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Friday 31 August 2012

 Watermelon, Rosewater and Mint Popsicles

Every summer there seems to be a theme to this site. Last summer was all about the ice creams. This summer those ice creams seem to have gotten stuck on a stick, and its really been all about the popsicles and creamsicles. What's not to like about ice cream and sorbet on a stick anyway? 

Aditi and I certainly have no complaints at all. Check out m'lady's expressions in the pictures below and you can certainly see that she's been loving this summer.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Sambhar/ Sambar - Spicy South Indian Vegetable Stew

I talk very often about my mum on this blog. That's because, to me, she's an amazing woman, and one of the unsung heroes of the world. My mum, to me, is my role model in many ways. Not because she did great things or saved the world, but just the way she is. She was one of the first generation of Indian women to work outside the home, and claim their independence, but at the same time, her sisters and her looked after their parents. They worked all hours at incredibly demanding jobs, but also found the time to come back home and work just as hard in their own homes. My mum had so many demands on her time - her parents, siblings, children and husband, relatives, friends, students, grandchildren... the list was and is neverending! Yet she balanced everything so well, with a smile and an ocasional snap...  but never complaining (well, perhaps the odd grumble or two...) never fazed by the endless craziness of her life. 

And today, when she should be retired and sitting down with a cup of tea, she still has so much to do, including looking after her elderly parents and grandchildren. Yes, my mum has a work ethic to be proud of, and one that ocasionally makes me ashamed to have had it so easy in my life too. But also, at the same time, she inspires me to go out and do the best that I can. She encouraged me all through my academic career, supported me financially and emotionally and now she encourages my cooking career, because its what I love doing. Though she never says it out loud, I know that she loves me, and that she's proud of me, and this has always spurred me on to be that little bit better, every day of my life. She's truly a hero.

Friday 17 August 2012

Watermelon 'Chaat' Salad

No other fruit in the world is as reminiscent of summer, as watermelon. One of my enduring memories from home in India, is the abundance of watermelon, which my mum would sit and carefully cut into little cubes for us, and we would devour it. It was the perfect heat buster, and watermelon juice was a perennial favourite of ours, and widely available on the streets of India. 

When the National Watermelon Promotion Board asked me if I would take part in their Kid-tastic Watermelon Blogger Challenge, Aditi and I of course, were all for it. Not only is watermelon one of Aditi's favourite fruits, but it is an amazingly versatile one at that. We've eaten it straight up, had it in classic salads with feta cheese and mint, made it into yummy watermelon ice candies, made sorbets and ice creams, granitas and daiquiris. 

When our blogging kit arrived, Aditi was delighted to find that it included her very own apron... which she then insisted on wearing constantly around the house. Before I knew it, the watermelon that came with the kit had also been gobbled up by the houseful of kids I was hosting... which meant that I had to head out double quick to find another one with which to make my recipe.

Friday 10 August 2012

Mango Vanilla Yogurt Popsicles

I do love holidays. Relaxing... a two day drive with a cranky four year old... reconnecting... arguing constantly with husband and said four year old about what music to play... rejuvenating... yep, doing that two day drive back in a lightning storm no less.

Haha. Seriously though, I really do love my holidays, I was just being an snarky ass back there. Being in a car with your family forces you to shut off all electronics... except for the music player... and really talk and listen to your loved ones. Being at the in-laws means we all get spoilt rotten, so much so that coming back to real life is a shock... yep, if that fridge is empty, it isn't going to magically refill itself until you get out there and do it yourself. And long lie ins when the grandparents fuss over the child in the mornings is a thing of the past. 

I am blessed to have a lovely family, and I have made an effort this time round to really shut off all outside stuff and just enjoy myself. We camped on the lake, played badminton with husband with child refereeing (ouch, my poor unexercised flabby arm), went on a photography drive up to the Nass Valley with an amazing photographer (Mike's so cool) and was lucky enough to be enchanted by some beautiful scenery and wildlife, yammered classical music and marmalade with FIL and hung out and talked for hours with MIL, shared recipes and brought back a lot of inspiration. Just what you need to refresh your mind, heart, soul and creativity. And certainly what every holiday should be like.

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Chai Ice Cream

Chai Ice Cream

What is more refreshing than a cup of chai on a hot day? Why, chai ice cream, of course! 

This has got to be simply, my most favourite ice cream of all time, and let's just say, when it comes to ice creams I know what I am talking about. I love the way the spices infuse into the strong tea, and create, well, the only way to describe it is 'warmth'... and yes, I know I am talking about an ice cream here. Anyway, coming back to my point, I love the way the spices create a warmth to this ice cream, and give it a uniquely Indian taste. I can't think of a better dessert to finish off an Indian meal than this delightful ice cream.