Connecting with Community
A Thanksgiving Homecoming
As Thanksgiving approached, I felt the familiar pull of home, a longing for warmth, connection, and the laughter of friends. Little did I know that this vacation would not only offer relaxation but also bring a wealth of stories and experiences reminding me of the true essence of hospitality and the joy of togetherness.
Grandsons’ Perspective
The weeklong visit to California was precious, even moreso because I had the pleasure to spend time with my grandsons. Their perspective on life is such a joy to witness. The way they view family, home and community is nothing short of fascinating.
Jetlag didn’t stand a chance against the joy of having my Nani and GP back home for Thanksgiving! We wasted no time diving into the Christmas spirit too!
My brother and I pulled them to the farmers market and into the various stores in San Carlos, where we giggled and raced through the aisles, filling our carts with festive treats: cookies, candy canes, and all the ingredients for our favorite recipes. GP’s witty jokes and humor filled the air, making everything feel even more special.
Once we got home the real fun began. Whilst Nani was preparing delicious meals for us, we picked out the perfect Christmas tree, its scent filling our room. Decorated with twinkling lights and our collection of cherished ornaments both store-bought and handmade, it stood proudly, a symbol of our family’s traditions.
We liked the idea of creating and celebrating Christmas right after Thanksgiving so we could have a double treat while our grandparents were with us. Building the Lego spaceship was the most fun and my favorite part! After our hard work, we enjoyed all the scrumptious food made by Nani. They even managed to come watch our basketball and taekwondo classes!
One of the most memorable experiences was time at the local “Farmer’s Market”. Nothing like food to bring people together. And of course, a visit to the market always provides an opportunity to teach about food.
San Carlos Farmer’s Market
This Bay Area gem, a quaint town anchored by Laurel Street, offers a delightful blend of community, culture and culinary atmosphere. San Carlos is quintessentially the place to shop, dine, and unleash your creativity in art studios that provide pottery painting, mosaics, and glass fusing.
One of the highlights is the farmers market held during the weekends. It’s more than just a place to shop for fresh produce; it’s a gathering spot for community. We love wandering through the stalls, chatting with the local farmers as our boys graze and discover artisanal products. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with squeals of laughter and conversations, making it easy to meet new people and forge connections.
Flavors of Connection
It is here that I was introduced to Amruta Jejurikar, a remarkably talented entrepreneur and culinarian, the founder of Butter and Rose.
As she held up her box of delights, labeled Gulab Jamun Cake, I was in disbelief. Then, as I scoured her desserts, I was delighted to see even more globally-inspired varieties such as, Rose Pistachio Cake and Thandai-spiced Pound Cake and Fig, Date & Almond Cake with Orange Buttercream.
Filled with nostalgia over the flavor-profiles, I knew I had to get to know her and share her story with my readers!
Amruta, what sparked your journey to becoming a pastry chef?
“My journey began with a passion for baking, where I honed various techniques through experimentation and hands-on practice. Eventually, I pursued formal coursework to earn my certification in French pastry arts, which helped me relearn the fundamentals and build the confidence to create my own exquisite pastries.”
What does innovation mean to you in the context of dessert creation?
“Trying out new and bold flavor combinations and techniques, (Gulkand, a rose petal jam that adds a floral hint of sweetness and unique texture to some of our cakes)”.
Amruta enjoys creating new desserts in popular categories, especially vegan options. Her focus is on quality, bold flavors, and allergen-friendly ingredients. Keeping in mind that cultural preservation and honoring the rich heritage of Indian desserts is important.
Butter and Rose is a dynamic, women-owned business committed to delivering exceptional seasonal flavors while prioritizing quality.
They practice sustainability by sourcing seasonal produce from local farmers markets and using recyclable packaging, alongside diligent composing efforts.
“We are enthusiastic about developing new flavors and products to continually delight our customers. We provide delivery throughout the Bay Area via platforms such as Shef, Lemonhat, HubOn, and Neighbors, and we ship select items across California. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our shipping capabilities to the entire U.S. by 2025!”
Amruta’s modernized Indian Dessert Recipes that blend traditional flavors with nutritious and ingenious ingredients is a seductively sweet list:
Chai Spice Pumkin Loaf
Fig, Date & Almond Spiced Cake with Orange Buttercream
Orange Olive Oil Cake
Orange Chocolate Pound Cake
Farmer’s Market Hospitality
If you haven’t visited a market recently, I highly encourage it. Farmer’s Markets bring many of the core elements of hospitality: fostering positive experiences, nurturing relationships, prioritizing customer-centric practices, and engaging in nutrition-based initiatives.
By embracing these values, these markets not only enhance their appeal but also cultivate a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the community, ultimately enriching the social fabric that unites residents.
A deep sense of gratitude enveloped us as we planned our departure. Reuniting with friends felt effortless; conversations flowed as if the past two years had never separated us, a testament to the bonds that hospitality nurtures.
We carried back not only recipes and ingredients but also the flavor of connections and the joy of family!
Nothing like family celebrating together!