tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52515284966349159722024-03-05T21:08:28.016-08:00Art of Cooking Indian Food - A Food and Recipe BlogA one stop recipe blog for Easy Indian recipes,Indian curry recipe,Indian vegetarian recipes especially easy and tasty South Indian recipe.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-63574872936091821842013-11-24T11:07:00.002-08:002013-11-24T11:07:45.397-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With Thanksgiving around the corner, you would definitely be
having a tough time deciding on what to cook and how to entertain your guests.
No Thanksgiving is considered complete without turkey and mashed potatoes. If
you are a vegetarian or vegaan, you might have a difficult time figuring out the
recipe that would replace turkey and still give the feeling of thanksgiving. It
is better to have some vegetarian options available since you might never know
who will come to your thanksgiving party. There will always be last minute
additions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1846-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1846-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My suggestions for main course would be the <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/11/try-masala-capsicum-rice-for.html" target="_blank">Masala capsicum rice</a>. It is a recipe where you stuff something like you do when it comes to turkey
and while eating, you run your knife through it just like you cut a
turkey. It really is a great substitute
for turkey! If kids are at the dining table, you can surprise them with this
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/11/kid-friendly-thanksgiving-dessert.html" target="_blank">banana man dessert</a>. I am sure it will be a hit.If you are a pure non vegetarian like one of my friend calls
herself, then try this <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/10/roast-turkey-breast-recipe-with-fruited.html" target="_blank">Roast turkey breast</a> for thanksgiving. You won’t be disappointed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After family and food comes shopping. Most of the
Thanksgiving shopping is done on Black Friday, the next day. With extra coupons
you can score a great deal on various items. If you are a reader from India who
is wondering what kind of coupons do I get?, do not worry, there are many
online <a href="http://www.indiancoupons.com/" target="_blank">Indiancoupon</a> sites that shares coupons to major shops to make your online shopping easy and
beneficial. One of the deals that interested me was this <a href="http://www.indiancoupons.com/browse/food/" target="_blank">Chocolate deal</a>. Getting
the chocolates for 80 percent off made me think why I did not know about these deals during my school days. You
do not get deals like this very often.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you are anything like me, you would really be excited
about this <a href="http://www.indiancoupons.com/browse/cookware/" target="_blank">cookware deal</a>. To know that there are deals in which you could buy cookware at 80-90 percent
off makes you realize how much you could save. With Christmas and New Year being
just a month away, shop these great deals online without getting out of your
house and surprise your loved ones. I wish everyone Happy Thanksgiving! Have a
great Holiday weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-57844726177116251092013-09-27T18:17:00.001-07:002013-10-11T10:44:05.889-07:00Fresh and Yummy Florida Stone Crab Claws<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes we learn about new recipes from television, recipe books or even friends and family. I got an opportunity to learn about a new food, which may not be new to many of you. I am talking about the <b>Florida stone crab claws</b>. My husband loves seafood and he has never tasted crab claws. what next? A delicious crab claw recipe search. I did it and I came across a lot of healthy recipes. Stone crab claws are rich in omega 3 fats that is good for health.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Florida stone crab, whose scientific name is <i>Menippe mercenaria,</i> is a crab found in the western North Atlantic, from Connecticut to Belize, including Texas, the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba and the Bahamas that is widely caught for food. It’s time to get cracking South Florida as the official start of stone crab season runs from October 15 to May 15.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD9sAjlA7miD5Vjp1dpoNQAfeC1A3RFXYdNs6DzA0pRPvPzQ0UJpDYDdZbWFluPh7G7kXX6yB_0-8bT215fxli7NP8wMpMtchu-O1pAnI7SWgGepSzL91HRHae2knQ3f0obzayDEE5twy/s1600/crab+claws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD9sAjlA7miD5Vjp1dpoNQAfeC1A3RFXYdNs6DzA0pRPvPzQ0UJpDYDdZbWFluPh7G7kXX6yB_0-8bT215fxli7NP8wMpMtchu-O1pAnI7SWgGepSzL91HRHae2knQ3f0obzayDEE5twy/s320/crab+claws.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did a research on crab claws and came to find a lot of interesting facts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• When catching catch a crab the claws can be removed, but throw back the crab</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Stone crab claws must be at least 2¾ inches in length to be harvested legally</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Crabs must be captured in baited traps, declawed and released</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Egg bearing females cannot be declawed</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• No hooks or spears are allowed</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The nice thing about eating stone crab claws, other than they are delicious, is that stone crab claws are the only renewable resource from the water. Crabbers take only one claw from each crab, </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
which is then regenerated over time. [Source :<a href="http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/10/09/time-to-get-cracking-for-stone-crab-season-2/" target="_blank">CBS Miami</a>]</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When searching for a place to buy stone crab claws I came across the <a href="http://uberstonecrabs.com/" target="_blank">Uberstonecrabs</a> They are distributing premium, fresh Stone Crab Claws from their Florida distribution center. Since there is no middleman costs, they are able to give it for a very nominal price. They deliver throughout US and canada which is a major plus. Yey! we need not live in florida to eat them. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Are you new to crab claws like me? here is a step by step tutorial for <a href="http://uberstonecrabs.com/stone-crab-claw-recipes/step-step-boiling-instructions-stone-crab-claws" target="_blank">boiling crab claws</a>. I am planning to try <a href="http://uberstonecrabs.com/stone-crab-claw-recipes/popular-way-cook-stone-crab-claws" target="_blank">the popular crab claw recipe</a> once I get my stone crab claws! Will let you know how it turned out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-70871030695072265352013-06-27T09:13:00.000-07:002013-06-27T09:15:05.079-07:00We did it!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is an amazing feeling when someone you do not know come and praise the food you have prepared. It really makes you float. I was on cloud 9 when the food we prepared for our friend's party was a BIG hit. Sometimes, you do need a push to realize how much you are capable of doing. Me, along with 4 of my friends prepared the food for our friend's Birthday party for 60 guests. Yes! it is a big number for us, or atleast for me. I have never cooked for more that 6 people at a time. Wow! This is a great experience for me and for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We decided to host the birthday party and we planned the menu a week before. Allocated 2 items to each of us and started to do the prep work. It really helped me realise how it would be in the real kitchen. Chief chef shouting,sweating and the tension that prevails inside the kitchen. We felt and experienced every bit of it. At last, everything vanished just like thin air when people started eating and smiling and enjoying our food. Some of them even took leftovers home. Made us proud.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As usual, the menu for the party was,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Starters :</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Badam Kheer</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Noodles</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tortialls with Avacado salsa</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Main course:</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/11/garlic-naan-indian-flat-bread-for.html">Naan</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/11/matar-paneer-best-indian-side-dish-ever.html">Matar Paneer</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rajma</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/04/bisibelabath-sambar-rice-recipe.html">Bisibelabath</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/11/famous-potatoaloo-curry.html">Potato fry</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/12/coconut-rice-recipe.html">Coconut rice</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/11/authentic-tomato-rasam-recipe.html">Rasam</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/04/today-i-kind-of-felt-very-tired-so-did.html">Curd rice</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Dessert:</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/04/carrot-halwa-recipe.html">Carrot Halwa</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vanilla Ice cream</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fruit pudding</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We did everything excepting Ice cream and Tortialls. The decoration was awesome and we tried to buy everything which was on deal so that we could do the party on a budget. Now a days, everything is online. There are many websites that provide deals and coupons for us to use and save money. One such website I find very useful is<b> <a href="https://www.cuponation.in/snapdeal-coupons">cuponation</a>.</b> When you are in India, we do not purchase things often online. However, the trend is changing and more people opt for online shopping as it makes life more easier. Even sweet when you are able to save shopping online. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know that I have already shared the recipes for few of the above items. But I still have more to share. Scrumptious food is always welcome by everyone. Have a great 4th of July weekend. Let me know if you have ever experienced eating food that you can never forget.YUM!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-87056599442096084862013-02-15T06:31:00.000-08:002013-02-15T06:32:01.336-08:00The Universal Truth about Indian Food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you think of England’s national dish you may imagine a cultural staple in its culinary history such as Yorkshire pudding or blood sausage. Guess again; chicken tikka masala claims this prize. It is the most ordered menu item in the UK, and is a global favorite for its rich flavor. Indian food can be found at almost every farmer’s market in America, and in every major city in the world. Its healthy oils and spices give it a unique taste that can’t be mimicked anywhere else.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As India has 28 states with more than 50 languages being spoken by hundreds of ethnic groups, each region and state boasts its culinary specialty. Spices are a vital accouterments to enhancing the foods flavor, and food preparation and spice blending are crucial to bringing these complex dishes together.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oil is another main component that is a staple of this cuisine. Whether it is coconut oil used in the south, mustard oil used in the north, or olive oil, proper storage plays a vital role in maintaining the oil’s integrity. If your kitchen sees a lot of action from India, you will want to visit <a href="http://www.ebottles.com/">ebottles.com</a> and stock up on glass bottles to store your oil, and other containers to keep your spices sealed for freshness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutsmf1f87fF82GpjZDAYHAdcNJiSo2jjHm5-kmwPhwaNF0vRwOxtBeDQoEx_JZUktY8UMfJrCfSF0O42IAlTRfpNjLR686YX48OA_roWnn05o0hZnOfJnk4XOSRdO8_4lew09dBY71NYp/s1600/content_marketing_opi_photo528702-13-2013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutsmf1f87fF82GpjZDAYHAdcNJiSo2jjHm5-kmwPhwaNF0vRwOxtBeDQoEx_JZUktY8UMfJrCfSF0O42IAlTRfpNjLR686YX48OA_roWnn05o0hZnOfJnk4XOSRdO8_4lew09dBY71NYp/s320/content_marketing_opi_photo528702-13-2013.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Hippies dig it</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are many reasons why Indian food is so popular around the world. One reason is that it offers many options to vegetarian people. As Indians don’t eat beef for religious and spiritual reasons, and there are a large number of Muslims in India who don’t eat pork, lamb, chicken and fish are the only meats you will find. Since two major meats are missing from the kettle, it makes sense to amp up the vegetarian platter. Vegetarian dishes are based heavily on lentils, dried beans, legumes, and chickpeas. Vegetables, primarily potatoes and spinach, are also heavily used. You can find a variety of <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/search/label/Rice%20Varieties">Indian rice recipes </a> which uses the above ingredients.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also, a type of cheese called paneer is very common and loved by vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Paneer is the only cheese variety that doesn't melt when cooked. How awesome is that? It is very easy to make <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/12/homemade-paneer-how-to.html">Paneer at home</a> and <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/07/paneer-tikka-masala-marinated-cottage.html">Paneer Tikka masala </a>and <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/11/matar-paneer-best-indian-side-dish-ever.html">Matar Paneer </a>are couple of very famous Paneer recipes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whereas some cuisines offer a few vegetarian items on their menus, venture into any Indian restaurant and you will see that they have about as many vegetarian dishes as they do meat-based ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Choose your heat</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another reason why Indian food is loved around the world is that it satisfies the taste of those who love something mild and flavorful, or scorching hot and teeming with taste. South Indian cuisine tends to be spicier, while north Indian food tends to resemble more as to what people can get in America—milder curries with naan bread.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Its good for what ails you</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Indian food is loved universally for its medicinal elements. In an article published by <a href="http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20410258,00.html">Health.com</a> the author point to certain Indian spices that have health benefits. For example, it states that cumin aids in digestion and turmeric slows down the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Once you explore the healthy properties in this cuisine’s numerous curries, you will understand why it is one of the most loved in the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Image source: http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7146/6492668147_b2e373352f_o.jpg</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-47346149944093110112013-01-22T11:44:00.000-08:002013-01-22T11:45:18.808-08:00Food Photography 101- A guest post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even after so many years of blogging, my blog still lacks good quality pictures and I know that. It is not very hard to take a good picture. But, making it great requires some techniques. Below are some simple yet effective photography techniques discussed by Biswashree Dey from <a href="http://www.itasveer.com/" target="_blank">ITasveer.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly popular for chefs and recipe bloggers to take mouth-watering clicks of their creations. So what does a newbie do to get started? So here is a simple guide to help you kick start your journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What do you do when you come across a culinary masterpiece and have no camera at hand? Well now with IPhones and Apps, you need not worry. Here are some apps that help you transform your mediocre photos.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Apps to use:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Instagram and Hipstamatic</i></b> : They are great for photographing produce and people</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Filterstorm:</i></b> A great app you can use for color correction</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>PerfectPhoto</i></b> : Also for color correction</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Snapseed</i></b> : It’s like Photoshop for your IPhone</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Color Effects :</i></b> This app enables you to first turn your entire photo to black and white and then use your fingers to return color only to a portion of your photo or change it completely.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next let’s look at some basic tips to keep in mind when taking a photo.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1. Lighting –</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is very important that the lighting is right. The best place to photograph is near a window with lots of natural light diffused with a white curtain. Direct light can be harsh. Best position for light source should be from over your shoulder. Don’t ever use the camera’s in-built flash. It makes the photo look harsh and creates shiny spots. You may use a reflector to bounce off light to cut out shadows and make the lighting better balanced.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHjURCDuRMOQmHF_GU8iRi_oiqwTsWst2BTotMpa4lO01OpfOR6umOVOOtqYLmUMZ2HqsrRU8r1BxQwO6SM8DLfeDQjo7jidi8un3sYYy0gWGAzAMTVDw325MNqhNw-5XZZnOJ_vDuKRC/s1600/Light2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHjURCDuRMOQmHF_GU8iRi_oiqwTsWst2BTotMpa4lO01OpfOR6umOVOOtqYLmUMZ2HqsrRU8r1BxQwO6SM8DLfeDQjo7jidi8un3sYYy0gWGAzAMTVDw325MNqhNw-5XZZnOJ_vDuKRC/s320/Light2.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_Ce8FYraScTGuGKfF2_mFoxOSSkz_EDjanj1yoqfzUx-_Mai-Kf9-29S0Ul-YKnsGtFlpowtJGKOJ7ZDQa7vYEOT6LOw9x6bXLuzaxfSyLrzMj0KQDbYLUb-FPFvYfDs566k0MxRfb27/s1600/Light+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_Ce8FYraScTGuGKfF2_mFoxOSSkz_EDjanj1yoqfzUx-_Mai-Kf9-29S0Ul-YKnsGtFlpowtJGKOJ7ZDQa7vYEOT6LOw9x6bXLuzaxfSyLrzMj0KQDbYLUb-FPFvYfDs566k0MxRfb27/s320/Light+1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>2. Colour Balance-</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQPS85ThWrzfWAXumdVsiKPzVf9yu3aVRaM1GVdmZqyryoDBhKtNkkVmGOilHZMx1D2uy7fEzrMaqc4YjuKMfvsoGEr4Iag-SYIjUyc9qtHP5woliMRNYWz8d7lk_1N2k-bCJ-lvTSACN/s1600/Colorbalance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When adequate natural light is unavailable, photos can come out with a yellow or blue glow which makes the food look unappetizing. You can correct this, by correcting the white balance of your camera. Food looks best in a slightly orange glow. Check your manual on how to fix the color balance of your camera.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ET-cwJtKGxoFguLALrYb5n76JG9wqCiOWj56zFyHtV-qCSdctmzIuoDRnccl9g2S5devavxkqlt7CVWHTlEEQ1oet9MiNoyzDchvpH9YRMtRHJbnRwAzX7_5BESu8SHqETjHsxg_v-T8/s1600/Colorbalance1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ET-cwJtKGxoFguLALrYb5n76JG9wqCiOWj56zFyHtV-qCSdctmzIuoDRnccl9g2S5devavxkqlt7CVWHTlEEQ1oet9MiNoyzDchvpH9YRMtRHJbnRwAzX7_5BESu8SHqETjHsxg_v-T8/s320/Colorbalance1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQPS85ThWrzfWAXumdVsiKPzVf9yu3aVRaM1GVdmZqyryoDBhKtNkkVmGOilHZMx1D2uy7fEzrMaqc4YjuKMfvsoGEr4Iag-SYIjUyc9qtHP5woliMRNYWz8d7lk_1N2k-bCJ-lvTSACN/s1600/Colorbalance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQPS85ThWrzfWAXumdVsiKPzVf9yu3aVRaM1GVdmZqyryoDBhKtNkkVmGOilHZMx1D2uy7fEzrMaqc4YjuKMfvsoGEr4Iag-SYIjUyc9qtHP5woliMRNYWz8d7lk_1N2k-bCJ-lvTSACN/s320/Colorbalance2.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3. Macro –</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Use the macro setting of your camera, so that you can get closer to your subject and create a shallow depth, which allows you to blur the background and focus on the main dish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>4. Position and Proximity –</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Experiment with the angle from which you shoot the food. You don’t need to always shoot from above or at eye-level. Try to move closer and farther away from the food.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>EQUIPMENT NEEDED :</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Camera </b>: A good Canon or Nikon DSLR eg: Canon G15 , Canon 5D Mark III</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Lens </b>: Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro, Canon’s 24–105mm f/4L</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A good tripod</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can print out all your food photos and recipes on <a href="http://www.itasveer.com/products/photo-books" target="_blank">ITasveer photobooks</a> and turn it into a treasured recipe book. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
photo credit : <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"> </span><a href="http://mattikaarts.com/blog/technique/food-photography-2/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">http://mattikaarts.com/<wbr></wbr>blog/technique/food-<wbr></wbr>photography-2/</a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-81765378585681764712013-01-14T06:36:00.000-08:002013-01-14T06:37:06.255-08:00Baked Banana flower(Vazhaipoo) vadai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDJ7MM_DKMw3yqRw_0swh5nIcdBojy-5s6Xog2dKwfm1eqk1MdPWMvldWImyELsugXxCnn118wKXqzj0gGbd6L137YXsTtojvevi-pPQ_Iqrdw-0RnQx7fX7vRq8FawVHlFokE5IvV5y9/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDJ7MM_DKMw3yqRw_0swh5nIcdBojy-5s6Xog2dKwfm1eqk1MdPWMvldWImyELsugXxCnn118wKXqzj0gGbd6L137YXsTtojvevi-pPQ_Iqrdw-0RnQx7fX7vRq8FawVHlFokE5IvV5y9/s320/IMG_3342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love vadai and hate vazhaipoo. So, the right thing to do is to make vazhaipoo vadai. And if it is healthy, what else you need from a snack? Ta da! Here is a recipe for </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baked Vazhaipoo vadai.</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A simple and easy recipe which is healthy and at the same time doesn't compromise on the taste. Most of the time, if you say that a dish is healthy, you would surely have to compromise on taste. But, this is different. You have taste and you can take care of your health.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Here comes the recipe for <b>Baked Vazhaipoo Vadai (Banana Blossom), </b>a healthy twist on the traditional deep fried version.</div>
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
</b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Vazhaipoo / Banana blossom - 1 - Cleaned</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chana dhal - 1 small cup - Soaked for 2 hrs</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Onion - finely chopped - 1 cup</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ginger Garlic paste - 1 tsp</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cilantro/Coriander leaves - a handful</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fennel seeds - 1/2 tsp</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cumin powder- 1 tsp</div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coriander Powder - 2 tsp</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Green chilies- 1 finely chopped</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Red chilies - 3</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turmeric powder - a pinch</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Salt - to taste </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oil - 1-1/2 tbsp</div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Method:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Preheat the oven to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">400 F/200 C. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil and spray with oil. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Either steam the cleaned banana blossom until soft or you can cook them in boiling water for 2 to 3 min.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Grind the soaked channa dhal in a blender with red chilies, fennel seeds,cumin and coriander powder, turmeric powder and salt. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do not add water and grind it to a coarse mixture.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add the cooled banana blossom to the blender and pulse until everything is combined. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Transfer the mixture to a big mixing bowl and add the onion, green chilli, garlic, chopped cilantro and oil. Mix well. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Take a tablespoon or two size mixture and make balls.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place over the foil and flatten it. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place all the balls with 1 inch gap between them.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Bake in oven for 30 to 40 mins, flipping once in between.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-11190157222267226982012-12-29T11:00:00.000-08:002012-12-29T11:00:27.000-08:00Restaurantware - Worth a visit.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my friends once said that she watches food network channel just to look at the variety and amazing cookware they use. It amazes me that there are people who give more importance to the cookware and tableware rather than the quality of food. However, she does make a point. An excellent food served in an ordinary looking tableware does loose its overall points. I realized this when I went to a potluck party. People talked more about the tableware than the food which was served, which was amazing by the way.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A good cook is always proud and happy to present his/her dish in an high quality and visually appealing tableware. There are a lot of websites offering table wares and cookwares. However, I was impressed with one which was dedicated to restaurant ware at affordable price -<a href="http://www.restaurantware.com/" target="_blank">www.Restaurantware.com</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9TfsZZUsyQKpKiMtJjKP72RPiWt9UOWkaTc0Scr1JqkTluI5PQs6HSFRXqtsLkzucvVOrOPkwvPtpDP3FQYvz8oRlWcK6RZR1rluj41qYrNXB3O5C_XEba0FbV77WGRMio8d5GHWGjJh/s1600/Tear+Drop+Appetizer+spoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9TfsZZUsyQKpKiMtJjKP72RPiWt9UOWkaTc0Scr1JqkTluI5PQs6HSFRXqtsLkzucvVOrOPkwvPtpDP3FQYvz8oRlWcK6RZR1rluj41qYrNXB3O5C_XEba0FbV77WGRMio8d5GHWGjJh/s200/Tear+Drop+Appetizer+spoon.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpWnjJwUdAEkADF-6jbr-nC-Tauib71OLEA5yPiAlNbJ5mgzZ5EUcYihxwytcg1wMXmUeQhddff9WxLS01-gnzNqsjf9TiTpqPcLjfRo-jQQ7uF28m6ojk8-A0buU10Hl9Yh7yxqayclU/s1600/Stiletto+Appetizer+Spoon+Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpWnjJwUdAEkADF-6jbr-nC-Tauib71OLEA5yPiAlNbJ5mgzZ5EUcYihxwytcg1wMXmUeQhddff9WxLS01-gnzNqsjf9TiTpqPcLjfRo-jQQ7uF28m6ojk8-A0buU10Hl9Yh7yxqayclU/s200/Stiletto+Appetizer+Spoon+Black.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing that caught my eye was their black tableware especially their<a href="http://www.restaurantware.com/stiletto-appetizer-spoon-black-100-count-box/" target="_blank"> </a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.restaurantware.com/stiletto-appetizer-spoon-black-100-count-box/" target="_blank">Stiletto Appetizer Spoon</a></span><a href="http://www.restaurantware.com/stiletto-appetizer-spoon-black-100-count-box/" target="_blank"> </a></span>and<a href="http://www.restaurantware.com/tear-drop-appetizer-spoon-black-100-count-box/" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.restaurantware.com/tear-drop-appetizer-spoon-black-100-count-box/" target="_blank">Tear Drop Appetizer Spoon </a>. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">The look was very appealing. Then I thought, </span><span style="color: #535353; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">hey! I have seen something like that on most of the cooking shows. I could own them and use it to serve my guests. The very thought made me feel proud and happy. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljFWnU2tpxou_lDjCSftNQKfeEOjt70JMujkBCz8izkX9MgH43VJaqVO7Ohvqo7SL-KdmTbdTHQVuSK9qO1HZDfE6D9G06__R6S0GwpOMUepkQGxO-fGxlnj68d57VLxyGztAa61LotGF/s1600/101210-rw1_square72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljFWnU2tpxou_lDjCSftNQKfeEOjt70JMujkBCz8izkX9MgH43VJaqVO7Ohvqo7SL-KdmTbdTHQVuSK9qO1HZDfE6D9G06__R6S0GwpOMUepkQGxO-fGxlnj68d57VLxyGztAa61LotGF/s1600/101210-rw1_square72.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzaDBbFFMnoC_8FIe5qT35HnzYr6Yi9RUFTmSGtKIBbzhPAY8mPRPZ2b0NivaDuBBzKvpb62BanEEKe2GpuKKDUSIFqt4SFbqyNVxN-6UOUCKkGgBLJgn-Y0aoMK4fipnWxu60CqmPZys/s1600/101210-rw3_square72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzaDBbFFMnoC_8FIe5qT35HnzYr6Yi9RUFTmSGtKIBbzhPAY8mPRPZ2b0NivaDuBBzKvpb62BanEEKe2GpuKKDUSIFqt4SFbqyNVxN-6UOUCKkGgBLJgn-Y0aoMK4fipnWxu60CqmPZys/s1600/101210-rw3_square72.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdD-Uu2e7NNTLvK3E_InHkYFWiftE7_opOnFUTXEH7M6h4roJL_9X8Bz9IOJEIkXlC7r6HvSn6liyCqqgOoCuqmyM3meWa16q6vFr3Ru0LsFeanDXocMdzN-BG4dwKvd75tOAPramxqlF/s1600/101210-rw4_square72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdD-Uu2e7NNTLvK3E_InHkYFWiftE7_opOnFUTXEH7M6h4roJL_9X8Bz9IOJEIkXlC7r6HvSn6liyCqqgOoCuqmyM3meWa16q6vFr3Ru0LsFeanDXocMdzN-BG4dwKvd75tOAPramxqlF/s1600/101210-rw4_square72.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_VDwLemBuTzDjDNqEHrCZ2sqe5NqdMTtuzfyxCzwHH0gLRmcF4nLx5wu6m6nBGB1962_LJpu7Y4AkNXC0_5KaAywSLViJMnuc3wrnE4uvxdU_7ER2sBMvWDKF4ZbCPlwxfpwGodshB3M/s1600/101210-rw6_square72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_VDwLemBuTzDjDNqEHrCZ2sqe5NqdMTtuzfyxCzwHH0gLRmcF4nLx5wu6m6nBGB1962_LJpu7Y4AkNXC0_5KaAywSLViJMnuc3wrnE4uvxdU_7ER2sBMvWDKF4ZbCPlwxfpwGodshB3M/s1600/101210-rw6_square72.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWi0redk3KGm6EA-11JDl0JH9ATygd3YDlg67xfULHdliOFaFPBk-bPtJQyzZ7SJ3mJ4nCL7DgfRSF4TNjxd16BMsDpMgyLay9UboJFVDKYOOKUoOJty52XHEDkGBrxbW4Eot4G06t-rX/s1600/101210-rw9_square72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWi0redk3KGm6EA-11JDl0JH9ATygd3YDlg67xfULHdliOFaFPBk-bPtJQyzZ7SJ3mJ4nCL7DgfRSF4TNjxd16BMsDpMgyLay9UboJFVDKYOOKUoOJty52XHEDkGBrxbW4Eot4G06t-rX/s1600/101210-rw9_square72.jpg" /></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVFMxrk7TrgMAiEQtsmjCzFLioTBUjKBZB3Jp_cvxPKXZI4ZpbfZtyJTHsXUmHLwRDY09jGDxRIZYjJvbAsTCn8JNL2pYGuaIKtuckCG4g_YQocalu1s5MbgCluZKCOdIu7RtUu10UM3x/s1600/101210-rw2_square72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVFMxrk7TrgMAiEQtsmjCzFLioTBUjKBZB3Jp_cvxPKXZI4ZpbfZtyJTHsXUmHLwRDY09jGDxRIZYjJvbAsTCn8JNL2pYGuaIKtuckCG4g_YQocalu1s5MbgCluZKCOdIu7RtUu10UM3x/s1600/101210-rw2_square72.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Not only that, they also have Disposable Plates which I think can be used more than once if washed by hand. If that is possible, then it is a great deal for the price. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">They are also </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.restaurantware.com/catering-food/" target="_blank">Catering Food Products</a> to help us ease our cooking. Their <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">appetizing jellies, spreads, Pidy tart shells and cones help us create different variety of recipes with less </span><span style="line-height: 15.981481552124023px;">preparation</span><span style="line-height: 16px;"> time without compromising on the quality.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">The good thing is they accept Paypal and it is </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">eco-friendly, high-end, and affordable. Also, they do both US and international shipping. They are offering upto 67% savings on certain products. Use this link to go their discount page- <a href="http://www.restaurantware.com/discount/" target="_blank">restaurantware</a>. This could make a great deal if you are planning to buy them in bulk and use it for the future. They are doing a free shipping on all orders if you buy more than $500, which I think would add up to very easily especially if you look at their Fall/Winter catalog (Top Right corner). It is very hard to say no to these products if you are a passionate cook. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Personally, I recommend you to go through their entire website when you are free and get some great deals on products you love by buying them in bulk and using them in the future. Do let me know what you think about their products in the comments below. It will surely help people make a decision.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ProductPriceRating" style="background-color: white; color: #535353; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-77989863009043545402012-06-01T20:29:00.000-07:002012-06-01T20:29:03.392-07:00Master Chef Australia - Can't wait for the new season!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are days when I have felt too lazy and uninspired to be even standing in the kitchen, leave alone cooking something. Those days, I think how my mother and grandma cooked all meals, 365 days, at home. Must be very boring. But, to be honest, I strongly believe that they are more creative than I am. They are able to make different dishes with the same ingredients and using different techniques.Wow! must be an art.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now a days, people want to know to cook different dishes at home. Try new stuff to either impress their family or for self satisfaction. Whatever may be the reason, there are a lot of help out there. You can learn a lot about restaurant type cooking, at home, free of cost. Yes, I am talking about the growing cookery shows and competitions that are aired on different channels. There are a couple, that caught my attention. <b>Master chef Australia</b> is one among them. I love the Indian series too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrvungHiuLniwxr21fJsYXtJCvoIZNhoeSymY34gZitz2B7DCrSNvCr_tUayRHZbqMOPJ9lmYgxdOIDwnHJ8_f7qr5PZyfF2uTgNN-i-dOY0HAfUkv05gUdsyOC_yfiAphOir-I2GGdDk/s1600/masterchef+Australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrvungHiuLniwxr21fJsYXtJCvoIZNhoeSymY34gZitz2B7DCrSNvCr_tUayRHZbqMOPJ9lmYgxdOIDwnHJ8_f7qr5PZyfF2uTgNN-i-dOY0HAfUkv05gUdsyOC_yfiAphOir-I2GGdDk/s1600/masterchef+Australia.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Season 3 of master chef AU was the first cookery competition that I followed through out the end. An inspiring series, which allowed me to learn a lot about cooking and especially plating. I never ever thought platting a dish was as important as the taste of the dish. Amateur! It has inspired me to plate my simple dishes and present it to my family with pride. Though, I was not aware of this cookery competition before, I was able to watch the reruns here from India. I watched the rerun of season 3 since STAR WORLD did not air it live back then. But now, for all the foodie lovers, there is a greatest treat you could ever ask for from a television channel - <b>THE SEASON 4 airs LIVE! Starts JUN 14,2012</b>. Yummy!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since Season 3 was a rerun, I had the opportunity to know what is going to happen before hand from the internet. It was a different experience to watch a show knowing who would be eliminated that day. Its kind of cheating- I loved it. Still made me cry when Kate was announced the winner of season 3. That is the power of the show. This time its going to be even more interesting as its aired live. My husband and I are very eagerly looking forward to this. He has tried a couple of the this shows recipes and have impressed me. You can find the recipes and the details of the participants and anything and everything you want to know about the show on their website-<a href="http://www.masterchef.com.au/home.htm" target="_blank"> <b>Master Chef Australia.</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The judges are very friendly and never discourages at any point of the competition. Even if the food turns out to be a disaster, they have a very gentle way of telling you. The exposure that the participants get here is tremendous. They get to work with major chefs in the world, lot of cook offs that brings out your talent under heavy pressure and most of all they let you cook for a party/canteen etc where you'll gain the experience to cook for more people under given time. This brings out the best in you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Currently, we are watching the rerun of Junior Master chef AU season 1 and I am loving it. The kids are very talented and it is a treat to watch them cook. The best thing about the Master Chef competition is that, the participants are normal people. By that I mean, they are not professional chefs. Even you and me can participate. But since it is conducted in Australia, we just have the privilege to watch it from our very living rooms and be excited for them. So, if you live in India and you have a cable connection, DO NOT forget to tune in to <b>STAR WORLD this Jun 14th, 9.00 PM.</b> <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">There is awesomeness waiting for you to be experienced.</span></i></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-77198451390236977332009-12-19T06:20:00.000-08:002012-01-15T09:03:45.060-08:00An exciting addition! - Baby Boy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">If you are a regular follower of my blog, you must be wondering what happened to me. I used to be a regular blogger, blogging atleast once a day. But for the past few months, I did not update my blog. During the first few months, I was too tired to blog and now I am too busy! Yes, you are right. All because of a proud addition to our family.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">DS joined our family this 22 Sept adding joy to our life. He makes sure that I have less or no time for blogging. Though I am very late in sharing this news, I know you will be happy for me. I will try to blog as much as possible. I was not able to visit my favorite food blogs for the past 2 months. Hope all are doing great! Keep blogging and sharing your wonderful recipes. Now, I need to increase my knowledge to make my son a happy and a healthy eater.</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-82801394557991154662009-06-01T10:13:00.000-07:002009-06-01T10:26:00.272-07:00Ragi Pudding<div style="text-align: justify;">You can call it Ragi pudding/Payasam or whatever you want. But I tell you, it is one oft he healthiest and delicious drink I have made with Ragi. Usually many don't like Ragi. Though, i t has a high nutritional value, sometimes, taste gets more preference! This is a very tasty ( really!) drink, made within minutes and can be enjoyed hot or cold. I got this recipe from vahrehvah.com. Thanks to Sanjay! now I am a regular ragi eater :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1999.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 380px;" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1999.jpg" border="0" alt="Ragi Pudding" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For 2 people</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 cup of ragi</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 cups of water</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/4 cup of jaggery</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/4 cup of milk</div><div style="text-align: justify;">few broken nuts (Almonds, cashews etc)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">few raisins</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Method:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span class="fullpost"><div style="text-align: justify;">In a pan, boil the water. Meanwhile just add few drops of water to the ragi powder and make it to a paste so that it doesn't form any lumps when added to the boiling water.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">cook in a medium flame for 10 minutes. Make sure ragi is cooked properly and then add powdered jaggery and mix well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Transfer it to a bowl, add milk and broken nuts, raisins and serve hot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">refrigerate it and serve as a cold beverage too! it tastes awesome both ways. </div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-64602481019821488642009-05-18T08:20:00.000-07:002009-05-18T08:37:39.161-07:00Pesarat - A dosa variation<div style="text-align: justify;">I know <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Pesarat </span>is an Andra specialty. Whenever we go to a restaurant in India, I never miss to see this item in the menu. But never have ordered this. To be frank, I have never tasted Pesarat until recently. If you are anything like me, I would really suggest you give it a try. I loved the taste and spiciness and couldn't stop eating. This is a very simple variation of <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/07/masal-dosa-famous-south-indian-dosa.html">dosa</a>. The variation is on the way we prepare the dough and the most important thing is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">we need not ferment the dough</span>. How convenient? we can eat it on the same day we crave these.<br /></div><span class="fullpost"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Ingredients:<br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/2 cup raw rice<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 cup Green gram<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 green chillies<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/2 inch ginger<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 medium onion finely chopped<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/4 cup of finely chopped coriander leaves<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">salt to taste<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 tsp cumin seeds<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1987-1.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 380px; " src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1987-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Pesarat" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Method:<br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Soak the rice and gram together for at least 6 hrs. Grind it to a dosa batter consistency with salt, green chillies,ginger and cumin seeds.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now in a Tawa, pour this batter and cook it in a medium flame. Make the dosa very thin and add the chopped onions and coriander leaves on top of it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cook on one side. Do not turn. Wait till it is fully cooked and serve hot with any <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/search/label/Chutney">chutney</a> of your choice.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Note: </span>If you want you can also add some chopped green chillies and ginger on top of your dosa to make it spicy.<br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-50282957066395229592009-05-13T08:11:00.000-07:002009-05-13T08:36:02.816-07:00Hot and Spicy Masala Vada<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Can you believe Chicago's weather? It was in its 70's last week and now it is in 40's and 50's and raining too. With such a weather, it is really very difficult to get up early in the morning. I have to cuddle for some more time before getting up. This makes me sleepy throughout the day. Not only this, but it also makes me crave for snacks and hot tea/coffee. Nothing can match the feeling of sitting in the balcony, watching the rain and having snacks and tea.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1979-1.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 540px; height: 380px; " src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1979-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Masala Vada" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">You might have already guessed what I made by seeing the title. Yes! I made the famous, scrumptious <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Masala Vada</span> to go with a hot cup of tea. The smell of Masala vada is unbeatable. In India, roadside shops makes this vada and when you pass by that street, you will be tempted and lured in buying some, even if you are a neat freak. It is that much tempting. Why buy outside when you know how to prepare it at home. Lets enjoy some delicious and hygienic Masala vadas!<br /></span></div><span class="fullpost"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span>:<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1 cup Channa Dal<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">3-4 Whole red chillies<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2 Cinnamon stick<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2 finely chopped green chillies<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2 tsp cumin seeds<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1 finely chopped onion<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">few finely chopped curry leaves<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1/2 cup finely chopped coriander leaves<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Salt to taste<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Oil to deep fry<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Method:</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Soak the channa dal for 6 hours.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Grind the dal coarsely along with Salt,red chillies,cinnamon stick and cumin seeds.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now mix all the other ingredients.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Take small amount of the mixture, make a ball and press it to become flat with the help of your hands.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Deep fry in oil till golden brown.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This is a very crispy vada when ate hot. You can store it in an air tight container for 5-6 hours to maintain the crispness.</span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-29758730080212709412009-05-11T07:16:00.000-07:002009-05-13T07:47:28.182-07:00Energy Bhel - Recipe from ReadersI am Back! Thanks for all your support and concerns. I am doing great. I know this break got extended more than I thought. Mostly because I was lazy to start blogging again. I had a great vacation. Did not go anywhere, but was visited by few of my friends and relatives. I had loads of fun spending time with my loved ones.<br /><br />I really wanted to start blogging 2 months back. But I was busy searching for reasons to avoid blogging. The main reason - laziness! But now I realised how much I missed blogging and reading other's recipe and my blogging family that I have decided to blog whenever I can. While I was in my break I did go through some of my favourite blogs and tried few recipes. I will be posting them soon. Once again I thank all my friends and fellow bloggers who were so kind in mailing me asking about my health and wellness.<br /><br />To start with, this is a recipe sent by one of my readers Megha. I loved this recipe and is full of nutrition. Sure a great substitue for our regular bhel.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Ingredients: for 3 people<div><br />grams - 50 gms<br />green grams - 100 gms<br />soyabeans - 50 gms<br />beans - 50 gms<br />potato - 2 pcs<br />pomegranate - 1 pcs<br />tomato - 1 pcs<br />onion - 2 pcs<br />coriander leaves - 200 gms<br /><br />for coriander & chilli puree<br /><br />coriander - 100 gms<br />green chilli - 10 pcs<br />peanuts -1/2 cup<br />lemon,salt & sugar - according to the taste<br /><br />for dates & tamarind puree<br /><br />dates - 100 gms<br />tamarind - 150 gms<br />jaggery - according to the taste<br /><br /><br />for garlic paste<br /><br />garlic - 1 pcs<br />jaggery - according to the taste<br /><br />Method:<br /><br />Soak every pulses in water for 4 hours.<br /><br />After the time boil the pulses in a pressure cooker.<br /><br />Cut onion & boiled potato in small pieces.<br /><br />Mix all this in a bowl.<br /><br />At the time of serving this bhel, garnish it with other remained boiled pulses on it.<br /><br />Add coriander and it's ready for eating.<br /><br />Thanks Megha for sending this recipe. It sure is very healthy.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-82410985881376687732009-01-28T11:04:00.000-08:002012-01-15T09:03:45.061-08:00A Short BreakActually I must have written this post a week back but couldn't. As I am busy with some other personal things I would not be able to post for a couple of weeks. I will be back soon. I am gonna miss you a lot! Hope you miss me too...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-8441001754494392852009-01-19T08:53:00.000-08:002009-01-19T08:56:18.528-08:00Winners of EH during Pregnancy<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;">Though it was a very short period to vote, we got 366 votes in total and the winner is PJ with 131 votes and Mahima comes second with 81 votes.<br /><br />Congrats girls! I will contact you shortly regarding your prizes.<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-41252183677528429802009-01-15T09:02:00.000-08:002009-01-15T09:18:40.784-08:00Vote for EH during pregnancy<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;">Here are the 11 recipes which we picked for voting. I must admit that picking these recipes were really tough. I am sure that there are many other great recipes in the list. The list is as follows...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://rajikitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/green-lentils-with-spinach-green.html" target="_blank">Green Lentil with Spinach</a> by Raji<br /><br /><a href="http://mixtomatch.blogspot.com/2008/12/spinach-potato-naanflatbread-stove-top.html" target="_blank">Spinach Potato Naan/Flatbread</a> by AnuDivya<br /><br /><a href="http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/2008/12/dates-and-nuts-fudge-sugar-free-natural.html" target="_blank">Dates and Nuts Fudge</a> by Mahima<br /><br /><a href="http://seduceyourtastebuds.blogspot.com/2008/12/buckwheat-noodles-with-veggies.html" target="_blank">Buckwheat noodles with veggies</a> by PJ<br /><br /><a href="http://kitchen-vibes.blogspot.com/2008/12/violet-carrot-ginger-juice-winter.html" target="_blank">Violet Carrot-ginger Juice</a> by Keerthana<br /><br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank">RAGI DOSA</a> by hema<br /><br /><a href="http://cooking-up-a-storm-zaayeka.blogspot.com/2008/12/countdown-2009-my-cheesy-herb-challah.html" target="_blank">Cheesy Herb Challah</a> by Navita<br /><br /><a href="http://teluguruchi.blogspot.com/2008/05/raisin-stuffed-apples.html" target="_blank">Raisin Stuffed Apples</a> by Uma<br /><br /><a href="http://spice-club.blogspot.com/2009/01/corn-seekh-kebab-cilantro-yogurt-dip.html" target="_blank">Corn Seekh Kebab & Cilantro yogurt dip</a> by Cham<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://yasmeen-healthnut.blogspot.com/2008/08/garlic-herb-chicken.html" target="_blank">Garlic Herb Chicken</a> by Yasmeen<br /><br /><a href="http://priyaeasyntastyrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/09/lotus-root-dal-gravythamaraithandu.html" target="_blank">Lotus root dal gravy</a>by Priya<br /><br />Please vote for your favorite and make them win <a href="http://www.akdpress.com/viewtitle.php?value=D1109">Cynthia's book</a>. The second place winner gets a $10 gift card. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The voting starts now and ends this Saturday (Jan 17,2009 , 12.00 PM PST). </span>So hurry up and let your favorite recipe win. All the best to all the contestants and a million thanks to Cynthia and the participants.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-82175889548506158452009-01-14T09:07:00.001-08:002009-01-14T09:54:18.902-08:00Apple Crisps - An Easiest Dessert<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Apple Crisps </span>is one of the easiest and tastiest desserts. A couple of weeks back, I had few apples which were starting to rot. I wanted to use them but not in a mood to prepare smoothie or milkshake. When I browsed the Internet, I came across this <a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/899127/apple_crisp/">video</a>. I loved it and wanted to try it. This dessert is very simple and when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, takes you to heaven. A <span style="font-weight: bold;">perfect party dessert</span> and you can store it in an air tight container and reheat it before serving. It stayed good for 3 days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1959-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1959-1.jpg" alt="Apple Crisps" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span> (varies according to your required quantity)<br /><br />4 medium Apples (I used Granny Smith)<br />1 cup of flour<br />1 tsp of salt<br />1 cup of sugar<br />1/2 cup of unsalted butter<br />1 tsp of cinnamon powder<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Method:</span><br /><br />Preheat the oven to 375 degree F.<br /><br />In a bowl, add all the ingredients and with the help of two knives (as shown in t he video) or your fingers make them to a crumble mixture.<br /><br />Peel the apples and cut them into slices removing the center part.<br /><br />In a baking dish, spread these sliced apples and top it with the crumbled mixture.<br /><br />Bake it for 50 - 55 min, until the apples are well cooked and the top is golden brown.<br /><br />Cool it for 5 min and then serve with a scoop of Ice cream of your choice.<br /><br />If serving for a party, prepare this dessert well ahead and refrigerate it in an air tight container. Just before serving, reheat the apple crisp and enjoy!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-60480654090955405902009-01-12T10:11:00.000-08:002009-01-13T07:28:01.423-08:00Eat Healthy during Pregnancy Round up<div style="text-align: justify; font-family:verdana;">I wanted to present this round up in a different way. But when started, I realized it is going to take much more time than I expected. So, I decided do the roundup the usual way. However, I will present a special round up of few of these recipes which were really amazing at a later point of time. For now, the round up is simple and sure has many healthy recipes for us to try during pregnancy.<br /><br />This event was a great success. I must Thank each and every one of you who sent in the entries. An immense response of more than 250 entries. Wow! really wow! Even this time priya sent in nearly 70 entries which made her blog to be featured again. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks Priya and Congrats</span>! As for the winner, we have selected 10 recipes for you to vote, which I will be posting soon.So, here comes the round up. I'll add the pictures later, my collage maker is giving some problem.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BREAKFAST:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/2008/12/oatmeal-porridge-with-fruits-and-nuts.html" target="_blank">Oatmeal porridge with fruits and nuts</a> by Mahima<br /><a href="http://mixtomatch.blogspot.com/2008/12/spinach-potato-naanflatbread-stove-top.html" target="_blank">Spinach Potato Naan/Flatbread</a> by AnuDivya<br /><a href="http://vishuskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/gobi-paratha-with-raita.html" target="_blank">Gobi Paratha</a> by Vaishali<br /><a href="http://rajikitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/ven-pongalingredients1-cup-raw-rice-cup.html" target="_blank">Ven Pongal</a> by Raji<br /><a href="http://rajikitchen.blogspot.com/2008/10/in-italy-frittatta-are-often-used-as.html" target="_blank">Frittatta</a> by Raji<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DESSERT:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://kopiaste.org/2008/12/coconut-and-almomd-macaroon-cookies/%C2%A0" target="_blank">Coconut and Almond Macaroon Cookies</a> by Ivy<br /><a href="http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/2008/12/dates-and-nuts-fudge-sugar-free-natural.html" target="_blank">Dates and Nuts Fudge</a> by Mahima<br /><a href="http://chaiscorner.blogspot.com/2008/12/khajur-dates-ladoo.html" target="_blank">Khajur (Dates) Ladoo</a> by Chandani<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/semiya-pal-payasam.html" target="_blank">semiya payasam</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://cooking-up-a-storm-zaayeka.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-style-dundeemixed-fruit.html" target="_blank">My style Dundee/Mixed fruit cake</a> by Navita<br /><a href="http://wishurdish.blogspot.com/2009/01/oats-halwa.html" target="_blank">Oats Halwa</a> by Poonam<br /><a href="http://kannascuisine.blogspot.com/2009/01/eat-healthy-during-pregnancy.html" target="_blank">Carrot Kheer</a> by Sandhiya Kannan<br /><a href="http://teluguruchi.blogspot.com/2009/01/strawberry-lemonade.html" target="_blank">Strawberry lemonade</a> by Uma<br /><a href="http://kitchen-vibes.blogspot.com/2008/12/violet-carrot-ginger-juice-winter.html" target="_blank">Violet Carrot-ginger Juice</a> by Keerthana<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MAIN DISH:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://rajikitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/1-cup-shrimp-2-big-onion-chopped-finely.html" target="_blank">Prawn Biryani and Fish Fry</a> by Raji<br /><a href="http://simpleindianfood.blogspot.com/2008/12/entries-for-eat-healthy-during.html" target="_blank">Methi Peas Pulav</a> by EC<br /><a href="http://kitchen-vibes.blogspot.com/2008/12/pudina-pulav-mint-flavoured-rice.html" target="_blank">Pudina Pulav</a> by Keerthana<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank">EASY VEGETABLE RICE</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/corn-pulao-on-brown-twist.html" target="_blank">Sabudhana Pulao</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://wishurdish.blogspot.com/2008/12/palak-pulao-spinach-rice.html" target="_blank">Palak Pulao</a> by Poonam<br /><a href="http://homecookreceipes.blogspot.com/2009/01/simple-veg-fried-rice.html" target="_blank">Veg fried rice</a> by Lavanya<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SALAD:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://sumascuisine.blogspot.com/2008/12/mixed-vegetable-fry.html" target="_blank">Mixed Vegetable fry</a> by Suma<br /><a href="http://rajikitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/green-lentils-with-spinach-green.html" target="_blank">Green Lentil with Spinach</a> by Raji<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SIDE DISH:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/2008/12/rajma.html" target="_blank">Rajma</a> by Mahima<br /><a href="http://varshaspaceblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/bittergourd-stir-fried-with-coconut.html" target="_blank">Bitterguard with coconut</a> by Varsha<br /><a href="http://varshaspaceblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/healthy-spinach-dishcheera-thoran-and.html" target="_blank">Spincah dish</a> by Varsha<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0http://varshaspaceblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/cabbage-bell-pepper-stir-fry-and-our.html" target="_blank">Cabbage bellpepper stri fry</a> by Varsha<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank">VEG KURMA</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank"> RED SUBJI</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank"> KADALA CURRY</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank"> AVIAL</a> by hema<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SNACKS:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://cookerycorner.blogspot.com/2008/12/thayir-vadai-dahi-vadas.html" target="_blank">No-Fry Dahi Vadas/Thayir Vadais</a> by Lavanya<br /><a href="http://fooddamaka.blogspot.com/2008/12/chanakaya-papu-torphy.html" target="_blank">Chanakaya pappu trophy</a> by Pavani<br /><a href="http://kitchen-vibes.blogspot.com/2008/12/sprouted-green-gram-usli-healthy-snack.html" target="_blank">Sprouted green gram usili</a> by Keerthana<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5251528496634915972" com="" 2008="" 12="" html="" target="" _blank="">Low fat Almond and Oats Cookie -Eggless<br /></a> by AnuDivya<br /><a href="http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/2008/12/ragi-kozhakattai.html" target="_blank">Ragi Kozhukattai</a> by Mahima<br /><a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/12/spinach-rolls-quick-healthy-snack.html" target="_blank">Spinach Rolls</a> by Sangeeth<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/10/mint-sundal.html" target="_blank">Chenna sundal with mint leaves</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/mor-koozh-ofcourse-its-more-cool.html" target="_blank"> Mor Koozh</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/2008/12/eggless-oats-dates-cookies-light-tea.html" target="_blank">Oats and Dates Cookies</a> by Mahima<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/eat-healthy-n-think-better.html" target="_blank">PEA NUT DRY MASALA</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/eat-healthy-n-think-better.html" target="_blank">YUMMY GREENY SUNDAL</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/eat-healthy-n-think-better.html" target="_blank">EGG - BREAD TOAST</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://rajikitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-used-this-recipe-from-martha.html" target="_blank">Peanut butter cookie sandwich</a> by Raji<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/sweety-spicy-corn-toast.html" target="_blank">corn toast</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://cooking-up-a-storm-zaayeka.blogspot.com/2008/12/countdown-2009-my-cheesy-herb-challah.html" target="_blank">Cheesy Herb Challah</a> by Navita<br /><a href="http://creativesaga.blogspot.com/2009/01/sprouts-stir-fry.html" target="_blank">Sprouts stir fry</a> by Sowmya<br /><a href="http://spice-club.blogspot.com/2009/01/corn-seekh-kebab-cilantro-yogurt-dip.html" target="_blank">Corn Seekh Kebab & Cilantro yogurt dip</a> by Cham<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SOUP:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://seduceyourtastebuds.blogspot.com/2008/12/jeeraga-kashayam-digestive-drink-from.html" target="_blank">Jeeraga Kashayam[Cumin tea]</a> by PJ<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIFFEN:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/12/ragi-dosa-healthy-treat.html" target="_blank">Ragi Dosa</a> by Sangeeth<br /><a href="http://mixtomatch.blogspot.com/2008/12/savory-semolina-kichdi-with-vegetables.html" target="_blank">Kitchedi with vegetables</a> by AnuDivya<br /><a href="http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/2008/12/spinach-roti.html" target="_blank">Spinach Roti</a> by Mahima<br /><a href="http://simpleindianfood.blogspot.com/2008/12/entries-for-eat-healthy-during.html" target="_blank">Wheat rava upma with veggies</a> by EC<br /><a href="http://simpleindianfood.blogspot.com/2008/12/entries-for-eat-healthy-during.html" target="_blank">Spinach Rotis </a> by EC<br /><a href="http://seduceyourtastebuds.blogspot.com/2008/12/buckwheat-noodles-with-veggies.html" target="_blank">Buckwheat noodles with veggies</a> by PJ<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank">RAVA KICHADI</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank">RAGI DOSA</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://adlakstinyworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/recipe-parade.html" target="_blank"> ADAI (DAL DOSA)</a> by hema<br /><a href="http://rajikitchen.blogspot.com/2009/01/this-quick-and-easy-omelet-makes-good.html" target="_blank">Spicy Omelet</a> by Raji<br /><a href="http://rajikitchen.blogspot.com/2009/01/hrefhttps365.html" target="_blank">semiya upma</a> by raji<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recipes from Srividhya:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2008/12/broken-wheat-dhaliya-porridge.html" target="_blank">BROKEN WHEAT/ DHALIYA PORRIDGE</a> by Vidhas<br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2008/12/apple-banana-milk-shake.html" target="_blank">Apple and Banana Milkshake</a> by Vidhas<br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2008/12/pasta-and-corn-in-whte-sauce.html" target="_blank">Pasta and Corn in White sauce</a> by Vidhas<br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2008/12/pasta-and-mushroom-in-white-sauce.html" target="_blank">Pasta and Mushroom in white Sauce</a> by Vidhas<br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html" target="_blank">Pav Bhaji</a> by Vidhas<br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2008/12/vegetable-corn-flour-soup.html" target="_blank"> Vegetable corn flour soup</a> by Vidhas<br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2009/01/cabbage-curry.html" target="_blank">Cabbage curry</a> by Vidhas<br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2009/01/beetroot-curry-and-beetroot-keerai.html" target="_blank">Beetroot curry, beetroot keerai</a> by Vidhas<br /><a href="http://vidhas-jg.blogspot.com/2009/01/healthy-recipes.html" target="_blank">Recipes from Vidhas</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recipes from Shama:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5251528496634915972" com="" 2008="" 12="" html="" target="_blank">Recipes from shama</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/sprouted-dals-multiprotein-rice.html" target="_blank">Sprouted Rice</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/palak-potato-curry.html" target="_blank">Recipes from Shama</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/sprouts-bag.html" target="_blank">Sprouts bag</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/sprouts-bag.html" target="_blank">Sprouted moong dal - noodles roll</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/sprouts-bag.html" target="_blank">Sprouted moong dal salad</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/meen-kulambu-my-moms-style.html" target="_blank">Meen Kozhambhu - mom style and others</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/stuffed-sprouts-chapathi.html" target="_blank">sprouted chapati</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/01/paruppu-urundai-kulambu-fried-lentil.html" target="_blank">Parupu urundai kozhambhu</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/3-n-1-recipe-vegetable-eggless-omelet.html" target="_blank">Recipes from Shama</a><br /><a href="http://easy2cookrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/01/carrot-juice.html" target="_blank">Other recipes from Shama</a><br /><br /><a href="http://vibaas-world.blogspot.com/2009/01/entries-for-eat-healthy-pregnancy.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Recipes from Vidya</span></a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://teluguruchi.blogspot.com/2009/01/strawberry-lemonade.html" target="_blank">Recipes from Uma</a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://priyaeasyntastyrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-entries-for-eat-healthy-during.html" target="_blank">Recipes from Priya</a> <br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://yasmeen-healthnut.blogspot.com/2008/12/omelet-with-broccoli-and.html" target="_blank">Recipes from Yasmeen</a><br /><br />Entries from my <span style="font-weight: bold;">reader, Madhu are</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2009/01/apple-rabdi-recipe-from-reader.html">Apple Rabdi</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pudina Rice -</span><br /><br />pudina is an excellent natural medicine for stomach problems. pregnants are advised to consume foods which are green in colour(except chillies). pudina juice helps in reducing weight. pudina is very good for health,and so we keep cooking pudina rice and pudhina chutney very often. right now ,i am sharing recipe for pudina rice.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ingredients:</span><br /><br />onions-2<br />tomatoes-2<br />pudina leaves-1 bunch<br />raw rice or basmati rice-2 cups<br />salt-as required<br />mixed chilli powder-4 tsp<br />turmeric powder-2 tsp<br />chillies-4<br />bay leaves-3<br />cinnamon stick-1 inch<br />cloves-5<br />ginger garlic paste-2 tbsp<br />ghee-4 tbsp<br />oil-2 tbsp<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">procedure:</span><br /><br />1.cut onions and tomatoes as shown.<br /><br />2. seperate mint leaves from stems and wash them and put it into mixie jar. add four chillies also and grind till soft. in another small jar, grind ginger and garlic till soft and keep it in a plate.<br /><br />3.wash rice and soak it in 4 cups of water for raw rice and if basmati rice,3 cups of water. as i had raw rice ready at home, i did with raw rice. but when done with basmati rice, aroma is good such that all our neighbours keep peeping into our house.<br /><br />4.take a pressure cooker and add ghee and oil to it. when hot,add cloves,cinnamon,bay leaves and fry for a while.add onions andtomatoes and fry till pink.add ginger garlic paste and fry till raw smell vanishes.<br /><br />5.add pudina and chilli paste.<br /><br />6.fry till raw smell vanishes . add salt,mixed chilli powder and fry well.now add the rice soaked water first. bring to a boil.<br /><br />7.when water boils,add soaked rice.<br /><br />8.now close the cooker. if basmathi rice,dont keep whistle. if raw rice keep whistle.<br /><br />9.wait for 3 whistles and then remove from fire.<br /><br />10. when ready open and see the cooked pudina rice.<br /><br />11. mix it well,and transfer it to the serving bowl.<br />yummy yummy pudina<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Green Juice -</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />green leaves of non-poisonous plant such as spinach or methi or cellery,mint, green coriander leaves etc...<br />amla-1 or dry amla powder.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">procedure:</span><br /><br />1. soak fist full of green leaves in a cup of water for 10 min.<br />2. put the leaves in a mixer jar and make a thick juice and fiter it.<br />3. to this extracted juice,add dry amla powder(1 tsp).<br />4. green juice ready.<br /><br />Pregnant ladies can take this juice either 2 or 3 cups for good health. by drinking this juice, one can maintain a good health with getting obese.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Do let me know if I have missed any entries!</span><br /><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-65755276608162080772009-01-08T09:11:00.000-08:002009-01-08T09:51:07.712-08:00Vegetable Burger - Easy and quick method<div style="text-align: justify;font-family:verdana;">For the past few weeks, I have been craving burgers. I do not like to eat burgers outside mostly because they use meat and cheese in the preparation. I wanted to try out a <span style="font-weight: bold;">simple vegetable burger</span> at home which is less in calories and also more tasty. To start with, the first thing that came to my mind was Potatoes. So I prepared <span style="font-weight: bold;">Potato cutlet </span>to go in between the burger buns.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1936-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1936-1.jpg" alt="Vegetable Burger" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Potato cutlet is a very easy recipe. But the problem with my cutlet was, it was not stiff enough. Though I used bread crumbs and squeezed out excess water from the vegetables, the cutlet was not stiff enough to hold its shape while eating. Who cares? I am not serving a party. I was completely satisfied with the taste. So if you are trying out this recipe for a party or to serve someone else, do take care to be sure that the cutlet would hold its shape. If anyone knows any tips for this please share it.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />2 Burger buns<br />1/2 cup chopped lettuce<br />1/4 cup length wise chopped onions<br />4 thin slices of tomatoes<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">For the cutlet:</span><br /><br />2 medium potato, boiled and peeled<br />1/4 finely chopped onions<br />1/4 cup finely chopped coriander leaves<br />1 tsp chilli powder<br />2 green chillies, finely chopped<br />1 tsp garam masala powder<br />Salt to taste<br />1/4 cup of bread crumbs<br />Oil to shallow fry<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Method:</span><br /><br />In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes.<br /><br />Add all the other ingredients and mix well with hands.<br /><br />Make small balls with this mixture and make flat round shape.<br /><br />Roll this on the bread crumbs.<br /><br />In a pan, add some oil and shallow fry these cutlets until they are cooked.<br /><br />Place 1 half of burger bun, add some lettuce, onions and tomatoes on top.<br /><br />Place the cutlet on top of it and add some more lettuce.<br /><br />Cover it with t he other half of the burger bun and serve with ketchup.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-36142134380665829732009-01-06T11:16:00.000-08:002009-01-06T11:34:41.209-08:00Apple Rabdi - Recipe from Reader<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/12/eat-healthy-during-pregnancy.html">Eat Healthy during pregnancy</a> event has ended and I am very happy that we received more than 200 recipes. I am all excited. I will be taking some time (may be a week or so) to post the round up and also selecting the winner by voting. I want to do this round up in a way that it will be helpful to all the pregnant women. I <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thank each and every one</span> who participated in this event and made this a great success.<br /><br />I must <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thank <a href="http://www.tasteslikehome.org/">Cynthia</a></span> for sponsoring the first prize for this event. If you are not yet aware of her book, do visit here and <a href="http://www.akdpress.com/viewtitle.php?value=D1109">own a copy</a>. She is an amazing cook and a very humble person and I am sure that we can learn a lot from her.<br /><br />Now coming to a recipe from one of my readers, Madhu for this event. She adds, "<blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"Fruits act as energy boosters for every one. especially, during pregnancy,it is advised to consume 4 to 5 fruits every day. fruits contain lot of fiber and helps in the development of baby. one such fruit is apple, which is high in nutrition. apple helps the growth of fetus to gain energy and sustain itself.the beta carotene present in fruits helps in the multiplication of cells in baby\'s tissues, improves vision and enhances child's immunity systems. fruits prevents constipation problem. so, i felt of sharing a yummy recipe made from apple, called as <span style="font-weight: bold;">Apple Rabdi."</span></blockquote><span class="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />apples -4( grated apples-2, for decoration-2)<br />sugar-1 cup<br />milk-1 liter<br />Cardamom powder-a pinch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwt0Vu5L18ff_WM_p8e8l85S2bdGml8x5OgtGTcKc9b6EqWQUOhUPqnu8LnJcuCgY_xddxNJ1DsPzvFs5ukgsMzB0rpOOTO8PNn35EpAaMaejkzD2xUkH5mSKOF7LnoJ1IFlSvNxyIJgJw/s1600-h/apple+rabdijpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwt0Vu5L18ff_WM_p8e8l85S2bdGml8x5OgtGTcKc9b6EqWQUOhUPqnu8LnJcuCgY_xddxNJ1DsPzvFs5ukgsMzB0rpOOTO8PNn35EpAaMaejkzD2xUkH5mSKOF7LnoJ1IFlSvNxyIJgJw/s400/apple+rabdijpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288266127453089074" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Method:</span><br /><br /><br />Boil 1 liter milk until it reduces to 3/4 th of its quantity.<br /><br />Add sugar and stir well till sugar dissolves completely.<br /><br />Add a pinch of Cardamom powder and stir once.<br /><br />Now add grated apple to this milk and stir for 3 times and remove the vessel from heat.<br /><br />When cooled to room temperature, it can be kept in refrigerator for 2 hours.<br /><br />After 2 hours,apple rabdi bowl is decorated with apple pieces and served.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note: </span>Pregnant ladies are adviced to consume this dessert during summer only.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks Madhu</span> for sharing your wonderful recipe with us. Please note that anyone can submit their recipes to this blog via <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/05/submit-recipe.html">submit a recipe</a> form. I will be more than happy to post your recipes.<br /><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-34859301060896189952009-01-05T11:14:00.000-08:002009-01-06T11:36:03.979-08:00Simple and Easy Vanilla Cake for New Year<div style="text-align: justify;font-family:verdana;">This is my first post in this <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Year 2009.</span> I once again wish you a very <span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy New Year</span>. Hope you had loads of fun during the weekend. I did. Long weekends are always a pleasure. No time constraint. We can do things slowly and at our own pace. Every year, I would be sleeping when the new year is born. But this time, I was determined to be awake, atleast to cut the cake I made specially for New Year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1957-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1957-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A very simple and easy Vanilla cake </span>with lots of flavor. I would suggest you to prepare this well ahead and refrigerate it before serving. It sure adds some extra flavor to the cake. If you are a beginner in baking, then this cake is perfect for you. Very easy, at the same time delicious. This simple cake is on its way to <a href="http://cookingupsomethingnice.blogspot.com/2008/12/baking-for-beginners-put-on-those.html">Baking for Beginners</a> by Vandana.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />1 1/2 cup of AP flour<br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />1 cup sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/2 cup milk<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Method:</span><br /><br />Preheat the oven to 400 degree F.<br /><br />In a bowl mix the AP flour, salt and baking powder.<br /><br />Add the butter slowly and mix using an electric mixer set in low. Mix for about 1 1/2 min.<br /><br />Add sugar 1 table spoon at a time and mix well. The ingredients must blend nicely. This will take around 2 min.<br /><br />Add the eggs 1 by 1 and mix well for around 1 1/2 min.<br /><br />Add the vanilla extract and the milk and blend for 1 min.<br /><br />Throughout the process do not over beat.<br /><br />Pour the mixture into a 9 inch round cake pan, or cake pan of your choice and bake it for 30 - 35 min.<br /><br />Check if the cake is cooked inside with the help of a fork and remove it and allow it to cool for 5 min.<br /><br />Add icing of your choice or you can serve the cake without any icing.<br /><br />Refrigerate for 1 hour for better flavor.<br /><br />Since, it was New Year, I tried some decoration (amateur!) and couldn't wait to eat it. This is the only reason which kept me awake till midnight!<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-48421546342308957782008-12-31T08:35:00.000-08:002012-01-15T09:03:45.063-08:00Wish you a very Happy New YearI WISH ALL MY READERS AND BLOG FRIENDS A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br /><br />MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.123greetings.com/events/new_year/new_year_wishes/newyear57.html"><img src="http://i.123g.us/c/ejan_ny_happy/th/107929_th.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.123greetings.com/events/new_year/new_year_wishes/newyear57.html">Send this eCard !</a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-63215291213382448822008-12-30T07:45:00.000-08:002008-12-30T11:34:21.091-08:00Foodie Chat - Hot and Spicy Redchillies!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr0-uq6b0J23IKZnun7WoS2aOpB9JBYMirdNoK_sxh3uBKG7HDXxmE6aO46hn2tNQDKgVKwuaxe1lEn2az3sa5sk6ED93GJYJlBQt3BjbSkxWWkNqvIkiZ6RYLW7tnGUI9qh8quwJKo2K/s1600-h/1210blog_Supriya_Chillies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr0-uq6b0J23IKZnun7WoS2aOpB9JBYMirdNoK_sxh3uBKG7HDXxmE6aO46hn2tNQDKgVKwuaxe1lEn2az3sa5sk6ED93GJYJlBQt3BjbSkxWWkNqvIkiZ6RYLW7tnGUI9qh8quwJKo2K/s320/1210blog_Supriya_Chillies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285610377285510610" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;">It is year end and this is the final foodie chat for this year 2008. The last one is always special. This time we have Supriya of <a href="http://redchillies.us/">Redchillies</a>. From the name, you might guess that her recipes are going to be spicy. Hmm..is it so?, let us ask her.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why and when did you start blogging? </span><br /><br />I started blogging in June of 2007. I was very impressed with the concept of blogging; it’s ease of use, readily available free software and simple technology that could be used by any non-technical person. I planned on giving this a try and so I started blogging. I decided to use it as a way of sharing my recipes, recording my thoughts and penning my ideas.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why did you choose Food as a topic to blog? </span><br /><br />Food is a part and parcel of our everyday lives. I grew up being exposed to good food and great cooks. I also had/have a penchant for learning recipes. After I took up the mantle of cooking I discovered that I enjoy cooking, experimenting and also trying out new dishes. So I used this platform of blogging to share the recipes and culinary ideas with people across the world.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I believe you have a full time job. How do you manage both? Can you give some tips on time management? </span><br /><br />True, I work full time and also I have a 3 year old boy. My family and work takes priority and blogging takes a back seat. I use blogging as my hobby and a good way of using my free time. I plan my day and activities in advance; I try not to overwhelm myself with too much work on a weekday. I do all important and time consuming work during the weekends. Finally, the best part that works for me is multi-tasking. While one food is cooking, I chop vegetables for the other dishes, or setting up the table, cleaning while heating a food and so on.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In a day, how many hours you spend blogging?</span><br /><span class="fullpost"><br />There is no set amount of time I spend on blogging in a day. I do blogging related activities whenever I find free time. However I do spend about 7-8 hours of blogging a week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you have any other hobbies other than blogging?</span><br /><br />Currently, blogging is taking up much of my free time. However I read books, listen to music and also collect books.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you see any change in your blogging habits?</span><br /><br />I am trying to keep my blogging time as minimal as possible. It is very addictive and it is easy to get lost in the plethora of beautiful blogs out there.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">There are many food blogs now, what do you think is the major difference between a food blog and a website that shares recipes?</span><br /><br />The distinct part of blogging is the direct user interaction with the author. A reader can ask for question or clarification regarding a recipe/content and can expect clarification from the blogger. A reader can also request for a specific recipe which is not possible through books or websites. Similarly valuable comments from other readers make this medium efficient and highly inter active. Fresh content updates, beautiful photography also makes this quite popular.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What advice do you give to the new comers?</span><br /><br />Food Blogging is an easy and great medium of sharing recipes. In my opinion, the three criteria to keep in mind while starting a blog is to have a good recipe ideas, good photography, and effective style of writing<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Which is your favorite cuisine and why? </span><br /><br />My favorite cuisine is Indian.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you feel about recent copyright issues? </span><br /><br />I feel that stealing content from other sources without permission is just outrageous. It is just day light robbery and cannot be tolerated. It annoys me no end when people steal our content and publish it as their own.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you have any experience like this before? Any advice? (reg copyright issues) </span><br /><br />Thankfully I have not personally experienced these issues.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You are a regular reader of </span>....Reader’s Digest, Cooking Light, Time and Business Week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you cook frozen food? What’s your perception of frozen food? </span><br /><br />I am not a huge fan of frozen food. Even though my perception about its nutrients has changed, I still prefer to use fresh food. However I use frozen peas, frozen vegetables and use it when I am in a hurry and need to get something fast.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When did you first start cooking? </span><br /><br />I first started out by watching my mother cook in the kitchen. But then I started doing full fledged cooking after I got married.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your favorite cooking show, cookbook, cuisine, restaurant, food </span><br /><br />Rachael Ray’s 30 minute Meals, Dakshin byChandra Padmanabhan, Indian. There are many restaurants and food choices to narrow them down.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who/what is your inspiration? </span><br /><br />As far as cooking is concerned I have been inspired by many people including my mother, MIL, grandmother etc. They are all great cooks and they inspire me to try out something new every time. I have also been inspired by Rachael Ray and her 30 minute meal ideas. Last but not least other fellow bloggers who do such outstanding job with their blogs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Among the different Indian cuisine, which is your fav? (like north indian,south indian etc) and why?</span><br /><br />My favorite Indian cuisine is South Indian. I was brought up in Bangalore and so exposed to plenty of South Indian Cuisine. I enjoy other cuisines as well but feel warm and comforting when I eat Rice, Idlis, Dosas, Upma etc. Even today I love ending my meal with sambhar and yogurt rice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Is your cooking always healthy? If so any tips for Healthy cooking? </span><br /><br />I try to cook as healthy as possible. I incorporate vegetables, salads, yogurt and lentils in our everyday food. I totally avoid sugar and use oil to a minimal extent. Other things I do are add little oat /barley flour to chapathi dough, add soybeans, barley to dosa and idli batter. Add some flax seeds, almond powder, sesame seeds to finished subzis, add ginger, garlic to almost subzis etc. These small things do not change the flavor but enhance the nutrition of the food.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your achievements as far as blogging is concerned so far. </span><br /><br />I feel happy that I am able to share my recipes and ideas with so many people around the world. Also when people say that they have enjoyed the recipe, then that is what makes blogging worthwhile.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I love your pictures. Your Photography secrets? </span><br /><br />Thank You. I believe that photography skill comes through experience and also experimenting. It is very important to look at the cameras manual and try out the different modes. Just by changing the mode from “auto” to “Portrait” makes so much of difference. Some other handy tips are taking pictures in good light, taking lots of pictures at different angles, covering the background etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If given a chance, about which cuisine would, you like to learn more? Why?</span><br /><br />There is no specific cuisine as such. But I enjoy learning any cuisine as long as the recipe is vegetarian.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If asked to share one recipe from your blog, which would you choose and why?</span><br /><br />A very tough choice indeed! But I would settle for “<a href="http://redchillies.us/2008/08/26/poori-and-vegetable-saagu-karnataka-style/">Poori and Vegetable Saagu</a>”. This has been a childhood favorite of mine and brings back sweet and nostalgic memories.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What inspired you to start Foodworld aggregator?</span><br /><br />The idea of creating an aggregator came to me after FDB (another Blog Aggregator) closed down. The creators of FDB had done great service to fellow bloggers by creating a platform so that the bloggers could show case their work not only to like minded bloggers but also to a wide range of interested audiences. So I wanted to create my own Aggregator and that is how <a href="http://foodworld.redchillies.us/">FoodWorld</a> was started.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Okies, now for a very important question. Why did you name your blog redchillies?</span><br /><br />In our family we love spicy food and chillies is a quintessential part of our cooking. Being a Konkani we use plenty of dried red chillies along with coconut and tamarind in our everyday cooking. So I thought it was apt to name my food blog as RedChillies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have you been to my site before? Do you have any comments for me? </span><br /><br />Absolutely I visit your blog often. I like the fact that you provide information not just about recipes, but also about blogging ideas, healthy cooking, photography tips etc. I also like the way you conduct events that promotes healthy eating ideas.<br /><br />I would like to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thank Supriya</span> for this lovely interview.<br /><br />If you know anyone whom I can interview for this series, please let me know.<br /><br />Don’t miss the interview series. Do subscribe <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LetUsAllCook" rel="alternate" title="Subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/reader.jpg" width="25" height="25" /> in a READER </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=1893706&loc=en_US"><img src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/rss_email.jpg" width="25" height="25" /> OR via EMAIL</a> to my blog!<br /><br />Checkout the <a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/search/label/foodie%20interview" target="_blank">previous foodie chats.</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-39738707539826534462008-12-29T08:10:00.000-08:002008-12-29T08:43:05.628-08:00Microwave Beetroot Halwa<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;">I usually do my halwa on stove top. There is no reason for it. I was taught to cook halwa using that method. With Microwave playing a major role in modern cooking, I wanted to try halwa using m/w. Moreover, I wanted to sent something for <a href="http://janakipattiskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/12/announcing-microwave-easy-cooking-event.html">MEC- Halwa</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1931-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/sangeeth1982/IMG_1931-1.jpg" alt="Microwave Beetroot Halwa" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://letusallcook.blogspot.com/2008/08/beetroot-halwa-dessert-which-may-lower.html">beetroot halwa recipe</a> </span>on stove top. Both the methods are easy as far as I am concerned. The only tough part is grating the vegetable. If you have a blender, even this part becomes easy. I like to grate it traditionally with the help of a hand grater so it takes some effort from my side. But it is all worth it.<br /><br />Here is what you will need to do the <span style="font-weight: bold;">beetroot halwa in microwave</span><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />1 cup beetroot, grated<br />3/4 cup of powdered sugar<br />1 cup of milk<br />1/4 cup of ghee, clarified butter or butter<br />2 cardamom whole<br />Few fried cashew<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Method:</span><br /><br />In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter for 30 sec in high.<br /><br />Now add the nuts, cardamom and fry them for 30sec in high.<br /><br />Now add the grated beetroot and cook them at high for 2 min.<br /><br />Now add milk and cook for 3 min in high. Stir after every 1 min.<br /><br />Check if the beetroot is cooked. Else, cook it for another 3 min in high.<br /><br />Add the sugar and mix well. cook it for another 2 min in high, stirring after every 1 min.<br /><br />Rest it for 5 min before serving.<br /><br />Beetroot halwa is ready. You can serve it hot or cold. Either way it makes a great dessert.<br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251528496634915972.post-42100306435046633102008-12-24T07:05:00.000-08:002012-01-15T09:03:45.065-08:00We Wish you a Merry Christmas!<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;">Holiday season is officially begun and everyone is in a very happy mood.<br /><br /><h3>We Wish You a merry Christmas!</h3><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/113/313881077_78ded785fb.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 351px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/113/313881077_78ded785fb.jpg?v=0" alt="Merry Christmas Greetings" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From our Family to yours. Happy Holidays!<br /><br />Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krisdecurtis/313881077/">krisdecurtis</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10