[VeganMoFo 2016] How To Cook Dried Beans From Scratch

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Beans! Beans! And More Beans! I am a huge fan of beans and whenever I see a new variety in Farmer's Market, I quickly grab some to try a recipe or two. A bag of Christmas Beans (as pictured below) was one such impulse buys. Aren't they just beautiful to look at? How can one not buy? :-) Today's post is all about how to prepare and cook dried beans from scratch. Once you get the basics right, it is so much easier (and healthier) than canned version (with their absurd amounts of sodium levels). Personally, I think cooked beans also make a far more delicious meal than canned beans. There is also a information on how to store/freeze cooked beans with a few pretty photographs to look at. While you are soaking a batch of beans, don't forget to check out this entire list of legume recipes for some good ideas. Happy Cooking!

30 Day Social Media Detox (September 1st - 30th 2016)

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Didn't I celebrate my 9 year blog anniversary just yesterday! and here I am about to unplug myself for a much-needed 30 day social media detox starting tomorrow until the end of September. How am I going to do it? The DO's and DON'Ts are in the post below.

7 Best Tea Quotes (With Photos) To Make Your Day Better and Brighter

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In his book The Compound Effect, author and former publisher of SUCCESS magazine Darren Hardy says - it takes around three hundred instances of any deliberate act to become an ingrained, involuntary habit. Well, if that is the case then I must have surely had at least three hundred cups of tea, for it is the first thing I do every single morning. In many cultures around the world, the art of drinking tea is associated with mindfulness and a form of meditation. You are forced to stop rushing through the day, stay still and enjoy a cup, one-sip-at-a-time. Over the course of many years, I managed to capture a few moments in my camera and paired with a favorite quote on tea, below are snapshots of this most treasured habit of mine. Enjoy.

"If you are cold, tea will warm you; If you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited it will calm you." - William Ewart Gladstone                      

Three Things Thursday | Week 2

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[1] Life is like a butterfly: Trust postcrossing for some lovely surprises every now and then into my mailbox. Here's one postcard I received from Nataly (Canada). Along with a sweet message where she talks about her recent fun trip to British Columbia, also included are recipe cards and a butterfly made by her daughter. Isn't it super sweet? Gestures like these from complete strangers does make you realize the beauty of a handwritten note when compared to an email.

[Previously On] Three Things Thursday | Week [1]

[Eating Out in New York City] Jack's Wife Freda | NYC Restaurant

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This post was supposed to see the light of day many months ago. I blame the sudden move to Bay Area and crazy aftermath for its delay. Now that the humdrum of everyday life is slowly settling in and am getting used to a new routine, I want to talk about this amazing experience with you all. Though it happened sometime ago, the memories of it are still fresh and if I ever get a chance, I want to do all over again with my favorite gal pal K, who also happens to be my sister-in-law and a passionate foodie like me. Her cooking skills are well known in our circle of friends and she also unabashedly admits her intense love for the City of Dreams - NYC. I couldn't have asked for a better buddy to spend my Saturday with and roam around the hustling streets of New York City.

Why Jack's Wife Freda?: For that you need read this TimeOut's article on 12 drool-worthy brunch dishes you need to try in NYC. Instantly, we knew Jack's Wife Freda would be a perfect choice for brunch and is to be definitely added to our itinerary. After some back & forth emails, a jam-packed schedule was planned - starting with Union Square Market, Chinatown, walking Brooklyn Bridge end-to-end and then finally to squeeze in few moments to go to pasta heaven - Eatly.

Three Things Thursday | Week 1

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I always had this desire to share my thoughts beyond just food, here on this blog. Being a true Libran, I get easily bored with regularities of Life and my mind is always buzzing with new ideas/projects to try. For the first time, when I stumbled upon a post called Three Things Thursday on Dixya's blog, I was curious to know what was this meme all about. Turns out, the concept is as simple as the name suggests - to share three things every thursday. It is hosted by lovely Raj from Pink Chai Living, Nisha from Love Laugh Mirch, & Salma from The Write Balance.

Now, wouldn't that be interesting, to just pause for a moment and appreciate little aspects of our mundane days.

Here are my #3ThingsThursday.

[1] Birthday One: To all who are celebrating - Happy Vinayaka Chavithi. Today is the day when Lord Ganesha was born. So, here's Wishing him a Happy Birthday too! Last weekend when we went to one of our friend's house warming party, I saw this lemon shaped in the form of our beloved Elephant God. Do you see what I see - the flappy ears and the long trunk? Incredible. Right?

[Farmer's Market Series # 3] Union Square Greenmarket, New York City

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It has been more than SIX months since I moved to New York City. Say what? Time just flew and it sure took time for me to adjust to this new New Yorker lifestyle. I still feel like an alien in a mad world that is always is a rush to reach somewhere. There are tons of places to see and so many things to do in New York City. It will be a wishful thinking on my part if I aspire to do them all, but there are a few must-visit places and Union Square Green Market is definitely on top of the list. So, on a fairly overcast Saturday morning, we set off to explore the city as much as we can. The plan was to meet at the market and then move on to other places like Brooklyn Bridge, China Town, Little Italy, Chelsea Market etc. 

This post is a part of the Farmer's Market Series I do whenever I visit a new city. First one was on Mountain View (California) and another featuring a market from back home. It has been a while since the last feature and am so thrilled that I could be photograph this beautiful NYC market filled with gorgeous seasonal produce and artisanal products. Enjoy!

Fresh Carrots, not the ones that are bagged and frozen from our local grocery store

[Eating Out in New York City # 1] Winterland Wonderland At Bryant Park

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“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” ~ James Beard (1903-1985)

As promised in my last post, here I am to spill the beans and to talk about my new home - New York City. The big move was quite unexpected and pleasantly surprising. Yes, it was always my dream to work in-the-city. Yes, I did imagine myself multiple times, walking through the beautiful alleys of NYC, gazing at the tall buildings. What I didn't expect is, how soon my wish came true. It has been four hectic weeks of still adjusting and trying to fit into this crazy yet exhilarating New York culture. 

Also, one other thing I did not expect is that the first post after my move would be about a a Vegan/Vegetarian Meetup, something I signed up mere few days ago. Click for more and scroll down for a visual experience of my visit to Winter Village at Bryant Park last night!

Welcome to the partyyy! 

Black and White Wednesdays | Sunday Picnic

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A LOT has changed since last few weeks and a month long break was necessary for many decisions to be made, life to settle and fall into a rhythm again. More on that in the next post, I promise. Meanwhile, here is a sneak peek into recipe coming up which is being sent to the special 150th edition of weekly photography event Black and White Wednesdays, originally conceptualized by Susan, this week guest hosted by Cindystar. Check out all the photographs I submitted until now to this lovely event.

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The Bengali Food Festival at Trident, Hyderabad

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Many of my friends ask: Why do you write about food? My answer to them is simple - I cook or I blog about food as eating has always been my most reliable way of understanding the world!. Reveling in a delightful morsel of rice or well made bread gives me immense happiness and it restores a sense of familiarity. And I truly love that feeling.  Today's post is about my experience tasting a myriad of dishes made as a part of tasting event for Bengali Food Festival at Trident, Hyderabad. This is my first time experiencing the cuisine in such close quarters. Being a vegetarian, read on to know more on what I got to taste from a land popular for Maach (fish) and Bhaat (rice)!

The Parsi Food Festival at Taj Krishna, Hyderabad

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What better way to celebrate the onset of monsoons than devouring on some good Parsi food? Only once before did I taste this cuisine even though I read and heard a lot about it through various blogs, magazines and from close friends. Most of the Parsi dishes are known for their unique balance of sweetness and acidity. It is this sensuous play of flavor elements that makes this cuisine truly irresistible. So, when I got an invite to be a part of a Parsi Food Festival currently happening at Firdaus (Taj Krishna), I jumped on the opportunity like a hungry cat. :-) Was the experience worth it? Read on to know more...

[Photography] Bread Baking Workshop | Escapades Culinary Studio | Hyderabad

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Of all the countless reasons why I absolutely love food blogging, one good reason is that it gives me an opportunity to meet & greet people whose work is their passion, who strive day & night to share their love for food and spread the joy around with their earnestness and enthusiasm. Couple of days ago, I was back at Escapades Culinary Studio yet again to shoot Arundati's Bread Baking Class. I had super fun photographing her Christmas Baking Workshop last December and this one was no less lively and jolly. I met a bunch of gorgeous ladies and made a few friends by the end of the day.

Scroll along to view more photographs about what happened during the workshop, the bread we baked and for few other candid shots. There is also short clip at the end of the post where the participants are rolling the bread with such gusto. :-)

If you are in Hyderabad, don't forget to check out the list of upcoming workshops for May. Signup today and be guaranteed to learn tons of recipes which are sure to impress your friends, family and yourself!

A sweet welcoming message. You guys ready for some fresh bread?

The Jeelani Diaries at Vivanta by Taj, Begumpet

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My earliest food memory is a time when I dreamt day and night of the luxurious food served in the expansive Hyderabadi Nizami kitchens in their good old days. I was just then finished reading a book on Hyderabad + its rich heritage & history and as a foodie by heart, I was most fascinated about their grand feasts, flair for food and intricately prepared dishes with such complex flavors. The cuisine by itself is meat-centric with various kinds of rustic haleems and kheemas with their khansamas (royal cooks) treated with high regard, often accompanying the Nizams themselves to far away places. Lest you think why so much talk about Nizami food today, let me tell you that today's post is about an exquisite event "The Jeelani Diaries" I attended at Vivanta by Taj, Begumpet and the end of the post has details on how you can experience the same while you are in the city. 

Weekend Trip To Chennai | What Did We Do?

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We went on an impromptu trip to Chennai last weekend. It was a business outing for TH and I tagged along to roam on its streets, visit few places and eat at a restaurant I wanted to for a really long time. This post and the next will be about our Chennai travel - what we did and where we ate during our short stay in the city known for its wide roads, the BEST sambar, charming people and vibrant yet eclectic culture.

beach. cool breeze. junk food

Black and White Wednesdays # 115 - Roundup

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Has a week passed by already? It is Wednesday today and that means it's time to paint the day 'Black and White'. :-) Are you ready to see the entries we received? Scroll down and spread some comment love to the participants.

BWW # 116 (Valentine's edition) will be guest hosted by  Lynne of Cafe Lynnylu  and send your entries to lynnylu AT gmail DOT com.

[Event Announcement] Black and White Wednesday # 115

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..Perfect setting..

[Photography] Christmas Baking Workshop | Escapades Culinary Studio | Hyderabad

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I had decided a month ago that this post will be my last for the year 2013 and am going to start 2014 afresh with brand new recipes and be consistent about their postings. An outing to my lovely friend  Arundati's  (of Escapades) Christmas Baking Workshop changed everything. I took a bunch of photographs while I was there and I loved them so much that couldn't stop myself to blog about the whole experience!

But, first a word on blogger friendships which let me tell you can be quite intriguing and pleasantly surprising (in a good way). They don't magically happen out of the blue. It all starts when you stumble upon a blog which hooks you on for more than 7 seconds. Yes my friends, that is the deal. 7 seconds is all it takes to convert a random stranger into a reader and later may be an acquaintance then someone whom you can call a "friend". Not all manage to stick on with the journey. They get lost in time but you learn a bit from their posts, get wiser, thank them secretly and move on. The important thing that strings together is a common passion and in my case it is usually the "food". Blogger meets are one other way where people bond over a cup of coffee and conversations.

At the end of the day, it is all about with whom you manage to strike a chord. It forms a sense of community and motivates in more than ways you can ever think.

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” ~ Charles M. Schulz | How about a cake?

[Photography] Sunday Snapshots

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“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”  ~ Ansel Adams

This shot was taken at Vaidehi Ashram. Click here if you wish to do your bit to preserve these innocent smiles.

[Farmer's Market Series # 2] Madannapet Mandi, Hyderabad (India)

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If there is one place bursting with life and something that makes me immensely happy, it is our local vegetable market. By 5 am every single morning, a variety of vegetables pour in from nearby places and vendors setup their stuff at allotted places before the morning rush comes in. This market is called "Madannapet Mandi" and is located in suburbs of Hyderabad.

I love my morning market visits especially with my dad and have been accompanying him since I was a kid. Till today, this is our favorite time together. It was pure fun to walk around with my DSLR in hand the other day and capture few moments. Along the way, the big camera did garner some attention from many curious onlookers and some even asked if I worked for any newspaper. How I wished that was true! :-)

Are you ready to have a peek at a market I have been going every Sunday for the past two and half decades. Scroll down and Enjoy!

Small Eggplants or Gutti Vankaya  (as it called in Telugu) Try this chutney or  Hyderabadi special curry if you have some. 

05.07.2013 | Week 27 | Siri's Eat Outs | La Cantina, Hyderabad

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If you ask me what would be my last meal on earth? I would say this is it. That's how much I love Mexican cuisine. So, when we discovered La Cantina restaurant in the plush Novotel Hyderabad, we were ecstatic (is an understatement). The food did live up to our expectations and my personal favorite was this Tortilla Soup which I was eating after a loong loong time!. We also ordered Vegetarian Enchilada, which was ok and Spinach Cheese balls which were perfect. All in all, a nice quaint place to visit if you are in the city and if you love Mexican food as we do.

Week 27 in pictures