Reminiscing about favorite foods from my Pakistan childhood and a culinary “treat” that swarmed into Lahore one Spring…

Mango (Mangifera indica) from Flore d’Amérique (1843-1846), a collection of botanical lithographs by Etienne Denisse

Ah…FOOD! A most satisfying excuse for gathering round the dining table for conversation, jokes, stories & laughter while savoring daily staples or unusual delicacies. The creative inspiration of cooking, baking, and holiday treats. All mix into the marvelous soup of my family’s past with influences that waft temptingly into our daily routines.

My folks cultivated, in my sister and myself, an appreciation for delicious foods and exotic cuisines. With Mom’s deft family management and Dad’s willingness to entertain a captive audience, we managed to avoid the combative family dinner scenario or the picky-eater syndrome.

Certain foods are indelibly melded in memory

With one or another of us…
~ My sister Victoria’s preference for black pepper & slightly burnt toast (not eaten together!) has somehow transformed into truly gourmet sensibilities as she’s a superb cook now!
~ My father loved ~ and loves ~ his desserts especially [click to continue…]

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