Christmas sights and sounds

Takashimaya

The last week of December is usually my favorite time of the year. It is the holiday season and generally involves having friends over, catching up with relatives, getting invited to parties, ridiculous overeating, shopping and taking in the glorious Christmas sights.

Singapore is beautiful during Christmas. Although it is sad that we can never have a white Christmas, the perpetually "green" Christmas makes it possible for us to go out wherever and whenever we want without any of the hassles associated with winter 😄

My thoughts on the Harry Potter books

Source: eBay.com.sg

I am one of the biggest fans of the genius that is J. K. Rowling. I have been an avid follower of the Harry Potter series ever since I was a teenager. The series went on to become a worldwide phenomenon and I for one couldn't be happier. 

Have I read and re-read the books and am aware of even the minutest details? But of course. Have I watched and re-watched all the movies based on the novels? Obviously. Have I secretly hoped for a letter for Hogwarts with my name on it? Yes I have. Have I taken the Harry Potter Quiz? Of course I have (potential Ravenclaw over here). Do I imagine what butterbeer tastes like? Sure I do! 

I get personally offended when anyone disses Harry Potter. It can't be just me right? What flummoxes me the most is when people say that they found the book "boring" (seriously? 😲) or that they are too "old" to read the books and that it is a series is meant for kids. I just can't help but roll my eyes in exasperation. These books ceased to be specifically for children halfway through the series; by Goblet of Fire, Rowling was writing for everyone. 

In my opinion, grown ups who love the Harry Potter books are people who are able to appreciate good writing and have a sense of humour. I get that the fantasy genre isn't everyone's cup of tea but I can't help but feel sorry for anyone who considers it uninteresting or worse, don't even give it a fair chance. It is almost impossible to ignore the abundance of creativity, imagination and wit that are a trademark of every single book in the series. Rowling is an incredibly gifted storyteller and the magic that she has woven into all her books seems to emanate from them leaving a spellbinding effect on the world. What amazes me is how much thought has been put into the books. The multilayered plot, magical jargon, the history of Hogwarts, the lineage of magical families, magical abilities, complex spells, dark arts, magical creatures, plants and objects - I can go on and on. Even if certain loopholes have been spotted and questions raised, credit must be given where it is due. 

Recipe of the month - Karnataka speciality: Akki rotti

Akki rotti is my favourite breakfast dish period. There is nothing I enjoy more apart from these delicious rice-based pancakes that are a popular speciality of my home state of Karnataka in South India. My maternal grandmother makes the best akki rottis and every time she is around, we get her to make them for us. Amma makes yummy rottis too and she makes it a point to prepare some for me when I'm home. Over the years, I have heard of different methods and techniques of making this dish from different sources and I had even tried a couple of them to varying degrees of success. This recipe works the best for me so I've faithfully stuck to it.

Akki rotti is made out of rice flour which is made into a dough along with water, yoghurt, grated coconut, chopped onions, green chillies, cooked field beans (avarekalu), curry leaves, coriander leaves and dill (sabbasige soppu). However, there are several variations that can be made to the dough based on an individual's preferences (for example, I absolutely love the herb dill but my husband isn't such a fan or some people like grated carrot in the rottis whilst others don't). The dough is made into a ball and patted with wet palms over a greased laminated sheet or plantain leaf to resemble a thin pancake. This is then transferred to a hot tawa (pan). Sometimes the rotti is patted directly over the tawa. A small amount of oil/ghee is spread over it and the rottis are roasted until golden brown spots appear on both sides. It is best served hot along with a variety of chutneys and/or chutney pudi (spiced chutney powder).

In my household, akki rotti is one of the most popular breakfast requests for a weekend brunch (read: not only mine but also my hubby's favorite). Soft, crispy, flavorful, wholesome, gluten-free and vegan-friendly....this dish is crowd-pleaser which ever way you look at it!