Author: georgie rajan

Pongal – The Harvest Festival
Pongal is a harvest festival which is celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Being a harvest festival it is also regarded s a festival of thanksgiving. For a farmer the time of harvest is a time of celebration because all his toil and hardwork finally reaps results. Since the farmer depends on the cattle, the monsoons and the sun, it is during this period that he shows his gratitude to the monsoon and the sun god. Pongal is celebrated during the period starting from mid December to mid January. Basically a four day celebration but each day during this period is associated with a specific duty or activity and each day has a special name for it as well. The celebration of this festival starts the beginning of prosperity, peace and happiness. The entire family gathers together to enjoy this festival. From decoration of the house to the preparation of various Pongal dishes, the family does it together. The preparation for this festival starts early and the first task of the day is the making of kolam. Kolam is a design similar to rangoli but done with rice flour on the floor outside the house. Along with it we also find a lump of cowdung which holds a pumpkin flower signifying fertility and offering of love to the deity.

The first day of this festival is called as Bhogi Pongal and is usually celebrated in the honor of Lord Indra who is the ruler of the clouds that gives rains according to the Hindu mythology. This day is usually meant for domestic activities and spending time with family. The second day is termed as Surya Pongal where prayers are offered to the sun god. It is the most important day of this festive period. The third day is termed as the Mattu Pongal and is the day for the cows. During this day the cows are washed and cleaned and the horns painted. Kanu Pongal which is the fourth part of this festival is celebrated by the sisters for the wellbeing of their brothers. Kanu Pongal is similar to festivals like raksha bandan celebrated in north India.

Pongal can be traced back to the Sangam Age which existed between 200BC to 300AD. According to Sanskrit Puranas, Pongal is related to the Dravidian festival of harvest however historians believe that this festival was celebrated during the Sangam Age. There are a lot of legends as well associated with his festival. One of the famous tales associated with this festival is related to Lord Shiva and Lord Indra. According to the first tale once Shiva had ordered his bull to inform the mortals of the earth to have an oil massage and bath everyday and to eat only once a month. However the bull informed the wrong message to eat daily and bath once a month. This angered Shiva who cursed and banished his bull to earth and help the people out here to produce food and this explains the connection of cattle with this festival.

While pongal is being celebrated in Tamil Nadu, similar harvest festivals are also being celebrated in other states of India as well. In states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat pongal is celebrated but with a different name known as Makar Sankranti. In states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, the major activity we find people doing is flying kites. The sky is full of colourful kites of various sizes and shapes. In Gujarat an international kite festival is organized during this period with millions and millions of people coming together to enjoy the festival by flying kites and eating delicious sweets and various dishes. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, the most important ritual which is and should be followed by the locals is to have a dip in the river. This ritual is mandatory because according to a popular belief if a person does not have a dip, he is sure to be born as a donkey in his next birth.

Since pongal is a harvest festival one can surely expect tasty dishes being made during this time of the year. Recipes of some of the famous dishes is given below so that you can give it a try at home

Rava Pongal

Directions
- Fry 1 cup of Rava without oil in a pan till it’s really hot
- Fry 1 tsp of black pepper and 1 tsp of cumin seeds in ghee and then make a powder of them
- Then on a separate pan fry cashewnut with curry leaves and ginger
- Now cook ½ cup moong dal with 1 cup of water in a pressure cooker. When cooked transfer the content on a pan and add water to it.
- Add salt and boil
- To this add the Rava slowly and stir continuously
- As the Rava cooks add small quantities of ghee.
- Now to end this dish add to the Rava the pepper and cumin seed mix and the cashewnut, curry leaves and ginger mix.
- The dish is ready to be served with green chutney.
Sweet Pongal

Directions
- Cook rice and roasted green gram dal with 2 ½ cups of water and 1 cup of milk.
- Dissolve 3 cups of jagery powder in ¾ cups of water and heat till the jagery melts.
- Now strain the liquid jagery to remove the dirt.
- Heat the liquid again till it becomes slightly thick and then add the cooked rice and dal.
- Now fry cashew nuts and raisins in 4 tablespoons of ghee.
- Add cloves, saffron and nutmeg, mix well and serve hot.
The festival of pongal is dear to the farmers as it marks the end of the harvest festival. The markets are filled with the new stock of grains, spices and other food items.
June 18, 2014
Food Truths Decoded

Since childhood, a common statement, that is almost rhythmic in my head is having natural home made food, processed foods are not healthy. But isn’t it logical that natural foods must give us the feel good factor after every consumption? Then why is it that consuming certain such foods I feel just the opposite? I mean, we are all the same, but have you ever wondered why one cries while chopping onions, or why does the tongue burn when you eat a chilli? It’s time we find the truth behind these truths.

I. Onions – The Tear Catalyst

There is an age old folk tale in the Indian culture which says that the onion was blessed by a sage with the ability to make the one who kills it to cry. Well, that story can be used to give an interesting time for kids who wonder why, but the fact is far from that. Every time you cut the onion, it releases powerful sulphur compounds that make a move directly towards the eyes and nose. These are gaseous compounds that react with the moisture produced by your tear gland to form sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid as we all know is one of the most powerful acids. As a result, the presence of this acid makes your eye burn and release tears in large quantity to wash the irritant away.

Ways to avoid the tears from falling

Washing, soaking or refrigerating the onions for a while before cutting it would slows down the reaction process

II. Why does chilli burn?

Capsaicinoids… no these are not some weird chemical from the lab!! These are essentially the primary compound present in chillies of all varieties. The more the amount of capsaicinoids, the spicier is the chilli. The burning sensation occurs when this compound comes in contact with the skin or the mucous membrane in the mouth or throat. When this happens, the pain receptors in these areas get activated and in turn, the brain receives a warning signal. To cool of the heat produced, the brain immediately activates the sweat glands which releases sweat so as to steam down the fire you feel in the affected areas.

Ways to avoid the burning sensation

The spicy factor in chillies is mainly stored in the seeds. De-seeding the chilli before use will ensure less burning sensation. One could also have cold milk or sugar to reduce the sensation

III. Why does asparagus make your pee smell?

Asparagus is one of the most exotic vegetables known to man and is packed with nutrients and antioxidants extremely beneficial for health. But many people try and avoid consumption of this vegetable because it tends to add an extremely undesirable smell to urine. This is due to a compound called asparagusic acid, which is just present in asparagus and is not found in any other related vegetables. It is believed that when we eat asparagus, this compound break down into many smaller compounds, each being a derivative of methane. Now, methane as we all know is smelly which is why when urine is passed, a strange smell is emitted.

Ways to avoid the embarrassment

There is absolutely no need to eel weird if the pee smells after eating asparagus. After all, the asparagus is a rich reservoir of folic acid, vitamin B, and roughage.

IV. Why does coffee wake you up?

Every time you have your cup of hot coffee or a glass of refreshing cold coffee, you pump into your system a magic ingredient called caffeine. The chemical effects of caffeine include inducing a biochemical change in the brain. This effect forces the brain to block the release of a chemical called adenosine that induces sleep. With the introduction of caffeine in the system, the receptors absorb it instead of adenosine. As a result, you feel awake and energized instead of sleepy.

Ways to avoid the after effects

Having coffee is like a necessary evil for many, especially die hard fans. It’s like a magic elixir that speeds up the body systems and one may unknowingly get too used to it. As such, there is no foolproof way to avoid the chemical transitions taking place in the brain every time you gulp down your coffee. The best you can do is to restrict the amount of coffee you drink. Remember, work is important, but so is sleep. Depriving the body of sleep, you only make it hard to function at its optimum level.

V. Why must tea not be steeped for long?

Like coffee, tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world. It is known to possess innumerable health benefit, if consumed properly. What do I mean when I say properly? Tea is prepared when the leaves are steeped in hot water. But, if the leaves are left in the hot water for too long, they start releasing tannins, which not only impart a bitter taste to the tea but are also responsible for causing digestive disorders.

Ways to avoid the after effects

Always add the tea leaves to a container having hot water. Avoid boiling the water after adding the leaves. Close the container and let the tea leaves steep in it for a few mins. Consume once the leaves release their colour.

VI. Drinking too much water can kill you

Yes it can. Surprised? The process is called water intoxication. It occurs when a person drinks too much water resulting in dilution of nutrients which in turn restricts its ability to perform the functions it is supposed to perform in the body. Too much water in the body causes an imbalance in the electrolyte levels and this has a direct effect on the sodium levels. Poor sodium balance causes a condition called hyponatremia which results in nausea, altered mental state, vomiting, weakness and convulsions. In severe cases, a person may suffer coma or even death due to swelling in the brain. Such occurrences are, however, rare. It is probably for this exact reason that athletes are advised to have energy drinks instead of water during various events

Ways to avoid the after effects

Well, it’s quite simple. As they say, too much of anything is bad. So have water, but within the limits. Ideally, 8 glasses of water is what is called ideal but it varies with person, occupation, food habits and season. For e.g. if you are a lover of salads and ensure you have a serving a day, you would probably just need 4-5 glasses of water to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance.

June 18, 2014
Halloween and the Soul Cake

Halloween is a western festival which is celebrated on the eve of the Christian feast of All Hallows day which is on 31 October. Though a western festival, it’s now celebrated all around the world. Halloween can also be termed as All Hallows Eve or All Saints Eve and marks the beginning of hallow tide which is the time of the year where we remember the dead, the martyrs and the departed souls. While some believe that Halloween is influenced by the Celtic harvest festival others believe it has originated independently and has no relation with any other festival or rituals. Nicholas Rogers, a famous historian, conducted research to find out the true origination of this festival and stated that he had found its origins in the Roman festival of Pomona which involved the prayers given to the goddess of fruits and seeds and in the festival of the dead known as Parentalia however stronger links were found to the Celtic festival of Samhain. An important day according to the Gaelic calendar Samhain is considered a day for celebration and fun in Ireland, Scotland as well.

Halloween is celebrated by people from all age groups. Children and teenagers celebrate this festival by wearing scary and spooky costumes while the adults decorate their houses and prepare halloween dishes. From the evil witch of the east to thirsty vampires to the invention of the mad scientist- Frankenstein, you can find all the evil you can ever read about in live action. Wearing these costumes children go from door to door mumbling chants and songs and demanding for treats. This ritual of going house to house with costumes goes back to the 16th century. People from different households would then welcome them and offer them with sweets and food. Here the main idea behind this is that the children represent the souls who have been given the authority to wander the earth on this day to meet their loved ones and to finish their unfinished duties. In Scotland children used to over their face with masks or used to paint themselves black in order to represent the ashes from the scared bonfire. In Wales people used to dress as the opposite gender. So we see that different countries had different styles of dressing during this day. So this custom of wearing costumes and playing pranks spread to England by the 20th century. Pumpkins were used to represent evil faces and goblins by carving out the eyes and the evil smile and came to be known as jack-o-lanterns. So in all Halloween is all about attending costume parties, exchange of sweets and goods, decorating, bonfire, visiting haunted destinations and playing pranks etc however other than all these celebrations many families visit churches and burn candles on the graves of their loved ones on this day.

There are many tasty food items prepared during this day. From sweets to cakes to pancakes to fruits, everything has a place on the table. Some of the famous dishes prepared especially for this day are the soul cake and the blood soup. The name itself sounds so cool that trying it once is a need. These dishes are easy to prepare and can be made at home as well. The recipes for the same are given below

Blood soup

Directions

• Take a large pan and heat oil. Add onions and garlic and fry for about 15 mins over medium flame.
• Fry until soft and then add diced beetroot to it and mix well.
• Allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes before taking it out from the heat and then allow it to cool down.
• Liquidize the soup but putting the contents in a food processor and add sugar and mix well
• Reheat the soup but don’t allow it to boil and serve immediately with crusty bread or a swirl of vanilla as a topping.

Soul cake

Soul cakes are one of the famous dishes which are prepared on this day. A lot of stories and tales are attached to this dish. Earlier this cake was prepared and thrown in front of animals with a belief to satisfy the souls who were cursed to roam the earth in an animal form. Later these were given to poor and homeless people who used to visit houses for arms during this day. The idea behind this was to give the cake to the poor so that they would bless the house as well as ask for peace for the departed.

Directions for preparation

• Preheat the oven to about 400F
• Mix 2 cups of flour with nutmeg, cinnamon and salt (1/2 teaspoon each) and mix well
• Now take a pinch of saffron and heat it till they become aromatic but make sure not to burn it and then add milk to it. Heat for some time and then remove from the heat. You will find that the milk has turned yellow in colour.
• Mix butter and ½ cup of sugar together in a bowl after which add 2 egg yolks and blend.
• Now add the spiced flour and mix nicely till the mixture becomes dry and crumbly.
• Start adding the saffron milk inside the mixture and blend well. Keep this process going till the dough becomes nice and soft. Then transfer it to floured counter and knead till the dough becomes uniform.
• Once we get the required nature, roll out the dough to a thickness of ½ inches and using a biscuit cutter cut as many circles as possible and then set them on an ungreased baking sheet.
• Decorate the soul cake with nuts or currants and then brush with the beaten egg yolk. Bake for about 15 minutes, until just golden and shiny.
• Your soul cake is ready. Serve warm, with cold pumpkin juice.

A sure must try at home these can be prepared at any time and not necessarily when Halloween is around the corner.

June 18, 2014
Food not to be missed – Part 2

The hair plays a very important role in proving the personality of a person. Everybody wishes for nice healthy black hair as this brings a different glow in the face. However due to the change in lifestyle and eating habits, not many of us have the privilege of having beautiful hair. Moreover due to lack of time giving proper care is also difficult. Zinc and proteins are some of the important nutrients important for healthy hair but the question Is are we giving these nutrients to the body in the required quantity??

Below is a list of food items not to be missed for those people who wish for that nice long healthy black hair which they see in various commercials.

Green vegetables

Green vegetables are considered to be very good for the growth and development of hair. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli etc is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C which is used by the body to produce sebum. Sebum is an oily substance which is produced by hair follicles which acts as a natural conditioner for the hair.

Nuts

Nuts such as Brazil nuts and walnuts are known to be good for the hair. The selenium content which is an important mineral responsible to keep the scalp healthy is very high in Brazil nuts. In the case of walnuts, they contain omega-3 fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid which acts as a conditioner for the hair. Other than these, almonds and cashews are also considered as a medicine when it comes to hair fall rescue because Zinc which is an important nutrient for healthy hair is found in abundance is almonds and cashews.

Poultry and eggs

Protein is another nutrient which is very important for the hair. It not only helps the hair strands to be stronger but also helps to maintain the natural colour of the hair. People facing protein deficiency therefore have very brittle hair resulting in easy breakage and we also find premature greying of hair in many cases. Foods such as chicken, turkey and eggs are considered to be storehouse of protein and therefore consumption of these food items is necessary for those who suffer from protein deficiency.

Oysters

The reason why oysters found a place in this list is because of the zinc content found in them which is a powerful antioxidant. However since oyster are not found in the dining tables during regular occasions we can substitute it with beef or lamb and in the case of vegetarians with pumpkin seeds or chickpeas.

Carrots

Being a good source of vitamin A, carrots are recommended by doctors for as it promotes a healthy scalp and also improves the eyesight. Carrots can be consumed both in the form of a salad or snacks.

Lack of Immunity is yet another concern among us. Lack of immunity makes the body prone to various diseases around us. Not only adults but also children suffer due to lack of nutrition and proper eating habits. There are a lot of ways to improve the level of immunity through exercise and eating the right food at the right quantity. Fruits such as oranges are also considered good for improving the immunity level of the body. Other than oranges there are some other food items which would help you become stronger and healthier.

Oats and barley

Oats and barley are believed to have a high level of beta glucan. This is a type of fibre which is possessed with antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities. These products are so good that they are given even to cattle. In case of humans they help to improve immunity and heal wounds faster and protect the body from various bacteria and viruses surrounding us.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin which helps fight infection and bacteria. According to study done by researchers, those who consume garlic on daily basis are less like to catch cold while another study states the garlic lovers have 30 percent lower risk of suffering from colorectal cancer while 50 percent lower risk from stomach cancer. That’s good news from garlic fans.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup is considered to be very beneficial for the body. During cooking, chicken produces amino acid called cysteine which is known to reduce and cure bronchitis. The salty broth of the soup acts in the same way as cough medicines do. As a result this soup is recommended for people when they suffer from cough and cold. Adding spices such as garlic and onions will lead to increase in the benefits of the soup as these spices help to boost the immunity of the body.

Mushrooms

For millions of years mushroom has been a part of the cuisine of various communities. Known for their medicinal values, mushrooms can be grown in any place which has high level of moisture content. However one thing should be kept in mind that not all mushrooms are good for the body. Some of they are even poisonous. Therefore proper knowledge is needed before selection mushroom takes place. Studies revels that mushroom boosts up the immune system of the body as they increase the production of white blood cells making them aggressive in nature which is a good sign in case a person is suffering from an infection. Mushrooms can be consumed either as soups or as a dish.

Beef

Beef is important as it contains high level of zinc and so helps to maintain the zinc content in the body. Zinc is a very important nutrient as it helps in the production and development of white blood cells which are the main cells responsible for safety and protection of the body from deadly diseases. Other than that zinc is also important for healthy growth of hair.

Improvement of the immune system of the body is very important and is recommended that efforts should be made for the same from childhood itself because this would be very helpful during old age. Consumption of all this food itself does not promise a strong system, regular exercise is also important to add on to the benefits.

Georgie Rajan

June 15, 2014
Foods not to be missed

Today we have so many options regarding the food items we would like to consume. From junk to healthy, we have a long list to go. However there are some food items which are important and not supposed to be missed in our diet plan. The foods we consume everyday have a significant impact on our health, growth and development so over consumption of the wrong kind may be harmful for us in the future. Therefore this bring the need to keep a check on what we eat and drink, however the problem we face here is the difficulty in finding or choosing foods that are tasty as well as healthy for the body. A study done on various food items states that there are some foods which we should not ignore and somehow try to include them in our diet plans as they will keep us both healthy and young.

Skin and hair problems along with obesity are some of the major causes of concern among youth and adults in the metropolitan cities of India. With so many companies bring out products everyday with strong claims of providing solutions from all such problems, doctor’s claim that nature itself has provided remedies which are both free of cost and have no side effects.

Flax seeds

Mostly recommended for women, these seeds are packed with omega-3 which helps in rejuvenation of the skin cells keeping it young and healthy. Consumption of these everyday helps in removal of redness and irritation and also helps in reducing the appearances of age spots and fine lines keeping you look young and fresh.

Sunflower seeds

With the sun becoming hotter every year and unbearable every day, the demand for sun protection is growing. With high level of vitamin E content, sun flower seed prove best in curing he skin from sun damage. You can add these seeds with your oatmeal, salads etc.

Chocolates

Believe it or not but chocolates is also good for your skin. For many years a myth had circulated that chocolates cause acne. However study reveals that chocolates increase the intake of flavonol which then results in gorgeous glowing skin. However this does not mean that your chocolate consumption should increase to a new level as they carry calories which add to the weight, so eating in moderation is mandatory.

Salmon

Salmon can be seen as a storehouse of benefits for humans. It’s packed with vitamin d which helps in keeping the brain, bones and the heart healthy. Salmon also helps in prevention of colon cancer and is seen as a cure for many bone and heart diseases. Rich in omega-3, it helps to keep the skin and the scalp hydrated and helps in fighting acne, inflammation and wrinkles and hair fall.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet are considered to be rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. vitamin C helps increase the production of collagen which intern helps in improving and development of the skin making it smooth and supple. Vitamin A on the other hand helps in fighting radical damages and protects the body from skin cancer.

Yogurt

Wrinkles and fine lines are something all of us hate. Today we have so many therapies and products which claim to save us from these evils and promise a soft and younger looking skin. But here is a cost-free method to have the same benefits. Yogurt contains proteins which makes the skin firm and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines to a large extent.

Spinach

Like salmon, spinach is also a nutrient-rich food item that should never miss your food plans. Source of vitamin A, C and E, iron, plant protein and chlorophyll along with fibre, spinach is a great friend for your skin. Other than these nutrients they also have antioxidants which cure all types of skin problems and clean the skin inside out.

The second problem which most of us face is obesity. Earlier this was restricted only among adults but today it’s surprising to see that many children are also the victims of this evil. Here is the list of food items which can help you burn those mega calories and improve your health. However the benefits derived can be increased if proper time is even to exercise and other physical activities to keep the body active.

Grapefruit

Grapefruits help to increase a person’s metabolism and helps in burning of calories as it makes you feel full quicker thereby allowing you to consume less calories. Moreover they contain fibre which helps in controlling the blood sugar levels.

Green tea and coffee

Good news for the drinkers of these two beverages cause guess what you can kill those extra calories by just enjoying one cup of your favourite drink. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which help to increase the metabolism of the body while coffee because of the caffeine keeps you lively and alert. With caffeine entering the body, the heart rate increases and the blood consumes more oxygen thereby burning more calories.

Whole grains

There are basically two types of grains: whole and refined grains. Study states that whole grains are much better than refined as they take more time to digest and this in turn keeps you full for longer period of time thereby decreasing your calorie intake plus its rich in other vitamins and minerals which help in reduction of various chronic diseases.

Avocado

Avocado is rich in mono-unsaturated fats which help in protecting the energy producing cells of the body from damage. It also helps in reducing the levels of cholesterol and heart diseases. Nutritionist claims that avocado helps in healing wounds faster and is very good for the eyes and hair as well.

Many people around us do not know the secrets of healthy eating and spend so much on man made techniques and products to be the best. It’s surprising to see that the above mentioned food items are so readily available around us who give us almost or better results as with no side effects attached to it. So next time before spending on those expensive methods thing again…

Georgie Rajan

June 15, 2014
Summer 2014 Mocktails
Come summer, come heat and sweat!! All one could possibly pray for in this season is either rains or a refreshing glass of cool drink. With the growing concern regarding health, many prefer to opt for the natural substitute to the drinks rather than the aerated varieties in the market. The problem is, natural is often least appealing. Fret not friends, your prayers seems answered. Here’s a refreshing mix of art and colour with nature. Whether it’s planning a party, a mid-day snack or if it’s a healthy non-alcoholic option you need for your next family and friends meet, these virgin drinks meet the demands across all age groups. And the best part is, they are delicious. The drinks are full of flavour —subtle, fruity, or just plain refreshing.

MINT JULEP

You’ve got a new party favourite across all age groups. It’s a perfect alcohol-free take on a classic party favourite.

Calorific Value: 140 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup castor sugar
- 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves
- 2 cups crushed ice
- ½ cup lemonade
Directions
- In a saucepan, add water, sugar and the chopped mint leaves.
- Heat the mixture. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Cool the syrup. After an hour, strain out mint leaves.
- Fill the serving glass with crushed ice.
- Add lemonade to the ice and top up with a dash of the prepared syrup.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
CARIBBEAN SUNSET

No one in the family or friends meet is ever going to miss alcohol after they drink this exciting and refreshing mix of wonders!!

Calorific Value: 140 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- 1 cup Sprite
- ½ cup Orange Juice
- ½ cupLemonade
- orange / lemon wedge and cherry for garnish
Directions
- Fill your serving glass of considerable length half full of ice
- To this, add the orange juice and lemonade
- Add sprite on top and give a good stir.
- Garnish with an orange / lemon wedge and cherry
LONG ISLAND TEA

Taste the original minus the alcohol!!

Calorific Value: 102 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- 1 cup Coke
- 1 cup Lemonade
- 1 cup Unsweetened Black Tea
- lemon wedge
- crushed ice
Directions
- In a tall glass, fill half with crushed ice.
- To this add equal quantities of coke and lemonade
- Top the mixture with unsweetened black tea. Stir.
- Garnish with lemon wedge
COSMO – TO – GO

A classic take on the cosmopolitan martini without the alcohol. Ahh!! Heaven!!

Calorific Value: 182 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- 1 cup Lemonade
- 1 cup Cranberry Juice (any citrus juice of choice)
- 1 cup lime syrup
- Lemon wedge
Directions
- Take a shaker and fill it with crushed ice
- Into the ice, carefully add the prepared lemonade, cranberry juice and lime syrup.
- Recap the shaker and shake well till all the ingredients are evenly mixed
- Strain into a martini glass
- Garnish with a lemon wedge
RED SANGRIA

Who said you need wine to shake up Sangria!!

Calorific Value: 200 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- ¾ cup of Pomegranate Juice
- ½ cup of Orange Juice
- ¼ cup Apple Juice
- Splash of Soda
- 1 orange wedge and cherry for garnish
Direction
- Take a tall thin glass and fill half full of ice
- Combine the juices – pomegranate juice, orange juice, apple juice and stir
- Add a splash of soda on top
- Garnish using cherry and orange wedge
SWEET ‘n’ SOUR SLIDE

Craving for a glass of cold whiskey? Here’s a healthy alternative

Calorific Value: 148 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- ¾ cup Sprite
- ¾ cup Pineapple Juice
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- pineapple wedge for garnish
Directions
- Fill a glass with half full ice
- Add to it sprite, pineapple juice and lemon juice in the given quantities. Stir well
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge
PEACH COLADA

An all year round favourite!!

Calorific Value: 350 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- ¾ cup Peach smoothie
- ½ cup Vanilla flavoured non-fat yogurt
- ¼ cup Coconut Syrup
- 2 cups ice
- 1 scoop whipped cream
- 1 peach slice for garnish
Directions
- In a blender or food processor, add the peach smoothie, yogurt, coconut syrup and ice; blend till smooth
- Pour into a serving glass of choice
- Garnish with whipped cream and a peach wedge
TROPICAL MANGO COLADA

A mocktail for all people across all seasons!!

Calorific Value: 200 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- 1 cup Vanilla flavoured non-fat yogurt
- ¼ cup mango juice
- 1 tbsp coconut syrup
- 2 cups ice
- 1 scoop whipped cream
- 1 tsp toasted coconut flakes
- 1 tsp toffee bits
- 1 mango slice for garnish
Directions
- In a blender or food processor, add the mango juice, yogurt, coconut syrup and ice; process until smooth
- Pour into a serving glass of choice
- Garnish with whipped cream, coconut flakes and sprinkle toffee bits on top. Add a mango wedge on the glass edge
ROMAN HOLIDAY

Not only is it bright, it is also light! A perfect night party drink!

Calorific Value: 210 calories Serves: 1

Ingredients
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- ¾ cup Lemonade
- 1 tsp caramelized sugar
- 1 orange wedge, lemon wedge and mint sprig each for garnish
Directions
- Fill a serving glass half full of ice
- Add the orange juice and lemonade along with caramelized sugar in the glass of ice; squeeze and add the orange wedge; stir well
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and a mint sprig
Georgie Rajan
June 15, 2014
Potato chips
A potato chip is nothing but thin slices of potatoes which are dried in the sun and then fried in hot oil to become nice, crispy and a ready to eat snack. For health conscious people these slices of potatoes are baked rather than fried in oil. Earlier potato chips were available in only one flavour that was salted but with time, changes occurred both in production technologies and taste of the consumer. Today different flavours of chips are available from classic salted to tangy tomato to cream and onion etc. Potato chips are a food item which is consumed by both children and adults and has a market which covers almost the entire world. In the west, chips became a common snack both in households and in the food market. Studies states that in 2005 total revenues gained from the sale of potato chips alone accounted to almost US$16.49 billion.

There is a popular tale which talks about the birth of potato chips into this world. According to the tale it was on August 24 1853 in Saratoga Springs New York where an event took place. The credit for the introduction of this food item is given to George Crum who was a half black half Native American who was a cook by profession and worked in his own lake side restaurant called the Moonlake house. A customer had entered the restaurant but was not happy with the dishes in the menu card. So in order to appease the unhappy customer, Crum decide to try something new. He cut the potatoes into very thin slices and then fried them till they became nice and crispy. He then seasoned them with salt and gave it to the customer. The customer was very happy with the new dish and that’s how potato chips were introduced. The name given to these chips by the locals was Saratoga chips which remained till the mid 20^th century. In 1973 St. Regis Paper Company which is responsible for the packaging of these chips revealed that the story was true and that Crum was a cook who by 1850 owned his own restaurant and the customer who had come that day was Cornelius Vanderbilt who was a local. With years going by chips became so famous that it began to spread in the neighboring regions as well. It was no longer a dish listed in the menu cards but had come out of restaurants to become products of mass production for home consumption. The Dalton which is an Ohio based chips producing company is considered to be the oldest in the United States, established in 1910. Chips soon became popular and in demand among the masses. Many industries which produced chips allowed their workers to take back home a small quantity of the produce. This was done both as a publicity stunt and secondly it helped to ensure employee satisfaction. Chips were sold in markets in tin cans earlier but the problem with this system was that the chips lying in the base used to become stale and crumbled. Later specially designed colorful plastic bags were introduced which were filled with nitrogen gas before sealing the ends which not only helped in increasing its shelf life but also helped the chips to remains nice and crispy and in shape avoiding crumbling.

Back in India, other than the potato chips we also have the banana chip which is a very important component of the south Indian cuisine. The basic technique of preparation remains the same where ripe bananas are sliced into thin pieces, dried in the sun and then fried in oil. These chips can be sugar or jagery coated or can be spicy or salted depending upon the taste preference of the consumers. Usually prepared in the Indian state of Kerala, these can be used either as a snack or with proper meals.

The best part about these chips, may it be potato or banana, is that they can be prepared at home and the technique for both the types is almost the same. In order to prepare potato chips at home the directions are given below.

Directions:
- First slice the potatoes finely.
- Place the slices in cold water which is salted and boil it. When the chips have boiled well, drain the water and transfer the contents into another bowl.
- Now add oil to the chips and mix well. After this add spices and any other extra ingredient like herbs, cheese etc and finally add salt. Remember whatever you add mix well so that every single chip is covered evenly.
- Spread the chips on the baking platter and put them in a hot 200c oven and let them bake for about 20mins.
- Shake or stir in between thought not compulsory.
- Keep a check on the chips in order to avoid overcooking. The chips when done look light brown in colour and are crispy and crunchy when eaten.
- After 20mins take out the chips and they are ready to be served.
Homemade potato chips can be enjoyed along with different items like eggs, meat or a cheese dip and can be also eaten on their own.

Since potato chips come under the category of fried food, they pose serious health concerns for the public. A recent study reveals that potato chips are the biggest contributors to weight gain and the high starch content in potatoes chips is the main reason behind tooth decay. Other related health issues are high blood pressure caused by the high sodium content which is found in the salt used during the preparation of these chips.

However due to all such concerns many companies invested in research and development in order to produce chips which provide the same or more level of satisfaction but the pose less risk than before.
June 13, 2014
The Indian Dhabas

In simple terms Dhabas is the title given to roadside restaurants in India. These restaurants are found in highways and other remote regions. The main idea for the opening of these restaurants was to feed travelers and truckers who travel from one region to another to transport goods. In olden days Dhabas were a source of refreshment as they provided a home like ambience combined with tasty food and drinks. It became a spot where social relations were established as most of the consumers were truckers who spoke and discussed about their daily routine and life with each other.The concept of the ‘dhaba’ is not new. Infact, this trend of feeding the travellers enroute has been there for a very long time. It is said, that back in the times, in a village, there was a family who believed in sharing their meals with people around them. They would always prepare extra food and feed this to the passerby’s and the travellers passing through their village. This offered respite to the hungry and tired travellers and many a times, they would offer money as a token of their appreciation. It is from here that the idea spread and grew to the vast scale it is in today.

Open 24 hours a day, Dhabas are small structures usually run by a family or a group of men who work together putting in their knowledge of species and masalas and creating mouthwatering dishes which help the consumers who come there with a hope to kill their hunger. Since the investment put into the working of this center is low, the prices they charge are also reasonable. The best part about a dhaba is that there is no rules and regulation out here. Moreover there is no distinction shown between high class people and low class people. Everybody is welcome to dine here and so it’s not surprising to find people from different sections of the society together in one spot. Unlike other hotels and restaurants, these centers do not spent much on infrastructure and other facilities. There is one structure which is the kitchen where the food is made. The seating arrangement is done outside this structure with the open sky acting as the roof. In regions which are characterized with sunny or rainy conditions most of the time of the year, arrangements are made for sitting both outside and inside the structure. Earlier we had cots where people used to sit and eat and later could have a nap as well however today only some Dhabas follow the same tradition. The newly opened ones have plastic chairs and tables which have substituted the wooden cots.

The concept of Dhabas is not something new and it has over the years only seen improvement and growth. The food is believed to be mainly based on the Punjabi cuisine because the truck drivers mostly belonged to the state of Punjab and secondly Punjabi food is very famous in the northern part of India but over the years there are been a shift in the menu where dishes of different cuisines have joined the list. I had my own dhaba experience when I was young. On the way to agar we had stopped for lunch in a dhaba which was very famous in that area according to our driver. Surprisingly they had no menu cards and all the people working out there knew what was being cooked that day. Tandoori rotis, hot chicken curry with mix vegetables sabzi; I should say I had the best outdoor food ever. The Punjab government is so impressed that it lists Dhabas as an attraction worth a try by the tourists.

The term dhaba originated in the state of Punjab in India. Since Punjab has Pakistan and Kashmir as its neighbors, the traditional Dhabas had the mixture of specialties from all the three regions. A major part of the cooking is done in a tandoor which is an oven made of mud and heated from below. Tandoors are used to cook rotis or Indian breads as well as non vegetarian items like chicken which is spiced nicely and arranged in a skewer and then placed inside the tandoor. According to a recent study done on the dishes ordered by customers in different Dhabas reveals that chicken tikka or lamb korma in the non vegetarian category and rice dishes with panner curry and spinach in the vegetarian category are the most demanded. Even though there are many other vegetarian dishes on the list, but when it comes to non vegetarian we find mostly chicken, fish or lamb. Other meant options such as pork and beef are very rare to find. Since dhaba is not a star restaurant or hotel, cleanliness is something which is hard to find. Although the same cannot be said for all the Dhabas but mostly it’s found that less weightage is put on cleanliness rather than the quantity and the taste of food served. However seeing the crowd and speed in which food is cooked to feed the hungry eaters, it acts as stamp which verifies that cleanliness is something which can be compromised here.

India which is characterized with large scale poverty and unemployment with a major portion of the population lies below the poverty line; Dhabas till today provide both employment to many and remains a source of comfort for the hungry.

Georgie Rajan

June 13, 2014
Street Food

In simple terms, street food can be defined as the food available in the streets. It’s basically ready-to-eat food which is prepared by local venders and then sold to the consumers. The business is carried out in a food truck or a cart where the food is prepared. Mostly regional in nature however there are a lot many venders who venture out into different cuisines in order to expand their market. Since the investment to start this business is comparatively less, the price of the food items is also cheap however we have no guarantee regarding the quality of the food. Many venders believe that quality matters a lot because if the food is tasty but not hygienic then the business might not run well and so in some cases special care is taken regarding safety and hygiene. Earlier street food was not so popular due to quality reasons and secondly people did not have the facility of bringing the kitchen out in the streets or having a mobile kitchen which can both cook and travel to different locations. However over the years lifestyle has changed and people are finding ways to do things in a quick and smart way. This formula was applied to food as well. Due to long working hours and busy schedules, people rely on street food and other fast food joints which relieve them from preparing food at home after work. Moreover with quality standards being established, faith in street food has improved over the years. Today people demand food for a number of reasons such as delicious food at cheap price or for many it’s a way of knowing what other cuisines have to offer while for others it’s an excuse to get holiday from the kitchen. People who look for convenience at cheap prices may not be concerned much about hygiene or sanitation. According to a study done in 2007 by the Food and Agricultural Organization, about 2.5 billion people consume street food every day.

There is no proper evidence which tells us who or how the idea of street food was introduced however it’s found that street food was basically concentrated for the poor who did not have the proper facilities for cooking for example in Rome. In china, street food was for the servants and the lower strata of the society. Wealthy households used to send their servants to buy street food for themselves while they ate rich home cooked food. Many of the African settlers made a living by selling street food in America. The products they sold ranged from cakes and biscuits to coffee, tea, soups and other light foods such as snacks. Venders when found a base in the society expanded their business and started offering food items such as grilled and fried beef, oysters and other meat items which attracted more people. French fries which had been introduced as a street food became very famous among the public and also started being offered in very well established hotels and restaurants. In Thailand Street food had not found its popularity until the 1960s when urbanization occurred rapidly and home cooked food was displaced with street food.

The contribution done by these street venders was neglected or unnoticed by the government for a long time. However when a study was done it was found that in Indonesia about US$67 million was generated in the economy through street food sales alone while in Malaysia it was found to be about US$2.2 million per annum. Since all these revenues are earned by the vendors itself, it’s in a way helping the economy to be self sufficient. Being a part of the informal sector can be one reason why it was never given much importance because it was always viewed that the formal sector was the engine of growth of the economy however over the years planners have seen that with limited employment opportunities available in the formal sector along with high level of competition, the importance of informal sector is coming into the picture. There are many people who due to various economical or social backwardness, fail to get in the formal sector however find work easily in this industry. The International Labour Organization reveals that about 29 percent of the labour force is employed in street food industry where the vendors earn three to ten times more than the minimum wage rate. In many countries the monthly wages earned by these vendors is almost equal to the wages earned by people involved in the formal sector. Women participation has also increased in this business over the years with 90 percent increase in Philippines and 40 percent increase in Indonesia.

With advantages such as delicious food at cheap rates, better employment opportunities, self- sufficiency, women participation etc, there are some disadvantages as well that follows. Contamination of food followed by the use of additives and colouring agents are some of the biggest issues associated with it. However study reveals that it is not the ingredients which go inside rather it is the quantity of these chemicals which we consume that matters. Moreover the water used in preparation of food also affects its quality. Therefore it is suggested that snacks which are fried and food which is hot is safe as they are consumed immediately and since it’s hot, kills most of the microorganisms. There are many other incidents which question the quality of food provided by these vendors for example in 2011, a Pani Puri seller in thane was filmed urinating into the container which was used to serve the consumers. Secondly there are many hawkers who sell without proper permit from the municipality. As a result of which in 2007 the Supreme Court ordered the municipality to demolish and remove all hawkers and food joints which did not have the required permit or did not approve to the quality standards.

With increasing globalization and tourism, the safety of street food has become an important concern for government. There are many ways such as training programs or rewarding programs for vendors which can help in improving the quality as well as build up confidence in street food resulting in the growth of both the industry and the economy.

June 13, 2014
Dounuts
Dounuts come under the category of confectionery food. These are famous throughout the world and are made in different ways. You can either make it at home or they are also available in bakeries and supermarkets and food stalls. Originally the shape of a Dounut is round with a hole in the middle. However we can also find Dounuts of different shapes with or without a hole such as ring shaped, balls, flattened spheres etc. Dounuts are basically flour dough which are deep fried and then decorated with various toppings such as chocolate, sugar etc. The two most famous types of Dounuts which we can find in the market is the original ring Dounuts and the filled Dounuts which is nothing but a simple Dounuts injected with cream and custard or other sweet filings.

Dounuts have a vast history with different people having different opinions regarding the introduction and growth of this food item. However there is one story which many believe gives the true details regarding how dounuts had come into the picture. There used to be a Dutch sailor named Hansen Gregory who used to go for long voyages. During these journeys sometimes the other sailors along with Hansen used to get sick and medical facilities were available. Therefore Hansen’s mother Elizabeth made cakes made up of nutmeg and cinnamon which could help to reduce or cure scurvy and colds. She also used to put hazelnuts and walnuts in order to make the cake a bit crunchier. These cakes were then called oil cakes and did not have a hole in the middle. Elizabeth used to prepare in bulk for both Hansen and his fellow sailors and also end the recipe with Hansen’s cook so that he could prepare cakes for the once this stock was over. One day a storm had hit the sea and Hansen’s ship got stuck in the storm. Historians claim this event happened on 22 June 1847. In order to keep his hands free Hansen pierced one of the cakes on the ship’s steering wheel. Later when the storm had calmed down, Hansen took out the cake from the wheel and found that with a hole in the cake, it was more convenient to eat than when it did not have a hole. Hansen later ordered his cook to prepare cakes with a hole in the middle and that how dounuts came into existence. There is another story which says that the dough was cooked with a nut in the middle. Later Hansen ordered that the nut be removed and so the hole was created in the middle of the cake. The origin of the name many believed comes from the fact that Elizabeth used dough and nuts to prepare cakes for her son and so the name dounuts appeared.

The popularity of dounuts had increased during the World War 1 when millions of homesick soldiers were served with freshly prepared dounuts by women volunteers who did their best to make them feel better. Later after the war when they returned home, this new dish was introduced among local strangers who again added to the fame and popularity of this dish. The first Dounut machine was introduced by Adolph Levitt who was a refugee from Russia who used to sell dounuts from his bakery using his machine. Many believe that Adolph himself created this machine after much encouragement from his customers. Once the machine was created, the bakery became famous as it was the only one with the facility. The machine allowed more dounuts to be produced than before and this helped Adolph to meet the demand which was always more than the supply. Many food historians claim that children used to spent long hours outside the bakery just to see how their favourite dounuts were being made and how the holes in the middle was built in. with time a lot of bakeries were established who sold their own dounuts. Even thought the basic recipe remained the same, every baker tried to bring in some change or design in order to beat the competition and have a share in the growing Dounut market. With different ways and techniques introduced the Dounut machine also went through changes and improvements with time making it more productive and reducing the cost of production.

Dounuts are simple to make and can be made at home as well. The recipe for the same is given below

Crispy and Creamy Dounuts

Directions:
- Add yeast and warm water and keep it for about 5 mins or until it becomes foamy.
- Now add this yeast mixture with milk, sugar, eggs and salt and finally mix to with 2 cups of flour and mix well until the dough does not remain sticky rather become smooth and elastic in nature. Then cover the dough and place it in a warm place and allow it to rise.
- Once the dough has risen in size transfer it to a flat surface and roll it out to ½ inch in thickness. Now cut the dough with the help of a cutter and cover loosely and leave the dounuts to rise again.
- Now we need to prepare the glaze so in a pan melt butter and sugar and vanilla. After this keep on adding 1 tablespoon of hot water till the solution becomes thin but not watery.
- Now heat oil on a deep fryer or a skillet and slide the dounuts into the hot oil. Ensure that the temperature of the oil should be about 350F. Fry the dounuts till they are golden brown. Once the dounuts come up to the surface and attained the desired colour remove them and dip them inside the glaze we prepared and then place them in a wire rack to drain out the excess oil and glaze.
Your Dounut is ready to be served.

Dounuts can be eaten simply or like a snack with tea. Earlier dounuts were known to people belonging to the western countries but today dounuts has become worldwide.
June 13, 2014