Even though Square Meals was started as a combined effort,
we have not cooked anything together after the EgglessBlueberry Muffins made early last year. We have been wanting to do it again
and finally got a chance today. We cooked together… virtually! Standing in two
kitchens, about 350 miles apart, but brought closer by technology: we made rasgullas
via Skype. Funny, isn’t it?
Rasgullas have always intimidated us, and it has has been in
our 'must conquer' list until today. So when one of us (Aparna) found a blog
with an elaborate step by step procedure for making rasgullas, we did not want
to miss the opportunity. The explanation, along with the captivating photographs
gave us a glimmer of hope.
Diwali being around the corner, we decided to make it over
the weekend, right on time for the festival of lights.
We started out in the morning, making the paneer and hanging
it for the whey to drip completely. After a few hours, we took it up from where
we had left off and continued with the procedure. Both of us were still a
little apprehensive about how it would turn out and it was only after our first
two sample pieces came out spongy and gorgeous looking, that we gained the
confidence to keep going. The sight of the fluffy white balls swimming in sugar
syrup was absolutely drool worthy and the final verdict came when both the
husbands tasted one from the first batch and said 'It is gooood'.
Taking a little detour from our excitement, we would like to
introduce you to a wonderful organization called Maitri. I (Gomathi) have been
a volunteer at Maitri for the last four months. Maitri is a non-profit organization
that helps women fight domestic violence, in the Bay Area. Being a
part of this organization has enriched my outlook towards life. Aparna and I
would like to request all of you to support this noble cause.
There are multiple ways to show your support:
- Become a volunteer at Maitri
- Like and share their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/maitribayarea
- Add their website's URL and hotline number to your email as a signature line http://www.maitri.org/ 1.888.8.MAITRI
- Help spread awareness
A tiny gesture from your side can be a big help to Maitri
and to the numerous victims they care for.
Finally, we would love to thank Soma of e Curry
for her wonderful recipe and we wish her, her family, and all our readers a
Very Happy Diwali!
