I moved from room to room, swishing the duster over the furniture absentmindedly. I couldn’t apply myself to anything since the tragedy. But I knew I had to pull together for the sake of my own sanity and the welfare of my children. Inadvertently, my gaze fell on my reflection in the mirror. “My God!” I sighed, “I can’t even …

Flanders is an exquisite tourist destination. It is a confluence of the better parts of Europe – rich in heritage, steeped in culture, starkly modern and astonishingly trendy. Boasting of some of the finest destinations that can be explored on a cycle, on foot or along the motorway at a leisurely pace, Flanders has the best of Europe’s charm, fine …

It was 10.45 in the night when she called to tell me she was committing suicide. She had already called her friends to say goodbye.She did not know me; she’d only called because she promised her best friend she would. The details of my Single Mom Meets appear in the newspapers with my contact number, which her friend had jotted …

“The 22-year-old is the youngest Indian woman to have qualified for the Ladies European Tour. Having raised the bar for Women’s Golf in the country Indo-French golfer Sharmila Nicollet speaks to Vashti Woman about her life, her game and what it takes to be a Number One golfer.” Interview by Archana Shenoy Sharmila Nicollet cuts a striking figure on the …

Ghee Muruku Makes about 35 murukus  This sweet muruku is unique to Pondicherry. It is crispy and slightly sugar-coated. The Christian community of Pondicherry and Karaikal make this muruku for Christmas. Ingredients  6 cups raw rice 3 cups green gram 1 coconut, to extract 2 cups thick coconut milk 1. tsp salt 150 gm butter 2 cups sugar, pounded 1. …

Rice Cooked With Sugar And Coconut Milk  Serves 8 to 10  Ingredients  4 tbsp ghee 100 gm cashew nuts 100 gm raisins 2 coconuts, to extract 2 cups of thick coconut milk and 12 cups of second and third coconut milk 1 tsp salt 1 kg raw rice, new harvest 3 cups sugar 15 cardamoms, crushed Method  In a pan, …

Tomato Rasam  Serves 6  This is the way rasam is made in many homes in Pondicherry and Karaikal. My family particularly enjoys it at the end of a rich, non-vegetarian meal. Ingredients  3 big tomatoes, crushed 1 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped 1 tsp tamarind pulp 2. cups water Salt to taste . tbsp oil . tsp mustard seeds 2 …

Shark Fricassé Serves 6  This sura puttu is a well-known specialty in Pondicherry and Karaikal. Shark cooked this way is delicious, and is given to nursing mothers and patients as it is wholesome. Ingredients . coconut, grated . kg shark, cut into big pieces 2 tsp turmeric powder 1 cup water 3 tbsp oil 6 big onions, finely sliced 6 …

Prawns Soup With Greens Serves 6  Tanni saar is a simple saar or soup, that is light and wholesome. It is believed to cool the system. Ingredients  . tbsp oil 2 onions, finely sliced 4 or 5 green chillies, slit 5 or 6 garlic cloves, crushed 1 or 2 big tomatoes, finely chopped 1 bunch spinach or any other greens …

Sweet Tomato Chutney Takaali Titipu Sweet Tomato Chutney Serves 6  This sweet tomato chutney is unique to Pondicherry and Karaikal and is best had with lamb or chicken biryani. This chutney keeps well for a few days. Ingredients  2 tbsp ghee 80 gm cashew nuts cut in small pieces 80 gm raisins 1 kg tomatoes, a little on the raw …