White inside, white outside!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Its 6 in the morning and I am fixing myself a breakfast of strawberries and yogurt while packing my lunch box for the day. NPR plays in the background detailing the preparations for Inauguration day which is just 5 days away. The sound of it seems to send chills down the spine...a historical moment and I live in the metro-DC area. Who would've thunk?

I shake the sun room curtains open. The sun is yet to shed light on how the day will turn out to be. I catch the word 'snow' on the weather forecast. I turn on the lights of the deck and I see white. The white of snow that's blanketed the bare brown of the wood.

As I dig into my morning fix, the yogurt seems smooth and delicious as it rolls on my tongue, soothing the ulcers which have made a painful appearance. It reminds me how I begin and end my day with...yogurt. Just like the smooth white that covers the deck outside, this smooth white is my comfort food.

For as long as I can remember, yogurt has been my daily accompaniment at every meal. Since moving abroad, I have tried every brand that has seen the light of the dairy aisle...from Dannon to Yoplait to Stonyfield farm, to yogurt smoothies to fruit-at-the-bottom. I have tried the desi brands as well from Reeta to the latest Desi Natural Dahi(which is my current favorite, the low-fat variety). I could finish even the most hated dishes/vegetables with a dollop of dahi. Whether its a quick breakfast or a late night snack(granola or fruits with a yogurt topping), dahi is my life-saver. Lassis are right on top of my favorite drink list. Which is why I loved our Delhi-Agra-Jaipur trip two years ago. The lassi in the area is thick, frothy and unforgettably good! If ever a diet were to be created that said no yogurt, that'll be the death of me. I am not a chocoholic or caffeine addict or any such. But dahi-olic, that I am!

Before I launch into brand endorsements, have any of you tried Greek yogurt? If you haven't, try a small carton of this. Pronounced 'Fa-ye' its thick, full of active cultures(which one absolutely needs!), protein-packed and yummy! Don't ask me why its different and why I like it better than others, for some years now- this has been my absolute all-time must-have.

As I scrape the remnants of my bowl of yogurt, I smile to myself. Whatta morning!

White inside, white outside!

8 mint(s) of wisdom:

FH said...

We are expecting snow next week too, probably a sprinkle.

Trisha got into Chapel Hill U, just got the news. We are over the Moon! 4900 accepted out of almost 14000 early acceptance applications!! :))

Altoid said...

Wow Asha! Thats awesome news! What a way to begin a new year!

Anusha said...

do you get the taaza brand there? it is awesome desi stye curd.
have you tried kefir? its not yogurt per say, more like buttermilk, will make a great lassi. i've been eyeing the greek style yogurt the past few grocery tips & wondering if I should buy it or not...now I will!

Altoid said...

K's mom : No, I've not seen the 'Taaza' brand out here.

Kefir- Yes I've tried. I liked it and got hooked quite a bit. Then something else must've come by :) cos I haven't bought it in a while.

Usha said...

I feel malnourished if I go without thayir or mor even for a day. I can live on thayir sadam and pickle for ever - in fact I might imagine it to be a feast just with a variation in the vegetable accompaniment.
I wish I could taste those curds you talk about.

Munimma said...

I was going to suggest the very same one, but looks like you are a true yogurt freak, tried and tested.

Anonymous said...

Alto,
Like I said, you can try making ghar ka yogurt (in small quantities), its yummmmm. :--) and tastes exactly like how moms make it at home. :--))
Thayir saadham is the most delicious food on earth I agree!

Altoid said...

Usha : I feel malnourished and incomplete too :D

Munimma : Heater back on?

SK : I know yogurt can be made at home, its just- for the quantities I consume, there are good and healthy options out there making it easier for me to go for the store bought. Different strokes for different folks :)