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Make A Subway Sandwich In 9 Easy Steps
We bake our own breads! Where have you read that claim before? Yes, you got it! Subway. It is a multinational, franchise-based sandwich (primarily) store that appeals to one’s appetite. Not only that, it makes the nutritionist in us somersault with joy, as we realize that it’s healthy. The amount of veggies that a subway sandwich has is surely good for one’s diet. Ever realized how those veggies felt cold even after microwaving the sandwich? Well, they do cut them up in advance, so you don’t have to wait for long to get your order. Subway allegedly mixes an element used to make rubbers – azodicarbonamide, in its bread. So, how do you get a fresh subway sandwich? It is time to make a subway sandwich in 9 easy steps. Promise! Wear your cooking-hat and start away.

1. For the loaf of bread

Subway offers a delightful variety of breads to choose from – Parmesan Oregano (recommended flavor) to multigrain (wholesome). Then there’s Honey Oat, Italian, Hearty Italian. Which bread would you take? Head out to the Bakery next to your home and demand a French Loaf (maybe sesame flavoured) or a Garlic Loaf. Be creative! Pick something that feels soft and smells heavenly. Well, you can’t pick out the size anymore because they come in a foot long size. You’ll have to do away with the popular innuendo – 6 or 12 inches? Things we do for the love of bread!

2. Choose your cheese

Ideally, a Cheddar Cheese Slice – a tad bit springy and just about salty would go best with a sandwich, but then one is free to experiment. Mozzarella is recommended only if you are going to microwave afterward, whereas Parmesan or Romano will be a bit hard. Slice your cheese up, place it before you have to ask anyone who moved your cheese!

3. Go veggies shopping

Yes, yes! We have all seen our mums bargain with the subzi-waala . We have also seen them carry tones of veggies from the supermarket like some superwoman. It’s time to go shopping! Make a list of the veggies you like. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce or cabbage leaves, cucumber, etc. Feeling a bit adventurous? You might consider carrots, potatoes or beat roots (not the usual subway veggies!). Get the bottled versions of jalapeno, pickles, olives. Want to make it colourful? Add bell-peppers – green, red and yellow. So yes, you can add any veggie to your liking but remember that it’s a sandwich, so don’t go on about adding okra.

4. Cut ‘em up

Before we proceed, wash the veggies thoroughly with tap water. The lettuce leaves are to be shredded. The tomatoes, onions, cucumbers are to be sliced. The bell-peppers are to be cut in thin, long strips. The bottled variety of veggies will come diced/sliced. The shape of the veggies matters as much as the taste. It has got to be perfect to the last detail!

5. Extra dollop of deliciousness

This is a tricky bit, because you have got to know what your taste buds yearn for. Would you like cubes of chicken or cottage cheese? Whatever be your call, marinate it with schezwan sauce. You may use any one of the spicy sauces – red chilly, green chilly, pizza sauce. Keep aside for 30 minutes. Now, sauté the cubes in two tablespoons of olive oil at a high flame for about 2 minutes. Add a tablespoon of sauce, stir it well for next 3 minutes. Don’t mash the soft cubes while you’re at it. Let it cool for a while.

6. Assemble
- Cut the loaf into half.
- Spread a coat of butter.
- Spread the cheese slices.
- Arrange the shredded and sliced veggies. Add the strips. In that order.
- Add the cubes of chicken/paneer. [Shouldn’t be hot]
Looks yum, right? Wait! We got work to do! Three more steps before you devour the healthy sandwich you made.

7. Make it “saucy”

As in, add the salad dressings/sauces. The thick white sauce- mayonnaise would enhance the taste by its creamy texture. Mustard has a tangy flavor which lasts a while, so remember to add just a wee amount of it. Add the Southwest, for a typical sandwich dressing. You might consider sweet onion or honey mustard to add a tinge of sweetness. No one can tell you which sauce to put. Let it be your secret ingredient.

8. Be a Master/Mistress of Spices

Want to spice your sandwich up? Add chilli flakes, oregano and just a pinch of black pepper powder. You might consider adding Italian herbs (not recommended) if you are truly in mood of an experiment – no matter the result. Meanwhile, stick to the pepper!

9. Heat it up! Eat it up!

Some people tend to microwave the bread before they assemble the sandwich but it’s better to do it after the whole thing is a step away from being gobbled up. This way it won’t taste utterly raw or over cooked but just about right. Butter up the outer sides. Microwave it for about 45 seconds. Your other option could be, heat it in a covered pan for 30 seconds. Here is our sandwich! Okay. Fine! Here is YOUR sandwich! Happy eating!
May 18, 2014
Fast and Smart: How to Pick Healthier Fast Food Options

Remember that day back in school when, while walking down the street with your mum, you had suggested that you be allowed to snack on a McChicken burger and skip the daal-chawal waiting at home? Mum had probably responded with a firm “NO”. Yes, fast food is unhealthy. That’s possibly one of the most repeated of the lessons we learn as kids. Yet, it comes with its own attractions: prompt dine-in service, speedy home deliveries, affordable and great-tasting options on the menu, etc. Given the sheer convenience, it is often only too easy to compromise with your conscience (and maybe, an expanding waistline) and find yourself at your nearest McDonald’s or Domino’s outlet. So what do you do then? The solution is simple: pick your fast food smartly.

Thankfully, smart fast food eating is not the myth you may think it is. With growing global concern over obesity and heart diseases ensuing from unhealthy eating, fast food chains the world over are making an effort to include healthier options in their menus. Besides, there are ways to make sure that that occasional treat at a fast food restaurant does not turn into the unhealthy grease fest that it has every potential to be. Here are a few simple tips:

Downsize your portion:

Super-sized portions of fast food usually cost you only a little extra: they are marketed as “value for money meals”. But while they may gratify your economic mind, they can pack a whopping nutritional blow to your body. Research shows that larger the serving in front of us, the more food we tend to eat even beyond satiation. Bear in mind: double the portion equals double the calories. If you’re almost principally opposed to passing on a meal deal, you could try splitting the large portion with a friend.

Design your own meal:

Choosing your own meal constituents gives you the opportunity of keeping the calories, sodium, and fat content in check, while boosting the fibre content. Opt for made-to-order fast food options, wherever possible. Ask for whole grain breads, buns, wraps, and pizza crusts. When choosing your fillings or toppings, try to include plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and legumes (dried beans, lentils, and peas). Privilege leaner fresh cooked meats such as roast beef, chicken, or turkey breast. Avoid processed deli meats such as salami and bologna. Choose low-fat milk products: steer clear of the extra cheese option.

Watch the “extras”:

Those little “extras” like salad dressings, sandwich sauces, mayo, spreads, and gravies that you add to your meal to indulge your taste buds can infuse your meal with more fat, calories, and salt than you had bargained for. Opt for lower-fat condiments such as ketchup, salsa, mustard, and relish. However, use them sparingly, since even these condiments have higher sodium content than recommended levels. Make it a point to ask for the “extras” on the side rather than a huge dollop on top, so that you can use small amounts as and when required.

Be salad savvy:

Salads are popularly hailed as healthy meal options. But beware: not all salads are equally, or even necessarily, healthy. For instance, a chicken Caesar salad laden with mayo can have about as many calories and as much fat as a deep fried chicken sandwich. When ordering your salad, go for leafy green ones. Religiously skip the croutons, bacon bits and fried noodles or tortillas; they are heavy on fat, calories, and sodium, while offering few good-for-you nutrients.

Drink Smart:

If you’re thirsty after a meal, there is nothing like water. If you want a filling beverage, skimmed milk is a great choice. Virgin fruit juices are a healthy beverage option, though not readily available. Try to avoid aerated drinks as far as possible. If you are craving a sugary drink, order the smallest size; a large glass can contain as many calories as a whole meal. In fact, milkshakes often contain more calories than most other items on the menu. Adding flavoured syrups or whipped cream to your beverage may increase its calorie content by 200-300. Adding milk instead of cream to your tea or coffee is a healthier choice.

Be Dessert-Wise:

When it comes to desserts think fresh and light. Fresh fruit, plain frozen yogurts, and sorbet are healthier options than ice cream and cakes. When in the mood to indulge your sweet tooth, watch your portions. Some large cookies may contain as many as 400 or more calories. An acceptable compromise might be to order one dessert and ask for many spoons to share with friends or family.

Don’t compromise on your breakfast basics:

We know how tempting it might be to quickly grab a McEgg burger during those rushed mornings, but it is important to remember that breakfast is your most important meal. You depend on your breakfast choices to give you the energy and nutrients you need through the day. Opt for oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, or whole grain bagels with peanut butter. Limit high fat options like doughnuts, pastries, muffins, croissants, bacon, sausages, and fried hash browns.

Fetch your Facts:

Make an informed choice. Before placing your order at a restaurant, ask for the nutrition profile of the meal ordered. Compare the percentages of calories, fat, sodium, sugar, fibre, and key nutrients – you may be surprised.

These quick tips should help make your occasional fast food experience healthier. Above all, remember that healthy eating is a matter of balancing your food choices over time. So if you overindulge at one meal, remember to compensate by eating wholesome, healthy food at your next meal.

May 18, 2014
Mock Meat – Eating for the Newly Vegan
If you are recently vegan, congratulations! Mother Earth will thank you, and so will all the animals that would have otherwise ended up on your platter or been tortured in high-temperature cells to provide you with your daily egg or glass of milk. Besides, you have made an excellent choice for your health: a vegan diet goes a long way in reducing risks of chronic degenerative disorders such as obesity, corollary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancers of the colon, the prostate, the stomach, the esophagus, and the breasts.

Given the benefits, making the transition is not really the ordeal it might appear to be to the hard-core meat-eater. With a large number of people the world over looking to veganism as an ethical and responsible way of living, a multitude of vegan products and places have sprung up to cater to this audience. Whether you are navigating through the aisles of your local supermarket or walking down the street during your lunch break, finding great-tasting and healthy vegan food is a breeze. If you are eating out, almost all restaurants have great selections of vegan options on their menus. For inspiration in the kitchen, you need look no further than the internet or your local bookstore for ideas on how to create mouth-watering vegan masterpieces.

We are sure veganism has been spiritually fulfilling for you so far. But what about those times when you have an intense meat craving? You wake up one morning and the usually dormant carnivore in you is insatiable. Would you give in? Or would you compromise with your taste buds? Thankfully, you don’t have to do either. With a range of mock-meats, nondairy cheeses/butters, and faux poultry products available in the market today, there is a way to fool your mouth into thinking that it’s getting its share of “non-vegetarian” delight, while your conscience remains spotless. A little bit of creativity is all you need! To help you get started, we have furnished here a few easy recipes that should help indulge your inner non-vegetarian.

BREAKFAST: Mock Sausage

Requirements:
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 cup dry textured vegetable protein granules
- 1 ½ cups mashed firm tofu
- 2 tsp. crumbled sage leaves
- 1 tsp. marjoram
- ½ tsp. garlic granules
- 1 ½ tsp. onion power
- ½ tsp. thyme
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup unbleached flour
Procedure:

Pour the water and the soy sauce over the textured vegetable protein in a bowl. Let it soften. Next, add all the other ingredients, spare the flour, and mix well. Once the mixture is cool, add the flour and mix well again. Now shape the mixture into 10 patties or 20 small “sausage links”. In a lightly oiled heavy frying pan, steam-fry the patties/sausage links in two batches over medium heat, covered, for at least 20 minutes, until firm and brown. Your mock-sausages are ready to eat. You can also refrigerate them for later consumption. To reheat, simply place in a covered, lightly oiled skillet with a few tablespoons of water and cook over high heat until the water evaporates.

LUNCH: ‘Chicken’ with Artichokes and Olives

Requirements

(makes 6 – 8 servings)
- 3 tbsp. flour
- 3 tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca
- 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth
- 8 oz. frozen artichokes hearts
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 3-4 oz. sliced olives
- 2 tsp. curry powder
- ¾ tsp. dried thyme, crushed
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1 ½ lbs. (about ½ kg) faux chicken, shredded (try brands like Beyond Meat or Morningstar Farms)
Procedure:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, tapioca, and broth. Add the mushrooms, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, onions, olives, and faux chicken. Stir in the curry powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on high until soft and blended (estimated time of cooking: about 90 minutes). Serve with hot steamed rice.

DINNER: Veggie ‘Chicken’ Salad in Pita Pockets

Requirements:

(makes 3-4 servings)
- 1 ½ lbs. faux chicken
- 1 small jar of veggie mayo
- Pickles, diced
- Jalapenos, sliced
- Mushroom, diced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- A few leaves of lettuce
- 1 onion, sliced
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp. salt (optional)
- 6-8 pita pocket shells
Procedure:

Cut the faux chicken into small pieces. Combine the pickles, jalapenos, mushroom, lettuce, tomato, onion, (or any other vegetable/fruit of your choice). Add some mayo and mix well. Lightly sprinkle with pepper and salt. Let the salad mixture stand for about 10 to 15 minutes. Next, fill the pita pockets with the mixture and serve cold.

DESSERT: Cherry Cheese Cake

Requirements:

(makes 8 servings)
- 2-8 oz. containers plain, nondairy cream cheese, softened (Try Tofutti for brand)
- 1 cup sugar
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- A dash of vanilla
- 1 graham cracker crust
- 1 can cherry pie filling
Procedure:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the nondairy cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla, and pour into the graham cracker crust. Bake until the top layer is golden (estimated time: about 60 minutes). Refrigerate overnight. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly on top. Serve chilled.

So now you know that unlike a lot of other responsible choices, veganism does not have to include a compendium of compromises. It’s easy, it’s healthy, and it’s fun. Give yourself a pat on the back, all you vegans!

(Recipes sourced from www.peta.org)
May 16, 2014
Anybody can Cook – Your one step Guide to become a Good Cook

World cuisine is a term that has always been fantasized by all the foodies out there. Many of us are even well aware of the history, developments and latest trends in each of those cuisines. Well, this article is not going to talk about anything of that sort. On a general basis, many of us reading this article would agree if I say that ‘Masterchef Australia’ shows which aired on Star World channel had a major part in teaching culinary lessons and also about world cuisine! Being an Indian and watching ‘Masterchef Australia’, there were days when we used to go out on a hunt for the so-called ‘Australian’ cooking ingredients, which had all been in vain. While watching these shows, there was a moment of realization and understanding about how simple many of these cuisines were, and how the life and culture of a region affected the development of its cuisine. Personally, Italian cuisine had a major impact on my cooking style which turns out to be a combined version of Indian and Italian – may be termed as Indo-Italian! Well, the point here is that, it is always good to have one’s own theories and inspirations about cooking.

One important lesson that these shows taught most of its audiences was the presentation of a dish – an area which was not explored much by many of us, especially housewives. And that helped in changing the perspective of cooking among many of them. Most of the Indian housewives consider cooking as a part of their ‘duty’ as a housewife, rather than a passion. Though they give uttermost care during the process of making a dish, presentation was not among their primary concerns. But after the advent of such shows, there seems to be a slight change in attitude. Such cooking shows aired on television do a great deal in evoking that spirit of cooking within the most unlikeliest of people, including myself. Though the start-off dishes were the Australian and Italian dishes – mostly by name and not by its taste – the Indian ones were pulled off easily later on, after acquiring the basic understanding about cooking as an art. Cookery shows like ‘Masterchef Australia’, rather than being a mere competition, also teach a lot of culinary skills. Well, I can proudly say that I learnt to cook the perfect mashed potato after watching the former season of Masterchef Australia.

Another side to this is the remade and dubbed versions of the original ones. It is very rare to find such remade versions growing to become a success in their respective languages. In many of those versions, the spirit of cooking is rather overshadowed by an emotional drama among the contestants, turning a competition into a mega serial show. Cooking when seen as an art and passion, and not just a mere daily routine, can give a lot of self-satisfaction and joy of creating something of your own. And to see such a growing passion in children at such a young age is more than just heartening. In this age of video games and advancements in the Internet technology, amongst kids who have simply lost the spirit of outdoor games and traditions, it is a good sign to see a bunch of young kids out there showing a great deal of interest in developing culinary skills. Kudos to all those Masterchef shows, and kudos, without any doubt, to all the parents who support them!!

And to end it all, many among us feel that cooking is an art and great sense of taste does not just to come to anyone. Well, here is good news: ‘Anybody can cook’; people who watched the movie Ratatouille would know that!! It’s just a passion that can be developed by anyone. But once that is done, and then you are sure to find yourself in an eternal relationship with food!!

May 16, 2014
One True Love

Dedicated to my true love,

For a long time we’ve been made to believe that the greatest romance is been between that of a man and a woman and we believed it was true because it all seemed legit. But is it really true?

Last week I was walking back home from a hard day where I had to stay back and work on my lab classes which was pending and it was the week before exams. The time was 7 in the evening and I decided to take a direct bus home. It was a bad decision, very bad decision. I had not eaten for the past 7 hours and even then it wasn’t a proper meal. The bus stopped 200 meters away from my college due to an election rally which was happening nearby in the middle of the highway and my house was still a two hour drive away. Next to me was Neha, the girl who I always wanted to talk to. Apparently she had been staying back for her lab as well. This moment should have been “WOW”. But on the contrary it was depressing. I was sitting there hoping for the bus to move. I couldn’t think straight and all I wanted to do was eat a cheesy burst pizza or cream n onion pasta. I turn to look at her and a craving for hot south Indian masala dosa fills my mind. But isn’t she the girl I always wanted to talk to? I should have made the move! I’ve seen heroes jump off rooftops to save their girl and here I was thinking about pizzas,”yum, and the thought of it even now”. We did strike a conversation atlas and all I could ask her was “You hungry too Neha?”

The bus moved at snail’s pace and on the way I saw a Chinese restaurant and immediately that guy inside me wanted to jump out of the bus and into the restaurant,”Ohhh the spring rolls and noodles!!” but wait a minute “Is it starting to drizzle?,wow this must be my luckiest day! Rain in the middle of a cruel summer!” And at the same time my mind is still dreaming about French fries and I couldn’t take my mind off cream n onion pasta! I decided I was being stupid surely! It’s NEHAA next to me.The girl who I’ve been wanting to talk to all these days and here she was next to me doing nothing and definitely ready for a chit chat, I turn to her and the smell of Roti and dahl from the nearby dhaba fills me.Oh my God! I just found a new love ROTI N DAHL Makhni!

The Paradise Found

After all these hardships and distractions I reached my bus stop at 10pm and I didn’t turn back to look at her, I got down and made a dash for my home and on my way I was still dreaming about the possible delicious steamed idly with sambar my mom would have made.I reached home and what a “pleasant” surprise! A locked door greeted me and my dog Sheeba looking at me from our balcony. I called my mom and asked her where she was for which she replied the whole family had gone out for a wedding reception and they were going to eat there! This whole thing was becoming too cruel. It’s not funny anymore! I walk out to the nearest hotel and yes you are right the hotel closes at 10pm sharp!

I hadn’t eaten in 10 hours and it was likely that my stomach would actually die a painful death! The vision was blurring and all I could think of was food, watermelon juice and the wild strawberry cream I had in my friend’s birthday party the day before. Then there was a smell of onions and spinach. The familiar smell of road side chat! I turn to look and yes I was right! It wasn’t my imagination. It was “Kumar anna” who was pushing his 4 wheeled cart and selling his famous pani poori and dahi poori!

After that moment for the next 15 minutes I don’t remember what happened or what I ordered.I remember eating a lot of poori’s curd and the final moment of drinking sweetened lassi ,the taste which still fills my mouth or maybe my heart! I realized the truth behind the saying “The easiest way to a man’s heart is through his mouth!”

The Real Love of my Life

I have been single all my life. I’ve been longing to talk to this beautiful Neha for the past three years. The old logic man-woman true love should have made me talk to her! At least get her number. I should have walked her home! But at that moment all I could think about was the delicious smell of chilly parathas, the crispy finger chips and MY GOD the cream n onion pasta! The girl was a dream but she was second to food and I think she will always be. I found my true love that day. I love my food and yes all kinds of it and I think in moments of need the craving for food outlasts and outclasses my craving for the so called true boy-girl love.

I have found my paradise, I have found my love, I LOVE MY FOOD. period.

May 16, 2014
Malnutrition in India

“What the people of the world want most and have always wanted is bread and peace.”
– Patricia Young, UN General Assembly

Food is an integral part of festivities, marriage and just any other function. It’s the food and only the food that gets talked about. It is said people when fed to satisfaction shower blessings and utter auspicious words.

We the fortunate ones get to eat and waste all we want. Who would now console that mother who lost her son because of malnutrition? Who would comfort the pregnant mother who found out she and the kid are anemic and is unable to do a thing? Who would tell the little Ravi his share of milk can’t be afforded? These people need answers. Give it to them before it is too late.
They say life is precious and rarest amongst all the creations of god. India today faces highest number of infant deaths because of malnutrition. But no one seems to care.

They say we are on par with other western countries in terms of technology and education, but are we human enough to see the uglier and attention needed part of this country? That part of the society that doesn’t need the branded jeans you have. That part of the society that doesn’t need your BMW. That part of the society that doesn’t need your riches. That part of the society that only wants enough food to survive and enough water to quench it’s thirst. The laws they say fix the amount of wage, but did they forget to rise it amidst the inflation? They conveniently did so. They have salaries that could feed a family of 30, why would they care?

A nation is only as rich as its citizens. If a toddler is deprived of his required meal, which I am sure wouldn’t cost more than a meal at any fancy restaurant I wonder where we are headed. The nation housing world’s top B-school does nothing when it loses a child to malnutrition. The nation that rewards the cricket players with huge chunk of money for bringing home the world cup does nothing for the anemic children. The country that is tagged to be under-developing will remain so if it continues to ignore. The nation known for it’s rich culture is unable to feed it’s own people. The nation which is known for it’s Gandhi and it’s Ambani has just lost it’s son somewhere. The nation known to be humane has turned ruthless.

It is estimated that 7000 people die in a day in India because of hunger. It is such irony to find a rich man run to digest his meals and his poor counterpart run to earn his meal. The meal which god alone knows would land in his hand or that of the cruel landlord. His plight and his cries are just down in his rags.

It is such a shame to see the so-called heads show nepotism in the ration sold at a lower price for the people below poverty line. It is trenchant how there is compulsory education and no help for people who can’t afford 2 meals a day. The turmoils of society are often to the women of the family.By being a wife she house the responsibility of feeding the family. What would she cook if there are no grains? All she can do is see hunger in the eyes of her kids and have a knife digging her heart each time she looks at their eyes. It is conventional to see the men get bottles of rum around the newspapers when their little one needs a packet of milk. Don’t blame the drunkard man. He buys liquor because it is easily available and cheaper than the vegetables and rice his family would have fed on. This has to change, and it will ONLY change when people make effort.

The world is in a mad race. Everyone runs. They have no time to pause and look around. To help those in need. To enjoy the simple pleasures of giving. To see the happiness of that kid you just gave your chocolate to. To just buy a packet of milk to that kid that hasn’t seen it’s meal in 3 days. But again who would care? It’s not their kid anyway. Society measures you in the Villa you buy, the car you drive, the clothes you wear and not in the smiles you spread or the life you changed.

Well you don’t worry. Go to a pizzeria. Order your favorite pizza and don’t you forget extra cheese! Eat till your heart and stomach is loaded . Go to that fancy buffet you always dreamed of and eat all you want. Oh, do waste food because you can afford to and don’t have to lose a life to malnutrition.

May 16, 2014
Beverages To Keep You Cool This Summer

The 40 F plus temperatures, the scorching Sun, the long vacations, the sweaty bodies, the fast metabolism rates, the urge to sip-in or bite into something soothing – this and much more defines Summers. And here we are again! Can’t eat a whole lot at one go in Summers, the hunger pangs claw into your tummy post-dinner and post-lunch. What to sip? What to nibble? Something to cool you off! Something that would make Summers not just about bearable but enjoyable! These are the trademark summer-time cool-offs that we all look forward to and are always up for!

9. Carbonated Drinks/ Soda

Local Soda Shops are sprouting everywhere. They offer orange, kaala-khatta, lemon and various flavored sodas. There are bottled sodas and then there are packaged sodas! You can opt for the multinational variety of carbonated drinks too – be it cola or mango based. It sure feels good to feel that fizz in your mouth as the sun brews up the temperature around you. Open a can of happiness! Indeed!

8. Mocktails/ Cocktails

A concoction of few of your favourite drinks/items and you’ve got a mocktail/ cocktail in your hand. What’s more! It’s so easy that anyone can prepare one! You get to add everything you want, right from soda to that big jug of beer sitting snugly in your fridge! If you happen to be a teetotaler, you can always avoid the alcoholic beverages and opt for fresh fruit juices – pineapple, kiwi or sweet-lime. So get a glass of drink in your hand and get transported to a Hawaiian Beach this summer.

7. Milkshakes/ Smoothies

Bored of your glass of Bournvita? Want to add flavours to your drink? Go get that glass of milkshake! Be it banana, chickoo or mango! Oh well, if chocolate if your thing, then so be it! Are milkshakes too thick for your taste? Opt for smoothies! All it takes is a few ice-cubes to smooth your milkshake out. Remember to do your shake-dance before you decide to sip your glass full of awesomeness!

6. Cold Coffee/Iced Tea/ Cold Cocoa

Are you a Caffeine junkie who has to have a cup, no matter the temperature of the room? Well, discard the hot boiling cups of Coffee and Tea. Switch to Cold Coffee and Iced Tea. Try flavours like Irish Coffee, Frappe. Sip a lemon, ginger or mint Iced Tea! And if you got a sweet-tooth to cater to, opt for cold cocoa and go to choco-land! These drinks are sure to up your energy levels and help you while you get through a hot day.

5. Falooda

Want to try something new? Falooda is a rose flavoured, milk-based cold-drink with variants like khas and strawberries. A perfect sweet drink to turn to during summers! It contains scoops of ice-cream and once you have had it, you can be sure to feel content. It leaves a syrupy taste in your mouth thanks to rose. Falooda goes on to prove that rose by any name tastes the same!

4. Thandai

Thandai has loads of dry fruits, masala and malai! And milk! It’s a popular drink during Holi and Mahashivaratri, when a bit of bhang is added. For day to day basis, it is a glassful of calories but all in good taste! Kesar is added to thadai to give it the original taste. You may select your favourite dry fruit and prepare a version of thandai by adding just crushed almonds/walnuts to your glass of cold milk like kesar milk, badam milk and so on. Let thandai cool your soul and senses!

3. Chaas/ Lassi

Do you like yogurt? If so, these are the drinks for you! Many people chug glasses of Chaas and Lassi as part of their staple diets. Masala Chaas with coriander leaves is a light dairy-based cold-drink to sip anytime, anywhere – with or without a meal. A lassi on the other hand is a bit on heavier side. It comes in flavours like salt, sweet and fruity additions. A glass of buttermilk is enriching and fulfilling at the same time.

2. Sharbats/ Fruit Juices

So many flavours to choose from! Rose, Kokum, Saunf, Nimboo, Pudina? What do you want? They come in bottled flavours and all you got to do is add a spoonful of liquid to a glass of chilled water. The other option is to blend the fresh fruits – be it watermelon, pineapple or pomegranate. The raw mango juice is a one of a kind which helps you to face the hot summer winds and adds to your stamina, keeping you hydrated. The question now remains, to sip or not to?

1. Barf Ke Gole/ Slushie

That grated ice on a stick, which you quintessentially get on the roadside lorries is a thing to enjoy during Summers. The more the ice absorbs the juice, the better it is to slurp! It has the same flavours as the sharbats, and more! The gola-waalas have taken it a step further by adding grated fruits, chocolates, dry-fruits, coconuts to your gola, with a slice of cream! This is unofficially the best slurpie ever! So, what are you waiting for? Go! Slurp on! Sip on!

May 16, 2014
Popular restaurant Chains visited by the Populace

Restaurants are the first thing that come in our mind when there are plans of going out with friends or family. And when it comes to choosing restaurants, we go for the most acclaimed ones, with highest ratings and the best reviews. We sometimes prefer international cuisine with a bit of Indian touch to satisfy our taste buds. This is the list of some of the famous national and international food chains visited quite frequently.

Pizza Hut:

Pizza Hut was originally an American chain of restaurants which later became an international franchise. Pizza Hut has various outlets in major cities of India. It offers garlic breads, pasta, lasagne and desserts, in addition to pizzas. The pizzas offered by the Indian outlets have been slightly modified to suit our taste buds. They are more spicier, added with Indian flavours. It is one of the best hang-outs for pizza lovers, with a good ambience and an excellent service. The fun part about Pizza Hut is that you can clang the bell after you’ve paid your bill to express your satisfaction with their services.

Domino’s Pizza:

Also an American franchise, this is the second largest pizza chain in the US after the Pizza Hut. Similar to the Pizza Hut, Domino’s have tailored their pizzas to cater to our taste buds. Domino’s explains their lack of cutlery by saying thus, ‘Our pizzas taste better without knives and forks’. Domino’s outlets are seen in every locality we go to, thus providing an excellent home delivery service. Most of the time, they keep their 30-minute delivery promise, but when they don’t, they don’t delay the delivery by more than 10 minutes. It is the best way to enjoy a sleepover with our friends, munching on pizzas and listening to the stories each other has to offer.

Cafe Coffee Day:

Unlike Pizza Hut and Domino’s Pizza, Cafe Coffee Day is an Indian cafe chain. Abbreviated as CCD, they specialize in coffee, tea and finger foods. It is very famous among the youth and the outlets are present at many places in India and as well as a few international outlets are available at Prague, Karachi, Vienna and Dubai. The atmosphere is relaxing and composed, and many students visit CCD to discuss about their projects or simply to hang-out. It has been mentioned in the books ‘Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition’ by Chetan Bhagat and ‘The Bankster’ by Ravi Subramaninan.

KFC:

Initially known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, it was first established in Kentucky, and has now spread to become an international franchise. It is frequented by chicken lovers who devour lovingly on the food and drinks. KFC is known for its famous catering trade secret, the ’11 herbs and spices’. The secret has been signed by Colonel Sanders himself (the founder of KFC), and is kept in a safe vault in Louisville. Despite specializing in chicken, KFC also has a wide range of dishes for the vegetarians. KFC is sought-after for the ease in which the orders are placed and the minimal time taken to receive it.

McDonald’s:

Another American corporation, which has spread its roots to various countries, McDonald’s is yet another famous food chain in India. They specialize in burger, and like Domino’s and Pizza Hut, they have ‘Indian-ized’ their burgers. One of McDonald’s special feature is the drive-in takeaway services, which only very few restaurants provide. It is the kids’ favourite hangout because they get a chance to take pictures with the McDonald’s mascot and get free toys in their Happy Meals. What better way is there to have meals than play with the free toys, right?

Barbeque Nation:

Like the Cafe Coffee Day, Barbeque Nation is an Indian restaurant chain. It is especially famous for its mouth-watering starters and desserts. The starters are unlimited, which would be added on and on, until the famous trademark flag is let down. When the flag is down, it is an indication that the starter service be stopped.. The service is excellent, and the attendants make sure that there is not one moment when we are not chewing. After a point, the refilling is overwhelming, and we end up pulling the flag down. The main course provided here is excellent too. In addition to these, there are at least half a dozen different desserts, excluding the ice-cream, to choose from. Personally, I would recommend their starter, Cajun spiced potato as a must-try.

Mainland China:

This Chinese cuisine was started by yet another Indian hotelier. A favourite haunts among the lovers of Chinese cuisine, this chain of restaurant’s food claims to have authentic Chinese taste. The setting of the restaurant provides a very Chinese feel to the entire place. One of the most trusted food joints, it is frequented by their regulars and newbies alike.

Subway:

Yet another American fast-food joint, Subway is one of the famous fast food joints in India, with their outlets available in most of the shopping malls. Subway is one of those few fast-food joints that boast on the fresh and healthy food provided by them. They don’t employ the use of preservatives and each sub if freshly prepared. In addition to subs, they also provide salads and cookies. It can be safely said that Subway is the healthiest restaurant in this list.

These restaurants are more popular than most regional ones because of their various outlets. There are many more food joints, which are smaller in scale, but is constrained within a particular locality, which serves food as wonderful as the ones mentioned above.

May 16, 2014
The Brahmin Weddings

Marriages they say, are made in heaven. The bonds that last a life time and follows you throughout the seven circles of life you are supposed to complete.

The weddings in the traditional Brahmin households are extravagant. Traditionally the weddings would last a good 19 days. With the ever evolving present, it is exclusively celebrated for 3 days. It is usually organized by the bride and her family.

Pre – wedding rituals

Nischitartham – It is a formal announcement of the bride and the groom being engaged in front of the elders and other family members. Gifts and clothes are exchanged. The horoscopes of the bride and the groom is matched and an auspicious day in the future is fixed for the marriage.

Devarasamardhna – It is a function where in the bride and the groom separately worship the sacred fire and seek blessings from the lord. They pray for a healthy and auspicious life ahead. The mantras are usually chanted in Sanskrit.

Vara pooja – The groom is formally welcomed to the marriage hall, by the bride and her family. He is showered with gifts and clothes

THE WEDDING

The respective houses of the bride and the groom are decorated using mango leaves and flowers. Colourful lights are also added.

The hall where the marriage is to take place houses a mandapam. This mandapam is filled with the voices of the scholars reciting the auspicious sanskrit mantras. The bride offers prayers to lord Ganesha and goddess Gowri and her gothram (which is the identity of her father’s family) is then changed to that of the groom family.

The groom on the other hand performs a ritual called kashiyatra. Here the groom says he is above all the worldly pleasures and wants to go the holy city of Kashi. He is then stopped by the bride’s father and her cousins and is swayed to take the responsibilities of the household.

After the ritual the bride is accompanied by her maternal uncles and brother and brought to the mandapam. Then a ritual called Kanyadanam is performed. The feet of the groom who is believed to be the incarnation of lord Vishnu is washed. The bride and the groom are not allowed to see each other before muhurtam . At the pre decided time ( during nischitartam) the bride and the groom place seeds of cumin and jaggery on each other’s head. This symbolizes the hand over of the bride to the groom.

After this the sacred fire is worshiped and the mangalyam is tied around the neck of the bride. Then a small portion of bride’s saree and a small portion of the grooms outfit is tied. They walk seven steps around the fire hand in hand , promising to be there through the good and bad times. The groom then adorns the bride’s feet with silver toe rings.

The wedding ceremonies comes to an end when the bride and the groom share their first exquisite meal on the plantain leaf together.

May 15, 2014
SNACK WITHOUT GUILT
Until recently the common wisdom on snacking was that it was bad; something you must be guilty about. Don’t eat between meals, you were told. It will ruin your teeth, make you gain weight and spoil your appetite. Far from true! “The word snack has a negative connotation, but it can be a good thing.” Dieticians, nutrition and fitness experts now say the best way to keep healthy is by eating small frequent meals. It keeps you from overeating at mealtimes and fires your metabolism.

Why we need to snack

Intake of food and breakdown of it during metabolism releases glucose-the simplest form of sugar. This glucose is taken up by insulin and used to regulate the body’s energy levels. All this takes place in the spleen. Twice a day a healthy person’s blood sugar dips when the glucosein the blood gets used up. This brings on lethargy. This is when snacks come in handy. It is essential to get it right.

The right time, right pace

It is generally two hours after breakfast and a couple of hours after lunch that you need to pump your blood sugar, these are the high activity zones of our day when maximum energy is consumed either at work or while doing chores at home. A feeling of lethargy, lack of concentration, compulsive eagerness to get over with work and head over coffee machine indicates tumbling sugar level but very often we confuse the need for a break with the need to snack. We end up munching out of boredom.

What to eat, what to drop

Look for foods with complex carbohydrates (wholegrain breads or fiber-filled vegetables). Combine them with protein rich stuff like low fat cheese. High protein snacks keep you full longer and may reduce the amount you eat next time. The ideal break up for a person should be:

carbohydrates: 10 to 12 grams

Proteins: 5 to 6 grams

Fats and oils: 3 to 5 grams

You could get this from:

A cup of tea with whole wheat bread, sandwich (skip the mayonnaise), try low-fat cheese or a glass of sweet lassi with a bowl of upma or poha or fresh juice with medium sized sprouts.

Snack smart

DO’S
- Balancing snacks with meals is a clever idea. If you had a carbohydrate rich breakfast and no protein, at snack time pick up low cal flavored yogurt.
- Eat a variety of foods with different food groups and tastes to fill up on nutrition deficit.
- If you are self confused sweet lover, try to replace a few sugary snacks with more healthy ones. It may not be very difficult.
DON’Ts
- Snacks by definition are quickies but that does not mean you stuff them in a speed. Eat your food slowly. The brain transmits the message of food satiation when you chew leisurely.
- Do not couple foods of the same food group together. To get maximum value from nutrients, select food from different groups.
- When ordering out, remember that you needn’t eat the entire portion. Go for pooled snacks share them with friends.
The right drinks

Avoid coffee, tea and colas. Packaged juices have high sugar level but the added vitamins and minerals make them preferable to drink. Stick to calorie free drinks such as iced tea or club soda with a twist of lime. But remember nothing beats a glass of cool freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Snacking strategies

We never plan for snacks simply because the idea of impending lunch or dinner is too overwhelming both for cooking and eating. Being a smart snacker is not that tough it only needs you too understand the logic of healthy snacking planning and buying groceries wisely.

At home
- Go for steamed veggies or cut salads accompanied by a yogurt or mint dip.
- Toast small pieces of whole wheat bread. Dip them in olive oil, flavored with some oregano and chili flakes.
- A bowl of cut fruits is great idea. Different fruits for breakfast and snack time should be your mantra
- Satisfy cravings in a healthier ways. Get a chilled milkshake, stirred with drinking chocolate.
At work
- Dip into a cup of yogurt. There is a huge variety in the market. Carry them along with you if you don’t get them in the office canteen.
- Pack some light snacks. Sprouts, cut vegetables, fruits or idlis. Prepare them the previous evening and store them in the fridge for office next day.
- Simply nibbling on a cucumber works!
When out shopping
- Identify juice and salad bars. Ask for fruit and vegetable juices. They are nutritious and filling.
- Stop over cafes and takeaways that give you a break from oily stuff.
- Go for a yogurt smoothie and gelato.
- Carry a pack of roasted grams and nuts in your bag. They give you an instant energy boost.
- Avoid steamed corn (they are frozen and packaged). Always look out for a freshly roasted corn.
Pacing your snacks with your meals is all important and required for a healthy living. Many of us watch what we eat through the day-only to lose control at the end of the day if we have been starving. If you catch yourself eating in large quantities, grabbing chips and digging into ice creams, watch out!!
January 4, 2014