I am Aparna , the creative verve of Apps Cooking Cottage.
I enjoy experimenting with local seasonal fresh produce, recreating the traditional Indian recipes in my home kitchen and giving them a personal twist.
I believe food brings together people, it ties us to our traditions, culture , places and gives a meaning to our existence.
I love meeting people from different walks of life , travelling , penning down the numerous experiences, musings, and listening to music.
I am an ardent chai lover and I can have it anytime of the day with the best places being the “Amrutatulya” of my city.
As a toddler I used to sit on the kitchen platform and watch intently as my mother cooked delicious dishes using simple local ingredients. At age 12, I started making simple snacks and tea for my parents when they returned home from work. To see their tiredness being wiped away by a single cup of hot tea or a simple Poha (beaten rice) dish was the first time I experienced the “Joy of Cooking”. But the real happiness for me was on the trips to the local food markets with my mother where she explained me how to spot fresh veggies, fruits, fish and buy them.
My Dad used to love taking us on these yearly trips to different states in India. The love for cooking increased as I traveled within and outside India. During these travels I also started to lookout for insights into local culture and food, something beyond the regular tourist attractions. I experienced places, appreciated the local ingredients and felt happy in the warmth of people.
As a young adult , I graduated in software engineering, got trained on Hindustani Classical music and became a weekend blogger.
On a sleepy summer afternoon while having a cup of warm ginger tea, I mentioned to hubby that I wanted to do bring my love for food , music, travelling and writing under a single umbrella.
The idea for Apps Cooking Cottage was soon born.
I left behind a corporate career in Software Program Management to focus entirely on my venture. The degrees, numerous certifications and appreciation certificates remind me of the memorable years in the world of software programming.
Excerpts from the work I have done till now :
Software Program Management : I have worked in the software field for 15 years wearing multiple hats in technical, project management and training areas.
Theme based catering : Food Catering in Indian and Continental cuisines for individuals, events and corporate companies. Read up on the work done here
Cooking Without Fire Workshops for Kids: I conduct cooking workshops for kids to develop their interest in healthy, wholesome and home cooking. Read details here
Recipe development : I love to develop recipes using local, seasonal ingredients or new base products.
Product reviews : I give product reviews for base ingredients and kitchen equipment
Travelogues : I write travelogues and share details on the history,food, culture, lesser known spots and facts about the destinations. Read them in the Fantastic Travels Category
Music and Movie appreciations : I love to blog about movies , classical music and lyrics.
I am reachable through the contact form below.
I hope you enjoy reading, cooking and pondering with me as we experience food, culture, travels and everything in between.
Regards,
Aparna