23 October 2022

I have not seen these three under the same roof in a long time

It used to be the case that every time I visited my parents, the whole family would get together at their place. These three kids and I used to get a lot of quality time together. And by “quality time”, I mean completely nonsensical discussions, giggling at the stupidest things and always pulling the elder nephew’s legs. (He is the goody goody, conscientious one of them all).

Then my parents passed away.

And two of these three went away to college.

After a long time they were together this week for Diwali and “bhaiphnota” under the same roof.

We had a long video call to celebrate the olden times. “Kintu ototao noy” (this is an insider joke).

And of course, there was good ribbing of the elder nephew to be had!!

Category: Family in India | LEAVE A COMMENT
22 October 2022

From the bartender’s corner – Mishti Paan (third take)

Okay, this turned out even better but I am still not there. Made all the changes I said I will do in the previous post. Additionally, instead of Sambuca or Absinthe, I used Licor Beirao form Portugal.

There is a bit of a bitter tinge in the end of the palate that I do not care about. So, the next take will be to do everything the same but not use tonic water at all. I suspect the quinine in the tonic water is leaving the bitter taste.

Will report back.

Category: Cocktails | LEAVE A COMMENT
21 October 2022

From the bartender’s corner – Mishti Paan (take two)

Tried the following variations from the previous version.
(*) Added a dash of simple syrup.
(*) Instead of adding Sambuca, I rinsed the inside of the glass with absinthe
(*) Stirred the gulkhand after every ingredient was added (instead of shaking).
(*) Initially, I threw in some tonic water too.

The drink came out even better than last time. But still not perfect. I will go back to the Sambuca again.

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20 October 2022

Every single year, I forget something

Every year, at the advent of the first freezing temperatures in Atlanta, I bring out my winter running gear.

Every year, I meticulously go thru the list of things to wear before I go out for the first sub zero run. And every year, I forget something that usually makes the run a bit miserable.

This morning, when I woke up, it was 31 deg F. Brought out all my warm gear. I was determined not to miss anything this year.

Warm cap? Check!
Ear muffs? Check!
Three layers of clothes? Check!
Gloves? Check! (this is what I forget the most)
Put lip balm on? Check!
Nose cover? Nah! Not that cold.

Good to go!!

5 minutes into the run, I realized what I had forgotten! I was not wearing appropriate socks! And the shoes have those breathable material. Cold weather was making its bitter presence felt thru the lower ten digits.

I was too lazy to go back home, takes shoes off, change socks, put the shoes back on and go back to running. Just finished it as is.

Not saying I got cold feet or anything but one of these years, I am determined to get everything just right.

Category: Running | LEAVE A COMMENT