Visit Vermont: The Majestic Green State

As you all may have known that Vermont is nicknamed "The Green Mountain State" and if you have already visited the place could possibly know why. You will literally and visibly feel the entire state is outlined by the lush green mountains, rolling green field. And when this green color bursts into the flaming and blazing colors in Fall, Vermont looks even more majestic and brighter. The shimmering red-hot color surrounds the place like heaven.

Although the season of Autumn looks beautiful in Vermont, the state is also known among the exquisite ski-resorts in the country. There are plenty of things to do in Vermont in each and every season and the beautiful state never fails to amaze people with varied interest.

We explored Vermont in Summer, and of course, experienced a wet day too. Starting our trip from Burlington, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vermont, we were totally blown off by the beauty and charm of this city. Based on the shores of gorgeous Lake Champlain, the city will definitely impress you with its European architecture and the bustling streets in downtown.

The downtown is called the famous Church Street Marketplace, lined with beautiful local boutiques and tons of restaurants suiting everyone's taste and preference.

While having some snacks and local drinks or coffee, seated outside the fantastic cafes, you can enjoy some street performances and music concerts. Church Street is the perfect destination for spending a nice day in Vermont. The charm and beauty of this place will fascinate the visitors and make them come back again and again.

After spending a perfect day in Church Street you have to take a stroll towards the Lakefront Park to enjoy a beautiful sunset over Lake Champlain. There are even cruises available on the lake to experience the ever beautiful sunset. It feels so refreshing to sit and enjoy the fascinating sight of the sunset from the lakefront area.

We got some added adventure to see the fantastic fireworks over the lake, as we visited the place during the 4th of July weekend. I can tell you this is one of the most amazing fireworks I have ever seen.

Our next day was not so good for some outdoor adventures, as it was rainy and humid day in Burlington. Summer in Burlington is often rainy, humid, and warm too for the close proximity of the lake. Thus we planned to spend the day at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Nature Center with the kids.

Located in the lakefront neighborhood, this nature and science center is one of the great attractions in the city for families with kids and youngsters. The attraction of this place will easily take your 2-3 hours and that proved to be very convenient for us to escape the rainy weather. Kids had a wonderful time spending inside this nature center.

As we were already in the lakefront neighborhood, did not want to miss the chance to have a walk along the beautiful Lake Champlain and enjoy the burst of evening colors over there. You will have plenty of local shops and boutiques to look over and have some local shopping done. The city of Burlington with its lovely 1900 architecture offers all kinds of entertainment and attractions for everyone.

Next day we were excited to visit the village of Stowe, of which we heard and read a lot before visiting Vermont. Stowe is one of the most spectacular mountain resorts or ski resorts in the country.

The picturesque location of the village at the bottom of Mount Mansfield attracts worldwide travelers. Mount Mansfield is the highest peak of Vermont and there is a number options available to reach the summit point of the peak. If you are adventurous enough to hike and walk through the trail, you are most welcome to do that. But people like us prefer the Auto Toll Road which offers an unforgettable drive through the scenic Adirondacks Mountains and the stunning view of Lake Champlain. Even Gondola Rides are also available to reach the top point of the peak.

After a few miles from the village of Stowe, there is another spectacle called The Smugglers' Notch. You will experience some interesting bike paths and hiking trails surrounded by an amazing greenery.

The nature offers unending charm and beauty to this place. If you are a true nature lover, this place is a perfect destination for you boasting some mesmerizing waterfalls, serene green walking trails and beautiful landscape.

As of now reading my prolonged travel story, if you are thinking that kids are not finding enough interesting places for them, except ECHO Nature Center, you may be wrong. For my kids, the star attraction of this trip was the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour. Yes yes, you are on absolute right track...America's one of the leading homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt manufacturer.

There is no doubt in the fact that not only the kids, but we all scream for ice cream. Located in Waterbury, this factory is few miles away from Stowe. Visitors can enjoy an exclusive factory tour experiencing how the creamery works and this was one of the few first factories run by Ben & Jerry. The added attraction was having your favorite flavor after the tour ends from the own den of Ben & Jerry....can you believe that!!!



The tour does not end here as we were going towards New Hampshire. But that story will be told in another blog as this one is  already getting very lengthy. The purpose of this travel story is to give a vivid picture of our trip to Vermont and to inspire people to go out and explore the world around you. 

Maha Sasthi special: Dhokar Dalna

The festive season is here now and so is the time to enjoy sumptuous food. Durga Puja, the grand festival of Bengal, has been started already in Kolkata as well as other districts and the festivity continues for almost 10 days (just after Mahalaya). But for people like us, staying far away from home, are confined within the weekends to celebrate the joy and essence of Durga Puja. But I believe, that makes it so special and we try our best to hold on the time and excitement in our own way. We don't want to miss a single moment of pleasure and happiness of this grandeur.

But my childhood memories of Durga Puja were so different. Those days were so vivid till now that I can even hear the beats of Dhaak at the dawn of Maha Sasthi. Sasthi mornings were synonymous with the beat of Dhaak and the sweet fragrance of dhup/agarbati. Getting to wear new dresses, freedom to go out with friends and eat what we want, no rush for getting up early and studying, all these things used to make Durga Puja so special for us.

Bengalis are best known for food and when we are talking about our biggest festival, how could we forget the mouth watering special dishes on various days of Durga Puja. Sasthi and Maha Ashtami are two designated days for having only vegetarian food in most households, while other days are allowed for non vegetarian food. Staying far away from my home, in a different country, couldn't change these practices for me as I find that very hard to give up. Especially when Maha Sasthi is a significant day or event marked for kids and as parents we must obey the rituals and traditions. But that is completely my belief as I have seen practicing these rituals and traditions by the elder women in my home. The festival is for everyone and there should not be any kind of barrier or limitations imposed which restricts the happiness.


Now comes the most lavish part of this festival, that is, the food. There is a wide range of vegetarian delicacies available in Bengal households. Today I am going to give the recipe for one of the most popular vegetarian dishes of Bengal, Dhokar Dalna, a mildly spices curry cooked along with potatoes. This traditional preparation is widely loved by both vegetarians and non vegetarians and can be served with both steamed rice and Luchi/Puri. Dhokar Dalna is one of the main entrées known for any kind of religious or other occasions where vegetarian dishes are more dominating and preferred.

 The recipe needs much patience and time and tastes better a day after. So if you are inviting friends and relatives and want to shpw your culinary excellence, try to make it a day earlier. And please don't get disheartened if the result doesn't come out well (lentil paste can get lumpy and the Dhokas can break while frying) for the first time, rather get inspired and try to make it perfect next time by following the steps, described below. Mine was not well at all for the first few times and after few trial and errors I succeed. So go on and try your hand in making one of the oldest and traditional Bengali cuisines and enjoy the yummy treat.

Total time : 1/1.5 hours
Serves:  7-8 people

Ingredients:
Chana Dal : 1 cup
Potato : peeled and cubed 7-8 (or as many as you prefer)
Tomato : 1, roughly chopped
Ginger paste : 1 tsp
Green chili: 2-3
Dry red chilies: 2-3
Bay leaves: 1-2
Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
Whole cardamom : 2-3
Kalo jeera/Nigela seeds : 1 tsp
Red chili powder : 1-2 tblsp / as per preference
Turmeric powder : 1-2 tsp
Coriander powder (optional) : 1 tsp
Cumin powder (optional) : 1 tsp
Garam Masala Powder : 1 tsp
Ghee/ Clarified butter : 1-2 tblsp (more is better for aroma)
Salt and sugar : As per taste and preference
Oil : Sufficient for frying Dhoka and then making the curry

Process :

Step 1: To make Dhoka or the Fried Lentil Cakes:

1. Soak Chana dal overnight or at least 4-5 hours to make a smooth and not-so-runny paste, don't forget to add the whole green chilis before making the paste
2. To the lentil paste, add salt, sugar, red chili powder and garam masala powder
3. Take a heavy bottom pan or wok (preferably non-stick) to heat oil and add the nigela seeds....carefully pour the lentil paste and keep the flame medium to low
4. Cook the paste till it becomes semi dry....add little oil if the paste sticks to the bottom and stir continuously
5. Grease a baking tray or any other flat container to spread the cooked lentil paste evenly having an inch deep..let it cool down for at least 10 minutes
6. After letting it cool, cut square or diamond shaped pieces of Dhoka/lentil cakes and transfer them to another plate making sure not to break the Dhokas

7. Heat enough oil in a pan or wok to fry the lentil cakes very carefully and in small batches so that they don't break...fry till they turn golden brown and keep aside

Step 2: Making the Dalna/curry

1. In the remaining oil add cumin seeds, whole cardamom, dry red chilies and bay leaves...when the aroma starts coming add tomatoes and cubed potatoes
2. Add ginger paste when tomatoes get softened and potatoes turn golden brown
3. Mix together turmeric, red chili, cumin and coriander powder with water and pour the mixture in the pan
4. Add salt and sugar as per taste
5. After 5 minutes add 1 cup of hot water in the mixture and mix well... cover the pan/wok and cook till the potatoes get cooked
6. Next, slowly and carefully add the pieces of Dhoka or lentil cakes and cook for few minutes more in low flame....at this pint please make sure how much consistency of the curry you want as you have to remember that the lentil cakes will absorb most the curry or Jhol...so add little more water accordingly
7. Add ghee and garam masala now, switch off the flame and cover to give it a good amount of standing time before serving

Enjoy your Dhokar Dalna with steamed hot rice..