Saffron and Almond Malai Shots

So, we are back again.. With another Velveteers creation.

Aparna challenged us to make Ras Malai, the decadent, melt-in-your-mouth Bengali sweet that is quite popular in rest of India. The state of West Bengal has a history of making distinctive cheese based desserts that are served in various forms, simple Rasgolla, Ras Malai, Cham-cham and more..

Rasgollas are perhaps the best known outside of the state especially because they can be canned and made available in stores in the remotest corner. They also sort of age well. The others are more delicate and best eaten fresh, homemade or store bought.

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The allure of eggs... and a Strawberry Shortcake

Turkey and Pheasant eggs

Tomorrow is Easter and I figured, I could be a bit cliched for the occasion :) So, here are a few crazy good ways to enjoy your eggs.. simply scrambled, a bit fried and straight poached with a dash of rich Hollandaise..

To make it a bit more fun, I chose a different egg for each preparation - regular chicken, bigger turkey and a more petit pheasant. :)

Last week at the farmers' market, there was a stall with fresh eggs. I mean, really fresh, just two days old! It reminds me of the days when I have enjoyed such hen butt to my mouth deliciousness, back in India. Anyway, I was super thrilled with my find and came home very much looking forward to taste testing.

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Chasing the Sun.... Eggs Benedict

Yesterday, I caught a bit of magic in the park...

I wanted to capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms that line the reservoir track in the soft glow of the evening sun. But, I did not manage to get to the park until 15 minutes before sunset. Yet, it was perfect timing.

As I walked around the reservoir track, I was able chase the setting sun and capture her various moods as reflected against the sky and over the water. It was nature at her best.

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Of Springy thoughts...and Breakfast Pizza

Spring is in the air and so is snow... I know, wacky as it is.. it's true.

A few days back when I came back from Orlando, I thought I would bring the warmth back with me. But, poor little me and my mere 125 pounds could make nary a dent on the chill in the North East.

Yet, Spring is valiantly trying to make herself felt. The cherry trees are defiantly blooming despite the cold and the vagrant weather. Amidst all this confusion, and I must say, my gloom at not really being able to make NYC as sunny sweet as Florida, it's just easier to just chill and go with the flow...swing between the hot and cold...

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Saying Thanks for your Generosity - IFBAfJ Auction Results

I am bursting with excitement and happiness as I write this post. The International Food Bloggers Auction for Japan closed for bids last Sunday and I just tallied up the highest pledges. We raised $925 for the Japanese Red Cross Woohoo!!

Thank You soo much for your generous contributions and to everyone who participated in the auction. And, much gratitude to my fellow bloggers for opening their hearts and busy schedules to put aside some time for this auction!! Everyone accepted without a heartbeat's hesitation and I am so happy we all came together to lend a helping hand.

The list of winners and the pledge amounts is at the end of this post. All the winners will be receiving a mail from me shortly, with details on the logisitics... Once again, thank you! :)

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Gluten Free Peanut and Almond Chocolate Brownie Pots .. and the Food Blog Forum Orlando

What a fabulous weekend this was! I was in Orlando for two days attending the Food Blog Forum and meeting so many people I had been speaking with for months.

Crazy world that we live in now, isn't it?! We talk for hours on non-personal mediums before actually making that face to face connection, which, has typically been the basis of any relationship. Yet, it works!! I had a blast finally meeting those who have inspired me, supported me and just so many new lovely bloggers.

And, Oh! yes, the short respite from the quizzical NY weather was ofcourse lovely. Ninety degrees ain't barmy, I agree but after tiring six months barely North of the thirties done make one more acceptable of the other extreme.

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Strawberry Buttermilk Cake and pleasure in simple food..

There is something alluring about a 90 degree profile shot, don't you think?! The portrait offers a glimpse, arousing curiosity of the complete, thereby keeping the viewer interested in the image.

It can make a statement bringing out the powerful persona of the subject itself, like here, or put in focus the soft warmth of the subject, like here.

And, this Strawberry Buttermilk Cake, which, is our subject for the day. Such a simple, no fuss cake that belies the depth of flavor in each bite and the happiness that it can bring. Makes me forget the eccentricities of the day and lets me just relax and savour each bite juiced up with plump, ripe, sweet Spring strawberries.

Yes, I think the profile is the best way to capture its charm!

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Simple South Indian Comfort - Bottle Gourd Kootu (Stew)

I am a South Indian but, oddly enough, I did not grow up with a particularly South Indian table. My mom always did like trying out new dishes and since she started her serious cooking while in the mid-West of India, North Indian cuisine was as much a staple as traditional Tamilian dishes.

As I grew up, I became more partial to rotis and less so to rice. I would be very happy to eat rotis for every meal and avoid the other carb entirely. Obviously, this meant more work for my mom, because, of course, I would expect fresh, hot-off-the-tava rotis for every meal.

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