garden

So now that the temperatures are coming down from sauna level, I decided to plant a garden. I have truly come to treasure all things green, as there is a severe lack of them in the desert. It started out as a small school science project: we are learning about seeds and plants, so the kids had to bring in various seeds from the foods they eat and we planted them in cups. I took all the left over seeds and started my own garden. So far we have sprouting lentils, mustard, basil, cucumber, watermelon, tomato, sweet melon, and some small flowers. I must admit, I get a childlike pleasure watching the baby leaves push through the dirt. :)

pumpkin cheesecake!

a taste of fall

I've been reminiscing about fall a lot these days. I think it's the season I miss the most--the changing leaves, wearing scarves, bonfires, fall treats...

so I decided that although it's still about 80* here, I would eat like it's fall. My first project: apple crisp! Living on a desert island in the Middle East, all our food is imported from various countries. Where do we get golden delicious apples from? IRAN! Who would have thought! They make for same tasty apple crisp though!

Rey was quite happy with his first taste of apple crisp! :)

Next on the menu...pumpkin cheesecake!

pani puri

So although I have been married to an Indian man for almost one year now, I have yet to pursue the art of Indian cooking. This is my first attempt; nevermind that most of it comes prepackaged. :) Pani puri is an Indian snack. Pani means water and puri is the puffed, hollow pastry thing you see below.

The puri is filled with mashed potato, a sweet red sauce, and then filled with a green water. Below Rey is preparing some.Finished product: all ready to eat!The correct way to eat pani puri is to dunk the entire puff into the water and shove the whole thing into your mouth. Below some of the youth boys enjoying the tasty treat. Rey is satisfied. :)

Yum!

I myself have mixed feelings about this snack, mainly because there are so many things happening in your mouth at the same time. The potato is hot but the water is cold. The red sauce is sweet but the green water is spicy. The puri is crunchy but the potato is mushy. My Dutch mouth is not quite used to so many sensations at once! It is quite the experience though, so if you ever get the chance, give it a try! :)