In My Hands Today…

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Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking – Samin Nosrat, illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton

A visionary new master class in cooking that distills decades of professional experience into just four simple elements, from the woman declared “America’s next great cooking teacher” by Alice Waters.

In the tradition of The Joy of Cooking and How to Cook Everything comes Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, an ambitious new approach to cooking by a major new culinary voice. Chef and writer Samin Nosrat has taught everyone from professional chefs to middle school kids to author Michael Pollan to cook using her revolutionary, yet simple, philosophy. Master the use of just four elements—Salt, which enhances flavor; Fat, which delivers flavor and generates texture; Acid, which balances flavor; and Heat, which ultimately determines the texture of food—and anything you cook will be delicious. By explaining the hows and whys of good cooking, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat will teach and inspire a new generation of cooks how to confidently make better decisions in the kitchen and cook delicious meals with any ingredients, anywhere, at any time.

Echoing Samin’s own journey from culinary novice to award-winning chef, Salt, Fat Acid, Heat immediately bridges the gap between home and professional kitchens. With charming narrative, illustrated walkthroughs, and a lighthearted approach to kitchen science, Samin demystifies the four elements of good cooking for everyone. Refer to the canon of 100 essential recipes—and dozens of variations—to put the lessons into practice and make bright, balanced vinaigrettes, perfectly caramelized roast vegetables, tender braised meats, and light, flaky pastry doughs.

Featuring 150 illustrations and infographics that reveal an atlas to the world of flavor by renowned illustrator Wendy MacNaughton, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat will be your compass in the kitchen. Destined to be a classic, it just might be the last cookbook you’ll ever need.

Sacred Stones, Spaces, and Stories: Ashtavinayaka Part 5

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Nestled in Raigad district, in the tranquil town of Mahad, stands the Varadavinayak Temple, one of the eight Ashtavinayak shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Unlike the grandiosity of some other pilgrimage sites, Varadavinayak’s charm lies in its simplicity, serenity, and the promise of fulfilled wishes. The name, Varadavinayak, or “the Bestower of Boons,” draws thousands of devotees each year who seek blessings, prosperity, and the removal of life’s obstacles.

Mahad is a small, peaceful town located close to Khopoli and Karjat, easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, with a sacred pond to the west and a banyan tree within the complex, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. The setting is intentionally simple, reflecting the ethos of humility and devotion that underpins the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage.

The mythological roots of Varadavinayak are woven with drama, penance, and divine intervention. According to legend, King Bhima of Koudinyapur and his queen, longing for a child, were blessed by Sage Vishwamitra with the Ekashar Gajana Mantra. Their prayers bore fruit in the form of a son, Prince Rukmaganda, who grew into a handsome and virtuous young man.

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During a hunting trip, Rukmaganda stopped at the ashram of sage Vachaknavi. The sage’s wife, Mukunda, was enamoured by the prince and propositioned him. Rukmaganda, steadfast in his morals, refused and left. Mukunda, lovesick, was deceived by Indra, the king of gods, who took Rukmaganda’s form and united with her. She bore a son, Gritsamada. When Gritsamada learned the truth of his birth, he was furious. He cursed his mother, Mukunda, to become the thorny bhor, a berry plant. In turn, Mukunda cursed her son, declaring that he would bear a demon child. At that moment, a divine voice revealed that Gritsamada was the son of Indra, but the curses remained irreversible.

Ashamed and seeking redemption, Gritsamada retreated to the Pushpak forest, the present-day site of Mahad, to perform intense penance to Lord Ganesha. He chanted the sacred mantra “GaNanaN Tva” and worshipped with unwavering devotion. Pleased, Ganesha appeared before him, granting several boons: Gritsamada would have a powerful son, Tripurasura, later defeated by Lord Shiva, and the forest itself would be blessed. Anyone who worshipped Ganesha here would have their wishes fulfilled. Gritsamada requested Ganesha to remain in the forest, and thus the deity manifested as Varadavinayak, the giver of boons, enshrined in Mahad.

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The current temple structure dates back to 1725 AD, when Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, a Peshwa general, restored and rebuilt the shrine. The original idol of Varadavinayak was discovered in a nearby lake by Dhondu Paudkar in 1690 AD and later installed in the temple.

The temple is constructed from black stone, with a modest hall of some 8×8 feet and a 25-foot-high dome crowned with a golden pinnacle. The dome is adorned with cobra motifs, symbolising divine protection and energy. The sanctum houses the swayambhu, or self-manifested idol, of Lord Ganesha, facing east with a left-turned trunk. The idol is flanked by stone images of Riddhi and Siddhi, the goddesses of prosperity and spiritual power. The temple complex includes a Shiva Linga, a Mushika, Ganesha’s mouse vehicle, Navagraha, the nine planetary deities, and a Gomukh, a sacred water spout to the north. Unlike most temples, devotees at Varadavinayak are allowed to enter the sanctum and perform rituals directly on the idol, fostering an intimate connection between worshipper and deity. The temple’s oil lamp, the Nandadeep, has reportedly burned continuously since 1892, symbolising eternal devotion and divine presence. Within the temple grounds, a sacred banyan tree is tied with coconut offerings by devotees seeking the fulfilment of wishes.

Devotees seek blessings by entering the sanctum and offering prayers directly to the idol, a rare privilege among Ashtavinayak temples. The abhishek ritual involves pouring milk, water, and flowers over the deity while chanting prayers. This ritual is believed to remove obstacles and bring prosperity. Special permission from temple authorities is required to perform abhishek. The temple holds daily aartis in the morning and evening. The evening aarti, in particular, is a vibrant and spiritually charged event, drawing crowds of worshippers. Devotees offer modaks, sweet dumplings, Lord Ganesha’s favourite treat, as a symbol of gratitude and devotion.

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Devotees tie coconuts around the banyan tree in the temple courtyard, praying for the fulfilment of specific wishes. This ritual is especially popular among those seeking children or success in personal endeavours. On Maghi Chaturthi, it is believed that consuming the coconut prasad can bless a devotee with a child, making this festival particularly significant for childless couples.

The temple’s major festivals are celebrated during the waxing moon period, the Shuddh Paksha, of Bhadrapad in August–September and Magh in January–February, from the first day to Panchami, the fifth day. Festivities include Pranpratistha, the consecration of the idol, marking the spiritual renewal of the temple. Abhisheks and special pujas are elaborate rituals and collective prayers, with thousands of devotees participating in the holy bathing, or abhishek, and worship of the deity. The temple is filled with devotional music, chanting, and the aroma of incense, creating an atmosphere of intense spiritual energy. During these festivals, the temple and its surroundings come alive with processions, communal feasting, and the sharing of prasad, reinforcing the temple’s role as a centre of community and faith.

The Varadavinayak idol is considered swayambhu, or self-manifested, and was discovered in a lake, lending it a weathered and ancient appearance. The presence of two idols, the original outside and a replacement inside, has sparked debate, but both are revered by devotees. Varadavinayak is the only Ashtavinayak temple where devotees can personally touch and perform rituals on the idol. This unique tradition fosters a deep sense of connection and accessibility, making the act of worship more personal and immediate. The Nandadeep, said to have burned continuously for over a century, represents the unbroken chain of devotion and the ever-present blessings of Lord Ganesha.

The ritual of tying coconuts to the banyan tree is a living testament to the temple’s reputation as a wish-fulfilling shrine. The tree is seen as a witness to countless prayers and dreams, many of which devotees claim have been answered.

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Varadavinayak is traditionally the fourth or seventh stop in the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage circuit, depending on the route taken. Its proximity to Mumbai makes it one of the most accessible temples, drawing urban devotees seeking a spiritual respite and the fulfillment of desires. The temple is not just a place of worship, but a hub of community life. Festivals and daily rituals bring together people from all walks of life, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose. The distribution of prasad, communal meals, and collective prayers are integral to the temple’s vibrant spiritual culture.

In My Hands Today…

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Ghosted: An American Story – Nancy French

A riveting look inside a life of poverty, success, and the inner circles of political influence–from the foothills of Appalachia all the way to the White House.

New York Times bestselling ghostwriter Nancy French is coming out of the shadows to tell her own incredible story. Nancy’s family hails from the foothills of the Appalachians, where life was dominated by coal mining, violence, abuse, and poverty.

Longing for an adventure, she married a stranger, moved to New York, and dropped out of college. In spite of her lack of education, she found success as a ghostwriter for conservative political leaders. However, when she was unwilling to endorse an unsuitable president, her allies turned on her and she found herself spiritually adrift, politically confused, and occupationally unemployable.

Republicans mocked her, white nationalists targeted her, and her church community alienated her. But in spite of death threats, sexual humiliation, and political ostracization, she learned the importance of finding her own voice–and that the people she thought were her enemies could be her closest friends.

A poignant and engrossing memoir filled with humor and personal insights, Ghosted is a deeply American story of change, loss, and ultimately love.

Recipes: Black Chana Chaat

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Also known as Kala Chana Chaat, Black Chana Chaat is a nutritious and flavourful salad made from black chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and spices. Incorporating black chana into one’s diet offers several health benefits. Black chana is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking to meet their protein needs. The high fiber content in black chana aids digestion, helps maintain bowel health, and can contribute to weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. Black chickpeas are rich in essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, folate, and antioxidants. These nutrients support overall health and help prevent deficiencies. The fibre and potassium in black chana can help regulate blood pressure levels and lower cholesterol levels, contributing to heart health. Black chana’s low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those with diabetes or looking to manage their blood sugar. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dry black chana or kala chana
  • ½ cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 1 medium-sized carrot, grated
  • 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
  • ¾ tsp black salt or regular salt to taste
  • ½ tsp chaat masala
  • ½ tsp red chilli powder as per taste
  • 2 tsp lemon juice 
  • ¼ tsp amchur or dried mango powder
  • ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder 
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method:

  • Rinse the black chana under tap water well and soak them in 3 cups water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. This helps soften them and reduces cooking time.
  • Drain the soaked chana and place them in a pressure cooker. Add 2.5 cups of water and cook for about 7-8 whistles or until tender. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes with natural pressure release.
  • While the chana is cooking, chop the cucumber, tomato, onion, and grate the carrots. 
  • Finely chop the coriander leaves as well.
  • Combine the cooked black chana and chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped coriander leaves. 
  • In another smaller bowl, thoroughly mix the black salt, chaat masala, red chilli powder, amchur powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, and olive oil. 
  • Gently toss all the ingredients together until well-mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve immediately as a refreshing snack or as a salad.

In My Hands Today…

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The Great Partition: The Making of India and Pakistan – Yasmin Cordery Khan

The partition of India in 1947 promised its people both political and religious freedom—through the liberation of India from British rule, and the creation of the Muslim state of Pakistan. Instead, the geographical divide brought displacement and death, and it benefited the few at the expense of the very many. Thousands of women were raped, at least one million people were killed, and ten to fifteen million were forced to leave their homes as refugees. One of the first events of decolonization in the twentieth century, Partition was also one of the most bloody.

In this book Yasmin Khan examines the context, execution, and aftermath of Partition, weaving together local politics and ordinary lives with the larger political forces at play. She exposes the widespread obliviousness to what Partition would entail in practice and how it would affect the populace. Drawing together fresh information from an array of sources, Khan underscores the catastrophic human cost and shows why the repercussions of Partition resound even now, some sixty years later. The book is an intelligent and timely analysis of Partition, the haste and recklessness with which it was completed, and the damaging legacy left in its wake.