Highlights of 2009: The Shoes that Launched a Thousand Words
Saturday, 23rd January 2010. There are 40 Comments.
Happy New Year, all. Having just returned from hols, this year started off very well, despite the fact that there was a certain case of the re-entry blues, (a term coined by my friend Motherhood the Final Frontier’s mum). But it wasn’t anything that a good book, a few early nights in, in PJs with some green tea with cardamom could not fix. Having started this food blog in October, 2009, I have been feeling quite guilty as of late for not having blogged any recipes this year, especially since I was honoured by the lovely Liberty London Girl as Top Ten Blogs to Follow in 2010 and my dear IRL (In Real Life) friend, the clever, elegant Mrs Trefusis Takes A Taxi for “My Blogs to Watch in 2010“. I do admire bloggers who are able to write posts despite having busy schedules. I am only just catching up now.
I have been requested to do a Highlights of 2009 post by my friend Motherhood the Final Frontier for a mème.
2009 was my first year of marriage…
Having started off the year in Paris together…
…we walked around in the cold, stopping every few hours to eat or drink. For a dense chocolat chaud at Christian Constant’s chocolate boutique or a champagne with earthy notes of Creme de Chataigne liqueur at the literary bar, La Belle Hortense in the Marais. Where else in the world can you thumb through a book called Societe-monde : le temps des ruptures whilst having a flute of bubbly?
I left my home, friends and job (and not to forget creamy cappucci and sugar glazed, pillowy cornetti) in Rome…
I moved to a new city, new country, where I created a new home for my husband and myself.
I cooked a lot, I read a lot and being in a foreign land, I initially also wept a lot.
Spring came, and it was the first time my husband and I celebrated his birthday together. I prepared a dinner at home for the two of us. Not being one who usually bakes, I decided to make a Valrhona chocolate ganache tart adapted from a recipe in Gourmet magazine. We started with the tart, because everyone knows you have to start with pudding if it’s your birthday…
Followed by scarlet-and-pink-from-inside lamb chops fragranced with mint, lemon rind and lemon juice, and lacquered roasted fingerling potatoes to cut the acidity of the lemon. We paired this dish with my husband’s favourite bottle of velvet, mineral, garnet-berried Pinot Noir, a Nicolas Potel Clos St. Denis 2006…
Obviously, we had pudding. Again. With Calvados.
My second attempt at baking took place when my husband’s lovely Uncle and Aunt came to visit; I made a flourless chocolate and rum cake adapted from a few different sources, mainly David Lebovitz, and the Boston Globe (note, this photo taken with my poor, old point-and-shoot).
We took a trip to Montreal, to see my husband’s alma mater, McGill…
But really, we went to hang out at the mini-cupcake shop, for flavours of brown sugar banana cream, dark chocolate truffle, and my favourite: bits of chopped blood-red raspberry with a cloud of white chocolate butteriness floating atop the moist, crumbly cupcake beneath…
and the chocolate bars which Montreal is so famous for.
After brunch, we headed for Juliette et Chocolat for intense, muddy chocolate drinks…
and brownies which are so dark and dense, they stick to the roof of your mouth.
I started toying with the idea of food blogging, thanks to an encouraging friend, Ian, for whom I wrote a short post on his blog. After writing my first Spice Spoon post, I thought, those shoes helped launch a thousand words, so to speak…
…and led me to take up an evening creative writing class.
Many thanks to Ian, you can read my post here and see his blog here.
After 6 months of a frustrating job-hunt, in a new country, I started working again, it made sense, even if “we are all dead in the long-run“.
Having just started a new job, this was probably not the best time to start my food blog, but that is exactly what I did, in October. I was inspired by bloggers like Lipstick Masala, Motherhood the Final Frontier, Mrs Trefusis Takes a Taxi, Hollow Legs, Eat Like a Girl, Liberty London Girl, Backwards in High Heels, Up and Down the City Road, Chachi’s Kitchen and The Fiction Desk (my friend who kindly designed this blog for me) all of whom I would like to thank profusely. Some of them are not even aware of their kind influence on me. I have discovered I simply adore writing and I hope to continue to (improve and) do so over the years.
In the Autumn, my husband and I went to Boston, back to Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square, where we had first had a real conversation, after having briefly met at a wedding in Pakistan, serendipitiously. We went back to where it all began, had bitter coffees and shared a raspberry and cheese croissant as we sat and watched our breath crystallise in the cold New England outdoors. I just had to stop a young tourist to take our photo.
As the year progressed, I collected photos of the food we ate at home, (I have since upgraded to a better point-and-shoot camera), here are some of my favourites:
Frittata con patate…
Frittata con asparagi (as you can see, we eat a lot of eggs, for brekkers, lunch, dinner)…
My own version of Cottage Pie, with the addition of peas and carrots…
Oyster mushrooms, capsicum and sugar snap peas in garlic and oyster sauce…
Orange rind and saffron-infused tilapia on a bed of crisp potatoes with asparagus…
King prawns with capsicum ribbons…
Jeweled couscous with paprika…
and when I have had to eat alone at home when my husband is working late…
an omelette filled with keema (savoury-mince) from the day before. With Ahmed’s Sweet Chili sauce, of course.
Chicken in harissa and ginger-garlic with capsicum…
Chicken curry with aromatic Basmati rice…
As the year came to a close, I was fortunate enough to have rounded off the year nicely, with a trip to my beloved Pakistan and London. That photo-story shall be for another post…
Click here for La Belle Hortense photo credit.
January 23rd, 2010 at 18:20
Everything about this post is indescribably delicious, not least of all YOU. Here’s to a wonderful 2010! xo
January 23rd, 2010 at 18:31
What a beautiful post. I am so glad you have a blog – I can come here and lose myself for a while in your wonderful stories and luscious food. Re-entry is the worst – I am so thankful to have such a lovely friend who understands – our homelands tug at us everyday. xxx
January 23rd, 2010 at 18:47
It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you on-line this past year my dear. I’m just so sorry we haven’t managed to meet in person yet. LLGxx
January 23rd, 2010 at 19:02
What a great post to start off 2010.
)
January 23rd, 2010 at 19:10
Congrats on your wedding last year (I didn’t realise you’d only married so recently)! Looking forward to your next posts!
January 23rd, 2010 at 20:11
Very nice and sweet post. I like reading about your life and getting you know better this way!
January 23rd, 2010 at 20:24
You are so gifted my love xx
January 24th, 2010 at 00:00
Shayma,I enjoyed this so much.Even after knowing u personally,really enjoyed your naration of events.It was very sweet and very interesting!
January 24th, 2010 at 05:21
Thank you for a mention Shayma, I really enjoyed reading your highlights of 2009.
January 24th, 2010 at 05:28
Shayma, how do you stay so thin?!?! Delicious food, delicious writing… you’re simply delicious!
Many kisses to you my sweet, may 2010 bring you much happiness
January 24th, 2010 at 08:04
Happy New Year, darling!
That first pic is particularly stunning. Thanks for sharing your wedding photo with us.
January 24th, 2010 at 09:24
Loved your post darling. It was really sweet and motivating. Miss you lots.
January 24th, 2010 at 09:33
Wow – what a year, full of exciting upheaval and new adventures. I for one am glad that you decided on the blog – it’s provided me with much gastronomical joy (not to mention excessive mouth watering) just reading it. Looking forward to trying out some of the dishes you’ve shared here.
January 24th, 2010 at 10:28
What a lovely post, Shayma. Cheers to you and your husband!
January 24th, 2010 at 12:59
Only just discovered your blog but have fallen in love with it already. I am excited to make Khagina soon; thanks for the inspiration. Wishing you all the best for 2010. X
January 24th, 2010 at 12:59
Shayma, your post reads like a novel full of adventures. You and your husband look absolutely perfect together. Lovely wedding photo, you look so pretty! Wishing both of you a world of happiness. I’m so glad you’ve decided to blog. I wish you all the best.x
January 24th, 2010 at 13:00
What a lovely year! And what gorgeous shoes.
January 24th, 2010 at 13:56
What a lovely piece, as ever. Sweet story of you both returning to Au Bon Pain. All the best for 2010
January 24th, 2010 at 14:03
One of the most beautifully written round-ups I’ve read.
January 24th, 2010 at 14:34
How fabulous to catch up on your year and learn that you’re a newlywed! Looking forward to your 2010 posts and to sharing this wonderful blogosphere with you!
XO
Mrs L.
January 24th, 2010 at 15:00
What a wonderful round-up, with equally wonderful cooking. Can’t wait to see more! xx
January 24th, 2010 at 15:38
Wow, please may we have some more?
January 24th, 2010 at 16:23
A lovely post indeed!
x x x
January 24th, 2010 at 16:34
@ Wzzy, M, Su-Lin, Sarka, Maninas, Fatima, Grub Worm, Ollie, Gin & Crumpets, Mrs L., Top Bird, Glenland Ladybird, Kavey I thank all of you most kindly for your wonderful comments. I am most grateful, wishing you all a lovely year.
@So Lovely Yes, darling, I know what you mean, we have to keep reminding ourselves that home is where we make it our own. x
@Liberty London Girl It truly has been a pleasure, hopefully next time I am in London we shall meet. x
@Fati Love you, dear girl.
@Saju Thanks, Saju. Your blog was one of the first food blogs I had ever seen; it inspired and motivated me so much.
@Ashoo Thanks Ashoo Apa, for visiting.
@Ines Wishing you a lovely year, dearest. And hope to see you in 2010. Much love, s
@Maggie Miss you too, we shall meet when I am in DC next.
@Jennifer Hess Wishing you a Happy Anniversary, Jen.
@Mary Thank you for passing by, I hope to have a proper look at your blog, too. I had a peek and it looks beautiful.
@Azita Dear Azita, it’s been lovely getting to know you this past few months- here’s to many more. x
January 24th, 2010 at 17:02
What a year it’s been! Lovely round-up.
January 24th, 2010 at 17:22
Shayma
I so enjoyed this post I am ready for more! Give us more details, more stories about meeting your hubby in Pakistan and then in Boston (how very exciting!) and -especially-more pics of the shoes! That reminded me of a pair of Maud Frizon shoes I bought in Paris years ago, I considered them as precious as jewels!
I am waiting with unabated breath! Love
Joumana
January 24th, 2010 at 17:37
What a beautiful post ..enjoyed every detail. lovely. truly.
January 24th, 2010 at 22:17
Shayma, I LOVED this post! It was awesome! Congrats on your first year of marriage!
I am so thankful to Maninas for having found us and introduced us! I love your blog!
Your wedding picture is simply GORGEOUS and your shoes…oh my God the shoes, LOVE THEM!
January 25th, 2010 at 07:43
I have read this and re read it, several times now. It is just a wonderful post so full of joy and beauty. Cannot wait to read more over the coming months. xxx
January 25th, 2010 at 11:39
I love the happiness that so many disparate things bring us. A joyful relationship, good friends, delicious food all garnished with a bit of sparkle. Thank you for reminding us how lucky we are xx
January 25th, 2010 at 12:47
What a lovely post, Shayma !!!
Well, I see that apart from sharing a passion for cooking, we also share the re-entry blues….but it is wise to profit from life wherever we are. Each place has something positive, if we want to, and in each place, we will find people to love…that ’s the most important thing ! Our attitude is what matters !!!
XXX
January 25th, 2010 at 16:44
Shayma, my eyes are prickling with tears….for many reasons. We keep looking forward – the best is before us and the past a guide. Have a blessed 2010….with ♥♥♥
January 26th, 2010 at 07:06
Food, travel, longing, nostalgia, happiness and sadness – you always seem to get the mixture exactly right. Also, I really want a piece of that chocolate and rum cake with raspberries!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:07
Good to see you back on the net..And a talented missy you are! hugs..
January 28th, 2010 at 23:13
Lovely in all ways–you, you two, your food, and your shoes. Here’s to a happy and blessed 2010.
January 30th, 2010 at 03:15
Wow! What a year! Some really beautiful photos in there – especially the ones of you and your husband. Keep cooking and writing in 2010.
January 31st, 2010 at 20:10
what a great post. i feel like i just got the “cliff notes” synopsis of your recent life! me and my husband took a tourist shot in front of the bar we met at in london (a bit less sweet than an au bon pain!)… don’t feel strange about it…it’s cute!
look forward to more in 2010!
February 3rd, 2010 at 05:04
Gorgeous retrospective of the year dear…..wishing you many more years of togetherness, bliss, joy and happiness….
February 5th, 2010 at 00:34
What a beautiful year! I feel happier (and certainly hungrier) for having shared it. Keep writing – there are more cornetti, more shoes and thousands more words in you. Look forward to hearing them all.
March 12th, 2010 at 21:27
This is really cool… I love the recap! I wish I knew you earlier… LOL
what is harissa? In Arabic, “harissa” is the name of dessert made with semolina (now I’m thinking I need to make it and write about it!)