Another week to go before school reopens. Today morning I woke up to my nosy dogs, beautiful weather, a slight lethargy and the realization that in another week, I will have to start sprinting in the morning. My younger one came and joined me and asked for his usual ‘tickle my back’. Are these things genetic? I wonder. I have heard stories from my SIL and FIL about hubs asking for the same as a child from his own Mom.
It’s strange how similar quirky habits sometimes show up in off-springs. Like my older son detests raisins, though his dad loves them. I hate them and always have but he showed this behaviour long before he could comprehend or understand mine. He also dislikes the layer of cream that forms on top of a very hot glass of milk. He won’t touch it. Like my own younger self. I remember the hell I raised if my glass of milk ever had any ‘shor’ – the layer of rubbery cream as we call it in Bengali. My younger one loves getting tickled and massage. Like my hubs. He loves strawberry flavor, dad again. And both my kids carry a head full of hair the same way my hubs used to when he was young, before he lost most of it.
One year grows into next, and as the summer ends, I realize the boys are a little bigger than they were last summer, and so much more than the one before, shedding some old habits and acquiring some new quirky ones of their own.
Somethings don’t change though. Like their constant bickering. Or fights over who is right. Those conspiratory whispers about something forbidden. Charging with plastic swords at each other, fighting as some warrior from Star Wars or whatever other game that has taken their fancy at that point of time. And they still laugh and cry at silly things. And these are the moments that are most precious to me, now more than ever.
This summer I loved cooking for them. This is also one big change that I have seen – they have become much more taste conscious and they have now started venturing beyond ‘hotdogs’ and ‘butter chicken’.
We call meatballs ‘kofta’ and we make a lot of varieties of kofta. My kids love meatballs, in all forms. This one I make out of ground chicken. Very quick to make, these can be had just on their own or even in a curry.
- 1 lbs ground chicken
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala powder
- 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp milk
- 1 jalapeno chopped
- salt
- Oil to deep fry
- 1 cup cucumbers cubed
- 1 cup tomatoes cubed
- ½ cup red onions cubed
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Combine all the ingredients together and make a soft dough.
- Oil your hands, and then roll out small balls.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Deep fry the meatballs.
- Using a slotted spoon,transfer the meatballs on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Combine the salad ingredients and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Combine the cold salad and hot meatballs and serve immediately.
Recently, I entered a photo contest at CJ’s Foodstories blog. She is running a wonderful food photo contest and you can also submit your pictures. For more info, check it out here.
If you like the picture, click on the picture and please vote for it. I also have two more pictures, and you can vote for any, or all of them. Thanks so much. You guys rock my world 
http://www.thelady8home.com/2012/10/26/menu-finds-with-weekend-gala-extravaganza-dinner-party-7/
It’s really sweet the way you notice how your boys resemble you or their father
I love seeing the genes carried down!
Lovely meatball dish as well my friend, very healthy and full of flavour!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks Uru! They are growing up so fast, and they aren’t that much younger to you either
If they grow up to be even half as thoughtful as you are, I will be pleased as punch.
i am going to try this one especially because it requires very little preparation time.
hey, voted for those pictures
Awesome!! SO you are finally giving up your vegetarian ways??
Good luck in the contest!
That’s so cute about your kids. I can’t wait to (someday) have children and see how they take after me and Michael
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) recently posted..Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Pie
Thanks Kayle! Good luck with your future plans too
)
My first husband went to Vietnam when my son was just an infant and he didn’t come back to us. I am constantly amazed at how much like his father my son is. His mannerisms, the way he walks, his laugh, his friendly nature and sense of humor are so much like his father.
I love meatballs of all sorts too. Sadly, my husband isn’t so fond but he’ll eat them occasionally.
I’m off to CJ’s
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted..My First Successful Macarons and Memories
My God Maureen……that must have been so hard! I am so sorry
I can only imagine how your young dreams must have been dashed. Thank you sharing this with me…it means a lot. You are one amazing woman.
best of luck with the contest-that looks decadent and delicious!
And it is funny how genetics show themselves and the whole nature vs nurture thing 
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Bouchons & Pink Praline Tarts in Lyon, France
Thanks Lorraine
)
Kofta = good + yummy
CJ at Food Stories recently posted..Cauliflower Poppers
hahaha! Thanks CJ
Thanks, needed an easy good recipe for the weekend, & this one’s easy & I can make it myself without any expert help.
Awesome!! Thank you
)
Now you know it: if you want meatballs in Italy you have to ask for “polpette”!!
kitchen memories recently posted..Cauliflower & tuna balls: the Italian passion for “polpette”!
Yup! And I am going to impress them with my new found knowledge