The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bangladesh as Vacation Destination

Mohammad Shahidul Islam

Bangladesh is an ideal destination if you are planning for vacation comprising of natural beaches and lush green forests. Bangladesh is one of the most beautiful places on the earth. The capital of this country is Dhaka. There are many places of attractions you would love to visit when you are vacationing in Bangladesh. You could go horse riding on the secluded beaches, enjoy the cloud-reaching mountain at Bandarban by taking a gentle walk up. Bangladesh has wonderful wildlife too. Spotted deer, Royal Bengal tigers, crocodiles, sea turtles and so on are a common sight in Sundarbans. There are many roaring elephants existing in Chittagong Hill Tracts. A few of Bangladesh vacation packages include beach tourism, tiger-watching packages, honeymoon packages and many more. Cox's Bazar and Sundarbans; competing to be top of world 7 natural wonders, are exclusively popular tourists' haunts

Bangladesh is a tropical land with many popular tourist attraction spots. There are pristine beaches, national parks, ancient palaces, mosques, temples, churches and wildlife. There are many tourist packages which offer different kinds of sightseeing opportunities. A few interesting and a must see destinations are listed below.

Cox's Bazar is one of the major attractions of Bangladesh. The mesmerizing land of beauty and beaches, Cox's Bazar attractions has been charming travelers across globe since a very long time. The magnificent plethora of sights and sounds that can be experienced in Cox's Bazar is simply fascinating and awe-inspiring. With Cox's Bazar Travel Guide, a vacation in Cox's Bazar will become easy and smooth. Cox's Bazar offers a wide range of activities and things to do and to enjoy during your vacation.

Sundarbans, "the beautiful forest" is a virgin forest which until recently owed nothing to human endeavor and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. Here land and water meet in many novel fashions. Wild life presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or crocodiles basking on the river banks. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonders for which they all crave.

You can get cheap deals on flights to Dhaka throughout the year, and once there, the cost of living is amongst the lowest in the world, making Dhaka, and Bangladesh as a whole amongst the best value destinations in the world.

Dhaka is friendly and relatively clean in the posh areas. There are many sights to attract visitors. The most important sights are the Lalbagh Fort, the National Assembly Building, the Baitul Mukkaram Mosque,National museum,Savar smiti saudo,shahid minar, national gardens, zoo & many more important places to enjoy.

Bangladesh enjoys moderate tropical climate. A vacationer could either stay in a hotel or a motel. If he is planning to stay for a longer time in Bangladesh with his family or close friends it would be ideal to rent out a guest house or a flat. The reason is a vacation home; that is "a home away from home".

It would be a good idea to move around Bangladesh with your constant vehicle. Renting a car is a good option. There are many companies offering car rental and hiring services. You could negotiate your rates with them.

Get a help of a travel agency to chart out your Bangladesh vacation. They would be in a better position to plan a Bangladesh travel diary for you. This winter will be very comfortable to hang across Bangladesh.

Mohammad Shahidul Islam is a Tourism Worker

SIDR diary of Zaid Islam: Blackouts & anniversaries

Day-9: Live Faces like this give me energy to keep
working. It took me a year to show these images

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Zaid Islam is a freelance photographer and curator. He is currently a student of photojournalism at Pathshala. His curatorial projects include 'Baliyati Palace at Alliance Francaise in 2006. Recognition of a photographer Zaid Islam is hardly a pertinent introduction of a man who snapped photos at a time when the nation was mourning the after-effects of a natural disaster named 'SIDR.' Observing one year of the cyclone SIDR, Zaid presented a solo photo exhibition from that time and it was a personal diary where he shared his emotions and experiences of the first nine days.

The exhibition was held from November 15 to 23 at Chhobir Haat at Shahbagh, opposite of the Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University. The show was held at an alternative open gallery, which is a free space for artists to display and sell their work designed after the weekly 'Haat' concept of rural Bangladesh.

November 15, 2007 is a black day in our history. The country lost many of its people. Thousands of houses were ruined, as were paddy fields, woods, livestock and villages. Zaid Islam left the city and went to Shoronkhola to document the devastation. The images portrayed the woes of thousands in the coastal areas - who had been rendered homeless after SIDR and were desperately in need of relief. But relief materials had not reached the areas yet.

Zaid in his diary said, "My photographer colleagues started for the coastal areas on the afternoon of November 15, 2007. But I was still hoping that the storm would not be so serious. This was an emotion shared by millions of people, because just a few weeks earlier there had been a false alarm by the meteorological office. After the storm had hit with full force, which was 260km per hour, it destroyed thousands of homes and families in the south-western region of Bangladesh, and also the national power grid failed. Sundarban mangrove forest absorbed a huge impact somewhat protecting us."

"I remained in Dhaka as I was already booked for a wedding assignment. As wedding dates are set months ahead with hall bookings etc., the bride's family could not cancel at the last moment because of SIDR and lack of electricity. The wedding took place 24 hours after the storm with backup generators. Before leaving Dhaka for Shoronkhola, I noticed that there was a party on November 17 at the Winter Garden of Hotel Sheraton called 'Sirocco.' The organisers assured their guests on November 16 with this message - "Amongst all the current confusion in Bangladesh, we the management would just like to point out that - Sirocco is happening ……." Zaid mentioned these statements in his diary.

"Overwhelming mixed emotions fill me as I look at my images from that period. The contrast between images of Dhaka festivity and devasted coastal life reminds me of competing death tolls. The official figure was 3,268, while Red Crescent has estimated over 10,000 dead. Helicopter drop-offs look great through the lens. Relief activities were done more efficiently by some organisations. Others were more interested in fulfilling responsibilities, but not concerned with effectiveness. At the end of my diary I still find energy - we are survivors - never give up," stated Zaid in his diary.

Zaid photographed personal stories of the SIDR victims with sensitivity and empathy. The images documented the external and internal losses. With the destruction of their homes, paddy fields and livestock, these people have also lost their near and dear ones. The most unfortunate sight being that of a child who has lost both parents in the tragic incident.

Basically Zaid presented a vivid scenario of the devastated situation of the cyclone SIDR. On a very individual level, the other tragedy is that many of these people were critically injured - some have lost body parts. Zaid's photographs reflected his humane side and urged to do something for those who have lost everything.

Zaid's photographs are on display at the campus of the Business Administration Department of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) at Dhanmondi in the city. M Zahirul Islam Russell, a senior student of the Business Administration Department of the UAP, initiated the five-day show. Shahriar Anam, Head of the Business Administration Department of UAP, inaugurated the exhibition on November 26. The exhibition remains open from 9:00am to 9:00pm till November 30.

Chick hairstyle trends

Farizaa Sabreen

A simple change in hairstyle can utterly change your personality. This transformation makes you a trendy chic and inspires your friends to copy your hairstyle.

The non-conforming and asymmetrical hairstyles and pulled back hairstyle are common now. This year though shorter hairstyles ruled, longer hairstyles still flourished, and many prefer the bob. The natural look rules and so hair jewelry is not in vogue this season. Soft feminine hairstyles are chick.

Choosing the right haircut is not so easy. Because, there are so many styles. At first know which hair type (curly, wavy, or straight) you have and what hairstyles go best with the texture of your hair. Then update your hairstyle with one of these hot trends.

The Bob

Look for the bob style to make a bit of a "comeback" this Winter season as several celebrities are making this classic look all their own.

The bob is a natural accompaniment to the revival in 1920s, 30s and 40s fashions we're experiencing. In 2008 the bob can be a longer, blunt cut. The bob can be fringed or fringeless and works well in pretty much any colour.

The Fringe

In 2008 when super model Kate Moss got a fringe, the rest of the chick try it. What's best is that as a trend, you're going to have plenty of options to make it your own.

Soft Wedge Haircut

Another hot hairstyle trend is the soft wedge haircut. This short hairstyle adds much sparkle to your face. Since a lot of texturing and layering is used, your hairstyle looks soft and very smooth, in case of cut-style. Even people with thin hair can go in for this short cut, as it adds volume. It is suitable for almost every face cut and adds appeal to the personality.

Razor Cuts with Layers

A razor cut with a lot of emphasis on layering is being predicted to be absolutely in. You may have short or long hair and the razor style can be implemented beautifully, without compromising on length. Get a cut that enhances your facial features, adding much softness and playfulness to your look. Try to get more layering around the ears and on hair that falls on the side of your cheeks. With a short razor cut, a messy look can also be accepted.

Poker Straight

Curls and waves will be transformed into straight and smooth flowing hair. Even if you love to keep those waves, make sure they just gather at the ends of your hair and the rest of the hair is absolutely straight. Get prepared to straighten out those curled locks for a sleeker and newer you!

If you want to color your hair, you can.

Loose Waves

If you have medium-length or longer hair, create loose look or romantic waves for a super-romantic look. It's the season to loosen up the bun and let those curls hang loose, and you can add some volume with mousse and leave-in conditioner.

Thick and Blunt Bangs

Blunt bangs are a trendy choice for many celebrities this season. Thick and blunt bangs cut at the crown are the best way to capture this fresh trend that can take a few years off your looks!

The Side Part

The sleek side part is back for another season, and can be pulled off with nearly any hair length or type. The extreme side part works especially well with the short bob or hair that is pulled back into an updo.

Fitness: Finding the right gym for you

The 'gym' - just the word can strike fear into the uninitiated!

We all know that we should probably go to one, but some of us have just never got around to it, and frankly the whole process seems very intimidating. But once you get there, and it's a good one, it can be great fun.

Are you thinking of joining a gym but have been putting it off for ages? Well here is some inspiration for you to get off your buns and take a look at what is out there. There is a process to finding a gym because it must suit you and your needs, likes and dislikes.

First of all you need to know what type of person you are and how much money you are willing to spend before making a purchase. By knowing yourself and your personal needs and being well informed about your options before making a decision you will not end up being one of the high number of people who buys a membership, uses it once and never goes again. Gyms love people like this because you have given them your money and you do not take up their floor space. Nice isn't it? This is why the gym business is a multi billion pound industry. So take my advice that follows and you should feel your money is well spent and, most importantly you will get in shape.

There are many factors to consider before buying a membership. What do you want to get out of being active and what activities do you enjoy. If you love swimming then find a gym with a good pool and the other facilities within will be a bonus for you. Weight training your bag? Find a gym, which has a well-equipped weight training area and professional guidance to support it. Qualifications of gym staff are of high significance and are often a touchy subject in the gym industry. It is important to be aware of the standard of staff and their level of education. The person showing you the machines should have a YMCA instructor award at the very least and if you require a full programme, seeking out a member of staff with at least a sports science degree or higher, preferably also combined with other certifications such as an advanced resistance training course. Under special circumstances a person who has specialty areas such as pregnancy care, rehab exercise experience, or specialized sporting expertise - depending on your needs - should be sought after. The relationship and chemistry between the trainer and client is another factor, which will determine the success of joining a gym.

Other factors to consider are proximity of the gym to work or home, cleanliness of the facility and feel of the atmosphere. Studies show that the closer your gym is to your work or home the more likely you are to attend and stick with it. This really makes sense as most human beings tend to take the easiest route to life. Cleanliness is a big deal for women in particular. Take a good look around when you go for a tour in the gym: do the machines look as though they have been wiped down? Are the mats free of sweat? Can you actually see yourself in the mirror? One thing you may not think of looking at, are the people actually working out. Are they putting a towel or t-shirt between them and the benches when they sit or lie down? If they are, this means the staff has trained them about good etiquette in the facility. Next you should ask to have a wander around the change rooms and check out the cleanliness of floors, counters and showers. Most gyms should carry out a big clean at some point in the day along with an attendant going through after the busy times in the morning and after lunch. Feel of atmosphere is very important too. You will be less likely to attend if the gym does not have the right feel when you walk in for the first time. This is based on the individual's personality and it does not mean that it may not appeal to someone else. Do not get a membership in a cramped basement type gym if you are claustrophobic. You need to feel right at home - like the environment, the colours, and the type of music and most importantly the people you are surrounded by. These may not be obvious things at first, but they are important because over time they may start to annoy you. It's a good idea to write yourself some notes and lists of requirements before you go into the gym.

The last question you should ask yourself is: is a gym really for me? If you think it might be, then use the points given above to write some notes before you start your investigation.

Don't be afraid to check out several places, ask to look around and take their information. Take your time and never sign up before you are ready.

Do not feel obliged to give them your details before they show you around or until you have decided to become a member. Remember you are the boss! Choosing your gym should be a fun process ending in lots of rewarding results.

Legal matter: Should I sue?

Who among us has not, at some point in time, felt harmed by the actions of another person? Who has not felt an affront to their sense of integrity and honor? Especially in today's competitive business world, we often feel we are the victims of unethical play by others. But when should we consider legal action as an appropriate response to such injuries? The answer is never clear.

If you feel you have been seriously injured and feel the need to investigate your options, you should consult an attorney. A brief consultation may be worth the money you pay for it if. For example, you may consult an attorney who tells you that while you may feel injured, the other party may not have broken any laws or engaged in any behavior that the law feels the need to address. This is often the case when people are abruptly fired from their jobs. They feel hurt, they may suffer real financial distress and they may have their reputations tarnished. Nevertheless, many times there is no legal remedy available for this type of injury. Knowing that may be painful, but may answer any questions you may be asking yourself about what you should do.

On the other hand, you may consult with an attorney who can tell you what your rights are. One of those rights may be to take legal action. Often the only other remedy is to forget about it and move on with your life. How should you make that choice?

Make sure you find an attorney you trust. Get referrals from friends and call several different lawyers to get a feel for their styles. If possible, find a lawyer that has a lot of experience in the area of law you are examining. Make sure you reach a level of comfort that the attorney you select is not going to pressure you to sue just so that she or he can collect a nice fee.

Talk to your attorney about the financial commitments you can expect to make if you decide to sue. Find out how long you can expect to be in court, and what kinds of expenses you should expect to have to pay. Talk with your family about it and think about whether it is a commitment you can follow through with for the long haul.

Talk to your attorney about the emotional aspects of trial. Ask whether private personal matters may need to be aired in a public way. Ask if the other party's lawyers at trial will examine you harshly. Discuss any potentially embarrassing or damaging information ahead of time, so that you know what you can expect. Then, as with the financial commitment, discuss these issues with your family and make sure the support system you need is in place long before you go to court.

Spend a lot of time examining the downside. Think about the aggravation and frustration involved, and the expenditure of funds. Think about the effects a court case may have on your business or on your relationships. Think about what could happen if you don't win the case, and whether you might be required to pay the other party's legal expenses if you lose.

Ask yourself what you are really looking for. Examine carefully whether you can get what you are looking for by going to trial. Ask yourself if there is any other way to accomplish what you are looking for without having to go to court. Be honest with yourself about these things because ultimately they will affect your sense of satisfaction regardless of whether you win or lose the case.

If, after all of these issues are examined, your attorney tells you have a valid case, you have the financial resources and the emotional support you will need, and you are prepared to go forward; then go forward. The American legal system is a difficult course to navigate, but is ultimately designed to give each player his or her day in court, the opportunity to be heard and to present evidence. Don't give in to underhanded or sleazy tactics, and don't put up with a lawyer willing to work that way. Always conduct yourself with dignity, no matter what your opponent does and remember that the pursuit of justice necessarily involves the pursuit of truth.

Shoe care: Keep your favourite shoes longer

Wandering the vast landscapes, ancient man had to endure hot sand, freezing snow and rugged terrain in order to search for food and other resources. Protecting bare feet from harsh elements made shoes an ingenious advancement. As time went on, shoes became more specialized and a variety of styles were created to tackle specific tasks that were to be undertaken. This led to the birth of the shoe fashion industry that created the demand for shoes that emphasized individuality, personal identity and social class.

It was not uncommon for an aristocratic woman in ancient Greece to have more than 20 pairs of shoes and a servant to care for them. British women spend over 1,000 pounds per year on shoes and 10% of British admit women to having at least 100 pairs of shoes. Even the obsessed realize that shoes are important to our health and survival. They know that poorly maintained or shoes that don't fit well can cause pain, blisters and other serious conditions.

There are many reasons to ignore the pressure to consider shoes a disposable product including:

* Saving money.

* Making a very expensive pair last longer.

* Preserving a favorite pair that is no longer made.

* Reusing a pair for a younger child.

* The opportunity to donate your shoes when you no longer wear them.

* Keeping shoes out of landfills.

The basics of maintaining the condition of shoes depends on the materials used to construct them. Follow the guidelines below to keep your favorite pair of shoes in good condition.

1. Leather is a very common, durable, and aesthetically pleasing material used in all kinds of shoes. If not taken care of properly, leather is known to dry out, crack, and fall apart.

It is recommended that leather shoes be periodically polished to maintain a healthy level of moisture. Polishing also provides a protective layer that repels water and dirt, keeping your leather shoes impeccably clean and presentable. Shoe polishing products are very easy to find, but if they are not within arms reach, petroleum jelly or castor oil are great buffers with castor oil providing more effective waterproofing.

2. Suede and nubuck are very similar to leather in look and texture but they are incredibly delicate and easily damaged by water. To prevent suede and nubuck from becoming damaged waterproof them. When these shoes get dirty a soft bristled brush can be used to lightly lift away dirt. There are other products made to clean these materials such as a suede bar which is a product made of rubber used to rub out dirt marks like an eraser. But common household items like masking tape can be used in a similar fashion and are remarkably effective. Sometimes these materials get so dirty that the only way to clean them is to scrape away the top layer of the material. Consider using a shoe repair shop for this type of maintenance.

3. Shoes made of textile or canvas is not as hard to keep clean. These include your common sport shoes, tennis shoes, or casual walking shoes. These shoes are normally machine or hand washable, which makes life very easy. Keeping your shoes clean in general will leave them in wearable condition making you less likely to throw them out. The only drawback to a textile or canvas shoe is that its durability is nowhere near leather.

These shoes are produced with the intent of being a disposable product and they do not repair well. Taking care of them by interchanging them with other pairs of shoes will lower the wear and tear compared to a situation where they are used on a daily basis.

There are other generic methods of keeping your shoes in good shape. Using a shoehorn will allow you to avoid breaking down the collar of your shoe, which is the area that wraps around your foot above your heel. Also, a more expensive pair might make it worth the effort of finding a good repair shop.

Even those not obsessed with shoes can benefit by keeping them well maintained. You can reduce the environmental impact by keeping shoes out of a landfill as long as possible, you will save money and you will be happy to know that your favorite pair of shoes that are no longer made can be worn for years. Your shoes are vitally important in your everyday life, so there is no shame in taking a little extra care of them.

Event: Khazana Mithai @ Dhanmondi

WP Report

An undivided Bengal has always played the pioneering role in the domain of sweets and confectioneries. It was the best of times for Bengal in the second half of the nineteenth century, and the height of the golden age of Bengal's resurgence. From fine arts to commerce, from culture to industry, from literature to science, in all things there was a glorious flowering of exuberant excellence. The spirit of this era touched the world of confectionery too.

Taking inspiration from the era Khazana started its first sweet outlet at Gulshan, which was welcomed by the people with opened hand. Now taking inspiration from our first store response we present the second outlet of 'Khazana Mithai,' at Shop No -G1, Eastern Elite Centre, House No 50, Road No 9/A, Dhanmondi (SatMosjid Rd) which is also created with the same passion for excellence that is the hallmark of our hospitality and you had experienced it in our first attempt to satisfy your sweet tooth.

At the second sweet store in Dhanmandi Khazana Mithai, same superior ingredients will be used to prepare a whole range of traditional Mishti's from India & Bengal in a hygienic state of the art central kitchen. It will specially cater to the wedding ceremonies with the specialty Mishti's. The varied offering of sweets will delight the taste buds of millions. All wrapped in the distinct traditional warmth of Khazana hospitality.

Avishek Sinha, General Manager of Khazana said, "We have successfully serve our guests in Gulshan and now will also going to cater to all corporate and social events need of Dhanmondi people since mishti is an integral part of our bengali culture. We have also arranged beautiful dalas and packaging for this wedding season."

Khazana Mithai's master Halwai Chef Dudh Kumar Ghosh is in this profession for last 25 years. He had been involved as a professional, working with a premium property like Taj Bengal, a five-star deluxe hotel in Kolkata for more then a decade and had also showcased his culinary skills successfully including places like London.

Some of the specialties of the Khazana Mithai at Dhanmondi at Shop No-G1, Eastern Elite Centre, House No 50, Road No 9/A, Dhanmondi (Sat Masjid Rd) will be:

Motichur-ke-Laddu, Kaju Barfi, Soan Papri, Rasmalai, Chamcham, Gulab Jamun, Kalakand, Motipak, Chanar Payesh, Rajbhog, Rosogolla, Suger-free Sponge Rasogolla and Misti and Plain Doi.

Dress exhibition ADENA

WP Report

From Kameez to Kurta and Punjabi, one can find everything at ADENA FASHIONWER, which is going to hold its first exhibition on Friday (November 21) to meet the demand of both the trendy and fashion conscious at a reasonable price.

Adena, which means sensual in Greek, will hold the exhibition to showcase the dresses made of local fabrics with varieties in design and colour combination.

The one day exhibition will be take place at 3rd Floor, House no.504, Road no. 9 EAST Street: Baridhara DOHS.

Adena is also introducing long fatua for girls titling Kurta considering the socio-cultural context of the country.

"Our motto is to promote the local design and fabrics while keeping the price range low to make it more affordable." said Sabrina, co-owner of the fashion house.

Adena will exhibit exciting collection of cotton, silk and muslin kameez, Punjabi and kurta with price ranges from Tk 600 and Tk 2,000.

Organization: Phulki works for poor working woman

WP Report

"Phulki" meaning "spark" in Bengali is a non-profit organization that brings a flicker of light to the lives of disadvantaged communities. They spread the light of hope into the lives of working women who, due to their circumstances, are forced to leave their children at home, often in hazardous conditions, to earn a living. From its beginnings in 1991, Phulki recognized the link between children's rights and women's empowerment and the need to ensure a secure future for children while their mothers are working to earn a living. These goals are the pillars for all of Phulki's activities. It strives for the rights of women and children to be universally recognized and achieved. Through devoting all its resources and energy into working with disadvantaged women and children, Phulki is helping them to see that they both deserve and can achieve a secure, healthy and happy life.

Initially, Phulki focused on the plight of female workers who have migrated to Dhaka city from rural areas, in search of a livelihood. The city does not have the requisite infrastructure and support systems to sustain this large influx of migrant workers. In Bangladesh export oriented garment industry has grown rapidly over the last 20 years to become the primary source of foreign exchange for the country. Over 1.5 million workers are employed in garment factories, out of which, approximately 80% are women. Phulki's early activities ensured the well-being of the migrant workers and their children who suffered due to poverty and lack of care. Phulki envisages a future where children can grow in an environment that is not only secure and healthy but also provides them with a proper education with which to face the future.

Phulki's mission is to create a world where working women do not have to sacrifice their children's well-being in order to achieve economic emancipation. Despite the fact that Bangladesh was one of the first countries to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in practice, little of its goals have been actualized. Countless number of women and children are denied their basic human rights as a matter of course. Phulki has begun to rectify the discrepancy between theory and practice through structured and sustainable programs. Currently Phulki has programs addressing children from 6 weeks to 18 years of age, through the establishment of childcare centres, applying the Child-to-Child education approach, and training programs. Each aspect of Phulki's work is integral to sustaining the work of the whole.

Phulki's helping hand has begun a chain of education into hygiene and gender awareness that is spreading new light within slum areas. More recently, Phulki has embarked on a project that addresses the plight of the domestic girl workers. This innovative initiative aims to develop a social 'safety net' for the thousands of young girls working in homes across Bangladesh without access to counseling, skill training, education or legal services. Keeping with Phulki's tradition of developing sustainable interventions, this pilot project will be largely self-sustaining and influenced by the beneficiaries. Phulki's experience applying the Child-to-Child Approach with slum children has created a strong foundation from which this project will be further supported.

Cuisine: Treat for Winter: Palak Paneer Ingredients

500 gms Paneer

2 medium-sized bunches of fresh spinach

1/2 bunch fresh fenugreek leaves

4 tbsps cooking oil

1 large onion chopped fine

1 large tomato diced

2 tsps garlic paste

1 tsp ginger paste

2 tsps coriander powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp garam masala powder

Salt to taste

1 tbsp of butter to garnish

Preparation

Cut the paneer into 1" cubes. Heat 2 tbsps of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and stir-fry the paneer till golden. Remove and drain on paper towels. Keep aside.

Add 2 tbsps of oil to the same pan and fry the onions in it till soft.

Add the ginger and garlic pastes and fry for a minute.

Add the spinach, fenugreek leaves, tomato, coriander, cumin, turmeric and garam masala powders and mix well. Add salt to taste and mix well.

Cook till the spinach and fenugreek leaves are soft and like pulp. Mash well into a rough paste. If you prefer, you can also blend this paste in the food processor to get a smoother consistency.

Add the previously fried paneer cubes to this gravy and mix to coat the pieces.

Aviyal

Ingredients

1 medium Potato cooked and diced 1 pinch Asefetida

3/4 pound Green Beans cut in 1" pieces

1/2 teaspoon Whole black mustard seeds

2 medium Carrots cut in bite-size pieces

1 teaspoon Cumin seeds

1 cup Peas

2 tablespoons Urad dal

2 medium Serrano chiles diced

1 3/4 cups Plain yoghurt

1 cup Coconut grated, fresh not sweetened

2 teaspoons Salt or to taste

1 1/2 tablespoons Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons Cilantro minced

Direction

If potato is not yet cooked and diced, do that first, and let it cool. Then combine beans, carrots, and peas in a small pot with a cup of water. Cook for 4 or 5 minutes till the veggies are tender but still crunchy. Mix the veggies and potatoes in a 3 quart pot. Sprinkle the chiles and coconut over the vegetables.

Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Put in asefetida, and mustard and cumin seeds. When seeds pop, add the urad dal. Stir and fry till dal turns reddish brown. Empty this over the cooked veggies.

Whisk the yoghurt in a bowl till it's creamy, add the salt and mix again. Pour the yoghurt over the veggies and mix. Heat gently but not to boiling.

Aloo Gobi

Ingredients

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large onion, peeled and cut into small pieces

1 bunch fresh coriander, separated into stalks and leaves and roughly chopped

1 small green chillies, chopped into small pieces (or one teaspoon chilli powder)

1 large cauliflower, leaves removed and cut evenly into eighths

3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into even pieces

2 cans diced tomatoes

fresh ginger, peeled and grated

fresh garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon cumin seed

2 teaspoons turmeric

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons garam masala

Directions

1Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan.

2Add the chopped onion and one teaspoon of cumin seeds to the oil.

3Stir together and cook until onions become creamy, golden, and translucent.

4Add chopped coriander stalks, two teaspoons of turmeric, and one teaspoon of salt.

5Add chopped chillies (according to taste) Stir tomatoes into onion mixture.

6Add ginger and garlic; mix thoroughly.

7Add potatoes and cauliflower to the sauce plus a few tablespoons of water (ensuring that the mixture doesn't stick to the saucepan).

8Ensure that the potatoes and cauliflower are coated with the curry sauce.

9Cover and allow to simmer for twenty minutes (or until potatoes are cooked).

10Add two teaspoons of Garam Masala and stir.

11Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top of the curry.

12Turn off the heat, cover, and leave for as long as possible before serving.

Matar paneer

Ingredients

450gms /1lb shelled Matar (green peas)

250gms / 1/2lb Paneer How to make paneer

2 medium onions (chopped)

6 cloves garlic (crushed)

1 tbsp grated ginger

2 green chilies (chopped)

250gms / 1/2 lb tomatoes (peeled and sliced)

Salt To Taste

1cup curd / plain yogurt

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp coriander seeds

4 bay leaves

2 cups water

1/2 cup ghee / vegetable oil

To Garnish :

Garam masala powder

Chopped coriander leaves

Preparation

Make a paste by grinding together half the onions, the garlic and coriander seeds.

Heat the ghee in a frying pan and cut the paneer into 2.5-cm/1-inch cubes. Fry the paneer to a light brown and remove to drain on a plate.

Add the remaining onion and the ginger to the ghee / oil in a pan and add the bay leaves and fry until the onion is golden brown.

Add the turmeric and the paste mixture and fry until the ghee starts to separate.

Add the paneer and mutter (peas) along with the yoghurt, chilli, tomato and salt. Stir for 5-6 minutes over low heat.

Pour in the water and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Serve the matar paneer sprinkled with garam masala and coriander.

Coleslaw

Ingredients

Cabbage, either green or purple or both

Carrot

Green onion

For the version with mayonnaise:

Mayonnaise

Yellow mustard

Pepper

For the version without mayonnaise:

Rice vinegar or white vinegar

Sugar

Salt and pepper

Method

1 Starting with a head or half a head of cabbage, thinly slice the cabbage until you have approximately 4 cups (not packed) of sliced cabbage. (Using a mandoline helps in this case.) Julienne a half of a carrot. Thinly slice a couple green onions.

1 For the mayo dressing version, add 3 Tbsp mayo, 1/2 teaspoon of yellow mustard and mix in with the cabbage, carrot, and onions. Add pepper to taste.

3 For the non-mayo version, add a couple tablespoons of rice vinegar. Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.