About

Namaste! Welcome to My Fancy Pantry!

Let me introduce myself.  My name is Shari and I reside in the lovely state of Minnesota.  In the city of Rochester, to be exact. I live with my husband, Piyush, and our two kitties–Penny and Harry.  

Us 

Before I met Piyush, I was a horrible cook. My idea of “fancy” was throwing a pound of ground meat in the slow-cooker along with a couple chopped potatoes.  If I was feeling really adventurous, I’d maybe throw a carrot or two in there as well.  It’s true!  My “crack-pot” creations were legendary!  …and I don’t mean that in a good way.

Luckily for Piyush, that all changed.  Once we were married, I started seeing food as a hobby instead of a chore–and that made all the difference.

Married on the shores of Lake Superior

I have also learned that I love unique ingredients.  In fact, I hoard them!  Lavender buds, black salt, homemade preserves, and probably every spice or masala you could ever need (Ever.) have a home in my kitchen.

 I enjoy learning about food, making food, and eating food!  I don’t discriminate (usually), but I do have a soft spot for a good, spicy Indian curry!

paneer tikka curry, paneer curry, indian paneer curry, paneer tikka masala, vegetarian curry

Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka Masala

Aside from what Piyush and I eat, I hope this blog will chronicle our world trips and our adventures around India…

The Taj Mahal on a foggy day

but it will mostly be about the food :) !

39 thoughts on “About”

  1. Haley @ Cheap Recipe Blog

    Fun blog! I love the mix of recipes & home decorating tips. I’d love to try your strawberry jam. I made lavender lemon jam earlier this year and it didn’t blow me away, but maybe I just haven’t found the right thing to serve it with.

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Lavender lemon jam? It sounds heavenly!!! I’m sorry it was a disappointment! If you try the strawberry lavender, you’ll have to let me know what you think!
      I’m glad you like the blog :)

      Reply ↓
  4. smileysoyabean

    I’ve just stumbled across your blog and I’m so glad! I too have a spice drawer full to bursting, and I can’t resist buying more :) I’m looking forward to looking through more of your recipes and seeing what I can do with all of them now!

    Reply ↓
  5. pipoi

    hii..i am a first timer on ur blog…r u n indian by birth..in d pic above..ur hubby is wid a lil child looks lyk..or may b v cant c u properly..plz explain

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Hello! No, I am not Indian by birth. I am American, my husband–Piyush–was born and raised in India. In the picture above, it is actually Piyush and I on our wedding day. It was very cold (15 degrees F)…so I had my big winter coat on.

      Reply ↓
      1. pipoi

        aww nice u r from america..but u r an indian?also if u hav a pic of ur own wud b nice to c..in dis pi u luk like a lil child haha belive me…plz if der is ne pic of urs alone do show us..

      2. Shari Post author

        haha..I get told I look younger than I am a lot. There is a photo of my on the homepage, on the right-hand side. I can add another in my About section when I’m back on my computer :)

  6. wifemothereventplanner

    Love your blog! I am very new to the whole blogging world (yes I’ve been under a rock for the past decade!) but I’m hooked! I am completely impressed by your Indian cooking skills. My mother would be proud! I’m also an Indian chick – but I married a gringo and had some gringo/indo babies. Can’t wait to read more of your stuff!

    Reply ↓
  7. Allison

    Wow, I just found your blog and I already love it. I love Indian food, but haven’t been making it that much recently… but now I’m feeling newly inspired, so thank you! This (and some of the other blogs you read) will probably be my new favorite source(s) for Indian recipes from now on.

    Reply ↓
  8. Miss Catherine

    I’m so happy I found your blog. you are so funny and insightful. I love the photo of your child with the shirt that says…”I’m cute my mom’s cute my dad’s lucky.”

    I’ll visit again for sure.

    Reply ↓
  9. Astrid

    Great blog! Love your description of yourself – I’m the same, I love cooking, baking, preserving, brewing… and our laundry basket is pretty much neglected. My partner is totally obsessed with Indian food too so I’m going to use your recipes for inspiration to cook him a lovely meal or few :) looking forward to seeing more of your excellent posts!

    Reply ↓
  12. pipoi

    okk i managed to see you hahah i still say u luk diffrnt in ur wedding pic ne ways soo nice talkin may b someday v will meet

    Reply ↓
  13. Aoife.D

    I’m so happy that I’ve come across your absolutely wonderful blog, your photos and recipes look nothing short of fantastic!

    Reply ↓
  15. Peri's Spice Ladle

    So glad to find your blog…the recipes look so delicious, I’ve already bookmarked a few to try out:) Love the use of Indian food elements running through some of your recipes…

    Reply ↓
  18. Dinorah Guadiana-Costa

    I haven’t gotten into the blog-reading universe, but I came upon yours after seeing your yummy garbanzo bean salad. Sounds utterly fresh & delicious! Anyway, I want to congratulate you on such a nice site you have created. Your pictures of your husband and you are beautiful and I wish you the very best in all! I will be coming to visit your blog from now on because I also really like Indian food because it’s exciting, healthy and often vegetarian :)

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Thank you so much for all the kind words! I truly appreciate them! I hope you try the salad, it’s amazing! I’ll be posting more and more vegetarian recipes on my site, so I hope you visit again!

      Reply ↓

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