Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.
~ Jim Rohn
Sunday was dedicated to spending family time with my family, the Natalyas. My dad’s side of the family were all invited yet nobody really knew what the itinerary for the day was. The plan simply was to spend time together as a family, meeting and mingling with those we may not have seen for a while. Being honest, the only time we see each other as a unit is at weddings, which shouldn’t be the only reason why the family get together. Families should get together because they need one another; it is always good to know that people will be there to support you even if you may not see them regularly. I don’t believe it should be a burden to maintain a happy relationship with your family, no matter how large or small it is. At the end of the day… you’re kinda stuck with them! Mwahahaha.
You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.
~ Desmond Tutu
So the day consisted of meeting, greeting and mingling with a few announcements of birthdays, weddings and engagements thrown in. There was a piñata in there somewhere (oh how Indian we are!), kids games, music, singing and some wild dancing to both Indian and African music…
Families are like fudge- mostly sweet with a few nuts.
~ Anonymous
Oh, and how could I forget the most important part. Food.
The event was catered for by Chetna’s Sweets who delivered some seriously yummy Gujarati food for a lot of people…
Let me show you exactly how yummy I mean…
First up there was the ‘prashad’. Prashad is simply an offering made before it is eaten by guests. In this case, the ‘ladwa’ (sweets) had been offered to our beloved, late Velji bapuji. We are very lucky that he is always watching over the Natalyas.
Poori were served with the two curries, which were…
Ringra bateta nu shaak (potato and aubergine curry) is truly a Gujarati food hero. Simple, like the home-cooked food we are used to, it was something enjoyed by everyone. Except people who don’t like aubergines. It was served drier than the mutter paneer in a masala sauce which was delicious with the veggies. It teamed up well with…
For me, the kadhi was the star of the show. The spices were very well balanced and included all of my favourite flavours!
And to top it all off…
Veggie samosas which were served with green chutney. They were both perfect, my only suggestion would be that the samosa’s would have been even better had they been served with lemon wedges to compliment the dry, spicy, yummy filling.
And finally…
Here’s a snap of my plate before I hoovered it all up with my beak. Ha.
Overall, I would give Chetna’s Sweets Catering 9/10… There is always room for improvement *wink wink*. Their food was perfect for our occasion! I would like to say thank you to them for providing our special day with such fantastic food!
Family and food made for a perfect Sunday. Until next time, Natalyas!
Bear in mind that you should conduct yourself in life as at a feast.
~ Epictetus
So that was my Sunday, readers! How was your weekend? Did you eat as much as I did? Hehe.
simply.food
Tuesday 30th of March 2010
Wow sounds like awonderful fun filled event and the array of food is amazing.Do drop by simply.food some time.Following your blog.
Viviane
Tuesday 15th of December 2009
Thank you so much for visiting our blog :)Amazing how people coming from different countries can have similar foods. We have something similar to your Raita and yogurt soup. Also sweets similar to Gulab Jambu, but made from flour dough and dipped in sugar syrup.All looks appealing, I think I know where I can find indian recipes now :D
Oraphan
Sunday 22nd of November 2009
What a wonderful family get together! I really enjoyed reading this post plus all beautiful photos of yummy-looking food, Mmmmm!! I want to be a part of your family:)
Cooking Foodie
Thursday 19th of November 2009
oooh... food looks great - i wish i was there :)
vimal pandit
Wednesday 18th of November 2009
sanju,food was good on sunday i would rate the caterer 8/10. the family had a grat time meeting,some new additions and some old ones who we had not seen for a long time.vimal