A peek into the Past – Best of 2008…..

Just a few more days and this year comes to an end and a bright New year awaits us….
Just a few more days and my blog celebrates its first birthday!!I am excited!!!

Srivalli has invited us to share our thoughts about our blogging in the year 2008…

Before you read on,let me warn you-This is a long post,really….Ok, here is the story…

I started this blog to share recipes with friends,then it became a sort hub for all that I cooked.I wanted to put in my experiments in cooking first but as the days went by,I wanted to put in everyday cookery and then go on to less familiar ones and then to my experiments.

I often go back and read my recipes.When I do that I am transported into the memories which revolve not only around the time I prepared that dish but also go into my childhood when mom used to prepare these tasty dishes and also recollect her childhood memories.Sometimes it would be dad’s turn to talk about a certain dish and the meal time was something I would look forward to.

When I started the blog I would often ask mom to prepare some dish and would be busy clicking it.You may wonder why I did not prepare the dishes myself..Well,I was on the way to motherhood and my lil angel was almost due when I started the blog, so mom would not allow me to exert myself in the kitchen.Moreover, it is that phase of life where you are made to eat all the lovely stuff and all that you want without the guilt ;)…One fine day mom understood the reason for me asking her to prepare a variety of dishes was more for my blog than to satisfy my [pregnancy] craving !!!Later even after my bundle of joy arrived,I did not let go of my passion for blogging and have continued it till date[I resumed cooking after my lil angel was born :)]

Now back to the topic…’First’ things in life are always memorable and it holds true to blogging as well.I can never forget the “first’s” in blogging-my first post,first comment I received,my first entry to an event,the first event I am hosting!!It’s getting exciting by the day..

But I don’t think my lil angel shares this enthusiasm with me.[After all she’s just 11 month’s old].Many a times I can see a sort of ‘sibling’ rivalry brewing between the computer and my lil angel!!! She would[and still is] crawl hurriedly to grab my feet and draw my attention.[Sweet angel that she is,never throws a tantrum!!!].Once I pick her up,she will be all smiles.Sometimes she would sit on my lap and demand her share of the keyboard.But all the while,I really enjoy every bit of blogging.

Through blogging I have earned a great deal of friends from far and near and learnt a wide range of recipes from around the globe,some of which are on my blog and others sleeping in my drafts :).I find myself looking for new ingredients on the grocery aisle so that I can get to know it better and cook something with it or adapt it to Indian methods!
YINER HANGZAO LIANZI GENG-An original Chinese soup/dessert prepared with ingredients I have never seen.

BUCKWHEAT NOODLES WITH VEGGIES -An adapted recipe with buckwheat noodles,another ingredient I am less familiar with.

Blogging has also increased my passion to buy new kitchen wares.Nowadays I am always on the lookout for cutlery and crockery which stand out,something that I have never seen before and stuffs like that.Not only that ,I have even purchased some cook books in Chinese!!!Sounds ridiculous?Maybe, because I can’t read a word in Chinese but the books looked too good to let go.But no worries,I have got a wonderful friend here who has promised to translate every page.Lucky me 🙂
My plans for 2009 are to include at least a few recipes from each Indian state and a lot more on global cuisine.Maybe I will host a couple of events,write more on fitness and easy ways to a healthy lifestyle.When I get back to India,I plan to sit with my grandparents and learn the time tested home remedies [from the kitchen cabinet] and share it on the blogosphere.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and may this year be filled with all that is best and beautiful in life….