Wednesday, October 15, 2008

II OM II




Dear Friends,
I finally write my very first blog. Something I have been intending to do for a l-o-n-g time; and its about FOOD. I love cooking food, eating food,shopping for food, reading about food,watching videos on food, learning the history of food. In short anything and everything about food excites me!
I come from a family of foodies and married into another of the same breed...lol.My grandmother was a great cook (its tough duplicating the tasty pickles she made).I have learnt a lot from my mom...just by watching and helping her with the chores in the kitchen. Honestly, I hated to be in the kitchen initially.Traditionally in Indian families the girls have to know how to cook, thus the training begins early enough.My early memories remind me of my mom telling me to pray to Goddess Sita (wife of Lord Rama and the Goddess of the Kitchen) when cooking, so that the dish turns out impeccable.I can explain that. In India, we still have arranged marriages;(I am the firt one to have a love marriage...so you know how many weddings are still arranged by the parents!) and when a young woman goes to her "sasural" ie. in-laws' place; she carries two precious things with her that cannot be stolen--firstly, her character and manners and secondly, her artistry in the kitchen.(We take the adage- "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" quite seriously.) She needs to wow all (especially her husband) with all her cooking. Like I made 'sheera' (a sweet dish made of semolina) for the first time at my in-laws' place. Its a ceremonial thing.
My very first lesson was, that the food should entyce all the senses-sight, sound and smell. It should look as good as it tastes! And one other thing I had learnt frm my mum and I still follow is, when cooking food...cook it with love.Thats' the MOST important ingredient.
On hindsight I am glad I was born into such a family.. India, as we all know is a chef's delight. Its variety in terms of flavours is mind boggling and awe inspiring. I have grown up eating all those small-great stuff.
Its only after getting married that I have really started 'cooking-up-a-storm' in my ...my very own kitchen. (I love the idea of having my 'own' kitchen...silly but it makes me happy). My husband fires my passion further by being a great critic ( though I have to literally force it out of him)
'-) and encourages me to do my best.
I welcome all who share my passion. For the others' ...hang on' you'll get addicted!!

6 comments:

  1. GREAT...SO....FINALLY THE CHEF HERSELF HAS POSTED HER CULINARY SECRETS FOR OTHERS.....LOVELY!!
    WELL I REALLY HAVE NO INTEB\NTIONS OF COOKING THEM THOUGH...I WANT IT MADE FOR ME BY THE 'CHEF' HERSELF!!
    LOL!!


    GREAT WORK...KUDOS!!

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  2. Hey Nav, I tried the shrimp balls they are awesome...thanks for the tips.

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  3. You are welcome. Will try me best to post newer innovative dishes! Bon Apetite' !

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  4. WOW DI...DATS QUITE IMPRESSIVE..
    WILL SURELY TRY IT OUT SUMTYM..HOPEFULLY!!

    TC :)

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  5. Navita,

    Your blog looks great! It seems like you're off to a great start. My only recommendations would be to add a list of your archives on the sidebar so that people can easily see which recipes you've made in the past (you can do this by adding your archives by month to the sidebar under "customize")

    Other than that, I think you've got a great narrative going and I like the pictures. You may want to consider placing your camera on a steady surface, like a book, for a bit more stability and clarity.

    Well done! Everything looks so interesting! I can't wait to try some of it!

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  6. Hey Emily..
    Thanks for your advice....will certainly keep that in mind. :-)

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Thank You for taking out the time to put your thoughts into words. It is appreciated. Hope I am able to keep you involved, intrigued and happy with this blog. Your views are welcome.