My Lil Passion!!!

Eggplant Curry for Briyani

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:05:00 -0700

Brinjal is one of my favorite vegetable. I simply love anything prepared with brinjals. This Brinjal curry is a very simple curry which goes well with Briyani. Today My friend Priya requested a recipe for an eggplant curry and I’m happy to post this recipe .

Ingredients:

Brinjal – 1 lb

Tomatoes – 2 chopped

Green chillies – 3 slit

Onion – 1 medium chopped
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder – 1 tsp

Cumin/ Jeera powder – 1/2 tsp

Garam masala – 1/2 tsp

Tamarind juice – 1/4 cup

Water – 1 cup
Salt – to taste

Mustard and urad dal - 1/2 tbsp
cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp.
Dry red chillies – 2

Oil – 4 tbsp

To Grind:

----------

Red chillies - 2

Grated coconut – 2 tbsp

White sesame seeds – 2 tsp
Peanuts – 4 tbsp
Cashew nuts - 3 tbsp

Garnish with:

curry leaves- 1 sprig

cilantro/ coriander leaves (chopped)- 1 tbsp

PREPARATION:

Wash and clean the Brinjal, Slit it and fry in oil 4 minutes. Dry Roast the items mentioned except coconut and then grind them . Grind the tomatoes also.

Soak the tamarind in 1 cup water for 20 minutes. Squeeze it and get the extract.

In a separate pan, heat the cooking oil and splutter the cumin seeds, mustard and red chillies then add the chopped onions and saute it to golden brown.

Add the Ginger - Garlic paste and saute till the raw smell goes out. Now add the tomato paste and add some salt and saute for few min. Add the green chillies and then add the ground paste and cook for 10 or 15 min. The pan may get sticky so add water little by little. Now add the tamarind extract. When the Raw smell of the paste goes off, add the brinjals but take care not to smash them ... just cook as it starts boiling and turn off the fire.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot. It goes well with any kind of Briyani or for Steamed Rice!

POLYMER CLAY CRAFTS!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 15:53:00 -0800

When I was browsing blog posts in the Etsy group I found various polymer clay figurines and doll house sculptures which inspired me a lot. Evening my beloved hubby dropped me in the Michaels' and I shopped lot of materials regarding clay ... clay .... clay.

Two years ago they figured out a way to create canes using Play-Doh and now came up with a new idea to use natural clay as a mold for polymer clay. Since natural clay curing temperature is much higher then polymer clay curing temperature you can use it as a "shape holder" to create many shapes of polymer. Give it a Try!! HAVE FUN!

These are my first babies... !

Hope you liked it!

Mutton Kulambu\Mutton curry!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 17:02:00 -0800

Mutton Kulambu....my family's favorite. My mom cooks almost on all Sundays :)...! She really deserves a Iron Chef crown. This is one of a kind mutton curry, try out this recipe if you want to relish the taste of real south Indian tasty mutton curry. This will definitely bring you the nostalgic memories of home cooked food.

Ingredients:

Mutton – 2 Lb.
Onion – 2 Big finely diced
Tomoto - 4 sliced
Green Chillies - 4 to 5
Ginger & garlic paste – 3 tbsp
Potato - 2 (cut into big cubes)
Chilli powder – 1 tbsp
Coriander powder – 3 tbsp
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tbsp
Garam Masala – 1 tbsp
Curry leaves
Shredded coconut - 1/2 cup
Fennel seeds - 1 tbsp
Salt

Dry Grind:

Black pepper corn – 1 tsp
Coriander – 1 tsp
Caradamom – 4
Cloves – 4
Cinnamom – 2 medium stick
Red chilli – 2
Fennel seeds - 1 tbsp

Heat the pan and dry roast the above ingredients and grind coarsely.

Pressure cook mutton, 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced tomato, 1 tbsp of ginger garlic paste and 1 tsp each of black pepper corn, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder and salt to taste.

Heat oil in a pan & add all the dry masala ingredients. When it splutters add the finely cut onion and saute for 3 to 4 mins. Now add the ginger garlic paste. Saute the paste until the aroma goes off. Add the Tomato and saute everything together for 5 mins or tomato becomes juicy. Now add the powders one at a time and then roast for little time. Add the Potato cubes and saute it. Add 1 cup of water and stir for 5 mins. Add some salt to taste.

When it starts boiling add the pressure cooked mutton and all of the pressure cooked water and ingredients. Grind the coconut along with 2 green chillies and fennel seeds. When the mutton pieces are cooked well add the coconut masala and mix well. Let it boil for 5 min. Garnish with coriander leaves. Mutton kulambu is now ready to be served. Serve hot with Rice, Chappathi or Parotta.

Don't Cluck!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:31:00 -0800

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

While walking through the forest one day, a farmer found a young eagle who had apparently fallen out of his nest. He took it home and put it in his barnyard with his chickens and there it stayed for years. It wasn't long before the little eagle learned to eat and behave like the chickens.

One day a naturalist passed by the farm and saw the eagle confined in the barnyard with the chickens. When he inquired about this strange sight, the farmer told the man his story. "Unfortunately," said the farmer, "the poor little guy just never learned to fly." "Still," the naturalist sighed, "he has the heart of an eagle and can surely be taught. Will you allow me to work with him?" The farmer agreed, but with much disbelief.

The naturalist picked up the eagle and lifted him toward the sky and said, "You belong to the sky and not to the earth. Stretch forth your wings and fly." The eagle, however, was confused. He did not know who he was, and seeing the chickens eating their food, he jumped down to be with them again. The naturalist took the bird to the roof of the house and urged him again, saying, "You are an eagle. Stretch forth your wings and fly." But the eagle was afraid and jumped down once again to be with his chicken friends.

Finally the naturalist took the eagle out of the barnyard to a high mountain. There he held the king of the birds high above him and encouraged him again, saying, "You are an eagle. You belong to the sky. Stretch forth your wings and fly!" The eagle looked around, back towards the barnyard and then up to the sky. Slowly, he stretched his wings, and with a triumphant cry, he soared away into the heavens.

Somewhere along the line, we like this poor young eagle, looking for good day to happen in our lives.

Don’t sit in your nest and wait for something to happen – Make it happen! Be active!

Don’t flock! Don’t do what the others do and don’t care what they think about you! Put everything in God’s hands and step out of your way.

Don’t run and hide when the storms of life confront you. Pray and Pray you will succeed.

We are eagles! We were created to fly and even soar! God has great purpose for our lives! If we would only realize who we are in Him!

Lean on!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:00:00 -0800

Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall. Psalm 55:22

Giving over our burdens means to LET GO of them. Quite complicated to think? Yes it is. Just leave them on God's shoulders and accept His answers. Giving up our burdens is a prayerful and submissive act of our will.

God cradles us in His eternal arms. As long as we choose to stay in his arms, we cannot get out of his reach or hidden from his sight. His arms keep us from falling.They keep us.

We must truly give our lives, not for our own glory, but for His. Until we do that, we'll never be able to see all the blessings and opportunities the Lord has prepared for us.! Good Day!

More Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:02:00 -0700

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3

One minister tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even! Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has hurt me!"

The minister suggested an ingenious plan "Why don't you go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him. Make him believe you love him. Then — after you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, drop the bomb. Tell him you want a divorce. That will really hurt him.

"With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful! Boy, will he ever be devastated!" And she did it with enthusiasm. For two months she showed love and kindness, she listened, served and reinforced. When she didn't return to his office, the minister called. "So.are you ready now to go through with the divorce?" "Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered that I really do love him."

This woman's actions changed her feelings. Whether it's a tough relationship, a long-time fear, or a task that seems too big for us to accomplish, sometimes we need to act "FAST" in faith in order to see it conquered for the Kingdom!

Whatever it may be, let's give it to the Lord today and ask Him to motivate us to go forth with strength and passion — for His sake!

Life's Challenge - Patience!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:35:00 -0700

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer Romans 12:12

Patience is a virtue. And again & again the Bible teaches us that we need to develop this virtue in our lives. Patience is one of those attributes that you cannot learn by reading about it. It's a quality that can only be acquired by persistent, enduring, practice– and for me it's a drill that I go over, and over, and over again! Yet, impatient at most times!

Just finding out what Patience really means, and the two definitions really hit me was ; Patience is “the ability to accept delay or disappointment graciously" and Patience is “endurance without murmuring”

How about the little 4-year-old boy who was traveling with his mother & constantly asking the same question over & over again? "When are we going to get there? When are we going to get there?" Finally, the mother got so irritated that she said, "We still have 90 more miles to go. So don’t ask me again when we’re going to get there." Well, the boy was silent for a long time. Then he timidly asked, "Mom, will I still be four when we get there?"

You’re weary, but patience is the quality that says, "This too, will pass. It’s almost over. I can keep on keeping on." Is your patience being tested today? Great! Just remember, love is (first of all) patient. [1 Cor. 13:4] The Lord is training you at difficult times...!

Have you ever stopped & wondered why God hasn’t intervened?

One BIG reason, God is patient & He wants everybody to be saved. Every day that He waits is just one more day for people to repent & come to Him.

You show others the patience, you want them to show you!!

God's wonders!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:49:00 -0700

Great are the works of the lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them psalm 111:2

When it comes right down to it, when you learn to love God’s great outdoors, you will find wonders not only in the mega-majestic but also in the mini-majesty just outside your backdoor.

Just Wait .... 4 Good things!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:09:00 -0700

"God's best gifts" come slowly. We could not use them if they did not. Many times, we are like; "When will IT happen?!". The Lord knows the "TIME". He will bring major efforts(good conclusion) to his successful creations. Paul had time to realize this as he lay in prison. Moses must have asked, 'Why?' many times during the delays in Midian and in the wilderness. Jesus Himself experienced the discipline of delay in His silent years before His great public ministry began. But growth and strength in waiting results greater than the end .... so impatiently longed for.
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, age five and Ryan, three. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson so she said; "Now boys, if Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.'" Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus."
This story cracked me up, but how true is it of our lives? We want what we want!! and we want it now!

Perhaps you've been waiting on something for a long time and you're weary. You're not alone! Let's ask the Lord to renew our hearts and desires today, and give us a fresh infilling of strength to wait on His perfect timing. Good things come to those who WAIT!!! Do not be discouraged or worried...! Results do not come as rapid as We would think or desire! Just Wait!

Money...Money...Money!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:50:00 -0700

"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money". Matthew 6:24

Money is a necessity, an essential and integral part of life. Just like most things, money is not bad but what you do with it is what makes the difference.

We are meant to love people and use money, but unfortunately many people love money and use people. When our necessary needs leads to luxurious we are getting involved to gather it more and more.

Our strong Urge to get more money and living a better lifestyle indulge us in many evils. To have a 'presence' on the earth and to make an 'impact' money is needful. It's commonly said that "the love of money is the root of all evil", I believe this is true because the Bible says so. The "Love of money" refers to our attitude, or our motive towards wanting money.

As important as money is in this world, we are not meant to "love" it but desire it., for there are many things money cannot 'do' for us.

Money can buy us a bed but she cannot buy us sleep.
Money can buy us books but she cannot buy us intelligence.
Money can buy the good Bible but she cannot buy us salvation.
Money can attract 'friends' to us but she cannot fix loneliness.
Money can get us a wedding but she cannot produce a real life.
Money can buy us sex but she cannot get us true love.
Money can get us the best tutors but she doesn't give us wisdom.

Money can be a blessing or a curse to you depending on your state of heart towards it. It's time to get our priorities right when it comes to money, It's time to love people, and use money.

Now …. Who are you serving with ?

தாய் மண்ணின் பிரிவு!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:42:00 -0700

தாய் மண்ணை நேசிக்கிறேன் ....!

உறவுகளை அறிமுகப்படுத்தி,

உயிரை உணரவைத்து,

என்னை நானாக...!

பார்க்கும் என் மண்ணை ....

நேசிக்கிறேன் ....!

எந்நாளும் ....!

நேசிப்பவர்கள் எல்லாம்

மண்ணோடு நிலைத்துவிட்டால்...

நினைவின் மொழியும்,பிரிவின் வலியும்....!

தெரியாமல் போய்விடும்...!!!

Shelter!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:25:00 -0700

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

What a Promise ... the psalmist gives!

Kale Greens Poriyal / Keerai Poriyal !!!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:40:00 -0700

Green leafy side dishes....Yumm!!! Do you like to crave for more greens and greeny leaves and in the lookout for some new varieties to try? Then, it is the kind of recipe to try! Though we do not get the drumstick leaves here in U.S, still we can make use of what we get like collard greens or Kale leaves. They are definitely has the bitter and distinctive taste and tough in texture, similar to our Drumstick leaves. These are packed with nutrients …. try include these greens in the weekly menu !!!

Ingredients

Kale Leaves/ Drumstick leaves - 1 bunch

Onion (chopped) - 1/4 cup

Garlic pods -4

Mustard/urad dal - 1/4 tbsp

Cumin seeds - 1/4 tbsp

Asafoetida powder - pinch

Dry Red Chillies - 2

Grated coconut - 2 to 3 tbsp

Salt - to taste

Oil - 1 tbsp

Preparation :

Wash and clean the leaves. Usually a bunch will have 8-10 leaves like this. The stalk in the center will be very hard, so we got to cut and discard those. Chop the leaves in smaller sizes and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan, splutter mustard and urad dal, cumin seeds, red chili and curry leaves. Sprinkle asafoetida and add chopped onions and crushed garlic. Saute them for 2-3 minutes, then add the chopped Kale / collard greens and salt. These greens are very tough and takes little longer to cook. Sprinkle some water and cook covered. As soon as the greens get cooked add the shredded coconut and fry really well till all the water gets evaporated. Enjoy the greens meal with sambar rice or any other rice!!! :)

The Power of LOVE!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:21:00 -0700

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7

Love...Love your neighbor! One of the Bible’s repeated command. Whether they appreciate you, or respond to your love, Jesus's command is still valid: You must show love to your neighbor in a practical way. Everyone knows it, but are we coming forward to do it. We are finding a reason to blame on something!!!

A lady who was quite busy with cooking for her guests got tensed when her little son walked behind her so closely wherever she went. At one point, she yelled at him and pushed him badly which made him cry. He ran out as fast as he could into his bedroom and wept a lot till he slept. The lady after she finished all her work at the kitchen remembered what she did to her son. When she went into his bedroom, she found him on his bed. Then the Lord reminded her to go to the kitchen again. When she went, she saw so many beautiful flowers in various colors scattered on the floor. She came to know that the small boy followed her wherever she went just to surprise his mother with her favorite flowers. She realized how badly she hurt him without realizing his love for her. She could no longer control running to the boy. He took him into her arms. She hugged him and kissed him as if she saw him after a very long time.

Love has to be shared with those who deserve it. A man who is 50 years now is always a kid to his old mom and dad. A child is always a child to mother's heart. Hurting others will take just a few minutes, but bringing the relationship back in track may take years. In some cases, that would never happen. Forget whatever happened in the past years. Take a time & opportunity to be kind and to show the love to others.

Finally to gain the power of love,

Love God

Love yourself

Love your family

Love your friends

Love your neighbors

Love your enemies

The first 4 areas ... loving most of your family and friends is very easy because of the strong, natural bonds that we have already established with them. The last 2 areas could be we never covered...! However, this can be done with the help of the kneeling on prayers. Once we start to feel the love of God Himself for some of these people, it will then become much easier! God Bless.

Alphabet Prayer!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:13:00 -0700

This is a story that I read today its really nice!

Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with man. Now the story goes, a little shepherd boy was watching his sheep one Sunday morning and he heard the bells of the church ringing. And watching the people walk along the pasture where he was, he happened to think to himself, “I would like to communicate with God! But, what can I say to God?” He had never learned a prayer.

So, on bended knee, he began to recite the alphabet. Repeating this prayer several times, a man passing by, heard the boy’s voice and peaked through the bushes. He saw the young boy kneeling with folded hands, eyes closed, repeating the alphabet. He interrupted the boy. “What are you doing, my little one?” he asked. The boy replied, “I was praying sir.” The man seemed surprised and said, “But why are you reciting the alphabet?” The boy explained, “I don’t know any prayers, sir. But I want God to take care of me, and to help me care for my sheep. And so I thought, if I said all I knew, He could put the letters together into words, and He would know all that I want and should say!”

The man smiled and said, “Bless your heart, God will!” And he went on to church knowing full well that he had heard the finest sermon he could possibly hear that day. Maybe if we thought like little children and let God put together the letters, what we should want, and what we should say, things would probably work out a lot better than we planned!

Here's an Alphabet Prayer :

A...ALMIGHTY GOD

B...BLESS MY FAMILY AND ME

C...COMFORT ME

D...DRAW ME TO YOU IN PRAYER

E...ENLIGHTEN ME

F...FORGIVE MY SINS

G...GIVE ME A FEW GOOD FRIENDS

H...HELP ME TO DO YOUR WILL

I...I AM YOUR SERVANT

J...JOYFUL ARE MY DAYS

K... KEEP ME FROM HARM

L...LEAD ME TO STILL WATERS

M...MAKE ME A VESSEL OF YOUR LOVE

N...NATURE IS YOUR MASTERPIECE

O...OPEN NEW DOORS FOR ME

P...PLEASE GRANT ME PEACE

Q...QUENCH MY THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE

R...RESIDE WITH ME ALWAYS

S...SHIELD ME FROM DANGER

T...TEACH ME TO LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY
U...USE ME TO INSPIRE OTHERS
V...VISIT ME IN SOLITUDE
W...WHEN I FAIL LIFT ME UP
X...XXX'S STAND FOR MY LOVE FOR YOU
Y...YOUR LOVE FILLS ME WITH GRATITUDEZ...ZESTFULLY I THANK YOU !

The Lord spoke to Moses, “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Exodus 4 : 12 ...The same God will give the right words in your mouth. Pray where you are, God is present everywhere and ready to listen at all times!

Tasty Sambar/Kadai Sambar/Poosani Sambar!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:47:00 -0700

Sambar is the most common dal curry cooked in almost every house in South India. It is served with main course rice in almost all the South Indian homes. However, no one ever beat the taste of the kadai sambar... which is served in South Indian restaurants. The aroma of the sambar , make our taste pallets to crave for more. This is one of a kind … “Kadai Sambar” , damn...this is so good in taste.

Ingredients:

Pressure cook:

Toor dhal/red gram lentil - 1/2 cup

water- 2 cups

turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

asafoetida - 1/8 tsp

Garlic pods - 1

Needed Items :

Tomato - 1

shallot onion- 4 to 8 (peel them but dont cut it)

Red chillies- 2

Tamarind - small ball size

cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp

cooking oil - 1 tbsp

mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

jaggery- 1 tsp (crushed)

salt - 1 tsp

sambar powder - 2 tbsp

Garnish with:

curry leaves- 1 brig

cilantro/ coriander leaves (chopped)- 1 tbsp

PREPARATION:

Wash and clean the Toor dal , soak it for 30 minutes. Pressure cook the items mentioned .

Soak the tamarind in 1 cup water for 20 minutes. Squeeze it and get the extract.

In a separate pan, heat the cooking oil and splutter the cumin seeds then add the peeled shallot onions and saute it to golden brown.

Add the cut vegetables and add tamarind extract. Cook the vegetables with sambar powder and salt.

After the vegetables get cooked , add the pressure cooked dhal . In the frying pan add ghee ,add mustard + urad dal. When the mustard crackles add curry leaves, red chillies and pour it to the dhal-veggie mixture. As it starts boiling add the little jaggery and turn off the fire.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot. It goes well with steamed rice or for Idli and Dosai!

"TRUST HIM"

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:54:00 -0700

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

A little girl walking in a garden noticed a particularly beautiful flower. She admired its beauty and enjoyed its fragrance. “It’s so pretty!” she exclaimed. As she gazed on it, her eyes followed the stem down to the soil in which it grew. “This flower is too pretty to be planted in such dirt!” she cried. So she pulled it up by its roots and ran to the water faucet to wash away the soil. It wasn’t long until the flower wilted and died.

When the gardener saw what the little girl had done, he exclaimed, “You have destroyed my finest plant!”

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t like it in that dirt,” she said. The gardener replied, “I chose that spot and mixed the soil because I knew that only there could it grow to be a beautiful flower.”

Often we murmur because of the circumstances into which God has made us to go into it. We fail to realize that He is using our pressures, trials, and difficulties to bring us to a new degree of spiritual beauty.

One night recently, I was settling down into my bed to read Bible before sleeping, and guess what I was doing? Worrying, of course. About everything and nothing. And I felt God’s still, small voice comfort me and say, “If you are worrying, then you are fearing. If you are fearing, you are not trusting Me.”

I sat on my bed for a second and tried to pray...but I wasn't!!!. I always thought, I had an awesome sense of trust in God. I really did. When things went crazy, I would always have a peace. But having peace didn’t mean that I was trusting.

The powerful creator is stretching me and making my heart bigger to understand the things that I wish for. God is teaching me everyday in different ways to "TRUST HIM" and "Him only" ! "Even when I walk through the Darrrrkest valley, your rod and your staff comfort and protect me"...Psalm reminds me!

Kola Urundai - Meat Balls!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:46:00 -0700

The so called "Kola urundai"(Tamil) is more famous in Tamilnadu. I can remember the stories which my mom told about this “Appetizer”, some decades ago, they used to grind the meat at home in “Aatukal- the grinding stone”, that yields a very soft texture with crispy crust. Whenever my mom does this receipe, she still remembers me....since I’m fan of this yummy tasty...kola urundai. Thanks to the technology, as we get kheema from the shop as conveniently. This receipe is sure mouth watering....my kids love them :) !

Ingredients

Cinnamon Sticks - 4

Cloves - 2 to 3

Fennel seeds - 1/4 tbsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tbsp

Pepper corns- 1/2 tbsp

Split chic peas- 2 tbsp

Pearl onions - 8 to 10 (chopped)

Ginger - 1/4 inch (finely chopped)

Garlic cloves - 6 (chopped)

Green chillies - 2

Mint leaves and cilantro - 2 strings(finely chopped).

Turmeric powder - 2 tsp

Salt - as per taste

Oil - for frying

Preparation :

Heat little oil in a kadai,add the Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Green chillies, one by one and saute for 3 mins.

Add the Ground meat and fry for a while say 4 mins. Add the turmeric,salt and continue frying until all the water/moisture evaporates and the mixture becomes nicely cooked. It may take another 5 mins or so. Add Mint leaves, Cilantro and allow to cool for a while.

Ground the dry ingredients and keep it aside. Transfer the kadai contents to a blender/food processor and grind it. Just give few pulses that is enough. Add the ground mixture(dry) to the blender. The split peas act as a binder, so no need to add egg. Take the contents in large bowl and make them small balls and deep fry in the oil. Golden brown is good color for this kofta. Server as a appetizer or side for any rice variety. Enjoy the meal !!!

Instant Kuzhi Paniyaram!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:47:00 -0700

Kuzhi means hole in tamil. As we are pouring the batter in a whole so called as kuzhi paniyaram. It can be made either as sweet or savory. This paniyaram is from the left over idly batter. It tastes like the medu (Ulunthu ) vada. Easy to prepare and tasty to eat.

Ingredients

Idli Flour - 2 cups
Chopped onions - 1/4 cup
Chopped coconut - 2 tbsp
Cashews- 8 to 10 nos
Chilli - 1 Urad dhal,
Cumin seeds and Mustard - 1tbsp
Coriander leaves to garnish

PREPARATION

Heat Oil in a pan and splutter the mustard, cumin and urad dal,chilli flakes.

Now add the onion and roast them until you get the good aroma...! not fried!Now add the coconut pieces and cashew nuts.

Once you roasted everything together....Allow the fried items to cool. Add these fried items, Salt and Coriander leaves to the Idly batter and mix well. Grease the Paniyara griddle with 1 tsp of oil in each cup and drop the batter in each cup. Once each sides are done....the little paniyarams are ready to taste....! They look cute too!!

Beautiful Diamond ! R U !!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 6 Jul 2011 15:40:00 -0700

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4: 12, 13

Success. The fleeting feathery friend we are constantly seeking. We know we really want it. Everyone does. We are in the race to chase it, to strive for it... But what exactly is it?!

In the story of "Acres of Diamonds" by Russel H. Conwell., the story of man is told who is searching for "Success"; but he did not know that the success he was searching for...which are in the form of "Diamonds" was right on his personal property!! He traveled all over the world searching for diamonds!!! After selling his property, and after many years in search of diamonds by travel and not finding it, he killed himself in frustration. One day, the man who bought this property saw a rock and tested it, the rock "Diamond" was right behind the house. To his surprise it was a "Diamond" and he became rich overnight!! It is the situation of tragedy for one man and financial fortune for another.

Many of us are like that first man who sold his property, instead of searching deep within ourselves to find out what we have within us and develop them we despise what we have and place value on other people. For many "The grass is always greener on the other side" !!!

There are treasures...talents & gifts in each of us, and they are "What you have in your hand!". These talents and gifts are the key to your greatness. They are not just for you but they are for humanity ad they have tremendous ability to make you wealthy. All you will need and all you can ever be, found in the innermost of your being.

Success need not be the accumulation of wealth or favor or eminence. It could simply be raising a happy family. It could be finding fulfillment and happiness in one’s work. It could be making some small difference in someone’s life.

Develop your gifts and talents, after discovering them, the world is waiting for you.

Warbler bird!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:57:00 -0700

This is Willow warbler bird...like sparrows....! Very intricate details in feathers!!!

Who are you?!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:16:00 -0700

How blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing this when he comes! Matthew 24:46

Corrie Ten Boom tells this story in her book, Each New Day. “When I saw Sadhu Sundar Singh in Europe, he had completed a tour around the world. People asked him, Doesn’t it do harm, your getting so much honor?” The Sadhu’s answer was: “No. The donkey went into Jerusalem, and they put garments on the ground before him. He was not proud. He knew it was not done to honor him, but for Jesus, who was sitting on his back. When people honor me, I know it is not me, but the Lord, who does the job.”

The world’s standards of greatness : money, success, power and fame Which means nothing to God.!!! Yes, If we truly aspire to greatness, we will learn from Jesus’ example.

The importance of Humility : God uses broken things.

It takes broken soil to produce a crop,

Broken clouds to produce rain,

Broken grain to give bread and

Broken bread to give strength.

It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume.

It is the broken Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.

We need to remember that we cannot train ourselves to be Christians; we cannot discipline ourselves to be saints; we cannot bend ourselves to the will of God: we have to be broken to the will of God.

Sea Shell ... !!!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0700

She sells seashells by the seashore.

The shells she sells are surely seashells.

So if she sells shells on the seashore,

I'm sure she sells seashore shells.

Tongue twisted....huh :) !!!

Road Runner!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 8 Jun 2011 17:12:00 -0700

My All time fav. bird...Road runners ! It's specialty running tooooooooooooooooo fast!!!! Really!!!

Need a change?!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 8 Jun 2011 17:07:00 -0700

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eageles; they will run and grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

When it rains, most birds head for shelter; the EAGLE is the only bird that, in order to avoid the rain, starts flying Above the cloud...!

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens!!!. not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to LIFE.

A positive attitude that causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results.