Ras Malai - Sweet Milk Dessert with Dumplings

He didn't look nervous. There was a certain untouchable calm on his face that didn't match my own trembling self. My mom invited them inside the house, had them seated,  he and his mom. I peeked though the little opening in the kitchen outwards to the hall. I wondered why his calmness should surprise me. Hasn't he always been that way - calm, composed and confident.

Momentarily my eyes drifted from his face to the freshly fried samosa, that were being picked out of the kadai (wok) by my sister, arranged religiously onto the platter, neatly aligned, triangular crisp garam masala scented pastry. Should I eat one? I contemplated and decided against it. The flaky pastry might get stuck in my teeth I feared. My younger sister, went looking in the pantry for vintage tea saucers, that only came out for special guests. Oddly, the golden rim and dainty floral design with blushing rose pink roses matched my own dress.

Zarda - Sweet Saffron Rice - Guest Post for Shayma of The Spice Spoon

In blogging world like in real life, ups and downs are as permanent as they can be. Shayma Saadat from the blog - The Spice Spoon, is one friend who has supported me from the beginning and never failed to encourage and brighten my day with her generosity and friendship. She brings her multi cultural roots from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran into a beautifully written memoir style food blog, which has recently made it to the list of  top 50 food websites by The Independent, UK.