This book is a collection of recipes acquired through a lifetime of cooking and entertaining my own family and friends. It is designed to provide you with the skills needed to put a nutritious, hot meal on your table every night, as well as those needed to wow your friends, neighbors, or even your mom!

Frequently asked questions?

• When did I start writing this book?

  I have been working on this book on and off for about six years. However, it has become a day and night project over the last two years for my husband, Vikram and me.

• How did I get the idea of writing this cook book?

  Between my own children, large extended family, and even larger circle of friends, I had dozens of young adults and grown ups who would look to me for help on preparing daily and fancy meals. This led me to the realization that a formal collection of their favorite recipes would be my gift not only to them, but for generations to come.

• What motivated me to write this book?

  I still remember being a newlywed and struggling to put together the meals that my mother used to make so effortlessly. It is with this in mind that I put together this collection of recipes and useful tips for my children, who have recently gotten married and started families of their own. Both work very long hours and still come home and try to make the meals they grew up eating. With this book in their kitchen, it is like I am there every night helping them put dinner on the table for their families.

• Why is this book different?

  My generation was fortunate to have mothers and other older women in the family around to patiently teach the art of cooking as we were growing up. I feel the newer generations growing up outside of India are really missing out on this wonderful experience. Nothing can replace the warm touch of a mother’s hand on your shoulder as you deal with the daily needs of life. This book tries to do the next best thing - provide a substitute for your Mom standing next to you lovingly helping you prepare excellent, nutritious Indian meals for every occasion.

The most special and unique feature of this book is the TLC tips. These are little shortcuts and little secrets that will make your cooking easier, yet delicious.

It is an invaluable gift to give to anyone who loves to cook or would like to try.

Check out the contents

Other Details:
178 Pages
134 Recipes
Hard Bound
Matte Art Paper
Approximate Size: 9 ¼ x 8 ¼ x ¾ inches
Artistically designed with full color mouth watering pictures on almost all pages
Ergonomically designed to open flat when lying on counter
All pages coated for stain resistance

ISBN Number 0-9761851-0-5
Library of Congress Number 2004096589
First Printing: March 07

Highlights

• Perhaps the only cook book that contains recipes for every day cooking such as dal, roti and chawal, in addition to fancy food such as Goan Shrimp Curry and Rajasthani Chicken
• A complete list of spices, legumes, beans, and pots and pans you need to start cooking
• A pantry list for beginners and another one for more committed and experienced cooks - all in a convenient format that you can take right to the store with you
• Ideas about foods you can cook and freeze ahead of time for occasions when you need to produce a meal in a hurry or are just too tired to cook.
• A complete list of menu combinations for different occasions, both special and everyday
• Suggestions on how to deal with cooking crises such as a sauce that has become too watery or a dish that is too salty
• Tips for storing and preparing precooked masalas and efficient ways to freeze chutneys
• Every recipe has details on the pots and pans you need and serving suggestions including what the recipe goes best with
• Safety tips such as how to quickly put out a minor fire on your stove
• Guidelines for cleaning and odor removal
• Home remedies for minor ailments such as cough and colds, upset stomachs