Sips and Spoonfuls

Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary (and a Le Creuset Giveaway)

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:29:00 +0000

'Where do you see yourself in five years time?' His slim reading glasses perched at the tip of his nose, recording every word I said with an emphatic scrawl of his pencil. I thought about it long, and hard. It is always the simplest questions that seem to have the hardest answers.

'I see myself doing something that I love, something which I enjoy, something for which I am excited to wake up for everyday. But most importantly, something where I'm learning new things everyday.' Yes, that was my answer. His face was expressionless, not a hint of emotion. Giving nothing away.

That afternoon, he called to say I had got the job. My first professional job as an optometrist. I learned on my very first day that one of the strongest reasons why I got the job was on the basis of that question I had answered. 'Most people said they see themselves working up the ladder, managing there own store, earning a certain amount. But you will not succeed unless you enjoy what you do. You will never be good at it unless you love it. And that's why I hired you over anyone else.'

My answer still stands today. Although I no longer work as an optometrist, I make sure whatever I do excites me, ignites a passion in me, satisfies me. Something which I look forward to, that gives me a sense of achievement. Something that I love and enjoy.

And that is exactly what photography does for me. I love creating images, artwork. Arranging plates and food to make the photograph look as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Carefully choosing props to enhance the food. Deciding on a color scheme, what angle to shoot the food from. Where to place the herbs.

From the day I picked up my point and shoot till now, that same fires burns within me. That same enthusiasm. That same feeling of trying a new adventure. And that is exactly what I did this last week. I decided to try something completely- shooting meat. And to complicate matters a little more, shooting it in a style I'm not familiar with.

I decided to try out high contrast 'dark' photography- completely out of style and character for me. It was a a fun journey though. Picking dark props, painting moody backdrops, using black reflectors and making friends with shadows.

So where are the somber images you ask? Well, they just weren't good enough to publish. As I said, it's a work in progress, a learning curve. But with a recipe that involves, enthusiasm, hard work and perseverance, I'm sure it won't be long before you see them on the blog.

Even if the photos were not up to par, the lamb cutlets certainly were. Juicy, spicy, lots of garlic and that grilled smoky flavor. And that is one of the reasons why I love my Le Creuset skillet grill. So much so, that I'm happy to give away one Signature Square Skillet Grill ($165) in a color of your choice.

To enter, leave a comment here telling me what is your favorite food to grill. The required entry must be done otherwise any extra entries will not count.

The Colors of Tanzania and Pineapple Mango and Coconut Crumble

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:14:00 +0000

Come, pull up a chair. Get cozy and comfortable. I'm going to take you on a little journey and share with you a small part of me. A glimpse into my childhood, where I spent the first 18 years of my life, where my parents still live, where the big five can be found and peacocks roam free, where the ocean has a hundred hues of blue, a haven of peace. This is Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

There is so much to tell you about Dar es Salaam- this post won't even scratch the surface. Exotic, colorful, lush, tropical. As soon as you land and the rush of hot hair hits you hard, you know you've arrived.

We had glorious sunshine followed by tremendous outpours. Such stark contrasts. Lush green vegetation cocooned by the deep azure seas followed by arid and red dry land. Every day we had a different activity planned. Naturally, we spent a lot of time at the various local beaches. But Dar es Salaam has so much more to offer.

There were visits to crowded local markets in Kinondoni where you would find more exotic produce such as avocados and the crunchiest variety of pears I have ever eaten. Or the more local market in Kariakoo where vendors stalls are literally piled on top of another, produce piled like little mountains on each table. And sellers hollering and jostling to get your attention. The place is bustling.

We visited The Slipway- a local tourist district from where you can take fishing trips, cruise the Indian ocean, eat local fare and just watch the sun set. We bought some hand crafted wooden souveniers and local ground coffee to bring back for friends. I was thrilled to catch a man skillfully chisseling at some wood to make a delicate carving. We were enamoured with the colorful and saturated 'tinga tinga' paintings- a style of painting developed in Dar es Salaam.

Then there was the food, oh the street food. The grilled corn or 'makaai' sold at every street corner-vigorously scrubbed with keffir lime and a generous helping of chili powder and salt. Deep fried 'mihogo' (cassava) drenched in a speciality sauce of local scotch bonnet pepper and tomatoes. And one of my favorites- mishkaki. Tender pieces of lamb eaten right off the skewer. Coconut water after each meal- 'ngumu kyasi, maji tamu' (slightly hard, but with sweet water we would tell the vendor). Yes, every day. Those are the little things we miss here.

We made sure to eat at least one meal a day at home. Infact, the first meal we had as soon as we came back from the airport had been planned weeks in advance. Slow cooked chicken stew which is then barbequed and simmered again in a rich creamy coconut sauce, 'kuku paka' similar to this. With sticky coconut rice on the side. Typical African fare.

As much as we ate at home, we ventured to quaint local restaurants from time to time. Especially those dotted along the beaches. At Mediterraneo, we ate fresh off the boat kingfish which was simply grilled. No spice, no fuss but full of flavor with a side of pickled garlic and scotch bonnet peppers. Definitely one to replicate at home. But that's another post.

Evenings were spent feeding the peacocks that wandered from the fauna and flora garden we live next to. Maryam wasn't keen at first but she quickly warmed to their cries in the evenings. She was chasing them in the garden and before we knew it, they were more weary of her. At night, the days' culinary adventures were digested with a few slices of papaya sprinkled with passion fruit and a dash of smoked paprika.

We were also lucky enough to visit a dairy farm on our last day. It wasn't on the agenda, sort of just happened by accident. On the way to a picnic at my aunt's beach house, I came across a herd of cows- a beautiful sea of velvety browns and blacks. A masaai was leading them to a nearby field to graze. You could tell they were happy cows.

I made a few quick calls and it seemed we were destined to visit. The farm was owned by a lively Greek man who just happened to be a family friend. His passion for providing his family an open and green space, a place where nature roams freely, a place nature meets nurture led him to develop the organic farm.

Each of the twenty five cows are milked manually. Completely non commercial, the milk produced is given to local school children in the area. When he wants to show a token of appreciation to someone, he will gift them a cow. Anyone who knows local Tanzanians would now how much how heartfelt and revered a gift like that is. Such an inspiring man.

And so we watched a cow being milked and its baby calf being fed from a huge bottle. We were treated to smooth and creamy homemade yoghurt. Eaten Greek style with a dollop of honey. Simple, wholesome and so moreish. We were made to feel part of their family. It was a day to remember. The perfect end to a wonderful trip.

And so we are back in Dubai. But not empty handed. We have these memories locked in our hearts, our bellies are full with the beautiful meals we had and these photographs to remember good times spent. And these pineapples. I knew they would somehow find their way into my suitcase from the moment I had my first bite. Their sweet fragrance still lingers in my suitcase.

And that is not all I brought back. There was fiery red scotch bonnet peppers- fiery in appearance and taste. 'Mali maao', local keffir limes that I have been sprinkling on anything in sight. Very strong and pungent with a crackled green skin. We'll be cooking with them in the next few days and I can't wait to show you the results.

I mentioned this crumble before and that is the first thing I made when I came back, to celebrate the foods of my country. I added some seasonal mango and toasted coconut in the crumble. If you haven't added coconut into your crumble before, you must. Tanzanian produce with exotic local flavors. Each bite brings back good times.....until we visit again.

Strawberry and Pistachio Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:42:00 +0000

I am in bed typing this post, a worn out 20 year old throw that I used since I was 5 years old comforting me and a pineapple and mango coconut crumble sitting on the bedside table. Piping hot, so much so, that you can you still see the juice bubbling. With custard on the side. Crumble with custard. ALWAYS with custard.

We have had stormy weather on and off and today is one of those days. You may have even heard on the news last week when Tanzania was issued a tsunami warning. Incessant rain, dull grey skies, a few strikes of thunder. Such a contrast to the bright blues I posted about last week.

Maryam is enthralled with this weather and glued to the window, sticking her hands out of the grill to catch a few drops every now and then, giddy with excitement. You see, Dubai has never experienced rain like this before. Capturing little sparkly drops in her tiny palms.

I am still in Dar es Salaam, having extended my trip by a week. Although I have been taking photo after photo to show you my second home, my country, I have really missed this space. This blog, writing. YOU. And so, here I am. Doing what I love.

You must be wondering then where these bright spring inspired images of strawberries have come from? It was a strawberries and pistachio cake I baked a few weeks ago before leaving Dubai. BBC Good Food Middle East did a short interview with me for their April issue and asked for a spring inspired recipe.

I knew I wanted to do a fruity dessert. Light and refreshing, oozing with fruit. And so this strawberry and pistachio cake was born. A simple cake elevated by using ground pistachio meal and raw pistachio milk. Then generously studded with tiny fragrant berries on top. The red of the strawberries and the jade green pistachios makes for a striking visual picture.

No frosting needed here- just a simple dusting of icing sugar and a warm cup of tea. And as for that crumble I mentioned earlier- well I’ve already polished that down. Slurping the last bit with creamy custard as I type. But I’m sure I’ll be making it again when I head back home. To savor the taste and the memories of home. With Tanzanian pineapples naturally that I hope to take back with me.

Catch you when I’m back in Dubai.

Away....

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:59:00 +0000

Jambo from Tanzania. I'm here in Dar es Salaam visiting my parents and introducing Hassan to the rest of the family. We have been here a week now and enjoying every minute of being pampered by my mom.

Besides visiting the beautiful beaches and relaxing, my aunt has taken me to local markets. Markets that have been there for years but ones I've never visited before, ones that have never interested me before now.

I have taken my loyal companion everywhere- my camera. Clicked over 500 photos already and it hasn't even been a week yet. Here is a teaser. I will write a more detailed post when I return. I can't wait to show you my country, the azure beaches, the farm fresh produce and the wilderness.

And as for the lychees- I packed some for my mom all the way from Dubai. Isn' that pinkish purple hue regal? It has always been a tradition to take exotic foods back home for the family. And of course, in return, we always bring back what is seasonal.

Wonder what fruits will make it into my suitcase this time- perhaps some of these ripe yellow pineapples?

Beet and Potato Chips with Thyme Rock Salt

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:49:00 +0000

'What inspires you to cook?'

That must be the most frequently asked question I have come across since I began blogging. For me, it really depends on a number of factors. I find inspiration everywhere, in everything.

My first foray into cooking started in my teens. I think it was a chocolate cake I made. Inspiration for that was ease. Easy to make, easy to clean up, easy to eat. When responsibility set in and I was living on my own and fending for myself, it was familiarity. Comfort. Meals that we ate regularly, nothing fancy. Recipes that weren't written down but came from the heart. recipes that didn't have any accurate measurements but were ball parked. Recipes that sometimes didn't even have names, only descriptions and memories.

Then I moved to Dubai. I wanted a change in direction and pace in my life, take things slower. As I decided to not work for sometime, I unleashed my creativity in the kitchen. Inspiration then came from boredom. Having too much time on my hands, I scoured the internet, numerous food blogs. I tore recipes out of newspapers and magazines were covered with post it notes. It was the years of discovering new recipes as well as my love of being in the kitchen.

Motherhood came next and that was life changing. Inspiration came from wanting to provide the best for my child, my family. Healthy, from scratch, wholesome, homemade. Those words are where I drew my inspiration from.

Once I started this food blog, inspiration really flowed. From all directions, everywhere. Recipes developed as I read other food blogs, as I discovered and photographed unusual ingredients, tried out new dishes on a restaurant menu.

Currently, one of my main sources of inspiration comes from shopping trips- be it the Farmer's market or plain grocery shopping. I'm always on the lookout for anything that looks unusual, exciting. Something colorful, eye catching.

And recently, it is these beets that have had me enthralled. They may seem common to you but I only discovered beets recently. Correction- I only began to LIKE beets recently. Before this, I had only eaten them raw in a salad. That earthy taste did not leave much of an impression.

But when I saw these beautiful baby beets at the market. I knew they would photograph wonderfully. There was my inspiration lying on the table at the farmer's market. Phenomenal shades of red and purple hidden from the world beneath a rustic and raw earthy skin.

Since I'm not a connoiseur when it comes to cooking with beets, I decided simplicity was the key. Beet chips sounded like a good idea and since I had made potato chips in the past, I applied the same method. I knew Maryam would love this little beauties- my most important source of inspiration. Don't we all aspire to please our families.

And she did. She couldn't believe that the chips were homemade. Sprinkled with thyme and rock salt, they are the perfect mid afternoon snack. Or anytime snack really. All that was missing was a crackly plastic bag to eat them out of.

So tell me, what is your source of inspiration?

Cardamom Crepes With Rhubarb Compote

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:33:00 +0000

'What's that Mamma?' she asked, a curious twinkle in her eye. I glanced over to see where her finger was pointing. 'That's rhubarb,' I said. An incredulous giggle escaped her. 'That's not Rabab!' It was my turn to laugh. Rabab is a friend of Maryams and she certainly doesn't look like a ruby red sword sitting comfortably on the supermarket shelf.

She grabbed the rhubarb from the shelf- 'See Mamma, this isn't Rabab.' I explained to her that rhubarb was actually a fruit. One that we hadn't eaten or experimented with ever. 'Like strawberries?' Hmmmmm, not quite. We put it into the trolley and I promised we would transform it into something magical.

When we got home, I had forgotten but she had not. 'Can I eat Rabab?' As I carefully washed the woody stalk, I wondered what I would do with it. I have never eaten or cooked with rhubarb so I knew I wanted to do something simple.

And what could be more simple than compote- sophisticated and uncomplicated. Maryam grabbed a small piece and put it into her mouth. The pained expression on her face told me she wasn't a fan. 'Once it's cooked, it will taste much nicer, sweeter.'

I quickly tossed the pretty rubies in sugar whilst throwing together the rest of the ingredients in the blender for the crepes. In no time at all, we had paper thin cardamom crepes topped with the prettiest pink compote I have ever seen. Some finely chopped pistachios to garnish....just because everything tastes better with nuts.

Maryam was unsure about putting the cooked rhubarb into her mouth- once bitten, twice shy, no? With some reassurance, she did. Although there wasn't that pained expression on her face, she didn't ask for seconds. That's OK though. She doesn't have to like every fruit. At least she tried though.

The crepes, however, she loved. Topped with plain icing sugar. Gobble gobble gobble and then lick lick lick the dust of icing sugar from around her lips. 'Yummy in my tummy,' she squealed. I had never heard that expression from her before but it's once I hope to hear many many times.

And so that is the story of how we both discovered rhubarb!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart with Peanut Praline Brittle

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:19:00 +0000

Every once in a while, I have the urge to declutter and cleanse. Every part of my life- from my make up bag to the pantry as well as the fridge and freezer. There is nothing better than opening your wardrobe to find all your clothes arranged neatly according to color. Or opening the kitchen cupboard and staring in awe at all the jars labeled alphabetically.

Yes, you could say I am rather obsessed with being a clean freak- everything must be orderly and organised. This year, Maryam joined in my spring cleaning spree. Together, we went through her toys and systematically sorted out what she loves to play with and what is currently tossed to one side. As I kept putting more and mroe toys to the 'chairty' pile, every time I turned my head the pile became smaller and smaller.

She would putting the toys back saying she still 'needed' them. In the end, we collectively agreed on what toys she would be giving away to those less fortunate. It was a great activity to do together, to make her realise the importance of charity, of giving, of sharing. Yet, it also made me more conscious of how wasteful we can be.

Perhaps the best part of cleaning sprees is that moment of discovery. When you find hidden money in the sofa, when you stumble upon an outfit that is almost as good as new, when leftover tart dough is unearthed from the depths of your freezer.

And that is exactly how this tart came to be. I had made this tart dough a while back when I made these pear crumble tarts for Mowie's magazine. I decided to top them with smooth and velvety chocolate mousse and a kiss of peanut butter. Then you bite into it and there is a crackling explosion in your mouth. It's the crackle of peanut praline brittle. It was the icing on the cake after a hard day of cleaning.

Me and Maryam quietly ate one each at the end of the day, a twinkle of excitement in both our eyes. She- because she chanced upon a singing stuffed toy in her toy box. I- because I discovered a long lost yellow dress, perfect for spring.

Sesame Egg Noodles with Stir Fried Vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:30:00 +0000

As I brought up Blogger on my screen to write this post, my mind went blank for a few seconds. I forgot what I was to write about. What dish had I photographed? What images had I edited? What exactly did we have for dinner the other night?

You see, I have been having many sleepless nights. I'm certainly not used to it. Maryam started sleeping through the night when she was a mere two months. I never knew what it was like to be up every few hours to nurse, change diapers, burp, rinse and repeat.

Hassan is different though. He certainly wakes more often and it's already taking its toll on me. I just haven't had the time to test recipes as I did previously and baking has taken a back seat. Nor for long though as I have had interesting flavour combinations I've been brainstorming in those late night feeding sessions. Pistachio and chocolate doughnuts, date and nut tea cakes, baklava ice cream sandwich anyone?

For now though, I hope I can entice you with our everyday meals. Like this quick stir fry. Organic egg noodles tossed in sesame oil and whatever vegetables you have on the side. Ready in less than ten minutes and eaten even faster. The perfect meal to prepare when time and energy isn't on your side.

As I quickly whipped this meal in the kitchen, Maryam made her own version of 'loodles' with playdough. We then stole a few quiet moments to have this simple lunch together. It was good- with plenty of crunch left in the vegetables. We sucked up the 'loodles' like vacuums.

I'm hoping to find some time this week to bring some of those baking ideas I've been dreaming about to reality this week. Soon I hope.

Purple Cauliflower Fritters with Garlic and Coriander Dressing

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Our weekends are usually unplanned at the moment. Unless we have a kids birthday party to attend (which has been the case for the last three weekends!), we play it by ear. It very much depends on what time the kids wake and how soon can breakfast be ready and eaten. Very casual, very spontaneous.

Kids. Plural. I'm still getting used to that. Still unbelievable to think I'm a mama of two now. But reality certainly hits when you've got two to bathe, two to dress, two to feed, two to pacify, two to put to sleep. One to entertain on the weekends for now.

We haven't been able to visit the farmer's market since it started in November lasy year. First it was the end of my pregnancy and then Hassan was born. But this weekend, I made a prior plan. We decided to have breakfast at the souk to make sure we reached on time- a beautiful shakshouka is what we had. A rich sauce made from roasted peppers, tomatoes and herbs, topped with poached eggs. Crusty bread to scoop it all up.

I had made a long list of fresh vegetables I wanted to buy. Strawberries and beets topped that list and I was very much disappointed to find neither. However, I then laid eyes on the most beautiful hue of purple. Rich, velvety, royal. I'm not a fan of cauliflower but the color drew me in as I picked one up with no clue as to what I'd do with this striking find.

And so on the journey home, I planned and plotted. I settled on these crisp cauliflower fritters. Lightly seasoned with cumin and chili flakes, it is only when you dip them into the garlic and coriander dressing does the flavour burst into your mouth. It was perfect over a bed of baby spinach.

And so that is how our weekend was spent- a royal breakfast followed by a royal find which eventually transformed itself into a perfect weekend lunch.

Click on recipe card to print

When My Camera Found a Purple Cauliflower

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:06:00 +0000

Sometimes in life, things go by unnoticed. Beautiful yet simple, we miss them because we don't have the time to sit and stare. Things that are often overlooked by our eyes but not by a camera. I have never been a fan of cauliflower- it had never held my attention really. That is, until this beautiful purple hue caught the attention of my camera. Had it not been for photography, it would have passed me by. For that, I will always be grateful to my humble camera.

My mind is buzzing with recipes- a cauliflower pakora or simply roasted and tossed with greens? How do YOU like to eat yours?

Chocolate Nutella and Hazel Nut Brownie Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:56:00 +0000

We haven't spent much time together. You see, I've been busy and she is confused. Before, my world revolved around her. She would be the first thing I set my eyes on when I woke. Or rather, when she woke me up. And the last thing I checked on before I went to bed. Just to make sure she was still tucked under her blanket.

But recently her world has been turned topsy turvy, she is in a midst of a hurricane. She doesn't quite understand why. Why I'm always in a hurry? Why we don't go to the park EVERY day? Why I don't feed her EVERY meal time? Why I don't drop her to nursery anymore?

Why do we never mange to finish the story at bed time? Why don't we have play dates anymore? Why don't we spend hours playing in the bath nowadays? Why do I have to share my toys? 'Why' has been a prominent question in our home lately. Sometimes I have an answer, a lot of the times, I evade the question.

Whilst Maryam is loving being the big sister and having a young brother to cuddle, play with and experiment on (!), she hasn't been liking the fact that I cannot spend all my time with her. There just aren't that many hours in the day anymore. But I had a plan. A surprise to make it all better again, to make ir right, to make her happy. Like old times.

The first thing she asked when I had gotten back from hospital was, 'Mummy, can we make 'loodles' and carrot cupcakes?' So I knew baking had to be involved. I told her the night before that we would make a brownie cake for Valentine's. And a card for Papa. She was excited with a twinkle in her eye. 'I'll chop the nuts. And mix.'

And that's exactly what we did for Valentine's. I measured. She chopped, whisked and mixed. And tasted of course. That is always part of the plan. Together, we baked and for a little while, there was a pause in the WHY. That is how we spent our Valentine's. Simple. But with a decadent treat. A chocolate brownie cake with hazel nuts and Nutella. It was gooey, fudgy and the perfect end to our dinner.

Carrot Pudding

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:41:00 +0000

Pin It

Last week, I wrote about a cultural and religious custom where we shaved Hassan's birth hair. I had quite a few comments and curious emails asking about this practice as well as the recipe for the carrot pudding I made to celebrate and remember this day.

Both my children were born with a full mop of velvety luscious locks. Everyone from the midwife to the cashier to strangers have remarked about how much hair they have. I could never get enough of stroking their silky heads.

But alas, this never lasted long. It is a customary to shave the birth hair on the seventh day of a baby's life. Since Hassan was in hospital with jaundice, we managed to get this done only last week. In a way, it worked out perfectly to coincide with my Mom being present as well.

The ceremony is done to gather friends and family around and share the joyous occassion of a new arrival. This moment is taken as an announcement of a child's birth and a sweet treat is always made to mark an even sweeter occassion.

I decided to make this carrot pudding after my wonderful neighbor Simi sent me some. Incidentally, she had a baby boy just a few hours after me. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day with lots of laughter, photos, memories made with family around the dinner table and and sweet endings.

Click recipe card to print

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Crouton Spaghetti

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:33:00 +0000

It has been nearly three weeks now since Hassan graced our lives and changed our family dynamics forever. We have been busy getting to know one another and I haven't spent as much time in the kitchen as I would have liked to. Instead, I have been busy eating whoesome meals prepared by my Mom and Mother in law.

Yesterday was the first time I prepared a three course meal to celebrate shaving his hair. It is customary to shave the birth hair on the seventh day of a baby's life but since he was still in hospital recovering from jaundice, we decided to do so yesterday. I was quite sad to see his beautiful locks disappear and Maryam was quite alarmed to see his 'curlies chopped off.'

To celebrate the occassion, we ate together with close family and shared a simple meal. My Mom prepared a fragrant cumin scented pilaf with a spiced version of this mung soup. And for dessert- we had a cardamom infused carrot pudding. Lots of butter, lots of pistachios and lots of love. A complete meal with loved ones.

It felt good to be back in the kitchen and even better to be sharing it with my Mom. The best part was getting back to photographing. Doing what I love and enjoy the most- creating and eating good food and photographing it.

Today though, I want to share with you a simple pasta dish I created a few weeks ago for the third issue of House of Fifty. I've been making this version of spaghetti for about two years now, since Maryam started eating pasta actually.

It has evolved as Maryam's palate has become more sophisticated. What started off as mere spaghetti tossed in olive oil has now seen the addition herbs, roasted tomatoes and garlic croutons. When Maryam is going through her picky phases, this is one meal I know she'll relish. Who knows what it will transform into as she gets older.

Head over to House of Fifty for more images as well as a recipe for focaccia. Also, I would like to thank all of you for the lovely comments and messages you left on my last post. Me and Akber really enjoyed reading through each and every single one of them. Thank you!

Click above for printable recipe card

A New Life- Hassan Akber Rajabali

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Life has completely changed for us in the last two weeks or so. We have been overwhelmed, overjoyed and deliriously happy by the arrival of a brother for Maryam- Hassan Akber Rajabali. Thank you so much for all your Facebook messages, emails and tweets.

So many of you have asked to see photos of our sweet little man. The first few weeks are always difficult and I have found it hard to find much time to do much else but look after our little man, let alone take many photos. Many sleepless nights, midnight snack cravings, constant nursing- I had forgotten how much time newborns take up.

Maryam is naturally smitten with her little brother. On her first day back at nursery, she innocently asked if she could take Hassan to school in her bag. When I said the bag was too small she brought a larger plastic bag! She is relishing the role of big sister and taking it very seriously. On the other hand, it has been hard to be able to give equal attention to her as well but I hope to find a balance.....Soon I hope.

In the mean time, we have been spending all our time and energy around Hassan- spending hours just staring at his little face, his funny newborn expressions, his smiles when he sleeps, the way he completely shuts his mouth when he is full. Such a little guy and so much personality already.

I am so grateful to have my Mom and Mother in law cooking for us in the last few weeks. Although I have felt the urge to get straight back into the kitchen (Maryam requested carrot cupcakes and noodles as soon I got home from the hospital), I have taken this time to bond with the family. I realise with how fast Maryam has grown that these times won't come back.

And so I'm loving each moment, saving each memory, making the most of each day....

Cinnamon Infused Clementine Custard

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:40:00 +0000

When I was pregnant with Maryam, I had many cravings. But healthy ones. Cravings for foods that would nourish my body and that of my growing baby. I went through phases where I would eat boxes and boxes of strawberries. Then came watermelons- I couldn't get enough. I preferred eating them as is but would relish them in salads, smoothies as well as granitas.

This time has been different though. The cravings have been rather unhealthy. Every night after dinner, I seem to gravitate towards dessert. Anything will do really- a cheesecake, coffee ice cream, brownies. Sometimes when there is no sweet treat in sight, even a few small squares of dark chocolate will suffice.

As the arrival of baby number two looms close, I thought I'd treat myself to one more dessert, one more indulgence, one more craving before I start to eat healthy again. And this clementine custard certainly hit the spot. A pinch cinnamon for warmth, citrus for some freshness and zing.

I have been eating these beautiful French clementines for a couple of months now. Perfectly formed, sweet but not overly so and the most scintillating orange red hue you will ever see. They usually don't last long in our house. Either Maryam will eat them as is or I will have juicy slicy with some vanilla infused yoghurt for breakfast.

But I saved a few aside for these clementine custards. The fragrance of clementine and cinnamon simmering in a pot made the whole house warm. A small dose of sunshine in our day for what has been a chilly start to the year in Dubai. There was also a citrus tabbouleh we had which I look forward to sharing with you soon. Perhaps after baby comes along?

Click above for printable recipe

2011: A Year of Discovery

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:15:00 +0000

Didn't 2011 just fly by for you? It certainly did for me. For us- me, Akber and Maryam. When I look back at these pictures, I see a trail of how far I've come in terms writing, photography and just life in general.

I started the year off by sharing with you a very private part of my lfe, one I hadn't spoken about before and not even my closest friends knew about. Then there were happier times as we celebrated Maryam's second birthday- the day was full of sunshine, joy and lots of cake and laughter.

2011 was also the year my little lamb started nursery, was potty trained, learnt to count, dance, paint and much much more. She became independent, wanting to 'choose' everything herself from her clothes to her food to what doll she wanted to play with. Two is such an independent age.

May saw the start of my foray into editorial work as I started writing and photographing recipes for various magazines. I can say that I had truly found something I love doing, something I take such pride and joy in, something that excites me and teaches me new things.....everyday.

This also coincided with a new look for the blog. That was such a turning point for me. I love the new sublime design. More muted, cool and relaxed. Not long after, I spent the summer back home in Tanzania.

A blissful summer where I was pampered and looked after in my first trimester. As I recovered, Maryam was introduced to the joys of drinking fresh coconut juice, eating steaming cassavas straight off the grill and rice and coconut fritters.

We spent the peak of summer and Ramadhan back here in Dubai and Maryam started nursery full time. After a wonderful, relaxing weekend in Ras al Khaimah in October, it was back to work and I had the pleasure of working for various online magazines. With a 2 year old, baby number 2 on the way I didn't think I would manage to cook and photograph much. But I'm happy to say that our kitchen has been busier than ever.

Especially when my parents visited in October. Sharing kitchen space with my Mom is always such a joy. She is such a natural in the kitchen I can't wait ot have her back in January.

And so that was our year- the year of discovery. Maryam discovered her independence and I, my true vocation. 2012 will begin with a new life Inshallah. I don't know what else it will hold for us but I look forward to whatever it is. I wish you a wonderful year ahead- full of health, laughter, family and of course, food. Thank you for being a part of my journey this year. Will you stay around for 2012?

Cappuccino Truffles

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:32:00 +0000

I have always wanted to celebrate Christmas. I yearned for all things festive- glittering decorations, sparkling trees, a frosty winterland when I peek outside my window, intricately decorated cookies. In fact, one of the highlights of living in London was getting caught up in the spirit of Christmas.

The beautiful lights that lined Oxford Street, the food hall at Harrods adorned with exquisite delicacies, even the romantic adverts on TV. I was especially keen on the Marks and Spencer adverts which came out every Christmas.

However, my mum was never keen on the idea. We never celebrated Christmas as she always wanted to hold on to our culture, traditions and religion. And now that I am a mother, I understand that. However, I do want Maryam to enjoy the holiday period. The festive Christmas nursery rhymes, the magical aura of Santa. A winter wonderland full of snow, elves and reindeers.

Living in the middle of a desert means some elements need to be left to the imagination. However, we did celebrate in our own little way by attending a lovely gingerbread decorating session at Sally's house. Later that week, Maryam helped me wrap a present for a round of Secret Santa at nursery. She had a wonderful party there with lots of cookies, mince pies and learnt some new Christmas nursery rhymes which all the children sang in front of the parents. Besides devouring cookies, her favorite part of the day was sitting in Santa's lap and receiving her present.

That glow of excitement and amazement in her eyes at the sight of Santa appearing from behind the Christmas tree was priceless. I'm really glad we have found a great balance of being able to celebrate and embrace different holidays, festivals and cultures whilst still holding onto our own identity.

This is the perfect time to share these truffles with you that I made for Mowie's Christmas Issue. Perfect bite sized treats with a kick of coffee and a crunch from the pecans. I also made some pear tarts with a chocolate crumble, some hazelnuts and coffee. You can get the recipe for the pear tarts here (page 142 onwards).

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with their loved ones with plenty of snow, laughter, cookies and presents. And of course plenty of family time.

Arabic Shawarma

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:31:00 +0000

As the cool winters begin to show their true colors, I crave food that is wholesome, fillng and.....just plain comfortable. The kind that you can eat sprawled on your sofa, your feet covered with a warm fuzzy blanket. Food that nourishes you physically and mentally, food that nourishes memories, nourishes the soul.

Comfort food makes me feel relaxed and happy. It’s food that jogs memories, fond memories. Food that gives me a feeling of warmth and satisfaction. And that is exactly what a Shawarma does for me. Shawarma is an Arabic pita wrap overflowing with shaved chicken or lamb. A crunchy tabooleh or fattoush salad accompanied by either tahini or hummus complete this Middle Eastern street food.

Here in Dubai, it is a common sight at every souk corner to see layers of meat and fat slowly being cooked on a spit. A juicy tomato and onion sit like a crown on top of the spit, lending its own special flavors. The meat usually cooks for a whole day before a chef expertly runs a sharp knife in a rhythmic fashion, up and down the spit, shaving thin slices of meat.

This is quickly collected into a hot pita bread and tossed around with various crunchy vegetables. French fries or pickled gherkins can also make an appearance in a shawarma. Lastly, a generous serving of garlic dip and Tabasco sauce finish of this popular street food.

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Dubai's National Day. Forty days of festivities included a delightful invite to Arwa's home for a demonstartion on authentic Emirati cuision which I can't wait to tell you more about including some very special recipes and ingredients. Maryam also had a fun cultural day at school where she went dressed as a Tanzanian 'dada.'

She had such a great time that every morning since, for a few days at least, she thought there would party! We ate food from around the world, sang songs in many languages and even had a fashion show. Mine and Maryam's favorite snack of the day was Muhalla- a sweet crepe made of dates and cardamom. I look forward to sharing the recipe with you soon.

Today though, I’m going to share my version of shawarma with you. It is a special recipe purely because it comes from a special culture, one that I have embraced as mine. It may not have originated in Dubai but is still very Middle Eastern. I hope the warmth and comfort of Dubai’s street food and culture will emanate from this recipe, from my country to yours, from my home to your kitchen.

This recipe was also contributed to Foodiecrush Magazine's first issue. It features many of my favorite bloggers. You must take a look.

Apple Cardamom Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:31:00 +0000

Something has been on my mind for a few weeks now. I've been pondering over it for some time. Should I, should I not? Will I succeed? What will Akber and Maryam think? Are they going to be open minded and accepting? Or will they scoff at me and turn up their noses?

You see, the reason I've been so hesitant is because I've been thinking of breaking a marriage, a union, a relationship. A longstanding one that has stood the test of time. A marriage with no fights and arguments. A marriage that is an example, one that everyone looks up to. One that is ideal and perfect but also boring and ordinary.

But the urge was too great and so I did it. It felt good.... I was relieved and at the same time apprehensive but when I got the nod of approval from Maryam and Akber, I knew I had done the right thing. Just in case you're wondering, I'm talking about the harmonious alliance that once existed between apples and cinnamon.

The two have always gone hand in hand. But I have found a better partner for the apple. A match that may be unconventional but still comfortable- apples and cardamom. They form a happy family in this cake that I adapted from this Pear and Almond Cake I have made numerous times. Out with the old and in with the new and everyone who ate a slice agreed. Apples and cardamom are very content with one another, they compliment each other.

Click recipe card to print.

What more could you want from a relationship? Roasted almonds and custard played happy friends with this delicate cake. Try this new combination and you won't be disappointed.

Have you broken a longstanding (food) relationship? Were you happy with the results?

Mung Bean Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:21:00 +0000

As I sit here typing this post, the clouds outside are swelling up again. Whether they will rumble and pour rain is a different matter. Even though I mentioned in my last post that I probably wouldn't be seein stormy skies for a while again, it surprised me with another unexpected visit.

I do enjoy the cooler weather- it gives me a small time frame within which me and Maryam can do our outdoor activities. But with this change in weather also comes the abundance of bugs, viruses, nasty colds and poor health. Maryam came down with a fever which then passed on to the rest of the family like falling dominoes. There was no stopping it. What started off as mild quickly escalated into one of the highest temperatures she has ever had. That was followed by a runny nose and sore throat.

And of course I was next in line. I don't know if it's the pregnancy but I find it much harder to recover from any minor coughs or colds at the moment. Being pregnant and sick with a toddler who is also ill is never fun and during times like these, I love a hearty soup that will mend everything.

I have mentioned plenty of times that soup doesn't grace our tables often enough but slowly and surely, I am trying to change that trend. I learnt this particluar soup my my mom BUT my love of mung beans started at my mother in laws house.

She always says 'mug ne pug che' which is a Gujarati saying that literally translates into 'mung beans have legs.' What it means is that mung beans have the necessary nutrients to give you strength, health and vitality. Put you back on your feet, nurse you to health.

And so we've been making this often. Actually, beans are Maryam's favorite meal, always have been. Especially now that she's going through a vegetarian phase. I'm not sure how long it will last, the vegetarian phase as well as the sore throat! I'm hoping both vanish as abruptly as they put in an appearance.

Mini Apple and Cinnamon Bundt Cakes

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:32:00 +0000

I was recently asked what I thought was the quintessential fall fruit. My mind instantly turned to apples. Perhaps it was the abundant sea of warm reds and lime greens that welcome me every time I enter the supermarket this time of the year.

Or perhaps it was the weather. That morning, when I woke up and looked at my clock, it was 8am. I turned to ask Akber to check his watch and I heard a muffled '8am.' But how could it be? There were no rays of bright morning light sneaking past my shutters. Maryam, my dependable alarm clock, had failed me that morning as well. She was fast asleep.

I opened the shutters and the scene that greeted me was one I hadn't experienced for a while, probably won't see it again in the forseeable future. Dewy mist, grey skies, hazy views, crisp air, even some rain. Some....not a lot. And not for long. But we savored it whilst we could. Until it makes an appearance again. Some day......

And so to welcome the cooler climes in Dubai, I developed these three fall recipes for BBC Good Food Middle East using apples. Although I instantly think of desserts baking when I imagine apples, I enjoyed experimenting with it versatility by using it in a salad and soup as well.

From the three recipes, this one for apple cinnamon bundt cakes is my favorite, the one that excited me the most. It's as though cinnamon was created to be used with apples. Almost like you can't have one without the other. A lasting reunion.

I used some homemade applesauce that Maryam normally eats with her banana and porridge for breakfast. I wished I had added some whole chunks of apple in the batter. Next time. There surely will be a next time. Perhaps I'll rock that happy marriage of apple and cinnamon by replacing it with some cardamom?

In other news, I have made some minor changes to the way I have laid out blog posts. You might see some pops of colors here and there. The recipes can also be printed out by clicking on the recipe card at the bottom. Color is such an important part of food, of photography and of nurturing creativity and that's what I am hoping to do.

I was inspired by this post Rosie wrote on art, color and inspiration which introduced me to the beautiful concept of Design Seeds. It is as though color is for the eyes what music is for the ears. You can get lost in both these sites and happily spend hours looking at various color palettes that you may never have imagined. Do you like the new changes here on Sips and Spoonfuls? I would love to hear your opinion.

Spicy Roast Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:10:00 +0000

Three simple words- Spicy, Roast, Potatoes. Yet, they evoke a myriad of emotions, abundant comfort, contentedness. There is nothing a simple dish of potatoes roasted in olive oil with a sprinkling of herbs and seasoning can't cure. Oh, and a dash of chili flakes for good measure. It may be known as the poor man's food but to me, there is nothing more filling, more flavorful, more adaptable then a humble potato.

The past few weeks have been a busy time for me with parents visiting, my sister having a baby and a few projects I have been working on. But no complaints from my side. I'm loving the new career direction this blog has helped me to take.

But it's times like these when I try to make quick meals that require minimal time and preparation. Yet, are wholesome and healthy. When I saw this bag of red baby potatoes at the supermarket, ideas started buzzing in my head- creamy mashed potato, home baked fries, warm potato salad.

But I finally settled on roasting them. Simple. We had this as a side dish with barbequed lamb chops. It was the perfect weekend lunch. I found that the best way to achieve a tender and creamy centre, yet a crackly crunch on the outside is to bake the potatoes covered with foil until cooked through. Then grill them for the last five minutes to achieve the crispy coating.

The best thing about roasted potatoes is its versatility- reinvent it according to what herbs you have growing on your balcony, what spices are gracing your pantry. Dress it up by adding it to a simple salad of red chard. The possibilities are endless.

So if you haven't already got a full menu planned for Thanksgiving, why not try making some roast potatoes? Warm, cozy and comfortable- isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about....and of course family!

Baking Again

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 11:10:00 +0000

I've been at it again. Just couldn't contain myself. It didn't help that Maryam was perching on the counter- ready to chop some nuts, whisk some batter and get her hands grubby. There's nothing more that she likes to do. And of course, taste some batter along the way! 'She takes after you,' Akber remarked. If you give her the choice between coloring or helping Mummy, we both know exactly what she would pick.

So what is the next thing YOU will be baking? Me- Well, it depends on how fast this new batch of muffins disappear. Chocolate, bananas, pecans, hazel nuts. I doubt it will take long.

Celebrating Eid al Adha and a Blog Anniversary with Nutty Coconut Vermicelli Truffles + GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:39:00 +0000

Have I mentioned before that I love celebrating Eid? Even more so now that I have a growing family. There is nothing like the anticipation of opening presents, devouring sweet treats and wearing brand new clothes when you have a two year old. It makes holidays even more special, more magical than they already are.

Eid al Adha is all about that and more. It is a time when millions of Muslims gather each year- different cultures, different races, different nationalities. Yet, all dressed in white representing human equality. They all perform rituals that culminate on Eid al Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, in Mecca.

Maryam was extra excited this year as she got to 'choose' what outfit she would wear. She is going through an independent phase where she wants to 'choose' everything from her clothes to her food, to what spoon she eats with.

And as with any celebration, food is an important part of this festival in my home- it bonds our families, it drives conversation and camaraderie, it creates unforgettable memories. Food brings us all together on this day and lunch menus generally consist of biryani and sweet vermicelli, jalebis and samosas. Sweet bites such as cookies, chocolate bars and cakes are also prepared as nibbles for visiting relatives. And Eid isn’t the same without presents- Maryam ravenously tore through layers of wrapping paper to get to her treasures.

This year, I’m inviting you to my home to celebrate Eid al Adha. Come take a peek into my kitchen as I prepare sweet treats eaten during this festival. I’m making truffles with a difference- sweetened vermicelli paired with chopped almonds and pistachios. Add some fluffy coconut to the mix and you have an eclectic truffle.

And then these buttery and crunchy pistachio cookies with pistachio butter cream.- melt in your mouth perfection. I was so thrilled to contribute recipes for both these nibbles to the latest Holiday issue of House of Fifty magazine. You can find my work, more photos and the recipe for the Pistachio cookies on page 118 onwards. It's also been one year since this blog was born and so I have double reason to celebrate.

In the meantime, I leave you with the recipe for vermicelli truffles and a wonderful giveaway to mark the one year blog anniversary. Kenwood sent me their latest True Blender BL480 and besides using the metal lined grinding mill to chop almonds and pistachios to make these truffles, I have also been using the blender to make fluffy pancakes. The blades are wonderfully sharp and it even has an ice chopping function. With a baby on the way, I can't wait to experiment with new baby foods using the BL480.

Here is how you can enter:

1) Follow @sipsandspoonful on Twitter

2)Tweet the following: I entered to win a Kenwood Blender via @sipsandspoonful http://tinyurl.com/co6f4ob #giveaway

3) Like Kenwood Middle East on Facebook

4) Like Sips and Spoonfuls on Facebook

5) Follow Kenwood Middle East on Twitter

6) Subscribe to Sips and Spoonfuls by Email or RSS feed (links on top right hand corner)

Note: Please leave a separate comment for each of your entries or else they will not count. Please leave a valid email so you can be contacted.

The giveaway will run until midnight on Monday 21st November 2011. A winner will be announced on Tuesday 22nd November 2011. Giveaway is open to Middle East and Africa residents. Product provided by Kenwood Middle East but all views expressed above are my own and I have not been paid to do this review.

Cinnamon Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (Sips and Spoonfuls) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:25:00 +0000

Sometimes, all it takes is a packet of woody, fragrant and curled cinnamon sticks to inspire me, brighten my day and warm our home. I bought a bag of these fresh curly spices and whilst unpacking the groceries, I knew I had to incorporate them into our day.

My parents were in town last week to visit a new addition to our family. Nope, not me......my sister. She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Fatema just over two weeks ago, hence the lack of blogging. Who knew a wee baby could take up so much time and attention. Maryam is besotted with the new 'doll' and we constantly make visits to my sister's apartment. Good thing she lives in the same building as me.

Besides spending time with my family, I have been busy developing recipes, cooking and shooting for various magazines, both locally and online. I can't wait to share these with you. Stay tuned in the next few blog posts.

But just because I didn't get a chance to blog doesn't mean we haven't been eating fresh, homemade , wholesome food- my mum's favorite apple crumble, cinnamon and cardamom spiced shawarmas that my dad requested, green moong bean soup, cumin scented pilaf. There's just something else about spending time with my Mom in the kitchen- food is more flavorsome with plenty of laughter, stories and tips shared around our dinner table.

And then there were these cinnamon rolls. Pillowy swirls encased with freshly ground woody cinnamon, butter and brown sugar. Oh, and some chocolate chips for good measure. They were perfect with afternoon tea at the park.

October also marks one year since this blog has been running. I do have a special post planned with a giveaway that I'm sure you'll love. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy these cinnamon rolls. Me and Maryam certainly did.