The Original Kitchen Table

It doesn't have to be the weekend or a holiday for everyone to gather at this table.  A great sale at the grocery, a mid-week birthday or just a visit to drop off some peeled pecans can spur a small gathering which always brings out a smorgasboard of food. 

This is the kitchen table at my grandparents house. Having recently moved back into their home post-Katrina, they've been testing out some new kitchenware with some family and friends.  

Nothing is formal. A mix and match of plates, an assortment of flavored, flat sodas decorate the table. Wine served in glasses or mugs.

  

It's so good to see a gathering back in that kitchen. I can't wait to have my first post-Katrina holiday meal at that table!!

A Fire Like No Other

Well, it was extremely intense!  It  started so innocently, I was talking with a co-worker recently about my  "craving of the minute" when all of a sudden she mentioned she had cooked a large pot of Bhagari Jhinga and offered to bring some the next day. I wasn't sure if I had tried this dish before but I'd be a fool to                            discourage such an offer!

True to her word, the next day she arrived with a sampling for me- all neatly packaged. I warmed it all and made a little rice to accompany it. The first taste was good the garlic, curry, clove- all were distinct but came together in one harmonious dish. Then all of a sudden, I felt some heat and as the seconds past it became stronger. Before I knew it, the heat hit in a  major way and my heart started racing- as if it was trying to escape my body. In the end, all was fine but I might need to embrace the heat with a little less gusto next time.