Simple Christmas Fruit Cake

Now that Christmas is approaching near, cakes top the chart of preferred foods. Almost all confectioneries and shops store cakes of various sizes, flavors and colors. Fruit cakes are always a sought after variety during Christmas, for people of all ages. Here's a simple recipe for preparing fruit cake at home.
Baking time: approx 1 hr 30 mins.

Ingredients: Flour(200 grams), Mixed dried fruits(100 grams), Castor sugar(100 grams), 1 tsp lemon rind finely grated, 1 Egg, Butter(100 grams), Milk 1 cup.

Recipe: Prepare and preheat the oven for few seconds before pouring the batter. Grease the cake tin evenly with butter/cooking oil.
Preparing the batter: Take a hollow bowl and mix the butter with the flour. Add mixed fruits, sugar, lemon rinds and prepare a smooth and thick batter by adding the egg and milk. Pour the mixture in the preheated tin and bake at 180 degrees C or 350 degrees F, for about 1 hr 30 mins. Wait for some time till the cake cools and then turn it out on a flat tray or dish. Serve it with fresh cream.

It's Showering Awards!

Some more lovely awards from my friends...

Dear Uma of Essence of Andhra, Kitchen Flavors of Yummy Food, Arundhuti of Gourmet Affairs, Neema of Recipeswap, Vidhas of Appetizing Recipes, Malar Gandhi of Kitchen Tantra , Ramya of Ramya's Kitchen Corner , Adlak's Tiny World of Adlak's Kitchen and Andhra Flavors of For Spicy Lovers have showered me with a bunch of lovely awards..."Kreativ Blogger", "Great Buddy", "Hard Working Food Blogger", "360 Degree Foodie", "Inspiration", "Beautiful Site", "2008 Best Blog Darts Thinker" and "A Perfect Blend of Friendship" awards, along with the 7 interesting tags...Thanks a ton dear friends; you all really make me feel very happy and energized!!

Here are some facts about me:

7 Things I Say More Often: Are you sure? Thank you, Please, Bye, What? Arre baba, Take care.

7 Things I Did Before: Learnt music, Woke up early, Painted and sketched in leisure times, Believed and trusted almost everyone, Exercised regularly, Did postgraduation and secured good grades by putting in less effort, Studied for long hours.

7 Things I do now: Wake up late than before, Try to learn and cook tasty food, Blogging, Extensive writing(my passion now) in my job, newspaper and websites, Meditation and praying to God, Dreaming(whatever it may be), Listening to music and watching movies.

7 Things I Want to do: Traveling occasionally, Learn music again, Take up workouts seriously, Control my temper, Buy a car of my own, Stick to my resolutions(which somehow gets messed up), Learn a new language or something creative.

7 Things That Attract Me About Opposite Sex: Nice eyes and smile, Warmth, Generosity, Clean hygiene and habits, Sense of humor, Something done impromptu by him which will take me completely by surprise and make me smile, Sensitivity and care.

7 Favorite Foods: Biryani, Phuchka, Rolls, Chicken pakora, Spaghetti/Chowmein, Chicken kebabs, saucy/grilled fish preparations...(7 is too less for a foodie like me; how can I leave ice creams?)

I pass on these awards and tags to:

Swati, Vaishali, Happy Cook, Divya Vikram, Anamika, Lakshmi Venkatesh.

ENJOY FOLKS!!!

Awards Time!!

Some awards again! Shama of Easy2cookrecipes has passed me on the lovely Inspiration Award!


Kitchen Flavors of Yummy Food and Arundhuti of Gourmet Affair has been so sweet to pass me on an array of these wonderful awards...A Perfect Blend of Friendship Award, Butterfly Award, Chocoholic Award, Good Job Award and Inspiration Award!
Thanks a ton friends for thinking about me!! You all inspire and motivate me to work and achieve better!!






Vidhas of Appetizing Recipes thinks of me as great buddy and presented me with this lovely Great Buddy Award! Thanks dear and this feels great!!

Awards & A Special Sweetdish!

I love eating sweets, ice creams, desserts and interesting sweet dishes...but sadly these are oh-so-very sinful delights and I have to keep a watch on calories and weight:) Anyways, the festive season is still lingering...so here's a sweet dish which is my favorite(I guess for others too!). It is called Chhanar Payesh or Cottage Cheese Pudding. Try it and satisfy your taste buds!

You will need: Cottage cheese(100 grams), milk(500 ml), Condensed milk 1 tin, Sugar(2 tsp), 1 cup water, 2 tsp almonds(cut into pieces), Raisins(2 tsp), Pistachio( 2tsp).

Directions: Prepare a thin syrup with sugar and water. Add the cottage cheese in the syrup and mix it well. Boil the milk now for 2 minutes after adding the condensed milk to it. Now pour this milk into the cottage cheese in little quantities at a time. Stir and mix well. Add diced almonds, raisins and pistachio to the mix and keep in fridge. Serve cold.

Awards time!

My friend Shama of Easy2cookrecipes has presented me with this cute Good Job award.
Three of my other friends have honored me with these lovely awards! Kitchen Flavors was absolutely right when she passed me on this "I'm a Chocoholic" award...I have a passion for chocolates:)
PJ of Seduce Your Tastebuds and Adlaks' Tiny World has thought of my blog as one of the coolest ones and passed me on this Butterfly award. Thanks a ton all of you for thinking about me!!The rules of the award are:

Put the logo on your blog. Add a link to the person who awarded you. Nominate 10 other blogs. Add links to those blogs on yours, and leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

I would like to pass the Butterfly Award for the coolest blogs I know to:

Vegetable Platter
Andhra Flavors
Indian Khana
Essence of Andhra
Recipeswap
Plantain Leaf
Sweetbites
Holy Cow
Spice and Curry
Mom's Cooking

Wishing You All A Happy Deepavali !!!

Hey friends! Festival of lights is here again and a wonderful time for happiness and celebration.

Here's wishing all my friends, relatives, dear and loved ones a very Happy, Colorful and Safe Deepavali and Kali Puja!!!

ENJOY & HAVE FUN!!! BE SAFE WITH CRACKERS!!!




I would also like to pass on this beautiful Magic Lamp of Luck to my friend Adlak's Tiny World and this goes especially for her cute daughter! Best of luck dear and enjoy!!

Payesh/Payasam

Lakshmi Puja is celebrated in almost every home in West Bengal right after Durga Puja. This is a special day when different types of food are offered to the Goddess. One of them is Payesh or Payasam as it is known throughout India. Though many people prepare it with vermicelli, we prepare it with rice on this special occasion.

Here's a little bit different way of preparing this traditional dessert:

Ingredients: Basmati rice 100 grams, Milk 2 liters, Raisins 50 grams, Sugar 500 grams, Cashew nuts 50 grams, Pistachio(few), Ghee 1 tsp, Cardamom 3/4.

Procedure: Soak the rice and raisins separately for half and hour. In a hollow bottomed pan, heat the ghee and add the cardamoms. Now add the rice and stir lightly. Add milk. Now keep on stirring till it becomes thick. Then add sugar, raisins, cashew nuts, and when it becomes thick, remove it from flame. When it cools down, garnish with pistachio.

Durga Puja Celebrations: Prawn Curry with Yogurt

Durga Puja, our biggest and most favorite festival is just around the corner. This gorgeous festival starts with Mahalaya, which ushers the beginning of Durga Puja, and also announces the final stages of the puja. A lot of enthusiasm and joy surrounds this festival of four days. We wait for the entire year for Durga Puja and enjoy to the hilt. Durga Puja is not only about new clothes, fun, decorations, exchanging of wishes and love, but also a whole lot about delicious food. Whether it is eating out or cooking at home, everyone wants to try something new.

So here's a delicious and easy to prepare recipe which you can try during Durga Puja...enjoy!!



You will need: Tiger prawns(6/7), Yogurt 1-2 cups, 6 Green chillies(slit), Whole spices(garam masala not grounded) 1 tsp, Chilli powder 1 tsp, Sugar 1/2 cup, White cooking oil(according to requirement), Salt to taste.

Procedure: Heat oil in a shallow pan. Fry the prawns golden brown and keep aside. Now fry the whole spice separately for few seconds. Now add the prawns, beaten yogurt, green chillies, chilli powder and salt and stir for sometime. Keep it on flame till the oil gets separated. Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, paratha or roti!

Bhetki Hariyali

Hello everyone!

I'm back from my self-imposed hiatus, and posting after quite a long time. Blogging is such a passion for me that I cannot stay away from it for long:)

Here's a nice recipe that I would like to share with you all. It is very tasty and easy to prepare.

You will need: Bhetki Fish(6-8 pieces), Shredded Coconut(5-6 tsp), Green Chillies 4/5, Garlic cloves 2, Coriander 1 bunch, Cooking oil 4 tsp, Turmeric(according to your need), Cumin Seeds(Jeera) 1/2 tsp, Salt to taste.

Procedure: Wash the bhetki pieces and coat them with turmeric powder/paste and salt. Heat oil in a shallow pan and fry the pieces lightly. Now make a paste of shredded coconut, coriander, green chillies, and garlic together in a mixer. Heat oil and add cumin seeds and green chillies. Then add the paste in it. Saute properly. Add a little water. Then add salt to taste. When the entire thing comes to a boil, add the fishes. Boil for 5 more minutes. Put off the flame, but keep the pan on heat for 5 more minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice or chapati and garnish with slit green chillies, tomato slices and coriander.

Be Sexy While Eating!!!

How To Be Sexy Eating Messy Food



This is a really cute and funny video that I have found...check it out! It's sure to give you good laughs:)

Awards time...again!

My sweet friend Sireesha has passed me this nice "Blogging Friend Forever" award. Thanks a ton Sireesha! I am passing this award to:

Shreya

Sanhita

Sapna Anu B.George

Congrats friends and enjoy!!!

I am very happy to receive this cute Wylde Woman Award from my friend Kitchen Flavours...thanks a ton dear for considering me!

The rules of this award are:

1.You can give it to one or one hundred or any number in between - it's up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.

2. Link back to this blog site http://tammyvitale.typepad.com/ Tammy can go visit all these wonderful men and women and remember the Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgment to men and women, who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy. It's been a blessing and an inspiration to meet all of you through your wonderful blogs.

I would love to pass this award to:

Rashmi

Anamika

Sujatha

Harmony

Anitha

Congrats everybody!!!

Masoor Dal Vada/ Chana Dal Vada

These vadas are quite simple to prepare, and great as side dish with steamed rice. It can be prepared with masoor dal or a combination of chana dal(chholar dal) and yellow split pea dal(matar dal). The recipes are different, though both tastes wonderful!

For Masoor Dal Vada, you will need: Masoor dal(1 cup), Salt to taste, Mustard oil or any cooking oil, 1 Onion shredded, Black pepper(little).

Procdure: Soak the dal overnight. Strain the water the next day and make a paste of it in a mixer. Add salt, onions, diced green chillies or chilli powder and make a thick paste. Heat oil and prepare vadas and fry them golden brown. Serve with steamed rice.

For Chana Dal Vada, you will need: Equal quantities of chana dal and matar dal(yellow split pea dal), Salt to taste, Coconut(shredded or grinded), Sugar(little), Green chillies, Oil.

Procedure: Soak both the dals overnight. Strain the water the next day and make a paste of the entire thing with the shredded coconut in a mixer. Now add salt, sugar, green chillies and make a thick paste. Heat oil and prepare vadas and fry them golden brown. Serve with steamed rice.

ENJOY!!!

Magic Lamp of Luck, Tags and Some More...:)

These days I'm into so many things and busy with work. As usual, my blogging is going for a toss and I'm definitely not liking it:(

After all---I love my blogs and more so, love to interact with all my friends here. So here's what I would like to do quickly:

My friends Rekha's Kitchen and Notyet 100 has passed me the Magic Lamp of Luck. I am so thankful to you guys! THANX A LOT!!! I really need some luck now:) I hope the sweet genie brings some luck and surprises for me!!!

The mighty Genie King and the beautiful Genie Princess from the magical Land of Faraway are back! Upon escaping the clutches of their Evil Master after being held captive for 1000 years, the magical genies have been busy flying on their Magical Flying Carpet, granting wishes and spreading love throughout the blogosphere.

And now, the genies are back with a special gift for everyone! Behold the sacred, Magic Lamp of Luck! With this magic lamp, your blog will enjoy much good luck and fortune, warding off all things evil lurking around in the blogosphere. We would like to share this magic lamp with you so please pass on the Magic Lamp of Luck to those in need of some good luck. Remember, do not be greedy or unkind, evil or vengeful and good luck & fortune will always be with you! Join us on another exciting magical adventure as we spread goodwill and good luck to one and all!

* Start Copy Here*

1. Add your site(s) to the list once you have received the Magic Lamp of Luck.

2. Pass on the Magic Lamp of Luck to as many people as you like. After all, everyone needs some good luck!

3. Leave a comment HERE once you’ve passed on the Magic Lamp of Luck. Once the Genie King and Genie Princess have visited your site to make sure your links are complete and proper, you will then be added to the Master List.

4. To ensure everyone receives equal link benefit, please UPDATE your list regularly!

1-Mariuca 2-First Time Dad 3-Mariuca's Perfume Gallery 4-Emila's Illustrated Blog 5-The Other Side of Emila 6-My Sweet Escape 7-Bay Head Blog 8-Roxiticus Desperate Housewives 9-LadyJava's Lounge 10-Petty Ramblings of a Petty Queen 11-The Real Deal 12-Pinay Mommy Online 13-Perpustakaan 14-LadyJava Life's Pages 15-Make Money Online 16-Cat Tales 17-LadyJava's Food Paradise 18-Being Woman 19-Spicybug 20-Biz-N-Honey 21-Aeirin's Collections 22-Sasha Says 23-Project Heavy Traffic 24-Picture Clusters 25-My Wanderings 26-Maiylah's Snippets 27-Moments of Colours 28-Life Quest 29-BigMoneyList 30-The Best Parts 31-Morphed 32-Buhay Pinoy 33-Galatayo 34-Blogging Tips 35-Apples Of The Eyes 36-My Own Utopia 37-Sasha's Corner 38-Under One Roof 39-Say Cheese 40-A Great Pleasure 41-A Life in Bloom 42-Because Life is a Blessing 43-Digiscraptology 44-Xixi 45-Ode to Adrienne 46-CrankyDave 47-Simple Life 48-Dew Drops 49-The Journey 50-Mastering Your PC 51-Day Break 52-A Little Girl Talk 53-Mom Knows Everything 54-Day to Day 55-1 of a Kind Wis 56-It's a woman's world! 57-Breather 58-Photo Hook 59-Letterbox 60-Asian Mutt International 61-Dream Doe Philosophy 62-MommyAlehs Up-Close And Personal 63-Livin' the Life! 64-Restnrileks 65-English Corner 66-English Grammar 67-Bodybuilding & Fitness 68-Everything you need 69-One Stop Games 70-Blockbluster Movie Trailers 71-Bodybuilding & Human Growth Hormone 72-World of Tennis 73-Men's Health & Tips 74-Internet Marketing Strategy & Tips 75-Latest Technology 76-Tentang Binaraga 77-Berita Seputar Selebriti 78-Panduan Kesehatan 79-Insurance For You 80-Crissy's Zone 81-Crissy's Library 82-Crissy's Haven 83-sHeNzEe's wOrLd 84-Voice Of The Spirit 85-Best Cuisine Recipes 86-Stand My Ground 87-SeeNRead 88-This Is A Miracle 89-I AM KCAT 90-Traipsey Turvey 91-GBeX & DOm 92-Spun By A Seanachie 93-ISL Family 94-D' Cooking Mudra 95-'Story' the Great 96-UmmiRosma 97-Munirah Abd 98-Atie 99-Hit-or-Miss 100-Twisted Sister 101-Laketrees Artist 102-Blessed Sanctuary 103-Comedy Plus 104-Blogging By Sandee 105-Living Life to the Fullest 106-Speech-Less 107-Happy Life 108-My Discoveries 109-Strangely Out Of Place 110-Rooms of My Heart 111-The Paper Vision 112-Luxurious Retreats 113-Reef 114-Weekend Snapshot 115-Blessie's Finds 116-Confessions of An Army Wife 117-My Pooch Life 118-Five Martini Lunch 119-TIPS FROM THE TRAILER 120-PoeARTica 121-STAY AT HOME MOM 122-Rantings of a Woman 123-Sjtl's Weblog 124-Turn-u-Off 125-My World in My Own Word 126-Shawie 127-A New Saga 128-Janeth Vicy's Life Journey 129-Simple Reveries 130-Berry Blog 131-Touts4u 132-My So Called Life 133-La Vida es Hermosa 134-Speedcat Hollydale Page 135-mangosteenskin 136-Choc Mint Girl 137-Of Colors And Styles 138-Pinaymama's Diary 139-My Life's Rollercoaster Ride 140-My Life...My Journey! 141-Bonoriau 142-Jenny and Belle 143-Read My Mind 144-A Sweet Taste Of Life 145-Shopping Blog 146-Precious Moments 147-Feydakin 148-Hot Shit Form Here 149-A Mother's Simple Thoughts 150-Daily Ramblings Rendezvous 151-Miss Moneypenny's Comical Posts Undercover 152-My Precious Niche 153-Fun|Fierce|Fabulous 154-Colorful World of Shiela 155-Me,myself+2 156-Ozzy's Mom 157-Let's talk about MJ 158-Great people make us feel we can become great 159-A Family Man 160-Just the way it is... 161-In Depth 162-Attitude, the ULTIMATE POWER 163-Are You Grateful? 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The Magic Lamp of Luck has been proven to bring magic to each blog which keep the lamp and share it with others. So, what are you waiting for, take this lamp home with you!! Don't forget to follow the instructions, so the genies can make your wish came true!

I would like to pass on this Magic Lamp of Luck to---Swati: Sugarcraft India, Anamika: The Sugarcrafter, Vegetable Platter, Nags, and Sujatha.

GOOD LUCK FRIENDS!!!

Srikar's Kitchen had tagged me few days before. Thanks a lot for passing me that! I have done it before...so will skip it. Please find my answers in my previous posts.

Have a wonderful weekend all of you!

Healthy Fish Curry with Vegetables

This is one of my favorite recipes that my mom makes. This quintessential Bengali dish is tasty and easy on your stomach. I love this so much that I can eat it almost every day! The best part about this dish is--it has vegetables that are healthy and uses very little spices. It can even be served to children and ailing people, as it is full of nutrients.

Ingredients: Rohu or Katla fish(cut into pieces and smeared with turmeric and salt), 1 Potato, 3/4 Pointed Gourds(in Bengali it is called "potol" and in Hindi it is called"parwal"), 1 Eggplant, 1 tomato, Bori(this is especially a Bengali delicacy made from dal paste), Green beans, 1 Green Banana, 1 Cauliflower.
Spices: Ginger paste, Cumin seeds paste, Red chilli paste, Turmeric, Salt to taste, Vegetable oil.

Procedure: Fry the fish separately and keep aside. Fry the boris and keep separately. Pour oil into a shallow pan and add some ungrounded whole cumin seeds. Then add the diced vegetables and saute for a while. Fry until light golden brown. Now add ginger paste, cumin seed paste, chilli paste, turmeric, and salt and mix properly. Add proportional water in it. When the vegetables get boiled, add the fried fish. Before removing from flame, add a pinch of garam masala(spice) and serve hot with steamed rice.

P.S. --Sprinkle some fresh lemon juice as you enjoy with steamed rice, for enhanced taste!

Awards...And More About Me...

My friend Vegetable Platter has surprised me with this cute Friendship Award. Thank you so much :) I'm glad that I have friends like you!

I would like to pass this award to:

Rekha's Kitchen

Anamika

Swati Raman Garg












My dear friend Swati has tagged me. So here's more about me...

1) LAST MOVIE U SAW IN A THEATER?
"Race"...at Inox, Kolkata, and it was fabulous as a morning show.

2) WHAT BOOK ARE U READING?
None as of now.

3) FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
None at the moment.

4) FAVORITE MAGAZINE?
Femina, Sananda, Filmfare, Woman's Era.

5) FAVORITE SMELLS?
Smell of first raindrops on soil, vanilla, rose, new books, floral perfumes, aroma of freshly baked cakes, sandalwood...and lots more.

6) FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Rippling water, raindrops on a window pane, birds twittering, piano, thunder.

7) WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?
Not being loved.

8) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE?
Can't I sleep for 5 more minutes?

9) FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
None so special.

10) FUTURE CHILD'S NAME?
Not married yet:) Will think later.

11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—'IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’D'
Travel the entire world with my love.

12) DO U DRIVE FAST?
I don't own a car yet.

13) DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
I have a teddy, though it goes out of the room when I sleep:)

14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY?
Cool, only if the velocity is less; otherwise it is scary.

15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
None yet.

16) FAVORITE DRINK?
Pineapple punch.

17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD…
Start learning music once again...it's been so long since I left it :(

18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?
Nope!

19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
I think mahogany or burgundy.

20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN?
I have lived in Kharagpore, Stillwater(Oklahoma) and presently in Kolkata(Calcutta).

21) FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football, Tennis, Gymnastics, Swimming, Formula One.

22) ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Swati sent this to me and she's a very nice and warm friend!

23) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED?
Nothing.

24) WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN??
Definitely...but with few changes.

25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Morning person always, but I was a night owl for quite some time due to work.

26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
Sunny side up.

27) FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX?
My bed.

28) FAVORITE PIE?
Cheesecakes and pecan pies.

29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?

Strawberry, Coffee, Chocolate, Vanilla.

30) OF ALL THE PEOPLE U HAVE TAGGED, WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?
Hmm...hard to say.

I would like to tag:

Sailaja

A&N

All of you have a great time ahead!

Monsoon Specials: Bengali Khichdi with Beguni

Come monsoon, and our taste buds remind us of savoring something delicious. And what's better than treating yourself with steaming "khichdi" and bhajis? The heavy downpour outside perfectly matches with the sweet aroma of hot khichdi and fries. Of all the khichdi varieties, the authentic Bengali one is perhaps the best in taste and very easy to prepare. While khichdi can be prepared with both masoor and moong dal(lentils), the one made with moong dal definitely tastes best.

So here's the recipe for Bengali khichdi with moong dal for all you foodies:)

You will need: Precooked rice(one of those aromatic varieties, which Bengalees call "Atop Chawl"), Moong dal, Diced Vegetables-(Potatoes, Cauliflower, Tomato, Green peas, Green beans, Carrots), Ginger paste, Green chillies/Chilli paste,(Use onions if made with masoor dal) Ghee, Salt to taste, Sugar, Turmeric powder.

Procedure--Take equal quantities of rice and dal. First rinse the rice. Fry the dal golden brown in a dry pan. Take a shallow pan or hollow pot and heat oil(vegetable or mustard oil). Sprinkle some bay leaves and cumin seeds and add rice and dal in it. Saute for a while. Add the masalas, salt, and turmeric powder; saute for a while and add 3/4 cups of water. When it boils, add the diced veggies. Mix all ingredients properly and make sure that the rice and dal are boiled properly. The consistency should be thick and mushy. When the rice, dal, and veggies are boiled properly and the whole thing becomes thick, add sugar to taste. Add garam masala and generous dollops of ghee. Serve hot.

Beguni(Eggplant slices deep fried in batter)

You will need: 1 big eggplant; for the batter--Besan(gram flour), Rice powder(little),Black pepper, Salt, Chilli powder.

Procedure: Prepare the batter by mixing all of the above ingredients. Make sure that the batter is thick in consistency. Cut fine slices of eggplants. Dip the slices in batter, coating them evenly. Heat the oil properly. Keep the flame low and fry the slices golden brown.

Awards...once again!

I got this sweet ""GIANT BEAR HUG AWARD"

from my friend Andhra Flavors. Thank you very much! My hugs goes out to you as well:)

I would like to pass this award to:

Notyet100 for her wonderful culinary creations

Sagari for her yummy recipes and photos

Madhavi for her delicious and healthy dishes

Meera for her yummy Indian dishes

ENJOY YOUR AWARDS!!!

I'm also glad to get this beautiful YUM YUM AWARD



from another friend Notyet100. Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it!

I'm passing this award to:

Sireesha for her mouthwatering recipes

Swati for her delectable and artistic creations

Sowmya for her irresistible recipes

ENJOY YOUR AWARDS!!! YOU ALL ROCK!!!

My friend Sireesha has tagged me. Thanks a lot Sireesha! I really liked penning down my thoughts:) Here it goes...

What was I doing ten years ago?
I was fresh out of college and very happy:)

What are five things on my to-do list for today (non-work related)?

1. Blogging
2. Listening to music
3. Watching good films
4. Working out and yoga
5. Chatting with mom and sis

What are five snacks I enjoy?

1.Phuchka(panipuri)
2.samosa
3.Bhelpuri
4.egg/chicken rolls
5.chicken pakoras

What things would I do if I were a billionaire?

Travel to some exotic destinations of the world, do some charity, buy a house in NYC, open my own company...list goes on and on:)

Places I’ve lived:

Kolkata, Kharagpore, Stillwater(Oklahoma)

Jobs I’ve had:

I worked as a content writer,editor, copyeditor, and now a freelance journalist and writer.

Monsoon Favorites: Khichdi with Semolina

"Khichdi" or "Khichudi" as we commonly call it here in Bengal, is a popular recipe during monsoons. Khichdi is everyone's favorite, because it is great to taste, and can be prepared quite easily. Steaming hot khichdi with fries and chutney, is a must here during the rainy seasons! This delectable dish is really India's comfort food, being nutritious and yummy at the same time. Khichdis are of different types, cooked in a variety of ways, but more about them later.

Here's one easy to prepare recipe that's sure to tickle your tastebuds!

Ingredients: Suji or Semolina 200gms, Moong Dal(lentils) 150gms, Potatoes-2(diced), 1 Cauliflower(in small pieces), Green Peas(1cup), Ginger paste 1tsp, Green Chillies-2, Garam Masala(spices), Salt to taste, White cooking oil.

Procedure: In a dry shallow pan, fry the semolina(suji) and dal and keep separately. Fry the diced potatoes and cauliflower. Keep the dal semi-boiled. Now heat oil and saute some ginger paste first; add the fried potatoes and cauliflower, dal, green chillies, and boil for some more time. Add the semolina in this mix now. Add salt to taste. Just before taking off from the heat, add garam masala and ghee. Serve hot!

Yet Another Award!

I have been rewarded with yet another wonderful award. This one's called "Rockin' Girl Blogger" Award, and it has been passed on to me by my blogger friend Sireesha. Thank you Sireesha for considering me for the award! You really rock!

All of my blogger friends are great and I love their nice comments and suggestions on my blog. I'm glad that you all love my recipes and inspire me. You all rock and this award goes to all of you!

I'm passing on this award to few of you:) Cheers to all!

Sukanya of "Hot N' Sweet Bowl Index"

Swati of "Sugarcraft India"

Suma Rajesh of "Suma's Cuisine"

Andhra Flavors of "For Spicy Lovers"

and once again to Sireesha of Mom's Recipes for her wonderful creations.

You girls are amazing!

Thanks a Lot for the Award!

My blogger friend Sireesha has passed on these two beautiful awards to me. Thanks a lot Sireesha! I am glad that you chose me for the awards and found me eligible to receive them.

Nice Matters Award: Quoting my friend Sireesha, "Nice Matters Award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world.” I am very happy to get this award!

Good Chat Blog Award: This is one award I am fortunate to qualify for.

Once again, thank you Sireesha from the bottom of my heart for these wonderful awards and considering me for them!

Pickle Paratha

This one would be great as afternoon snacks or a side dish for dinner.

You will need: For the dough: White flour 500 gms, Salt, Sugar, Cooking oil.
For the pickle: Coriander, Mint leaves, Tamarind water, Salt, Sugar, Green chillies.

Procedure: Prepare the dough for paratha my mixing sugar and salt with the flour. Cover the dough now with a damp cotton cloth. For the chutney or pickle, make a paste with all the ingredients. Now add this paste to the dough and mix well. Prepare parathas(flat bread) either round or triangular, and fry them in cooking oil in a flat pan. Serve hot with pickle, spicy vegetables, butter, or yogurt.

Paneer(Cottage Cheese) Fried Rice

I learnt this recipe from my mom. I'm sure, this one's going to be a real favorite among veg food enthusiasts.

You will need: Cottage cheese(paneer) 200 gms, 1 medium-size Carrot(shredded), Green beans(chopped), Green peas, 1 large Onion(chopped), cooking oil, salt and sugar to taste, Soya sauce, Tomato sauce.

Procedure: Cut the cottage cheese in small cubes and fry lightly. Steam the vegetables and prepare the rice. Now saute the onions lightly in a shallow pan and mix the steamed vegetables with it. Add the sauted vegetables and the fried cottage cheese with the rice. Add salt, sugar, soya and tomato sauce and mix well. Serve hot.

Veggie Recipes With Rice

Few of my gourmet friends suggested me to put up some veggie dishes, which they can eat with rice, for lunch or dinner. So here's some really easy to prepare and great to taste veg dishes for you all. Enjoy!

Steamed Spinach:

You need: Spinach(chopped), black pepper, mustard oil, green chillies 3/4, poppy seed paste(we call it posto in Bengali), coconut(shredded).

Procedure: Boil the spinach properly after cleaning it. Drain the excess water. Heat mustard oil and add black pepper and chillies. Now add the spinach and saute for a while. When it becomes soft, add the poppy seed paste and shredded coconut. Saute for a while and remove from heat. Add little mustard oil on top and serve with steamed rice.


Spicy Okra(Masala Bhindi)

You need: 1 kg fresh okra(bhindi), mustard oil or any cooking oil, 1 large onion(sliced), 2/3 large tomatoes(sliced), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 6 garlic cloves(minced), 1 tsp coriander powder(or chopped coriander), 2 green chillies(chopped), salt to taste.

Procedure: Heat oil in a shallow pan and add the cumin seeds. Fry for a while. Add the onion slices, minced garlic, and green chillies and saute, until the onions turn golden brown. Now add the chopped okras(bhindi) and mix well. Add the coriander powder and light fry for few minutes. Add the tomato slices and cook for another 5 minutes. When you see that the okras are cooked and fried completely, remove from heat. You can eat this with rice, chapati or parathas.

Eggplant(brinjal) and Yogurt Curry


You need: 1 big or medium size eggplant, mustard 1 big tsp, poppy seed 1 tsp, yogurt 2 big tsp, red chilli powder 1 tsp, salt to taste, cooking oil, sugar to taste.

Procedure: Cut the eggplant(brinjal) into small cubes and fry lightly in a shallow pan. Keep aside. Now add two tsp oil in the pan and saute the mustard seed paste and poppy seed paste. Add the chilli powder and yogurt. Saute for a while. Now add the eggplant cubes, salt and sugar to taste. Cook for few minutes and serve hot with rice or chapati.

More veggie recipes to come next!

Delicious Mango Smoothie

Mangoes are available aplenty throughout summers. Eat them in any way you like, because it is rich in vitamin C, A, and beta carotene. You can have it sliced, frozen, coolers, shakes, ice creams, salsas, and in many other ways. One of my favorites is mango smoothie. I found this video which I thought of sharing with you. Learn step by step of preparing a mango smoothie.


How To Make A Mango Smoothie

What is your favorite summer recipe?

Here is a little brainstorming for all you food enthusiasts!

When the mercury soars sky high during summer months, there is a drastic change in our food habits and we become cautious of what we consume daily.

So here's a small quiz for you all--What is your favorite summer food? What do you crave for when the temperature is really high? Is it something cold? Salads? Soups? Ice creams?

Whatever might be your favorite, just share it with us!

My personal favorite? Well...it is just coolers and less spicy fish and veggies for me. And who can forget those yummy mango and melon shakes?

Chicken Sweet N Sour

People love eating lots of green veggies during summer months, as they are easy to digest and flush out the toxins from our body. But once in a while, it is okay to taste something delicious, so that you are not bored eating veggies. And what better way than savoring some delectable chicken recipes? While there are thousands of dishes prepared with chicken, this one is one of my favorites. It is easy to prepare and great to taste!

Ingredients: Chicken balls(preferably boneless) 10-12 pieces, Carrot-2, Cucumber-1, Large onions-2, Broccoli-7/8 pieces, Cabbage-200 gms, Lemon-2, Sugar-2 big tsp, Salt to taste, White cooking oil, Cornflour-1 or 2 tsp.

Procedure: Fry the chicken balls first and keep aside. Chop all the vegetables into small cubes and boil them in water, with little salt added to it. When it gets boiled, add lemon juice in it. Now add sugar. After that add the chicken balls in it.
Take cornflour, add a little water and make a smooth paste. When the broth comes to a boil, add this cornflour paste and keep on flame until it thickens. Serve hot garnished with onion rings!

Summer Specials: Mango Tango

This can be one of the best coolers, made with ripe mangoes, available throughout the summer months. Sip and beat the heat outside!

You will need: Ripe mangoes(diced) 2 cups, Ripe papaya(diced) 1 cup, Sugar 2 tsp, Chat masala 1/2 tsp, Crushed ice.

Procedure: Put all the ingredients in a mixer and prepare a smooth paste. If it is too thick, then add some chilled water. Add chat masala and serve with crushed ice on top.

Summer Specials: Spicy Red Melons...Aha!

I love summers for two things that I simply can't get enough of-watermelons and mangoes! With melons flooding the market, here is a simple, easy to prepare cooler to jazz up your summer months.

You will need: Watermelon 1, Sugar 1 big tsp, Chat masala(optional) 1 tsp, Crushed ice.

Procedure: Cut watermelon into small chunks and take out its seeds. Put the chunks in a mixer-grinder or juicer and take out the juice. Add chat masala, and sugar and blend well. Add crushed ice on top and enjoy!

Summer Specials: Grapes Sparkle

Sip this heavenly summer cooler while the mercury scales high...feel cool inside!

You will need: 4 Lemons, Black grapes(alternatively green grapes) 500 gms, Ginger ale 500 gms, Sugar(according to your taste).

Procedure: Prepare grape and lemon juice in a juicer and add sugar. Add ginger ale and blend well together. Serve with crushed ice on top and enjoy!