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Sweet Pongal (Huggi)

Sweet Pongal (Huggi)

One convenient reason why blogging makes it worthwhile for me is because I can refer to my own recipes online anytime for years to come. I know it sounds silly, but it is true.    A few days ago while contemplating what to make for dinner; 

Happy New Year 2008

Happy New Year 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR Wishing you All a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. May this Year bring you Peace and Happiness.

Nostalgic Moments…. Simpler Times

Nostalgic Moments…. Simpler Times

One of our favorite pastime is watching some old 80’s and 90’s Hindi, Kannada songs, or an old movie snippet on YouTube. Both me and Dear Husband are from Bangalore and we share similar backgrounds be it in terms of food, school, friends, movies, Bangalore city etc. Even though our choice and taste of songs do not resonate, we still enjoy the moments of those good old days. Listening to old songs brings back fleeting memories, whereas visually looking at the song streams through old memories and helps gush out those warm, comforting time of our lives. 

Never mind the political, economical impact YouTube is having on the mainstream media, for us it is a time machine that has enabled us to virtually re-live the moments we had may be 10-15 years ago.

 Invariably after viewing the old songs we have an outburst of conversation about the movie, the plot, the actors, restaurants, family, friends etc. It is a blissful feeling to discuss and share those warm cherished feelings with a loved one.  However at the end of it all there are two observations that we usually make: 

  • The ever spirited affirmation that time flies so fast and that we are growing old too soon.
  • The inevitable feeling that those were such good old days with happier and simpler times.

Aane Wala Pal: GolMaal

Maine Tere Liye Hi Saath Raang : Anand

 When I look at these old songs, the first thing that strikes to me is the simplicity and the down to earth themes. There is this aura of naturalness be it the story or the actors and it is so easy to relate to them. Everything seemed to go with the flow and there is nothing artificial, brazen or over-the-top.

  The more I think about these times the more I get transported down the memory lane. With regards to the entertainment like television, radio etc we did not have many choices. There was only one channel for years called Doordarshan, and that was not a 24 hour channel either. Yet we waited with baited breath to watch Chitrahaar and serials like Hum Log, Buniyaad, Nukkad, the weekend movie etc. Cable television and internet was nowhere in the picture and even buying a TV Remote seemed like a waste of money.  

Was life really happier then the way it appears now? It’s hard to tell and cannot conclude for sure. It might be easy to think of it that way because those were the times in the past that are long gone or maybe because we were carefree kids at that time with no real responsibility of the worldly affairs. But whatever it is, it is a wonderful feeling living in the realms of nostalgia albeit a small time.

Instant Sooji Onion Appe /Paniyaram

Instant Sooji Onion Appe /Paniyaram

Update: The idea of vada and Low-fat is so contradictory and froms a typical oxymoron. But to achieve this recipe I use the Appe (Konkani cooking word) Pan/ Skillet. This is also referred to as “Ponganalu/Paniyaram/Uniyappam“. The pan/skillet is available here.  __________________________________________________________________________________ I was going 

Tangy Coconut Yogurt Curry with Vegetables (Majjige Huli)

Tangy Coconut Yogurt Curry with Vegetables (Majjige Huli)

So few days ago while cooking this refreshing dish, I was watching my toddler play with some of his toys few feet away from where I was standing. Sometime later he started chewing on one of his toy and I like any other dutiful mother 

Random Facts Meme and 50th post

Random Facts Meme and 50th post

This is also my 50th post on this blog. I wanted to thank you all for the warmth and support, and that is what keeps me going and makes me want to write more and cook  more.

It is really fun thinking, writing about myself and here is some random stuff about me:

  • A strange coincidence: everyone in my family (except my husband) was born on the 10th (different years, of course). I was born on March 10th, my Dad September 10th, MIL and my toddler October 10th, my mom and brother November 10th.
  • I can speak quite a few Indian languages apart from English. Kannada, Hindi, Marathi.  I can also speak Konkani in the South Kanara accent like my in-laws and also the North Kanara accent like my parents. I also studied Sanskrit for 5 years in school and so I will credit myself with that language as well!
  • I am a “cold blooded” person meaning I cannot tolerate cold for a longer period of time. The moment the temperature goes below 70 F, my hands, nose and feet start becoming cold pushing me to wear sweater and socks. In the office, I am the only person walking around with a sweater in 75F , when the rest of the people are warm and toasty.
  • I love reading books, novels. I used to be a huge Agatha Christie, Perry Mason/ Earl Stanley Gardner fan in my High School and I have read and enjoyed at least 60 of his different cases.
  • I have a sweet tooth, hence love anything sugary. I can literally indulge myself in any type of sweets or desserts anytime of the day.
  • I am a quiet and a home-loving person. My idea of relaxation especially after work, long day is chilling out at home, trying out recipes, cooking, reading books, and watching TV.
  • A typical Piscean, I love music, arts and crafts. I enjoy listening to soft rock, pop music from the 80’s and 90’s. A new hobby that I have picked up is making jewelry, earrings and necklaces.

 

 

Milk Dates Peda in Microwave (Doodh Peda)

Milk Dates Peda in Microwave (Doodh Peda)

Food Blogging in general makes you think about food, recipes ideas, writing and presentation in ways not thought of before.  Food Blogging Event in particular makes you put on your thinking cap and takes thought process to a whole new level especially when a new