The Pumpkin Chronicles

Though Dr. Ian Malcolm’s profound and by now iconic assertion “Life, uh, finds a way” in Jurassic Park was in reference to the survival and proliferation of genetically engineered dinosaurs, it is not wrong to associate this statement with the real world where millions of species fight for survival against each other and more often …

The Rant A(i)n’t Over!

BrilliAnt was in a soup. At least in her dreams a few hours back, she was merrily floating on a leaf in a vast pool of green pea soup – a nutrient-rich haven (5% protein by the aroma, no less, mind you!). But now, back at work, that pleasant dream had turned into a stinking …

A’poie’tizer

The Portuguese left behind the legacy of their proficiency at bread-making for the poders (local traditional bread-maker) of Goa. Though the customary method of using toddy to ferment the dough is rare to come by now, there's nothing to beat the distinctive aroma, light smoky flavour and unique textures of the staple bread of Goans. …

The Heirloom Dosa

Dosa! I pride myself (a bit bordering on conceit) on being a dosa connoisseur, having tasted this gift of the Gods (did God have a slightly South Indian bias when blessing us with breakfast items?) wherever it was on offer during my abundant travels – from the humblest of rustic roadside shacks to the antiseptic …

A Bun(ch) of Memories!

As you travel down the western coast of India, your olfactories announce your arrival within the bounds of Karnataka. In addition to the ubiquitous tiffin items, a delightful, faintly sweet, fried aroma hits you where it matters, causing instantaneous salivation leading you to involuntarily gulp like a goldfish. For us UKites (Uttara Kannada folks) it's …

“Ca-shew” Like It!

A native of Brazil, the Cashew was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the middle of the 16th century. Though the other Portuguese imports such as potatoes, tomatoes and pineapples immediately caught the fancy of the Indian palate, the cashew took some time in coming into the limelight. Basically because the cashew was brought …

Easter: Celebrating Rebirth and Rejuvenation!

Easter is a festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which according to the New Testament occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion. For many people the world over Easter is also a celebration of the spring season – the beginning of new life all around! In fact, the word Easter …

Hot Cross Buns!

Hot Cross Buns were baked in the medieval period as an offering to the Germanic goddess Eostre, the goddess of spring, as a celebration of Easter. A cross was marked on top of the bun symbolising the four phases of the moon and four seasons of the year. As per Christian tradition, the buns were …

Chips ‘n’ Dips, Fix your Mix!

Though Dips first made their appearance on the world stage with hummus making its debut in the Middle East in the 13th century, and Chips joined much later – in 1953 with invention of the potato chips – it was a marriage made in heaven! And ever since, the love story of chips and dips …

Ugadi: A Celebration of Life!

Be it Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa, Yugadi in Karnataka, or Ugadi in Telangana and Andhra – all these festivals celebrate the beginning of the new year or the first day of the first month of Chaitra in the Hindu lunar calendar. Mythology has it that it was on this day that Brahma began to …