Holiday Entertaining!

Today we have a new guest blogger, Jane. Jane and I met in 2007 through my former colleague Erin, at a polo match in Newport. We were both moving to Manhattan at the same time, and after a few email exchanges, we decided to be roomies (along with Marisa!). The three of us lived together in Midtown East for about two years, and somehow made do in one of the tiniest kitchens ever. Now, Jane lives in Philadelphia with her hubby Andy, and has a kitchen that has space for a lovely Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. Since the holiday season is upon us and likely all of you will be throwing or attending parties, Jane has some recipe ideas from her holiday party. Welcome to Hom Nom, Jane! 

Guest Blog Post: Mango Cheesecake

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Today, we have one of my oldest friends, Avani, guest blogging for us. Avani and I have been friends since we were approximately 10 or 11. We met at a Diwali dance practice and have basically been inseparable since. No really. We could write volumes of books about our stupid inside jokes or silly things we laugh about and we are often connected through various mediums throughout the course of every day (gchat. email. text message. scramble with friends. phone. fb wall). Our favorite story to share with others is how, when we were 22 and visiting friends in NYC, Avani got a slice of pizza at that place across from Port Authority. I ate 95% of it, yet she was the one who ended up with food poisoning the next day. We also both share a deep love for the color pink, and the Middleton sisters. These days, Avani is a journalist based out of Seattle, and loves eating food as much as I do. 

Welcome, Avani! 

Sidenote: I have had this cheesecake before, when I was little and Avani's mom would invite us over, and I probably tried to ("stealthily") consume 100 pieces then. I'd still do the same now. 

Guest Blog Post: Gobi Manchurian and Mock Chicken Curry

My friend Trupa and I grew up in Seattle together, and bonded when we were 12 and in some Diwali dance program in which we had to wear fish costumes. Now, Trupa lives in North Carolina, and we gchat daily about recipes, kitchen appliances (yes, you DEFINITELY need the soda machine to make sparkling water), and what we will be making for dinner. Trupa also recently got engaged, so congrats to her! Since she cooks so often, I decided to ask her to contribute her recipes to Hom Nom. She has shared not one, but two recipes with us! Welcome, Trupa! 

Guest Post: Champagne Mojitos

Today we have a guest post by my college roommate, Lavina. Lavina hails from Miami, and she introduced me to mojitos.  I'm not sure where I had my first mojito, probably at 33 in Boston, but my most memorable one was at Nikki Beach in Marbella.  Lavina and I had spent the semester studying abroad in London and after we finished in May, we decided to beach hop through Spain and Greece for 2 weeks. Marbella was our 2nd stop. Also a memorable experience on this trip: I believe it was at the Malaga airport in Spain where I first realized I was totally in love with getting my passport stamped.  I can still clearly remember the excitement I felt going through the customs line and proudly smiling at what was probably the 5th stamp in my then shiny and new passport. 


To celebrate Hom Nom's first year anniversary, Lavina prepared delicious Champagne Mojitos. Welcome, Lavina! 

Guest Blog Post: Pizza pizza! (Round Two)

Today we have another treat from Asmi, who has blogged about our culinary undertakings on Hom Nom before.  We met again for more pizza experimentation.  Welcome back, Asmi! Good to see you here again. 


When we decided to do Naan Pizza Round 2 Lavi suggested we mix it up by trying some Indian Chinese recipes.  All 3 of us being cheese lovers, chilli paneer was an obvious choice.  We were initially thinking of doing gobi manchurian for the other dish, but I thought the sauce was too similar to chilli paneer.  When did I decide this?  After I had fried the cauliflower and only had a few hours before the girls were coming over, with no other readily available ingredients in the kitchen.  Whatever is girl to do last minute?  MacGuyver a sauce, that's what! See below for the special secret creation!