Chitchat@crossroads

Our very own 'The famous Malabar Parotta'

2012-01-26T10:42:00.000+04:00

Hey friends, this recipe is from my younger daughter who is very interested in experimenting new dishes in her kitchen. She enjoys cooking and I appreciate her determination to keep trying out new dishes till she attains perfection. The credit of this recipe goes to her :):) Now, upto my younger daughter's recipe as narrated to me.

During my childhood days, I used to visit Kerala quite often during the summer vacations. I cherish the numerous road trips along the Western Ghats travelling in Tata Sumo filled with the chit chat and the bantering of a group of cousins, all of us almost of the same age group. This was one of the last vacations before my marriage that I spent time with my folks there. Within the first couple of days after reaching Trivandrum, I made sure to stop by at my favourite roadside stall to savour the most amazingly freshly made parotta alongwith korma. Usually, I would think that the side dish is the 'star' but this was one time when the soft and flaky parotta was the 'star'.

Here is my first attempt at making the Parotta and korma. The vegetable korma that is coming up is my mother-in-law's recipe. I wanted to go the authentic way and pair it with Malabar parotta. Here is the recipe and this needs a little patience and the results are delicious and definitely worth it.

Maida (All purpose flour) - 2 cups

Milk - 1/4 cup

Oil - 1/4 cup

Water as needed.

Step 1: Mix in the maida and the warm milk and make it into a soft dough by adding just enough water. Work the dough for five minutes until it has a smooth texture.

Step 2:Apply oil to the entire surface of the dough. Cover it with a clean cloth and allow it to rest for ten minutes.

Step 3: Break the dough into balls of a big lemon. Roll each ball and apply oil to the surface of the balls. Cover it again with a clean cloth and let it rest for five minutes.

Step 4: Flatten out the dough to the size of your palm. Apply oil uniformly to each of the flattened surface and let this rest for ten more minutes.

Step 5: Roll out the flattened dough very thinly (Almost like a tissue paper).

Step 6: Cut this diagonally and roll each section starting from the center.

Step 7:Twist the diagonal sections into concentric circles. Cover this concentric circles in a muslin cloth until you are ready to make the parottas.

Step 8: Flatten out the concentric circles to the size of your palm.

Step 9:Apply oil on the tava and cook the parottas on medium heat.

Step 10: Use your fingers to apply some pressure on the parottas to bring out the flakiness.

Yummy flaky parottas are ready to be served. Korma recipe to follow soon.

A cup of hot coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-23T14:04:00.000+04:00

As I am sipping my morning coffee, I am drifted back to Chennai. The best coffee I have ever had is of course brewed by my mother. We had a traditional manual, metal coffee grinder attached to a wooden shelf. Amma used to buy 'A' and 'P' raw coffee berries and store them. Daily evening, she used to roast these berries in dry kadai and cool it for grinding. I cannot express in words the aroma of the roasting bean. It used to be my daily job to dry grind the coffee powder for the next day.

There was no storing of milk in the fridge as we do nowadays. Early morning, the milkman used to come with a couple of cows and buffaloes. He will start milking after showing the container to us. It is assumed that the container does not have any water inside. Within 10 minutes, we can get frothy fresh milk which goes into a vessel for boiling. Meanwhile, the coffee powder goes into a filter and hot boiling water is poured into it. If we need thick decoction, less water has to be put. Within 15 minutes, thick first decoction is obtained.

Coffee is prepared in a vessel by adding milk, little water, sugar and the decoction. The prepared coffee is poured in stainless steel tumblers which is kept on a small bowl called 'Davara'. This 'Davara' serves as a bowl to cool the coffee and drink if someone finds it very hot. Then hot water is again poured into the filter to obtain the second decoction which is slightly a diluted version. Sometimes, when we have many guests, Amma used to take out her big brass coffee filter which used to accommodate around 200 gms of powder at one time.

Not a day goes by, without a guest at home coming around in the morning for Amma's coffee. I remember my Appa's friends who just drop in to say 'Hello' and have a cup of coffee and leave. Those were the times when guests could drop in at any time of the day.

No matter what the temperature is in Chennai, we do not mind a hot cup of coffee in the morning. I have my traditional filter here and get a Kilo of ground coffee powder from 'Coffee Day' and store it and would enjoy filter coffee till the powder gets over. Then, over to Maxwell!!!!!

My coffee in the ceramic mug has become cold, let me go and heat it up in the microwave :(:(

Yummy Pumpkin cup cake

2012-01-18T10:47:00.000+04:00

New Year and Pongal wishes to you all, although a bit late. I was flooded by relatives and family over the past month and was extremely busy with the guests. Felt very guilty at neglecting the blog site but literally could not find time. This one was drafted last month and hope you all enjoy it. This is my elder daughter's recipe and the credit goes to her. Since,she could not post it, I am doing on her behalf.

It is a big trouble to keep thinking what to do with the Halloween pumpkin. Usually the carved and lit pumkin would adorn my porch for sometime till it had to be discarded. But, this time with the addition of my second one and keeping pace with his crawling, it was difficult to cut and carve. Hence, the pumpkin was lying unattended. Only the costumes and the sweets came to the forefront. Not wanting to waste it, was looking out for some nice recipe to bake a pumpkin cake. Found this one here and was an easy preparation. The taste was amazing and this is the fourth time I am baking this cake since Halloween :):) A big thanks to Diana for her recipe. I send them to my daughter's class and the surprise look at tiny tots' faces was unforgettable. I came to know from the teacher that everyone loved these and wanted a second one. This is the perfect verdict..

Here goes the recipe:

All purpose flour - 2 1/4 cups
Sugar - 1 1/3 cups
Butter - 1/2 cup (at room temperature)
Cooked/canned pumpkin - 1 cup
Eggs - 2
Milk - 3/4 cup
Baking powder - 1 tbsp
Baking soda - 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon powder - 3/4 tsp
Nutmeg powder - 1/2 tsp
Ginger powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp

Sift the dry items and transfer into a bowl. Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat the eggs and add to the butter sugar mix. Blend the mashed pumpkin to this mix. Add the dry ingredients alternating with milk into the butter-sugar-eggs-pumpkin batter blending well after each addition. Spoon the batter in greased cups. Bake at 375 deg for 25 minutes.

Yummy cup cakes are ready to devour.

Got this as a fwd, found it very interesting - From a child's point of view

2011-12-06T07:35:00.000+04:00

Hey friends, got this mail as a forward from my cousin, the author unknown. This is a well-written piece and thought of sharing with you all. Thanks to the unknown person who wrote this and his message is acknowledged. Hope you enjoy too.

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be..

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,’ Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

A simple pound cake

2011-11-30T12:56:00.000+04:00

These pound cakes are perfect for all occasions. Tea time, picnic, guests or if you are just bored, you can gulp in a piece of this cake. This recipe is good and the outcome satisfying. One can understand that if the outcome is good, the tin gets emptied in no time else we would have to keep reminding or maybe serve our family members to get it finished. It has happened many times in my household too. I have a beautiful cooking range with grill and gas oven. Since my baking and other recipes were done in the microwave, did not bother much to utilise the gas oven. Instead, that portion of the cooking range served as an instant storage. When searching for a good pound cake recipe, came across a lady who had baked in a gas oven to perfection. I wanted to give this a try and succeeded, now planning to give microwave baking a respite.

This recipe is adapted from Rosa Levy Beranbaum of Cake Bible. I found her recipe very interesting as it does not follow the usual butter sugar mix. A very simple way of mixing the dry ingredients with the wet ones and the end result is amazing.

Ingredients:

Self raising flour- 1 1/2 cups
Eggs - 3
Butter -185 gms.or 13 tablespoons
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Milk - 3 tbsp
Baking powder 1 tsp
Salt -1/4 tsp
Vanilla extract - 1 1/2 tsp

Preheat the gas oven for 15 minutes. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt and the baking powder) and keep aside. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla and keep aside. To the dry mix bowl, add the butter and one third of the egg milk mix. Blend well. Gradually add the egg mix in two additions beating the mix well in medium speed after each addition. Spread on a cake pan and bake for around 45 minutes in gas oven. I kept in the middle tray which avoided burning of the top layer and ensured uniform baking. Timing of baking would differ in the normal oven. If the toothpick comes out clean , then the cake is done. Cool it well before slicing. This would help you get very clean slices without the cake crumbling.

Enjoy this simple cake, can add nuts and raisins too to enhance the flavour.

Chayote/Chowchow/Bangalore Kathrikka kootu

2011-11-27T11:31:00.000+04:00

Our daily meal consists of a veggie and dal with rotis or rice. This is a 'must' thing everyday and there are a few additions, for sure in every meal apart from the standard dal and sabji. Sometimes I prepare plain dal thadka but most of the time, it would be some vegetable with dal. I would add Ash gourd, Snake gourd, Pumpkin etc to the dal and prepare kootu. Yesterday I was able to find some fresh Chayote in the market and the sabji I prepared turned out to be too tasty. A simple yet tasty recipe would definitely be liked by all.

Ingredients:

Chayote -2 chopped into cubes
Toor Dal - 3/4 cup cooked
Chenna Dal - 1/4 cup cooked
Sambar powder - 3/4 tsp
Red chilly powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Tomato - 1 big chopped finely
Jeera - 3/4 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - a sprig
Oil
Salt

Cook the Toor dal and chenna dal. Chop the chayote into small cubes and boil it with Sambar powder, red chilly powder, turmeric powder and salt. Once done,add the mashed cooked dal and mix well. In a small kadai, poour a tablespoon of oil, add mustard seeds and jeera. When it splutters, add curry leaves and finally chopped tomatoes. When the oil leaves the kadai, pour this to the vegetable and mix well. Yummy chowchow kootu is ready. It goes very well with rotis and rice too.

Ending with a humorouse Robert Frost quote:
There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and that a wife who can't cook and will.

The irresistable Paani puri

2011-11-10T10:53:00.000+04:00

I doubt if there is anyone in this Universe who dislikes Paani puri. Known by various names like Puchkas and Golgappas, this is a complete treat on its own. Kudos to the creator of this awesome chaat and one can go on with puris after puris as it is very light on the stomach too. It is an art to break a small portion of the puri, fill it with all goodies and dip it straightway in the paani and gulp it. This is one such dish where even the elite and sophisticated stuff their mouth with the puri without giving it a delicate bite. To be frank, the roadside ones are quite delicious and if one is not too fussy about the hygiene part, I would recommend to give it a try. Each one has their own filling and now there are flavours of Paani too like Nimbu, Adrak, Pudina exclusive etc etc. But, I personally prefer our good old original flavour. Here goes the recipe.

Ingredients:

Puris -20 nos.
Potatoes - 4 to 5 (boiled and mashed)
Black chenna - 1/2 cup (Boiled)
Assorted Sprouts - 1/2 cup
Boondhi - 1/4 cup
Coriander leaves - finely chopped
Onions - finely chopped (optional)

Ingredients for 'Paani'

Mint leaves - 1 cup chopped
coriander leaves - 1 tbsp
Tamarind - 1/2 cup
Jeera - 1 tsp roasted powder
Adrak
Black salt
Normal salt

Sweet Chutney preparation

Dates - 1 cup
Jaggery - 1 cup
Tamarind - 1/4 cup
Chilly powder - 1 tsp
Salt

Paani preparation: Squeeze out the pulp from the tamarind after soaking it in 3/4th cup of water. Strain the water through a fine sieve to obtain very clear water without any sediments. Blend this pulp with Coriander leaves, Mint leaves, Adrak, Jeera till it is done. Transfer this mixture to a big vessel and add about 5 to 6 cups of water. Add black salt and check the taste. This paani is to be chilled for a couple of hours at least, for the flavours to blend in nicely.

Sweet chutney preparation: Deseed the dates and add it alongwith tamarind, jaggery and set it to boil in 3 cups of water. Add the chilly powder and salt and allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes till a thick concoction is obtained. Sieve the mix and check for taste.

Stuffing preparation:

Boil the potatoes, mash and add salt. Sprout lentils of your choice. Boil kaala chenna with salt and set aside. Salted boondhi, finely chopped coriander leaves and onions to be kept ready.

Paani puri :

Crack open the puri and make a hole of diameter 3/4 inch. The first item to enter would be the potatoes, then the sprouts, black chenna, salted boondhi, coriander leaves, half teaspoon of sweet chutney and the onions. Now, this stuffed puri has to be dipped in the Mint paani and to be consumed immediately. To be prepared fresh as and when one is ready to eat.

It was fun with each one enjoying their puri according to their taste.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, Who in the land is the fairest of all???

2011-11-07T08:23:00.000+04:00

How many of us gaze and begin a touch-up as soon as we see a mirror in front of us, unmindful of the place??? I am sure, all of you would be nodding your head, of course, with a smile on your lips. This is but natural for all of us to ensure that we look good at all times.

This reflex action is not restricted to humans alone. Even cats, dogs and birds react when they see their reflection in a mirror. I have witnessed many instances when a sparrow keeps banging on the mirror upon seeing it reflect.

I have seen many completing their final touch-ups in their car, I do so :):) The elevator (lift) is another vital source which provides ample time to adjust in the absence of fellow members with you inside. In shops, one can see the dresses displayed on oneself to verify the suitability of color. In some Chennai sari shops, they drape you with the sari to view in the life-size mirrors and to get approval from almost everyone present in the scene.

Each of us feel that we look good inspite of our flaws. To set right the flaws, we resort to make-ups and enhancements in the form of mascara, kajal, lip colors etc etc.. To perform the above acts, we take refuge in a mirror. A lady in particular, would love to have a full size mirror in her house to get a full image. Most of us would be carrying a palm-size mirror in our hand bags and this has come in several shapes now. Nowadays, I see men too getting addicted to mirror gazing !!!!!!!

I would recall the Scooty Pep advertisement in the television where the model would be adjusting her lipstick looking at the nearby car window and the person inside the car wondering what was happening. It was a good ad.

Vaastu experts have their say of the directions of the placement of mirrors in the house for maximum benefits.

It would not be an exaggeration if I say that 'Mirrors are humans best friends'. How often do u see yourself in a mirror during the day??????

My 150th post celebration with 'Tasty Neiyappams'

2011-10-10T09:02:00.000+04:00

There cannot be a better way to celebrate the 150th post other than this delicious, mouth watering sweet. Neiyappams are a delight to prepare as well as devour. It is not very sweet and the texture makes you crave for more. No one can stop with just one. I recall my grandmother preparing tins full of these keeping it ready for us during our vacation to her place. The rich golden brown color would give us a detailed account how patiently it was prepared in medium heat. I recently brought back my grandma's 'Appakaaral' (the mould which is used to make appam). This is a very old one and used by generations. Glad to have it with me. The mould is made of bell metal, heavy , quite deep and hence the appams are quite big and looks beautiful. Because of its heaviness, there is less risk of it being tilted during the process and the heat is also uniformly distributed.

Ingredients:

Raw rice - 1 cup
Jaggery - 3/4 cup
Ripe banana - 1/2
Shredded coconut - 3 tbsp
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
Ghee

Soak raw rice for almost two hours. Soak the jaggery in 1/4 cup water. Once the jaggery is fully dissolved in water, sieve it for impurities. Grind together the soaked rice, banana with the jaggery water to a fine batter. The batter should be of semi-flowing consistency (like dosa batter). Add cardamom and shredded coconut to the batter.

Place the 'appa kaaral' on the gas and pour 1/2 tsp of ghee in each depression. Once the ghee is heated up (not smoky), pour ladle full of the batter into each mould. The batter should fill up to the brim of the mould. Allow it to cook gently in medium heat and when the bottom sides have begun to brown, gently turn it over so that the top portion is also cooked. Once both the sides are evenly rich golden brown in color, remove from the mould with the help of skewers and drain the excess ghee by resting in paper towels. Allow it to cool and the appams are ready to be served.

Neiyappams usually have a semi-hard texture, I wonder if there is any combination with which Neiyappams can be enjoyed which is otherwise eaten as it is.

'The two biggerst sellers in the bookstores are the 'cook books' and the 'diet books'. The cook books tell you how to prepare the food and the diet books tell you how not to eat any of it ' - Andy Rooney

More about Golu

2011-09-30T14:28:00.001+04:00

Many of my blogger friends were asking me to write more about ' Golu' and the intricacies behind the arrangement. Golu is the arrangement of dolls or 'bommais' which is a form of celebrating Navarathri.

The navarathri we now celeberate is known as 'Sharad Navarathr'i. On the first phase of three days (nights) we worship Parasakthi as Durga. The word 'Durga' means one who gives protection to us from all evil tendencies. The other meaning is one who defends us from enemies. On the second phase of three days we worship Devi Goddess) as Lakshmi who gives us prosperity. And on the last three days we worship Devi as Saraswathi, The Goddess of learning, music, dance and finer arts who gives us knowledge.

We worship Devi in all Her three forms. Lalita Saharsanamam is best chanted on all the ten days in the evening. On the tenth day which is called Vijayadashami we pray to Parasakthi to give us knowledge, and release from all our evil tendencies.

Clay dolls of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, village scenes, weddings, Dasavatar (the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu) and similar themes are exhibited in odd numbered steps also termed as 'Golu padi'. These steps can be built upon using different sized boxes or readily available in shops now, all that it requires are screws and nuts to assemble. These steps can be put to use as a regular shelf later.

Traditional wooden dolls called ' Marapaachi' are adorned with grand clothing and jewellery are kept for display. A ' Kalasam' is kept in the centre, this is a brass pot filled with water and a coconut on top amidst mango leaves. Rangoli or 'Kolams' are put in front of the golu stand and at the door front door step. A lamp is lit daily. Prasads or 'sundal' of various lentils are offered each day to Gods and Goddesses. Friends and relatives are invited to witness the golu. Devotional songs are usually sung by everyone who visits home.

The visitors are offered the daily prasad alongwith betel leaf, betel nut, coconut, blouse piece, small packets of haldi and kumkum, a small mirror and a comb.

Nowadays, we find improvisation in the traditional form of 'golu'. We find theme based and hi-fi ones too. The skills and interests of the people are on display. Waterfalls and volcanoes are conceived, miniature ponds with swans, miniature trains with junctions and parks, miniature depictions of Tirupathi and other holy shrines are created with utmost care taken on minute details to replicate the original.

The ninth day of Navarathri is dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. Books covered in silk cloth and musical instruments are kept for pooja and blessings of the Goddess is sought. Prasad of vada,appam,sundal and kheer is offered to Goddess. This is also the day of Ayudha Puja literally meaning puja for tools being used at home. Vehicles at home are washed and adorned with a paste of sandal powder, kukum and flower garlands.. Tools in factories are cleaned and adorned too. Puffed rice with jaggery is offered as prasad to all the workers in factories and to all members at home.

The tenth day of Navarathri is the Vijayadasami day. The books and tools which had been kept for worship will be removed and ready to be used. It is a new beginning for young children, be it joining a new class like singing or dancing. Toddlers begin their first lessons on this day. In the night, symbolically portraying the end of golu, a couple of dolls are made to lie down.

Navarathri is a colorful festival with each region having their own traditional way of celebrating. No matter how the celebrations are, this brings joy and happiness to everyone and togetherness in the family.

Golu in Chennai

2011-09-25T07:26:00.000+04:00

Hey friends, just back home after a two week visit to Chennai. As Navarathri is nearing, there were golu dolls in Mylapore. It was a beautiful sight and here for you all to enjoy as well.

Unanimously loved by one and all - Jawwarisi /Sago pearls / Sabudana vadam

2011-09-03T13:23:00.000+04:00

There used to be a time when vadams and pickles were never store bought. Chennai has only summer and summer always, a slightly cool weather in December and January. All the vadams would be prepared periodically and stored. Ours was a bungalow type house but the neighbour's terrace would be visible. At any point we can see someone or the other preparing vadams in their terrace. I recall my mother making these and my sisters and me would be too willing to help her mainly to nibble at the vadams at different stages of drying. It would begin with the dough tasting and slowly extend to the vadams itself. Now, I see my cousins do not take the trouble of making it, instead readymades are available at reasonable cost. But, I still enjoy preparing these. Here,goes the recipe.

Jawwarisi or Sabudana - 2 cups
Green chillies - 10
Asoefoetida
Lime - 4 or 5
Salt

Soak Sabudana overnight. Dissolve asoefoetida in three tablespoon of water. Grind the green chillies to a fine paste.

In a thick bottom vessel, cook the soaked sabudana with enough water. Keep stirring till the pearls become transparent. Allow it to cool completely and at this point the consistency should be taken note of. If the mixture is quite thick, it would thicken further while cooling and this would be a difficult venture later on. Add just enough water so that the mixture is in semi-solid consistency. Once it is cooled, add salt, asoefoetida, chilly paste and the lemon juice. Check for taste and add the necessary ingredients accordingly. Now, the mixture should be in a semi- solid consistency and not a pouring one. Fill a ladle of mixture and place it in the plastic sheet directly under the sun. It may take a couple of days before the vadam is dried completely.

Vadams can be deep fried or can be toasted in the microwave. Enjoy with piping hot rice and sambar. I like it that way.

Thenga maanga sundal

2011-08-23T06:26:00.000+04:00

A visit to Marina beach is incomplete without munching the sundal or enjoying the tangy theekka milaga bajji. I used to admire the young lads mostly in their early teens selling sundal with full vigor. I personally feel that certain eats would have the fullest satisfaction if had in a small quantity like this sundal which is given in a small paper cone, 4 to 5 mango pieces dipped in red chilly and salt in front of Nallis in T'Nagar etc etc, But, since I had to wait for another couple of months to visit Chennai and the Marina beach, I prepared at home and it was a huge success and all of us at home had this sundal sitting in the Corniche which is quite similar to the Marina.

Ingredients:

Chenna - 1/2 kg
Green chillies - 2 tsp finely chopped
Curry leaves - 2 tsp
Coriander leaves - 4 tsp finely chopped
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Mango - 1/2 mango finely chopped
Grated fresh coconut- 4 tbsp
Ginger - 1 tsp finely chopped
Salt
Lemon - 2
Oil

Boil the chenna with salt and strain in a colander. In a heavy pan, add oil and then the mustard seeds, when it splutters add the green chillies, curry leaves and add the cooked chenna. Stir it till it is dry and devoid of any water content. Now, add the coriander leaves, finely chopped mango pieces, finely chopped ginger, grated coconut and the juice of two lemon. Mix well and the spicy 'chat pata' sundal is ready to eat.

'If the divine Creator has taken pains to give us delicious and exquisite thing to eat, the least we can do is prepare them well and serve them with ceremony' - Fernand Point

Janmashtami wishes to all my blogger friends

2011-08-21T06:49:00.001+04:00

This is one of my favourite pic of Lord Krishna and may all of us seek His Blessings this Janmashtami.

Usli sevai - Sevai with a twist

2011-08-15T06:49:00.000+04:00

All of us are familiar with sevai or idiyappam as it is commonly called as it is quite easy to dish out with readymades available now. But, I still prefer the traditional method of making the sevai with the 'sevai naazhi' or the 'sevai machine' and especially the taste is too good if it is prepared with boiled rice. Here, I come with usli sevai which is quite filling and tasty too.

Ingredients for Sevai:

Boiled rice - 3 cups
Salt
Oil

Soak boiled rice for about 5 to 6 hours and grind it fine, add salt. In a thick bottom pan, pour two tablespoon of oil and pour the ground mixture. Keep it in low flame and let the rice paste cook and turn color from white to grey. When the mixture does not stick to your wet fingers you know that the rice paste is cooked. While hot, dip hands in cold water and make balls of the same and keep it in idli cooker for about 7 to 8 minutes. Once it is done, the balls to be inserted into the sevai machine and made into sevai.

Ingredients for Usli

Urad dal - 1 cup
Green chillies -4 to 5 (according to your taste)
Hing/Perungayam
Mustard seeds - 1/2tsp
Salt
Red chillies- 4 to 5
Curry leaves

Soak urad dal for 20 minutes and grind it coarsely with green chillies,hing and salt. Place the ground mix in an idli plate and steam it for 10 minutes. Take out these urad dal idlis and allow it to cool completely. Fragment these idlis and keep aside. In a kadai, pour two tablespoons of oil, add a teaspoon of urad dal, half a teaspoon of mustard seeds, red chillies, curry leaves and put the usli and keep stirring. Now, add the sevai to this usli and very gently mix it so that the sevai retains its shape.

A very interesting version of the regular sevai and very filling too.

International passengers carry interesting baggages, I do, do you?????

2011-08-04T13:35:00.000+04:00

Hey friends, there was an interesting write-up in Times Of India where they found out that Indian passengers carry very interesting baggages from their homeland, some even mangoes and noodles too.

Middle east is the place where we get all the Indian products at Indian stores. But, again if one is on the look out for a particular brand, then I am not sure if it is available. I have known people carrying fresh jasmine flowers too as the travel time is only three hours from India. On the personal front, I find the spices are much more aromatic in India and feel that if I prepare Sambar powder with Indian stuff, the flavour is so authentic. This stands first in my list of packages from Chennai. Mustard seeds of that minute size is not available here,so I carry enough to last a few months. Of course, goodies from Grand sweets or Adyar Ananda Bhavan is a must and my friends wait for those too. Being a grandmom, my mind is always on the look out for something unique that I can carry to US for my daughters and grand children especially the typical cotton clothes.

Back to my problem of what to carry and what not, as I visit US quite often, but annoyed by the recent restriction of the baggage weight. These airlines have become smart over the period. Earlier days, we were permitted to carry 2 baggages of 35 kgs each, and now only one baggage of 23 kg. Imagine 68% reduction in carrying capacity. This is very hard on us who wish to carry the entire world to our children and grand children. This family unfriendly decision by the Airlines industries is a great hurdle in promoting family values !!!. Here goes the list from Abu Dhabi to US. My relatives, friends and neighbours love to have the choco dates. It is a unique combination of dates stuffed with roasted almonds and dipped in milk chocolates packed attractively and provides the royal touch. Fresh motichooooor laddoo, how can I forget, at least a couple of kg from Chappanbogh is a must item. I prefer to carry plenty of Saggeei dates, nuts and Arabic sweets to give them the Middle east touch. So, having stuffed my suitcase with Chennai and Abu Dhabi purchases (remember 23 kgs), where is the scope for my personal items. Most of them goes into hand baggage and my husband will carry out inventory balancing and adjust the weights as if he would be in a position to hoodwink the checkin counter staff.

In reality, to walk through with hand bag 3 to 4 kgs above the limit, brings out my hidden natural artist in me every time I check in at the airport.

At the airport, the check in bag cleared with 26 kgs mmmmmm great relief. ‘Ma’m how about your hand baggage?’ My highly expressive enactment satisfied the counter staff that it is not much beyond the permissible limit and here I gooooooooo. What an effort to avoid few kgs of excess baggage. In spite of all this, I end up paying excess baggage most of the time, as I cannot forego some of the above items en route.

In my opinion, the body weight and the luggage weight of the person should be a combined limit, so that sleek person like me can gain advantage !!!!!!!!!!

The irresistable Frankie

2011-07-28T07:06:00.000+04:00

During the college days, my sister and me would wait for weekends just to have yummy Frankies. The famous place where they serve made-to-order frankies were in front of Globus, not sure if it exists now. A couple of them and we were full. Those were carefree and fun days with nothing to worry about, missing those years a lot. If possible, would love to relive and relish those days again. My sister was a good partner in all our masti, be it good or adventurous. And, of course we had loads and loads of friends. It was a mix of mine and my sister's friends, so a birthday party would contain a minimum of 25 to 30 friends and full all day around. We had a scooty to move around Chennai and within months, we were able to find our ways through gullys and narrow lanes to explore the best food in the city. Not to miss the Dosa in Karpagambal mess in Mylapore near the Chithrakulam tank, hot bondas from Sangeetha, hot and fresh polis from Poli corner, the tender coconut water and the goodies of Grand sweets. Another favourite of ours was the freshly roasted groundnuts from a small shop in Mylapore, this shop still exists.

Now,coming back to the Frankie recipe - I found that with small additions of chutneys and lemon juice, it enhanced the taste of it. Here are the ingredients:

Potatoes - 3 big cubed

Carrots - 2 chopped
Onion - 1 medium size finely chopped
Capsicum - 1 chopped
Panneer - 1 cup cubed
Wheat flour - 1/2 cup
Maida - 1 1/2 cups
Red chilly powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam masala powder- 1 tsp
Chaat masala
Coriander leaves - 4 tbsp finely chopped
Butter - as desired
Lemon - 2 nos.
Coriander chutney
Tamarind chutney

In a pan, add oil and then the chopped onions and once it turns translucent, add potatoes, carrots, and capsicum. Add salt, garam masala powder and red chilly powder and cook it in low heat till the veggies are just done. Mix the cubed panneer. Allow it to cool.

Knead maida and wheat flour into a dough. Take a small ball of the dough and roll it very thin to about 6" diameter. Apply butter on one side of the rolled dough and cook it with the butter side down in a tava in medium flame. Once this side is done, take it out and place on a plate and add the veggies mix in a thin line, add a few drops of lemon juice, some very finely chopped raw onions, coriander chutney, tamarind chutney and finely chopped coriander and finally little chaat masala to the veggies mix.

Wrap it with a parchment paper or foil and ur frankie is good to go.

This is a perfect snack and very apt for parties and picnics.

'Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside' - Mark Twain

The power of Prayer

2011-07-18T11:18:00.000+04:00

Most of the times, we resort into saying heavy slokas and stotrams in Sanskrit that we might not understand or even try to understand. This reciting maybe as a result of practice or by repetition by elders at home. In most of the households in South India, the morning begins with the tuning in of Vishnu Sahasranamam and over the years, the lyrics become familiar and without our knowledgee we tend to repeat.

On thinking about the same, one may wonder what is the use of this parroting? Prayers can be simple dialogues between us and the Supreme. When I got this forward, it served as an eye opener and proved a fitting reply to my doubts. Am sure, many like me would be having the same view point and this would benefit them too.

An old farmer lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson. Each morning grandfather wakes up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Bhagavadh Geetha. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the Bhagavadh Geetha just like you but I don't understand it, and whatever I do understand, I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bhagavadh Geetha do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied,"Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather, the basket was again empty. Out of breath, hesaid,"See Grandpa, it's useless!""So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket to a clean one, inside and out.

"Son, this is what happens when you read the Bhagavath Geetha. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Krishna in our lives."

Was touched by the above story that I do not question myself when I read my daily slokas.

'Prayer requires more of the heart than the tongue '- Adam Clarke

Creamy tasty Navratan kurma

2011-07-13T09:53:00.000+04:00

Navratan kurma used to be first in the wish list during our visits to the restaurants, awesome taste and texture. The combination of nuts and fruits embedded in the gravy alongside the veggies is a true delight for the eyes and the tongue. It is indeed a blend of tastes and is a 'Navratan' in literal terms. This is a very simple preparation and once the necessary ingredients are ready, gets done very quickly. Here goes the recipe:

Ingredients:
Potatoes - 2 nos. (chopped)
Carrots - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Beans - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Cauliflower - 1/2 cup (florets)
Green bell pepper - 1/2 cup (chopped)
Peas - 1/2 cup
Onion - 2 nos. (chopped)
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
Tomato paste - 3 tbsp
Cashews and raisins - 1/4 cup
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Red chilly powder - 3/4 tsp
Garam masala powder - 1 tsp
Heavy cream - 1/2 cup
Coriander leaves - 1/2 tsp (finely chopped)

Roast the cashews and keep aside.

In two tablespoon of oil in a pan add the chopped onions and cook it until soft. The heat should be in the minimum so that the masalas do not get burnt. Mix the ginger garlic paste and stir till it leaves a beautiful aroma. Now, add the turmeric powder, red chilly powder, coriander powder and the garam masala powder. Mix the tomato paste and add water. Once this mixture comes to a boil, add all the chopped veggies and salt. Cover with a lid for the veggies to cook in the masala. Once it is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and add the roasted cashews and raisins. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.

Creamy and tasty Navratan kurma ready to serve.

“Cookery is not chemistry. It is an art. It requires instinct and taste rather than exact measurements.”- Marcel Boulestin

The ever eternal Pav Bhaji

2011-07-05T09:09:00.000+04:00

This is the recipe one never gets tired of and it can never go wrong in any kitchen. I personally feel that the small nuances enhances the taste of any particular dish. And especially, this bhaji is incomplete without cauliflower, carrots,beans, capsicum and peas to name a few. These veggies have to be present and cannot be substituted with anything else. Again, the pav, if freshly baked, does wonders.

During my young days, we had different sources of acquiring butter. One was the traditional method where my mom used to accumulate cream and once a week, butter was churned in a mixer. There used to be a 'Nambisan butter' which used to top up the deficit of the home made. And special occasions like Pav bhaji calls for only Amul butter. Till today, for Pav to be toasted, I prefer Amul butter (although I get Danish Lurpak) and the slight crispiness and the brown crunchy taste is mind blowing. I prefer to make the bhaji simple and not very 'Masaladhar'.

Here goes my version
Ingredients:

Potatoes - 6 nos
Tomatoes - 2 big finely chopped
Carrots - 2 nos chopped
Onion - 1 big finely chopped
Capsicum - 1/2 cup chopped
Beans - 1/2 cup chopped
Peas - 1/4 cup
Cauliflower- 1/2 cauliflower into florets
Coriander leaves - 4 tbsp finely chopped
Ginger - 1 tsp finely chopped
Jeera - 1 tsp
Pav bhaji masala - 3 tsp (I used MDH Pav bhaji masala)
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Red chilly powder - 3/4 tsp
Lemon - 2 nos.
Amul Butter

Boil potatoes, peel and keep it aside. Cook carrots, beans, cauliflower,capsicum and keep aside. Boil peas separately.

In a kadai, add one tablespoon butter, add jeera and the finely chopped onions. Saute it well and then add finely chopped ginger, Pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, red chilly powder and stir well till the masalas are blended and then add the finely chopped tomatoes and allow it to cook well. Now, add the cooked potatoes,beans,carrots capsicum and cauliflower. Add salt and mash the veggies well. Once it is mashed, add water to bring it to bhaji consistency. Now add the boiled peas and mix well. If the peas is boiled alongwith other veggies, it will be mashed and will not be visible.

Now garnish with very finely chopped coriander leaves and the bhaji is all set to hold hands with the mighty pav. Squeeze the juice of two lemons or as per taste before serving.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and a wife who can't cook and will. ~Robert Frost

Do you take personal time for yourself or do u ever have a 'lazy day"??????

2011-06-28T06:43:00.001+04:00

Have you ever taken time to yourself? Think hard and I am sure that only few of us would have even thought of doing so. For most of us 'self' comes last. We are so busy with our household and family and just that, we do not think of us alone as an entity.

Try to take a few minutes just to yourself and see the wonder it creates. When one of my friend used to go on a short drive all by her own, I used to ponder what makes her wander alone without her husband and children. Mused by her action, when questioned her , she just told me to take time off and see the difference in my moods and spirits. And indeed, it worked. This need not be a weekend or a few days out from the family, only a few hours will do the wonder. One need not always think of spending this leisure time outside but can be qualitatively spent elsewhere too.

Everyone needs a 'breather' sometime during the day when they would love to have some moments on their own. This 'breather' moment is a relaxing and rejuvenating one which would boost up their energy level. Even a perfectionist would love to have a break from the traditional routine.

I am sure everyone would love to have a 'lazy day' too. Many would consider their weekends ' lazy days' as they wake up late and would be too happy not to follow any particular routine on that day. Some would prefer to just chill out over a burger and starbucks coffee or just 'window shopping'.

For some, the weather plays an important role in their 'cheer up'. Especially, if it is raining 'cats and dogs', one would prefer to have 'garam garam pakode and masala chai' to pep up the mood and then relax just enjoying the rainfall.

Some of my friends are totally in relaxed mood when they visit their parents for a break. A casual atmosphere always exists there and one gets a total break from the needs of the children and of course the kitchen, courtesy our moms. But, have you ever thought of giving a break to your mother??Please do, she deserves it very badly.

My version of 'lazy day' is, when I finish my daily chores much ahead of the schedule and have the rest of the day only to myself. I love to browse, laze around with a hot cup of masala chai. How about you???? I thoroughly enjoy my 'gym' hours too.

Please enjoy 'few lazy hours' in your daily life and rejuvenate yourself.

'The real problem of leisure time is how to keep away others from using yours' - Arthur Lacey

The lingering taste of Vegetable Biryani

2011-06-23T07:10:00.000+04:00

Vegetable Biryanis are wholesome meals filled with goodness of the veggies as well the rich masalas that go with it. The flavour is unique and would definitely give an invitation to your neighbour. Biryani must have all the necessary ingredients to make it the authentic dish. This is a dish which can be tried out on weekends as it involves time. Biryani cannot be done in a hurry, it has to be cooked slowly with lot of patience to achieve the perfect taste. Raita and pappad are the perfect accompaniments and be sure to make enough Biryani as it is going to fast disappear from the bowl like it did in my household. Thanks to vahrehvah.com for the basic recipe and I made changes according to my family's taste.

Ingredients:

Rice - 1 1/2 cups
Carrots, - 1/4 cup
Potatoes - 1/4 cup
Beans - 1/4 cup
Cauliflower -1/4 cup
Green peas - 1/4 cup
Panneer - 1/2 cup (cubed)
Green chillies - 2 nos
Jeera - 1 tsp
Garam masala (whole) - 1 tsp
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
Biryani masala - 4 tbsp (I used MDH Biryani masala)
Curds - 3/4 cup
Nuts -your choice
Mint
Coriander leaves
Salt
Oil
A few strands of Saffron

Chop onions finely and fry it till it turns brown. Keep it aside.

After soaking the rice for an hour, cook it till it is half done, strain the water and keep this aside.

Chop the potatoes,beans and carrots into 1" pieces and small florets of the cauliflower.

In a pan, add oil, then add jeera . When jeera begins to splutter, add whole garam masala, then add ginger garlic paste and let it get cooked well till the oil leaves out. Now add the cut vegetables, peas, slit green chillies and salt. Mix well and let it cook. Once they are half cooked, add finely chopped mint and coriander leaves, four tablespoons of biryani masala and half cup of curd. Mix well. Now add panneer cubes and leave it aside.

Take a wide mouth pan and add half of the cooked vegetables and spread it well in the pan. Add curds, nuts, fried onions and now add half the portion of rice and spread it well over the vegetable mix. Repeat this process till both the veggies and rice is done. Cover it well and cook in a very slow flame till the rice gets cooked fully. Mix a few strands of Saffron in two tablespoons of hot water and sprinkle over the rice for the beautiful color.

Garnish with nuts and croutons.

An awesome veggie biryani is ready to serve.

Dedication to my father and father-in-law

2011-06-19T08:44:00.001+04:00

As the whole world is celebrating Father's Day today, as I was reading some of the posts which my friends have posted about their Dad's, I was reeling back the quality time spent with my dad.

It is almost 25 years since he passed away, but his presence is felt everwhere and in all the chores I do. I can recall each and every joke we shared, the undoubted support he gave in times when my ideas were opposed by my mom, the scooter rides to the school and later to the college bus stand etc etc.

He was a man of few words and my mom says that he spoke the most only with me. My neighbours still recall the day when my father distributed Laddoos on the day I was born. He was always proud of me in whatever I do, immaterial whether the act was a failure or success, such was the blind love. His quiet and gentle nature is recalled even now by my relatives and friends.

The day of marriage, he just hugged me saying 'Silence is golden' and those words carried a million meanings within it. Later, in my life after marriage, it was my father-in-law who played the role of my father and he used to take pride when someone asks him if I was his daughter. Such was the relationship and we could talk for hours together, almost all the topics. It was an easy-breezy relationship without any expectations or egos. I am proud to quote that he had registered for my post graduation and B.Ed and encouraged me to complete them.

Both of them are no more with me, but their sweet memories lingers which guides me even now in all my thoughts and actions.

A true dedication to both, appa, I love you!!!!!!!

"No matter how old you are, you still miss your Daddy" - Anonymous

Gorgeous Vanilla cup cakes-Jungle theme

2011-05-26T13:23:00.000+04:00

If you are in and around New York, one would not have missed the 'Magnolia' cup cakes. They are too soft and the taste is beyond description. Being an ardent fan of cup cakes, tried for their recipe online and to my surprise found it here. My four year old daughter has been requesting me to make cup cakes with jungle theme for her birthday. With the excitement of the recipe in hand, thought would create this for her birthday and no doubt, it was a grand success. The above click was taken after arranging them to take to her school.

You might be wondering why I call them 'gorgeous'. Here is the proof and this is an awesome recipe which cannot go wrong at any count. Here, goes the recipe as followed from the original. The recipe calls for eggs and butter at room temperature to acquire the perfect sponginess and taste of 'Magnolia'.

Ingredients:
All purpose flour -1 1/4 cups
Self-raising flour - 1 1/2 cups
Eggs - 4 (at room temperature)
Unsalted butter - 2 sticks (at room temperature)
Sugar - 2 cups
Vanilla extract- 1 tsp
Milk - 1 cup

For the icing:

Unsalted butter - 1 stick
Confectioners Sugar - 2 cups
Milk - 1/4 cup
Vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp
Assorted food colors -I used Mc Cormick brand

Pre-heat oven to 350 deg.

Line muffin pan with cup cake liners.

In a bowl, combine the flours and set aside.

In another bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until soft and fluffy. Now, keep adding eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Now, add the flour mixture in three parts alternating with milk. Do not overbeat. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Once the ingredients are blended, carefully spoon about 3/4th of the cup cake liners. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Cool the cup cakes well before starting the icing process. Even if a little heat is there, the icing would not set and will begin to melt. Hence, complete cooling of the cake is necessary.

For the icing:
Mix the butter, sugar,milk and the vanilla and beat until smooth and creamy. Now, depending on the character on ur cake, one needs to decide upon the mix of colors. I used an array of colours like dark orange (mixture of red and yellow), light orange, black, brown (acquired by adding an equal amount of red,blue and yellow).

I successfully recreated the tiger and monkey. For the tiger effect, with the help of spatula, spread the deep orange icing evenly and a shade of light at the centre and M & M's were used for the ears and eyes. For the monkey, with dark and light brown icing again M & M's were used for the ears and eyes. Not a very difficult task for a novice.

This is my first attempt at creating jungle animals and the verdict from my 4 year old and her friends were ' awesome'. Phew, I passed the test :):)

Enjoy!!!!!!!!

'Cup cakes are dangerous, you cannot just stop with one !!!!!!! '- Unknown

Simple yet tasty Nankattais

2011-04-17T17:45:00.004+04:00

This is one of the best Desi version cookie and am sure everyone would have their own recipe. I found the recipe of Suja of Kitchen Corner very easy and perfect. Thanks Suja for your recipe. This recipe calls for just simple basic ingredients and can be prepared in a jiffy.

Ingredients:

All purpose flour - 1 cup
Corn Starch - 2 tsp
Baking powder - 1/2 tsp
Baking soda - a pinch
Salt - a pinch
Powdered sugar - 1/2 cup
Butter - 1 stick
Cardamom powder - as desired.

Pre-heat oven to 200 deg.F. Combine the flour, corn starch,baking powder, baking soda, cardamom powder and salt and keep aside. Mix butter and sugar till the batter is light and fluffy.

To the batter, add the dry mix and combine well till it forms soft lump-like texture. Make into small balls and flatten it a little. Grease the baking tray and arrange them with enough gaps between them as they expand while baking. Bake for 15 minutes and allow it to cool completely.

You can add nuts and dry fruits according to ur taste. Yummy nankattais which would disappear as fast as it is baked is guaranteed.