The treasure trove that my mother sent to me today on WhatsApp. Right now we are in the midst of a lockdown in Bengaluru and all over India over the pandemic - COVID-19. While we read too many messages and posts around this topic that are quite the anxiety-inducing content, this was a much-needed message. While my great-grandmother and grandmother are exceptional cooks, my mother is a great one too, I am glad I can manage to cook well and a lot of variety.
Kadhi is one of my favourite dishes. Paati made it the best, then amma and while I make it every now and then, I don't quite get it right every time. Maybe next time I will follow her recipe word to word. It will still lack something as it is not made by her. The love and enthusiasm with which she would cook are unmatchable. Maybe I will try something soon.
This takes me back to my childhood and all the wonderful memories. I wish I had learned more from her. I wanted to learn knitting, sewing, cooking. The first 2 skills were not passed on to my dear mother. She did teach me some other things in life. You can be vulnerable and strong at the same time. You can be worried about everything and yet keep your worries from those around you and spread all the love and affection that you possibly can. Right now, I am reminiscent of how she was making bread bonda to sneak into the theatre to snack on while watching a movie. And she would be dressed up all neat and crisp, white glistening hair combed back neatly into a bun secured with a jooda net and pins. Bag packed with water and goodies, hurrying us around to get ready soon. She would not want to reach there after the advertisements started.
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