Last Sunday was National Ice Cream Day??

Can you name all the flavors?? Answers below.  

I didn't know that! Don't fret all, I celebrated it today when I stopped at my local grocer and bought myself two pints of Haagen Dazs ice cream: Coffee and Rum Raisin. I couldn't let this holiday go by unnoticed. 

Did you know that the National Ice Cream Day and Month were designated by President Ronald Reagan? I didn't. I thought it was one of those holidays made up by yet another company trying to sell something. According to IDFA, President Reagan recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by 90% of the nation's population. 

My question is what happened to the other 10%? Who doesn't like ice cream? 

In President Reagan's proclamation of creating this National Ice Cream Day, he called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities." Don't worry Mr. Past President, we will! 

From top to bottom, here are all the flavors: Mint Chocolate Chip, Macadamia Nut, Cherries & Vanilla on top of coffee & Espresso chip ice cream, Mango kulfi (Indian ice cream), Mint, Tutti Fruti (Indian ice cream), cookies and cream and coconut.  

There's still time for you to celebrate National Ice Cream Month - it's only July 28th! What are you waiting, go grab some ice cream!! 

A Super Moonlit Dinner with the Family

My grandmum and me! 

Last Saturday my parents, grandmum and I drove down to Liberty State Park to catch a glimpse of the Super Moon. We could already see the Super Moon rising into the sky as we got onto Route 78 heading to the park and by the time we reached, it was bright orange in color and beautiful. We parked our car near the "Empty Sky" Memorial and walked over to the pier. 

We sat on nearby benches and enjoyed a SUPER MOONLIT dinner with Paneer Kati Rolls that we purchased from Hot Breads in Parsippany on the way to the park. Good thinking on my parents part! 

Paneer Kati Rolls, oh so yum!

After dinner, we walked along the pier enjoying the New York City view. We could even see fireworks in the distance but not sure in which town. Maybe Staten Island?  It's moments like these that you will cherish forever...moments spent with your family. I had a great time and can't wait for the next SUPER MOON...

***We love kati rolls because they are easy to eat and enjoy. You can make them at home as well. Click here to check out our recipe. 

Did you catch a glimpse of the Super Moon? We would love to hear about it. Please feel free to share your experience with us in the comment box below. 

Vangi Bhath - More Than One Way to Eat Rice!

You know what the Chinese and the Indians have in common? RICE!! It's our STAPLE food. We eat it with everything. 

We Indians ESPECIALLY LOVE mixing it with SPICES and VEGETABLES to make it more flavorful and different. The spices make the STAPLE food more interesting to eat. 

Here's a signature rice dish from Karnataka (a state in Southwest of India) called Vangi Bhath. It's made with a special blend of spices called Vangi Bhath spice powder (which include coriander, black gram dal, cumin, red chili, Fenugreek, cloves, and cinnamon), eggplant or brinjal, curry leaves, peas, cashews, mustard seeds and of course, plain white rice. 

I love eating Vangi Bhath with a little bit of YOGURT!

Quick Tips:

- To make the rice dish, simply follow instructions on the back of the spice powder packet. 

- These packets are available at most Indian grocery stores such as Subzi Mandi or Patel Brothers.