Blogging Marathon

Nawabi Mutton Biryani

This is one of the popular muslim ancestor traditional biryanis. The name nawabi is due to the fact that lots of variety of nuts and dry fruits are used in this super rich biryani. Do try and indulge in this yummy treat for your next holiday!!

Jilebi – A melt in the mouth…

The blogging marathon has successfully come to an end… kudos to Valli and all my fellow bloggers for making this fun and enjoyable.  I started the first post in the marathon in a “sweetish” way and would also like to end it with a sweet. And this time the choice is typical Indian sweet, Jilebi…it’s the favorite melt in the mouth sweet for many and is a must in most of the occasions/functions in India. With practice, you can excel in making perfect jilebis at home n luckily i got it perfect the first time itself 😉

Ingredients:

  • Maida – 1 cup
  • Baking powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Rice flour – 1 1/2 tsp
  • Lemon yellow colour – little
  • Oil – to deep fry
  • Fresh curds – 1/2 cup
  • Water – 1/2 cup

For sugar syrup

  • Sugar – 1 1/2 cup
  • Water – 3/4 cup
  • Saffron – little (optional)
  • Rose essence – few drops

Method:

  • Sieve maida, rice flour and baking powder together 2 to 3 times.
  • Add whipped curds, little water and prepare a batter of bajji dough consistency.
  • Mix lemon yellow or orange food colour and keep aside for 10 minutes.
  • Prepare sugar syrup in another pan till the syrup becomes sticky.
  • Mix saffron, rose essence and also little colour to the syrup.
  • Heat oil in a flat based kadai.
  • When it becomes moderately hot, reduce the flame.
  • Take little dough in jangiri cloth (or make a cone shape with small hole in centre using polythene cover). Close it properly and make chain like rings in oil ( clock-wise direction) to form the shape of a jangiri. Turn over gently when it is cooked.
  • The dough will submerge in oil while pouring and then come up. Finish the round fast before it floats up on the oil.
  • Turn over gently and fry till crisp on both sides in reduced flames. Take care that the colour does not change and at the same time, it should be crisp.
  • Take it out from oil, drain excess oil and put in hot sugar syrup. Allow it to soak for one minute turning once in between. Remove from syrup and arrange on a flat plate.

Check out what my buddies are upto in blogging marathon…Srivalli, Priya Suresh, Jay, Monika,

Handy Hints in the Kitchen

Some Handy Hints in the Kitchen will be very helpful to you. You may be for the first time in the kitchen making or baking something and you will definitely need some handy hints so that you complete your cooking absolutely perfectly and your dish is a one which can be cherished.

  • You can use stale bread by drying them in the sun and then grinding them and using them as breadcrumbs.
  • If you are frying mushroom then you can add a little bit of lemon juice to the butter in which you are cooking so that they do not break.
  • If you want to cut the boiled eggs without breaking the yoke then dip your knife in ice cold water and then you may cut.
  • When frying onions you can add a little bit of milk so that it does not get burnt and the rich color is maintained.

Handy Hints around the home

Some Handy Hints around the home can be very helpful for you and your family members. Be it cleaning, cutting or even a bad fall which your child just had can be dealt with ease if you have these handy hints in mind. These tips will be very beneficial for you at times as you manage your home single handedly.

  • If you want your house to be clean and have a cat at home then mix some baby powder with the cat litter so that it can smell nice.
  • If you want to get rid of ink stains then you can put alcohol on them.
  • If you have smelly shoes in your house that you have to deal with then you can put some baking soda in a sock and put them in the shoes when not worn.
  • If you have leather products at home then you can rub it with a peel of lemon.
  • If you have extra greasy utensils which you have to clean then you can use a little bit of vinegar when washing your dishes.

Handy Hints for cleaning

Cleaning can be a very tedious task at times. But some Handy Hints for cleaning would be very beneficial for you as you sit down to clean your whole house as well as your clothes and shoes during the weekend. Some handy hints for cleaning are as follows:

  • If you want to keep ants out of the house then you can sprinkle cinnamon or ground pepper to obstruct their way.
  • You can place a box of baking soda in the toilet so that it can absorb the odor of the bathroom.
  • If you want to avoid the candles from melting and sticking to your candle holder then you can place a bit of water and then place the candle.
  • Chimneys are hard to keep clean toss in one handful of salt on the fire to prevent it.
  • You can place a bowl of white vinegar for some time if you want to get rid of bad food odor like spoiled food or fish.

Handy Hints and Tips

Some Handy Hints and Tips are always welcome because they help you out in any tight spot. If you have some handy hints at your hand for almost anything and everything you will not face a problem. Some handy hints and tips are as follows:

  • If there is a plan of a new addition to your family members then give the older sibling to play with a doll so that he/she is used to the idea.
  • If you want to check whether an egg is fresh or not place it in a bowl of water if it sinks then you know it is okay and if its floating then it has gone bad.
  • You can use an ironing board as a dining table for the children when you have too many people at home for dinner.
  • If your salt and pepper pots are congested then keep them along with a few grains of unprepared rice.

Handy Hints about Money

Handling finances can be a tough job. Hence it often happens that you face problems and you are stuck with decisions regarding money. Some Handy Hints about Money can help you when you may be at a loss taking monetary decisions. You will be hugely benefited when you have some essential tips regarding finances.

  • Always make a budget before you start handling finance. Budgeting is important.
  • Saving is as important as budgeting. You need to save at least 20% of your income so that it can come in handy in times of emergency.
  • Invest wisely and read the offer documents before you take a further step in the investment.
  • Consult your financial advisor before you invest any big amount of money.
  • Try and maintain a record of your expenses so that you can keep a tab on how much you are spending.

Handy Hints to Healthy Eating

If you are eating healthy then you can stay fit also. But to eat healthy you have to know some basic recipes and tips which will help you in following a healthy diet regimen. Some Handy Hints to Healthy Eating are as follows:

  • Keep your breakfast heavy and include all the nutritious food items when you are eating.
  • If you are eating calories in large quantities during your breakfast then instead of doing that you can break it up throughout the day.
  • Drink lots of water and include green leafy vegetables in your diet.
  • Lots of fruits and salads are also good for your health.
  • Exercise along with your healthy diet to keep yourself fit and in shape.
  • Try and avoid having junk food and fried food because they are bad for your health.

courtesy : http://sitagita.com/home-and-lifestyle

Pineapple & Its Benefits

Pineapple – This juicy tasty fruit is most favorite for many of us. Let’s know look at the health benefits of this super fruit.

Pineapple is the second most popular tropical fruit, next to bananas. Some people find pineapples as a very luxurious and even exotic fruit. Eating this delicious fruit on regular basis provides immense health benefits one could ever think of. Here are a few given below:

  • Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: The obvious benefits of pineapple are all the vitamins and minerals the fruit is loaded with. Its nutrients include calcium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. In addition it is low in fat and cholesterol.
  • Strengthens weak bones: One of the benefits of pineapple is that it helps to build healthy bones. Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese. The benefits of pineapple can effect the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people.
  • Good for Gums: Your gums are very important to keep healthy. The gums hold the teeth in place and your teeth would be in bad condition if you have unhealthy gums. By eating pineapple, you are strengthening your gums to make it through the hard years later.
  • Prevents Macular Degeneration: Pineapples contain a lot of beta-carotene that is good for the eyes and for your vision. Studies show that eating three or more helpings of pineapple a day may lower your chance of getting age-related macular degeneration, the main cause of vision loss in older folks.
  • Helps Arthritis: Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.
  • Coughs and Colds: While many people often take extra vitamin C or drink extra orange juice when they have a cold, few consider eating pineapple. The benefits of pineapple when you have a cold or cough are the same as the benefits of orange juice, but there is an additional benefit of pineapple. Bromelain, which is found in pineapples, has been found to help suppress coughs and loosen mucus.
  • Digestion: The bromelain found in pineapples aids in digestion. Eating one slice of pineapple after each meal will reduce gas, bloating, nausea, constipation and the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Fresh pineapple juice also aids in removing intestinal worms.
  • Sinusitis and Bronchitis: Bromelain has been shown helpful for upper respiratory tract infections such as Sinusitis and Bronchitis. Bromelain helps to reducing nasal inflammation and break up the mucus in the nasal, sinus and respiratory area.
  • Blood Clots: Pineapples can help reduce the risk of blood clots due to the bromelain present in the fruit and thereby preventsing heart problems.

As pineapple stops ripening when picked, choose carefully and don’t select one that looks immature. Pineapples can be stored at room temperature, however they spoil easily and should be watched carefully. To keep it longer than a day or two, wrap in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you’ve cut your pineapple, store unused pieces in the refrigerator in an airtight container and use as soon as possible. They can be frozen, however this will change the flavor so be careful.

When you eat pineapples, you have a better chance at having a healthier life. Doctors have been preaching the eating of fruits for centuries. There is always good things that come from fruits. Be aware of all the benefits of the fruit you eat so you know what you are lacking for the day. Our bodies need a certain amount of nutrients and vitamins a day. By eating fruit, we have a happy, healthier life.

Tuitti Fruitti Cake

Ingredients

  • 100 g butter
  • 100 g  sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup  chopped mixed tuitti fruitti
  • 150 g  natural yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh milk
  • 175 g  self-raising flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs. Stir in the tutti fruitti, yogurt and milk.  Fold in the flour and bicarbonate of soda. Mix the batter well and pour into a greased tray. Pre heat the oven to 375 degree and bake for around 35 mts till a tooth pick inserted comes out clean.

 

Yam Stir Fry – Chenai Kizhangu Varuval


Ingredients:

  • Yam (Chenai kizhangu)- medium size
  • turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
  • chilli powder- 1/2 tsp
  • sambar powder- 1 tsp
  • salt- as reqd
  • Cumin powder- lil
  • Coriander powder – lil
  • Curry leaves – few
  • Mustard seeds for splattering

Method


Wash the yam thoroughly and remove the outer skin. Cut it into thin strips and boil in enough water. Once water is boiled, discard the water. This will help to remove the itchiness of this vegetable.  Heat a pan. Pour a little oil and season with curry leaves and mustard seeds. Add the yam and all the masalas. Mix it well to coat the vegetable with all the masalas. Cook till done.

Check out what my friends are up to in Blogging Marathon..Srivalli,Monika, Jayasree , Priya Suresh, PJ, Priya Srinivasan, Reva, Ayeesha , Soumya , Veena and Usha

Cream Caramel Pudding

This is my all time favorite dessert right from my childhood days. I still cherish the way my mom makes this. Really missing those days!!
Very simple to make and yet the most delicious dessert liked by all.
Ingredients:
  • Milk – 3 cups
  • Sugar – 3/4 cup
  • Whole eggs – 3
  • Egg yolks – 3
  • Vanilla essence – 2 tsps

Method:

  • Cook 1/2 sugar over medium heat in a heavy saucepan, stirring constantly until it is melted and turns golden and then very dark brown.
  • Immediately pour the hot caramel syrup into a dish and swirl the pan until it coats the bottom.
  • Whisk the eggs, egg yolks and the remaining 2/3 cup sugar in a mixing bowl until fluffy.
  • Add in the milk and vanilla and whisk thoroughly.
  • Pour this mixture into the dish on top of the hardened caramel syrup.  You can either steam for 20 mts or bake for around 30-35 mts. And voila, the yummy pudding is ready.

Check out what my fellow bloggers (who has joined blogging marathon) are cooking….Priya Suresh, Jay, Priya Srinivasan, Monika, PJ, Valli and Reva


Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 tsp. baking powder

Method

In a bowl, mix in sugar, then egg, milk, and vanilla. Add baking powder to flour, and add to the above mix a little at a time, and mix well. Drop by teaspoons onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake on the top shelf at 375 degrees until brown (about 8 to 12 minutes).  When hot, sprinkle some sugar granules on top.  For variations, you could also dessicated coconut/cocoa/cinnamon powder/peanut butter to get different flavored cookies.

Shahi Pulao – A royal dish

Shahi Pulao is one of the royal dishes of the mughals in India. Shahi means royal and Pulao is savoury rice dish with a medley of fresh vegetables. My version of shahi Pulao is very simple and easy to make.  You yourself try and let me know. This is best served with Shahi paneer or Malai Kofta.

 

Ingredients

  • Rice – 2 cups
  • Onions – 1 cup
  • Coriander leaves 1/2 cup
  • Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp
  • Green chillies -4
  • Mint leaves 1/2 cup (optional)
  • Oil – 2 tbsp
  • Sugar – 1 tsp
  • zeera – 1/4 tsp

Method

Take a pan add oil,zeera,sugar mix till the sugar change its colour to brown then add sliced onions mix them then add gingergarlic,green chillies,mint,coriander leaves,salt mix well. Now add the rice which was soaked for 30min let it come to boil, once water absored then close it with a lid and cook for 5min in very slow flame,if you want add fried onions.

Hakka Noodles

Ingredients:

  • Boiled flat noodles (hakka noodles) – 2 cups
  • Dried Red Chillies – 4-5
  • Cabbage – 100 gms
  • Spring Onion – 1, small bunch
  • Capsicum – 1, small and thinly sliced
  • Garlic – 2 tsp, finely chopped
  • Vinegar – 1/2 tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Oil – 1 1/2 tblsp

Method:
1. Chop the spring onions into 1/4 inch pieces, pound red chillies and garlic coarsely.
2. Heat 1 tblsp of oil in a wok, add chilli and garlic and fry for a minute. Add the capsicum, cabbage and fry till tender.
3. Add the spring onion and fry again for 2-3 minutes. Also add noodles and salt and mix well.
4. Now add the vinegar to taste.  Serve with schezwan sauce or manchurian in gravy hot hot.