So I got the most awesome things for my birthday today (I turn 23!). Celebrations got an early start yesterday morning when I got two packages in the mail. One was the Ottolenghi cookbook that Hilda sent me (for the giveaway I won a few days ago) and the bigger surprise was a pack of three books I’ve had on my wish list for months from Flipkart. THREE books! I remember the first time I emailed Tapas, I was whining about their high prices for cookbooks when compared with Amazon. Now is when I bite my tongue for drawing that comparison because Amazon certainly won’t remember my birthday! Thanks, Tapas.
(L-R: Ottolenghi Cookbook, Barefoot Contessa – Back to Basics, Ratio, A Sweet Life in Paris. Those in India, head to Flipkart)
Orangefoodie gave me the most unexpected gift. After a fun day together just as we were saying goodbye for the day he asked me to look into the car boot where I found this HUGE box – I ripped it open to find a LE CREUSET saucepan! It was quite dark so I asked him if it had a lid. “Ya one of them has a lid”. WHAT? One of them? Ran back to the boot and ruffled things up to find a Le Creuset baking dish. I still can’t believe I’ve gone from owning zero to two pieces of Le Creuset in a day.
Every time I’d go through the kitchenware department I’d ogle at the gorgeous, gorgeous Le Creuset cookware. Never did I expect him to go and buy the expensive cast iron cookware. I’m a happy, happy girl now! Not just that, he even remembered an old Google doc I’d created with a list of movies centred around food and downloaded all of them for me to watch along with Top Chef, Iron Chef and Good Eats (we’re Food Network deprived here, people).
At home my parents gave me a “Best daughter” card and my sister got me a pair of jeans I’d been eyeing for a bit! She even decorated the place with streamers for me (love you sis!).
Oh and I made a chocolate walnut mud cake for myself in the morning. I couldn’t stop myself from cutting one sliver after another and wolfing it down – it was so good. Recipe in a day or so. Sorry my lovelies, orangefoodie hijacked the entire cake after the birthday and I finally got my hands on it today (10th Nov!). It’s still so delicious and a little crumbly now but I’m thoroughly enjoying it. However, its feeling shy to be photographed and I think I’m going to have to make this again soon, just to share the recipe with you.
PS: Please excuse the excessive use of exclamation marks. I’ve tried hard to curtail them.
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
Le Creuset?! Two pieces!?! I'm envious!
Wow – sounds like the *perfect* birthday! So happy for you… and Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! How nice that everyone was thoughtful!
~ingrid
Yup, that sounds like one awesome birthday alright! Happy birthday!! Can't wait to read about the first dish you prepare with your Le Creuset treasures
What an awesome birthday! You can never go wrong with cookbooks and Le Creuset!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Happy Birthday, Shaheen! I love my Le Creuset dutch oven and am so pleased to read that you have received your first two pieces-score! I love the variety of cookbook/books, too – wow!
xoleesie
WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday from Austria (and Bulgaria!)
Happy Birthday…
That's a yummy birthday you had…
Holy cow! That's a lot of booty!! Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday again S! Ur one lucky gal! Glad u had an awesome day!!
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday to you! You made out girl, good job! And a perfect season to break in your new Le Creuset pieces! Enjoy.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday sis! So glad you're this happy! Your 23rd birthday will serve as a benchmark for all future birthdays!
Happy Birthday! What great gifts!
Belated Happy Birthday Shaheen..I can see you had a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday glad you had a wonderful day. Waiting to see what you will be whipping up in your new Le Creuset.
Happy Birthday! It sounds like you had a terrific day.
Happy Birthday! It is indeed a spectacular one! Looks like you've been well showered. xx
By saying 'downloaded' all the movies, you obviously mean 'purchased legally', don't you!
Thank you so, so, so much everyone! Loved reading through your wishes
A very Happy birthday to u and cheers to ur lovely blog.
Oh ur Goody bag overflows surely….lovely lovely day
I love Le C's ceramics too,ur pan & baking dish are just so dang cute!!!!!(i can never stop the exclamations toooo ooo!!!!!)
Happy Birthday dear girl…that sounds like a perfect birthday…I tried your crispy apple crumble and it was super…thanks for sharing the brilliant recipe…love your blog..
Belated Happy Birthday! La Creuset? WOW
Belated Birthday wishes girl! 1st time on your blog n my what a treat it is.. u go girl!
Happy Birthday. Sounds like a perfect day. Enjoy your new gifts!
Mimi
Happy Birthday Girl!!! I am so happy for you this is amazing.. 4 amazing books!! and Le Creuset !! Wowww you are one lucky purple foodie
what a wonderful birthday you had. hope youre still celebrating. x
Happy Birthday! Super presents!!!
Happy belated birthday! I see you had a great one with all those wonderful presents and lots of love.
Happy Birthday!! Sounds like you had a great day. Enjoy your awesome gifts
Hey..a lurker on ur blog
Happy Birthday! and absolutely love your blog and the way you write about food.
I see a Julie in u!
Thank you all so much! I really appreciate all your comments and wishes. You guys are awesome.
And Tina, that has got to be THE SWEETEST thing someone has told me in a while – I can't stop smiling. xoxo
wow what a great birthday!! sorry I'm late in saying it… happy birthday!!
Happy belated birthday!
Thank you guys for the belated wishes!!
I did wish you on your b'day but arrived here only now. So happy birthday once again. Can see why it was your best ever. Have fun and enjoy your gifts.
Thanks again, Aparna!
hey shaheen… i know i am very late!! that is one swell birthday u had!! happy for u… belated wishes and have a great year …
Thanks, Nandini!!
happy belated bday shaheen.. im so jealous about ur gifts! LOL!
shaheen, I know this is way too late..but never late to get wishes for birthdays..:)..those are some lovely gifts..hope you are enjoying them!
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