For years…I have been avoiding baby showers! Its a pure awkward moment for an unwed, never-been a Mom and men to be present there. And to witness…all the hormone driven glowy-type women, to go…on & on with their stories. And, the mandatory ‘awwww’ that follows after each and every sentences. I know, I know…its not their fault for my misery. But you see, their big-blown, pregnant tummy is the route cause for all this ridiculous board games that we guests have to endure on a shower day! I think, its the occasion…when, many people find a solution to get rid of their truck load of unwanted junk toys! Not to mention the tall tales to scare the expectant Mom about the nightmarish Mom-hood experiences. Nevertheless…to add fuel to the fire, the host proudly presents her skills on show casing ‘diaper shaped cake’ and expect us to dig in! And, assures everyone…that its all made of pure chocolate! But, in reality it sure looks like several stages of stomach malfunction!

Gosh, only to save my sanity…I avoided being invited to the baby showers! Either I ran away to New York or my stupid cousin came visiting me or I terribly fell ill! Thus, I found myself out…easing the pain of biting my nails all the way through elbow in the party!

Well, finally my luck got worn out. I found myself in one of those situations. I somehow, managed postponing the ‘Bun in the Oven’ – announcement! Hmmm,…however, my stomach sure didn’t go well with the story though…I looked like a python that swallowed an ostrich. Really…”Partying” — was the last thing on my mind…was going through a series of changes in every aspect of my life. Regardless, the actual shower took place, twice…once with AK’s family (at the end of seventh month) and the other with my Dad, just few days prior the due date! How about that?

A true baby shower by Thayumaanavan (meaning A Man who took Mommy’s Role) was so special and close to heart. The Indian style is cool, a small prayer; a little advise on how to raise a kid; lots of glass bangles and good food. Needless to say, my favorite part was food.  Well…even though, traditionally the mommy-to-be don’t do a lot of baby shower preparation, I really wanted to have my hands-on in the shower menu planning and cooking. Its me, after all. How could I resist? I love feeding people! Plus, it’s really hard to allow my Dad to take the lead in my kitchen! It was a wonderful (yet exhausting) day…and, my Dad really surprised me with his culinary skills. So, here you go…what he had whipped out for me on the special day. Love you, Daddy.

Menu

• Sarkarai Pongal
• Ven Pongal
• Masal Vadai
• Mango Rice
• Lemom Rice
• Coconut Rice
• Curd Rice
• Tamarind Rice
• Tomato Rice
• Mint Rice
• Sweets
• Fruits

The above variety rice is a traditional fare to treat the expectant Mothers…believing that the baby in the womb gets a bit of each and every flavor before he/she see the world.