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Destination: India

Retirement Reflections

Back by popular demand (at least in my own mind), I bring you Week 2 of our Decision Bowl Dinners. If you joined in last week, you’ll remember that our destination was set for India with our son, Creighton, as the chef (two weeks running).

No stranger to the kitchen, or to Indian food, Creighton did not disappoint. Dal Makhani and Matar Tofu were both made from scratch. (Recipes here and here.) They were accompanied by Vegetable Pakoras, Samosas, Naan Bread and Rice. My photos simply do not do this meal justice.

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Oh, and about the blanket — our little corner of Vancouver Island apparently has not gotten the memo that it is almost summer! And due to an unforeseen leak in our kitchen ceiling, eating indoors was not an option. I’m thoroughly impressed that Creighton was even willing to cook in there.

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Please join us next week for Destination China with Chef Richard!

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See you then!

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

74 thoughts on “Destination: India”

  1. I’m loving your series Donna! The feast looks amazing, what a great effort. You must love having Creighton home with you at the moment. I do hope it warms up soon for you!

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    1. Since Richard does not typically cook (he does dishes), agreeing to being part of the Decision Bowl Dinners was VERY brave of him. After drawing his own name, he then drew “Indian”. I suggested he could draw again, since we just had Indian. He then drew “Mexican”. Going for something easier (e.g. Italian), I suggested he could draw again as we had Mexican last week. He then drew the hardest cuisine to make (IMHO). I will definitely keep you posted.

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  4. I’m SO looking forward to seeing what Richard comes up with for Chinese. In other news we’re having Chinese Fakeaway tonight… chicken and cashew, and beef & black bean with fried rice.

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  5. You’re doing so well to get the variety and the extra chefs! It all looks fantastic and to be cooking and eating around a leaking kitchen roof is an added gold star!

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    1. Actually, I was going to suggest that he make Italian, as it is his favourite food and would be easier for someone with…let’s just say “less experience” cooking. But Hot Pot would work too — if we could concoct one! Hope all is well for you and the family!

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  7. Sorry about your kitchen, Donna. Of course, it didn’t seem to bother Creighton. Wow! He certainly didn’t disappoint. That is quite the spread! I’ll be watching for his show on The Food Network. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the weekend!

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    1. Hi, Ally – I LOVE the vibrant colours of the spices from India. It’s one of the things that sticks with me most from my visit from there. Sadly, my stomach is not a fan of spicy-spicy…but Creighton did a great job keeping it all tasty but mild.

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  10. Creighton really outdid himself. That is a mighty fine spread – and done under less than perfect conditions.

    Now, if I was Richard, I’d start exploring takeout options for next week 😆

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  11. That looks so good! What an interesting way to end the week. Sorry about the kitchen leak. Water is so damaging. Best of luck with a speedy repair!

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    1. Thanks, Fran – Long story short on the leak. We did some home renovations (painting and new bathroom floors) in February. We had a professional plumbing company put the toilets back on for us. A mistake was made by the plumber, and weeks later, the water and stains were noticeable on our kitchen ceiling (below the bathroom). Although the plumbing company is paying for the new repairs, the damage has been extensive. We are now in Week 2 of repairs with at least another week to go.
      Soooooo — the Decision Bowl Dinners have been a great distraction!
      I hope that all is well there!

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  12. Holy cats, what a feast! As we would say in Maine, that is some son you have. (It sounds a little funny, but it’s meant as a huge yet understated compliment.) Good luck getting that kitchen back together. I eagerly await next week’s offering. I must admit that Chinese is one of my absolute favorite cuisines.

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    1. I know that expression (from Charlotte’s Web). Love it!
      I have my fingers crossed that the kitchen will be finished today (she says with confidence)…but the bathroom has at least another week (moan here).
      I love Chinese but it can be a challenging cuisine to make. Stay tuned to see what happens with that one!

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  13. Dear Donna,

    I had a good chuckle when I saw your son draped with a blanket. The reason being, I am going back to the Bay Area soon for a visit to see my mom, my sons and my grandchildren. (My oldest son Ian is quite the chef too and I always love being a guinea pig for him).

    The weather in the towns by the SF Bay can be quite chilly like your neck of the woods. Last year in June I was in double layers from head to feet! So my food cravings tend to drift towards warm and spicy just like your talented son made! I so look forward to the next installment of this series.

    Your friend in sunny warm Sun City 😜 (no blankets required),

    😍😘😍
    Susan Grace

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    1. Hi, Susan – Just after I snapped the photo, the sun came bursting through and we were released from our blankets. By then, I was too busy eating so did not snap another photo. Feel free to send us more of your Sun City warmth! 😀

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  16. Hi Donna, What a fantastic chef Creighton is! Your Indian dinner looks colourful and delicious. Are you sure he wasn’t watching your cooking when he was little? I have confidence in Richard and his Chinese dinner plan. Stir-fry comes to the rescue if necessary 🙂 Look forward to your next update. Hope your kitchen will be back to fine form then. I miss your breakfast nook. Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Hi, Natalie – Our kitchen, open concept room and breakfast nook are now finished and back to normal. It’s been a three-week long ordeal…plus at least one more week to go for the downstairs bathroom (that is a real drag as our bedroom is downstairs)! Creighton is a great cook and makes food that I love. He also is an excellent baker. Win-win!

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  17. That meal looks delicious! I love Indian food though have never tried making it myself apart from adding curry powder, some cumin seeds – thanks for supplying the recipes. Well done Creighton! Will your husband be cooking chicken feet for the next meal – very much part of Chinese fare 😀

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    1. Hi, Susan – I don’t think that Richard will be preparing chicken feet. But…you never do know. He is being pretty secretive about the whole thing. And if I dare make any suggestions — BAM — dinner then becomes my responsibility. So, I’ll wisely stay quiet!

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    1. Thanks, I’m looking forward to it too. The fun thing about this game is that the three of us are all VERY different cooks. Richard will admit that he is more of a non-cook (but a very wiling dish-doer). The fact that both Creighton and Richard were so willing to play made it very special. Prior to this game, I cooked almost all of our dinners. So, it’s been a win-win for me!

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  19. Hi, Donna,
    Your featured picture is awesome. Love the colors. Were I Richard, I would probably pick Chinese take-out for the entree and stir up some rice for a side. I love Chinese, but have never tried to make it. Can’t wait to read about the results. Joe

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    1. Thanks, Darlene – The kitchen, open concept room and upstairs bathroom are now all repaired and back in place. The downstairs bathroom is still a disaster-zone and won’t be fixed for at least another week. As we only have one downstairs bathroom, and our bedroom is downstairs, that makes this a real drag! :C

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  22. Donna, Creighton is a gem with his amazing cooking skills! Everything looks very tasty. We are still a little chilly here, too. Warm sweaters for our walks. I don’t want any spoilers, although, I can likely guess Richard’s menu for next week. I look forward to the next instalment of your dinner series. Amy Schumer, eat your heart out.🙂

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    1. Thanks, Erica – I agree that Creighton is a gem in so many, many ways! You are better guesser than me regarding Richard’s cooking plans. I truly have no idea what he plans to do. I am very curious as to what that man has in store! 😀

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  23. Hi Donna, sorry I’m late to the party, I was spending time with my adorable grandsons! This week’s menu looks amazing and I think I will be joining you and Jo with the Decision Bowl idea. I’ve mentioned your post and Jo’s Saturday Kitchen in my newsletter this week. xx

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  24. Hi, Sue – What can be better than spending time with your grandchildren?
    It sounds absolutely wonderful.
    Thank you for the shout-out in your newsletter. Whatever Jo has in mind for her Decision Bowl idea — I am totally in. I’m sure that we can easily combine this with your healthy eating idea! 😀

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  26. Hi Donna – it looks delicious … and congratulations goes to Creighton – good for him. The leak sounds a ‘right pain’ … hope it can be fixed quickly and easily … but I’m loving this idea … and hope Richard won’t be showering at the same time?! Take care and enjoy summer when it arrives … that supper sounds just wonderful: clever son… take care – Hilary

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  29. Yum, I love Indian food. It’s great that Creighton has been able to work from afar. I know you’ll miss him when he goes back next week.

    Jude

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  31. Lucky you, Donna! Indian food from scratch and another cooking night off next Friday! Is your name even in that bowl? 🙂 I’m so glad for these culinary spoils. Back on our boat, Mark would sometimes make samosas from scratch as well. Wonderful! What a fantastic concept to keep the meals and cooking inspiring. Thanks for sharing the photos and I hope it warms up enough to shed the blankets soon.

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  32. I am salivating as I read this blog post… Brings back such great memories of our life in South Asia. While we were home based in Sri Lanka for three years, India was our “go to” country, being the closest and the most fascinating. Our very favorite street food is Indian street food, something called Mani Puri ~ a crispy little package filled with sweet and sour flavors to blow your mind. Wow, what a feast your son created! Kudos Creighton.

    Peta

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  34. Nice!
    Our very favorite street food is Indian street food, something called Mani Puri ~ a crispy little package filled with sweet and sour flavors to blow your mind.
    Thanks for sharing us.

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