February 2020 – Page 4 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Platter of Warmth and Pasta

Posted on February 8, 2020February 6, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Informing my other half, that office hours would extend on till late evening resulted in the first reassurance whether everything was ready for dinner or not. Unfortunately the planned ahead wasn’t in order. Consequently it was a day of either ordering in for the entire family or an immediate quick meals ensemble or emergency cooking. With the sudden downpour, it was the latter that won the toss. Instead of the ever filling mac and cheese, it was pasta and cheese for dinner. While it mayn’t be as close to di Lelio’s “fettuccine alfredo”, it was a dish made of family love, that made the evening one of happiness, warmth and peace.

Tracing the roots of the famed fettuccine alfredo, would an interesting read. Serving fettuccine (flat thick pasta made of egg and flour) with butter and cheese can be found in the 15th century recipes for macaroni romaneschi (Martino da Como, Rome). Here the noodles are cooked in broth or water, butter is then added along with good cheese and varied sweet spices. Variation of the above ingredients with the fresh fettuccine being tossed with butter and Parmesan cheese, the latter forming a smooth rich sauce coating the pasta as it melts leads to the present day “Fettuccine Alfredo”.

Source:https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a55312/best-homemade-fettuccine-alfredo-recipe/

Source:https://vk.com/po.recepty

As per family accounts, Di Lelio made it for his wife Ines, in order to entice her to eat after giving birth to their first child. Named as fettuccine al triplo burro initially, for the extra butter added while mixing up the fettuccine together. The initial recipes included the use of three ingredients: fettuccine, young Parmesan cheese and butter. As legends go, the original recipes have believed it’s secret lie in the oil added to the pasta dough or the noodles being cooked in milk. Whichever it may be, this dish had caught with the generation then and has been carried over since.

Interestingly as important as the taste, was the tossing of the fettuccine with the cheese and butter; such that the entire procedure was an art in itself. No matter how busy or dull the day may have been, Combining the essence of warm plate of homeliness, love, comfort food as well as warmth makes this dish; be it the homemade version or the dining out in-style brings out the best feelings within.

“This act of mixing the butter and cheese through the noodles becomes quite a ceremony when performed by Alfredo in his tiny restaurant in Rome. As busy as Alfredo is with other duties, he manages to be at each table when the waiter arrives with the platter of fettuccine to be mixed by him. As a violinist plays inspiring music, Alfredo performs the sacred ceremony with a fork and spoon of solid gold. Alfredo does not cook noodles. He does not make noodles. He achieves them.” — George Rector (1933)

Source:https://vk.com/po.recepty

Source:https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/fettuccine-alfredo-leeks-peas-bacon-recipe

Daily, Family and Society, Life, Quotes

Gift of the Music

Posted on February 7, 2020November 28, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

During college days, going home every weekend meant boarding the only bus that would go straight home without a change of buses during the transit. While waiting for the bus, one could observe the flow of people on the streets across. In front of the shop direct across the board was the street musician, who was the regular on most evenings for an hour or two. On some days it was the guitar, other days the flute or the violin; either way there was music played. Just as evening drew close, there were those among the passing crowd who had stopped for the music.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edward Everett Hale

On regular observation, many of the faces used to life with the sheer joy and pleasure of the music, waiting each day for the heartening performance. Watching this each weekend evening brought to the mind the realization that each of us have something to offer to this word. From good memories to pleasant feelings, while one mayn’t deem oneself important, your presence may be the significant point in someone else’s life.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

“Everyone on Earth is a solution to someone’s problem,” my wise grandmother once said. I was very surprised at her words. “You are the solution to someone’s problem,” she repeated. And she explained: “The gift that was given to you may not be needed by everyone, but it certainly is simply necessary for someone — your smile, your love, your strength.” ( Quote Source: vk.com)

On the journey made regular during those two years, the memories of the music used to linger till the final stop. Whether the music was being played for the cash or for the sheer joy of it, it brought out smiles in the hearts of all. For some like me, it was sweet beginning for a blessed weekend, while for others it signified the pleasant end of the day. While the effect mayn’t have been big, the memories made beautiful still linger and light up the dull moments in each of our lives.

“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” Minor Myers

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Daily, Personal Musings, Quotes, Random Thoughts

To Catch the “Now”

Posted on February 6, 2020November 22, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

After school hours saw pairs of little legs running in the ground near home. An unexpected cloud burst resulted in these tiny legs scampering back into the shelter, while frantic adults made their way to the clothesline to grab and rush the dry linen back to safety. As the hours had passed and the sun had decided for an early night, the little legs balanced themselves cross-legged on the porch making little boats, listening for the croaking of frogs and catch a few droplets on the little palms. As the night grew stronger, the night meal was in tune with the stories of the stars above. The entire evening had a feeling of completeness, contentment and unclouded happiness.

“I always think of each night as a song. Or each moment as a song. But now I’m seeing we don’t live in a single song. We move from song to song, from lyric to lyric, from chord to chord. There is no ending here. It’s an infinite playlist.” David Levithan

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Happiness arises from the simple things of life. Seeing through those little eyes, on learns to appreciate the simple pleasures, gifts as well as beauty of the present day, in those basic minutes. From grumbles of early rising to their joy in discovering that one can make a bridge with their forks to make milk bubbles to their unfettered joy on catching the lady bug on the leaf before the bus arrives, all these moments while taken in a hurry by the adult mind, later in silence acknowledge that these memories are quite priceless.

Be it the blooming buds and chirping of birds, to the tune of Spring, the hot summer days of lush green and impromptu picnics or lemonade runs, the colured piles of autumn leaves to jump into and the wintry snowfalls with decoration of the trees with multicolored lights, paper chains and pocketfuls of ginger snaps, these captured moments are what grace the memories of childhood as well as lighten the adult mind.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

One doesn’t need to go far to be happy. As one learns from children, happiness is always there in their own backyard. It may be in a form far from expected, but it will always be there waiting to be experienced and added to the treasure chest of memories. Isn’t it a blessing to watch it all, just to be in it and to feel the warmth of life ? To work for the love of family and prepare for the future is important. Yet the most important thing is to appreciate the present.

“Close your eyes, imagine that you are five years old, and look out the window again. Imagine that you still do not need to choose what to believe, because there is no choice – everything is one, everything is indivisible. There is no need to search for meanings, endow anything else. You still confuse “yesterday” and “tomorrow” simply because time has no cuts, it does not even last, it just is. And you just are, and this is practically invulnerable and categorically immortal. And a slice An amber melon or a mug of fresh raspberries makes you absolutely, absolutely happy … ” E. Kasyan

https://vk.com/slideshowarts

https://vk.com/monahos

https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes

Building On

Posted on February 5, 2020December 6, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

In the holiday-to-do projects, my nephew had drawn up the plan for a real miniature boat for the creative arts class. To call it a boat would be a little primitive. After building two models to get an idea of the specifics, he had decided to go ahead with his plan for an English galleon with the four mast type. Although the initial work of the basic models of ” the dhow” and “the cutter” were simple, the real work was for the bigger galleon. It would have been so easy to go with the basic model as submission for the holiday art project, yet he didn’t. He had wanted to his pet project and that was it. While initially masts had refused to hold up, later they did. The sense of completeness was an experience in itself when the project was finally complete.

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_Galleon_Model.jpg

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhow#/media/File:Another_Dhow.JPG

Source:vk.com/veruj

Working out the principle of “sticking on” in our daily lives, the rewards in itself would be great. Watching a fledgling gear up their wings or a novice worker with his tools, is akin to trying something new. As one learns to experiment and grow from their mistakes, the confidence within slowly builds up and plans work out. Eventually one learns to fly.

“When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” ” Unknown

We all need beginnings. When the beginnings work out, it is the staying on that matters the most. Like walking for a toddler, the first few steps maybe difficult then things catch up on being easy. One the other hand, learning to do a skilled embroidery, the first few stitches may go in easy, but as the patterns become more complicated the difficulty arises. But it’s when one learns to perfect the art through a slow and steady approach, the entire work gets done.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

The experience of achieving a dream, is something that can be felt only in the aftermath. There is always the possibility of fall in every step. Unless we gather the courage for a step, we would miss out the joys of experiencing the unknown.

“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”
― Erin Hanson

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Food

More than Nuts and Chocolate…

Posted on February 4, 2020February 1, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Trying to get a stubborn toddler or a pre-teen to have breakfast is worse than negotiating a board meeting. In fact, getting the latter going is way easier than the former. For every parent, guardian or care-giver who has to battle this, there are plenty of antics up our sleeves.

Which is why every year, there is a rigorous scanning for coupons, online discounts and offers on the first week of February. Yes, it is the month for the best buys and hoard on Nutella. Be it an elder or the young one, Nutella can get most of them to get start and moving onto the breakfast table in the morning hours.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Though, Italian in origin, Nutella has put itself on the world map, may be because of it’s easy acceptability among the young and old. Though many similar brands and spreads have cropped up, there is something about this one that gets the most stubborn young mind to grace the breakfast table. More than the nutritional value it is the morning calorie intake, for the growing bones that one is worried about.

In order to stretch the tiny amount of Nutella, various indigenous methods have been attempted by yours truly. The sole purpose was to just get the flavour in, for the breakfast feel to kick in. From adding it to pancake (or even dosa) batter, including it in minimal amounts along with the sandwich filing, waffle mix, potato pancakes, idli (fermented rice cakes), cereals as well as oats; new indigenous methods are still underway like the nutella lasagna, nutella pasta or even the nutella burgers, rice and chicken. As for quick desserts (nutella mug cakes), a zing to the coffee, icing to the homemade cakes, impromptu anniversary or celebration cakes, doughnut dips and fillings; this hazelnut and choclate spread makes life a wee bit easier. Little wonder why this chocolate and hazelnut spread is till making waves in the kitchens and off the shelves.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Source:https://www.foodandwine.com/news/8-ridiculous-and-wonderful-ways-use-nutella-world-nutella-day

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanabread/16282098638/

Daily, Family and Society, poetry, Reflections

Shades we Cast

Posted on February 3, 2020November 28, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Every man casts a shadow; not his body only, but his imperfectly mingled spirit. This is his grief. Let him turn which way he will, it falls opposite to the sun; short at noon, long at eve. Did you never see it?” Henry David Thoreau

On an late noon shopping trip, the modern vehicle of convenience had decided to rest impromptu. Unfortunately, it was not by own command but by it’s own choosing. The point happened o be at a lone stretch of the local road. The long trek to the main road, provided little comfort except for the shadow that accompanied me on the short trek.

“We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand, and it is no good moving from place to place to save things; because the shadow always follows. Choose a place where you won’t do harm – yes, choose a place where you won’t do very much harm, and stand in it for all you are worth, facing the sunshine.” E.M. Forster

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

We all cast different shadows. Some of them long, short or just a line at times. Different times of the day, different shades or different lengths, each shadow leaves a trace of us at some point of time. Shadows always follows one. At times, they may be with us giving us comfort and peace. Other times, it may be protective as watching our shadows help us see who is behind ( especially on a lone city walk). At times, the shadows merge with the rest of the surroundings to be blurred, matching the mood of the moment. What ever way it may be, shadows are a part of us.

“This learned I from the shadow of a tree
That to and fro did sway upon a wall:
Our shadow selves, our influence may fall
Where we can never be.”
– A.E. Hamilton

Shadows are but a reflection of the reality of that moment. Whether it may be in complete or just partial, those are the prints or part of the evidence left behind. They are nothing but certain aspects of the reality. Though it mayn’t be a part of the complete picture, it may be associated with it. To quote Helen Keller, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow” , but the shadow follows when possible, whether by choice or not.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

The important thing is it mayn’t be true projection, but an association of shades or parts of it. Those shades are what defines one to others, even they mayn’t be in entire true. Yet the harsh truth is, that is how the world see each other. Some are known by their true forms, others obscured in part or whole by the shades of the shadows that are cast.

Shadows

How much of earth’s beauty is due to its shadows!
The tree and the cliff and the far-floating cloudlet,
The uniform light intercepting and crossing,
Give manifold color and change to the landscape.

How much, too, our life is in debt to its shadows;
To griefs that refine us and cares that develope,
And wants that keep friendship and love from decaying;
With nothing to cross us we perish of ennui.

– Thomas Durfee

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Random Thoughts

Order to the Chaos

Posted on February 2, 2020January 31, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Bedlam. That is how one tends to describe most mornings at home, especially on Mondays. From the chaos of bringing order to things after the weekend trip to the family homestead, the arranging of lunches, office paperwork and getting uniforms ironed; it takes immense effort to keep own calm and settle the situation. Over the office break hour, the silent introspection begins. As far as my recall goes, morning chaos was never a part of my school years. Maybe it was because of the less tasks to be done. Or it could be attributed to the order brought by practice of time management as a fine art ( courtesy of my mother). So what happens on certain mornings these days? Time mismatched or poor division of responsibilities.

With the invention of electric clock, time has been transferred from the wall clocks to the digital manner of “smart watches, smart phones, and laptops.” As the seconds tick by, everyone seems to be in a hurry. At certain points of the day, week or month; each of us run short of time. At times, no matter how many gimmicks one tries; time is always on the run with us, mere mortals in it’s chase.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Putting in the opinion of experts; time has to be managed essentially on the lines of priority, task delegation and bringing an order or establishing a routine. Despite all this, the entire run seems tiresome and weekdays are most dreaded. As the pace increases, somewhere along the way we have lost the zest and interest that each new day brings.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

One of the secrets to managing time doesn’t lie in going fast or slow. Instead being in the moment, keeping the cool and sorting out is what keeps the day rolling out just fine. As the start to most mornings, spending some quiet time with Him will give us a spark to face the day. As one moves fast within the race with time, knowing why as well as learning from the situation around us help one to keep the pace.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

The time allotted to each of us doesn’t live by clock-watching alone but by leaning to appreciate His Grace, His Kindness and His Love in each of our lives. As long as the Spirit is strong, the hassles brought by each hour can be faced with a steady mind. Spending time with Him, helps us to get in step with each other and ourselves as well.

“A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4).

While one may or mayn’t expect the same chaos most mornings, learning to keep the peace within helps us to manage the waking hours. While bringing about an order may result in a flurry of actions and words, keeping own cool and calm helps one to go ahead in time than be in the constant rush zone. And when the days start with His Word, the peace settles in soon and order is brought into the mayhem.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547