Your book presents a fantastic array of Sandesh recipes. How did you come up with such a variety of ideas?

I love sandesh since it is a versatile dish and allows infinite innovations. You can roll it into many shapes, add colours and flavours, also make it with different kinds of fruits. I guess over the years, the ideas just kept increasing. My family and friends have always relished whatever I prepare. They have been my encouragement and inspiration. I have created more than 35 varieties of sandesh until now and I still find it very exciting.

How did you decide to tackle the writing of the book? What was your writing process? And how big a leap was it for you to jump from actually DOING the cooking to having to take a step back in order to WRITE ABOUT the cooking?

As far as writing is concerned, my jottings were in my diary. Over decades, I have filled 3-4 diaries with my recipes. This cookbook was a surprise gift from my family for my 60th birthday. My entire family was with me at Yelagiri in August 2014 to celebrate my birthday. I knew they had been working to create a website for me. I had no idea that a cookbook was in the making.

Did you work with an editor? If so, what was the process like?

My brother-in-law, Pradeep, took my recipe diaries to Pratibha Jain for compiling and putting together the cookbook. She met me many times and clarified the recipes. I was not involved in the writing process but I enjoyed answering her questions. My daughter, Vimki, did the designing and that is how the book came into shape.

It is as much about your family’s story as it about the food you love. As a birthday memoir, what was your initial reaction to your family?

I was surprised, touched and overwhelmed at seeing the cookbook. It was an unforgettable experience. It is the best birthday gift I have ever received. I am blessed to have such a supportive family.

How long did it take to complete this book?

Since the recipes were already in my diary, it took about a month to get the content ready. Designing and layout took another month. Since it was a surprise gift, I came to know about all these things much later.

Did you share your kitchen with your husband and the children? Do they also cook?

I live in a joint family. My co-sisters help in the cooking. They are always co-operative and that makes cooking a very enjoyable process. Like most Indian families, the women are in charge of their kitchen. My two daughters and my daughter-in-law are all good cooks. The role of men is to appreciate and encourage us to innovate further in the kitchen (laughs).

What are the essentials in your kitchen? Any gadget or old style pan that you use all the time?

I use conventional gadgets for my cooking. I am always inspired by new ingredients and new methods of cooking.

If you had to pick one, what is your favorite sandesh and why?

My answer to this question keeps varying. For now, my favourite sandesh is shahi sandesh as it was created in the spur of the moment and it turned out beyond expectations.

Please share two of these recipes for our readers?

pumpkin sandesh and  shahi sandesh . ( in today's recipe column

What is the most interesting thing you learnt about yourself after making this book?

That I really enjoy sharing my recipes with others. The other thing I realized is that age is just a number and never a barrier. With passion, determination and direction, we can transform our dreams into reality.

|