Monday, February 03, 2014

Eclair Cake to Celebrate 9 Years of One Hot Stove

One Hot Stove turns 9 years old today. 9 as in one less than 10, as in almost a decade, so unbelievable. So much has changed over these nine years both in my life and in food blog land. The latter has exploded from a constellation of blogs whose writers all had at least a nodding acquaintance with each other to a glittering megacity where the bar for writing and photography is set ever higher and where new food trends are born and nurtured every day.

But you know what? Some things haven't changed at all. I still manage to take surprisingly crappy pictures with a perfectly good camera (scroll down for Exhibit A). I still don't have my own domain (Internet-speak for a posh address). My blog still lives in the sleepy outskirts of blog land. I still clumsily pour out my words straight from the heart. And I still marvel that some nice people show up and visit me regularly.

Once in a while, someone who doesn't read or care about food blogs will hear that I write a food blog and they're like, "You write about recipes? That's so...interesting" very incredulous that someone would waste time this way. And I'll babble something like, "It is more than recipes, food is about connection, blogs are virtual communities" and then I trail off and change the subject because this whole thing is so hard to describe. You see, every now and then I will get an e-mail from a reader telling me that my words touched them somehow, and I stop in my tracks and tear up. I am so amazed and grateful. This gig that pays me nothing at all may be the most positive thing I do with my life.

All of this is my rambling way of saying that even though the world clearly has thousands of blogs that are way more polished and professional, I still love this little blog as much as ever and will continue to write it as long as I can because you never know when it will connect with someone.

So, gentle reader, please join me for a big serving of blog birthday cake. This one isn't a traditional cake at all but a layered concoction of graham crackers and custard and whipped cream called eclair cake. I was looking for a dessert that would feed a crowd at a friend's party and both her family and mine are crazy about vanilla custard so a dessert involving custard seemed like a good bet. It was during the holidays when I was all baked-out and wanted something different. This is a good recipe to file away for the summer months when you don't want to turn on the oven because you don't bake this cake at all.

The "traditional" eclair cake recipe contains several supermarket marvels such as cool whip, instant pudding and canned frosting. This version has many more homemade components, but you'll still have to hit up the cookie aisle to buy a box of graham crackers. If you're feeling ambitious, you can make those yourself- there are recipes out there in (where else but) food blog land.

This is one of those desserts that is totally simple and comforting. There's nothing sophisticated or trendy about it and that's OK. A bit like me and my blog.

Eclair Cake
(Adapted from this recipe on Cajun Delights)

Part 1: The Base. Go to the supermarket and buy 1 box honey graham crackers.

Part 2: The Filling. It has two components, custard and cream.

1. Make 1 recipe vanilla custard. Let it cool.

2. Take 1 small container (half pint) whipping cream. Whip the cream and 1/3 cup sugar to soft peaks. Fold in 1 tsp. vanilla.

3. Fold the whipped cream gently into the cool custard. That's your filling. 

Part 3: The Frosting
 (I used this recipe on CDKitchen)

Heat together in a small saucepan and simmer for a minute:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Let the frosting cool for a few minutes.

Part 4: Assembly
In a 9 x 13 pan, put down a layer of graham crackers (you may have to break some to fit). Layer with 1/2 the filling. Repeat: graham crackers, remaining filling. Finally, a layer of graham crackers. Then pour the frosting over it. Chill for several hours. Serve it in shaggy, messy slices. Assure friends it tastes better than it looks. 

This eclair cake is a nice make-ahead dessert. You can make it a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. In fact, you have to make it a few hours ahead of time to have the graham crackers soften.

In year 10 of One Hot Stove, I promise to bring you slick editing and stunning photography. Just kidding! You will see nothing of the sort. There will be the usual home-style khichdi of recipes and books and crafts thrown in for good measure. But I do have modest plans of updating the recipe index and things of that sort to improve your blog experience a little bit. If you have any suggestions for what you'd like to see more of, I'm all ears. Thank you.

151 comments:

  1. Hello nupur you have a wonderful blog out here and it's a pleasure reading your thoughts and ideas on varied topics. We don't visit your blog for snazzy photos, we visit it to read someone with great ideas and creativity and the generosity if spirit to share them.

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    1. That's a very nice thing to say- thank you!!

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  2. Congratulations on completing 9 years of blogging. I love this blog. I have been following it for maybe 6-7 years now and I loved it from the day I first read it.
    You just have a way of connecting with people and the goodness of your soul comes through.
    Hope you and the blog reach many more milestones!

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    1. A small suggestion. Maybe you could write a post on what you cook for Lila. I remember you wrote she eats what you eat but now that she goes to daycare, what lunches/snacks do you pack for her, if you think it worthwhile

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    2. Nikita- we're very lucky- Lila's daycare provides 2 snacks and a lunch, everything they serve is fresh and nutritious, so we don't have to send any food to school. And yes, at home I don't make separate food for her, I serve her the same things we eat.

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    3. Oh and Thank you so much for the sweet note and wishes! I appreciate you coming by and leaving me kind words and thoughtful comments.

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  3. I come back again and again to your blog because of its simplicity. And ofcourse its awesomeness! Love your blog! Keep writing it as you do. Congrats on the nine years! I remember reading it regularly since the last 6 years.

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    1. Thanks for hanging in there with me all these years, Sangeetha- I appreciate it!

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  4. Hey Nupur,

    Congrats on completing delicious 9 years...quite a milestone,,isnt it??? well u might not see many comments from me, but i do read ur blog very very religiously...infact this is the only blog that i read,,,no kidding here!! well, so ur eclair cake sounds like fun and a breeze to make, just a quick ques,,whats the substitute for graham crackers? i mean i dont think i have seen anything like this in department stores here in bombay,,,so if u have any idea of locat substitutes, i want to try my hand at it over the weekend.

    have fun and lots of love to lila,,,more on email,.cheers, raakhee

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    1. Raakhee- hello! It has been a while, my friend, and I hope you are well. Thanks for reading along.

      You could use Marie biscuits instead of graham crackers. If you try that, let us know how it works!!

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  5. Nupur,u could include a gallery bar to showcase your craft items!also enjoy reading your book reads,a more listed format would be helpful!

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    1. Kangna- gathering crafty stuff in a tab is on my to-do list and I'll try my best to do that in a few weeks.

      The books I read are listed on goodreads:
      https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10503122-nupur?order=d&shelf=read&sort=date_added

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  6. Hi Nupur,
    Congrats on turning 9! I have been a longtime reader. Initially it was the pani puri pani recipe that had me hooked since the taste was spot on for me. But somewhere along the was it was your voice that spoke to me. Among all the
    blogs with their slick photography and fancy themes, to me yours stands out as the most honest. ' A natural beauty, not photo shopped'. I admire you for the honesty with which you write! Its like curling up on a couch and chatting with a dear friend. My wish for you is to continue to have the courage to stay true to
    yourself.

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    1. Thank you for this sweet note- and yes, I think I'm at the age where I've realized that is indeed is best to be myself for better or for worse :)

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  7. Congrats! 9 years already? Time flies! Wish you and OHS many more years of cooking and blogging! I do have one request. Some of your very old recipes don't have pictures. If you do make those dishes again, would you please take a picture (they're not crappy I assure you LOL) and update the post? Thanks in advance :)

    Preeti

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    1. Thanks! That's a good idea to go back to old posts and revamp them with fresh pictures- I'll certainly try and do that one post at a time.

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  8. Nupur...I have been reading your blog for several months now and I think you are perfect just the way you are.....happy 9th anniversary.....

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  9. Happy Birthday, One Hot Stove !

    Dear Nupur... i dont even remember how i happened to visit yr blog the first time. It has to be around the yr 2006 or late 2005 . That was when a niece introduced me to the world of blogs.

    i might have landed here from a search which gave me a list of popular indian blogs. but since then, i have been a regular. a very regular reader, looking for you posts everyday and now waiting for them each monday. i switch on my computer at 9.30 as i have my breakfast... no post frm one hot stove? okk, i come back with my plate during lunch time. and then again at 6.00 pm and then before i shutdown for the day. That's how much i look forward to your post.

    all i can say is Thank You

    Wishing you all best always.

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    1. Anjali :-) I find myself checking several times on Monday's too just like you! Glad to know I am not the only one. Infact the one thing that miraculously wards off my Monday blues is a new post from Nupur. I simply love her for that!

      - Priti

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    2. Oh Anjali- I don't know what to say. Every Monday I'll be thinking of you as I rush to post on time :) Truly this is an incentive to not drag my feet as I sometimes do.

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  10. Congratulations Nupur, all the way from Ozland. Im an avid follower of your wonderful Blog. I love every bit of your cooking, craft and reading experiences. Keep them coming. Best wishes, Suchi

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    1. Thanks Suchi for reading from all the way across the globe!

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  11. wish ya many more milestones like this,..
    keep blogging ,,,:-)
    love to read ur blog

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  12. I have never posted a comment here before, but yours is one of my absolute favorite blogs - crappy photos and all!! Although I don't think of them as crappy at all.I LOVE your honest writing style. Yes, these are so many blogs out there with stunning photos but very few have heart like I get to see here. So thank you Nupur for doing this and wish you another decade of simple honest blogging!
    Jayanthi

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    1. Thank you for this nice note, Jayanthi and I definitely hope to keep writing as honestly as I can.

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  13. Congratulations on 9 years of blogging!

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  14. Nupur! Has it really been that long. Love the blog the way it is.
    Here's wishing you many more.

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    1. Yes, time flies, doesn't it? And years later both you and I are still blogging :) Thanks for the wishes!

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  15. Congrats Nupur- 9 years is a long time in blogland! I love your blog and look forward to your posts food,talk everything.It is great knowing you (virtually! and I am sure we will meet some time :) ) Here's wishing many more delicious years for OHS.

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    1. Madhuli- We haven't met in person but I always feel like we have!! Well maybe someday. Thanks for the wishes. I miss your posts. Hope both kids are doing well.

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  16. oh yes..forgot to say this..awesome cake! will be trying this soon :)

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    1. If you try it, do let me know if the recipe worked for you!

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  17. Thank you for writing Nupur. It makes me feel like we still see each other, somehow. -- Mira

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    1. Mira- Thanks for reading :) and I hope we can visit in person sometime soon.

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  18. Hi Nupur, I am long time reader of this blog and look forward to reading every new post on Monday! I simply love your writing and the recipes. I wish and hope you continue to write for many more years.

    -Navya

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  19. Happy birthday, OHS!
    I love your blog as it is, Nupur, I'm sure all your readers feel the same.
    Looking forward to many, many more birthdays celebrations and recipes and ramblings, to many pictures of Food, Lila and Duncan, to books you read and things you knit.

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    1. Thanks Manasi for being a long time blogging buddy. Oh the ramblings will continue for sure ;)

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  20. Happy Birthday One Hot Stove!!! and Heartiest Congratulations Nupur :-) Hugs!!!

    This blog was and will always be my most favorite blog ever and I thank you with all my heart. I love the fact that you blog about so many different things and every post is brimming with positivity and inspiration without being preachy. Although I admire photography in general, I absolutely Love that fact that you are not obsessed with it like most bloggers these days. Each post of yours is worth a thousand photos. :-) I mean it. Your writing has improved over the years and each post is such a delight to read and see (I loved the pictures of your sewing room that you shared recently). The way you connect to your readers is simply amazing and you have a way to make each one feel valued and loved. Here's wishing you lots of happiness, love and laughter this year and I can't wait to read all about it. :-)

    Since you plan to work on the recipe index if you could bring some attention to the most loved recipes and posts on your blog (I know your pavbhaji tops the chart! It's become our family favorite too.) it would be really nice.

    Love,
    Priti

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    1. Priti- I truly appreciate your abundant love and support! And thanks for saying that my writing is improving- I feel like I'm finding my voice slowly.

      I would love to revamp the recipe index and highlight some favorite recipes- stay tuned!

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  21. Congrats... 9 years is a long time. I love your blog and have tried a lot of recipes from your blog in fact for lunch today I made moong dal ghassi. I found your recipes easy to make and very yummy. Keep going strong I think lot of us like your blog the way it is and we look forward to and enjoy reading your posts.

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    1. I'm very glad you're enjoying the recipes- thanks for the wishes!

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  22. Happy birthday to OHS! I'm a long time reader too, like many here and almost feel like you are an old friend :) Thanks for keeping your posts real and yours is probably one of the few authentic blogs out there.

    Looking forward to 9 more years of OHS.

    Anu

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    1. Thanks Anu- I do feel like I'm surrounded by old friends here, thanks for the support!

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  23. Happy Happy Happy Birthday to OHS. Who wants stunning pictures when we have the straight-from-heart talk in OHS. You have been an inspiration Nupur. Long time loyal reader and will always remain one :-D

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    1. Thanks very much- and believe me the support is mutual! I very much look up to your blog and your wonderful writing.

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  24. This post doesn't deserve a comment. It deserves a long heart-felt thank you email. But until I get around to writing that, I love you and love your blog. I have learnt much cooking from it and much positivity, groundedness and an appreciation of people, animals and all things craetive from you. Thank you Nupur.
    -Sowmya

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    1. Thank you for this sweet note, Sowmya! I appreciate you reading my blog.

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  25. Darling Nupur! Thanks for your resourcefulness, enthusiasm, good cheer and generosity... I hope that One Hot Stove continues to warm our blog heart(h)s and inspire so many of us home cooks.

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    1. Thank you Lakshmi! We still have to meet up one of these days!

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  26. happy birthday to OHS! I have been a very very loyal follower of your blog since 3-4 years when I found it, and have started commenting since the past year! Every week I look forward to your posts because each post feels so warm and fuzzy for some reason! You come across as a person who genuinely feels that being nice to others is the right thing to do (which is not very common these days)..Plus, many of your recipes have made their home in our kitchen. I dont have any suggestions for you as I love your blog as it is and I will be thankful for whatever you choose to write here :) Lotsa hugs

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    1. I'm always glad to read your comments, Neha! I'm sometimes nice and sometimes not, just like the next person :) but writing the blog always puts me in a good mood.

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  27. Congrats!
    I am always eager to read (and try) more of your recipes. Keep it going!!

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  28. Hello Nupur
    love ur blog
    been a regular reader from cant remember how many years...
    all the best
    You are a superb writer...I haven't met you but your blog connects us and I love that!

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    1. Thank you birdie! The blog does connect me to many more people than I'll ever meet in real life and I love that.

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  29. Nine years! Wow!!! I'm so grateful for all I've learned on your blog, for your dedication to teaching us about Indian culture and food, and for sharing snippets of your life. Here's to another nine years!

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    1. Thank you Lydia! I'm so happy to "know" you on food blog land!

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  30. I don't know when I started following your blog..trying recipes, reading stories, making a read list, learning to crochet....you have been a part of my daily life. I love stories and you cater to my fav genre: food stories.

    Thank you Nupur!

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    1. Thanks Preeti and it makes my day that you're enjoying crochet :)

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  31. Dear Nupur:

    Echoing the sentiments in many of the comments above, your blog and your voice both come across as so authentic. Its an oasis of sorts really. So I hope all of these encomiums don't make you self-conscious:) Its a reality of life today that social media, being so ubiquituous, often forces one to cultivate an image and stage manage it carefully. Without souding like a luddite, it is true that its really hard to retain one's uniqueness in a world that is trying very hard to mould us into someone else's (largely dubious) standards of "perfection"- be it of beauty or intelligence or wealth or some other talent. Its always nice to come across a writer/blogger/cook with whom you know you would love to spend a lazy chatting, snacking, frisbee playing afternoon. Your blog is smart, interesting, delicious and above all full of heart! In short.. You Rock girl! Don't change a thing about you or your blog! They're entirely awesome..

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    1. Hi Janani- I never let praise get to my head or criticisms get to my heart :) I accept both gratefully though, so thank you. I'm just happy that I can be myself here and find like-minded people to chat with. Thank you for this very kind comment.

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  32. Dear Nupur, Congratulations! I LOVE your blog. I have been lurking off and on since you were in the one stove apartment getting ready to move to St Louis. (I only follow 2 blogs.) You write with heart as someone else said,( and with intelligence and energy and talent....) So glad I stumbled onto OHS!You inspire me, advise me, broaden my horizons, and help me feel rooted within the Maharastrian/Indian/Indo-american culture....I also look forward eagerly to each new post. So please don't stop! Love and hugs, R

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    1. R- We haven't met in person yet but I think of us as real life friends :) So glad to have run into you via the blog. Lots of love and hugs right back at ya!

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  33. Happy birthday to your blog Nupur. Your blog is inspiration, I love the simplicity of it. I love reading your blog on Mondays. I have learned so many things from here. Keep up the good work.

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    1. Nupur, I have a request please. I adore your sewing projects. It is very hard to search for them as they are all in different posts(where the heading is recipe name). Could you please make them easily searchable/accessible somehow? May be a sewing or hobby projects index just like a recipe index would work. It would be such a great help. Thanks a lot

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    2. Shilpa- your wish is my command :) I made a page for all the sewing projects here:
      http://onehotstove.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

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  34. Congrats to you and OHS :-) A big milestone indeed :-) I've been an avid reader of your blog for several years now and truly enjoy all your posts related to food, books, arts, crafts, charity and such. You've multifarious talents just like me and you constantly inspire me to learn something new...

    Wishing you many more years of blogging and thanks for everything you do...

    Thanks,
    Meena.

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    1. Thank you Meena, I appreciate your support very much!

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  35. After all the 'polished and professional' blogs out there - One Hot Stove is the one blog I always come back to! In fact, your writing has been the biggest inspiration for me to start my own blogs! So, congratulations on your milestone Nupur - looking forward to many, many years of your wonderful, from the heart blog posts!

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    1. Thank you Gauri and it makes me so happy that you are blogging as well. Writing is wonderful and therapeutic and if can convince anyone to write, I'm thrilled.

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  36. Happy Birthday to u as 9 year old blog writer.
    Nilima

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    1. You're right, I'm a 9 year old writer :) and there's time and room to grow.

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  37. Your heartfelt writing is what keeps me coming back. So please don't stop. Wish you the best. Ambica

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  38. Hello,

    Happy 9th birthday!!!

    I dont know about posh domain addresses, and slick photography notwithstanding.. your bolg strikes a cord, because your words and the food that you cook comes from your heart!!.. I have read almost all your articles (I suppose I should say blog posts).. and I must say, whether you share a day in your life, or the food that you cook, or simply some doggy adventures, it all comes straight from the heart. And I love it and appreciate it..

    Keep it up!! Its ok if you dont do anything fancy.... This blog is great just the way it is!!

    Thanks,
    Meenal

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    1. Meenal- I'm very glad you enjoy the posts and I hope you'll keep reading!

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  39. HEY NUPUR!!!
    Happywala burrrday to your blog !! It stays my inspiration till date!!

    I still feel at times to just call u and find out more abt ur time management skills!! how do u do it all...like you are working, cooking, raising a kid n a dog, managing a home, writing, making, reading ....the list could go on n on.....
    I am soooo inspired !! I really want to knw how u do this all....

    Why hv u removed the blogroll...it was interesting to go thru them.

    Anyways...I will always love reading your blog...love ya too !
    stay simple ..stay loved!

    Lots love n kisses n hugs to Lila n Duncan
    Mauli

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    1. Hi Mauli- There's no magic to the time management. I'm made certain choices like working part time that open up a lot of time for me. And I don't do everything all the time. One evening I'll read, another I'll knit, another I'll write a blog post. We're all doing our best to live life the best way we can! Thanks for the nice note :)

      I'll add back the blogroll- I removed it to edit it- many blogs on there were dormant. Stay tuned.

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  40. My dear Nupur,

    Thank you for putting One Hot Stove in our lives for 9 years now. There are many wonderful things about the blog - the recipes of course, the books and craft work that you revel in, the snippets of your life and the fact that you share your thoughts so freely. But the single thing that blows me away is your generosity, not only with food but also affection, time and effort, despite your life being quite full already. I find that truly inspiring and it has pushed me to spread a little more joy (in the form of food) among those around me.

    Here's to many more OHS birthdays! Oh and I can proudly say that I visited the original hot stove in NYC too ;)


    Love, Shoots :)

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    1. Shoots- big hugs to you and I hope you will visit the new One Hot Stove home! We've been friends for so long and you've inspired me since the day we met.

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  41. Congratulations Nupur and Hot Stove:) Your blog in simplicity inspires. I have tried so many recipes from your blog, and they have always turn out yum! Next in my to do list from your blog is to try crafts, Happy Many More!! and big thanks

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    1. I'm very glad the recipes worked for you! And I hope you enjoy trying your hand at some crafts :)

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  42. Many hearty congratulations, Nupur! OHS is on my everyday drive through route of blogs and there is always a burst of sunshine when I open to see a new post. You have taken us along your life and its many milestones - marriage, baby, work, family, neighbour girl, Dale stories - and told it through food. And what a wonderful meandering, ever-unfolding little plate it has been. Here's a good many more!

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    1. Hi Ammani- yes, food is the thread that seems to run through my life and tie everything together! Thanks for the years of support!

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  43. Michael is getting back from Shanghai on Friday and I think I might make this to celebrate his return and to celebrate your 9 years of blogging!! I'm so glad we found each other in this wide world of blogging and here's to many more years of getting to know each other!!

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    1. I LOVE your blog and always find great recommendations there. So glad to have found you as well!

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  44. Congratulations Nupur ! I come to your blog for a "feel good" feeling...you come across as a very very genuine person and you write straight from your heart. One feels positive spirit after reading your posts..thank you ! I only follow 4 blog and yours is the only one that doesn't have advertisements...just shows you are doing it with passion and from the heart !! i might be older than you but you are someone who i look up to...

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    1. I'm glad you enjoy the ad-free blog, I hope to keep it that way forever and ever. Thank you for this very sweet note!

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  45. Happy blog birthday Nupur. What a great way to celebrate. I may make this cake for valentine :) Who need stunning pictures when there it heart to heart conversation. Wishing you many, many more.

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    1. Mandira- I'm so glad we met and I got to know you a bit as a person! Thanks for the good wishes.

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  46. Happy Birthday OHS. Congratulations Nupur.
    Your blog is like sunshine on a gloomy day. Your posts just lift my spirit and inspire me. OHS is much more than a food blog.

    Thank you Nupur.

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    1. What a nice thing to say, Shruti, thank you!

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  47. Happy blog anniversary Nupur ! I think I have been a part of your journey for most of your 9 yrs and would like to take a moment to thank you for all the wonderful recipes that you churn out year after year..it has been such a treat following both your blog and you!
    Anjali

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    1. Anjali- Thank you for the sweet wishes and for hanging in there with me year after year!

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  48. Congratulations Nupur. Its so refreshing to read your blog, your style of writing is simple and unadulterated, strikes a chord with me for sure as with so many other readers out there. Hats off to you !!!! Wishing you many, many more years of blogging.

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  49. Hi Nupur,

    I have been reading your blog since your New York days. As many of your readers have commented, I too look forward to reading your posts. It is like having a nice conversation with a super nice person! Paneer pulao, pav-bhaji and kichadi are some of your recipes that are favorites in my home.

    Happy blog birthday and wishing you the best!

    SN

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    1. Thank you SN and I am so glad that some recipes have made it to your favorites list!

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  50. Happy 9th birthday to One Hot Stove! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog ever since I stumbled across it some 5-6 years back looking or a pavbhaji recipe :-) Keep up the great work you have been doing!
    Best wishes,
    Sapna

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  51. Hey Nupur,

    Wish you and the lovely blog a very Happy and Flourishing 10th anniversary(belated)!!
    You are truly an inspiration, this is least I can say about you!! And OHS is testimony to ‘simplicity is glory’. Whichever recipes I tried from your blog, came out as hearty as the way you write. The way you are ruling your kitchen, home and work is an eye-opener  Thanks so much dear for sharing this wonderful blog. It means a lot to me, trust me.
    Lots of hugs to you.

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    1. Thanks for this nice note and I am very glad you enjoy the blog!

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  52. Congrats, Nupur! You and I are among the first few food bloggers, but I'm so pleased that you and your blog are still going strong, only getting better with time! :)
    By the way, I agree with *almost* everything you've said, but for this phrase "I still clumsily pour out my words" (although the second half of that sentence is as true as can be). Your words pour out from the heart, but "clumsy" is NOT a description that applies to your writing or your recipes. Mind you never use that word again! :)

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    1. And you and your blog are going strong as well, Shammi! Yeah, we can safely refer to ourselves as the old timers ;) Thank you for the kind words and wishes!

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  53. Happy Blog Anniversary, Nupur! May you have many many more.
    I like your space so much and it is fairly ridiculous how often I check for new posts and re-read the old ones.
    Thank you for being the creative and grounded 'kindred spirit' you are and for sharing.

    Ancy

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    1. Thanks Ancy! I'm so glad you enjoy this space; that makes me very happy.

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  54. Congratulations :-)! Your blog is a great source of recipes for me - ones I can be sure won't result in disaster :-). Thank you for your great work and thank you for keeping the blog going strong through all the changes in your life. You'll still have me reading 10 years down the line!

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    1. Thanks Archana- it will be interesting to see how long I really keep up this blog, I don't have plans of stopping but let's see where life takes me.

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  55. Congratulations on this milestone! I enjoy reading your blog and always look forward to new posts though I dont comment as often. This blog is such a nice mix of food and crafting and books and every post is a treat to read.

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    1. Thanks Sindhu!! I'm very glad you enjoy the mish mash on this blog!

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  56. Congrats on completing 9 years! Here's to the next 9! Your posts are a treat to read...so keep them coming!
    Supriya H

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  57. Nupur, Congratulations on 9 years of blogging ! That is really some feat, with a baby, job, knitting, quilting and shifting homes. I think the fact that you have kept it simple, sweet and still have that connect with your readers is the most endearing thing about your blog. You are a big inspiration on how you manage to do so much in the same 24 hours that we all have. Every post makes for such an interesting read and I really love reading them. Here's to many many more years of blogging...

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    1. Thanks for the nice wishes, Archana! I enjoy reading new posts from you too so please keep blogging.

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  58. hi,
    time flies.:-) I am regular reader of your blog for simple joy of you musings , be it on food , or books, or life. I love food and you are right. food is about connecting with soul of nature. I came across this blog thanks to Sidin Vadakut's blog whatay.com. he mentioned about the snack parsi snack. interesting I have forgotten about the snack :-) but got hooked to this blog.

    thanks for making our life better .

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    1. I'm not sure what Parsi snack I've ever talked about but I am glad you found and liked my blog :)

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  59. Congratuations Nupur! Keep doing what you do best - cooking and writing from the heart. One of the most memorable posts on your blog have been the A-Z series, posts on regional cooking and more recently the list series. I love your writing style! Infact, I recall a little piece of food fiction on your blog a few years ago. I think you should do more of those in the coming year :)

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    1. Thanks! I did enjoy those series very much and need to come up with a new series for regional cooking. Meanwhile I do enjoy the monthly lists!

      The food fiction was a one-off thing and taught me that I should probably stick to non-fiction ;) LOL

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  60. Dear Nupur, congratulations on your 9th blog birthday. I daresay that those of us who love your blog love it because you speak straight from the heart and just are who you are. Your blog was my inspiration when I started to blog six years ago, and you continue to be an inspiration amid a gaggle of what seems like a million food blogs that provide nothing more than recipes and photos. Here's to many more years of reading One Hot Stove-- I can't wait to read what you serve up next! :)

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    1. Vaishali- your blog is a gem and if I have inspired you to start blogging in any way, I'm very glad for it! Thanks for the love and support.

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  61. Happy Birthday One Hot Stove and Congratulations Nupur! I just realized I have been reading your blog for as long as you have been writing it! And of course it was an inspiration to start my own blog too. Cheers!
    ps. we are in the middle of a move, will email soon.

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    1. Bala- you're moving? Good luck and hope to catch up soon. I'm glad to be a blog friend and a real life friend to you.

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  62. Happy Birthday One Hot Stove. Wish you and your 'stove- keeper' many many years of life on this corner of the Internet.
    Thanks Arpita.

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    1. Thank you dear Arpita, for being a reader and supporter!

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  63. Dear Nupur,
    Happy 9th! Wish many many more wonderful years of OHS and amazing time ahead for You and Your family (dog included)!
    BTW, You are a brilliant writer and your photos are not crappy, they exude warmth by gallons.
    Warm Wishes.

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    1. Thank you Priyanka- I do adore you all who read this blog so I am glad the warmth comes through.

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  64. Congratulations !!! & Happy B'day One Hot Stove.

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  65. Congratulations Nupur... Happy B'day to One Hot Stove.. Your blog is a big inspiration for me be it cooking or small sewing projects.

    P.S. The owie owl were very cute and my 3 yr old loved them. Thanks. She uses it everytime and remembers to put back in the freezer.

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    1. Thanks Zahabiya! And I am so pleased about the owl- my daughter loves it too, she pretends to bump into something so she can ask for her owl :)

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  66. Dear Nupur,
    Belated happy birthday to you & OHS! I have been a regular reader for the past 1-1.5 yrs. I don't recall how I came across your blog- but I was hooked right from your beginning. I remember I was reading for some exams at the time and the afternoons were quite tedious- and reading your blog made it so much interesting.
    I have enjoyed your blog not just for the awesome, easy and tasty recipes, but also for a lot of other inspirations. For example - you inspired me to try out cast iron cookware (which I love!), to try composting, be more mindful of food wastage, to have a pantry/fridge/freezer eat down, and I discovered the Goodreads website from your blog. I also loved taking part in the 2 swaps that you organized last year. Are there any such events planned for this year?
    So, thanks again for the lovely blog, and for generosity in sharing it all. Most of all, I like that your blog has such an honest and heartfelt voice- no smart and sweet talk!
    Looking forward to all your future posts! Hope you all stay safe in the forthcoming storm this week.
    Shilpa.

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    1. Thank you for this kind note, Shilpa! I'm so glad to share the things I love and it is nice when others try them and love them too. I've had too much on my hands lately to organize a swap, but will try and host one later this year. Stay tuned!

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  67. Dear Nupur

    Happy Blog Birthday!

    I have read every post on your site and really look forward to the Monday morning post.

    I am reminded of my mother's cooking style from your descriptions of your mother.

    Looking forward to many more years of reading

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  68. Dear Nupur, Happy Blog birthday. and wishing you and us readers many more years of your unique and endearing style of blogging. One of the reasons I come here like an addict is just because this blog is all you. reflects your life, personality and identity.

    Much love

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    1. That's a very nice thing to say- thanks, Arundati!

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  69. Hey Nupur, wishing u a happy blog birthday... May u have many more... Your blog is one of the very few that i have stuck to for years, even my small family knows about it on a first name basis:-) . Your giving nature and warmth reflects through all your writings and your replies to your readers. If you ask me that'ssomething more appealing than anything posh polished . Keep up the good work.

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    1. Thanks Pallavi and you made me smile by saying that your family knows my name :)

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  70. Hi Nupur, Happy blog birthday! I've been an avid reader of your blog for months and I love the honesty, warmth and simplicity that shine through. You were part of my inspiration to start a food blog and I hope I can grow to write half as well as you do!
    Reading about your cooking, knitting, sewing, quilting, raising a baby and a happy dog have pushed me to be more responsible with my time :)
    Here's to many more years of blogging!!!

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    1. Thanks Pooja- I'll have to come look at your blog!

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  71. Happy Birthday to One Hot Stove. Keep up the good work :)

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  72. you are doing a good job. Congrats for completing 9 successful years. Nice lovely space

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  73. Happy blog birthday, Nupur! Your blog is so you and it's amazing how you've retained your voice over the years. In fact, one of my favourite passtimes is to go through the archives- your writing (and recipes) are such treats! This is still one of the first sites I start my day with. Thank you- for continuing to write from the heart, and for putting up just the kinds of recipes I want to cook in my kitchen. Cheers to many, many more years of OHS!

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    1. Thank you Shvetha! I'm very thankful for your support!

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  74. Congrats Nupur for your blogs birthday from alll of us hereAie baba and the rest.

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Thanks for leaving a comment- I try to respond to every single one.