Cooking, for me, is just not a daily chore. Making food is
an amalgamation of thoughts, love, and euphoria of creating something new. It's
like the favorite movie quote of mine from Ratatouille, "surprise
me." And yes, indeed, even most doable recipes are challenging when making
them after a long time. Recreating the same aroma, taste, and addressing the
thought we had while bringing it for the first time is undoubtedly Hell's
kitchen. Oh yes, sometimes it is like your first cook-chef love, Chuck
Hughes.
 |
| Pic Courtesy: Internet |
When I start watching food shows, Anthony Bourdain and evil
Gordon Ramsay was on my checklist. But slowly, I discovered that they are not
actually the ones I am looking for. Here comes the most adorable, stylish, and
close to my heart Nigella Lawson. I just fall in love with her, her style of
cooking, her kitchen, and her way of conversing. The list is quite a long one.
For the first time when I made strawberry compote after watching one of her
Christmas shows, I was literally mimicking her. I was talking as if I am
Nigella. My kids and husband had a great fun time seeing me trying to be fit
into her shoes.
Time flies, but love for her just grows more profound.
Recently, while hoping in the market, I bumped into some fresh Rosella.
Immediately, I thought of her --- as if she was there to guide me to make
homemade Rosella jam. Without giving a second thought, I bought a kilo of fresh
Rosella. I looked at my baffled hubby darling with a smile and assured him for
a mouthwatering delicacy. Back home, I washed them, peeled them with utmost
care. As if those crunchy leaves are meant to be well-taken care of. A bowl
full of Rosella leaves smeared with a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of water
was nicely tucked inside of microwave oven. Five minutes of micro with
occasional stir made the leaves soft and smoother. Cover them and rest them for
a few minutes, and in between, I made myself a cup of hot black coffee. It's
again Nigella's style to binge while cooking. You never are going to feel low
if you munch and drink while cooking. Play some music if you wish to, and no
need to wait for a partner to dance. Do I sound crazy enough ---- oh yes,
that's the magic. Uncovered the red velvety Rosella pulp and added sugar
according to your taste. Now also add thin juliennes of seedless red chilies.
Micro those for another five minutes and the jam are ready. I left the jam to
cool down naturally, and then.... took out a big scoop of the velvety jam with
a lovely texture of leaves and chili juliennes. A dash of lime while tasting
was an extra bonanza.
This is for you, my guiding angel Nigella Lawson ...My love
and tribute -- homemade Rosella Jam with chili.
If you like my write up, Do not forget to follow me for
more, leave your feedback and feel free to share with your friends with the
hashtag #kaleidoscopicwindow.
No comments:
Post a Comment