To: Served With Love
Cc: Cooking 4 All Seasons


Sub: Best of 2009


Dear blog,

Imagine my horror when I couldn't sign in to blogger this morning. Initially, I thought you were miffed at me for having disappeared for so long without even a word. It took me a moment to realise that I was keying in the wrong password. I forgot the password to sign in to my blog - now, can you believe that!


So where was I, you demand to know.

Well, I was back in the desh. Surrounded by family, who pretty much ignored my presence and had eyes only for my daughter.


But did you miss me, you ask.

Wish I could say that I missed you so much. Wish I could say that I was itching to look you up, and write a new post but could not as there was no connectivity. But I'll say none of that. Truth is that I did not miss you - at all. But having said that, believe me when I say this - I am very very glad to see you again!

Oh come on, don't look at me so reproachfully. I did look you up - once. Remember I had scheduled a post telling my readers that I was on a break? Well that post never got published and now I know why.....I had scheduled it for Dec. 15 2010.

Yes, 2010. When I have scarcely bid farewell to 2009!! But you know me, I do tend to do scatter-brained things like that sometimes. Let'sl not dwell over my silliness for too long!


So what did I do back home, you wonder.

Since the family was not too interested in me, I turned my attention to eating. Street food, to be specific.

Batata wadas, pav bhaji, pani puri, bhel puri - I gorged on them all with a vengeance. Yes, I know I make them at home - I have even blogged about bhelpuri and pav bhaji , but the magic in eating these on the streets is indescribable!

And whether it was street food or food at home - food in India tastes fabulous. And I was really pampered when it came to eating - such a spread and I didn't have to even lift a finger to make anything!

Of course, when the husband proudly told everyone how well I cooked (she started making bread - she does bake a fabulous loaf), they demanded proof. So Christmas Day saw the family carving the succulent Slow Roast Chicken, without the wine sauce though - because we drank it all up. I would have loved to make and decorate a cake for dessert but then I had not much to work with, and so they had to make do with kulfi instead.

But then, where are the pictures, you ask.

Well, they didn't quite have the patience for that - they are not conditioned to blogging, quipped the husband. But between you and me, they drooled buckets at these pictures!

I also made some sandwiches, specifically for you. Regretably, though I read Ladies Coupe on the flight, I missed posting my book review this month. You do know how I look forward to every month's This Book Makes Me Cook, don't you? What fabulous bloggers I have come to know in the nine months that I have been part of the book club! I've read books that I hadn't even heard of and my entire approach to reading has changed forever.


How was the shopping, you are wondering.

Shhhhh. Quiet. Don't make me open my mouth (bag) and spill all the beans....I mean masalas.

Well, if you must know, I shopped - a lot. Clothes, more clothes and still more. And well, yes, one bag was devoted to food. Home made masalas and pickles, an assortment of snacks and mithais. And an idli grinder. As you know, ever since I discovered this recipe, I just enjoy making idlis! Now, with the grinder coming in, we are going to have lots of idlis.

Oh and I have come back armed with so many new recipes that I can't wait to get into the kitchen to try them out. Yes, some of them are the real traditional Marathi (CKP) recipes that I have always loved eating, but never tried my hand at making.
So while I continue to indulge my love for cakes n bakes and dabble in different cuisines, I am hoping to learn making these traditional goodies. And yes, I am planning to be more regular than I have been in these past few months, both in updating you and visiting other blogs.

There...finally, I see you smiling!

I'll be back here again really soon...

Hugs,
Aqua


PS: No, no, I haven't forgotten.......

Wish you all a very Happy 2010. Hope the year ahead brings you all you wish for and more.