Monica Bhide

My hubby is reading this over my shoulder and wants me to say that he does all the quality assurance and quality control for my cooking

I was going to say something nasty but then that would be so not me No sexism allowed.. I was just wondering out loud that is all..

We visited some Ethiopian friends a few weeks ago and they made this awesome coffee -- regular filter coffee spiced up with pounded cloves, cinnamon and black pepper.. It was one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had This is my first post in this forum so forgive me if this is really a novice post.. but man that coffee was really good and I had to share! Do you all spice your coffee? What do you add to it? Are there spices that should not be added?

Alright lets hear it -- does the man in your life cook? My husband makes a mean cup of coffee, tea if he really wants to be nice and an occasional boiled egg.. share please

That sounds delightful - would your friend be willing to share a recipe?

I bet you they would taste good in the batter too. I am curious to know what some of the newer chocolates are -- my Dad got me one last time that had a curious orange flavor - cant say I cared for it much Milagai - did you encounter anything new on this trip on the chocolate front? Episure?

How could I refuse! Let me know the cost by PM and your address and I will be happy to send you a check! YAY

You could write an article on this. Those are some really hilarious answers Roy

Carswell - I have a recipe for corn pakoras that I like.. would you like to check it out?

Anna N took this picture for me while testing this recipe

Nope - he had this big thing about baking the cake himself and then us kids decorate the cake with the gems. He is an engineer so we had to be precise -- it was always a hoot and a half!!

I was reading a nice piece this morning in the Washington Post on Figs.. Do you use them in the Indian kitchen? Fresh ? Dried? What is your fav fig dish? I ate this at a wedding in Delhi a few months ago and its one of my favorite dishes -- you can increase the level of charness (is that a word ) or the amount of spices to taste -- Anjeer Khajoor Ki Seekh (Dried Fig and Date Kebabs) 16 dried figs (preferably Calimyrna figs) 16 pitted dried dates Juice of one lemon 8 skewers Indian Chaat Masala* to sprinkle (Indian Chaat Masala, a tangy spice mix, is available at any Indian grocer. Look for the MDH brand) 1. Turn on the broiler 2. Place the figs and dates in a bowl and add the lemon juice. Mix well 3. Skewer two figs and two dates onto a single skewer 4. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and under the broiler -- at least 3 inches from the element. The figs and dates will heat up and the outer skin will begin to char a bit. The figs and dates take only a minute each side. 5. Remove from heat 6. Sprinkle sparingly with Indian Chaat Masala and serve hot. 7. Alternately: Grill the skewers on a medium hot grill or directly on heated charcoals. Watch carefully as they can quickly burn Let me know how these turn out for you Would love other fig recipes Do tell

Those M&M type candies are called Gems and Gems they really are... My dad used to add them to my birthday cakes when I was a kid. My son really likes them now..

this is on my list now for this India trip!

I have to say that this is one ingredient that i have never cooked with - I have eaten it though. Right after my son was born my mother in law insisted I eat these gum balls - they are supposed to be good for new moms... so I am curious to see what you make with them.. perhpas I will try to do something with them as well

It would be my pleasure -- but only if you agree to eat the upma i make

I enjoy their site. SOme of the user feedback is hilarious

Tryska -anytime you are in DC - I will make this for you -- its one of my favorites too!

Bhasin - interesting points. I have done it without a binder but only when I dont use seekhs. I have done these kebabs (see pics on other threads) without a binder but only on the grill. I have needed a binder on the seekhs. Perhaps I need more practice

I have a statement to make - I CAN KILL SILK PLANTS WITHOUT TRYING I said this to Chef Michel Nischan and he convinced me to try a herb garden anyway! Okay so having said that - I have never been successful at growing anything but I am up for a challenge..... so tell me what should I do first? What should I grow ? I will document my progress here... Go ahead .. but be gentle.. I am known to destroy

Welcome to eG! And of course to the India forum -- where are you posting from? Do tell us a bit about yourself Welcome!

You go girl!

How did I miss this. This is hilarious!!!! Thanks Episure for a great review

OOOOOHHHH I want that Mangalorean cookbook... YYYYUUUMMMM

Thanks Episure for the great suggestions and I agree with each one. These kebabs in my humble opinion to need a binder. Let us know how they turn out Roy - if these suggestions dont work - which I am sure they will - we will be happy to do a more detailed analysis of the specific recipe