Makhani Masala is the very aromatic butter based tomato cream sauce seasoned with spices and herbs – the base gravy for most of the tomato based creamy dishes in the Indian restaurants. If you are familiar with the lip smacking, finger licking  Paneer Makhani/Paneer Butter Masala (Indian Cheese in a Butter Sauce), Malai Koftas (Cheese balls stuffed with nuts raisins and spices  cooked in a creamy sauce), Dal Makhani (Creamy buttery lentils) or the internationally famed Murgh or Chicken Makhani/Butter Chicken served in the Indian restaurants, this is one sauce they are all based on. The Makhani masala can be  adapted to form a gravy/sauce with a thick tomato base or with more cream/milk added, it makes the more popular light orange creamy sauce usually found in the restaurants. 

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A delightful week night side dish; quick, easy with a slight hint of spice. The cauliflower florets are cooked in the pan till tender and then sprinkled with nuts, dried fruits, green onions and some dressing.

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Ever heard of a kid who gobbled up all the vegetables without complaining? The kind who would frustrate her friends, for the moms of the friends would go into the sing song of the comparing game to why they should eat the vegetables without whining? That kid was me.
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Pears soaked and bathed in wine, juice and spices transform themselves into luscious jewels. A very elegant dessert indeed!

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Very subtly different from the Biryani is a Pilaf/Pulao. While Biryani is a rich, exotic delicacy created & served with a regal fervor; redolent with beautiful spices & packed the wonderful & unforgettable flavors, lip smacking goodness & heart warming memories – the Pilaf/Pulao is a more simple version of this royal dish.
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Having been not feeling so good for the past few days, I was yearning for some change of taste for my tasteless sensation in my mouth. That’s what flu does to you – steals your energy, enthusiam & the sensation of the taste buds too. I did not want to even look at anything overcooked, or too spicy. Something different (as if some else cooked for me, you know how everything tastes better when you don’t cook), light & warm yet healthy is exactly what I needed & exactly what I got. 

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Are we ready to go back to healthy eating after all those cakes, cookies & holiday dinners? I am. I have indulged, baked a lot & my clothes are not too happy with how they fit:-) So how about a bowl full of soup? no not bland… the soup which spells flavor & sensations! Bursting with sense awakening taste with every spoonful…I am talking about Harira… The Traditional Moroccan Soup usually served during the month of Ramadan to break the fast. It is also served during any special celebrations like weddings. Usually lamb or beef is added to the soup, but it can be done without meat too.

Well it does not have to be eaten for an ocassion… it can be savored anytime, for it does taste really really good. It is a dish by itself, as it contains all the wholesome goodness of lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice or pasta & above all tantalizing spices & herbs… the taste & aroma which is hard to forget & make you crave for more.

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Speculaas is a type of Dutch Spice cookie traditionally baked for St Nicholas’ Eve in Belgium (December 6) and the Netherlands (December 5). Spices used in Speculaas are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom and white pepper. Traditional celebrations of Saint Nicholas Day in Northern Europe included gifts left in children’s shoes (this is the origin of our American Christmas stockings). Children receive treats – candies, cookies, apples and nuts.

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I had been in search of a perfect Rich Fruit cake for many months now. Just the way we used to have back home, during Christmas time – rich, moist, a zillions pieces of fruit at each bite, bursting with different taste & flavor. And every day the taste got better.

It was only during this time of the year that those enormous bowls would come out, to make the cake batter. For lots of cakes had to be baked for sharing. The whole family got involved in preparation & each had their own role to play – Chopping, measuring, and taking turns beating up the batter. Then the batter all ready would be transferred to even bigger containers to be taken to the local bakery to have them baked. The tiny oven at home was not enough to bake so many loaves at the same time. The bakery, I remember would be kept open all night, on the 23rd of December, for many would take their cake batter there.

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I remember the time when back in India many moons back we used to live in a joint family. My grandparents, uncles, aunts  & cousins all lived in a big house, ate all together in one long dining table. Sunday afternoon lunches were always beautiful times when everyone was home, relaxed & talking for hours over food. Even tho’ I might have been only about 6 or 7 years old, I still  remember that one of the dishes used to be mutton curry or chicken curry. The hot steaming curry, used to be placed at the  center of the table, & all us little kids eyed it with utmost enthusiasm, while waiting for our turns.

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