Who's a "Mistress"?
The Middle English "mistress" comes from the Old French "mestresse." This, in turn, is derived from the Latin "magistra," the feminine form of "magister," meaning "master" or "teacher."
The term has historically been used to denote a woman who has control or authority, and it has evolved over time to encompass various meanings, including a woman in a position of power or a woman who has a romantic relationship with a married man.
What role do spices play in your cooking?
What emotions or memories do certain spices evoke for you?
About the author
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an Indian-American author and poet, known for her
contributions to literature that often explore themes of identity, immigration, and the experiences of women. Born in Kolkata, India, she moved to the United States for higher education, earning a master's degree in English and an MFA in Creative Writing.
Her works frequently draw on her own experiences as an immigrant, blending elements of Indian culture with contemporary issues. She has written several novels, short stories, and poetry collections. In addition to her writing, she is also a professor of creative writing at the University of Houston. Her literary contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognition in both the United States and India.
California and India share several common traits, despite their distinct cultural and geographical differences. Here are a few notable similarities. Share your opinion on the different topics:
Diversity: cultures, ethnicities, languages, communities, religions, traditions.
Innovation and Technology: Silicon Valley, tech industry, startups and IT sector.
Natural Beauty: beaches, mountains, forests, variety of terrains, the Himalayas, deserts.
Agriculture: fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Tourism: Both California and India attract millions of tourists each year. National parks, beaches, entertainment industry, historical sites, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.
LET’S MEET SOME OF THE SPICES MENTIONED AND USED IN THE NOVEL:
“Each spice has a special day to it. For turmeric 1 it is Sunday, when light drips fat and butter-colored into the bins to be soaked up glowing, when you pray to the nine planets for love and luck.”
“Monday is the day of silence, day of the whole white mung bean 2, which is sacred to the moon.”
“Fenugreek 3, Tuesday's spice, when the air is green like mosses after rain.”
“Fennel 4, which is the spice for Wednesdays, the day of averages, of middle-aged people. . . . Fennel . . . smelling of changes to come.”
“Chili 5, spice of red Thursday, which is the day of reckoning. Day which invites us to pick up the sack of our existence and shake it inside out. Day of suicide, day of murder.”
Pongal: A comforting dish made from rice and lentils 6, often flavored with black pepper, cumin 7, and ghee 8, typically enjoyed on Fridays in South India.
A traditional Saturday dish is Chole Bhature: A popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpeas 9 (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature).
MOVIE TRAILER & BOOK SUMMARY
Tilo, the titular character, is a shopkeeper born in India and trained in magic, who helps customers satisfy their needs and desires with the mystical properties of spices.
Her life changes when she falls in love with an American man named Raven, whom the book strongly implies is Native American.
She chooses to disregard the rules of her training in her pursuit of romance and her decision to seek out customers outside her shop, which results in the spices inflicting punishment on her and those she cares about.
To save Raven from being another victim of the spices' powerful magic, she decides to leave him after one last night together. Afterwards, she accepts the punishment for disregarding the rules of her training, which results in the store being destroyed in an earthquake……..
THESE ARE THE FEATURES OF SOME OF THE SPICES USED BY TILO
Fill in the gaps with the following missing words:
evil - love - secrets - battle - cause - strength - luck
Do you know any of the spices above? Have you ever used or tasted them?
LET’S SMELL/TASTE SOME SPICES NOW. PURCHASE THE SPICES BELOW...
... and now match each of the spices above to some of the following words, describing feelings, sensations, tastes and smells:
WHAT DO SPICES SYMBOLISE AND HOW ARE THEY USED IN INDIAN CULTURE?
Read the following list, and memorize the original Indian names of the spices written in red. You have five minutes.
In Indian tradition, spices hold significant cultural, culinary, and medicinal value. Here are some key spices and their significance:
1. Turmeric (Haldi): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is often used in religious rituals and ceremonies. It symbolizes purity and is believed to bring good fortune.
2. Cumin (Jeera): Cumin is considered a digestive aid and is often used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also associated with protection and is used in various rituals.
3. Coriander (Dhania): Both the seeds and leaves are used in cooking. Coriander is believed to have cooling properties and is often used in traditional remedies.
4. Cardamom (Elaichi): Known as the "queen of spices," cardamom is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is also associated with hospitality and is often offered to guests.
5. Cloves (Laung): Cloves are used for their aromatic qualities and are believed to have medicinal properties. They are often used in religious offerings and rituals.
6. Mustard Seeds (Rai): Mustard seeds are significant in cooking and are often used in tempering dishes. They symbolize prosperity and are used in various auspicious ceremonies.
7. Fenugreek (Methi): Fenugreek is valued for its health benefits, particularly in digestion and lactation. It is also used in traditional medicine and cooking.
8. Black Pepper (Kali Mirch): Known as the "king of spices," black pepper is used for its flavor and health benefits. It has historical significance in trade and is often associated with wealth.
9. Saffron (Kesar): Saffron is one of the most expensive spices and is used in special dishes and religious offerings. It symbolizes luxury and is believed to have various health benefits.
10. Red Chili (Lal Mirch): Red chili adds heat to dishes and is also believed to have medicinal properties. It is often associated with vitality and energy.
11. Fennel Seeds (Saunf) Properties: Aids in digestion, rich in antioxidants. Uses: Used in cooking for its sweet, anise-like flavor; often chewed after meals.
12. Asafoetida (Hing): Antimicrobial, aids in digestion. Used as a flavor enhancer in vegetarian dishes, particularly in lentils and vegetable curries.
13. Nutmeg (Jaiphal): Sedative, digestion aid. Used in sweet dishes, rice dishes, and drinks like chai.
14. Ginger (Adrak): Gives courage and strength. Used in drinks and cakes
Now read the following list of ingredients and, with the help of the pictures, recreate the original Chicken Curry in eight steps:
Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable or sunflower oil
2 large onions, sliced thin
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons garlic paste
1 tablespoon ADRAK paste
2 teaspoons DHANIA powder
1 teaspoon JEERA powder
1/2 teaspoon HALDI powder
1/2 teaspoon LAL MIRCH powder
2 teaspoons GARAM MASALA*
2 1/4 pounds (1 kilogram) chicken pieces of your choice, skin removed
1 1/2 cups hot water
Chopped fresh DHANIA, for garnish
*GARAM MASALA: a mixture of JEERA + DHANIA + ELAICHI + LAUNG + KALI MIRCH + TURMERIC
Then you can check the original recipe here:
Riccardo Zambon, 9 November 2024
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