Health tips for rainy season . . .

Health tips for rainy season . . .
Monsoon, the rainy season after the severe heat makes people dance in the rains.
Body n health conditions during the rainy season will be Low digestion power, Low immunity and Low body strength.
Digestion is weak during this time. Avoid heavy, hot, acidic, sour (pickles, chutneys, chilies, yogurt, curry, etc.) and salty food as it promotes water retention, indigestion, hyper acidity and bloating. Avoid deep fried foods, junk food and meat. Avoid salads and leafy vegetables.
Also try to eat cooked or steamed vegetables. Wash all green vegetables and fruits properly before eating.
So food during the rainy season should be easy to digest.
Avoid adding chillies,add pepper instead.
Eat foods which are dry in nature, the most popular being makka (corn), chana (chickpea), besan (gram flour), jow (oats).
Drink butter milk as it helps digestion.
Eating watery foods like rice, lassi, watermelon, muskmelon creates swelling in the body. Also bitter vegetables like karela (bitter gourd) and bitter herbs like neem (basil), methi (fenugreek) seeds, haldi (turmeric) as it prevents infection.
During the rainy season for any skin infections and itching, try to add 1 or 2 spoons of neem oil to half a cup of sesame oil and use this for massage.
But what about the rainy season giving people a good chance 
to eat the mouth-watering 'chai pakoras', 'bhutta' (corns) and other street food.
THE TASTY PAKORAS AND ONION RINGS...
CRISPY ONION RINGS
ING:
one onion, 2 tbsp corn flour
2 tbsp maida, 1 tsp besan (Benegal gram flour)
Few pinch of soda bi carb, red chilly powder
Little pepper powder, salt to taste, oil to fry.
METHOD
Take a big size onion, peel and cut roundals.
Round (thick slices, separate each ring).Put oil to heat , make
a batter of cornflour, maida, besan, soda bi carb, red chilly pd, pepper pd, salt to taste.Use water to make a flowing batter, put the onion rings in the batter so that it coats all well.
Put one by one in oil to fry, remove when golden on a paper napkin. Serve with some chaat masala sprinkled on top.
Serve with green chutney and tomato sauce.
TIP: Add little rice flour to get more crisp onion rings.
MAKE THE TASTY 'PAKORAS'...
INGS :
3\4 Cup Bengal gram flour,
1-2 Tbsp Onion and Potato,
2 Tbsp Carrot and Corn (grated),
1 Tbsp Paneer (grated),
1\8 Tsp Turmeric pd and Coriander pd,
1\2 Tsp Red Chilly pd, A Pinch Soda bi carb,
Salt to taste and 1 Tbsp Hot Oil.
METHOD:
Make a batter of the above listed.
Put oil to fry to heat and drop 15- 20 small pakoras, when golden brown, take them out and put on kitchen tissue.

American Food Holidays . ..

American Food Holidays . ..
On Almost Every Day of the Year, There’s Something To Celebrate.
Food holidays are daily observances that's held in honor of a certain food. Did you know that each month in our calendar 
has food that represent it? It sure does! Just about every day
in every month is a celebrated Food Holiday. Each month is a national food month, some weeks are national food weeks and most all days are daily food observances too.
The United States is known for observing food holidays promoted by clubs, food organizations and health organizations.
Even though most food holidays originated in the United States, it's not uncommon for these holidays and others to be celebrated in other parts of the world.
June 2 is ' National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day '.
In Italy holidays are celebrated with food. The Italians love to eat and feed others and hence each national holiday is taken as an excuse to indulge into some of the finest dishes of the Italian cuisine.
 DID U KNOW . .. 1 When is National Vanilla Milkshake Day?
Always June 20th!
This holiday is celebrated by making you and your whole family
a tall vanilla milkshake!
Milkshake Fun Food Facts!
1880s-1930s: When the term "milkshake" was first used in print in 1885, milkshakes were an alcoholic whiskey drink that has been described as a "sturdy, healthful eggnog type of drink, with eggs, whiskey, etc., served as a tonic as well as a treat". 
By 1900, the term referred to "wholesome drinks made with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla syrups."
"A milkshake is a sweet, cold beverage which is made from milk, ice cream or iced milk, and flavorings or sweeteners such as fruit syrup or chocolate sauce. Milkshakes are usually served in a tall glass with a straw, and whipped cream may be added as a topping. Several popular milkshake flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
DID U KNOW ABOUT . .. 2 When is National Lemonade Day? National Lemonade Day is always is August 20.
National lemonade day is a day we honor the old time favorite drink called lemonade. On National lemonade Day, it's traditional to celebrate by mixing up your favorite flavor of your choice.
DID U KNOW. . . 3 Eat Dessert first month . . .
In Western culture dessert is a course that typically comes at the end of a meal, usually consisting of sweet food. But during the month of August dessert lovers everywhere are given the go ahead to eat our desserts first and not feel bad about doing it. That's right August celebrates the sweet tooth.
DID U KNOW . .. 4 National Breakfast Month is food holidays and comes in September . . .
Breakfast is the first meal of the day and did you know
"The word Breakfast came about because it means breaking the fast after one has not eaten (fasted) since the night before.
"This holiday celebrates the many different types of Breakfast around the world.
http://www.tfdutch.com/foodh.htm

What Color Is Your Diet? Try 2 “eat a rainbow” of foods?

When eating have reds, yellows, and other bright colors on your plate. . . What Color Is Your Diet? Try 2 “eat a rainbow” of foods?
Grouping of foods according to their predominant phytochemical group, coding plant foods into seven color categories like red, red/purple, orange, orange/yellow, yellow/green, green, and white/green.
There are numerous functional foods can be recognized and grouped together by their color.
Functional foods are foods or dietary components that may provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition. Examples can include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fortified or enhanced foods and beverages and certain dietary supplements.
Eating more fruits and vegetables is a worthwhile goal.
Eating a variety of different colors of fruits and vegetables every day.
A HEALTHY TIP 4 ALL . ..
People who eat more generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including strokes, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and perhaps heart disease and high blood pressure.
Keep cleaned fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator just ready to eat. Avoid peeling to preserve fiber content.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN to eat a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables?
Healthy reasons to eat a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Red fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called "lycopene" or "anthocyanins." Lycopene in tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit, for example, may help reduce risk of several types of cancer. Anthocyanins in strawberries, raspberries, red grapes and other fruits and vegetables act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
Antioxidants are linked with keeping our hearts healthy.
The red group is Red apples, Beets, Red cabbage, Cherries, Cranberries, Pink grapefruit, Red grapes, Red peppers, Pomegranates, Red potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Tomatoes n Watermelon.
Orange/yellow fruits and vegetables are usually colored by natural plant pigments called "carotenoids.".
Beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, pumpkins and carrots is converted to vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and healthy eyes.
Carotenoid rich foods can help reduce risk of cancer, heart disease and can improve immune system function.
Citrus fruits like oranges are not a good source of vitamin A.
They are an excellent source of vitamin C and folate, a B vitamin that helps reduce risk of birth defects.
The orange/yellow group include Yellow apples, Apricots, Butternut squash, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Grapefruit, Lemons, Mangoes, Nectarines, Oranges, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Yellow peppers, Persimmons, Pineapple, Pumpkin, Rutabagas, Yellow summer or winter squash, Sweet corn, Sweet potatoes, Tangerines, Yellow tomatoes N Yellow watermelon.
Green fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigment called "chlorophyll."
Spinach and other dark leafy greens, green peppers, peas, cucumber and celery, contain lutein.
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against some types of cancer.
The green group includes Green apples, Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocados, Green beans, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Green cabbage, Cucumbers, Green grapes, Honeydew melon, Kiwi, Lettuce, Limes, Green onions, Peas, Green pepper, Spinach N Zucchini.
Blue/purple fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called "anthocyanins."
Anthocyanins in blueberries, grapes and raisins act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. They may help reduce risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease.
The blue/purple group is Blackberries, Blueberries, Eggplant, Figs, Juneberries, Plums, Prunes, Purple grapes n Raisins.
White fruits and vegetables are colored by pigments called "anthoxanthins."
They may contain health promoting chemicals that may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and may help reduce risk of stomach cancer and heart disease.
This white group, has bananas and potatoes which are good sources of the mineral potassium.
The white group include Bananas, Cauliflower, Garlic, Ginger, Jicama, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes N Turnips.
Eat a Rainbow of Foods Every Day for Health n bring a variety of foods, which is one of the best ways to get the fullest range of nutrients in your diet.

Cranberries . . .

Cranberries . . .
Another name for cranberries is "bounceberries" because 
they bounce when ripe. Also known as "bitter berry."
Cranberries are a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs or trailing vines. Cranberries are low, creeping shrubs or vines up to 2 meters.
Most cranberries about 95% are processed into products such as juice, sauce, jam, and sweetened dried cranberries, with the remainder sold fresh to consumers.
The name cranberry derives from "craneberry", first named 
by early European settlers in America who felt the expanding flower, stem, calyx, and petals resembled the neck, head, and bill of a crane. Cranberries are harvested in the fall when the fruit takes a deep red color.
Although most cranberries are wet-picked but still 5–10% 
of the US crop is still dry-picked.
Only 5% of cranberries are sold fresh. The remaining 95% 
are made into cranberry juice, cranberry sauce, and other cranberry products.
Raw cranberries have moderate levels of vitamin C, dietary fiber and the essential dietary mineral, manganese.
Cranberry has been shown to provide important anti-inflammatory benefits. Cranberry juice was first made 
in the 1600s.
Today it is a popular folk remedy used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections.
Among the fruits and vegetables richest in health-promoting antioxidants berries such as cranberries rank right up there 
at the top of the list.

Fudge, what is it?

Fudge, what is it?
Fudge is a type of Western confectionery which is usually very sweet, and extremely rich. It is made by mixing sugar, butter, and milk and heating it to the soft-ball stage at 240 °F (116 °C), and then beating the mixture while it cools so that it acquires a smooth, creamy consistency.
A Fudge could be a cooked chocolate confection.
Fudge is semisoft candy usually made with sugar, butter, milk or cream, corn syrup, and flavorings also.
DID U KNOW?
1 A fudge cake is a small chocolate pastry that contains fudge.
They are shaped as small round cakes, hence the name..
Fudge cake is also popular as "Death by Chocolate".
One could say fudge cake is very similar to red velvet cake.
What is ' A red velvet cake ' , it is a popular cake with a dark red, bright red or red-brown color.
A hot-fudge sauce is thick chocolate sauce served hot.

tips 2 help

1 When boiling milk add few spoons of water at the base.
This will help to avoid milk from burning or sticking to the base.
2 By adding one tablespoon of water before beating an egg
for an omelet, it will make it fluffy and larger.

The History of Thai Fruit and Vegetable Carving . . .

The History of Thai Fruit and Vegetable Carving . . .
Carving (Sculpture) is done all over the world on stone, tree, ice, and food.
Vegetable carving is the art of carving vegetables to form beautiful objects, such as flowers or birds.
It is sculpture using a piece of fruit or a vegetable
(or a combination of them) as the medium. Pumpkins and watermelons are particularly suitable.
Vegetable| Fruit carving is the art of carving vegetables or fruits in a way that is pleasing to the viewer. This art requires patience and a steady hand.
Edible fruit carving is an art that originated from Thailand, where ripe fruit is cut into different designs and shapes before serving.
The story of fruit and vegetable carving begins about 700 years ago in Sukothai, the capital of the Tai people, in what is now the north of central Thailand.
Thai Carving specializes in carving fruits and vegetables following the traditional Thai method.
Usually for carving a wide range of fruits and vegetables in our carvings. Watermelons are a great favourite due to their size.
Benefits of Learning Fruit Carving, it adds a touch of class to the table setting. Also adds value to a meal with beautiful garnishes and centerpieces.
The fruit and vegetable carving can be a creative and unique way to add a decorative touch to any event.
Fruit and vegetable carving is also mentioned in the poetry of King Rama 2 who reigned from 1808-1824. He wrote about the beauty of Thai desserts and fruit and vegetable carving.

The Famous 'Ragda Pattice '

The Famous 'Ragda Pattice '
Ingredients
1 Cup White Vatana, soaked,
1 - 2 Pinch Soda bi carb.
For the gravy
2 - 3 Cups Water,
1 Tomato cut into pieces,
1 Raw or Boiled Potato cut into cubes,
1 Green Chilly cut,
1 Tsp Ginger grated,
1 Tsp Coriander powder,
1 Tbsp Sweet Tamarind chutney,
1 Tsp Pav bhaji masala,
1\2 Tsp Chaat masala,.
Salt to taste.
For the tempering..
1 Tbsp Oil,
1\2 Cup Water,
1\4 tsp Cumin seeds,
1\4 Tsp Turmeric powder,
3\4 Tsp Red Chilly powder.
For the pattice...
4 - 5 Potatoes boiled,
2 - 3 tbsp Bread crumbs,
1 Tsp Lime juice,
Salt n Red Chilly powder to taste.
Oil to cook the pattice.
METHOD
Pressure cook 4 -5 hours soaked white vatana with
1 or 2 pinch of soda bi carb until soft.
In a pan add oil, cumin seeds, green chilly, grated ginger
and mix in water red chilly powder n turmeric powder.
Also add 1 -2 cups of water, cut pieces of potato n tomato, coriander powder.
Stir well.
Now add the cooked white vatana, salt to taste.
Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
Also add pav bhaji masala, chaat masala and sweet
tamarind chutney.
Again cover and cook on low heat.
For the pattice crush or break the boiled potatoes
into pieces.
Add salt, red chilly powder, lime juice and few spoons
of bread crumbs.
Mix well. Give shape of tikki. Coat in bread crumbs.
Put a non stick tava to heat, drizzle some oil and place
the tikkis. 
Again drizzle some more oil.
Flip the sides and do until golden brown.
Serve hot with green chutney.

did u know what a ' Caquelon ' is &. Rocky road (ice cream)

did u know what a ' Caquelon ' is . ..
The cooking vessel that would hold chocolate fondue?
Caquelon is the proper name for a fondue pot. Chocolate fondue is a melted form
of chocolate in which food items of your choice are dipped.
did u know this? Rocky road (ice cream)
Rocky road ice cream (known in Canada as Heavenly hash ice cream is a chocolate flavor. 
Though there are variations on the flavor, it is traditionally composed of chocolate ice cream, nuts, 
 and marshmallows.
The flavor was created in March 1929 by William Dreyer in Oakland, California.
Rocky Road is a type of dessert made up of milk chocolate and marshmallow which is usually served
in individual portions such as a cupcake or in American cuisine, as an ice cream flavor.
The main ingredients in traditional American Rocky Road are marshmallows, milk chocolate, walnuts
or almonds.
The most popular version of Rocky Road in the U.S. is in ice cream form, which consists of chocolate
ice cream, marshmallows and nuts.

Detox means . . .

Detox means . . .
Detox, short for detoxification, is the removal of potentially toxic substances from the body. It could be to get rid of the of toxins, contaminants and excess weight of one's body.
With a detox, we obviously need to deal with the toxins we eat, drink, breath and put on our bodies.
The human body has its own highly effective detoxification systems. Your body is naturally equipped with a self-cleaning process.
Example the small hairs in your nose do not allow any inhaled particles are throw out as mucus.
Toxins come in many forms: pesticides in produce, formaldehyde in carpets and cosmetics, PCBs from plastic containers, dioxins from bleached paper products, and more.
Try eating oats, brown rice, unflavored soy milk, also have beans, brown rice, oat bran, vegetables, and organic chicken, turkey, or soy-products. Always try 2 include Green leafy vegetables, Lemons,Garlic, Green tea, Broccoli sprouts, Sesame seeds, Cabbage and Fruits.

Few of the low calorie, low fat content vegetables.. .

Few of the low calorie, low fat content vegetables.. .
Cucumbers is very cooling and refreshing.
During summer it reduces the heat and thirst.
Pumpkin has got good amount of vitamin A. 
It is a good source of beta-carotene.
Pumpkin contains low levels of sodium and good amount 
of potassium makes suitable for hypertensive.
Radishes are low in calorie and fat makes it popular among 
the weight reducers.
Pink and rat tailed contain good amount of calcium.
Pink radish contains good amount of sodium and very low 
levels of potassium.
White radish contains the most moisture.

A Healthy Sandwich

A Healthy Sandwich
Ingredients
8 White Bread slices with sides cut,
8 Tsp Green Chutney,
8 Tsp Tomato Sauce,
8 Tbsp Bhujiya Sev.
Mix in a bowl Stuffing
1\2 Capsicum cut finely,
1 Onion cut finely,
1 Potato boiled, broken into pieces,
1 Tomato cut finely,
1\2 Cucumber cut finely.
Add masala like
1\2 Tsp Chaat masala,
1\4 Tsp Sugar ground,
Salt, Red Chilly powder and
Pepper powder to taste.
Method
Cut the sides of the bread slices.
On one slice [ inner side ] apply green chutney
and on the other slice apply tomato sauce.
Mix the stuffing.
Spread the stuffing on the chutney slice and sprinkle
the bhujiya sev, cover with tomato sauce bread slice.
Cut and serve.

Kachumber Salad is a gr8 accompaniment

Kachumber Salad is a gr8 accompaniment ...
A Kachumber salad is made from cucumber, onion and tomatoes.
Kachumbar salad is a healthy, crunchy and nutritious type 
of salad.
DID U KNOW THIS. .....
Kachumbari is a fresh tomato and onion salad dish in East and Southern African cuisine. It is an uncooked salad dish of chopped tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers and salt to taste.
Variations of Kachu...mbari can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and in central African countries of Malawi and Congo.
In Latin America, it is a variation of pico de gallo, or salsa fresca.
It is popular throughout east Africa and parts of southern Africa. The Swahili word Kachumbari originated from the word Koshumbri or "Kachumber" in Sanskrit from India.
Other ingredients like lime or lemon juice, fresh cilantro (coriander or dhania), parsley add a flavor to it.
Meaning of ' kachumbari '.
Kachumbari is a fresh condiment in the Kenyan cuisine similar to pico de gallo, consisting of chopped tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers, other ingredients like lime or lemon juice, fresh cilantro (coriander or dhania), parsley, avocado or cucumber.

Zilmil Shah love khakhra..Ahmedabad has so many shops where they sell different flavored kakhras.. garlic, pau-bhaji flavor, pani puri flavor, Chinese khakhra and what not....i am a hard-core gujju so, i can say this for sure that khakhra is comfort food and i have entertained my friends by serving them khakhra pizza so many times.
Zilmil Shah, pls give khakhra pizza recipe.
RECIPE 4 KHAKHARA PIZZA 
1: Magroli Khakhra - 1 pack..these are bit thicker than normal khakhras ..excellent for making pizza as they are crunchy. 
2: chopped onions, tomatoes, capsicums, green chilies or what ever topping you like. 
3: Pizza sauce - you can make your own or can use the store bought one too..(your choice. 
4: cooked beans or cooked moong.
5: Amul Cheese Shredded. Now, to assemble our pizza: spread cheese over khakhra. sprinkle all the toppings and top it off with our cheese. Cant get any simpler than that...very healthy and fun snack too...

Khakhra is a popular vegetarian roasted Gujarati snack

Khakhra is a popular vegetarian roasted Gujarati Indian thin cracker bread or snack item made from mat bean and wheat flour and oli. Khakhra is a crispy chapatti or roti.
They are crispy, crunchy and easy to carry.
Meaning of mat bean is ' moth bean '.
Khakhra is of several varieties such methi, jeera, bajri, math and masala flavors. The Khakhra is more like a readymade roasted papad, available in airtight packs.
Khakhra is usually eaten with chutney, pickles, butter, ghee or yoghurt. The Khakhra is a favorite food of the Gujarati people and popular in north western India region also.
In making of khakhara by the hand making process requires hard work and skill because care has to be taken to roast it at proper temperature.
While using the khakhara machine both rolling and roasting is done. Therefore, this saves heat and the oil required is less in this process. Khakhra made in machine are completely hygienic. So machine made khakhra are hygienic, good quality and low fat.

Variations with Potatoes.....

Variations with Potatoes.....
If one blends a boiled potato with 2 cups of skimmed milk, add salt and pepper, then boil for few minutes.
You will get a tasty soup.
Boiled potatoes are a favorite in salads too . cut the boiled potatoes in to half , topped with beaten curd and add few pieces of cut tomato. Garnish with coriander leaves.
Potatoes made in continental style. Need boiled potatoes, cut in to cubes.
Put a pan to heat, add butter, add the cut potatoes, grated cheese, few spoons of milk, pepper powder, chilly flakes and salt to taste. Stir quickly so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The dish is ready to eat.
Potatoes when combined with paneer and vegetables will make tasty starters as well as subzi .
Aloo Dahi gravy wale.....
Ing :
3 cups of boiled , peeled potatoes ,
1 cup dahi ( curd ),
1 tsp of red chilly powder, jeera , ginger n garlic paste,
Few curry leaves , turmeric powder, garam masala and
besan ( benegal gram flour ) , coriander powder ,
1 cup water, little hing and coriander leaves for garnish.
Method :-
Mix all dry masalas ( except hing ) in 1\ 4 cup of water.
Cut aloo in to big pieces.
Put a pan to heat add oil , hing, jeera , ginger garlic paste also add the masala mixture, stir for 2-3 minutes.
Add beaten curd and cook for 2-3 min , add aloo, besan and the remaining water.
Boil for 5 min and serve hot and garnish with coriander leaves.

SUPERFOODS . . .

SUPERFOODS . . .
Superfoods is sometimes used to describe food with high nutrient or phytochemical content that may confer health benefits, with few properties considered to be negative, such
as being high in saturated fats or artificial ingredients, food additives or contaminants.
An often cited example of a superfruit is blueberries which contain moderate rich concentrations of anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber, pterostilbene (an undefined phytochemical under preliminary research) and low calorie content. Other examples of superfoods include broccoli, spinach, pumpkin and tomatoes which are rich in various nutrients.
"Humans have many options when it comes to fueling their bodies, but the benefits of some options are so nutritious that they might be labeled as superfoods."
If any health benefits and effects of foods described as superfoods are often disputed or unsupported by solid scientific studies.
Another consequence of the term superfood is that it is often used as a marketing strategy.
For example, since 1 July 2007, the marketing of products as "superfoods" is prohibited in the European Union unless accompanied by a specific medical claim supported by credible scientific research.

DID U KNOW.... March is the ' Frozen Food Month

DID U KNOW....
March is the ' Frozen Food Month ' by NFRA, which means National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association.
http://www.nfraweb.org/promotions/
Frozen foods is freezing food preserves from the time it is prepared to the time it ...is ea...ten.
The Freezing food process slows down decomposition by turning residual moisture into ice, inhibiting the growth of most bacterial species.
Freezing is an effective form of food preservation because the pathogens that cause food spoilage are killed or do not grow very rapidly at reduced temperatures.
Tips 4 frozen foods...
Freezer temperatures should never go above 0°F.
Don't leave the food at room temperature more than 30 minutes to cool it before freezing.
Use airtight. shallow container when freezing food in them.
Always ' label ' the food with name and date of freezing.
Mostly foods freezing is good for three months or else they may begin to deteriorate.
Meaning of the term ' Freezer burn ' Is when foods are frozen for an extended period of time or not properly wrapped and sealed.

Wheat and few other important terms. . .

Wheat is one of the first cereals known to have been domesticated.
Raw wheat can be ground into flour or, using hard durum wheat only, can be ground into semolina; germinated and dried creating malt; crushed or cut into cracked wheat; parboiled
(or steamed), dried, crushed and de-branned into bulgur also known as groats.
Wheat flour is a powder made from the grinding of wheat used for human consumption.
Semolina is the coarse, purified wheat middlings of durum wheat used in making pasta, breakfast cereals, puddings and couscous. Semolina is also used to designate coarse middlings from other varieties of wheat, and from other grains such as rice and corn.
Semolina made from durum wheat is yellow in color and high in gluten.
Malt is germinated cereal grains that have been dried in a process known as "malting".
Malted grain is used to make beer, whisky, malted shakes, malt vinegar, confections such as Maltesers and Whoppers, flavored drinks such as Horlicks, Ovaltine and Milo, and some baked goods, such as malt loaf. Malted grain that has been ground into a coarse meal is known as "sweet meal".
The term "malt" refers to several products of the process: the grains to which this process has been applied, for example malted barley; the sugar, heavy in maltose, derived from such grains, such as the baker's malt used in various cereals; or a product based on malted milk, similar to a malted milkshake.
Bulgur (also bulghur, burghul or bulgar) is a cereal food made from several different wheat species, most often from durum wheat.
Bulgur for human consumption is usually sold parboiled and dried, with only a very small amount of the bran partially removed in making of breads, it adds a whole grain component.
Groats are the hulled grains of various cereals, such as oats, wheat, barley or buckwheat.
Groats are whole grains that include the cereal germ and fiber-rich bran portion of the grain.
Cracked wheat is made by cutting or crushing whole raw wheat berries (kernels) into small pieces.
Bulgur is cracked wheat that has been partially cooked and also has all the benefits of wheat flour.
Wheat is a major ingredient in such foods as bread, porridge, crackers, biscuits, Muesli, pancakes, pies, pastries, cakes, cookies, muffins, rolls, doughnuts, gravy, boza (a fermented beverage), and breakfast cereals (e.g., Wheatena, Cream of Wheat, Shredded Wheat, and Wheaties).
The term wheatberry or wheat berry refers to the entire wheat kernel (except for the hull), composed of the bran, germ, and endosperm.
Bran is the hard outer layer of grain. Bran is particularly rich in dietary fiber and essential fatty acids and contains significant quantities of starch, protein, vitamins and dietary minerals.
Chaff  is the dry, scaly protective casings of the seeds of cereal grain, or similar fine, dry, scaly plant material such as scaly parts of flowers, or finely chopped straw.
Chaff is inedible for humans, but livestock can eat it.
Wheat protein is easily digested by nearly 99% of human population.
Wheat is widely cultivated as a cash crop because it produces a good yield per unit area.

A Simple ' Rasam ' Recipe

Rasam
Today make the Rasam and eat with rice.
Simple steps to make a tasty Rasam at home.
Ingredients:
1 Onion,
1 Tomato, cut into small pieces.
2-3 tbsp of Tamarind paste.
Soak tamarind in hot water for 5 minutes and then sieve out the pulp.
Mix the tamarind pulp with 3-4 cups of water.
Also will need cooked Toor dal, almost 4 Tbsp.
1-2 Tbsp of ready made Rasam powder.
1\8 Tsp Turmeric powder,
1\2 Tsp Red Chilly powder,
1 Tbsp Jaggery,
Salt to taste.
For the tempering:
2 Tbsp Oil,
1\8 Tsp Mustard seeds,
5-6 Curry leaves,
1-2 Pinch Asafoetida [ hing ].
Grind to a paste:
A piece of Ginger,
1-2 Whole Red Chillies,
1-2 Green Chilly,
2-3 Cloves of Garlic,
15- 20 Peppercorns,
1\4 Tsp Cumin seeds.
Put all in a mixer jar and use little water to grind
to a paste.
Method for making Rasam:
Put a pan to heat add oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida.
Now add the cut onion and stir for few seconds.
Also add the ground paste. Stir for few seconds.
Now add the cut tomato, dry rasam powder and turmeric, red
chilly powder.
Stir until oil appears.
This is time to add tamarind pulp with water and cooked toor
dal, also add salt to taste.
Mix well and allow a boil to appear, then cover and cook on slow
flame until oil appears on top.
Last add the jaggery and serve with a garnish of cut coriander
leaves.

A HEALTHY TIP

A HEALTHY TIP
Eat Avocados for glowing skin: Avocados are a rich source of Vitamin E which is essential for glowing skin, prolonging of the ageing of the skin and shining hair.

Mast bread sticks starter.

Mast bread sticks starter.
ingredients
8 slices of bread cut into 4 pieces each.
Mix in a bowl
1 tbsp cream n butter ,
2 tbsp of curd ,
1 tsp cornflour ,
1/2 tsp garlic paste ,
1 tbsp tomato ketchup,
Salt n Pepper powder,
apply on each bread pieces.
Also sprinkle grated cheese n chilly flakes.
Put in oven for 8- 10 minutes at 250 degree centigrade....

TRY THIS ' AMERICAN CHOPSUEY'

TRY THIS ' AMERICAN CHOPSUEY'
1 Boil noodles, drain them.
Sprinkle corn flour and fry until crisp.
In a pan add oil, sliced onions, capsicum, thinly cut carrot and
thinly cut cabbage.
Saute for few minutes.
Now add tomato sauce, sugar, pepper powder and salt to taste.
Also add few spoons water.
Arrange the fried noodles on a plate.
Pour the sauce on the noodles, serve hot.
Why it is called American Chopsuey? Did u know. .
American Chopsuey (also sometimes known as American goulash, Macaroni goulash or Macaroni and beef) is an American pasta dish.
The name American Chopsuey is most prevalent in New England. Commercial preparations of this dish are commonly marketed as Macaroni and beef.
Classic American chopsuey consists of elbow macaroni and bits of cooked ground beef with sauted onions and green peppers in a thick tomato-based sauce.
This ' American comfort food ' is clearly influenced by Italian American cuisine, so may be it is known as "American chop suey".
The American chopsuey is served on a plate or in a bowl, often with grated Parmesan cheese and/or Worcestershire sauce as condiments, and usually accompanied by bread.
Now it is served with crispy noodles served with stir fry vegetables and a tangy sauce and surprisingly this recipe is not an authentic Chinese Recipe. It happens to be one of the most common recipe in all the Chinese restaurants in India.
So it also be called 'American Chopsuey' is an Indo Chinese dish.

Do u wonder? Did u know? ?

Do u wonder? See: Why?
Why does water not calm the tongue after eating hot spicy food?
The spices in most of the hot foods that we eat are oily, and 
as we know oil and water don’t mix.
In this case, the water just rolls over the oily spices.
What can you do to calm your aching tongue? tips ...
Eat bread. The bread will absorb the oily spices.
A second tip is to drink milk.
Did u know? ? ?
The Tomato is the world’s most popular fruit. And yes, just like the Brinjal and the Pumpkin, botanically speaking it is a fruit, not a vegetable.
The French called it “the apple of love,” the Germans “the apple of paradise.”
A fruit is the edible part of the plant that contains the seeds, while a vegetable is the edible stems, leaves, and roots of the plant.
Did u know? ? See: Food fast facts
Coffee is the seed of a cherry from the tree genus Coffee.
Botanically speaking, the banana is a herb and the tomato is 
a fruit.
Iced tea was introduced in 1904 at the World’s Fair in St. Louis.
The tea bag was introduced in 1908 by Thomas Sullivan of New York.

Mung Wadi or Mungaudi.

Mung dal Vadium (Sun Dried Crispies)
Mung Wadi or Mungaudi.
These Mung Wadis are very popular in India and are cooked as a curry with or without vegetables..
The Punjabi style wadis are spicy and made from Urad dal, so may be are whitish i...n color.
Yellow split Moong dal soaked for 3 hrs,
Few pinch of Asafoetida| Hing, optional,
Salt.
METHOD . . .
Soaked mung dal for 3 hrs, then drain the water completely from the dal.
Put in a mixer jar the drained dal, hing and salt.
Grind to a coarse paste| batter.
Grease a plate and either fill the batter in a plastic cone and make small sized tiny little drops
Put to dry in the sun for 3 to 4 days.
Store in a container.

A HEALTHY TIP & FEW USEFUL TIPS

A HEALTHY TIP
Eat Avocados for glowing skin: Avocados are a rich source of Vitamin E which is essential for glowing skin, prolonging of the ageing of the skin and shining hair.
FEW USEFUL TIPS
1 Use the boiled leftover water of Rajma, Chola,
Chana by adding to a soup, gravy or dal.
2 Best use of stale bread could be made when making
' French Toast '

Eat the healthy Oats

Eat the healthy Oats ....
Because it helps
Cholesterol and Heart: Oatmeal and oat bran are significant sources of dietary fiber.
Eating oats can spread the rise in blood sugars over
a longer time period.
Oats, like other grains and vegetables, contain hundreds 
of phytochemicals (plant chemicals).
Many phytochemicals are thought to reduce a person's risk 
of getting cancer.
A daily serving of whole oats rich in soluble fiber
can reduce hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Oats have a high fiber content. Fiber is necessary in keeping bowel movements regular.
Oats are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Eating oats delays stomach emptying making you feel full longer which helps with weight loss.
Oats, like other cereal grains, are a source of carbohydrates which provide calories for energy needs.
Oats have a higher concentration of well-balanced protein than other cereals. Also Oats are a good source of essential vitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamin E.
They also contain zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium.
Healthy Oats Upma
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Potato Cut in small pieces,
1 Tbsp Onion cut into small pieces,
1 Tbsp Sweet Corn,
1 tbsp Green Peas,
1\2 Cup Oats,
3\4 Cup Water,
2 Pinch Turmeric powder,
1\8 tsp Red Chilly powder,
2 Tbsp Corn flakes,
Salt to taste.
For a Tempering:
1 Tbsp Oil,
2 Pinch Mustard seeds,
1\2 Green Chilly cut,
1-2 Curry leaves.
Method:
Put a pan to heat, add oil, mustard seeds, green chilly pieces and the curry leaves.
Stir for a second then add the cut onion, potato
pieces. Allow to cook for a minute on low flame.
Now add the green peas and sweet corn, also add
turmeric powder, red chilly powder and salt.
Also add the water and cook for a minute.
Now is the time to add add the oats and stir until
it thickens.
Serve in bowls with crushed corn flakes.

"What should I eat?"

"What should I eat?"
Harvard's new Healthy Eating Plate.
the best nutrition advice on what to eat is relatively straightforward: Eat a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; choose foods with healthy fats, like olive and canola oil, nuts and fatty fish; limit red meat and foods that are high in saturated fat; and avoid foods that contain trans fats. Drink water and other h...ealthy beverages, and limit sugary drinks and salt. Most important of all is keeping calories in check, so you can avoid weight gain, which makes exercise a key partner to a healthy diet.
Healthy Eating: Ten Nutrition Tips for Eating Right.
1 Choose good carbs, not no carbs. Whole grains are your best bet. Good carbs from whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and beans.
They provide the body with fuel it needs for physical activity and for proper organ function, and they are an important part of a healthy diet.
2 Pay attention to the protein package. Fish, poultry, and beans are your best bets. Animal protein and vegetable protein probably have the same effects on health.
3 Choose foods with healthy fats, limit foods high in saturated fat, and avoid foods with trans fat. What really matters is the type of fat you eat.
Use liquid plant oils for cooking and baking. Olive, canola, and other plant-based oils are rich in heart-healthy. Ditch the trans fat.
4 Choose a fiber-filled diet, rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Go with whole fruit instead of juice. Break the fast with fruit.
5 Eat more vegetables and fruits. Go for color and choose the dark green, yellow, orange, and red.
6 Calcium is important. But milk isn't the only, or even best, source.
7 Water is best to quench your thirst. Skip the sugary drinks, and go easy on the milk and juice.
8 Eating less salt is good for everyone's health.
Choose more fresh foods and fewer processed foods.
9 Moderate drinking can be healthy but not for everyone.
You must weigh the benefits and risks.
10 A daily multivitamin is a great nutrition insurance policy.
Some extra vitamin D may add an extra health boost.

Baked Beans with Toast

Baked Beans with Toast
Ingredients
1 Cup tinned Baked beans,
Few drops Tabasco sauce,
1 Tsp Tomato sauce,
1 Onion cut finely,
1 Tbsp Oil or Butter,
1 Tsp Garlic grated,
Salt and Pepper powder to taste.
Method
Put a pan to heat add the oil, grated garlic and cut
onion.
Saute the onion for few seconds on low heat until
soft.
Now add the tinned baked beans, both the sauces,
sugar, salt and pepper powder.
Serve with toasted bread slices with light butter applied.
Also with some grated cheese on the baked beans and
few potato chips...

Kombucha Side Effects

One viewer had to share this..
One thing though...
some ppl are allergic to kombucha so there should be awareness of this as well...mum used to drink kombucha tea several yrs bk but it caused a rash for me but not for anyone else...
Dear Susan Alexander, your point is valid about ppl could be allergic to kombucha. But my intention is 2 share any type of new and latest info. Neither is my health page. Who ever is using comp could also google search 4 more info or ask their doctor before starting on anything new.
http://www.kombuchakamp.com/2011/09/kombucha-side-effects-herxheimer-reaction-healing-crisis.html

Kombucha Side Effects: The Healing Crisis

www.kombuchakamp.com

  It is very common to wonder about Kombucha Tea side effects, especially becau...se our diets often lack fermented foods or probiotics. Introducing probiotics, new types of nutrition and cleansing..See more

aloe vera uses

There are several aloe vera uses | health benefits of this.
Cleanses and supports digestive system, gives energy, hydrates the skin and soothes also promotes skin renewal.
It supports the immune system, reduces Inflammation and is full of anti-oxidants.
Aloe vera juice contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12 (the aloe vera plant is one of the few plants in the world to contain vitamin B12), C, E, Folic Acid and Niacin.
The minerals found in aloe vera include Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Magnesium, Chromium and more… Plenty of good nutrition in aloe vera juice.

"What should I eat?"

"What should I eat?"
Harvard's new Healthy Eating Plate.
The best nutrition advice on what to eat is relatively straightforward: Eat a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; choose foods with healthy fats, like olive and canola oil, nuts and fatty fish; limit red meat and foods that are high in saturated fat; and avoid foods that contain trans fats. Drink water and other healthy beverages, and limit sugary drinks and salt. Most important of all is keeping calories in check, so you can avoid weight gain, which makes exercise a key partner to a healthy diet.
Healthy Eating: Ten Nutrition Tips for Eating Right.
1 Choose good carbs, not no carbs. Whole grains are your best bet. Good carbs from whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and beans.
They provide the body with fuel it needs for physical activity and for proper organ function, and they are an important part of a healthy diet.
2 Pay attention to the protein package. Fish, poultry, and beans are your best bets. Animal protein and vegetable protein probably have the same effects on health.
3 Choose foods with healthy fats, limit foods high in saturated fat, and avoid foods with trans fat. What really matters is the type of fat you eat.
Use liquid plant oils for cooking and baking. Olive, canola, and other plant-based oils are rich in heart-healthy. Ditch the trans fat.
4 Choose a fiber-filled diet, rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Go with whole fruit instead of juice. Break the fast with fruit.
5 Eat more vegetables and fruits. Go for color and choose the dark green, yellow, orange, and red.
6 Calcium is important. But milk isn't the only, or even best, source.
7 Water is best to quench your thirst. Skip the sugary drinks, and go easy on the milk and juice.
8 Eating less salt is good for everyone's health.
Choose more fresh foods and fewer processed foods.
9 Moderate drinking can be healthy but not for everyone.
You must weigh the benefits and risks.
10 A daily multivitamin is a great nutrition insurance policy.
Some extra vitamin D may add an extra health boost.

HEALTHY THOUGHTS

 HEALTHY THOUGHTS . ..
The body is both a temple and a perfect machine, and our bodies have within them a healing potential stronger than any drug or treatment, and we nourish it with the pure and simple foods found in nature.

What you eat literally becomes YOU. 
Choose wisely.
You are what u eat . .. means 
to be fit and healthy & to eat good food.Every 35 days your skin replaces it self...
Your liver every month...
Your body makes new cells ...
Form what u EAT...
What u eat literally becomes u ...
You have a choice in what u are made of .. . 
"Ninety per cent of the diseases known to man are 
  caused by cheap foodstuffs. 
  You are what you eat."

Koombucha
from http://www.synergydrinks.com/
What is it:
"Kombucha is alternately known as a Chinese tea, a plant, or a mushroom. But it's not really any of these. It's a living culture of beneficial microorganisms, and in Kombucha's case, the whole is infinitely greater than the sum of its parts! 
It is fermented for 30 days. During this period, essential nutrients form like active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols. All of these combine to create an elixir that immediately works with the body to restore balance and vitality. Kombucha has been used for hundreds of years throughout the world as a daily health tonic. The culture resembles a light brown, tough, gelatinous disk and because it's a living, growing entity, it can regenerate and create new cultures with every batch."
What Can it do for you:
"Kombucha is not a supplement, drug, or medicine.
It is simply a super healthy food that helps the body to find 
(or regain) its natural balance in the body, which promotes overall well being. Just like regular exercise, Kombucha is something that supports a healthy lifestyle. 
When the body is healthier, its natural defenses are stronger.
Kombucha has an “adaptogenic” ability that gives it a reputation for its widespread health properties. Its adaptogen effect is seen mostly through its influence on the liver, the blood and the digestive system, where it normalizes the acidity or pH. Metabolic balancing and detoxification is perhaps the most important function of Kombucha." To put it in simple terms, Kombucha will make you feel good.

WHAT IS ' Kombucha ' ?

Kombucha ' detoxifies the body and energizes the mind' . . .
WHAT IS ' Kombucha ' ?
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is often drunk for medicinal purposes. It is an effervescent fermentation of sweetened tea that is used as a functional food.
Kombucha originated in Northeast China or Manchuria and later spread to Russia and the rest of the world.
The first recorded use of kombucha comes from China in 221 BC during the Tsin Dynasty.
It was known as “The Tea of Immortality”.
Kombucha contains multiple species of yeast and bacteria along with the organic acids, active enzymes, amino acids, and polyphenols produced by these microbes.
Kombucha is typically produced by placing a culture in a sweetened tea, as sugars are necessary for fermentation.
Black tea is a popular choice, but green tea, white tea and yerba mate may also be used. Blending of tea may produce more balanced flavors and benefits.
The result can taste like something between sparkling apple cider and champagne, depending on what kind of tea has been used.
A new term to think about .. .
The science of fermentation is known as zymology.

Cookery| Food Quotes

"Happy and successful cooking doesn't rely only on know-how; it comes from the heart, makes great demands on the palate and needs enthusiasm and a deep love of food to bring it to life."
~ Georges Blanc, from 'Ma Cuisine des Saisons'
"Cuisine is only about making foods taste
the way they are supposed to taste."
~ Chef Charlie Trotter
"Cooking is at once one of the simplest and most gratifying of the arts, but to cook well one must love and respect food."
~ Craig Claiborne
"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all."
~ Harriet Van Horne

Garlic Is As Good As Ten Mothers

DO U KNOW WHAT THE ABOVE PHRASE MEANS?

Garlic Is As Good As Ten Mothers is a documentary film about garlic directed by Les Blank. In 2004, the film was selected for preservation in the United States’ National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Garlic Is As Good As Ten Mothers (1980), this lip-smacking foray into the history, consumption, cultivation and culinary/curative powers of the stinking rose features chef Alice Waters of Chez Panisse, and a flavorful musical soundtrack.
Not only does the film promote garlic as our first line of defense against all forms of blandness; it also titillates the taste buds with shots of garlic dishes sizzling in their pans. Les Blank shows again that he knows how to have a good time and share it on film especially if it involves food!
At the end of 2004 'Garlic' was one of 25 films, selected by The Library Of Congress, to be added to the National Film Registry list of now 400 motion pictures.
DO U KNOW WHY ' GARLIC ' IS CALLED THE. . . stinking rose.
Garlic is known universally as the stinking rose, the term reportedly going back to Greek and Roman times. But why? The "stinking" part is obvious, but why "rose"?
Garlic is an allium which is part of the Liliaceae family. Garlic is closer to a lily than a rose.
The ancient Greek name for garlic was scorodon.
Poor, innocent garlic is the victim of a love/hate relationship throughout history.
When one person wrinkles his nose up at the mere thought of consuming an offensive smelling food like garlic, others praise its mystical healing powers.
While garlic festivals are celebrated all across the U.S. and Canada, the grandest of them all is the Gilroy Garlic Festival held the last weekend in July in Gilroy, California, the "Garlic Capital of the World."

WHY ' GARLIC STINKS '?

When raw garlic is cut, broken, or chewed, the "fragrant" allicin releases its powerful essential oil. When cooked, garlic loses its strong odor because the enzyme allinase is destroyed, preventing its conversion to the smelly allicin.  
Because the enzymatic action is so important in garlic's therapeutic value, the herb is consumed either in its raw state or in the form of garlic extract.

HOW 2 AVOID THE SMELL . ..

Chewing parsley and sunflower seeds may help a little, but won't quite cover up garlic breath.
Some odorless garlic pills may help.

Coffee and few amazing flavors .. .Some are so exotic, sweet and strong flavored.

Coffee is a slightly acidic brewed beverage with a strong flavor prepared from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant. The beans are found in coffee cherries, which grow on trees.
Coffee can have a stimulating effect on humans due to its caffeine content. It is one of the most-consumed beverages in the world.
The earliest evidence of coffee drinking appears in the middle of the 15th century in the Sufi shrines of Yemen. From the Muslim world, coffee consumption and cultivation spread to India, to Italy, and on to the rest of Europe, Indonesia and the Americas.
Once brewed, coffee may be served in a variety of ways. Drip-brewed, percolated, or French-pressed/cafetiere coffee may be served as white coffee with a dairy product such as milk or cream, or dairy substitute, or as black coffee with no such addition. It may be sweetened with sugar or artificial sweetener. When served cold, it is called iced coffee. 
Iced coffees is a regular coffee served with ice, sometimes with milk .
Espresso coffee is the most basic form which is served alone as a shot or with hot water added, known as Caffè Americano. 
When milk is added to various forms of espresso, i.e steamed milk it is a caffe latte, and if equal parts steamed milk and milk froth make a cappuccino.
Now a days the flavored coffees have become so popular in few decades now, and seem to be getting more and more popular. The Hazelnut and Vanilla flavored coffees are popular variety.
Have u heard of these amazing flavors of coffees...
Cherries Jubilee Flavored Coffee, Cappuccino Cream Flavored Coffee, Caramel Honey Flavored Coffee, Chocolate Almond Flavored Coffee, Chocolate Raspberry Flavored Coffee, Cinnamon Blueberry Flavored Coffee, Coconut Rum Flavored Coffee, Cupid's Kiss Flavored Coffee.
What is gourmet flavored coffee?
When different flavors are added to the coffee after it has been roasted.
Have u ever tried flavoring the coffee beans,  if the coffee beans are stored with few vanilla pods.
The coffee beans tend to absorb the vanilla flavor. Also try adding scrapes of cinnamon.
For adding flavors to the coffee, try grinding the beans with scrape of vanilla, cinnamon or orange peel
or lemon peel or nutmeg.
Always store the coffee in a covered and a air tight jar in the refrigerator.
Try making chocolate flavored coffee by using chocolate powder as chocolate is the most common flavor.

Baked beans

Baked beans is a dish containing beans, sometimes baked but, usually stewed, in a sauce.
Most commercial canned baked beans are made from
haricot beans, also known as navy beans in a sauce packed in a tin.
Did u know . . .
The beans used to make baked beans are native to North America and were introduced to Italy in 1528 and to France by 1547.
In Ireland and the United Kingdom, a tomato and sugar sauce is most commonly used. They are commonly eaten on toast or as part of a f...ull English breakfast.
In the UK and Ireland, the term baked beans refers almost exclusively to canned beans in a tomato sauce.
Heinz Baked Beans were first sold in the UK in 1886 in the upmarket.
In the United States, B&M (Burnham & Morrill Inc.) and B&M specializes in Boston style baked beans often sold in beanpot shaped jars, and canned brown bread,
In the United States there are multiple styles.
In Boston baked beans are used in a sauce prepared with molasses and salt pork, the popularity of which has led to the city being nicknamed "Beantown".
Beans in a tomato and brown sugar, sugar or corn syrup sauce are a widely available type throughout the US. Maine and Quebec style beans often use maple syrup.
In Iran, Loubia Garm (Hot Beans) is prepared using beans in a tomato sauce, often served in winter on stalls in streets.
In New Zealand, Wattie's Baked Beans are considered a cultural icon.
Baked Beans have become a traditional food for New Zealanders.
A “full English breakfast” is usually expected to include baked beans in it and most likely, baked beans on toast.
The British Dietetic Association recommends baked beans as a preventative to heart disease. There is added sugar and the canning process takes away some health factor from baked beans, but the beans are high in fiber and low in fat.
Research done in the USA found that the nutrients found in many vegetables, fruits and red wine are also found in the skin of beans.
The reason beans are so healthy is that they contain antioxidants. All beans are good for us.
Not only are they low in fat, they are also full of protein and fiber.
They also provide important vitamins and minerals, including iron, folic acid, zinc and potassium.
Baked beans have been family favorite for years.

Most Tasty Methi Malai Mutter

Most Tasty Methi Malai Mutter
Ingredients
Saute:
2 cups Fenugreek | Methi leaves cut n washed,
2 Tbsp Oil,
1\8 Tsp Cumin | Jeera,
1-2 Pinch Turmeric powder,
Little salt to taste,
2 Tsp Sugar.
Grind together
1 Tomato cut into pieces,
1 Onion cut into pieces,
1\4 Tsp Turmeric powder,
2-3 cloves of Garlic,
1-2 Green chillies,
A piece of Ginger.
Other ingredients:
1-2 Tbsp Oil,
1\4 cup Green Peas boiled,
1\8 Tsp Pepper powder,
Salt to taste,
4-5 Tbsp Cream,
1-2 Tsp Cheese grated.
METHOD:
Put a pan to heat add oil and cumin seeds
then add washed and cut methi leaves.
Also add salt and turmeric powder to taste.
Now add the sugar.
Cook until all water evaporates.
Keep this aside.
In another pan add oil and the ground paste.
Stir or cook on medium heat until oil appears
or leaves the sides of the pan.
Now add the sauted methi leaves, pepper
powder, boiled peas.
Stir well. Also add grated cheese and beat the
cream using a spoon, add it to the gravy.
Check salt and sugar, if needed add as per one's
taste.

Methi leaves| Fenugreek leaves

Did u know? ? ?
Methi leaves| Fenugreek leaves when in dry form also called Kasuri methi.
The fresh leaves of the Methi have a slightly bitter taste.
Eat these as it is a very good source of iron.
Fenugreek is also a rich source of vitamin... K.
Fenugreek is also a great source of protein and nicotinic acid.
Which means it helps hair growth and is good for healthy hair
and shine of hair.
Fenugreek has three culinary uses:
As a herb (dried or fresh leaves), as a spice (seeds), and as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens).
The cuboid-shaped, yellow to amber colored fenugreek seeds are used in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent.
The seeds are used in the preparation of pickles, vegetable dishes, daals, and spice mixes, such as panch phoron and sambar powder.
Fenugreek seeds are used both whole and in powdered form and are often roasted to reduce their bitterness and enhance their flavor.
Fenugreek is also used as a vegetable. Fresh fenugreek leaves are an ingredient in some Indian curries.
The sprouted seeds and microgreens are used in salads.
When harvested as microgreens, fenugreek is known as Samudra Methi in Maharashtra, especially in and around Mumbai, where it is often grown near the sea in the sandy tracts, hence the name (Samudra, which means "ocean".