Indian As Apple Pie

Chana Masla is the most requested meal in our house. But, before we discuss that, let's first talk process. Simply put, the method in which you do something - anything. For me, it's the hours, sometimes days it takes to perfect a recipe. Or, the months it takes to write a book - nights of giving up socializing with the other school moms, or lost play dates for my kids. Or, the struggle to lose my last 10 pounds, which seem to be stuck to my middle and holding on with dear life. I've realized that to attain any goal you have...

Growing up Indian-American outside of Philadelphia, we celebrated  ---- ummmmm ---- Christmas. Every December 25th, my mom would make a game of the presents, hiding them all through the house so that my brother and I could happen upon them while squealing with anticipation and excitement. One was behind the sofa, another under a table...you get the idea. We loved it but I realize now that it was assimilation at its very best. We were relatively new to this country (I was three when we came), and my parents were doing their best to make sure we fit in socially and culturally....

I figure this blog is about posting my losses as much as it is about posting my wins. I've had about a week to lick my wounds so here it goes.... Remember how in my last post I talked about cooking one dish in the crock pot for our holiday party? It was a pretty involved undertaking because we expected almost 100 people to attend our annual open house shin dig this year. Well, it started on a great note. I pulled out my external hard drive where I keep my super secret manuscript...nah, it not all that secret... And,...

Today, as I rifled through Neha's homework - my contacts practically dried out after a jet lagged-induced power nap at 6 p.m. - I came across a stack of construction paper strung together with curly yellow ribbon. On it were the words, "Thank You" handwritten and a little crooked in red marker. Almost as an afterthought I opened it up and found a stack of notes and pictures addressed to me. It took me a minute in my drowsy state to figure out that these were from the kids I did a demo for two weeks ago on Indian food....

Folks...here it is. After four tries I think this is as good as I am going to get it. I really hope some of you will try this recipe in your own slow cookers and tell me how it turns out. I need feedback on directions (how clear they are) and cooking times. And - of course - taste taste taste taste!!!!!!!! Butter Chicken (Murg Makhani) Cooker: 5-quart mediumSettings, cooking times: low for 6 hours, makes 13 cups Butter chicken is one of those dishes that has become synonymous with Indian food outside of India. I personally never grew up...

There's some things that stay with you forever - logically or illogically. One of the things that's clung to me all these years is something I read about esteemed Indian cook and food icon Madhur Jaffrey more than a decade ago. She was interviewed in a magazine article and told the reporter that whenever she traveled with her family for extended vacations, she always brought her spices along to be able to concoct her family's favorite dishes on the go. I don't think I realized how strongly I held onto that thought until I had the opportunity to interview Jaffrey...

Some of you have asked to be alerted in advance of what is cooking. Wow! What demanding taste testers!!! I love your enthusiasm and attempts to get me moving forward again with all of my cooking. I need your push to take the next step and finish testing all of these recipes. So, here is what's cooking.... Butter Chicken (Yes, again) I am making it for a fourth time to tweak the cooking time and the spices. Curried Cauliflower Traditionally made on the stovetop I modified for the slow cooker. My own father was amazed it could be done. I've...

My older daughter, Neha, is like a grumpy old man. She's always been like this - every since she was little. She gets up in the morning and there's always something to complain about. This summer the big thing was staying home. This past Saturday was no different. Sandeep and the girls made homemade muffins..they watched cartoons and we read the paper. Then it was time to do something outside, right? According to Neha, wrong. She sat in the top bunk of the girls' bed where I couldn't get to her and cried, "I told you I don't want to...

Folks, I was going to avoid blogging today but my cyber writing buddy C. on the west coast just became a follower of this site so I couldn't disappoint! Thank you to all three of you that are following right now. You're keeping me honest...and all my taste testers too of course. Keep the comments coming. Today, I revised my black lentil recipes. There will be three in my book: black lentils (dal makhni, black lentils and kidney beans, and Theen Tal Dal (Three Note Dal) with lentils, kidney beans and garbanzo beans. I want to post the last one...

Spicy Eggplant with PotatoesCardomom Laced Rice Pudding (with Basmati rice)Cardomom Laced Rice Pudding (with Brown rice) - this is an experimentPunjabi Curdy No I didn't say Curry. Folks this is the most amazing dish that you'll rarely (sadly) get on an Indian restaurant menu. I'm a little nervous to try this one. But I'm doing it today! So, I was pleased that after three days of soaking my one crockpot is finally CLEAN. The one in which I burned Juhi's simple kitchari recipe (rice and lentil porridge). I probably shouldn't be telling you all of this, but I want you...