Veena
Its funny how you transform from a teenager without much of an identity to an adult with so many roles!
In any given day I’m a mother, a wife, a teacher, a student, a scientist and a wannabe cook. The latter being my fallback plan, if the whole science thing doesn’t work for me.
How long have you been a Daring Baker/Daring Cook and what’s your favorite thing about being in the group(s) so far?
Just for a couple of months now. I love the fact that DB is so full of support and positive reinforcement.
What’s your favorite kitchen gadget? How about your favorite kitchen appliance?
The pasta maker attachment of my Kitchenaid stand mixer has to be my favorite gadget. As for my favorite appliance, it has to be my gigantic tongs—my savior against many a burn 
Are you known for making a certain dish or dessert? If so, what is it?
My sister loves my blueberry tart, which if you k now my sister is quite a tall order. My lamb tagine has also won quite a few compliments
Is there any recipe and/or technique that we haven’t covered yet that you’d really like to make/learn?
I don’t know if you’ve ever covered it but I really really want to know how to make the lattice as seen in some pies.
You’ve just won $5000.00!!! What would you spend it on?
I’d spend it on another family trip to Paris. Love, love, LOVE that city!
What is the ultimate comfort food to you?
A bowl of rice drowned in my mother’s Dal with a spicy chunk of her famous pickled salmon.
Which season (Winter, Summer, Spring, Fall) is your favorite.. why?
Summer! I can pick vegetables from my garden and don’t have to fight my son to get the clothing layers on.
Other than cooking and/or baking.. what hobbies do you enjoy?
Keeping fit. Its all about the balance, right?
How long have you been blogging? Do you like it? What’s your favorite post you’ve written?
About 3 years now. I do like it, my family and friends usually ask for recipes and a web address is always convenient. I don’t ever go back to read my posts (except for the recipe parts of course) but I like the one about my grandmother’s fish curry. Only because I love my grandmother and her memories are all I have.
What’s your favorite cookbook for desserts/baking? What’s your favorite cookbook for savory/cooking?
For cakes, its Warren Brown’s “Cake Love”, if you haven’t had their cupcakes you really are missing out. For savory and really most else I love Molly’s blog Orangette.
Is there one food that you seriously dislike/hate? If so, which is it and why?
I don’t like to label anything as completely hate-worthy because a lot depends on the preparation but it takes a lot of deep frying to get me to mouth this funky Indian vegetable called the (very appropriately named) bitter gourd.
What’s your favorite flower and/or plant?
Tulips and jasmine.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant? If so, why is it your favorite and what kind of food is served there?
Shirley’s has the best brunch in Baltimore. Their white chocolate and raspberry Belgian waffles are to die for—crispy on the outside, cakey in the middle, milky sweetness from the chocolate and the slight sour twang from the berries.
Who taught you how to cook and/or bake?
My mother.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving—its about family, food without the stress of last minute shopping.
Reading any good books lately? Which ones?!
Rohinton Mistry’s “ A fine balance”, a bit depressing but an eye opener.
You’ve had a rough week. How do you relax after a rough week?
A nice early dinner followed by popcorn and a movie in bed (eating in bed is a no-no but hey it was a rough week!).
Where is your favorite vacation (holiday) destination?
PARIS.
What is your favorite cooking/food related magazine? Why?
Saveur, the perfect blend of my biggest passions, food and travel.
Do you have a food addiction?
Where do I begin?
What did you eat for dinner last night? Did you prepare it or someone else?
My mom’s Butter chicken and vegetable pulav followed by my sisters mint chocolate brownie.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Nutella sandwiches.
What kind of colors do you like? Pastels? Earth tones? Brights? Neons? Etc.
All kinds.
If you had the choice of a free kitchen, bathroom, living room or bedroom makeover – which would you choose and why?
My 6 by 3 feet kitchen could sure use some remodeling!
Do you watch any competitive cooking shows? Like Top Chef or Hell’s Kitchen? If so, which is your favorite and why?
FN’s Iron Chef and Chopped.
What’s your favorite “sweet” spice? How about your favorite “savory” spice?
Cardamom has to be my sweet spice of choice. And chilli powder my savory spice.
What’s your favorite herb to cook or bake with? Do you prefer fresh or dried?
Fresh Thyme.
Is there one recipe on your blog that you would like to share with us? If so, leave the link here.
Do you have a time saving kitchen tip you’d like to share with us?
Pop washed left over herbs like cilantro, basil and parsley in Ziploc bags and throw them in the freezer. That way you always have a ready supply.
