New Year. New Flavors.

My mom once told me that cooking is very therapeutic and that's why she loves to cook. It is to me too. I love looking into the pot as my star anise, cinnamon and clove blooms into its flavorful aromas. The smell of these spices along with a handful of curry powder is yoga to my senses. My taste senses that is. Its a wonderful feeling to open your senses to the pleasures of different taste and smell. I love preparing an Indian meal for my friends and I love hearing them say the moment they enter my home “Mmmm smells so good”. It warms my body and soul.

So, I get to eat mom's cooking again. I'm taking a trip home (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on the 20th of this month and will be there till the 7th of Feb. I will be loading my luggage up with fresh spices and more wonderful memories of mom’s cooking and stories about her dishes and grandma’s. I’m also making a trip to Singapore to visit my relatives. Mom is from Singapore and so lot’s of relatives there too. My mothers sister is an amazing cook and so you can imagine what I will be doing in Singapore. MORE EATING!
I have attached some photos from my last trip to Malaysia, so you can see the fresh spices in the spice market and tropical vegetables in the local market I will be visiting. I’m going to get myself lot’s of it (the fact that its amazingly cheap is another big bonus).

Anyway, here are my schedule for the next 3 classes. Classes are $30 per class.
All classes start at 2p.m. and are taught in a gourmet kitchen near the plaza.

Sunday, Feb. 18: Chicken Biryani with Mint and Yogurt Sauce.
(Indian saffron rice dish made from a mixture of spices, basmati rice, meat/vegetables and yogurt.
Its the Indian version of Spanish Paella or Pullao).

Sunday, March 18: Malaysian Shrimp Sambal, Coconut Rice with Pineapple and Cucumber Relish

Sunday, April 15: Chicken Kurma (Mild curry made with yogurt sauce or cream, and almond paste
and Vegetable Pakoras (Indian veggie fritters)

Please send this to anyone whom you think will be interested. Please write to me if you have any questions.

Happy New Year and Namaste.