Lessons Learnt the Hard Way

Another important day has become a part of history. Although the fun, laughter, Eidi (spending money received by seniors), guests, being guests, and the partying is refreshing, it is also a time to reflect. Another Eid is not guaranteed. Neither is another day for that matter. But it does give you perspective. Are you happy with where you are in life? Is there something you wish you could do right now? It there something you aspire to? Is there anything more out there? What do you look forward to getting done until next Eid? How was this year any different than the last?

Dear readers, Sometimes, life is so sad. You hear about things... about the tragic circumstances of life. A first time young mother loses her new born son days after the birth- a middle aged man watches helplessly as his aged father gradually slips away- another young woman is stuck in a household that disregards her existence... (that one sounds familiar)...

Being in a rather introspective mood today, I have been contemplating the source of my so called strength. There is no doubt that there isn't a single soul on the face of this earth who has not undergone, is undergoing and shall continue to undergo what my dad likes to call 'takleef'- 'pain'. That is what the definition of the world is. Ironically, this very pain, the grief, the trauma, the despair is what highlights pockets of joy and happiness in a spectacular way. It takes loss to know gain. It takes stress to know relaxation. It takes evil to know good.

Well, my sis and I are trying out these really amazing potato balls. They're as simple as anything and cost next to nothing. All you do is boil about 4 medium potatoes and mash them.

Ah the day has finally arrived- the day the madness ends. Although, there are still tonnes of things to be done during the summer break, there is some reprieve in knowing that you can sleep in late. But most importantly, it is that part of the year when my siblings flock into town one by one with their families. My brother, his wife and his irresistibly adorable two year daughter get in from Toronto in a couple of days. It's always wonderful to reconnect. My brother, for the most part, is a pretty stoic fellow, but he and I connect on an intellectual level rivaled by a select few- a select precious few. I love the company of his wife, and I love playing with his daughter. Seldom little is more precious than the love of one's family. God knows, in the absence of my own children whom I love to death, I have ample reserves of it to give to anyone willing to receive it. This includes my dedicated team of teachers, and more so my students. Just today I was wondering about the bat...

All I saying is, if you try out any of the recipes, just let me know you know, in the comments or post something on social media. Feedback is always welcome. Today we have my all time famous chicken spring rolls. No one does these better than me. And here is my secret recipe. What you will need:

These are so tasty, so good, so irresistible, that not a single will be left- no matter how many you make. They're called, 'aloo, anday, chicken, cheese kababs'. Quite a mouthful... literally. So let's get started. Step 1- Take 1/2 kg chicken breast, chop into 2 inch cubes in plop into a pot and add: 2 tsp ginger garlic paste 2 tsp salt 4 tbsp soy sause 1.5 tsp crushed red chillies 1 tsp black pepper Sprinkle with a little water, mix thoroughly and let cook until water is dry. Take care it doesn't burn. This will take about half an hour. In a chopper, chop the chicken well. Step 2- Take 1/2 kg potatoes and boil till well done. Peel and mash. Step 3- Boil 2 eggs, peel and chop in chopper. Step 4- Put all the above in a big bowl. Step 5- Put 4 tbsp of cream cheese into the bowl. Step 6- Mix all really well and make into medium oval shaped balls. Dip in egg, then bread crumbs and deep fry over medium heat for about 7 to 8 minutes till golden br...