Musing: The Year in Review Part II

This post has been long overdue...those who have read the first half of my year in review, wondered what had happened in the following six months of 2013... here's the story now...

The month of July began and I decided that I had just about enough of holidays. I wanted to start working, interning or doing anything...that would stop me from turning into a lazy lump of corruption. From friends I learned that Hope Foundation was taking in volunteers and interns. I became a volunteer to a Hope Coaching Center and you can read about my experiences there here and here.

This was also the month when I attended a wine trail...which was a blogger's event. I met a lot of bloggers and I must say that was a pleasant experience. Both the wine tasting and the fact that the people whose blogs you've been reading, suddenly come alive in front of you. Swarnali, was the one you introduced me to this event.

Swarnali and Me at the Wine Trail 

This was also the month that our MPhil list came out and to my surprise and delight, I saw that I'd got through the program. Finally, life seemed to be coming together (and of course, we'll all encounter people who are more than eager to tear it apart...) Nevertheless, it seemed to be the start of something new...

The Children of Hope Foundation 

Ahh the month of August...that was the month my best friend turned on me. Surprisingly, August was the month of heartbreaks and eyeopening revelations. It was also the month Pippo finally ran away from home... but the good news is, he came back again....

Me, at Mrs Magpie on my Birthday 

Being my birth month, September, had always been my favorite time of the year. While I was determined NOT to celebrate my birthday...my friends made it very special for me. Taking me out to Mrs. Magpie, meeting me at odd hours, and the best part? I made a lovely new friend on my birthday: Apoorva Srivastava. In a world gone mad, it is difficult to find people who think alike and who love to believe in miracles...I am so glad she found me because there is a certain part of my life, I can never share with anyone else. I can share it with Apoorva because she would understand what I am saying. It feels like I am on the same page as her...
Since my plan was to ignore my birthday, I was surprised when a cake landed at my doorstep...it was sent all the way from Bangalore by my friend Suhasini, with my address nicked by my friend Soumma. I spent the day believing I was going to get a delivery of flowers.

Suhasini's gift all the way from Bangalore 

We slipped into October. And for us, living in Kolkata...October is a month of joy and merry making. With Durga Pujos and (internal examinations), with meet ups with old friends and new ones...the month passed by in a blur. The good things about this month was the way our city seems to pulsate with life. Those who live in Mumbai are probably already used to this. For me, October was a grand month of wearing new clothes, dressing up and showing up at every place I was supposed to go to... Swarnali was my go-to person when I was shopping for my clothes. 

Apoorva 

Ahh...November. It was my mother's birthday this month and I forgot to bring a cake for her. So I ended up cooking desserts for a week and thus my interest in baking started. This was also the month when I successfully finished my work with Hope Foundation. This was also the month, Apoorva introduced me to another friend, Nikhil. On the last day of this month, there was also a Coup d'East mini-meet up. 

But it was in December that so many of my wishes began to come true... my Facebook Cover, did ask the month to make them come true. I discovered that celebrating everything in life is happiness in itself. And I've not been as happy as I have been this past month, ever in my life. I re-connected with an old friend, Akanksha, and I met all my other buddies.

I met Benazir...a sweet friend I'd made when I had taken up French classes on 23rd December... and she insisted I take a picture like this:

At Casa's Kitchen with Benazir 

I attended my convocation on 24th December 2013, I bought an android phone a few days prior to the major life event. I spent 24th night with all my school friends and we had a lovely time...came home on Christmas and well, my sister came home. In this month...I've also been in touch with my friends who don't live in Kolkata anymore.... 

My sister's coming home is equivalent to putting her before anything else in my life. That is why I've not been active in any of the social media lately... we are having an amazing time together and I'm looking forward to the last day of the year because I'm going to spend it with her. 

Honestly, how do people who don't have a sister, get through their lives??? 

In conclusion, I think I would say 2013 has been an eye opener of sorts for me. I found out who my true friends are. I learned that I need to let go off a fair few limiting beliefs. I grew as a person, and I grew up too. I am still a little sensitive and I am still a bit short-tempered. But the good of this year has most certainly outweighed the bad. Which means, it is safe to say 2013 has been one heck of a year...

I am going to say goodbye to this year on a very high note. You have been ONE BLESSED year. 

2014, make ALL my wishes come true.... 

Now it's your turn to tell me about your year in review. 

Musing: The Year in Review (Part I)

Warning: This blog post might come across as a "little personal." If you have anything against blogs containing personal writings, please feel free to ignore this post. Those of you who do not have a problem with letting someone write their hearts' out, do go on... 

"Anything is possible, when you believe it."
- Anonymous 

On 1st January 2013, if someone had told me that I would be living through probably one of the best years of my life, I would have laughed at them. 2012 had ended on a very bitter note for me...my life had collapsed, most of my relationships were in turmoil and something in me had simply died. It was an effort to even drag myself out of bed and go through the day. At twenty three, I felt like a hundred year old...with hardly any desire to live. 

January 2013 

January was one of the bitterest months that I've ever lived through. Without the presence of my friends and a very darling like, Pippo, I don't believe I could have even managed to get out of bed and go to University. In fact, I had been trying for some way to escape from Kolkata, since last November 2012. So far, luck had not been on my side. 

This picture on the left had been clicked by a friend of mine, while we worked for CLAI 2013.... Sometimes when I think about January, I cannot believe it was this year. It seems like another lifetime ago. 

I am thankful that during this month my friends (Soumma, Jijo, Suhasini, Soutrik, Pradeepta, Indrani, Rini, Wendrilla, Chiquita to name a few) made it their business to make sure I wasn't feeling terribly lonely. Even though I love being alone, January was perhaps the loneliest point of my life. 

With Jijo and Soumma 

With Indrani and Pradeepta 

With Wendrilla 

With Rini 

But something great happened in January. I met one of my closest friends during this month, and we shot my very first interview. 

13th January 2013

She introduced me to the whole new world of blogging and the perks one gets when they own a blog...

January...sometime...damn, I really did look like a Zombie back then!!! O.o

We slipped into February and the best thing about this month was that I finished writing another story. This time was something closer to home: my story. 

The month of March was really special to me because it acted like my wake up call. I was finally waking up from the lethargy that had taken over my life. Suddenly, I was counting my blessings and found to my utter delight, I wasn't as hopeless as I had initially believed myself to be. Things really began to change now because I began to look forward to a better tomorrow... I discovered The Magic and all too soon it was the month of April our last month as Masters students. (Now it seems so weird that at the beginning of this year we were still pursuing our MA degrees...)

Facebook reminded of something important in the Year in Review: 

20th May 2013 was the best day of my life. It was the day the royalty cheque came for my debut novel. I cannot believe that I'd actually forgotten about that, because that is what had made me laugh out loud and say, "Oh well, life is actually a lovely journey. Isn't it?"

The amount was not much but it was my earning. I felt really good after receiving the cheque and decided to bury a lot of old quarrels. Now that I look back, I don't think that was the brightest of ideas... But anyway, we're only human. We are all allowed to make mistakes. 

The month of May also remains special because that was when IBL (Indian Blogger's League) team was formed. I was/I am part of the East Zone team, Coup d'East. 

The People I Love the Most from Coup d'East 

There are a lot of members on our little literary group and yet, I am closer to the five people in the above collage. While I haven't met the two lovely ladies on either side of myself, they remain two of the best people in my life. I have met all three of them in the next row and I have been quite surprised that despite living in the same city, I had not known these wonderful people for so long....

Now it was the month of June. Six months into the New Year. We had passed out of MA and now waited with baited breath to know what would our next step be. Instead of worrying about the future, I decided to take a month off for myself. I wouldn't worry about the future, for this one month. I began to blog...write a lot of posts, as it is. Hang out with my friends and surprise, surprise, the person I had decided to never see/meet/talk to again, suddenly wanted to meet up... 

So when I look back the year in review for the first six months, I see myself climbing out of the pit hole, and feeling happier than I ever had before. I didn't know what turn life would take in the next months, but for the first time in my life, I didn't care. 

I was happy. And that was all there was to it. 

(For the fear of this turning into an usually long blog post, I have decided to break it up into two parts. I'll post the next part pretty soon too. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.)

My Liebster Award

Thank you so much, Bharati Singha of Interesting Things: Interesting things on Earth, for nominating me for the Liebster Award. I am pleasantly surprised that you found my blog interesting enough to be nominated for this award... ^_^ Thank you, thank you, thank you...

The rules of Liebster award:

1) Each nominee must thank and link back the person who nominated them.

2) Answer the 10 questions given to you by the nominator.

3) Nominate 10 other bloggers for this award who have less than 200 followers.

4) Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.

5) Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by notifying them.

The questions from Bharati.... (which I've answered, which are hopefully interesting answers... :P )

1. Why did you start your blog? 

I started a blog way back in 2008...but back then, I used to mostly document my poetry in...and till 2011, I kept using my blog as a place to write poem rants. From 2012, it all changed.... I discovered the perks of blogging thanks to fellow blogger, Swarnali, and from this year, blogging has been a huge part of my life.


2. Who is your favorite author and why?

Ruskin Bond. He was one of the first authors who opened my eyes to extremely good Indian Writing in English...and I grew up with his first protagonist, Rusty. Rusty was my first crush and I don't think I've gotten over him.

3. What is the most delicious food you have ever eaten?

Doi-Maach. Especially when it's cooked by my mum...I am not a foodie at all...but this is ONE dish, I can eat all the time and enjoy it thoroughly too.

4. What is your favorite quote and by whom? 

"Never give up on the one thing, that you cannot go a day without thinking about." ~ Anonymous

"God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December" ~ J.M. Barrie

"The only reward for virtue is virtue - the only way to have a friend, is to be one." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

5. What is your favorite post that you’ve written? (Please provide link!)

Most of the posts I've written have been my favorite, at one point of time or another. So I'll pick them from three different categories.

Poem: Remembering in the Rain

Musing: You're NOT lonely, even if you are alone 

Short Story: Written in the Stars


6. Where is the most beautiful place you have ever been to?

Pondicherry. There's no doubt about that...it restores your energy, makes you feel good and one of the best places to discover yourself.

7. What do you believe is the greatest flaw among people?

That we listen too less, think too much and jump to conclusions (most of the time).
8. What do you like to do on the weekends?

Read a good book, play with Pippo (my cat), laze around for a bit, watch movies....anything to keep myself from working/studying.

9. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I'd probably learn how to sing. :-) But if that's too normal, then I'd love to learn how to cook delicious food, without taking too much of time....

10. What’s worse? A screaming Boss on Fridays or an emotionally manipulative mom? Explain.

Since I don't have an emotionally manipulative mum, I'd go with the boss... but I'm still a student. And the part-time jobs I have, never had the bosses screaming at me... Can I get a rain cheque on this question? :P

Here, I pass on the Liebster Award: 

My Nominees for the Award are:

1. Diptee Raut - Dip-Tea Blogs Here 
2. Pooja Dasgupta: DiaLifeStyle 
3. Deeptiman Chatterjee: The Shameless Blogger 
4. Abhishek Mukherjee: Abhishek's Blog 
5. Swarnali Das & Arpita Mahapatra: Dreams And Drama
6. Soumya Mukherjee: The Placid Rambler 
7. Shivani Goyal: Words I Feel 
8. Sudeshna Thakurta: Proses, Verses, Conversations
9. Priyanka Roy Banerjee: One and Half Minutes 
10. Mohit Jain: Simply Mohit

The 10 Questions You Have to Answer Now: 

1. Okay, let me start with a juvenile question: When is your birthday? 

2. Which place is your Dream Destination? 

3. Have you ever fallen in love with a fictional character? If yes, who was it? 

4. What is the one thing you like the most about yourself?

5. Your favorite book of all times is....? 

6. The one person who means the world to you is...?

7. How did you become a blogger?

8. Say you own a magic carpet... (like the one in Aladdin), would you take your Jasmine for the tour or would you take your best friend?

9. If you could keep any animal as a pet, which one would it be?

10. What is the one thing you wish to own someday? (I'm talking about gadgets, book collections, instruments..etc..if money wasn't the obstacle.)

Recipe: Simple Way Pizza

A conversation with a friend from the University, made me search high and low for a possible way to make/bake a pizza without the help of an oven. Then I found the best method ever: The Stove Top Pizza.
It really easy a very easy recipe and the pizza turns out well, (no matter how much you expect it to become a roti it defies you: you are going to end with a good looking Pizza!!!)

Ingredients 

2 cups of flour (maida) 

2 cups of wheat flour 

Salt 

2 tablespoon baking soda 

1 tablespoon sugar 

4 tablespoon of olive oil

1 and 1/4th cup mix of water and milk (lukewarm)

Cooking oil 

Method: 

Add the two flours and salt together, and mix this together. Next, add the baking soda and the sugar. Now, add all these dry ingredients together. 

Add the olive oil, and then the lukewarm mixture of water and milk. Mix all this together till you get the dough. If needed you can add more lukewarm water. You can knead the dough, sprinkling it with flour, to make it very smooth. It should not stick to your hand.  

(I personally recommend applying oil to your hands, and dusting your hands with flour...it makes the dough stick less to your hand. Not sticking to you hand at all - is a myth.)

Now keep this dough in a bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise for 15-20 minutes.

Put the frying pan to heat, and heat the oil. 

Divide the dough into equal parts. Take one of these parts and stretch out these parts into nice flat round shapes - the base of your pizza. 

Now put this in the frying pan and let it cook...till it becomes a nice golden brown. There would be bubbles to show you, that your work is done. Flip it over and let it cook the same way. 

Remember to cook this in low to medium heat. 

When the other side is cooked too, flip it over. Now put the toppings: put in the cheese (as much or as little you want), and put the rest of the toppings you've chosen. I'd decided to make a simple topping with baby corn. And instead of the pizza sauce, I had used ready made tomato sauce..you can do that as well. Or if you want, make the pizza sauce... (I'll put up that recipe when I discover how to make it!)

Put the lid of the frying pan on it, and adjust in a way to keep it a little open..so that it allows the cheese to melt completely. 

Once the cheese is completely melted, you would have your pizza ready. Get it off the frying pan, put it on a plate, add oregano and the red chili flakes (if you don't have them saved from previous pizza deliveries from the stores, you can always buy these from the store!) 

Enjoy your pizza now...

IndiVine Post: Dove's Guessing Game with my Friend!

"Best friends are the sisters God forgot to give us!" 

~ Anonymous 

My best friend and I have not been best friends forever. Even though we met when we were 5-6 years old, we did not hit it off at all. It wasn't till 2004, when we were both in 9th standard, that Soumma and I started becoming really good friends. Friendships are not born in one day...and I can bet anything we're the proof of that. 

But we're also proof of being crazy, weird, funny and having a world of our own - which makes us both get so wrapped up with each other, that sometimes our other buddies prefer not to meet the two of us together. Despite knowing Soumma for the last nine odd years, it's funny that we never went out shopping together. Nor have we ever discussed jewelry. That has been a more recent development. For some reason (don't ask me what), we discussed the clothes and jewelry part of our lives with other friends. 

And yet, it would be wrong to say we've never dressed up and had pretend fashion shows. It would be wrong to say, we've never tried on makeup. Well, mostly Soumma was the one experimenting. And I have always been her favorite person to experiment on. 

This is the picture from my birthday part in 2004. I had just turned 15...and we decided to dress up and take a photograph. Needless to say, I was reluctant. The girl in the blue skirt convinced me to put on makeup, wear fabulous clothes and well, just pose for the camera. Nine years later, I am so glad we took this picture. It was one of the landmarks of our friendship. 

This picture was taken in our friend, Amrita's terrace, in 2006. We had just all entered class XI, feeling so good to have crossed over from class X, so awesome to have cleared our ICSE. It was during this time the already good friendship began to grow more steadily...

Soumma's experiments continued.... This is us in 2008, I believe. We just gone our separate ways - into two different colleges. Amrita's birthday was an excuse for everyone to meet up, dress up and take pictures. I don't know why people find that so annoying... because tomorrow the pictures taken today would only become memories. Isn't it a good thing to keep as many memories as possible? You never know when you might need to recall them again... I am glad that though I have a lot of memories with Soumma, we still have tons of pictures to keep the record as well. 

Even with the whole gang meeting up on Ekadoshi in 2010, Soumma and I made sure we had a picture together. This one is a little blurry...but who cares? We're happy. And that's what has always mattered. 

In 2011, we volunteered for my uncle's Art Workshop...and tired and exhausted, we tried to take our own picture... Because that is exactly how crazy we are. Despite spending almost the whole day, running after kids, serving them food (my work), helping them draw (Soumma's department), we were still not that exhausted to click this amazing picture... (one above) 

When I began writing my debut novel, The Secret Proposal, during this time, Jasmine's best friend, Meghan Mukherjee, was doubtlessly based on my own best friend. Both of them share quick wit, love giving advice to their friends, love their best friends dearly, and inspires them to follow their hearts. When I do have a fiance, I hope he shares the same bond Meghan had shared with Veer (my book's hero)... ^_^ 

Last year (2012), I had just come back from a trip to Darjeeling with my college friends. The school gang decided to meet up for an impromptu End of the Year party. While we waited for the rest to arrive, Soumma and I got talking... During my week away, she was taking her examinations. We had barely spoken. And for us, not speaking is...like big, fat novels getting stacked up to be read. This was one of the worse phases of my life...and she was there. I was keeping quiet and not really taking part in things with all my heart. She noticed. 

"Wait," she said suddenly, reaching into her bag and pulling out the makeup things she carries in them, "I'm going to make you look different."

"How is that going to help me?" I remember asking her, surprised.

"Never underestimate the power of makeup," she had told me. 

The result was the picture posted above. Most of people who saw this picture, couldn't believe this was the Aniesha they were so used to. 

I began to discover for myself how a little bit of makeup can make you feel so good about yourself. She was one of the main reasons I began wearing kajal to college everyday. And I consult her, every time I have to go to an event all dressed up. She's a natural at this. 

Another thing she's a natural at, is clicking amazing portraits of people. So the next photo was taken at a time Soumma was determined to make you look...well, for the lack of a better word, stunning. Who knew this girl possessed the ability to do just that with a tube of lipstick and an eyeliner? She never ceases to amaze me. 

When I got hold of this picture, my reaction had been, "WHO IS THAT?" She's not stopped laughing about it...yet. She's a very skilled lady and I just wish, I could put some makeup on her for a change. 

But we had our roles cut out for us since we were seventeen. She's the artist and I'm the writer. If we still remain single by the time we're 30, I am sure we'll go through with the plan we made as teens. We'll hire an apartment together. We'll both  have day jobs and at night - she'll be the artist and work in her studio, and I'll be the writer, concocting tales out of nothing... 

And this was the most recent one of Soumma's clicks. This is me, in her room....and I am smiling happily. She's the one who came up with the hairstyle and the makeup. Once again, I am amazed at what she did...because while she was busy making me look pretty, I was talking nineteen to the dozen, telling her about everything that has been going on in my life. 

I guess for us, the dressing up thingy is a one way street. I like playing the model, and she likes being the one experimenting. So far, all her experiments have been successful. (Also, I am a very obedient model!) 

These pictures reflect only our good times and that's how I wish to see our friendship. Like every other relationship, we've had our shares of ups and downs. We were there for each other during times of loss, during times when the world didn't seem to care. We have been at each other's throats too. We've have screamed at each other, disconnected phones, switched them off... bought birthday cards together (both being September born), gone to sleep without wishing each other goodnight. Woken up to regret it the next morning. 

Taken long walks, talking, musing, pulling each other's legs, staying over, eating desserts, sitting in the terrace and just talking....watching the sunset. (We're too lazy to witness sunrises.) We're only yet to go shopping for clothes with each other. 

Oh well. We have a lifetime ahead of us do all the things left undone on our lists. 

I'm just thankful for having her for my best friend. After all, they say you've done something right, to have at least even ONE good friend. 

I would just like to thank Dove, for giving me the opportunity to blog about all the regular but weird things we have done together... 

Some friendships are meant to survive beyond school. 

I love you, Soumma. 

P.S. - I just wish you had an internet connection. 

This post is a part of the Dove's Guessing Game Contest in association with IndiBlogger, http://www.dove.in/en/Products/Bar-Body-Wash/Bar/Cream-Beauty-Bathing-Bar.aspx

Book Review: The Homing Pigeons

Details of the Book 

Publisher	: Srishti Publisher
Cover	: Paperback
No. Of Pages	: 328
Date of Publication	: 2013
Language	: English
ISBN 13	: 9789380349916
ISBN 10	: 9380349912
Year Of Publication	: 2013
Author	: Sid Bahri

About the Book: 

In the middle of the catastrophic 2008 recession, Aditya, a jobless, penniless man meets an attractive stranger in a bar. Little does he know that his life will change forever.

When Radhika, a young, rich widow, marries off her stepdaughter, little does she know that the freedom she has yearned for is not exactly how she had envisioned it.

They say homing pigeons always come back to their mate, no matter where you leave them on the face of this earth. The Homing Pigeons is the story of love between these two unsuspecting characters as it is of lust, greed, separations, prejudices and crumbling spines.

About the Author: 

A hotelier by education, an ex-banker and a senior executive in the outsourcing industry, Sid gave up a plush career in the outsourcing industry to follow his passions. Based out of Ranikhet, he is now a struggling entrepreneur and a happy writer. A self- proclaimed eccentric, he is an avid blogger who loves to read and cook. Cooking stories, however, is his passion. The Homing Pigeons is his debut novel. He can be reached atsidd.bahri@gmail.com

The Review: 

When I was first asked to review The Homing Pigeons by the Readers Cosmos, I didn't really know if I wanted to read the book. Firstly, my University classes were taking up a lot of my time and secondly, because I was getting involved in all sorts of work.... But I am glad that I decided to read and review this book.

The story is told through the alternating points of views of Aditya and Radhika. While I found it really entertaining to see how these two very strong characters dipped in and out of each others lives, I found it difficult to sometimes to keep track of the year we were reading about. I wish the chapter heads had come with the years, so that it was easier for the reader to find their ways back to where the author wanted to lead them.

The Homing Pigeons is a heartfelt tale about two star crossed lovers, who just have to be with each other despite every single problem that they are faced with. The book has the capacity to draw the readers in and make them live in a world where Radhika and Aditya are fighting all odds to be with one another.

What I found especially admirable was the profession Aditya takes up when he gets laid off his job. Even though readers can guess the quite predictable ending...I was very taken with the fact, Sid Bahri didn't leave us with the cliched happily ever after. You've have to read the story to find out what he left us with!

I greatly appreciated the fact that the book was devoid of any typos or grammatical errors...a rare find during these days.

I recommend this book to anyone who needs to restore their faith in happy endings and the concept of soul mates. Happy Reading, people!

Many congratulations to Sid Bahri for his wonderful debut novel. I wish him all the best and hope to review his future books as well...

Thank you, Readers Cosmos, for giving me such a pleasant read that entertained me for quite sometime now. I have to part with this book and go on to the next one on my pile now.


This review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. To get free books log on tothereaderscosmos.blogspot.com 

Recipe: The Heart Shaped Brownie

It's just the 15th of November 2013, and yet my goal for 2014 is still being realized. So this evening, was another one of my cooking experiments. This time I decided to modify a recipe I'd come across online called, "Brownie in a Mug", to make my very own "The Heart Shaped Brownie".

Ingredients 

100 g of flour 

100 g of sugar 

3 tablespoon of cocoa powder 

A pinch of salt 

4 tablespoon of olive oil 

6 tablespoon of water 

3 tablespoon of milk 

Method 

In a mixing bowl, add the flour, the sugar, the cocoa powder, the pinch of salt, the olive oil, and water....now mix this all up, add the milk in order to make your ingredients become a plain batter. Be sure not to let any lumps form. 

Now pour this batter into your mould (or any microwavable bowl). Make sure it settles down well, and remember to grease your mould beforehand. You really don't want to scrape your brownie out!!! 

Microwave it...for around 5 minutes. I suggest microwaving it 1 minute at a time, and checking on it. 5 minutes is the ideal time if you're cooking it at 700 W. 

You'll know it's baked when it looks this: 

You can cut the brownie out directly from here, or you can get your brownie out like I did: 

Oh well, my heart broke when I tried to get it out of the mould...but that shouldn't happen. Make sure you grease your mould well enough... 

It was yummy to eat though! 

Happy Brownie Making, People....

P.S. I got the idea for this lovely brownie from here. Check it out, if you want to make Brownie in a Mug. 

Recipe: The Cake in a Cup (with a twist)

A few days ago, I made a to-do list for 2014. One of the things on that list is, to learn how to cook. I have been making Pancakes since the time I was 14, but I really want to branch out and learn how to cook other things. And not just cheese omlettes and such cliched food. I had been struggling to make a proper cake for a long time, so imagine my surprise when I learned there is such a thing as a "Cake in a Cup" which takes approximately 2 to 5 minutes to bake. 

The Cake in a Cup (with a twist) 

Ingredients: 

1 Coffee Mug/Any Microwaveable Mug 

4 tablespoon of flour 

2 tablespoon of cocoa 

1 egg 

3 tablespoon of milk 

1 tablespoon of butter 

1/4 tablespoon of sugar 

Vanilla essence 

Method: 

In a bowl, mix the milk and the egg well. Then add the butter, and keep on stirring. Then add the sugar, mixing it all very well.

Add the vanilla essence. 

After mixing it, add the flour and mix again. 

Now you can put a part of this mixture into your mug and microwave for around a minute or so. When it's done, it should look something like this: 

To the remaining mixture in the bowl, add cocoa powder, and stir it very well. It should look like this:

Now pour this mixture onto your already baked cake in the mug. Be careful not to fill it to the brim, because there's a chance it might overflow onto your microwave. And you really don't want that to happen. 

Now put this in the microwave for around a minute or so... 

Finally, to get your cake out of the mug, keep it upturned over a plate. It would come out (especially if you have remembered to grease your mug before pouring in the mixture at the beginning with butter). 

Your cake might look something like this, or even better! 

Your two-in-one cup in a cake is now ready to be gobbled up!!! 

P.S. - This is the first time I've attempted to write a blog post on a recipe. Feedback is welcome. Do try this recipe and tell me how it turned out....I just added a fair few twists to the already available recipes online.