Wrapping up 2009

Its been a long year yet it seems as if 2009 just began. This year was filled with many, many, many memories. Some good. Some bad. Of-course, each one taught me something. Each one was a lesson learned.

So top five things that will always be remembered about 2009:

1. My trip to India- The fact that I almost got married. My adventure while I was in India. The things that I learned about that country and it's people. Two weeks of my life that I can seriously stamp as AMAZING!

2. Kamni and Karan tying the knot! It was through this event that I met some amazing people and learned many new things about others. I also, for the first time ever, got the opportunity to be a bride's maid. Let me tell you, its hard work but well worth it.

3. Love: 2009 taught many things about love. How it breaks ones heart into pieces. How walls rise without one even noticing. But most importantly, I learned how to forgive love.

4. Death: I lost a few family members this years. A couple of them I was "prepared" for because they were sick but one in particular opened up my eyes and made me realize how precious life is. My aunty who was 39 past away of cancer in January. It was unbelievable. I couldn't believe it but it was reality. She made me realize that you are never too young to have life insurance and to make sure that your family is taken care of even after you're gone.

5. My journey to get my bachelors. School has always been important to me but this year, I made the decision and started JC. I know its late coming, but in a few years, I will have my Bachelors. The thought alone is exciting.

So, to wrap it up, 2009 was a wonderful year. I cried alot but laughed just as much if not more. I grew as a person and discovered many new things about myself. I lost a few people but I met some really awesome new ones too. I learned many things and chose to forget some. After "wrapping it all up" I know that 2009 was great but I'm glad its over and I have 2010 to start fresh. Honestly, I have  a great feeling about 2010!

So, I take this opportunity to wish you a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wish you all the best and a year filled with joy, love and great health! Happy and Prosperous 2010 All!

Homemade Biscuits

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4-1 cup milk


Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine flours, baking powder, sugar, and salt; mix well. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk 1/4 cup at a time just until moistened. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 8 to 10 times. Roll to 3/4-in. thickness; cut with a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm.

Scones

Ingredients:
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp baking powder
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup white sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 egg
1 cup raisins (optional)


Directions:

In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and baking soda and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet. In a large bowl, shift together the flour, sugar, baking powder,  and salt. Cut in the butter. Stir the sour cream mixture and egg into the flour mixture until just moistened. Mix in the raisins. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly. Roll or pat dough into a 3/4 inch thick round. Cut into 12 wedges, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom.

Easy Cake Mix Cookies

It was midnight and I was craving cookies. I had a shopping list sitting on the table for the "early morning" shopping. Every Choc. Chip or Choc cookie recipe I knew requires brown sugar and we were all OUT!... so I went on a hunt for an "easy" cookie recipe.... I searched and searched and found this! Here it is... just incase one night you crave a cookie... and want an easy way out.. or just want an easy fix for the kids... Enjoy









Ingredients:

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, stir together the cake mix, butter and eggs until smooth and well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Poof... its gone!

The time of togetherness, family mingling and feasting on "the bird" has come and gone... I've read my share of blog entries about family disasters, togetherness and food. Thats what Thanksgiving is all about.

Traditionally, at the Lal's residence, I usually cook. Thanksgiving is Mom's day off. She sits on the couch all day, demanding for stuff while I make her my tasting machine! I usually taste the dishes, then have her taste it. Usually, we both either agree or agree to disagree.

This year on the menu was ofcourse The Bird, two chickens, caramalized onion cornbread stuffing, green beans with balsamic vinegar, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, cranapple sauce, pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin pie. The food turned out great! Ofcourse, with every good day comes some bad times....

The craziness began when I couldn't find my therometer. Yes, my meat thermometer. It was just gone. Mom and I searched everywhere! It was no where to be seen. So, worrying about the bird, I had my mother run down the street to "borrow" our neighbor's therometer. It arrived at 168 degrees! My turkey was almost overdone! I hurried it out the oven... and didn't worry about it too much. It turned out ok.

The craziness continued when all my food was done by 4 pm. We couldn't eat dinner until 9 pm. Why so late you ask? Well, at the Lal's residence, we have an unbreakable tradition. We all eat together on Thanksgiving Day. No matter what happens.

My older sister, Joshika and her husband, Donald had to attend a very important family event before dinner. Poor things had to rush back home. But... by the time they arrived, the turkey was already carved!

At 8 pm, my brother walked into the kitchen, DRUNK. He smiled and said, I can't wait anymore. I need food... and reached for the chicken. I ran... no SPRINTED to the table. Mom said, let him eat. My heart shattered as I carved the turkey for my brother and my sister in law. The tradition was broken.

I didn't let that bring me down. When my sister and brother in law arrived, I carved the other half of the turkey and sat down with my family. We ate until we couldn't move and then had some dessert! Got much raves for my cheesecake and pie... My mom's favorite: the homemade rolls. Arti, my younger sister's favorite: green beans. Joshika, my older sister's favorite: mashed potatoes. Grandma's favorite: Nothing. Brother's favorite: everything. It balanced out well. My favorite: the time I spent with family.

No, I haven't forgotten the true meaning of Thanksgiving. So, yes, I did enjoy every minute spent with my family that day. I appreciate them so much! I love my family. As screwed up and disfunctional as they may be, I love them. And always will. I just wish that maybe one year, we can all sit down and have a "normal" dinner. Maybe one year!