An Indian American Girl's Search

How Curiosity Leads Your Journey

2009-10-29T19:13:00.009-04:00

Last week, I had an opportunity to attend a talk by Vivian Schiller, the president of NPR. Her talk was extremely inspiring to me, but it was something that she had said in a previous interview that struck me, "Curiosity has led me through journey." Her journey has led her behind the "iron wall" serving as an interpreter in the former Soviet Union to CNN to New York Times and now to NPR. What struck me was how she mentioned that she never had any set goals in mind--she just allowed her curiosity to guide her. Now, that's what I am talking about!

I, myself have gone on a journey. I started my own company at 27 years old. I've moved from the comforts of my hometown to a new city, and I have explored my career--willing to learn more than I did when I was in my 20s.

My latest ambition is being a children's book writer. I've always loved children's books--the stories, the lessons and even the illustrations. I've even gone ahead and written my first draft--my inspiration is my dog, Nikki.

So, how did this inspiration come about-it? About eight years ago I found myself walking through the children's section of Barnes & Nobles looking for a book for my niece, Sapna. I came across this lovely book called Angelina Ballerina. The story was simple. It was a about a little mouse with ambitions to become a ballerina. The story and the illustrations brought the book to life for me.

But, unfortunately, life took over and I put my book on the back burner until now. Needing some inspiration, I decided to e-mail the author of Angelina Ballerina, Katherine Holabird. Just this a.m., I received the most thoughtful e-mail from her. Her e-mail has given me so much hope to pursue my dreams. Like anything else, a career in writing can be both exciting and upsetting especially if rejected. But, don't be discouraged!

Take a risk. Submitting my first article was the most difficult thing I ever did, but I did. Though, I sent it to many magazines, I ended up selling it to an Asian American woman magazine in Los Angeles called Audrey Magazine. I had not been published, but that didn't stop me from trying.
If you're rejected, pick yourself up and go for it again. I remember submitting an article about my fears of the outdoors. The article was about a trip I took to Puerto Rico and how I had overcome my fears of adventure by kayaking at night in a lagoon and hiking in a rain forest. The first publication I pitched the article too rejected me with the editor basically calling me a freak (not kidding!). I sent it to a second online publication called TangoDiva.com and within five minutes I had a response from the editor saying that they would run the article. They later published four my stories!

Take your time: It has taken me over a year to write the copy for A Dog Named Nikki, feedback from friends, and lots of rewrites until I became satisfied. Now, I am excited about seeing it come to life!

What risks have you taken? Who has inspired you? And, if you do have ambitions, what's stopping you from fulfilling them?

Taking a Step Outside My Comfort Zone

2009-10-25T17:40:00.010-04:00

Last Saturday, I attended my first belly dancing lessons class. I decided to sign up for belly dancing lessons because I wanted to do something fun and different that took me out of my comfort zone--and it did!

I have two left feet. I am not coordinated, and I have no rhythm. But that didn't stop me. While it took me awhile to grasp the steps and the assistance of the instructor (literally holding my hand and dancing with me acros the floor)--it didn't matter. At the end of the class I felt like I had accomplished something. And, when I thanked my instructor, she told me "You've got it. You looked great out there." Two years ago I would have never even considered doing something that I didn't feel comfortable with, but things have changed since then.

My first year in Washington D.C. was extremely difficult. Between an unsatisfying job, two car accidents and unrented home in Charleston, I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life, but I didn't. Change (even in a place that you feel like you know so well) can be extremely hard. even if you want it so badily, but you learn to adjust, surround yourself with people who care, and find things that you enjoy to get through the days:

Try something that you have never done before. The first risk I ever took was to try something different. I literally did by trying a Mexican delicacy-grasshoppers in cheese sauce. They weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but will I ever eat them again? Probably not.
Try something you've tried before, but with a different attitude. A few weeks ago, I saw a special with a local belly dancing studio. It was a crash course in belly dancing. I had taken a four week class in Charleston, but I quit by the third class. But, this time, I came out of the class with the desire to learn more. And, I find myself practicing the movements, remembering my in instructors tips like "say the steps out loud."

So, for me 2009 has definitely been a year of "getting to know myself." I have learned a lot of myself thanks to the risks that I have taken over the last year. The steps that I am taking are having an impact on my confidence, the quality of my work and a change of attitude.

What about you? What actions have you taken to step out of your comfort zone.

Watch Chef Mark Salter on WUSA on May 13

2009-04-27T22:10:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday, May 13, Chef Mark Salter will make an appearance on WUSA's 9 a.m. News here in Washington. Just in time for summer, Chef Salter will share some great picnic ideas, creating fabulous dishes for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Salter will present a variety of dishes using his signature Pub Sauce "Ketchup for Big Kids"-from chips and dips to a great baster for shrimp. You'll have to watch the segment to get a real taste of how Pub Sauce can add a bit of pizazz to your food!

Simple Solution for a Gourmet Dinner

2009-04-23T14:30:00.006-04:00

I am really excited about one of my latest projects. In addition to the fabulous work that I've been doing for Share Our Strength, I've received another opportunity, with a chef that I am honored to be working with-Chef Mark Salter of the Inn at Perry Cabin (an amazing inn in St. Michaels, Maryland).

Like many of us, Chef Salter is ready to come home to relax and spend time with his family so after a long day at work, he wants to enjoy delicious meals with them, but not spending too much in the time creating them-of course.

In 2004, Chef Salter and his wife launched a line of gourmet dressings and products called Chesapeake Gourmet. His inspiration came from not being able to find dressings and marinades that suited his palate so he created his own (naturally, what else can a chef do!).

Well, in the next few weeks (once I get some samples), I'll be creating fabulous dishes with them. In the meantime, you can check out salterschesapeakegourmet.com.

Spring in D.C.-Cherry Blossoms Bring Out the Best of Everything!

2009-04-09T15:00:00.010-04:00

Spring in Washington, D.C. It's my favorite time in the nation's capital. Why? The misery of winter has faded away along with the gray skies, snow, sleet, rain and wind (well, the wind is still around) ...replaced with longer days, warmer temperatures and cherry blossoms! When the cherry blossoms bloom so does the city. There is a sense of excitement in the air and you can see it and feel it everywhere. Scarfs, winter coats, and unhappy people have been replaced by smiling faces in bright colors-happy to be outside.

Restaurants create menus around the festivities. Bakeries create commemorative cherry blossom cupcakes in honor of the festival (check out Hello Cupcake) and local mixologists concoct unique cocktails around them.

But, it's the cherry blossoms themselves that always steal the spotlight. Thousands of people from across the nation and abroad always find themselves in awe as they walk through groves of cherry blossoms, search for the perfect spots to have picnics and click hundreds of photos, hoping to get the perfect one.

This was my fourth time to experience the cherry blossom festival in D.C. The first time I had ever seen these delicate flowers was in Okinawa, Japan, in February. I was only a teenager then and don't think I appreciated them the way I do now. As we meandered through the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial, our final destination, I found myself experiencing so many emotions--happiness, peace, excitement. I don't know if it was the pink that tickled me or simply knowing that spring had finally arrived, but I can tell you this-it's my favorite time of year in this amazing city!

Hello Cupcake! Does Something Sweet to Help End Childhood Hunger

2009-04-07T16:30:00.007-04:00

One of the nation capital's top cupcakery's is doing its part to help end childhood hunger in America. Hello Cupcake located in the ever-hip Dupont Circle will be hosting its very own Great American Bake Sale for Share Our Strength. Between May 11-16, Hello Cupcake will be donating 100 percent of its proceeds from its original flavors to Great American Bake Sale. So,if you're having a sweet craving for a delicious chocolate or vanilla cupcake then seriously consider stopping by Hello Cupcake! You won't need to feel guilty for this indulgence because your treat will help feed a child.

In Charleston? Stop by Cupcake for a treat and help end childhood hunger

2009-03-26T16:32:00.006-04:00

This week, be sure to stop by Cupcake in the Belle Hall Shopping Center for a treat that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also help a very worthy cause--helping end childhood hunger in our community. Cupcake, one of the Lowcountry's favorite cupcakeries, has created a commemorative cupcake for Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale to raise awareness and funds of an issue that affects children in our community and across the nation.

According to recent studies, the poverty rate among children under the age of 18 is above the national poverty rate. Twenty-one percent of children live below the poverty line in South Carolina compared to 18% nationally.

Childhood hunger is problem is a problem in our community, but you can make a huge difference. So, this week, please be sure to stop by Cupcake because the funds raised through this promotion will help feed kids in our community.

And, if you're planning to attend this year's Family Circle Cup, be sure to stop by the Family Circle Magazine Bake Sale. A number of favorite shops have donated delicious baked goods, including Charleston Cooks!, Cupcake, Whole Foods Market and Ashley Bakery.

Is PR as Glamorous As Hollywood Portrays it to be?

2009-03-24T08:50:00.007-04:00

I've been in PR for close to 10 years now (it's hard to believe). In college, I studied Journalism, hoping to be the next Christine Amanapur, but my dreams shattered in during my Junior year in college when one a college professor pulled out my story on commercial real estate and told the entire class that this was by far the worst piece of Journalism that he ever heard (okay, maybe not exactly those words, but he did say it was far by terrible), and that very same day, I dropped the class and changed tracks-I was now a PR student. I learned everything about PR, and I knew I was on the right track, especially after I aced my PR Campaigns Class, presenting a 75-page campaign on how to educate Americans in Tibet for the organization, Save Tibet.

Since then, I've worked for a number of organizations. I've even launched a PR & marketing Company during my 10 years, and I can tell you this-it can be hard; it can be dirty; and it's not as glamorous as Hollywood claims it to be. Yes, compared to some other careers, it's a lot of fun. You have the opportunity to attend fabulous events; wine and dine editors at fine restaurants, and meet and mingle with celebrities in some cases. But, you may also find yourself, touring a cement plant in a small town miles out of the city, chase down news vans when they can't find you minutes before your very first press conference, lugging an 24 pound themose of coffee for an event from Starbucks at least two-three times in a less than four hour period, and most of all, be the one to bring bad news if not all the time-most of the time. Sound glamorous?

Look, I am not here to discourage young, aspiring public relations professionals to not move forward with their dreams because the truth of it all is this-I love it, and I would not trade in my job for another one. I love the adrenulum I get everyday; I love the fact that I don't have to sit in a cubicle, five days a week adding numbers, I love being creative, and what I love most, is at the end of the day, your clients really need you and appreciate everything you do for them, and you appreciate them for believing you. And,as a person, I feel that my job brings out the best of me everyday. It gives me confidence and even on the worst days, there are things that can perk you up, i.e.: great placement or just simple thank you from your colleague or client.

Exciting News: My Mom Takes Her Cooking Talents to the Front of the Class

2009-03-23T18:23:00.001-04:00

I am really excited to announce that my mother, Mrs. Kuki Bakshi, will be returning to the front of the class, teaching Charlestonians how to make authentic Indian dinners. She began teaching at local gourmet shop and cooking school called In Good Taste when I was only nine years old, but motherhood took over, and she stopped teaching until last year. But, then again, the daily grind of running our family's business took over her life again, and she had to put her teaching aside yet once again. But, now that my parents have officially retired (my father is a retired orthopedic surgeon who later ran a local hardware store)-she's back on track. And, I am really excited about her going back into something she really enjoys, and I love the benefits of being her apprentice (they're delicious!).

When people think about preparing Indian cuisine, two things pop in their head--spicy and difficult. Mama will be the first one to tell you that compared to other foods it can be time consuming, but it's not always spicy. She has spent years honing her recipes, and simplifying them in the process (thanks to me and now my sister-in-law).

I learned how to cook from my mom (of course), but I am not the only one. She was first featured in the Evening Post in 1986. Her recipes have also been featured in Audrey Magazine, a national Asian-American women magazine and Charleston Magazine, which not only featured her, but our entire Charleston family celebrating Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights.

Details about her classes will be up soon, but I can you tell you this, it will be just in time for grilling season! Stay tune for more details. And, also be sure to check out clips and recipes from her classes on this blog later this spring.

Great American Bake Sale Continues to Makes its Way On the Web

2009-03-23T16:27:00.000-04:00

I still remain fascinated by the power of speed on the Internet. We're now 23 days into its campaign, and more than one thousand people have signed up to host bake sales for Share Our Strength. Thanks to foodie bloggers, mommy bloggers, as well as other bloggers, the word about Great American Bake Sale is spreading. There could be many reasons for this success--much of it can be attributed to the time we live in, but I think it's something else--the spirit of hope and the belief that it can just take one person to help another.

This hope and belief inspired Great American Bake Sale's campaign theme this year--"you or I" can help end childhood hunger by hosting a bake sale, and that every little bit counts. This hope has taken the web by storm, inspiring bloggers to help in ways that you could not imagine. One blogger is so inspired that she partnered with Bake Sale on an e-recipe book in conjunction with her virtual bake sale. Submissions will be accepted until April 5 with the book being released on April 13. For more information check out Cooking During Stolen Moments.

So, as you can see, Great American Bake Sale is inspiring Americans across the country to help. Why? Because anyone can help by "sharing their own strengths."

Why I Love Crepes

2009-03-22T12:03:00.000-04:00

Maybe, it's because I am a Frenchie at heart, or maybe it's not. But, I love nearly everything French especially crepes. I absolutely adore them. The best crepe I have had so far was not in France though, it was in Montreal at this fabulous place in the old city called Le Jardin Nelson. Can you see why:

Smothered with chocolate with a side of fresh fruit, I couldn't wait to devour this crepe, and of course I did, but I wasn't alone. I enjoyed it with some of my closest friends.

The restaurant has a large selection of crepes, which also make delicious entrees. Prior to indulging myself in this crepe, I did enjoy one for lunch, and being the Diva that I am, I chose the Diva Crepe, stuffed with Brie, broccoli, and chicken, and boy was it good.

I have enjoyed crepes occasionally at local farmers' markets, but I haven't been able to find any other place where I can say I have enjoyed them like I have at Jardin Nelson (maybe that's why I am craving to go back soon.) But, in the meantime, I am going to start making them home.

If you have any great crepe recipes (desserts and entrees), please share them with me.

What do we wish for ....

2009-03-21T09:33:00.002-04:00

Last night, I watched one of my favorite movies, which also happens to be one of my favorite books: Under the Tuscan Sun. I don't know what it is about stories of Europe or stories of people who desert their tired, unhappy lives to somewhere new and different to revive them. In Under the Tuscan Sun, Francis Mayes finds herself unhappy and alone after a terrible divorce. During a trip to Tuscany, she bumps into a beautiful home owned by an Italian countess, makes a quick decision and and becomes the owner of this old home. Though, life isn't what she first pictured it to be--it becomes it. She is given everything she wishes, and in the meantime, she absorbs herself into a new culture, absolute strangers become best friends and the most important thing is that she finds happiness!

One of my other favorite books is called Almost French. I came across it at a bookstore one day, picked it up and couldn't put it down. Sarah, a freelance travel journalist, finds herself in Paris, after meeting a young, French journalist in Budapest who insists she must come to Paris. Wearing shorts and a t-shirt, she lands in Charles De Gaulle Airport, worried that she's made a huge mistake-but that all changes the minute she is greeted by her new friend who later becomes her husband! She learns the dos and don'ts have French life (and it's hysterical and eye-opening). She learns how not to walk out to grab breakfast in your sweats (even if you're just picking up breakfast from the local patisserie), or at a party, it's not proper to become bartender, refilling glasses of champagne. But, as she spends more and more time in Paris, she finds herself becoming a Parisian (well almost). It's a fun story and one that I am so happy that I bumped into.

I'd been living in Washington, D.C. for more than a year and it hasn't been easy. I have been torn between Charleston (my hometown) and D.C. I've been wanting to come home because I feel that I belong here, people know me, and respect me. I miss Charleston, but is it the right decision to return? I don't know now. Right now I am alone (well, it's me and Nikki) and D.C. can be a cold city, but isn't that how any new place can be? I've had more ups and downs, but isn't that everyone's story? It may not be Paris. It may not be Tuscan country, but each of these women found themselves again.

Love to Bake: Here's A Fun Idea for a Great Cause

2009-03-18T14:31:00.000-04:00

Do you love to bake? Well grab your your apron, your favorite mixing bowl and get your bake on! Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale is on. And, boy is it hotter than ever. Since the campaign launched more than two weeks ago, nearly 900 people have signed up to host bake sales in communities across the nation.

And, I just found out that Sandra Lee, one of our national spokespeople, will be on Fox & Friends on April 5th to talk about it. Lee understands hunger. When she was growing up, her family lived off of food stamps, and it turns out that the inspiration behind her company "Semi-Homemade" is a result of her having to make meals on limited budgets.

I had the opportunity to meet Sandra last October and she is an absolute doll during a live news segment on a local television station in Washington, D.C. She later shared her story at Share Our Strength's Conference of Leaders, which I attended, and brought the whole audience to tears.

Well, my whole point is that I hope people across the country will band together to host bake sales. It's great way to help kids in your community. For more info, check out GreatAmericanBakeSale.org.

Scrumptious Roasted Chicken-The Perfect Holiday Entree

2008-12-14T14:09:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, my friends and I hosted a very special holiday dinner. I'd been wanting to make roasted chicken for awhile now. I've made so many different types of chickens in the past-chicken curry, tandoori chicken, chicken tacos, fried chicken--I'd made everything but roasted chicken.

I purchased a whole chicken (not the roasting one) over the weekend. After cleaning it thoroughly, I allowed it to drain in a colander while I made the brine. I combined a cup of boiling water with half a 1/4 cup of salt. Once it dissolved, I pulled it off the burner and poured it into a measuring cup to cool. Once the brine was cooled, I poured it on the kitchen and inside the cavitiy.

The chicken soaked in brine overnight.

The following morning, I poured the remaining brine out, pat dried the chicken and marinated it with the following:

Lemon pepper
black pepper
fresh garlic minced
paprika
1 lemon

The chicken marinated for about 5 hours. An hour and a half before I was to serve it, I placed it the oven at 350 degrees (remember, it takes about 6 minutes to warm up). I poked the lemon, cut the stems and placed it inside the chicken's cavity, and cooked it for approximately 90 minutes. Once it cooked, I allowed it to sit in the oven for about 10 minutes before carving it. (FYI: to check that the chicken is cooked, simply stick it with a knife and make sure that the juices are clear and the meat is tender).

Carving the chicken was also a first, but it turned out to be fantastic. It simply melted in our mouths!

Happy Holidays!

XOXO,
Indian Girl in the Kitchen

The Orangery: A Delightful Tea in Kensington Garden

2008-12-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

It was an unseasonably, warm, September day. I had just returned from Windsor where my best friend and I toured the grounds of Windsor Castle followed by a scrumptious lunch at a local pub. We made our way back to London by train to our final stop before making our way through England.

Before leaving for London, one of my dearest friends, Rachel, had presented me with a list of "must dos" while in London. On the top of the list was tea at the Orangery. "You cannot leave London without having tea here", she insisted,pointing it on her list-- and she was right.

After a short tour of Kensington Palace, we meandered throught Kensington gardens to the Orangery. I was in awe when we entered the restaurant. The ambience was a combination of sophistication and ultra noveau. The restaurant's decor was very simple with white tablecloth tables and properly laid china. The crowd mixed with elderly English ladies in their finest teatime attire to young families. Our server was young and donned in all black.

Once we were seated, I took a look at the view--it was breathtaking. From our seats, we had the perfect view of Kensington Gardens.I ordered a pot of tea with a slice of carrot cake and a couple cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches while my best friend indulge in a slice of Belgian Chocolate Cake. "I am sorry, but I cannot resist," she said.

Both of us enjoyed our afternoon tea that day. Finally, it was time to leave, and we made our way through the gardens and later through Hyde Park ...the perfect way to say our farewells to London.

Cheers!

The Holiday Season is Finally Upons Us ....

2008-12-06T16:56:00.001-05:00

The holiday season is finally upon us-yes it is! Though, I have a rather tight budget this year, I am planning to take full advantage of some of my favorite holiday activities:

A Very Special Holiday Dinner with My Closest Friends: Next Sunday, a few of my girlfriends and I are getting together for a very special holiday dinner with roasted chicken and all the delicious sides associated with the holiday season: cream potatoes, casserole and hopefully, a chocolate log for dessert! Plus, they'll sure be some bubbly to toast with.

Tea at the Mandarian Oriental: This is a new tradition. Last year, my girlfriends and I got together for a holiday tea at the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City. It was lovely. We sat by a warm fire, sipped delcious Darjeling tea and indulged in savory and sweet treats. This year, we have decided to have tea at the Mandarian and exchange Christmas gifts. The Mandarian is a beautiful hotel located not far from the Smithsonian and National Mall.

My first experience at the Mandarian was delightful. We had celebrated the arrival of my friend Lisa's baby with a teatime affair there in June. We sat outside, sipping tea, overlooking the Potomac. It was beautiful.

In addition to all the fun activities, I am planning to throw on my apron, and get behind the stove, to create some favorite treats for my favorite people. Definitely on the list: my favorite chocolate cookies. I might even try fudge so if any of you have some great recipes, please share!

An Easy Recipe for Good Old Southern Fried Chicken

2008-11-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

I love to cook--especially these days when the days tend to be shorter and the nights are colder and longer. After a long day at work, I want to make dishes that are delicious and easy to prepare.

One of my favorite meals to prepare these days is good old Southern Fried Chicken with Mash potatoes and corn. Now, from the sound of this, it sounds unhealthy and a difficult meal to prepare-but trust me, it's not.

Fried Chicken to a Tee

I like to purchase skinlesss, boneless chicken breasts. The pieces are pretty big so I tend to cut them in half. I marinate each of the pieces with fresh,ground black pepper and salt to taste, as well as a touch of paprika.

I let the pieces sit in the marinade while I turn on the stove on medium heat, and place my skillet to warm up. Once the pan is heated, I place approximately 1/2 a cup of oil.

As the oil heats, I dip each of the pieces in a cup of buttermilk then coast them in flour ( like my fried chicken to be crispy so I put a thick coat of flour around each piece.)

The pieces have now been prepped for frying and the oil is hot enough for frying. I drop in each of the pieces slowly (to avoid spattering) and allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove them from the oil; pat with a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Delectable Mash Potato

Mash potatoes are my ultimate comfort food, but I don't sit there and peel 10 potatoes! I like the red potatoes. After washing one, I wrap it in a paper towel and cook it for about 3 minutes. Once it's cooked, I cut it into half, throw it in a pan and begin to mash it. I throw in a bit of milk, sour cream, cream cheese, as well as salt and black pepper and mash it all up. Once all the pieces are mash, I use a hand beater and whip it up for a minute or so and voila-they're done.

My chicken is ready, my mash potatoe is done and I enjoy them both with a side of corn.

In a "Fallish" Kinda of Mood-Squash Casserole

2008-11-15T16:04:00.000-05:00

Fall has always been my favorite season. I enjoying creating some of my favorites comfort foods like broccoli casserole, spinach quiche and corn chowder(pure comfort foods.) Growing up with a mother who was a genious in the kitchen (she still is by the way), I learned how to make some of the simplest comfort foods--the first being broccoli casserole followed by bean casserole and my favorite squash casserole.

The first time I ever made my famous squash casserole was for my mother's 60th birthday. Unlike other casseroles that I had made, I did not have mix Campbell soup mix into the mixture.

Recipe for Squash Casserole (a fun dish to serve on a cool, fall day).

1-1/2 lbs. of yellow squash
1 large red bell pepper
1 package of shredded chedder cheese
1/4 cup of cornbread stuffing (I prefer Pepridge Farm)
1 tablespoon of garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation:
Wash and cut squash into thin circular slices.
Wash and slice bell peppers into long skinny pieces.
Spray casserole pan with PAM or a nonstick spray.
Turn oven on "Bake" at 350 degrees.

On the stove:

In a wok or saute pan, place tablespoon oil on medium heat.
Once the oil is warm, drop in garlic.
Let the garlic turn pink. Once it turns pink, drop in the squash and bell pepper slices.
Cook until tender.

Pour squash into casserole dish.
Create a layer of cheese on the next layer.
Place bread crumbs on on top of the cheese and put into the oven for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven and serve.