It is that time of the year when kids go back to school in US. It is that time of the year you realize your kid is getting older, taking another milestone in their life. It is that time of the year when we know summer is almost over and Fall is upon us. It is that time of the year when my lil monkey goes to kindergarten. It is that time of the year when every Mother whose kids start school wonders - Where did all those five years go ?
Showing posts with label Desserts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Desserts. Show all posts
Friday, August 30, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Custard with Apple and Nuts
I am feeling rather rusted as I try to get back to this space writing about recipes I believe in, and sharing my stories both inside, and outside the kitchen. Isn’t it always comfortable to start off a conversation with stories about weather? Then again this summer being so beastly, not just because of mercury rising, but with the wild fires rampant in Colorado, I am not so sure weather is a fun way to start talking. Coloradans are keeping our fingers and toes crossed wishing not just for rain but a down pour. You must all have heard about floods in India and Calgary, Canada, don’t you think weather is getting most unpredictable? I think so. Before moving on to chirpier topics, here is hoping you and yours are well and enjoying this summer.
We kick started summer with a few hikes both in Front Range and Rocky mountains. It is always a few degrees cooler in the mountains. Added to it the fragrance of the woods is so refreshing I like to just be out and about soaking in the atmosphere come summer. I am glad that my kids enjoy nature as much and are never bored in the outdoors like their parents.
Talking about kids my lil guy is not so little anymore, and he will be going to kindergarten this academic year. Time sure flies! Even as he gets older he does not cease to amuse or entertain with his quirks. Recently I overheard this conversation he had with his sister.
Chechi: What do you want to become when you get older?
Lil M(Without missing a beat replies): A garbage truck driver
Chechi (Aghast) : Why ?
Lil M(with a twinkle in his eyes): Then I can pick ALL the junk from all the people and BRING THEM HOME.
The rest of the family laughed out in unison and he looked at us quizzically as if we are the ones out of our mind. Knowing my son's keen interest in collecting junk, I wasn't surprised at his answer. But the animation with which he replies face all lit up, excited, and in the moment is so precious. Hm.. my son dreams of becoming rich collecting junk, Oh Boy! I might have an entrepreneur on my hands.
My husband and I both being scientifically inclined I wonder where he might have got that genes from. I am optimistic, maybe I have a midget of entrepreneur in me and that is where he gets it from. I will be sure of my selling skills if you are convinced to give this recipe a whirl.
Now, in all honesty what I have to share today is not exactly a recipe. It's just an idea for a quick dessert for summer. A friend of mine introduced it to me back in the days while I was in Hyderabad. It was a regular dessert in my household until some time back when blogging happened and more serious desserts took over. Even then it is so easy and fulfilling to put together this easy dessert it has found it’s way back into my heart and I hope it will into yours as well.
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 5-6 min
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients:
Custard powder- 2 to 3 Tbsp
Milk- ~2 cup
Sugar- to taste
Slivered almonds- 2 Tbsp
Blanched almonds- a few
Apple, cut into bite sized pieces- ~ 1/2 cup
Method:
1.Cook the custard according to instructions on the packet. Don't let it go too thick. Add sugar,mix and let cool.
2.Grate the blanched whole almonds, keep aside.
3.When custard is cool, add the grated almonds and mix.
4.Throw in the slivered almonds and apple pieces.
4.Chill in the refrigerator and serve.
Notes:
1.I use Bird's custard powder, but you could use any brand preferably vanilla flavored one for this recipe.
2.The consistency of custard s totally up to you.
We kick started summer with a few hikes both in Front Range and Rocky mountains. It is always a few degrees cooler in the mountains. Added to it the fragrance of the woods is so refreshing I like to just be out and about soaking in the atmosphere come summer. I am glad that my kids enjoy nature as much and are never bored in the outdoors like their parents.
Talking about kids my lil guy is not so little anymore, and he will be going to kindergarten this academic year. Time sure flies! Even as he gets older he does not cease to amuse or entertain with his quirks. Recently I overheard this conversation he had with his sister.
Chechi: What do you want to become when you get older?
Lil M(Without missing a beat replies): A garbage truck driver
Chechi (Aghast) : Why ?
Lil M(with a twinkle in his eyes): Then I can pick ALL the junk from all the people and BRING THEM HOME.
The rest of the family laughed out in unison and he looked at us quizzically as if we are the ones out of our mind. Knowing my son's keen interest in collecting junk, I wasn't surprised at his answer. But the animation with which he replies face all lit up, excited, and in the moment is so precious. Hm.. my son dreams of becoming rich collecting junk, Oh Boy! I might have an entrepreneur on my hands.
My husband and I both being scientifically inclined I wonder where he might have got that genes from. I am optimistic, maybe I have a midget of entrepreneur in me and that is where he gets it from. I will be sure of my selling skills if you are convinced to give this recipe a whirl.
Now, in all honesty what I have to share today is not exactly a recipe. It's just an idea for a quick dessert for summer. A friend of mine introduced it to me back in the days while I was in Hyderabad. It was a regular dessert in my household until some time back when blogging happened and more serious desserts took over. Even then it is so easy and fulfilling to put together this easy dessert it has found it’s way back into my heart and I hope it will into yours as well.
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 5-6 min
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients:
Custard powder- 2 to 3 Tbsp
Milk- ~2 cup
Sugar- to taste
Slivered almonds- 2 Tbsp
Blanched almonds- a few
Apple, cut into bite sized pieces- ~ 1/2 cup
Method:
1.Cook the custard according to instructions on the packet. Don't let it go too thick. Add sugar,mix and let cool.
2.Grate the blanched whole almonds, keep aside.
3.When custard is cool, add the grated almonds and mix.
4.Throw in the slivered almonds and apple pieces.
4.Chill in the refrigerator and serve.
Notes:
1.I use Bird's custard powder, but you could use any brand preferably vanilla flavored one for this recipe.
2.The consistency of custard s totally up to you.
Labels:
almonds,
Apple,
Desserts,
Easy Peasy,
Egg-less Dessert,
Summer Treats
Monday, October 22, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Whole Wheat Blueberry Crisp
I found this recipe in my Facebook news feed, on a fine summer after noon. I had some extra blueberries and strawberries, waiting to be rescued,in my fridge. So I clicked through the link, Saveur magazine had on their Facebook fan page, with a title, 'summer berry treats'. This easy blueberry crisp caught my attention and I was in my kitchen, in no time, to bake it !
Labels:
Baking,
Blueberry,
Desserts,
Easy Peasy,
Egg-less Baking,
Kids' Choice,
Summer Treats,
Whole Wheat
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Peach, Lime and Coconut Pops- A Guest Post By Soma
Collaborative curry is truly honored to have Soma here,as today's guest ! Most of you know her through her amazing blog, ecurry.ecurry is a wonderful blog with amazing photos and great recipes. Her pictures are beautiful and inspiring. I adore her photographs and love her Bengali recipe collection.I have tried this simple potato fry with quintessential bengali five spice mixture,panch phoron and it is great. She has quite a lot of baking recipes too.The flavor combinations that she uses in baking are quite intriguing.She has a number of cake recipes with oranges and once I ask her whether she has an interesting recipe for a cake, to use up the bunch of blood oranges I had at home .She was so sweet to share this recipe,even before she published it in her blog.She typed the recipe and send me in a message. It is a perfect combination of orange and chocolate flavors,you must try it.
I am so lucky to have Soma as a friend.I always enjoy our conversations in Facebook and Twitter, and I hope to meet her when she makes her next visit to Colorado as she has promised me. I feel great to have you here Soma,Thanks a bunch ! Though you were so busy with your personal matters,you took time to finish this post and I really appreciate it.I can't wait to make these pops for my kids.
Labels:
Coconut,
Desserts,
Guest Post,
Lime,
Peach,
Pops,
Summer Treats
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Butterscotch brioche bread pudding- A guest post by Nisha
I am so excited to have the first guest post in Collaborative Curry by lovely, Nisha of "Look Who's cooking Too". She is so full of energy,very friendly and as she herself says, an open book.I love her writing and the variety in the recipes she pots in her lovely blog. She is a freelance writer too, based in London.If you haven't visited her blog so far, you must do it now. She has a splendid collection of recipes and you will be amused by the variety.I have tried her condensed milk pound cake, but never got around to blog about, it was such a big hit so I'll make it again sometimes soon.Don't forget to check out her Indian recipes ranging from Goan Prawns curry to Fish molee.
I so want to make this pudding as soon as I get back from India. I am sure you will also enjoy this recipe ! Hearty welcome to Collaborative Curry, Nisha. I am so grateful that you agreed to do this post !
Collaborative curry was one of those first blogs that I stumbled upon, when I was new to the whole blogging scene; and Sunitha was the first food blogger I ever spoke to. We had a loooong skype session once and it was so so much fun:). Again, like I have mentioned before, I have a list of food bloggers I'd like to meet some day, and Namitha and Sunitha definitely make the list. But till then, I guess we will just have to make do with FB, skype, chats and blogs.
I so want to make this pudding as soon as I get back from India. I am sure you will also enjoy this recipe ! Hearty welcome to Collaborative Curry, Nisha. I am so grateful that you agreed to do this post !
Collaborative curry was one of those first blogs that I stumbled upon, when I was new to the whole blogging scene; and Sunitha was the first food blogger I ever spoke to. We had a loooong skype session once and it was so so much fun:). Again, like I have mentioned before, I have a list of food bloggers I'd like to meet some day, and Namitha and Sunitha definitely make the list. But till then, I guess we will just have to make do with FB, skype, chats and blogs.
Labels:
Baking,
Desserts,
Guest Post
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Strawberry Trifle
It is snowing here,today ! I know I was complaining how unusually dry it was in March, in my last post. But this may not be good for our little pear tree which is full of bloom.The snow is giving an extra coat on the white flowers and the branches are drooping a bit. Hope it gets warmer soon and we get more rain showers instead of snow.This is so expected in this place, if you know a little bit about Colorado weather. The temperature was in late 80s till Sunday and on Tuesday, it went down to 30s !
{Warning: Loads of pictures coming up ! I got carried away ,forgive me. If you don't want to see them all, just scroll down to the bottom, for the recipe }
Labels:
Desserts,
Easy Peasy,
Pound Cake,
Strawberries,
Whipped Cream
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Tender Coconut (Ilaneer/Karikku) Pudding
This is a post I have been postponing for a while,just because I wasn't satisfied with my pictures. This is my friend,Bindu's recipe. I told her ,when I made this for the first time,that I will post it in a week or so.Since she is one of the nicest persons I know, she never asked why I didn't post.Even now, I am not quite happy with the pictures, I thought I will post this, as this is the zillion-th time I made this and it is high time that I must tell my friend how much my little family loves it and I would recommend this to anyone I know.
Labels:
Coconut,
Condensed Milk,
Desserts,
Kerala,
Kerala Dishes
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Nutella Pannacotta
Did you make something special to celebrate World Nutella day? I made this beautiful pannacotta, but could not take the pictures or blog about it on that day. In fact, I wanted to post this for last year's World Nutella day ! Now you got me, I am a great procrastinator ! I made this a few times after that, but never got around to blog about it, till now. So here is a post that was supposed to be on the web on last Sunday and I hope you don't mind, since I believe, any day is Nutella day, for those who love it .
Labels:
Chocolate,
Desserts,
Egg-less Dessert,
Heavy Cream,
Milk,
Nutella,
World Nutella Day
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Rasmalai and 2 years of blogging
Labels:
Anniversary,
Desi Sweets,
Desserts,
Gluten-free,
North Indian dishes
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Apple Rabdi/Rabri- Evaporated milk based Apple dessert
A big HELLO to everyone ! It has been a long time since we updated a post here. So much has been going on in our personal lives that the blog sort of took second seat. Although, one of the highlights during this time was that Sunitha and I visited after 13 long years. Those of you, who are our friends in Facebook might already know about that reunion. I was so busy with the preparations and planning. Sunitha is in the middle of a move and that is why off the blogging scene for a while. Sorry about that !
Today's post has been in my drafts for a while now. Hopefully, I will be back in the swing of things as far as blogging goes soon. I am waiting for my children to finish summer vacation, general visiting, travelling and holidaying the family is involved in right now. Coming back to the recipe, the whole inspiration behind making this dessert was Kulsum from Journey Kitchen. She did a guest post on it. I have combined her recipe and the traditional one but I must thank her for tempting me with her beautiful pictures.
The preparation is very much similar to that of Basundi, if you haven't noticed.The main difference here is the presence of Apples.So if you love Basundi, just like me, you must try this !
Ingredients:
Milk- 4 cups/1 liter
Condensed milk-2 Tbsp
Sugar- 1/4 cup
Apples,peeled and grated- 3
Cardamom powdered- 1 tsp
Saffron- a pinch soaked in a Tbsp warm milk
Pistachios, blanched and slivered- 2-3 Tbsp
Method:
1.Boil milk in a thick bottom pan and cook until it is reduced to about half the quantity.
2.Add sugar and condensed milk and stir continuously for 4-5 minutes.
3.Add the grated apple and cook for about 4 minutes.
4.Add the cardamom and saffron. Mix well and switch off the heat.
5.Throw in the pistachios.Serve warm or cold.
Notes:
1.You could use condensed milk as a sweetener instead of sugar, just like Kulsum says.
2.It is better to use a sweet variety of apple for this preparation.
3.You could replace pistachios with almonds if you like.
Today's post has been in my drafts for a while now. Hopefully, I will be back in the swing of things as far as blogging goes soon. I am waiting for my children to finish summer vacation, general visiting, travelling and holidaying the family is involved in right now. Coming back to the recipe, the whole inspiration behind making this dessert was Kulsum from Journey Kitchen. She did a guest post on it. I have combined her recipe and the traditional one but I must thank her for tempting me with her beautiful pictures.
The preparation is very much similar to that of Basundi, if you haven't noticed.The main difference here is the presence of Apples.So if you love Basundi, just like me, you must try this !
Ingredients:
Milk- 4 cups/1 liter
Condensed milk-2 Tbsp
Sugar- 1/4 cup
Apples,peeled and grated- 3
Cardamom powdered- 1 tsp
Saffron- a pinch soaked in a Tbsp warm milk
Pistachios, blanched and slivered- 2-3 Tbsp
Method:
1.Boil milk in a thick bottom pan and cook until it is reduced to about half the quantity.
2.Add sugar and condensed milk and stir continuously for 4-5 minutes.
3.Add the grated apple and cook for about 4 minutes.
4.Add the cardamom and saffron. Mix well and switch off the heat.
5.Throw in the pistachios.Serve warm or cold.
Notes:
1.You could use condensed milk as a sweetener instead of sugar, just like Kulsum says.
2.It is better to use a sweet variety of apple for this preparation.
3.You could replace pistachios with almonds if you like.
Labels:
almonds,
Apple,
Cardamom,
Desi Sweets,
Desserts,
Evaporated Milk,
Gluten-free,
Saffron
Friday, June 24, 2011
Carrot Kheer/Payasam- Carrot dessert in milk spiced up with Cardamom
Some flavors blend so well you cannot tell them apart when together. Yet, together they are a flavor to reckon with. In the same way, if I served you the golden sunshine in the bowl below, and asked to describe its taste, you will be torn unable to decide if it is carrot halwa or semiya payasam.
The answer is right here on this page so please read on. You will agree with me on this when you go through the recipe. In the same breath I have to admit that it is better or equally good as carrot halwa or a payasam
I made this a month back and decided to post it only when I had some fresh carrot pictures to post alongside. Obviously, that never happened. The farmer's market doesn't have a good variety of veggies yet, and the carrots that I've planted this season are not ready for harvesting. Then again, when I remembered the bunnies that frequent my vegetable patch, I doubt they will leave any carrots for me to photograph. Everything considered, I decided today was the day to share this pleasantly surprising sweet delicacy with you. At a later time, provided the regular visitors in our yard, the Bunnies, leave some carrots for me to enjoy I shall share some pictures with you.
Speaking of carrots, did you know that most of the baby carrots we get in the US is processed, and "not so baby" carrots? I didn't know this until Sunitha mentioned it once. But there are some varieties that is "baby carrots, " albeit too expensive. The stats shows how consumption of carrots have grown exponentially post marketing baby carrots. And surely consumption shall soar once everyone knows how to make kheer or carrot halwa :-) You will agree 100 % after you have tasted some kheer yourself!
Ingredients:
Ghee- 2 Tbsp
Carrot grated- 2 cups
Milk- 2+1 cup
Sugar- 1/2 cup
Cardamom powder- 1 tsp
Almond slivers- 2 Tbsp
Method:
1.Heat 2 Tsp ghee in a deep and thick bottom pan.Throw in the grated carrots and fry till it is cooked through.
2. Pour in 2 cups of milk and allow to boil.
3.Lower the heat and let the carrot get cooked well.Stir in between. It takes almost 10-12 minutes.
4.By this time almost all the water content will be dried, do not add more milk at this point.
5.Add sugar and start stirring continuously, on low heat.Continue this till all the water gets evaporated and the mixture gets thickened.While stirring if you are able to see the path of the spoon/spatula without the mixture running over there immediately, it is done. This takes ~10- 12 minutes on medium low heat.
6.Slowly add the remaining milk into it. The point is that the boiling shouldn't get stopped while you pour the cold milk.This can be done on high heat and stirring continuously, while you add around 1/3 cup of milk at a time.
7.Once you added the milk, it should be boiled well.Pour more milk to get the desired consistency.Add the cardamom powder. Switch off the heat.
8.Garnish with slivered almonds. Serve warm or cold.
Notes:
1. You could reduce the sugar and add some condensed milk instead.
2.Also you could add some evaporated milk along with the normal milk after you boil with the sugar.
The answer is right here on this page so please read on. You will agree with me on this when you go through the recipe. In the same breath I have to admit that it is better or equally good as carrot halwa or a payasam
I made this a month back and decided to post it only when I had some fresh carrot pictures to post alongside. Obviously, that never happened. The farmer's market doesn't have a good variety of veggies yet, and the carrots that I've planted this season are not ready for harvesting. Then again, when I remembered the bunnies that frequent my vegetable patch, I doubt they will leave any carrots for me to photograph. Everything considered, I decided today was the day to share this pleasantly surprising sweet delicacy with you. At a later time, provided the regular visitors in our yard, the Bunnies, leave some carrots for me to enjoy I shall share some pictures with you.
Speaking of carrots, did you know that most of the baby carrots we get in the US is processed, and "not so baby" carrots? I didn't know this until Sunitha mentioned it once. But there are some varieties that is "baby carrots, " albeit too expensive. The stats shows how consumption of carrots have grown exponentially post marketing baby carrots. And surely consumption shall soar once everyone knows how to make kheer or carrot halwa :-) You will agree 100 % after you have tasted some kheer yourself!
Ingredients:
Ghee- 2 Tbsp
Carrot grated- 2 cups
Milk- 2+1 cup
Sugar- 1/2 cup
Cardamom powder- 1 tsp
Almond slivers- 2 Tbsp
Method:
1.Heat 2 Tsp ghee in a deep and thick bottom pan.Throw in the grated carrots and fry till it is cooked through.
2. Pour in 2 cups of milk and allow to boil.
3.Lower the heat and let the carrot get cooked well.Stir in between. It takes almost 10-12 minutes.
4.By this time almost all the water content will be dried, do not add more milk at this point.
5.Add sugar and start stirring continuously, on low heat.Continue this till all the water gets evaporated and the mixture gets thickened.While stirring if you are able to see the path of the spoon/spatula without the mixture running over there immediately, it is done. This takes ~10- 12 minutes on medium low heat.
6.Slowly add the remaining milk into it. The point is that the boiling shouldn't get stopped while you pour the cold milk.This can be done on high heat and stirring continuously, while you add around 1/3 cup of milk at a time.
7.Once you added the milk, it should be boiled well.Pour more milk to get the desired consistency.Add the cardamom powder. Switch off the heat.
8.Garnish with slivered almonds. Serve warm or cold.
Notes:
1. You could reduce the sugar and add some condensed milk instead.
2.Also you could add some evaporated milk along with the normal milk after you boil with the sugar.
Labels:
almonds,
Cardamom,
Carrots,
Desi Sweets,
Desserts,
Gluten-free,
Payasam/Kheer
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Chocolate Walnut Fudge
The weather is not very good for spending time outdoors, but I still managed to clean my yard yesterday. What I learned in the process - rains are not only good for plants and the lawn but also for weeds. When my finger tips start to get numb, and my back hurts, a part of me says spray the weed killer! But the other part of me says - it’s unnatural. Even if the weed killer is organic I can’t get myself to use it. Old habits die hard. I have to break my back laboring away plucking out one weed at at me. And thus continues my never ending confusion of weeding the weeds or spraying the weed killer.
Now with the yard weed-free, and an aching body, you will agree that I truly deserve a treat. Then again, who will make it? Since the answer is ‘me’ I decided on a smart, easy, quick and yet delicious dessert. Extremely delicious chocolate fudge! This can be made in 5 minutes, and you only need simple ingredients that most will have handy in their pantry. If you haven't tried this sinfully delicious fudge yet, do it right now. One bite and you'll be hooked for ever!
These are quite addictive; don't blame me for not warning you. ;-)
Ingredients:
Semisweet Chocolate morsels- 2 full cups
Sweetened Condensed milk, fat-free/regular- 1 14oz can
Salt- a pinch
Pure Vanilla extract- 1 tsp
Chopped Walnuts/any nuts of your choice- 1 cup
Method:
1. Line a baking pan that is preferably 8 by 8 inch square, with a parchment paper.
2. Gently heat the condensed milk and chocolate chips together in a thick bottom pan on very low heat. Continuously stir till all the chocolate is melted.
3. Turn off the heat, add vanilla and mix in well.
4. Throw in the chopped walnuts and fold in.
5. Spoon out into the prepared pan and level the top with a spoon or butter knife.
6. Let it cool for an hour, cover with cling paper and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
7. Cut into squares and serve. Store the left-over in the refrigerator.
Recipe adapted from: internet and Eagle brand condensed milk cover
Contributor: Namitha
Now with the yard weed-free, and an aching body, you will agree that I truly deserve a treat. Then again, who will make it? Since the answer is ‘me’ I decided on a smart, easy, quick and yet delicious dessert. Extremely delicious chocolate fudge! This can be made in 5 minutes, and you only need simple ingredients that most will have handy in their pantry. If you haven't tried this sinfully delicious fudge yet, do it right now. One bite and you'll be hooked for ever!
These are quite addictive; don't blame me for not warning you. ;-)
Ingredients:
Semisweet Chocolate morsels- 2 full cups
Sweetened Condensed milk, fat-free/regular- 1 14oz can
Salt- a pinch
Pure Vanilla extract- 1 tsp
Chopped Walnuts/any nuts of your choice- 1 cup
Method:
1. Line a baking pan that is preferably 8 by 8 inch square, with a parchment paper.
2. Gently heat the condensed milk and chocolate chips together in a thick bottom pan on very low heat. Continuously stir till all the chocolate is melted.
3. Turn off the heat, add vanilla and mix in well.
4. Throw in the chopped walnuts and fold in.
5. Spoon out into the prepared pan and level the top with a spoon or butter knife.
6. Let it cool for an hour, cover with cling paper and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
7. Cut into squares and serve. Store the left-over in the refrigerator.
Recipe adapted from: internet and Eagle brand condensed milk cover
Contributor: Namitha
Labels:
Chocolate,
Desserts,
Easy Peasy,
Gluten-free,
Kids' Choice,
Walnuts
Monday, May 2, 2011
Unnakai - Ripe plantain filled with dates and nuts
I had given up dreams of wearing flip flops. Then Saturday happened. Glorious sunlight and suddenly everything seemed possible. We found out state parks and walkways near by and marauded them. Breathed fresh air and drank in the verdant beauty all around. Hm...! Nice. Am I glad or am I glad! I wore my flip flops too.
The fruity treat today called unnakai is a Malabar specialty. I have seen it in many blogs and had to try it myself. We are huge fans of plantains at home so decided it won't go waste. Making a sweet treat is quite a hefty decision these days. It's no good for me but my husband loves them. The only balance I can strike is to make only for him and resist it myself but that is asking a lot. But with plantains I decided its going to be okay. And it sure is. I have stayed away from the coconut filling which traditionally is the filling and instead used dates and cashews.
They are delectable
They are irresistible. If I say so myself!
Ingredients:
Plantain – 2, cut into four pieces, skin on.
Dates – 15
Water – ¼ cup
Cashews – 10 – 15
Brown sugar – ¼ cup
Butter – 1 tspn
Oil – to shallow fry
Method:
1. Make slits over the plantain peel randomly making sure the gashes are ‘skin deep’
2. Steam it to soften
3. Cool, peel and cut each piece lengthwise and seed them.
4. Mash to a pulp
5. Stew the dates for about 5 minutes. Remove from the liquid and chop into fine pieces.
6. Chop the cashew and sauté in 1 tspn butter and add the dates and brown sugar and switch off the heat. Set it aside
7. Make 8 equal parts of the mashed plantain.
8. Grease your hands with oil, take one part plantain into your hand, flatten it, and fill with enough date and cover over the plantain to make cylindrical shapes. Follow with the rest of the plantain and set aside
9. Heat a pan for shallow frying, add about 4 tbspn of oil, and slide in the shaped plantain. Turning carefully brown on all sides. Serve as a dessert.
The fruity treat today called unnakai is a Malabar specialty. I have seen it in many blogs and had to try it myself. We are huge fans of plantains at home so decided it won't go waste. Making a sweet treat is quite a hefty decision these days. It's no good for me but my husband loves them. The only balance I can strike is to make only for him and resist it myself but that is asking a lot. But with plantains I decided its going to be okay. And it sure is. I have stayed away from the coconut filling which traditionally is the filling and instead used dates and cashews.
They are delectable
They are irresistible. If I say so myself!
Ingredients:
Plantain – 2, cut into four pieces, skin on.
Dates – 15
Water – ¼ cup
Cashews – 10 – 15
Brown sugar – ¼ cup
Butter – 1 tspn
Oil – to shallow fry
Method:
1. Make slits over the plantain peel randomly making sure the gashes are ‘skin deep’
2. Steam it to soften
3. Cool, peel and cut each piece lengthwise and seed them.
4. Mash to a pulp
5. Stew the dates for about 5 minutes. Remove from the liquid and chop into fine pieces.
6. Chop the cashew and sauté in 1 tspn butter and add the dates and brown sugar and switch off the heat. Set it aside
7. Make 8 equal parts of the mashed plantain.
8. Grease your hands with oil, take one part plantain into your hand, flatten it, and fill with enough date and cover over the plantain to make cylindrical shapes. Follow with the rest of the plantain and set aside
9. Heat a pan for shallow frying, add about 4 tbspn of oil, and slide in the shaped plantain. Turning carefully brown on all sides. Serve as a dessert.
Labels:
Desi Sweets,
Desserts,
Gluten-free,
Kerala,
Kerala Dishes,
plantain,
unnakai
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Eggless Chocolate Mousse
I have finally managed to come say hello. How have you been? Blame it on the virus cycle doing the rounds in my house! It started with my husband and I am the last victim. You know how it can be when flu starts in a family. Chaos! Someone is sick when the other is recovering. Everybody needs different kinds of food or treatment and it is mayhem. Now, I am feeling better and once my nasty throat and running rose decides to be well too things will be okay.
But then again drafts are a boon during these times. And what can be a better way to get back with you all than a chocolate treat. So here is to compensate my absence from blogger and Facebook a decadent eggless chocolate mousse:-)
This is the best among all the eggless chocolate mousse I've tried !
Ingredients:
Mini Marshmallows- 1 cup
Unsalted Butter- 2 Tbsp
Semisweet Chocolate baking squares- 4 ounces
Boiling Water- 3 Tbsp
Heavy cream- 1/2 cup
Pure Vanilla Extract- 1 tsp
Method:
1 1 .Chop the chocolate bars coarsely.
2.Take a thick bottomed pan and throw in the marshmallows, butter, chopped chocolate, and boiling water. Stir well to mix. On medium low heat continue stirring till everything is melted and mixed together.
3. 3.Once done, keep the pan in the freezer/refrigerator to cool while you whip the cream.
4. 4.Place a bowl, chilled in the freezer for 5 minutes or chilled in the refrigerator, in a cold water bath (water mixed with ice cubes). Whip the cream with vanilla till stiff peaks form.
5. 5. .Now fold in the whipped cream into the chilled chocolate mixture.
6. 6.Spoon out into the glasses and chill again before serving.Cover them with cling wrap before chilling.
Notes:
1T 1.This serves 2 to 3.
In 2.In step 2, be careful not to overheat.
Disclaimer: There has a been a misunderstanding about "eggless" vs "vegetarian". Nowhere in the post have I suggested that this dish is vegetarian.Marshmallows generally contain gelatin which is an animal product. But if you are looking for a vegan marshmallow, you can find it in the market.
Disclaimer: There has a been a misunderstanding about "eggless" vs "vegetarian". Nowhere in the post have I suggested that this dish is vegetarian.Marshmallows generally contain gelatin which is an animal product. But if you are looking for a vegan marshmallow, you can find it in the market.
Recipe adapted from : Nigella Lawson
Contributor: Namitha
Labels:
Chocolate,
Desserts,
Easy Peasy,
Gluten-free,
Kids' Choice
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Poached Pears
I have always loved photographs of pears; especially the one’s that are poached. But I have never had poached pears before. The only form of cooked pear that I have ever tried are grilled ones. Therefore, yesterday I decided it was time I poached some and what do you know it was not bad! Have you seen some of the pictures online of desserts with pears. Hm.. they are delicious to even look at. I may still be leaning towards grilled pears but I am sure when I master this art by adding sherry like Nisha has done here or add chocolate and ice-cream like Helene, you can see pictures here, my leanings may be flipped.
I also tried the chocolate-cake-in-a-mug yesterday and loved it. It was easy peasy like it suggests and for a microwave anything it was soft, moist and delicious. You can find the recipe here on our site.
This far, what I have loved most about poaching pears is the aroma. It permeated every bit of my apartment yesterday and it was delicious! The combination of cinnamon, ginger, lime, cloves and pepper corn boiling and simmering with pears releases an aroma that cannot be explained. It was sublime, believe me!
Yes! Surely, the biggest high for me from poaching pears is the fragrance so far. And I will do it again, and again even if it is only to get the house smelling like the way it did yesterday. But the next time I will add wine or orange while simmering and serve it with chocolate and vanilla ice-cream. Either ways, I have arrived in the poaching business. If you are interested in poaching read on to know how I did this.
I also tried the chocolate-cake-in-a-mug yesterday and loved it. It was easy peasy like it suggests and for a microwave anything it was soft, moist and delicious. You can find the recipe here on our site.
To Poach Pears You will Need:
Pears – 4 peeled with stem on (Bosc is the best variety to poach but I used comice)
Pears – 4 peeled with stem on (Bosc is the best variety to poach but I used comice)
Sugar – 1 Cup
Water - 4 Cups
Cloves – ½ tspn
Cinnamon Stick – 1 inch piece
Pepper corns – 6 – 8
Ginger – ½ inch piece
Lime – 1
Method:
1. Heat water and sugar in a pan which can hold 4 pears.
2. When the sugar dissolves slide in the pears and all the spices. Squeeze the lime in as well.
3. Reduce the heat and leave it to simmer
4. Cook like this for about 20 minutes and pears should be poached. You may check insert a fork to make sure the fruit is cooked.
5. Serve with ice-cream or cake.
Contributor: Sunitha
Contributor: Sunitha
C
Labels:
Desserts,
Gluten-free
Monday, November 29, 2010
Pumpkin Pie - A pictorial
Hello everyone! I’m sure the extended weekend was reason enough to give thanks! How was your Thanksgiving dinner? How many of you filled up your houses with Black Friday shopping? Did you wait outside the stores to grab the door busters ?
Most of my shopping was done online or on Saturday. I have never been to see the mad rush at the opening hours on Friday, and I don't think that I would ever do it sacrificing my precious sleep ;-)
We had a fantastic Thanksgiving Turkey dinner at our friend's place! Everybody had a great time with so much fun and lots of good food. My daughter made me promise to make a pumpkin pie for her this year and I did. It came out so well, and I'm glad to share the recipe with you all. Next time I will try to make the pumpkin puree also at home :-)

My family loved it and I can assure you that it is much better than the store bought ones :-)And I loved the Pate Brisse

Now a pictorial of the process
Disclaimer: The pictures are not the best. I had to manage the process, the camera , a 9 year old and a toddler who is still in his terrible 2 ;-)
The first 4 steps of pie crust making. Cutting the butter, mixing the flour with salt and sugar, mixing in the butter and adding water

Make a disc out of the dough, cover it and chill.Also rolling out

Transferring the disc and pinching the sides.

The final steps. Making the filling and baking the pie

And last but not the least, a slice for you ;-)

Ingredients
For Pie crust(Pate Brisse):
Flour- 1 1/4 cup
Salt- 1/2 tsp
Sugar- 2 tsp
Ice cold water- 3-4 Tbsp(I used 3 1/2 Tbsp)
Butter- 8 Tbsp
For Pumpkin Pie filling:
Pumpkin puree -2 cups (I used store bought organic puree)
Eggs -3
Brown sugar- 3/4 cup
White sugar -1/4 cup
Salt -1/4 tsp
Cinnamon -2 tsp
Ginger powder -1/2 tsp
Cloves -1/4 tsp
Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp
Nutmeg - 1/8 tsp
Heavy cream -1/2 cup
Method:
1.Whisk together the flour, salt and sugar or pulse them together in the mixing bowl of your food processor.
2.Cut the butter into 1 inch cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
3.Process till the mixture turns little crumbly, but still there is some butter fragments.
4.Add the ice cold water 1 Tbsp at a time and run the processor.Add a couple of tablespoons more and mix well.After adding 3 Tbsp, try to hold the mixture together. If it is coming together, you are done. If not add a little more water and mix again.
5.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface using your hand, till everything comes together.Do not over knead. Make a dics out of the dough and chill it for at least half an hour or up to a couple of hours.
6.Just before you start to make the filling, take out the dough from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-12 minutes.Also preheat the oven at 425 degree F.
7.For making the filling, mix together the eggs and sugars first.Addthe rest of the ingredients and mix well.
8.Roll out the dough into a 1/4 to 1/3 inch disc which is about 13 inches in diameter.I rolled it on the plastic wrap so that it doesn't stick anywhere.Or else you could flour the surface lightly and check frequently for the sticking dough.
9.Invert the greased pie pan on the top of the crust and invert everything including the plastic wrap.(This is much more easier for transferring the crust when compared to all other methods I've tried so far :-)
10.Take out the wrap and gently press in the crust to fit it inside the pie pan.
11.Now gently take out the extra sides hanging out of the pan. (I didn't have much though)
12.Pinch the sides carefully so that you get a nice pattern.
13.Keep the crust covered and let sit chilled for about 10 minutes. This helps the pie crust to retain it's shape. I didn't have time to do this step and you can see that, though I pinched the sides well the end product doesn't have a beautiful outer edge.
14.Slowly pour in the prepared filling and bake at 425 degree F for 15 minutes.
15.Then reduce the temperature to 350 degree F and bake for about 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Notes:
1.The filling is moderately sweet. If you like it sweeter please feel free to add more sugar.
2.If you do not have a food processor, use a hand blender to mix the pie crust dough. You could use your hand too, but the warmth of your hand might make the butter melt. If you need a really flaky crust, the butter should be in bits and pieces in the dough.
Contributor: Namitha
Recipe Courtesy: Various internet sites
Most of my shopping was done online or on Saturday. I have never been to see the mad rush at the opening hours on Friday, and I don't think that I would ever do it sacrificing my precious sleep ;-)
We had a fantastic Thanksgiving Turkey dinner at our friend's place! Everybody had a great time with so much fun and lots of good food. My daughter made me promise to make a pumpkin pie for her this year and I did. It came out so well, and I'm glad to share the recipe with you all. Next time I will try to make the pumpkin puree also at home :-)
My family loved it and I can assure you that it is much better than the store bought ones :-)And I loved the Pate Brisse
Now a pictorial of the process
Disclaimer: The pictures are not the best. I had to manage the process, the camera , a 9 year old and a toddler who is still in his terrible 2 ;-)
The first 4 steps of pie crust making. Cutting the butter, mixing the flour with salt and sugar, mixing in the butter and adding water
Make a disc out of the dough, cover it and chill.Also rolling out
Transferring the disc and pinching the sides.
The final steps. Making the filling and baking the pie
And last but not the least, a slice for you ;-)
Ingredients
For Pie crust(Pate Brisse):
Flour- 1 1/4 cup
Salt- 1/2 tsp
Sugar- 2 tsp
Ice cold water- 3-4 Tbsp(I used 3 1/2 Tbsp)
Butter- 8 Tbsp
For Pumpkin Pie filling:
Pumpkin puree -2 cups (I used store bought organic puree)
Eggs -3
Brown sugar- 3/4 cup
White sugar -1/4 cup
Salt -1/4 tsp
Cinnamon -2 tsp
Ginger powder -1/2 tsp
Cloves -1/4 tsp
Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp
Nutmeg - 1/8 tsp
Heavy cream -1/2 cup
Method:
1.Whisk together the flour, salt and sugar or pulse them together in the mixing bowl of your food processor.
2.Cut the butter into 1 inch cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
3.Process till the mixture turns little crumbly, but still there is some butter fragments.
4.Add the ice cold water 1 Tbsp at a time and run the processor.Add a couple of tablespoons more and mix well.After adding 3 Tbsp, try to hold the mixture together. If it is coming together, you are done. If not add a little more water and mix again.
5.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface using your hand, till everything comes together.Do not over knead. Make a dics out of the dough and chill it for at least half an hour or up to a couple of hours.
6.Just before you start to make the filling, take out the dough from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-12 minutes.Also preheat the oven at 425 degree F.
7.For making the filling, mix together the eggs and sugars first.Addthe rest of the ingredients and mix well.
8.Roll out the dough into a 1/4 to 1/3 inch disc which is about 13 inches in diameter.I rolled it on the plastic wrap so that it doesn't stick anywhere.Or else you could flour the surface lightly and check frequently for the sticking dough.
9.Invert the greased pie pan on the top of the crust and invert everything including the plastic wrap.(This is much more easier for transferring the crust when compared to all other methods I've tried so far :-)
10.Take out the wrap and gently press in the crust to fit it inside the pie pan.
11.Now gently take out the extra sides hanging out of the pan. (I didn't have much though)
12.Pinch the sides carefully so that you get a nice pattern.
13.Keep the crust covered and let sit chilled for about 10 minutes. This helps the pie crust to retain it's shape. I didn't have time to do this step and you can see that, though I pinched the sides well the end product doesn't have a beautiful outer edge.
14.Slowly pour in the prepared filling and bake at 425 degree F for 15 minutes.
15.Then reduce the temperature to 350 degree F and bake for about 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Notes:
1.The filling is moderately sweet. If you like it sweeter please feel free to add more sugar.
2.If you do not have a food processor, use a hand blender to mix the pie crust dough. You could use your hand too, but the warmth of your hand might make the butter melt. If you need a really flaky crust, the butter should be in bits and pieces in the dough.
Contributor: Namitha
Recipe Courtesy: Various internet sites
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)