Perfect Palappams

If you are a Malayali, I bet you would be a Palappam fan! Known by several names ( Velle Appam, Palappam or even just Appam), this authentic Kerala delicacy is an all-time favourite in the breakfast menu.

Not so long ago did I start trying my hand at it. My first attempt was close to a disaster but I refused to give up. From then on , every time I tried it out, there was a newer version of the old-time dish. I tried to find out what led to the imperfection. Sometimes my R&D made a tiny difference, otherwise it was almost the same. With time and experience, I began to relax and take things in its stride. Slowly things got better....but I wasn't satisfied yet coz my Appams never came close to the ones I used to have from my mother's kitchen.

My dear husband was telling me yesterday that it has been a while since we had this dish. So today, again it was Palappam time! The usual prepwork started. After a couple of hours I heard something like an explosion from my kitchen. I ran only until I found out that the batter I had prepared earlier had fermented and caused the container's lid to burst open! So it was time to kickstart!

I followed the conventional method dutifully, as the first scoop of the semi-thick batter was dropped on to the pan. As I tossed it around the pan, it fell so perfectly in place like never before.Unlike all other times, now there was some difference! After about 2-3 minutes, Lo! there it was - a perfect, soft, spongy Appam with neat lace like fringe and the rest of them followed likewise.

Finally I succeeded in making the Appam very close to the benchmark. The very sight of it made me feel like preserving it as a museum piece. I was reluctant to bite on it and spoil the beauty but then if I didnt it would defeat the very purpose for which it was made! If you think I am creating too much hype about a simple, silly dish......well, you should try them!!

Mummy and me

It is a trilogy! Though there is nothing dramatic about the three related incidents that caught my attention of late, yet I think its worth noting.

I heard about this yet-to-be-released Malayalam movie which shares its name with the title of this post, which will address the issues between a new-age mother and her only daughter. Such a subject would definitely grab the attention of mothers and daughters no matter how young or old they are and of course, its not only about them but then the 'family' picture comes in to make it a wholesome family entertainer. The target group is good enough for this movie stay for a while. Needless to say, the star cast and the entire crew would add to pot.

Definitely, I would like to watch this movie. Apart from the simple analysis that I have done above, it must be because of the invaluable bond that I share with my dear mom. The second incident takes off from here. Sacrifice and love are the two words that best describe the one who gave me life and made me who I am. Though I have no experience, I can guess that generally it is a mammoth task to raise a daughter and at the same time, enjoy every moment of that tireless mission. No words will suffice to convey my appreciation and gratitude for all that my mother is to me.

There are many blessings that the sacrament of marriage brings along and one among them I would like to mention in this context is my mother-in-law, who has proved from the beginning to be nothing less than a mother to me :)

Now that we have reached a serious juncture, hope the last incident that I am going to narrate would help me end it on a lighter note.

As I was stepping out of my house today, I heard my neighbour calling out for her daughter to get back home. The kid continued to stay outside, engrossed in her toy world. As a last resort, the mother added that she was going elsewhere right now. Immediately this little girl stopped playing and turned to see if her mother would do as she said and found a lady walking away from the direction of her house. She ran after her crying "mummy, mummy, wait....". As she reached near, the lady turned back, and the child shockingly said "oh no!......". Did you guess?? That lady was me!!!!

The child was shocked no doubt, but I was even more shocked!! The only thing that came to my mind was " Mummy??? and me??" !!!

I can only imagine...

“ I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in honour of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all”

These are a few lines from the song “ I can only imagine “ by Mercyme , an American contemporary Christian band. The powerful lyrics has made me ponder on how that glorious moment would be like when we meet our Creator face-to-face!

From our childhood days we have seen different pictures of Jesus at home, in the church, in books, magazines and now even in Desktop wallpapers. We glance at them perhaps as a routine or because we feel relieved by the very sight of our Lord’s Holy Face. Yet, how often do we imagine that He is really present in front of us! The Bible tells us about the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

I was wondering how it would be like and we would do.

Will we shout praises to His name or suddenly become dumbstruck?

How would we go about? - smile as if He knows us very well or attempt a self-introduction?

Will we have a wish-list to submit? Or answers / excuses for the tasks we haven’t done yet?

Will we ask for some more time so that we can be prepared?

Well, then this is all the time we have!

As the Word of God says “ Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me” ( Mathew 25:39-41), let us be able to see the face of Jesus not merely in photos and frames but in the least of our fellow-beings.