Chocolate Covered Coconut Macaroons

Its almost a month that I posted anything here or been active on facebook. I am held up in packing and is extremely busy. Will be away for another month too. Thanks for all the messages :). For time being we can see the yummy post that I had prepared for a friend.
       Sireesha Puppala  from Siris Food is a  person most of you are familiar with. For me she is a cute bubbly girl with full of energy...We got to meet virtually through fb and then I have always enjoyed her clicks and drooled seeing the delicious food prepared by her..You will find a wide variety of recipes in her space and I say once you are there,  you will be lost in that wonderful world of treats. She had approached me long time back for the guest post and I accepted it. As many things came to front in my life,  I almost lost track of the date that I had committed. Then I suddenly remembered it and send her an email saying that it will be done soon but that soon took a  little long...:)
   Coming to the recipe, if you are a coconut lover and enjoy its chewiness with a hint of chocolate then this is it...Its from the book "Desserts 4 Today"..I have given it a little twist by adding cardamom powder. If you don't want you can just leave it. If you are someone who doesn't like chocolate, I never thought there will be someone like that until I met my husband..;) you can skip it and enjoy..


Do visit here to check how these simple and delicious macaroons are made..


Pasta With Meatball



Admittedly, pasta is one of the most typical food and appreciated the Mediterranean diet as named in our country and although it never achieved the popularity and development that had and has in Italy, today is an ingredient that lack in our kitchens, in all its forms and elaborations, whether noodles, espaghettis, fettuccine, tagliatelle, macaroni, tortellini, etc. ..

The origin of pasta is a very controversial subject, the more likely the situation in China, where he arrived in Italy in the thirteenth century by the famous travels of Marco Polo by Asian routes, but it has been shown that both India and even in other Middle Eastern countries, and also elaborated a kind of pasta called "sebica" whose meaning comes to be "stranded". Word that comes to have a common denominator with the word "spaghetti", short for the Italian word "spago" meaning "string."

I read that the paste is believed to have been introduced in Italy before birth even Marco Polo, in the eleventh century and which also reached Spain as there are documents attesting that their consumption had a big swing at that time primarily in the area Levante and Andalucia. The oldest name used in Spain to designate the pasta, was "noodles" and first appears in an Arabic manuscript of the thirteenth century.

They were the noodles, sold rolled and had to split them first pasta consumed in the kitchen of my grandmother and my mother then, over the years were the espaghettis and macaroni those who came to our pantries, to today we can find all kinds of pasta in the nearest supermarkets.

On this occasion I have prepared some spaghetti with meatballs inspired (I have not followed faithfully in his footsteps, not exact ingredients) in a recipe for a great cook who had the good fortune to meet, a master of gastronomy who follow and admire : MARTIN BERASATEGUI .

How do I do?
The noodles use egg Gallo brand. 

Ingredients for meatballs:
A quarter kilo of ground beef, 50 grams of chopped smoked bacon (I bought it in pieces and pique in my meat grinder), a tablespoon of ketchup sauce, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (you can find in any supermarket), an small piece of grated Manchego cheese, one egg, two pieces of bread soaked in milk, flour and fresh basil leaves (alternatively be used dry, although the taste is not the same).

Ingredients for the sauce:  
A small red onion, medium yellow pepper, two cloves of garlic, two carrots, three or four grated ripe tomatoes, olive oil (preferably Malaga, currently using Riogordo), a spoonful of sugar, salt, two bay leaves five or six black peppercorns, half small glass of red wine.

The steps to make meatballs:
In a bowl mix the ground beef, bacon, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cheese, bread soaked in milk, finely chopped basil and salt to taste, kneading all the ingredients, then form balls of desired size and then dust with flour.

Heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown. Escurriéndolas well and reserving them out.

While preparing the sauce:
In a saucepan, cover the bottom with oil, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot and bell pepper also cut into small pieces, salt and fry over low heat for about ten minutes, add the tomatoes, sugar and wine then letting him do ten minutes. Season with salt.

Pass the sauce through the blender and add the bay leaf and black pepper. 
Pour the meatballs in the sauce, stir and cook for a few minutes. Remove and reserve hot.

Cocer pasta according to manufacturer's instructions chorreoncito water with oil and salt to taste. Drain well.

Generally you should mix the pasta with the sauce and meatballs, I personally like emplatarla next door and every guest the mix.

At emplatar sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh black pepper ... if you like, of course. 

Recipes For Diabetics



Strawberry banana smoothie and
fresh fruits Fusion a delicious smoothie, rich in calcium, fiber and vitamins and low in sugar.

Almond milk
Low in calories, contains no cholesterol or lactose. It is rich in nutrients, magnesium, selenium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin E, good for the health of your bones, heart, and your body's defenses strengthening your immune system. It is lower in calories and carbohydrates than cow's milk helping your weight and glucose control ....

Guacamole
Avocado generally confused by vegetable, fruit is a creamy consistency and the main ingredient in one of the best-known snacks Hispanic recipes: guacamole. Enjoy this recipe and know its benefits to your health and diabetes.

Carrot soup and turkey bacon
soups are the perfect alternative for lunch or dinner when you want to lose or maintain your weight. When you substitute in soups carbohydrates by plants adding nutrition to your plate and you reduce the calories. Try this version of carrot soup, nutritious and tasty.

White Chili with Chicken
When it comes to finding ways to add nutrition to your table, there is nothing like beans. Navy beans or kidney beans are rich in fiber and minerals. The white chili recipe is easy to prepare and delicious to the palate.

Lemon Chicken
chicken breast is a low-fat protein and its market price makes it accessible. It has a mild flavor that fits any seasoning. In this recipe, the lemon juice is key to flavor the chicken. Serve this recipe on a bed of greens.

Grilled Salmon with Herbs
Salmon consumption is rich on the palate and have proven benefits for heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels and improve the elasticity of the arterial walls stimulating proper blood flow.

Pescado a la Veracruzana,
Veracruz The fish is a traditional dish of Veracruz, a city in Mexico's Caribbean coast and seasoning ingredients and show a strong Spanish influence. This dish is traditionally prepared with fish snapper or "snapper" (red snapper), but any white fish can work in the recipe.

Tilapia baked with herbs
Tilapia is a warm water fish of African origin. There are three different varieties: blue tilapia, Nile tilapia and red tilapia or silver. Treat in this recipe baked with herbs and butter.

Jicama Salad
Jicama is a tuber legume-rich in water, fiber and vitamin C. Its caloric value is very low, it is easy to prepare, in salads or alone as a snack accompanied by lemon juice.

Citrus Spinach Salad
Spinach is nutritious, low in calories and energizing. Treat her this recipe with this merger-avocado fruit and tangerines-and see that besides adding nutrition to your plate will be a delight to the palate.

Baked Breaded Tilapia
Fish is an excellent quality protein: it is low in calories, easy to digest, excellent source of essential lipids and vitamins, and helps prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Tilapia is easy to get and the price is affordable. There are three varieties of this fish, the blue tilapia, Nile tilapia, ...

Chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese
chicken breast is a source of protein low in fat and rich in essential amino acids, easy digestion without doubt one of the recommended protein for the treatment of some diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Give variety to your taste buds with this recipe stuffed with goat cheese.

Plant garlic sauteed
garlic sauteed vegetables are the perfect complement to meat, poultry or fish. The can also serve mixed with whole grain pasta, adding more olive oil and sprinkled with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for a vegetarian dish.

Chicken breast stuffed with spinach and gorgonzola cheese
Spinach is a source of vitamins and minerals. The chicken breast is low in fat protein that helps control weight. In this recipe for chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and gorgonzola cheese, you'll have a complete and nutritious dish to offer your family.

Chicken breast stuffed with asparagus
Delicious and nutritious version of roasted chicken breast stuffed with asparagus. The studs are full of vitamins and minerals that benefit your diabetes. Its diuretic action is the cure for edema and minerals like chromium helps to increase the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the 

Chicken salad sandwich and almonds
lunch arrives and time is short between daily activities and work. If you want something that is quick and nutritious, try this chicken salad sandwich and almonds, is easy to prepare and its protein content will keep you satisfied for long.

Lentil soup makes
Loaded with nutrients, fiber and protein, lentils are grains that may well replace the meat for its nutritional value. No need to pre cooked like other beans which will save time in the kitchen. Try this version with smoked turkey bacon to add more flavor without the fat of hams.

Chili con carne
Chili con carne is an easy to prepare dish full of protein and fiber. The red beans are a source of iron, magnesium, vitamin C and phosphorus, are naturally low in sodium and cholesterol free, good for your cardiovascular health and diabetes. Treat them in this recipe.

A light cream, tasty and easy to prepare. The pumpkin cream ...
A light cream, tasty and easy to prepare. The cream of pumpkin (butternut squash), popular in the days of autumn, is a simple way to add nutrition, health and flavor to your table.

Tricolor Bean Salad
Quick to prepare, high in fiber, low in fat and very nutritious. This tricolor bean salad no sugar added will be the perfect companion on your table.

Mediterranean Quinoa
Quinoa is a versatile seed that you can prepare as cereal, in salads with other vegetables, or rice. The cooking time is quick and their nutritional value surpasses all grain for its high protein content, perfect if you decide to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Tilapia stuffed with spinach and tomatoes
Tilapia baked and filled with tomatoes, spinach and cheese. An easy to prepare recipe will make you look like a chef in the kitchen, and nutritious, you'll be providing your family health, the give in weight control and diabetes.

Basic Flan unsweetened coconut
flan, dessert traditionally made ??with eggs, milk and sugar, and that is curdled-bath, into a mold lined with toasted sugar usually is one of my favorite desserts. Since I learned to prepare substituting sugar pudding mix and candy for sweeteners, I have tried all versions. Learn ...

A Special Halloween night
during the celebration of the night of witches are collected many goodies. Its use without supervision and restraint can bring fatal consequences to the health of your child with diabetes. Let this be a night of Halloween family fun concocting desserts without sugar added. Night Happy Halloween!

Crepes stuffed with cream cheese and strawberry sauce
The crepes or pancakes, a recipe from France originally made ??with wheat flour, eggs, milk, butter and sugar. Boil the pan or "crepe" on both sides, forming a disc with the dough and filled with fruits and jams, also scrambled eggs and vegetables. The possibilities are as varied as the imagination of ...

Chickpea recipes: Baked Falafel and Hummus
Two delicious appetizer recipes on the palate and very nutritious: falafel and hummus. The main ingredient in these two recipes is the chickpea, high in fiber and protein and low in fat, for its nutritional value, can be a substitute for meat on your plate. 

Dip for your crudités
One way to eat more raw vegetables and benefit from the vitamins and antioxidants that offer, is accompanying them with low-fat dressings. The dressing of low-fat cream cheese is soft on the palate, the south, for those who prefer it spicy and well easier version of hummus. Enjoy them!

Appetizers nutritious and low in calories
Snacks at parties are these snacks with which we calm the appetite before it comes time to serve the main course. They may be small, but many times, giants in calories. Keep the list of appetizers then rich on the palate, low in calories and take care of your diabetes.

Rice with mushrooms and onions
Mushrooms can enjoy in many shapes and add them to pasta, rice and salads to add flavor and texture to your recipes. They are low in calories, high in fiber and rich in potassium. Enjoy them in this easy recipe rice and onion.

Bruschetta, Pico de gallo and tortilla rolls and vegetables
Tomato, served as a vegetable botanically fruit, helps fight diseases including cancer. Because of its high chromium content, helps keep your glucose levels in the blood stable. Enjoy its benefits to your health and diabetes in these three recipes of appetizers: Bruschetta, Pico de gallo and tortilla rolls and vegetables.

Garlic spinach salad with chicken, citrus and Caprese
Spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. The American Diabetes Association classified it as one of the super foods good for diabetes for its nutritional value, being low in calories and have a low glycemic index. Treat in three versions: garlic chicken, in salads and traditional citrus salad ...

Corn and bean salad and roasted vegetables
Two recipes that complement your main course. The corn and bean salad is high in fiber and protein, roasted vegetables are a different way to eat vegetables if you prefer to consume hot instead of cold salad. Vesiones Both are full of flavor.

Spaghetti with tomatoes, basil and cheese
pasta whole grain or enriched with vegetables are high in fiber will help you feel fuller longer and stay within the limits of carbohydrate per serving (40 grams of carbs per 3/4 cup ). Treat this vegetarian recipe with tomatoes, basil and Parmesan cheese.

Grilled Salmon with dill cream light
Salmon, one of the appointed oily fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a form of polyunsaturated fat healthy for the body. Its consumption helps prevent diabetes and cardiovascular health. Try it in this recipe baked with dill sauce low fat.

Penne pasta with chicken and mushrooms
One of my favorite recipes to be easy to prepare, delicious and low in fat. I bake the chicken breast in broth and lime juice, add mushrooms, dusting with basil and ready. A full plate with whole grains, protein, vegetables and dairy.

Garlic Cassava
Cassava is one of the most cultivated foods in the world. South America, Asia and West Africa lead the cultivation of this root. Its consumption provides vitamin C, iron, calcium, fiber and vitamin A. As is high in starches should moderate their consumption. Enjoy it in this recipe for garlic.

Homemade Burgers
Try this version of homemade burgers with garlic, onions and mushrooms. Enjoy the flavor that add these vegetables to your dishes while you take advantage of the benefits to your health and diabetes.

Torcettini di Saint Vincent

This month Aparna decided to bake yeasted cookies by "We knead to bake" group. These are soft as well as slightly crispy cookies coated in sugar. The recipe is adapted from A Baker's Tour by Nick Malgieri.



Warm Water-1/2 cup(about 110F)
Active Dry Yeast-11/4 tsp(Instant Yeast-1 tsp)
All-purpose flour-11/2 cups
Salt-1/4 tsp
Lemon Zest-1 tsp
Unsalted Butter-40gms(cold and cut to small pieces)
Sugar-1/3 cup(for rolling the cookies)


Preparation:
1. Dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
2. In a large bowl mix the flour and salt for couple of times. Add butter pieces and mix until the flour- butter mixture looks powdery.Add lemon zest to this and mix.
3. Add yeast mixture and mix till everything comes together as a ball.Do not over process/knead.
4. Place the dough in a oiled bowl,see that the dough is well coated in oil.Cover the bowl, and let the dough rise quite a bit.
5. The dough looks puffy after an hour or so. When you pinch off a bit from top you can see the interior looks like honeycomb.
6. Press down the dough and deflate it, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate it for atleast an hour or up to 24 hours.
7. When ready to bake cookies, Lightly roll the dough into a 6" square. Cut  the dough into four strips of equal width using a pizza cutter.
8. Cut each strip to 6 equal pieces, by cutting across, making a total of 24 pieces.
9. Roll each piece into a pencil thick rope about 5" long. Sprinkle little sugar on surface and roll rope on it so sugar crusts the dough uniformly.
10. Form rope into a loop crossing it over before the ends.
11. Place them on parchment lined baking sheets, leaving 11/2" between them. Leave them for about 20 minutes or so till they rise/puff slightly.
12. Bake them at 325F for about 25 minutes, till they are nice golden brown.
13. Cool cookies completely on rack. Store them in air tight containers at room temperature. Makes 24 biscuits.



Notes:
1. Dry yeast can be replaced with 1 tsp instant yeast.
2. To make chocolate torcettini, replace 2 tbsp all purpose flour with 2 tbsp cocoa powder and lemon zest by orange zest. You can add 1/2 tsp instant coffee powder to the flour.
3. Do not knead the dough too much.
4. While making torcettini cutting the dough to 24 pieces is not really needed. Its to get 24 equal shaped dough bits.



Mango CheeseCake

With dark fluffy clouds, fierce winds and occasional snows my part of world is still in the clutches of winter...Everyday sun tries to make an effort to shine high and bright but immediately it is attacked by cold and dark clouds that it goes unnoticed. With all these dull stuffs happening here I was eager to bring in some sunshine to the hearts of my loved ones. It was at that time Baking partners group decided to bake cheesecake and this bright and summery cheesecake was in there. Immediately seeing mango I fell for them and decided to go for it. It was all perfect, delicious and an eye catchy stuff  and very easy to put together with no baking included. This recipe was suggested by Sweatha adapted from Divine Taste. Now lets move on to the recipe...





For Crust:
Digestive biscuits/any plain sweet biscuits-11/2 cups(160 gms, crushed)
Butter-1/2 cup(100 gms, chopped)

For Filling:
Fine sugar/powdered sugar-1 cup(160gms, add more if needed)
Thick full fat yogurt-3 cups(800gms)
Paneer Cheese-2 cups(400gms)
Water-11/2 cups(375ml)
Agar Agar/china grass-15 gms
Mangoes-2 nos/1 cup(peeled, chopped, pureed)
Pure Vanilla Extract-1 tsp

For Mango Glaze:
Mango-1 nos/1/2 cup(peeled, chopped, pureed)
Water-2 tbsp
Sugar-2 tbsp
Lime Juice-1 tbsp

Method of preparation:
Preparing thick yogurt:
1. Place the yogurt in a cheesecloth and let drain to a colander overnight. The quantity will reduce to half (400 gms or 11/2 cup)next day.

Preparing Crust:
1. Place the biscuits in a zip lock bag and crush it to powder using a rolling pin.
2. Add this powder and the cubed butter into the food processor and process till the mixture is well mixed.
3. Remove the mixture and press it on to a 8"/9" springform pan.
4. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes or in refrigerator for half an hour.

Prepare Filling:
1. Break and soak the  china grass in 11/2 cup water for 10 minutes until it becomes soft.
2. In a food processor blend the paneer and thick yogurt to smooth and  creamy mixture. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Heat mango puree in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not allow it to boil.
4. In another pan, place the china grass and water mixture and stir on low heat until it melts completely, about 5 to 6 minutes. Do not allow this to boil.
5. Once the china grass melts completely, pour the hot china grass mixture into hot mango puree, stirring all the while.
6. Slowly add mango mixture into yogurt and cheese mixture, stir in the sugar and vanilla extract and beat well with a wire whisk until well blended.
7. Pour this mixture over the prepared crust, level with a spoon and chill in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.



For mango glaze:
1. Place all ingredients for glaze in a pan and  cook over medium heat.
2. When it begins to boil, reduce heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Spread it on cheesecake with spoon.
4. Allow the glaze to set over the cheesecake for 2 to 3 hours or more before slicing it.



Notes:
1. You can use cottage cheese instead of paneer. In that case let the water drain completely before using. The cheese should be dry to get a perfectly set cheesecake.
2. Blend the paneer to puree here.
3. China grass should be completely melted to set properly. Do it on low heat.
4. Break the strands of china grass to small pieces  before soaking it.
5. While mixing the china grass mixture let both the liquids used to mix be hot, so that it sets properly.
6. If china grass sets before u mix to another mixture, then reheat till it melts completely.
7. The sugar mentioned here is just sweet. If you have a sweet tooth then add about 1/4 to half cup more. Applies if your mangoes are sour too. Taste the mixture to check it before setting.
8. You can use the mixer to powder the biscuits too.
9. You can make the cheesecake as individual servings too.
10. I have used graham crackers for the base.
11. I  used 9" springform pan.



Chutney Podi/Chutney powder

Chutney podi using coconut is something I have never tried or I should say that Idli podi is the only one I have ever done. When Nagalakshmi said this recipe for cook along in Kerala Kitchen I was eager to try it out and glad that I could make it. We have been using it with rice, breakfast till now and it goes very well with the spicy and very slight(barely noticeable) tangy taste. If you are planning to try this you might want to reduce spice if planning to feed kids. I used store bought coconut powder to prepare it and it tasted real good. The time required to make it was less as the coconut powder was dry. Go ahead and try this.


Coconut-2 cups(grated/dry grated powder)
Dry red chilies-10 nos(add more or less according to preference)
Ginger-2" piece(sliced)
Curry leaves-3 strands
Urad dal-2 tsp
Black pepper-1 tsp
Shallots-1/2 cup(sliced)
Asafoetida-1/2 tsp
Tamarind- Small piece
Salt- 2 tsp

Method of preparation:
1. Heat a pan on low heat and fry the coconut,dry chili,ginger,curry leaves, urad dal, black pepper,shallots till coconut turns brown.

2. When done turn off heat and add asafoetida, salt and tamarind and give a stir. Set aside to cool.
3. When cooled, grind this to fine/coarse powder and store in a airtight container.
4. Serve as side for rice,dosas,idlis.


Notes:
1. See that you don't burn the coconut powder instead of browning.
2. Add dry chili as needed for heat.

Soya Chunk Masala Curry using Coconut milk

I never liked soya chunks as a kid and even my initial experiments with them were a disaster. As time went I kind of understood that it is my not so good way of cooking that ruined its taste. Then I started frying it with spices...ummm that was immediately accepted by my family. Then I started to experiment with them so much that we enjoy them in all forms these days.Here is how they can be prepared to a delicious curry using coconut milk.



Soya chunks-1 cup
Onion-1 small(chopped to small pieces)
Green chili-2 nos
Tomato-1 medium(chopped to small pieces)
Turmeric-1/2 tsp
Chili powder- 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder-1 tbsp approx.
Salt to taste
Meat Masala-1/2 tsp
Oil-2 tsp
Garlic-2 cloves(crushed)
Coconut milk-1/4 cup
Coriander leaves for garnish.(finely chopped)


Method of preparation:
1. Boil some water in a pan and add the soya chunks into it. Once they swell completely, turn off the heat and drain the water.
2. Squeeze maximum amount of water from the soya chunks by pressing it. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in  a pan and add the crushed garlic. Fry for a second and add the onion into it.
4. Fry till onions turn translucent and light golden. Add green chili and mix well.
5. Add the tomatoes into it and mix well. Wait till tomatoes turn slightly mushy and then add the chili,coriander,meat masala,turmeric powders into it and mix.
6. After few seconds, add the soya chunks and mix.
7. Then add about 2 cups of water,salt  and cook on medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, increase heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes..
8. Then add the coconut milk and cook on low till it simmers  and starts to boil. You can boil it for a minute and then turn off the heat.
9.Add coriander leaves and serve with rice.





Notes:
1. Maximum water should be removed from the soya chunks before putting it to gravy.Else it wont absorb much spices and flavor and will be bland.
2. Cook for good time in the flavorful spice gravy, so that its absorbed by soya chuks.
3. Add more chili powder if needed. This is on low spice level with above mentioned amount.




Parippu Vada/Lentil Fritters

Some snacks holds tons of memories in it..This is one such thing..Its been the part of so many wonderful years of train travel's that I cherish..These are easy to prepare and delicious to munch on..

Chana Dal-1/4 cup
Toor dal-1/4 cup
Fennel Seeds-1/4 tsp
Pearl Onion-4 nos
Green chili-2 nos
Asafoetida-2 pinch
Ginger-1 tsp finely chopped.
Curry Leaves-1 sprig
Salt to taste
Oil to fry.

Method of Preparation:
1. Soak chana dal and toor dal for min. 3 hours. Wash and drain the water.
2. Set aside about 2 tbsp of dal and then grind the remaining to coarse pieces along with pearl onions, chilli, ginger, fennel, curry leaves, asafoetida and salt.
3. See that the dal is just pulsed to bits and not to paste.
4. Transfer to a clean dry bowl, add the 2 tbsp of dal and check for seasoning.
5. Heat oil in a wok.Take a small round ball of dough and lightly press between the palm to flatten it.
6. Deep fry in medium low heat so that the inside gets cooked and outer covering is crispy and browned.
7. Serve hot with tea.

Notes:
1. You can grind the lentils and then crush the other ingredients and mix it separately instead of grinding/pulsing together.
2. Shape them according to how you want them, If you need crispy vadas make them thin discs, else thicker ones.
3. The oil should be on medium heat, if too hot they will turn dark and wont be cooked inside.

Rasmalai

Hope everyone had a great start for the month April and are looking forward for another beautiful month. Here this part of world is still cold and windy though I see a small change in the ice that covered the lake...hmmm ya its slightly melting giving way to the hidden water to reflect the sky...To boost up the mood with climate made some sweet treat and ya sweet does wonders..:)



Rasgullas-10  nos(I made at home)
Sugar syrup of rasgullas-3/4 cup
Milk-2 1/2 cup
Milk maid/condensed milk-2 tbsp(optional)
Saffron- a pinch mixed with warm milk.
cardamom seeds-1/4 tsp(crushed)
Pista-2 tbsp
Nuts for garnish(I used pistas)

Method of Preparation:
1. Squeeze the liquid out of rasgulla and flatten it a bit while squeezing. Set aside.
2. Boil milk with condensed milk(if using) and cook it till it turns thick and to half. Then add sugar syrup and cook for some more time say about 15 minutes.
3. Add the nuts, saffron,cardamom and cook for few more minutes.
4. Add the flattened rasgullas to it and cook for 5 more minutes on low so that it absorbs the milk mixture.
5. Turn off the heat and chill the mixture and serve with additional nuts.

Notes:
1. You can increase the amount of condensed milk and reduce the sugar syrup. This helps the milk to thicken fast and reduces the cooking time.





Easy Healthy Recipes



Courgettes are given so easily you put a plant in the garden or in the garden and courgettes have to "give and take", that is, to eat and to give to family and friends and even your spare. know people who do not want them in the garden because then you do not know what to do with them. matter to me worth listening to these things because it is a versatile vegetable that supports many preparations and all of them are delicious. A common mistake is to collect them committed too big. Zucchini, with size, tenderness and softness lost, becomes rough and tough and stop being a delicacy. Ideally, visit the plant every day and go cutting reaching a length of 15 or at most 20 cm. is well preserved for a few days in a dark, dry place or in the refrigerator but also I like to cook quickly and should not consume them at the time, freeze them cooked or scalded. then put the links to recipes the leading blog among its ingredients, zucchini. I hope this is easier and faster to locate a recipe that we feel like when someone regale courgettes and know very well what to do with them (other than ratatouille and cream, of course).

Hot Cross Buns

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrate...Here is some hot cross buns..:) Everytime I studied the rhymes" Hot cross buns" I have wondered how these buns were.. Finally I baked my own batch of hot cross buns by replacing egg with  flax seeds and using raisins and cardamom as flavors..Here is the recipe




All purpose Flour-3 cups
Active dry yeast-2 tsp
Milk-1 cup(lukewarm)
Honey-1/4 cup
Salt-1 tsp
Flax seed powder-1 tbsp
Hot Water-3 tbsp
Cardamom-1tsp(seeds lightly crushed)
Raisins-1/2 cup(golden and dark mixture)
Egg wash/Milk wash

Method of preparation:
1.In a bowl mix yeast and milk and set to foam for 5 minutes.
2. Mix flax seed powder and hot water and let sit for few minutes. It will turn thick by that time. If it doesn't then heat this mixture till it turns thick and resembles egg white in texture. Let cool for some time.
3. Add honey, salt and flax mixture and stir until everything mixes.
4. Add the cardamom and raisins and mix well.
5. Add flour to this mixture and knead to a soft and elastic dough about 8 to 10 minutes. The dough is sticky at beginning but turns soft and elastic as you knead it. Add little extra flour if really needed approx 1 hour for me..
6. Transfer the dough to lightly oiled bowl and set aside to double in size. 
7. Punch the dough and shape them to 12 round balls/ rolls and set on a baking tray to rise for another 25 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 400F. Egg/milk wash the rolls and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes or till lightly browned.
9. Allow to cool.Apply icing and serve.


For Icing:
Confectioners sugar-1/2 cup
Cream-1 tbsp

1. Mix the cream and powdered sugar to smooth paste. 
2. Once rolls cool completely,  use a piping bag to mark the cross on the buns. You can do it with a tsp too.


Cocoa Brownies with Walnut and Brown Butter


  When Abraham Chacko approached me to write a guest post for his space I was very happy to do it and accepted it without second thought said yes. He had given me enough time and wanted it only by the end of march. As many of you know me..I am the last minute person..No matter how much time I get..ok sometimes I do start early but then there will be something that holds me till the last minute..I guess that is how I am programmed by God..Now I don't want to rewrite it..;)..So here too I started with one recipe and finally ended here after editing the pics and knowing that they were horrible...Guess these are tolerable..:)
     As the many other friends I have got in fb, he is one among them. Quite an interesting guy with loads of talent. He has a great collection of recipes and a very cute family with two adorable daughters and an all in all great wife Susan..:). Chacko's Kitchen is the place where you find their effort..If you have never been there do visit it..
    Here is the small treat that I have prepared for them...This is a perfect fudgy brownie with a crunch of nuts perfect to have with milk. Here instead of butter, brown butter is used and it does taste great. Mixing and making them is quite easy though do not over bake them. Do visit here for the recipe..:)





Hokkaido Milk Bread with Tangzong(Eggless)

This time Aparna gave us the detailed recipe to bake Hokkaido Milk bread.They are soft white breads which gets its texture from the use of Tangzhong. This month I have been baking a lot of bread using this method as a part of another baking group too. As I have done the loaf already here I have tried some shapes.Original recipe is from 65 Degrees Tangzhong “65C Bread Doctor” by Yvonne Chen, and adapted from here.


For Tazgzhong(Flour-Water Roux):
All purpose flour-1/3 cup
Milk-1/2 cup
Water-1/2 cup

For Dough:
All purpose flour-21/2 cups
Sugar-3 tbsp
Salt-1 tsp
Powdered milk-2 tbsp
Instant dried yeast-2 tsp
Milk-1/2 cup+1/4 cup(extra if needed)
Cream-1/8 cup(25% fat)
Tangzhong-1/3 cup(use half tangzhong from above)
Salt-1/4 tsp
Unsalted Butter-25 gm(cut to small pieces, softened at room temp)

Method:
The Tangzhong:
1. Whisk he flour, water and milk in a saucepan until smooth and there are no lumps.
2. Place saucepan over medium heat, let the roux cook till it starts thickening.
3. Keep stirring constantly so no lumps form and the roux is smooth.
4. Cook the roux till it reaches 150F(65C) or until you see lines forming in roux as you stir/whisk.Take pan off the heat at this point.
5. Let it cool completely before using it for baking.

To make bread:
1. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl, mix together, make  a well in center and set aside.
2. whisk cream, milk, tangzhong together and add this into the dry ingredients. Knead until everything comes together and you get a dough shape and gluten has developed. Then knead the butter.
3. Knead the dough into a ball shape and keep it in a  greased bowl covered with a kitchen towel to proof till its doubled in size, about 45 minutes or more depending on the weather.
4. Transfer it to a clean surface to shape it.This recipe makes one loaf(9"X 5"), 2 small loaves(6"X4"), or 1 small 6"X4" loaf and 6 small rolls, or can shape it to rolls or different shapes.. Deflate and divide the dough .Preheat the oven to 325F.
I made a tortoise,2 flowers and six small rolls.

To make tortoise:
5. To start with tortoise first take ball of dough and shape it into a smooth ball.Shape a head and four limbs from smaller pieces of dough.
6. To make shell take a small piece of dough make a thin round(1/8" thick) and mark with a knife. 
7. The marks should be deep but don't cut through. Wet the under side of dough with milk or water and stick it on back of your tortoise. 

To make flower:
8. Take two small rolls of equal size. Stretch them to sticks about 3/4 to 1 inch thickness.
9. Take two sticks and make spirals with them. Pinch the ends after making a small round.
10. Now take a small ball that fits in center of round and brush it with little milk on the sides and place it in the center.

To make rolls:
11. Take a small ball and roll it to a small oval shape using a rolling pin. Fold the smaller side into center and then the other side slightly over the earlier one.
12. Now roll the unfolded edges again to form a small rectangle and then make it to a roll and pinch the edges to seal well. Keep the roll in the muffin pan and continue with the other dough ball.
Notes: You can stuff the rolls with sweet or savory fillings.


13. Set it aside covered with a kitchen towel to proof  for 45 minutes or till it reaches to 3/4th of the tin.
14. Apply a layer of egg wash to the dough and bake it in the preheated oven for  35 to 40 minutes. To check doneness tap the bread and you should hear a hollow sound.
15. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy soft freshly baked bread. You can keep it in airtight box for later use. This stays fresh even the next day.


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