A cup of Assam Tea

      Hope you all had a fabulous and flavorful Thanksgiving. After moving to the USA Thanksgiving is one holiday I look forward too. And after having my children, we celebrate it even more. The last couple of years, we always celebrated with our close friends and cousins. My family doesn't live here but our close friends and cousins always make us feel at home. This year is no exception. I believe that festival not only brings food to our table they brings our heart closer too. My mom always says sharing food spreads your love. It is that time of the year where we are thankful for all little things in our life food, silly jokes, fun which make our life flavourful. By the way, what's your favorite food in thanksgiving table? I have many, can't just name one. I made cranberry sauce with an Indian Twist. You can call it relish too. Use it after Thanksgiving as a spread or jam as well. Cranberry sauce with Indian jaggery instead of white sugar. Ingredien...

      A gloomy November afternoon can be a hearty afternoon if you have a great array of delectable food. The thought made us visit blue plate kitchen with their conscious choice of locally sourced sustainable food. Modern set up with an open kitchen concept, a gracious welcome greeting made our warm-up instantly. As brunch was getting served in the afternoon, we ordered from the eclectic brunch menu, a perfect melange of American affair with global cuisine. We started our day with fresh squeezed orange juice. Little pulpy but with a homey and fresh feel personified. For the appetizer, I opted for Mediterranean platter. It consists of hummus, falafel, quinoa, tabouli, feta cheese, kalamata olives, pickled cabbage, cucumber salad and herbed crisps. An excellent appetizer choice for anybody and everybody with a decent amount. A combination of little guilt and guilt-free choices. I love crisp falafel and hummus.       My son chose ginger chicke...

      I have a habit of not throwing things away. Keep them with me for years and years. This also creates a little trouble in my life from time to time. People who advocate minimalist approach, say that it is not just clot and clutters your physical lifestyle and mental state. I have old New Year cards sent by my school friends, a small container that mom sent snacks couples of years back; there are so many countless things, a little swan by brother's friend bought with his pocket money, my paper where I received a great compliment from my teacher. Not only physical attributes, but fragrances, little fragments of childhood lullabies, a  small conversation, people names, compliments, so many things stay with me.        If you are a mother or parent, you might know how much your child's milestone memories matter to you. Just the other day we had our community get together. I was planning on what to wear, then an old saree came to my mind, ...

      I always believe that the best things about travel are the memories, curated memories. Now just like me, this fall,  I remember the memory of summer travel to Martha's Vineyard. Located to the south of Cape Cod Massachusets, this island is 100 square miles (260 km2), and the third largest on the East Coast of the United States, Marthas Vineyard is not only former presidents Mr. Obama's favorite destination, it could be yours too. It is easily accessible through ferries and buses are readily available to travel inside the island, if you are not renting a bike or a car. Pristine beaches, scenic cliffs, lighthouses and charming towns, Martha's Vineyard, the tiny island can please you in so many ways. If you are lucky to visit, I am sure it will hold a little piece in your heart forever. The Aquinnah Cliffs - If you want to witness nature's own live painting, this is what it is, The Aquinnah cliff.  The beauty beyond words with the vast view of ...

      Hope you all had a great week and great Diwali for those who celebrate. This year Diwali fell in mid of the week. After coming back with kids from there after school activities, I was running late but had already done some preparation for a few things, a few days back. In India, Diwali is a holiday, and here in the USA, it's a regular weekday.       But I just could not let go the joy of lighting diyas with my family,  relishing good food and decking up for Diwali dress. I made a festive dinner and lighted diyas with my kids. This year I successfully avoided refined flour and white sugar. Didn't felt must of a  difference. On the weekend, we had one lovely dinner with old friends and another at our place with some new friends. Loved the lighting, the laughs and sharing food with old and new friends.       Presenting you a little bit of our Diwali celebration. I am wearing a light pink sharara with gota work ac...

      15 years back I left Assam, India making a new home in Connecticut, USA. I left a few festive, fair, smell, fragrance, family, friends and much more. While you leave something at the same time you gain a few too. You all might know that at this time in India, Indians celebrate the most glorious festival Diwali "A celebration of light". As I am from the eastern part of India, Bihu is the fulcrum festival. After coming to the USA, we started celebrating Diwali as equally as Bihu . We love preparing sweets and exchanging with friends and putting lights to decorate the house with candles and Diyas earthen lamps. With our neighbor, we celebrate Diwali where kids perform dance and music with all the cultural programs and an array of good Indian food. We celebrate our roots and heritage, trying to give kids the essence of India. Kati Bihu celebration. Photo Credit - Parasha Konwer       Along with Diwali, back in Assam India, we celebrate o...

      When it comes to travel, I'm always intrigued by unique and offbeat places more than a commercial tourist attraction. Living in New England offers me plenty of such place choices. Burlington, Vermont  is one such place I have ever visited with the serene shore of Lake Champlain and quiet Canadian border. A perfect destination for your weekend getaway. Some of my favorite things to offer for each and every one. Church Street Market PLace       Experience the history and liveliness of church street marketplace. This four-block pedestrian zone with endless shops, eatery and unique art galleries with view surrounded by pristine Lake Champlain. Walk along with all the happy people feel of festivity with fashion, fun, food, and frolic just name it. Waterfront Park       Just takes your walk a few steps forward to the 7.5-mile bike path, a pier for Lake Champlain boat trips, the Echo aquarium and Discovery church...