This post has been languishing in the darkness of my mind for the last few days. A busy, working Saturday and an errand filled Sunday kept pushing the post further and further into the recesses. I really should plan better or schedule better, but I don’t seem to learn that lesson. I don’t hold a 9-5 regular job that takes me out of the house and so, my jobs come spur of the moment and suddenly I am busy. It makes having a social life non existent.
Another 2 days went by in a blur and here we are. But today, my heart is heavy. My heart has been heavy quite a bit lately.
I’m having such a hard time dealing with the amount of hate that is permeating our society. It’s nothing to do with religion or race, because theoretically, all religions are peaceful and people from different races are tolerant. But it is horrible, hateful people without a conscience who commit these heinous crimes, the sad thing is they use their religion/race as a springboard. These people use their religion or lack of, or an idea of their superiority, or more obviously, their ignorance, to push their ugly ideas and their hatred to attract attention. We like fools, give it to them. How did we get here? How are we so far gone?
I haven’t commented or written about all the past events and the uproar attached to them. Even when I was told, in not so many words, that I should stand up and condemn and apologise for the actions of a few nut jobs, I kept quiet. Why? Why should I apologise for a handful of crazies who decide to kill and terrorise? They do not represent me or my faith. I don’t expect apologies from other people when someone commits a crime, so why should I apologise? And even if I did, would it solve anything? No, because, really, can you reason with a deranged lunatic? The whole idea is absurd.
I’m writing today because today, I’m sad, hurt and depressed. I’m not angry because my faith does not teach me to be angry, it teaches me to be patient but I do get angry and I’m tired of being angry. I’m also tired of being sad but I feel the sadness and the sense of hopelessness isn’t going away soon. And I need to tell you what scares me.
The death of the three young Muslims on Tuesday night was a shocking wake up call. I understand that in the light of all that’s been happening around the world these last few years, supposedly caused by Muslims, there is a lot of anti Muslim feeling and hatred around the world. But I never thought it would come to this, not in America.
We all know it’s nothing to do with a dispute over a parking place, because if we are killing each other over parking spots, then we are more far gone than I thought. Execution style shootings…personal, up close and filled with hate. Don’t tell me it’s not hate motivated.
What scares me is that it can easily be me or my children. I wear a headscarf and every time I set foot outside, I am proclaiming to the world that I am a Muslim. There is no denying it. I wear my faith on my head, and I wear it proudly. I’m not scared for myself so much, but for my children who are still young and innocent. They are filled with the idea that all people are good. I have spent countless hours, days and years instilling in them feelings of kindness, consideration and appreciation. I have always asked them to find the good in people and to always assume the best.
I’m not going to stop telling them that but like so many African Americans have the talk about race and prejudice in their household, I am going to have the same talk with my children, in America, to my American -British- Indian- Muslim children, in their home. Remember in my last post when I said it was hard for me to belong in any one place? This is what I was talking about. I can handle not belonging, but I never, ever want my children to feel that these, the countries that they belong to, don’t welcome, acknowledge or value them as functioning, patriotic citizens.
I’ll address one thing that I know goes through people’s minds when it comes to the hijab or the headscarf. Many Muslim women don’t wear it so why don’t I take mine off? Because, it is a commandment from God in the Quran for all believing women to cover. It is a covering for modesty, and for women to be considered more than just “meat”. When a women covers, her beauty is hidden and her intelligence and personality shine first. Isn’t that what all women want? We want to be known for our minds not our body, at least, I do anyway. As such, the hijab isn’t a choice, it’s mandatory. But, you do have to be of a firm faith to put it on because it’s not easy for all the reasons that I’ve mentioned above.
My mother didn’t encourage the hijab when I was younger because of the stigma attached to it in the West. I put it on after I started having children, and no, my husband doesn’t make me wear it. I wear it because my faith tells me to be known as a believing women.
I know this is a food blog, and maybe not the place for this conversation, but at the same time, it is my voice, and it is my responsibility. As my readers and friends, you know me and so, you know a Muslim. I have always written openly, and you know my life, my happiness, my sadness, my struggles, and of course, what I eat on a daily basis.
Ask me anything you want, if you have questions or are confused about what the media tells you, ask me. You know me, and how I live my life. It’s an open book here on this site, and the rest of the Muslims? Yep, they are just like me. We eat, we sleep, we work, we make our lives, we pray, we enjoy ourselves, we enjoy family and friends. So, ask me.
There doesn’t seem to be any appropriate segue into my Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes recipe so this sentence will have to do! These are fabulous and lately, with the way I’ve been feeling, sugar, chocolate and bowls of rice are the most comforting foods. I sure picked the wrong month to go on a dairy and gluten free diet for my allergies. I’m so having withdrawals.
If you like the cake version of these or just like pineapple, you will adore these sweet things. These can easily be dessert or a very special breakfast, like for Valentine’s Day or birthdays, or any day.
Rating
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 15-18 pancakes
- 2 cups/300g all purpose/plain flour
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups/470ml soured milk or buttermilk
- 2 eggs. large
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1-1½ cups fresh pineapple, small diced pieces
- ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- butter for frying
- In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt and mix together,
- In another smaller bowl, add the soured milk or buttermilk, beat in the eggs, add the butter and vanilla. Mix together.
- Heat up a griddle or large skillet preferably non stick.
- Once the griddle has come to temperature, add the egg-milk mixture to the bowl with the flour mixture.
- Quickly and gently, mix the two together.
- Don't over mix, once all the dry flour has been incorporated, stop.
- Don't beat it smooth, you need it lumpy so the pancakes will be fluffier.
- Swirl around a bit of butter on the griddle to fry the pancakes.
- Using a ¼ cup/60ml ladle or scoop, pour out some batter onto the griddle.
- I usually make 4 inch/10cm round pancakes.
- Once the pancakes have set a little, scatter a tablespoon or so of the chopped pineapples over the surface of the pancakes.
- Sprinkle about a teaspoon of brown sugar over the pancakes.
- Once the edges of the pancakes seem a little dry, flip the panic carefully.
- Cook the pancake until the sugar has caramelised and the pancakes also have a few brown edges.
- Flip onto a plate and keep warm while you make the rest.
- Serve with some maple syrup or home-made syrup (recipe in the NOTES section)
Homemade Syrup: Place 1 cup of brown sugar into a small pan with ⅓ cup water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, boil for one minute, turn off heat. Add the vanilla. Use as pancake syrup. Keep the remainder in a jar on the counter or in the fridge. It will keep for a bit but you will have crystallisation at the bottom.
I make fresh syrup whenever I make pancakes, since it's so easy.
Thank you for listening, Honestly, the only place I belong is here, in the wonderful world of blogging and blogging friends. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with your loved ones, I’ll be working, churning out samples from the Dacor kitchen,
You have no need to apologise. These people are monsters, using the name of religion to barely mask their own inane homicidal desires. It is unfortunate that their hate and crime breeds suspicion and unnecessary tension for those trying to follow the faith properly a.k.a the majority of people.
Express as you want my friend, food does come second to something as important as this.
Hugs,
Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..Food Porn
I have always believed that a woman who choses to wear a hijab all by herself, making a conscious decision to do so is the most liberated one. Because she is truly ready to accept all that it encompasses.
I don’t have any words for the hatred people carry in their hearts because of religion, color, region . I have been on the receiving end of that hatred, yet I find it impossible to rationally paint every Muslim with a brush that taints them as terrorists. Religion has nothing to do with terrorism. People do. Individuals who choose to be terrorists don’t really believe in religion else they would have learned from the teachings and lived a normal life like you and me.
Ansh recently posted..Shrimp with Cauliflower
Nazneen, you said this all so eloquently. My heart too has been heavy these last several days. I too worry about the future of my child (and future children). Since when did human life become so invaluable? Since when did people decide that it was their decision when and how to end another’s life? How do we have these conversations with our children?
Henna recently posted..Biscotti
You are right you should not feel you have to apologise for people who use religion to justify horrible acts. I have always found your explanations of the Muslim religion wonderful to read. A clear concise way of allowing us non Muslims to understand things like Ramadan and other important events. I understand your fear and fear for your children, don’t let it rule or ruin your life. Thank you for your generous offer to share and explain. GG
glamorous glutton recently posted..San Benedetto Fish Market In Cagliari Sardinia
Delicious. I never thought to make a simple syrup with brown sugar for pancakes! Love that idea. Bowls of rice with butter are my ultimate comfort food – and actually what I wrote my first blog post about! http://www.heavenonmainstreet.com/insatiable/le-beurre/ Hope you are feeling better…. “All you need is love” – sending love your way.
Taylor Foster recently posted..Strawberry Ice Cream
I’m sorry you are hurting…I think we can all understand how worried you must be for your children and that should not be. Compassion for others and acceptance of different religions, thoughts and customs should be part of each person’s life. Your sweet little pancakes sound like a comforting way to escape your feelings, even if for a little while.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..What A Winter
We get fed up on the news, too, all the killings and negativity. It is deeply saddening why humans do more than whay is required for them love simply and peacefully…Anyway, love this version of your pancake and the use of pineapple 🙂 Be safe :).
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
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Nazneen, after reading the news, I was deeply affected and quite annoyed. Why has it come down to this?. We will never understand. It is but the right of a human being to do they want and it is birth right. It’s the modesty the girl chooses.
I am with you on rising awareness and talking about. Many including me shy away from being verbal but I applaud you and I deeply feel for the situation.
There was an incident which happened to an Indian dad who came to America to take care of his grandkid. He speaks no English. The cops held to question on the road and when he walked away, one cop smashed him to the ground, now the elderly is slightly paralyzed and in the hospital. Why is all this happening? It’s not fair.
Well..for now, let’s pray and hope this becomes a better place to live in.
And for the pancakes, looks amazin my dear.
So sorry to read about this Nazneen! I was unwell and had no idea. These acts are not human..Just googled up…so sick! I totally understand your anxiety for your children. What kind of a world are we leaving behind for them! You don’t need to apologise and you are doing the right thing by respecting your hijab.
These pancakes sound wonderful with pineapple in them. Great idea and just perfect with the gorgeous caramelisation! I love pineapple and I am going to make them soon..
Sugar et al. recently posted..Blackberry, Pistachio And Rose Semifreddo
What a genius spin on upside pineapple cake! Your lovely pancakes bring a little more brightness and positivity to such an otherwise dark world.
Mary Frances recently posted..Chocolate Soufflé
Une recette qui me plaît beaucoup et les photos sont magnifiques 🙂
josephine recently posted..Tarte façon Fantastik
Nazneen, how fitting that today is “Pancake Day” – we call it Violet Tuesday around here and it marks the last day of Carnival and the last day of a mini-vacation for the kids. Your recipe sounds delicious and your photography is absolutely outstanding! I like making pancakes with buttermilk in the batter and fresh pieces of pineapple sound like a delightful addition!
Hope you and your family is well –
Andrea
There has definitely been an escalation in horrific crimes committed by some people with very radical and extremist views. So many parts of the world have experienced terrorist attacks that I’m beginning to wonder if there’s any corner of the globe where anyone is safe. On another note, your pineapple pancakes look full of love! xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted..Grecian Blue, Mosman
Nazneen, my dear friend… My heart has been heavy on its own after hearing of the horrific shootings on Tuesday, and then more so when I thought of you. I worry most that we live in crazy states (AZ much more so that CO) and there are extreme numbers of crazies who would love to see everyone look just like them, be just like them. I am so proud of you for standing up and being who you are, for not blending, for not assimilating. Religions are a hard subject. They are all built on [eace, love, and understanding – yet somehow fighting always ensues, and always has as long as we can remember. It is just getting more disgustingly easy now to act out. To kill in the name of a god. My wish for you is peace, safety, and all the love you deserve. And since there is no good segue here, either. I wish you amazing pancakes always.
xo, David
David recently posted..The Lady in Red
Nazneen, wouldn’t be lovely if we lived in a world where it was all sweetness and kindness and we could just talk about food and delicious pancakes and our biggest concerns would be finding the best recipes to make for dinner? I don’t even know what to say because some of the things that happen in ‘real’ life just stun me, and I can honestly think of nothing to do but to not think about it for my own mental survival. But it’s not fair to the people these things happen to though, is it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I know that anyone who has children is always concerned about how things affect them and how life will receive them. I have absolute respect for your beliefs. Keep living well and doing well. xo
Monica recently posted..Chinese rice porridge (congee), my way
I share your grief and anger over the horrors unfolding around the world as hate and fear and stupidity overcome goodness and love and wisdom. Wishing you courage and safety as you continue to live out your truth, your faith, your beautiful worldview. XO
Krista recently posted..Freestone: A Mostly True History
The sad thing is that it only takes one extremist to brutalise a religion. And no way should you be expected to apologise for someone else’s behaviour just because you share the same religion. I’m just so sorry that you have to have that conversation with your children – truly what is the world coming to?
Anyhoo – this is your space, your words you can say what you want to. We’re just having a virtual conversation between friends right? Wish I could sit down and share a cup of tea and a plate of pancakes with you x
Nancy | Plus Ate Six recently posted..{Project Gold} Fifty Years of Memories
I don’t think you should apologize to anyone and if someone expects you to do that, that someone has serious issues. Every country has its own beauties, culture, tradition and religion (sometimes more than one) and intelligent human beings should appreciate them instead of judging a country based on the crazy actions of a bunch of fanatics.
I enjoyed your explanation about women wearing the hijab. I feel like I never learn enough about your faith. As to women wanting to be appreciated for their brain, that’s for sure what every woman says but I’m not really sure that’s true for all the women out there.
I think you are raising your children the right way. They shouldn’t grow up in fear. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to protect our children from cruelty all the time but it is our duty as parents to give them the “tools” to understand and face it in the right way.
I’m sure that they will meet other people that have been raised in the kindness and the love kingdom and that will appreciate and respect their religious traditions.
Now about your pancakes: I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I would love to eat them for breakfast (which is the only time when I eat sweets)!. The addition of pineapples is such a great idea!
Hope you and your family have a great Valentine’s Day!
Francesca recently posted..My Savory Valentines: Heart-Shaped Mini Frittata
Lotta awful stuff in the world. And alas, has been for thousands of years. Doesn’t excuse what happens today (in fact, makes it worse; can’t we ever learn?). It’s all so sad. Anyway, lovely recipe — love the idea. Thanks for it. And for expressing your opinion.
John@Kitchen Riffs recently posted..Red Beans and Rice Soup
Nazneen – this might be a food blog – but more importantly it IS a place for your voice and your responsibility and Nazneen you have laid your soul bare so beautifully. I did hear about the NC incident and it was heart breaking. Hate only breeds hate and misunderstanding and your post beautifully tries to change that. So well written – I don’t have any questions – but, I empathize and hope and pray for a better tomorrow.
Btw – Nazneen these pancakes are comforting indeed and brilliant – I never thought to make upside down pancakes before! BRILLIANT!
xxs
Hi Nazneen, I am not Muslim, but I am fascinated and interested and is respectful of the Muslim religion / culture / heritage. I know that in the depths, every religion is peace-loving and god-fearing. It saddens and pains me that a few rotten apples (from any religion / from both sides) can really spoil the bunch. Such as when there is a pure white paper in front of you with a drop of red blood. What do you see? You always see that red drop – barely the white paper. And sadly, that’s what’s happening in the world and in religious relations. I don’t know what to say…I’d like to blame the lack of education or the lack of exposure to culture or the lack of open-mindedness to these senseless violence and hatred…but, sometimes, even the most educated of men commit some heinous acts. It’s a tough call. But every day, I pray that our children are safe and are protected – any maybe we won’t find true peace on this earth. But one day, when we are with our Creator, we will finally experience true peace, true love…and maybe even get some answers. In the meantime, stay strong, my friend! Enjoy your beautiful cake today 🙂
Jen L | Tartine and Apron Strings recently posted..Elderflower and Goldenberry Friands
Nazneen, my dear! I am so sorry that all of this happened. I don’t know the full details about that crime. First, police thought it was a hate crime, and then a dispute for a parking lot. I don’t know for sure! What I know is the hate for Muslims are not less than for Christians in this society. It is ascending for sure! People expect us to live and believe what they want and when we don’t, hate shows its face. I feel sometimes that I cannot say anything that people bring up the card of my faith first instead of treating the issue per se. I pray for better days but I have to confess that what I see more and more are signs of the end. Well, sending you a hug, my friend!
Your pancakes are innovative and sounds absolutely scrumptious — plus I love your tropical fruit of choice… If you celebrate V-day, I wish you and your husband a delicious day. xx
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You recently posted..Brazilian Limeade (Limonada SuÃça) and Carnival
Sometimes I think the world is getting crazy…it’s just sad.
I hope you find some comfort in those wonderful pancakes.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Amaranth Walnut Einkorn Cookies
Nazneen. I didn’t hear about the Tuesday night event, I’ll have to Google, but nonetheless what you say is such a concern to me. I never thought I’d see the day where murder and killing was such common place. And what makes me sad is that I think anyone who has any power over crime and violence has no idea what to do about it. It’s frightening. With that said, these pancakes are very clever. I love upside down pineapple cake and would love to try these. And, I’m still wanting to meet for lunch soon. Let’s please make that happen.
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