Food
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The Hunger Pains: Office Microwave Edition

It’s 11:55 AM. You hear stomachs grumbling, chairs sliding, keyboards clattering to silence, and see heads peeking over cubicles. Yes, it’s about to happen again—the daily Hunger Games, Office Edition. Welcome to the microwave showdown! On our sprawling office floor, home to nearly two hundred dedicated workers, you’d think two microwaves would barely be enough Continue reading
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Dry Fruits in Winter – A Pocketful of Warmth

Winter and dry fruits go together like summer and mangoes, like chai and cardamom, like snow and mittens. When I was growing up in India, winters were short, but they still packed a chilly punch. On those crisp, foggy mornings, my dad had a simple but heartwarming tradition—he would slip a handful of dry fruits Continue reading
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The Magic of Eating Out: A Lesson in Family Bonding

Yesterday, we finally got around to celebrating Aaku’s birthday after what can only be described as a delayed-release party. Why? College schedules. He was too busy “adulting” at school on his actual birthday. But better late than never, right? We headed out to one of our favorite Indian restaurants—a place that’s always been our go-to Continue reading
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It’s Friday, Michigan! Let’s Wrap Up the Week with Laughs and Hugs

Happy Friday, my fabulous friends! Can you believe we’re already halfway through December here in Michigan? Well, technically it’s not halfway, but the way it feels out there, it might as well be January. Temps have been dancing in the teens and 20s (that’s Fahrenheit, for my Celsius-savvy pals—below freezing, as in “instant popsicle” weather). Continue reading
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You Spoil, You Own It: The Kitchen Chronicles of Culinary Mishaps

Cooking is a beautiful art form—or so they say. For some of us, it’s more of a creative battlefield, where the spoils of war (literally, the spoiled food) often lead to solo ownership. In our household, there’s an unspoken rule: if you mess it up, you clean it up (with your stomach). Take the other Continue reading
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The Fruit Hustle: Labor-Intensive Treats That Make You Earn Every Bite

Fruits are nature’s way of reminding us that good things in life don’t always come easy. Some of them require Herculean effort, leaving you wondering if you’re peeling a fruit or training for an obstacle course. These delicious challenges make every bite feel like a small victory. 1. Pomegranates: The Jewel Thief of Fruits Opening Continue reading
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When Cultures Unite: A Workplace Diwali Celebration

Here in the northern suburbs of Detroit, as autumn paints the trees in brilliant hues and the air grows crisp, something equally colorful was brewing at our GM office. This year brought an interesting coincidence – Diwali and Halloween fell on the same day. While I was busy handing out candy to eager trick-or-treaters in Continue reading
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The Beeping Symphony: A Love Letter to Kitchen Timers

The sweet sound of a timer. For some, it’s the reminder that the laundry needs switching; for others, it’s that signal to take a break. But for me? It’s the best sous-chef a multitasking home cook could ask for. See, I’m a bit of a gadget enthusiast in the kitchen, and the ones with timers Continue reading
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The Global Journey of Golgappa: From Indian Streets to Costco Shelves

If you’ve ever wandered the streets of India, you’ve probably noticed one universal truth: no crowd, however chaotic, is too much when it comes to waiting in line for Golgappa, also known as Pani Puri. This crunchy, spicy, and tangy snack has been the go-to guilty pleasure for millions, especially ladies who seem to have Continue reading
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The Story of Us: A Life Shared, One Plate at a Time

Picture this: a newlywed couple at a bustling party, eyes locked, fingers intertwining over a single plate of food. That was Vani and me, years ago, soaking in the warmth of those early days of our marriage. Our shared plate wasn’t just a convenient way to eat; it was a symbol of our bond, an Continue reading