Moonlight Picnic with Dhokla (and J-La and Lucy)

Dhokla steaming in Cafe Drake's makeshift double-saucepan contraption kitted out to fit such a large cake pan. There are endless complicated recipes online for South India's beloved rice and lentil "cake" but for once stick with the prepared mix. All you need to do is add yogurt, water, ginger and fresh chilies. Follow the box instructions and steam in a cake pan for 12 minutes and all is good. Semi-homemade? Yes. You can call us late for dinner, just never call us Sandra Lee!

Dhokla with all the trimmings . . . in this instance, chickpea salad and pickled carrots from The DP Chutney Collective.

McCarren Park evening picnic plate: dhokla, bread, summer sausage, chickpea salad.

Lucy Lazzaro joined Mama Jen for a 9PM picnic with Cafe Drake in nearby McCarren Park. A movie was being screened across the street but we lost interest once the outdoor cinema left McCarren Pool.

Jenny Lazzaro always makes certain we have plenty of wine to quaff with dinner . . . indoors or out!

Above and Below: 2 Views from our comfy picnic blanket. As darkness falls on Williamsburg the Kids come out from the a/c.

Whipping yogurt, honey, water and rose water for an Indian picnic dessert (transported in our trusty thermos) called lassi.

We like the Night. We like the Dark. We've watched too many seasons of True Blood.