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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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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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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Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights: Celebrating the Fourth of July

As the calendar flips to July, there’s an unmistakable energy in the air. The scent of sunscreen mingles with the aroma of barbecue, and a sea of red, white, and blue begins to wash over every town across America. It can only mean one thing: Independence Day is just around the corner! The Great American Continue reading
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The Frozen Indian Snack Revolution: Convenience Meets Authenticity

When Vani and I first moved to the USA back in 1997, the landscape for Indian cuisine was starkly different from today. Cooking everything from scratch was not just a choice, but a necessity. We are both fond of snacks, and Vani, my poor girl, had to quickly master the art of making all that Continue reading
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The Kitchen Appliance Revolution: From Fire to Fryers

Back in the day, our ancestors had to hunt and gather their food, cook it over an open fire, and be grateful if they didn’t burn the caveman cuisine to a crisp. Fast forward a few millennia, and we’ve gone from roasting mammoth meat to roasting our taste buds with an array of kitchen gadgets Continue reading