Fun & Food Cafe

The Handcrafter's Companion - for Homemade Bath Salts & Lotions

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:11:00 +0000

As our lives tend to become more and more busy, making us tensed all over, spending an hour at the Spa is often on the wish-list for many of us. But unfortunately, this can be highly expensive, or it may be hard for us to find an hour's worth of time to spend on our indulgences, not to mention driving out to a spa salon! but the perfect solution to this problem lies in the book called The Handcrafter's Companion - a collection of 126 recipes and product guide for aromatic home spa treatments,...

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Vegan Pineapple Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:20:00 +0000

Who doesn't love Pineapple Muffins?! Though a bit under-rated than Chocolate, Banana or Blueberry Muffins, these Vegan pineapple muffins are hard to avoid! The idea behind this recipe came from an urge to indulge in a Pina-Colada, and I was curious to see how it would taste as a muffin! Baked vegan, yet complete with the flavor of pineapples & fresh sweet coconut, these are as soft and moist as any other muffin recipe. They do sink a bit after removing from the oven, due to lack of eggs, but...

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Best Homemade Apple Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:57:00 +0000

There's something about the delicious Fall Apples that flood the farmer's markets these days. Whether large red or the invigorating Green ones, they all have a distinct taste, and a sensual aroma that fills up your kitchen when you bake something with apples. One of the most celebrated traditions in the US is to bake an aromatic Apple Pie at home. The Classic apple pie recipe calls for 2 different varieties of apples, and some fragrant spices like ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. So here's a...

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Cranberry & Apple Fall Cocktail

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Fall is all about apples, pumpkins, cranberries, peaches and plums. These luscious fruits make the season more inviting. Imagine yourself sitting on your deck, watching the sun set slowly over the horizon, as you gaze at its tender orange glow sipping from a glass of a Cranberry Apple Fall Cocktail! If this sounds like a picture you want to be a part of, hop on for the delicious Fall Cocktail recipe that will make an Autumn evening more enjoyable than you'd imagine. It pairs well with spicy or...

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Easy Halloween Party Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Halloween is getting closer faster than you think, and if you haven't finalized on your Halloween party menu yet, now is the time! Food is always an important aspect of any gathering, and Halloween is no exception! But as you prepare to entertain guests and tiny scary creatures in your house, you don't want to be spending time in the kitchen and miss all the fun. So here's a quick list of several goodies that I found on the web. From appetizers to crudites, cocktails and desserts, spooky as...

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Pasta With Parsely & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:22:00 +0000

I'm always looking out for Pasta recipes, and one of the simplest yet tastiest ways to enjoy a weeknight pasta dinner is to toss it with some homemade Pesto Sauce! And this Rigatoni with Walnut, Parsley & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto is one such charmer recipe that you would surely love. The tiny pieces of rich olive oil-soaked sun-dried tomatoes and earthy walnuts make this a satisfyingly thick, knobby pesto that bursts with flavor. Bye-bye Basil, we have some newbies to enjoy! [Recipe & photo...

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How to Roast Garlic

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Garlic is more often than not, a preferred spice in any cuisine, especially Italian. And one of the best ways to enjoy the pungent flavor of this bulbous stem is by roasting it. Yes, the smell of roasted garlic on a freshly-baked pizza, or mixed with pasta, or sometimes even eaten raw, is mesmerizing to food lovers world-wide! Though many people think it is hard to roast garlic, it isn't a daunting task. You can roast the entire bulb, and use it to flavor your dishes. Here's a quick post on how...

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Kadai Paneer recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:37:00 +0000

For a simple yet tasty Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) recipe that won't take hours of preparation, and which you can savor with Rotis/Parathas/Naans or Rice, look no further. Kadhai Paneer is a healthy, nutritious, protein-rich and almost fat-free Indian curry that will leave you satisfied at the end of your meal. Flavored with kasuri-methi, ginger-garlic and a blend of mild Indian spices, Kadhai Paneer can be ready in a jiffy and can be a perfect accompaniment to bread or rice for a fulfilling...

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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cheesecake Frosting

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:14:00 +0000

If you love pumpkin, and are thinking of ways to use those huge halloween pumpkins you've been buying, these Pumpkin Cupcakes with delicious Cream Cheese Frosting are your ultimate solution! The idea is an adaptation from Carrot Cake which is almost always served with cream cheese frosting. The decadent pumpkin counterparts have the health factor contributed by the pumpkin, and the oomph factor coming from the Cheesecake frosting. A sure hit with adults and children alike, they'll look great on...

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Announcing A Sweet Celebration - Recipe Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:56:00 +0000

This is indeed a festival season, as Indians worldwide prepare to celebrate Diwali, one of the biggest Indian festivals, while the hooplah for Halloween has begun in the US. So we decided to organize an event that focuses on Sweets & Desserts! Everyone around the world is invited to participate, but wait, this time we have some Cash Prizes to felicitate the winners! One of our sponsors, Awesome Cuisine, has been kind enough to give away cash prizes for the top 2 interesting and mouth-watering...

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Why is Losing Weight Harder for Women?

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Its a known fact that when a husband and wife begin a weight-loss goal together, more often than not, it is the husband who reaches the target way faster than the wife! As frustrating as it sounds, it is true. but why?? Is the woman doing something wrong? Or is she just not as dedicated as the male? Why does it take longer for women to lose weight? And why does it start coming back as soon as you stop dieting and resume regular indulgences? Here are some tips that reveal the secret, and how you...

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5 Easy Homemade Sweets - Diwali Special

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:32:00 +0000

Diwali, one of the biggest Hindu festivals is right around the corner, and its time to get cooking some delicious sweets and snacks. If you are in India, you'd be relishing tonnes of decadent sweets that would be decking the Mithaiwallahs or Halwai ki Dukan (sweetmeat shops). But being in US, its hard to find some of those authentic delicacies. yet, that's no reason to sit back and brood. Here are some really easy yet delicious Diwali Special Sweets that you can make right at your home; make...

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Zucchini & Sweet Corn Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:53:00 +0000

When it comes to soups and stews, everyone has a list of soups they are most comfortable with, and why not, after all, what good is a soup if it is not comforting on a cold winter night!! Generally, tomatoes, corn, veggies and some meat stews are family favorites, but would you ever dream of making a Zucchini Soup? I am not at all a zucchini-lover, but this soup made me crave this vegetable more than I had imagined. I think the Corn relish was indeed the added bonus, which brought in extra...

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Chocolate Nutella Tart

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:36:00 +0000

If you've ever tasted a luscious serving of Nutella, you'll agree with me that it is a taste that clings to your palate, and makes you its slave forever! I still fondly remember, and miss the delicious Nutella Crepes we savored at the base of the Eiffel Tower, but when I saw Mandy's delicious Chocolate Nutella Tart, I knew I had to make this before I started licking my screen! With a perfect crust,chocolate and Nutella, topped off with toasted hazelnuts, this is a dessert that Pierre Herme made...

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Pizza Sauce recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Pizza has always been a cherished fast food alternative for children and adults alike, and with the vast variety of toppings that you can add on a Pizza, there's no end to how many options you have to make it appealing each time. But there's one thing that pretty much stays consistent, and that is the recipe for basic Pizza Sauce. Though Pesto is gaining ground these days, the traditional tomato sauce flavored with garlic and Italian seasonings still remains a preferred choice. So here's an...

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Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:32:00 +0000

If you love strawberry cheesecake, then you're going to love these Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins! Kids will think they're eating cupcakes! Make them for an occasion, or just because you need an excuse to bake! And if strawberry is not your favorite choice, you can easily substitute with raspberry, blueberry, cherry, peach or any other seedless jam that suits your fancy. The fruit and cheese combination is a sure-shot winner, and the warm and moist texture of each muffin, topped with a dollop of...

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Scented Candles - Febreze Home Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:07:00 +0000

If you've seen the latest Glade Fragrance ads, you'll surely agree with me that it does sound inviting to have your home smell fresh and flowery, especially as it can melt away most of your stress as you enter your humble abode after a tiring day at work. However, I've tried several scented candles, reeds and fragrant oils over the years, but nothing seems to work that great. But the new Scented Home Collection from Febreze comes close to being perfect, and looks stylish too! How is Febeze...

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How to Avoid a Hangover?

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Alcohol in any form, is indeed something to limit to just 1-2 helpings, as going overboard, even if its just 1 extra peg, can turn out to be toxic for your body and brain! Yet, sometimes social obligations or celebration rituals may entail you to raise a toast; when consumed in moderation, it is perfectly fine, but be sure you know your own limits. It may not be a bad idea to keep in mind some of these tips to avoid a hangover either. After all, prevention is better than cure, right? Article...

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Creme Brulee IceCream

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:07:00 +0000

If you've ever had Creme Brulee before, you'll know its a dessert worth a second helping. Creamy and deliciously smooth from inside, with a crispy caramel crust on the top, you can relish this dessert in several different flavors. But what if you served this pudding as an ice cream?! Smooth and luscious vanilla flavored pudding gets a makeover in n ice cream maker, and is then topped with crushed toffee made from caramel. Creme Brulee Ice Cream is a perfect way to enjoy a sweet end to a...

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Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:51:00 +0000

For those who love Thai food, Pineapple Fried Rice is a well-known name, and everyone would agree that a Thai dinner is incomplete without a bowl o fragrant sweet and spicy fried rice served in a carved pineapple bowl! While you can't always have the pineapple as a serving platter, you sure can enjoy a lovely meal by making Pineapple fried rice at home. This exotic rice dish is really simple to make, and will surely compliment a nice Thai curry to serve a memorable dinner to friends and...

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Rustic Tomato Cheese Tart

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Tomatoes are indeed a versatile fruit, and when combined with rustic ingredients like paneer,roasted garlic, basil and red peppers, they come together wonderfully to deliver this beautiful, healthy and filling Tomato Tart! With a homemade pastry shell, and the delicious taste of cheese and spices, this Tomato tart will woo any foodie's heart. You can use the remaining dough to make your own sweet fruit tart later, but for now, enjoy the bountiful summer tomatoes by making this luscious yet...

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Easy Tiramisu Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:05:00 +0000

Tiramisu is typically a hot favorite on everyone's dessert list, and this is one classic Italian recipe that has fans all around the world. The traditional Tiramisu is indeed hard to replicate at home, and can get a bit tedious. But that does not mean that you cannot enjoy making this at home, or have to rush to a restaurant to relish one. Here's a really simple recipe to make Tiramisu at home - the semi-homemade way, thanks to Kraft and its wide range of products! Recipe and photo...

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Chocolate Oreo Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Who doesn't like Oreo Cookies, right? the beautiful brown chocolate cookies with a layer of delicious creamy white frosting sandwiched in-between, Oreos are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of milk or coffee, just as a handy snack, or churned into luscious and decadent ice cream! And now, we just made it easier and more economical for you to bake your own Oreo-like cookies - with this simple and fool-proof recipe, you will never run out of your favorite treats! Enjoy these lovely chocolate...

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Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Who doesn't like the sound of Vegetarian Lasagna? The perfect way to savor a good and filling Italian dinner is to gather all the ingredients, layer them up in a baking dish and pop it in the oven to bake into a perfectly delicious meal - and there you have it, the recipe for an easy lasagna dinner at home! This one has the added goodness of Spinach, Mushrooms, some shallots and loads of cheese. Its critical to bake the lasagna at proper temperature and also, don't get skimpy on the cheese -...

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Dal Makhani Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Mansi) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Dal Makhani, or "Maa ki Daal" is a famous lentil curry savored with rice in the Northern part of India. Made with black lentils, mainly Udad, and flavored with tonnes of flagrant spices, it is indeed a treat to be enjoyed. With its rich taste and unique flavor, it can be served with Chapatis, Parathas or Plain Jeera Rice. Tasty, filling, and full of nutritious value, Dal Makhani is one lentil curry every Indian cook aspires to perfect! You could experiment with other types of lentils too, or...

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