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What does winter remind you of? I will tell you wh

What does winter remind you of? I will tell you what it reminds me of -- my mom making the most awesome Gajar ka Halwa! “Halwa” is a common term for Indian puddings made with sugar, ghee (clarified butter), nuts and of course the main ingredient which can be anything from semolina to wheat to carrots to lentils to squash to potatoes. Basically, just about anything is turned into a halwa in India. Some halwas are very quick to make like the wheat halwa, while others take time like this gajar ka halwa (gajar=carrot in Hindi). I like to call it labor of love. 🙂🥕

Gajar ka Halwa is made in northern India only during winters. The reason is that it's made using the fresh red carrots that we get in winters in Delhi. So during winters if you go to anyone’s house in Delhi, they will most probably serve you this dessert. The red carrots, ah how much I miss them here! The orange carrots that we get here, can never match the taste of the those red carrots. I swear the halwa with orange ones isn’t half as good but what do you do when you crave for gajar ka halwa in winters in the US, you obviously use the carrots that are available here.

This dessert has various different names - Gajar ka Halwa, Gajrela, Gajar Pak. You can call it whatever you like, for me, this is "sardiyon ki mohabbat" - a winter love! ♥️

#GajarKaHalwa #GirlInChiefCooks #WinterDelight #CarrotPudding

Each one of us is leading a life that is slightly

Each one of us is leading a life that is slightly or majorly different from the one we led prior to the pandemic. Granted, some of us are much less affected, while others have lost their jobs, income, and their loved ones. Yet, I would say: “Where do you want to focus? On the loss or on the gifts?”

Today, I choose to focus, with gratitude and joy, on the gifts that this pandemic has brought me. Here's my COVID-19 GRATITUDE LIST 🙏

🔸This pandemic and lockdown has given me enough time to be able to relax, rest, and think about my life, my priorities, my beliefs, my dreams, my shortcomings, my relationships, my passions, and my goals—something that feels impossible to do when life is spinning by, like crazy.

🔸I have realized who I love, and who or what is dear to me. They are my close family and a handful of friends, with whom I am in daily contact over the phone—people who honestly ask each other, “How are you? How are you coping? Is there anything you need? Take care. Stay safe.”

🔸Every morning, I am grateful that I am alive and my immediate family and friend circle is healthy.

🔸Money is needed, of course, but the pandemic has taught me how little we actually need to have a fulfilling life. We only need 25 - 50% of what we were spending. The rest is luxury.

🔸I am thankful to be able to see a sunrise or a sunset, a bird chirping, a dog crossing the street—things I took for granted earlier. I’ve learned to cherish everything.

🔸There is nothing like cooking our own food. Once this pandemic is over, we need to think twice, thrice, or even more, before ordering unhealthy meals or junk food.

🔸I have developed a newfound respect and love for those who put duty above personal safety: healthcare workers, truck drivers, grocery shop workers, nurses, soldiers, policemen—hats off to you.

🔸When life decides to humble us, we often have no defence mechanisms, and humanity can crumble in a matter of weeks or months. This is enough to fill me with awe, reverence, and gratitude for this life.

Take care, wash your hands, wear masks, keep at a safe distance, and stay at home. And hold tight to your unlimited faith and trust.

Have a joyful holiday weekend! ♥️

My long weekend is all booked! 🤓📚 #Thanksgi

My long weekend is all booked! 🤓📚

#ThanksgivingWeekend #BookLover

#Throwback to hiking the most breathtaking natural

#Throwback to hiking the most breathtaking natural arch in the world, the Delicate Arch in @archesnps @visitutah.

No trip to Utah is complete without seeing the state's most iconic landmark! I had always seen the Delicate Arch image appear on my TV via Google Chromecast and knew it was big, but experienced in person, this arch has the ability to startle the senses and surprise the mind. The moment I turned the corner and finally caught a glimpse of the arch, I got goosebumps. It is spectacular! No picture I have ever seen does it justice. You really have to be there to witness the grandeur and beauty of this stunning formation. This hike may even be the highlight of your tour of the Utah National Parks!

The trail to the Delicate Arch is 3 miles roundtrip. It is ranked as a moderate hike because of the lack of shade, the uphill climb on top of the slickrock, and the navigation required by following the cairns. BUT, for those in Texas who've hiked the Enchanted Rock, it wouldn't seem all that difficult. 😁

#GirlInChiefTravels #DelicateArch #UtahNationalParks

Yes it's true, Diwali is finally over. The festiva

Yes it's true, Diwali is finally over. The festival has gone as suddenly as it had arrived. The colorful diyas now turned into tiny pools of melted wax. Rangolis in some homes are still radiant, but slightly disheveled.

Is Post Festival Withdrawal Syndrome a thing? What do you do after a week-full of colorful rangolis and lighted nights? I bake these melt-in-the-mouth Nankhatais for our chai time. 😁

#girlinchiefcooks #letthebakingcontinue

Diwali 2020: Got dressed up after ages, sat with o

Diwali 2020: Got dressed up after ages, sat with our closest friends, sang, ate and made merry. It was so much fun! 🎉

Hope you all had a good Diwali. ♥️

So it turns out sharing food over Zoom is hard. 😁

Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating! ✨

Wearing 👗: @titlibysakshiuppal

It's all about the first person you want to tell t

It's all about the first person you want to tell the good news to. Cheers to nine years of being on this wild ride together! 🍻
#anniversaryedition

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FOLKS! 🎃 There was a time when

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FOLKS! 🎃

There was a time when 'Rosie the Riveter' was a huge deal and achievement for women. But today, Rosie can be anything else she wants. Rosie can be a techie, or a dancer, or a homemaker. She knows her worth.

Let's be proud of where we are and what we have achieved. Be hopeful for a better future. And last, but not the least, be our own version of Rosie!! ♥️

Stay safe, have fun!
#HalloweenCostume #RosieTheRiveter #Halloween2020 #SustainableHalloweenCostume

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