Wonder

Much of the evening routine with my

Kids encompass sitting through all of their time while they are busy doing homeworks ---- my 6 yrs old daughter is a much calm and patient one while my 8yrs old boy is indeed a handful ---- while she sits herself on her bed (that being I suppose her most comfortable spot in the entire house) my 8 yrs old finds it an entire waste of time to sit at one place when other fun stuff awaits him at the end of the line of workbooks and homework sheets---- 

Among this and many other tiny differences between the two pieces of my heart what amaze me most is their unique ways to being such thoughtful and extremely sensitive individuals---

I witnessed one such act of wonder by my very vocal boy while he suddenly ran his tiny and lean fingers through my forehead and scalp

Me-- Aha !!! You know B perhaps -- after my parents you are the one who comforts me like this.

He-- I know!! I do it to remind you of your parents and your childhood 

Me-- Really!!- thank you so much for making me feel so good--- and what do you want me to remember my childhood

He-- Coz childhoods are the best part in ones life. I know it because I love my childhood too-- so you see I want to remind you the best part of your life.

His words almost brought tears in my eyes --- but somehow I held back and hugged my little buddy ----

I often wonder how kids could speak of such intense feelings --- perhaps even without realizing what they just made you understand ---

Wonders of motherhood --- indeed.

God bless my tiny angels--- 

Recipe 2. Dak Bungalow Chicken Curry

Dak bungalow chicken curry (Serves 6-8 people)
Preparation Time (45mins to 1 hour)

Ingredients

Chicken (cut into 12-15 pcs)
Onion(thinly sliced): 2 cups
Ginger-garlic paste: 3-4 tbsp
Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
Coriander seeds: 1 tsp
Dry red chilies: 4-5
Bay leaves: 2-3
Cinnamon(1 inch stick): 2-3
Green cardamom: 3-4
Cloves: 6-7
Turmeric powder
Black cardamom: 1
Potato (cut into halves): 2 (peeled and washed)
Mustard oil to cook
Salt to taste
Pinch of sugar (it always does that Magic !! :o)

Method

1. Wash and clean the chicken pieces and pat dry. Keep aside.
2. Marinade the chicken with salt-turmeric powder ginger-garlic paste and Mustard oil for atleast about  1/2 hr to 45 mins.
3. Make a paste of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, dry red chili and turmeric powder and keep aside.
4. Make a paste of cinnamon, cardamom(green and black), cloves and keep aside.
5. In a pan- heat mustard oil. Fry the potatoes  till evenly golden brown. Take out and keep aside.
6. In the same pan, (add more oil if needed) heat oil, add the bay leaves and fry the sliced onions till evenly golden brown.
7. Add cumin-coriander-red chili-turmeric paste. Cook over low heat for 3-4 min.
8.Now add the chicken pieces and sprinkle salt. Cook over high heat for 5-6 min, keep stirring. Reduce the heat to medium and cook till chicken is almost done.
9. Add 1 cup warm water and the fried potatoes. Cover and cook over low heat till the chicken and potatoes are well done.
10.Next add garam masala paste and mix well. Check the seasoning and adjust accordingly.

Serve hot with rice or roti. Enjoy on a Sunday afternoon :o) with your loved one.