Sugar And Spice... Among Other Things

Food

Crêpe, Sweet, Savoury or Thalipeeth

Posted on February 25, 2020February 21, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Pancakes have always been an essential part of the weekly menu plans. There are lots of sides to a pancake, from the thick ones to stuffed or light paper-thin ones and the sweet or savoury ones. The ease of making delicious pancakes, as a quick morning breakfast, is what makes it a favourite for both the chef and the hungry mouths. One of the family favourites, is the crêpe or crepe.

Source:https://littlespicejar.com/easy-blender-crepes/

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

These light thin pancakes were originally a part of the ancient Greek cuisine, which was one of the earliest creations made on the frying pan like vessels. Though etymologically speaking, the French “crêpe” can be traced to the Latin crispa, the latter means with “creases”. Made both sweet (crêpes sucrées) and savoury (crêpes salées), they can have a variety of fillings, as simple as sugar to the caramelized buttery crêpes Suzette or in flambé style.

Per the norm, sweet crêpes are made with wheat flour (farine de froment) with fillings of chocolate or fruit spread, preserves, sugar, maple or golden syrup, whipped cream, sliced soft fruits or confiture; usually had as a breakfast or dessert special. While savory crêpes though made usually with wheat flour, can be made with non-wheat flours such as buckwheat, rice flour, powdered oats flour, chickpea flour or even sago grains, especially for those who require gluten-free meals. Fillings for the savoury crêpes include cheese, mushrooms, egg products and various meat products.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source: https://www.smithakalluraya.com/thalipeeth-recipe-multigrains-indian-flat-bread/

With simple ingredients, batter can be made and voila crêpes are ready for meals time. Experimenting with diverse recipes, one of the special recipes used when my cousin comes down for a visit is the “thalipeeth”, A savoury multi-grain pancake prepared from roasted grains (rice, wheat, bajra, jowar), legumes (chickpea, black gram) and spices like cumin, crushed star anise or coriander. For the batter ingredients like finely diced onions, fresh coriander or finely chopped vegetables, depending on the mood of the hour. Other flour types include that of tapioca or amaranth seeds; though they all go by local names depending on the regional variations and local flavours. Often served with milk, yoghurt or ghee, it is popular as a breakfast dish or an early evening snack meal.

Made any way, crêpes make for a pleasant morning start or that light touch of sweetness after the lunch. Most of all, they are easy for busy dads and even children, especially when mothers are on the night shift or on out of the town work projects. Getting started with a family crêpes tradition, would be a good project to keep the small hands busy and for light delicious moments of laughter and fun.

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalipeeth#/media/File:Maharashtrian_Thalipith_-_1.jpg

Source:http://supperinthesuburbs.com/2018/02/18/spinach-mushroom-crepes-blue-cheese-fried-egg/

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/chicken-and-herb-crepes

Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, poetry

Unwind the Hours

Posted on February 24, 2020December 8, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Approaching the driveway after a long day of work, the feeling of coming back home brought to rest the chaotic thoughts of work from the mind. Nursing my evening cup of Joe, the dusk hours were for reflecting back on the scenes of the day. The morning rush, traffic commute, pending assignments and projects, minor altercations in the office and then household chores lined up like a set of cardboard boxes, sealed and waiting to be opened; one does wonder if these schedules are worth their hustle and bustle. Some days one feels like a ragged doll, desperately needing a quiet place to rest or even get a wash and unwind. Yet the complete rest never happens, for the clock keeps on ticking by. The million dollar question is would I give anything to change this all. While on some occasions, it may be a bit, on others it may be nothing. For all the inner wish to rant and rave, I wouldn’t like a major change in the current situation. Despite all the “minor downs”, there is an underlying feeling of contentment running through. The latter is what keeps the sanity intact.

“No matter how much suffering you went through, you never wanted to let go of those memories.” Haruki Murakami

Source:https://vk.com/jpgpictures

For all the “downs” that time takes us through, overcoming them and getting out of the trench is what makes up the glow of memories. That glow gives one the drive to fight through the current scenario of depressed thoughts. Being human, one will never be eternally in the ‘happy go-lucky go” mode. There are bound to be flashes of sudden self-doubt, morbid thoughts and fear of the unknown.

“No matter how many plans you make or how much in control you are, life is always winging it.” Carroll Bryant

Yet through all this, it is the memories of finding oneself out of the intermittent wrong turns and choices of life, that gives the courage to go through the present mess, whether it may be made daily or an occasional mishap. As time moves on, there are somethings in life like the comfort of family, the work camaraderie, the circle of close friends and family; that we hope would never be lost.

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Source:https://vk.com/neverbbetter

Some decisions or choices may be the wrong ones, but moving on through the mess and learning from them, is what makes the treasured moments. As the hours unwind and the day comes to a close, what one needs is to find that spark of happiness and let the feeling of contentment and peace grow within.

As the Day Goes
by Jennifer Johnson

Choices and wrong turns are made,
as the day goes and the sun fades.
People are loved and hearts are broken,
as the day goes and words are spoken.
Smiles and frowns are shown on faces,
as the day goes and children play in open spaces.
Happiness and sadness are felt by all,
as the day goes and night falls.
Tears of joy and tears of pain are shed,
as the day goes and all are in bed.

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Source:https://vk.com/neverbbetter

Christian, Life, poetry, Random Thoughts

Through the Darkness

Posted on February 23, 2020November 22, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

During one of the inter-state Church fellowship meets, the joy of meeting up with childhood acquaintances was beautiful. Catching up on the news, both in the personal and professional front was done during the lunch hours. On the journey back home, it was natural to reflect back on the conversations. While many of us had plans during our growing years, of becoming teachers, pilots, actors,designers and so on, the lives led today mayn’t have been even thought of or imagined in the mind. There may have been plenty of “downs” and “ups”, deviations or detours as well as turning points. Yet the final outcome will always rest as per His Plans.

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

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As the conversations ran through, the discovery that things may haven’t gone as per what the inner mind had held, the final outcome had blessings and gifts of it’s own. The Lord’s Plan can never be calculated or fathomed on the surface. The true purpose may reveal itself only over the years. Yet what is true, is that, what ever one may do, if it is in true Faith and Belief, then things will always go as per the right tune in the long run. For His Ways are many and mysterious, but He will never Forsake or leave us alone, as long as the Faith stays strong and His Word remains true in the heart. For those very things give plenty of courage and light through the darkness.

” The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.” (Psalm 33:11)

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Light Shining out of Darkness

1
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

2
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sov’reign will.

3
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

4
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

5
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev’ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.

6
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

– William Cowper

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Food

Of the Hand, Bread and Cake

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

Imagine feeding an infant who absolutely refuses to have any pureed or steamed food, cereals or mashed vegetables. The struggle during that phase was when the taste of milk alone was acceptable. In those it was the good old mashed bananas that came to the rescue. With just enough sugar and plenty of coaxing, the bawling stopped and the spitting stopped. Once the toothless smile changed then, a repeat phase started when the favourite word especially on seeing the plate was “No”!! Then again, the only favoured food was “nana” for that curved piece of yellow fruit. One had to scourge the books and net for various rcipes based on bananas. It was banana pancakes, mashed bananas, fritters and so on. Frankly wth the constant presence of banana, the rest of the family got sick and tired of it, but not the toddler.

The sudden recollection was due to the presence of a large bunch of bananas. The hand was a gift from our neighbours for a successful crop year. While we could just have a few of them, the old recipes were then referred for baking the holiday favourite banana bread.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Measuring out the all-purpose baking flour, one could often relate to the women of the Great Depression Era. With necessities running short and budgets tight; making perishables last was important. With the advent of baking soda and powder, the addition of ripe or overripe bananas to the flour gave the regular bread a different texture, taste and a welcome change from the usual. Over time the regular banana bread evolved to the a mix of the favourites of the diner like the banana raisin bread, banana nut bread, chocolate chip banana bread and the banana dates bread.

“Banana Tea Bread
1 3/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour, 2 teasp. baking powder, 1/4 teasp. baking soda, 1/2 teasp. salt, 1/3 c. shortening, 2/3 c. granulated sugar, 2 eggs, well-beaten, 1 c. mashed, ripe bananas (2-3 bananas)
Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt. Work shortening with a spoon until fluffy and creamy, then add sugar gradually while continuing to work with a spoon, until light. Add eggs and beat well with a spoon. Add flour mixture alternately with the bananas, a small amount at a time, beating smooth with a spoon, after each addition. Turn into a greased or oiled loaf pan about 9″ X 5″ X 3″. Bake in a moderate oven of 350 degrees F. for 1 hour 10 min., or until done. 1/2 c. chopped walnuts, or 1 c. chopped dates may be added.” – Good Housekeeping Cook Book, completely revised edition [Farrar & Rinehart:New York] 1942, 1944 (p. 482)

Though the popularity of the banana bread, muffins and cakes rose in the 20th century cookbooks; banana cakes and different variants were indigenous to the South East Asian cuisine. The Gao (steamed, flour based banana cakes) were a part of the Chinese meals, often served along with it or at tea. The Vietnamese Bánh chuối (sweet banana cake or bread pudding) was made with ripe bananas or plantains, coconut milk, sugar, white bread, shredded young coconut, condensed milk, butter, egg and vanilla extract. There were two main varieties, Bánh chuối nướng which was baked banana cake with a golden-brown, crisp exterior and the Bánh chuối hấp (“steamed banana cake”) with rice starch added. Another preparation of steam banana cakes are the Indonesian “Kue nagasari”, which is made using banana, mung bean flour or rice flour, coconut milk and sugar.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://donatkuid.blogspot.com/2018/12/kue-nagasari.html

Source:https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/recipe/food/asian-recipes/banana-nian-gao-french-toast/

Keeping the choices and taste of the family in mind, it was an interesting venture at trying out the steamed version of banana cakes for a change. The outcome will be seen during the office lunch hour. While balking at the initial thought of letting the gift go to waste; the smell of the freshly baked banana bread as well as steamed cakes makes the hours in the kitchen worth their while.

“Banana Cake
Beat to a cream a quarter of a cup of butter, add a half cup of sugar and one egg; when very light, stir in enough flour to make a stiff dough; roll into a thin sheet and line a square, shallow baking pan. Peel five good, ripe bananas, and chop them very fine; put them over the crust in a pan, sprinkle over a half cup of sugar, the pulp of five tamarinds soaked in a quarter of a cup of warm water; squeeze over the juice of two Japanese oranges, put over a tablespoonful of butter cut into pieces, a saltspoonful of mace, and two tablespoonfuls of thick cream. Grate over the top two small crackers, bake in a moderate oven a half hour, and cut into narrow strips to serve.” – Mrs. Rorer’s New Cook Book, Sara Tyson Rorer [Arnold and Company:Phildadelphia] 1902 (p. 697)

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:http://www.npfamilyrecipes.com/recipe/steamed-banana-cake-banh-chuoi-hap/

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Personal Musings, Photography Art, poetry, Random Thoughts

Colours through the Expanse

Posted on February 21, 2020December 25, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“What a strange thing!
to be alive beneath cherry blossoms.”
Kobayashi Issa

With the nip in the air coming down and the ground turning to wet slush with the rain midst the change of season, one can definitely see the beginnings of spring. As the leap month draws to a near close, the charge in the air and touch of green on the grounds reminds one of the new lease of life after the cold winds. As the days grow longer, the grounds come alive with the scampering of feet and a ball or the flight of the ball in the wind to the hands of the fielders. To put it in simple terms, spring brings sounds of laughter, running feet and life come alive, along with the vibrant colours in the air.

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Carl Sagan

Source: https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Our lives reflect the phases of spring at different stages. Going through difficult days, circumstances embroiled in worry, meshed with anxiety and the flurries of doubts of whether things would work out or not and the like has been experienced by each of us at some point of time or the other. On some days, one manages to survive and emerge victorious; while on other days one may barely make it through or sometimes not. In the days of the latter, is when one yearns for the events which bring a smile to the face through the memories stored and moments treasured. Those are the moments akin to spring, giving a new lease of life when needed the most.

“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”…
“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…”
Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden)

Coming out through the quagmire of dark thoughts and emotions, each of us need that sliver of spring, giving the warmth through cold memories and bringing a fresh lease of life to the mundane. Coming out through those dark days takes immense grit and will. The joy of the colours awaiting brings the spring in the step towards the few few steps needed to reach the end of the drab and dingy roads.

Source: https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Just as spring signals the new beginnings towards the end of the cold and stillness, so do our lives colour up when we come out of the gloom and embrace the chance, changes as well as keep the will and spirit strong, to look for the light at the end of the stormy tunnels.

The Twenty-Second of February
William Cullen Bryant

Pale is the February sky,
And brief the mid-day’s sunny hours;
The wind-swept forest seems to sigh
For the sweet time of leaves and flowers.

Yet has no month a prouder day,
Not even when the summer broods
O’er meadows in their fresh array,
Or autumn tints the glowing woods.

For this chill season now again,
Brings, in its annual round, the morn
When, greatest of the sons of men,
Our glorious Washington was born.

Lo, where, beneath an icy shield,
Calmly the mighty Hudson flows!
By snow-clad fell and frozen field,
Broadening, the lordly river goes.

The wildest storm that sweeps through space,
And rends the oak with sudden force,
Can raise no ripple on his face,
Or slacken his majestic course.

Thus, ’mid the wreck of thrones, shall live
Unmarred, undimmed, our hero’s fame,
And years succeeding years shall give
Increase of honors to his name.

Source: https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Stories Around the World, Work

Maintain the “Equipoise”

Posted on February 20, 2020December 12, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

While entering work, there was a new notice at the bulletin next to the elevator. It was a new poster based on Don Miguel Ruiz, “The Four Agreements”. With the elevator still stuck on the top floors and time on my hands, a quick run through the words of these agreements provided a fresh perspective.

“Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.” Don Miguel Ruiz

On detailed reading and review of the poster resulted in one accepting the beauty of the words. While these work agreements may help to pave a better work place scenario, when practised in the true spirit, they aid one to stay happy within.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

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There are endless encounters with people in our daily lives. On some days, it may be a few, on other days it may be a lot many. Yet all these contacts leave an impression in the mind of which some may be happy, some give off a feel of kindness or at times, a negative vibe around each experience. Yet when one tends to brood over and feed on the negative vibe more, the inner peace gets lost.

“I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.” Henry Fielding

By keeping the humanness in our basic interactions; more than the positive impact left, it is the feeling of happiness and contentment within that leaves one in peace. Every hour of our lives has a lot to offer. Time is never predictable, neither is the chance to experience the joy of living. If the inner balance is upset, efforts must be made to regain it. Those efforts always start from within. For to to be in harmony with the inner self, is a gift of Grace in itself.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/407716572501581308/

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Be impeccable with your word. “Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”

Don’t make assumptions. “Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.”

Don’t take anything personally. “Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.”

Always do your best. “Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.”

Source: Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (1997)

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Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

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Daily, Personal Musings, Quotes, Random Thoughts

Beyond the Wish

Posted on February 19, 2020December 3, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.” Oprah Winfrey

When an invitation for an evening performance of classical music and dance had landed in the mail, it perked my interest. One reason being that in the digital age, almost everything is through email or phone messaging applications. The second reason was that why the mail to the residential address. On reading the entire programme detials, the name of one the dancers being familiar lead to the call home. The confirmation of the details came as a shocker. Yes, my fifty plus year old cousin who runs a boutique, children at university has decided to fulfill her childhood dream of performing a classical dance. The entire preparation was kept as a surprise.

“When you’re not sure if you’re following the right path, when you’ve been knocked down a few too many times, it’s completely fine to get discouraged, hell even defeated. What’s not okay is to stop.” Gary John Bishop

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Age never as a limit on our dreams, neither has time. During childhood, all of us may have wanted to do that one art or hobby; but were constrained by limitations of time, academics, co-curricular or other priorities. Yet as the age matures and responsibilities change, it is up to one self to make he cherished dreams or desires happen, if feasible. It takes courage to do something new, especially when the world around as well as society put plenty of tags and labels. The truth is it all lies in oneself. If had wanted to do something with great desire from within, follow up on that dream and make it happen. For one can never be too late to fulfill own dreams, no matter how much the time or the age flies.

“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.” Francis Scott Fitzgerald

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