Cooking with the Guru - A delicatessen's experience!

After days of thinking, here I am to say something to my dear IL’ites. This post and many more to come in this thread are on my cooking stints, experiences,lessons, thoughts with CV.

It is long due, and I dedicate this to my guru, who is none other than Chitvish. Reiterating the thought that IL does go beyond usernames and internet friendships was my bonding with CV. Much has been told and spoken about this young lady, but as we all know sometimes, wonders never cease to amaze us, and one such person is Chitvish. Every time I met her, I learnt beyond than what can be taught. I say these words with utmost gratitude and immense fondness. Before I go on – I pray and thank the Almighty for making this happen, because I never knew it could change my life so wonderfully.

I met Chitvish first at her home on the 18<SUP>th</SUP> of April. Looking back, it does not seem to be a journey of just 4 months! I want to share all that I have to say, about my journey in Chitvish’s kitchens and more. So without much ado, here it is.

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:date Month="4" Day="18" Year="2009">18<SUP>th</SUP> April 2009</st1:date>

Menu for the Day: Chocolates

We wanted to do a SBS for chocolate making, and that is what we met for. I reached her place by 5.30 and immediately invaded the kitchen. There she had, neatly kept all materials necessary for it – Right from the chocolates, the saucepan, the ladles , the chopping sheets ( you will get to know more of it soon! ) and of course, the camera!

Two hours just flew by when we started making chocolates. It was astounding to hear her say – “You do it your way, and I want to learn it from you”. Here I am a 22 year old, who has barely cooked 3 full meals in her life trying to do chocolates in an expert’s kitchen. Not an everyday situation at all.

We made chocolates with various fillings – Nuts, Ice cream, Biscuits. Just as we were done for the day and I was about to leave – she gave me a small packet of packed goodies. I don’t know, but from that visit, every visit to her place has left me with goodies. That day I carried some thattais, chirotis and of course chocolates.

After that day, all that I am doing to people I see is talk about her, and how wonderful that day was in her kitchen. Never did I know that I will again get to work in the kitchen, or take classes from her!

I guess most of you would have seen the SBS on chocolates by now. For those who may have missed it, please do visit it here

Home-made Chocolates - 1
Home-made Chocolates - 2
Home-made Chocolates - 3

I plan to write every week (mostly on the weekend) about my experiences and the learning that happened at Chitvish’s place. This is the first post – and I want to thank all those who have been instrumental in making this happen. My list extends to all IL’ites who have been regulars at the FB’s thread, all visitors to “Ask Chitvish” for being there to read this post, IL’ites who often post her recipes at VF and have inspired me into cooking, the IL’ites who I met during the Chennai meet( It was only during that conversation I realized that most did not know I was visiting Chitvish often), Chitvish’s family members for bearing with the “pesty mami” who comes all the way to steal their Sundays, My family for being the sweetest ever when I missed all Sunday lunches, and my friends at work place who are the best ever critics and most supportive network around and most importantly to Chitvish and Induslady for making this possible. I dedicate this post and the posts to come to the entire forum of wonderful woman out there, who are striving hard to make every meal for their family an enriching experience. Thank you all.

Lots of Love

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