Pecan pie

I was surprised with the simplicity of this mouthwatering pie..it's a must make recipe!

1) I used a small store bought pie crust foil plate( u can make your own if U wish) butter with digestive buscuits mixed together make a good base too.

2)In a pan mix ( I've used less of each since we like it less less sweet)

-half a stick or 8 spoons of butter

- half a cup of brown sugar

- 3/4th cup of maple syrup (corn syrup or pancake syrup works too)

- half a teaspoon of vanilla extract

Once it's melted together

3) beat 3 eggs separately with a pinch of salt and add in the cooled syrup.

4) Stir in half a cup of chopped pecans (you can use full pecans too)

5) bake for 15-20 minutes in a 350 degree farenheit oven.

Serve with whipped cream. It was so yummy that we did not have any left overs.;-) sure to be a good treat!

Roast Turkey

There are so many ways to marinate and roast a turkey that finding a perfect recipe is difficult since each family have their own taste preferences.I'm looking forward to perfect this amazing way of cooking each year.

Inspired by Chef Gordon Ramsay I made this roast Turkey for Thanksgiving which was not dry and very tasty with the gravy. It's good dish to know this festive season.If your not a turkey fan you can make it with Chicken.It might be even better:-)

The main principle behind this method of cooking is to keep the bird moist, you can use brined turkey or dry rub marinated but I like to keep it overnight with the simple - tangy marinade below.

1)first step is

Mix 

-one and a half stick of butter or 12 spoons of unsalted butter 

-with a big bunch of chopped parsely.

-3-4 spoons of olive oil

-2 lemon juice and zest

- 3 cloves of puréed garlic

- salt and pepper 

Open up the skin over the back and stuff this butter mixture in between the skin and flesh of the turkey from the back and front and on the surface.

2) Season the Turkey inside with salt and pepper and stuff

-2 onions

-1 lemon cut into haves.

-one dried bay leaf 

- two springs of Rosemary.

keep this overnight in the fridge.

3)Before roasting drizzle olive oil and a spoon of kashmiri chilli powder on top of the turkey .

4) The rule is to bake half an hour per kg of turkey, basting every half an hour.

I used 8 lbs or 3.996 kg Turkey so the total baking time would be 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

First step in the baking process is to bake it

-first in 420 degree Fahrenheit or 220 degree Celsius oven for 10 minutes 

- remove from oven, baste and cover with 5-6 smoked streaky bacon,and few cloves pushed in the back bone end

- and bake in 350 degree Fahrenheit or 180 degree Celsius for 2 hours and 45 minutes basting with the juices in the tray at every half an hour.

The bacon, butter and olive oil will help to keep the truly moist in the roasting process.

- Its important to rest the turkey for 3 hours before serving.I decorated the turkey with cornbread stuffing and pomegranate rubies!

For the gravy,

1)Drain the excess fat from the roasting juices 

2) fry together

-chop and add in the stuffed

-Onion

-lemon

- crispy bacon on too of the turkey.

-a spring of rosemary

- one chopped tomato

-the unwanted bits of the turkey like the wing tip, neck

3) add in the roasting juices,once it is reduced a little, add in

-2 cups of chicken stock

Reduce again,

-add dry cider (optional)

4) seive it to get a smooth gravy 

5)check seasoning and serve with a spring of Rosemary and garnish. 

Goes very well with the turkey, potato casserole, pork with apricot and pistastio stuffing and all other sides.

It's all worth it:-)

Profiterole....a French Classic!

This dessert called profiterole or 'choux a la creme' in French are small round puffy buns filled with creme and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Perfect combination of flavours....This perfect dessert or snack is simple enough and my all time favorite, a must try!!

There are many variations and ways you can experiment with it once you make the basic choux right.

I made nearly 24 of it with this recipe, Smaller the  better, so next time I would try to make it even smaller. 

----To make the chox dough,

 1) boil 

- one cup water

- half a stick of butter or 4 tablespoons of butter.

Once the butter is melted and is bubbling

2) add in 

-one cup of all purpose flour

And mix till all comes together into a dough.

3) Remove from heat at this point and Once it's cooled 

4) add in

- 4 eggs- beating one at a time till a smooth paste is formed 

5) drop a spoon (or more according to the size and shape u prefer) of it on a greased tray .You can use a piping bag for more precise and equal sized drops.

6) Bake for 400 degree Fahrenheit for 15 minutes and 350 degree faranheit for 5 or 10 more minutes as needed .

These can be filled according to your liking.

I filled it with yummy French vanilla pudding by piping it in each profiterole and topped with more pudding and homemade chocolate sauce.

----For the the filling

- I used one packet of instant french vanilla pudding powder.

mixed it with

-one cup of double cream

- half a cup of milk

And beat until thick.

(whipped cream or whipped icecream also works well !!)

----For the chocolate sauce,

I melted 

-Half cup of semisweet chocolate chips with

-2 spoons of milk 

And drizzled over...

( coca powder with milk, sugar and butter works too)

This dessert is very easy specially for a group of people..appealing to the eyes and taste buds:-) yumm

Pomegranate-almond milk shake.

To make this lovely drink it's important to get good quality red ripe pomegranate. The ruby red of the pomegranate comes out beautifully to create magic and makes anyone feel special:-)

This is how I made it.

1)Separate the pomegranate rubies from the skin.

2) Blend 

-one cup of pomegranate rubies

-half a cup of milk .

 (A scoop of vanilla icecream if u like it more creamy. U can use unflavored almond milk or even soy milk) 

- one spoon of sliced almonds (powdered or crushed works too)

-one spoon of caster sugar( add more according to taste).

3)Strain the juice to remove the seeds to get a smooth consistency .

4)Garnish with sliced almonds and serve:-) 

It's easy,beautiful to sight and good for u too!!

Mushroom puffs with Indian spices

These puffs were a huge success and I recommend u all to try. Its full of flavour and I like it even better than meat puffs.

This recipe was created from my instincts, few fresh button mushrooms and a left over pastry sheet which was stuck together. I rolled it out and cut into 8 triangles.Hence the cute small shaped parcels;)

To start with,

1) keep ready one sheet of pepperidge farm puff pastry sheet cut into ur desired shape.

2)for the filling

- flavor the hot oil with one thinly sliced garlic.As it sizzles..

- saute one finely chopped red onion.

- one green chilli chopped.

- once the onion is lightly browned

- add in two cups of cleaned and diced button mushrooms.

- add salt and pepper and let it sweat out all it's liquid and cook well.

-keep stirring till the oil starts separating  

3) now add the spices and sauté 

- half a teaspoon turmeric powder 

- one teaspoon coriander powder 

-half a teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder

- half a teaspoon garam masala powder

- juice of half a lemon.

4) saute till everything is combined and 

adjust salt.

5) once the filling is slightly cooled,fill it in each cut pastry sheet and roll into desired shape.

6) Brush egg wash ( one egg and one spoon milk beaten together) on each parcel and bake in 400 degree F or 200 degree C oven for 20 minutes.

Cool and serve!!! I present to u mushroom puffs:-)

FISH MOLLIE

Mild, creamy and heartwarming is what comes to mind when I think of

fish Mollie. Story goes that it was created to suit the less spicy taste of the Europeans during their reign in Kerala. My version of it is very simple-full of flavor and anyone can easily make it.

 To start with,

1) Marinate 6pieces of boneless fish cut into halves for 30-45 min.I used boneless Tilapia this time .if bone and skin on-use 3 medium size fish cut into halfs. ( I prefer the bone in)

-one spoon Turmeric powder

-one spoon crushed pepper

-one spoon crushed ginger

-few curry leaves(optional)

-one- two spoons coconut oil

-salt 

2)Fry the fish pieces on high flame in canola oil or coconut oil until half cooked and slightly brown on the outside.Keep aside.

3)In a another pan-in some coconut oil-saute

-one onion

-one spoon of ginger cut in to matchsticks

-2-3green chillis slit open

once its all slightly roasted add in

-one spoon of coriander powder

-one teaspoon turmeric

-one teaspoon pepper powder

-3 tomatoes cut in to quarters

saute till it all comes together-most of the tomatoes must hold its shape.

4)Add in one and a half cup of medium thick coconut milk and few torn curry leaves and let it bubble.(I used coconut milk powder available in Indian stores-you can use pure pressed coconut milk or canned coconut milk)

5)Add in the fish pieces into the bubbling concoction..cover and cook for nearly 5 minutes till the flavors intermingle.

  

6)Add in one cup of thick coconut milk and remove from heat as soon as its lightly heated and add salt as needed.

Serve it with parrotta,Chapatti,Appam,Rice,naan or even flour tortilla.

This dish is magic with simple flavorful ingredients like coconut milk which gives the creaminess ,tomato-sour, green chilli ,ginger, pepper-heat and ofcourse-coconut oil,curry leaves, coriander powder -the unique combination of flavors that cannot be replaced.

Caramel bread pudding

Inspired by Nigella,this bread pudding is so simple that u can make it with ingredients always present at home.A great way to use left over bread too.Its simple,Heartwarming and delicious.

1)Apply butter on 10 bread slices,make pairs and cut into triangles.Arrange it on a baking tray and keep aside.(you can remove the crust if you don't like it,i enjoy the crunch it gives)

2)Next take a pan,

-pour one fourth cup of water 

-and half a cup of sugar.

Let it bubble and get caramelized,into a light brown syrup.(Its important not to stir when the sugar is melting.)

3)Once it is caramelized, immediately remove from heat and

- Whisk in two cups of milk really fast 

(if u want it more creamy add in one cup of milk and one cup of double cream)

-and 3 eggs lightly beaten in a bowl

4)Put back on the heat and stir till the sugar is completely dissolved.

5)Now pour this hot custard mixture on the arranged bread so that it is completely soaked.

6)Bake in  a 325 degree F or 180 degree C oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

7)Sprinkle with almonds or any nut or even chocolate chips (Optional)

Serve it hot or cold as it is or with fresh cream ...slurp;)!

Spagetti in mushroom sauce

Its true that traditionally spaghetti is served with meat and tomato dishes.But since my hubby likes spaghetti the most,i try to make it in different ways.This one is so simple and basic,yet creamy and full of flavor.

1)Boil a hand full of  spaghetti,in salted water for 5-7 minutes.Drain and keep aside.

2)Saute

- 3 big cloves of minced garlic in olive oil as it sizzles,

3)Immediately add in 

-two cups of diced button mushrooms marinated with juice of half a lemon.(i like to prepare the mushrooms by removing the stalk and cleaning it well.)

4)Let it cook well letting out all its juices and as it dries out 

5)Add in 

-a bunch of fresh chopped parsley or a spoon of dried parsley.

6)Add in

- two cups of milk 

7)As it bubbles

-add in a cup of sharp cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese.

8)The sauce will thicken now,Adjust the salt and pepper as required and 

9)Mix in the pasta well.

Serve :) Buon Appetito!!

Sweet-chilli pork

This sweet,spicy and tangy pork strips are really mouthwatering and worth the effort.It definitely satisfies all your taste senses.It looks much better in real than the picture that was taken in a hurry;)

To start with 

1)cut thin slices of pork(chicken works well too) into strips(two cups)

 and marinate for half an hour in a mixture of

-one spoon rice wine vinegar

-1/4th cup Soysauce

-one teaspoon onion powder

-salt and pepper.

2)Mix in two spoons of cornflour to form a pasty batter and deep fry until cooked and light brown in a medium to low flame.

3)Next step is to make the sauce.

-fry 4 stalks of diced spring onion

-one spoon of ginger-garlic paste

-one spoon of Kashmiri chilli powder

.(this is the secret ingredient that gives the golden red colour and makes it unique and not very spicy)

-half a cup of tomato ketchup

-1/4the cup of soy sauce.

-One spoon of redwine vinegar.(ricewine vinegar is good too)

-one spoon of brown sugar(honey works well too)

-1/4th cup of water.

Taste and adjust salt as needed.

4)Once the sauce is bubbling and combined together,stir in the fried meat to coat it

If u need it crispy, remove it immediately from heat and serve as soon as possible.

Its yummy without the crisp too:). 

Garnish with spring onion to bring out the golden colour,and Enjoy!!

Lemony buttermilk pound cake

Lemony Buttermilk pound cake. 

This cake is so moist and refreshing that it brightens up any day. The lemon peel in it adds a jolt of flavor that feels good even after a heavy meal.   

To make the cake,

1) mix together the dry ingredients ie 

-one cup of flour 

-one teaspoon of baking powder

-half teaspoon of salt

2) in a separate bowl beat 

- half a cup of butter, 

- beat in half a cup of sugar. 

You can add one cup if u like the cake to be really sweet.

- Two eggs

3) now add in the flour mixture with

-half a cup of butter millk

- one spoon of grated lemon peel and 

-two drops of vanilla essence.

You can also add teaspoon of lemon juice if you like it more lemonly.

4) bake in a 325 degree Fahrenheit -preheated oven for 45 minutes till golden brown on top.

I like it plain . It's more tangy if you drizzle some icing made with 3 spoons of sugar and one lemon juice heated and drizzled over.

It's a must try, flexible recipie that cannot go wrong.

Moist, fluffy, full of flavor... Perfect for any occasion!!!

Egg puffs .

EGG PUFFS; Spicy-Kerala Style!!!

It never occurred to me that i can make puffs at home !!!
I ended up making egg puffs which my hubby cant resist :) Its indeed a taste of home which we all love! Its quite simple to make with the store bought puff pasty.

1) I used the Pepperridge farm puff pastry sheets.Cut one pastry sheet into 4 squares each.

2) Boil 4 eggs, peel and cut into halves.

3) Put half of a boiled egg facing up and a spoon of onion mixture on top of it.
You dont need too much masala in each parcel.A lil bit with the egg tastes better, Or else it might end up like egg curry in parcels.

a) For the masala- Saute
- one finely chopped big red onion
- a teaspoon of fresh ginger paste
- half teaspoon of Tumeric powder
-one teaspoon of Coriander powder
-one teaspoon of Ground fennel seed
-One green chilly -chopped( optional)
-one spoon water
-salt and pepper

4) Fold the pastry into desired shape and transfer it to a baking tray lined with foil.
I used a Tin foil Baking tray.

5)Brush egg wash -(egg white and a teaspoon of milk or water beaten together) on the parcels.

6)Bake in 400 degree F or 200 degree Celsius oven for 20 minutes or till golden brown.

Let it cool thoroughly, before you bite into those flaky,spicy, crunchy, homemade, EGG PUFFS !!! ;-)

Chicken fried rice

CHICKEN FRIED RICE

This is my version of Chicken Fried rice :-) I must say it is Instant and easy Fried rice.Most of the ingredients are always there at home.
To start with
1) Saute
-Two springs of green onion or spring onion
-One spoon of minced ginger and garlic
-one cup of finely chopped carrot and cabbage
-one cup of shredded chicken pieces (I poached chicken in some water , I also use chicken stock sometimes )
-salt and pepper
-one spoon of soy sauce
-one pinch of onion powder(optional)

2) Stir fry this mixture together for few minutes and add in

-One and a half cup of boiled white rice.

(I used basmathi long grain rice-soaked it for 10 minutes and boiled it in water for 10 minutes and drained it)U can also use left over rice.

-Mix the rice with the sauteed mixture.

3) Now comes my secret part;) add in

- two spoons of chicken stock(i used the stock i boiled the chicken in)

-stir fry and add in one egg and mix all together.add in some more salt according to taste.

- when you serve,cut in a spring onion on top to garnish.

This might not be very authentic but it tastes so good that, you will be making it again and again, like I do:-)

It's a meal on its own and is great with tomato sauce!!

Chicken Biriyani

There are many ways to make biriyani and this is my favorite method!!

I've made this chicken biriyani many times and it's always been a heart warming meal with the eggs, raitha and Pappad.

This picture was taken when I cooked for my best friend in Shillong who came over for lunch and being the hungry foodies that we are had no patience to click a perfect picture of the mouthwatering meal ;)

With a little prep ahead this meal will come out beautifully.To start with..

1) soak 2 cups of long grain basmati rice in water for 15-20 minutes . Drain and keep aside.

2) sauté in one spoon of hot ghee

-one whole cinnamon stick

- two cardomom pods

-3 cloves

- 4 whole black pepper cones

- one- two dried bay leaf

- one star anise

- one skin dried inner skin of nutmeg.

To the roasted spices add in the drained rice sauté for 2 minutes and keep aside.

3) In one spoon of ghee sauté a handful of cashews and once that sizzles and in a handful of raisins. Sauté till the raisins get puffed up. Keep aside for garnish .

4) sauté 

-4-5 finely diced red onions till light golden and keep aside half of it for garnish and to the rest of the onions in the pan,

In low heat, Add in

- a spoon of ginger garlic paste

- one teaspoon of turmeric powder

- one teaspoon of coriander powder

- one teaspoon of Kashmiri chilli powder

- one teaspoon of garam masala.

- salt and pepper .saute together and

- add puréed or finely diced two tomatoes..

-let everything come together, sauté in medium heat till oil seperates.

- add in half kg or 2 cups of chicken with bone.(medium sized.)

- mix together and cover and cook for 10 minutes till the chicken is half cooked and juices have come out.

- At this stage, add in 3 and a half cup of chicken stock to the chicken, let it boil,check salt.

- now add in the roasted rice to it.

-cover tightly and cook for 15-20 minutes..in medium heat. It's good to check after 15 minutes. And lower the heat if needed.

- remove from heat , let is rest for 10- 15 more minutes.

5) In that time frame boil 2-3 eggs , peel and slice into halves .

6) to make the raita mix curd with some water to a paste like consistency.

- add in 2 diced green chillis

- one diced tomato 

- one red onion

- one grated carrot and a bunch of fresh coriander leaves- (optional)

- salt and pepper.

garnish the fragrant rice with the fried onions, roasted cashews and sultanas ,(fresh coriander leaves optional) eggs and serve with the raitha and Pappad and pickle.. Yummmm..:-)

Avocado Smoothie

Avocado Smoothie 

Avocado is such a wonder fruit..used in so many ways..one of my favorites!!!
Ive never seen such luscious creamy green in any other fruit.This smoothie is definitely a soul food.
Everytime i buy avacadoes,i make sure it is not too firm.It doesn't matter if the skin looks lil dark not too ripe though.To make this smoothie-

1) Cut the avacado in half,scoring on the flesh on top of the seed in the middle.split open,discard the seed and scoop out the flesh. Discard the skin.

2)In to a blender add one
-Avacardo flesh,
-Two cups of cold milk( if you are lactose intolerant you can try almond milk and even coconut milk works well)
-Half a cup of honey and blend.

3)When you serve it sprinkle some roasted almonds and drizzle some extra honey on top.I like to make this in bulk and store it in the freezer,and indulge like icecream later;)

What more can you ask for..its Simple,healthy,and pretty :-)

Churro balls with blueberry sauce.

This is my reinvented version of the Classic Churros with chocolate sauce...its soo easy but the end result looks suprisingly exotic!

All you need to do is,
-mix one cup of water with the satlted butter in a saucepan and boil over high heat.
-Stir in the flour slowly in low heat till it forms a ball.It might take a minute or two.
-Remove from the heat and slowly beat in two eggs.This is the Churros dough.Spoon this mixture into a pipping bag and drop it into hot oil and fry till golden.

-Here's my twist! Instead of the cinnamon and sugar coating i have used cardamom and light brown sugar.Coat it soon after frying.

-For the Blueberry sauce- Heat the blueberries with brown sugar and butter...Serve!

Meatloaf with mushroom sauce!

\

This meatloaf is to die for! Seriously!Ofcourse with a spicy,Indian twist... 

All you have to do is 

1)Mix half cup minced beef,one pork sausage.

2) To that add the stirfried veggies.....ie 

-one carrot,

-few spinach leaves,

-one onion,

-one clove of garlic, 

-salt , pepper,

-a teaspoon garam masala, 

-a teaspoon paprika or kashmiri chilli powder stir fried together

3)Add in one egg and bread crumbs to the meat mixture.

4) Mix all together,form a loaf shape in a baking tray and bake in a high oven for 45 minutes.

The sauce makes it unique..and irresistible .The base is bechamel sauce or white sauce with mushrooms. 

1)Cook the mushroom with 

-onion, 

-butter,

-salt and pepper till the water from the mushrooms are reduced, 

2)In a separate pan add in

- a spoon of all purpose flour

- a spoon of butter once thats cooked for 3 minutes on low heat,

-add in half a cup of water and the mushroom sauce.

This is definitely a crowd pleaser! Must Try!

Chocolate- coffee brownie

 Chocolate Coffee cake!!

This brownie literally melts in the mouth! and the best part is its healthier than the normal brownies..i guess;)

 coz all it has is 

-one spoon of all purpose flour with a cup of ground almonds.

-a teaspoon of baking powder 

-a cup of light brown sugar, 

-1 spoon of coca powder

-one teaspoon of instant coffee.

- half a cup of butter

-one egg.

 All whisked together into a magical concoction and baked in 300 degree F or 150 degree C, preheated oven for 20 or 30 minutes. 

The icing is even more lovely..

In a sauce pan

-Add a cube of butter, 

- two spoons of brown sugar,

-half a teaspoon of instant coffee

- half a cup of chocolate 

- half a cup of milk.

stirr until bubbling and gooey.

It will thicken as it cools.spread the icing on the cake once the cake has cooled.

.yummmm :)!

2 )Homemade pizza-lasagna

This is amazingly simple..all you need is
1)a french bread or Baguette cut into halves,toasted on a pan or oven ,
2)topped with a spread of
-one egg,
-salt ,
-pepper,
-cream cheese,and cheddar cheese,
3) topped with minced meat stir fried until brown and cooked in tomato sauce with
-salt ,pepper
-one clove of garlic
-paprika
-onion powder or onions
4) then comes the third layer which is shredded mozzarella cheese.,salt and pepper.
5)bake until bubbling and golden on top.

Too good and of course a heart warming treat!