Flavors * Tastes * Aroma

Whole Wheat Bread with Chocolate Cheerios

2010-08-02T10:21:00.000-04:00

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There are variety of wheat breads that are coated with whole wheat grains or cracked wheat grains. Adding whole grains to everyday diet makes it easier to be healthy and nutritious. A high fiber diet is recommended especially to those who are constipated and having fiber related veggies helps a lot and also 100% whole wheat bread as it contains more fiber than other breads in general.

Ingredients
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Whole Wheat Bread 4 slices
Kiwi 1
Unsalted Butter 2 tsps.
Chocolate Cheerios to sprinkle or can use any other cereal
Low Fat Cream Cheese 4 tbsps.

Method
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Tip of the edges of all the bread slices and cut them into triangles.
Peel the Kiwi fruit, wash and cut into thin round slices and keep aside.
Spread cream cheese onto all the bread triangles and tip the butter in center on top of the cream cheese.
Sprinkle chocolate cheerios on one set of the triangles and let stick to the butter and cream cheese.
Place the thinly sliced kiwi fruit on top of the cheerios and cover with other set of triangles.
Press firmly and wrap them.
Ready to take out for picnics or let the kids enjoy as a mid-morning snack or an evening snack.

Phulka / Pulka

2010-07-30T09:07:00.000-04:00

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Whole wheat flour is more nutritious and much better than white flour. Phulka's are unleavened Indian bread and are best made when placed on a gas burner as they fluff all around evenly. They turn out to be very light and fluffy in texture, if the wheat flour is kneaded to a smooth and pliable dough. Phulka's tend to dry out or become hard, if made way before the meals time. So the best practice is to make them during the meals time and serve hot hot phulka's one after the other as they are soft and fluffed up.

Ingedients
**************
Whole Wheat Flour 2 cups + for dusting
Warm Water 1 cup or adjust accordingly
Salt pinch
Oil to grease

Method
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Take the wheat flour in a mixing bowl and add just a pinch of salt to it. Mix together.
Slowly add water little by little and knead to a smooth dough. Combine and knead the dough well.
Now tip the oil and apply all around the dough and let sit covered for 20 mins.
After 20 mins., knead the dough once to make it softer.
Heat the skillet on medium flame.
Make small balls out of the dough and start rolling.
Dust the dough balls in the wheat flour and roll the balls with a rolling pin to a round disc evenly.
Place these roundals on to the hot skillet and press gently on top till the bubbles start rising.
Then flip other side and cook for 4 - 5 secs.
On the side burner, switch on the flame to low-medium and place this bubbled phulka directly on the flame with tongs. It puffs up like a puri or a balloon and turn the other side. When both sides are puffed, serve immediately.
Light and Fluffy Phulka's taste so good when hot and as the phulka's are made with whole wheat flour, they are healthy too.

Vegetable Biryani

2010-07-29T19:15:00.000-04:00

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For good reasons, eating plenty of vegetables helps in improving health. They are very important for a good and healthy diet. Variety of vegetables provides all the nutrients to be healthy. As most of the vegetables consist mainly water, they are low in calories and are excellent source of fiber, iron, Vitamin A, Calcium, Vitamin C, Potassium. Eating colorful variety of veggies everyday helps towards the best nutrition.

Ingredients
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Basmati Rice 2 cups washed and soaked for 20 mins.
Bay Leaves 4
Shahjeera 1/2 tsp.
Salt to taste
Mint Leaves 2 tbsps. rinsed and chopped
Onions 2 large thinly sliced
Coriander Leaves 2 tbsps. rinsed and chopped
Ghee 3 tbsps.
Cauliflower 1 medium cut to medium size florets
Potatoes 3 medium diced to medium cubes
Carrots 4 diced to small pieces
Beans 1 cup chopped to small pieces.
Cashewnuts 3 tbsps.

For Masala, ground to paste with little water the following
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Ginger 3 cms. small piece
Cinnamon 4 cms.
Coriander Seeds 2 tsps.
Fennel Seeds 2 tsps.
Garlic 3 flakes
Cardamom Pods 6
Red Chilli Powder 1 1/2 tsps.
Poppy Seeds 2 tsps.
Green Chillies 3
Cloves 5

Method

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Grind the above mentioned masala ingredients adding little water to a paste. Keep the ground paste aside.
Fry the cashewnuts in 1 tbsp. ghee till light golden. Remove and keep aside for garnishing.
Once the rice is soaked for 20 mins. cook the rice with 3 1/2 cups of water and salt added to it. ( Add enough salt as we don't add salt to veggies) Cover and cook for 10 mins. After 10 mins. take out the lid and stir the rice gently once half way through and let it cook for another 5 mins. uncovered. Once the rice is done switch off the flame and let sit covered till the veggies are mixed with the rice.
When the rice is cooking, start the preparation for veggies.
Heat ghee in a kadai, add bay leaves and shahjeera. Add sliced onions and fry till brown.
When the onions turn brown, add the ground masala paste and fry for a min.
Now add cauliflower florets, diced beans, carrots and potatoes. Mix once and cover with the lid. Cook till the veggies are half cooked. Then pour 1 cup of water and stir well. Cook covered for another 10 mins.
After 10 mins. stir and cook uncovered till the water evaporates. Mix gently. Now add coriander leaves and mint leaves and mix.
Remove from fire and transfer the contents to the cooked rice.
On top of the rice layer this veggie mixture and let sit covered for 10 - 15 mins. Now mix the biryani lightly and let covered for another 5 mins.
Garnish with fried cashewnuts and lightly mix to distribute the flavors and seasonings uniformly.
Serve hot Vegetable Biryani with raita as a side dish.

To watch the video please click on the following clip

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Paneer Baingan

2010-07-28T09:53:00.000-04:00

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One of the most common dish to think of North India is none other than Paneer. It's a fresh cottage cheese which varies from curries, rice, gravys to desserts. It's finely delicate and delicious milk dish. Homemade Paneer tastes better and is much softer than the store bought ones. For the one's who doesn't have enough time to make the Paneer, the best alternative is the store bought one. One of my favorite dishes to count on is anything made with Paneer. It's an absolute delicacy. In this recipe, I combined eggplants with paneer and goes well with phulka or chapathi.

Ingredients
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Eggplants 3 long cut into bite size cubes, washed and soaked in salted water for 5 mins.
Salt to taste
Paneer 1 1/2 cups cut into small cubes
Coriander Leaves to garnish
Oil 1 tbsp.
Butter 1 tbsp.
Cumin Seeds 1/2 tsp. grind to a coarse powder
Black Salt pinch
Coriander Seeds 1/2 tsp. grind to a coarse powder
Turmeric Powder 1/4 tsp.
Amchur Powder 1/4 tsp.
Red Chilli Powder 1/4 tsp.
Sugar pinch

Method
**********

Heat oil in a frying pan. Add paneer and cook till golden brown on low heat. Keep stirring to avoid paneer sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once done remove and keep aside.
In the same pan, add butter and let melt. Add cubed eggplants and cook covered on low-medium flame.
Stir occasionally to avoid burning and cover the lid again. Cook till the eggplants are soft and tender.
When they are soft, add fried paneer and cook over low heat for 5 mins.
Now add ground cumin powder, black salt, ground coriander powder, turmeric powder, amchur powder, red chilli powder and pinch of sugar. Mix well.
After a min. add salt and combine all the spices well with eggplant paneer mixture. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and turn off the heat.
Serve hot Paneer Baingan along with phulkas and chapathi.

Fruit Salad

2010-07-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

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The best dessert to have in summer is eating fruits. It keeps us cool and satisfied for a long time. Fruits have high nutritional values and a very good source of healthy diet. They should be rinsed properly before cutting or eating. You need to eat variety of fruits everyday and trying out new fruits with different colors provides a wide range of nutrients. They are excellent source of healthful diet and a strategy to weight loss. Fresh fruits are easy to eat on-the-go which in return provides high levels of energy.

Ingredients
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Apple 1
Bananas 2
Mangoes 2
Strawberries 8
Raspberries 10
Blueberries 1 1/2 cups
Watermelon 2 cups scooped cubes
Milk 1 cup
Sugar to taste (optional)
Lemon 1 squeeze juice in a small bowl

Method
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Wash and rinse apple, mangoes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and keep aside.
Chop apple and mangoes to small cubes. Cut the bananas into rounds. Cut the tip leaves of the strawberries and slice them thinly. Keep all the fruits aside.
In a mixing bowl, add one after the other all the fruits and toss them once.
Now add lemon juice and sugar to taste. Toss again till all the fruits are mixed well.
Top it off with milk and combine. Chill before serving.
Yummy Fruit Salad does wonders to both kids and grown-ups.

Note:

Fruit variations can be easily done according to ones taste preferences.
Pineapple, Lime, Orange, Cherry, Grapes and any other fruits can be mixed depending on the choice.

Basic Easy Omelet

2010-07-26T11:57:00.000-04:00

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A quick dish anyone can think of is the one's which are made with eggs. Especially omelet which is made with beaten eggs is as quick and easy as it can be. There are variations in preparing the omelet. It can be varied from adding different vegetables. Omelet can be a hearty meal either for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There is no limit in adding veggies and having a good time that's appealing and tasty.

Ingredients
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Eggs 4
Pepper to taste
Milk 1/4 cup
Salt to taste

Method
**********

Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour milk and beat for 2 mins.
Now add salt and black pepper powder to the egg milk mixture and beat again.
When all the ingredients are well combined, keep the mixture aside.
Heat a large frying pan, add 1 1/2 tbsps. oil. Let the oil heat on medium flame.
Pour the prepared beaten omelet mixture in to the oiled frying pan. Reduce the heat to low and cover with the lid for 2 mins.
After 2 mins. take out the lid and flip the omelet to the other side and cook uncovered for 1-2 mins. till the omelet is set.
Once it's done serve hot Omelet as a side or have it as it is. Delicious :)

Mashed Potatoes

2010-07-23T10:12:00.000-04:00

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Fresh potatoes that are boiled and mashed with a potato masher is nothing but mashed potatoes. Different ingredients or herbs can be added in making of this mushy mashed potatoes. Kids love it and it's pretty easy to make. Here, I'm showing the basic simple mashed potato without adding any herbs or other creamy ingredients. It's a little dry variation which is soft but coarse.

Ingredients
***************
Potatoes 9
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Butter 2 tbsps.

Method
**********

Peel the skin of potatoes and wash them in running water.
Add water covering up the potatoes and add salt.
Boil the potatoes for 20 mins. covered, checking in between.
Stir occasionally and once the potatoes are soft and tender, switch off the flame.
Take the boiled potatoes into a serving bowl and mash well with a potato masher or a fork.
Sprinkle salt and pepper powder as per taste. ( As we already added salt while boiling potatoes make sure at this stage it's not over salted.)
Add butter and mix well.
Mashed Potato is ready to be served hot along with gravy.

To watch the video please click on the following clip
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American Pancakes

2010-07-22T16:04:00.000-04:00

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Pancake shapes vary depending on the regions. According to the individual preferences pancakes structure differs. With variety of fillings and toppings, the tastes differ from one pancake to another. They are well suited for breakfast but surely can be served at any time of the day. There are numerous variations while preparing the batter for pancakes. American Pancakes are round thick like cakes.

Ingredients
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Flour 1 1/2 cups sifted
Butter 3 tbsps. melted
Baking Powder 3 tsps. sifted
Egg 1
Salt 1 tsp.
Sugar 1 tbsp.
Low Fat Milk 1 1/4 cups
Raspberries 1/4 cup
Blueberries 1/2 cup
Strawberries 3/4 cup sliced

Method
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix all the dry ingredients together. Make little space in the center for the wet ingredients to incorporate.
Now add melted butter, milk and egg and mix well. Whisk till the batter thickens. Keep aside.
Heat a frying pan or griddle and add 1 tbsp. butter and let it spread.
Once the butter is spread, scoop the batter with a ladle in the center of the pan. ( Donot spread the batter to the entire pan, just drop and leave into a small round. It bulges by itself. )
When the bubbles start on top, check whether the bottom has turned light brown. Then flip the other side.
After a min., when the pancake has turned brown the other side too, remove from pan and place on a serving plate.
Repeat the process from points 4-6 for other pancakes.
Once all the pancakes are done, it's time to serve.
In a serving plate, arrange all the pancakes and dress up with blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries.
Drizzle delicious maple syrup over the pancakes and fruits.
Soft, spongy American Pancakes are so delicious and tasty.

Cucumber Raita

2010-07-21T18:13:00.000-04:00

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There are variety of cucumbers and they contain water in them mostly. In warm or hot summer season, cucumbers soothe a lot as it's very tender and watery. It keeps us cool and hydrated.Varied methods of pickles and salads can be prepared. Cucumber Raita is one of a kind to cool down. Combining cucumbers and yogurt together yields nutritive values and health benefits.

Ingredients
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Cucumber                       1 large peeled and rinsed
Salt                                 to taste
Yogurt                            2 cups
Low Fat Milk                  3 tbsps.

Method
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Grate the cucumber and keep aside.
In a bowl, take yogurt and beat until smooth. To the beaten yogurt add milk and blend well.
Blend until creamy tart texture. Add salt and mix well.
Now add grated cucumber and mix well. Combine the cucumber with yogurt mixture.
Cucumber Raita is ready to be served as side dish.

Note: You can add spices of your choice if you would like.

Egg Masala Semiya

2010-07-20T17:33:00.000-04:00

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Vermicelli is a type of pasta. In India it's named differently. In south mostly it's called as semiya. Either it's made sweet or like upma. Instead of making the same routine semiya upma, I spiced up by adding whole garam masala and to make it more healthier I added egg to it. So it matches to both for kids and grown-ups.

Ingredients
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Eggs            2 boil eggs for 15 mins. on high and peel out the shell
Vermicelli              4 cups
Oil                         2 tbsps.
Mustard Seeds       1 tsp.
Coriander Leaves     to garnish
Cardamom Pods      6
Salt                        to taste
Black Cumin            2 tsps.
Onions                    2 finely chopped
Cloves                     4
Green Chillies          3 finely chopped

Method
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Cut the boiled eggs into half and scoop out the yolks separately into a small bowl and keep aside.Now chop the boiled egg whites into small cubes. Keep aside.
In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp. oil and add semiya and toast till light golden. Once the semiya changes to slight color, take out in a bowl and keep aside.
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp. oil. Once the oil is hot add mustard seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, black cumin and sautee.
When the mustard seeds sputter around, add onions and sautee till the onions turn transparent. Add green chillies and curry leaves and stir for few secs.
Once all the ingredients are combined well, pour water 6-7 cups and add salt. Let it come to a boil.
When the water starts to boil, add toasted semiya and keep stirring gently.When the semiya is 3/4 done or is tender, add chopped egg white cubes and stir.
Once all the water is evaporated garnish the dish with coriander leaves. (if you like you can as well top it off with kept aside boiled egg yolks)
Serve hot Egg Masala Semiya along with the sides of your choice.

Spiced Almonds

2010-07-19T16:11:00.000-04:00

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Almonds are one of the healthy nuts to eat. These crunchy almonds with spiced punch satisfies the snack bites. When the spices are infused into these nuts, a wonderful aroma is released. They are rich source of Vitamin E and improves health.

Ingredients
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Olive Oil                        2 tsps.
Salt                                to taste
Whole Almonds             3 tbsps.
Red Chilli Powder          1 1/2 tsps.
Cumin Powder               1/2 tsp.
Black Pepper Powder    1/4 tsp.

Method
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Take a frying pan and heat oil over medium heat.
Drop the almonds and roast them on low flame till light golden in color.
When the almonds are golden add cumin powder, red chilli powder and sautee for a min.
In the end, add pepper powder and salt as per taste and combine well.
Once the almonds turn aromatic switch off and take out in a serving dish.

To watch the video please click on the following clip
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Succotash

2010-07-16T15:45:00.000-04:00

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Many of America's traditional dishes have their roots in Native American foods. Succotash is one of them. Traditionally this dish is made with lima beans, corn and peppers. Here I had to substitute lima beans with french beans. But lima beans tastes better. So try with lima beans and see the difference.

Ingredients
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Butter                                3 tbsps.
Red Peppers                     1/4 cup thinly sliced
Corn                                3 cups
Lima Beans                       2 cups
Salt                                    to taste
Black Pepper Powder          2 tsps.

Method
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In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsps. butter. Once butter is heated, add red bell peppers and cook until tender for a min. Add corn and cook for a min. In the end add lima beans and stir for a min.
Now add 1/4 cup water, stir, cover and lower the flame.Let it cook for 3 mins. Now cook uncovered for another 2 mins. on low flame till the water evaporates.
Add 1 tbsp. butter and season the dish with salt and pepper. Stir and combine all the veggies with buttered seasoning.
Traditional dish of Native America "Succotash" is ready.

Bagharwali Dahi Phulkiyan

2010-07-15T08:19:00.000-04:00

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I got this recipe from my friend. She told me how to do it, so I tried to do exactly to the "T" and it turned out to be very nice. It's a kind of north Indian "Kadi" and looks the same too. But surely it's different from kadi. It's Bagharwali Dahi Phulkiyan. Meaning, Pakoras in Seasoned Yogurt Sauce. This goes well with naan.

Ingredients
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Yogurt              3 cups beat the yogurt to a creamy texture without adding water
Besan                        1 cup
Onions                         1 medium finely chopped
Red Chilli Powder          3 tsps.
Coriander Leaves          3 tbsps.
Green Chillies               2 finely chopped
Salt                              to taste
Garlic                          3 flakes
Dry Red Chilli              1
Curry Leaves                few
Baking Soda                1/4 tsp.
Oil                               to deep fry

Method
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Keep the beaten yogurt aside. In a blender, add garlic flakes, red chilli, small amount of water and make into a paste. Add this paste to yogurt and add salt as per taste. Mix well.
Now add little water to yogurt mixture and combine well. Keep it aside.
In a wide bowl, take besan, baking soda, salt and add small amount of water to make a batter.
To this batter, add onions, green chillies, 2 tbsps. coriander leaves, red chilli powder and mix well. Add enough water to make into slightly thicker consistency to make pakoras.
Heat oil in a kadai. Once oil is hot, drop small dollops of the batter from side and deep fry on medium heat till golden brown.
Once they turn golden brown, take out from the oil and put them carefully in the yogurt sauce directly.
In a pan, heat oil and add red chillies, curry leaves. Add this seasoning to the yogurt pakora mixture.
Garnish with 1 tbsp. coriander leaves and serve Bagharwali Dahi Phulkiyan with hot naan.

Kobbari Annamu

2010-07-14T17:31:00.000-04:00

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Rice is the most important staple food for most parts of the world. There are many varieties of rice, few being aromatic fragrant rice. It's an important factor for nutrition and caloric intake. In South India, rice is the main staple grain compared to the rest of India, where wheat flour is more common. Traditional method for people in South India is to serve all the dishes along with the rice. Kobbari Annam aka Coconut Rice is very much famous in Andhra and is too delicious to eat. It's simple, easy and a very light rice dish.

Ingredients
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Rice         1 cup washed, soaked for 1/2 hour, cooked with a tsp. of oil, keep aside
Ghee                              3 tbsps.
Oil                                 1 tbsp.
Cloves                           6
Cinnamon                       1"
Bay Leaf                         3
Cardamom Pods              6
Cashewnuts                    3 tbsps.
Urad Dal                         1 tbsp.
Chana Dal                       2 tbsps.
Fresh Grated Coconut      2 cups
Curry Leaves                  few
Green Chillies                3 slit lengthwise
Salt                               to taste

Method
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In a large frying pan, add 1tbsp ghee and let it heat. Add cashewnuts, chana dal and urad dal and roast till the dals are slightly red. Remove and keep aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining ghee and oil. Once it's hot toss in the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, bay leaves and let sautee for a min. Now add curry leaves and slit green chillies and sautee them for a min.
Once sauteed, add freshly grated coconut and mix well. Fry till the rawness of the coconut disappears.
Combine coconut with the whole garam masala and add salt as per your taste. Stir in between to avoid the coconut sticking to the surface of the pan for 5-6 mins.
When a nice aromatic fragrance begins, add the cooked rice and combine well. (Donot mash the rice. Be gentle enough while mixing and combining all the ingredients with rice.)
Stir for 5 mins. and turn off the heat.
Garnish coconut rice with the roasted cashewnuts, chana dal and urad dal and combine well.
Cover and let stand for 1/2 hour before serving for all the flavors to combine together.
Authentic, Traditional, Delicious Kobbari Annamu is ready.

Orange Jello

2010-07-13T14:05:00.000-04:00

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Jelly is one of a kind desserts, a translucent solid substance. They can be mould into different shapes. Jell-O's could be set in a personalized mould and turn out to be a party hit. It's an ultimate pudding for kids to be served in summer. It's pretty easy to make and pretty easy to gulp. Once it's out of the chilled temperature, kids won't wait. Bowls will be cleaned within no time.

Ingredients
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Gelatine                 9 gms.
Hot Boiled Water    1 cup
Cold water            1 cup

Method
*********

Take gelatine in a bowl and add boiling water and stir continously for 2 mins. until the powder is dissolved.
Now pour cold water and stir for a min. Let the powder combine well with the water.
Now refrigerate for about 3-4 hours until firm.
Keep it chilled and take out before serving.
Jell-O is wiggly wobbling all around the tray.

To watch the video please click on the following clip
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Tomato Upma

2010-07-12T10:57:00.000-04:00

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There are variety of upma's which can be made with wheat grains or vermicelli. It's typically a South Indian dish. In South India the ingredient which is used to make upma is called as "ravva", wherein the rest of the places, call it as "Sooji". It's very easy to prepare and also is incorporated with various flavors including spices and vegetables used in the preparation of making upma. Though there are many ways to prepare this dish, basic rule applies. If you know to make basic upma, you can play with the vegetables and other ingredients and turn out to your own recipe.

Ingredients
*************
Sooji Roasted           1 cup
Salt                          to taste
Hing                         1/4 tsp.
Onion                      1 medium chopped
Green Chillies           3 chopped
Ginger                      1 tsp. thinly & finely chopped
Curry Leaves            few
Tomato                     1 medium chopped to cubes
Coriander Leaves      2 tbsps. finely chopped
Mustard Seeds         1 tsp.
Cashewnuts              3 tbsps.
Chana Dal                 2 tbsps.
Urad Dal                   1 tbsp.
Ghee                        1 tbsp.
Water                       3 cups adjust water level accordingly

Method
*********

In a large saucepan, add ghee. Once the ghee is hot add cashewnuts, chana dal and urad dal. Let all the nuts turn light golden and then add mustard seeds.
Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add hing, broken dry red chilli, curry leaves.
Now add onions and let sautee for 3 mins. Once the onions turn golden add chopped green chillies and ginger. Sautee for few secs. Now add tomatoes and let them become soft.
When the tomatoes are soft, toss in the coriander leaves and sautee for a min.
Pour water and add salt and let it come to a single boil.
When the water starts to boil, slowly add the sooji / ravva and stir continously in order not to form any lumps. Stir continously for 3-4 mins. or till you get the desired consistency of upma. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 mins.
Serve hot upma along with a lemon and pickle.

Thotakura Vepudu

2010-07-09T19:14:00.000-04:00

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Amaranth leaves has the potential to improve nutrition. In most parts of the world, they are consumed as a leafy vegetable and is also known as Chinese Spinach. It's very popular in the warm temperate regions and is a very good source of vitamins. Every place has it's own specialized preparation of amaranth leaves. Thotakura is tasty, whether it's cooked with lentils or sauteed or stir-fried. All the greens goes very well with either rice or rotis. As this recipe is a stir-fry, it can be served as a side dish along with rice or can be served as a green leafy subzi with rotis. As per me, I always loved eating this leafy stir-fry among others.

Ingredients
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Mustard Seeds          3 tsps.
Onion                      1 large, finely chopped
Thotakura                1 bunch, rinsed under running water and chopped finely
Green Chillies          3 slit lengthwise
Dry Red Chilli        1 broken
Curry Leaves          few
Salt                        to taste
Turmeric Powder    1 tsp.
Hing                       2 tsps.
Chana Dal              1 tbsp.
Urad Dal                1 tbsp.
Oil                         3 tbsp.

Method
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Heat a non-stick frying pan and add oil to it. Once the oil is hot, toss in the chana dal and urad dal. Let the dals turn light golden color. Now add mustard seeds and broken red chilli. Let the mustard seeds splutter. Add curry leaves and hing.
Now toss in the chopped onions and let them turn golden brown. Add slit green chillies and sautee for a min.
At this point, add salt and turmeric powder and sautee for another 2 mins. on low flame. Now add Thotakura (Amaranth leaves) and stir well.
Stir-fry Thotakura on low flame uncovered till all the leaves are shrunk completely and combined well with the onions. Stir frequently to avoid sticking to the surface of the pan. Adjust seasonings.
In the end, sprinkle 1 tbsp. of finely chopped onions and mix.Thotakura vepudu is ready to be served along with rotis and rice as a side dish.

Splendid Chocolate Milk

2010-07-08T22:54:00.000-04:00

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Milk is a primary source of nutrition. The amount of calcium from milk is usually high. It appears to be effective at promoting muscle growth. It's a good energy source to both kids and older people. Regular sugars can be substituted with no calorie sweetener to go more healthy way.

Ingredients
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2% Low Fat Milk                                 1 cup
No Calorie Sweetener                         1 tbsp.
Chocolate milk powder                         2 tbsps.

Method
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Pour milk in a large microwave safe cup and microwave for 1 min. ( or depends on how hot you need).
Now add no calorie sweetener and chocolate milk powder to the milk and stir well.
Drink warm splendid milk.

Fresh GreenPeppers Soup

2010-07-07T22:22:00.000-04:00

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When you see green peppers at a local superstores, then just think of this special soup. Fresh green peppers are especially tasty.Let's cook a special soup.

Ingredients
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Butter                     3 tbsps.
Sour Cream            to garnish
Green Peppers         3 large chopped to small cubes ( deseed inside the green peppers)
Pepper Powder        to taste
Onion                      1 large finely chopped
Salt                          to taste
All-purpose Flour       3 tbsps.
Lemon Juice             1 - 2 tsps.
Chicken Stock          5 1/2 cups
Parsley                     1 tbsp.
Light Cream             1/3 cup

Method
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Melt half the butter in a large skillet and add green peppers. season with salt and pepper powder and cook over a medium heat for about 10 mins. untill they start to color, stirring occassionally.Once the green peppers become tender and soft, remove from heat.
Now melt the remaining butter in a saucepan, add chopped onions and cook for 3 mins. intill softened. Stir the flour and cook for another 2 mins. Add chicken stock and stir well.
Set aside 3 tbsps. of green peppers to garnish at the end. Add the remaining pieces to the pan and cook covered for 20 mins., stirring occassionally.
Allow the soup to cool slightly, then blend until smooth.
Return the pureed mixture to the saucepan. Stir in the set aside 3 tbsps. green peppers to this soup, add light cream and parsley. Cook for 5 mins., just to let the heat through. Adjust the seasonings and add lemon juice.
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with sour cream.

To watch the video please click on the following clip
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Glazed Walnuts

2010-07-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

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It will be great fun to create delicious and nutritious desserts at a short notice, where the flavors are combined. Caramelized dessert casserole is easy to prepare and store.

Ingredients
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Walnuts 1 cup
Sugar 1/2 cup

Method
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Take a casserole and grease it properly.
Toss in walnuts halves and sugar in the casserole. Add 1/4 cup water to it and combine well.
Microwave for 4 mins. and stir in between. Again microwave for another 4 mins. till the sugar has caramelized, stirring several times in between to avoid burning or sticking.
Once it's done, pour the mixture into a greased dish and let it cool completely.
Sugar glazed walnuts are ready to eat and can be stored in an air tight container.

Pop Corn

2010-07-02T21:07:00.000-04:00

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A popular snack and a unique favorite short eat for many especially movie and sport lovers. Instead of buying popcorn at the theatres, where they come in bucket size or large cups, it's always recommended that you make your own popcorn at home and bring it to the theatre as you can portion control of how much you should eat. It's pretty easy to pop the corn seeds at home.

Ingredients
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Corn Seeds 2 cups
Salt to taste

Method
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Preheat a deep pan on medium heat. Let it reach the heating point.
Once the pan is heated, drop in the corn seeds and toast them by frequent stirring till small brown spots appear on them.
Now cover with the lid and heat on a medium flame till the seeds begin to pop. After a min. reduce the heat.
Once all the seeds pop, turn off the heat and take out in a bowl. Sprinkle just a pinch of salt and shake well.

Note:

Another variation to it is, you can toast the seeds in 2 tsps. butter and let them pop.
Make sure there is ample space for the corn seeds to pop.
Pack popcorn in ziplock covers and enjoy the fun time at the theatres.

Grilled Mozarella Sandwich

2010-07-01T21:00:00.000-04:00

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Sandwich fillings can be as limitless as your imagination can lead you to your taste buds and your personal taste. Sometimes you really wish for someone to cook and serve you, especially in the evening when you are tired of all the work which was being handled the whole day. But when that doesn't work out, then you turn yourself to quick and easy dinners and onbeat the healthy choice. The same was the case with me today, after going thru the procedure, felt like to stick on to the couch and watch a feel kind a movie. So tried to make some quick dinner for my family and started diggin the fridge, wherein I found only 1 tomato nice big round one, mozzarella sticks and basil leaves. That's it, jumped into action as I had wheat bread handy and what better choice to make other than healthy filling.

Ingredients
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Wheat Bread                            4 slices
Olive Oil                                4 tsps.
Black Pepper Powder                to taste
Salt                                       to taste
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks           3 oz.
Tomato                                    1
Fresh Basil Leaves                    6 large

Method
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Thinly slice the tomato into rounds. Chop basil leaves into thin strips. Thinly slice the mozzarella sticks to lengthwise. Keep all of them aside.
Preheat the sandwich grill till it turns green light. While it's getting preheated prepare for the sandwich filling.
Spread olive oil on one side of the bread for all 4 slices ( not on both sides). When the grill indicates green light bread is ready to be placed on it.
Place the olive oil coated side of the bread facing down and start arranging the layers for the sandwich.
On that put mozzarella strips, topped with chopped basil leaves, topped with thinly sliced round tomato and sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
Once all the fillings are layered top it off with the remaining olive oil coated side of the bread facing upwards and close the lid of the grill.
Once the green light indicator is on, sandwich is ready to be served.

Note: You can use varied fillings of your choice for sandwich.

Prawn Masala

2010-05-12T10:54:00.001-04:00

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There are many varieties of prawns and shrimp. Though both of them are used interchangeably, they sure are different from each other. The major difference between the two are prawns have claws on three pairs of legs and shrimp have claws on two pairs of legs. Most of them, including me, sometimes get confused between the two and say prawns for shrimp and vice-versa. So let's see on how to cook Prawn Masala. Though I say prawn masala, I used very mild masala and is appetizing.

Ingredients
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Shelled Prawns               2 cups ( Deveined and cleaned )
Salt                                to taste
Green Chillies                 2 ( slit lengthwise )
Onions                           2 large ( minced )
Red Chilli Powder            2 tsp.
Tomatoes                       2 ( Blanch, peel and chop )
Turmeric Powder            1 tsp.
Garlic Pods                     8
Coriander Powder            2 tsps.
Ginger                           2 cms.
Cumin Seeds                   2 tsps.

Method
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Grind together garlic flakes, cumin seeds and ginger piece along with little water to a paste.
Heat oil in a kadai. Once oil is hot add onions and fry till brown. Add green chillies.
Add the ground paste and fry well. Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and give a stir.
Add chopped tomatoes and fry till they are pulpy. Once tomatoes are pulpy, add cleaned prawns and give a stir.
Cook covered on low to medium flame till the prawns are well cooked. Now add in salt and mix well. Let it cook till well done.
Remove from fire and serve the dish along with rice.

To watch the video please click on the following clip
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Prawn Masala

2010-05-12T10:54:00.000-04:00

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Grind together garlic flakes, cumin seeds and ginger piece along with little water to a paste.
Heat oil in a kadai. Once oil is hot add onions and fry till brown. Add green chillies.
Add the ground paste and fry well. Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and give a stir.
Add chopped tomatoes and fry till they are pulpy. Once tomatoes are pulpy, add cleaned prawns and give a stir.
Cook covered on low to medium flame till the prawns are well cooked. Now add in salt and mix well. Let it cook till well done.
Remove from fire and serve the dish along with rice.

To watch the video please click on the following clip
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Kobbari Laddoo (Coconut Sweet Balls)

2010-04-23T17:07:00.001-04:00

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First of all Happy Earth Day to all. As it's Earth Day thought of making some sweet. Condensed sweet dishes are to relish for by anyone. I personally love sweets and coconut sweet is one of them. Coconut is used in many recipes and it plays vast roles in various spicy, tangy, sweet dishes. Kobbari in Telugu, means Coconut. Kobbari Laddoo a.k.a. Kobbari Lousu is one of my favorite treat.

Ingredients
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@ Dry Coconut Powder             1 cup + 1/3 cup to garnish
@ Fat Free Milk                        1 1/2 cups
@ Sugar                                  3/4 cup
@ Green Cardamom Powder      pinch

Method
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In a pan, dry roast 1 cup coconut powder for couple of mins. and keep aside.
In the same pan, pour milk and let come to a boil.
Now add dry roasted coconut powder to the milk and let it leave the sides of the pan.
At this point, add sugar and mix well.
Cook on medium - low flame till the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix well.
Once the mixture settles in center turn off the heat and transfer to a wide bowl.
Let cool for 5 mins. and once cooled roll into small laddoos.
Once the balls are ready, roll them onto the coconut powder.
Kobbari Laddoo or Coconut Sweet Balls are ready to be served.

To watch the video please click on the following clip
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