Torview

Small fish cooked in coconut milk

2012-05-24T23:52:00.000-04:00

12 to 15 smelts cleaned *
1 tbsp oil
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/8 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 red chillie
3 tbsp onion
1 tbsp curry leaves
1 pandan leaf
1/2 tbsp garlic
1/2 tbsp ginger grated
1 green chillie optional
1/2 cup tomatoes
1/2 tbsp chillie powder
1/4 tbsp coriander or curry powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp salt or more to taste
1 gambooge
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp coconut milk powder mixed in 1/4 cup water

* Remove the bones in the fish if it easy for you or just clean and cook.

Heat oil then sauté the onion and curry leaves. Then add garlic, ginger, pandan leaf and green chillie. Add the tomatoes and spices. Then add the smelts and water, cook lightly covered till the fish is soft.
Make sure not to break the fish by stirring too much just shake the pan or carefully coat the fish if needed, the fish becomes soft and cooks fast.
Add the coconut milk towards the end and cook for a few minutes without the lid. Serve as a side dish with rice, flatbread or bread.

All rights reserved on photographs and written content Torviewtoronto © 2012 unless mentioned. Please Ask First

Mint Ice cream and vanilla bean giveaway

2012-05-21T11:31:00.000-04:00

The season to enjoy ice cream is here. I adapted this minty delicious ice cream from Fresh Juice magazine. I used Nielsen-Massey vanilla beans which gave a delicious fragrant to this ice cream. I always make vanilla infused sugar with the vanilla beans so it would last longer and I would have fragrant sugar for the cakes as I don't use vanilla with alcohol.

Mint Ice cream

1 cup milk

1 cup whipping cream

3/4 cup fresh mint leaves

4 egg yolks

1/3 cup + 2 tbsp vanilla infused sugar

Blend the milk, whipping cream and mint leaves in the blender until the leaves are pureed. Transfer to a saucepan and let it come to a boil, remove from heat and let it steep for 20 minutes covered.

After 20 minutes strain the mixture and discard the pulp.

In a heat proof bowl beat the egg yolks and sugar until it is pale and fluffy. Add the strained warm mixture to the egg mixture while beating.

Transfer the mixture to the saucepan and let it heat on medium high heat for a few minutes until the content coats the back of the spoon. Don't let it boil, keep stirring.

I found that if we keep cooking for a long time the mixture becomes foamy, so cook only for about 3 to 4 minutes.

Strain the mixture and leave it to cool completely.

Transfer the completely cooled mixture into the ice cream machine, follow the instructions on the manual and put the machine on for about 20 to 25 minutes. Serve it cold.

Nielsen-Massey is offering a 2 bean vial of Madagascar Bourbon whole beans to the readers of Torviewtoronto and Createwithmom.

Please leave a comment on this post if you want to win it. The giveaway ends on May 30th. It is open to everyone in USA and Canada.

Please follow my twitter and Facebook, so you know when the winner is announced.

Chocolate Mousse

2012-05-17T17:12:00.004-04:00

2 egg yolks

6 tbsp sugar finely granulated

hot water and cold water

Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a stainless steel bowl until the mixture is thick and pale yellow. It should form a slowly dissolving ribbon. Set the mixing bowl over the not-quite simmering water and beat for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is foamy and too hot for the the fingers.

Then beat over cold water for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is cool again and forms a ribbon.

The consistency is the same as mayonnaise.

3 oz semi sweet baking chocolate

2 tbsp coffee *

3 oz softened unsalted butter

Melt chocolate with coffee over hot water, remove from heat and beat in the butter a little at a time to make a smooth cream. Beat the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
* I only used 1/2 tbsp of nescafe because we don't like strong coffee taste :)

2 egg whites

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tbsp sugar

Beat the egg whites and salt until it forms soft peaks. Sprinkle the sugar and beat until it is stiff. Stir 1/4th of the egg whites in to the chocolate mixture then fold in the rest.

Put the mixture into serving dishes and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Serve with whipped cream.

This recipe is adapted from Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1 by Julia Child. Copyright © 1961 by Alfred A. Knopf. Reprinted with permission from the publisher Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc.

Rubbermaid LunchBlox giveaway

2012-05-14T19:10:00.002-04:00

Many people take food to work and school everyday because it is healthier, cheaper and convenient. Having a container that will accommodate a variety of food makes the job of packing lunch fun and easy. This Rubbermaid LunchBlox is an environmentally friendly option that saves us money and hassle of finding small containers.

There are 2 varieties of LunchBlox kits for sandwich and salad. The boxes and the Blue Ice packs are BPA free. The containers can be put in the microwave, dishwasher and freezer. The LunchBlox collection keeps the lunch organized in any type of lunch bag without a hassle as it optimizes space. The containers carry enough food that is perfectly proportioned for a healthy meal for one person.

The LunchBlox containers have a specially designed Blue Ice pack that fits with the containers to keep the lunch chilled while we are on the go. The containers keep the food fresh without wilting or spoiling.

The ease of transporting the containers allows us to take a variety of healthy meals for lunch everyday.

For example in this sandwich kit there is a sandwich container, side container, 2 snack container and a medium Blue Ice pack.

In the salad kit there is a salad base with lid, 1 salad topping tray, 1 dressing container and a Blue Ice pack.

The cost of these Rubbermaid LunchBlox is about $10 to $13. It is available at Walmart, Loblaws, Home Hardware, London drugs, Co-op and TruServ. They also have open stock assortments that range from $3 to $8.

This Rubbermaid LunchBlox is a solution for many of us as studies show 83% of people working outside the home take food to work and eat in their office or cubicle.

44% of people find it hard to fit food storage containers into their lunch box and bag.

Sandwich kit

If you would like to win 4 kits (2 sandwich kits and 2 salad kits) leave a comment on this post. The giveaway is open to people in Canada so please say if you are in Canada on the comment to enter the giveaway.

The giveaway ends on May 20th.

Please follow my twitter and Facebook so you would know when the winner is announced.
Update: The winner is prairiesummers

Cabbage coleslaw

2012-05-10T21:36:00.003-04:00

1 cup cabbage sliced

2 cups boiling hot water

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp vinegar

1 tsp brown sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp chillie powder

Put the sliced cabbage in a bowl of boiling hot water, keep it covered for 5 minutes and drain.

Add all the ingredients to the drained cabbage and leave it in the fridge for about 1/2 hour before serving it cold.

Winged bean curry

2012-05-06T19:16:00.002-04:00

1 cup winged bean* chopped (about 7 to 8 winged beans)
2 tbsp oil
1/4 cup onion
1 tbsp curry leaves chopped
1 tsp garlic chopped
1/2 tsp ginger grated
1/2 cup tomato

1/2 tbsp dried red chillie flakes

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp turmeric

2 tbsp small dried shrimp **

Heat oil, sauté the onions with the curry leaves. Then add ginger and garlic. Add the winged beans and sauté with the spices. Add the tomatoes and dried shrimp.
Cook covered in low heat until the winged beans are cooked to preference. Serve as a side dish with rice.

*Known as dambala, goa bean, asparagus pea, four angled bean and winged pea.
**Known as kunisso sold in packets, just wash in warm water before adding to the dish

All rights reserved on photographs and written content Torviewtoronto © 2012 unless mentioned. Please Ask First

Tea and Crumpets: Chocolate scones

2012-04-30T20:55:00.002-04:00

Growing up with the tradition of having a teatime snack I thoroughly enjoyed this book tea & crumpets. I like the format, recipes and pictures in the book. There are recipes from Scotland, Wales, Switzerland, England, Ireland and Paris. The book has a travel guide to different tearooms in Europe and a table of equivalents

The author has put little introductions with interesting stories from history in each section before writing the recipe. The organized sections are as follow:

11 recipes in Sandwiches & Savouries section

15 recipes under Crumpets, scones & fruit breads

21 recipes under Teatime sweets

The French art of tea has 11 recipes such as madeleine, petit pains au chocolate, crème caramel.

Here are some interesting facts from the book about the origin of tea and teatime snacks.

Tea dates back to 3rd millennium BC in China. Tea came to England in the mid 17th century and was established in 1840.

One day when the 7th duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria got a little hungry late afternoon she asked her maid to bring tea with sandwiches. Usually lunch was eaten early and dinner was around 8 or 9 p.m. so people got a little hungry.

Anna Maria liked this tea and snack so much that she invited her friends. It eventually became a social event among upper class women. The ladies went to meet their friends around 4 and 5 o'clock in the evening to talk while nibbling snacks and drinking tea.

There are many stories like this throughout the book, which I enjoyed reading such as the legendary story of Shen Nung, about colonization and tea, different mountainous regions tea is planted and how it effects the grade and taste of tea, how the modern tea bags evolved etc.

The book is printed in quality paper that as a smooth luxurious feel. All the foodies interested in learning and making delicious teatime snacks will enjoy this book. I am looking forward to try many of the recipes in the book as my family and I enjoy having snacks with our tea.

Here is the recipe for chocolate scones from tea & crumpets

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted cold butter cut into small pieces

1 1/4 cup whipping cream or buttermilk

1 egg yolk

whole milk for brushing tops

clotted cream to serve optional

Whisk flour, cocoa and sugar. Mix the butter with the whisked ingredients using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

In another bowl whisk cream and egg yolk. Then stir it into the flour mixture.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and using floured hands knead gently to bring the dough together. Pat the dough into a 3/4" thick round. With a 2 1/2" cutter cut circles, reroll and cut more circles. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with milk and bake for 16 to 18 minutes until it is puffed and the edges are dry.

Remove form oven and cool for a few minutes before serving with clotted cream. I served without cream and it was delicious.

To make clotted cream

2 2/3 cups whipping cream

2 tbsp unsalted butter

Combine cream and butter in a saucepan over medium low heat. With a wooden spoon mix when it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil. Continue stirring and simmering for 20 to 25 minutes until the mixture is reduced in half and is thick. Remove form heat transfer to a dish and cool completely.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours until it is smooth and thick before serving. Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Spring garden chocolate butter cake

2012-04-29T20:43:00.001-04:00

chocolate cake

4 oz unsweetened chocolate chopped

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup boiling water

2 1/4 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter

2 cup sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup milk

Mix the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder and water together, leave it a side to cool.

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Beat butter till it is smooth and add sugar. Beat the mixture until it is fluffy. Add vanilla and melted chocolate mixture, beat to combine. Add flour and milk alternately. Beat till it is mixed.

Prepare two 9" pans with wax paper, butter the sides and bottom. Divide the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Remove the pans from the oven and leave it on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pans and cool completely before frosting.

I halved this recipe from here to make this cake.

For the center of the cake

1 cup whip cream

1 tbsp jam

Whip the whipping cream until it has peaks and add jam. Apply in-between the layers.

Instead of this you can also use the frosting below to layer the cakes.

For the buttercream frosting

2 cups icing sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 tbsp meringue powder optional

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp or more whipping cream *

* Can also use milk. The amount of cream depends on the consistency that you like the frosting to be.

To get a spreadable consistency add 1 tbsp whipping cream at a time.

If you want to put a second layer of icing leave it aside till the first coating of icing settles and then apply the icing again.

I only put one layer of icing for this cake. I let the icing on the cake settle before piping the flowers and butterflies with a thicker consistency icing.

I made the same icing for these cupcakes, in addition to this Spring garden cake for my daughter's birthday.

Apple cinnamon bread pudding and butter bell crock

2012-04-25T20:42:00.001-04:00

The Butter Bell® crock is a family owned business founded in 1996 in Los Angeles, California. They provide unique, time-honoured kitchen tools, gourmet housewares and decorative tabletop linens to consumers worldwide.
The original Butter Bell® crock is a modern version of the authentic French beurrier. It is made out of high quality durable new bone china. This dishwasher safe container keeps butter at room temperature on the counter/tabletop without spoiling.
This natural method of preserving the creamy texture and delicate flavour makes butter more desirable and easy to spread. It holds 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter.

This image is from their site

Check out this effective, beautiful, innovative butter storage that is available in USA and Canada.

The Butter Bell® crock has a promotion buy 2 get 1 free offer till the 15th of May on their Facebook.
Disclaimer: This sponsorship is brought to you by the butter bell crock who we have partnered with for this promotion.

Here is a quick recipe for reusing bread. Apple cinnamon bread pudding.

2 eggs

2 cups milk

1 cup whipped cream

12 pieces of old sliced bread cut into cubes

1 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

4 tbsp brown sugar

1 apples cut into cubes

Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, salt and sugar. Soak the bread and apples with the mixture and leave it for about 10 minutes.

Put in individual ramekins or baking tray and place it a pan with hot water.

Bake for an hour at 325F in a water bath, until a wooden skewer inserted comes out clean.

Serve it warm or cold, on its own or with ice cream.

Kitchen paddle and challah bread

2012-04-23T12:11:00.006-04:00

Peel apart kitchen paddle is an eco-friendly, unique and useful tool made with bamboo. Unlike other pizza peels this one comes in 2 parts, each part measures 6" x 20". The working part of the paddle measures 12" x 12". We can use one or both of it depending on the size of the pizza or bread. This paddle is handy and can be used for serving cheese, making bread, flatbreads and for other baking needs.

This peel apart kitchen paddle is very smooth and easy on the hand because it is not heavy. When not in use we can easily store in the cupboard or conveniently hang the paddles as it has holes on the holding portion of the paddle. The paddle cleans easily by hand without a hassle. I like the innovative design and the earthy colour of the bamboo wooden board.

To use this paddle for pizza, first prepare the pizza on it, lift the right paddle slightly before peeling apart and then rotate the pizza in place by moving the paddle back and forth to place it in the oven or baking sheet/stone.

To pick up the finished pizza use the tapered sides of the paddle and simply lift. I am happy that I don't have to worry about the pizza breaking apart and toppings falling off when I pick it up from the oven and grill.

Here is a video that shows how easy and convenient this paddle is.

I am totally enjoying it and I know you will too. I hope this kitchen paddle will become widely available; right now it is sold online.

Here is recipe for challah bread adapted from Artisan bread in five minutes a day.

3/4 cup lukewarm water

3/4 tbsp yeast

3/4 tbsp salt

3 eggs lightly beaten

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup unsalted butter melted + for greasing cookie sheet

3 1/2 cups flour

1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash

sesame or poppy seeds for the top

Mix yeast, salt, eggs, honey, melted butter and water in a container with a lid. Mix the flour with wooden spoon don't knead. Cover and rest at room temperature until the dough rises and collapses about 2 hours, don't cover the container airtight.

The dough can be used after the initial rise. It is easy to work with if the dough is chilled a little in the fridge, so keep it in the fridge with the lid on.

Prepare a cookie sheet or line a baking sheet with butter. Dust flour on the surface of the rested dough, and cut 1 pound grapefruit size piece. Dust flour on the working board and quickly shape dough into a ball tucking the dough in the bottom. Divide the ball into 3 parts and make thin long ropes. Braid the ropes starting in the center and working to the end. Turn the loaf over, rotate it and braid from the center out to the other end, this will help make a uniform thick bread. Allow the fresh braided dough to rest for about 40 minutes. If it is refrigerated dough, let it rest for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Brush the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle seeds. Bake at 350F in the center of a preheated oven for 25 minutes, the time depends on the size of the loaf. If it is golden brown and the center of the loaf is resistance to pressure it is ready. Cool and slice to eat.

This dough can be kept of 5 days in the fridge, if more than 5 days leave it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks. Defrost frozen dough overnight in the fridge before using. Then allow it to rest and rise again.

This bread goes to yeastspotting, love baking 3, only snacks and starters.

Freshwater pearls pendant

2012-04-20T19:54:00.016-04:00

I am a fan of jewelry and I have so many lovely memories about pearls. I was very happy to receive this blue teardrop pendant to review from My Freshwater pearls. This is a beautiful dainty pendant.

It has a sapphire coloured stone in the center and an oval pearl dangling under it. This pearl pendant has silver on it, so I put it on with a silver chain; which wasn't included. The pendant goes well with any outfit so it would be perfect for a simple function or as casual wear.

Freshwater pearls originated in the lakes around China where people deliberately intervene with nature to produce the pearls. It is unfortunate that we cannot get natural pearls easily because of overfishing, pollution and other impacts to the environment.

The main colour of the pearl has a hue from thin translucent layers. The overtone gives depth and glow to the pearls. The orient is the shimmer, which is made out of layers of nacre. The Freshwater pearls are composed entirely of nacre which is minerals and proteins.

These Freshwater cultured pearls come in natural pastel colours such as cream, white, peach/orange, yellow, pink and lavender/purple. White pearls are bleached so it creates natural shine. The black and other coloured pearls are treated with heat to produce their inky flattering colours. The pearls range in size from 5mm to 12 mm and comes in a variety of shapes.

My Freshwater pearls have necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bridal jewelry, anklets, children's jewelry and sets in a variety of designs. The items come in a suitable jewelry box and a box that could be wrapped for the purposes of giving as a gift.

Buy it for yourself or give it to a special person, they will love this simple beautiful collection of jewelry.

From April to May 31st use this discount code: SHOP10 to receive a 10% discount on your purchase of any jewelry from My Freshwater pearls.

Coconut oil review/giveaway and Asparagus side dish

2012-04-18T18:46:00.032-04:00

1 bunch asparagus chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 tbsp coconut oil

2 tbsp onion

1 tbsp curry leaves

1/4 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp chillie flakes

1/8 tsp turmeric powder

1 to 2 tbsp coconut grated

Heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. Then add the onion, curry leaves, asparagus and spices. Cook covered or in low heat till the asparagus is cooked to liking. Add the coconut towards the end and cook for about 2 minute. Remove from heat and serve as a side dish with rice or flatbread.

I used this Gold label virgin coconut oil. I like using coconut oil to make dishes and wanted to share this product with all of you.

We have always used coconut oil in cooking as it gives a fabulous taste and it is traditionally believed to have lots of benefits. I don't have any health claims on this post so please use it at your own discretion.

This Gold label virgin coconut oil is made in rural areas of Philippines using 100% organic coconut that are hand selected. The production is done in a small-scale as a family business taking great care and pride. Their products are repeatedly tested to ensure that it contains highest amount of antioxidants available. The trees and family producers are certified organic under USDA standards. The families are trained according to the Good Manufacturing Practice standards and re-certified every year.

This oil has a shelf life for more than 2 years. Store the oil away from sunlight. The oil solidifies under 76F; it doesn't need to be in the fridge.

The oil can be used for all types of cooking purposes such as baking, frying, in soups, salad dressing, desserts and also as a hair treatment.

A little about the process :)

Fresh coconut meat is shredded then cold pressed using traditional methods with the pure coconut water to make the coconut milk extract which is then allowed to sit for about half a day until the oil naturally separates from the heavier water. The oil is filtered from the coconut solids. Nothing is added to make this oil so it is natural.

Here is a video about the oil.

The Tropical Traditions coconut oil is sold online.

If you want to win Gold label virgin coconut oil please leave a comment on this post and subscribe to tropical traditions newsletter.
Giveaway is open to Canada and USA ends May 2nd.

Optional

Follow their Facebook and Twitter to get to know about sales and giveaways.

Follow my Facebook and Twitter so you know when the winner is announced.
Update: The winner is Saraswathi

Disclosure: Tropical Traditions provided me with samples, I was under no obligation to write a positive review or host a giveaway.

Chocolate chip shortbread cookies

2012-04-11T15:26:00.006-04:00

1/2 cup butter softened

1/2 cup vanilla infused sugar

1 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar till it is fluffy. Add flour, salt and mix well then add the chips.

It could be made into individual sizes by making about 12 balls and lightly flatten it about 1/2" high. Bake in a preheated 375F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, it will harden a little once it is removed from the oven so don't over bake as it might burn on the bottom.

Let the cookies stay on the baking sheet over a wire rack for about 5 to 10 minutes before removing. Can be stored in an air-tight container.

Also posted here.

Offer: 20% discount coupon to buy Jill-e camera bags

What will you plant? Event

2012-04-09T15:10:00.039-04:00

Pefferlaw has a wide range of potting soil, black earth, organic compost, hanging basket planter mix and manure from sheep and cattle.

Mixing in manure to existing soil provides nutrient to plants, improve aeration and increase water-holding capacity.

The manure from Pefferlaw is natural and free of contaminants. There is NO insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemicals, industrial material or municipal sources that contain metals and pathogens or wetting agents.

Using this natural organic manure will aid with sustainable gardening, be economical and healthy. Many of us grow plants for fun and we all think of avoiding chemicals, so using material that are natural is quite important.

Pefferlaw also carries fertilizers from Ferti-Pro that are completely organic; this is good for fine herbs and beddings.

I got this charred oak barrel planter to plant a mix of vegetable and herbs. We have to prepare this barrel by soaking it with water before planting.

What are you planning on planting this year?

Link your posts from the past years to give others some ideas on gardening at home.

Event is open to everyone please link a maximum of 2 posts.

Please put a link to this post with the logo on one of your current posts to let others know about this fun event.

1. 2. 3. 4.
5.

Kashi and vegetable meat soup

2012-04-08T09:43:00.028-04:00

Kashi has been a pioneer in making tasty innovative health food dedicated to nutrition. Their products are wholesome, natural and include seven whole grains. All Kashi products have natural source of protein, fiber, whole grain and nutrients. The products are low in saturated fat and has no trans fat, artificial flavours, hydrogenated oils or cholesterol.

My first experience with Kashi was their cereal a few years ago, which became a favourite.

Kashi toasted cinnamon crisp cereal is a new addition to the Kashi line of products since January 2012.

The Kashi pita crisps is a light, crunchy cracker made with natural ingredients, 7 whole grains and sesame blend. The flavourful crisps come in 2 varieties original 7 grain sea salt and zesty salsa.

The pita crisps can be eaten on it own or served with hummus, dips, soup etc...

I served it as a side with this vegetable meat soup and we finished the whole packet of pita crisps :)

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp coriander seeds

3/4 tbsp cumin seeds

1/2 tbsp fennel seeds

1/4 tbsp pepper seeds

1/2 tbsp salt

1/2 cup of meat with bones or more

1/4 cup of each carrot, cabbage, beans, celery, onion, tomato

3 to 4 cups broth or water

Grind the coriander, cumin and fennel coarsely or fine depending on your preference. If you want to taste the whole spices then grind coarsely and if you don't like to taste the whole spices grind it fine.

Heat the oil, add the ground spices and sauté then add the meat. When the meat changes colour add onion, tomato and the vegetables one at a time and mix. Add the broth or water with the salt and cook covered in medium heat until the meat is cooked. This can be done faster in the pressure cooker.

Serve it hot.

Kashi snack crackers can be served on it own, with dips or hummus. There are two varieties fire roasted vegetable and toasted asiago.

Next time you are at the grocery store make sure to check out Kashi to have as a snack or serve it at the next gathering or meal.

On a side note, a spring themed table decoration.

Pierce the narrow end of the egg with a sharp skewer or fork and remove the inside (which can be used for cooking)

Fill the eggshell with soil and place natural or artificial flowers. Place it in an egg holder or this paper egg holder.

Spaghetti and meatballs

2012-04-03T19:56:00.010-04:00

for the meatballs

1 1/2 cup minced meat

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp chillie powder

1/4 tsp coriander powder optional

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup parsley chopped

2 tbsp onion chopped

1 tsp garlic chopped

1/2 tsp ginger grated

1 slice bread soaked in 1 to 2 tbsp water

Mix all the ingredients together and put in a food processor and mince it. Make small balls and bake for 1/2 hour at 350F in a lightly greased baking sheet lined with wax paper or on the TFX baking sheet.

for the sauce

1 1/2 cups water

4 to 5 tbsp tomato paste

1/4 cup tomato chopped

3 tbsp onion chopped

1 green chillie

1 tbsp garlic chopped

1/2 tsp ginger chopped

1 tbsp italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper ground

To make the sauce, heat oil sauté the onions. Then sauté the garlic, ginger, chillie and then add the tomato. Add tomato paste mixed with water and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the baked meatballs and cook for about 20 minutes covered with a lid in low heat.

Toss the meatball and sauce with the cooked spaghetti and serve hot.

Baked Pollock with gravy

2012-03-30T22:14:00.009-04:00

roast and grind

1 cardamom

1 clove

1"cinnamon

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp fennel

Roast the spices and grind to a fine powder and leave aside.

1 pkt pollock fillet (about 4 to 6 pieces)

1/4 tsp turmeric

1/2 tbsp chillie powder or fish curry masala powder to preference

roasted spice powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 tbsp tomatoes or more

2 tbsp onion

1 tbsp curry leaves optional

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp coconut milk powder

In an ovenproof dish mix the fish with all the spices, salt and lemon juice. Put the tomatoes, onion and curry leaves over the fish and bake at 450F for about 20 minutes, turning once when it is baking.

Add the coconut milk powder and bake for another 5 minutes and serve as a side dish with rice, bread or flatbread.

There is no need to add water the tomatoes and fish as water content that will make a gravy.

Happy Earth hour everyone.

Asparagus with pine nuts

2012-03-24T17:39:00.004-04:00

1 bunch (about 2 cups) asparagus

hot water

1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil

1/2 tsp grated ginger

1/2 tsp garlic

1/2 tsp coarse salt (or 1/4 tsp regular salt)

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp pine nuts lightly toasted *

* I got the pine nuts from Kokopelli's kitchen. Lightly toast it over a medium low heat dry skillet. It will become brown and fragrant, make sure it doesn't burn by shaking the skillet or moving the pine nuts constantly. Remove from skillet and cool.

Blanch the asparagus by putting it in boiling water and leave for a 2 to 5 minutes till it becomes dark green, the time depends on the thickness of the asparagus.

Heat oil over medium heat. Saute the garlic, ginger then add the drained blanched asparagus and stir fry. Add the toasted pine nuts and mix. Serve warm.

Binder giveaway USA and Canada ends April 5th

Gulab jamun (Indian sweet with milk powder)

2012-03-19T21:38:00.003-04:00

1 cup milk powder

1/4 cup flour

1/8 tsp a pinch of baking soda *

3 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee at room temperature

1/4 cup milk at room temperature

oil about 1 1/2" high to fry

* too much baking soda will make the jamuns too soft and may break when frying

Mix the milk powder, flour, baking soda then add the butter or ghee and mix. Add milk to make a soft dough, the dough will be sticky. Leave the dough aside for about 15 minutes. Then knead the dough again, if needed grease the hands with a little oil before working the dough. Make about 20 to 24 balls, it will swell a little after making the balls.

Heat oil on medium heat, test the oil first with a small piece of dough, when it is put into the oil and if it takes a minute to rise, the oil is ready to fry in. If the dough rises faster the oil is too hot and gulab jamuns will be become dark on the outside and the inside will not be cooked. If the dough doesn't rise in a minute the oil is not hot. Because the size of the balls were small, I fried it in low medium heat.

The gulab jamuns will expand a little while frying so leave space and keep rolling to evenly brown all sides. The inside as to be fully cooked and spongy. Leave the gulab jamun in an absorbent paper towel to cool before putting it into the hot syrup. If hot gulab jamuns are added to the syrup it will become chewy and loose its shape. Leave the gulab jamun at least an hour before serving.

syrup

1 3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup water

1/4 tsp cardamom powder

pinch of saffron strands

Add all the ingredients in a large pan and bring to a boil. Let the syrup boil for a minute or two until the sugar dissolves. Can keep it in lowest heat until it is thick, one string consistency.

Add the cooled gulab jamuns to the hot syrup. Keep the gulab jamuns covered in the syrup and the gulab jamuns will expand in the syrup.

To serve sprinkle nuts over the sweets, this is optional.

The recipe is adapted from here and here. This goes to IndianFoodPalooza.

Ozeri Black Tungsten Ring

2012-03-18T15:54:00.019-04:00

This Ozeri black tungsten ring is a comfort fit, flat ring with a black brushed center and silver polished beveled edge.

It is a high quality 8mm masculine ring made with tungsten carbide which is the 2nd hard to find material in the world next to diamonds. The ring is cobalt free.

This ring is modern, fashionable, smooth and comfortable. It is very durable because of its comfortable thickness and weight the ring will not misshape. It is also scratch resistant for everyday wear.

Ozeri black tungsten ring would be perfect for a wedding band, to celebrate special occasions or to give as a gift to a special someone.

Even men who aren't into jewelry will love it. This stylish ring comes in a black velvet ring box. It is available to purchase on Amazon, with a fabulous price right now for $25.00 :)

Pan fried fish curry

2012-03-16T00:56:00.008-04:00

1 steak of king fish

3/4 tsp chillie powder

1/2 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp garam masala

1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tbsp tamarind pulped in 1/4 cup water

2 tbsp oil

2 tbsp onion

2 tbsp tomatoes

1 green chillie chopped

1 tsp garlic

1/2 tsp ginger grated

1 tsp curry leaves

1 tbsp coriander leaves to garnish

Marinate the fish with the spices and tamarind for about 1/2 hour.

Heat the oil, fry the fish and turn carefully to fry the other side. Add onions, tomato, curry leaves, ginger, garlic and the remaining marinate.

Cook the fish covered in low medium heat until it is fully cooked, turn it once in between without breaking the fish.

Serve it as a side with rice or bread.

Check out my post go green lunch boxes :) on Createwithmom

This goes to healthy diet food event easy healthy lunch.

Gourmet popcorn

2012-03-10T20:55:00.002-05:00

If you want to avoid unnecessary fat and grease, try popping popcorn at home. It is very easy and delicious, and there are so many ways to get creative with it. Kokopelli's has gourmet popcorn available to buy online.

1/4 cup or 2 tbsp gourmet popcorn

1/2 tbsp coconut oil to toss after popping

salt optional

Put 1/4 cup popcorn in a brown bag, fold it on the top (just like a popcorn bag, but without sealing with pins or tape). Microwave for 2 minutes. When popping slows remove bag. The time depends on the microwave.

Toss with healthy coconut oil and salt, if using and serve.

If you like sweet popcorn sprinkle chocolate, coconut and nuts.

Dear friends,

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Zucchini chocolate muffins and Navitas naturals

2012-03-08T12:00:00.006-05:00

1 cup grated zucchini

2 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tbsp heavy cream, whipping cream or milk

3/4 cup vanilla flavoured sugar

1 1/2 tbsp cacao powder *

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp each ground spice cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom

Beat eggs, sugar, oil then add the cocoa and zucchini.

Stir in the combined flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices. Pour into lightly greased muffin tins filling 2/3rd.

Bake at 350F for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

This makes 12 muffins.

This goes to cake, cookies, dessert event, spotlight colourful holy, I'm the star

* I used Cacao from Navitas naturals. Cacao gives a delicious taste. It is unscented, no sugar added healthy product because it has iron, dietary fiber and magnesium.

It can be used in place of chocolate, by placing the same amount.

I also tasted the mulberries sold at Navitas naturals. The flavour is similar to dried figs with a chewy crunch. I haven't had dried mulberries before so this tasted a little different for me; I guess it is a taste to get use to.

It is a healthy snack on its own, and can be used in place of raisins in recipes i.e. granola, pancakes, smoothie and other baked goods.

Mulberries have lots of iron, calcium, vitamin C, protein, and fiber. The Navitas mulberries are organically grown in fertile plains of Turkey. The fruit is shaken off trees and sun dried leaving 15% of moisture content on the mulberries. It is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin C, iron and fiber.

Lucuma is another product sold at Navitas naturals. It is cultivated from places like Peru, Chile and Ecuador. It is a sweetener that has a maple like flavour. Lucuma is used in smoothies and desserts. It has low sugar content and has lots of vitamins and minerals.

Lucuma is made from ripped fruit that is peeled, dehydrated and milled to fine powder.

I also got to try the bite sized blueberry hemp superfood power snack, it had an unusual taste which is not for me :) There are ingredients such as blueberries, maca, chia, camu-camu, sunflower seeds, cashews and lucuma in it.

All Nativas naturals products are raw, kosher, gluten free, vegan and organic. The products are made from wholesome sustainably cultivated ingredients. They have a lot of products available in health food stores, and online so do check their site.

Boston Seafood Show and nut pilau

2012-03-05T08:09:00.010-05:00

The International Boston Seafood Show will be held from March 11th to 13th at the Boston Covention & Exhibition Center. It will showcase more than 900 suppliers from 120 countires. It is the largest North American seafood event. They will have a variety of seafood products, services and equipment on display.

If you have a business there will be new products, solutions, industry connections and education programs that will help you become more knowledgable, connected, and be prepared to meet customer needs.

This show has already connected buyers and leading suppliers for more than 30 years, so register and take advantage of this experience.

Follow their updates on twitter and Facebook.

Take a look at this lovely video :)

International Boston Seafood Show, March 11-13, 2012.

Recipe to dress up rice, nut pilau

1 cup basmati rice

1/2 tsp saffron strands crushed

1 tbsp rose water or orange flower water

1 tbsp ghee or butter

1" cinnamon stick

2 cardamom pods

2 cloves

2 bay leaves

1 tbsp each pine nuts, blanched almonds, blanched pistachios, cashews

1/2 tsp salt

water 1" higher than the rice

garnish with fried onions optional

Blanch the almonds and pistachios remove the skin. Cut the almonds, pistachios and cashews two half or smaller.

Wash and soak the rice for 1/2 hour. Soak the crushed saffron strands in the rose water and leave a side.

Heat the ghee and fry the nuts till it is aromatic. Keep sautéing to make sure that the nuts don't burn. Add the whole spices, then sauté the rice until it is opaque.

Add salt, saffron rose water, and water 1" higher than the amount of rice. Cook the rice in low heat covered for 20 minutes. Let it stand for 10 minutes covered after removing from heat before serving.

This goes to Serve it stir fried, colourful palette

Kitchen scales

2012-03-04T17:02:00.003-05:00

I use a kitchen scale to measure when I am not certain of conversions in recipes i.e. ml to oz etc...

We see so many new models of kitchen scales in the market, which makes it hard to choose one. Here is a review of a kitchen scale I got to experiment with.

Ozeri touch professional digital scale 17.6 lb edition looks gorgeous on the counter because of it sleek design similar to an iPad. The touch button displays lbs, kg, g, oz and ml on its easy to read LCD screen. It measures up to 17.6 lbs. The reflective black surface is made with tempered glass is four times stronger than regular glass.

It is easy to clean and has an auto turn off. The scale is light in weight, which makes it portable. The Ozeri touch professional digital scale 17.6 lb edition comes with a booklet that shows calories of ingredients. The scale is pretty accurate as I measured many things. I found that sometimes we need a little bit of patience to figure it out, as it is sensitive.

The tare feature on it calculates net weight of the ingredients by subtracting the weight of the container. It comes with 2 lithium batteries, so the scale can be used as soon as it is bought.

If you are interested in this scale it is sold on Amazon.

What type of scale do you use, if you don't then how do you measure?