The HoH Holiday Giveaway!
When I started blogging a little over two years ago, little did I know how my life would change. These wonderful two years has brought me so much joy in ways I had’nt dreamt possible. It continues to be an enriching journey for me and I owe it most to all of my dedicated readers. As a big THANK YOU to all the wonderful readers of my blog and for all the people who send lovely e-mail my way, I’d like to do something special.
I have a few fabulous prizes up for grabs that I would really love for each of you to have. But as luck would have it, I have limited resources. So I leave it up to you to shake your dice and throw it my way. And what is it that’s up for grabs you ask? Well, look no further…
Books, Books & lots more Books!
Nigella Express has been generously donated by Knopf Canada, and the sweet Trish Magwood has donated a copy of Dish Entertains. The rest are all courtesy of me. If you know me well, you know how much I love books, so what better way to make you all feel special than by sending you my personal favourite reads!
And what kind of a spice lover would I be if I couldn’t sprinkle some flavour you way?
The Spice Depot has generously offered four prize hampers, with six spice bottles each. and what’s even better is that they’ve included my favourites, Garlic Pepper and Spicy Sea Salt in the collection! I know you’re not gonna wanna miss this one!!
Like any fun game where prizes are at stake, this one too has certain rules you’ll need to follow in order to increase you chances of winning! From now, until December 15th, which is this coming Saturday, all you have to do is drop me a comment telling me what you like about HoH, what you don’t, and what you would like to see in the months ahead. Be sure to leave your name and a vaild email address so that I can get back to you if you’ve been chosen at a winner. Anonymous and spam comments will be deleted. At the end of the week I will add all the names into a hat, or maybe a cookie jar, and pick out the 10 winning names. So come on people, what are you waiting for!
I wish you all a very happy and festive Holiday season!
December 11th, 2007 14:34
I love the recipes and your layout… your layout is awesome.
December 11th, 2007 14:52
Hi..you are such an inspiration..I too wish to start a food blog(hope you could give me some advice :-))..though I am not a great cook..just want to have a repository of recipes.
December 11th, 2007 15:02
Hi Meena
You have a very cheerful way of writing which is very endearing and each writeup to intorduce the recipe is as intersting as the recipe itself. Your website template is wonderful and you change it ever so often and save it from getting boring. The photos are awsome and mouthwatering. And the only recommendation I have for your blog is that you can make the cuisine more varied and post recipes from different states of india/world…so that your regular readers can also cook more variety of food at home
Good work.
December 11th, 2007 15:09
Hello Meena ! I have tried many of your recipes, and loved most of them. Your recipes are not usually very lengthy, they are quick, and indian styled, that is what i like the most. The theme of your blog is very sober, and inviting. You are doing a great job dear. What i suggest and ask you to do is.. continue posting Indian styled recipes of yours and keep blogging, always, regularly, like you have been for us all
December 11th, 2007 15:14
Heya! Well, as you probably know, I love your recipes, your photography, and the way your personality comes through in your writing. There’s nothing I don’t like! As for the months ahead, although I’m not one to talk, the only thing I could dream of asking for is for you to post more often.
December 11th, 2007 15:14
I have been a fan of your blog for as long as i can rememeber(even bought that alone with eggplant book after that post). Whats so unique about your blog? the pictures,the recipes,the layout,its the whole package. I read many other blogs,some excel in pictures,but then there is the whole sh-peel they give about the recipe,some are just traditional recipes and not so pretty pictures,some have nice pictures are short but layout sucks! Personally,i am a fast-lifestyle person,short and sweet is what i love and your blog just fits into this,with those tasty non-veg-quick-fix-recipes,oh-so-yum-soups and interesting interviews. So kudos!! keep up the good work and keep your blog UNIQUE as it is.
December 11th, 2007 16:58
Hey Meena,
I like that HoH is fun to read and has inspiring recipes and photography. On other blogs, I may jump over to the recipe skipping any writeup - but on HoH I always read the entire post because most often it has a funny anecdote or a fun memory attached or a story leading up to the recipe itself. Also, I love the posts on foodie scene in Canada and would like to see more on that in the future. HoH is not just about food, but entertainment in general.
December 11th, 2007 17:45
hi meena!
mad as it sounds i really was going to comment on your website today. i am going to take the plunge soon and start experimenting with some of your recipes. i did want to ask, how hot are these dishes in their use of chillis? i am not keen on burning hot foods, and just wondered exactly how hot the dishes you create are. if i want to recreate these dishes but wish to avoid hot chilli what can you suggest?
on a side note, this is a fantastic blog. it’s progressed amazingly over the last year and i’m very impressed. you should be proud!
December 11th, 2007 18:58
Hi Meena,
I stumbled upon your blog one day and found it very inspiring!! I loved the unique way you write and the way you put a simple recipe forth. It just adds that extra sparkle to cooking…
I am waiting for more n more recipes to come and to try them out.
Thanks for a wonderful experience.
December 11th, 2007 19:15
I love this blog! The food always looks delicious and is often either already vegan or is easily veganizable. I love how even the simplest recipes always come out delicious. Please, keep blogging for ages to come!
December 11th, 2007 19:58
I’ve loved Indian cooking since my university days in Ottawa over 30 years ago. Stumbling into your blog and finding recipes that I can make myself has been fabulous.
I’ve been exploring the blogs you link to, and one of the frustrations for someone such as me who isn’t from India is that many Indian terms are used for spices, terms we don’t use in Canada.
I would be eternally grateful if you could create a glossary of sorts for those of us who don’t know these words. As well, because I live in rural Quebec, some of the ingredients are impossible for me to find. If there are equivalents I could substitute for certain dals, I would love to know that.
Thank you for this great resource. There’s nothing more comforting on a cold evening than a bowl of savoury dhal.
December 11th, 2007 20:09
Hi Meena,
I am a frequent visitor to your site.Your elegant photography & the yummy recipes attracted me to your website.As days passed, I got attracted to your unique style of writing & the fun layout of your website. It is a virtual feast to the eyes like your beautiful food pictures that stimulate the taste buds. I am a great fan of your site.You have done a fantastic job.Goodluck with all your future innovations.
Love,
Meena.
December 11th, 2007 20:32
I love your blog. Even though I don’t comment much, I have tried several of your dishes, and your blog is one that I often go to first for inspiration for Indian dishes. I especially love Indian Cooking 101!
Happy Holidays to you!
Deana
December 11th, 2007 21:58
Hi there!
I love your photos…I’m new at food blogging and still trying to get a hang of the photos…any advice would be amazing!
I also love how your recipes are easy to follow…I’m partially indian but I’m not good at cooking indian food so your blog helps me out with that
All in all though I enjoy reading your blog…when I first found it I actually read it all in one sitting going back through the archives…lol…yes I have no life…j/k…but really your blog is on my daily read list. I guess what I’d like to see in the coming months is more regular posting!! Oh and maybe some other dishes from around the world.
Happy holidays!
Alexandra
December 11th, 2007 22:43
Hello!
Love the recipes, the more the merrier! They are all so flavorful and easy to follow. I’m not crazy about the new layout because there seems to be a lot going on on the page. In the future maybe you could do more of Indian 101 and more writing!
December 12th, 2007 00:04
Hi Meena -
Your blog is one of the first I that I subscribed to - I love your writing, your recipes and your pictures. You inspired me to attempt Indian cooking, which I had previously looked upon as too complicated and unattainable.
December 12th, 2007 07:50
I really like the variety in your recipes. Indian food is something I have experimented with idly, but not with great results in the past. I have had great success with some of your recipes, which has made me more adventurous. ANd your photography is great of course. Dislikes? None really. I guess you don’t update as frequently as I crave
December 12th, 2007 08:50
I really enjoy your writing style and the emphasis you put on spices. Coming from an Indian cultural background, I understand and agree that without spices and bold flavours our food would be uninspiring. I really enjoy the layout of your site and in the past year it has changed completely from what it was before. Keep up the great writing! happy holidays and cooking!
December 12th, 2007 09:37
Hi Meena! Nothing like a competition to coax all us lurkers to comment…
You’re on my daily blog check list. I love that your recipes are easy to cook and very simple to follow (no lengthy instructions and the formatting is very easy on the eye). Most importantly, the results are lovely and elevate everyday cooking into sublime eating!
I like your recipe categorization and appreciate its simplicity. However, I would like to suggest an extra category to capture those recipes that are impressive enough for entertaining (e.g. your amazing ginger chili shrimp). Perhaps recipes:spiffy?
December 12th, 2007 10:06
Hi Meena,
I came across your website through a search for coconut fish curry, and added it to my bloglines immediately (fabulous recipe!). As others have said many times, you have great design, fantastic pictures, and thorough yet easy-to-follow recipes. I really enjoy the variety of foods that you post about, and I love your index page — makes coming up with ideas for dinner very easy! I also enjoy your Indian 101 series. As for what you might do to improve the blog… I really don’t know that I can suggest much (I love your recipe format, and even the ads are fine to look at!) except to say that I’d love it if you were to post a little more often.
Keep it up!
December 12th, 2007 10:30
I love your recipes and the fact that you put the whole article in your RSS feeds (it annoys me to no end when people just have short excerpts!). My only complaint is that you’d post more often, without getting too far off topic, that is!
December 12th, 2007 10:46
i found this blog through another blog and love the flavorful dishes you feature on your blog. spices shine, but do not overpower. i echo other’s statements - post more! thanks for the fun contest
December 12th, 2007 11:29
Well Meena - how could I pass on an opportunity like this? Since I first stumbled upon your site, I was hooked by the way you tied your memories into your recipes. You not only express your love of food on this blog, but your love of your mom and “hubby dear” as well, which I think is really sweet. The photos you take are amazing, and I have never been disappointed with a recipe of yours that I have tried (and there have been many, believe me!). So, thanks for keeping up steady work on this blog. I’m glad that it has opened such doors for you!
December 12th, 2007 12:44
My favorite thing about HOH is that it’s obvious you have tried the recipes and adjusted them to perfection. Your tips make it really easy to learn to cook this cuisine and the way you write your posts is entertaining and also very accessible.
As far as what I don’t like…not much! I’m a vegetarian so I’d like to see more meet-free recipes but there are plenty of those already.
Happy Holidays!
December 12th, 2007 13:04
I like the mouthwatering photos and reading about delish indian food. Just keep up the good work!
December 12th, 2007 13:21
Yippee! Happy Holidays! I’ve been an avid lurker for a bit of time now. Your posts always inspire me to get out of my “Italian” comfort zone and try something new
So, win or lose, just wanted to send a heartfelt “THANK YOU!”
-Dawn
December 12th, 2007 15:24
As an avid reader for the past several months (but never before a commenter), this provides a good of a time as any to sending along my sincere gratitude for the effort you put into the page. When I first started reading as a new cook delving into the intimidating world of Indian cuisine, HoH is one of my first destinations each day. From your writing, I gain inspiration and confidence, since I have been able to recreate several of your dishes at home and slowly build my understanding of Indian cooking. Nowadays, I wait to check the page until I need the workday pick-me-up. The photos and layout are impressively cheery (and a help on gloomy days) and they get me excited to get home and to get cooking.
It has been fun to watch the site evolve in these past months, and I look forward to your future work. I personally tend toward the vegetarian dishes, so I would like very much to see more of those in the months to come. But even the meat-centric dishes have me coming back to read about preparation and methods, which I find remarkable.
Wishing you the very best this holiday season, with my thanks for all you do.
December 12th, 2007 15:40
I enjoy the tweaked recipes you have here and always look forward to a new posting -being a malaysian, its nice to see authentic malaysian recipes which are not altered for American taste buds.
December 12th, 2007 16:21
Your blog is wonderful~ the photos are superb.
I would like more frequent updates if possible.
All of your dishes look appetizing - I would like more “beginner” dishes for the Indian cooking newbies.
Happy Holidays~
December 12th, 2007 17:21
I like the stories and memories that go with your recipes. I like the modern twists you put to your dishes. I like your writing. I like your photographs. And here’s what I don’t like, I don’t like the fact that I can’t change the look of my blog as often as you do yours becuase I don’t have that expertise! hah! (lol)
December 12th, 2007 19:44
I love the way you write! I’ve tried some of your recipes and have simply loved each and everyone of them. Thanks a ton!
December 12th, 2007 21:29
hi meenakshi,
i stumbled on to ur site while searching for a receipe for dal fry..okkk iam not a great cook but am trying to be a decent one…so what i like about ur blog other than its visual beauty is the way u persanalize these receipies as to what u think ..and like ..and don’t like ..its makes these receipies more urs than u know(or perhaps u know)…
December 12th, 2007 23:22
Meena - I have been following your blog for a short time and enjoy the recipes. I have bookmarked several that make me think of “comfort food.” I also like the simplicity the layout has - clean and crisp and things don’t get lost in the design. Very nice.
Gretchen - canelaycomino@gmail.com
December 13th, 2007 00:19
Hi Meena,
I have commented a couple of times before but lately become a silent lurker.
-
Thare so many reasons why I keep coming back to visit your blog - here are 10 in no particular order
1. Your warm style of writing. When I read your posts it feels like I know you somehow - you sound like a friend.
2. You are innovative - you keep changing the layout - whenever I think, “She can’t top THIS!” - you surprise me.
3. Until recently, you ALWAYS took time to “comment on the comments.”
4. Although some recipes seem scary to a novice like me - you give me the confidence to try it out.
5. And when I do try out your recipes - I have no leftovers.
6. I like the way you talk about your hubby - reminds me of me.
7. You have a sense of humour. Some posts have made me smile. Others have made me laugh.
8. You understand fusion. I am half Indian and Malaysian too - and I love it that some of your recipes are neither here nor there but the best of both. (You know how well seasoned the Malaysian tastebuds are! Ha!)
9. The photographs are good.
10. Your links are fantastic. I have found some of the BEST food blogs on the internet through your site.
There you go! Keep up the good work and know that you inspire not just me but a lot of people out there!
Oh, oh and when I make something new and it tastes good - my sis or my hubby always go, “Is this from HoH?” like it’s a given …
December 13th, 2007 06:50
I came to your site after a long time.. you dont me coz i’m a silent visitor ..but I love this new color..its beautiful
and hey..that’s very generous of you for those gifts.. though dont count me in coz i live far away..
keep cookin and happy holidays to you too..
December 13th, 2007 09:09
Hi Meena,
I have reading your blog for well over a year now and finally decided to delurk today for a chance to win one of those fabulous books! Your blog is wonderful-very well written, funny, and beautiful pictures. I used to come on a daily basis but over the summer I noticed that you were not posting as often and I realize it is probably from all the “real work” you are doing! Still, I missed seeing the new posts! Anyway, keep up the great work and enjoy the holidays!
December 13th, 2007 12:06
Ohh!! What a lovely way to get us lurkers out of hiding and finally saying hello! I love your writing style and your recipes have always worked out amazing for me. I look forward to many more insightful posts and delicious recipes in the future. Keep up the great work!
December 13th, 2007 12:53
i like the way each recipe is prefaced by a para or 2 of prose .
Keep publishing !!!!
Thanks for the recipes
December 13th, 2007 13:34
I love how the layout changes ever so often… i love the recipes.. i love reading about your parents…. i can picture it in my head as i’m reading… =) happy holidays and all the best
December 13th, 2007 17:09
I love your recipes. I especially like that most of them are pretty “doable” -
they don’t require a lot of special preparation or amazing skills. Not that I
don’t like to be challenged occasionally, but being able to just collect the
ingredients and cook is nice. Your descriptions and instructions are also very
clear, which makes the recipes that much easier to follow. I also like that it
is much easier to find old recipes on your blog than on a great many other
blogs or web sites. Don’t change your design a bit
What don’t I like? I can’t really say there’s much that I “don’t like”. In
terms of making requests, I’d love to see a larger number of seafood or
pure-vegetarian recipes since my wife is a vegetarian (who eats fish too).
December 13th, 2007 19:47
You have way with words, it’s almost as if I’m right there listening to you as you speak. And your food makes it even better!
December 13th, 2007 22:11
Your website is awesome. I have been inspired to try lots of recipes I wouldn’t normally have tried.
December 14th, 2007 02:57
I just found this website and have bookmarked. I will be using it this weekend for sure!
December 14th, 2007 08:37
Hi Meena
You write of food with the same words, that I am thinking in my head. In fact like you I am of Indian origin (Bangalore) to be more specific! And this connection has made me come back to your site time and again, sometimes to read and try out your recipes, and sometimes just to drool over your pics! Your adventures and success through blogging is an inspiration not just to me but to all the female members of my family!(Oh did I forget to mention?… my mum and sis are also fans!!!!)
What makes hooked on heat special is that its got everyone hooked on the simplicity, and gorgeous layout of recipes….and at least for me and my hubby..the days of microwaved reheated meals are history!
December 14th, 2007 09:31
I love the pictures and the recipes of course, but as with any good blog/recipe book it’s all about the stories and the welcoming attitude. The blog itself is also well designed. I’m defintely a regular reader. As for the months ahead just keep on doing what you’ve been doing and that’ll suit me fine.
December 14th, 2007 09:49
I’ve tried many of your recipes and enjoyed everyone! I started visiting your site a year ago, and have been stopping by each week since then. Keep up the great work!
December 14th, 2007 11:37
Ilove your website. The pictures are beautiful. What I would like to see are more recipes. Although I enjoy the interviews, it’s the dedication to Indian food that I love the most. Perhaps more recipes … How about one for Naan that you can make at home please!
Shobha
December 14th, 2007 13:50
Thanks for all your hardword making food fun for the rest of us. I always enjoy trying new recipes and am looking forward to spending many hours checking your site out. My only commnet has to do with site layout. The copy runs across the full screen on my system and it’s much easier to read/follow short columns. Hope that helps!
December 14th, 2007 14:30
I stumbled on your website about year & half back through another blog for recipes.Newly married in the US & a novice in cooking,I was very excited with your blog.I loved the way you explained each recipe in details along with nice pictures.I continued to search your blog often for more recipes.Now I am a fairly good cook & all the credit is yours
I like mostly your chicken recipes.The indian cooking 101 was a fantastic way of displaying the indian food culture.I also liked the way you helped a confused cook with menu planning for the party.I will definitely keep you in mind for meal planning whenever I have any big parties.Also your cooking is well suited for each season-eg.soups in winter.
All I can say is continue the good work of sharing recipes.I am looking forward for some more awesome recipes in 2008.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Kamakshi
December 15th, 2007 00:19
Hi!
I love the pictures, and the recipes–your dal makhani recipe has secured a pressure cooker a spot on my wish list. It would be lovely if you could post more often–I know, I know, there’s never enough time :-). I’d also love to see more vegetarian main dishes.
Thanks!
December 15th, 2007 01:19
I really like the graphic style of your website, and the fact that it keeps changing too. I love the purple colour on your frames
I also love your quick non-veg recipes — minimal fuss, and lots of flavour!
And for now, I absolutely love the idea of this giveaway
December 15th, 2007 01:34
as for what I’d like to see in the coming months — ummm…I’d like to see ‘from my rasoi’ return in some form, maybe as a quarterly, or half yearly event — where bloggers could be encouraged to put a finger on what they think is their current ’signature’ in terms of how they cook?
I don’t know…its just an idea…
December 15th, 2007 09:19
I’m a regular reader of Hooked on Heat. What I like about your blog (apart from the great name) is your style of writing, great photography and the recipes, of course. I like the design too, though it was better before than it is at the moment. I just wish you replied to comments more often. For me, the interaction aspect of blogging is what makes it so much better than many recipe sites.
In the future, I’d like to see more of 101 Indian. I am non-Indian who loves, no adores Indian food, and your 101 series were a great learning resource.
Hey, you taught me how to make chai! 
(I’m having a cup now, as I type)
ps. Regarding the prize draw, I already own the Madhur Jaffrey’s book.
December 15th, 2007 11:32
Meena, I’m a lurker on your blog
I love this blog because it’s taught me that Indian cooking isn’t intimidating. I never knew where to start with Indian cooking - I was always scared of all of the spices and ingredients. Thanks for your Intro to Indian cooking and all of the other delicious recipes you’ve shared.
December 15th, 2007 12:08
If there was one thing I would suggest, then it would only be to post more often. Your writing has got me hooked and I can’t help wanting to read more of what you have to say. You have one of the best food blogs I’ve come across.
December 16th, 2007 08:10
I give indian cooking classes and this website gives me cool ideas on whhat I can teach. I love the layout and photography. I am sure you are juggling with a lot of work. But it would be great if we see more posts from you…greedy me
December 16th, 2007 11:11
Hi Meena,
I am a huuuuge fan of your blog. I was able to relate to your blog because I grew up in India and then moved to US when I was 17. So the posts where you describe the street fares and Indo Chinese dishes always make me home sick. When I started reading your blog, I was a newly married lady, away from my family (hey living an hour away is still considered away!) and married to a guy who looooooved Indian food. My mom is an amazing cook and I guess I was intimidated to enter the kitchen when I younger….a typical attempt to help my mom in the kitchen would be something like this: me: Ma do you want me to help you with something?
MA: Yes can you chop 3 onions
me: Sure. (And I start peeling and chopping away)
Ma: Umm actually lemme do it…I don’t think you are doing it right
me: But I haven’t even started yet!
Ma: I know….but I think it would be best if I did it.
me: Sigh.
hehe or something to that effect. Basically my mom was just very possessive about her kitchen and even though she would complain that no one would help her, the running joke in the family is that she didn’t really ever take the help we would offer.
So any starting out as a new bride with no experience in Indian cooking was really hard. In the beginning we used to do take out or go over to mom’s house. However I felt like this wasn’t going to be a long term solution. I started looking for simple Indian finger food recipes and stumbled on to lots of foodie blogs, including yours…and it was love at first sight! The pictures, the stories, the ever changing blog format and especially the recipes helped me get over the fear of cooking Indian food. I tried one of your recipes out and then another…and then another. My husband even said ” Oh my gosh, you are definitely on par with your mom” this was the ultimate compliment and for that, I have you to thank :o) I have graduated to making a full Indian meal now.
Really Meena, you have started a wonderful fan base in my house hold and in plenty others as per all these comments. You have given us a reason to continue our love affair with food.
If I would suggest an addition to your blog, it would probably be to maybe add a video of your cooking once in a while.
December 16th, 2007 21:34
I know am late by a day but your recipes are prize enough for me.
What I like about HOH - The simplicity, the variety and ghar-ke-khane-ka-swad of the recipes. Whenever I have to cook a perfect meal, this is the place to be. I also like your innovativeness and yea one more thing, you are from Canada…eh
What I don’t like about HOH - I guess the one thing that comes to my mind is the regular template change since some of them don’t fit well with my firefox.
What I would like to see in coming months - A lot more variety of recipes as usual. Maybe some more sea-food recipes esp. salmon. Also, food from around India, like Rajasthani or from Kerela or Assam.
December 17th, 2007 08:52
Hi was hooked to ur blog.. for a quite a while now and been a silent reader most of the time.. So, this is my way to say THANK YOU for all the wonderful recipes u shared with us.. It was a truly a pleasurable ( guess this word doesn’t exist..:)) ) experience…:D
I know I am late for the drawing.. but thats ok..Great job sponsoring such awesome prizes.. !
~ Siri
December 17th, 2007 15:19
Love your recipes, wish you posted more often.
Jo
December 17th, 2007 15:53
Looking fwd to the drawing results….please post them soon
December 18th, 2007 17:47
I love your website and the mix of recipes. The recipes are easy to follow and modify (if needed, which is rare). I’ve recommended your site to non-Desis as well for them to try their hand at Indian cooking. They’ve been able to follow them easily as well.
The layout is great as well and easy to find the past recipes!
Things to add? More desi-Chinese recipes please!
Keep up the good work! Happy holidays and wishing you and your family the best for the New Year.