Author: N Chitrangada

MACARONI MEMORIES
My love for Macaroni is nothing short of profound .This one simple dish ,loaded with a sinful amount of cheese has so many memories and moments prepped upon it like tiny flowers in a garden . Savoury and erotic in true foodie terminology, it never ceases to amaze me .How can something so simple and uncomplicated give rise to the most mouth-watering and tempting of all sensations? As a child, whenever my mother prepared this dish, the aroma of melted cheese and seasoning would fill the air .Hungry to the extent of being absolutely famished, I finally decided to give this epic and evergreen dish a try .Apprehensive in the beginning, about whether I would or would not be able to conjure up the magic of macaroni in white sauce ,I followed these simple steps – and the magic unfolded on its own, as I happily plated my share.

After making it through a rather horrid day, my roommates and I longed for a delicious dinner. Tired of our usual dinnertime menu, we skimmed through all possible pamphlets and menus of eateries that deliver in our area .Futile attempts of tossing coins followed so as to decide which dish is to be ordered from where. After many such failed attempts to zero down on one particular dish, Macaroni seemed the only practical option available in such an eleventh hour situation .With a packet of MTR macaroni ,cheese cubes ,pasta and pizza sauce ,flour ,butter and milk ,we hoped we could prepare an edible version of Macaroni in white sauce . With zero experience it is but natural to be apprehensive regarding your cooking skills .So here are a few easy steps for first timers, who are ready to try a hand at making this evergreen dish.

INGREDIENTS:
1. Macaroni (obviously! though you can opt for any type of pasta instead)
2. Broccoli(not mandatory)
3. Capsicum(not mandatory)
4. Cheese
5. Regular flour
6. Milk
7. Butter
8. Oregano(not mandatory)
9. Pasta pizza sauce(not mandatory)
10. Pepper.
Before starting off to prepare the white sauce, boil the macaroni in water with a pinch full of salt in it and drain .Add normal water to it and drain again.

For the White Sauce:

INGREDIENTS:
1. Regular flour ( 1 cup) .
2. Milk (1 ^½cup)
3. Butter.
METHOD:
1. Heat pan for about a minute or so and add about 1/4^th of the butter slab to it.
2. Add flour to it, while stirring it continuously to avoid lump.
3. Add milk to the above mix and stir for at least five minutes or more. Make sure that lumps are not formed, else the consistency will be absolutely ruined.
4. Once the above mix begins thicken add milk and some water to keep it slightly flowy.
5. For a minute or so, let the white sauce simmer on a low flame.
Now for the most important part
1. Add the macaroni and white sauce and gently mix .If need be use some water (about 2-3 spoon -fulls) to avoid the macaroni from gluing itself on the stirrer.
2. As the macaroni and white sauce simmer on a low flame, add to it graded cheese, some oregano, salt and pepper.
3. For making it a tad bit healthier and crunchy, you can add to it chopped capsicum and broccoli. (p. s do not add too much of broccoli and capsicum ,about half of each of them should suffice.)
4. You can also add pasta pizza sauce to it, just in case the white sauce is too bland for you. Though I would suggest that you put not more than three spoons of it so as to maintain the rich taste of the white sauce.

5.Let it simmer for a while with occasional stirring and add more graded cheese to it.

6. Once done, you can sprinkle some pepper, oregano and coriander leaves to garnish.

Now your macaroni is ready to be served and savoured!!

Undoubtedly, there was yet another memory chalked on the slates of our life .Yet another day to look back to .Macaroni had yet again given rise to a moment worth being nostalgic for .Random things like this truly makes one’s student life worthy of fond descriptions and untiring ,undying attachments. I can hence state so, without error, that we not only cooked amazing macaroni, but also that we created a memorable time. Served alongside the macaroni, we savoured both those moments and the macaroni. BON APPETITE!
September 14, 2014
COOKIE MANIA
“I think cookies are unsung sweet you know?”-Bobby Flay.

This delectable disc that fits in your palm so effortlessly and melts over your tongue,revealing the sweet , buttery taste with each bite,it is indeed an unsung sweet . God knows how many cookie jars have been emptied , those danish cookie boxes that had their contents consumed in a mere jiffy and those numerous evenings that were spent with a bowlful of cookie dough . Beginning with a simple recipe for making cookie dough , we shall proceed to the most mouthwatering combinations of cookies and the cookie dough .

INGREDIENTS
1. Brown sugar
2. Regular flour
3. Butter (preferably Amul Lite)
4. Semi sweet chocolate chips
PROCEDURE
1. Grind the brown sugar in a mixie such that it retains its grainy texture . Do not make it powdery else it would ruin the crunchy consistency of the dough .
2. Take regular flour and add to that softened butter(mind you SOFTENED ,not melted,and preferably the low salt vesion of it-Amul lite does a good job) .
3. Add the brown sugar to the mixture and knead well .
4. When you have the right consistency , sprinkle with a generous helping of semi sweet chocolate chips , and knead a little more .
5. Once you think its perfect , cool it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours .
P.S You may want to be careful with the salted butter though . Too much salt renders it inedible . And yes , since it is on the whole an uncooked dish,washing your hands thoroughly before starting off is a good idea . Proceeding over to our much loved variety of almond cookies,here are a few changes in the ingredients.
1. Regular flour-1 cup(125 ml approximately)
2. Softened butter -3/4 cup
3. Sugar (preferably white)-3/4 cup
4. Baking powder-1/2 teaspoon
5. Baking salt-1/4 teaspoon
6. Almonds-1/2 cup
PROCEDURE :
1. Preheat the oven to about 180 degree Celsius while you prepare the rest .
2. Take sugar and butter in a bowl , and with the help of a whisk,mix them until fluffy and consistent .
3. Before you ground the almonds , roast them for about two minutes or so .
4. Grind the almonds in a mixer to an extent that they still retain their grainy texture (you would hate to loose the crunchy part) .
5. To ensure that the flour,baking powder and baking salt are mixed well , I would suggest you that you sieve them .
6. Mix the sugar and butter mix as well as the almonds in the flour,baking powder and baking salt mixture that you just sieved .
7. Knead well to get rid of any lumps ,and to get a consistent dough .
8. Take out portions as big as a lemon and gently press them .Another alternative is to flatten the batter like a chapati with the help of a rolling pin,(ensure that you have a greasing paper spread under the dough) and cut out pieces with the help of a cookie cutter .
9. Place the cookies with a minimal space of two inches on the tray lined with aluminium foil or greasing paper(to avoid the dough from sticking on the tray) so that it has place to fluff up and expand . Bake them in preheated oven for about fifteen minutes .
10. After ten minutes of putting them in the oven , check whether the edges of the cookie are turning brown or not .
11. After fifteen minutes or so , check if the cookies are golden brown in color . If so, switch off the oven and let them stay in it for additional ten to fifteen minutes so that they turn crispy . Just in case you like them soft ,you can take them out almost immediately .
VOILA! Enjoy the savory taste of these crispy crunchy almond and butter cookies ! The cookie mania hasn’t ended yet! There is more in store ! It is absolutely amazing ,the way we can play and experiment with baking ,making combinations that would tempt anyone and everyone ! Stay tuned and behold the COOKIE DOUGH SANDWICH!

Well now that you have come across the method for making both the cookie and the edible cookie dough,all you have to do is combine the two! yes its that simple! Some slight changes can be made . For example,you can add some vanilla essence in the cookie dough to accentuate the taste of the cookie dough. Another suggestion that is absolutely worth a try is using mini chocolate chips in the dough .It has two advantages
1. it gets amazingly easy to spread the dough on the cookies.
2. You can add a sinful amount of those!(who would not love an extra helping of chocolate chip?!) .
Welcome your days of sitting near the window or on the couch with a delicious bowl of cookie dough.Raid the cookie jar like we once did as kids.So pamper yourself and delve into the pleasure of baking a perfect batch of cookies and experimenting with the most delectable components of the same . Happy baking and BON APPETITE!
August 13, 2014
MANIPUR:IN THE LAND OF JEWELS

Surrounded by nine hills,the oval valley which was once a large water body,drained and unearthed by Lord Shiva himself ,the land where Lord Vishnu is fabled to have arrived and is hence worshiped since times immemorial ,having risen up from its own ashes like the Phoenix ,behold Manipur ,the land of jewels.

Mentioned at least four times in the Mahabharata, the land where the children of Arjun and Chitrangada reside,where warriors and patrons rest in their graves.This place has so much more to offer than what anyone can ever imagine.Ancient yet sturdy,Manipur has created and witnessed history in the make .On the very soil of this state ,Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose furthered his march towards the nation’s self dependence and freedom .Here women and men walk shoulder to shoulder,taking up responsibilities in ways that defy patriarchy to it’s very roots.Women are respected and honored,indeed this place is a feminist heaven.Women indeed enjoy their freedom here,in fact they have an entire market run by women called the Ima market(Ima stands for mother in Manipuri) .

Glorified with extremely skilled and hardworking sports person ,home to an Olympian ,Mary Kom,and many others who shall spawn .

With the Loktak lake guarding and glorifying it’s periphery,Manipur holds in its heart its rich culture ,despite having faced a two year bombardment during the second world war,and the much despised insurgent activities that has bred up an image of misunderstanding .Despite such hostilities,Manipur stands strong,and supports its culture on the pillars of belief and humanity.What you may read further are mere glimpses of its full fledged grace,though it highlights much of what many have overlooked or ignored.

Festivals like Yaoshang(Holi) and Rath yatra are complete projections of Manipur’s way of merry making and enthusiasm.Beginning with Yaoshang,unlike in other parts of the nation,holi is celebrated for at least a week .It is commenced with burning a miniature hut meant for Gaurang Mahaprabhu,followed by a special tradition meant for girls and boys aged thirteen and above.These youngsters participate in an energetic dance ritual called the Thabal Chongba in which girls and boys hold each other’s hand while standing in a huge circle ,hence boys and girls stand alternately in the circle.The specialty is not just the fact that one gets to hold hands,but that ,in order to do so you must first ask the girl if she wishes to hold your hand in this dance!Its like a manipuri way of asking out!Where orthodox people shun the sheer sight of a girl and a boy walking or even talking,Manipur has practiced this ritual with all it’s sincerity.When I had my first Thabal at the age of fourteen,I was pretty perplexed about the requirement of holding hands,to which my Abok(manipuri for grandmother)explained me that it was necessary for youngsters to know a right and decent manner to express likeness and accept certain changes,not just that but through this dance,they learn to speak up and even if turned down they learn o handle rejection instead of wrecking havoc in their life for being turned down. Somewhat convinced then,it is now that I fully see the potential of this ritual.Where at one hand a “no” from a girl leads to acid attack,having faced rejections in just this dance makes people better at accepting a No.The entire festival is celebrated by playing with Gulal alone,sans the nasty ingredients and colours that glue themselves on you for days.Sports being a chief interest in Manipur,they have Yaoshang games and sports events to engross and channelize people in a healthy competition.The entire week,it is but evident that everywhere you see,the rosy colour of gulal taints the atmosphere.Beatific indeed!

Beginning with the food that people here eat,well they are not the one to eat almost anything and everything(so be rest assured you are not being served snake dumplings or lizard meat).The staple diet here is fish and their food is loaded with boiled vegetables sans even a single drop of oil or a pinch of our much loved majority of spices .Amazingly spicy having being seasoned with the hottest of chilies .To enumerate the various benefits,fish oil is extremely beneficial for the brain and maintenance of load bearing joints,and not to mention the wonders it does to the quality and growth of hair(yes that is a major secret to having such beautiful hair;ladies take note! ).The advantages of green vegetables are universally known and certified by scientists and ancestors alike since times immemorial.Super healthy and with a considerable variety of fish and prawns,this place offers you with the best of dishes that would undoubtedly boost your health and longevity.As a guest who visits Manipur at the time of such festivals and rituals ,the biggest task at hand is actually finishing this scrumptious,super healthy and variant thali served during the celebrations.Hospitality like never before,this special treatment would pamper you and fill your tummy in ways like never before.

A special variety of rice is grown here.Well mostly people would define general differences as in terms of smell and length of rice etc,but to be quite true with an element of surprise,this rice that I speak of is actually purple in colour!It is largely used for dessert preparations and special cuisines.

The origin of polo,Manipuri martial arts(Thangta) ,Rasleela having been glorified by Rabindra Nath Tagore himself and Pung Chalom(the traditional dance of Manipur)are the cultural pillars on which Manipur gloriously paces ahead in time.The Switzerland of India ,this land as sacred,cryptic and lively as it is,has hence more to explore than what we see on its surface.

August 13, 2014
IN YOUR SKIN:home remedies to rejuvenate your skin

The non ending heat,blistering sun that scalds your skin,the ever present pollution and the intense humidity in the air.Such vicious conditions leave us shriveled.Besides the fact that the typical Indian choice of fair skin worries people and specially women,here is a fact,more than being fair,it is better to chase a healthy glowing skin.Skin health is persistently neglected,yes neglected,because usage of cosmetics and chemicals in the name of skin care does not in any way suffice for skin maintenance.You will be surprised to know that your kitchen has so many remedies and tricks to fix the most common and stubborn of all 7skin problems.Be it tanning,acne or under eye dark circles.These home remedies can do wonders to your skin like no other cosmetic can.

In such humid conditions,the pores of your skin get clogged with dirt.These dirt plugs resurface upon your face as chronic acne,pimples.Not only these are painful but they totally ruin your skin health.Your kitchen itself harbors answers to this problem.
In this season,Jamun is available.besides being a season fruit they can do wonders do cleanse your skin.All you have to do is mix some jamun pulp with a some cow milk and apply it generously on your face.Though it is a complete no no to consume milk right after having jamun,yet the chemistry behind their reaction is truly beneficial for your skin.After letting this mix stay for like 10 minutes or so ,wash it off and pat dry,and viola!clean glowing skin that is soft and supple.Just like any cosmetic guarantees you with.

Want to do away with that oily skin ?The sweat and dirt all trapped up in your natural skin secretion creates problems.It dulls your actual skin texture and coloring.Like I said its best to chase a healthy glowing skin,rather than obsessing over the color ,here is kitchen wonder to fix it right up.Mix besan with curd ,whip it well and apply the pack over your face and neck.wash it after it dries and pat dry your skin.This paste can also be used to cut tan from hands and legs.All you have to do is put the paste and rub it off in a manner in which you use scrubs.Tiny specks of dirt will easily roll off from your skin.

Need soft supple skin?well here are two things that can help you out!Papaya peel,in fact a piece of papaya itself if rubbed gently over skin in circular strokes and washed off after a good scrub of a couple of minutes shall fix your skin right up.cosmetic companies and parlours do not boast of papaya facials and products based on it just like that.Excellent for the gut and great for the skin,now we are talking of wholesome goodness !
Watermelons can too work well for rehydrating your skin.Just rub the watermelon peel in circular strokes to stimulate better circulation of blood.With 92% water content,this wonder vegetable misunderstood to be a fruit can coll your skin making it soft and hydrated.Best way to tackle the sun’s wrath that your skin bares all day long.

Need an efficient coolant for your skin?Here is the rehydrating and anti tan major and an invincible part of the salad,presenting before you our very own cucumber!yes,take some cucumber juice and apply generously.Wash it as soon as it dries in about 15 minutes approximately and watch that tan go PUFFF!.

Need a dark circles buster?Well chop two slices of our good old potato and place it over your eyes.Two teabags cooled in the freezer can also do this trick pretty well.Just put them and relax.Slices of cucumbers have always been used for their cooling effect on your eyes and to cure those nasty dark circles.

To really get rid of that tanning ,you can use tomato juice or lemon juice,each with a drop of olive oil and apply it over the affected area.With applying either of these home remedies for like twice a week or so,you can bust that tan right off!

Now for the chronic acne,that are an absolute spoiler,all you have to do is soak some red lentil (laal masoor) in milk and apply the paste on your face.As it dries in approximately in ten to fifteen minutes ,wash it off and pat dry .A regularized use of this paste for a week or ten days would miraculously make all your acne vanish.

Those blemishes scar your skin and require immediate attention.Coriander comes to your rescue.This favorite Indian garnish and ingredient for chutneys can shoo away those nasty blemishes.Grind it to paste and apply daily for ten days or so and watch those blemishes fade away.

A good way to scrub are almonds.Just grind them to a coarse powdery mass and add it to the besan ubtan mentioned in point or use them with milk and cream to moisturize your skin as well.

Honey serves as one of the best skin care ingredients.It makes your skin extremely soft and supple,giving it the slight bounce and rejuvenating it completely.

Each of these basic home remedies are inexpensive and cent percent efficient.Our grandmothers have not achieved such everlasting skin health by putting cosmetics,but via such home remedies and kitchen ingredients.My Naani owes the secret to her plush pink lips to malai and ghee…the soft glowing touch to her wrinkled face is a product of such remedies.I recommend that you try these,and feel the difference for yourself.LOVE YOURSELF AS YOU ARE!

July 5, 2014
DU Darshan:the foodie trip in North campus

For a student at the Delhi University,especially as a person who belongs to the north campus,the variety of places to eat and hangout are well known.In the continuous debate between the north and south campus about what makes them so special,the eateries and restaurants,juice corners,snacks and momo walas add to the list of specialty at the north campus of DU.After every ten steps you shall find a momo wala or a van serving snacks .

The campus is humongous,and the variety is stunning.From make shift momo shops to proper eateries and restaurants,the foodie treat can never end.there is always something new to try.What is even more pleasing is the inexpensive price rate that the majority of such places offer.So easy on the pocket,every nook and corner of north campus has such foodie pockets and addas for students to fill their tummy and treat their taste buds. In fact its at times a crazy ride to decide which place is it that you wish to eat today.Amazing egg rolls,yummy milkshakes,savory and hot momos with their lip smacking sauce and mayonnaise,pastry and cakes,ice creams and a lot more,you name it and you will find it in north campus.Cuisines of all sorts from all possible origins,to the simple chaat ,pani puri and bhalla paapdi,the munch list here is almost never ending.
The two favorites that my group of friends and I have are the Rock and Wood cafe and Mr.Crust bakery.Starting with the Rock and Wood cafe,a humble cozy place to hangout,this place has the most inexpensive menu that I have ever come across with a very good set of dishes to offer.Famous for its wraps and noodles,worth Rs.60 or Rs.70,it is undoubtedly a treat to the palate,and the bill makes it all the convenient as an option.The egg and chicken wrap here are absolutely scrumptious,even the dough of the wrap is kneaded with egg to provide for the consistent flavor.The chicken is tender and juicy balanced well with the spicey and tangy zing.The paneer wrap is another such treat,with soft chunks of cottage cheese enveloped in savory mix of sauces.Whats more,you can order a tumbler full of Mojito here worth Rs.40 only,to accompany your meal.A cool refreshing glass of Mojito,with mint leaves and lemon garnish ,quenches the most severe of thirsts.

The chicken garlic noodle here is absolutely delicious!the subtle tinge of garlic and juicy slices of chicken with well seasoned Hakka noodles,served generously(the portion is really big) is the ultimate hunger buster.

The plain hakka noodles with honey chilli chicken is the most wondrous combination,and undoubtedly a must try.The honey chilli chicken,a crispy treat indeed with well marinated chicken pieces with a crunchy outer,an the best possible balance of the sweet and the spicey leaves you reeling for more.

The tandoori chicken here was one of my first dishes here,and well it is a really good dish for two,the chicken is well selected and the gravy is creamy and consistent.The egg fried rice is another bowl full of taste and flavor.Other than the above mentioned ,the combo meals here are also a good deal ,with absolute justice done to the taste.A friendly staff ,a comfortable ambiance and yes not to forget,a huge LED television to pamper the cricket fans on evenings,delicious food and inexpensive rates,the rock and wood cafe is a must visit.The next stop for dessert is Mr.Crust bakery,right across the road.Welcome to the mini Charlie’s chocolate factory,entering into the world of pastries,cakes and milkshakes galore.!Just in case ,the hunger pangs are still hitting inside your tummy,you have entered the right place to bust them.The menu here is so large and encompasses all possible varieties of confections and bakery products you could ask for.As I said,that it is indeed the mini Charlie’s chocolate factory,for those who have a sweet tooth,you will love this place.The Nutty chocolate is a must try pastry.The crunchy chocolate slab of wondrous balance between the crunchy roasted nuts and the right kind of bitter chocolate and sweet is absolute heaven on your tongue.

Choco walnut brownie,brownie with ice cream,brownie in hot chocolate sauce,these names itself makes one’s mouth water and the tummy crave,let alone the first bite itself mesmerizes efficiently.

Chocolate tart,is indeed a treat .Worth Rs. 15 only,the crunchy crust and a cool chocolate that becomes semi liquid as you eat your way inwards.The lemon tart,a tangy treat with a beautiful balance of sour and sweet.The pastas ,pretzels and sandwiches are yet another treat here.The cost at which all of these scrumptious treats are available is so easy on the pocket that a frequent venture to this place becomes a routine practice.The friendly staff and an extremely amicable manager who is always around for your feed back has added to the rapid progress and enhancement.These two places are my addition to must tries and have an instant likability to them.Scrumptious food,good portions and easy on the pocket,these places have definitely cracked the mantra for becoming favorites in a jiffy.BON APPETITE!

June 24, 2014
Your Guide to a Healthy Summer

With summers on their peak,sweaty brows, wrinkly and soaked collars and sleeves,it is but obvious that all activity slows down. The most blissful thing to do is relax in a cool room sipping a cool beverage.But well yes,this is the season of gross negligence towards one’s health as well.Your selective participation in the daily work(read as lazy attitude) in the summers has to be taken care of.Undoubtedly it sounds like an ordeal but what are a few precautionary measures and lifestyle changes to keep yourself from bloating or falling ill?After all health is wealth.So here is a way out of this vicious cycle of summer laziness.All you have to do is SINCERELY follow the given 10 steps :

1)Water:with an optimum intake of at least seven to eight liters of water each day,it would do absolute wonders to flush out the impurities from your system.Improves your digestion,prevents water retention,facilitates production and flow of blood and keeps the excessive fat(the water soluble kinds) from getting stored.A glass every morning with a slice of lemon can also work up wonders in clearing your system,and whats more,the lemon helps in cutting out fat.You may add honey(about a teaspoon or even less) if required though sugar is an absolute no no in the morning water and lemon intake.P.S.I know its hard to have warm water in such blistering summers,so you may replace it with water at room temperature for the first glass of lemon and water each morning.

2)Watermelon the wonder melon:to start with IT IS NOT A FRUIT,ITS A VEGETABLE,that too from the family of squashes and gourds.It contains about 92% water content,8% roughage and 0% fat,yes absolutely no fat,at all.Everything in it is edible be it the seeds the center or the rind.It has ample amounts of Lycopene (known to prevent heart attacks)hence ideal for heart patients for prevention of heart attacks or cardiac arrests due to the blistering heat.An excellent way to keep yourself hydrated,its slices can also be used to clear dead skin .Extremely healthy,filling and good for the gut and the face,you must make full use of this summer boon.Watermelon shakes and smoothies even cocktails are a good way to beat the heat.

3)Black gram and soya bean Sprouts:source of pure protein,almost fat free with bare minimum amount of calories are an apt way to keep healthy.Just boil them or saute them,or have them right after a good wash soak, put some salt and pepper to taste ,garnish with mint leaves and onion sliced and chopped fine.You may add some chutney to soothe the taste buds .Thin ginger slices with a few drops of lemon (tomatoes,radish are and cucumbers are optional) recommended as garnish as well,since they also help cut out the excess fat.

4)Almonds:A marvelous source of natural oils required by the body,almonds are an excellent way to bust that craving.In fact since its summers,you can soak up some almonds every night in a cup full of water and peel of its skin and eat every morning.Intake of at least seven almonds(preferably soaked in water to cool of the heat increasing factor) also boosts your memory and improves skin texture.Now here we are talking of all round care!Just in case you are not really fond of having it plain,you may grind them with elaichi (green cardamom)seeds and use it as an addition to cold milk .By hook or crook,almonds are a must.

5)Mattha:the good old mattha comes to save you from a heaty summer day!So take some curd and water and churn it up with salt to taste and add some jeera(cumin seeds) powder ,and viola! here is your wonder beverage!It saves you from the effects of excessive heat,keeps you full and helps you in weight loss.You can also garnish this with crushed ginger and mint leaves.An apt beverage for all meals,mattha is the in thing to bust some fat.

6)Have small meals at short intervals.By reducing your portions and eating at intervals of two hours or so helps you keep a check on overeating.Using a smaller plate to eat from can also psychologically help you in reducing your meal size.Do so in a methodical manner by reducing the amount of food each time you eat.Eg.you may start with two servings of rice and the next day you can reduce it to around one and a half serving.This ways you will also save yourself from the so called ‘dieting’ that requires you to not eat at all.

7)Avoid fried food as much as you can.An occasional intake is allowed from time to time ,like once every week but try restraining yourself.It would be better if you replace your regular cooking oil with olive oil,which is a healthier option as it poses no cholesterol related threats and is rather fat free as compared to other oils and cooking mediums.

8)Cold drinks and aerated drinks have to be avoided as far as possible,they dehydrate you and contain huge amounts of caffeine and sugar. Not only they deteriorate your teeth enamel (the outermost layer that protects your teeth) but is also highly acidic in nature when compared to the natural acids secreted by the lining of your stomach and gut.It messes up the chemical balance of your natural systems.

9)Include as many green vegetables and seasonal fruits in your diet.Going for packed goods and ready to eat products has to be minimized.

10)Try having a dessert as a complete meal in itself instead of having it after a meal.This will drastically reduce your chances of overeating.And yes ,try at all instances not to go overboard with the sweet dish.A serving or two should be it.

P.S:try some yoga or brisk walking each day to make your efforts even more fruitful.

Follow these steps ,stick to them at all instances,each moment and each day.STAY HEALTHY, STAY WEALTHY!

June 15, 2014
The Connaught Place: Foodie Voyage

Connaught Place,New Delhi.

With people jostling about with shopping bags,women tick tacking their way in their heels or in simple flats,vendors who sell books,deal in Rajasthani cushion covers and bags,imitation jewellery being sold to a bunch full of girls and women who eagerly skin through the ‘collection’,posters of famous bands,celebrities and quotes , cold drinks and ice creams being sold under the burning sun to soothe that sweaty brow,nothing seems to stop or dwindle their activity.The beautiful white buildings stretching far and wide ,block after block.Continuous bargaining,the opening and closing of store doors with that gust of refreshing air conditioned breeze,a bottle of water to hydrate your spirits and quench your thirst ,makes you come on one on one terms with your persistence to roam or shop,or even just have a good time.People seated on the benches enjoying some snack or a packet of chips accompanied with cold drinks, is a common scene in Connaught Place .The energy here is absolutely undying .The hub of shopping and of restaurants and eateries galore,the Connaught Place thrives with enthusiasm.It is but obvious that after walking the entire length and breadth of C.P ,you need to attend that growling stomach of your’s,so here are two of the must try places that you can go to to replenish your dwindling energy.Behold dear readers,I suggest you with the king of Kathi rolls,the Khan Chaacha.You may have to walk a lot to reach this particular place depending on the block from where you commence walking,though it is totally worth it,after all its Khan Chaacha.Proceeding towards Khan Market,going to the Khan Chaacha is a must.

Khan Chaacha,named after the founder of amazing kathi rolls,serves you with the most scrumptious of all treats you’ll ever taste.They literally serve sheer and pure happiness in a roll.Out of the variety of delicious rolls that Khan Chaacha offers,the chicken tikka roll and seekh roll top my list and it is so hard to choose between the two.

The well marinated, tangy, juicy ,seasoned to perfection chicken tikka with that subtle smokey aroma versus the crunchy on the outside and a soft core on the inside,grilled and expertly flavored seekh ,this is a dilemma nobody can disperse on the basis of taste,both are equally savory.The only criteria to segregate being one’s preference for chicken or mutton.Each bite that you take, mesmerizes you and by the time you are smacking your lips and licking your fingers,feeling full and absolutely satiated,you become an unspoken patron of Khan Chaacha.

With creamy Paneer rolls that does a pretty good job as well, juicy fish rolls to please the palate of fish lovers,the Khan Chaacha has a way of stealing away your heart.Thought the dining space is not very big,yet the taste and quality are absolutely worth it.Not to forget their spellbinding cream dip,now that is some magic in the play of flavors.It has this unique way of elevating the taste even more.In fact there has never been a time when I actually wasted the dip,scraping the last drops of the creamy wonder as much as humanly possible. An instant patron,and a lover of Khan Chaacha rolls,that is how you walk out of that place,with an extremely happy tummy,all at a price of about Rs.150(approx) and on wards.Now comes the time to sugarcoat your palate,but guess what,its not just what your taste buds are going to feel but what your stomach shall engulf as well.For seeking refreshment a cool milkshake is what you need.It does just the right thing to bust that heat,sweat and fatigue from your body.

Adjacent to the Wenger’s bakery shop is the much renowned milkshake wala.Chocolate,coffee,butterscotch,vanilla or strawberry,you name it and viola! they serve you with this 750 ml(or more,approximately) of pure bliss .Priced for Rs.50 only,this huge bottle of milkshake shall fill you right up!Sweet to the tongue and highly filling to the tummy,a complete steal as a deal,this milkshake is a must have .The flavors are well assembled and are very refreshing.For those who have a major sweet tooth I would recommend you the butterscotch milkshake.It is without a doubt a favorite.The coffee milkshake brings forth the subtle zing of the caffeine energy with the cool milk.A perfect energy booster.Pamper yourself with these milkshakes and rejuvenate your spirits!Just in case you are out on a date (and yes have the pocket to afford a good expense) Starbucks is a good way to relax and enjoy their perfectly brewed coffee and soft ,melt in your mouth croissant along with great music .The Pirates of the grill is another option for a tummy filling and taste bud tingling experience.With an all you can eat menu inclusive of all sorts of perfectly grilled meat and veggies,it is an actual yum factor. Having done much to silence that growling stomach and overcome those pangs of hunger,you can now take the shopping world by storm!BON APPETITE!

June 15, 2014
JUICY LUCY:The King of Burgers.

Delhi Heights.
The size of a quarter plate,the width of about two and half inch,this giant burger called the juicy Lucy, stuffed with chicken,lettuce,fresh tomatoes and with an excess amount of cheese is probably the most loaded of all burgers available in India.The serving portions at the Cafe Delhi Heights are absolutely colossal and the taste and quality undoubtedly do take every possible measure to match the stature.A must eat on any visit to Cafe Delhi heights,the juicy Lucy comes across the most mind blowing of all things on its menu .

SUGGESTION:if you do not have much of an appetite ,go empty stomach,because finishing this Goliath of a burger is not David’s play{at least not with a full stomach,one may conquer this humongous portion with an empty tummy}. For those with a really healthy appetite,you shall definitely find yourself satiated (and stuffed). Putting aside the unputdownable matter of size and huge portions,and coming to the taste,the crispy double layered chicken patty with a molten center of cheese,crispy fresh lettuce and tomatoes,doused with mayonnaise and mustard sauce(optional) and cheese slices,soft burger buns that envelopes this entire wonder served with extra veggies on the side( to tone down the cheese effect).Bursts of flavor ,oozing cheese ,crispy patty and veggies in each bite,fill your mouth and surround your tongue in a scrumptious dance of taste.Bite after bite ,it satiates your appetite and as t dissolves on your tongue it keeps on swaying you back and forth on its savory swing.They have undoubtedly named this burger in the most apt fashion, “The Juicy Lucy” .

To add to the experience here comes the Banta soda ‘bottled’ up in a vessel that actually looks like a medium sized pickle jar ,a cool and refreshing drink with lemon slices and mint leaves floating in it,providing all the more for the thirst quenching factor.Depending on whether you opt for sweet,salted or mix soda,the taste varies yet they all are equivalently refreshing and quenching.A personal favorite ,the mix Banta Soda gives you the best of both worlds,and is an ideal beverage to accompany your food.Alert!cheese lovers ,here comes the open chicken burger,the ‘cheesiest’ of all burgers you may ever see,the specialty of this burger is that the buns are inverted and the stuffing is actually the topping.The most generous and extravagant amount of cheese and chicken in the most overwhelming of all preparations is set to stuff your stomach right up .The word huge itself finds a new meaning in the open chicken and cheese burger.It is the DEVIL of all cheese burgers,and after having this,eating even a single speck of food seems to be a task,an ordeal you shall find comparable to putting back the toothpaste you squeezed back inside the tube.a competitor of Juicy Lucy,the open chicken and cheese burger gives it a tough run in matters of quantity,though the taste of Juicy Lucy is any day more preferred than such an excessive dose of cheese and butter.

A statuary warning to people with cholesterol issues,and those trying to watch their calories,DO NOT even think of having a single bite from the open chicken and cheese burger!It can severely and majorly jeopardize your calorie,fat and cholesterol intake!For those looking for a good way to pamper their tastebuds,you have chosen rightly to eat at the cafe Delhi heights.and by ordering the Juicy Lucy with the banta soda,you have opted excellently.For the cheese lovers,the open chicken and cheeseburger is the ultimate form of spoiling yourself and pampering that knack of having cheese,ideal for those who can afford it health wise.With an appreciable set up and decor,this place is indeed one of the most sought after places by many and especially by youngsters for its energetic vibe,food and booze

As far as my experience goes,I have been only to the outlet in Gurgaon,though about one thing I am really sure about is that,people do have to line up to gain entry in this trendy place.With a friendly staff and a good service this place indeed is the hub of the feel good factor with the most pampering of all dishes.They offer the most simple of all dishes easily available on the streets with a very interesting makeover that is set to please your palate.Other than that,the pastas,the Lebanese dishes and other choices from the food variants are much appreciable.

Though in the list of must haves the Juicy Lucy tops the list.The show-stopper is absolutely worth every penny that you spend.And just in case you are worried about your capacity,here is the good news,you can always share it with a friend or your better half,it shall always provide for filling both your’s and the other person’s stomach without fail.Standing true to the big heart India possesses,to the larger than life motto that drives every Dilli wala and wali,Cafe Delhi Heights puts forth the humongous portions,be it food ,be it drinks ,offering amazing quality,service and the time of our lives on a plate.BON APPETITE!

June 13, 2014
Assam House Delicacy:Home away from Home

In the Fast Food lane we all have our certain set of experiments,hit and trials,favorites and the ‘do not order’ list,but somewhere down the line we have always longed for food that reminds us of home,if not exactly like our much loved ‘ghar ka khana’.In search of such food ,my friend and I set out towards our destination at Race Course,Assam House Delicacy.The Assam Bhavan harbors this really humble eatery that offers you with special Assamese cuisines.Though I ain’t an Assamese,but where there is food,its worth a try!Having heard much about this eatery depending on the testimony of a friend who recommended us the potato chicken dish,we arrived at around 12 noon(around that time is when they serve the lunch) after a five minute auto rickshaw ride from the race course metro station(yellow line) that costed us Rs.40.
Entering the premises of the Assam Bhavan,a guard had us enter and sign our names in a register and entering further through the doors of the eatery one could see bamboo furniture, table mats that looked like banana leaves and neat and clean tables topped with glasses and paper napkins.

Not very crowded, we saw a couple of people having the traditional Assamese dishes,one could see that they liked it,it was really close to what home’s food tasted like to them.As we sat , a man in a uniform came with two menus in his hands and a writing pad ,with a soft hospitable smile.Ordering the much praised chicken and potato with chapatis and rice we awaited the arrival of our food .The waiter returned back with two medium sized bowls of some herbal appetizer cum soup before our actual order arrived.Warm with a tinge of ginger ,this herbal concoction was really soothing despite the blistering heat,and it really worked up our appetite as well.

After a bowl full of goodness there came our simmering bowl of chicken and potato accompanied with hot chapatis , rice,chutney and salad.
A beatific bowl full of soft juicy pieces of well seasoned and flavored chicken with hand smashed chunks of potatoes and peas.The chapatis,crispy yet soft made it evident that the dough was well kneaded.Basmati rice with a subtle aroma peeped up inside its bowl.
With a civilized start,as we served our portions and began eating,bite after bite our speed of eating quickened as if it was the last time we’d ever eat this dish again,hogging ,overeating and devouring .Though not as uncivilized as it sounds,the chicken definitely had us eating like famished souls.the tingly taste of lemon,the refreshing turmeric’s taste,fresh salad,the spicey and minty chutney grinded freshly for consumption and chapatis conjured the most nostalgic of all effects.We had the Ego moment from the movie Ratatouille the instant we had popped in the first bite.

You can(maybe)fathom the depth of emotions and memories,this one dish triggered. Each bite that lingered on your tongue urged you to keep on eating.After six chapatis(three each) and a bowlful of rice down in the pit of our tummies,we sat there satiated,relishing the typical ‘halwai’effect on the way our stomachs felt.The entire meal for two was worth about Rs.350 was indeed the best ever experience one could have.By stating this,I do not intend to demean the scrumptious treats that so many restaurants and eateries line up,though as a person away from home who has to deal with fast food and depends on the canteen food each day,this was certainly our bowl of happiness.Other dishes like dal and mix vegetables,fish curries and prawns are worth a mention.They too add to the homely perfection.The way the food tastes,simple undiluted and untouched by the need to serve ‘as much as you can’,the Assam house Delicacy prepares each dish on order.Nothing and by which I mean absolutely nothing is prepared before hand or served stale.Fresh ,hot and served with a smile,even the waiter seems to relish his customer’s satisfaction.

Occasionally indulging into foodie treats that are closer to one’s root seems a necessary act one must perform.It is when one is away from home that one learns to appreciate what they had.The idea itself varies from person to person,yet whatever a person deems as his or her haven,a place where the heart finds peace,would undoubtedly be identical to what this neat and clean eatery served you with.Its nothing extravagant,neither flamboyant,it is simplicity at its best.I would not call the taste mind blowing,but rather its what lulls your mind to the most peaceful of states with a tinge childlike excitement at having your favorite dish. The taste definitely reminds you of how your mother prepared things,how her curries and gravies were never too thick and sweet,nor layered with market bought cream,but plain ,savory,a little imperfect in the restaurant sense but the best when it came to the impeccable balance of flavors that created absolute magic on your taste buds.For once eating at the Assam house Delicacy,we found ourselves happier than at any other place we have ever visited.An instant favorite,I recommend this to anyone who craves for ‘ghar ka khana’.BON APPETITE!

June 13, 2014
IndiJoe:Foodie dream come true

Behold!Here comes IndiJoe !Another page int he foodie diaries is about to be filled!A true foodie heaven(figuratively)has been uncovered from under folds and folds places and cities.Situated at the Ambiance mall,Gurgaon,this food joint comes across as an actual foodie dream with an ‘all you can ‘eat buffet.You name it and they have it.Indian,Chinese,Thai,Continental,Italian,American,Mediterranean,Mongolian ,and so on and so forth.The list goes on and on.Where some other restaurants may claim to provide similar variety,they cannot maintain a very consistent quality in every dish that they serve.Yet at IndiJoe ,the persistence and consistency is near perfect.From the most simple to the most complex of dishes,they tend to create each dish with equivalent finesse.As you enter,you would see elegant and private looking tables and cubicles that are set to provide for a one to one experience between you and your food. The walls speaking volumes of the craziness with Bollywood and Hollywood stars adorning it,Marilyn Monroe in her much loved smile and grace,urban art and figures surround you.

And from between the sections provided for the tables lies your path to the foodie salvation.At the end of the dining section lies a humongous array of food ,arranged in a buffet.Each pan,each casserole,each vessel brimming with hot ,mouth watering food that is ready to be served.All you have to do is pay for one plate and then you may please your appetite and taste buds as much as you can.The only labor being that of self service.

It is but obvious that as you come to the position of deciding ‘where to star’t and ‘what to eat’,you shall be confronted with a dilemma.The only sure shot way out of it being that you must quickly shortlist a few dishes according to your personal preference and take small portions of each of those shortlisted dishes.Take your own sweet time,indulge in the flavors,relish the aroma and tingle your taste buds with each savory bite,though keeping in mind the awesome taste of each dish I cannot fully assure you that you will be able to zero down on a dish or two,though you will surely learn the skill of rotating the dishes in turn to eat.Confronted by the same dilemma,I found myself stuck between the Mongolian chicken,Garlic noodles,cheese,mushroom and capsicum pizza and prawn curry with rice.Yes that is some variety on a single plate!The Mongolian chicken harbored a soft oriental tinge balanced with the flavor of spices,indeed a much relished form of chicken,the garlic noodles were absolutely remarkable for having maintained a subtle tinge of the strong flavor of garlic without overdoing it,the noodles being non greasy and well seasoned with the requisite ingredients added to the pleasant experience.

An all time favorite pizza,it was hard to resist this temptation,a thin crust well layered with cheese ,capsicum and mushroom chopped finely,a scrumptious treat indeed.

Coming to the prawn curry,maintaining the spicey tag with a tangy taste of tomatoes,the beautiful pinkish brown shade of prawns made it one hell of a delectable dish.An honorary mention to the regular Indian dishes such as Arahar ki daal and aloo ki sabzi that were totally worth eating and paying for.The crispy Kachoris and the burgers with juicy patties were also much enjoyed.Their menu is subject to rotation each day,though each dish is worth eating,absolutely delicious and unforgettable.

There is more out here!For those with a major sweet tooth,here lies more to your ultimate frenzy !They have a fountain that is brimming with molten chocolate,and its really hard not to go and dip one of these soft spongy plain vanilla or chocolate chip cakes in it!

A beatific blueberry cake,so light on the tongue that each bite melts in your mouth leaving the most delectable of all tastes on your palate.The lemon tart with an amazing balance between the sweet and sour taste was indeed well made.Hot walnut brownie with vanilla ice cream,the ‘melt in your mouth’ mal- pua and gulab jamun,and the list goes on and on.You shall definitely end up eating more than the usual.Getting up and serving rounds after rounds,to get some more of their scrumptious food.Every possible way of satiating one’s hunger lies in your plate! Simple or complex,Indian to international,sweet and sour,spicey to subtle,crazy yet gracious,that is how IndiJoe is.Keeping their consistency and quality intact in each dish that they serve,a friendly staff,delectable food,amazing urban yet cozy decor and ambiance,this place is sure to add to some really good memories.You might as well have a full stomach yet you just cannot help eating a few servings more than your actual capacity,and seeing the menu for the desert ,well the stomach itself shall crave for more!The entire world’s cuisines are in your plate,served at a single place,none other than at IndiJoe,what more could you ask for!Foodie dream come true!!Indulge as much as you wish to,a total Paisa Vasool food. BON APPETITE!!

June 11, 2014