My version of gourmet brunch for two

Tell me you wouldn't want this!

Eggs scrambled with Sharp Cheddar & fresh chopped Parsley.
Served w/ whole wheat toast and Hazelnut coffee.
Followed up by a small fruit salad of apples & bananas.
YUM YUM!

Why spend lots of $$ eating at gourmet breakfast places on weekends or stuffing face with greasy plates of grub from diners? Though I've been guilty of both frequently, I'm trying to change my ways. Turning into a new leaf - I swear!

I was inspired by the aromatic whiff of Hazelnut coffee this morning. Coffee seems to wake me up with out fail! This gourmet spread was so simple - I surprised myself. Hope you make it sometime too.

Homer Simpson said it best - "Mmmm Burger ...."

Weekends are a constant struggle during dinner time. Coming home after a 10 hour day doesn't inspire the cook in me. However, since I L-O-V-E to eat and like my food to be unique - I try.

Try being the operative word. There have bit hits and definite misses. This one was spectacular!

Dinner: Veggie Masala Burger topped with Tomato Cilantro Chutney served on a Whole Grain Bun. Side salad - spring greens with crumbled Creamy Gouda, dried Cranberries, caramelized onions and mild Italian dressing.

Traders Joe's for the win on this one! Masala burgers are available year round for prices cheaper than Morningstar, Gardenburger and other such brands. The creamy gouda, cranberries, salad greens and tomatoes came from here as well.

The true inspiration for this burger was the Tomato Cilantro Chutney. Warning: Large amounts of garlic ahead! It's no secret - I adore garlic. This chutney was simple.

6 cloves of garlic diced - tossed in barely warmed EVOO (extra virgin olive oil).
Left sizzling in pan for 3-4 mins to enhance sweetness.
Followed by diced plum tomatoes - 1/2 cup. Cooked till all liquid evaporated.
Salt, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of lime juice.
Turn the heat off and toss in a handful of chopped cilantro and let it wilt in the pan.
Add on top of burger when ready to eat. It beats mayo, cheese and other fattening additives any day!!!

Here's how this looked!

Japanese buckwheat noodles rock my palate

I have a unique work schedule that allows me to have 3 day weekends starting Friday (sometimes). Last Friday I was feeling lazy and Farmville on Facebook had taken up ENTIRELY TOO MUCH of my afternoon.

I decided to You-Tube Aarti Paarti episodes - Mango is completely responsible for this decision. Within 30 minutes into another laze-fest, my stomach growled in hunger. Aarti was making something that looked garlicky and yummy. I decided it was time I did the same!

And we gave birth to - Japanese Buckwheat Noodles w/ Basil Ginger Sauce.




Ta-Da!
Yes they were De-lish and this time I actually wrote down the recipe.
So we'll be making it again. =)

How it all started ....

I don't know when cooking became a passion for me. My mother is an amazing cook just like her mother was. However, growing up I was never inspired to cook. Rather, I was adept at chowing down everything Ma made. If you've had the pleasure of eating her cooking, you can definitely relate!

Maybe it was watching Sanjeev Kapoor's Khana Khazana on Zee TV in the early 1990's. Maybe it was the hope to emulate what Dida (my grandma) could do with simple ingredients. Who knows. The first time I ever decided to cook anything on my own was September of 1998. I cannot remember the exact date but I will always remember the reason.

We had just returned to Moon Township after an amazing summer in Kolkata August 1998. Two later later, we received news that my Dida passed away. I would rather not delve into the memories associated with this news. But it was a milestone that carved several niches in our lives.

September 1998 my mother hosted a gathering as per our culture in memory of Dida. In this gathering of friends and family, Bengalis celebrate the departed's life and accomplishments rather than mourn their loss. Loss, however, was a big gaping hole to me at that point. Ma was busy cooking Dida's favorite dishes for our guests while my father was setting up for the event. The day before we left Kolkata, I remember watching a Khana Khazana re-run with Dida where Sanjeev Kapoor showed viewers how to make Coconut Shrimp Curry.

I had written the recipe down hoping that Dida could teach me how to make it or maybe make it for me some day. I realized that this wouldn't happen. Instead I found myself asking Ma if I could make Coconut Curry for the gathering. It was the first time ever that I made any dish let alone an Indian dish. Ma helped me and we served it. In my heart I hoped Dida liked it. It was also the last time I made Coconut Shrimp Curry.

I guess I could chalk it all down to Dida. She inspires me everyday. My first attempt at cooking definitely came by due to her. While I was chopping onions, grating coconuts and shelling shrimp, I was happy. It was an odd feeling at that moment but I was happy nonetheless. And thus I embraced the fact that cooking makes me happy - especially cooking for other people.

Writing this out loud is a bit dramatic for my tastes but hey this is really how I learned that I love to cook. The memories are tough but my reasoning was pragmatic. I not only love cooking, I love experimenting even more! And ... I HATE following recipes. The rebel in me rejoices every time I make my owns changes to any recipes (and I invariably ALWAYS make changes!)

So enough about how it all started. I hope this blog inspires others to cook and like eating exotic food. I also hope that it inspires ME to continue cooking. Laziness fueled by extra long hours of work and life in general often steers me towards unhealthy take outs. Lets see if blogging helps! :)