There are a few things I have to eat whenever I go back to India. As I mentioned in my previous post, it has been five years since I ate the foods but my taste buds remember the flavors very well. One of the things I miss is a simple pound cake. It sounds a bit strange because you can find a pound cake anywhere but somehow the taste is not the same as I remember as a kid. It obviously has lots of butter in it which makes it quite dense and creates an almost crispy crust on the outside- which is simply divine. A perfect breakfast would be a piece of toast with some cheese, a slice of pound cake and a big, huge cup of coffee. Did I mention, my healthy eating is on hold for the moment?? Actually it is on hiatus for two weeks. The good thing about going to Europe or Asia is that one doesn’t gain any weight. My theory is the lack of processed foods. Although things have changed quite a bit since I was in India.

My daughter complains about being deprived of McDonalds back home (USA). I don’t encourage fast food at all. I did promise her I would take her while we are in Delhi, thinking the food will be a lot better- no corn by products, etc. We visited the joint today and she ordered McNuggets, etc. It was the same bad food… she was thrilled but I was disappointed about wasting a meal- I could be eating something really delicious…

Another must have is cold coffee from Depaul’s. It is a tiny little joint that sells snacks and the most divine cold coffee. It is a perfect combination of bitter coffee, a bit of mocha flavor and a lot of creamy sweetness- it is a small 6 oz bottle that somehow is devoured in a matter of seconds.

My favorite of the bunch is a simple pineapple pastry. The confections in India are very much European in nature. The cakes and pastries are not overly sweet and most of them are topped with fresh whipped cream- which is my favorite. I am always seeking similar tastes in the US and don’t find them too often. We have been frequenting Wenger’s Bakery for years and love their pineapple pastries- delicious!!

So far my daughter has not shared my love of any of the things I mentioned above. Initially I was a bit disappointed but now realize it is an acquired taste. She is used to different flavors… even the pizza is different and so are the candies and ice cream. I am not taking it personally- she has to make her own memories. I on the other hand am enjoying mine!!