I remember those childhood days as if they happened yesterday, so full of life and each festival would bring so many amazing memories and those moments are so deeprooted in my heart that I can never forget when you think what you have missed by growing up, it makes me feel sad. But I think that’s a phase everyone goes through and accept it . The best part is being with family n friends on a festival day.

I remember dad used to wake us up ( if we ever slept with all that excitement) early in the morning and give us our presents which were mainly amazing books as we all love books and then off we go to have a quick shower and put our new clothes and get ready by 8 in the morning as dad’s colleagues n friends start coming to wish us on a Christmas morning.

In India, its so different and so full of life on a Christmas day, everyone we know would come and wish us and our doors are always open till midnight when we are completely knackered. Mom would be busy plating up those yummy snacks and her famous sponge cake which my dads friends get to have only on a christmas day and the other that they love is my sister’s amazing chai which would be flowing throughout the day.

My dad used to make our Christmas lunch which is coconut milk rice and country chicken( free range or organic) with other different dishes.

Other dishes are often made at other celebrations but coconut rice is something we have only at christmas time.

A family tradition which I still love to follow.

New things n new life but old traditions remain the same and I know for sure how my little one will be growing up.

For me christmas brings a lot of amazing memories which I cherish and noel gets to hear from me all the time. The fun at school Christmas drama, decorating the Christmas tree, sorting those bubbles and decorations, fighting with little bro to put a star on the tree and one in the front garden.

After I came over to UK, we managed to visit

India for every Christmas but for past couple of years we did go but not in December.

I get quite depressed when I see people going crazy on streets, boozing and some say why does Christmas fall on 25^th, why can’t it be any other day?

The real essence is gone or taken over by more materliastic things and no wonder why my colleagues get stressed out about Christmas. Christmas is about giving and receiving, enjoying with family. I miss those amazing times we had at home with mom n dad, bro and sisters.

Before if get carried away with my thoughts, I will send my feast to Meeta for her Momentous Monthly Mingle!!

Here is the recipe;

Coconut milk: 1 large cup( freshly made from 1 coconut or a coconut milk tin)
Cashewnuts: handful
Cinnamon stick: 1 inch
Cloves: 2
Cardemon: 2
Basmati Rice: 2 cups
Star anise: 1
Saffron: few strands
Sunflower oil: 1 tbsp
turmeric: 1 tsp

Take a saucepan and add 1 tbsp of oil.
Add cardemons, cloves, cinammon, star anise and cashwenuts and fry for 2 minutes.
Add rice and fry for another 2 minutes.
Add coconut milk + water in a ratio of 1:1:1( 1 rice + 1 coconutmilk+1 water).
Add salt, saffron and turmeric and mix well.
Simmer and it will take around 20 minutes to cook. Garnish with coriander on the top and serve with traditional chicken curry

.