Navarathri Golu with a message 09

Bay area,CA is becoming more and more traditional and we are seeing grander and more elaborate golus , concerts, celebrations and dandia to go with each year. I am posting these Golu pictures which was taken in one of my friend's house (Kavitha, Sai and Vishnu's place). Believe me, I saw so many amazing golus this time. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera with me to most of the places. Anyway, I am glad I took my camera for this one. I am posting this because it has a social message too!
One picture shows the four seasons and another shows a typical temple scene 'Marathadi Pillaiyar kovil' means a temple under a tree. On either side is pots and pan shop of different kinds. The next one is about 'Samapandhi bhojanam'. It shows equality of all. People from all caste and creed having food together and celebrating the unity. This is what India is all about now.

Navarthri 2009 Golu!

This year's Golu!

Navarthri 2008 Golu Pictures

Last year, We had kept a big Golu. We had got done a made to order 'Golu Padi' which had 9 steps. Our handyman (Javier Betancourt) did a great job on it. Anyway, I am posting last years Golu before posting this year's Golu to see for yourself the comparison and adjustments made for our 14m old daugher. Last year, she was just a few months old so this was possible! Anyway, here it is.....
The top one is a 'Fishing village'
The one below that is the front view
The one after that is the side view of the Golu

Grilled Bruschetta

I want to finish posting all the grilled recipes before I start off with my other series. This one and the next recipe I am going to post are the most favorite appetizers in the whole wide world. I am happy to share them with you guys. Hope you all will try making them and let me know how it turned out. I am sure it is going to be a hit with your friends and family.

2 Baguettes- Cut into 1/2" thick slices
Cooking spray
5 Roma tomatoes-Cut into small cubes
1 cup-Fresh Basil, chiffonade (Cut into super thin strips)
1 tsp-Minced Garlic
A pinch of Crushed Red pepper flakes
A pinch of Crushed black pepper
1/4 cup-Olive Oil
A pinch of Sugar
Salt to taste

1. Spray the cut 1/2" baquettes and arrange them on the grill. Once you get the grill marks on one side, turn them and repeat the process and keep them aside.
2. Arrange them in a platter as shown in the picture.
3. In a mixing bowl add the cut tomatoes, basil, crushed red and black pepper,salt, sugar, minced garlic and Olive oil. Mix well and leave it for about 10 min.
4. Now, arrange the mixture carefully on the grilled baguettes and serve.