There's something magical about the stillness of the early morning – a moment of calm before the world awakens. For me, it has become a special moment where I can set intentions for the day ahead. And I've found that creating a morning routine with good habits can really help me feel more balanced and centred throughout the day.
Many relationships are forged and strengthen over meals or social events. Emotions evoked and lasting impressions are made when people come together at the table to share a meal. As a daughter of an hotelier our family moved often from country to country, always leaving behind friends and a community that had taken us in. It was never easy and yet I watched my parents form new friendships and build a social environment in each new city with ease.
If I was to describe some of my favorite foods and dishes I would say whatever one can pile into a bowl and mix together to savor all the flavors. Not only of each individual ingredient, but also as each item intermingles with the other there are a range of flavor explosions! That is the real kick I get from a dish.
The core of any Indian dish is always a blend of spices. As soon as the skillet heats up against the flame, one of the first ingredients to hit the bottom of the pan will always be a pinch of an aromatic spice. We Indians have been using them for centuries. A fundamental part of the Eastern life they are not only used in our cuisine but also for their healing properties. As the Romans followed the spice trails, bringing several spices back into the western countries, their culinary possibilities opened up a world into new tastes and blends.
With temperatures of -15 degrees C the only thing I have on my mind – the tiny part that is still left unfrozen – is warmth. If you remember the story of Nature Boy and Flirty Flannel Girl you will know I am once again featuring my hottest attire this season!
Wishing you all a fantastic, prosperous, healthy and delicious 2016! The last couple of weeks of 2015 were relaxing, with lots of family time, play time, relax time and food time - it was just the most ideal way to end a great year. 2015 was indeed grand! Before we dive into this sparkling new year it is a good time to take a moment to reflect, appreciate and celebrate the year gone by.
We’ve entered the holiday season! With Diwali just past we are heading towards Thanksgiving, Chanukah/Hanukkah and Christmas so I can imagine there is a lot of scampering going on all around the globe and the kitchens in many households are already filled with aromas of sweet baking, sugar and spice – all so very nice!
Are you on a diet currently? If you are then I just want you to know you are totally untrendy. Diets were a thing of the yesteryears. We are now in the era of “Wellness” and it has an entire league of “Wellness gurus” and worshippers as followers.
Summer vacations spent in India at my grandparents’ home in Delhi are forever etched in my memories. Their imposing house, at the end of the street, was nestled next to big open fields and further beyond those fields, small woodlands, that my brother, cousins and I called the “jungle.” Often, as we played out on the fields we would hear the howls of monkeys and the high pitched mewing of peacocks and other animals vibrating through the trees, drifting over the fields, sending us darting back to the house out of breath and petrified.
Pearling sensuously in the warm evening sun, the bulbous glass beckons with promises of crisp and chilled Riesling. The air, perfumed with a mix of earthy herbs, flowery lavender and spicy meat, creates a intoxicating melange for my senses. It is unusually quiet for a weekday and I am enjoying the luxury of stepping out of my accustomed routine.
What I love about living in a city like Weimar is the culturally rich secrets hidden away, tucked behind hills, around corners, behind the park or just across the street. Even after living here for 9 years I still find jewels that surprise me with their beauty and uniqueness. They are treasures that have transcended the limits of time and survived centuries of eras and seasons.
When Sandy and I visited the Landgut Holzdorf, just a few kilometers outside of Weimar I was left speechless on many levels.
“Militante!” shouted Giorgio punching the air with his fist and grinning at us as he turned around and walked back into the cool air-conditioned Ronda Locatelli leaving us feeling exhilarated, ready to take on the world. Giorgio Locatelli is a man of great passion and it is easy to become infected by his passion as he shares his love of good Italian food with many stories of his childhood.
The surprise Sally and I had arranged for the participants of the Dubai Food Styling and Photography workshop was a full on success. Meeting Giorgio Locatelli was a well deserved treat that happened later on the first day after a packed few hours of photography and styling techniques and theory. Sally and I had organized our second food styling and photography workshop in Dubai, this time at the gorgeous venue of Miele’s lovely gallery.
In a current school project, my son’s class is discussing dreams, wishes, ambitions and aspirations. Soeren with his 9 years old is very focused and pretty much knows where he wants to go in life. Although he might take up a totally different path and end up doing something completely different to what he dreams of now, what strikes me as impressive is that he has been able to find all the right resources he needs to pave his way for his ultimate goal.
Malta 12PM. As we step out of the chilled aircraft onto the stairs we are engulfed by the warmth. Thirty-three degrees, sunny skies and not a cloud in the sight: a great start to our two week vacation. Dressed for central European weather, my jeans begin to feel uncomfortable. .
The blustery days of Autumn, blowing leaves in shades of burnt orange and gold make me happy. The mornings are crisp and clean. Walking barefooted out into our back yard early morning, the coffee cup in my hand steaming white puffs in the cool air and the moist dew against my feet give me that needed moment of serenity before I jump into my day.
The cuisine of South Africa is a melting pot of flavors, aromas and ingredients brought to the country by the several cultural groups that have co-existed together over the past 350 years. Each cultural group made their impact on South African cuisine, making it vibrant and colorful. It’s not much of a surprise that the cuisine of South Africa is called “rainbow cuisine”
I know this roundup has taken a while to get posted. Golly we’re already looking forward to the next roundup. I’ve been pushing it back and finally I can present you with 74 grand Brunch creations from across the blog world.
When the weekend rolls around I am mostly in the mood for cooking slightly more extravagant meals. During the week we usually indulge in quick and easy meals. Couscous, rice, some vegetables and of course sandwiches and salads. I do not cook every night. By the time we are home and done with chores, homework and such things there is not too much time to get into the kitchen and cook a larger meal.
A new life sized poster of the very hot Jonathan Rhys Meyers stared down at me as I walked into the perfumery. "Anywhere in your Element" proclaimed the new Hugo Element Ad. I closed my eyes and was instantly transported to a day dream for a few seconds.
"Delicious!" I smirked as I came back to the real world. Heading towards the cashier I could hardly wait to bring my day dream to real life!
