Crêpes with Spiced Poached Pears - A Guest Post by Soma @ eCurry

Crêpes with Spiced Poached Pears

If you are looking for an inspiration in food blogging world, you don’t have to go very far! There are many sweet and generous food bloggers who open then heart, kitchen, share their family recipes and also invite you to take a peek into their beautiful world. Soma of stunning food blog eCurry (apt name for food blog, don’t you think?) is one such inspirational blogger who is one of the most sweet person I have come across! Mother to two gorgeous girls, Soma shares her day to day life with beautifully woven stories, soulful narration and stunning photography. Her blog is something to be treasured and it is difficult not to fall in love with her awe inspiring posts. It is my greatest pleasure to have Soma here on my virtual kitchen. Please follow her on Twitter and become her fan on Facebook if you don’t want to miss out her unique, beautiful and delicious recipes.

Buttery Vanilla Pressed Cookies - A Guest Post by Aparna @ My Diverse Kitchen

Licensed To Bake!

I have made many friends through food blogs and social networking sites. I chat, exchange notes and share my personal thoughts with them and yet I haven’t met any one of them in real world! If given a chance I would like to meet few of them face to face. Aparna of gorgeous food blog My Diverse Kitchen is one such person whom I would LOVE to meet! Her lens captures the vibrant life and makes the world and, of course, foods look so colourful, lively and beautiful! As the name suggests, Aparna’s blog captures the essence of diverse cooking with simple yet exotic recipes, beautiful narration and crisp food photography that always manages to bring the feeling of warmth! Please welcome Aparna on Monsoon Spice kitchen and follow her on Twitter, Flickr and Facebook. She has perfect recipe for this Chrismas, Buttery Vanilla Pressed Cookies.

Wishing all the readers of Monsoon Spice a Merry Christmas and a best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year!


Warm regards
Sia

Indian Semolina Pancakes, Raisin and Currant Chutney, and Kokum Cooler - A This-and-That Snack - A guest post by Susan @ The Well Seasoned Cook

Rava Uttapam (Semolina Pancakes with Raisin and Currant Chutney and Kokum Cooler

This lady friend of mine has very special love affair with legumes. She is the brain behind very popular and wonderful food blog event called My Legume Love Affair or MLLA which will be celebrating its third year anniversary in few weeks’ time! Yes, I am talking about the lovely lady Susan behind the very special and B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L food blog The Well Seasoned Cook (don't you love the name?!). I have known Susan for the past 3 years and I never fail to notice her eye for details which reflects through her stunning food and life photography. It is my greatest pleasure to have Susan here on Monsoon Spice as a guest blogger. Do check and participate in her yet another popular Black and White Wednesday, a culinary food photography event which challenges you to look at vibrant and colourful food in monochrome! Visit her beautiful blog, if you have not already done so, and don’t forget to follow her on Twitter.

Caramel Pear (Upside Down) Cake – A Guest Post by Nisha @ Look Who's Cooking Too

Caramel Pear (Upside Down) Cake

When I was absent from blogosphere for almost a year, I missed out reading my favourite blogs and chatting with my lovely blog friends. When I came back I found that there were many new food blogs, more than I had on my google reader! Among the lot, I found some really unique and interesting food blogs with beautiful narration and well presented food. One such blog was Look Who’s Cooking Too by gorgeous Nisha. I found her blog by accident but falling in love with her blog was no accident! Nisha shares wonderful recipes from her home and abroad, and the goodies she whips up in her London kitchen is something that will leave you drooling over your keyboard! It’s my joy to bring Nisha to Monsoon Spice kitchen. You can keep in touch with Nisha by become her friend on Facebook.

Kaju Barfi | Cashew Candy Squares Recipe - A guest post by Harini @ Tongue Ticklers

Kaju Barfi

Today I have a very special blogger friend of mine here who is known for her healthy vegan recipes, gorgeous food photography and radiant personality. She is none other than Harini aka Sunshine Mom. This lovely lady lives up to her name Sunshine Mom by spreading her warmth, kindness and her sparkling personality shines through her delectable blog Tongue Ticklers which is a treasure trove of vegan recipes, beautiful narration and stunning photography! Please welcome Harini who is sharing her delicious Vegan Kaju Barfi recipe with us all and don’t forget to become her fan on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

Farfalle in a Creamy Roasted Mushroom Sauce - A Guest Post by Deesha @ Vegetable Platter

Farfalle in a Creamy Roasted Mushroom Sauce

There are few food blogs which grabs your attention from very first visit. It could be the way it is designed (uncluttered and clean works for me), the narration, eye catching photography or the precise, clear instructions. Deesha’s Vegetable Platter is one such blog which has all these qualities and much more! Her authentic and traditional recipes married well with the modern and fusion style of cooking along with her crisp and beautiful food photography which is like a cherry on top of already delicious and beautiful cake! I am honoured to have her today as a guest blogger. Please welcome Deesha and don’t forget to follow her on Twitter.

Taro & White Bean Curry – A Guest Post by Chinmayie @ Love Food Eat

Taro and White Bean Curry

I have known her for more than two decades; we grew up on a same street and studied at same school. But we both lost touch when we moved to different cities for higher education. It was only last year when I met her again in my home town when she came to visit me and Lil Dumpling with her ma and gorgeous daughter and then we kept in touch through social network. Few month’s later she mailed me about starting her food blog and since day one, I have become a fan of her beautiful clicks, and what she cooks! It is my greatest pleasure to introduce beautiful Chinmayie of Love Food Eat, a food blog which is unique and simply stunning! Her blog may be just six months old but it is already studded with priceless recipes and beautiful narration. After one look at her blog and I am sure you’ll not want to miss reading her posts. So why not follow her on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!

Veg Schezwan Fried Rice Recipe | Indo-Chinese or Chindise Delight!

This is probably my last post on Monsoon Spice…. Well, what I meant was it is this year’s last post… I am not giving up blogging, yet. My passion for cooking, clicking and blogging is still burning as bright as the day one! After being away from blogging for more than a year, I resumed my blogging soon after Lil Dumpling turned a year old. From posting one post per week, this blog has been thriving and going strong with three posts a week!!! I think it’s time I slowed down a bit and smelled the roses, literally!

Stuffed Capsicums/Bell Peppers Recipe | Spicy Potato Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Capsicums/Bell Peppers

Sometimes I wonder how I managed to cook 3-4 dishes using complex cooking techniques on same day! Those were pre-Lil Dumpling days where I had few responsibilities and more ‘me’ times! It’s true that I can hardly remember the days before Lil Dumpling came in to our life. I wonder what I used to do in those days! The picture is getting blurry with each passing days and I wonder if I’ll remember those days at all in few years time!

Black & White Wednesday: Childhood is Calling

If you never did, you should. These things are fun and fun is good!
~ Dr. Seuss

Pickled raw mangoes and Indian gooseberries sold in wooden carts… Isn’t it one of the tastiest treats of childhood, or even adulthood for that matter! Oh this excitement and anticipation is killing me! I can’t wait to be child again and relive it with my Lil Dumpling :) It’s gonna be soon… very soon….

Saag Mushrooms | Palak(Spinach) Mushroom Curry Recipe

Saag Mushrooms | Palak(Spinach) Mushroom Curry

As the sun sets, leaving behind golden hues in the dark sky, I am eager to go home… Go home to my two special men who complete my life and make it so much happier and fun to live!

Black & White Wednesday - Preserving Summer's Bounty

It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.
~ Lewis Grizzard

Mooli Raita | Radish Pachadi Recipe

Mooli Raita | Radish Pachadi 

No rants or ramblings or memories to share with you all today! Alas, the word that usually forms in my mind coming from heart and flowing at my finger tips tapping on keyboard seems to have left me today…all alone!

Balekai-Batate Palya | Plantain & Potato Stir Fry Recipe

Balekai-Batate Palya

What do you do when you are in no mood to follow a recipe (which happens most of the time) and bored of eating something you have already tried? Of course you wear a cap of recipe developer or recipe creator! Or dining out or ordering a takeaway is another option.

Black & White Wednesday - Oh, It is HOT!

Without these beauties, I am lost! Yes, I am a chilli lover. What about you?

My entry for dear Susan’s Black and White Wednesday, where we paint our blogs with monochrome food related photos every week. Isn’t it such a lovely and unique food blog event?!

Kembude Kai Bendhi | Pumpkin and Cashews in Coconut Gravy Recipe

Kembude Bendhi/Pumpkin and Cashews in Coconut Gravy

In our home we love spicy food. The hotter better is the slogan which we follow for most of the time when we prepare food in our beloved kitchen. A pot after pots of hot fiery food is churned every day which we enjoy cooking, eating and sharing with our friends. A tall glass of sweet or spicy Lassi (yogurt based drink) usually served with most times completes our meal.

Bharwan Mirch ka Achaar | Stuffed Red Chilli Pepper Pickle Recipe

Bharwan Mirch ka Achaar

We Indian’s LOVE our pickles. Period.

I know I should stop here but I just can’t stop leave it when the topic in question is one of my most favourite things. Given a choice, I am among those who can rant on for hours and also end up writing PhD thesis on the subject of pickles. My love for pickle is talking point among my loved ones who know my weakness for this irresistible treats. When God created me, he forgot to give me sweet tooth. Instead I was blessed with a taste bud that swirls around doing Tango when it meets its love, irresistible spicy pickle. I know that there are many people out there who are just like me, who love pickles more than any sweet desserts and delights.

Tofu Tikka Recipe | Grilled or Pan Fried Tofu in Spicy Yogurt Marinade

Tofu Tikka

While the leaves outside turned to rustic shades of red, yellow and orange, I decided to colour our dinner plates with the same colours. Wondering what I am talking about? Just my usual rambling on a beautiful autumn day. But wait, I have a recipe too which uses coloured peppers and tofu who are here to bid good bye to fall and welcome brrr… the winter. Bight shades of yellow, red and green bell peppers adorned our dinner plates with gold crusted tofu in the form of Tofu Tikka.

Pineapple Kesari Bhath/Suji ka Halwa Recipe | Pineapple & Semolina Pudding for Deepavali

Pineapple Kesari Bhath or Suji ka Halwa

Fill the Heart with the oil of love.
Place in it the wick of single-pointed mind.
Light it with the Knowledge of Truth and remove
the darkness of ignorance around you.
Just as one lamp can light many lamps; let each
youth kindle this Light in many hearts.'
~Unknown

Hot & Sour Vegetable Soup Recipe | Hot & Sour Veg and Tofu Soup

Hot and Sour Vegetable Soup

This has to be the shortest autumn here in my neck of wood. We enjoyed long, sunny and unbelievably warm summer this year. Just when the leaves turned to gorgeous shades of yellow, red and orange, the gushing wind and heavy downpour undressed the trees and now they stand almost naked with few leaves hanging there for their dear life. With dropping temperature and cold wind blowing at high speeds, UK is officially ready to welcome winter. Brrrr….

Black & White Wednesday with Pickle Masala

Roasted Pickle Spices

My first batch of winter pickling is done! Soon I’ll be posting the spicy, vibrant and lip-smacking pickle recipe for all pickle lovers. But today I am sharing the photos of spices used in making this fiery pickle. This Pickle Masala are my entry for dear Susan’s Black and White Wednesday, a unique culinary food photography event.

Tindora/Ivy Gourd Roast | Roasted Tindora/Ivy Gourd Recipe (How to make Spicy & Crispy Tindora/Ivy Gourd Roast)

Spicy and Crispy Tindora/Ivy Gourd Roast

My love for Tindora or Ivy Gourd grows more with each passing day. Not only I am a great fan of its crunchy texture and taste, I have many fond memories of my childhood days spent with my sister under the shade of its beautiful green vines where we shared our joys, sorrow and many secrets. I had lost the count for number of times I had spent reading my favourite childhood comic books under the shade of it’s think vines and lazily picking some very tender, small Ivy gourds and eating them lying on the blanket. Whenever I cook with these little green gems, I fondly remember the times we spent lying under the shades of these vines beautifully spread across guava tree in my parents’ vegetable garden. Isn’t it interesting how simple and everyday fruits and vegetables can create such fond and happy memories!

Black & White Wednesday with WIP Cookies

Work-in-progress (WIP), next batch of crunchy, crumbly and scrumptious eggless cookies. My entry for lovely Susan’s Black & White Wednesday.

Eggplant Curry with Coconut Milk & The Winner of Giveaway is...

Eggplant Curry with Coconut Milk

I LOVE the Baingan/Badanekai/Brinjal/Eggplant. ~Period~

My love for these purple or green beauties has no limit. I can eat it day in and day out without getting tired or bored of its taste, texture and all. When most of my friends, cousins twisted their nose and turned their back to anything and everything made using the eggplants, I happily sat there relishing the last piece of this versatile vegetable. I was every mother’s dream child who adored eggplants. For me this purple or green beauty is THE king of vegetables with fitting crown adorning its head!

Rava Laddu/Ladoo Recipe (Suji ka Laddu) | How to make Indian Rava Laddu/Ladoo

Rava Laddu/Ladoo (Suji Laddu)

We live in a busy world, with busy people doing busy things and always busy rushing from point A to B saying they have one tight and busy schedule. This busy world makes you choose things that are simple and are not time consuming and provides resources that will not make your lives busier. So we choose things that will work quickly and without fuss. With all things happening so quickly, we forget to stop and appreciate small, little things. Wondering where this blog post is going to?

Black & White Wednesday: Of Fond Memories & Ivy Gourds

Tindora or Ivy Gourd or Tondekayi is not just a vegetable for me. It is more than that. I share very close friendship with this little green gem as most of my happy childhood days were spent right under the shade of its beautiful vines, reading my favourite books with my little sister. We shared our joys, sorrow, and secrets sitting right under the shades of vines and eating very tender Ivy gourds. Whenever I cook with these little emeralds, I fondly remember all the lovely days spent with my sister and the beautiful time we had! Isn’t it interesting how simple and everyday fruits and vegetables can create such fond and happy memories!

Spicy Gobi/Cauliflower Roast | How to make Spicy Cauliflower Roast

Spicy Gobi/Cauliflower Roast

What a week it was! I am talking about last week here in UK. Just when we were getting ready to welcome winter, the weather gods decided to play some joke and have a dig at us. The temperatures shoot up from mere 10-13 deg C to soaring highs of 30 deg C!!! Yes, a whooping 30 ‘bloody hot’ degree C!!!

Saffron Nan Khatai (Eggless Saffron Cookies Recipe) | Basic Eggless Cookies Recipe

Saffron Nan Khatai/Eggless Saffron Cookies

Little girl with pig tail came running home and her little sister, also in pigtails, was just trailing her. With their big, heavy school bag promptly dumped on their beds, they were just about to rush into wash room to wash their hands and legs when the heady, sweet aroma wafted from their mother’s kitchen.

Spicy Palak aur Makai ki Subji (Spicy Spinach & Sweet Corn Stir-Fry)

Spicy Palak aur Makai ki Subji

Lil Dumpling is ill! AGAIN! It all started two days before weekend. First it was cold and coughs and now the poor baby has to go through the piercing pain of ear infection! I am not happy. Not at all…

5 Years of Blogging Celebration, a Huge Thank you & a Giveaway!

“Fly free and happy beyond birthdays and across forever, and we'll meet now and then when we wish, in the midst of the one celebration that never can end.”

~Richard Bach

Black & White Wednesday with Veggie Flower Power aka Cauliflower

“Green Eggs and Ham was the story of my life. I wouldn't eat a thing when I was a kid, but Dr. Suess inspired me to try cauliflower.”
~Jim Carrey

Spicy Tomato Chutney/Relish Recipe for Tomato Lovers

Spicy Tomato Chutney/Relish

I know, I know, I know!!!

I know it’s been raining “Tomato and Tomahto” here in Monsoon Spice but I did warm you well in advance! With baskets after baskets of tomatoes coming from our little veggie patch, I am left with no option but to cook and enjoy them as much as we can. I have made few jars of pickles and chutneys which we can enjoy in coming winter but there are yet more to be preserved in a form of jams and purees for quick fix curries.

How to Roast Garlic (Roasted Garlic Recipe) and A Winner of My Indian Kitchen

Roasted Garlic

Yesterday I was going through all the food photos I had taken in the last 2 months. Suddenly I came across one of the simplest and quickest, and yet absolutely delicious recipe of Roasted Garlic I had made when I was all alone! Lil dumpling had recovered completely from viral infection and he was back in his day care. The bad and ugly virus which made my child suffer had happily found a new home in my body and I was left all alone at home coughing, sniffling and weak while the hubby left to work half heartedly after much persuasion from me.

Black & White Wednesday with Tangy Tomato

It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.
~Lewis Grizzard

Green Tomato Majjige Huli or Kai/Kayi Huli Recipe: Green Tomatoes in Coconut-Yogurt Gravy

Green Tomato Majjige Huli or Kai/Kayi Huli

They say your life is never going to be the same after having a baby. ~ I agree!

They say life revolves only around your baby. ~ I mostly agree!

They say all other relationships take a back bench when baby comes into picture. ~ I partially agree!

They say life and time is only limited to your baby and you don’t have any time to do and enjoy what you loved anymore. ~ Now that one, I disagree!

Restaurant Style Gobi 65 Recipe: Deep Fried 'Sin'

Restaurant Style Gobi 65

When the blue sky turned dark, white puffy clouds become grey with heavy rain clouds, tweeting birds on tress flew back to their nests, people on streets wearing sunglasses and t-shirts removed their rain coats and umbrellas, I went and sat on my favourite window seat gazing at the heavy rain drops flirting openly with tree leaves, and kissing beautiful flowers in our garden. The book I was reading with much enthusiasm and interest was left lying next to me on the floor, completely forgotten and abandoned, with in a minute as I admired the rain drops hitting the bay window and elegantly sliding down and then gently kissing the flowers planted on window box. 

Black & White Wednesday with Lobia aka Black Eyed Beans

Participating in Black & White Wednesday, a culinary photography event by dear Susan is lot of fun. But with fun comes the challenge of thinking which food element or food related element will do justice to the black and white theme! Just yesterday I tweeted Susan saying my brain is overworked thinking what to post for BWW and she replied saying I will find my inspiration as it sure will come in to my line of vision!

Tender Colacasia Stems and Jack Fruit Seeds in Coconut Gravy: Try something new today!

Tender Colocasia Stems and Jack Fruit Seeds in Coconut Gravy

They were newly wed couple. It was just over a month since they got married and entered a new chapter of their life. HE was arrogant, blunt, stubborn and had soft corner towards his new, young wife. SHE was sweet, shy, soft spoken and little scared of her new husband. They were like oil and water in nature, yet complimented each other beautifully. No wonder they say ‘opposites attract’!!! Their life’s journey was smooth, without any bumps or u-turns, or without pot holes or hair pin curves… Until that day!

A quick peek into Hari Nayak’s “My Indian Kitchen” & a Giveaway!

This is post is long overdue! I have been sitting on this post for awhile now. Not because I wanted to, but because of heavy workload, and some health problems with lil dumpling. But here it is, at last! When I received an email by the publishers of celebrity Indian chef and Restaurateur Hari Nayak’s latest cook book “My Indian Kitchen” to see if I was interested in receiving an advance copy, I readily agreed for two reasons. One, I love to leaf through glossy pages and pour over the beautiful pictures of delicious food! And second reason is Chef Hari Nayak comes from my home town, Udupi-Mangalore, a sleepy coastal town in Southern Indian state of Karnataka. Few months back I was pleasantly surprised when Hari mailed me when he came across my blog and wanted to leave few words of appreciation. So I was obliviously interested in taking a small peek into his kitchen and see how similar or different he cooks traditional recipes.

Panchakajjaya and Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes!

Panchakajjaya

|| Mushikavaahana modaka hastha,

Chaamara karna vilambitha sutra,

Vaamana rupa maheshwara putra,

Vighna vinaayaka paada namasthe ||

Wishing all the readers of Monsoon Spice and my blog friends, a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you all a happiness as big as lord Ganapati’s appetite, life as long as his trunk, trouble as small as his mouse and moments as sweet as his laddus :)

Black & White Wednesday with Eggs

 Black & White Wednesday with Eggs

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again!

Vegan Avalakki Payasa/Poha Kheer: Vegan Beaten/Flat Rice & Coconut Pudding

Vegan Avalakki Payasa/Poha Kheer

Life is so much beautiful with lil dumpling and my ‘much’ better half by my side. A lot of friends ask me how my life has changed after lil dumpling came in to picture and I just smile and say it couldn’t have been any better! The one with their own lil dumplings understand it and we share knowing look and secret smiles. But the ones who are single or couples with no kid/s give me either amused look or surprised look. They are not exactly ready to believe me when they see or hear a fourteen month old screaming with joy or annoyance in the background! I don’t blame them as I know exactly what they are thinking. Few months back I too was sailing with them in the same boat…

Black & White Wednesday with Spinach Flowers

Pretty Spinach Flowers

Here is my first entry for dear Susan’s Black and White Wednesday, a new culinary photo event. I had the pleasure of participating and then hosting Susan’s popular event MLLA which revolves around My Legume Love Affair!

Dahi Aloo Recipe: Baby Potatoes in Creamy Yogurt Gravy

Dahi Aloo/Baby Potatoes in Creamy Yogurt Gravy

The day started with a big bang! I had taken a day off from work, a much deserving one that is, and decided to make the most of it. My ‘much’ better half left to office and lil dumpling nicely settled in his day care, I had huge, I mean HUGE, plan for the day ahead. A quick call to my hair stylist to book an appointment for the evening, catch up with all the emails from friends, long chat session with my Amma, cook food in leisure, and a long soak in bubbles with my favourite drink and the book I have been wanting to read for ages! Everything was well planned to T!

Shri Krishna Janmashtami Wishes

Avalakki Payasa/Poha Kheer for Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebration

Wishing all the readers of the Monsoon Spice a very Happy Shri Krishna Janmashtami.

warm regards
Sia

Tomato Pachidi/Pachidi: Tangy, Creamy & Tomato-ey!

Tomato Pachidi/Pachadi

When you move to a different place, different country and also another continent, you are blissfully unaware of how your life is going to change for ever! At least it’s true in my case! And then suddenly it hits you like a bag of bricks! You are away from your family and friends. Far, far, very far away!!! You have some other continents and some more seas/oceans thrown in between from your birth place to your current place! And not to forget about different time zones! So all this could mean only one thing, and that is you just can’t pack your bag at a spur of a moment and hop on to car/bus/train/plane to meet them in few hours time! No sire, no such luck!

Dalia (Broken Wheat) and Moong Sprouts Kichidi ~ Lil Dumplings New Favourite

Dalia (Broken Wheat) and Moong Sprouts Kichidi

It was a pleasant day to wake up to… The sun was shining brightly on a clear blue sky dotted with white, soft cotton ball clouds and little birds singing cheery tunes to spread happiness around... I got up with a big smile on my face as my lil dumpling’s warm body nestled close to my heart. He was still in deep slumber as his long, dark lashes fanned sweet, soft chubby cheeks. While a soft snore escaped from his kissable lips, his sweet breath tickled my nose. I just continued to lie there, trying to capture that precious moment in my heart for ever… It is such moments I wish to capture in a little glass bottles forever. Whenever I want to re live those moments or experience again, all I have to do is just open the bottle lid, re live them for moment and then close the lid and lock it away in a safety locker for another day! Only if… Only if something like that was possible…

Sabudana Kheer/Payasa: Sweet Pearly Delight

Sabudana Kheer/Payasa (Tapioca Pearls Pudding)

I am one of those unfortunate people born without sweet tooth! I run a mile away when I am presented with a platter of sweets whenever we visit friends and family. And to add to that my 'much' better half and now my lil moppet dives into anything sweet at a drop of a hat! So they both balance the lack of sugar in my life (pun intended ;)!

Bottle Gourd Peel Chutney: Stop!!! Save the Peels

Bottle Gourd Peel Chutney

“Can you guess what’s in it?”

There she was, my Amma, with a twinkle in her eyes and as excited as a little girl of five who just found next best thing to sliced bread!

“Oh, ho… Oh, no! Here comes trouble”, we all thought.

Methi nu Muthia: Healthy & Healing Snack

Methi nu Muthia

What comes to your mind immediately when you hear a word 'Snack'?

Whenever I hear the word 'snack', the little voice in my head often whispers high calorie, deep fried, crispy-crunchy munchies that aren’t too good for our waistline. We Indians are quite fond of our snacks. Every guest who visits us, including the unexpected guest at ungodly hours, is welcomed with a steel glass brimming with hot, strong coffee/tea and a plateful of snacks ranging from savouries to sweets. After all, we have been taught this golden verse "Atithi Devo Bhavah" in our childhood, which means treat your guests as god! Hungry or not, Atithi is expected to eat and sometimes even force fed to the point your stomach refuses to expand anymore and ready to burst!