For the love of food and travel

Chocolate cake is my forever favourite. It’s the dessert I turn to for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or even just a quiet afternoon at home. Rich, simple, and comforting, it has a way of making any moment feel special. Sometimes I bake it to celebrate, and sometimes I bake it simply because I want a slice of happiness. Until the 1830s and 1840s, chocolate was enjoyed mainly as a drink. Early versions of chocolate cake were much lighter, made with less sugar and cocoa, and more flour—closer to what we might think of today as a breakfast bread. It wasn’t until the 1940s that recipes began to evolve into the rich, decadent cakes we know now, with generous amounts of cocoa and sugar creating their signature flavour. Did you know that chocolate cake and brownies aren’t quite the same? Both are rich, chocolaty, and delicious, but their differences go beyond size. While some might think of brownies as a smaller version of cake, the ingredients set them apart. Cakes typically use baki...

We recently took a short vacation to Jaipur, and I still find myself mesmerized by its beauty. Often hailed as one of Rajasthan’s most enchanting destinations, Jaipur captivates with its charm and magnificence. Famously known as the Pink City , it owes its name to the striking pink sandstone buildings that line its streets, creating an atmosphere that feels both regal and welcoming. Jaipur is a city that overwhelms and enchants in equal measure. Its bustling streets pulse with energy—markets brimming with vibrant textiles and jewellery, majestic palaces and forts rising in grandeur, and a kaleidoscope of colourful people weaving through the chaos alongside cows, pigeons, and rickshaws. Every corner offers a sensory feast, with aromas of rich delicacies tempting your taste buds and leaving you utterly captivated. Jaipur means city of victory. The city is named after the king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who left the city of Amber and founded a new capital in the 18th century. When t...