk Ice Cream
I still remember the day my dad brought a chubby little baby to me at the hospital, and told me that she was my sister! My parents had been getting me ready to welcome a baby girl for months, but it all got so real when she was in my lap. I didn't know what to think of this baby with big brown eyes and no hair! For some reason, the moment she was in my lap she started crying on the top her lungs. I was sold on the idea of a beautiful, happy little baby sister. I was so upset with her crying that I started crying hysterically too. My little sister, Lopa, is all grown up and we are celebrating her birthday today! Ice cream has been one of her absolute favorites ever since she was a baby! … [Read more...]
Vegan Dessert – Papaya Mousse
I consider myself a flexitarian - I mainly eat vegetarian food with some poultry and meats. My diet has evolved over the years as I have learned more about nutrition, and have grown older! Lately, I have been a fan of raw foods - smoothies, salads and even raw desserts. The basic premise of eating raw is that it retains most of the nutrients in the food. Our bodies can digest raw foods much more easily compared to cooked foods. I like to throw in a few raw-foods-only days every month which helps me cleanse my system. Raw dishes are also easy to put together, so on the days I am eating raw I have more time to do the things I love - like blogging! I have seen some of my friends start … [Read more...]
Birthday Cake – Almond Cake with Honey
I met a boy 21 years ago, the boy was 13 then. He was a slender kid with curly hair who rode around his bicycle on the dirt roads in India. He could solve math problems faster than anyone I have known. I was an emotional girl, who saw beauty in flowers and dreamt of the ocean. He read "Think and Grow Rich" while I read "Pride and Prejudice". We were polar opposites from the beginning. He lived in a hostel, away from his parents. I thought the reason why he wanted to be friends with me was the home made meals he got to have at my place sometimes. He was full of big dreams; he told me he wanted to see the world and take me with him. I listened to him intently as he told me what America … [Read more...]
Chocolate Soufflé
Soufflé, when executed perfectly, is a thing of beauty. A soufflé should rise like a warrior who has conquered the world. A soufflé should have a crusty exterior and a soft and moist interior, like a tough cowboy who cries while watching chick flicks. Serving a soufflé is like having sex - it's all about right timing! The culinary school I attended ran their own restaurant in Vancouver as a part of the practical training for all students. During the last month of our training, we were in charge of the restaurant - prep work, cooking, service - all of it. Soufflé was on the dinner menu and invariably was the ultimate test of any team's cohesiveness. When the expeditor … [Read more...]