I’m a tea lover, and I’ve enjoyed my fair share of chai tea. But once I read this picture book, I knew I had to follow the recipe for myself and make homemade chai.
Masala Chai, Fast and Slow
Written by Rajani LaRocca
Illustrated by Neha Rawat
Candlewick Press, 2023
I may have mentioned once or twice that I really enjoy reading picture books about food. Being able to learn about traditions and families and such deliciousness is a treat for my heart. Masala Chai, Fast and Slow plus deep sips from a pretty teacup. Ahhh.
I watched a webinar where Rajani was sharing about her picture book and masala chai. Thanks, 12×12! After I requested my library purchase a copy, I was the first one to check it out (I love that). I kept it out for the maximum of time. Later, I checked it out again. But this time (also nearing the maximum time=number of renewals I can do) I made sure to collect all the ingredients to steep my own masala chai.
The recipe makes quite a bit of chai, so I needed to make it on a weekend when I could share. Which is the point of masala chai. Sharing and connecting with family and friends.
I gathered the ingredients suggested by Rajani in the back matter recipe (I love it when recipes are included in a picture book, and back matter is the bomb): milk, black tea bags, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, whole cloves, fresh ginger, and sugar (or honey).
I decided to actually follow the recipe the first time around. Shocker, I know, since I usually wing it when trying new recipes. The resulting chai tea was delicious! Warm, spicy, fragrant. Ahhh. This recipe is a keeper. Good thing too, because I have a big bag of whole cardamom pods.
Masala Chai, Fast and Slow is delighfully tasty. I can’t wait to brew another batch.
On this, the 5th day of advent, we remember the Christ Child. Read the full story of Jesus in Luke 1-2.
Rejoice! Worship and give thanks! Long ago, a Child was born, a horn of salvation for us from the house of David. Jesus, the Messiah, God made flesh. For all of us.
Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank You for being clothed in humanity for our benefit. You came because You loved us, will always love us.
On this, the 4th Sunday of advent, we consider the wise men, otherwise called the Magi. It was not on a whim they traveled long distances to find the One who was born King of the Jews. Studiers of the stars, they discovered one very special star announcing the birth of a king. The King. So they set out seeking He who was heralded by the Star. Matthew 2:1-12 tells the rest of the story.
The Magi came prepared to worship and honor the new King, placing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh at the foot of the Child. Gifts fit for a King. Oh, my heart, what gift can I place at the feet of the King?
Let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
My annual tradition is to take my grands on a birthday date. We enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This year I decided I wanted to take my adult children out on a birthday date as well. Because. Well, they are pretty important to me and we never get the chance to just visit. Plus. Heh-heh. I get them all to myself!
We kicked off our date with a delicious breakfast at the White House Cafe in Yakima. I’m telling you, the special touches were so adorable! The whole house is currently decked out with hearts. And all things white. So many sights to see and enjoy.
Even the water glasses were delightful. Look at those little heart-shaped cranberry ice cubes with a wedge of cucumber. Mmm.
Of course we went for breakfast. Because of their tasty hashbrowns (among other treats). We had to have the special, which had so much food, we were glad we followed the advice of our server and split the meal. Some of everything. Plus half of a ginormous cinnamon roll! Which we could not finish. Scrumptious.
Don’t worry. I didn’t just take food pictures. I was there. Enjoying the company and ambiance.
Just look at those old windows and lights! They were everywhere. Perfectly my style.
I’d love to show you pictures from the rest of the day, but we were too busy treasure hunting through many thrift stores, a fabric/craft store, and even an estate of sorts. We wore ourselves out. But you will be happy to know that several treasures were rescued to go home with us.
I’m leaving you with a strawberry heart and 1/2 of a huge, yummy cinnamon roll. FYI, they make these every Saturday and Sunday.
Ah, the good old family tradition of going tree hunting. That’s what we like to call it here in the northwest. After purchasing forest permits, we loaded up and drove to the nearby mountains to hunt down our tree. We found this fun creation. Not sure about the purpose, but it was great for photos. And possibly, with additional brush and a campfire, it might be quite cozy!
Poor people. They just have to put up with my attempts at taking pictures! As the almost shortest member with arms just as short, selfies are often quite comical.
Dogs (3, but never in the same picture), adults, and grands had a great time. A heavy blanket of snow added Christmas cheer and plenty of opportunities for the dogs to race, roll, and rumble. Snow gear was welcome in the often up-to-my-knees snow.
The Bachmeiers and Aucutts, plus Bear and new canine member Timber, crowd into the tree shelter. I mean, look at that! The dogs are facing forward and almost everyone is looking AT the camera. It’s a Christmas miracle.
The Quantrells also get a gold star (even grinning Ginger) for faces forward, eyes on the camera. Two Christmas miracles in one day!
The senior Quantrells took their turn in the tree shelter with all the grands. All eyes on the camera! Whoohoo! In the category of who is taller than Nana, the answer is nearly 50%.
My partner in life, love, and crime. We wish you all “Happy Christmas!”
Seven years ago today, a mom and a dad, two grandmas, and various medical helpers watched baby Autumn make her appearance. Babies are special and sweet, and oh what a delight to watch them grow and develop their own personalities!
Happy 7th birthday, Autumn!
Personality, fashion style, dreams, hopes, and plans. It’s a good day to be 7.
Written and illustrated by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom
Charlesbridge, 2022
What a delicious book! I have fond memories of my mom making flan, so I knew this book would be special! Thank you, Kathy Temean and Adriana for sending me a copy. Truly beautiful and tasty!
Anita is super excited to help her abuelita make flan for her abuela’s birthday. Anita is her abuelita’s special helper, and she can’t wait to learn how to make this delicious dessert. Except an accident happens, and Anita is afraid to tell abuelita about how she dropped a favorite glass plate that was often used to hold flan.
Abuelita and I Make Flan is a beautiful picture book. Complete with a recipe, Spanish words, and glossary, this picture book is a keeper. Young readers will be inspired to be helpers, hopefully want to learn new things, and be more willing to admit mistakes. Learning to apologize for accidents is a good thing to learn.
This book goes with my other “all about food” picture books! I can’t wait to try the flan recipe. Thank you, Adriana, for crafting this delightful book!
Amazon Blurb
Anita loves to bake with her abuela, especially when they are using her grandmother’s special recipes for Cuban desserts like flan!
Anita is making flan for Abuelo’s birthday, but when she accidentally breaks Abuelita’s treasured flan serving plate from Cuba, she struggles with what to do. Anita knows it’s right to tell the truth, but what if Abuelita gets upset? Worried that she has already ruined the day, Anita tries to be the best helper. After cooking the flan, they need a serving dish! Anita comes up with a wonderful solution.
Complete with a glossary of Spanish terms and a traditional recipe for flan, Abuelita and I Make Flan is a delicious celebration of food, culture, and family.
It’s so lovely when authors I’ve interviewed or featured on my blog swing back by when they have a book birthday for a new book. Congratulations, Amalia, on the October 1 release of your beautiful, very colorful Hanukkah Nights! Thank you for stopping by today.
Welcome, Amalia! Let’s get to it and learn more about your newest book.
What special traditions do you enjoy with your family during Hanukkah?
We always throw a huge party with tons of food and two homemade kinds of latkes: with and without onions. Each guest brings their own menorah and we light all of them. It’s a beautiful sight. We decorate the table with chocolate coins and sing many Hanukkah songs. After the 3-5 drinks, we dance to Klezmer music.
That sounds beautiful! The lights, food, singing, and dancing, what lovely traditions.
I love how readers will learn new ways to paint when they read Hanukkah Nights. How did you get your start as an artist and illustrator?
I always knew that I wanted to be an artist. I used to make fancy greeting cards for my family members on birthdays and anniversaries. And later I sold handmade greeting cards to a shop in Jerusalem where I lived.
My parents encouraged my passion for art and craft.
My mom used to stir shredded newspaper with flour over the stove to make Papier Mache and I made puppets for our family theater. My parents enrolled me in after-school painting classes and when I was a teenager, I spent the summer in an artist village in the Galilee where I experimented with mosaic, ceramic, and stained glass.
After high school I attended the Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem. Basically it was a very traditional academic school. I didn’t love it but I learned how to draw from a model, proportions and perspective. When I came to America, I earned my BFA Cum Laude from Pratt Institute and MFA from NYU.
I joined SCBWI so I could meet other illustrators and enrolled in many workshops. Then I got enough courage to work on my stories, accompanied with my own illustrations. I created a story, entitled Purim Goodies and eventually sold it to Gefen Publishing, an Israeli publisher that publishes mainly in English.
As I gained more confidence, I went on to illustrate many other books.
I love how your family supported you as you grew and explored your dream of being an artist.
How did you celebrate the October 1st, 2022 release of your new book?
Actually I participated in a huge book fair that took place on the same day, https://ryebookfestival.com/meet-the-authors So I rolled in Hanukkah Nights in a baby carriage. As usual, on every book launch, I got roses from my man & toasted with Champagne.
A baby carriage and a book fair! That is awesome! And what a sweetie to give you roses and toast you with champagne! Well done.
What is one tip you could give to new picture book writers and illustrators?
Don’t try to force yourself to work in a particular style that you think is popular. Trends change frequently and you’re better off perfecting your own techniques and styles.
Excellent advice. Thank you.
You have several wonderful books out in the world. What surprises are you working on now?
I have a new picture book coming up in 2024, but at this time I can’t provide details yet, only to say that I’m very excited about it.
I’m also working on a new board book and new picture book.
That’s wonderful, Amalia! We look forward to hearing more details as your new projects come to fruition.
Congratulations, Amalia! Thank you for sharing with us. All the best wishes for you, Hanukkah Nights, and your creative work.
Book buddies, be sure to check out Hanukkah Nights. Find a copy at your local indie or favorite bookstore and ask for your library to order a copy. Don’t forget to show some author love by leaving a review on Goodreads and/or Amazon. Thank you!
Merry Christmas to you, family and friends. Sending extra special wishes and prayers for love, joy, and peace. And if you are missing a loved one and having a tough holiday season, may the comfort of the Lord surround you and your family.
Love, Laughter, and Life 