Vadas are very popular lentil fritters that are made all over India. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, vadas are delicious appetizers and snack time treats. There are as many vada recipes out there as the various types of lentils. The basic recipe for vada involves soaking lentils in water for a few hours to soften, and then they are ground into a thick coarse batter to which vegetables and spices are added. The thick batter is then deep-fried. Vadas are usually served with a side of chutney like coconut chutney. For those of you living in the South think of these as hush puppies except these are made with lentils. Continue reading Masala Vadas – Yellow Split Pea Lentil Fritters→
Hot and sour soup. We love this soup in our family! Hot and sour soup has to be one of our favorite soups, but until recently I never thought of making it at home. We get the most delicious hot and sour soup at our local Chinese restaurants that I never bothered to try. My kids on the other hand are a lot more adventurous and ventured to make this soup at home for our Christmas dinner last month. They did their research and chose to use Jaime Oliver’s vegetarian hot and sour soup recipe and surprisingly it was easier to make than I expected and tasted delicious. Continue reading Hot and Sour Soup→
It’s been a gorgeous and mildly warm start to our January this week with sunny temperatures in the 50s and 60s, perfect for gardening. I’ve been out in my garden winter pruning my plants but still have a long way to go before I’m done. I’ll be busy for a while! Continue reading Friday Flowers→
I was making stuffed peppers with paneer for the family one night when one of my twins requested that I make a couple without cheese. She is staying away from dairy for a while as she’s noticed she feels better eating dairy-free. So for her peppers I substituted the paneer with tofu, and since I was making these tofu peppers just for her I asked her how she wanted them flavored – she requested with herbs. Continue reading Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Tofu→
It’s the beginning of the year 2020! So much to look forward to and like many of you I am looking at ways to get the year started off great! Eat healthier, exercise more, get out in nature more, spend time and visit with friends and extended family, these are the types of New Year’s resolutions I have on my list. Things that are not daunting but more doable and in my control. That’s what I’ve learnt over the years, making New Year’s resolutions that are in my control makes it easier to accomplish and gives a positive boost to my psyche as the year progresses. That’s why these goals are not Climb Mount Everest type of goals but more achievable, ones that can be achieved in as little as a couple of months. The key will be to stick with them for the long haul and make it part of my lifestyle and routine. Continue reading New and Exciting Year Ahead 2020!→
Happy New Year 2020! Wishing you all a healthy and happy year ahead!
Looking for a totally different black-eyed pea recipe to make for good luck in the New Year? A recipe from East Africa? Try this black-eyed pea stew called bharazi created by Indians living in Kenya. Bharazi is an Indianized Kenyan dish made with black-eyed peas, coconut milk, and spices. Continue reading Bharazi. Kenyan Black Eyed Peas in Coconut Milk and Spices→
We attended the last of our holiday parties for the year on Sunday, before we head out for some quality time with just the five of us for a family holiday together. We went over to our friend Basanthi’s annual Christmas Party with Santa on Sunday. Yes, this party actually has a visit from Santa! He not only gives presents to all the little kids but the adults get to take a photo with him too! It’s a fun holiday party with friends, family, lots of delicious food and presents. Here is a look at this year’s Basanthi’s Christmas Party with Santa Claus and Friends. Continue reading Basanthi’s Christmas Party with Santa Claus and Friends 2019→
It’s the holiday season and you are probably heading to a few holiday parties and dinners, and if you are like me you are always wondering what to make for the holiday pot luck gatherings. That’s why I’ve been posting so many quick and easy recipes that are party worthy to look at and delicious to eat, just like these easy recipes Continue reading Puff Pastry Spinach Pie→
Happy Hanukkah! Wishing you all a wonderful Hanukkah and Happy Holidays! Our family got to celebrate Hanukkah at our good friends Dave and Rose’s home this past weekend and had a wonderful evening with dear friends, lots of laughter, and delicious food. This annual Hanukkah celebration is one that Rose and Dave have been hosting for years and is always a fun holiday event for all. Here is a look at this year’s festive Hanukkah gathering. Continue reading Celebrating Hanukkah with Family & Friends 2019→
