Gobi (Cauliflower) Manchurian – Indo-Chinese Food

You go to a restaurant and plan to order an Indo-Chinese appetizer.  Which one would it be?

Chances are 8/10 vegetarians will choose either a dry/gravy Gobi, Paneer, or Vegetable Manchurian.  Sure, there’s Paneer 65, Gobi 65, Chili Paneer, and many others; Indo-Chinese cuisine does have a good long list of appetizers, but Gobi Manchurian happens to be a very popular choice.  Agree?

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My Non-Smartphone Calendar

“Don't say you don't have enough time.  You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” 

~  H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Ending with that quote I had given a ‘time management’ presentation to my class back in university.  I have always been the organized kind of person, having my daily to-do lists, planning my day and the week; it’s a different question whether I finally get everything done or not.  But I liked having a schedule, however tentative it may be.  And if I didn’t find a certain kind of organizer, diary, or calendar of my choice – I made it.  I actually do that with anything – when I don’t find what I want, I make it if I can.  My calendar is one of them.

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Manchow Soup: Indo - Chinese Food

Indian-Chinese food is very popular in India, and is a favorite of many people – whether ordering a Manchow Soup to start meal with, Manchurian as an appetizer at the restaurant, or watching Hakka Noodles cooked in a wok over high flame at the street side.  Some seasonings and cooking techniques of Chinese cuisine adapted to Indian taste and style makes this Indo-Chinese fusion food a different cuisine altogether.

Indo-Chinese Style Manchow Soup

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Moussaka & Cacık – Tricky to Speak, Tasty to Eat

I am an eggplant convert, from a hater to a lover.  But apart from the Baingan ka Bhurta (mashed eggplant), Bharwan Baingan (stuffed eggplant) and Aloo Baigan Sabji (potato & eggplant stir-fry) in Indian cuisine, the only other dish I have had most number of times is Eggplant Parmesan in Italian cuisine.

While looking for some more eggplant recipes for variety, I came across “Moussaka”.  What I loved more about it was how I pronounced the name when I told my husband what the menu for dinner was :P

Moussaka and Cacik - Mediterranean Cuisine

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Food Photography: Light – By a Beginner, For the Beginner, Part 1

I do not claim to be an amazing photographer like the experienced, creative and popular food bloggers, food stylists, or food photographers around the world.  I am nowhere close to professional and still consider myself a newbie since I began blogging in 2011.  I have not attended any photography workshops or bought any of the brilliant books on food photography.

But as a self-learner, I have read tips and tricks on photography sites, observed numerous food photos on websites and personal blogs, and watched plenty videos.  I made notes as I learned anything new from anywhere and used trial-and-error as time passed.  And even though I may not have applied most of the learning and observation, I know I still have a long way to go and enormous room of improvement.

So, why am I still writing this post?

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Carrot and Mint Soup Recipe

I was not a fan of mint ice cream or mint chocolate or anything minty except chewing gum, but I now definitely am of this Carrot and Mint Soup. 

This carrot & mint soup is adapted from Saransh Goila’s recipe on his Facebook page.  This soup recipe is a keeper.  Read the recipe, see the pictures, and tell me, isn't it perfect for winters!?

Carrot and Mint Soup Recipe

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Valentine’s, Birthday, Anniversary Gifts and Celebration Ideas & More

Last week my husband arranged a surprise for my birthday. Last month we celebrated our first anniversary. And two months ago one of my brothers-in-law asked me to suggest some ideas for Valentine’s Day to surprise his wife. Yes, I wondered if he started planning two months ago for Valentine’s – how much more special would he make his anniversary celebration!?

Unlike my husband & I – we only think & plan for future events, but usually get to actually working on it just a week before the D-day!  How many of us Google up for gift & celebration ideas for Valentine's, Anniversary, Birthdays, and other such significant events?
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