If you are one of those who must have pickle but worried about the excess oil and havent figured out an effective way to have it without worrying about the extra calories...here is a proven technique to help you enjoy that special Vadu Manga or Avakka whole heartedly.
Things required
Urugai (Pickle) with excess oil - of course
Pickle in small microwavable container that has lid that is twistable - ie air tight lid - Quantity: sufficient for 3 to 4 aloo parattas
Microwavable lunch container having main course for which Pickle is required
Lunch bag of some sort carrying these 2 boxes with item - packed and zipped
Small Pickle container placed on top of the lunch box - this is important
Few paper towels
...And an enthusiastic boy (preferably 3 years of age)
This morning I am ready to leave to work with my well packed lunch. Priya does a great job of packing lunch for me and the lunch box is a very special gift I get each day. I have to accept with out much shame or remorse that I carry lunch to work on most days.
Saatvik is all set for his school and he absolutely has to help Dad carry his lunch bag to the car. The bag strap when extended completely, is unfortunately taller than the dutiful son. So the bag gets a few swings within the axis of the strap, moves a few times up and down and bounces off the floor. By this time, anger overrides gratefulness and Dad has yanked the bag from Saatvik. I did thank him but I have to admit not whole heartedly.
Normally I dont have a clue what is packed in the bag before I actually eat my lunch and sometime even after...
But today for some reason within the office, I could smell great Avakka pickle more than anything else. Initially I attributed it to the many false alarms of aging that I have been lately using when I mis-judge.
I move on...in and out of a few meetings, gym and now I am ready to eat. I open the bag and I am invited to a great aroma and a very colorful orange interior bag (normally it is white). You guessed it right.
Few paper towels, back and forth to the pantry and I start eating. Now I really and whole heartedly thanked Saatvik for a wonderful dry pickle serving. It was perfect.
I can vouch for the process, it works. If you have all the ingredients and an enthusiastic personnel, give it a try and you will be able to get a Diet-Avakka for your next lunch.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Cars, Cabs and Cellphones
Yet another traffic episode...
Here I am driving today to work...I lost my chaffeur privilages. Reminds me of "I got a new car this week...my wife will use the new one and I will be relegated to the old"...This is typical when couples in the US get their second car.
My situation after moving back is a little different. We finally decided to get a second but smaller and an automatic model to suit Bangalore traffic.
I am now using the new car (reminds me of guys driving a scooty) until she gets used to the Bangalore roads and traffic. It is only natural that I will be relegated to the old car soon.
Back to traffic story for today...
On the santro to work...during the commute, I notice a vehicle too close for comfort in the rear view mirror. A Qualis SUV Cab, literally stuck to my little Santro's bumper. As if that werent enough, the Qualis driver wanted to ensure that I notice his flirtations with the santro bumper by honking and flashing the headlight.
Well...that is it and he had it...Or may be not. I parked my instincts when I set in to drive a toy car. So my rage has turned into resignment. I religiously put my left indicator in frustration, wait for the next opportunity to move out and give way. Of course as a responsible driver I had to wait before I moved out. But our Qualis Cassanova cant wait...more honking. Finally I cave in, allow him to pass. He moves in front of me, narrowly squeezes past a couple of other cars and moves forward - looked more risky than his stunts with my car.
Well...he is now stuck in traffic and I am in his blind spot. We are not moving. I notice that this is a Cab and it has a note on rear windshield that reads, "If you notice rash driving, call...". And you know what happens next
Now I am busy dialing this number from my cell and at the same time maneuvering my way as the signal changes green...I get through first shot - must be my lucky day.
"Hello...Helli...evaru (Who is it)"
"I am calling to report rash driving of one of your vehicles..."
"Elli...(Where)"
"Marthahalli overpass...Driver is rash and has been getting close to many vehicles and cutting across lanes when there is no room for movement. Vehicle number is ..."
I have to write the reply I got in English.
"No...I was driving quite ok..."
I see our Qualis stud who is now right in front of my vehicle, talking to me from his cell phone.
So much for rash driving report...I guess the sticker should have said,
"If you notice rash driving, call the driver to discuss"...
I hang up...laugh out loud and move on.
Here I am driving today to work...I lost my chaffeur privilages. Reminds me of "I got a new car this week...my wife will use the new one and I will be relegated to the old"...This is typical when couples in the US get their second car.
My situation after moving back is a little different. We finally decided to get a second but smaller and an automatic model to suit Bangalore traffic.
I am now using the new car (reminds me of guys driving a scooty) until she gets used to the Bangalore roads and traffic. It is only natural that I will be relegated to the old car soon.
Back to traffic story for today...
On the santro to work...during the commute, I notice a vehicle too close for comfort in the rear view mirror. A Qualis SUV Cab, literally stuck to my little Santro's bumper. As if that werent enough, the Qualis driver wanted to ensure that I notice his flirtations with the santro bumper by honking and flashing the headlight.
Well...that is it and he had it...Or may be not. I parked my instincts when I set in to drive a toy car. So my rage has turned into resignment. I religiously put my left indicator in frustration, wait for the next opportunity to move out and give way. Of course as a responsible driver I had to wait before I moved out. But our Qualis Cassanova cant wait...more honking. Finally I cave in, allow him to pass. He moves in front of me, narrowly squeezes past a couple of other cars and moves forward - looked more risky than his stunts with my car.
Well...he is now stuck in traffic and I am in his blind spot. We are not moving. I notice that this is a Cab and it has a note on rear windshield that reads, "If you notice rash driving, call...". And you know what happens next
Now I am busy dialing this number from my cell and at the same time maneuvering my way as the signal changes green...I get through first shot - must be my lucky day.
"Hello...Helli...evaru (Who is it)"
"I am calling to report rash driving of one of your vehicles..."
"Elli...(Where)"
"Marthahalli overpass...Driver is rash and has been getting close to many vehicles and cutting across lanes when there is no room for movement. Vehicle number is ..."
I have to write the reply I got in English.
"No...I was driving quite ok..."
I see our Qualis stud who is now right in front of my vehicle, talking to me from his cell phone.
So much for rash driving report...I guess the sticker should have said,
"If you notice rash driving, call the driver to discuss"...
I hang up...laugh out loud and move on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)