It’s all about the Heat!
who’s the girl?
As a little kid, I still remember sneaking my Mom’s favourite wok and ladle into my room and pretending that I had my very own cooking show, happily chatting away to the “camera” while I stirred and added imaginary ingredients. A magician in the kitchen and my biggest inspiration, I loved watching my mom in the kitchen preparing delicious and fulfilling meals with ease. Though cooking had always been a hobby, I only began to take it seriously when I moved out of home and into a hostel for college. Unwilling to survive on tasteless meals provided by the hostel cafeteria, I finally decided to wear the apron and armed with a ladle got to work. Now, years later, I can happily make a mean Indian meal at the drop of a hat!
and her hubby?
The star of the show, Hubby Dear has gained a handful of admirers, thanks to all his antics in and around the kitchen. Call him the guinea pig or taste-tester, but most guys often fantasize being in his shoes. Being the first to try everything that comes out from the 100 sq.ft. kitchen, it’s no surprise he’s the talk of the town. Or so he believes!
what’s with the heat?
Not one to resist any spicy treat, I am obsessed with flavour even, if not especially, in simple foods. I truly believe that even a simple quick meal can be made to feel special, and a little spice never hurt anyone, now did it? This food blog is my attempt at sharing my creativity and love of food with everyone. It’s a food journal with many little notes that I hope would come in very handy when I finally write my own cookbook. Now, if only that publisher would come along!
is it really as quick and simple as she says?
Of the few complaints I often get on Indian cooking, the one that stands most prominent is the myth that Indian cooking is just too hard. Now before you roll your eyes at me and say, “Yea sure, easy for her, she’s Indian!” just hear me out. True, I was born Indian, but as much as Iwould like to believe, I wasn’t born with Indian culinary instincts induced within me. Like any of you not familiar with the South-Asian cuisine, I too started off without much knowledge of this exotic cuisine. After spending too much of my time cribbing about how little people actually knew about Indian food, I decided to start a series, Indian 101, to introduce my readers to its simple cooking basics. The cooking primer became so popular, that I was asked to turn it into a monthly column for the food section of The Mississauga News.
So what are you waiting for? Click here to get started.
her work?
I am a freelance food writer, recipe developer and cooking instructor based in Mississauga, Ontario. My articles have been published in various online and print magazines/newspapers, including the Christian Science Monitor and Alive magazine. I currently write monthly food columns for The Mississauga News, MOD Magazine and Canadian Immigrant magazine.
I am available to talk about all things related to South Asian cooking, including writing assignments, recipe developments, cooking demonstrations and media interviews. I welcome inquiries on product testing and cookbook reviews.
I also give Modern Indian cooking demonstrations at various locations around town, including the Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws and LCBO. As a food consultant, I can help you create a meal plan to suit your needs, lifestyle and taste. I will also spend time teaching you how to shop, organize and cook for a Asian themed meal. To request a private consultation to best suit your needs and lifestyle or to book a private cooking session with me, please contact me at meena@hookedonheat.com.
Here are other blogs where you can regularly find my work:
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