Double Chocolate Chunk Peanut Cookies

It is the night before. 

There is a spirit of magic and holiday all around the world.

And in all the feeling of excitement, I am home alone, enjoying a few days of vacation from work, while soaking up the beauty and magic in the air, and catching up on a few lovely things.

One of my very favorite things during the holiday season—besides the cozy late mornings under the blanket, sleeping ins, and the romance of late night movies with many cups of coffee—is baking up a storm in the kitchen.

Mango Nectarine Smoothie

I'm in a serious relationship with drinks. The life bonding kind. 

Nah, not with alcoholic beverages. But the non alcoholic variety. Like juices, ice cold spritzers and mocktails, shakes and smoothies. 

Ah, smoothies.

Strawberry Soft Serve — three ingredient, less than 5-minute ice cream!

This is one of those long, long pending posts. It has been in my drafts since the beginning of summer. And finally sees light in fall.

Feel like some ice cream to embrace fall?

I scream. Ice scream. Nah, nah, it's, i c e  c r e a m …lol

Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie—a power-packed hearty drink

We had a couple of exquisitely wet days since the earthquake tremor in mid-April. Beautifully wet days filled with blustery breezes and billowy clouds and early-summer drizzle. The kind that caught everyone off guard. 

It was followed by thunder, lighting, hailstorm and—scandalously pouring rain. Yes, it was pouring in summer!

Anti-Aging Mixed Berry Smoothie

Glasses and jars and bottles overflowing with cool smoothies and shakes and juices. This is what summer feels like.

Oh joy.

Strawberry Mache Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette and Almond Brittle

Ever tried strawberry with greens? Simply ahh-mazing!

Juicy strawberries, tender greens, kiwifruit, and goji berries with poppy seed vinaigrette. It’s dessert on your plate. Yea, right.

And the proverbial icing on the cake? Almond brittle!

Chocolate Orange Truffles. And—Two Wondrous Years!

Astonishingly lovely weather and a brand new year. Suddenly the future seems to be filled with a million new possibilities and wildly beautiful things. And—it’s only just begun.

Happy, Happy New Year!

Hope you had a dazzling time ringing in the New Year, and more, a dazzling start to twenty thirteen surrounded by love and laughter and loved ones.

Ultimate Parisan Hot chocolate — velvety and so utterly chocolaty

Nothing quite like the romance and charm of the holiday season, I must say. Most especially when it is to be followed by beautiful and exciting new beginnings, ha.

So despite the frenzy of life, and a beautiful fluttery of things, on these last few beautiful days of twenty twelve, I find myself totally, utterly, and most desperately lost in the spirit of magic and dreams. Hey, it’s a new, new year in just two days! Are you not excited ..?

And before the clock strikes midnight, I hope you are somewhere cozy, cherishing the glitter and sparkle and snowfall or rainfall, holding your loved ones close, and looking forward to the arrival of wonderful new beginnings. Here’s to a magical new year, filled with the most delightful happenings, love, peace, joy, and hope it’s astonishingly beautiful wherever in the world you are.

“I know nothing with certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream” Van Gosh.

Speedy Berry Cheesecake in a Glass — impressive and very moreish

Last few days have been most amazing. I was lost in the utter romance of beautiful happenings — walks along the coast enjoying this fleetingly exquisite weather, reconnecting with friends after far too long, hot chocolates and scrumptious faloodas, and most exciting of all, receiving the best news of the year that I’m officially back to the corporate world. Ha.

And since December began, it’s been early morning rush and traffic jams, high heels, pink lipsticks, delicate blouses, meetings and spreadsheets, and of course, the overwhelming excitement of new beginnings, and much to look forward to.

Happy December! Happy holidays! And a happy year-before!

Eggless Strawberry Melting Moments—melt-in-your mouth sandwich cookies for the holiday season

October whirled by quickly, and can hardly believe it is November. 

Sweet, sweet November with its brisk freshness and excitement of utterly lovely things—cool nights with cozy cashmeres and warm woolen blankets, strong cups of chai in the morning, and many memorable evening with scented candles and the intoxicating fragrance of fresh roses.

Luxury Dates with Nuts and Chocolate — Eid Mubarak!

Another October week, and I’m still a little slow with the updates, I know.

Lack of time is to blame. I just got back from a totally unscheduled and last minute trip to India. It’s been ten straight days of rushing around, rest and relaxation, and much, much beauty. Lilac sunsets and idyllic twilights, rolling thunderstorm and romance of raindrops, blustery beaches and moody ocean waves, and most of all, movie nights with friends and family, and the most wonderfully lazy mornings over many cups of mom’s tea and delicious home cooked meals.

Nutella Instant Iced Coffee, aka Homemade Mocha Frappuccino

Hello all, I'm back!

It’s been a while, I know. I should probably start by apologizing for slipping away silently. Although, frankly, I had not meant to go missing for quite this long. But, in between trips, dragging along carry-alls, and a month away in the countryside, somehow my plans fell away, and the weeks vanished into weekends, and it was hopelessly impossible to find a quiet moment to catch my breath, or to catch up with you all here.

Finally, it's good to be back after the little hiatus. Really good.

Beef Croquettes — Kerala Style Beef Cutlets

Ramadan began ten days ago, and with it a wonderful sense of beauty and excitement, and so much to look forward to. Last few days have been stunningly busy, at the same time quiet, with much uninterrupted privacy. Although must confess, quite adore the peacefulness, temperance and moments of repose about this time of the year.

And so, a little fashionably late, I wish you all a most generous and blessed month. Ramadan Kareem, my beautiful, beautiful audience. And again, a million thank you’s for taking a moment to stop by with your warm, thoughtful messages. I’ve had not much time to say hello or respond to your notes, but I’m forever touched by your kindness and love.

Eggless, No Bake, Mini Mango Cheesecakes

A stroll about the fruit markets with its sweet, tempting display of summer produce in a rainbow of fresh flavors, I have a feeling I’ll be preparing and sharing dainty desserts all summer long.

Of all the wonderful things that summer brings, I look forward so much to the mango festival happening at the local stores around here at this time of the year—sweet, sweet excuse to indulge in a variety of luscious goodness. There are few things quite like the flavor and scent of Alphonso, Rajpuri and Badami at the peak of their season. I just can’t stop picking them, and the result is an ever-inspiring list of mango dishes, though nothing compares to eating them whole, I admit.

Date Shake — simple, seasonal and sensational!

Almost half the year has rolled by and we are have fallen into June, and further into the long and breathless days of summer. Even with the searing heat and lingering mugginess in this land of Bedouin hospitality, there is so much to love about summer.

The sun, the warmth, the fresh tang of the sea air, and the glow to the skin, makes this a truly magical season.

Mango Lassi — summer in a glass

Lassi : |ˈlasē| noun; a sweet or savory Indian drink made from a yogurt or buttermilk base with water

With summer beautifully seeping into the lingering golden days and sultry arabian nights, I’m into a major cooler kick. The lure of a tall glass of chilled beverage that’s quick to mix and heavenly to quench thirst and combat heat is so wild that I’ve been going crazy shaking things up with summers bounty.

And while I’ve been cooking other serious food, it is astonishingly the drink recipes that I’m drawn to, and gets scandalously photographed and featured, again and again. Like today.

Sparkling Apple Lemonade—pretty pink summer cooler

Sun-kissed sand, sparkling sea, bright beautiful days, golden warmth, umbrellaed drinks, and the scent of sweet blossoms.

We are headstrong into summer, ha.

The sun is shining, birds are singing, and everything seems more vibrant, more hopeful.

And on this beautiful Wednesday afternoon, I sit by the window sipping on a bottle of lemonade, soaking in the charms of the season, lost in profound thoughts of things to do.

Ice Pops — Fizzy Mango Mint Popsicle, and Creamy Chocolaty Fudgesicle — hydrating summertime treats

Featured on Foodbuzz Top 9

Something about the balmy climate and fragrant flowers make me think of fluttery dresses and languid afternoons by the seaside. Happy thoughts.

Sunshine, sea, and a glass of ice cold drink, or cool dripping treat on a stick. Ooh la la.

Summer is the most glamorous of seasons to be lost in such golden daydreams.

And while there are 101 things I should be doing—most importantly get working on my email situation—all I really want to do is laze away the hours in sweet nostalgia, and fall asleep to dreams of a beautiful world filled with lots of love, laughter and happiness.

Lots. Yes, lots.

Chocolate Covered Kiwis on a Stick — boost your intake of antioxidants with this fun recipe!

Mid April. Monday. Sunny day.

It’s time for a stunningly simple, yet gourmet-looking recipe peeps. 

Don’t you love the idea of food on a stick? I do. And my kids simply adore cute little morsels on a stick. Especially sweet treats. Cake pops, popsicles, fudgesicles, lollipops, or just about anything sweet that can be popped on a stick—you name it.

No messy hands, or fuss with plates. They are so much fun to eat, and even more fun to make. 

Blueberry Banana and Cream

Usually my mind is whirling with a million seems-so-brilliant ideas, and I’m brimming with inspiration to put them into action. 

And yet, there are those times when no matter how much I scout around, inspiration is elusive. Today is one such day, unfortunately.

Not even the promise of rain gets me in the mood. There’s this impending sense of loom I’m not able to shake away. My gut feeling tells me to pause, slow down the pace, take it down a notch.