Day: June 24, 2014

JEEZ! Chinese
Familiar with fried rice, spring rolls and Manchurian?

Thanks to the Chinese for blessing us with such an appetizing cuisine. Unlike the Italian and French cuisines, Chinese cuisine is less sophisticated has far more outreach to the general population around the world. No wonder it’s ranked among the best cuisines the world.But sadly, noodles bears the overused symbolism of Chinese in food, like Butter chicken and Naan to the Indian cuisine.

History of Chinese cuisine dates back to thousands of years and has encountered change at every level from time to time. People in china are especially particular about their food and hence they have eight culinary traditions namely, ANHUI, CANTONESE, FUJIAN, HUNAN, JIANGSU, SHANDONG, SZECHUAN and ZHEJIANG cuisines. The prominence of this cuisine had taken it out past the national boundaries to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and America who have incorporated their native flavors to the cuisine.

Let’s learn more about it in particular, Staples in Chinese cuisine involve rice, noodles, vegetables, sauces and seasonings. It doesn’t include much of Dairy products but the same is subtly compensated by variety of seafood, poultry and meat. Corn, millet, cabbage, sweet potato and tofu are eaten the most under vegetables and cereals categories. It is said that that when in past famines were frequented much, it posed a threat to the food supply for general population. At that time rice became an important part of every meal as it was available in plentiful and was observed to go well with both vegetables and meat based on what was available. This gave rice a revered position in their platter which is cherished still the same. And yes! It is traditional for them to use chopsticks and soup spoons for every meal.So now that we had familiarized ourselves to the cuisine, moving towards more exciting part let’s regard some really delectable must have dishes. Shall we?
1. PEKING DUCK
Peking duck is a duck dish originated from Beijing and cooked from the imperial era is now considered a national dish. Relished for the thin and crisp duck skin, the dish is eaten with scallion, cucumber and sweet bean sauce with pancakes rolled around the fillings. After cooking, dish is served in three steps: skin dipped in garlic and sugar sauce, meat served with steamed pancakes, sweet bean sauce and spring onions. The rest and vegetables is either eaten separately or mixed with the broth which customers often takeaway.
1. KUNG PAO CHICKEN
Next on the list is the very delicious Kung Pao chicken, categorized under Szechuan cuisine originated primarily from the south-western parts of China. Known for its spicy twist, dish is made up of chicken, peanuts, vegetables and chili peppers. The original version of Kung Pao chicken involves marinating diced chicken and stir frying it with vegetables and peanuts. In vegetables, chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns are important components. While preparing, peanuts or cashew nuts are deep fried in the wok first till they are golden brown and afterwards rest of the ingredients are added. In the westernized versions of Kung Pao chicken instead of marinated diced chicken, beef, pork or seafood are often substituted which is then cooked by adding orange or orange juice with ginger, garlic and corn starch. The dish is garnished with roasted peanuts or cashew nuts.
1. CHOWMEIN
Now who wouldn’t know this? Very well relished by everyone, it literally means “stir-fried” noodles”. Though there are many regional variations to it, it’s basically they are prepared in two ways: 1. Steamed and 2. Crisp. The Steamed chowmein has long and rounded noodles with softer texture than crispy chowmein, which has fried and flat noodles and is crisper and drier in texture.

The popularity of chowmein is so widespread that it has more than 5 varieties collaborating with respective regional cuisines all over the world. There are still differences except the basic texture of noodles between crispy and steamed noodles. Like crispy noodles May or may not contained any vegetables or and be simply strained and stir fried, while steamed chowmein usually carrots, onions or celery, cabbage and sprouts.

The former is served with thick brown sauce while the other is topped with soy sauce. Chowmein can be custom incorporated into Frankies, burgers or you can add chicken or egg to increase the nutrient value of this delight.
1. WANTONS
Dumpling! Yes, wantons are a common addition to soups in Chinese cuisine. The dough is prepared by using flour, water, egg (as per preference) and salt which is then made into small wrappers filled with meat or shrimp or steamed vegetables seasoned with spices, garlic and green onions. The shapes are made as per desire but most versatile shape is right triangle, made by folding the wrapper in half by pulling two diagonally opposite corners.

Relished by boiling and serving them in soups, wantons are also preferred deep fried, like other Chinese dishes it also has various regional variations. Basically the differences lie between the shapes and the filling inside the wantons. If not comfortable with sweating to cook, the pre cooked versions of wantons are available in the market. Enjoy the delicacy with Hoisin or garlic sauce.
1. POPULAR INDO-CHINESE ENTREES
Now talking about what we plate after collaborating with Chinese cuisine, we actually have plenty from appetizers to desserts. One of the most popular appetizers is momos apart from apart from spring rolls and soups.Popular entrees include chilli and Manchurian dishes which is often cooked with either chicken for non vegetarian foodies and is mostly substituted by paneer and other vegetables like cauliflower and baby corns for Vegetarians.

All this and more delicacies are there to explore in this cuisine, which is ever evolving and still have roots to the Chinese tradition. So, explore into the finesse of Chinese.
June 24, 2014
World’s Best Selling Cocktails

People just love to drink cocktails as they are not only alcoholic but also refreshing in taste. The main constituents of the cocktails are water, sugar, alcohol and sour and they are mixed according to the recipe of the drink being prepared. Many people belief that the experience of the bartender matters a lot as making cocktails requires expertise. All the ingredients to be used in the particular drink are required to be mixed in right proportion and then only the actual taste can be experienced. Further the steps involved in their preparations should also be strictly followed. People select cocktails according to their taste and desire. Some like to drink those cocktails which have less alcohol in it while some go for the cocktails with more alcohol. Today there are endless recipes available for making cocktails. But some of them have made their own name and are loved in every corner of the world. Hereby we are mentioning the most sold cocktail drinks in the whole world.

Bloody Mary:

Without a doubt Bloody Mary is the most favorite cocktail in the whole world. It is mostly served in the tall glasses. Since tomato juice is used in its preparation, it has a red blood like color. Vodka, flavoring agents and tomato juice are used as the main ingredients in its preparation. The flavoring agents which can be used are olives, black pepper, lemon juice, salt, Tabasco sauce, horseradish and many more. Its preparation is quite complex and so everybody cannot prepare it easily. To prepare Bloody Mary cocktail, take 4.5 cl Vodka, 1.5 cl Lemon Juice and 9 cl Tomato Juice. Add other sauces along with pepper and salt. Stir it gently and then pour it into a tall glass with ice cubes.

Margarita:

Margarita is one of the Mexican cocktail which is now loved everywhere, mostly by the females. Many believe that Margarita was invented by a person named as Carlos Danny Herrera in the year 1938. He created this drink for his friend Marjorie King who had special love for tequila. There is a special type of glass used for serving this cocktail named as Margarita glass. Tequila, Lime juice and Cointreau are taken into a high ball glass along with ice and are mixed properly. Along the rim of the Margarita glass, salt is applied and the drink is poured in it in such a way that the salt does not get disturbed.

Screwdriver:

Ask cocktail lovers about Screwdriver cocktail and they will have special praise for this drink. It is highly popular among the people. Different variations of Screwdriver cocktail is prepared and served at different places. This drink is prepared using vodka and orange juice. To prepare Screwdriver cocktail, add 1 part of vodka and 2 part of orange juice. Shake them well and then serve it in a glass after decorating it appropriately. Many people say that this cocktail was first prepared by the American aviators and they used the screwdriver to stir the drink they made by adding orange juice and vodka. So it is named as Screwdriver.

Apple Martini:

Now the next cocktail that we are going to mention here is Apple Martini which is a variation of the highly popular Martini cocktail. Its basic ingredients are Apple Juice or Apple brandy, vodka and Vermouth. All these are taken in appropriate quantity in a shaker and then poured into a glass filled with chilled ice. In 1995, a bartender working in the Lola’s bar which is in Hollywood, California made this drink for the first time. His name is Adam Karsten and so sometimes this cocktail is also known by the name of Adam’s apple martini. If you will add rum instead of vodka, you will get a new drink named as Rumpletini.

Mojito:

Mojito has a long history behind it. This magic drink was invented by the slaves who used to work in the sugar cane fields of Cuba in the 19^th century. Today it is extremely popular and is served in the Collins glass. The preparation of Mojito cocktail requires 3 parts of Lime Juice which should be fresh, 4 parts of white rum, 2 teaspoon sugar, soda water and few leaves of mint. Lime juice, sugar and mint leaves are first muddled and then white rum is added to it along with the soda water. Few mint leaves are used to decorate the glass in which it is served.

Piña Colada:

The very meaning of the word Piña Colada is strained pineapple and it gives us the idea about the ingredients which are used in its preparation. To make Piña Colada cocktail take 3 parts of pineapple juice, 1 part white rum and one part coconut milk. Mix them well with the crushed ice and then serve in a special glass called as the Poco Grande glass. Piña Colada is slightly yellowish in color and has a very pleasant taste. It was first prepared by Ramon Perez in the year 1952 in the bar of the famous Caribe Hilton Hotel located in San Juan.Since 1978 Puerto Rico has officially named Piña Colada as the official beverage of the country.

June 24, 2014
Delhi’s Street Food

There are many cities in the world which are famous for their street food and without a doubt Delhi finds a place in that list. Delhi is not only the capital of India but also a place which has rich heritage and history behind it. Although Delhi is full of high end restaurants and hotels which provide excellent food and ambience, Delhi’s street foods have their own separate name and reputation. These street foods are famous for being delicious and exquisite. And so people are crazy towards these street foods. The best things about the Delhi’s street foods is that they are not only fabulous in taste but are also very much pocket friendly and so everybody can afford it. Further there are numerous options available so people can select the dish as per their choice. Once you taste the dishes which are sold here, you will surely not be able to stop yourself from going back to the same place again and enjoy these appetizing dishes. This article is dedicated to all those people who are very much passionate about trying new, delicious food items in Delhi.

Dilli Haat:

Everybody knows Dilli Haat as a place which is perfect for window shopping and so it is one of such places where the people love to visit. Dilli Haat is also known for the wide range of street food stalls selling the delicious dishes. You can find all type of Indian foods be it a North Indian cuisine or South Indian cuisine. There are also specific shops selling the food items from a particular state. For a person who loves to try new dishes, Dilli Haat is the perfect destination as they will find numerous options in one location.

Connaught Place:

Connaught Place is located into the heart of Delhi and it is one such place where the people living here love to visit. It is because this place not only has shops of almost all brands but also famous food chains, restaurants, clubs, five star hotels and street food stalls which are open till late night. The famous food items here are Mutton Samosa, wide range of chicken, mutton and fish dishes, vegetarian and non-vegetarian rolls, Rasqulla, Chole Bhature, Biryani and many more. You will certainly enjoy shopping here and when you will get hungry you will have enormous choice to choose from.

Chandni Chowk:

Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest areas in Delhi and is often crowded with people coming here for shopping and offering prayers at the Jama Masjid. But without a doubt, the wide variety of street food which you can get in Chandni Chowk is simply unmatchable. You may be a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian; this place will surely make you happy with its exquisite dishes. You can visit the Karim’s if you love eating chicken and muttons. Else if you are a vegetarian, then you can simply walk into the Paranthe Wali Gali and get a taste of the delicious paranthas which are sold here from generations. Further you will also find Jalebi, Kachori, Dahi Bhalle, different types of Chatt, Lassi and Pakodas which will surely make you fall in love with them.

Khan Market:

Khan Market is one of the high end shopping markets in Delhi but the food items that are available here are very much pocket friendly and people simply love them. From noon till late mid night you will find variety of Chinese and Indian foods in various stalls. So the people living nearby Khan Market often pay visit in evening to taste the mouth-watering dishes that are sold here. Momos, Chilly Potatos, Soups, Corn and Chatt are the famous dishes in this place.

Pandara Road:

Pandara Road is another excellent place in Delhi where you will find delicious street foods. If you are a person who likes to eat spicy food, then this is the place you should visit. The Punjabi and the North Indian cuisines available in this place are simply amazing and eating here will surely be a delightful experience for you. Both for the non-vegetarians and the vegetarians there are tremendous options available and you will certainly not be disappointed with the food here. If you love Punjabi dishes then Pandara Road is the place you should visit as it has almost every dish which is made in Punjab and their preparation is so healthy and spicy that you will certainly feel like coming back to this place again.

Nehru Place:

Though out the day you will find Nehru Place filled with people as it is one of the biggest electronics market in India. But apart from the computer and electronic shops here, you will also find numerous food corners there. Again the Punjabi food is the most famous here. But then you can also find the food stalls offering the fast foods, continental and north Indian cuisines. The best thing about the food sold here is that they are delicious and healthy to eat. One simply gets a much desired relief after eating in the food stalls here.

June 24, 2014
Things you didn’t know about the Mahabharata

Mahabharata, the story of two sets of paternal first cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas who become bitter rivals, the story where a wife is shared by five husbands, a story of vengeance, a story where a kingdom is gambled away, a story which went on to become one of the greatest epics in the history of the world.

Here are some really interesting facts about the greatest epic of all times:

1. There are lots of stories about the Amrit Manthan which are the part of the original epic Mahabharata. But very few people know that the entire epic was narrated at the Sarpa Yagna. This Yagna was being conducted by Janamjaya, who was Arjuna’s grandson.

2. Karna and Bhishma never fought in the battle together. Bhishma, being the army chief wanted Karna to submit himself to Bhishma and fight under his supervision. Karna could not do that. Hence, Karna only fought the battle after Bhishma’s death.

3.Out of the hundred Kaurava brothers, only Yuyusu survived the war.

4 .Krishna had once questioned Yudhishtira that why did the King of Indraprastha, not seek his assistance while playing the dice game. If Shakuni was allowed to play from the Kauravas side, then even Krishna could play on the behalf of the Pandavas.

5. Krishna knew about Arjuna’s love for Subhadra. He instigated Arjuna with idea of kidnapping Subhadra. Balaram and the other Yadavs were furious when Arjuna kidnapped her. They were all up in arms and got ready to chase Arjuna. Krishna stopped them by saying that Arjuna had done everything according to the Kshatriya Dharma and that they are indeed lucky to have married away their sister to such a great warrior.

6. The names of the Kuaravas have always been associated with their bad reputation. Duryodhana which means ‘bad warrior’ was actually Suyodhana, the good warrior. Dusshasana meaning bad ruler, was named Susshasana which mean good ruler. Dusshala, meaning someone who is not elegant, was initially named Sushala.

7. Once the whole vastraharan incident was over, Draupadi apologized to the court and said that she had been dragged here and humiliated.

8. Jayadhrath was the only brother in law to the Kaurava brothers as he was married to their sister Dusshala. In fact, he was the one who slayed Arjuna’ son Abhimanyu in the Chakravyuh.

9. Surprisingly, Arjuna was not the only one to have heard the Bhagavad Gita when Krishna narrated it. Hanuman sat on top of the chariot which Arjuna rode and was there throughout the battle. Sanjaya, the one who narrated the entire Mahabharata to the blind Dhritharashtra was blessed with divine vision by Ved Vyas.

10. Dhritharashtra was a tyrant king in his previous birth. While walking on the side of a lake, he saw a swan with hundred cygnets, which are young swans. He ordered for the swan’s eyes to be taken out and kill all the hundred cygnets. And all this, just for his passing fancy. Therefore, as fate would have it, he was born blind and all his hundred sons were killed in battle.

11. Bhishma, known to be the greatest warrior ever born, was one of the Eight Vasus in his previous life. Vasus are attendants to Indra. So the eight Vasus were cursed for stealing Sage Vashishtha’s cow. Although, the other seven Vasus were drowned by Ganga as soon as they were born, Bhishma had to live a longer and more miserable life than the other seven as he was the leader of the Vasus when they were planning to steal the cow.

12. Satyavati, Vyasa’s mother, was the daughter of a cursed apsara called Adrika.

13. Vyasa just wrote the story of his own clan. But, all this while he managed to keep himself entangled in the intricacies of the kingdom and yet stay out of the politics.

14. When in Indralok, Apsara Urvashi proposed Arjuna. But he addressed her as ‘mother’. Enraged, Urvashi cursed Arjuna and said that he would become a eunuch. This eventually became a significant event in Mahabharata. During their final year in exile, this served as a boon for Arjuna as he lived as Brihanalla, a eunuch in the court of King Virat.

15. There was a reason why Krishna favoured the Pandavas in the battle. When Duryodhana and Arjuna approached Krishna asking for help and seek his support. Duryodhana reached Dwarka before Arjuna did. They were informed by Satyaki that Krishna was asleep. When they entered Krishna’s room and found him asleep, Duryodhana sat near his head and Arjuna went to the foot of the bed and stood there with his hands folded. When Krishna woke up, he saw Arjuna first. Duryodhana wanted to be listened to first as he came before Arjuna. But since Krishna saw Arjuna first, he said it would be fair if he supported both the sides. So on one hand was his famous Narayani Sena and on the other, armless and weapon less Krishna.

16. After Krishna left for Vaikuntha, Pandavas too lost renounced all worldly pleasures and began their journey toward heaven. All the Pandavas could not reach the gateway to heaven and fell down from the stairs one by one. Only Yudhishtira remained till the end. When he turned, he saw that a dog had followed him all the way to heaven. This dog was Yamraj.

June 24, 2014
Different Varieties of Tea

Tea is a form of drink that is enjoyed by people in so many countries. Its popularity has been increased a lot in these years. People love to have a few sips of this amazing drink when they are tired and want to have some freshness. There are many different kinds of tea available in the market like Black Tea, Red Tea, Green Tea and many more. Even though they offer different benefits and have different features they all are originated from the similar plant-‘Camellia sinensis’. It has been found out that tea also provides so many benefits to the health and keeps the body fit and fine. Among the various kinds of tea that we have, some are listed below along with their features and advantages.

Green Tea:

This particular kind of tea is quite prevalent in the regions of Asia and is enjoyed by the people a lot. China and Japan are the chief producers of green tea. It comes in the marketplace with so many essences and tastes. It includes various vitamins beneficial for the health. It’s a sweet smelling and delightful beverage that is relished by the people from all over the world. It is very helpful in burning fat, reducing the danger of strokes and neurological sickness and improving the level of cholesterol. So green tea is a good blend of taste and health benefits. Further if you want to lose weight this is the tea which you need to start drinking.

Black Tea:

It has been widespread in the marketplaces of Europe and US. ‘Chai’- a very much liked drink all over the world is made from black tea. In India Darjeeling and Assam are the biggest producers of black tea. It is gaining popularity and love for its deep and intense flavors. From children to adults, it is appreciated and liked by all. The greatest amount of caffeine is found out in black tea. It is too beneficial for reducing the amount of strokes and offers a great amount of protection to the lungs too.

White Tea:

As the name suggests it is the cleanest type of tea, it is the purest of all the kinds. It is processed in a slightest amount as compared to other kinds of tea and this kind of tea is produced in the rarest amount. The drinks formed from white tea possess a bright color and taste. It has become so prevalent and common recently. It is quite similar to green tea except its light color and flowery taste. The sprouts of the plants are included in the white tea which gives a way to floral taste. It possesses strong and powerful anticancer characteristics. Antioxidant as well as detoxifying advantages is delivered by white tea.

Oolong Tea:

It is quite popular among the people as the Chinese drink as it basically comes from China. It is dissimilar from the others of its kind. It has very intense and powerful flavor in addition with sugary and sweet smelling fragrance. Oolong tea is a kind of semi fermented tea. It is extensively utilized by the in people as it offers great amount of digestive advantages. It is moreover famous as ‘Wu long’ tea with deep essence and delightful smell. It is also considered as a supplement for the loss in the weight.

Red tea:

It is another tea which comes with purity as the additives are not included in it. It is known for its clean and genuine form with no preservatives. The amount of caffeine is quite low in it. This drink is quite suitable for the people having hectic and occupied routine life. All over the day, it can be consumed numerous times. It acts as eminent drink to quench the thirst. Apart from using it in the various drinks it is also utilized in baking as well as cooking. This tea has a gentle and relaxing effect and is sweeter as compared to usual tea.

Herbal Tea:

It is also known as ‘tisane’ and it usually does not include any caffeine in it. Apart from using it as a drink it is also utilized for various medical advantages offered by it. It is an easy and efficient tea that is available to the people at a very low cost. It is very enjoyable and pleasurable in flavor and provides so many advantages of the herbs. Similar to other drinks, it can be served up as hot and cold both. So it is a very pleasant beverage to enjoy along with its medicinal advantages. Herbal tea is highly preferred in most parts of the world.

So as you can see there are so many kinds of tea which are available now days. Every tea has its own advantages and flavors. Drinking tea is the part of the daily routine and it leaves behind a very soothing and relaxing effect which is required in such as busy routine. In the market you are provided with a great deal of different kinds of tea. So you certainly have many options to select from and enjoy the benefits of that particular type of tea.

June 24, 2014
Indian Cuisine

The moment we Indians hear the word food our mind gets filled with hundreds of pictures of herbs, spices, dishes, sweets and what not. In India its not just about eating to live in fact it’s the other way round that is living to eat. When our moms cook food for us it is not just about taste but also her love served in the form of food. All of us have seen the serene look on our mothers’ face after we eat what she cooks for us. Any person would trade the world for it.

Coming back to Indian cuisine, which is in itself a very vast topic to be discussed because India is a land of many religions and cultures and people belonging to different cultures have different taste pallet. Each state in India has some or the other kind of food that is exclusive to that state. In fact some states are known by the food served there. Bihar is known for its traditional dish “litti chokha”, west Bengal for fish and rice, Rajasthan for “daal-baati” and Punjab for “sarson ka saag.” There is a great deal of diversity in flavors in each of these dishes.

Ingredients used in Indian cuisine are a great way to understand the distinction between various kinds of food cooked in India. While most of the dishes are cooked in vegetable oil, peanut oil is famous in northern and western India, mustard oil in eastern India and coconut oil in south India. Each culinary region also has a distinct blend of spice mix; also known as garam masala and it varies for individual chefs. Use of curry leaves and mustard seeds in very typical of Gujarati and south Indian dishes. Also Kashmiri desserts are seasoned with cardamom, saffron and rose petals.

Cuisine across India is a result of variation in the local culture and geographical location. It also depends on seasons as those fruits and vegetables are eaten which are ripe. First of all we would talk about Delhi, the capital of India, which is also the birthplace of mughlai cuisine. Delhi since ages has been known for its street food. Delhi has people from all parts of India and thus the cuisine in Delhi is an amalgamation of different Indian cuisines modified in unique ways. Western food items also influence the cuisine in Delhi.

The food in Punjab is for those who are strong hearted. It is very rich in flavors and has a liberal dose of ghee and spices. They also use a lot of milk and milk butter and no meal is complete without buttermilk. Mainly people in Punjab are wheat eaters and relish eating paranthas and maize roti. The ubiquitous tandoori chicken is a favorite of all non-vegetarian eaters.

The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh is very diverse and has absorbed and adapted a lot of cuisines to make wonderful dishes. The people of Uttar Pradesh love to eat but they also like to cook and to feed other people. As people they are extremely warm and for them the ultimate form of hospitality is to serve their guests with food until they beg for mercy. They have a wide variety of vegetarian dishes and divine desserts.

Unlike any other cuisine, Gujarati cuisine is strictly vegetarian. The difference lies in the unusual blending of sweet and salt into a harmonious whole. Gujarati food has remained more or less the same since ages. The most well known Gujarati dishes are “khaman dhokla”, “paunk”, “undhyoo” and “shrikhand.”

Goan cuisine is a combination of Konkani and Portuguese food styles.This culinary amalgamation and adaptation has resulted in fiery coconut based curries and stews using pork and beef and rich cakes and pastries. It also offers an interesting range of red and white wine.

Feni is a local cashew fruit or coconut brew that hits all the right spots in our taste buds. For people who are less adventurous, there is refreshing coconut water drunk straight from the tender green coconut.

Bengali food consists of a lot of fish, lentils and rice. Usually their breakfast consists of milk and rice flakes eaten with jaggery. Lunch and dinner are mostly elaborate affairs. The first course is rice and daal with vegetables, pickled mangoes and fresh salad. It is followed by rice and meat. Bengalis are great fish eaters. The “hilsa” fish is a specialty when cooked in mustard sauce.

Bengalis love sweets. A vast array of milk based “mithai” has originated in Bengal. The light and spongy Rosogulla and the mouth-watering Sandesh, which are the specialties in Bengali sweets, are available all over India, but nowhere do they taste as they do in Kolkata.

The food of Tamil Nadu is what is known as “south Indian cuisine” everywhere else in the country. All meals center on a base of rice or semolina preparation like idli, dosa and vada. Eaten alongside is the sambar, sour hot dal with vegetables.

The drink of choice throughout the state is coffee. It is grown in the plantations in the Nilgiri Hills. The coffee is brewed with great care and filtered such that it is guaranteed to deliver the right taste of caffeine with a flavorful punch.

Just like the culture in India, the food in India has also been influenced by various civilizations, which have contributed a fair share in its overall development and the present form of food that we eat.

June 24, 2014
Tea: A Drink for Every Season

Tea, as evident by the consumption in an average Indian’s household, is most widely consumed drink- after water. Tea is found as an important part in every house and that is what I am taking about today. It is the only beverage commonly available hot or iced for every occasion.

It is not just a beverage for the sake of drinking, but it also has numerous health benefits. Oolong tea and White tea, for example, help in weight control. Black tea helps to reduce stress. Various flower teas help to increase metabolism and reduce stress. There are various reasons to drink a cup of tea everyday and to make your tea experience rich and interesting, here is a list to different type of teas you can try in every season.

Summer:-

We can never give up on drinking tea let it be the 45⁰C heat of summer. For this summer, we have got Iced Lemon tea for you. It is easy to make, cool and refreshing; perfect for a summer evening.

Lemon Iced Tea

Ingredients needed:-

1 Lemon

Sugar to taste

½ cup fresh Mint Leaves

1 Black tea bag

Directions to make:-

Using a vegetable peeler remove bright yellow peel from lemon. Combine lemon and sugar in a medium saucepan with 1/2 cup water and boil. Stir to dissolve sugar. Lower the heat and let it heat for one more minute. Remove from heat and add mint. Cool to room temperature.

Now in 1 cup hot water put the tea bag for 5 minutes. Then remove the tea bag and add the syrup, 1 cup cold water and ice cubes.

Serve in tall glasses filled with ice cubes and a few mint leaves on the top.

Autumn:-

In autumn, there is nothing as delightful as sitting at the balcony in the cold breeze with a hot cup of tea nearby. Cinnamon Apple tea is a perfect tea to sip in the autumn-ish cold morning. As evident from the name, it is an apple based tea and doesn’t need tea bags.

Cinnamon Apple Tea

Ingredients needed:-

½ teaspoon honey

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg

1 cup water (boiling)

Directions to make:-

Cut the apples and mash lightly with a fork in the bottom of a mug. Add the dry ingredients on top. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the apples and other ingredients and stir. Let it simmer in the boiling water for about 5 minutes. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.

Spring:-

It is the most interesting season for trying new tea flavors. In the flowery spring, add some new flavors to the life with some flowery drink.

Lavender Tea

Ingredients needed:-

3 Tablespoons fresh Lavender flowers or 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried Lavender flower

2 cups boiling water

Honey and Lemon (optional)

Direction to make:-

To make Lavender tea put the flowers in a teapot or container along with the boiling water allowing them to stay for a good 4 to 5 minutes.
Pour into cups straining if necessary to remove the flower buds. Drink Lavender flower tea with honey and sliced lemon for better taste.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has a naturally sweet tasting drink with a tinge of apple flavor. It is a good source of Magnesium and is used as a soothing and relaxing herb.

Ingredients needed:-

1 chamomile teabag or 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers

1 cup fresh water, brought just to the boil

Optional additions to taste such as honey, lemon, or mint

Directions to make:-

Add the teabag or dried flower to a cup. Cool the just-boiled water slightly (chamomile tea is best when steeped in hot – not boiling – water), and then add to your cup. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Its taste and benefits improves with longer steeping time. Remove the teabag or loose tea leaves. Drink it this way or add extras, like honey, lemon, or mint, if you wish.

Winter

Winter, no doubt, is the perfect season for drinking a hot cup of tea every morning and evening. To make winter more healthy and delicious, there is green tea for you to try.

Green Tea

Green tea, with its incredible taste, has many health benefits. Drinking green tea increases metabolism. Also, it helps to maintain a healthy heart. You can also say ‘A cup of Green Tea a day, keeps a doctor away.’

Ingredients needed:-

Green tea leaves- 1 tsp
Water – 1 cup
Honey to taste
Fresh lemon juice to taste

Direction to make:-

Heat 1 cup of water. Do not bring it to boiling point. Switch off before that stage to reduce bitterness. Add 1 tsp green tea and brew it for about 2-3 minutes. If you brew it longer, the tea will taste bitter, so just 2-3 minutes is sufficient. Strain the tea into a cup.
Add honey and a few drops of lemon juice to taste. Do not add milk in this tea. You can use 2-3 fresh mint leaves to get a minty flavor.

So, what are you waiting for? Go make a nice cup of tea for yourself and others. Drink your health and taste at the same time and Enjoy.

June 24, 2014
Why Coffee Is The Elixir Of Life

Coffee is a brewed beverage that is prepared from the roasted seeds of Coffea shrubs. Coffee is served worldwide in various forms. some people like latte, while some prefer the strong Espresso shots. Coffee is a beverage which can be had any time of the day, any time of the year. A hot cuppa coffee while you sit like a cozy puppy in blanket on a winter morning cannot be beaten by anything on this earth. Similarly, having ice chilled cold coffee on a day when Sun has decided to kill us with its scorching heat and show to the entire world that it is so hot, can prove to be a life-saviour. There are numerous kinds of variants available in the market of coffee, ranging from a mild one to one which is so strong that it will just disappear your sleep in the matter of just one cup. Coffee, due to its amorphous nature, is liked by all and there is no dearth of people who are coffee addicts. The strong taste and smell of coffee make it different from all the other beverages. Here are some of the reasons why is coffee is the elixir of life:

1. The Aroma

Though it is true that no two things are alike in this universes and this holds true for everything but only one thing justifies it to the fullest. That thing is none other than coffee. There is nothing like coffee in this world. It is unique in every aspect. The strong smell of coffee is so addictive that whenever anyone passes across a coffee house, the person is bound to intentionally inhale the enigmatic vapour peeping through those glass doors. The smell is so strong and has neutralising qualities which is the reason why people at the malls would offer you to smell some coffee beans in between smelling two different scents. Many surveys tell that the aroma of coffee often serves as a soothing fragrance and is capable of calming the disturbed human mind. So, what are you waiting for? Go. Find that jar of coffee and sniff, sniff!

2. The Taste

Coffee due to the presence of caffeine, is acidic in nature. The acidic strength of coffee is different in mild and strong variants. The mild one feels smooth inside your mouth and its taste lasts longer. Whereas, coffee which is said to be more acidic, gives a tangy flavour. The strong taste of coffee is often compared to the strong taste of citrus fruits as they both have an addictive aroma and a tangy, peculiar taste to them. No aerated beverage like cola, has a flavour that is as addictive as this naturally produced coffee. Due to the availability of so many options, one can choose how strong they want their coffee to taste. The strongest taste of coffee in its most raw form can be had by savouring a cup of hot espresso or black coffee, as it is called in some countries. If the bitterness of an espresso is too harsh for you, you can opt for coffee with different ratio of milk, foam and cream.

3. The Kick

If ever you have played ‘The Sims’, then you would know that whenever your character drinks too much coffee, it starts feeling “buzzed”. The similar is the situation outside that virtual game too. The aroma and the perfect taste, both combine to produce a beverage that is non-alcoholic yet it gives a kick in the head very strongly. The best part of this buzz is that it gives you a certain sense of being high but that is not so strong as that gained by an alcoholic drink and thus, you do not lose your senses after many rounds of coffee. Coffee is capable of giving you the much necessary kick and that too, without any ill and anti-social side effects. Many people claim that the high they get from coffee is a soothing one and it just gives them a sense of happiness from within.

4. The Sleep Deleter

We all have had those nights when we had to stay awake the entire night and complete five assignments in one go. We know that no friend, no notes, nothing of those things could have proved to be of even an iota of help had it not been for coffee. What work can anyone do if one is not awake? Coffee is the ultimate sleep deleter. It just vanishes those lazy moments and gives a strength that no other energy drink can provide. This sleep deleter is a tonic that is very enriching and does not lead to a hangover. A strong cup of coffee keeps the eyes wide open and is enough to burn the midnight oil. The kick, the taste, the aroma, all of these qualities of coffee make it the elixir of life. Coffee is not just a beverage. It is the beverage.

June 24, 2014
Yummy Chocolate Recipes For This Summer!
As Charles M. Schulz once said, ‘all you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.’ Chocolates make you happy. Eating a chocolate makes your brainssecrete those ‘feel good’ endorphins. Dark chocolates contain chemicals that protect you from cancer and other diseases. The caffeine content in dark chocolate makes you feel alive. Did you know that eating chocolates widens up your arteries and fosters a healthy blood flow that prevents plague from building up in your arteries and blocking them.Chocolates are rich in phenolic, the same protein found in wine. The protein helps lower the risk of heart diseases and prevent clot like substances from clogging the arteries. Research provides that candy eaters live almost an year more than those who abstrain. Also, chocolate melts at 97 degrees Celsius which is just below your body temperature. It melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting for more all the time.

So true, isn’t it? We all crave for chocolates, don’t we? From chocolate cakes, to chocolate ice-creams to chocolate biscuits and what not! Its rich, it’s creamy and amazingly delicious.

So this time, I bring to you, some of the yummiest chocolate recipes for the summer:
- Black-Forest Vanilla Cake (and yes, with the cherry on the top of course!)
A delicious black-forest cake with vanilla ice-cream sand-witched between chocolate sponge is a must eat this summer. So how do you try and bake it?

Here’s the recipe:

All that you need: A 70mm diameter chocolate sponge cake, 2tbs sugar, 1 tbs rum, ½ glass of water, 2 cups of whipped cream, ½ cup dark chocolate chips, 3 canned cherries which should be cut into half, 2 ½ cups of vanilla ice-cream, 5 tbs chopped cherries, 7 tbs grated chocolate.

All set with the ingredients?

So here’s how you prepare it:
- Firstly, you need to cut the cake into 4 parts.
- The bottom layer of the serving plate should be sprinkled with ½ soaking syrup.
- Now, on this soaked layer of sponge, spread 1 ½ cup of ice-cream.
- Top this layer with 3tbs cherries and 4 tbs chocolate.
- Now, another layer of sponge should be placed on this.
- Sprinkle some more soaking syrup on this sponge layer.
- Arrange the remaining cup of ice-cream on this layer.
- Top it with remaining cherries and chocolate.
- Sprinkle the remaining soaking syrup.
- Top the cake with whipped cream
- And finally, garnish the cake with cheese and grated chocolate.
- Freeze till the cake becomes firm.
Your delicious Black-Forest Vanilla Cake is ready to be served!
- Chocó-Almond Cupcake: Its small, it’s petite, but it’s definitely a treat for your taste buds. This is definitely going to be an unforgettable experience one you get to taste this luxurious combination of almonds and Chocó. The frosting of Almond and chocolate make this cupcake taste very different from the others. A chocolate ice-cream cake. (And again, with the cherry on the top!)
Here’s a list of all that you need: 8 chocolate sponge, 7 tbs butter
12 tbsp icing sugar, 6 1/2 tbsp melted chocolate mixed with 1 tbs milk, 4 tbs powdered almonds , 1/2 tsp almond essence, 6 tbs soaked and chopped almonds and
6 cherries.

How to prepare it:
- Put all the butter in a bowl
- Beat it with the help of a spatula.
- Now, add some icing and sugar to it.
- Mix well the powdered chocolate and the almond and put it into the batter.
- Now, the frosting needs to be filled in a piping bag.
- Swirl out whichever shape you would love to see on your little cupcake.
- Garnish them with frosting and almonds and don’t forget to add the cherry on the top.
Your little surprise is ready to be served.
- Chocó-Brownie Milkshake: The perfect summer cooler for you this summer. A totally different kind of a milkshake made from the combination of vanilla ice cream, brownie and milk.
What all do you need: 200 gms of chocolate, 500 ml of milk, 2 tbs vanilla essence, some crush ice cubes, 2 scoops vanilla ice cream.

How to prepare it:
- Combine all the ingredients and churn them. Keep the ice out of the mixture for now.
- Transfer to bowl
- Add ice to it and mix well.
Your milkshake is ready to be served.
- Chocolate Fondue: The super yummy hot mixture of marshmallow, dipping fruit and cake pieces.
What all do you need: 100 gms of milk chocolate, broken into small pieces, 1/3 cup of milk, 1 tbs flour, 4 tbs cocoa powder, 4 to 5 tbs sugar, ½ tbs vanilla essence, 1 tbs butter, 2 tbs brandy, fresh fruit, cake pieces and marshmallows for dipping.

How to prepare it:
1. The butter had to put in a glass bowl and beaten
2. Microwave the batter for 1 ½ minutes
3. Stir twice after every 30 seconds
4. Add milk, Chocó chips, cocoa, cream, sugar, a teacup of water.
5. Stir the batter after 30 seconds.
6. Pour the mixture in a dish.
7. Stir well and add brandy.
And finally, your chocolate fondue is ready to be served.
June 24, 2014
Dances of God’s Own Country!

The National Geographic Magazine names Kerala among the top 10 paradises in the world. ‘God’s Own Country’ was originally a phrase New Zealanders used to describe their home land. The earliest use of the phrase was as the title of a poem about New Zealand by Thomas Bracken. God’s own country as a phrase was often used and popularized by New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Minister RichardSeddon. The etymological meaning of Kerala is the land of coconuts, Kera means coconut in Malayalam. Kerala is abundantly endowed with coconut trees all over its mainland. The thick ambush of coconut trees is a treat to the eyes. Situated at the southernmost part of India, it is an exotic location with a temperate climate. However the real beauty of the land are its people, Kerala boasts of having the first fully literate state in the country, Kottayam. Life expectancy rate in Kerala is the highest in India and the female to male sex ratio n Kerala is higher than the national average.

Kerala is a home to a number of dance and art forms, they are an integral part to the regions culture. They are performed in temples and ceremonious occasions. The dances of Kerala are wonderfully vibrant and breathtakingly enchanting. They carry hues of enthusiasm and gaiety and are a perfect blend of pristine culture and rich traditional beauty. Legends and mythological stories are depicted through the dance forms. Kerala is today known all over the world for its enchanting performing arts which were highly patronized by the rulers and sketched to eternity by the folklores.

Kerala has a rich variety of folk dances. Some of them are

Kathakali

Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It is group dance where in dancer take in roles based on themes from the Hindu mythology, primarily the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. A really interesting aspect of Kathakali is the elaborate dressing and makeup. Characters are sorted according to the nature of the role they play and wear colors accordingly. The face of noble male characters like kings and divine heroes such as Rama are painted green. Characters of high birth such as Ravana with an evil streak in them are painted a similar green on their faces with red streaks. Extremely evil or excessively angry characters wear predominantly red makeup and a flowing red beard. Forest dwellers and hunters are represented with a black faces. Women and ascetics wear a luminous yellow face. The technique of depiction involves a highly complicated gamut of gestures with which the actor can articulate lines and even words, the body movements and footwork are aesthetically intricate and precise. The actors to perform this feat have to go through several decades of trainingand require regular body massages for flexibility and muscle strength and control.

Mohiniattam

it is a dance form closely related to Bharatanatyam of Tamil Nadu called dasiattam. Originated in the temples the dance was performed by Devadasis, it articulated feminine love in it myriad forms namely carnal, paternal and devotional. It somehow degenerated to eroticism in the epicurean way of life until Vallathol, a renowned Malayalam poet revived its status in modern times with his institute called Kalamandalam. Most of the features of Mohiniattam are similar to the one in kuchipudi and bharatnatyam, though there are subtle differences in the movements and hand gestures. The language used in the lyrics is a mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit, known as manipravalams

Koothu

It is a socio-religious act performed in the Koothambalam. It is a solo narrative dance with sprinkles of wit and humor. Through the inimitable narration of the epics the Chakkiyar, the performer articulates the satirical conditions in those times. No one is above the butt of his mockery, he doesn’t spare kings or slaves. His humor ranges from innocent mockery to veiled innuendoes.

Theyyam

Thaiyam is one of the most spectacular dance forms of Northern Kerala which is about eight centuries old. It is believes to have been derived from the word Daivam meaning God. It is believed that immortal spirits enter into mortal bodies while performing the dance. Theyyam is staged regularly in the shrines of Malabar.

There are also a large number of folk dances that have survived the ages and continue to enthrall us with their rapture. Some of them are

Thiruvathira

Thiruvathira is performed by maidens who revolve around a cirle while performing dance steps along the music which is essentially the clapping and the narrative song sung by singers as they go around the cirle.

Kolkali

It is a group dance performed in a circle where the dancers dance to the rhythmic beats with sticks in their hands. The dance gains tempo and pace as it advances and is performed only by the males who have a certain basic martial art training.

June 24, 2014