Grilled Sole Fish with vegetables

I am not a Fish person.

Yes, I know it is extremely healthy, rich in many nutrients, and is a leading fad in health cooking- But no, I don’t like fish, its taste, its smell and everything that goes with it. And the irony in my life is – That Ak loves fish. And I know that health wise; I need the fish in my system. Hence, last year, I Had decided to add fish to our intake of food, at least through the winter. I really like an oriental steamed fish recipe, learnt at a Thai cooking class that I used very often, but decided to innovate with the fish this year, in the hope that I will find one that I really love. Also, once I continued to cook with fish over a period of time- I discovered that Sole is a wonderful fish for the not so fishy- people.

Sole Fish, I had discovered last year- is good to cover up for Vitamin D Deficiency. Hence, we had a lot of Steamed Sole last year. I had begun to like the taste, and this year, was looking for some grilled sole recipes. The Italian Cooking Encyclopaedia is really a book I recommend; mostly all recipes tested and adapted from it have ensued wonderful results. Sole is a flat fish, and getting the perfect grilled lemon sole is really an art in fish-cooking. The recipe that I am sharing here is certainly one to try and play around with. It is one that is adapted from a grilled recipe from the book mentioned - but with added flavours and accompaniments that make it a perfect meal, even for those not so fond of fish. Welcome to the world of fish!

Pecan and Ricotta Cake

Today, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.

Hannah Bowns

Tis the New year. 2013.

And I will begin with the cliché’ of not knowing how quickly this year flew by. And I will begin with Gratitude for everything- the good and the bad and of course the lessons learnt.

So much Happened, on the work front- I can’t believe, that I am an entrepreneur. I have finally decided to move forward with Epistle- the last year was spent trying, testing, learning, and unlearning; and all of it was done in a shy, obscure manner. One of the challenges for the New Year will be to step out of the concealed world, out into the real one. Another will be to grow, to do more and to innovate. The onus is of course on me, and only me. Although I am not one to procrastinate, I sometimes fear the rut of daily life overtaking the desire to do more.

It’s terrific to hear encouraging words from people around me, both personally and professionally. I am at least convinced at the end of a year, that this was the right thing to do, and not a mistake. I really do have hope for Epistle. I must attribute a lot to Ak of course, and everyone else around me. Sometimes, I guess it is worth not playing it safe after all.

                     Communicooking too had its share of ups and downs- me being in an on and off relationship with it. However, I have almost been consistent. A lot of cooking was done- and some great recipes were discovered. The Blogger’s Table was a good kick- in the right direction. Making me do more, strive for more. To more cooking in 2013.
Also, something a friend shared for New Year- Great thought to begin with.

I decided to bring in the New Year by caking not one, but 2 new cakes. And Yes, I Challenged myself by not opting for what I already knew, and by going in for the unknown. The results were good and bad. I have discovered that cakes don’t always need to rise; and some authentic recipes just mildy rise. The recipe that I will share is adapted one from my current favourite-The Italian Encyclopedia- A Walnut and Ricotta cake which I adapted to be a Pecan and Ricotta Cake. The flavours are complicated and progressive; on begins to like it more, as the piece in the mouth melts. The cake is just perfect for a cold wintery afternoon tea. Best served warm, and fresh. Perfect start to New Beginnings.

p.s. Thanks to Ak for the photography capture through the day. Don’t miss the Pink Highlights.

Chocolate Bread Loaf

"Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies." - John Q. Tullius

Be Calm and Eat Chocolate.

I read this recently and thought of Ak.  Not that I don’t think of him otherwise, but this was one of those moments which made me remember how a simple object like Chocolate, can provide instant gratification. A bad day, a headache, post drink, a visit do someone’s house, ill-health or simply, post dinner- All It takes is a piece of chocolate to make Ak happy. I wish that there was something as unassuming and straightforward and effortless that would be a solution to my happiness. Women are just that much more complicated I guess. Although I was quite fixated on chocolate in the early years, as I have grown older- for some reason, my love for chocolate has reduced and I can only eat in extreme moderation. The husband, the brother and the parents however completely compensate.

So, what if one could begin their day with chocolate for Breakfast? I had eaten something similar on a trip to Italy, and this recipe that I had seen in a book on Italian cooking, had been calling out to me for months. Freezing winters, seemed to be the perfect time to test it out and hence, on a cold winter morning, I set out to bake this Chocolate Bread Loaf. I had also been graciously sent some wonderful packets of instant yeast from across the seas by SIL, of which some were still left. The recipe hence, seemed to be good use. The bread turned out to be quite wonderful, almost cakeish- but not a cake. I do think, bread-making practice would have yielded better results, as I kneaded a bit too much maybe- But those, who have delved deeply into the art of bread-making; do give this one a try. You will love it.

This chocolate bread can be a wholesome Breakfast, if toasted and served with butter or cream cheese or even post dinner, with dinner or any other meal. Traditionally in Italy, it is served with Mascarpone or Gorgonzola cheese and a glass of red wine.

p.s Bread making tips would be more than welcome.

Christmas Cheer

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”

Merry Xmas.

For some reason, Christmas is a festival that I have always cherished, right through the early years of my childhood- thanks to my schooling. While the longer vacation was an added plus, the carols, the plays, the entire spirit of festivities always made that little corner in my heart extremely happy. We never really celebrated Christmas at home, but I Would make it a point to decorate my own little Christmas tree- and that itself would be extremely therapeutic. There is something about this festival, that is exceedingly modest and unpretentious; the spirit really is about the giving, about connecting, and sharing the love. (and that just sounded like the episode of Friends- where Joey is giving  his speech at Monika and Chandler’s wedding!)

Anyhow, for various logistical reasons- I don’t have a recipe to share today (even though there are a few in my drafts), But what I will share is a recent experience that I had, which I think is in line with the Festive spirit of Xmas, and of exceptionally good service. Usually, as bloggers, we get invited to review books, and restaurants and new products quite often. I know, for a fact that that the really popular bloggers, sometimes are requested for reviews almost once a week or fortnight. Sometimes, the experience is good, the products are great and then there are times, when the service is horrible or the food is just average, and one is really caught in a situation- that can end up being quite harsh. However, there are moments, when one is NOT invited for a review, but is out somewhere for a casual coffee in the middle of a weekday, meeting an old friend, and IF the service is exceptional, it really calls for a post.  The experience that I will share today- was hence, not a planned review or a post- I am quite sure that they did not expect me to blog about it, and therefore there are no pictures. But it has found its way here, because it really is symbolic of what counts as brilliant service, which many a times, one does not even get at the best of places.

           I was meeting an old friend for coffee at the 361 Coffee Shop at The New Oberoi, Gurgaon, post lunch at around 330. I had undergone some dental treatment earlier that day, and hence could not eat much. I ordered some coconut waffles and ice-cream to sooth my hurting jaw, while she ordered some Kaava, which she said was fabulous and a vegetarian quiche. As we were meeting at the odd hour post lunch, all she wanted was a small bite. The kava came, and while we were waiting for our food, the server who served us (Deepak- here onwards referred to as D), came and informed us that the vegetarian quiche would not be available until the next hour or so, and can only provide us with one that has bacon. My friend M, didn’t mind the meat, and opted for it. Another 10 minutes later, when my dessert came, we were informed that even the bacon quiche was unavailable as an unexpected guest had just picked up all the party snacks that were in the patisserie. The ‘after lunch hours’ menu was offered again, and M was asked to opt for another dish. It is worth mentioning, that the menu was extensive, but it didn’t have too many options for a smaller course for 1 person; and on a cold winter day, a salad would just not have seemed right. M was a bit unhappy at the lack of choices, and decided to skip the food altogether. The manager came and apologized, and so did D- and offered to bring her any other food that she would like. They really insisted that she picked out something. After a detailed discussion of what was available, M decided to stick to an assorted sushi platter, which would be leftovers from the lunch buffet. The sushi came quite instantly, and was really a diverse assortment- so diverse, that I hadn’t seen some of the variations. We continued to chat, whilst I was hogging on my large plate of waffles and ice-cream. Almost 15 minutes later, D came, along with a freshly baked, very appetizing quiche. The process had taken so long, that the chef had managed to bake a quiche by then- just for us. M was pleasantly surprised, but declined, as she did not have much of an appetite by then. But they insisted on her tasting it, and despite her not being too hungry, she devoured the quiche. We really felt that they had done more than their bit in offering us whatever we had wished to order and ensuring that they delivered. The experience and service had turned out to be pleasant after all. And it was all not over yet.

                 When we asked for the cheque, we were quietly informed that the payment had been taken care of. We were quite surprised, called for D, and insisted to pay. We had, after all, eaten, and got all that we had ordered for. And then, we were humbly informed that they had not been able to deliver what we had asked for- and could only do it much later than desired. These were the service standards that they subscribed to, and anything lesser, was not acceptable and did not account for 361 service.

                 For me, it is not the fact that they did not ask for money; what strikes me is that they continued to try and ensure that we got what we wanted, right till the very last minute. While some people may not find this unique, I felt special and taken care of. They stuck to the 360/361 reputation of delivering prime quality and exceptional service; something that can be easily slipped on, and cost/payment did not have a bearing on the experience and on what they offered. It is very easy for people to come back and write a stinker email to the management, and complain about the horrible experience that they have had- but it is rare for us to be grateful for when are offered a great one instead. So, here is my thanks to the 361 management, for ensuring me a wonderful afternoon; this was precisely why I had opted to be there.

            I have a concluding thought though- How often is it that we continue to strive for perfection; or deliver quality in whatever it is that we may do; or sticking to our fundamental beliefs and values? We let it slip by too often; and that maybe is just not acceptable. Here is a lesson possibly to be learnt.

Merry Xmas. Enjoy the Christmas cheer and spread the love and light.