Happy Mother's Day!

I cannot describe in words how truly blessed I feel being the mother of my child. He's a living extension of me and the apple of my eye. With each passing day and year, I realize what an immense responsibility God has entrusted upon me. I feel as though I am a potter while he is supple and pliable clay that I get to mold on the wheel of time. Whatever values, culture, and beliefs I impart on him today, he will carry them into his future. He will undoubtedly learn new things as he leaves the nest, as is expected. However, he will have his basic foundation of core values from me. It makes my responsibility that much higher as I strive each day to make him a better human being. 

Yesterday was mother's day. I celebrated it with my family, mother and mother-in-law. It was the first time we were all under the same roof celebrating Mother's Day together. To honor our special time together, I baked a Cherry Almond Yogurt Cake adapted
from Ina's Lemon Yogurt Cake. 

Cherry Almond Cake

1-1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons flour all-purpose flour, divided
2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup whole-milk greek yogurt

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

2 teaspoons orange zest

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup neutral-tasting oil (like canola, vegetable, peanut, etc.) 

1-1/2 cup maraschino cherries or fresh pitted cherries or frozen cherries 

2 tablespoons sliced almonds 

Orange Syrup Sauce 

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice or, if you are okay with alcohol, 

[1/4 cup grand marnier (orange-flavored brandy) + 1/4 cup water]

Glaze (optional)

1 cup confectioner's sugar 

2 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice 

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a loaf pan. Line bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour the pan. 

2) Sift together dry ingredients - flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk the wet ingredients together - eggs, oil, yogurt, orange zest, almond extract. Toss cherries in 2 teaspoons flour, 

3) Add dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in parts and mix gently, taking care not to over mix. 

4) Add the cherries, along with the flour into the cake batter until no visible lumps remain.

5) Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 mins or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 

6) Meanwhile cook 1/3 cup orange juice and 1/3 cup sugar in a small sauce pan until the sugar dissolves. [If using grand marnier, combine sugar and water in a saucepan and cook for 5 mins until the mixture becomes syrupy. Stir in grand marnier.] 

7) Cool the cake for 10 mins in the pan before inverting onto a wire rack. Poke holes with a toothpick on the cake while it is still hot. Slowly drizzle the hot orange sauce on the cake allowing it to soak. Cool completely. 

8) For the glaze combine confectioner's sugar and orange juice and pour over the cake. Top it with sliced almonds. 

Mental Minimalism

Recently, I came across the term Mental Minimalism on the internet. The more I read about it, the more I was intrigued. Mental Minimalism advocates de-cluttering our minds from thoughts, emotions, memories, imagination and focusing on the present moment. It sounds rather simple, doesn't it? But that's what minimalism is - living with less. It means getting rid of the excess baggage.

 

Are you are over-thinker? 

Have you ever been grappled with thoughts that wreck the present happy moments? 

Does your mind constantly make up stories?  

How do we de-clutter our brain when it if filled with busy, useless thoughts? 

How do we practice Mental Minimalism?

 

Mark Twain, a noted novelist and humorist said, “I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” Russ Harris, the author of The Happiness Trap says, “Evolution has shaped our brains so that we are hardwired to suffer psychologically: to compare, evaluate, and criticize ourselves, to focus on what we’re lacking, to rapidly become dissatisfied with what we have, and to imagine all sorts of frightening scenarios, most of which will never happen. No wonder humans find it hard to be happy!”
 

Scientific studies have confirmed that if our mind focuses on a specific target, or a specific task in the present moment, it is much happier than when it is simply wandering. As mundane as it might sound, focusing on everyday tasks like making your bed, brushing, cooking, cleaning etc. makes you contented in the present moment rather than woolgathering, and being distracted by gadgets and gizmos. 

Secondly, when the mind is overthinking or preoccupied with "to-do" lists, it stresses out. Stopping to take a breath or two (or ten), helps our brain calm down. It may also help to close your eyes do a guided visualization of a serene, safe place and allowing that scene to "bloom within" us. Mindfulness meditation is also a good option. It can help us observe our thoughts and feelings from a third party perspective, without any judgement.

 

Every day is a discovery. Every day you discover a little bit of yourself. Somedays you discover that you have what it takes to be strong. Somedays you discover you have what it takes to be resilient. Somedays you discover that you are open to the possibilities that today might bring. Somedays you discover that no matter what today might have in store for you, you will focus on the positive and keep going. Somedays you discover that you will survive... regardless of how awful the present circumstances are!

This discovery, my friends, is what growth is all about. Neither is life is one happy moment after another, nor is life is not one happy moment away. Life is now! In this present moment. 

 

Self-Worth

Everyone desires to feel wanted. Everyone at some point in their lives wants to be the center of the universe. Is it so wrong then to crave for attention from the people you care about? The very people who take your existence for granted? Is it selfish to think about what you want for a change instead of what the whole world and its brother want?

Today as I feel restless pondering over these questions, the Hindi movie "English Vinglish" comes to my mind. The protagonist is a 45-50 something-year-old lady who is taken for granted and belittled by everyone she cares about - her children, her husband, her mother-in-law to name a few. She is a successful small home-based business owner. Despite her success as a businesswoman, her desires, her joys, her accomplishments are continually overlooked by her near and dear ones. Her break comes when she gets a chance to go to the USA without her family. Although petrified at first due to her limitations at speaking English, she manages to overcome her fear, develop confidence, and learn and grow in the process.

For that matter, even the Hindi movie "Queen" has a very similar message. When the lady knew that she was enough, she was strong and she was more than capable of handling any situations, the others around her automatically looked at her with a renewed sense of respect.

It is not always the world around you that needs to change, sometimes it is your own viewpoint, your own feelings, or your own thoughts that need to change. Like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "Pain is inevitable, but suffering remains optional". Unless you tap into your inner consciousness, you never really understand who you are and what you want from life.

I understand, loved one, there are days when your self worth is at an all-time low. Or when you are plagued with loneliness and misery. We have all been there. Rather than revel in your misery, I suggest, taking a mindful pause and asking yourself,

Is there another side to this story?
Is there another way I can think of this situation?
Rather than being stuck here, in the present moment, are there other options for me to move forward?

Chances are, as you course-correct your thoughts, your mindset changes, and the world changes with you. 

A little clarity

Clear your mind they say. Like a transparent river that reveals the rocks and life underneath. But is it so simple to keep your thoughts aside and focus on the present? What if the present isn't so pretty? Or the thoughts are stuck on your mind like a stubborn glue? What if you are gasping for breath and there is no help in sight? What do you do then?

#1 - Get help! Get support! Talk to someone - either a professional or someone you know who will pep up your spirits with rational positive thoughts.

Most people are used to believing that getting anyone's help or support will make them appear spineless or weak. We live in a society that prides itself on being self-reliant. While supreme dependency on another individual is never a welcome trait, asking for help when you are struggling to hold yourself together isn't a sign of weakness either. According to entrepreneur and author Sue Hollis, "It takes courage to be vulnerable. Your ability to ask for help is a gift — people treasure the chance to come to your assistance. It helps them feel valued and needed.".

In fact, it may not be a bad idea to talk to your doctor to check for underlying health issues. Our body, mind, and breath are all interconnected and influence each other. So if you feel like you are thrown in the deep end, consult your doctor. 

#2 - Have compassion for yourself

It is not unusual to playback the worst-case scenarios in our minds whenever we are stressed or anxious. It is not uncommon to fret about the past and worry about the future. Just knowing that thoughts are not permanent, thoughts are not facts, and most importantly thoughts are not orders or signs from divinity, is crucial. Thoughts are just thoughts. They are endless, non-tangible, and not real. They exist only in our internal world. The sooner we get a grip on this reality, the more liberated our minds become.

#3 - Introspect

Self-awareness and self-acceptance help us understand our uniqueness. It prevents us from being hard on ourselves. It helps us develop healthy relationships. This does not mean one can run amock with bad behavior and hope for peace with self-acceptance. Kindness, compassion, empathy, and patience are never out of fashion. Self-reflection simply helps us pause, course-correct our mistakes, and act responsibly.

#4 - Meditate

Who doesn't want to feel inner joy and peace? It is vital for every human being to be at peace with himself/herself - even if there is chaos around. Some people are afraid to be alone with their thoughts. So they constantly keep distracting themselves with busy work and mindless activities. Heedless of the fact that it does little to free their minds of the pesky thoughts. In fact, they run a risk of being emotionally and physically burned out.

What if there is a way to confront your fear instead of running away from it? What if we are able to build such a degree of emotional resilience that we are okay with fear? Who wouldn't want that? A little practice of meditation in your daily routine goes a long way. Meditation does not solve your problems. According to the Art of Living Institute, meditation clears your mind of junk, gives you inner strength, and a clearer perspective to look at your problems objectively. It helps calm your mind, organize your thoughts, and tackle your issues with confidence.

#5 - Pray

Pray to whichever god, universal superpower, divinity you have faith in! Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "Prayer is a natural call for help or natural expression of gratefulness." Prayers have the power to heal our minds and souls. Prayers have the power to make us feel centered and grounded. Most importantly, prayers have the power to make us feel like there is a constant companion walking by our side. Once again, there is a fine line between faith and superstitiousness. Superstitiousness begets fear and doubt, whereas faith makes you stronger and connected with the universe.

To conclude, like I have often said in the past, life is a roller coaster. Where there is joy, sunshine, happiness, and peace, there will also be sadness, pain, grief, storms along the way. It is how one handles the uncomfortable emotions that will determine how colorful, rich, and vibrant their life's journey will be. So dear friend, do not give up hope. Help is always on the way...

Watermark Conference: Keynote Speaker Indra Nooyi

Attending conferences is like getting a shot in the arm or better yet, visiting a spa! Not only do you get a break from your daily grind, but it also rejuvenates and refreshes you! It opens your mind to possibilities that you never thought existed. Often times, you start looking at the world with a different lens, a fresher perspective. It puts you out of your comfort zone, makes you exert yourself to put yourself out there.

When I got an opportunity to represent my company at the Watermark Women's Leadership Conference this year, I was beyond thrilled. I knew I was going to be in for a treat when I saw the keynote speaker's name in brochure, Ex-CEO of Pepsico, Indra Nooyi.

Indra Nooyi stressed the fact that it was harder for women to rise up to the top of the food chain because they were natural caregivers. Looking after the home, children, sick, elderly, etc. It does not make them the weaker sex! Au contraire, it makes them multi-taskers! She pointed out that statistically across the United States, although more women have higher degrees than men, data show that 45 percent of corporate workers are women but only 11 percent are top earners and only 5 percent are CEOs! She emphasized that in the era of rapid transformation, it was important to retain the women in the workforce, especially since the millennial and post-millennial workforce is made up of highly, often better-qualified women. The onus of providing a solution, like subsidized childcare, better working conditions for women, lay with "us", as an institution, a government or as a community in general.

That is precisely why I believe, it is important to have women in positions of influence like the government where they can be policy-makers or topline of the company, as decision-makers, or community leaders. She cited Quebec as an example of a significantly increased GDP after the childcare program was instituted.

Needless to say, I was inspired and impressed with her candor and passion!

Basbousa or Semolina Cake or Ravyacha Cake

I simply love mangoes! When ripe, a mango is juicy, sweet, dense and simply delicious! More so, mangoes are a low-calorie food, rich in fiber, vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants. My happiest childhood memories are eating this sweet and delicious fruit to my heart's content. So what now if I don't get to eat the same variety of mango that I relished as a child. Over the years, I have come to enjoy the local variety as well. For me, mango is and has always been the undisputed king of all fruits.

This past weekend, I got to use mangoes in one of my cake recipes and I was thrilled at the outcome! Here's my take on the Mango Semolina Cake or as my Mom would call it,  Amba-Ravyacha Cake...

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cup fine semolina (rava)
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup coconut oil or desi ghee
1/4 cup yogurt
3/4-1 cup mango pulp
3/4 cup sugar (adjust sweetness as per the sweetness of mango)
1/4 cup warm milk (or as needed)
1 tsp cardamom powder
 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Chopped nuts (Almonds, Pistachios, Raisins, etc..)

For sugar syrup
1-1/2 Tbsp sugar
3/4 cup water
1/4 tsp rose water
Kesar strands




Method:
1) Whip sugar and coconut oil or ghee in a large bowl until the sugar melts in the fat.
2) Add rava, coconut & cardamom
3) Add yogurt, mango pulp, and mix. Add little warm milk, if necessary to make the batter to a dropping consistency. Keep aside for 30 mins.
4) After 30 mins, when the rava soaks in the mixture, add a little more warm milk to get the batter again to a dropping consistency.
5) Add baking powder, baking soda, and chopped nuts. Stir in carefully. Do not overmix at this stage.
6) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8-inch cake pan and line with parchment paper. Grease again and dust lightly with flour.
7) Pour batter into the cake pan and smooth the top with a knife
8) Bake in the center oven for 40-45 mins until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9) Cool the cake on a wire rack.
10) In the meantime, prepare simple sugar syrup (like gulab jam pak) by placing sugar and water in a pan and boiling on the stove top. After the sugar water mixture has become syrupy (like gulab jam pak), remove from stove & add kesar and rose water.
11) Soak the top of the cake with rose & kesar flavored syrup. Add chopped nuts for decoration and leave aside for 30 mins.
12) Enjoy!

A little whimsy...

It all began on an early Sunday morning when I dreamed of eating a decadent chocolate cake. My dream felt so real that my mouth was salivating by the time I got out of bed. My craving was so intense by the time I had my tea that I had to eat a chocolate cake for breakfast. Nothing else would do... Oh yeah, I am one of those crazy ones.

So I threw on my apron and looked around for recipes. All of the usual recipes were dessert cakes. As I did not want anything heavy (and too sweet) to start off my day, I pulled out my banana bread recipe and made a few clever substitutions. Voila! It turned out to be just what I wanted - a perfect chocolately fix to satisfy my craving. Plus, it was clean eating friendly and fewer calories than your regular good old-fashioned chocolate cake.

Eggless Chocolate-Date-Walnut Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup white wheat flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1-1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1-1/2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water [or use 1 egg]
14 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup date paste
1-1/2 tsp liquid vanilla flavored stevia
1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
1/4 cup Greek Yogurt (can use almond milk yogurt alternative)
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp vinegar
2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting:
2-1/2 heaped Tbsp. Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips
Splash of unsweetened almond milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
6-7 drops liquid vanilla stevia

Method:

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease, flour and prepare an 8-inch round cake pan.

2) In a bowl mix flax meal and water. Allow it to sit for 2 mins. In the meanwhile blend almond milk date paste and greek yogurt together to form a smoothie like texture.

3) Whisk oil, flax meal paste and date smoothie in a bowl. Stir in vanilla essence and liquid stevia.

4) Sift and incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, taking care not to over mix the mixture.

5) Add vinegar and chopped walnuts. Carefully fold it into the batter.

6) Bake for 45 mins or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7) Completely cool the cake before frosting. To prepare frosting, melt chocolate chips with a splash of milk over a double boiler on the stove or microwave for 30 seconds. Stir in vanilla essence and vanilla flavored stevia to form to smooth mixture.

8) Spread out the chocolate frosting over the top of the cake.

Enjoy!