Sips and Spoonfuls

Sesame Egg Noodles with Stir Fried Vegetables

2012-02-29T00:30:00.000-08:00

Note: So happy to find out that my blog has been nominated as Best Food Photography on a Blog for this year's The Kitchn Homies. I'd apprecite your vote here.

As I brought up Blogger on my screen to write this post, my mind went blank for a few seconds. I forgot what I was to write about. What dish had I photographed? What images had I edited? What exactly did we have for dinner the other night?

You see, I have been having many sleepless nights. I'm certainly not used to it. Maryam started sleeping through the night when she was a mere two months. I never knew what it was like to be up every few hours to nurse, change diapers, burp, rinse and repeat.

Hassan is different though. He certainly wakes more often and it's already taking its toll on me. I just haven't had the time to test recipes as I did previously and baking has taken a back seat. Nor for long though as I have had interesting flavour combinations I've been brainstorming in those late night feeding sessions. Pistachio and chocolate doughnuts, date and nut tea cakes, baklava ice cream sandwich anyone?

For now though, I hope I can entice you with our everyday meals. Like this quick stir fry. Organic egg noodles tossed in sesame oil and whatever vegetables you have on the side. Ready in less than ten minutes and eaten even faster. The perfect meal to prepare when time and energy isn't on your side.

As I quickly whipped this meal in the kitchen, Maryam made her own version of 'loodles' with playdough. We then stole a few quiet moments to have this simple lunch together. It was good- with plenty of crunch left in the vegetables. We sucked up the 'loodles' like vacuums.

I'm hoping to find some time this week to bring some of those baking ideas I've been dreaming about to reality this week. Soon I hope.

Purple Cauliflower Fritters with Garlic and Coriander Dressing

2012-02-21T08:50:00.001-08:00

Our weekends are usually unplanned at the moment. Unless we have a kids birthday party to attend (which has been the case for the last three weekends!), we play it by ear. It very much depends on what time the kids wake and how soon can breakfast be ready and eaten. Very casual, very spontaneous.

Kids. Plural. I'm still getting used to that. Still unbelievable to think I'm a mama of two now. But reality certainly hits when you've got two to bathe, two to dress, two to feed, two to pacify, two to put to sleep. One to entertain on the weekends for now.

We haven't been able to visit the farmer's market since it started in November lasy year. First it was the end of my pregnancy and then Hassan was born. But this weekend, I made a prior plan. We decided to have breakfast at the souk to make sure we reached on time- a beautiful shakshouka is what we had. A rich sauce made from roasted peppers, tomatoes and herbs, topped with poached eggs. Crusty bread to scoop it all up.

I had made a long list of fresh vegetables I wanted to buy. Strawberries and beets topped that list and I was very much disappointed to find neither. However, I then laid eyes on the most beautiful hue of purple. Rich, velvety, royal. I'm not a fan of cauliflower but the color drew me in as I picked one up with no clue as to what I'd do with this striking find.

And so on the journey home, I planned and plotted. I settled on these crisp cauliflower fritters. Lightly seasoned with cumin and chili flakes, it is only when you dip them into the garlic and coriander dressing does the flavour burst into your mouth. It was perfect over a bed of baby spinach.

And so that is how our weekend was spent- a royal breakfast followed by a royal find which eventually transformed itself into a perfect weekend lunch.

Click on recipe card to print

When My Camera Found a Purple Cauliflower

2012-02-18T05:06:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in life, things go by unnoticed. Beautiful yet simple, we miss them because we don't have the time to sit and stare. Things that are often overlooked by our eyes but not by a camera. I have never been a fan of cauliflower- it had never held my attention really. That is, until this beautiful purple hue caught the attention of my camera. Had it not been for photography, it would have passed me by. For that, I will always be grateful to my humble camera.

My mind is buzzing with recipes- a cauliflower pakora or simply roasted and tossed with greens? How do YOU like to eat yours?

Chocolate Nutella and Hazel Nut Brownie Cake

2012-02-14T11:56:00.001-08:00

We haven't spent much time together. You see, I've been busy and she is confused. Before, my world revolved around her. She would be the first thing I set my eyes on when I woke. Or rather, when she woke me up. And the last thing I checked on before I went to bed. Just to make sure she was still tucked under her blanket.

But recently her world has been turned topsy turvy, she is in a midst of a hurricane. She doesn't quite understand why. Why I'm always in a hurry? Why we don't go to the park EVERY day? Why I don't feed her EVERY meal time? Why I don't drop her to nursery anymore?

Why do we never mange to finish the story at bed time? Why don't we have play dates anymore? Why don't we spend hours playing in the bath nowadays? Why do I have to share my toys? 'Why' has been a prominent question in our home lately. Sometimes I have an answer, a lot of the times, I evade the question.

Whilst Maryam is loving being the big sister and having a young brother to cuddle, play with and experiment on (!), she hasn't been liking the fact that I cannot spend all my time with her. There just aren't that many hours in the day anymore. But I had a plan. A surprise to make it all better again, to make ir right, to make her happy. Like old times.

The first thing she asked when I had gotten back from hospital was, 'Mummy, can we make 'loodles' and carrot cupcakes?' So I knew baking had to be involved. I told her the night before that we would make a brownie cake for Valentine's. And a card for Papa. She was excited with a twinkle in her eye. 'I'll chop the nuts. And mix.'

And that's exactly what we did for Valentine's. I measured. She chopped, whisked and mixed. And tasted of course. That is always part of the plan. Together, we baked and for a little while, there was a pause in the WHY. That is how we spent our Valentine's. Simple. But with a decadent treat. A chocolate brownie cake with hazel nuts and Nutella. It was gooey, fudgy and the perfect end to our dinner.

Carrot Pudding

2012-02-07T02:41:00.000-08:00

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Last week, I wrote about a cultural and religious custom where we shaved Hassan's birth hair. I had quite a few comments and curious emails asking about this practice as well as the recipe for the carrot pudding I made to celebrate and remember this day.

Both my children were born with a full mop of velvety luscious locks. Everyone from the midwife to the cashier to strangers have remarked about how much hair they have. I could never get enough of stroking their silky heads.

But alas, this never lasted long. It is a customary to shave the birth hair on the seventh day of a baby's life. Since Hassan was in hospital with jaundice, we managed to get this done only last week. In a way, it worked out perfectly to coincide with my Mom being present as well.

The ceremony is done to gather friends and family around and share the joyous occassion of a new arrival. This moment is taken as an announcement of a child's birth and a sweet treat is always made to mark an even sweeter occassion.

I decided to make this carrot pudding after my wonderful neighbor Simi sent me some. Incidentally, she had a baby boy just a few hours after me. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day with lots of laughter, photos, memories made with family around the dinner table and and sweet endings.

Click recipe card to print

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Crouton Spaghetti

2012-01-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

It has been nearly three weeks now since Hassan graced our lives and changed our family dynamics forever. We have been busy getting to know one another and I haven't spent as much time in the kitchen as I would have liked to. Instead, I have been busy eating whoesome meals prepared by my Mom and Mother in law.

Yesterday was the first time I prepared a three course meal to celebrate shaving his hair. It is customary to shave the birth hair on the seventh day of a baby's life but since he was still in hospital recovering from jaundice, we decided to do so yesterday. I was quite sad to see his beautiful locks disappear and Maryam was quite alarmed to see his 'curlies chopped off.'

To celebrate the occassion, we ate together with close family and shared a simple meal. My Mom prepared a fragrant cumin scented pilaf with a spiced version of this mung soup. And for dessert- we had a cardamom infused carrot pudding. Lots of butter, lots of pistachios and lots of love. A complete meal with loved ones.

It felt good to be back in the kitchen and even better to be sharing it with my Mom. The best part was getting back to photographing. Doing what I love and enjoy the most- creating and eating good food and photographing it.

Today though, I want to share with you a simple pasta dish I created a few weeks ago for the third issue of House of Fifty. I've been making this version of spaghetti for about two years now, since Maryam started eating pasta actually.

It has evolved as Maryam's palate has become more sophisticated. What started off as mere spaghetti tossed in olive oil has now seen the addition herbs, roasted tomatoes and garlic croutons. When Maryam is going through her picky phases, this is one meal I know she'll relish. Who knows what it will transform into as she gets older.

Head over to House of Fifty for more images as well as a recipe for focaccia. Also, I would like to thank all of you for the lovely comments and messages you left on my last post. Me and Akber really enjoyed reading through each and every single one of them. Thank you!

Click above for printable recipe card

A New Life- Hassan Akber Rajabali

2012-01-26T08:03:00.000-08:00

Life has completely changed for us in the last two weeks or so. We have been overwhelmed, overjoyed and deliriously happy by the arrival of a brother for Maryam- Hassan Akber Rajabali. Thank you so much for all your Facebook messages, emails and tweets.

So many of you have asked to see photos of our sweet little man. The first few weeks are always difficult and I have found it hard to find much time to do much else but look after our little man, let alone take many photos. Many sleepless nights, midnight snack cravings, constant nursing- I had forgotten how much time newborns take up.

Maryam is naturally smitten with her little brother. On her first day back at nursery, she innocently asked if she could take Hassan to school in her bag. When I said the bag was too small she brought a larger plastic bag! She is relishing the role of big sister and taking it very seriously. On the other hand, it has been hard to be able to give equal attention to her as well but I hope to find a balance.....Soon I hope.

In the mean time, we have been spending all our time and energy around Hassan- spending hours just staring at his little face, his funny newborn expressions, his smiles when he sleeps, the way he completely shuts his mouth when he is full. Such a little guy and so much personality already.

I am so grateful to have my Mom and Mother in law cooking for us in the last few weeks. Although I have felt the urge to get straight back into the kitchen (Maryam requested carrot cupcakes and noodles as soon I got home from the hospital), I have taken this time to bond with the family. I realise with how fast Maryam has grown that these times won't come back.

And so I'm loving each moment, saving each memory, making the most of each day....

Cinnamon Infused Clementine Custard

2012-01-05T06:40:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant with Maryam, I had many cravings. But healthy ones. Cravings for foods that would nourish my body and that of my growing baby. I went through phases where I would eat boxes and boxes of strawberries. Then came watermelons- I couldn't get enough. I preferred eating them as is but would relish them in salads, smoothies as well as granitas.

This time has been different though. The cravings have been rather unhealthy. Every night after dinner, I seem to gravitate towards dessert. Anything will do really- a cheesecake, coffee ice cream, brownies. Sometimes when there is no sweet treat in sight, even a few small squares of dark chocolate will suffice.

As the arrival of baby number two looms close, I thought I'd treat myself to one more dessert, one more indulgence, one more craving before I start to eat healthy again. And this clementine custard certainly hit the spot. A pinch cinnamon for warmth, citrus for some freshness and zing.

I have been eating these beautiful French clementines for a couple of months now. Perfectly formed, sweet but not overly so and the most scintillating orange red hue you will ever see. They usually don't last long in our house. Either Maryam will eat them as is or I will have juicy slicy with some vanilla infused yoghurt for breakfast.

But I saved a few aside for these clementine custards. The fragrance of clementine and cinnamon simmering in a pot made the whole house warm. A small dose of sunshine in our day for what has been a chilly start to the year in Dubai. There was also a citrus tabbouleh we had which I look forward to sharing with you soon. Perhaps after baby comes along?

Click above for printable recipe

2011: A Year of Discovery

2011-12-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

Didn't 2011 just fly by for you? It certainly did for me. For us- me, Akber and Maryam. When I look back at these pictures, I see a trail of how far I've come in terms writing, photography and just life in general.

I started the year off by sharing with you a very private part of my lfe, one I hadn't spoken about before and not even my closest friends knew about. Then there were happier times as we celebrated Maryam's second birthday- the day was full of sunshine, joy and lots of cake and laughter.

2011 was also the year my little lamb started nursery, was potty trained, learnt to count, dance, paint and much much more. She became independent, wanting to 'choose' everything herself from her clothes to her food to what doll she wanted to play with. Two is such an independent age.

May saw the start of my foray into editorial work as I started writing and photographing recipes for various magazines. I can say that I had truly found something I love doing, something I take such pride and joy in, something that excites me and teaches me new things.....everyday.

This also coincided with a new look for the blog. That was such a turning point for me. I love the new sublime design. More muted, cool and relaxed. Not long after, I spent the summer back home in Tanzania.

A blissful summer where I was pampered and looked after in my first trimester. As I recovered, Maryam was introduced to the joys of drinking fresh coconut juice, eating steaming cassavas straight off the grill and rice and coconut fritters.

We spent the peak of summer and Ramadhan back here in Dubai and Maryam started nursery full time. After a wonderful, relaxing weekend in Ras al Khaimah in October, it was back to work and I had the pleasure of working for various online magazines. With a 2 year old, baby number 2 on the way I didn't think I would manage to cook and photograph much. But I'm happy to say that our kitchen has been busier than ever.

Especially when my parents visited in October. Sharing kitchen space with my Mom is always such a joy. She is such a natural in the kitchen I can't wait ot have her back in January.

And so that was our year- the year of discovery. Maryam discovered her independence and I, my true vocation. 2012 will begin with a new life Inshallah. I don't know what else it will hold for us but I look forward to whatever it is. I wish you a wonderful year ahead- full of health, laughter, family and of course, food. Thank you for being a part of my journey this year. Will you stay around for 2012?

Cappuccino Truffles

2011-12-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to celebrate Christmas. I yearned for all things festive- glittering decorations, sparkling trees, a frosty winterland when I peek outside my window, intricately decorated cookies. In fact, one of the highlights of living in London was getting caught up in the spirit of Christmas.

The beautiful lights that lined Oxford Street, the food hall at Harrods adorned with exquisite delicacies, even the romantic adverts on TV. I was especially keen on the Marks and Spencer adverts which came out every Christmas.

However, my mum was never keen on the idea. We never celebrated Christmas as she always wanted to hold on to our culture, traditions and religion. And now that I am a mother, I understand that. However, I do want Maryam to enjoy the holiday period. The festive Christmas nursery rhymes, the magical aura of Santa. A winter wonderland full of snow, elves and reindeers.

Living in the middle of a desert means some elements need to be left to the imagination. However, we did celebrate in our own little way by attending a lovely gingerbread decorating session at Sally's house. Later that week, Maryam helped me wrap a present for a round of Secret Santa at nursery. She had a wonderful party there with lots of cookies, mince pies and learnt some new Christmas nursery rhymes which all the children sang in front of the parents. Besides devouring cookies, her favorite part of the day was sitting in Santa's lap and receiving her present.

That glow of excitement and amazement in her eyes at the sight of Santa appearing from behind the Christmas tree was priceless. I'm really glad we have found a great balance of being able to celebrate and embrace different holidays, festivals and cultures whilst still holding onto our own identity.

This is the perfect time to share these truffles with you that I made for Mowie's Christmas Issue. Perfect bite sized treats with a kick of coffee and a crunch from the pecans. I also made some pear tarts with a chocolate crumble, some hazelnuts and coffee. You can get the recipe for the pear tarts here (page 142 onwards).

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with their loved ones with plenty of snow, laughter, cookies and presents. And of course plenty of family time.

Arabic Shawarma

2011-12-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

As the cool winters begin to show their true colors, I crave food that is wholesome, fillng and.....just plain comfortable. The kind that you can eat sprawled on your sofa, your feet covered with a warm fuzzy blanket. Food that nourishes you physically and mentally, food that nourishes memories, nourishes the soul.

Comfort food makes me feel relaxed and happy. It’s food that jogs memories, fond memories. Food that gives me a feeling of warmth and satisfaction. And that is exactly what a Shawarma does for me. Shawarma is an Arabic pita wrap overflowing with shaved chicken or lamb. A crunchy tabooleh or fattoush salad accompanied by either tahini or hummus complete this Middle Eastern street food.

Here in Dubai, it is a common sight at every souk corner to see layers of meat and fat slowly being cooked on a spit. A juicy tomato and onion sit like a crown on top of the spit, lending its own special flavors. The meat usually cooks for a whole day before a chef expertly runs a sharp knife in a rhythmic fashion, up and down the spit, shaving thin slices of meat.

This is quickly collected into a hot pita bread and tossed around with various crunchy vegetables. French fries or pickled gherkins can also make an appearance in a shawarma. Lastly, a generous serving of garlic dip and Tabasco sauce finish of this popular street food.

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Dubai's National Day. Forty days of festivities included a delightful invite to Arwa's home for a demonstartion on authentic Emirati cuision which I can't wait to tell you more about including some very special recipes and ingredients. Maryam also had a fun cultural day at school where she went dressed as a Tanzanian 'dada.'

She had such a great time that every morning since, for a few days at least, she thought there would party! We ate food from around the world, sang songs in many languages and even had a fashion show. Mine and Maryam's favorite snack of the day was Muhalla- a sweet crepe made of dates and cardamom. I look forward to sharing the recipe with you soon.

Today though, I’m going to share my version of shawarma with you. It is a special recipe purely because it comes from a special culture, one that I have embraced as mine. It may not have originated in Dubai but is still very Middle Eastern. I hope the warmth and comfort of Dubai’s street food and culture will emanate from this recipe, from my country to yours, from my home to your kitchen.

This recipe was also contributed to Foodiecrush Magazine's first issue. It features many of my favorite bloggers. You must take a look.

Apple Cardamom Cake

2011-12-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

Something has been on my mind for a few weeks now. I've been pondering over it for some time. Should I, should I not? Will I succeed? What will Akber and Maryam think? Are they going to be open minded and accepting? Or will they scoff at me and turn up their noses?

You see, the reason I've been so hesitant is because I've been thinking of breaking a marriage, a union, a relationship. A longstanding one that has stood the test of time. A marriage with no fights and arguments. A marriage that is an example, one that everyone looks up to. One that is ideal and perfect but also boring and ordinary.

But the urge was too great and so I did it. It felt good.... I was relieved and at the same time apprehensive but when I got the nod of approval from Maryam and Akber, I knew I had done the right thing. Just in case you're wondering, I'm talking about the harmonious alliance that once existed between apples and cinnamon.

The two have always gone hand in hand. But I have found a better partner for the apple. A match that may be unconventional but still comfortable- apples and cardamom. They form a happy family in this cake that I adapted from this Pear and Almond Cake I have made numerous times. Out with the old and in with the new and everyone who ate a slice agreed. Apples and cardamom are very content with one another, they compliment each other.

Click recipe card to print.

What more could you want from a relationship? Roasted almonds and custard played happy friends with this delicate cake. Try this new combination and you won't be disappointed.

Have you broken a longstanding (food) relationship? Were you happy with the results?

Mung Bean Soup

2011-11-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

As I sit here typing this post, the clouds outside are swelling up again. Whether they will rumble and pour rain is a different matter. Even though I mentioned in my last post that I probably wouldn't be seein stormy skies for a while again, it surprised me with another unexpected visit.

I do enjoy the cooler weather- it gives me a small time frame within which me and Maryam can do our outdoor activities. But with this change in weather also comes the abundance of bugs, viruses, nasty colds and poor health. Maryam came down with a fever which then passed on to the rest of the family like falling dominoes. There was no stopping it. What started off as mild quickly escalated into one of the highest temperatures she has ever had. That was followed by a runny nose and sore throat.

And of course I was next in line. I don't know if it's the pregnancy but I find it much harder to recover from any minor coughs or colds at the moment. Being pregnant and sick with a toddler who is also ill is never fun and during times like these, I love a hearty soup that will mend everything.

I have mentioned plenty of times that soup doesn't grace our tables often enough but slowly and surely, I am trying to change that trend. I learnt this particluar soup my my mom BUT my love of mung beans started at my mother in laws house.

She always says 'mug ne pug che' which is a Gujarati saying that literally translates into 'mung beans have legs.' What it means is that mung beans have the necessary nutrients to give you strength, health and vitality. Put you back on your feet, nurse you to health.

And so we've been making this often. Actually, beans are Maryam's favorite meal, always have been. Especially now that she's going through a vegetarian phase. I'm not sure how long it will last, the vegetarian phase as well as the sore throat! I'm hoping both vanish as abruptly as they put in an appearance.

Mini Apple and Cinnamon Bundt Cakes

2011-11-21T04:32:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked what I thought was the quintessential fall fruit. My mind instantly turned to apples. Perhaps it was the abundant sea of warm reds and lime greens that welcome me every time I enter the supermarket this time of the year.

Or perhaps it was the weather. That morning, when I woke up and looked at my clock, it was 8am. I turned to ask Akber to check his watch and I heard a muffled '8am.' But how could it be? There were no rays of bright morning light sneaking past my shutters. Maryam, my dependable alarm clock, had failed me that morning as well. She was fast asleep.

I opened the shutters and the scene that greeted me was one I hadn't experienced for a while, probably won't see it again in the forseeable future. Dewy mist, grey skies, hazy views, crisp air, even some rain. Some....not a lot. And not for long. But we savored it whilst we could. Until it makes an appearance again. Some day......

And so to welcome the cooler climes in Dubai, I developed these three fall recipes for BBC Good Food Middle East using apples. Although I instantly think of desserts baking when I imagine apples, I enjoyed experimenting with it versatility by using it in a salad and soup as well.

From the three recipes, this one for apple cinnamon bundt cakes is my favorite, the one that excited me the most. It's as though cinnamon was created to be used with apples. Almost like you can't have one without the other. A lasting reunion.

I used some homemade applesauce that Maryam normally eats with her banana and porridge for breakfast. I wished I had added some whole chunks of apple in the batter. Next time. There surely will be a next time. Perhaps I'll rock that happy marriage of apple and cinnamon by replacing it with some cardamom?

In other news, I have made some minor changes to the way I have laid out blog posts. You might see some pops of colors here and there. The recipes can also be printed out by clicking on the recipe card at the bottom. Color is such an important part of food, of photography and of nurturing creativity and that's what I am hoping to do.

I was inspired by this post Rosie wrote on art, color and inspiration which introduced me to the beautiful concept of Design Seeds. It is as though color is for the eyes what music is for the ears. You can get lost in both these sites and happily spend hours looking at various color palettes that you may never have imagined. Do you like the new changes here on Sips and Spoonfuls? I would love to hear your opinion.

Spicy Roast Potatoes

2011-11-14T03:10:00.000-08:00

Three simple words- Spicy, Roast, Potatoes. Yet, they evoke a myriad of emotions, abundant comfort, contentedness. There is nothing a simple dish of potatoes roasted in olive oil with a sprinkling of herbs and seasoning can't cure. Oh, and a dash of chili flakes for good measure. It may be known as the poor man's food but to me, there is nothing more filling, more flavorful, more adaptable then a humble potato.

The past few weeks have been a busy time for me with parents visiting, my sister having a baby and a few projects I have been working on. But no complaints from my side. I'm loving the new career direction this blog has helped me to take.

But it's times like these when I try to make quick meals that require minimal time and preparation. Yet, are wholesome and healthy. When I saw this bag of red baby potatoes at the supermarket, ideas started buzzing in my head- creamy mashed potato, home baked fries, warm potato salad.

But I finally settled on roasting them. Simple. We had this as a side dish with barbequed lamb chops. It was the perfect weekend lunch. I found that the best way to achieve a tender and creamy centre, yet a crackly crunch on the outside is to bake the potatoes covered with foil until cooked through. Then grill them for the last five minutes to achieve the crispy coating.

The best thing about roasted potatoes is its versatility- reinvent it according to what herbs you have growing on your balcony, what spices are gracing your pantry. Dress it up by adding it to a simple salad of red chard. The possibilities are endless.

So if you haven't already got a full menu planned for Thanksgiving, why not try making some roast potatoes? Warm, cozy and comfortable- isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about....and of course family!

Baking Again

2011-11-12T03:10:00.000-08:00

I've been at it again. Just couldn't contain myself. It didn't help that Maryam was perching on the counter- ready to chop some nuts, whisk some batter and get her hands grubby. There's nothing more that she likes to do. And of course, taste some batter along the way! 'She takes after you,' Akber remarked. If you give her the choice between coloring or helping Mummy, we both know exactly what she would pick.

So what is the next thing YOU will be baking? Me- Well, it depends on how fast this new batch of muffins disappear. Chocolate, bananas, pecans, hazel nuts. I doubt it will take long.

Celebrating Eid al Adha and a Blog Anniversary with Nutty Coconut Vermicelli Truffles + GIVEAWAY

2011-11-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned before that I love celebrating Eid? Even more so now that I have a growing family. There is nothing like the anticipation of opening presents, devouring sweet treats and wearing brand new clothes when you have a two year old. It makes holidays even more special, more magical than they already are.

Eid al Adha is all about that and more. It is a time when millions of Muslims gather each year- different cultures, different races, different nationalities. Yet, all dressed in white representing human equality. They all perform rituals that culminate on Eid al Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, in Mecca.

Maryam was extra excited this year as she got to 'choose' what outfit she would wear. She is going through an independent phase where she wants to 'choose' everything from her clothes to her food, to what spoon she eats with.

And as with any celebration, food is an important part of this festival in my home- it bonds our families, it drives conversation and camaraderie, it creates unforgettable memories. Food brings us all together on this day and lunch menus generally consist of biryani and sweet vermicelli, jalebis and samosas. Sweet bites such as cookies, chocolate bars and cakes are also prepared as nibbles for visiting relatives. And Eid isn’t the same without presents- Maryam ravenously tore through layers of wrapping paper to get to her treasures.

This year, I’m inviting you to my home to celebrate Eid al Adha. Come take a peek into my kitchen as I prepare sweet treats eaten during this festival. I’m making truffles with a difference- sweetened vermicelli paired with chopped almonds and pistachios. Add some fluffy coconut to the mix and you have an eclectic truffle.

And then these buttery and crunchy pistachio cookies with pistachio butter cream.- melt in your mouth perfection. I was so thrilled to contribute recipes for both these nibbles to the latest Holiday issue of House of Fifty magazine. You can find my work, more photos and the recipe for the Pistachio cookies on page 118 onwards. It's also been one year since this blog was born and so I have double reason to celebrate.

In the meantime, I leave you with the recipe for vermicelli truffles and a wonderful giveaway to mark the one year blog anniversary. Kenwood sent me their latest True Blender BL480 and besides using the metal lined grinding mill to chop almonds and pistachios to make these truffles, I have also been using the blender to make fluffy pancakes. The blades are wonderfully sharp and it even has an ice chopping function. With a baby on the way, I can't wait to experiment with new baby foods using the BL480.

Here is how you can enter:

1) Follow @sipsandspoonful on Twitter

2)Tweet the following: I entered to win a Kenwood Blender via @sipsandspoonful http://tinyurl.com/co6f4ob #giveaway

3) Like Kenwood Middle East on Facebook

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5) Follow Kenwood Middle East on Twitter

6) Subscribe to Sips and Spoonfuls by Email or RSS feed (links on top right hand corner)

Note: Please leave a separate comment for each of your entries or else they will not count. Please leave a valid email so you can be contacted.

The giveaway will run until midnight on Monday 21st November 2011. A winner will be announced on Tuesday 22nd November 2011. Giveaway is open to Middle East and Africa residents. Product provided by Kenwood Middle East but all views expressed above are my own and I have not been paid to do this review.

Cinnamon Rolls

2011-10-31T00:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, all it takes is a packet of woody, fragrant and curled cinnamon sticks to inspire me, brighten my day and warm our home. I bought a bag of these fresh curly spices and whilst unpacking the groceries, I knew I had to incorporate them into our day.

My parents were in town last week to visit a new addition to our family. Nope, not me......my sister. She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Fatema just over two weeks ago, hence the lack of blogging. Who knew a wee baby could take up so much time and attention. Maryam is besotted with the new 'doll' and we constantly make visits to my sister's apartment. Good thing she lives in the same building as me.

Besides spending time with my family, I have been busy developing recipes, cooking and shooting for various magazines, both locally and online. I can't wait to share these with you. Stay tuned in the next few blog posts.

But just because I didn't get a chance to blog doesn't mean we haven't been eating fresh, homemade , wholesome food- my mum's favorite apple crumble, cinnamon and cardamom spiced shawarmas that my dad requested, green moong bean soup, cumin scented pilaf. There's just something else about spending time with my Mom in the kitchen- food is more flavorsome with plenty of laughter, stories and tips shared around our dinner table.

And then there were these cinnamon rolls. Pillowy swirls encased with freshly ground woody cinnamon, butter and brown sugar. Oh, and some chocolate chips for good measure. They were perfect with afternoon tea at the park.

October also marks one year since this blog has been running. I do have a special post planned with a giveaway that I'm sure you'll love. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy these cinnamon rolls. Me and Maryam certainly did.

Pomegranate Molasses and Arabic Fattoush Salad

2011-10-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you I have been having a lot of cravings lately? Not all healthy I'm afraid. There's coffee ice cream with chocolate fudge sauce, nutella doughnuts. Do you see a trend here- anything with chocolate will do.

However, there is one healthy snack I've been munching on guilt free. Nature's jewels, I like to think of them a nature's rubies. Pomegranates. Even their name sounds regal. Did I tell you my mum's name means heaven's pomegranate in Farsi- Anar.

Although it's a messy affair trying to get these treasures out of their shells, especially when a keen 2 year old helper is involved, the results are worth it. Maryam loves to peel them because that means she can eat them straight away. Raw and fresh. Other times, we coat it in some thick, creamy yoghurt infused with vanilla seeds.

Since moving to Dubai, pomegranates have featured commonly in our meals- as garnishes on hummus and pilafs, as refreshing cocktails, as tangy marinades. But my favorite use of this is in a fattoush salad. My very own individual salad as Akber describes it. Yes, I eat this solo when I make it or order it at a restaurant. It really is too good to share.

The crackle of the Arabic bread, the marriage between sweet and savory, the crunch from every mouthful of peppery radish, the juicy explosion of each cherry tomato. That is how I would describe fattoush.

I have included a recipe for pomegranate molasses too, an essential part of this salad. Although it is readily available in Middle eastern countries, it is so easy to make at home.

A Birthday Weekend in Ras al Khaimah, a New Life and a Banana Cake With Passion Fruit Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-10-04T04:07:00.000-07:00

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We have never been big birthday celebrators. In fact, to date I can only remember two birthdays that have stood out for me- the first was in my early teens when my Mum planned a surprise party for and as cliched as it may sound, I have never been so surprised and overwhelmed. The second was fairly recently when I received some shocking news regarding my health on my birthday.

But this birthday was different. We decided to spend the weekend relaxing, eating and playing- and resting. We'll definitely be needing the rest in just a few months time. You see, I've been wanting to share this news with you all for quite some time. But I waited.....and waited.

Until now I can no longer fit into my regular clothes. I eat at odd times, have unusual cravings. I'm constantly hungry, sometimes irritable, always grateful though- grateful to feel the vibrations of tiny kicks inside me, kicks that make me toss and turn at night, kicks that reassure me everything is OK.

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Me and Akber are so excited to welcome a new little lamb to our family very soon and Maryam can't wait to become a big sister. She talks to her new sibling everyday but isn't excited at giving up her crib or high chair just yet.

So since traveling abroad is no longer an option, we decided to load up the car with family and spent a lazy weekend in Ras al Khaimah. We started the day with a pancake cake that I had made the night before. As usual, Maryam assumed it was her birthday and insisted on blowing out the candles. I promise to share that recipe soon but I couldn't get any good shots with all the commotion in the morning.

On arriving in Ras al Khaimah, the views from our hotel were breathtaking, magnificent. The hotel is perched on a cliff and scenes of endless blue seas beckon at its feet. We headed straight to the beach- sunk our feet into the hot clammy sand, built sandcastles and collected shells. When Maryam wasn't busy burying herself in the sand, she was splashing in the pool, playing with the gentle break of the waves. We rested lots and played cards.

In between all that, there was lots of eating- we had fresh fish, cheesecakes, paper thin crepes filled with maple syrup, pear and almond tarts and exotic Lebanese platters. All washed down with the freshest juices. And of course ice cream to cool off.

We had a fabulous weekend, a birthday to remember. And of course, my last as a mother of one. Today I'm sharing with you one of my latest cravings- a homely banana cake. It really is the best recipe for banana cake I have ever eaten or baked. Try it- you must!

And be sure, that in the coming few months, many sweet cravings will be shared in this space. Can't wait for another wee baker to join our family.

Announcing Winner of DMBLGiT September 2011

2011-10-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

I never realised how hard it is to judge someone's photography until I hosted last month's DMBLGiT. Photography is so personal- each photograph tells a different story for each indivdual, speaks a different language to each individual, relays a different emotion for each individual.

All seventy five entries were a brilliant effort and I'm so grateful for my fellow judges Laksmi, Sylvie, Meeta, Ilva and Hannah for their opinions and scores. Here are the beautiful winners:

Overall 1st Place:

Juls of Juls' Kitchen (Canon EOS 350D, 50mm 1.8)

Overall 2nd Place:

Michelle of Greedy Gourmet (Canon 5D, 24-70mm 2.8L)

Overall 3rd Place:

Egle of Zaidimu Aikstele (Nikon D80, 60mm 2.8AF Micro)

Edibility Category Winner:

Chang Pick Yin of Life is Great (Fuji S2 Pro, 50mm 1.8)

Originality Category Winner:

Anja of Anja's Food 4 Thought (Nikon D90, 60mm lens)

Aesthetics Category Winner:

Allison of Pease Pudding (Nikon D80, 60mm Macro)

Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who participated. If you would like to take part this month, please make sure you send your entries to Bobbie.

On a side note, I was thrilled when Gulf Photo Plus asked to feature me in their September newsletter. You can read about my photography journey so far here.

Chocolate and Nut Bark

2011-09-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

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One of my most favorite things to do after dropping Maryam off to the nursery is to while away the time at the bookshop. I usually scoop half a dozen of my favorite food magazines into my arms, trying my best not to draw attention to myself.

I then spend the next few hours snuggled in a cozy corner, browsing each one page by page, cover to cover. As I turn each glossy page, I'm transported to another world, enamored by the beautiful pictures, intrigued by the unusual recipes.

I take it all in and when I leave, my mind is buzzing with new ideas, unfamiliar recipes and the excitement to rush home and try them out. Like this one. I recently read a recipe for a no bake cookie with various nuts and wafers, all amalgamated together with a mixture of condensed milk and melted chocolate. Although I don't remember the exact magazine nor the exact recipe or ingredients, I knew I wanted to try something similar.

Now, I have a special relationship with nuts so I knew that this bark had to be about the nuts. I love them all- pistachios, almonds, pecans, hazel nuts. Green ones, crunchy ones, toasted ones, sweet ones. There isn't a nut I don't love and I like to appreciate them in all their forms. Maryam too.

We don't generally get very far with cooking with them as she is constantly popping them into her mouth. Then another. And another. And before we know it- 'Mummy, it's finished.' It has ceased to surprise me when I find a stray one in her toy box, behind the sofa, on the carpet or in her doll's pushchair. Nuts and raisins too.

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I decided to make this as a surprise addition to her lunchbox. But they didn't make it that far. We took them along for the road on our way to Ras al Khaimah last weekend. It's always been an unsaid tradition to bring a snack for the road on any car journeys for weekends away or picnics.

The recipe is fairly versatile- just use any nuts you have on hand. I added some raisins too as Maryam is a fan. I didn't really have a plan with this recipe, use whatever you have on hand. Hopefully this week I will manage to edit the rest of the pictures from our trip and share them with you along with a birthday cake.

Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by Scharffen Berger.

And just a quick reminder that the worldwide giveaway for the Braun hand held blender ends tomorrow so if you haven't taken part, you can do so here. Winners of September's edition of DMBLGiT will also be announced soon. Till then....

Announcing Judges for DMBLGiT September 2011

2011-09-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone who sent me me an entry for this month's Does My Blog Look Good in This. Entries can be viewed in this Picasa gallery. All I can say is I'm so grateful for five of my favorite bloggers and photographers who will be helping me judge this month's entries as it is going to be a hard task choosing the winners. And here they are!

Laksmi is the mysterious face behind the enthralling blog Pure Vegetarian. Photography is part of her spiritual quest and 'offers a way to perceive and to record what already exists.' She is a Bhakti yogi and as the name of her blog suggests, cooks healthy and wholesome meals full of goodness. Laksmi's photos are light, ethereal and original.

Sylvie Shirazi is a freelance food photographer and food writer. On her blog, Gourmande in the Kitchen, she shares simple everyday recipes that celebrate the joy that food brings to our lives. She believes that food has a unique story to tell us through it's texture, color and shape, and brings this to life through her camera. Through her blog, Sylvie hopes to inspire others to follow their instincts, trust their taste buds, and find a sense of confidence in the kitchen as well as behind the camera.

Meeta's love for food photography stems from her obsession with food itself and she combines her passion for food and photography on her multi-faceted blog What's For Lunch Honey? Meeta's perspective on food photography and styling is unconventional and she is not afraid to break certain rules to capture the perfect shot.

Ilva is the author of the award winning blog, Lucillian Delights. She works as a freelance photographer specializing in food photography and food styling. Currently residing in Tuscany, she cooks seasonal foods using local ingredients. By her own admission, she is a lover of Swedish cakes and desserts.

Hannah is the author and photographer behind the blog Honey and Jam. She is a lover of 'simple things, fresh ingredients and flowers, tea with honey, good music, bluegrass and big band, trips to the farmers market and early mornings.' She captures life and food beautifully with her moody photography.

In the mean time, I'm off to spend a lazy weekend in Ras al Khaimah. I'll be back with images of our stay, of memories made, of relaxing times and a birthday cake. I'll leave you with an image of what I've been whipping up in the kitchen this week- something special I've been working on. I promise to share it with you very soon.

Cappuccino Cupcakes With Whipped Cream Frosting

2011-09-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

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What did you want to be when you grew up? Me..... well, that depended on what age you asked me. When I was around six or eight, my most favorite thing to do was gather all my play china, build a tent out of bed sheets and play families with my neighbor. Funnily enough, I always wanted to be the Mummy who would cook and bake and make exotic things in the play kitchen.

All that changed when I was twelve or thirteen. Summers were spent in London with my grandparents and besides strawberries, trips to Alton Towers and Trafalgar Square, there was also the lure of Wimbledon tennis. I got my first crush........on a tennis player!

I became obsessed with tennis. I bought my first racket, my first white skirt and wanted to be a tennis player. Even a ball girl would have been ok. I spent hours in front of the television and begged and pestered my grandparents to take me to watch a game live.

Then came the modeling years. I was always tall for my age and towered over the rest of my peers at school . My family would tease me that I should become a model and the idea stuck in my head. I spent hours locked in the bathroom trying on my mum's make up and pinning my hair in different styles. I even cut my own fringe and threw the hair out of the window. That phase ended when I forgot to lock the bathroom door and my mum caught me looking like a drag queen.

Finally came the time to choose my 'real' career. I was excelled at English Literature at school and loved looking for hidden meanings and messages behind words. However, my parents weren't too keen on me studying Literature at university so I finally settled on Optometry.

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And so I have had many such phases in life where I've constantly felt like reinventing myself, learning new skills, craving new aspirations, discovering new talents and.......just enjoying life. I wrote all this because even though I have never met Emma in real life, I am so proud that she is following her dreams and aspirations- to become a pastry chef.

Emma, I wish you all the best. You have achieved so much in a short space and I can see many wonderful things in your future. I hope you enjoy these coffee cupcakes with a light whipped cream frosting. Airy and spongy.......with just the right amount of kick.

You can find the recipe for these scrumptious cappuccino cupcakes here. Also the worldwide giveaway for the Braun hand held blender is still running so if you haven't taken part yet, you can do so here.

Hearty Tomato Soup and a Worldwide Giveaway

2011-09-12T05:37:00.000-07:00

There was no grey clouds nor could I hear the pitter patter of drizzle on my balcony. Not a single person wrapped up in a cozy jumper nor smoky fog on our windows. Instead the blue sky was devoid of a single cloud to protect from the scorching sun. I could see clearly for miles and miles into oblivion, people walked in shorts and T shirts at the park. Yes, I could spot plenty of umbrellas but no rain! Only to protect them from the wrath of the sun.

As I stepped outside, the humidity caused my glasses to instantly fog up. I knew then and there that summer was still here, with a vengeance. Yet, I still needed to be comforted and held. To feel cozy and warm- from the inside. I needed a splash of color, a splash of ruby, a splash of happiness.

We made this whilst Akber was travelling. As I've mentioned before, we are not big soup eaters. However, there are times when only a soup can fill a void, when only soup can cheer you up. And that's exactly what this soup did for me. And for Maryam.

We ate this with some crunchy garlic bread on the side and a sprinkling of fresh herbs crowned the soup beautifully. Feel free to substitute the herb of your choice and whatever juicy tomatoes you have in season. I have also made a version of this soup with hot water in the place of chicken stock.

So as I dunked our warm garlic bread into the rich and hearty soup, making sure to pick up bits of fresh parsley with each swipe, my worries wiled away, my heart started to feel warm and my soul started to cheer up. And I anticipated the cool winters of Dubai, the shady grey clouds and the thick quilt of fog that welcomes my early morning drives.......

Today I'd like to give away a Braun Multiquick hand blender. I used it to blend my tomato soup and loved the results. The best feature for me was the fact that it was cordless which meant I could blend my soup in the pan rather having to transfer it into the blender (and also the fact that my soup didn't splatter everywhere). The blades are wonderfully sharp and it has several attachments for chopping and ice crushing.

Picture Courtesy of Braun

Here is how you can take part in the giveaway (you have multiple chances of entering by doing one or more of the following):

1) Follow @sispandspoonful on Twitter and come back and leave a comment that you did

2) Follow Sips and Spoonfuls on Facebook and come back and leave a comment that you did

3) Subscribe to Sips and Spoonfuls by email (link on the upper right corner) and come back and leave a comment that you did

4) Tweet the following and come back and leave a comment that you did : I entered to win a free Braun cordless blender via @sipsandspoonful http://tinyurl.com/3zkfhx2 #giveaway

PLEASE REMEMBER: Leave a separate comment for EACH of your entries or only one entry will be counted.

Good luck. The giveaway will end on Monday 29th September at midnight. One winner will be selected at random from a valid entry and be sure to leave a valid email. You will need to claim the prize within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Note: I received this product from Braun but all the above views are my own.

Announcing Does My Blog Look Good in This (DMBLGiT) September 2011

2011-09-08T05:32:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce that I'll be hosting the September 2011 edition of Does My Blog Look in This (DMBGiT), a food photography event initiated by Andrew.

Here are a few rules and regulations just in case you are not aware:

1) Only one food/ drink photo entry per person

2) The photograph must have been taken by you

3) The photograph must have been posted on your bog anytime between August 1st 2011 and August 31st 2011

4) Deadline to submit entries is September 20th 2011 at midnight

You can enter by emailing me your entry on sipsandspoonfuls@gmail.com with the subject- DMBLGiT. Please include the following information in your email:

1) Your name

2) Link to the original blog post

3) Include the photograph as an attachment (should be 640 pixels wide)

4) Title of the photograph

5) Lens and camera used

All photographs will be loaded into this Picasa gallery as I receive them. Each photograph will be scored based on aesthetics, edibility and originality. Three overall winners will be selected plus 3 winners who scored the highest in each of the above categories. Winners will be announced on October 1st 2011.

By submitting a photo, entrants agree to their photo being redisplayed and altered in size on the host’s page and on the Spittoon Extra DMBLGiT page.

To help me judge, I have the help of some wonderful judges and friends. They are all wonderful photographers in their own rights and I'm so grateful they will be helping me judge this edition.

I cannot wait to see all the beautiful and original works of art that I will receive. In the mean time, I'm leaving you with a glimpse of my next post- warm and comforting. I will post the recipe..............soon. And a fabulous worldwide giveaway to go with it.

And I couldn't resist posting a few pictures of Maryam's first day back at nursery. She had the most wonderful day and didn't want to come back home. I'm so grateful.

Vibibis- Rice and Coconut Pancakes

2011-08-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

As Ramadhan draws to a close, Muslims around the world will be busy in preparation for Eid. This is usually my most favorite time of the year. Counting the days for Ramadhan to finish and eagerly awaiting the sighting of the new moon to celebrate Eid.

Uusually the night before Eid, last minute presents are packed, last minute cookies are baked and last minute alterations made for the lunch menu. Pristine new clothes are laid out to be worn the next day and hands are adorned with traditional henna.

Same rituals and traditions every year. Yet, renewed excitement each year as well. Our menu normally includes biryani, samosas and sweet vermicelli. Children excitedly tearing through wrapping paper and adults counting their cash to give away.

Before the month of Ramdhan bids us goodbye, I want to share one last recipe for foods that normally grace our Iftar tables. Vibibis are the Tanzanian take on the American pancake. The batter is made up of rice and dessicated coconut mixed with milk and coconut milk. A touch of cardamom and you have a perfect snack with cardamom tea.

Light and airy like clouds. So for all those celebrating Eid, and also for those who aren't, I wish you a time of laughter and family, of togetherness and charity, of love and sweet treats.

I'm sending these vibibis to my friend Kulsum who is hosting this month's Monthly Mingle, the theme being yeasted doughs.

Arabic Lentil Soup

2011-08-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Like many of you, I currently don't live where I spent my childhood. Dubai is what I currently call home. Although my parents don't live here, I have another wonderful set of parents that I can call my own, my sister lives in the same apartment building as me and I have made a supportive network of friends. How can I forget Akber and Maryam.

This is where I have made my home, my family. We moved to this apartment when two years ago when it was just a shell. With time, we have filled it up with furniture, love, memories and a growing family. And wonderful aromas of baking, play kitchen and a wall overflowing with photos.

Before coming to Dubai, London is where I called home. I didn't have family close by, my fridge was always empty and I had never used the oven there. But I remember London for other reasons. It is the place where I 'grew up.' I mean really grew up. I graduated there, learnt how to pay bills and ran my own business.

And thus, I have been an expat for the last ten years. I love it, so much so that sometimes I don't even consider myself one. Sure, there are a few obstacles that come with being an expat. Leaving family and friends behind, leaving a network of support behind, learning everything from scratch including the language, the roads, the culture. But that process of discovery is exhilarating too, isn't it?

But for me the best part of being an expat is embracing the culture, taking something from each country and making it your own. It gives you a sense of belonging, I feel like I blend in. When I lived in London, it was the culture of eating fish and chips. Wrapped in a newspaper, served with lashings of salt and vinegar. So much so that my chips would become soggy. And I made this culture mine. Thick, soggy chips that my wooden fork had difficulty picking up. I can still taste the salty, acidic flavour in my mouth, even now.

Today I'm embracing the Middle eastern tradition of breaking your fast with soup, lentil soup in particular. Each culture and country has its own traditions in Ramadhan, from the way you break your fast to the foods and drinks consumed during this month. Here in Dubai, you will find that every restaurant and hotel will serve lentil soup upon breaking your fast. Although in my home it is unheard of to have soup in Ramadhan, in Dubai it is a must, a tradition. One that I have embraced and made my own.

I did an interview with The National newspaper yesterday discussing Ramadhan culture and traditions in Tanzania. And next week, I'll be sharing a special recipe for vibibi- a traditional East African pancake, eaten in Ramadhan and made with rice and coconut- light and airy as clouds.

Care to share any special food related traditions observed in Ramadhan in your country or culture?

Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce

2011-08-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Last week was a tough week for us. Thursday morning, we were awoken to the sad news that Akber's grandmother had passed away. She had led a fruitful and energetic life well into her nineties. She had been battling minor illnesses that come with old age for a while. Still, our hearts were heavy with sadness.

Akber left to accompany his parents to Dar es Salaam and be with the family. That left me and Maryam plenty of alone time.

Usually, our days would have been filled with play dates, park walks and swim time. However, with the scorching Dubai summer and me fasting, we have had no choice but to remain indoors.

Instead, our days have been filled with lots of baking, partly for her but mainly for me. To keep my mind occupied. She helped with whisking, pitting dates- anything to get her hands dirty.

We made these light and moist sticky date puddings together. Topped it with a smooth toffee sauce and some whipped cream on the side. 'One for Mummy, one for Maryam.' Or maybe two.

Dates are a favorite of Maryam. She thinks they are chocolate and I'm not complaining. We took some of these puddings for Iftar at my sister's house where I have been breaking my fast since Akber has been away. It is an unspoken tradition to bring a small token or gift for the hostess. And what better than a home baked dessert- light and airy. Rich, yet filling. With extra toffee sauce on top.

Any leftovers? I saved a couple for Akber when he returns this week. I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

Rosemary Bread Rolls Stuffed With Cheese and Chilli Paste and a Giveaway

2011-08-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

If there is one food that I love and wouldn't be able to live without, it would have to be bread rolls. When I was a little girl, they were a staple around the house and Mummy was an expert at creating different flavors and fillings to entice us.

Sometimes she would stuff it with chicken and vegetables. Other times it would be smoked shredded beef. Often she would delight us with a nutella filling.

I loved the anticipation that came with taking my first bite, waiting for the flavors to explode and discovering a new filling.

Now that I have a little girl, the similarities between us are striking. It seems she has a love of bread just like her Mummy. 'With butter?' she'll ask? Yes, bread always has to slathered with copious amounts of butter. And of course, the butter has to be soft and room temperature! Otherwise, she has now learnt to hold the little butter packets tightly in her palm to get them to soften. Smart girl, isn't she?

Although this isn't my Mummy's recipe, Maryam loves this soft pillowy bread roll that my friend makes. It's certainly a roll with character- scented with fresh rosemary and garlic. I chose to fill it with an Arabic cheese called Kiri cheese (a type of cream cheese) and added some chili paste for the adults. Just like my friend does.

As the roll bloomed and baked and scented the house with rosemary, I waited. And waited. And tapped my fingers. And imagined sharing this flavorful and fluffy ball of goodness with Mummy. Would she approve of this new filling? I think so, no?

Bread rolls make a regular appearance on our Iftar tables- they're easy to make, can be prepared in advance and small enough to be eaten as finger foods. Would you like me to share with you a chicken bread recipe next time?

And now on to the giveaway. Well, it's a rather special one. Earlier this year, I bought a ticket to attend the Food Blogger Connect in London UK from 12- 14th August. There will be renowned speakers including Jaden Hair of Steamy Kitchen and Todd and and Diane of White on Rice Couple. The ticket also includes a special pass to attend a food photography and styling workshop with Beatrice Peltre of La Tartine Gourmande.

Due to personal circumstances, I won't be able to attend. So I'm giving away one ticket worth nearly $600 to a lucky reader. This giveaway has not been sponsored by any company. You are responsible for your own travel and stay to the venue. This giveaway is open to readers worldwide. More information about the venue and speakers can be found on the Food Blogger Connect website.

Here is how you can take part in the giveaway (you have multiple chances of entering by doing one or more of the following):

1) Follow @sispandspoonful on Twitter

2) Follow Sips and Spoonfuls on Facebook

3) Subscribe to Sips and Spoonfuls by email (link on the upper right corner)

4) Tweet the following : I entered to win a free ticket to #FBC11 via @sipsandspoonful http://t.co/KtAwmiO #giveaway

PLEASE REMEMBER: Leave a separate comment for EACH of your entries or only one entry will be counted.

Good luck. The giveaway will end on Tuesday 9th August at midnight. One winner will be selected at random from a valid entry. Be sure to leave an email as I will be emailing you straight away to pass you the ticket. You will need to claim the prize within 24 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Monthly Mingle Round Up and Ramadhan Kareem

2011-08-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

A month of blessings, a month for new beginnings, a month of forgiveness, a month of restraint, a month for giving. One of my favorite months of the whole year is here. Ramadhan to me, means all the above and more.

It is a time that I love to spend with my family. I cannot imagine iftar (the time of breaking your fast) sitting on an empty table on my own. Actually, when I moved to Dubai, it was one of the first things I was most excited about. The prospect of sitting at a large table brimming with food commonly eaten in Ramdhan and bustling conversation to match.

Aaaah, that is what I missed the most when I llived in london- that sense of togetherness, that feeling of belonging. I feel so blessed that I have a complete family now with whom I can share this blessed month with.

So this August, I invite you to my home, my kitchen, my dinner table. I will be making foods that we normally break our fasts with, foods that are commonly found in most households. Comfort foods that evoke memories of childhood iftars.

Thank you so much to everyone who took part in Monthly Mingle in July. I was overwhelmed with all your entries. All so individual. I got to discover new blogs and revisit some old favorites. Below is a round up of all your beautiful creations.

Can you guess what I'll be cooking with the above ingredients? Ramadhan Kareem.

Peach Ice Cream With Raspberry Swirls

2011-07-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

A season of renewal and rejuventaion, a season of togetherness, a season of growth, a season for love. That's what comes to mind when I think of summer. It is a time for the sizzling sun to embrace my arms, a time to hear little arms splashing in the pool, a time to feel the flutter of excitement about holidays and a time for indulging in seductive foods.

But my definition of summer keeps fluctuating. Up until my teens, summer signified freedom and a time to discover a new world, the unknown. Me and my sister would spend two months of our summer holidays with my grandparents in London. Everything about London was a stark contrast to home- Dar es Salaam.

We loved the fresh cold air, the quaint houses where you could hear your neighbors brushing their teeth if you listened hard enough, the long walks in the park with dew beneath our feet, the sweet smell of my Grandma's roses, the numerous shopping trips to the city, the joy at feeding the ducks- there are just too many memories to list here.

But my most vivid memories of summer holidays are intertwined with food. I loved losing myself in the supermarket aisles, admiring the luscious berries, the furry peaches. The fresh smell of washing up powder drew me, the rows upon rows upon rows of cereals enthralled me. You see, Dar es Salaam at that time never had supermarkets! I was in heaven. I still am every time I visit this city- Sainsbury's is usually my first pit stop.

London truly was the city of dreams. It is where I learnt to ride a bike, where I bought my first Barbie, where I longed to be a ball girl in Wimbledon, where I ate my first peaches. That baby soft skin, that juicy dribble down my arms, that delight at finding a huge stone in the centre. I still remember. So in keeping with summer, in keeping with peachy first and in keeping with London- here is a creamy dreamy peach ice cream recipe with a raspberry swirl.

Where is the London connection to the recipe? It's my grandfather's ice cream recipe. He lives in London and apparently made the best ice cream according to my Mum. Then there's also the memories of the musical ice cream van whom I first encountered in London. But I'll leave that for another blog post!

This is my submission for Monthly Mingle this month which I'm hosting. The theme is stone fruits.

Guest Post- Deeba Rajpal of Passionate About Baking Presents Apricot and Plum Cobbler

2011-07-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have reached home after spending six precious weeks with my parents in Dar es Salaam- where every whim of mine was catered for, where Maryam slept in the same bed as I did while growing up, where she buried her feet in the same beaches as I did when I was younger. I am back from this dream and trying to wade my way through reality.

As I do this, I would like to welcome the wonderful wonderful Deeba who authors the stunning blog, Passionate About Baking. She is a veteran blogger who has been perfecting the art for more nearly four years. What draws me to her blog is not only her enviable collection of vintage props and beautiful, distinct photography but also tales of her teenage children and her role as a 'domestic engineer.' I look up to her- not only as a blogger, writer and photographer but also as a mother and wife. Deeba, it's an honor to have you here today.

Food blogging, food cultures, cuisines and food props have made life so much more interesting. I seem to be moving from guest post to guest post, having promised my fabulous blogger food pals a guest post just as July began. Finally found time to write a post for my very sweet and talented friend Sukaina of Sips & Spoonfuls. I met her about a year ago and was blown away by her photography skills and her refreshing food posts. Throw in a naughty as can be strawberry obsessed toddler, and you know the posts are happening.

It is my honour to do a guest post for her. Sukaina creates magic with her camera. Look at this post and you will see the beautifully captured country her parents call home {in Dar es Salaam}; every frame calls my name. I love the angles she clicks at, and admire her creative ability.

She longs to come over & visit India, much like Shulie @ Food Wanderings and of course my true twin sistah Jamie @ Lifes A Feast. There is nothing we all want to do more than prop shop, or shall I say proppa shopping!

Sukaina has eyed my vintage, weathered pots, pans and knives for long, so I couldn't help but create a post for her around my favorite ones. They are from my little old shop in New Delhi, a city where most of my food props have been sourced from. Look at how beautifully stone fruit pairs with these rustic pots and pans. This is my entry for the Monthly Mingle.

This was a pan scraping good cobbler indeed, full of the the goodness and deliciousness that stone fruit offer, the juices that oozed over absolutely delightful. It offers the pure joy of baking with stone fruit. The sweet tartness of the fruit, the nuttiness of the almond meal in the topping enticing the palette ... all good stuff! As the lad said, "This is REALLY good Mama; can I have more?" Scrape, scrape scrape ... the teen just helped herself to seconds!

Recipe: Apricot & Plum Cobbler

Summary: A cobbler full of the the goodness and deliciousness that stone fruit offer, the juices that ooze over are absolutely delightful. The sweet tartness of the fruit paired with the nuttiness of the almond meal in the topping entices the palette.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

Filling
500gms apricots
300gms plums
100gms strawberries, frozen
Juice of 1 lime
100gms sugar
1/2 vanilla bean scraped
2 tbsp cornflour
Topping:
125gms {1 cup} plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
140gms {1/2 cup} whole almonds
50gms {1/4 cup} vanilla sugar
100gms {1/2cup} unsalted butter, chilled, diced
70gms low fat cream

Method:

Make the filling:
Stone the apricots and plums, dice them, place in a large bowl and toss them in the lime juice. Dice the strawberries and add to the bowl with the rest of the filling ingredients. Mix well with a spatula. Leave for 15 minutes.
In the meantime, prepare the topping.
Place the plain flour, almonds, baking powder and sugar in the bowl of your food processor and process till ground. {Thermomix Speed 10/ 20 seconds}
Add the chilled butter and process briefly until you get a breadcrumb like mix {it will be clumpy} {Thermomix Speed 5/15 seconds}
With the machine running, pour in the cream and process until smooth. {Thermomix Speed 5/15seconds}
Turn into a pastry bag with an 3/4" nozzle {I used a piping bag with the end snipped off. A ziploc will work just as well}.
Pipe a scant 1 tbsp bit into the bottom os each dish {1/4 cup if you are making 1 large serving, and spread uniformly with an offset spatula}.
Warm the fruit slightly in the microwave for 30 seconds, and divide into your baking dishes.
Pipe blobs of the topping over the top, leaving gaps in between to get the cobbled look. {The topping will spread while baking}
Bake for 30 minutes {45-55 minutes for 1 large serving}, check if a knife tip inserted into the topping comes out dry.
Serve warm {or cold as we like it in summer} with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cream.

Guest Post- Joy Zhang of Joylicious Presents Chilled Soba Noodles

2011-07-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's the last few days of my holiday and whilst I savor every last bit of home cooked food, every last moment spent with my dear parents, every relaxing picnic at the beach and cherish every last memory, I have invited the wonderful Joy of Joylicious to share part of HER childhood, her heritage and her memories here with you today. Not only does Joy have superb and original photography on her blog, she interweaves it with wonderful stories of her past, her family and her future aspirations. Joy, it is a pleasure to have you here today.

One of the many reasons why I enjoy the world of Food Blogging is all the amazingly talented people
you meet along the way. It’s beautiful how in this vast Universe, we’re able to meet people from all
different parts of the World with the same loves, passions and excitement for life and wonder for food.
Sukaina from Sips and Spoonfuls was gracious enough to ask me to guest post for her stunning blog –
where I often follow her stories of her family, especially adorable little Maryam through her captivating images of food, love and life. Thank you for inviting me to your wonderful space today dear Sukaina.

Growing up, I often helped my father tend the garden where we’d grow tomatoes, squash, and
cucumbers to our fill. As his farming roots are deeply embedded into his being from his father and
the Cultural Revolution, once we moved to the US it was one of the few things he brought with him:
gardening. There was something fascinating about watching food grow from seed to plant, then to
flower and finally to sweet, sweet fruit. As a result I now find that it’s become embedded deep within
me, finding life and glory through all things living.

When we bought our first home last year and finally had our own backyard space, Collin and I wasted
no time in getting starting our very own garden. I’ve missed the feeling of the warm Earth beneath
my fingers and toes or the way the Sun smells in your hair after a long day. To be deeply connected to
nature, where two hearts beat as one – what better way to melt away stress and anxiety? What better
notion to achieve pure relaxation?

I’m sharing a very pure and simple recipe today – a melding of both Korean Nangmyeon and cold
Japanese soba noodles. I often buy my eggs through a local organic egg-farmer and with the abundance of cucumbers coming from our garden I figure I’d celebrate the beauty of Summer and perhaps even a little relief from the heat.

Ingredients for Chilled Soba Noodles with 5-minute Egg

Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Cooking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

3/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes

1 tablespoon oriental sesame oil

12 ounces soba (Japanese-style) noodles

1 large English hothouse cucumber, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise

2 farm fresh soft boiled eggs (I did 5-minute)

Directions:

Warm vinegar, sugar, in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar
dissolves, about 1 minute. Stir in garlic and jalapeño. Cool. Mix in soy sauce, sesame oil, and
red chile flakes and set aside.

Cook noodles in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring
occasionally. Drain well. Rinse under cold water; drain again. Transfer noodles to dish-
towel-lined platter to drain. Transfer noodles to large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat.
(Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Add cucumbert to noodles and toss gently. Arrange salad on platter. Top with soft boiled egg
and serve immediately.

(Adapted from Epicurious)

Monthly Mingle for July and Scenes of a Holiday

2011-07-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have so many things I want to share with you from my holiday, my country and my family here in Dar es Salaam. Today I leave with you some images from my ongoing holiday- it’s just a taster!

I am also excited to announce that I will be hosting this month’s Monthly Mingle, brainchild of Meeta of What's For Lunch Honey. And you guessed it- the theme is STONE FRUITS. So if you have a blog post dated this July 2011 that includes a stone fruit, you have till the 31^st of this month to submit an entry.

You must provide a link to this post and/or the official Monthly Mingle page. Please feel free to use the Monthly Mingle Stone Fruit badge for this month which is right at the beginning of this post.

You can send a link to your post to sipsandspoonfuls@gmail.com. Please incude the following details:

Your name
Your blog’s name and URL
The name of your dish/food/entry and the URL/link to your Monthly Mingle Post
A 500-pixel-wide photo

And please write Monthly Mingle in the subject of your e-mail!!!

I look forward to you entries and will post a round up at the beginning of next month.

What is your favorite stone fruit? Will you be mingling with me this month?

Grapefruit and Mint Cooler and the Disappearing Crocs

2011-06-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

A few days before we left Dubai for the summer, Akber wanted to spend some quality time with Maryam and me. This would be the first time they would be part for more than two weeks and he wanted to do something special, a memory that Maryam could take back with her to Tanzania, a day she would always remember.

And boy was it a day to remember. The sun was scorching when we woke up- nothing a bit of cold grapefruit couldn’t cure. I had it for breakfast as is but judging from the pained expression on Maryam’s face, I’m not sure she was too pleased with its tartness.

Akber had planned a boat ride on the Marina for us- perfect for the heat, perfect for an adventure, perfect for making lasting memories. Maryam loves the water and so a boating adventure was most appropriate. She thought the Marina was a LARGE swimming and wanted to dive in. ‘Splash, splash’ was what she wanted to do.

And then I heard a big splash- followed by a burst of tears. Maryam had taken off her favorite orange crocs and threw them precariously on the ledge. Off they went with the wind and into the marina.- yes, memories were certainly made.

To this day she remembers her orange crocs. Every member of the family knows the notorious story behind the case of the disappearing crocs. Although on the day many tears were shed, many promises of new shoes had to be made and many bribes were offered, she now proudly tells every person she meets that ‘I TUPA (throw) orange shoes in the water!’

After a bribe of chocolate ice cream, we came home to cool down with a glass of grapefruit and mint cooler that I had made earlier with some leftover grapefruit.

We all needed it after the day we had just had- cooling for the mind and body.

Grapefruit and Mint Cooler

Ingredients:

1 grapefruit
1 cup water
Sugar to taste (I used just over a ¼ cup)
1 handful mint leaves
Ice and extra mint leaves for garnish

Directions:
Boil the sugar, water and mint leaves until the sugar has just dissolved. Sieve out the mint leaves if desired (which is what I did) for a more subtle mint taste. Juice the grapefruit and add the juice and the sugar mixture into a blender. Blend until just incorporated. Cool in the freezer before serving with ice cubes and mint leaves.

Grilled Red Snapper

2011-06-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hello there......it's been a while hasn't it?! I'm sorry I've been missing in action- so much has happened, I don't know where to start. Let's just say that I got quite ill and rushed to the first place I could think of where I'd be nurtured back to health. My parent's place. So here I am in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on my way to recovery. Nothing serious but thanks for all your messages of concern. I won't be blogging as often as I'd like from here as the internet connection is just too slow and forgive me for not commenting on your blogs for a while.

Since I'm here in Dar es Salaam, I thought it would be apt to share with you one of my earliest memories of this place- accompanying Mummy at the crack of dawn to the fish market every Sunday morning. While the world slept, she bundled me and my sister into the car, our eyelids heavy with sleep. We drove the short five minute journey in silence, savouring the tranquillity before the storm.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-05-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of a new beginning- leaving old memories behind, a new start, a new path. Will you join me on this new journey?

49 posts ago, I started this blog on a whim. It was late night and me and my best friend started throwing out blog names at each other. The next thing I know I was treading on unknown waters, untravelled paths and unfamiliar destinations.

49 posts ago, I started this blog when Maryam was 18 months old. I was disillusioned with my career and job prospects or lack of. I had always dreamed of being a stay at home mom and I was living that dream. So why the feelings of failure, of frustration, of discontent.

But all that changed 49 posts ago when this blog was born. This blog was initially created to fulfill the void I had of not having a career, a life outside of home, a place where I could use unleash my creativity.

Don't get me wrong- I'm so grateful I don't HAVE to work and have a full time job and can spend most of my day with sweet Maryam. But any Mom will relate to the fact that you need an identity of your own, something to mentally stimulate you, something to distinguish you from being a Mom and a housewife.

49 posts, ago, what was borne out of not having a career, has BECOME a new career. Although by trade I'm an optometrist, I seldom woke up in the morning excited to go to work. Through this blog, I have found my true vocation, my true joy. Every morning, I am excited to pick up my camera, cook foods that I haven't before, capture foods in a way I never thought possible.

49 posts ago, I would never have met you all. I'll be very honest and say that if it weren't for all your lovely comments and emails, tweets and facebook messages, the buzz of blogging wouldn't have been the same. I'm so grateful you read the blog, cook things from it and report back. I truly truly appreciate it and hope you will continue to accompany me on this adventure.

And finally, 49 posts ago I didn't have the pleasure of knowing a special person. This woman is a force to be reckoned with. She is kind, generous, giving, articulate, an amazing photographer, a good listener, beautiful and.....well, I could go on. Sylvie, you are amazing and I hope you know that. Sylvie has always helped me in some form or another, be it for my photographs, my writing, choosing this wonderful blog name and helping me with design. Thank you so much being my friend and guide. I truly appreciate it.

While I do have a fantastic giveaway to mark the launch of this new name and site (it will run next week), I want today's post to be about you. Thanks you so much. As a way to thank you, I'm sharing a chewy chocolate chip recipe with- one that has been requested by many of you.

In return I'm going to ask for a small favor. Can you tell me what you'd like to see more of on Sips and Spoonfuls? Also, my facebook page has changed- would you care to like me here?

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar

1 tbs vanilla extract

1 egg

1 egg yolk

2 cups milk chocolate chip cookies

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 165 degrees Centigrade. Line a cookie tray with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together, the flour, salt and baking soda.

Using the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, beat the butter and both white and brown sugars until light and creamy. Add the egg, followed by the yolk and vanilla extract. Beat thoroughly. With the mixer speed on low, add the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Using an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, dollop cookie batter onto the parchment paper leaving ample space around each one. Bake in the oven for 17-20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool the cookies on the cookie sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack.

Makes 27 cookies.

Poached Pear Crumble With Chocolate, Coffee and Nuts and Some News

2011-05-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Note: My latest post was eaten up by Blogger as well as your lovely comments :( So here it is again.

The night lights appeared as tiny jewels twinkling outside, Akber was laying on the couch with heavy eyelids. Maryam was breathing rhythmically, curled up in the fetal position and clutching her blanket- fast asleep for the past three hours.

It was past 10pm and I had a very sudden and urgent need to bake. You know the type where a new recipe invades your mind- it won't let go, your heart buzzes with anticipation. Should I add one or two tablespoons of coffee powder? Will almonds pair better with the pears or perhaps hazelnuts? No I think hazel nuts....or wait. Maybe both. Should I serve it with cold custard or hazel nut ice cream?

Since starting a blog, I have had many such urges- urges to check my email at odd hours, urges to chat to my Twitter friends, urges to take photographs before the sun sets, before hungry souls demolish it. Most times I enjoy the exhilaration but every once in a while, the influx of technology as well as the obsessive trait in my personality can become overwhelming.

However, when the urge to bake at odd and unusual hours results in a beautiful recipe like this poached pear in a coffee, chocolate and hazel nut crumble, I'm not complaining. The idea for this recipe came form a cozy dinner I had a few months ago at a restaurant here in Dubai. They served this in a mini tartelet with chopped pears at the bottom buried in a nutty crumble with delicate hints of dark chocolate and coffee- a match made in heaven.

I remember very slowly eating my way through this dessert, savoring each single bite, trying to decipher the flavors and ingredients. With each mouthful, a new flavor unraveled, a new experience for the palette, a discovery of a new ingredient. I had a twinkle in my eye on the way home, one that always makes Akber weary. He knows what follows- a midnight baking compulsion.

I am ever so pleased to share with you some very exciting news. A few months ago, Sally of Aquarius Magazine asked whether I'd like to shoot and style a 2 page recipe spread for their May issue. After her phone call, my initial reaction was disbelief. Then I screamed my way around the house before calmly calling Akber and my parents.

This pear crumble was one of the recipes featured along with cherry tea cakes, apple tarts and raspberry pancakes. Thank you Aquarius for giving me such a fantastic opportunity so early in my career. I look forward to working with them again very soon so watch this space!

Lastly, I'd like to also let you know that this is the last post where you will see the polka dots on the sidebars and the Lick My Spoon banner at the top. For my next post (which also marks 50 posts for me), I will be changing the whole look of the website along with a new name. I'm very excited for the unveiling and really hope you like the new look too.

Poached Pear Crumble with Chocolate, Coffee and Hazel Nuts

Ingredients:
1 ½ cup all purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
120 gms butter, room temperature
120 gms dark chocolate, chopped
3 tbs cocoa powder
4 tbs coffee powder
½ cup hazel nuts, chopped
5 pears
mixture of whole spices such as 1 cinnamon, 1 star anise and 3 cloves

Directions:Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Centigrade. Peel the pears but leave the stalks intact. Put the pears into a pan with 1 tbs coffee and your spice mixture. Add enough water so that they are fully immersed. Boil on medium heat until a skewer can easily pierce the pears (about 30 minutes). Set the pears aside on a cooling rack.

Mix all the rest of the ingredients together so that it resembles breadcrumbs. Take 5 ramekins and place a poached pear into each one. Fill the ramekins all the way to the top with the crumble mixture. Pat down gently. Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes. Serve immediately with hazel nut ice cream.

Makes 5 pear crumbles.

Rice Pudding with Saffron and Cardamom

2011-05-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

'Maryam help?' she enquired, her yellow striped apron tightly wrapped around her waist, a rolling pin in one hand and her play oven mitt in the other! She meant business. Maryam usually sits on the kitchen counter when I cook, watching my every move, studying me, then emulating me.

Just last week I caught her arranging her cakes and cutlery on the window and taking a picture. She loves taking my phone and running around the house squealing- 'Picture Mummy? Picture.'

The window sill has become her favourite part of the house. She can sit on there for hours, reading a book, organising her play vegetables and cutlery or sometimes just laying there- 'Mummy, I'm so tired!' Yes, she told me that!

When she was younger and less mobile, I would strap her into the bouncer and place it on the dining room table. From there, she would peer at me, mesmerized by my every action- watching me as I stirred the wooden spoon 'click clack' against the side of the pan, observing the flicking of my wrists as I sieved flour or wondering where Mummy had disappeared to when I knelt down to open the oven. When I got back up- she roared with laughter, thinking I was playing a game of peekaboo with her.

Today she helped me make rice pudding, stirring the pot and looking a my face for signs of approval. 'You're going to be just like Mummy when you grown up.' I certainly hope so. Rice pudding was my favorite dessert when I was growing up, still is. When I went to study in London, every time I went back home, my Mummy would make this for me on the first day I visited. She still does and I can never get enough of it. The aroma of rich saffron intermingled with earthy and sweet cardamom would embrace me like a warm blanket as soon as I entered the home I grew up in.

I have been known to eat this pudding for breakfast as well as dessert. I like to eat it cold with chopped puri, haphazardly mixed in a bowl. Maryam on the other hand liked to have her 'kheer' spooned on top of the puri. She ~~bit~~ nibbled at the puri like a squirrel, savoring each bite, not wanting for it to finish. She then licked the rice from around her mouth, relishing every last bit. Satisfied. Like mother, like daughter.

Oh...did I tell you we made this for Maryam's masi- my sister. She was craving it one night and I decided to surprise her the next day. She is pregnant after all and it's the least I could do for her.

Rice Pudding with Saffron and Cardamom

Ingredients:
1/2 cup rice- soaked in water overnight
385 ml evaporated milk
150ml condensed milk
1/2 cup + 2tbs milk
2 pinches of saffron
1 tsp freshly ground cardamom powder
chopped pistachios and almonds

Directions:
Wash the rice 2-3 times in water and soak in water overnight.
In a pan, add the soaked rice and enough water to fully submerge all the rice. Boil the rice until it is overcooked and very soft. It will begin to resemble porridge and the water will start to dry up (about 45 minutes). Add to it the evaporated milk, condensed milk (I used 2/3 of the can but you can add more or less depending on and fresh milk. Take 2 tbs milk and add saffron to it. Heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add this to the rice mixture as well as the ground cardamom. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, stirring often so the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. If it does, then put a heavy bottomed skillet underneath. Sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving. You can serve immediately or after chilling

Serves 6.

Chocolate Dipped Tangerines, Visit to the Organic Farm and Magazine Feature

2011-04-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of hopes for this week. For lazy walks on the beach collecting shells. Gently rocking on the seesaw back and forth at the park. Sinking our toes into the damp grass in the play area downstairs. It was Maryam's spring break last week and I had racked my brains for ways to keep her entertained.

In my day, a few coloring pencils and some scraps of paper would have kept me amused for hours. But not Maryam. She's always on the go, like a butterfly prancing from one room to another, building memories with her lego, painting flowers for her virtual garden. A whirlwind, she leaves a trail of destruction behind her.

But alas, it was not meant to be. We had some unusually stormy weather here in Dubai with a little drizzle of much needed rain here and there and some lightening. This brought with it dusty shamals and the weather just did not permit us to enjoy the outdoors. But we had an exciting trip to a local organic farm in Abu Dhabi that I wasn't going to cancel for anything. I met Sayeer at the farmers market and organised a trip on Saturday with my friend Sarah and her 7 year old son.

I had excitedly told Maryam all week that we would be visiting a farm where she could finally meet all the characters that make up such a big part of her world- imaginary friends from her favorite nursery rhymes. I told her she would meet 'baa baa black sheep' and 'moo moo there' and the fuzzy 'cuckoo' from her cuckoo book.

It took us one and a half hours of driving to reach the farm with Maryam singing different renditions of 'baa baa black sheep' the entire journey. She munched on these chocolate coated tangerines the entire journey. We were greeted at the 60 hectare farm by Sayeer who patiently gave us a tour and answered all the questions we fired at him. The farm has shade houses as well as cool houses in addition to fields and barns for livestock.

We first visited the cool houses where we saw a myriad varieties of tomatoes, peppers whose colors eclipsed the rainbow, chillies and cucumbers. I was enchanted to see the growth cycle of strawberries at different stages. The herb garden had me envious as I brushed my hand over the nimble but robust chives. There was so much to see, to take in and savour, to learn and to appreciate.

Maryam's favorite part of the day was visiting the barn full of sheep, goats, hens, chickens, turkey and peacocks. I was amazed to see that that the chickens lay their eggs all over the barn, from the roofs to the doorways. Although excited, Maryam was a little overwhelmed, even scared of the live animals and decided to keep her distance.

This was my first time at a farm and one of the main reasons I visited was because I never knew how the food I was eating reached my plate. I never knew potatoes grew underground or that strawberries are born when their flower is pollinated. Did you know?

I want Maryam to grow up knowing exactly where her food has originated from, make her appreciate fresh and local ingredients and make correct and informed decisions when it comes to nutrition. At this stage, she is still young but nurturing good food habits must start early. I am proud to say she is a true gourmande- passionate about food, ready and willing to try anything at least once.

This is a healthy snack that we have devoured many times over in the last few months. Maryam seemed baffled at first as to how her normal tangerine had magically transformed into a deeply satisfying chocolate snack. She apprehensively put one into her mouth and I heard the initial crunch as the silky chocolate coating crumbled. Her eyes lit up with delight as the realization dawned on her that it was indeed chocolate. A sprinkling of chopped nuts, desiccated coconut or sea salt make them extra special. I came across this recipe on Jessica's beautiful blog, How Sweet Eats. Go check it out if you haven't already.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful people over at Aquarius Magazine including the editor Sally for featuring me as their Real Life Inspiration for the month of April. Shukran, I much appreciate it for the second month in a row. Could I be third time lucky? You will just have to wait and find out!

Here is a link to the article if you want to have a read.

Chocolate Dipped Tangerines

Ingredients:

3 tangerines, peeled and segmented

100 gms dark chocolate

desiccated coconut, chopped nuts for garnish

Directions:

Line a tray with wax paper. Break the chocolate into pieces heat in a microwave in 30 second intervals until it has melted. Dip each tangerine segment halfway into the melted chocolate and rest it on the baking tray to dry. You can sprinkle with chopped nuts or desiccated coconut. Leave to dry for 10 minutes before it's ready to serve.

Strawberry Muffins

2011-04-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

There are certain foods that I absolutely love- beans, potatoes, bananas. And of course strawberries. Maryam agrees with me here, she relishes all these as well. One of her first words was 'strawbido'- her way of saying strawberry! This was not the way I planned it- it just happened, a mother communicating to her child even before she is born, the wonders of nature. Or just fluke? I'd like to think it's the former.

Perhaps I passed it down to her as that is all I consumed during the first six months I was pregnant. I detested all forms of meat and poultry then. I went through periods where all I ate were certain foods such as apples. Only green apples mind you. Then it was apples but peeled, And of course, I couldn't bear to peel them myself. Akber willingly obliged. Anything for his princess he said- Princess Maryam that is, not me. I had several such love affairs with different fruits, vegetables and chocolate of course.

When we visited the market last weekend, Maryam spotted the strawberries from afar and squealed, 'Mummy, look- strawbido.' She perched over the table that was much higher than her, her head barely peering over the top, balancing like a seasoned ballerina. She quickly grabbed a box before I could even ask how much. The farmer knew her as we had visited his farm just the week before and laughed as she dashed off with her treasure.

I grabbed two more boxes as the market will only be running for a few more weeks. I find the strawberries so unlike the ones you get at the supermarket. They are much more petite, definitely more ripe and their aroma permeated the car, lingering for days- dainty, just the way nature intended them to be.

We came home hungry and excited to bake. And photograph. And to eat of course. Maryam couldn't wait for me to bake strawberry muffins so she ate hers plain. She systematically hulled them by biting off the tops and then popping the rest into her mouth in a very orderly fashion. I promised Maryam the strawberries would transform into a magical dessert later that day. I opted to make muffins for us. I had to be a real wizard in the kitchen with only a few hours before Maryam would awake from her afternoon nap.

We enjoyed this as our tea time snack- I took photos as she munched away on the high chair, the muffins keeping her busy and out of trouble. I loved the fact that they were airy and not too sweet. In fact, I'm munching on the last one as I sit here and type this post.

Can you smell the aroma of strawberries yet?

Strawberry Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

pinch of salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Centigrade and line a muffin tray with paper liners. In a bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. Make a well in the centre and add the wet ingredients. Lastly, fold in the strawberries and whisk until just combined. Spoon the mixture into the muffin liners until 2/3 full. Bake in the oven for 20- 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from muffin tray and cool on a rack.

Makes 16 muffins.

A Visit to The Farmer's Market- Radish and Baby Spinach Salad

2011-04-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish I had never grown up. I ruefully look back at my childhood to when I was merely four or five. In my own world where exciting creatures such as care bears and my little pony lived. School was all about playing and Mummy helped me to bathe when I came home. Weekends were spent at the beach eating local street food such as cassava as I ran on the cold sand, my feet sinking. We would then come home to a wonderful hot meal all ready on the table. Fairies were our best friends and our worst enemy- the imaginary ghost under the bed.

Then there were the thunderous teenage years where life started getting a little stressful. The turmoil of school and grades, friendships and broken hearts, gossip and hours on the phones. I still remember every Friday going home to my best friend's house and calling my Mum from there that I wouldn't be coming home. After a while, she knew not to make lunch for me on Fridays. My friend's mom would make us a filling chili con carne poured over a steaming hot jacket potato and decorated with cheese. We would gobble it down without talking as we were so famished. Afternoons were spent on the balcony edge, swinging our legs as we chattered on about boys, fashion and faux pas at school.

Fast forward 15 years (ok do the math and tell me how old I am!) and it's a different world. A world where I worry about health, worry about the environment, worry about natural disasters, worry about putting food on the table but most of all, worry about my family. Mummy always told me that as Maryam grew older, my worries would grow as well. As annoying as it may be, Mummies are always right.

When Maryam was 2 days old, she cried the whole night and I worried every night would be the same. I worried when she hadn't started crawling and I worried even more when she DID start crawling. Then she started walking and the worrying grew. When she started nursery, I worried how she would cope and when she turned two, I worried she would drop her daytime nap. But one worry that has remained constant from the moment she was conceived to date is what food she eats. After all, a big part of her health, wellbeing, moods and habits depends on this. I'm proud to say that Maryam's main meals have always been home made and also made from scratch. Knowing exactly what is going into each spoonful fills me with a sense of security. A sense of fulfillment, a sense of calm.

Recently, I've tried to source organic produce here in Dubai. It's an expensive business in the desert but one hidden gem is the Farmer's Market at Souk al Bahar. This is the accomplishment of Yael, owner of Baker and Spice. It was started in April 2010 and has steadily grown to seven local farmers producing their goods each week.

The produce is fresh, cheap and best of all, completely organic (bar one farmer who sells local produce but not entirely organic). Straight from the farm to the table in one day. I bought eggs, radishes, the juiciest tomatoes ever and strawberries- heavenly strawberries that were tiny but so fragrant and juicy. My bag was leaking with juice by the time I got home!

There was an array for fresh herbs, root vegetables and yoghurt, not to mention a few varieties of honey as well. The smell of freshly baked artisan organic bread and foccacia wafted throught the air as I went from stall to stall, my eyes giddy with excitement. I'd never seen such vivid colors and some unusual vegetables such a the beautiful purple colored peppers and cauliflowers that had a purple hue to them. Into the bag they went.

Although it's not large, its certainly getting there. Baker & Spice's vision is to spread awareness of local farming, fresh produce and going green. Why pay for organic produce which has taken from three to seven days to fly over when you can have crops straight from the farm to your table on the same day.

I made a simple salad with my wares when I came home. It's easy, refreshing and best of all tasty. I love hearing the crunch of the radish in my mouth as it swims in a sea of olive oil and lemon. We had this as a side to some grilled red snapper. Food- one less thing to worry about as I watched Maryam lick the seasoning off of each radish and then pop it whole into her mouth.

The farmer's market runs from September to May every Friday outside Baker and Spice, Souk al Bahar.

Radish and Baby Spinach Salad

Ingredients:
1 bunch baby spinach, stems removed
5 radishes, sliced
1 handful lettuce, roughly chopped
4 tbs oilve oil
juice of 1 lemon
1 tbs white vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Wash all the salad items thoroughly and pat dry with a towel. Cut as directed. In a small jug, mix the olive oil with lemon and vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Arrange the salad in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing. Serve immediately.

Lemon Bundt Cake

2011-04-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if it's because Imelda has left and I am taking care of the whole house again or just because, but March just passed me by. Where did it go? Last week began with a birthday in the house and a drumming session at Maryam's nursery on the same day. Oh, and did I mention we had Maryam's aunty visiting us as well! All this in one day as well as my weekly Monday craft class.

I don't generally cope well under pressure and with a mile long list of things to do, I put all work and thoughts aside and did something comforting, familiar- baking. Cracking eggs, sifting flour, leveling butter- I find comfort in this. The smell of freshly grated lemon zest, the whirring of the Kitchenaid mixer. Maryam was busy practicing dancing and drumming in her tutu skirt and I managed to take a picture as she swirled in the background. Blissful start to the week.

It was my father in law's birthday and he had requested a plain vanilla cake with no frosting. Like father like son as Akber hates frosting too. My first thought was, 'Oh no, a plain cake with no frosting won't look good on my blog.' But beauty is found in the simplest of things, no? I decided to bake him my Mom's bundt cake- simple, cozy and delicious.

Mummy usually makes this as a marble and orange cake but since I didn't have any oranges on hand, I decided to flavour it with lemon. I felt nostalgic as it brought back memories of eating this cake on the sofa, toes curled and hands wrapped around a cup of tea or warm milk

Some things just get better with age such as wine (so I've been told), men and......bundt cakes. This cake needs to be prepared a day in advance as it really does taste much better the next day. The lemon and vanilla flavours really seem to age overnight. We had a simple celebration at home in the evening and Maryam graciously helped her Dadu cut the cake. After all, she had patiently waited all day to have a bite.

Happy Birthday Papa.

Lemon Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

250 gms butter, room temperature

230 gms sugar

zest of 1 large lemon

4 eggs, room temperature

250 gms all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

1/4 cup buttermilk

juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Centigrade. Butter and flour a bundt pan. Mix sugar and lemon zest together. In a separate bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients. In a third bowl, mix the lemon juice and vanilla extract to the milk.

Using the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until very white and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition and scraping the bowl when needed. Turn the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients mixture alternating with milk in 3 separate additions. Pour batter into bundt pan and bake on the middle rack for approximately 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Spicy Chicken Wings

2011-03-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

This week, Imelda finally left us. Imelda has been with me and my family since Maryam was born. We moved out of my in laws house when Maryam was a brand new baby at exactly one month old. Imelda helped me to set up my house. Rather, SHE set up my house. My home, our home.

I met Imelda for less than ten minutes before I decided that we were a right fit. She had a sweet demeanor and a gentle smile. It was overwhelming to move in to a new home with a new baby for a new mother. But she made the transition smooth and hassle free. You see, Imelda loves organising- a weak point for me. She decided exactly where each glass would be placed, each plate should be stacked, each spice jar should be stored. For the first few days, I actually felt like a stranger in my own home because I didn't know where things stayed!

Besides organisation, Imelda possessed many wonderful qualities. She had an endless amount of patience. For me- when I asked her to tilt my reflector just a little to the right, no left, no that's too much, that's too high. Ok, perfect. She was the perfect assistant for my photography. For Akber- Imelda, where's my file? I just kept it right here on the table. Oh. sorry- just realised I've left it in the car. She was his PA. And finally, for Maryam. She was Maryam's best friend. They would play lego for hours while I watched from behind my computer and she never grew bored. She taught her nursery rhymes that even I didn't know. Maryam called her Dama when she started talking and when we came back from holiday, she surprised her by pronouncing her name correctly. They were best buddies.

I miss Imelda, we all do. Not only because she kept our house spotless, but because I miss HER. Just having her pottering about the house, humming songs in the balcony, a friendly and familiar face to greet you when you come home. Imelda is getting married this week and I wish her all the best for her future. May it be bright and shiny and full of prosperity, health and happiness.

As you can imagine, life without Imelda has been hard to adjust to so we've been eating familiar meals that don't take much time to prepare and allow me to juggle a million things together (she managed everything with such poise and ease- I wonder how). I hope you don't mind but for a few weeks I'll be sharing our everyday meals with you. Like this spicy chicken wings recipe that I learnt during a cooking course last summer in Dar (I have slightly adapted it to suit our family's palate). I prepare the marinade earlier and all it needs is some time in the oven and an easy sauce to be ready. We ate this with a yummy salad that I will perhaps post later this week. Would you believe me if I said Maryam had some of this fiery chicken as well?

Spicy Chicken Wings

Ingredients:
500 gms chicken wings (skin on)
2 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
2 tbs vinegar
1 tbs chili sauce
1 tbs ketchup
1 tsp red chili powder
salt to taste
For the sauce:
1 tbs oil
2 green chilies, chopped finely
2 tbs tomato paste
salt to taste
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp paprika powder
2 tsp cayenne powder
2 tbs hot sauce
chopped coriander to garnish

Directions:
Marinade the wings in the ingredients listed for at least half an hour or more. Broil in the oven on high heat until cooked and just beginning to char.

In the meantime, prepare the sauce by heating the oil. Add to it the chopped green chilies and stir fry for 30 seconds. Add all the rest of the ingredients and stir fry for 2-4 minutes until cooked through. You can add up to 1/4 cup of water at this stage if you want a thinner sauce. Add the grilled chicken wings and toss to coat. Garnish with coriander.

Lemon and Blueberry Layer Cake and a Baking Birthday Party

2011-03-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Maryam celebrated a very special 2nd birthday last week and we had a perfect party for our little ray of sunshine. It was a beautiful, albeit hot day and we had the best of times with family and friends. There was love, laughter, lots and lots of baking (both before AND during the party), fun presents, plenty of little grubby hands and of course- cake!

My inspiration for the party was a beautiful cake I saw at Sweetapolita which I have very minimally adapted. The bright yellow was the perfect color for my very own sunshine. And the royal purple suited Papa's princess to a tee. The day didn't begin very well with Maryam down with a fever and a sense if deja vu hit me. The very same day last year, as we celebrated her first polka dot themed party, she had a fever too.

But she wasn't going to let a slight temperature spoil her day. She had a busy day planned for her little friends. We began with cupcake decorating followed by something slightly healthier with fruit skewering. Our healthy intentions didn't last very long as the fruit skewers were promptly dipped in chocolate. But a party isn't a party without chocolate, no?

We finished off with a spot of pizza assembling before she cut the cake with a little help from Mummy and Papa. And of course, Dadu and Dadi (her grandparents). The day before, Maryam helped me in the kitchen with lots of cooking and baking for the party. We made juicy beef puff pastry rolls, fluffy pancakes, gourmet beef burgers, Dadi's samosas and some very special potted plant puddings.

These may look like plants but they're not really. Maryam is known for being rather cheeky and loved fooling everyone into thinking they were potted plants This is a chocolate pudding recipe from Maryam's Nani (my Mummy). This is our favorite pudding and we decided to jazz it up for the party to make them look like potted plants. She was feeling rather generous too and so we decided to share the recipe with all our friends as a party favor. Since Maryam knows how messy it can get in the kitchen, she graciously gave everyone an apron to keep them clean. And a spatula as well.

We had such a memorable and fun day. I wrote Maryam a letter as part of her present- a letter to tell her how much I love her, what she means to me, a letter to embarrass her when she's a teenager but to also remind her what a joy she was as a baby, a letter to thank her for picking me and Akber as her parents and for being our sunshine.

Dearest Little Lamb

It was just two years ago that you came into our lives and I loved you more than anyone the moment I laid my eyes on you. I still remember the first time I saw you. You were a little dot on the ultrasound. And your heart was beating away like the thud of horses hooves running on a track. I have watched you grow from that little dot to a beautiful 'little lamb.' We always tease you that now you're two years old, you've become a 'big lamb.' But you do know that you'll always be Mummy's 'littlle lamb' right?

In these two tears you've given us so many moments of joy, there is no way I can write them all down. Every day is a beautiful memory, every time we eat together is a memory, every time we build a tower together is a memory, every time I put you to sleep is a memory, everything you say is a memory. A beautiful memory. A memory to forever be cherished and never to be forgotten.

I still remember your first word- balloon. 'Ba, ba' you squealed as you crawled behind a red balloon that was almost twice your size. I love listening to your baby talk- when you say 'strawbido' and cumbala and 'kabaat' and 'bibi' and 'dinosauce'. Words that only you and I can understand. And I miss listening to those special words as you've grown older and mastered your speech.

And how I can I forget the first time you walked at fourteen months. I felt like you had won the marathon as you walked between two sofas and cheered with excitement as you reached the other end. The bribe we left you on the sofa helped you waddle across. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.

There are countless first times I can write about- the first time you smiled, the first time you ate real food, the first time you said 'Mummy', your first birthday, your first pair of shoes, your first Eid celebration, your first day at school. These firsts will never come back but their memories will forever be etched in my heart, And I know that, Inshalllah, there will be many more firsts to come.

I love you little lamb and thanks for being my sunshine.

All photos in this post are courtesy of Ugly Duckling Photography and the party set up is from me&riley.

Lemon and Blueberry Layer Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups + 6 tbs all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 cups fresh blueberries

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon zest

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Centigrade. Grease and flour 2 9 inch round pans. In a bowl, toss the blueberries in 6 tbs of flour. In a separate bowl, sift together the rest of the flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, mix together the milk, sour cream, vanilla extract and lemon zest. Using the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until very light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Stir in the flour mixture on low speed followed by the milk mixture in turns, starting and ending with the flour. Fold in the blueberries and divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake in the oven until a tooth pick comes out clean (about 45 mins) and cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool completely. When completely cool, out it into the freezer for 30 minutes before frosting.

Zesty Lemon Frosting

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, room temperature

2 tsp lemon zest

6 cups icing sugar

60 ml fresh lemon juice

6 tablespoons whipping cream

2 tbs water

pinch of salt

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

yellow gel coloring

Directions:

Using the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, cream the butter and lemon zest until fluffy. On low speed, gently add the icing sugar. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes.

Lemony Whipped Cream Filling:

Ingredients:

10 tbs whipping cream

3 tbs icing sugar

1 tsp lemon zest.

Directions:

Whip the cream and sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the lemon zest.

This cake will serve around 20 adults. Cake and frosting very slightly adapted from Sweetapolita.You can find frosting tips and advice there as well.

Spaghetti in a Spicy Tomato Sauce

2011-03-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

What a week this has been- the kind where you don't have even a second to sit and stare, the kind where the list of chores seem never ending, the kind where you're moving a million miles a minute, the kind where you just have to keep going.

The week started off with a celebratory surgery to remove the port in my chest. It was a moment of closure for me to finally remove this small coin that had become a crucial part of me- literlly, as I could feel the surgeon unleashing his strength to pull it out. Maryam wasn't too pleased to see Mummy with a bandage. The first time she saw it, she burst into tears. She keeps tugging my shirt down to have a look every now and then and will say 'sorry Mummy' every time she sees it.

Then came the planning for Maryam's second birthday. She can proudly sing the Happy Birthday song and was giddy with excitement at the prospect of having her own party. And cake of course. In between baking a lemon and blueberry cake, pancakes, pizzas, pastries and chocolate puddings, I don't think I stepped out of the kitchen for two whole days. But loved every minute of it. She looked in awe when she was cutting into the cake and just that single moment made it all worthwhile.

But all that seemed insignificant when I turned on the news and saw the state of Japan being washed away by the tsunami. I was in Malaysia when the last tsunami hit and saw first hand the devastation it caused. I can only imagine what the residents are going through and pray for the people to be strong and pick up the pieces. They have done so in the past, they can surely do it again. It is trully heartbraking and I urge every one of you to help in any way you can. I have provided a link here where you can do your part.

But no matter how crazy and busy life can get, there are two things I never compromise on- food and family. It's days like these that I crave food that is wholesome, filling, delicious and.....just plain comfortable. The kind that you can eat sprawled on your sofa, your feet covered with a warm fuzzy blanket. Food that nourishes you both physically and mentally, food that nourishes memories.....nourishes the soul.

Sylvie from Gourmande In The Kitchen wrote a beautiful post about comfort food and made me ponder about what my comfort food is. For me, it's a food that makes me feel relaxed and happy. A food that jogs memories, fond memories, memories of a happy childhood. Food that gives a feeling of warmth and satisfaction. Sylvie best describes it as a 'gastronomical bandage' and that is exactly what this dish does for me.

I put this pasta together in a matter of minutes, just adding whatever spices and herbs I had in the pantry. It is now a staple dish and we have it at least once a week. I loved watching Maryam carefully wade her little fingers through her pasta bowl to find the longest spaghetti. She then proceeded to suck it into her mouth in one long breath. 'Again?' She squealed and repeated until the whole bowl was finished. Definitely a food that makes memories.

What is your comfort food?

Spaghetti in a Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

400 gms spaghetti or pasta of choice

5 tbs olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

3 large ripe tomatoes, grated

3 tbs balsamic vinegar

1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp dried herbs

1 tsp brown sugar

salt and pepper to taste

chopped parsley and parmesan to garnish

Directions:

Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. You can add salt and 1 tbs olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. Add the spaghetti and boil till al dente. Drain and save the water for use with the sauce.

Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan and add chopped onions. Fry till it just begins to change color. Add garlic and fry for a further minute. Add all the rest of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper. You can add the leftover pasta water at this stage to achieve the consistency you want for the sauce. Simmer the sauce on medium heat half covered for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and add your spaghetti. Toss to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese.

Guest Post on Rasa Malaysia- Butter Chicken & Best Food Blog Nomination & Magazine Feature

2011-03-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

After my naan post recently, I thought it would only be fair to share a butter chicken recipe with you. After all, you can't have one without the other. I can't tell you the number of times I have gone to an Indian restaurant where my other half ordered a butter chicken and begged, ''Can you make this at home?' I had no choice but to learn how to make this. So I turned to the best chef I know when it comes to Indian cooking- my mom. She has this wonderful knack of trying a meal at a restaurant and then replicating it at home. I slightly modified her recipe by adding a few more spices.

I once read somewhere that butter chicken was created when a hungry man walked into an Indian restaurant and they had no curry left. The chef decided to whip up a quick meal by throwing a tandoori chicken into a simple gravy of butter, tomatoes and a few spices. And thus, butter chicken was born. Also known as murgh makhani, this is curry not for the faint hearted- literally! Originating from Mughlai cuisine, it has lashings of butter (duh!) and cream to give it that dreamy, creamy texture. This is one dish where skimping on these two essential ingredients is not recommended. What I love about this recipe is that it doesn't contain any food coloring to give it that gleaming red color.

Many people love eating Indian food at restaurants but are often intimidated about trying it at home. This recipe is super simple so you'll have no excuse to order take out again. It is best served with steamed rice or butter naan.

If you want the recipe for this finger licking butter chicken, head over to Rasa Malaysia.

And in other exciting news, Aquarius, one of Dubai's best selling magazines, ran a small feature on my blog. I have never been so excited in my life and made the hubby make a special trip just to buy me a copy. Here is my moment of fame. And may there be many more!

The last bit of good news is that Lick My Spoon has been nominated on Babble' Top 100 Food Mom Blogs. Please take a second to click the 'like' button next to my name here.. I am currently number 4 so need all the help I can get. Thanks guys! Wouldn't be there if it weren't for you. 

Nutella Doughnuts

2011-02-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

Lick My Spoon as been nominated by Babble for the Top 100 Food Mom Blogs. Please vote by 'liking' us here. All you have to do is click 'like'- no registration required. Thanks so much, appreciated! Now onto the nutella doughnuts.

Last week, we celebrated Maryam's Islamic birthday. My baby is growing up and turned two. If you ask her what her name is, she'll smile coyly and say 'Mayam Rajabali.' That's not a typo- she just can't pronounce the 'r.' Ask her how old she is and she'll wave both arms in the air with all ten fingers staring at you- 'Two.'

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and so each year, birthdays and anniversaries fall on a different days. It's very hard to keep track but Maryam is rather special. She had the whole nation celebrating with her and even a national holiday. That's because she celebrates her Islamic birthday on the same day as the Prophet (a public holiday in Dubai). So it's hard NOT to remember her special day.

We'll be having a party for her next month on her English birthday but I feel it's important for her to understand the Islamic calendar and appreciate it. So from this year onwards, we've decided we'll do something small but special on her Islamic birthday too.

I woke her up in the morning and excitedly told her that it was her birthday. Starry eyed and still snug as a bug in her sleeping bag, she sang herself the Happy Birthday song. Then, with a look of utter astonishment and disbelief on her face, flung her arms up in the air and exclaimed-'Where cake? Where cake?'

And so I decided to make her something special for her special day. I've been wanting to make doughnuts for a while now as we haven't eaten them in about eighteen months. The long pause was because I went off certain foods whilst having chemo and believe it or not, doughnuts was one of them. Growing up, everyone's moms made them cookies and cakes. Ours made us doughnuts. Mummy would top them with nutella and then sprinkle them with roasted coconut. Others, she would leave plain with just a dusting of sugar. And so, I've always loved them.

I used my favourite recipe and decided to surprise Maryam with a chocolate centre. More specifically, a nutella centre. I made them while she was napping and just couldn't resist popping one in my mounth. Then another. Then one more. I had to hide them in the microwave to stop myself. When she woke up, she ran into the kitchen and screamed, 'Odon (doughnuts).' We shamelessly finished the batch and don't have any regrets.

Nutella Doughnuts

Ingredients;

3- 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp instant yeast

6 tbs sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cup milk, room temperature

2 eggs, lightly beaten

6 tbs butter, room temperature

oil for deep frying

Nutella

1 1/2 tsp cinammon

1/2 cup sugar

Directions:

Add all the dry ingredients together in a bowl (start with 3 cups of flour). Add the butter and mix with your fingers until it resembles bread crumbs. Make a well in the centre and add the milk and eggs. Start kneading the dough and of you feel it is sticky or wet, then add a little bit more flour. Knead for 10 minutes or so. Then cover the bowl and place in a warm area to rise for an hour to an hour and a half or until double in size.

Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough to a thickness of a 1/2 inch. Cut the dough into 3 inch rounds. Reroll and repeat until all the dough scraps have been used.

To add the Nutella, you can do it in two ways. The first way is to put half a teaspoon into each 3 inch circle and then carefully close to form a ball. Pinch the ends before smoothing the surface as you don't want the ball to open up whilst frying. Otherwise, you can add the nutella after deep frying using a piping tip. I found it easier to add it before frying. However, the texture of the nutella wasn't as shiny. If you are not adding the nutella before frying, make a ball out of each 3 inch circle. Place balls on a lightly floured tray and cover loosely with cling film. Let the balls rise for 30-45 minutes.

Heat oil on medium heat. Place the balls into the oil 4-5 at a time. Fry until golden brown on medium heat. When done, remove from the oil and transfer to a paper towel. If you haven't added the nutella, do so now using a piping bag and tip. Coat in sugar and cinnamon mix whilst still warm.

Guest Post on Rasa Malaysia- Homemade Naan Bread

2011-02-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

When Bee agreed to let me guest post here, I felt like I had won the Oscar's of the blogging world. I used to follow Bee even before I started a blog myself, stumbling here when I was looking for Kung Pao chicken recipe. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be sharing her space.

Bee requested a recipe for naan and I was super excited to share this easy recipe which yields great results every time. Naan really needs no introduction. If you've delved in indian cuisine before, you WILL have eaten naan. After all, it's the quintessential Indian food.

But the greatest misconception about naan is that most people think it's difficult to duplicate the same soft, pillowy results at home without a tandoor- a traditional clay oven where temperatures reach nearly 500 degrees Centigrade, allowing the naan bread to be cooked within a matter of minutes.

The trick to getting a soft and fluffy naan is to make sure you use a heavy bottomed skillet which is very hot. Make sure you cover the nan with a lid to get those sought after bubbles on the surface. And no meal involving naan is complete without a traditional Indian curry to go with it. Stay tuned for an authentic butter chicken recipe very soon that goes perfectly with these buttery naans.

You can find the recipe at Rasa Malaysia.

Frosting For The Cause- Cinnabon Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Glaze

2011-02-17T07:16:00.000-08:00

I came across Frosting for the Cause on Twitter and as soon as I read about Paula's mission. I knew I wanted to be involved. For much of my life, I have been lucky enough not to have had a close brush with cancer. None of my close friends or close family had been affected. My grandmother passed away from breast cancer before I was born but that's as close as it got.

I lived a carefree and happy life until on my 27th birthday, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I'm a very private person and this is the first time I'm opening up about my fight with cancer. Many of my closest friends don't know I had it! And what a shock that it was to hear those words- 'I'm sorry- the results are in and it's Hodgkin's Lymphoma.''

No 27 year old would ever think that they would get affected by this horrible disease and no 27 year old should have to hear those words. I had just had a baby and believe it or not, my first reaction was- I'm going to lose my beautiful long hair!

I had chemotherapy for four months (and yes, I did lose most of my hair!) and radiation for one month. I'm happy to say I've been in remission for over a year. My purpose for writing this post is to tell you that YOU need to be vigilant and be your own advocate. Check your body for lumps regularly and if you suspect anything, then get it checked out. NOW.

I was lucky enough that I was diagnosed at an early stage. The earlier you go, the better your prognosis. And be positive, have hope. Paula put it best in her first post for Frosting For A Cause that cancer patients are draped in a pashmina of hope, right from the time they initially find a lump to ...... forever. Hope helped me overcome my fear- my fear of what chemo would be like, my fear of pain and needles, my fear of losing my hair. Hope made me stronger- stronger physically knowing that the pain would end at some point, mentally stronger and more positive so I could beat cancer. Hope made me look forward to the next day- plan my baby's first birthday, celebrate my tenth wedding anniversary, make sure I was cured so I could attend my sister's wedding. Hope brought my family together and I live in hope that this was my last encounter with cancer. And I'm sure we all collectively hope that a cure for cancer is found soon.

It was because of my brush with cancer that I started this blog and took a keen interest in photography. I needed a distraction and now it's become a passion. For that, I will forever be grateful. Today, I'm going to share with you a recipe for Cinnabon Cupcakes with a Cream Cheese Glaze. If you like the classic cinnabon rolls, you will love these cupcakes. The cake itself is super moist with a tender crumb and the frosting is basically a clone of the original in my opinion. I have made the frosting slightly runny so it is more like a glaze that you get at Cinnabon, but you can always just use your favourite cream cheese frosting that will stand up to piping.

You can catch the recipe here. And now onto the the giveaway winner, Random.org picked comment # 33 as the winner. Please email me on lickmyspoon247@gmail.com to claim your prize as your comment or profile does not have your email address. You have until Monday 21st February to do so. Otherwise, another winner will be picked.