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Mango and Mascarpone Cheese Tart
2007-09-27 19:23:00
Pies and Tart s have been a pride of bakers and dessert restaurants since quite some time now, and though I've baked a lot of cakes and cookies, Tarts were one thing I had never tried. So after visiting a lot of dessert cafes and seeing their beautiful and delicious line-up of delicacies, I was tempted to try one myself too. The obvious choice would have been a Fruit Tart, but then I realized that there's just one favourite fruit for me in the whole world, and that would undoubtedly be "The Mango ". And thanks to Food Network and my husband's love for cheese, I was also introduced to another famous dessert ingredient which makes it creamier and tastier without adding much of anything else, and that is "The Mascarpone Cheese ". So when I read about the "Hay Hay Its Donna Day Event" featuring Tarts this time, I got a reason that I was looking for to try my skills with this dessert. So here's presenting the Mango and Mascarpone Cheese Tart that is sure to take your breath away!!Ingred...
More About: Desserts

Almond Cookies (Eggless Nankhatai)
2007-09-26 19:53:00
Cookies are a top-rated snack food, and every household, especially with kids, is bound to have a jar filled with cookies. One such type of cookie famous in India is called "Nankhatai". It can be made salty and spicy, or sweet and soft. It is best enjoyed with tea, but beleive me, these tiny tots are so tasty and mouth-watering your hand would reach out for them any time of the day! Here's a recipe for Almond Cookies or Nankhatai which I adapted from my sister-in-law's version. It does not use eggs, yet is soft and chewy. Her kids love these cookies, so I'm sure it'll be a hit with your kids too!!Ingredients2 cups All-purpose flour (Maida)1 cup powdered sugar (or adjust to taste)1/2 cup butter or ghee2 tbsp baking powder3 tbsp milk powder12-15 pieces of almonds - slit in halves, skin removed (you can even use peanuts)4 tsp almond essence (you can use vanilla if almond is not available)Cookie cutter (optional)MethodHeat the oven to 350° F. Lightly coat a large baking tray with bu...
More About: Cookies , Desserts , Indian Sweets , Cookie

Anjeer Ice Cream (Fig Ice Cream)
2007-09-25 20:28:00
Ice Cream s have been favourites since eons and ages, and there are very few people who might not enjoy an ice cream treat. But I like to believe that the love for ice cream is universal! I recently had fabulous anjeer and vanilla ice cream at a friend's place, and since then I have wanted to try making this ice at home. Turns out that it is not very difficult to make this rich and creamy dessert, and though any fruit goes well with cream, Figs have been the most exotic of those combined with Ice Cream. And if fresh figs are not available, don't worry; dry figs work fine as well!! So here's a recipe for Anjeer(Fig) Ice Cream that will have you licking the bowl and asking for more!!Ingredients2 cups fresh figs (10-12 pieces) the dried figs can be used if you don't find the fresh ones1 cup whole milk3 cups heavy whipping cream4 tbsp honey1/4 cup sugar (or adjust to taste)2 eggs (optional - you can use 2 tbsp cornflour and 3 tbsp condensed milk instead of eggs)2 tbsp sherry (optiona...
More About: Ice Cream , Desserts

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide - A destination for any season!
2007-09-25 19:23:00
One of the primary reasons I love living in Northern California is that there are so many weekend destinations around the area and so much to explore, that we rarely find ourselves sitting and thinking what we should do this weekend. One such beautiful natural wonder tucked near the CA/Nevada border is the panoramic Lake Tahoe . It's a name everyone in USA must have heard about, and no matter how much praise you have heard for it, experiencing it yourself will always beat hearing about it!! Heavenly and Divine is how I would describe Lake Tahoe, and if you haven't visited this lake before, read on to find out what you might be missing!!Formed by a geological block (normal) fault about 2 to 3 million years ago, the Lake Tahoe Basin is about 22 miles (35 kms) long and 12 miles (19 kms) wide, and the second deepest lake in US after Crater Lake in Oregon. Large number of streams empty their water into this lake which is drained into the Truckee river which flows northeast through Reno ...
More About: Travel , Season , Guide , Destination

Lilva (Tuver) or Moong Dal Kachoris - Baked or Fried, your choice!!
2007-09-24 20:45:00
Lilva kachoris are a famous gujarati snack savoured by people throughout the country. The small golden balls filled with Tuvar (Lilva) mixture are very tasty and can serve as perfect appetizers or a snack for a pot-luck party. You can even use moong dal for the filling to create a variation of the recipe. Both the versions promise to be instant hits! One of my aunts used to make them so good I could easily gobble 8-10 kachoris and yet feel the urge to grab more!! So try this authentic gujarati "Lilva ni Kachori", and I've showed you how to bake them rather than deep fry which makes it tasty and healthy at the same time! (image courtesy indianfoodforever.com)IngredientsFor the kachori3 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour(the latter is healthier but a little compromise on taste )2 tbsp semolina (fine rava)1 cup warm melted ghee (clarified butter)salt - to tastehot water - to knead the doughoil for frying kachorisFor the filling2 cups Lilva (Green Tuver)- only the pods (they a...
More About: Baked , Snacks , Choice , Fried

Methi Malai Mutter Curry (Fenugreek and Peas Curry)
2007-09-23 23:37:00
"Methi " or Fenugreek is a wonderful green leafy vegetable full of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. It helps cleanse your system, improve your eyesight and increase resistance and immunity level of your body against toxins. And though it is packed with nutrients, there's only one thing which could possibly draw you away from it, and that is it's slightly-bitter taste. I myself had tantrums about eating Methi when I was in my teens, until I discovered the world of methi parathas, methi bhajiyas (gotas) and very recently, Methi-Malai-Matar Gravy. It tastes amazing, not bitter at all, and goes perfectly well with rice or parathas. So here's sharing with you another healthy and tasty recipe!!Ingredients3 cups methi (fenugreek) leaves - washed and chopped1 cup boiled green peas1/2 onion - chopped finely2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste1 cup fresh cream3 large tbsp cashews1/2 cup milk1 tbsp green chilli paste2 tbsp ghee or butter1 tsp cumin seeds3 tbsp lemon juicesalt - to taste1 tbsp sugar (...
More About: Curry , Mutter , Curries , Peas

Paneer and Ajwain Paratha
2007-09-23 08:32:00
Everyone has enjoyed paneer in gravies, but it tastes equally great stuffed in a paratha. Paneer Paratha is a savoured flat bread amongst Indians. It is also a healthy breakfast item with tea and it sure is a favourite with kids! Enjoy this simple Paneer Paratha recipe with Ajwain. The latter helps in digestion and also gives a beautiful aroma and flavour to the paratha.Ingredients3 cups wheat flour1 cup paneer - crumbled or shredded2 tbsp ajwain seeds(carrom seed or Bishop's weed) - roasted and crushed (optional)1 tbsp jeera3 green chillies2 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional)salt, sugar and lemon juice- to taste2 tsp turmeric powder1/2 cup coriander - chopped2 tbsp oilwater - to knead doughMethodKnead the dough with water and 2 tbsp oil as you would for any parathas.(Check out the "how to make a paratha" video for a visual instruction). Cover and keep it aside for 15 mins.Now mix all the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl. Crumble the paneer and mix all the spices and ajwain...
More About: Rotis

Caramelized Almond Strawberry and Cream Dessert
2007-09-21 19:47:00
I love almonds and pecans, and one day at a mall in Dallas, when I first tasted caramelised pecan crunch snacks, I was ecstatic. It was so simple, and yet so perfectly tasty. And then recently I tried the almonds as a topping on my ice cream sundae. Again tasted amazing! So naturally, I thought it'd be great to combine the 2 things and make a dessert, right? This inspiration led to the birth of my Caramelized Almond Strawberry and Cream dessert. I added the strawberries as they blend very well with cream and almonds, and the experiment turned out to be a rich, creamy and nutty dessert in a glass!!Ingredients1 cup castor sugar (regular sugar coarsely grounded)1/2 cup almonds - chopped and toasted1 small tin whipping Cream (you can also use Nestle Cream)2 cups fresh cream1 tspn vanilla essence1 cup sweet biscuits (almond or nut flavored work best) - crushed1 cup fresh strawberries - washed and cutMethod Dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in 1/4th cup water and add to a medium saucepan. Stir over...
More About: Dessert , Desserts

Celebrating Food Art - Edible Animal Sculptures
2007-09-21 00:12:00
An artist is a person worthy to be revered and respected. And art knows no boundaries, no regions; just a significant amount of imagination, determination and diligence, and of course, some talent!! So let's take a moment to look at these beautiful and intricate works of edible art. You don't have to try to match these works of excellence, but if it inspires you even a little to be creative about your presentation techniques, my job here is done!These are works from famous artists, definitely not by me. I'm just an admirer of art, saluting these geniuses, just like you...An "Easter Bunny" carved from a Melon.....A beautiful "Swan" carved out of Cheese.....An "Alligator" carved from a Pineapple.....A "Pegasus" sculptured out of Butter.....A "Cute and kind Orange Couple" adopting a "Tomato".....And finally, the perfect centre-piece for a couple "Just Married".....Please visit the actual blogsite at http://funnfud.blogspot.com
More About: Entertainment , Food , Animal , Edible , Sculptures

Whole Wheat Chocolate-Chip Pancakes
2007-09-20 19:01:00
This is an extra-special post, because it marks the first milestone in my blogging career. The 100th post on Fun and Food!! yippee...I take this moment to thank all my friends and readers for their constant support in the form of feedback, comments and emails. I share this success with all of you, and I hope to keep bringing more such delectable recipes and fun yet informative posts to your attention! Let's celebrate this moment with one of my favourites - Pancakes !! I love IHOP and always keep pestering my husband to take me there:) But it's become less often now after I decided to get conscious about health and weight loss. So not compromising on either the taste, or the healthy aspect, here's presenting Whole Wheat Chocolate -chip Pancakes.Ingredients1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour1/2 cup all-purpose flour2 tbsp sugar2 tsp baking powder1/2 tspn salt1 1/2 cups plain milk or buttermilk2 egg whites2 tbsp margarine (or low-fat butter)1/2 cup mini semisweet dark chocolate chipsHoney (or...
More About: Desserts , Chip

Sukhdi or Golpapadi (Wheatflour dessert)
2007-09-19 21:36:00
Sukhdi or GolPapadi is a famous gujarati sweet made of wheat flour and jaggery. Even today, if you visit a traditional gujarati household, 8 times out of 10 you will find their pantry stuffed with tins full of "spicy naastas" and sweet delights like matthri, shakkarpara, sukhdi, mohanthaal and more! My mom used to make them so well, and I still remember coming back from school or classes and hogging down 2-3 pieces at a time. "Sukhdi" is an easy recipe, and what makes it more inviting is the fact that it can be stored for a fortnight or so without any problems. It is not too sweet, and combines the goodness of wheat, jaggery and ghee. So here's my mom's recipe straight out of my kitchen!Ingrdients2 cups whole wheat flour31/2 cups ghee1 1/2 cup jaggery - sliced thinly4 tbsp milkMethodTake a pan, add half of the ghee to it and add the wheat flour. saute the flour on medium heat while constantly stirring. As the flour tends to cook and change color, it will soak up all the ghee. keep...
More About: Dessert , Indian Sweets

Makkai Parathas (Sweet Corn Parathas) with Raita
2007-09-19 19:13:00
The season of sweet corn is still on in California, and 2 days ago, when I saw a farmer picking fresh corn from a field in front of our house, I decided I had to make something with corn this week. And one of my friends in Australia, Janki, had also requested me to post some corn recipes as she loves them. Well, there might be very few people who don't like corn! So here's the Makai (Maize flour) Paratha recipe. It is similar to corn tortillas, but it tastes way better with all the spices and sweet corn kernel added to it. Enjoy it for dinner and for breakfast the next day! And with corn, its a whole and hearty meal too!!Ingredients2 cups corn meal flour(makkai atta)1 cup wheat flour5 tbsp oil1 cup sweet corn kernels1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste2-3 green chillies - chopped1/4th cup cilantro - choppedspices - garam masala, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, dhana-jeeru - to tastesalt - to taste2 tsp powdered sugar2 tsp lemon juice2 tbsp yoghurtHot water to knead the flourSalted Butte...
More About: Corn , Sweet , Rotis , Raita

Fried Ice Cream
2007-09-18 20:33:00
Ice Cream s have always been man's best friend! I can't imagine a world without this beautiful dessert...Everything started with a simple Vanilla Ice cream, and as the years went by, this little beauty transformed into different flavors and colors, spreading its charm upon family gatherings, peaceful evenings or large extravagant parties!! One such variation that I came across was "Fried Ice Cream". I tried it for the first time in an asian restaurant. I was baffled by the name and the concept, and just out of curiosity, we ordered this dessert. But we were very pleasantly surprised with what we saw - simple vanilla ice cream ball deep fried into a golden brown color, and the first bite itself was like a trip to heaven!! Hot and crispy on the outside, and soft and gooey on the inside, indulge into this creative dessert variety that is sure to win your hearts!! (adapted from Emeril's recipe on his Food Network show) A perfect way to use plain leftover ice cream, huh?!Ingredients1 q...
More About: Ice Cream , Desserts

Fettuccini Alfredo with Basil and Rosemary
2007-09-18 19:21:00
Pasta is similar to noodles, except that it is now available in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors. Italian by origin, pasta is something that is loved and cherished in every household in US. It also generally involves a quick and easy preparation, coming to your rescue when you need a healthy and filling meal in as little time as possible. Supermarket aisles are full of different kinds of pasta like Penne, bow-tie, spagetti, fettuccini, fusili, tortiglioni, tripoline, pruntalette and more! Its interesting to know the names and the shapes:) and now, considering the health awareness among people, they also sell whole wheat pasta! Fett uccini is my favourite, and I've always loved the smell of basil and rosemary. One another ingredient that I cannot have my pasta witout, is pine nuts! They look like tiny watermelon seeds, and taste great when roasted. So here's my recipe for Fettuccini in Alfred o Sauce with Basil , Rosemary , Pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes!Ingredients1/2 packet o...
More About: Snacks

Tres Leches Milk Cake
2007-09-17 22:13:00
Cakes have been famous since decades as a dessert, and with each new day, you are bound to find many variations to a traditional cake which make these sweet delicacies even more delightful. I recently tried one such variation at a friend's birthday party, and was totally enthralled by the pure richness of this cake. It is called the Tres Leches Cake, which literally means "3 types of milk" cake. It was so sweet and soft that you put a spoon in your mouth and it melts!! And it is so simple to make too. As the name suggests, it uses 3 types of milk to form a layered cake which is soft to the core. It goes extremely well as a cake, but what I like the most about it is that it can be used to make perfect desserts, especially those to be served in a glass, with fruit toppings, ice cream and chocolate! Try it for yourself.Ingredients1 packet of vanilla or strawberry cake mix (or you can bake a cake from scratch-Vanilla Cake recipe) you can use any flavor cake mix; coconut and pineapple a...
More About: Milk , Desserts , Cake

Spinach-Strawberry-Almond Salad
2007-09-17 21:02:00
Salads have been considered as a healthy food since a long time now. And there was a time when they were healthy, yet dull and boring. But they have gone through a huge evolution process alongwith mankind! A wide amount of options are now available to make your salads more interesting, colorful, tasty and nutritious. Additions of fruits, nuts and dressings can make a huge difference! Try this Spinach Strawberry and Almond salad which is tasty, with a tinge of sweetness. I had first had it in a salad buffet place called "Sweet Tomatoes", and here is my adapted recipe. I think the sweetness of strawberries goes well with the lemon-orange juice and oil dressing. The nuts and cheese take it to another level altogether!Ingredients1 bunch spinach leaves - rinsed10 medium strawberries- sliced into halves1/2 cup powdered sugar3 tbsp slivered almonds or walnuts1/2 onion - chopped in thin rings (optional)1/2 cup orange juice2 tbsp lemon juice1 tspn salt1 tsp black pepper 1/2 cup shredded chee...
More About: Salad , Nach

Tres Leches Milk Cake
2007-09-17 04:53:00
Cakes have been famous since decades as a dessert, and with each new day, you are bound to find many variations to a traditional cake which make these sweet delicacies even more delightful. I recently tried one such variation at a friend's birthday party, and was totally enthralled by the pure richness of this cake. It is called the Tres Leches Cake, which literally means "3 types of milk" cake. It was so sweet and soft that you put a spoon in your mouth and it melts!! And it is so simple to make too. As the name suggests, it uses 3 types of milk to form a layered cake which is soft to the core. It goes extremely well as a cake, but what I like the most about it is that it can be used to make perfect desserts, especially those to be served in a glass, with fruit toppings, ice cream and chocolate! Try it for yourself.Ingredients1 packet of vanilla or strawberry cake mix (or you can bake a cake from scratch-Vanilla Cake recipe) you can use any flavor cake mix; coconut and pineapple a...
More About: Milk , Cake

Churma Laddoos (Wheat Flour Ladoos)
2007-09-16 06:44:00
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced Indian God is famous in Indian and non-Indian households alike! Even my Chinese and American colleagues believe in his divine power. The symbol of prosperity, happiness, and success, legend says that praying to Ganpati with a true heart can solve all your troubles or problems. Stories about miracles created by this iconzed idol have been experienced in many households, and on this auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi, millions of people in India would be following a tradition of ganesh puja for 10 days. Appealing to Lord Ganesha on this day, keeps your house and family protected and prosperous for the rest of the year! So here's what I offered to Shri Ganesh, churma laddoos (Wheat Flour Ladoos). This is his favourite dish, so I'm vouching on peace and prosperity in our house after serving him these!! But the credit of the result goes to my mom, for without her supervision and guidance, I don't think my laddoos would have come out so great! So here'...
More About: Indian Sweets

Tips and Techniques for a better time with the Grills !!
2007-09-14 21:57:00
The BBQ season is coming to a close, and while most people own a grill and use it somewhat regularly, not everyone is a born chef, and grilling is particularly not everyone's forte. I am sure all of you must have had some good and bad experiences with barbecues; it serves to one of the best events for a pot luck, meeting with friends, chilling out and having fun. And grilling is very important if you are regular campers like us!! While this season ends, I'd like to share with you some common tips and techniques for grilling based on my own experiences. If nothing, these might come in handy for the next year!!BEST GRILLS: Though charcoal grills are still most widely used, I'd recommend Gas or an Electric Grill (especially for first-timers) as they are the easiest to use and produce nice results. They burn hot enough to make distinct "char" marks and add the smokey flavor to your food. If you have to use charcoal, for picnics or camping, try to avoid the self-igniting briquettes. T...
More About: Entertainment , Tips , Time , Nique , The G

Restaurant-Style Tomato Soup
2007-09-14 19:15:00
If you open a menu in a restaurant and look under Soup s and Appetizers , 9 times out of 10 you are bound to find an entry for Tomato Soup. This soup has by-far always outweighed its competitors, and though there are many new flavours of soup being offered, Tomato Soup continues to be a favourite! I'm sure everyone must have tried making this at home, but for those of you who crave to create a restaurant-style version, here's a recipe that is bound to hit the nail! It has been tried, tested and adored in our family for quite some time now.Ingredients8-10 large fresh plump tomatoes - chopped in chunks1/2 cup onions - chopped5-6 garlic cloves - cut into pieces2 bay leaves5-6 cloves (lavang)1 tbsp black pepper powdersalt - to taste2 tbsp sugar5 tbsp whipping cream (or fresh cream)2 tbsp red chilli powder2 tbsp butter5-6 cups of watermint or coriander leaves - for garnishcream or shredded cheese - for garnishcrotons (optional)MethodTake a huge crock-pot and add the butter to it. When it...
More About: Restaurant , Style , Soups

Vegetable Timbales (Tri-color Vegetable Cupcakes)
2007-09-13 19:35:00
Timbales are actually shallow single-headed drums, much smaller than the regular drums, and resembling inverted cups. Yes, they are musical instruments, and if you are wondering why I am rambling about music on a food blog, it is because the recipe that I share with you today is "Vegetable Timbales" or "Tri-color Inverted Vegetable Cupcakes", as I like to call them. They are so named because of their distinct resemblance in shape to the Timbales instrument. In fact, it is an excellent Appetizer with a Soup, or goes perfectly well as a side dish too! This recipe is an inspiration from a similar one I found in a cookbook called "The Food of the World" (pic attached below)Ingredients1 cup carrots- shredded1 cup peas - boiled and mashed1 cup red capsicum - chopped finely1/2 cup whipping cream3 egg yolkspinch of nutmegsalt and black pepper - to tasteMethodPreheat oven to 160 deg. Steam the carrots or boil them so they are fully cooked. Wash and boil the peas too and mash them. Chop the c...
More About: Color , Appetizers , Soups , Bale

Exploring Las Vegas - A picturesque walk along the famous strip
2007-09-12 21:44:00
We visited Las Vegas second time last week, and this time we had a better camera and better photography skills to capture the essence of this beautiful man-made wonder of a city. It is awe-inspiring to see how this luxurious and vibrant city holds its stand amidst an acrid and dry desert. For the benefit of those who might not be familiar with the history of Las Vegas, let me give you a brief introduction about th origins of this city.It started as a place to gamble for the miners in the desert who stayed there in the smoldering heat day-in and day-out, looking to strike rich. They started a simple gambling group to pass time, and slowly it picked up among the gangsters as Mafia crawled in to build hotels to enable people to gamble with each other. Thus was born the "Las Vegas Strip", with names like Toni Cornero and martin pretty famous in the "Mojave Desert". For a long time, the mafia controlled the betting and gambling world of Vegas, until one day in the 1960's, the famous How...
More About: Travel , Famous , Exploring

Hot and Spicy Samosas - Heralding the first raindrops !!
2007-09-12 19:52:00
What I love about cooking is that there is so much variety and experimentation to do, that you never get tired, and there's always a challenge to look forward to. Though I usually shy away from fried foods, there is one time when I absolutely feel eating something fried is justified! Yes, I'm talking about Rain!!(any Indian would know how we flocked over samosas and vada paavs or moms got busy making bhajiyas as soon as the first rain sets in!!) The two most well-received rain-time snacks are Bhajiyas and Samosas. Here is my recipe for some hot and spicy Vegetable Samosas, a sure hit ampng adults and kids. And they taste so good, you don't really need to wait for rain to enjoy them!!IngredientsFor the Filling4-5 large potatoes - boiled and mashed1 cup peas - boiled1/2 cup onions - chopped finely3-4 tbsp coriander - chopped finely2 tbsp cumin seeds2-3 tsp each of turmeric powder, red chilli powder and garam masala3 tsp salt2-3 green chillies - chopped1 tbsp garlic pasteFor the She...
More About: Snacks , Spicy , Raindrops , Drop , Amos

Hazelnut-Mocha-Nut Bread (Perfect Bread with Coffee)
2007-09-11 19:51:00
Whenever I stop at a Starbucks for a hot cup of coffee, I always make it a point to indulge in their sweet and soft marble cake! I just love the flavor and the taste that blends so well with my mocha. So when I found this Mocha -Banana bread recipe at Amy's blog, I couldn't resist to try out a variation myself. I skipped the bananas, and instead added hazelnut, coffee and nuts. I also changed the sugar and butter contents to make my bread a little more sweet and soft (just the way I like it!). Hope you find my Hazelnut-Mocha-Nut Bread recipe to be as tasty as any other Coffee Cake!!Ingredients2 cups all-purpose flour2 tbsp cocoa powder1 tsp baking powder1 tsp salt1 cup sugar1/2 cup butter-softened2 large eggs1 tsp vanilla3 tbsp instant hazelnut coffee powder (or use 2 tsp hazelnut essence)1/2 cup walnuts and pecans - choppedCooking sprayMethodPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a sieve and pass the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder through this and combine all 3 in a medium bowl. ...
More About: Snacks , Desserts

Date and Raisin Chutney (Sweet n Sour)
2007-09-10 21:36:00
Dates and tamarinds have long been favourites for a chutney; Yet recently I discovered this amazing variation which adds raisins and fennel seeds to these to make a wonderful sweet and sour sauce that has a unique flavour and aroma. This Date and Raisin Chutney can also be preserved for sometime. It looks as appetizing as it tastes, and even if the ingredients make you skeptical, I would urge all of you to definitely give it a try. It tastes great with parathas, snacks or as a spread!Ingredients1 cup pitted dates - chopped1 cup raisins (dried grapes)1/2 cup tamarind paste2 tsp fennel seeds1 tsp chilli powder1/2 cup jaggery (or to taste)1 tbsp oil1/2 tsp mustard seeds2-3 slit green chillies - slit and cut into 2-3 piecesMethodTake a pan and dry roast the fennel seeds and mustard seeds over low flame until you can smell the aroma. Grind it to a fine powder using a spice grinder or stone and mortar. Now add this to tamarind, dates, raisins, chilly powder and jaggery and green chillies....
More About: Sweet , Sauces

Stuffed Capsicums with Tomato Gravy
2007-09-09 20:43:00
Whenever you think of cooking something stuffed, one of the first things that comes to your mind is Capsicums, also called Bell Peppers or Shimla Mirch. So naturally, that was what came to my mind too. I had eaten this dish at a friend's place years ago (I don't even remember how it tasted anymore!) and since then I had thought of making my own variation someday. Capsicums are not only colorful and pretty to look at, they are also rich in Vitamins A and C, are low in fats, and are a significant source of iron, zinc and thiamine! And what better way to enjoy these delicious peppers than in the form of Stuffed Capsicum Baskets with Sauce!! Here's my recipe for Indian style Stuffed capsicums. The smell and taste is sure to sweep you off your feet!!Ingredients For the Stuffing4 medium-sized red or green capsicums4 medium-sized potatoes1 large onion1 cup shredded or grated cheese1 cup boiled peas2 tbsp bread crumbs(optinal, adding these would bring flavor and bind the mixture too)1 tb...
More About: Snacks , Curries , Tomato , Gravy

Fruit and Cheese Sticks
2007-09-09 05:50:00
When you want a lavish party with appetizers, main course and desserts, yet you want to keep it as simple as possible, fruits and cheese are the best combinations for an appetizer. My husband made these for me once, and since then these simple Fruit and Cheese Sticks have become my favourites! With all the goodness of fruits, lots of anti-oxidants, vitamins, fiber and water content, as well as the proteins coming from the cheese , they are a perfect snack anytime of the day. Believe me, these tiny delights are so good you wouldn't be able to stop at one:)Ingredients1 pkt Monterey-Jack Cheese-cut into small cubes (you can choose any other cheese too)seedless red/green grapessmall strawberries - cut into halves kiwis (optional) - cut into small piecesfresh pineapples - cut into cubes the size of the cheese cubesToothpicks or small wooden skewersFor Dipping Sauce1 small pkt of JELL-O Vanilla Pudding1 pkt flavored low-fat yogurt (strawberry or peach)MethodArrange 2 pieces of cheese cub...
More About: Desserts , Tick

Spinach and Dal Curry
2007-09-07 20:12:00
Out of all the green leafy vegetables, spinach is my favourite!! Besides the fact that it is rich in vitamins and nutrients, great for your eyes and rich in flavour, I just love it for its fabulous green color!! And the sight of running water over a bowl of spinach is really soothing to me(No, I'm not cracked up!!) When we bring spinach at home, most of the times it goes into being Palak Paneer, but whenever in need of a change, I combine Spinach with Moong Dal (split-pea yellow dal) to make this delicious curry which goes well with Parathas and Rice!Ingredients3 cups spinach leaves - washed and pressure cooked2 cups mung dal - soaked in water for an hour1/2 cup onions - finely chopped1/2 cup tomato puree2 bay leaves2 tbsp lemon juice2-3 tsp turmeric powder, red chilli powder, dhana-jeeru powder, garam masala powder1 tsp mustard and cumin seeds3 cups water (you can use the water in which spinach was boiled)1/2 cup chopped coriander2-3 tbsp oilsalt to taste2 tbsp shredded cheese(opt...
More About: Curry , Nach

Veg Grilled Sandwich
2007-09-07 19:26:00
Sandwiches have been famous since ages, and they will never lose their charm! Veg Grill ed Sandwiches are best when you are short on time, are not too inclined to cook an elaborate meal, or are just in need of a change. My family and friends love these grilled sandwiches and I hope you would like them too. They are an ideal snack any time of the day and can turn out to be a great contribution to a pot-luck party!!Ingredients8 slices of your choice of Bread4 potatoes - boiled and mashed2 cups peas - boiled and mashed1 cup onions - chopped finely1 large tomato - chopped finely1/2 cup coriander - chopped finely3 green chillies - finely chopped2 tsp ginger-garlic paste2 tbsp lemon juicesalt- to taste2 tsp each of garam masala powder, turmeric powder1 cup shredded cheese (Amul or any other is fine)2 tbsp oilAdditional itemsTomato ketchupSalted Butter or spreadGreen Chutney (click here for recipe)MethodTake a pan and add 2 tbsp oil in it. Saute the chopped onions, add the green chillies, g...
More About: Snacks , Sandwich

Thai Fried Banana with Ice Cream
2007-09-07 01:25:00
No one who has ever visited a Thai restaurant would have come out without tasting the delicious Thai Fried Banana and ice cream dessert!! It was a unique experience for me when I first tasted it. It was so simple to comprehend, yet unique in its own way. Right from that day, I knew I would have to try this some day and when I came across this recipe at abc.net which uses spring roll wrappers to make this delicacy, I tried to modify it by using all-purpose flour as I already had it in my home. The end result was beautiful, as expected and I absolutely recommend this quick and easy banana dessert that even your kids will enjoy!!Ingredients6-8 tbsp all-purpose flour2 tbsp powdered sugar1 egg - beaten1/2 cup milk1 pinch of salt4 medium bananas (the firmer, the better)oil (for frying)MethodMix together the flour, sugar, egg, milk and salt to make a smooth, paste-like batter. Do not add all the milk initially. Keep adding a little at a time and stir continuously so that no lumps are forme...
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