Friday, August 29, 2008

APPLE HALWA AND MEME

Some of the authentic and traditional dessert in halwas are the carrot halwa, semolina halwa, banana halwa, wheat halwa etc that are very popular in India. I tryed preparing apple halwa with the same procedure but without adding milk nor condensed milk. It just taste like the same as pumpkin halwa which I had for the first time during my brother's marrage in mangalore. It is the must recipe that all should try. Its just delicious.


INGREDIENTS.

3 Grated Apples.

1 Cup Sugar.

1/2 Cup Rusk powder or Powdered marie biscuit.

2 tbs Ghee.

1 tsp Cardamom powder.

GARNISH.

Dryfruits.(I used kishmish and cashew).

METHOD.

Wash, peel and grate the apples in a plate. Keep it aside.

Heat 1 tbs ghee and fry the grated apples till the water evaporates from it under medium heat.

Add sugar and powdered rusk and mix occasionally till the mixture turns thick.

At the time of removing from fire, add remaining ghee and fry again continuously. This makes the mixture does not stick to the bottom. Add cardamom and dryfruits at the end.

Transfer the mixture on the greased plate and flatten them.


Cut them in any shapes as you prefer.

Serve hot or cold.

Enjoy!!

MEME.

1) PURVA , NIDHI, EASYCRAFT AND ILLATHARASI has tagged me with '7' Facts about me.

The rules of the tag are:

(a) List these rules on your blog.

(b) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog.

(c) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

Here we go......

7 Facts about me.

1) WORK : I have only seen the office but never worked.

2) EDUCATION : B.COM in Chennai and Crash course in Taxation, Tally, and Accounts in Mumbai.

3) FRIENDSHIP : Acoording to me 'FRIEND' refers Find Route In Endless Noble Depth. Love friends around me.

4) RELATIONSHIP : I have enjoyed each and every stage of relationship till now. Now expereincing as a Mother.

5) INTERNET (WWW) : I came to know abt ' WORLD WIDE WEB' when I was in 12th and I came to stick with it, when I started my blog.

6) FITNESS : Like to be always fit and healthy till end of my life.

7) DREAMS : I get lots of nighmares which are incredible. Thanking god that my dreams never comes true.

ll) Another tag from PARU , SANHITA AND PRITI. Thanks gals..

The rules of the MeMe are the following:

Pick up the nearest book.

Open to page 123.

Find the 5th sentencePost the next three sentences.

Tag 5 people and acknowledge the person who tagged you.

Well , the book near me is "DISNEY- HAPPILY EVER AFTER STORIES".

i) But the beast didn't seem to be listening.

ii) He was too busy wolfing down his food.

iii) Drip, drop.

I would like tag


Enjoy!!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

SWEET AND SPICY BREAD BASKET

You all must be wondering what a name of a dish is that? Well this is a very simple and quick delightful bread recipe which is baked and filled with few ingredients as you like. Its very healthy and perfect snack for adults as well as for the kids after they return from school. I have tryed preparing both spicy and sweet here. For extra healthy, wheat bread can be used.


INGREDIENTS FOR SPICY BREAD BASKET.

3 Breads.

1/2 cup Chopped Shallots.

1/2 cup Chopped Capsicum.(shredded chicken can also be added)

Tomato ketchup.

Few piece of cheese slice.

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Butter for greasing the muffin tray.

INGREDIENTS FOR SWEET BREAD BASKET.

3 Breads.

1/2 cup Chopped Strawberries.

1/2 cup Chopped Mangoes. ( you can add any type of fruits u like)

Sugar for spreading.

Mixed fruit jam.

Butter for greasing the muffin tray.


Method.

Cut off the bread sides and keep it aside.

Grease the muffines tray with butter or oil and arrange each bread on the muffines tray. It shoud just like in the shape of basket.


Bake them for 30 min until its crisp and turns slight brown colour.

In a pan heat butter and fry shallots and capsium with salt and pepper. Keep it aside in a plate.

In another bowl, mix all the fruits with a sugar sprinkle on the top. Keep that aside.

Later when the breads are done, apply ketchup on the bottom and fill the basket with a spoonful of spiced mixtue. Lastly arrange cheese slice on the top. Likewise apply jam on the bottom and fil the basket with sweet mixture.

Bake them again for 5 min or until cheese gets melted.

Arrage them on plate and serve..


Enjoy!!

I submit this to SUNDAY SNACKS HOSTED BY HIMA.

AWARDS TIME.

KITCHEN FLAVOUR , SRILEKHA AND CURRY LEAF has passed me WYLDE WOMAN AWARD. Woo this a very pretty one. Honour to receive this from u guys. Thanks a lot.

The rules of this awards are-

1. You can give it to one or one hundred or any number in between - it's up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.

2. Link back to the blog site http://tammyvitale.typepad.com/ Tammy can go visit all these wonderful men and women and remember the Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgment to men and women, who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.

I love to pass this award to:


Congrates...

YASMEEN, my new friend has passed me a pretty fairy award. The name of the award is ARTE Y PICO. Thank u soo much yasmeen.


The rules of the award are:

1. Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and their contribution to the blogging community.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.

4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize has to show the link of Arte Y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. Show these rules.

I would like to pass to


Congrates..

Saturday, August 23, 2008

MINI IDLIES WITH SAMBAR.

The delicious dish from South India are relished all over country and abroad. We all know, idly and dosa are served mainly with sambar ,chutney and also with vada and its the common dish also in sri lanka cuisine. There meals are served traditionally on banana leaf which I like the most. My family luvs this recipe and not only that, but also likes the size of idlies which are the mini ones. Its something different and also a variety for kids too. They will just lov them.



INGREDIETNS FOR IDLIES.

2 cups rice.

1 cup urad dal.

1/2 tsp methi seeds.

Method.

These 3 ingredient must be soaked in water atleast for 5 hours. The dal and the rice should be grounded into fine paste separatly and are allowed to ferment overnight until it expand double the size of its original volume. Next day the batter is put into oil greased molds of idly tray for steaming. Serve hot Idies with sambhar. You can also have idlies soaked in sambar for a while and can have it as a snack too.



The sambar recipe which I prepared is very simple and is done within no time. It tastes really good when the spices are fried in oil and gives a nice aroma.

INGREDIENTS FOR SAMBAR

1/2 cup Toor dal.

1/2 cup Moong dal.

1 big Onion.

1 big Tomato.

2 tbs sambar powder.

1/2 tsp turmeric powder.

1/2 tsp chilli powder.

1/2 tsp tamarind extract.

8-10 pearl onions.

salt to taste.

For seasoning.

2tsp mustard seeds.

1 tsp jeera or cumin.

2 dry red chilly.

Few curry leaves.

For granish.

Coriander leaves.

METHOD.

Pressure cook toordal,moong dal along with chopped onion,tomato ,turmeric,chilly powder& salt.

Heat oil add splutter mustard seeds , jeera , curry leaves and dried red chilly . Add pearl onions and saute till it becomes tender.

Next steps add sambar powder and fry for few min until u get a nice aroma . Add cooked dal mixture at the end, and salt to taste.

Garnish with corinder leaves.



I am gonna send this to WBB-combo breakfast hosted by Latha.





Enjoy!!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

MANGO MILK SHAKE

Cold Mango shake is perfect to have on a hot summer day. It takes no time at all to whip up this delicious and refreshing shake. Most of the kids would love the creamy shake when served with ice cream. This is one of the best way to get fruits into their tummies. Instead of icecream, yogurt or flavour yogurt can also be added. I served my mango shake into my new martini glasses which I bought last weekend. Hope u too like it.


INGREDIENTS.

2 Ripe Mangoes(peeled, pitted and sliced).

11/2 cup Cold Milk.

4-5 tbs Sugar.

1/2 Mango Icecream (optional).

GARNISH.

Few Mango pieces.

1 Cherry.


METHOD

Combine all the ingredients into the blender. Blend until smooth.

After its poured into glasses, add mango pieces and cherry.
Serve cold immediatly.


Enjoy!!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

MUSHROOM MANCHURIAN FRY

Most of the people are very fond of chinese cuisine. So do I. When it comes to prepare chinese cuisine at home, I make mostly noodles , fried rice or Gobi manchurian. This time tryed making with mushroom which is just similar to gobi manchurian. These mushrooms are soft , juicy and gives great taste when you have a bite. This can be had as a snack or as sidedish with noodles or fried rice.



INGREDIENTS FOR MARINATING MUSHROOM.

200 gm Button mushrooms

2 tsp Ginger garlic paste

2tsp Soy sauce

1 tsp Vinegar

2 tsp Red chilli powder

1/2 tsp pepper powder

2 tsp Corn flour

1 Egg

Salt to taste

FOR DRY FRY

1/2 Cup Shallots

2 tsp Chopped green chillies

2 tsp Chopped garlic

2 tsp Chopped ginger

2 tbsp Soya sause

1 tbsp Tomato sause

1/2 tsp Chili sause

1 tbs Oil

Salt to taste

GARNISH

Spring onions or coriander leaves.

METHOD

Cut the mushrooms into halves. In a bowl mix all the marinated item along with the mushrooms. Keep it aside for half an hour.

Heat oil in kadai and deep fry the mushrooms in it, for about 1 to 2 min.

Heat little oil in another pan and fry the chopped onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies. Add the 3 sauses and finally add the fried mushroom and mix well. Adjust salt.

Serve on plate and garnish with spring onions or coriander leaves. I topped each piece with toothpick.


I submit this recipe to JFI - SOYA HOSTED BY SIA


Enjoy !!!

AWARDS TIME:

SRIPRIYA has given me ''BEAUTIFUL SITE AWARD'' AND ''BEST BLOG DART THINKER AWARD''. Thank you soo much for making my day cheer. I would like to pass on to

NIDHI , NOTYET100 , PRIAR , PARU , YASMEEN

Congrates..


Saturday, August 16, 2008

MAL PUA

Past 2 days, I was browsing through net what to prepare on the occasion of Rakhi. Though my brother likes sweet dish I was searching for new recipe. Mal pua is the one which I got struck when I saw here. We dont used to celebrate rakhi in grand way as like as that of northies, but in simple way just tie rakhi on bhaya's hand , pray for him to live long life and the main part getting gifts as a token of love and affection. My elder brother and bhabhi stays currently in Neitherland and my 2 cousin brothers in Mumbai and Indore. Even though they are far, I wished them by sending rakhi greetings. You know friends , me and my brother still fights and tease each other through chat but still cares for each other and this is the unique relationship. I would like to dedicate this post to my brothers and pray for their good luck and good health.


INGREDIENTS FOR THE BATTER.

1 litre Milk,

1/4 cup Maida,

1/4 cup Suji,

1 tbs Sugar.

Oil for shallow fry.

Badam to garnish.

FOR MAKING SUGAR SYRUP.

250 gms Sugar,

1 cup Water,

1 tsp Cardamom powder.

METHOD.

Boil the milk till it reduces to 1/2 its quantity.

Roast the rava till light brown. Add to the milk along with maida and sugar. There should be no lumps.

It should be a smooth pouring consistency. Heat oil in kadai.

Pour in circular movements into the oil to form a small pan cake. Flip them over till its turns brown and cooked.

Make a sugar syrup of 1 thread consistency. Dip the mal pua in the syrup.


Lay out on a plate and decorate them with badam.

I contribute this post to Festivel Food Event: Rakhi – Thread of Love HOSTED BY PRITI AND PURVA.



Enjoy!!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

MY COUNTRY INDIA

15th AUGUST- INDEPENDENCE DAY is a very special day for all Indians. I remember my school days, getting ready to school around 7.00AM, march pasting, listening short speech about our country, great leaders from chief guest, flag hosting followed by singing proudly our national anthem deep from our heart and finally getting chocolates from our teachers and get back to home. I really miss those days a lot. Now the time has run and currently am in US. Never mind am in US, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. Pooja of My Creative Ideas has come up with an interesting event ie Independence day theme for food. I present this post to our motherland.



I was in tensed mood what should I prepare for this event as its also important to prepare somthing which is of 4 colours. Also I dont want to miss this. Immediatly struck one idea and went on trying it. With the help of using ice tray, I thaught of presenting coloured ice cubes.


For Saffron colour which stands for courage, sacrifice, I used Fanta

For White colour represents unity, purity, Peace and truth, I used Milk.

For Blue colour refers to Ashoka chakra which represents the symbol of law and progess, I used blue gems chocolate.

For Green colour represents fertility and prosperity of the land, I used Palak gravy.

Hope u liked it.

A SHORT NOTE:

My Granny has posted a new article ''Fight for love'' in her blog. I am sure you would all love it.

Through spreading the message of love and peace, may our nation always bloom with happiness and prosperous.

Enjoy!!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

BBQ SHRIMPS AND CHICKEN

Picnics are the great way to spend time together with family as well as with friends. When it comes with combined good food, it simply tastes better with a company of fresh air on sunny day,who will miss such precious moments? So one day all our friends planned for an outdoor picnic. There we decided to have BBQ get together potluck party nearby park. Had lots of fun and the real fun was the gents preparing food on BBQ ,where as we ladies sat down relaxing ,chatting and commenting on them. On my side we decided to prepare shrimp recipe. It was mind blowing when it comes under BBQ preparation. In this post I would like to add one of our friend's chicken recipe too. Same recipe can also be broiled in the oven. The marination for shrimps can also be done with mushrooms and eggplants. That too tastes delicious.
On my sudden glance, I was so thrilled to see ''SIG'S GRILL IT EVENT'' as I was checking her blog.

MARINATING SHRIMPS.

1/2 pound Shrimps.

1 Diced Green Bellpeppers.

1 Diced Red Bellpeppers.

1 Diced Onions.

1 tbs Ginger Garlic paste.

2 tbs Red chilli powder.

1 tbs Turmeric powder.

1/2 tsp Hing.

1/2 tsp Pepper.

1/2 tbs Vinegar.

Salt to taste.

6 to 7 Bamboo Skewers.



METHOD.

Soak bamboo skewers in water, to keep from burning during grilling.

Combine all the spices with Shrimps and Veggies and marinate them atleast for half an hour.


Thread shrimps and veggies according to order on skewers.

When heat is ready, grill them around 3 to 4 min on eachside. Make sure not to overcook the shrimps.

Serve on skewers.

MARINATING CHICKEN.

Whole Chicken.(thighs and drumstick)
1 cup Yogurt,

3 tbs Red chilli powder.

1 tbs Ginger Garlic paste.

Salt to taste.

METHOD
Clean the chicken and make a slit with a sharp knive.

Mix all the ingredients with chicken and marinate for half an hour.

When heat is ready, place it on the grill.

Serve hot on plate.

I contribute both the recipe to GRILL IT EVENT HOSTED BY SIG

AWARDS TIME.

Past 2 days its was awards rainy day. Here it goes-

My cute friend Swathi who is very talented who impress us with her delightful and amazing cake recipe has passed me one new award BRILLIANT WEBBLOG . Thank u so much swathi. I am really glad t receive from u.

My new friend SRIPRIYA , ANISHEETU has also given me this award.
Brilliant Weblog is a prize given to sites and blogs that are smart and brilliant both in their content and their design. The purpose of the prize is to promote as many blogs as possible in the blogsphere.

Here are the rules to follow :-

When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back.

Choose a minimum of 7 blogs (or even more) that you find brilliant in their content or design.
Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing they were prized with ‘Brilliant Weblog’.

Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize (optional).

All the bloggers have wonderful work and content in their blog and all deserve to get this.

As per the rules I would like to pass this award to my fellow bloggers mentioned below: ( Have mentioned at end)

SIREESHA , LG AND SRIPRIYA has passed me BlOGGING FRIENDS FOREVER AWARD. So nice of you to pass this on to me. Thanks a lot.


PURVA and UMA has given me adorable new awards. No words to express on this beautiful award. Thank u dear. I will truly cherish these awards forever.



As per the rules I would like to pass all these awards to my fellow bloggers mentioned below:
Congrates..
Enjoy

Saturday, August 9, 2008

SPICY FISH CURRY

Fish curry with cooked tapioca or hot plain rice are the best ever combo. Its a comfort meal. Usually I have heard people says, fish curry prepared in clay pot tastes really good. But never had chance to make it. Also fish curry tastes better the next day. We make fish curry immediatly when we bring fresh fish from chinese market. Rajesh too helps me to make this recipe. Tilapia or Tuna fish or Mackerel is also perfect for this curry. And specially for Veggie guys, you can too make the same curry adding boiled potatoes instead of fish. That too tastes delicious. So heres my recipe!

INGREDIENTS FOR MARINATION.

1 Medium Size Fish.( I used Mackerel)

3 tbs Coriander powder.

1 tbs Chilli powder.

1 tsp Turmeric powder.

3 inch 4 or 5 Crushed Ginger.

2 slit Green chilly.

Salt to taste.

INGREDIENTS FOR GRAVY.

1 Diced Onions.

3 tbs Coriander powder.

Lemon sized Tamarind.

1/2 cup Hot water.

1 cup Coconut milk.

1 tbs Oil.

Few Curry leaves.

Salt to taste.

GARNISH.

5 Chopped Shallots.

Few Curry leaves.

METHOD.

Soak the tamarind in 1/2 a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Now mash the tamarind with your fingers . Strain through a sieve to extract all the pulp. Keep pulp aside.

Cut the fish into 1" thick slices and marinate it with marinated items listed above for half an hour.
Heat oil in a pan. Add diced onions, curry leaves and salt. Fry till the onions are half cooked. Add coriander powder and fry till u get a nice aroma.

Add tamarind pulp and bring it to boil. At the time of boiling gently add the fish marinade. Close the pan with the lid and cook on medium heat till the fish is cooked. Increase the heat and reduce the gravy if needed.
When the fish pieces are cooked and firm, slowly stir in the coconut milk and bring to a boil on low flame.

In another pan,heat oil and fry chopped shallots and curry leaves . Lastly garnish on the fish curry.


Serve with rice or chapathi.

I contribute this to FISHING TRIP EVENT HOSTED BY JEENA



Also submit this to CURRY MELA HOSTED BY SRIVALLI.

Enjoy!!!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

SWEET POTATO UMMAN

We use "Sweet potato" very rarely. My granny used to make steamed potato. Its tasty having as it is. After marriage I learnt this ''Sweet potato umman'' from my mother in law. Shez expert in cooking. Hot and sweet makes the dish yummy and its fast, easy and even tastes better for the next day. Its a good combo with Dosa or Idlies.



INGREDIENTS

1 medium sized Sweet potato.

1/2 Tomato.

1 tbs Urad dal.

1 tbs Chilli powder.

1 tsp Mustard seeds.

1 tsp Turmeric powder.

1/2 Water.

1 tsp Coconut Oil.

Pinch of Hing.

Few curry leaves.

METHOD.

Cut sweet potato into piece, immersed in water. Keep it aside.

In a pan heat oil. Add mustard seeds and ural dal. When urad dal starts to turn slight brown, add curry leaves, tomato ,chilli pdr, turmeric powder and salt.

Add sweet potato with addition of water. Simmer for few min and allow them to cook till the pieces are tender.Later its cooked mash few piece so tht it forms into thick gravy like consistency.

Before removing from fire, sprinkle little with hing and coconut oil.

AWARDS TIME.

SUJATHA has passed me "ROCKING GIRL BLOGGER AWARD". Am so happy to receive from u sujatha. Thanks for the nice gusture.


I would like to pass this award to






Congrates...
My friends PRITI AND PURVA are hosting a wonderful and interesting event of the month. Have a look at their blog..
Enjoy!!!
I submit this recipe to CURRY MELA HOSTED BY SRIVALLI.