This year was, by far, one of the most eventful years in our lives and it just went by in the blink of an eye. It was definitely a busy year but mostly in a fun way. So, before I share my first recipe for 2019, I am spending some time reflecting on 2018!
Trip to India!
Beginning of the year, we made a trip to India that was filled with fun with family and indulging non-stop on favorite meals! From Mom’s cooked food to street food, we ate too much, as always. Avyan’s highlight of the trip was hanging out with his cousins and having way too much fun.
My Book!
During the India trip, I also finished reviewing the final manuscript of my book. My book - Taste of Eastern India was definitely the biggest highlight for us this year. Layering out the exquisite culture of Bengali food in 80+ recipes with photos for almost all the recipes was a dream come true for me. It’s a cuisine unlike any other and can never be compared with the typical Indian Restaurant food that you might have experienced.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY BOOK
Our First Camping Trip!
We also did our very first camping this year. To my biggest surprise, I actually enjoyed it and am already planning for the next year. Here is a link to the detailed post, if you want to read more.
Read about our First Camping Experience!
YouTube Channel & Trying Artificial Lighting!
Although I had started my YouTube Channel in 2017, I got more regular with it this year. I also started experimenting with artificial lights. Bought the studio lighting kit for mainly creating my videos but I recently got a flash and started trying artificial light for food photography too. Natural Light is still my favourite and will never go completely away from it but having the artificial light definitely comes handy.
I photographed this mulled wine in artificial light using flash!
Bengali Lunch Pop-Up!
This year, I also started Lunch Pop-Up serving Bengali food with a small group of dinners. I wish to do it in a much larger scale next year with more number of diners. Let’s see how the plan goes!
Trying Gingerbread House for the first time!
The festive season was definitely the busiest with lots of cooking, baking, gathering, and going out with friends and family. Unlike before this time, we really got involved and tried to participate in every single festivities. I felt with Avyan now being in a age where he understands better, it's important to introduce him to all these cultures and tradition in a fun free way.
We also baked ton load of cookies and even tried decorating the ginger bread house, which was a complete mess but the kids however loved it!
Now finally, here are my TOP 10 recipes published in 2018.
(Click on the photo to read the detail recipe)
Every year starts on a slow pace and even before I realize it starts moving faster and soon I see myself planning for next year! Planning resolution is not my thing but I did set few goals for myself which hopefully I can achieve. This blog, my work, my book, none of this would have been possible without your support. Thank you for making blogging a fun journey!
Nabeela
Happy new year & what a wonderful recap!
I have to ask, where did you get the banana leaves from for the Bengali Pop-up series (which I'm still sad I missed)?
I've been searching high and low for banana leaves (fresh or frozen) and haven't been able to find them anywhere, whether an Indian or an Asian grocery store
Kankana Saxena
Hey Nabeela! Those banana leaves I get from 99 Ranch Asian market. They roll these and keep it in frozen section. Works perfect! I use all the time.
Nabeela
Ah! Ranch 99 was the one market I didn't go to. Thank you!!