ROSE LASSI

Maha Shivaratri is approaching, the ritualistic self do keep fasting and I know many of you do ..... Going back to the past, I never did keep fast during Shivaratri when other unmarried girls did it religiously. Yet the Almighty did spare me for not been that caring a devotee then and got me a wise, honest life partner but he is a 'wildinanger' just like Lord Shiva. Wish I could send him for some anger management classes. It was after my son's birth that my mother-in-law asked me to keep fast on 'neel shashti'..... praying for his good health. It was then my atheist senior jokingly said, "oh you can do it for the son and not for me?" ..... since then I started keeping fast on Shivaratri...... not because I listen to him always, I felt there is no harm doing it. 

While reading this please do not have the misconception that I am a perfect Indian daughter-in-law.... I am not. My maa-in-law is a nice lady... nicer than me perhaps, it is just that we are two different types. I believe we should know to respect each other's differences. To me respect is mutual and age has nothing to do with it. I do not allow anyone to set rules for me, everything comes naturally to me...... whether it is love, like or dislike [hate is too strong a word for me]. Knowing my nature, my senior never tried to tame his mad horse, he knew I will never give in to that, though I lovingly accept all his scoldings for been nuts. You well understand why I could never enjoy all the tele soaps for even five minutes till date. Saying this, I just wanted to tell everyone far, near, close, virtual that do not 'force' yourself to show any kind of love to me, I am ok if you do not. Love itself is a natural force and I am a very liberated soul when it comes to love. 

To all the Indian parents including our beloved mother..... there is a time when you should leave your kids to be themselves, you see they will love you more. I keep fast on Shivaratri because I am okay with it's idea of praying specially for my loved ones..... far and near. That does not necessarily mean that those who do not do it love their family any less. On the occasion of Maha Shivratri I wished to share few recipes which is just perfect during any fasting day or any day of the year. Lassi or yogurt drink is favourite among all of us during the summer months .... whether it is flavoured or plain. Today, let us prepare this simple recipe of rose flavoured lassi together, while fasting we do not wish for any complex dish.

INGREDIENTS :

Plain Yogurt : 1big cup
Rose Syrup : 1/4small cup
Sugar : 1 or 1 & 1/2 tbsp
Black Salt : 1/4tsp[alternatively rock salt]
Chaat Masala : 1/2tsp
Water : As Required

METHOD :

Take the yogurt in a glass and beat well. Use a hand beater.

Add the rose syrup, sugar, black salt, chaat masala and beat well.

Add the water, mix well.

Pour onto glasses, refrigerate and serve chilled. You can take some washed mint leaves, rub taking on your palm and add to the glass.