December 2019 – Page 3 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Chocolate for the Holidays

Posted on December 17, 2019November 1, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

As the holiday season grows near and school is closed till the next year has set into it’s first week, the official holiday snacks and treats season has begun. Young or old, age has never been a bar for the holiday favourites. With the very basic ingredients of crushed cake or biscuit mix, cocoa, sugar (and a little of the rum for that extra holiday spice for the “adults only” time); can result in the favourite holiday treat of the “romkugle, trøffel or sputnik” or simply, the rum balls.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

A truffle-like confectionery flavoured with chocolate and rum, these rum balls complete every holiday season. Often coated in chocolate sprinkles, desiccated coconut, icing sugar or cocoa, these cookie, cake or biscuit based treats can be made in a jiffy with no baking required. With the festive preparation in full swing, the less complicated it is, the more popular the recipe.

Making these chocolate balls is an event, for more than the different regional variations, many a time it is a family tradition passed down form one generation tot he next. The basic ingredient is the choclate and as for the rum, that may be replaced by similar rum flavouring or any flavoring of non-alcoholic variant. The basic step is to crush the cake (or biscuit) material, mix it with fat, cocoa, a moist binding ingredient like jam or condensed milk and optional ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, sultanas, ground walnuts, white chocolate or even peanut butter. Once the mix holds together, it can be rolled into small balls and coated with flavouring of choice. Regional variations as well as names exist for these chocolate rum balls. From the Dansk Romkugl or Trøffel, Deutsch Rumkugel or the Polski Bajadera, each regional recipe has a subtle variation. The Hungarian kókuszgolyó are made with whole cherries placed inside the balls and then rolled in coconut flakes.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://www.huffpost.com/entry/easy-chocolate-rum-balls_b_6372858

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Going for a healthy twist from the regular, the Danish Havregrynskugle or the “Oatmeal Ball” may be another new holiday recipe to work on. Slightly smaller than a ping pong ball and made of oatmeal, sugar, cocoa, vanilla, butter with a small amount of coffee mixed to a compact mass, these balls are formed and then rolled in shredded coconut, nib sugar, sprinkles or toppings of choice. Similar to this confectionery is the Israeli Kadur Shokolad, where these chocolate balls are made with Petit Beurre crumbs.

Although these treats are holiday favourites, they are in no way confined to it. More than “just desserts”, they become a part of the family tradition as all hands, the tiny ones as well as the experienced hands join in for the holiday memories. As for alterations and combinations, chocolate for the year end would be loved in any form or any manner, liquid or solid, elaborate or simple; the year end sugar and choclate rush is the norm. As for gifts, there is nothing like a gift of choclate covered rum balls or cakes to bring the present year to a delightful and delicious end.

Source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Chokladbollar.jpg

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Romkugler_%288099840177%29.jpg/1024px-Romkugler_%288099840177%29.jpg

Daily, Life, Quotes, Reflections, Work

The “Nailing” Point

Posted on December 16, 2019August 31, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Diz ſagent uns die wîſen, ein nagel behalt ein îſen, ein îſen ein ros, ein ros ein man, ein man ein burc, der ſtrîten kan.“
– (c. 1230 Freidank Bescheidenheit)
(Middle High German (positively formulated):”The wise tell us that a nail keeps a shoe, a shoe a horse, a horse a man, a man a castle, that can fight.”)

With a hoard of activities being planned for Christmas, little wonder then that unless prioritization is done, no task will reach their finish point. In hindsight, one realizes that despite the prioritization, necessary things are left undone. Which highlights, what may be necessary mayn’t be important then but pays a heavy price later on.

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

The trip to the family roots, attending the recital, cheering at the junior league match, quick rush to the doctors’ for the routine physical checks, following the prescribed or set medication, servicing the four wheeler on time, drawing the building plans with an eye on the future possibilities are all just few of the many instances wherein “what is necessary to be done” is foregone for “the mood of that time”, botched up planning or deeming the “necessary as trivial”.

Over time, one goes through many situations wherein the failure to contemplate the various possibilities or correct the then perceived as minor defects, may eventually lead to a more grave sequence of events with appalling outcome. The root problems lies in the indifference to what is the necessity than what is simply the other important task at that point of time. True that availability and possibility for the necessary task may seem slight then, but that balance of scales is always a relative concept. At times, when the fingers are burnt, the consequence will then be felt as terrible and priceless.

“Neglect breeds mischief…” Benjamin Franklin

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Hindsight is indeed unsettling, for once these chains of defaults and causalities are tended to, going back to the normal way may be difficult. But as they always say turning to the right path at some point may be better than going on the same, reparative steps have to be taken as soon as the errors have been realized. For a stitch in time o save nine, knowing that the “stitch” is necessary isn’t just enough but getting down and doing it is more important. No matter how small they may seem, it is the simple things that matter quite a bit. And these are the few, but pertinent facts that one discerns as the years mature.

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost,
For want of a shoe, the horse was lost,
For want of a horse, the rider was lost,
For want of a rider, the message was lost,
For want of a message, the battle was lost,
For want of a battle, the war was lost,
For want of a war, the kingdom was lost,
For want of a nail, the world was lost
‘The Want of a Nail”
– T. Rundgren
Warner Chappell N.A., Ltd., 1989
(“Rundgren” Variation)

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Christian, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Random Thoughts, Reflections

Small but Profound

Posted on December 15, 2019October 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20)

While attending the Sunday meet for the women wing of the church, the talk had moved around the daily difficulties as well as conflicting work schedules, the fiasco of the holidays and the winter aliments affecting the elderly at home. In the course of the conversations, the feeling that resonated through was that He will find a way for us. Later on, reflecting these thoughts what ran through was the expression from the bible of “faith as a grain of mustard seed”.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

Found mostly in temperate regions, the black mustard is a large annual plant growing up to nine feet tall, from a proverbially small seed (approx. 3mm). As noted by theologian Ben Witherington notes that the mustard plant demonstrates that “Though the dominion appeared small like a seed during Jesus’ ministry, it would inexorably grow into something large and firmly rooted, which some would find shelter in and others would find obnoxious and try to root out.”

“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. (Mark 11:22)

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

Source:https://www.etsy.com/mx/listing/698171408/single-mustard-seed-necklace-faith-as-a

Faith should be in effect like the mustard seed. It may in small measure but have a profound influence. Faith never dictates nor directs, but it grows into belief in His Word and that all will be done by His Will. Faith also gives hope that like today, tomorrow will have it own share of troubles but a way will be found through. Faith grows through prayer and His teaching. Faith helps one to face an uncertain tomorrow. Faith is what drives each one through tough times. Once each one of us grows the mustard tree, the vitality and peace from it will be felt deep within. If not for inner peace, which is fostered by Faith and Hope; the practicality of a life lived in harmony, contentment, love and happiness would be just a futile dream.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

One little girl had to have an operation. The doctor told her before putting on the operating table, “Before you are operated, we will put you to sleep. (i.e. anaesthetize)” The girl looked at him and, smiling, said, “And if you put me to sleep, then I must pray first.” She knelt at the table and said, “I go to bed, Lord, and I ask You to save my soul. But if I have to die before I wake up, then I ask You, Lord, to take my soul as per Thy Will.”
The doctor later said that this evening he prayed for the first time in thirty years!

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Daily, Food, Photography Art, Uncategorized

Tea with a Difference

Posted on December 14, 2019October 13, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Catching up with the extended family cousins who have been seriously bitten by the “travel bug” leads to often enlightening conversations and interesting accounts. In the course of discussion was their recent rove into the Tibetan lands. Asides the details of their stay and visits, what caught the curiosity of yours truly was their tea culture.

“When tea becomes ritual, it takes its place at the heart of our ability to see greatness in small things. Where is beauty to be found? In great things that, like everything else, are doomed to die, or in small things that aspire to nothing, yet know how to set a jewel of infinity in a single moment?” Muriel Barbery (author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog)

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Interestingly the Tibetan tea culture primarily includes the butter tea and the sweet milk tea. Other varieties include the Pu’er Tea, green tea, milk tea and boiled black teas. The most favoured tea is the butter tea, known as po cha (Tibetan, Wylie: bod ja, “Tibetan tea”) or cha süma ( Eastern Tibet, Wylie: ja srub ma, “churned tea”) or suyóu chá (Mandarin Chinese) or gur gur (Ladakhi language). Made from tea leaves, yak butter, water, and salt in the traditional way, wherein the butter, milk and salt are added to the brewed tea. Although the variation today is to use the butter made from cow’s milk based on the latter’s wider availability and lower cost.Had by itself or used as an accompaniment for eating tsampa by pouring onto it or dipping the tsampa into it and mixing well.

The quality of the butter tea is enhanced by boiling the tea leaves to achieve a dark brown colour (takes almost half a day) or turns black (steep the tea leaves). One method involves skimmed the dark brown tea, pouring into a cylinder filled with fresh yak butter and salt and then the whole mix is shaken. The resulting thick liquid is then poured into tea pots or jars. Another method is to add salt to the steeped black tea, stirring the mix through the horse air (or reed) colander into the wooden butter churn with a large lump of butter then added to it. Then it is churned (or rapid stirring in wooden bowl) till the proper consistency of the tea is achieved and then transferred to copper pots kept warmed on a brazier. Modern day alternatives include tea bags, butter and blender.

$Source:https://www.tibettravel.org/tibetan-local-customs/tibetan-tea-culture.html\$

Source:https://www.tibettravel.org/tibetan-local-customs/tibetan-tea-culture.html\

$Source:https://www.tibettravel.org/tibetan-local-customs/tibetan-tea-culture.html\$

Source:https://www.tibettravel.org/tibetan-local-customs/tibetan-tea-culture.html\

$Source:https://www.tibettravel.org/tibetan-local-customs/tibetan-tea-culture.html\$

Source:https://www.tibettravel.org/tibetan-local-customs/tibetan-tea-culture.html\

Like the detailed preparation of butter tea, the Tibetan tea drinking culture has many rules. As per their custom, butter tea is drunk in separate sips. After each sip, the host refills the bowl to the brim. As a rule the guest never drains his bowl, instead it is to be constantly topped up. If the guest doesn’t wish to drink, the best thing to do is leave the tea untouched until the time comes to leave and then drain the bowl. This signifies the observance of etiquette, without any offense to the host. Another set of rules to follow is when one is invited to a house for tea. The host will first pour some highland barley wine. The guest must dip his finger in the wine and flick some away, which is done so three times to represent respect for the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Then the cup will be refilled two more times and on the last time it must be emptied or the host will be insulted. After this the host will present a gift of butter tea to the guest, who will accept it without touching the rim of the bowl. The guest will then pour a glass for himself, and must finish the glass or be seen as rude.

Not just limited to drinking but also serving butter tea has it’s own special set of tea-ware. From special porcelain cups to wooden bowls set with gold, silver or copper, or made from these metals as well jade, the Tibetan tea-ware is an art by itself. Interestingly like Tibet, most of the East Asian countries have their own special tea customs, so much so that the tea culture of each country has a rich and varied history behind it. That for tea connoisseurs is the beauty of tea, in itself and being a part of rich vibrant cultures, their customs and traditions, lending the subtle depth and significance to the art and concept of tea.

“The first cup moistens the throat;
The second shatters all feelings of solitude;
The third cleans the digestion, and brings to mind the wisdom of 5,000 volumes;
The fourth induces perspiration, evaporating all of life’s trials and tribulations;
With the fifth cup, body sharpens, crisp;
And the sixth cup is the first on the road to enlightenment;
The seventh cup sits steaming – it needn’t be drunk, as from head to feet one rises to the abode of the immortals.”
–Lu Tong, 9th century

Source:https://www.tibettravel.org/tibetan-tea/

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Life, Personal Musings, Photography Art, Quotes, Reflections

Glimmer of Lights

Posted on December 13, 2019August 31, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

With holidays round the corner, schools slowly winding down for Christmas and the shopping to be done; one would inadvertently meet lost or out-of-touch acquaintances, hear news from distant friends or renew previous friendships. Deep inside, the constant comparison of the present with the year previous would be there. At times, there would be days tinged with regrets and “what-ifs”; while other days may highlight the quiet acceptance of the present life and the resolve to face the future day and year in a better frame of mind with the aim to make the best of the things at hand. Either way, it is the view that one chooses to take that matters the most.

“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but you thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking.” Eckhart Tolle

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Regrets for what has passed, either the good or the bad, doesn’t change anything at all. We all have our firewood, to break or have chopped off; but it’s what we do with it that matters. Take for instance, the cup that contains tea. Regardless of whether it is hot or cold, full or empty; being thankful that one has a cup and that next time, one would take care to better it to own choice would be better than twiddling thumbs and cribbing about the cup.

“If I behave as though this is a completely normal situation, then maybe it will be …” Sophie Kinsella

Each time, the thoughts of “regret or despondency” take over; look around and start mentally counting the blessings. Doing so, will help one realize that though things may have been better if one had taken the either way previously; today what is there mayn’t be there. Looking around, one should never forget the fact that today is there. That the living of today holds more importance and rightness that desiring the “what ifs” of the past or speculating the prospects of the future.

“Life is a balanced system of learning and evolution. Whether pleasure or pain; every situation in your life serves a purpose. It is up to us to recognize what that purpose could be.” Steve Maraboli

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

When these downtrodden thoughts assail one, know to address the quiet sadness of the past and think of those days, but hold the “what ifs” at bay. While peering and hoping for a planned future, speculate and let the curiosity of the “what will” stay. For the latter helps one to grow and put forward their best efforts n the present. Yet while looking forwards and backwards, remember not to fail to look around. For the hugs and kisses of the loved ones in the present are the ones that help one to face the future and fills up the treasure chest of thoughts, memories and moments from the past. Learn to swim in the sea of the present as one prepares to chart the course of travels into the future.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Family and Society, Life, Quotes, Reflections, Stories Around the World

Hold on to “the Cloak”

Posted on December 12, 2019August 15, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” Ernest Hemingway

While putting together the events and details for the Christmas program at the work place, finesse and tact was required while bringing out the various talents (obvious or hidden) present in colleagues, seniors and juniors alike. As each one had volunteered their various acts, from solo vocals or music to the Christmas choir, play and message; the underlying talents were brought to light. While some were good, few were exquisite as the rehearsal audience was charmed by the music, song and talk. Surprisingly, the best of the talented were the ones who didn’t wax eloquent but showed their creative side with poise, charm and humility.

“…talent means nothing, while experience, acquired in humility and with hard work, means everything.” Patrick Süskind

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Deeply introspecting the social life of today, one is often listing own achievements either as an open declaration, bragging or defending their glory; instead of growing and perfecting these talents. When social performance and creativity costs humaneness, kindness and humility, it is time to retrospect and learn from the centuries of time where greatness actually lies. As Rick Warren had said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Each one is blessed in their own way, holding their own repertoire of skills, creativity and art. While one is not better than the other; being really good at something doesn’t require one to wear a placard on them declaring the same. Along with own skill and work; the character within speaks the loudest. As the short anecdote experienced by one of the actors of Indian cinema had narrated, the way we behave speaks a lot louder than what one says. True humility is when we acknowledge that there is always something new to learn and perfecting oneself, regardless of the achievements of the present.

“I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.” Lao Tzu

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Amitabh Bacchan says…”At the peak of my career, I was once travelling by plane. The passenger next to me was elderly gentleman dressed in a simple shirt and pants. He appeared to be middle class, and well educated. Other passengers perhaps recognising who I was, but this gentleman appeared to be unconcerned of my presence… He was reading his paper, looking out of the window, and when tea was served, he sipped it quietly. Trying to strike a conversation with him I smiled. The man courteously smiled back and said ‘Hello’. We got talking and I brought up the subject of cinema and movies and asked, ‘Do you watch films?’ The man replied, ‘Oh, very few. I did see one many years ago.’ I mentioned that I worked in the movie industry. The man replied..” oh, that’s nice. What do you do?’ I replied, ‘I am an actor ‘ The man nodded, ‘Oh, that’s wonderful!’ And that was it… When we landed, I held out my hand and said, ” It was good to travel with you. By the way, my name is Amitabh Bacchan !’ The man shook my hand and smiled, “Thank you… nice to have met you..I am J. R. D. Tata!”I learned on.that day that no matter how big you think you are, there is always someone *bigger*. Be humble, it costs nothing.
(Source: The Internet and Social Networks. While some articles say, it was the actor Amitabh Bacchan, others say it was the famous actor Dilip Kumar. Regardless of the actor, it was behaviour of the Great Indian personality J.R.D. Tata which teaches one about humility.)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/pepheads

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Family and Society, Life, poetry, Quotes, Reflections

Gain the “Happy Feet”

Posted on December 11, 2019August 25, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Memphis: Whatcha doing there, boy?
Mumble: I’m happy, Pa.
Memphis: Whatcha doing with your feet?
Mumble: They’re happy, too.”
(Dialogue, Happy Feet (2006))

With the weekend gone by, the after effect of movie night saw a number of penguins popping up as cartoons, drawings, flapping of wings and the tapping of feet, all done by the toddler in the house. The current penguin fascination was the consequence of “Happy Feet (2006)” night, a story revolving around penguins, tap dancing, music, fishing and humans.

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Feet#/media/File:Happy_Feet_Poster.jpg

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

What struck in the heart, as the movie scenes flashed intermittently in the mind, was the potential of what one can do as long as we find our feet and let it carry us through the path. For every step that the foot places, it takes us somewhere; but when the feet stay idle time moves on and the path is never travelled.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Lao Tzu

As one looks over the years, true potential can never be realized only by speculating but by taking the first step as well. While for every step, there may be a thousand doubts, fears, worries and anxiety of the future; it is taking that first step and doing what one loves that makes all the difference.

SourcE:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

To find one’s true form, one has to learn to dance, walk, run, fall down and climb out; all done so as a part of life. It may take time to attain the perfect dream, but going ahead in small steps with feet firm on ground, along the path would help us find the dreams and above all, be contented from within. Dreams do make a big part of life, but finding them and losing out on the happiness, peace, love and contentment doesn’t make way for happy days. As the pictures of penguins and waddle walks are doing their rounds in the house, one is reminded of being happy and finding contentment in life of the present.

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts