53. Five Recipes to try this Diwali

in the pursuit of | Diwali

How does an Indian, ex-pat-South-African celebrate Diwali in Australia? That’s exactly the question SBS TV invited me to answer – I was fortunate enough to be asked to write an article for them, as well as contribute a few of mum’s famous Diwali recipes for their extensive Food section! You can imagine how excited I was at the prospect of being a proper, published writer — and even moreso when they invited us along to the photoshoot! We spent the day watching the expert team behind the scenes, preparing our recipes and setting up the shoot.

in the pursuit of | Diwali photoshoots

The photoshoot for my article and recipes was in a large kitchen/studio space.

You can see the final product on their website. Read my article here, learn more about the legend and celebration behind Diwali, and try out the secret “Singh Family Recipes” that mum and I shared with them:

  • Carrot & Sweetcorn Bakro – a vegetarian slice that will blow you away.
  • Bara – delicious, deep-fried lentil canapes that will satisfy vegetarians and carnivores alike.
  • Chana Magaj – a buttery, biscuit-like slice, textured and caramelised, served best with a cup of masala chai.
  • Gulab Jamboos – doughnut-like dumplings coated in sugar syrup, a cousin of the Indian Gulab Jamun.

And, for one of my absolute favourite sweets of all time,

… read more below.

in the pursuit of | Diwali photoshoots

Our talented photographer Alan, Mum and I, and our brilliant chef Nick in the background.

Continue reading

52. A Honeymooner’s Guide to the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi.

Just let that sink in. Amalfi; the word itself evokes an excitement that comes only with the anticipation of a glamorous, coastal holiday. Close your eyes and imagine the expanse of blue ocean, sparkling under craggy cliffs that act as ancient diving boards. You can practically feel the breeze caress the back of your neck, sending tremours through your body until the tiny, sea-salt crusted hairs on your arms raise in salute.

Yes, it truly is the most magical place in the world. No wonder so many people speak of it as the perfect honeymoon destination – and for us, it quite literally was. We spent four days on the Amalfi Coast during our honeymoon in September 2012. Smack bang in the middle of shoulder season, we enjoyed cheaper prices while the Mediterranean sun was still sultry enough to wear little summer dresses and big holiday sunglasses.

What I’ve described below are the places and experiences that made it so special for us – as well as our top tips to ensure you create your own, perfect Amalfi story. Enjoy!

in the pursuit of | Amalfi Continue reading

50. Unveiled: Christian Rome’s Ancient Pagan Roots

Rome has long been the center of the Christian church, but before that, it was a pulsating hub of pagan worship. The few temples and relics that were spared from Christian marauders were must-visits for our trip to Rome: the Temple of Vesta, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

in the pursuit of | The Trevi Fountain

The ancient, pagan Roman deity “Ocean” is the centerpiece for the Trevi Fountain.

Continue reading

49. An Agnostic’s Guide to the Vatican

I’m not a deeply religious person. I know that there is definitely something out there, but I don’t have a name for it. At the very least, I celebrate the Hindu festivals that my parents taught me as a child, and will pass on the traditions and legends to my children, but I don’t feel any inherent fear of an invisible deity, nor do I believe in any Christian denomination mythology.

All the same, I found myself at the center of Christian Religion, at the Vatican City in Rome. My husband and I were dubious about going at first – with only two days in Rome we were strapped for time (we had originally planned for three days, but after giving Florence a second chance, and then an extended adventure through Tuscany, we sadly ended up losing a day in Rome). But I’m glad we spared a morning for the Vatican. If you – as an Agnostic, Athiest, or Non-Christian – can ignore the mundane collection of repetitive Christian art, there is enough on offer to intrigue even the most staunch of heathens!

in the pursuit of | Vatican City
Continue reading

48. The John Keats Memorial in Rome

We hadn’t planned on visiting the Keats-Shelley Memorial House. In fact, it was a complete accident that we stumbled upon it as we approached the Spanish Steps (where every other tourist in Rome seemed to be going that day!). Housing a treasure greater than a pile of old stones, I couldn’t believe my luck when I first saw the sign hanging next to the great steps. Even my husband, dubious at this underwhelming entrance I was pulling him towards, squealing and smiling like I’d found the holy grail – yes, even he emerged from the building afterwards thankful and happy that we’d found this unassuming little gem.

in the pursuit of | Keats-Shelley Memorial House

The crowded Spanish Steps (left) may overshadow the Keats-Shelley Memorial (right) in physical presence, but I know which will stay with me for longer. It was also great being able to have the whole place to ourselves – a nice change from the throng of tourists.

Continue reading