Category: Recipes

A Healthy Touch To Summer With Curd

We all want to keep our taste buds happy, and when what we eat scores high on health too – it’s a clear win-win! Curd due to the probiotic activities of the beneficial bacteria it contains, has a good proportion of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, along with proteins and vitamins, highlighting their efficacy as a good probiotic product. Indeed, curd is a wonder food.

Curd is prepared from sour milk. It is known to have better nutritive value than milk. It is formed by fermentation of lactic acid present in milk. The curd is highly esteemed for its refreshing taste and smoothness. People who have strong intolerance towards milk, can easily easily have curd without any further problem.

In ancient India, curd mixed with honey was known as the ‘food of the Gods ‘. Some people explain that curd is known to be the best food for the mankind.

Curd is popularly known as dahi, in north India while in south people have it mixed in with rice. While in kolkata, curd is popularly known as mishti doi.

Some people also consume curd, due to superstitious beliefs. Some people belief that consuming curd mixed with sugar before starting some journey, is auspicious and will ensure safety and good health.

Here are some reasons why you should add curd to your daily diet, ensuring a lot of health benefits-

Curd helps improve digestion– curd is prepared by fermentation of lactic acid by lactobacillus bacteria, which helps improve digestion. The other reason attributed is that curd is easy to digest and helps control the heat produce by spicy food.
Helps boost immunity- curd has the presence of good bacteria, which strengthens the immunity by fighting several microorganisms present in our body. Consuming curd is known to prevent certain infections, especially vaginal yeast infection in women.
Good for bones and teeth– curd is even more nutritive than milk, with presence of calcium and phosphorus, which promotes growth of bones and makes teeth stronger. Curd is also known to control arthritis and osteoporosis.
Curd as a milk substitute- people those who are intolerant towards milk, generally lactose intolerance can safely consume curd and also is easier to digest.
Makes heart healthy– curd is known to keep in control blood pressure and also helps in reducing the blood cholesterol level by preventing thickening of arteries.
Helps control dandruff problems– curd is an extraordinarily best ingredient known to control dandruff, by mixing it with oil and lemon juice and apply it on scalp. Leave it for an hour, and then wash it with water.
Makes a good skincare product– curd is an excellent ingredient for making homemade packs, with addition of curd, gram flour and lemon juice to get an attractive and glowing face.

There are certain additional benefits of curd like, it helps in curing insomnia. It is also believed consuming curd on a regular basis could prevent premature aging. It is also claimed that curd or even yogurt can improve the condition of colon cancer and food poisoning. It can also help in treatment of diarrhea, bowel movement, constipation and gastrointestinal disorders.

Curd is also used in preparation of beverages by adding water and sugar, salt or some spices to it. Curd is also widely used in preparation of srikand, which is a semi dry mass of curd sweetened with sugar. This is done by suspending curd in a muslin bag , it is then sugared and colored.

1. Curd zucchini lime raita –

A. 1 thinly sliced green zucchini

B. 1 thinly sliced yellow zucchini

C. Lime juice

D. 2 tbs olive oil

E. 1 tsp red chilly flakes

F. 1 tsp peppercorns

G. Salt to taste

H. 2 cups Greek yogurt

I. Garlic cloves

J. 2 scallions, thinly sliced

In a medium sized bowl, add sliced zucchini with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chilly flakes, pepper and salt. Toss them and keep it aside to marinate for a few minutes.

Heat a grilling pan, grease it with the prepared marinade and arrange the zucchini in single layer. Grill the zucchini on both the sides. In another bowl, combine yogurt, salt and pepper. Spoon the yogurt in an even layer on the platter. Layer the grilled zucchini in an alternating pattern as green and yellow over the yogurt, drizzle the remaining marinade over it.

Serve it, garnished with scallions over it.

2. Curd spicy chicken-

A. 1 kg whole chicken

B. Garlic clove

C. Ginger

D. 2 tsp chili powder

E. 16 tbsp curd

F. Salt

G. 2 tsp black pepper

H. Soy sauce

I. 2 tsp coriander powder

J. 2 tsp cumin seeds

K. Coriander leaves

L. Oil

M. 1 big onion, chopped

N. Tomato sauce

Combine tomato sauce, soy sauce, chili powder, garlic, salt, pepper and curd in a bowl and mix well. Marinate the chicken in this mixture and keep aside for 2 hours.

Heat oil in the pan, and add chopped onion, cumin seeds, coriander powder, ginger and garlic and saute. Add in the chicken with little curd, and cook on low flame till the chicken turns tender. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

July 20, 2014
That squishy yellow fruit-Go Bananas!

They are yellow, long, soft, and squishy and they taste good when they are at their best stage of ripening. Bananas have been known to man for a very long time and they form a very important part in our lives. They are so common that, when a person thinks of a fruit, the chances of him/her choosing a banana is almost equivalent to that of an apple. They have been painted by artists and have become one of their greatest masterpieces and sold at auctions to the highest bidder. With just their sunny yellow color, they have sent people to a whimsy. They have even been animated and shown in cartoons; making people to slip and fall down.

They are an integral part of diet plans and in the food hierarchy. However, in all these various representations of the banana, they have been shown only as ‘the perfectly ripened fruit’. The over-ripe bananas have simply been thought to be over the hill and are thrown away for the only reason that they become too squishy and mushy when they over-ripe.

When they ripen, the starch inside them turns to sugar, thus making them sweeter and their water content, mixed with the sticky sugar, oozes out covering its brown-spotted outer layer, making them sticky. This naturally causes a feeling of disgust amongst all of us and so, we finally end up ignoring it.

But, not many know that there are quite a lot of delicious recipes and foods that can be made when a banana reaches its height of ripening.

A New Year recipe!

Just like how all good things start from a New Year, this recipe is usually chosen by people wishing to welcome the New Year on a sweet and a healthy note. For those who have sworn to hit the gym at the start of the year and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this recipe is especially for them, irrespective of whether they follow their promise or not.

All one needs is a few over-ripe bananas, peanut butter and if required, sugar. This is very simple and can be prepared in a few minutes though its taste lingers really long at the back of the mouth. The ripened flesh (or pulp) of the bananas are neatly cut and kept aside. Layers of the banana are later used to sandwich the tastier part in the middle.

However, not all bananas are cut. A few, depending on the needs of an individual, are put in a bowl and mashed, to give a fine, thick pulp. Very small amounts of water may be added to make the pulp smoother and to give it a sweeter taste. Peanut butter and sugar (if required) are then mixed at this stage. The entire content is mixed thoroughly to give it a smoother and richer texture.

Addition flavoring may be added in the form of fine coconut shavings sprinkled on top along with a dollop of honey if required. The finished product may be kept in the refrigerator for some time and served cold.

A deep fried recipe

Cooking is all about making something amazing from almost nothing. It’s all about changing the nature of the particular food article and bringing out something, though related to it, but much tastier than the original.

The required quantity of oil is poured into a big vessel and is heated. Add required quantity of sugar to the hot oil. After a minute or so, add freshly cut ripened banana slices to the hot oil and sauté for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. Continue the process until they turn into a deeper brown. This recipe definitely satisfies those who love crackers, chips or anything that’s fried. They make an excellent evening snack and are simply irresistible.

Banana, oat ‘n’ honey

This one definitely tops the cart when it comes to those who wish to have a proper breakfast. For many, breakfast has become a monotonous, tasteless affair. Why not change it to the better?

This recipe is a quickie and, saves one from having to spend their time in the kitchen preparing something that would satisfy our hunger. This banana smoothie not only satisfies our hunger, it also energizes us, while providing the body with the required nutrients. Thus, it is a perfect way to jumpstart one’s day.

All one needs is a few ripened bananas, fruits (figs are preferable), honey (or sugar) and maybe a few nuts, like almonds, cut in small pieces and about a litre or two of milk. Everything is put in a blender and mixed till the contents are properly and perfectly mixed. The resulting product should be smooth and should not contain too many large pieces of bananas or figs. At the end, it is poured into a glass and cut almond pieces are added. They may be served cold as smoothies taste best when served cold. And there you have it, a healthy, yet tasty breakfast.

A perfect dessert

Who would have thought that bananas can be used to make one of the tastiest ice-creams? Put peeled bananas into the freezer for some time. Take them out and blend them till they become chunky. Now, vanilla essence is added to it and it is blended again to get a smooth mixture. There you have it! A natural, vanilla-banana cream!

Also, they can also be made into popsicles. But for this, the banana paste is made a bit runny. Then, it is put into a suitable vessel whose shape the Popsicle will take. An ice-cream stick is inserted into this vessel and it is carefully kept in the freezer. After sometime, the pulp hardens around the stick and it can easily be popped out. Nuts can also be added to the runny mixture, before freezing it. For this recipe, almost any flavoring can be used depending on the individual’s taste. Cocoa powder can be added to get a Chocó-banana ice-cream or ripe pineapple essence is mixed before freezing it to get a naturally sweet taste. This recipe though, is definitely for those with a sweet tooth and a craving for banana products.

Thus, even over-ripe bananas can be used resourcefully and who would have thought that they so many delicious recipes can be made from them. It is indeed, not much of a surprise that bananas have become a part and parcel of everyone’s lives.

July 20, 2014
The Super Food Meal – Oat Meal

Oats – so pale, small and often ignored by children. Many people often look at the bowl full of oats- and say “ blahh!!”. While others gaze upon that same bowl full of oats, covered with thick clouds of steam over it. So are you an oat lover?

Oat meal also referred to as white oats, or ground oats from the Avena sativa, a widely cultivated cereal in temperate regions. The common oats are generally grown in cold and temperate region, but some oats are also grown in warmer regions and climate, known as the red oats. Among the top – most oats producing countries are United States, Russia and Canada. Other top ranking countries for its production also include Poland, France, Finland, Germany and Australia.

There are several reasons for which oats are thought to be the only option, for which they are thought to be healthy and nutritious.Here’s why you should take these oats – the wholesome grains :

Oats have impressive nutritional profile – one full cup of oats consists of 6 gm of proteins and 4 gm of fiber, fulfills 70% of manganese needs for the day, magnesium and vitamin B1 and imparts only 147 calories.

Oats make you full– though, the whole grain, the cooked oats contain only 147 calories. But don’t be mistaken. It is not the calories that make you full, but it is the fiber which makes the person consuming it full. The mechanism behind this is that, when one takes in oats, our body digests and absorbs it slowly, making us feel as if we are full, controlling the appetite and delaying the hunger pangs.

Oats are diabetes– friendly- since, oats are rich source of fibers, for the same reason they help in steadying the glucose level in the bloodstream. A fiber filled bowl of oats, not only helps you control your blood glucose level but also provides with much- needed nutrients. The only precaution to be taken is to, not to add too much of sugar as topping.

Oats help reduce cholesterol levels– among all grains, oats are known to have highest fiber that is gel- like. This gel like fiber of oats enters the intestine and traps those substances that are associated with high cholesterol. It is estimated that only 3 gm fiber is needed for a patient with high blood cholesterol, but remember that a bowl full of oats contains 4 gm of fiber.

Oats support healthy digestion– the insoluble fiber of oats enter the intestine and moving the food along, and preventing constipation. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and heartburn, who need a diet high in fiber and low in fats, can rely on this super diet of oats.

Exfoliates skin– in earlier times, people used to use oats to treat chicken pox marks, it is also used to hold moisture of the skin and to exfoliate the skin. These oats can also be applied to the itchy, dry and irritated skin.

Oats are not only nutritious food, but easily available and affordable. This nutrient dense food can be cooked in a number of ways.

Not only it can be eaten in breakfast in a bowl, but oats can also be added to cookies, cakes and breads to add – on the fiber content in them. It can also be sprinkled on top of smoothies, or can also be converted into flour.

Though oats should be taken in by everyone, but it should be restricted by those having celiac disease. Sometimes, oats are known to be adulterated with flour, that contains gluten and so should be avoided by those having allergy with gluten.

Some Indian oats recipes-

1. Oats upma-

A. 2 cups quick cooking oats

B. 3 tsp oil

C. 1 tsp turmeric

D. 1 tsp mustard seeds

E. 1 tsp urad dal

F. Curry leaves

G. 1 tsp sugar

H. 1/4 cup Green peas

I. 2 slit green chilies

J. 1/2 cup chopped onion

K. 1/4 cup chopped carrot

L. 1 dry red chilly, broken into pieces

M. Chopped coriander, for garnish

Heat oil in a non-stick pan, add oats and turmeric and saute the mixture on the flame for 3-4 minutes. Keep this aside.

Heat the remaining oil in nonstick pan, and add mustard seeds to it. When seeds begin crackling, add urad dal , curry leaves, green chilies and red chilly. Saute the mixture on medium flame for a minute. Add onions to it, and saute it till it becomes translucent. Now, add carrot and peas and saute them for 2 minutes.

Add the oats mixture, sugar, salt and mix well and cook it by stirring continuously. Add 11/2 cup water to it, cover it and cook for 5 minutes.

Serve it garnished with coriander leaves.

2. Oats dosa-

A. 1 cup oats

B. 1/2 cup rawa

C. 1/2 cup rice flour

D. 2 chopped green chilies

E. Cumin seeds

F. Pepper

G. Salt

H. 2 tsp oil

I. Curry leaves

J. 2 tbsp curd

In a pan, add oats and dry roast them till they turn slightly brown. Now, cool them and grind to make in powder form. In a bowl, add powdered oats, rawa, rice flour, salt and curd. Mix them well. Add water to it, make it consistent and add cumin seeds, pepper, salt and green chilies to it and mix well.

Heat the tawa, when it is hot with your hands pour the batter on tawa and spread it. Add a little oil, to make it crispy. Serve it with sambar and coconut chutney.

July 20, 2014
Amazing Apricots

Apricots or those beautifully orange colored fruits, are small, golden-orange fruit, with a velvety fleshy outer layer which is smooth and sweet. These fruits are full of beta- carotene, which are freshly available in summers. These much prized fruits are known to be brought in to Europe by Greeks, who named them as the ” golden eggs of the sun”.

Taking the servings of this fruit alone may sound a lot monotonous, but by simply snacking on an apricot, by tossing on an banana with the morning smoothie, and topping off a cup of yogurt with berries and apricots, means you have reached the goal.

The fruit is known to be originally from China, but is known to reach to Europe from Armenia. The apricot tree is known to come in Virginia in 1720, as the climate their is perfect to culture and grow apricots. The apricots, though consumed as the fresh fruits, can also be consumed as in their dried forms, which could be turned into pastry or could also be eaten as in the jam form.

Apricots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is also rich in vitamin C , copper, potassium and dietary fibers. Apricots consist of a number of active anti-oxidants, among which the most popular and important is Lycopene. They also contain carotenoids, which give them a distinctive red, yellow or orange color. The fruit is also known to contain carbohydrates, sodium, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Apricots are rich in many anti-oxidants, and are responsible for certain specific health benefits, which adds to the protective anti-oxidant properties while only adding to the little calories in our diet. A few health benefits of apricots include-

1. Protects against inflammation- apricots are known to contain phytonutrients which have anti-inflammatory properties, one of them which is catechins. It is known that a single apricot is known to provide 4-5 gm of catechins. This is done as this phytonutrient inhibits the activity of the enzyme called cyclooxeganse-2, which is critical for inflammation.

2. Protects eyesight- apricots are rich in carotenoids and xanthophylls both, which are known to protect eyesight from age-related damages. Thus, apricots are known to lower the risk of loss of vision as the age progresses, for the people who take three or more servings of this fruit everyday.

3. Protects against free radical damage- since apricots are known to contain a number of anti-oxidants, polyphenols and flavinoids, one might not hesitate to rank it as one of the richest fruits. Other important anti-oxidants like catechins, gallic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid are known to provide the potential health benefits.

4. Rich in dietary fiber- apricots are known to be rich in dietary fibers, which helps support the digestive system by the presence of the soluble fibers, which could help control the blood cholesterol levels.

5. Strengthens bones- apricots are also known to be high with the calcium content, which saves from having the brittle bones and thus strengthens the bones.

6. Skin benefits- apricots are known to be rich in anti-oxidants, promotes cell growth and maintains a healthy skin. Apricots reduce the aging signs, makes skin glow and shine. The amount of vitamin A in apricots makes the skin free from acne problems and rejuvenates it.

Therefore, some of the healthy recipes can be derived from apricots which are delicious too. Here are a few apricot dishes with their recipes-

1. Apricot cake-

A. Some fresh apricots

B. 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

C. 2 tsp baking powder

D. 1/2 tsp salt

E. 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar

F. 3 eggs

G. 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

H. 3/4 cup vegetable cream shortening

Preheat the oven at 350 F, with a foil spread on the tray. Blanch the fresh apricots in the boiling water for a minute. Remove them from water, with skin removed and seeds removed. Process or blend the apricots, until finely chopped.

In a bowl, add together flour, baking powder and salt together and keep them aside. In another bowl, add eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cream shortening and whisk until fluffy. Beat in the both the mixture, with the apricots folded in. Pour in the batter and bake for 30-45 minutes, until it is well baked.

Cool it at the room temperature, top with the vanilla cream frosting and fresh apricot slices and cut to serve it into desired slices.

2. Apricot chutney-

A. Some pitted apricots

B. 2 cup raisins

C. Brown sugar

D. 1 1/4 tsp salt

E. 2 cups cider vinegar

F. 1 tsp turmeric

G. 3/4 tsp cinnamon

H. 2 tsp mustard seeds

I. 1 lb brown onion, peeled and diced

J. t tbsp olive oil

K. 1/2 whole head garlic

All the ingredients should be mixed together in a saucepan. Bring the ingredients to boil, simmer it for about an hour, uncovered, until the juice or mixture has thickened. Stir carefully, because any splashes of chutney will be burning hot.Pour the chutney into warm sterilized jars and seal them.

July 20, 2014
Milkshakes! 5 interesting recipes to follow!

Give a child a glass of plain milk, and he’ll shirk from it forever, blend some ice-cream into it, fuse a fruit or two into it or maybe shake it up with some chocolate syrup and the kid will love having milk for almost every meal! Yes, what I’m talking about here are milkshakes! Be it the scorching summers or the dull monsoons, a chilled milkshake is always appreciated by everyone, be it a kid of 5 or the parents at 35.

A milkshake is a cold, sweetened beverage with a milk-base and is usually flavored with ice-cream and flavouring agents like caramel or chocolate sauce, butterscotch or fruit syrups. It is also known as a thickshake or a frappe in New England.

The term ‘milkshake’ was coined in 1885 for an alcoholic whiskey drink, which was a tonic as well as a treat. However, by 1900, the term was used for wholesome drinks made with chocolate, vanilla syrups or strawberry. Soon, people were asking for the new treat with ice-creams. This treat started gaining popularity soon enough, they were a must-have on all food outlet menus.

Though restaurants and food outlets serve exotic milkshakes served with sides that can serve as a complete meal and keep your stomach full for half a day, blending a milkshake at home is not big deal either. Call it a frappe, velvet or a frosted shake, this treat will never disappoint you. These liquid treats are not just packed with nutrients but many of them also aid weight loss.

Following are some innovative simple milk-shake recipes that have been tried and tested by me.

OREO MILK SHAKE

Ingredients:

10+2 Oreo cookies

4 scoops of Vanilla Ice-cream

50-100ml milk

A pinch of salt

Procedure:

Crush the Oreo cookies coarsely with hand and place them in a blender. Add the scoops of ice-cream and the milk.

Pulse till cookies are completely crushed.

Add a pinch of salt and blend till completely smooth. Add more milk according to the required thickness.

Pour into a tall glass and serve with 2 Oreo cookies sitting pretty on the top!

TIP: You could add a drizzle of dark rum to turn it into an adult treat for your cocktail parties!

VANILLA MILK SHAKE

Ingredients:

4 scoops Vanilla Ice-cream

2 teaspoons vanilla essence/ extract

50-100 milk

Sugar if needed

2-3 mint leaves to garnish

Procedure:

In a blender add the ice-cream with a splash of mil and blend until completely smooth.

Add the vanilla extract and blend again.

Check for the taste and thickness and add sugar or milk if required.

Pour into tall tumblers and serve chilled with mint leaves placed on top.

TIP: You could garnish with chocolate syrup and chopped walnuts for the extra flavor.

CARAMEL MILK SHAKE

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar+1/3 cup water

¾ cup heavy cream

A pinch of salt

1 table spoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 scoops Vanilla Ice-cream

1/2 cup whole milk

Procedure:

Add the water to a medium saucepan and set it over high heat. Pour the sugar directly into the centre so that none of it scattres onto the sides.

Bring to a boil and cook till the sugar starts to brown. Do NOT stir the pot. Let all the sugar melt uniformly.

TIP: You could give the pot a gentle swirl to help melt all the sugar.

Once the sugar turns into a deep brown sauce, carefully and gradually add the cream. Add the butter, salt and the vanilla extract.

Swirl the pot to dissolve all the ingredients evenly into the sauce.

Drizzle a bit of the caramel sauce so prepared into tall glasses along the sides and put the tumblers into the freezer to chill. The sauce will set and produce a gorgeous effect on the glasses.

Take the rest of the sauce and pour into a blender with the whole milk. Blend until smooth

Pour the shake into the glasses that had been prepared in the freezer.

Serve chilled.

DATES ALMOND AND BANANA MILKSHAKE

Ingredients:

2 large ripe bananas

1 cup of almonds soaked overnight in water.

1.5 cups of almond milk

8-9 ripe dates (stones removed)

1 teaspoon of Cinnamon Powder

1 teaspoon butter

1 teaspoon Vanilla essence

Whipped cream and chopped almonds to serve.

Procedure:

De-skin the soaked almonds and blend them to form a fine paste. Add the bananas and dates, with a small amount of the milk and blend to form a smooth paste.

Pour the remaining milk, cinnamon powder, vanilla essence and butter and blend until smooth and uniform.

Pour into talk glasses and serve chilled with whipped cream and crushed almonds on top.

TIP: You could also add a drizzle of honey on the top.

MEXICAN COFFEE MILKSHAKE

Ingredients:

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 cinnamon stick

2 tablespoons orange zest

1.5 tablespoons instant coffee powder.

2 scoops Coffee ice-cream

1/2 cup milk (optional)

Whipped cream for serving

Procedure:

Combine 1 cup water and the sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously till all the sugar dissolves.

Split the cinnamon stick with your hands and add it to the pot. Add the orange zest and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes till all the flavours infuse. Remove from flame.

Remove the cinnamon stick and add the instant coffee powder to the syrup.

Add the ice-cream and the syrup in a blender and mix until smooth.

Serve chilled in tall glasses. Garnish with the whipped cream.

TIP: you could use ground cinnamon powder/ coffee powder/ roasted coffee beans/ orange zest as additional garnishes.

Enjoy these treats for breakfast or have them as a healthy snack; you’ll love these either ways. You could also experiment and come up with interesting recipes. Happy Blending!

July 20, 2014
C for coffee, C for Chennai

They have always been our wake up alarm. A companion during late night assignments and last minute projects. For the others, it has served simply as a break. Coffee has been an integral part of the lives of humans ever since its find and domestication. In India however, it has gone a step above. This can especially be seen in the city of chennai, famous for its coffee after its dosas and sambar.

A different tale is observed here in Chennai, when it comes to coffee. The ‘coffee custom’ struck the city and soon became an epidemic. Its not just a myth that coffee is addictive pretty much like other drugs. The only difference is that, its legal. The people of Chennai seemed to have become addicted to the beverage more than tea and the taste is passed on through generations, thus making sure that the coffee market here never banks down. The citizens of Chennai have their own customs when it comes to drinking and serving it. Its not a surprise that coffee has become one of the most sought after beverages here, owing to its many benefits.

Its history-in short

The birthplace of coffee is believed to have been somewhere in Ethiopia. However, it was not until the 17th century that the seeds reached the South Indian soil. The drink had already made its way to the other parts of the world by then. It was believed that a certain person, on his pilgrimage, came across the wonderful taste and experience of coffee. He then wanted the people of his city to taste and experience the heavenly feeling, the aroma and the richness of the beverage. So, it is said that he had brought a handful of these seeds, safely hidden inside his waist pouch. Thus, coffee entered the southern soil.

However, the people here were already contented with their traditional beverages, which included buttermilk, porridge and milk. So, naturally, the seeds took it own time to get accustomed to the people. Along with coffee came another refreshing beverage, which was in the form of leaves and went by the name of tea. Tea however, was more easily accepted by the people than coffee and was soon boiling in almost every house. By this time, India came under the control of the British and colonisation happened. During this time, the market was not in favour of the lower and middle classes as prices of even the basic amenities were high. This was another reason for the popularity of tea when compared to coffee. The price of tea was much cheaper than coffee, which was usually drunk by the upper classes and the officials. This was another reason why tea was usually called-“The poor man’s drink” by some.

However, by the start of the 19th century, the tables were turning and tea took a back seat. From then on till now, there was no turning back as coffee smartly captured the first position in the hearts of the people. Before long, every street corner, every road and side-road had a coffee stall. Today, in addition to the many coffee stalls propped up on the roads, there are various other coffee hang-outs, complete with plush interiors, foreign coffee recipes and fully air conditioned centres, sprawled across the map of Chennai.

The coffee culture

As coffee slowly gained popularity, it turned out to be more of a fashion statement for someone,to say that they are coffee-addicts. The modern coffee shops attracted quite a lot of people like flies attracted to a ripe banana.This may be termed as the modern coffee culture in Chennai. Almost contrary to the beliefs of the people, even the roadside stalls are equally frequented.

However, the people of Chennai have the best of both worlds. The traditional culture imbibes the warmth of one serving his/her guests by serving coffee as a complimentary, followed by snacks. The city dwellers prefer a milky blend of 70% coffee and 30% chicory. This is varied though, according to one’s requirement. The chicory content is either increased or decreased depending on whether one wants a strong or light blend. Back in the olden days, the meager average income was just enough to buy jaggery or honey, as sugar seemed almost improbable because of the taxes implied on them.

Coffee had become such an integral part of everyone’s lives that various coffee -powder producing shops opened up. These, specialized in grinding the raw coffee beans, brought in fresh, from the coffee estates. They had specialised grinding machines, where, fresh beans along with the chicory powder were put in the exact required proportion and were crushed to a fine powder. They are then packed and hermetically sealed to prevent the rich aroma and the taste from being lost.

Coffee was usually the beverage of the working class. Though there was a small hesitation in accepting the filtered coffee by certain groups of the society, it soon lost its steam and coffee found its way into the shelves of every home.

The filter ‘kaapi’

The perfect filter coffee is made by the right ingredients and the right vessels (or containers) are used. The filter, is a metallic, perforated, flat plate used to neatly filter only the essence of the coffee powder. This is in turn, used to make the essence or the decoction, from which the coffee is actually made, by mixing it with hot milk. The vessel used to make the decoction is a stainless steel vessel containing two halves. The top half contains the place where the perforated plate-like vessel is placed firmly. Boiled hot water, along with the coffee powder is poured in slowly at a steady rate to prevent solidification of the powder. It is then left for sometime for the essence to slowly sediment and drip down to the lower vessel which acts as a storage container.

Though there are various flavours and types of coffee now available, the basis for the preparation of the essence is pretty much the same.

Coffee has indeed become a part and parcel of the people of Chennai and there’s always the whiff of coffee in the air, here in Chennai.

July 20, 2014
Salads-Way To Good Health
Who doesn’t want to stay healthy these days?I sure want to!,but when it comes to staying fit and healthy people always think about dieting and exercising.Well exercising is something anyone can tolerate but what about dieting?Its nearly impossible for a foodie to diet.When it comes to diet it is always assumed that one must consume healthy food i.e to avoid oily and fatty substance,which definitely covers up all the food premises.Now on this situation the question is what to eat?the food should be healthy,as well as stomach filling,not to forget if the food is not appealing one may lose the appetite.Considering all the factors what comes first in your mind,no idea?then let me remind you of salads.Salad is one and only thing one can consume without any regrets and still have the stomach satisfaction.Salads are something one consumes not only to diet but even curb excess hunger,detox the body.This is a best way to take the intake of vitamins and minerals as it has abundance of good stuff.

Our body needs nutrients in a small amount to function properly and it is absolutely provided by the salad.When you cook a meal,most of the minerals and vitamins required for the body are destroyed due to various cooking methods.So to ensure that your body gets all the nutrients you need you should consume raw vegetables and fruits at least 2-3 times everyday.If you are keeping in mind to diet then you better remember that salad can be a blessing as well as a curse,it all depends on the type of dressing that you use.Dressings can derail your weight loss when poured with high calorie over the salads.Dressings like Here are few easy,simple,delicious and healthy salads with their advantages to make it very clear to you how and which salads you should consume.You better try these too as they are very different from what you consume everyday.

Green Bounty:

Ingredients:
- Iceberg lettuce
- Romaine lettuce
- Asparagus
- Orange segments
- Flaxseeds
- Mushrooms
Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Salt
USP:

This salad consists of abundance of antioxidants.It even has Omega-3 which is very important for a healthy heart.It proves very helpful to cure cold and gives a great vision.

Grilled Chicken Salad:

Ingredients:
- Grilled chicken
- goat cheese cubes
- rocket leaves
- roasted pine nuts
Dressing:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
USP:

As we have used chicken,the salad is very rich in protein as chicken has a large amount of protein.Protein helps in growth and repair of hair.It is not only good for hair but also for skin as it rejuvenates it.It is also very rich in vitamin C and iron which are good as anti-aging agents.

Rainbow Salad:

Ingredients:
- Red bell pepper
- Yellow bell pepper
- Romaine lettuce
- Broccoli
- Avocado
- Boiled corn
Dressing:
- Crushed basil
- Hung curd
- Salt and Pepper
USP:

There are different colors like a rainbow hence it is called a rainbow salad.This salad consists a lot of anti-oxidants,which is very necessary to boost the immunity of the body.The vision becomes more sharp and it is also good for digestion as it relives from constipation.

Green Apple Salad:

Ingredients:
- Green apple
- Spinach
- Romaine lettuce
- Roasted almonds
- Walnuts
Dressing:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Lime
USP:

Its an excellent source of carotenoids which is very good for eyesight.Iron which is a great source of energy and strength is consumable.As we all know that Omega-3 which is good for heart as well as brain is easily available in this salad.Not to forget the skin,it needs vitamin C for glow and you can have it in abundance in this salad.

Feta Salad:

Ingredients:
- Feta cheese
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Tomato
- Roasted croutons
- Olives
Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Herbs
USP:

It consists of an anti-oxidant known as lycopene and folate,very improtant for the heart.It helps to protect the heart from the risk of strokes.It also helps to protect from cardiovascular diseases.It is also a good source of magnesium which helps to maintain the diabetes and reduces insulin resistance.

Beetroot Salad:

Ingredients:
- Boiled beetroot
- Rocket leaves
- Feta cheese
- Hazelnuts
- Roasted Walnuts
Dressing:
- Salt and pepper
- Lime
- Herbs
USP:

Iron,like mentioned before is great for stamina and strength of a body.Vitamin E is good for body regulation and calcium for bones as we all know.Omega-3 as discussed above is very good for the health of the heart,wards off cardiac diseases,cancer and hyper tensions.

Couscous Salad:

Ingredients:
- Boiled couscous
- Boiled american corn kernels
- Finely chopped carrots
- Finely chopped celery
- Boiled Potato
- Roasted pine nuts
Dressing:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and Pepper
USP:

It is very rich in healthy fats which protect the heart whereas the antioxidants improve the memory and the advantages discussed above.

Below are few dressing which you should use when you are fixing a salad as they are more healthy than the other dressings people use:
- Tabasco
- Mustard
- Herbs and Peppers
- Vinaigrette
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Hung curd Ranch dressing
July 15, 2014
Tea Time: The Varieties
The monsoon has arrived and its time for tea!.Who doesn’t like a cup of tea in this weather be it what time.Okay,now that we speak of tea here do we even know how the tea was introduced?It is said that a jaded Chinese emperor was sitting under a tree with a bowl of hot water,when a leaf of wanton tree fell in it.It is assumed that it happened 2,737 years even before Christ.It is not yet known how they started to consume it though,did they add milk?did they boil it?did they use any of the techniques we use today?.To make it convenient tea bags were introduced so that people can drink it easily.Did you know that the tea bags were introduced in 1908 in United States by Thomas Sullivan.Its is misconception that tea is only consumed hot,have you ever heard of iced tea?It was first invented in 1904 by an Englishman named Richard Blechynden.The story is that this man served a tea which wasn’t selling because it turned out to be very hot so he instead used ice and the concept took on like a wild fire.

Now that the monsoon has started,everyone prefers having tea in this cold weather.You go out on a drive in rain with your friends and family and love to drink tea at a stall,the kettles and tha chai cups making a sound,all this has its different fun,nothing can beat it.Indians prefer having masala chai with pakodas.yummy!.Tea is just not for enjoyment but it is sometimes also used as medicine to cure few flues.Is the masala chai and cutting the only type of chai you can try?Get out of your comfort zone and try something else this time.Here are few famous teas mostly sipped in monsoon and you too can try this monsoon,hot as well as iced!

Paan Leaf Tea:

Ingredients:
- One third of paan leaf
- Pinch of fennel
- One crushed clove
- 200ml water
- Green tea
Procedure:
- Boil leaf,fennel and crushed clove in 200 ml of water.
- Brew 3 gm of green tea separately for around 3 min.
- You have to keep an eye on it and make sure no bubbles are formed.
- Add the concoction of the betel leaf into the the green tea.
- serve hot!
Rose Tea:

Ingredients:
- Dry rose petal
- One finely chopped almond
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Flush Darjeeling tea
- Rose water
- Sugar
Procedure:
- Take dry rose petals.You can dry these rose petals even at home by spreading them on a sheet and letting them dry under the sunlight but cover it with muslin cloth to retain its color and flavor.
- Boil it for 2 min
- Add around 4-7 rose petals with almonds and cinnamon.
- After they are boiled bring it to the room temperature.
- Now brew the 3 gm of flush Darjeeling tea for 3 min.
- Once it is brewed add it to the rose concoction.
- Later add rose water to it and add sugar for taste.
Tulsi Iced Tea:

Ingredients:
- Green tulsi leaves
- 2-3 Cloves
- 200 ml water
- 4 gm tea
- Honey
- Ice cubes
- Clove powder
Procedure:
- Chop around 10-12 tulsi leaves and crush cloves.
- boil this in 200 ml of water.
- After this add 4 gm of tea in the boiled tulsi water.
- Cover it and let it sit for 4 min.
- Later add honey and let it come to room temperature.
- After this transfer it in to a shaker and add ice cubes to it and shake well.
- You can garnish it with clove powder and tulsi leaves.
- You can even have this tea hot,just stop the procedure at being it hot,when hot and consumed it is good for health especially when caught cold.
Beetroot Iced Tea:

Ingredients:
- Beetroot
- Green chilli
- Green coriander
- Rock salt
- Sugar
- Lemon grass
- Assam tea
- Darjeeling tea
- Ice cubes
Procedure:
- Take a small beetroot and grate it.
- Take half green chilli and deseed it and chop one tbsp green coriander.
- Add 2 pinches rock salt,one tbsp sugar,one tbsp chopped lemon grass and boil all these ingredients together.
- Meanwhile brew 3 gm of Assam tea and one gm of Darjeeling tea second flush tea for almost 2 min.
- When the concoction is done mix them together.
- After that bring the mixture to room temperature.
- Take a shaker and add ice cubes to the mixture and you can even add chunks of beetroot if want.
- Shake well and serve cold.
Passion Fruit Tea:

Ingredients:
- Green cardamoms
- sugar
- Passion fruit
- Darjeeling tea
- Assam tea
Procedure:
- Use the pulp of the passion fruit,for about one tbsp scoop of pulp.
- Now crush around 3-4 whole green cardamoms.
- You can add this with 1.5 tbsp of sugar,keep this mixture aside.
- Boil water separately,now take it off from the gas and then add two gm of broken flush Darjeeling tea and two gm of long leaf Assam tea.
- Let it brew for another two min.
- When it is done you can add the mixture of the boiled water to the mixture of the passion fruit.
- Mix it well,remember not to strain it as the seeds are good for digestion.
July 15, 2014
Taste Some Magic

All the Harry Potter fans out there would understand the craving that I get when the famous trio enter The Great Hall or go for a walk in Hogsmeade. The delicious Pumpkin Pasties, Butterbeer, Chocolate Frogs and other magical treats sound too delicious to resist. So, if you haven’t got your Hogwarts letter yet but can’t wait to join the feast at the Great Hall then create your own Hogwarts feast wherever you are! Here are few recipes of the famous delicacies from the magical world of Harry Potter. So it’s time to treat your taste buds with some fiction.

BUTTERBEER

Ingredients:

1 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons of water

6 tablespoons of butter

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of cider vinegar

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon of rum extract

Cream soda

· Boil a mixture of sugar and water while stirring often.

· Now, in a bowl add the butter, salt, vinegar and 1/4 heavy cream. Set aside to cool. Add the mixture to the rum extract once it has cooled down.

· Take a bowl; combine 2 tablespoons of the sugar mixture with 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped.

· To serve, fill 1/4th of 4 tall glasses with the sugar mixture. Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each glass, and then stir them together. Fill it till top and serve.

PUMPKIN JUICE

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped edible fresh pumpkin chunks

2 cups apple juice

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 teaspoon allspice

Preparations:

· Grind the pumpkin pieces and squeeze out juice through a fine mesh strainer.

· Blend all ingredients together. Keep it in fridge and serve it with ice.

CHOCOLATE FROGS

Ingredients:

Plastic Frog Moulds

One package of melting chocolate

· Boil a pot of water, place a heat proof bowl on the top of the pot and put the chocolate inside.

· Stir the chocolate until melted.

· Pour your melted chocolate into your plastic moulds. Use a wooden spatula to help pour chocolate.

· Place moulds in the freezer and let it cool. Remove chocolate frogs and turn mould upside down onto a plate.

CAULDRON CAKES

Ingredients:

For the chocolate cupcakes

Butter

Chocolate chips

½ cup cocoa powder

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

Salt

2 eggs

3/4th cup sugar

For the Cauldron Cupcakes

1 dozen cupcakes

1 cup chocolate chips

4 teaspoon butter

½ cup melted chocolate

½ cup icing

Preparations:

· Melt the chocolate chips, cocoa powder and butter.

· Use a mixer to beat the eggs and vanilla together. Add sugar, baking powder, salt, and flour and mix them well. Now, add the melted chocolate mixture and stir well.

· Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil the cupcake tins and fill them with the mixture. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Take it out and allow them to cool.

· When the cupcakes have cooled, use a sharp knife to carve a small cone in the middle of it. To make the cauldrons, flip the cupcake and serve it bottoms up.

· Melt one cup of chocolate chips and 4 teaspoon of butter slowly. Dip the tops of the cupcakes in the glaze to make the cauldron bottom.

· Once the cupcakes are cooled, fill the core with the icing.

· To make the cauldron handles, take some melted chocolate in a Ziplock bag. Cut a small corner and make the handles on a wax paper. After it has cooled, attach them to the cupcakes.

· Serve your very own Cauldron cakes!

PUMPKIN PASTIES

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup salted butter

1 cup water

3/4 cup sugar

2 cups fresh pumpkin

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of ginger

1/4 teaspoon of cloves

1 ½ cups of milk

1/2 teaspoon of allspice

Preparations

· Whisk together the flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the butter until it resembles coarse yellow mixture.

· Add around 4 to 5 tablespoons of water and mix it until it starts clumping together.

· Now wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for an hour.

· Grind the pumpkin to get a thick paste. In a mixing bowl add sugar, milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Mix it well.

· Now make small balls out of the dough and roll it out on a flat surface. Using a small bowl cut out circles out it.

· Place the filling inside, fold over like a taco and crimp the edges together with a fork.

· Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

LICORICE WANDS

4 ounces of white chocolate

20 licorice twists

Sprinkles

· Melt the white chocolate, stirring frequently.

· Dip the ends of the licorice twists in the white chocolate. Put the sprinkles on it and let it cool. Serve it and taste the magic it creates!

ACID POPS

12 sour lollipops

4 packages pop rocks

1/4 cup honey

· Put the pop rocks in a bowl.

· Heat the honey for 20 to 30 seconds

· Coat the lollipops in the honey and roll in the pop rocks. If the honey thickens, heat it again.

· Place the lollipops on wax paper until dry.

· Prepare these as closely as possible to the serving time. If kept aside for a long time the pop rocks might become soft by absorbing some of the moisture in the honey

I bet these recipes got you excited to do some experimenting in your kitchen. Go on; turn your muggle kitchen into a portkey to the magical world of Harry Potter!

July 15, 2014
Berrilicious Treats
Richness of yogurt combined with flavor of blueberries make for a delectable treat. From parfait to cake filling. Lick lollies to salad dressing, there are interesting food ideas around the bowl of blueberry yogurt.

From creamy layers in a cake to a delicious, healthy dip, here’s how to add a spin to the usual bowl of blueberry yogurt. 1 Take a big bowl, fill the bottom layer with cake. Top it up with the blueberry yogurt and splash in some chopped berries. Repeat this layer. Add another layer of cake and top it up with icing sugar.this cake will leave you craving for more. 2 Fruit lovers can top their fruit plate with blueberry yogurt and little bit of honey and crunches on the top. This is a tasty, healthy option. 3 Churn blueberry yogurt to get a creamy texture and then freeze it. Your blueberry lick lolly is ready. 4 Blueberry yogurt is a dip in itself. One can also add to it crushed walnuts, sea salt and olive oil to it. Churn it and serve this dip with savory bread or finger vegetables. 5 Blend one cup of yogurt with some fresh herbs. Add 1tbsp of vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use it as a salad dressing and serve it over your favorite greens. 6 In a tall glass, layer blueberry yogurt, corn flakes and fresh fruits. Repeat this layer twice. Top it up with some strawberries and treat yourself with this irresistible parfait. 1. Blueberry smoothie- A. 4 tbsp sugar B. 1 inch cinnamon stick C. 4 dried rosebuds D. 1 star anise E. 1 tbsp coarsely chopped lemongrass F. 3 cups blueberry yogurt G. Mint leaves for garnishing In a medium saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water to boil. Add sugar, cinnamon stick, dried rosebuds, star anise and coarsely chopped lemongrass. Cook while stirring constantly for about a minute, till sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, cover and let it rest, until flavors are well absorbed. Strain and reserve. In a blender, combine blueberry yogurt and 2 tbsp spiced sugar syrup and blend well. Served chilled, garnished with mint leaves.
1. Blueberry yogurt muffins-
A. 1 cup all- purpose flour B. 6 tbsp sugar C. 1/4 tbsp salt D. 1/4 tbsp baking soda E. 1 egg F. 3 tbsp canola oil G. 1 egg H. 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt I. 2 tbsp 2% milk J. 1/2 cup fresh blueberries K. 1/4 tbsp baking powder In a small bowl,combine all purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. In another medium sized bowl,combine egg, yogurt, oil and milk. Stir into dry ingredients, until moistened. Fold in the blueberries.

Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups three fourths full. Bake at 350` for 20 to 22 minutes or until the toothpick inserted inside it comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
1. Blueberry yogurt pop sickle-
A. 2 cup fresh blueberries B. 2 cups vanilla or plain yogurt C. 1/4 cup white sugar D. 8 small paper cups E. 8 pop sickle sticks Place the mixed blueberries, vanilla yogurt and sugar into a blender. Cover, and blend until berries are chunky and smooth, as desired. Fill paper cups three – fourth with the fruit mixture. Cover the top of each cup with aluminum foil. Poke a pop sickle stick through the center of foil in each cup. Place the cups in the freezer for a minimum of 5 hours. To serve, remove the foil and the paper cups. 4. Lemon- blueberry yogurt loaf- A. 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour B. 2 tsp baking powder C. 1/2 tsp salt D. 1 cup sugar E. 3 large eggs F. 1 cup plain or blueberry yogurt G. 1/2 cup oil H. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract I. 1 1/2 cup fresh blueberries J. 1 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice K. 1 cup confectioner’s sugar L. 2 tsp grated lemon zest Preheat the oven to 350`, grease bottom and sides of loaf pan. In a medium bowl, combine together flour,baking powder, salt and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla extract and oil. Slowly combine the contents of both the bowls. In another bowl,add blueberries and remaining flour, and fold them gently into batter. Pour the batter into the oven for 50 to 55 minutes, until it is cooked properly. Let it cool for 10 minutes. While the loaf is cooling, make lemon syrup by mixing in sugar and lemon juice and cooking them for 3 minutes. With toothpick make holes in the loaf, and brush in the lemon syrup on the top and sides of the loaf. For lemon glaze, in a bowl add confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice. Pour the lemon glaze over the top of the loaf and let it harden for 15 minutes before serving. Quick facts about yogurt- 1. Yogurt, got its name from the Turkish word yogurur, which means long life. 2.Yogurt with added fruit jam was patented in 1933 by the Radlicka Mlekarna dairy in Prague. It was introduced to the United States in 1947. 3.It is believed that eating yogurt is associated with longevity. Eating yogurt regularly can help you absorb the nutrients in other foods. 4.According to many historical accounts, the creamy treat originated from primitive methods of milk storage in containers made from animal stomachs. The natural enzymes from these animal parts would curdle the milk, resulting in what we today know as yogurt.
July 15, 2014