In the heart of our community, there exists all shining stars. Meet Zeenath, one such Spectacular Star, or as our community fondly knows her by ZMA. With over 2700 recipes and a relentless dedication for Cookpad, Zeenath's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this blog, we are going to explore the magic that unfolds in her kitchen. Zeenath generously shared her thoughts, memories, and the secrets behind her journey and delicious creations. So, lets get started!
How the journey Started..
Cookpad was introduced to me by one of my friends somewhere in the last months of the year 2017 but I wasn't initially very active. Until March 2020, I stayed very low profile but kept adding recipes as and when possible. And then from the Month of April 2020, I became very active on Cookpad and Alhamdulillah there has been no looking back since then. This is how my journey on this wonderful platform actually started and is still keeping me hooked till date.
To start with actually, I was a complete novice when it came to cooking or the kitchen. I felt as if I never belonged there. Then with my marriage came along a great change in me. With the responsibilities as a mother, I started to learn the A B C's of cooking. I must add one thing that I was very lucky to have started to learn and in no time, I could grasp the intricate details of cooking in each single dish, it's significance and the history thereby making me a student of the culinary basics and also simple day to day cooking. My family loves food, they are all foodies yet they never forced me to cook lavish meals for them. They were always supportive in my initial days of cooking. But as the saying goes, with the needs comes the responsibilities. I have been a keen learner all along, just like how I worked hard and excelled in my academics, cooking also came to me naturally without much difficulty. Cooking became my passion. It was a commitment. I have never looked back since then.
As my love for cooking grew, so did my will to explore the world of cuisine. Soon I learnt that we can prepare several dishes not just in the traditional manner that we have seen our elderly engage in, but also by inculcating different techniques and styles from across the world.
Not all experiments are fruitful, some also go terribly wrong but all in all, once you get yourself accustomed to the nature of food and their properties you learn to correct yourself and your mistakes by extension. And all my recipes are first tried and tested by me before sharing them. Whenever I get an innovative idea, I always make it first and do a taste test before proceeding with the same. As far as authentic recipes, traditional one's and others are concerned, they are of course made as it is and relished to a great extent.
Particular recipes or cooking style that holds a special place in heart
I enjoy recipes that involve slow cooking that sometimes even takes hours. I believe that such recipes have a lot of depth and flavour. Besides they are rich and extremely healthy to consume. One such recipe I enjoy is Nihari Paaye. I also love the quintessential Hyderabadi dish called Harees or Daleem. A few more dishes like Thareed,
Hyderabadi Biryani, Honeycomb Bread, Korean Gotgamssam, Imam Bayildi, Middle Eastern Mandi, Omani Maho Halwa, Layali Lubnan, S'mores, long lost recipe of Hyderabadi Shahjahani Meetha, Maja Blanca, Broken Glass Jello, Hyderabadi Khubani ka Meetha, Chocolate and Strawberry Crepe Cake etc also are special.
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How has Cookpad impacted in this culinary adventures..
A fun fact about me would be, I do not like eating much. My happiness lies in just preparing the dishes and letting my family eat them. As a cooking enthusiast, I feel like my energy and passion are dedicated in a place that not only feeds my soul but also fills my family and most specifically, my children with joy and happiness. They feel thrilled to try all the different dishes and are constantly looking forward to their meals. Personally, on the other hand, I believe my life has found a meaning most productive and fulfilling with this hobby of cooking. Not only does it make me feel like I am contributing to my family's well being but also makes me feel satisfied and content with letting my time be utilised by a hobby as meaningful as preparing food.
My journey as a proper home chef on Cookpad began in the last months of 2020. It has been a fulfilling ride since and I have had many a memory recorded in my mind. However, to recall whatever these words of appreciation or praises were is difficult. Many people have been generous and kind to me and have constantly supported my efforts. Overall, the love that I have been fortunate enough to receive has inculcated in me to keep continuing to put forth my best work.
Advices to Keep going ...
In life, nothing can be gained without some pain. Everything good takes a lot of effort and patience. Even though I have been present in this community for well over three years now in it's actual sense, every day is still unpredictable. Some times it is harder than usual to continue, life feels challenging and other times inspiration just does not seem to come. In such times, rest your mind. When tired, remember to rest, not give up. Practise photography. Enhance your photography skills. Improve your vocabulary. Try and read books and newsletters and such to grab an idea on what types of words and writing styles are in trend. Be consistent. Have a time table and stick to it. Use clean background and varied styles of plates and bowls to showcase your dishes. Provide essential and exciting information about your food innovations whenever you write about them. Other than that, pray and have faith that your hard work pays off.
Looking ahead..
I will keep sharing both traditional and innovative dishes and cuisines. I believe there is something for everyone on my page with regards to food preferences and choices. As for my plans regarding my journey, God willingly, I plan to simply stick to my routine of publishing more recipes and be exploring more types of Cuisines from all around the world. 😊