Before we begin, a quick note. If you enjoy foodie romcoms filled with love, longing & delicious chaos, you may like my novel Oops My Heart Did a Somersault here https://www.authoravirupabasu.com/ Writer’s block hit me hard this morning . I had to finish an article, but my head was blocked. The words didn't flow. My eyes hurt badly from the blue rays coming off my laptop, and I was hungry as I had skipped breakfast. Initially, I thought I would opt for eggs but I decided I

I love making homemade chocolates. They're easy to make, and they taste so good! I've been doing this for years, and adding different flavors to your basic chocolate recipe is a great way to keep things interesting. But sometimes, it's nice to have one type of chocolate chip cookie or candy bar on hand for when friends come over or when family get-togethers occur. Hence, there's plenty left over if anyone else wants some later down the line (hint: they will)

My boyfriend had demanded to eat risotto for dinner, and I was super frustrated. I have always been a quick cook, and I was pretty angry that risotto demanded such rapt attention. Add broth. Stir. Add broth again. Stir. My impatience ruined it. The rice was overcooked and greasy. And my boyfriend had to order in from Zomato, as I lay on the sofa wailing. That experience of a nightmare made me stubborn. I had to prove that I could whip up a perfect risotto by myself

I made a plan to cook apricot chicken for my pals as a surprise during the summer. But as dinnertime drew near, I realized I'd neglected to pick up apricot preserves. In a fit of panic, I decided to use a jar of apricot jam as a stand-in. I anxiously made the dish, unsure if it would turn out. To my astonishment, the impromptu apricot jam's sweet and sour flavors harmoniously matched the delicate chicken. The joy on my friends' faces was contagious, and the evening became a t

This week, I decided to turn to my maternal grandmother's recipe diary for inspiration. I have never liked fish, except when it was her maacher jhol, aka fish curry. In our family, this dish represented togetherness, tradition, and love. Everyone would congregate in the kitchen every Sunday for a family dinner as the enticing aroma of this fish curry filled the house. I think this is precisely why I love food. It brings us together. It brings us closer together. And it lea

There is something mystical about the air being filled with the scent of spices, hearing onions crackle in a hot skillet, and anticipating a scrumptious curry. We set out on a culinary journey today to explore the heavenly flavors of Bengali Lamb Curry. Because it conjures up warm feelings and my Bengali roots, this traditional recipe has a particular place in my heart. There is something about Indian cooking...it warms the heart and lights the soul

One chilly afternoon, I stumbled upon a delightful recipe for chocolate tea while browsing through my favorite food blog. As a chocolate lover, I was intrigued by the idea of blending my two passions. I gathered the ingredients—rich cocoa powder, a dash of vanilla, and my favorite black tea. As the aroma wafted through my kitchen, I felt a wave of nostalgia, reminiscent of cozy evenings spent with my grandmother, sipping hot chocolate

I’ve always believed chocolate can fix everything. One rainy afternoon, I decided to try making chocolate mousse for the first time. With just a few basic ingredients—dark chocolate, eggs, sugar, and cream—I was amazed at how quickly it came together. As I whisked the mixture, the rich aroma filled my kitchen, lifting my spirits instantly. Once chilled, I took my first spoonful, and it was pure bliss! The smooth, velvety texture melted in my mouth, making all my worries fade

 I didn’t think vegan ice cream could taste like the real thing until I tried this recipe my cousin gave me. Initially, I was skeptical; the idea of ice cream without milk or cream seemed impossible. However, my curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to give it a shot

I never liked mushrooms. They felt slimy, earthy, and inedible to me. But it changed when I tried stuffed mushrooms at a restaurant. Stuffed with onion, parsley, bread and vegan cheese, those little mushrooms won me completely. I understood that mushrooms weren’t the problem. What mattered was how they were cooked. Now, stuffed mushrooms are one of my favorite dishes to eat

Most people roll their eyes at “vegan cold coffee.” I roll mine back, sip my creamy delight, and take pride in my environment-friendly diet. One hot summer afternoon, I decided to experiment with almond milk and a splash of coconut cream, blending it all with a shot of espresso. The result was a velvety, refreshing drink that felt indulgent without the guilt. I remember sharing it with friends who were skeptical at first. Their expressions changed with each sip, and soon the

I have to confess that I love cheese too much. And my pasta feels bland without a generous topping of grated Grana Padano. But as I tossed the noodles with bright tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs today, I feel like a fool for not trying the vegan style before

Most people love orange juice. However, there are also a few who just peel and eat oranges quietly without a fuss. Me? Well, I am quite complicated. I make orange vegan cake because I hate to settle for simple eating when I have flour, vegan butter, and sugar to elevate the citrusy tang! One sunny afternoon, I decided to experiment with a new recipe, combining zesty orange zest and a hint of almond