A few days ago I watched a video on instagram where a couple spoke about making memories.If we think about it memories are truly the invisible wealth which goes a long way into defining how we grow as human beings.The reason this season is special to me is because of the happy time associated with it.We were bundled down (December evenings were rather chilly back then) in our night clothes to listen to carol singers and mom would have a warm drink ,some cake and spicy puffs set out to fuel the lot for the long night ahead.
A few days ago I watched a video on Instagram where a couple spoke about making memories. If we think about it memories are truly the invisible wealth which goes a long way into defining how we grow as human beings. The reason this season is special to me is because of the happy time associated with it.We were bundled down (December evenings were rather chilly back then) in our night clothes to listen to carol singers and mom would have a warm drink, some cake and spicy puffs set out to fuel the lot for the long night ahead.
Talks of plum pudding, roast duck, mashed potatoes and other rare treats would make up a part of the food conversation.In addition the other treats that I developed a great affinity towards were kalkals and of course the delicious rose cookie.
I always loved the name too. This beautiful flower shaped crispy treat with it’s not too sweet and slightly salty taste was a joy to hold and munch about. The round hollows in between the petals were perfect for pushing the fingers through and rotating between each bite.
Today it surprises me when people look at our tree and ask “Oh are you Christian?” I don’t understand that thought process. While we each have our faith and beliefs, is it mentioned anywhere that we ought not to share in the happiness of other religions especially when it is a celebration.Partaking of each other’s festivities helps to spread cheer and a positive vibe which is crucial to healthy living!
A few days ago while browsing, I found the address of a rose cookie (acchappam/acchu murukku) manufacturer at Podanur. I spoke to the owner, Mr.Selvaseelan and made an appointment to drop by.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but was happily surprised to find that it was a family run enterprise. The ground floor of their home is where they work from and churn out a huge quantity of rose cookies. As I walked in Selvaseelan’s wife Mary was in the midst of frying a fresh batch of rose cookies. Their daughter Beulah (unsure of why I was there ) politely invited me in with a shy smile.
The family has their origins in Tirunelveli and have been in the business of making this acchu murukku for the past 32 years. Mary adds that they started this when their daughter was just a few months old. With their son-in-law Cedric switching over to making rose cookies from being a pharmacist, the family is completely devoted to this craft.
Apparently Selvaseelan’s sister was the one who taught them the recipe as well as the process. While she makes many variations of the same in her home town, the rose cookies made at this unit in Coimbatore do not contain egg or milk. They are made using a blend of rice flour, maida, sugar and water. The process is fascinating to watch. The moulds are held together by long handles and are dipped into the batter before quickly dunking into the hot oil. As the batter cooks it comes away from the tin moulds and the rose cookie bobs about in the oil, quickly turning a golden brown. Once cooked it is removed with a slotted spoon and left to drain before cooling and packaging.
The family also spoke about finding an alternative to the plastic packets. Not only does the product need to retain freshness it must also protect from breakages. To ensure that it is up to us consumers to go back to buying freshly made goods which we can then consume right away. This habit of endlessly storing packaged foods and bingeing often is what also leads to ill health.
Selvaseelan supplies to may outlets within the city. Their work begins at 6 am every day and ends past 10 pm sometimes even midnight. While they did try automating the process, they were not satisfied with the end result and hence went back to making the rose cookies by hand.
Each large vat of oil takes 3 hours of frying. They change the oil thrice in a day. Sundays are off to go to church and relax with the family. Cedric adds that one needs to love this profession to slog non-stop 6 days a week. It’s also hard to find people who want to learn this trade or take it seriously. With so many youngsters lacking education or facing unemployment, learning skills like these can be highly beneficial.
Rose cookies made here are follow the same recipe and the cooking process. The measurements, the mixing etc all remain unchanged to retain consistency in taste and shape.
The family has plans to come out with a nut based achappam soon. After tasting the delicious black sesame flavoured rose cookie hot from the wok I decide to come back to pack some up in my stainless steel dabba for friends and family. As I leave this small, slightly cluttered but clean unit (FSSAI approved) I cannot help but marvel at such enterprising folk who are determined to churn out quality conscious products despite the humble beginnings.
Selvaseelan-94439 35596