“Mamma, see what is in my hand! My teacher has sent an invitation letter to all the parents to come and share their family tradition with the whole class, if they wish to”, I could sense the excitement stark in her voice. “Teacher also said that you can bring pictures, props and treats to enhance your presentation. I want you to make some diet gingerbread cookie and bring that to school for all my friends, I have told them that my mom makes the world’s best diet food”, she said beaming with pride.  “Also I want you to talk about Christmas.  But that is not our tradition, I interrupted. "They want to know about your tradition, don’t they? What you think we shall be talking about”, I asked, leaving her to make a decision.

“I think we should talk about Holi, as I love to play with colors and it is our tradition too,”  her eyes glistening with delight.

But this momentarily delight soon vanished in the predicament of innocent anxiety. “But what about the gingerbread cookie, I really want you to make some diet gingerbread cookie.”  We shall see" I replied. “No, you have to. Some of my friends are allergic to certain grains. This way they will also get to enjoy the festivities.” Such a gracious notion at this tender age, I kept ruminating.

After a few trial and errors, I’m here with a grain-free, sugar-free & dairy-free gingerbread cookie that certainly falls in the category of decent, if not perfect. The heady aroma of cinnamon and clove, sweet & nutty flavor of coconut oil, sweetness from honey and dates…divine!