The Glue of Life - Masala Peanuts

Family is like the unseen glue that holds things together. As the years go by, there are cracks and sometimes outright breaks, but much of the time, some glue (or maybe a lot) can help to put things back together. Now and then, the story of Humpty Dumpty comes to mind, and all the glue in the world cannot mend things.

Growing up, I was not lucky enough to be surrounded by extended family. I did not have a chance to go over to my grandmother's house or experience what it was like for them to lend a helping hand. My parents and brother were like a little island. When I first met my grandparents, I was nine, the first time we returned to India since I was born.

Our trip was eye-opening. India was a cacophony of life, with so many people, colors, and a vibrance that did not exist in the suburbs of America. We stayed at my paternal grandmother's house. It was the house that my father had grown up in. Her house was not just literally a world away, but also figuratively. How he grew up was so far from my understanding of what it was like to be a kid. My grandmother lived with my aunt, uncle and cousins. They were surrounded by family. Distant cousins, second cousins and even more family would drop by constantly and so casually. I met dozens and dozens of cousins like me, with names that were so similar you sometimes could barely tell us apart. I was no longer the lone brown person in a sea of white.

As we grew up, family would come to visit, but it would be for a few days or weeks a time. Our closest family in the states lived halfway across the country. Things have changed. Poet and Flower are lucky to have their grandmother down the street. They love to go over, eat chips, and watch PBS kids with her. She will come over to dinner or hang out with us. She is part of the fabric of our lives and not just a once in a several years visit.

Masala peanuts are perfect to share with family and friends. Lightly coat the peanuts with a blend of kashmiri chili powder, and garam masala. Chickpea and rice flour helps to keep them light and airy. Then fry them until they are crisp and crunchy. They are spicy and addictive. Would it be a cliche to say you can't eat just one?

Much of my family in India emigrated slowly over the years. Like the seeds of a dandelion, we have all scattered in the wind, settling in all corners of the world. But despite this, we work to keep in touch. Relationships and family take work. As one cousin reaches out to another, a little bit of glue helps to bring us and hold us together. And so this Christmas, we will all work to meet again, to re-establish those ever-important bonds of family, to forge new bonds, and so that Poet and Flower will never feel that they are an island in a big sea.

Masala Peanuts

Crunchy and spicy peanuts make a delicious afternoon snack. Perfect to share with family and friends.

Serves 4

• 2 cups raw peanuts
• 1/4 cup chickpea flour or besan
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
• 2 teaspoons water
• neutral oil for frying

1. In a small bowl, combine the chickpea flour, rice flour, salt, garam masala and chili powder.

2. Sprinkle the water on the peanuts and mix gently. They should be wet but not soaking.
3. Add the spice mixture and toss to coat.
4. Heat neutral oil in a frypan over medium high heat. Fry peanuts until they are crisp and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Store in air-tight container.