Rangoli Treats

It is now only a week away from Diwali celebrations in India.  Although the origin of this festival of lights is predominantly religious in nature; it's significance  goes far beyond.  The many facets of this festival include the traditional art of rangoli, the sparkle of fireworks, the endless sweet treats and the numerous oil lamps that adorn the homes symbolizing victory of good over evil (from darkness to light).   

Rangoli or Alpana is an ancient cultural tradition and folk art from India and is an inherent part of the festival. The designs and styles may vary, but the spirit and culture behind it is its diversity and various dimensions that bring together a harmony of colors. Traditionally drawn with colored rice powder or rice flour, it's purpose is to decorate and bring good luck to the doorstep of the home where it sits.  Here's wishing friends and neighbors a very happy new year ahead with these "east meets west" rangoli cupcakes.

Woodsy Delights

Let's celebrate the end of the harvest season with some square dancing...A dance of a combination of delightful tastes and textures that is.  Here are some little bites of individual cheesecake squares coated in chocolate giving the crunch of sweet chocolate, the smoothness of creamy  cheese and the chewiness of the base all in one delightful bite.  A cool treat to take to a dinner party which has all the warmth of wonderful hosts.

Best Friends Forever

A bright new handbag is always a girl's best friend.  But for something a little more rewarding, I think there's none other than a sister.  Sisters are awesome edifices in our lives: they bring out the best and worst in us.  They teach us how to compete in life, how to celebrate victory with a pompous shopping bill and how to perform miserably and know there's temporary solace in a tub of ice cream at 2 o'clock in the night.  You'll find them for the midnight heart to heart chat and also in places you don't want them to be at.  What better gift can you give such a family member on their special day but a purse full of sweetness.  Here's to celebrating a sister's special day with a chocolate cake layered with chocolate ganache.

Warm Drizzle

Fall signals the end of the harvest season and the time to rejoice in festivals galore.  It's a time to be thankful to Mother Earth for her bountiful wealth and to learn from Her that the joy of giving should never become obsolete.  Give from the heart this festival season and spread a little love, laughter and warmth as the rustle of fallen leaves and nip in the air signal harsh weather ahead.  And, when the chill hits, remember to smile with a warm beverage and these dark chocolate truffles.

Kitty Party

"What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice and everything nice...that's what little girls are made of." The age old nursery rhyme does poetic justice to a simple truth.  Fascinated with princesses, fairies and sometimes (Hello) kitties and puppies, little girls exhibit a certain charm and sweetness that set them apart.  From high-pitched wails to belly laughs and giggles, little girls bring with them beauty, sunshine and endless joy.  After all, it's these little girls that grow up to foster love and warmth in homes all over the world.

A vanilla cake filled with chocolate ganache was Lil' Sara's birthday treat.  May she blossom and grow and "meaow" her way through happy days in times to come.

A Cascade of Love

For those of us fortunate enough to have experienced Grandma's love will know what I am about to pen down here.  It's one of the most amazing experiences in a lifetime that carries through.  The story-times, the special gifts, the warm hugs, the aroma of Grandma's comfort food and the countless blessings are always some of the warmest and most comforting memoirs... 
As a mommy now, I see that time spent with grandma translates to a new set of rules, no self control and mild discipline at best.  Very different perspectives, right? Anything in excess is never good but in milder doses grandma's love teaches kids freedom from structure, how to laugh at imperfections and how to take the time to stop and smell the roses.  No one has more patience than a grandma.  She is here on earth to serve a special purpose: to cascade love all the way!  Happy 80th birthday, Thampu (meaning Grandma)!  
The cake was a simple mellow lemon flavored one with butter-cream frosting and fondant on top. Edible roses were hand carved one by one to honor the love and patience that grandmothers symbolize all over the world.