As a young girl growing up in a sub-class community in Durban, it was inevitable that all young ladies help in the kitchen, that is where sous chef training begins. First we start as kitchen steward (dishwasher). Then we upgrade to prep cook begrudgingly peeling, slicing, dicing and still washing up. Finally, when we’re “experienced” and responsible enough we become a sous chef. This coveted title allowed me to watch and assist my mother whenever she cooked or baked (I remember the piece of dough I would get from the big bowl with Roti dough, it constantly got rolled and re-rolled) I learned many of the skills I have today from her . She herself was a fabulous cook. As we grew up, food was always the centre of our home, no matter how poor we were, we were never short of eating good home made food. We made do with whatever we had, and she made it good. Today, I teach my children the same way we were brought up, scullery maid, prep cook and sous chef. Regardless of the menu changing and the ingredients have evolved, I can’t help but go back to old faithful. This book, Indian Delights, reminds me of younger days and simpler times. I reminisce, as I read this, on the assortment of veg curries, rotis and the pickles. I mean, we still have those things now, the only difference is that it tasted so much different when I was younger. As I page through this book, I find myself in the 80s, eating whatever was in front of me (we couldn’t be picky and we had to finish what was on our plate, otherwise...) I find myself almost able to taste the love on the plate. Even though our palates have matured, the Indian Delights gives me a sense of nostalgia each time I open it. I hope you find some inspiration and some nostalgia in your recipe book this week. #HappyCooking #CulinaryQueen #ProudToBeTheHeadChefInMyHouse #TheSupermom #InstaBlog