Manchow Soup: Indo - Chinese Food

Indian-Chinese food is very popular in India, and is a favorite of many people – whether ordering a Manchow Soup to start meal with, Manchurian as an appetizer at the restaurant, or watching Hakka Noodles cooked in a wok over high flame at the street side.  Some seasonings and cooking techniques of Chinese cuisine adapted to Indian taste and style makes this Indo-Chinese fusion food a different cuisine altogether.

Moussaka & Cacık – Tricky to Speak, Tasty to Eat

I am an eggplant convert, from a hater to a lover.  But apart from the Baingan ka Bhurta (mashed eggplant dish) and Aloo Baigan Sabji (potato & eggplant curry) in Indian cuisine, the only other dish I have had most is Eggplant Parmesan in Italian cuisine.

While looking for some more eggplant recipes for variety, I came across “Moussaka”.  What I loved more about it was how I pronounced the name when I told my husband what the menu for dinner was :P

Moussaka and Cacik - Mediterranean Cuisine

Food Photography: Light – By a Beginner, For the Beginner, Part 1

I don’t claim to be an amazing photographer like the experienced, creative and popular food bloggers, food stylists, or food photographers all over the world.  I am nowhere close to professional and still consider myself a newbie since I began blogging in early 2011.  I haven’t attended any photography workshops or bought any of the brilliant books on food photography.

But as a self-learner and because I’ve had a LOT of time to surf the internet - I've read tips and tricks on photography sites, observed numerous food photos on websites and personal blogs, and watched plenty videos.  I made notes as I learned anything new from anywhere and used trial-and-error as time passed.  And even though I may not have applied most of the learning and observation, I know I still have a long way to go and enormous room of improvement.

So, why am I still writing this post?

Carrot and Mint Soup, Love the Orange-Green Colors!

I was not a fan of mint ice cream or mint chocolate or anything minty except chewing gum, but I now definitely am of this Carrot and Mint Soup. 

This carrot & mint soup is Saransh Goila’s recipe picked up from his Facebook page & made as is, with halved quantities and with the only exception of celery & leeks.  This soup recipe is a keeper, and based on the original recipe below, should serve about 4-6 persons.  

Read the recipe, see the pictures, and tell me, isn't it perfect for winters!?

Carrot and Mint Soup Recipe

Valentine’s, Birthday, Anniversary Gifts and Celebration Ideas & More

Last week my husband arranged a surprise for my birthday. Last month we celebrated our first anniversary. And two months ago one of my brothers-in-law asked me to suggest some ideas for Valentine’s Day to surprise his wife. Yes, I wondered if he started planning two months ago for Valentine’s – how much more special would he make his anniversary celebration!?  Unlike my husband & I – we only think & plan for future events, but usually get to actually working on it just a week before the D-day!  How many of us Google up for gift & celebration ideas for Valentine's, Anniversary, Birthdays, and other such significant events?