Badam Pedas (Almond Pedas)

Ingredients:

• Almonds: 1 Cup
• Splenda Sugar: 1/2 Cup (Regular Powder Sugar: 1 Cup)
• Milk Powder: 1/2 Cup
• Ghee (Clarified Butter): 2 tbsp
• Milk: 3/4 Cup
• Cardamom Powder: Pinch
• Pink Color: 2 Drops

Procedure:

1. Soak almonds in a hot water for at least half an hour.
2. Peel the skin of almonds. Using milk blend almonds into fine paste. Use more milk if needed.
3. Add sugar, milk powder and blend the paste again.
4. Heat ghee in a non stick pan. Add almond paste and cook on medium heat. Don't forget to stir in between.
5. Cook this mixture till mixture starts leaving sides of pan.
6. Add cardamom powder, color and mix well. Remove pan from the heat.
7. Whip the batter using a spatula in a circular motion for about 2-3 minutes.
8. Allow it to cool.
9. Shape the mixture into small balls. Decorate pedas with toothpick.
   

With these sweet pedas I would like to wish everybody Happy Gudi Padwa !! Happy Ugadi !! May this new year will bring you all success.

This is my entry for Priya's FIC: Pink event started by Harini and JZ's Let's Go Nuts: Almonds event started by Aquadaze of Served with Love

Don't forgot to join Earth Hour 2009 on 28th March. If you are not able to turn off all lights of your home. You can just turn of your TV, Computers and other electric items. Save your earth.

Recipe Source:Manjula's Kitchen

Apple Grapefruit Salsa

Ingredients:

• Diced Apple: 1 Cup
• Grapefruit Chunks: 1 Cup
• Halved Black Grapes: 1/2 Cup
• Finely Chopped Onion: 1/4 Cup
• Ground Cumin: 1 tsp
• Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
• Finely Chopped Coriander: 2 tbsp
• Finely Chopped Jalapeño Chillies: As per Taste
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Procedure:

1. Mix everything together except salt and keep it in freeze for an half hour.
2. Then add salt and mix well everything gently.
3. Serve this salsa with tortilla chips or in tacos, burritos.

This is my entry for Vaishali's It's Vegan World: Mexican event.

Recipes For Rest of Us: Picnic Eats Round Up

Here comes the roundup of Recipes For Rest of Us: Picnic Event. Hope we all have enough picnic eats idea now.

1. Snacks:




Here is the alphabetical list

1. Besan Kachori / Bhargav Kachori by Sonal
2. Bhel by Rohini
3. Cassava Chips by Usha
4. Chickpea Cutlets by Me
5. Corn Chaat by Rachana
6. Dahi Vada by Sonal
7. Horha by Priyanka
8. Kalan and Paprika Poori by Asha
9. Makyacha Chivda by Preeti
10. Masala Puri by Supriya
11. Mathri, Nimki by Priyanka
12. Onion Cashew Pakoda by EasyCraft
13. Oven-baked Rosti by Divya
14. Potato Vermicilli Ball by Shama
15. Savory Cheese Muffins by Cham
16. Spinach and Feta Pockets by Asha
17. Stuffed Tortillas with Keema by Priya
18. Tomato Sandwich with Beets Mayo Sauce by Priya
19. Urad Daal Paratha by Priyanka
20. Veg French Toast by Rekha

2. Sweets:



Here is the alphabetical list:

1. Banana Muffins by Jayashree
2. Chocolate Spongies by Sharmilee
3. Choco Peda by Priya
4. Eggless Apple Raisin Muffins by Uma
5. Eggless Banana Muffins by Me
6. Eggless Dates Cake by Sharmilee
7. Eggless Orange Almond Cake by Gopi
8. Orange Loaf Cake by DK
9. Pommes Frittes (Fried Apples) by Uma
10. Shahi Tukhda(A Bread Saffron pudding) by Sharmilee
11. Stuffed Gulab Jamun by Priya

3. Other:




Here is the alphabetical list:

1. Banana- Coco Soy Smoothie by Varsha
2. Garlic Achaar by Suma
3. Grapefruit N Honey Salad by Priya
4. Thandai and Salad by Priyanka

Thank you very much Ramki of One Page Cookbooks for starting this wonderful event and sharing very simple recipes. Thank you very much everybody for participating in this event. I didn't add Swapna's entry as she copied photos from fellow blogger or other sites ( I just checked she removed her blog). Other than that if I forgot anybody's entry please let me know.

Anisheetu of My Kitchen gave me One Lovely Blog , Triple Awards, Great Buddy, Friend, The Amazing Blog, The Adorable Blog Awards. Thank you very much Anisheetu.

Cucumber Wheat Dosa

काकडीचा डोसा

Ingredients:

• Wheat Flour: 1 Cup
• Rice Flour: 1/4 Cup
• Fine Rava / Sooji : 1/4 Cup
• Cucumber Cubes with Skin: 2 Cups
• Green Chillies: 2
• Salt to Taste
• Oil

Procedure:

1. Make a smooth paste of cucumber and green chillies in a grinder.
2. Then add all flours, rava, salt to cucumber paste. Mix everything very well with spoon or you can blend it with blender. If needed add some water.
3. Heat one non stick griddle. Pour a small ladle of batter in the center, and spread out in circular motion till you get a thin layer. Drizzle some oil on and around the dosa.
4. Cook these till it starts become brown then remove from griddle.
5. Serve these lovely dosas with any chutney or sauce or potato sabji.

This is my entry to

1. Neha's AFAM: Cucumber event started by Maheshwari of Beyond The Ususal.
2. Roma's JFI: Wheat event started by Indira of Mahanandi.

Eggless Banana Muffins

I adopted this recipe from Suganya of Tasty Palettes. for Curry Leaf's Tried and Tasted event. I made these muffins eggless and added almonds instead of walnuts.

Ingredients:

• All Purpose Flour (Maida): 1 Cup
• Sugar: 1/2 Cup
• Baking Powder: 1/2 tsp
• Baking Soda: 1 tsp
• Salt: Pinch
• Oil: 1/4 Cup
• Low Fat Milk: 1/4 Cup
• Mashed Banana: 1
• Chopped Almonds: 1/4 Cup

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a muffin pan with liners.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar,baking soda very well.
3. In a separate bowl mix milk, oil.
4. Now add milk mixture into dry mixture and mix well till all ingredients get well combined.
5. Add almonds, banana and mix well again.
6. Fill the muffin pan 3/4 and bake it for 12-15 mins until golden brown.

This is my entry for

1. Curry leaf's Tried & T asted - Tasty Palettes event started by Zlamushka.
2. My Recipes For Rest of Us: Picnic Eats event started by Ramki of One Page Cookbooks.
3. PJ's Tasty Bites for Toddlers event.
4. Lakshmi's SWE: Meals on Wheels event.
5. Ashwini's MBP: Snacks & Savouries event started by Coffee of spice cafe.
6. JZ's Let's Go Nuts: Almonds event started by Aquadaze of Served with Love.

Now it's award time. JZ of Tasty Treats gave me 7 different awards - Triple Award, The Adorable Blog Award, The Amazing Blog, Good Chat Blog award,One Lovely Blog Award, You are a Sweetheart, Friends. I am very honoured by getting all these awards from you JZ. Thank you very much for all these awards.

MBP: Kids Food Roundup

Here comes the Roundup Of MBP: Kids Food. Thank you very much Coffee of Spice Cafe for starting this lovely event. With this event we tried each others recipes. Thank you very much for sending all these entries. I enjoyed hosting this event. I am posting these entries alphabetically.

1. Aloo Tikki by Hema who adapted this recipe from 365 days of pureVegetarian.
2. Apple Raisin Muffins by Uma who adapted this recipe from Madhuram.
3. Atta Nankatai by Ankita who adapted this recipe from Divya.
4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries by Poornima who adapted this recipe from Suganya .
5. Butter Cookies by Arundhati who adapted this recipe from Elsye.
6. Carrot Cake by Preeti who adapted this recipe from Sam.
7. Carrot Idli by notyet100 who adapted this recipe from Sharmila and Indrani.
8. Chickpea Cutlets by Me. I adapted this recipe from Mahimaa.
9. Cup Corns by Priya who adapted this recipe from Vibaas.
10. Double Ka Meetha by Neha who adapted this recipe from Mangala.
11. Eggless Almond Cookies by Me. I adapted this recipe from Ashwini.
12. Eggless Dates Cake by Saritha who adapted this recipe from Shilpa.
13. Ginger Bread by Preety who adapted this recipe from Pam.
14. Hashbrowns by Divya who adapted this recipe from Divya.
15. Milk Pedhas by Swapna who adapted this recipe from Lazzat.
16. Mozzarella Cheese Sticks by Asha who adapted this recipe from Priya.
17. Mysurpak by EC who adapted this recipe from Few Minute Wonders.
18. Pretzels by Preety who adapted this recipe from Belinda.
19. Rice Dhokla by Me. I adapted this recipe from Anupama.
20. Ricotta Cheese Fritters by DK who adapted this recipe from Amy.
21. Sago Idli by notyet100 who adapted this recipe from Lakshmi.
22. Vegetable Bread Balls by Priya who adapted this recipe from Divya's.
23. Whole Wheat Eggless Dates Cake by Mahimaa who adapted this recipe from Shilpa.

Again thank you very much for taking part in this event. Hope I didn't miss anyone's entry.

Awards, Awards & More Awards

This Holi brings me a lot of happiness. Y'day Pooja of Sai's Kitchen gave me four wonderful awards and today Sweet Uma of Essence of Andhra gave me 7 more awards. These awards are 'Good Chat Blog Award', 'You're a Sweetheart', 'One Lovely Blog Award', 'The Amazing Blog!', 'Triple Awards!' , 'Friends', 'The Adorable Blog' awards. JZ of Tasty Treats also gave me the 'The Adorable Blog' award.

Thank you very much Uma & JZ. By seeing this love I am speechless :) As above two awards are new to me I am passing these awards to my friends.

The rules for The Adorable Blog Award are:

Nominate as many blogs which show adorability, cuteness and charm. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I would like to pass these two awards to Cham, Ann, Varunavi , Bhagyashri, A_And_N, Ashwini.

Enjoy your awards !!

Thandai / Bhang (Almond Spices Milk)

Here comes the special drink of Holi ..'Thandai (Bhang)

Ingredients:

• Almonds: 1/2 Cup
• Milk: 1 & 1/2 Cup
• Sugar: 4 tbsp
• Whole Black pepeer: 1 tsp or as per taste
• Fennel Seeds (Saunf): 1 tbsp
• Poppy Seeds: 2 tbsp
• Whole Green Cardamom: 4
• Rose Water: 2 tbsp
• Water: As needed

Procedure:

1. Soak almonds in water for at least 5-6 hrs. Peel off skin of almonds & keep aside.
2. Grind black peper, fennel seeds, poppy seeds and cardamom to fine powder. Then add almonds, sugar and make a fine paste of almonds by using very small amount of water.
3. Strain this almond liquid through fine strainer.
4. Blend the leftover paste with small amount of water and strain it again.
5. Mix milk and rose water in almond liquid very well.
6. Serve this Thandai with ice.

All these goes to FestiveFood: Holi Hai event hosted by dear Purva

With this Thandai I would like to wish everyone HAPPY HOLI !! Enjoy the festival of Colors !!

Now it's Award time. Pooja of Sai Kitchen gave me four wonderful awards. These awards are 'Friends', 'You are a Sweet Heart', 'One Lovely Blog Award' and 'Triple Award'. Thank you very much Pooja for these lovely awards. I am so honored.



I would like to give these awards to lovely Priya, Asha, Mahimaa, Soma , Ashwini, Sharmi . Enjoy your awards !!

Recipe Source: Manjula's Kitchen

Rice Dhokla

I adapted this recipe from Anupama. This Dhokla little bit tastes like Idli but little bit sour than idli. As I did not make any changes I am giving recipe as it is.

Ingredients:

• Rice: 1 Cup
• Urad Dal: 1/4 Cup
• Sour Curd: 1 Cup
• Coarsely Ground Paper: As per Taste
• Salt To Taste
• Sugar To Taste
• Eno Fruit Salt : 1 tsp

For Tempering:

• Oil: 3 tbsp
• Mustard Seeds: 2 tsp
• Fresh Curry Leaves: 7-8
• Small Pinch of Turmeric Powder

Procedure:

1. Soak the rice and dal together for atleast 4-5 hours. After 4-5 hours grind the rice and dal to a fine paste. Leave this mixture for another 4-5 hours in a warm place. It does not need to ferment like the idli batter.
2. After 4-5 hours add curd, salt, sugar and pepper to the batter, and mix well. Add just enough water to get a smooth batter .
3. Oil a thali or dhokla stand . Add Eno Fruit salt to the batter . Mix well and immediately pour the batter into the Thali or Dhokla Mold.
4. Steam for 8 to 10 mins. Then let it cool for a while.
5. Prepare a tempering by adding mustard seeds and curry leaves to hot oil and spoon this over each piece of dhokla .
6. You can eat this dhokla with mint chutney or tamarind chutney anytime of the day.

I am sending this entry to MBP: Kids Food , MBP: Snacks & Savouries . Three cheers for Coffee who started this wonderful event.

With this nice snack I am wishing all my readers Happy Women's Day !! Enjoy your day.

Sweet Suparna of Food Fascination and Varunavi of My Kitchen's Aroma gave me this wonderful 'Friends' award. Thank you very much Suparan and Varunavi for this wonderful award. You both made my day.

This award comes with a responsibility. The responsibility to adhere to the norms as below:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement (? big word, lol). Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I would like to present this award to 8 fellow-bloggers who have always encouraged me through their comments and suggestions and request them to forward the chain.
Priya, Asha , vidhas, Uma , Usha , Neha , Vanamala , Vidhya

Enjoy these awards & Women's Day !!

Chickpea Cutlets

I love healthy dishes so when I saw Mahima's Chickpea Cutlets I decided to try them. I replaced potato with sweet potato and added extra carrots, onion. We loved these cutlets. Thank you very much Mahima for sharing this recipe.

Ingredients:

• Canned Chickpeas: 1 Can
• Boiled Sweet Potato: 1 Small
• Bread Crumbs: 1/2 Cup
• Finely Shredded Carrot: 1/2 Cup
• Finely Chopped Onion: 1/2 Cup
• Minced Ginger, Garlic, Green Chillies to Taste
• Coriander Powder: 1 tsp
• Cumin Powder: 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder: 2 Pinches
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
• Salt to Taste
• Oil

Procedure:

1. Mix onion, carrot, minced ginger-garlic-green chillies, lemon juice very well & keep aside for 5 min.
2. Meanwhile drain excess water from chick peas. Mash chick peas & sweet potatoes very well. Then add onion mixture & all other ingredients except oil into it. Mix it very well.
3. Make small patties of this mixture.
4. Heat some oil in a non stick griddle. Place cutlets, drizzle few drops of oil around the corner and shallow fry them from both sides till they become golden brown.
5. Serve these cutlets with any sauce, ketchup or chutney. You can use these cutlets in sandwich too.

I am sending this entry to MBP: Kids Food , MBP: Snacks & Savouries . Three cheers for Coffee who started this wonderful event. I am also sending this entry to Tasty Bites for Toddlers , Lentil Mela, My Legume Love Affair: Nineth Helping started by Susan . This entry also goes to Recipes For Rest of Us: Picnic Eats started by Ramki of One Page Cookbooks.

Ashiwini of Ashwini's Spicy Cuisine gave me 'Circle of Friends', 'Blogging with Purpose' and 'Great Buddy' Awards. Thank you very much Ashwini for these awards. Thank you very much Ashwini for these awards.

Only 4 days remains for MBP:Kids Food event so hurry up girls...

Green Peas Soup

Ingredients:

• Fresh or Frozen Green Peas: 2 Cups
• Fresh or Frozen Corn Kernels: 1 Cup
• Coconut Milk: 1 Cup
• Diced Onion: 1 Cup
• Chopped Ginger - Garlic : 1/2 tbsp
• Butter: 1 tbsp
• Vegetable Stock or Chicken Stock or Water : 3-4 Cups
• Red Chilli Powder to Taste
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
  

Procedure:

1. Heat butter in a heavy bottom sauce pan.
2. Add onion and ginger. Cook until they become little soft.
3. Then add green peas and corn kernels. Cook them for couple of minutes.
4. Then add red chilli powder, pepper. Mix well.
5. Add coconut milk, salt and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth or chicken broth.
6. Cook till peas & corns becomes soft.
7. Keep aside to cool down.
8. Blend this mixture in the blender to make a fine puree. Adjust the consistency of soup by adding water or stock.
9. Garnish this soup with cream & serve at room temperature or chilled.
   
   

This is my entry for Neha's SWC: Soups and Lisa's No Croutons Required: Indian-style vegetarian soup or salad event.

Varsha passed me 'Circle of Friends' and 'Blogging with Purpose' award. Thank you very much Varsha for passing this award to me. I am passing this award to all my readers.