eastwestbakery.com

It has been nearly three weeks now since Hassan graced our lives and changed our family dynamics forever. We have been busy getting to know one another and I haven't spent as much time in the kitchen as I would have liked to. Instead, I have been busy eating whoesome meals prepared by my Mom and Mother in law.

Yesterday was the first time I prepared a three course meal to celebrate shaving his hair. It is customary to shave the birth hair on the seventh day of a baby's life but since he was still in hospital recovering from jaundice, we decided to do so yesterday. I was quite sad to see his beautiful locks disappear and Maryam was quite alarmed to see his 'curlies chopped off.'

To celebrate the occassion, we ate together with close family and shared a simple meal. My Mom prepared a fragrant cumin scented pilaf with a spiced version of this mung soup. And for dessert- we had a cardamom infused carrot pudding. Lots of butter, lots of pistachios and lots of love. A complete meal with loved ones.

It felt good to be back in the kitchen and even better to be sharing it with my Mom. The best part was getting back to photographing. Doing what I love and enjoy the most- creating and eating good food and photographing it.

Today though, I want to share with you a simple pasta dish I created a few weeks ago for the third issue of House of Fifty. I've been making this version of spaghetti for about two years now, since Maryam started eating pasta actually.

It has evolved as Maryam's palate has become more sophisticated. What started off as mere spaghetti tossed in olive oil has now seen the addition herbs, roasted tomatoes and garlic croutons. When Maryam is going through her picky phases, this is one meal I know she'll relish. Who knows what it will transform into as she gets older.

Head over to House of Fifty for more images as well as a recipe for focaccia. Also, I would like to thank all of you for the lovely comments and messages you left on my last post. Me and Akber really enjoyed reading through each and every single one of them. Thank you!

Click above for printable recipe card

When I was pregnant with Maryam, I had many cravings. But healthy ones. Cravings for foods that would nourish my body and that of my growing baby. I went through phases where I would eat boxes and boxes of strawberries. Then came watermelons- I couldn't get enough. I preferred eating them as is but would relish them in salads, smoothies as well as granitas.

This time has been different though. The cravings have been rather unhealthy. Every night after dinner, I seem to gravitate towards dessert. Anything will do really- a cheesecake, coffee ice cream, brownies. Sometimes when there is no sweet treat in sight, even a few small squares of dark chocolate will suffice.

As the arrival of baby number two looms close, I thought I'd treat myself to one more dessert, one more indulgence, one more craving before I start to eat healthy again. And this clementine custard certainly hit the spot. A pinch cinnamon for warmth, citrus for some freshness and zing.

I have been eating these beautiful French clementines for a couple of months now. Perfectly formed, sweet but not overly so and the most scintillating orange red hue you will ever see. They usually don't last long in our house. Either Maryam will eat them as is or I will have juicy slicy with some vanilla infused yoghurt for breakfast.

But I saved a few aside for these clementine custards. The fragrance of clementine and cinnamon simmering in a pot made the whole house warm. A small dose of sunshine in our day for what has been a chilly start to the year in Dubai. There was also a citrus tabbouleh we had which I look forward to sharing with you soon. Perhaps after baby comes along?

Click above for printable recipe

Didn’t 2011 just fly by for you? It certainly did for me. For us- me, Akber and Maryam. When I look back at these pictures, I see a trail of how far I’ve come in terms writing, photography and just life in general.

I started the year off by sharing with you a very private part of my lfe, one I hadn’t spoken about before and not even my closest friends knew about. Then there were happier times as we celebrated Maryam’s second birthday- the day was full of sunshine, joy and lots of cake and laughter.

2011 was also the year my little lamb started nursery, was potty trained, learnt to count, dance, paint and much much more. She became independent, wanting to ‘choose’ everything herself from her clothes to her food to what doll she wanted to play with. Two is such an independent age.

May saw the start of my foray into editorial work as I started writing and photographing recipes for various magazines. I can say that I had truly found something I love doing, something I take such pride and joy in, something that excites me and teaches me new things…..everyday.

This also coincided with a new look for the blog. That was such a turning point for me. I love the new sublime design. More muted, cool and relaxed. Not long after, I spent the summer back home in Tanzania.

A blissful summer where I was pampered and looked after in my first trimester. As I recovered, Maryam was introduced to the joys of drinking fresh coconut juice, eating steaming cassavas straight off the grill and rice and coconut fritters.

We spent the peak of summer and Ramadhan back here in Dubai and Maryam started nursery full time. After a wonderful, relaxing weekend in Ras al Khaimah in October, it was back to work and I had the pleasure of working for various online magazines. With a 2 year old, baby number 2 on the way I didn’t think I would manage to cook and photograph much. But I’m happy to say that our kitchen has been busier than ever.

Especially when my parents visited in October. Sharing kitchen space with my Mom is always such a joy. She is such a natural in the kitchen I can’t wait ot have her back in January.

And so that was our year- the year of discovery. Maryam discovered her independence and I, my true vocation. 2012 will begin with a new life Inshallah. I don’t know what else it will hold for us but I look forward to whatever it is. I wish you a wonderful year ahead- full of health, laughter, family and of course, food. Thank you for being a part of my journey this year. Will you stay around for 2012?