......FRESH GREEN CHILLY PICKLE....

FRESH GREEN CHILLY PICKLE..
INGS : 8-10 LONG GREEN CHILLY,
4-5 TBSP MUSTARD SEEDS,
2 TBSP SALT,
1 TBSP PEPPER POWDER,
1 TBSP TURMERIC POWDER,
1 TSP ASAFOETIDA,
3 LIME JUICE.

METHOD : WASH AND DAB DRY THE GREEN CHILLIES, MAKE A SLIT.
GRIND THE MUSTARD SEEDS IN A MIXER JAR.
IN A BOWL MIX THE MUSTARD POWDER, SALT, PEEPER POWDER,
TURMERIC POWDER N ASAFOETIDA. FILL THE MASALA IN ALL
THE GREEN CHILLIES AND PUT THEM IN A GLASS JAR IN THAT SQUEEZE THE LIME JUICE AND SHAKE THE BOTTLE.
THIS CHILLY PICKLE CAN BE STORED IN THE FRIDGE..
Jayant Bhatia Yummy!!
You can also put 2-3 table spoons of mustard oil..But provided u like the taste and smell of the mustard oil.

TIPS..TIPS..

Tips 4 the day
If Ants are bothering u then keep a piece of the skin of cucumber..

Avoid the smell of cabbage while cooking by placing a piece of bread
in the vessel.

FRESH CARROT PICKLE

FRESH CARROT PICKLE
INGS: 1 Carrot,
3 Green Chilly,
4 Tbsp Oil,
Little Asafoetida,
4 Tbsp Readymade Pickle mix,
1 Tbsp Vinegar,
1\2 Tsp Red Chilly powder,
1 Tsp Turmeric powder,
Salt to taste.

METHOD : Wash carrot and green chillies, peel the
carrot and cut into round slices. Make pieces of green
chilly also sprinkle salt and turmeric powder and leave
it for half an hour. Then drain the water and put a pan
to heat add oil, asafoetida powder, when the oil looks
like ‘smoking’ point take it off the heat.Wait 4 few mins.
Now add carrot and chilly, ready pickle mix and vinegar.
Check salt and add red chilly powder. Store in glass bottle.

Make fresh n eat fresh as will not last more then 3-4 days.

What is  a ready made pickle powder that is easily available at any grocery shop especially Bedekar pickle powder or masala. It is a ready 2 use ground masala that makes pickle making a easy process even in the summers when all are making pickle  4 the whole year.

#### WHAT IS A ‘SAUCE’ ###

 WHAT IS A ‘SAUCE’ : any preparation, liquid or semiliquid, eaten as a gravy or as a relish accompanying food. It could also be stewed fruit, often puréed and served as an accompaniment to meat, dessert, or other food, like the cranberry sauce. A sauce adds  ‘piquance’ or zest to the food.


Mustard sauce is a sauce that is prepared from mustard thinned with vinegar and vegetable oil with sugar and seasonings.

"Tomato sauce" means a tomato concentrate with salt, herbs and small amounts of spices.
Tomato sauce is made from a puree of tomatoes (or strained tomatoes) with savory vegetables and other seasonings.

Oyster sauce is a rich sauce made from boiled oysters and seasonings, oyster sauce does not have a fishy taste at all 
(boiling the oysters takes care of that). This rich sauce with a savory flavor is used in meat and vegetable dishes, and is an important ingredient in Cantonese cooking.
It is a rich ‘viscid’ sauce made from oysters and brine, used
in Chinese cooking.

Worcestershire sauce is a fermented liquid condiment with flavouring. This sauce is pronounced ‘ wust-ter-shire’. The sweet, tangy, salty taste of Worcestershire sauce makes it a distinctive sauce. This sauce is used with grilled or barbecued meats. It is also  used in cocktails and drinks.

Chilly sauce is made from tomatoes and onions and peppers (sweet or hot) simmered with vinegar and sugar and various seasonings. 
Soy sauce is produced by fermenting the ‘soybeans’. Soy sauce is salty, earthy, brownish liquids intended to season food while cooking or on  the table.  There are over twenty types of soy sauce to grace your table and enhance the taste of your food.
Soy sauce takes a bow as a main ingredient in cooking....

WHAT A VIEWER HAS 2 SAY ABOUT MY WORK ####

Pallavi Anand Hey usha, ur kitchen ideas are amazing.......... totally.... loved ur flavored yoghurt..... excellent innovation at work........... keep up the good work....... warm regards- pallavi.

WHAT DOES 'Detox' MEAN...

'Detox'  means our  body's natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body like excreted via stools or urine.  When our body feels the "body burden" is more because of the toxins and it may lead to illness or  to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. If there are problems of indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.Then medical tests and with a  medical doctor's advice helps to  recognize the problem,  if suggested to go ahead with a detox. A detox diet has shown improved energy, clearer skin,
improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity.


The 'toxins'  that have  entered  our body each and every day from our contact with a polluted environment and also from our food and drink. The poisons build up in the body and cause many different health problems.
Flushing the poisons from your body with a body detox will give you  a healthier and  happier life. It is time to change your eating habits, cleanse your body of toxins and feel  increased energy and zest for life with a healthier body.

ALL ABOUT ALOE VERA..

Aloevera is one of the oldest known medicinal plants gifted by nature and is also called a  ' Miracle plant'.
Aloevera is a desert cacti of the lily family. It is full of vitamins, minerals, iron, potassium, amiono acids and sodium. The most important use of aloevera is medicinal, it also helps detox, recharge and increase body immunity. It plays a important role to prevent hair loss and take care of the scalp.
It helps in acidity, cold n cough, constipation, acne, psoriasis.
It helps in burns and insect bites. Aloevera helps to remove the toxins collected in our body.
Aloevera plants are easily available. When a leaf is broken it should  be used fresh.
There is clear gel inside the plant so the leaf is split in half then with a spoon or other tool, the gel is scooped out. Aloe vera has  to be used fresh and is applied directly on cuts and burns.  Aloe vera is rubbed on sunburn. So squeeze the juice, apply on the hurt skin. The aloe vera juice helps digestion


WHAT ARE 'TOXINS' : are any unwanted chemicals in our body that slow down a 'perfect' system making it sluggish by nausea, fatigue, allergies or any digestive problems.
Overcome this by 'detox' and it is needed when one feels low energy levels. It happens if had unhealthy n unbalanced diet, or smoke a lot or on high alcohol or on medication for a long time.

EAT ‘AMLA’ THIS WINTER.

EAT ‘AMLA’ THIS WINTER.

 what gold is to the minerals, amla is to the herbs.
 We know by the name of ‘amla, the Indian gooseberry .Its a light  green fruit and grows on a small tree.
 Amla the ‘Indian Goose berry’ helps to have good
 memory and intelligence. It is a healing fruit and it is
 full of calcium, phosphorus, iron, protein and carbohydrates.

 Amla is an unusual fruit with a sour taste, sweet, bitter and
 pungent also. It is full of vitamin ‘c’ and has 80% water content.
 Amla when eaten raw gives maximum benefits.
 It is used in Ayurvedic medicines as a herb. It helps
 overcome urinary tract infections, piles and constipation.
 It helps fight cholesterol, diabetes and conjunctivitis.
 Amla is a good cure for ‘Scurvy’ that happens when
 there is a deficiency of vitamin c in the body.
 The most important fruit used in ‘Chyavanprash’is  ‘amla’
 and it is believed to have  magical powers. The dark brown
 tonic is till  today sold and consumed in India and is believed
 to help mental and physical growth.

THOUGHT 4 THE DAY..

THE MOST TASTY RECIPE..2 CUPS OF LOVE ADD 1 CUP OF WARMTH. NOW GOES IN 2 TBSP OF CARING WITH 2 TBSP OF PATIENCE, STIR N ADD A PINCH OF HOPE AND A HANDFUL OF HARD WORK AND SEASON IT WITH FLAVOR OF LIFE..."HAPPY COOKING"

CHEESE..ALL ABOUT CHEESE..DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEESE..

Cheese is a milk based food product. Cheese is produced  
all over the world in a wide range of flavors, textures, and forms.
Cheese consists of proteins and fat from milk and the milk could be of cow’s , buffalo’s , goat’s, or sheep’s. Cheese is produced by
coagulation of the milk protein known as’ casein’ .The milk is
acidified and an enzyme rennet helps in the coagulation process.
So that the solids can be separated, pressed to get cheese.
In the making of cheese, the milk is curdled by adding acids
 like vinegar or lemon juice.
Salt is added in cheese making to give it a salty flavor, hence it
preserves the cheese from spoiling by drawing out the moisture
from the curd to make it a firm cheese.
Some cheeses are salted from the outside with dry salt or brine
washes. But most cheeses have the salt mixed directly into the curds. When the curd is stretched and kneaded in hot water to get a fibrous  body, then the end result will be Mozzarella and Provolone cheese.
 When the curd is cut repeatedly and piled to push all the moisture away, then the cheeses obtained is Cheddar and English cheese.
 Lastly when the curd is washed in warm water to lower its acidity and to get a milder-tasting cheese, like the Edam, Gouda and Colby.

..More about cheese..

Different Types of Cheese

Soft Cheese: is cheese that has high moisture content.
The soft cheese includes cottage cheese, cream cheese,
 Ricotta, Brie, Bleu, Roquefort, Mozzarella, Meunster
 And other similar cheeses..

Semi Soft Cheese: is cheese has slightly strong flavor.
Like American, Colby, Co-jack and other similar cheese.

Semi Hard Cheese:  is cheese with a strong flavor
Compared to the semi-soft like Provolone, Gouda, Jarlsberg.
The Smoked Cheddar and Gouda Cheddar are the semi-hard cheese variety.

 Different kinds of cheese

Parmesan: Parmesan is a dry and hard cheese and
is prepared from skimmed cow milk. The parmesan
cheese has a richer and sharper flavor.

Cheddar cheese is mild or sharply flavored and it is
smooth or dry, depending on the age of the cheese.

Romano is a type of very hard cheese which could be of
 a mixture of cow’s milk along with a sheep or goat’s milk.


  Brie is a kind of soft cheese that has a tangy or fruity flavor.

Mascarpone is Italian cream cheese. This cheese is very rich, used in desserts.

...TOASTED BREAD PIZZA..

TOASTED BREAD PIZZA..
INGS : 2 TOASTED BREAD SLICES,
2 TBSP TOMATO SAUCE,
2 TSP GREEN CHUTNEY,
2 TBSP GRATED CHEESE,
4 ROUND SLICES OF ONION,
4 ROUND SLICES OF TOMATO,
2 TSP BUTTER OPTIONAL,
SALT N PEPPER POWDER TO SPRINKLE.

METHOD : TOAST THE BREAD SLICES.
CUT ROUND SLICES OF THE ONION
AND TOMATO N SPRINKLE SALT N
PEPPER PD.
ON THE TOASTED SLICE APPLY BUTTER,
THEN SPREAD TOMATO SAUCE AND PLACE
ONION N TOMATO SLICES, PUT FEW DROPS
GREEN CHUTNEY AND TOP IT WITH GRATED
CHEESE. SERVE QUICK PIZZA....

GREEN GATHIYA DIP

GREEN GATHIYA DIP
INGS: 1\4 CUP CORIANDER LEAVES,
2-3 GREEN CHILLIES,
2 CLOVES OF GARLIC,
A PIECE OF TOMATO, GINGER
AND ONION,
2 TBSP COCONUT GRATED,
4 TBSP GATHIYA,
1\2 TSP SUGAR,
SALT TO TASTE,
1 TBSP LEMON JUICE.
.
METHOD: WASH THE CORIANDER LEAVES.
PUT ALL THE INGREDIENTS  IN A MIXER JAR AND
GRIND TO A PASTE THAT LOOKS LIKE CHUTNEY.

......What are Gathiya...

What are Gathiya...
Gathiya is a popular tea time snack and is made of gramflour.
Make the lovely gathiya:
Ingredients:
Bengal gramflour(Besan),
Salt to taste,
Pinch of soda bicarbonate,
Oil for frying.

Method: Mix besan, soda bicarbonate, salt.
Add some oil, use water to make a tight dough.
Use a gathiya maker and put oil to heat to fry the
gathiyas. Drop the gathiyas from the maker and fry.

MUST TRY COCONUT MUFFINS

MUST TRY COCONUT MUFFINS
INGS : 2 Tbsp Coconut desiccated,
3 Tbsp Fine flour (maida ),
1 Tbsp Icing Sugar,
1\4 Tsp Soda with few
Drops of lemon juice,
1 Tbsp Butter,
1\2 Tsp Baking powder,
2 Biscuits crushed with fingers,
3 Tbsp Condense Milk,
1 Tsp Milk,
1\2 Tsp Curd.

METHOD : Mix all together. Grease and dust muffins
molds or cookie molds. Put in preheated oven at 180
degrees centigrade for 20 minutes. When done take out of
oven, let it cool then take it out of the molds and sprinkle some
powdered sugar.

TIP: Apply jam of your choice and sprinkle grated
white chocolate.

Why Eat The Lettuce....

Lettuce is a temperate annual or biennial plant of the daisy family. It is grown as a leaf vegetable. It is eaten cold, raw, in salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, tacos, and in many other dishes.
An edible plant that has green or purple leaves and the leaves of the lettuce plant are eaten as a vegetable. The green iceberg leaves have the best flavor and highest fiber.
Lettuce has two vitamins like vitamins C and A, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Protein and full of fiber.



LETTUCE IS OF 3 TYPES THE ICEBERG, LEAF AND ROMAINE LETTUCE. ICE BERG LETTUCE HAS A SUBTLE
FLAVOR, LEAF LETTUCE HAS CRISP LEAVES HAVING FULL FLAVOR  AND THE ROMAINE LETTUCE HAS
DARK GREEN TO PALE LEAVES WITH SLIGHT BITTER TASTE. LETTUCE HAS 90% WATER AND IT IS LOW
IN CALORIE.
TIP EAT FRESH, RAW AND CRISP. STORE THE LETTUCE IN A MUSLIN CLOTH IN FRIDGE.
WASH THE LETTUCE BEFORE USE AND DAB IT DRY. TEAR THE LEAVES OF LETTUCE
.

some more useful terms

PAR BOIL MEANS TO COOK FOOD UNTIL IT IS 'PARTIALLY' DONE.    
BLANCHING MEANS TO PUT VEGETABLES IN HOT WATER UNTIL TENDER. ONCE TENDER THEN PUT IN COLD WATER, SO THAT THE COOKING PROCESS STOPS. 
BLIND BAKE IS BAKE A UNFILLED PASTRY BASE OR TART OR PIES OR FLANS.
BEAT MEANS REGULAR MOVEMENTS TO GET A SMOOTH MIXTURE.
COAT MEANS COVER FOOD IN A THIN LAYER OF FLOUR OR ANY SAUCE.
CREAM MEANS TO BEAT BUTTER AND SUGAR UNTIL SMOOTH.
DREDGE MEANS TO SPRINKLE FLOUR OR SUGAR EVENLY ON THE FOOD.
DUST MEANS SPRINKLE FLOUR, SUGAR, SPICES OR ANY SEASONING OVER THE FOOD.
CUT AND FOLD MEANS TO GENTLY MIX FLOUR INTO THE MIXTURE.
GREASE AND DUST MEANS TO APPLY FAT LIKE BUTTER TO A DISH OR TIN BEFORE PUTTING IN THE OVEN AND SPRINKLE LITTLE FLOUR ALSO.

Did u know..ROLE SUGAR PLAYS IN OUR KITCHENS..

THE ROLE SUGAR PLAYS IN OUR KITCHENS..
SUGAR WORKS AS A 'FOOD ENHANCER' WHEN IT IS ADDED IN COOKING AS IT CUTS THE SOURNESS OF TOMATOES AND FRUITS. WHEN SUGAR IS ADDED IT GIVES GOOD TEXTURE AND BODY TO JAMS, ICE CREAMS, CAKES AND PICKLE. IT WORKS AS A PRESERVATIVE WHEN ADDED TO JAMS AND PICKLES AS IT PREVENTS FROM SPOILING. SUGAR IS ADDED TO YEAST WHEN ADDED IN BAKING BREADS AS IT HELPS TO RISE.

TASTY FLAVORED YOGURT AT HOME.

TIP 4 TODAY..MAKE MOST TASTY FLAVORED YOGURT AT HOME. WHEN YOU SET THE CURD AT THAT MOMENT IN MILK ADD LITTLE CURD 2 SET IT AND BANANA PIECES WITH SOME MASHED, LEAVE IT 2 SET...A FLAVORED YOGURT WILL BE READY.

MAKE STRAWBERRY FLAVORED WITH CRUSHED FRESH STRAWBERRY IN SOME STRAWBERRY PUREE OR CRUSH..
MAKE TASTY CARDAMOM AND SAFFRON FLAVORED YOGURT..

ALL ABOUT SUGAR

ALL ABOUT SUGAR

Sugar or sucrose, is a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in
every fruit and in the plant kingdom. Sugar cane and sugar beets from which sugar is separated for commercial use.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUGAR.

Castor/caster sugar is very finely granulated sugar.

Confectioners or powdered sugar is granulated sugar ground to a smooth powder and then sifted. It contains about 3% cornstarch.

Coarse sugar is pearl or decorating sugar, its crystal size coarse
 sugar and  is larger than the of “regular” sugar.

Date sugar is sugar that  is a food than a sweetener. It is
 ground up from dehydrated dates and  is high in fiber.

Fruit Sugar is sugar that is slightly finer than “regular” sugar
and is used in dry mixes such as gelatin and pudding desserts,
 and powdered drinks.

Granulated sugar is also known as ‘Table’ or ‘White’ sugar.
This is the sugar most known to consumers.
.
Sugar cubes – They are made from moist granulated sugar
 pressed into molds.

Raw sugar is essentially the product at the point when the
molasses is removed and what’s left after sugarcane has been
processed and refined.

Raw sugar includes Demerara sugar,Barbados sugar,
Turbinado sugar.


Sanding sugar is also known as coarse sugar. It is  large crystal sugar, used mainly in the baking and confectionery industries as a ‘sprinkle’ on top of baked good.

Superfine, ultra fine, or bar sugar is crystal size and  is the finest
types of granulated white sugar. It is ideal for cakes and meringues.

Brown sugar is dark brown sugar has a deeper color and stronger molasses flavor than light brown sugar.
Lighter types are used in baking and making butterscotch.

Demerara sugar is a light brown sugar with large golden crystals.

Turbinado sugar is raw sugar which has been partially processed.

Liquid sugars is of several types like liquid sugar (sucrose),
White granulated sugar that has been dissolved in water before it is used.

DID U KNOW...SOME USEFUL TIPS..

 TIP : DID YOU KNOW THAT 4 LARGE SIZE TOMATOES WILL GIVE 2 CUPS OF PUREE..

 TIP :  MAKE A SUGAR SYRUP THE EASY WAY....
 NEED SUGAR AND WATER IN THE SAME AMOUNT OR QUANTITY, PUT TO HEAT,  STIR AND WHEN BEGINS TO BOIL ADD 2 TBSP OF MILK TO REMOVE ANY DIRT IF  PRESENT IN THE SUGAR, STRAIN AND  A HOME MADE SYRUP IS READY..

TIP : MAKE A QUICK COCONUT CREAM  MILK AT HOME :
NEED SAME AMOUNT OF DESICCATED COCONUT SOAKED IN SAME AMOUNT OF WARM  MILK
FOR AN HOUR THEN GRIND IN A MIXER GRINDER, A  INSTANT COCONUT MILK IS READY.

WHAT DOES THESE TERMS MEAN..

DOUBLE BOILER

Is a cooking method in which a large pan that has hot water, into which a small pan is set in order to cook food at low heat, below 100C or 212F or to keep food warm.

BAKING  is cooking food in the ‘oven’, where the food is surrounded by hot air or dry heat by setting the temperature Knob of the oven..

WHY EAT THE OATS

WHY EAT THE OATS

The common Oat , Avena sativa  is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed.  
The goodness of Oatmeal is that it is a ‘powerhouse’ of nutrition. The healthy oats can be had as oats bread, oats cookies or in milk or make this super recipe given below.

   

Eating oats can help people to lose weight as it contains a great
deal of fiber, which is easily digestible and gives a feeling of fullness. 
Eat more oatmeal you can drastically improve the quality of your life.

GOOD REASONS TO START EATING OATS:

Oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Oatmeal can help you control your weight.
Eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.
In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends
that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.
A diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure, the reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber.
Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex
carbohydrates and iron.
Oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.
Oatmeal is quick and convenient and absolutely delicious!
  

A HEALTHY RECIPE 2 MAKE TASTY OATS DAILY :

PUT 1 CUP WATER TO BOIL. ADD FEW TABLE SPOONS
OF OATS, SALT, SUGAR AND PEPPER POWDER TO TASTE. WHEN DONE TOP IT WITH CRUSHED, CRUNCHY CORN FLAKES.

COOKIES TOPPINGS..

COOKIES TOPPINGS..
INGS : 4 COOKIES BISCUIT,
4 TBSP THICK CHOCOLATE SAUCE
OR USE LEFTOVER CHOCOLATE ICING,
2 TSP CRUSHED PRALINE (CHIKKI ),
2 TSP STRAWBERRY JAM,
2 FRESH STRAWBERRIES CUT INTO
HALF THEN PUT SLITS.

METHOD: APPLY CHOCOLATE ICING OR CHOCOLATE SAUCE
ON THE COOKIES, THEN ON 2 COOKIES SPREAD THE CRUSHED 
PRALINE AND PLACE STRAWBERRY ON TOP. IN THE SAME MANNER
APPLY CHOCOLATE ON THE OTHER 2 COOKIES AND SPREAD THE JAM (STRAWBERRY JAM) AND PLACE THE CUT STRAWBERRY. 

PUT IN FRIDGE N SERVE..

HOMEMADE PANEER PUFF

HOMEMADE PANEER PUFF
INGS: 1 Cup Fine flour (maida),
One Pinch Baking powder,
1 Tsp Oil,
Salt to taste,
4 Tbsp Onion chopped,
4 Tbsp Cottage cheese (paneer),
3 Tbsp Capsicum chopped,
1 Tsp Oil,
4 Tbsp Potato boiled and cut,
Salt, Red Chilly powder, Garam masala
and Little Pav bhaji masala and Sugar,
Few drops of Lime juice.

METHOD: Make a dough of the fine flour add salt,
baking powder, oil and make a dough using water.

Put a pan to heat add oil, add cut onion, capsicum,
potato pieces, cottage cheese cut into pieces, stir
then add salt, chilly powder, garam masala, pav bhaji
masala, sugar, lime juice, mix well , keep it to cool.

From the dough make 3 balls, roll them and using
fine flour paste, apply on the edge of first base and
on this put the second base, apply flour paste, pile
all three then roll some more.
Cut little side to straighten, then cut 2 stripes out of
this. Take the first stripe and place the stuffing in the
center and close by bringing the portion over, seal
the sides with flour paste and fry in oil on low flame,
until golden brown.

....TABLE SETTING...

TABLE SETTINGS:
Table setting means to set a table with tableware such as eating utensils and dishware for serving and eating.
The arrangement for a single diner is called a place setting. In table setting a ‘center piece’ performs solely a decorative function.

Informal settings has less utensils and dishes compared to a more formal settings.
In a Formal setting the utensils are placed about one inch from the edge of the table.. Utensils are arranged in the order and the way a person will use them.

The major items of cutlery are Knives, Forks and Spoons. Good quality cutlery are made from silver and also from steel. Plastic cutlery is made for disposable use and is also used outdoors like camping, excursions and BBQ’S or at fast food joints or take away.

. The types of dishes are: Plates could be dinner plates, salad plates, or bread plates. Bowls could be soup bowls, cereal bowls, or dessert bowls.
The serving dishes are platters, salvers and trays.
There are tea cups, saucers and mugs with sugar bowl and creamer.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLASSES USED IN
TABLE SETTING..
a. Water: full body glass with short stem. Hold the glass by the stem to preserve its chill.

b. Brandy: brandy snifter. Roll the snifter between both hands and then cup it in one hand – warming the glass brings out the bouquet in brandy.

c . White wine: slightly smaller glass with wider bowl to capture the bouquet. Hold the glass by the stem to preserve its chill.

d. Burgundy Reds and Pinot Noirs. The glass is slightly taller than the white wine glass with a wide bowl.

e. Champagne: a narrow fluted glass, that reduces the wine’s surface area and keeps the bubbles from dissipating.

f. Red wine: A bigger of a wine glasses. Hold the glass at the bottom of the bowl where it meets the stem. .

❤❤❤❤ 'CHEESE SPREAD AT HOME.. ❤❤❤

TRY THESE TASTY 'CHEESE SPREAD AT HOME..❤❤

NEED HUNG CURD + SOME REGULAR CURD + GRATED CHEESE+ SUGAR+ SALT+ PEPPER POWDER + LIME JUICE + GRATED GARLIC+ MIX WELL A TASTY DIP OR A HOME MADE CHEESE SPREAD IS READY..❤❤


ANOTHER 'CHEESE SPREAD':  NEED GRATED CHEESE +  BUTTER + GRATED GARLIC + CHILLY TOMATO SAUCE + SALT + PEPPER POWDER ..❤❤

Fun Food Facts :

   Fun Food Facts :
 Raw vegetables have a much higher nutrient value than cooked.

There is evidence that honey is the only food that cannot spoil.

Fortune cookies were invented in 1916 by George Jung, a Los Angeles noodle maker.

Popcorn has been around for 6,000 years.

Watermelon and cucumbers are among a dog’s favorite foods even cabbage and fresh coconut.

TIPS 2 STORE CORIANDER LEAVES AND CURRY LEAVES..

STORE CORIANDER LEAVES AND CURRY LEAVES IN A
PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH A PAPER AT THE BASE..❤❤


ANOTHER WAY TO STORE THE CURRY LEAVES N CORIANDER LEAVES IS TO WRAP THEM IN ALUMINIUM FOIL..
MINA JOSHI SAYS"I just wash and clean them and then freeze them in plastic bags. They are fine to use for garnishing and in curries. Frozen coriander isn't suitable for making chutney."

FUSION FOODS

Fusion cuisine combines elements of various culinary traditions and not fitting specifically into any one type. The term also refers to the innovations in many contemporary restaurant cuisines since the 1970s.

The roots of fusion cuisine are probably ancient, since humans have been exchanging culinary heritage for centuries.
Fusion cuisine is combination of various forms of cookery and the concept can take several forms. One approach is regional fusion that combines different cuisines of a region or sub-region into a single eating experience

***** VARIETY OF PARATHAS ******

MAKING A VARIETY OF PARATHAS ADDS AN EXTRA INTEREST TO THE FOODS. MAKE MORE TASTY PARATHAS AND ENJOY THE FOOD TO THE FULLEST.

ONION PARATHA : MAKE A WHEAT FLOUR DOUGH WITH SALT AND OIL. MAKE A STUFFING OF VERY FINELY CUT ONIONS ADD CUT GREEN CHILLIES, GINGER, CUT CORIANDER LEAVES, SALT, RED CHILLY POWDER AND ANY OTHER MASALA TO MAKE
TASTY PARATHAS.

MAKE TASTY MISSI PARATHA : 3\4 CUP BENGAL GRAM FLOUR (BESAN ), ADD IN THIS 1\4 CUP WHEAT FLOUR, VERY FINELY CUT ONION, GREEN CHILLIES,
CORIANDER LEAVES, SALT, RED CHILLY  POWDER,TURMERIC POWDER AND MANGO POWDER.
MAKE A DOUGH AND ROLL AND MAKE TASTY PARATHAS.

ALOO, METHI AND MAKAI PARATHA : MAKE A DOUGH USING WHEAT FLOUR 1 CUP ADD SALT  METHI LEAVES, DAHI, OIL AND MAKE A DOUGH. MAKE A STUFFING OF BOILED N  MASHED CORN AND POTATO ADD GREEN CHILLIES, SALT AND OTHER MASALAS OF YOUR CHOICE.
GO AHEAD MAKE THE TASTY PARATHAS..

FOODS FOR THE EYES

FOODS FOR THE EYES SHOULD HAVE BETA CAROTENE, SO THAT THE NUTRIENTS GET CONVERTED INTO VITAMIN 'A'.

THE FOODS ARE LIKE CARROTS, APRICOTS, PAPAYA, SPINACH, MANGOES.
FOR BEST EYE CARE TAKE REGULAR BREAKS WHILE WORKING ON THE COMPUTER.
EXERCISE DAILY TO RELAX AND RELEASE THE PRESSURE THAT BUILDS UP ON THE EYE BALLS, SO THAT IT DOES NOT RESULT IN 'GLAUCOMA'.
VISIT WWW.glaucoma.org

DRINK LOTS OF WATER OR ELSE THE BODY STARTS TO USE WATER FROM THE 'RESERVE'. THIS MAKES THE EYES LOOK SWOLLEN AND PUFFY..

   ****** TIPS FOR THE DAY***
TIP: CRUSH THE SEEDS OF A CARDAMOM , MIX IT IN HONEY AND HAVE IT FOR GOOD VISION DAILY.

TIP: GET RID OF 'PUFFINESS' AROUND THE EYES BY PUTTING COLD TEA BAGS.. TEA HAS 'TANNIN' THAT HELPS TO LESSEN THE PUFFINESS...

LACCHA PARATHA

LACCHA PARATHA

INGS: 1 Cup Whole Wheat flour,
Salt and Oil add to get breadcrumbs.

METHOD: In the wheat flour add salt and oil
to get breadcrumbs type texture of the flour,
now add water to make a dough. Let it rest
for half an hour. Take a lemon size ball from
the dough and roll it then make a 90degree cut
towards the center and lift the outer cut edge and
roll to form a cone shape. Press the cone shape
and roll once again to a proper paratha size.
Put on a hot tava and cook using ghee until crisp
and golden brown.

.###TASTY TALWA PARATHA####

.TASTY TALWA PARATHA
The word Talwa means to cook the paratha 

at the base of a kadhai with extra ghee.

 

INGS: 1 Cup Whole Wheat flour,
1\2 Tsp Chilly flakes,
Few pinch Chilly powder,
Water for making the dough,
1\2 Cup Green Peas, coarsely ground,
1 Tsp Oil,
1\8 Tsp Cumin seeds,
1\8 Tsp Red Chilly powder,
Ghee to make parathas,
Salt to taste.

METHOD : Make a dough of wheat flour, salt, chilly flakes and chilly powder using water, let it rest. Put a pan to heat add oil, cumin seeds, the peas and stir for few minutes. Now add salt and chilly powder to taste. Let it cool. Put a kadai to heat , roll a small paratha and put the peas stuffing and seal it and roll it again and put few spoons full ghee at the base of the kadai and put the paratha, turn it and press and cook until golden brown..

THE LOVELY PARATHAS..

  A paratha also spelled as parantha, is an Indian flat-bread.   It is layers of cooked flour and sometimes stuffed with vegetables.     
  It is a flat bread that is  made from atta  also known as  wholewheat flour  and using  water a dough is made that is  rolled out and fried on a tawa  also known as a griddle. The paratha  is layered by rolling, folding and  rolling again and then basted with ghee during cooking until turn golden brown.

MAKE A VARIETY OF PARATHAS WHERE THE STUFFING INSIDE CHANGES, USE WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR TO MAKE THE DOUGH AND ADDING SALT, OIL IS OPTIONAL.

MAKE TASTY SPINACH  PARATHA BY ADDING IN THE WHEAT FLOUR, SPINACH PUREE  THAT IS GROUND IN THE MIXER JAR ALONG WITH GREEN CHILLY AND A PIECE GINGER. ADDING  SALT AND MASALAS TO TASTE. 

ANOTHER VARIATION COULD BE ONION PARATHA, USING VERY FINELY CUT ONION WITH GREEN CHILLY AND SALT PLUS RED CHILLY POWDER AS STUFFING.

TIP FOR THE DAY: 

USE LEFT OVER COOKED RICE TO MAKE AMAZING FILLING FOR PARATHA.
JUST MASH THE COOKED RICE AND ADD SALT + RED CHILLY POWDER, A SUPERB STUFFING IS READY..
. You can add millet or Bengal gram  flour to make  the dough. You can also add methi to the dough. Mixing the dough with yogurt instead of water also makes a nice change. As suggested by Mina Joshi..

#### “PARATHA” ######

     “PARATHA”

  A paratha also spelled as parantha, is an Indian flat-bread.

  It is layers of cooked flour and sometimes stuffed with vegetables.   
   

  It is flatbread that is  made from atta  also known as  wholewheat flour  and using  water a dough is made that is  rolled out and fried on a tawa   also known as a griddle. The paratha  is layered by rolling, folding and   rolling again and then basted with ghee during cooking until turns golden brown.

.TASTY TALWA PARATHA

The word Talwa means to cook the paratha at the base of a kadhai with extra ghee.

INGS: 1 Cup Whole Wheat flour,

            1\2 Tsp Chilly flakes,

            Few pinch Chilly powder,

            Water for making the dough,

           1\2 Cup Green Peas, coarsely ground,

            1 Tsp Oil,

          1\8 Tsp Cumin seeds,

          1\8 Tsp Red Chilly powder,

          Ghee to make parathas,

          Salt to taste.

METHOD : Make a dough of wheat flour, salt, chilly flakes

and chilly powder using water, let it rest.

Put a pan to heat add oil, cumin seeds, the peas and stir for

few minutes. Now add salt and chilly powder to taste. Let

it cool. Put a kadai to heat , roll a small paratha and put the

peas stuffing and seal it and roll it again and put few spoons

full ghee at the base of the kadai and put the paratha, turn it

and press and cook until golden brown..  

SOUS VIDE COOKING METHOD...

Sous vide is  French style of cooking developed by George Pralus in the 1970s.
The term pronounced "sue veed” means to cook”"under vacuum.".  Sous vide is a method of slow cooking food in vacuum sealed  bags placed in warm water at low temperature.  Foods cooked  in the sous vide style tend to retain the shape and
flavor of the foods . The food is cooked in slow cookers in the absence of oxygen and at less than boiling water temperatures used.  Sous vide, the low temperature cooking is a process of cooking food at a very tightly controlled temperature that is  the
temperature at which  the food is served .

History:
 Sous vide was first used in kitchens in France in the 1970s, it is traditionally  the process of cooking vacuum sealed  food in a  low temperature water bath.
This  method was developed by Georges Pralus in the mid-1970s of France who was looking  for a  new  way  of  cooking.

Sous vide cooking time is affected by three factors:
(1) the core temperature  to cook the dish.
 (2) the heat transfer in the food. 
(3) how much food will be cooked at one time.

For example: Meats – which do not conduct heat  well so will require longer cooking times than foods such as vegetables which are much less dense and have greater  surface areas.
 Also, the greater the cooking liquid to food ratio, the faster each portion of food will reach the proper core temperature. The sous cooking involves pressure, temperature and time.
The high pressure is due to the vacuum to lock the heat, temperature is low so that the packing does not tear and the time taken to cook by this method is more.
The ‘art’ of sous vide cooking is  determining the perfect ‘core’ temperature you  need to reach to  get the desired taste and texture.

ORGANIC FOODS 4 GOOD HEALTH:.. Eat well, stay healthy...

 Foods  that are farmed without the use of pesticides, antibiotics or genetically altered organisms are called Organic foods. They also mean food that are grown without  artificial fertilisers or pesticides and emphasis crop rotation, so that natural fertilisers and   the life of the soil is maintained. . "Know your farmer, know your food" was the motto. Personal definitions of what constituted "organic" were developed through firsthand experience: by talking to farmers, seeing farm conditions, and farming activities. Small farms grew vegetables and raised livestock, using  organic farming.

 Nowdays people worry more about their health and the safety of the food they eat.
 So awareness  to what is organic food? Where can you buy organic products? Foods
to be certified as organic are food products that come from farms and processing plants  and are certified as ‘organic’. This means the foods are inspected by certified government officials to ensure that organic farms are up to USDA organic standards. 

The benefits of Organic foods are they do not contain dangerous pesticides, so they are foods that are not dangerous to your health. Organic farming is better for the animals and still better for the environment. Organic farms are much more compatible with wildlife and land  conservation programs.

Are Organic Foods Worth the Cost?
Organic foods are more expensive to grow than conventionally grown foods, so the cost is higher. The choice to add organic foods to your diet may cost a bit more money, but for that price, you are buying the reassurance that you're making healthy decisions for our own health and your family's health.
There is an  increasing awareness of what people eat so  organic foods are becoming more and more popular. People are  looking for foods that are better for their health. Organic foods are a great way to get vitamins and minerals without  any damage to
 your health.
 Organic foods must be grown according to certain standard so require organic certification that they are foods ‘free’ of  any harmful substances.  Organic foods give a variety of nutrients, also as fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C. When you choose organic food, you give your body a healthy weight, good source of energy and see the difference that organic foods can bring in your life today!

###SANDWICH UTTAPAM#####

###SANDWICH UTTAPAM#####
INGS: 1\2 Cup,Dosa Batter ( Ready made batter that is
easily available add salt, red chilly pd and a pinch soda).
Saute: 2 tbsp onion chopped, 2 tbsp capsicum chopped,
2 tbsp corn, add little salt and red chilly pd to taste.
Also need 2 tbsp green chutney to spread.

METHOD : On a non stick tava spread half batter, so
that a small pan cake uttapam is made, drizzle some oil
around it. Now on this spread the green chutney and onion and corn mixture. Again spread the rest of batter to make a uttapam on top of it, drizzle oil, turn and let it turn golden brown. Cut and serve with coconut chutney..

TIP : It  is quick and tasty above all easy 2 make..if like cheese
then go ahead on the stuffing some cheese and cut tomatoes  will taste good..

GOOD HEALTH.....

GOOD HEALTH  IS OVER ALL WELL BEING OF THE BODY AND MIND. EAT FOOD WITH GOOD TASTE AND FULL WITH NUTRIENTS. TRY TO MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES THAT ALSO BALANCE THE NUTRITION PART NEEDED  BY THE BODY.
TIP 4 THE DAY:
TRY TO EAT 5 (FIVE) SERVINGS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EACH DAY BESIDES
THE MEALS TO GET PROPER NUTRITION NEEDED  BY OUR BODY..
.
EAT GRAPE FRUIT AS IT LOWERS THE CHOLESTEROL AND HELPS AVOID HEART DISEASE. IT HELPS IN WEIGHT LOSS, OVERCOME FATIGUE AND TIREDNESS OF 
THE BODY..
EAT BEETROOT AS IT WORKS AS CLEANSING AGENT FOR THE KIDNEY, LIVER
AND GALL BLADDER. IT INCREASES THE RED CELLS IN THE BLOOD. IT INCREASES STAMINA OF THE BODY. IT ALSO HELPS OVERCOME CONSTIPATION.

WOW PASTAS

TYPES OF PASTAS….
Pastas are made from fine flour, semolina flour and durum wheat also. Regular pasta has both protein and fiber. 
               ......Pastas are of various kinds…

Spaghetti Most common round-rod pasta.
Fusilli very long coiled rods, three edged 
like a thin telephone cord.  
Fettuccine Ribbon type pasta.
Lasagne Very wide pasta that have fluted edges.
Gomito also called Macaroni look like bent tubes.
Penne Medium length tubes with ridges
and cut at both the ends.
Farfalle Bow tie or butterfly shaped pasta.
Cannelloni Rolls of pasta that can be made with various fillings.
Ravioli Square pasta, about 3x3 cm, stuffed with cheese and vegetables…
Gnocchi Round in shape made from flour and potatoes.

In Italian cuisine pastas play a very important role.
The pastas are tossed in Olive oil and even herbs are
important ingredients in their cooking.
Pastas are cooked rather boiled in lots of water in

which salt and oil are added.
Always boil pastas to “bite” type. When done drain the
water and put in cold water to stop the cooking process.
Boil lasagna one at a time. The pastas cooking time varies
with size and thickness. When the pastas are boiled and drained
add some oil so that they do not stick to each other.