Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Hellooooo.... :)



It’s been more than 7 months since my last post!! I don’t know where to start.....it would be an understatement if I say, I was overwhelmed seeing your messages on my last one and the bunch of emails I received…..those thoughtful wishes, messages loaded with words of love and prayers, kisses and hugs sent across for our little boy, that bit of happiness you felt for us brought a lump in my throat…..At one point of time, I even wondered whether it was my post-delivery hormones playing pranks on me…….but even now when I read those messages, they evoke the same intense feelings…….the feeling that someone in some corner of the world, who have known us just through this little space and the words I pour out here, care for us and have given us a place in their hearts!! The realization of the same was more than touching and I had no clue how to express those emotions and feelings. I kept pushing the idea of updating this place not knowing the right way to express my gratitude……..and soon it happened…I fell in love, again!!!!

Yes, I have fallen in love ..... with those winning toothless smiles, those tiny toes that remind me of the flutters and soft kicks I felt around the same time in last July, those itty-bitty fingers reaching for my ringlets, and those ‘ bulb eyes’ that beams up as he smiles……aww, I never imagined parenthood is such a blissful state! Little King sure knows how to charm me with those innocent batting of eye lashes, his continuous jabbering and squealing. His squeals have become so loud that, few weeks back, I had to close the windows and doors for fear of our neighbours getting wrong signals!!

I must say we re greedy parents; we create opportunities to see the twinkle in his eyes and the glow on his face. Every now and then we deliberately pass the picture wall with his framed portraits and it just fills our hearts when he blushes and gently falls on to my shoulders with a tinge of shyness in his eyes and then with hands around my neck, he hugs me tighter and tighter :)

When I am exhausted, I take him to the balcony and Mother Nature seems to be happy to take him into her lap. He watches leafy branches of apple trees and pines and maples dancing to the soft music of mother natures’ lullaby, without taking his eyes off. He smiles charmingly as the breeze caresses his soft cheeks as though She whispered something sweet to him. She also sends out feathery friends to sing songs for him and his eyes follow them quickly as they flutter and fly away. On rare occasions, She amazes us with a special treat by letting the clouds embrace the sun for a while, to create a dreamlike setting where bunny rabbits happily move around chewing on leafy weeds , baby squirrels run in between the lined pine trees and birds walk freely on the green carpet…. Absolutely surreal!



As much as I enjoy this absolute parental bliss, a part of me miss writing here! But, as I read somewhere recently, my brain at this point is a tabula rasa, a completely blank slate. At times I feel I have lost self motivation and that’s probably because I do not have the time and energy to get inspired by a dish , collect and compile my thoughts and taste memories revolving the same. Yet, there ‘re days when I find myself sharing a moment with CJJ in the kitchen and bursting into laughter reminiscing the follies of my early years in kitchen. At that point, I remind myself that I have to record and capture that particular piece from the past here in my online journal and even before I know, it is buried under a pile of top priority stuff. And there are times when a fresh new comment leads to older posts and wading through the comment section, I rediscover those affection in your words, the appreciation you showered me with……and at that moment, all I want to do is start writing and connect with the hundreds out there who helped to get this place going on even when I didn't have a clue as to where I was taking this blog. And exactly at that time, I am either reminded of my must-complete-basic essential- list or I hear a hyper-active squeal from the baby monitor!

Lack of time, energy, and self-motivation, poorly captured photographs, recipes without any exact measurements and moreover, a completely empty brain…..I know it is not an ideal recipe to run a food blog or perhaps, a perfect recipe for a blog-shutdown, Nevertheless, as someone who believes in the old wise saying, “If there’s a will, there’s a way”, I have decided to give it a try !! I owe it to my mother who cooked up many of my favorites during her stay here, saying that I can feature those items later when I am busy with the baby …I owe it to my mother –in law who got excited learning about my blog and shared some old rustic fare from her kitchen, even one from her grandmother’s favourite list, though most of those recipes lack accurate measurements ……I owe it to a bunch of readers out there who sent me long forgotten recipes from their families which are still waiting for their turn in my yet-to-post folder……and last but not the least, I owe it to you for your continued support and affection.

And let me say THANKS with this quick and easy dessert I picked out to cook and blog just for you, as it fitted perfectly into my tiring schedule.

Roasted Apricots with Honey-Vanilla Crème Fraiche

(Recipe Source:Bon Appetit Magazine – Issue: June 2010 – Pg:44)

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 12 small apricots (about 1 ½ pounds) halved, pitted ( I again cut them into small wedges)
  • 3 ½ tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced
  • 8 oz crème fraiche or sour crème
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup water
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 425 F. Mix brown sugar and cardamom in 11*7*2inch glass baking dish. Add apricots and pour ¼ cup water and 2 tbsp honey over fruit. At this point, I mixed very gently with a spatula. Now, dot with butter and roast until apricots are tender, occasionally basting with syrup in dish, for about 12- 15 mts.
  • Let it cool 5 mts after taking out of the oven.
  • Whisk crème fraiche , remaining 1 ½ tbsp honey and vanilla in small bowl.
  • To serve: Divide warm apricots and syrup among small 6 bowls; spoon honey –vanilla crème fraiche over and serve.
My thoughts for a quicker version: You may dip the stone fruit in butter first, and then in the cinnamon flavored brown sugar and grill for few minutes , until fruits are tender and serve with vanilla and honey flavored crème fraiche or just some good old ice cream…perfect for outdoor grilling parties or a late night dessert craving.


This dessert and wild flowers are FOR YOU as a token of our heartfelt gratitude for being there for us and for being patient and keeping this place alive in our absence…

Thank You!
Shn

No part of the content ( articles, photographs, recipes) of this blog may be reproduced without my written permission.Copyright © 2007-2010 Kitchenmishmash.blogspot.com. All rights reserved.

44 comments:

  1. My, my 7 months already. Little King must be attempting his crawls now. Even if you don't write exact recipes or great pictures do share your days with the little one. Would love to read those.

    Thanks for taking time out and for this lovely, lovely post

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  2. Hey , Welcome back!!!! I missed your blogs so much that I used to visit it almost daily to peek in whether you have become slightly free to to fill in this space with your wonderful recipes. But I could understand that you would be busy with the little one and decided to wait and voila ! first thing in the morning I saw is your updated blog.. great mishmash... keep it up and pass on my hugs and blessings to the dear little cutie pie.

    warm regards and God bless

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  3. Hey Welcome back....
    Expecting some great recipes...

    http://footprintsintheearth.blogspot.com/

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  4. Awesome and welcome back.
    I dont have to say it--but you were missed.:)

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  5. Wohhh after a long time...I started reading your blog a few months before your break...Even though I went through a lot of blogs after that,I have to admit that yours is one of my favorites. Hoping to read from you more often...

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  6. Hey looks who's back.. Welcome welcome :)
    Enjoy your time with the lil one and pass my hugs n kisses to him.. Also don't forget this place for such a long time again :)

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  7. Wow...I never thought I would be the first to comment, but lucky me!

    First of all congratulations on your little one!!!

    And your break was a well-deserved one...your little one is lucky to have parents that are so doting!

    Look forward to your posts.

    Nilu

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  8. Hi Shn,
    I think I'm the first one to leave a comment here this also being my first comment for your site...but Congratulations all the same!!!!! I've been checking your site to see for any updates since 'Santa dropped by early' :) .... You are blessed..not just with life but also with your literary skills... you're clearly enjoying your current season in life n I wish you all the very best for life!!!

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  9. hellooo back!

    Congrats my dear!! I am happy to hear from you finally :)

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  10. OH GOODDDDDDDY U are BACK!!!!!!AWESOME!!!!

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  11. wow nice post,just lilke u I,m here with my little angel ,younger to ur king,she is in her fourth month.yes well said empty brain!!!! but awesome state!!!! keep posting some nadan dishes ,meaurements etc no problem
    love ur blog tried most of the nadan dishes of urs
    Madhu

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  12. Welcome back, Sure you have wonderful moments in all 7 months, many more to come. Enjoy every bit. apricot sweet dish looks delicious.

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  13. I loved reading this post. You both are great parents.
    And love roasted apricots too.

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  14. hi
    welcome back....its nice to see again...dont worry u will b in track so soon...its natural....and best of luck...

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  15. Welcome back, Shn!! Nice to see a new post here... In the past 7-8 months, I kept a watchout wondering how long it would be before you posted something again... hope you continue to be active on the blogosphere!

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  16. I am recent follower of your blog and was glad to see a post from you after long long time. The feelings you have described is something that needs to be felt. It gives me goosebumps. Have fun with your little one. btw, This is a lovely recipe, loved the pics.

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  17. So Happy that ur back !!!.. Looking forward to more yummy recipes from u!!

    C

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  18. So Happy to see u back.. Looking forward to loads of yummy recipes

    C

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  19. Hi Shn,

    So happy to see you back and so happy to read a wonderful post about your motherhood.Happy to hear that you r enjoying it.

    Welcome back!!!

    Rgds,
    Nanditha

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  20. Hi Mishmash,

    Good to see you back.Hope your baby is fine. From your blog I am sure that you are enjoying the parenthood.Good wishes Always.

    Request:It is taking time to upload your page on laptop.I think it might be due to the picture uploading.I am not sure whether I am the only person experiencing this.If it is for others too, then you may have to look into it as you plan to continue blogging.

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  21. Shn...I came across ur blog while searching for Kerala style fruit cake. I'm gonna try the recipe in a few days..but, I wanted to let you know that I'm really impressed w/ your write ups, recipes and the quality of the photographs. Isnt it a nice coincidence that I came across you soon after you've re-entered the world of blogging again? Belated congrats on motherhood as well.
    Do u mind sharing which camera u use? The pics are awesome and mouthwatering!!
    TD

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  22. welcome back shn...I don't remember how I found out ur wonderful blog,but...now, I'm a frequent visitor, for the last 6-7 months. I tried many of ur receipes...and all turned out great..Thanks!
    Your blog is so good and inviting...especially the photos add the beaty! Keep it up!

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  23. Good to see you back, missed you ! How is your little one doing ?What fabulous photos !!!

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  24. Oh My Chech...Welcome Back!!!
    Awesome post :)...Stock ellam purathu varatte... :)

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  25. Hey there, so nice to see this post and read about the little one. This post is filled with the mothers love for the child and i just loved reading it :)

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  26. OMG! ur back, :) :) firstly welcome back, u were missed! i guess not a week has passed without me checkng in here to see if there are any new posts, re-reading your recipies, and DROOOOLING over the pictures.
    Looking forward to more of your posts and Lil King tales :)

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  27. Welcome back Shn... Reading what you are going thru brings memories back from 4 years when I had my little one... Enjoy every moment of it and keep blogging!

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  28. Aaah good to have you back!Nice of you take time out to write again.

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  29. had missed u so... glad to see you back.. love and kisses to kunji chekkan! :)

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  30. Aaah you are back.So good to have you back.

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  31. Aaah you are back.So good to have you back.

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  32. Happy to see you back Shn.
    As always, the pics look awesome...........apt for summer and looks refreshing. Hope you guys are enjoying your litle one. A big hug to the little fellow.

    Reena

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  33. Welcome back Mishmash..... We missed you here in the blog world.. And once again congrats...

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  34. Hi there,
    Good to see you back...have tried lots of recipes from your blog and it always been a hit ...But didn't get a chance to thankyou for the recipes...Really very thanfull to you for sharing these lovely recipes...waiting for more wonderful recipes in your blog...
    Jes

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  35. Hey Mama: Nice to have u back :) so Little King must be now a crawling 7-month-old bundle of joy, huh?? Wud luv to see a pic of him n of course your's n CJJ too :) Blog whenever u get time. Muaah to Li'l King

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  36. Welcome back!!!! you were greatly missed!!!

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  37. Ohhhh, u r back...Welcome. We really missed you.Every week I open ur space hoping the new post.I know it will be difficult...anyways njoy ur motherhood and keep blogging too.....Hows ur little king?

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  38. Once again, I felt like that little girl who walked into the classroom , after a long leave of absence, fearing if friends would welcome her back into their group ,share same level of closeness or feel some sort of disconnect and to her surprise, she was delighted to notice that warm smile on her friends’ faces. That’s exactly what I experienced, a note of reassurance and support, while surfing through your comments on my last post. I was elated, to say the least! The knowledge that someone really kept checking this blog regulary for an update and was finally happy to see some activity here, made me feel really tickled. Thank you for letting me know that I was missed and for making me feel special :)

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  39. Although, I'm very late already, congrats on your baby boy! It's good to have you back in the blogging world again...take care :)

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  40. There you are!! Welcome back Shn!Good to see you back with an amazing fruity recipe!

    I used to check back every once in a while to see whether you are back :)

    Not to mention, my love to your lil King!

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  41. Look who is back. :). Loved reading your post Shn, esp the part where you talk about Little King & Mother Nature.

    will check out the rest of the posts too.

    Cheers,
    Siri

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  42. heyy auntie...remember me? seby haha...i visit your blog about 3 times a week just to keep in touch with the best food online lol....but really missed the ....7 months that you were gone....but saw your newborns legs and he/she looks great haha....but let me get to my main point....i was wondering if you could post the recipie for the spicey chicken curry that you served with the " uzhunnapam" that looked really lovley....i ussually sweat down shalots along with green chilies until golden brown and add ginger/ garlic and add kashmiri chilli powder for the dark red colour and the thickness of the gravy and the same typical spcies used in kerala cusine...and then add the chicken and simmer and finish of the dish with a little ...and i mean a little coconut milk , curry leaves and a touch of coconut oil....is that close to how you do it? awating your reply...seby

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  43. hi welcome back... great to see you in action... the little one's already so big-precious times these :) going through your new posts now.

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