Limoncello

This one is inspired by the show Good Eats , a very easy to make and can be stored in for over a year s time

Ingredients

 8 - 10 lemons
750 ml Vodka
2/3 cup water
2/3 cup sugar


Directions:

Carefully remove the zest from the lemons using a microplane. Be careful not to remove any of the white pith / part of the lemon
(You can reserve the lemons to make lemonade or squeeze and freeze the juice for later use)
Put the lemon zest into a large glass container and pour the vodka over the zest and let it sit in a cool dark place for 7 days
After 7 days , strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer, lined with muslin or cheese cloth layers and strain
Meanwhile combine the water and the sugar in a saucepan over high heat and cook, stirring it continually until the sugar is dissolved - this will take about 3 minutes
Cool this syrup and add the strained lemon zest vodka. Stir to combine
Transfer into a glass container and let it age for atleast 4 hours in the freezer
Limoncello can be stored in the freezer for upto a year s time

Drink safely !!!!

AGRA KA PETHA

INGREDIENTS

Ash gourd (petha) 1 kilogram

Sugar 750 grams

Alum powder 1 teaspoon

Lemon juice 1 tablespoons


METHOD

Cut petha into half, remove skin and seeds and cut into pieces of desired size
Prick them with a fork or any other pointed thing
Place petha pieces in a large pan and pour sufficient water so as to just cover the pieces
Add alum powder and boil for about ten to fifteen minutes
Remove from heat, drain and wash thoroughly under running water
Combine sugar with one cup of water and heat till sugar dissolves
Add lemon juice to remove scum, if any. Reduce heat to medium and add boiled petha
Continue cooking till pethas get softened and sugar syrup is of three-thread consistency
Remove from heat, remove pethas and keep the pieces separately so that they do not stick to each other
Serve when cool.

From SKapoor

Apple Plum Reduction

1  apple diced - i had a green apple that was in the fridge for quiet a while
1 plum - diced
1" Cinnamon
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup sugar ( add more if you like to)
2Tbsp water


In a pan all the ingredients along with 2Tbsp sugar and cook it over low - medium flame
Once the apple becomes soft add the remaining sugar and cook until all the ingredients have blended well and the fruits are very soft - turned into a semi solid form

Once done cool and blend it into a paste ( if you dont want a strong flavor , remove the spices, I went on to keep it and blended it all together)
Strain the paste and store it in an air - tight container

This can be used for a variety of stuffs........Like ice tea - over ice creams - mix fruits ............rest experiment yourself!!!

Spinach Summer Salad Recipe

1 (10-ounce) bag spinach mix / 1 bunch spinach leaves

1 cup halved red grapes

6 to 8 strawberries,  sliced

1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts


Dressing Ingredients

1⁄2 cup vegetable oil / olive oil

1⁄4 cup white wine vinegar

1⁄2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon horseradish sauce (optional)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Salt and Pepper to taste


Toss all your salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
In a medium bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk well.
Let the flavors come together 10 minutes, then give it another good whisking and pour it into the salad.
Toss everything to mix well, then serve it immediately

Note:

You can also add other fresh fruits and nuts of your choice

If you want to have a light dressing cut down all the dressing ingredients to half its portion

Kokum Slush - Home Bar

Abot Kokum

The kokum is native to the western coastal regions of southern India and is rarely seen beyond this area. Even in India it is used only in the regional cuisines of Gujarat Maharashrta and several southern states where large glasses of kokum sherbet are downed during parched summer months. In this region the sweltering heat demands refrigerant (cooling) ingredients in food and drink. Kokum is well known to counteract the heat

Other Names
black kokum, cocum, kokam, kokum butter tree, mangosteen oil tree
French: cocum
German: Kokam
Italian: cocum
Spanish: cocum
Indian: kokam, kokum


Value:

· Kokum fruits contain rich amounts of anti-oxidants that bind with free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to body cells. They also promote cell regeneration and repair.

· Kokum juice is especially popular during scorching summer months as it has a cooling effect on the body and shields the body against dehydration and sunstroke. It also helps in bringing down fever and allergic reactions.

· Kokum seeds contain a high percentage of oil that freezes to form Kokum butter. Kokum butter is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as it works wonders on dry, chapped, sensitive, irritated or burnt skin.

· Kokum butter is rapidly gaining popularity over cocoa butter as an intensive skin moisturizer.

· Due to its soothing and healing properties, it is also applied directly to wounds and infected areas on the skin.

· Kokum butter is rich in healthy fats like stearic and oleic acids and can also be used as edible oil.

· Extracts from the Kokum fruit are traditionally used to relieve gastric problems like acidity, flatulence, constipation and indigestion.

· Kokum juice is a healthier and far more refreshing option as compared to commercial bottled drinks. It acts as an appetite stimulant and also has anti-helmintic properties.

· Ayurvedic medicine also uses Kokum infusions to treat piles, dysentery and infections. Kokum is known to strengthen the cardio-vascular system and stabilize liver function.

· The hydroxycitric acid present in the fruit fights cholesterol and curbs lipogenesis, thus aiding weight loss.


So next time you are in an Indian store just grab a bottle of Kokum syrup and try this out !!!!


  Ingredients

1 1/2  cup Kokum Syrup

2 Tsp Black salt

2 Tsp roasted cumin powder

8 Tbsp Sugar

3 cups Crushed ice

Garnishing

2Tbsp Mint - finely Chopped

OR

4Tbsp Pomegranate kernels

Blend kokum syrup, roasted cumin powder, black salt, sugar and crushed ice in a blender until slushy

Pour into stemmed glasses and serve decorated with a sprinkling of pomegranate kernels / mint

Serve immediately

Note: This makes 4 glasses, so you can add subtract ingredients according to the measurements you want 

Poached Figs with Rose Syrup - Dessert

Serves 4

200g Sugar
1 orange, grated zest & juice
6 cardamom pods, just crushed
8 ripe figs
1Tbsp rose syrup ( you can find the same in Indian store - try Haldirams, Roohafaza....)

1Tsp Gulkand - dried rose petals
Plain thick yogurt

Put the sugar, orange zest and juice and cardamom pods into a pan with 250ml cold water

Heat gently until the sugar have dissolved and then bring up to the boil for a few minutes.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, add the figs

Cook for 6-8 minutes until the figs begin to soften, remove the parchment and then remove the figs form the syrup to a serving plate

Drizzle in the rose syrup while warm

Mix Yogurt with Gulkand and serve it along with the figs

Note:

If you want it more sweeter carry on simmering the syrup for another 7-8 minutes to reduce t, add the rose syrup and drizzle it over the figs

You can also eliminate the curd and serve it with a dollop of cream for a complete dessert

Digestive Biscuit Cream Cake

This is one of my favorite dishes........and may be one of the earliest experiments I started off with......So we shall start off with

6 Digestive Biscuits/Marie biscuits/ Tea biscuits
1/2 cup Chocolate Sauce                    
4 Tbsp White / Unsalted butter          
1 Tbsp Coco powder            
2 Tbsp Icing sugar  ( You can also use powdered sugar in case you do not get in icing sugar)
Milk -  to dip the biscuits


And here it goes

- Mix in butter - coco - and sugar to a smooth paste
- Take a biscuit dip it in milk and apply the paste on the smoother surface of the biscuit
- Take another one, repeat the process and stack it over....It might resemble like

- The final or the 6th biscuit should cover the entire stack

- Now pour in chocolate sauce over this ..............I made the chocolate sauce at home(let me know if you want to have th recipe ....its simple and takes just 5-7 mins)

- Freeze it for 15mins and then transfer it to the fridge until you want to indulge in this sinful delight :)


Note:
You can also add in hot chocolate sauce before serving
Garnish it with nuts
Top it with whipped cream
Top it with choco chips - if you want more of chocolate


Quick FIX............

So here is a quick instant way to the above recipe...all you need to buy

Biscuits
Chocolate cream
Chocolate Sauce

Follow the same method as above and what you get is

And now you can decorate it with your own ways....I tried Coco powder sprinkles :)

ICED CHOCOLATE CREAM

You would require

8Tbsp Chocolate Sauce        
2Cups Vanilla Ice cream      
8Tsp Instant Coffee powder
4Cups Chilled Milk              
1Tbsp Whipped Cream      
Chocolate Vermicilli  - To garnish
2-3Tbsp Sugar                      

Line irish coffee glasses with chocolate sauce n place them in freezer till chocolate sets
Blend vanilla ice cream, coffee powder, sugar and milk in a blender
Pour into the glass
Top with wipped cream and sprinkle some chocolate vermicelli / chocolate shavings
Serve immediately

Home Bar IV

MANGO LASSI


Summers are here and so are mangoes


1/2 cup Mango Pulp                         
1 cup Yogurt                              
1 tablespoon Sugar                            
Green cardamom powder - a pinch
 2-3 strands Saffron (kesar)                      
 2 -3 Ice Cubes                              

Take serving glasses and place it in the freezer for 5 minutes
In a blender add the Mango, fresh yogurt , sugar and cardamom powder, along with 2 -3 ice cubes
Blend until its of a smooth consistency
Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with saffron strands

Tips for Garnish

- Add finely chopped mangoes
- Add mango ice cubes - puree` the pulp and pour into ice trays to set
- Add Yogurt Ice cubes - beat yogurt until smooth , pour into trays to set
- Mint Leaves
- Pista / almonds sliced thinly

You can also add in some water / milk in case you find the consistency too thick

Crispy Chilli Potatoes with Honey and Sesame

At Mainland China - back in India, I just loved this starter and have attempted to recreate the original one...Though it did not turn out exactly it still gave me the taste i longed for.........


 2 large  Potatoes - cut into cubes / wedges
2Tbsp Fresh red chilly paste
1Tbsp Sesame seeds
1Tbsp Lemon juice
Salt: To taste
2 tsp Sugar
1tsp Honey
1tsp Vinegar
Oil: For deep frying
2Tbsp Sesame oil / vegetable oil
1Tbsp Maida / All purpose flour
1/2tsp Red Chilly powder

• Par boil the potatoes [ Boil water in a saucepan along with salt and put the potatoes cubes/wedges , cover the lid and boil it for 5mins and drain] and keep aside
• Add salt , maida and red chilly powder to the potatoes and mix with light hands
• Heat oil in a wok and fry the coated potatoes until crisp and brown
• Mix in red chilly paste ( I got a ready-made one, but you can also use fresh red chillies instead) along with vinegar, sugar, salt , honey
• Heat oil in a pan and add the sesame seeds and fry for a minute 
• Now add the crispy potatoes and mix it and add the paste
• Stir and mix well
• Before removing off the heat add in lemon juice and dress it with honey
• Serve hot 

You can garnish it with cilantro / spring onions / sliced red chillies / lemon wedges

Kiwi Panna - Home Bar

Kiwifruit commonly know as Kiwi is a rich source of Vitamin C, Raw kiwifruit is also rich in the protein-dissolving enzyme actinidin, which is commercially useful as a meat tenderizer

P.S: People allergic to latex, papayas or pineapples are likely to also be allergic to kiwifruit

Serves 2

 4 Kiwi                           

A few Fresh Mint springs      

A few Cilantro Springs         

1/2 tsp Roasted cumin seeds  

1/2 " Chopped Ginger         

3-4 Roasted peppercorns  

Sugar and salt -To taste

Black Salt - To taste

1/2 tsp Lemon juice                

Roast Kiwis in an oven until soft and once done allow it to cool

Peel the skin and pulp it by hand

Grind mint, coriander, cumin seeds, ginger, peppercorns to a paste

Blend kiwi pulp with sugar, salt, black salt and lemon juice

Stir in mint-coriander paste and strain. Add water as required and keep in refrigerator

Serve chilled in old fashioned glasses

Note: 

You can also add 1/2 tsp Bhang paste and grind it along with mint - coriander paste for a Holi drink

Home Bar III: Fig and Rose Shake

Here is one of my hubby's fav milkshake ......Try it and let me know how does it works for you .....

Fig and Rose Shake
Serves 2

5-6 Dried Figs            
2Tbsp  Gulqand  ( sweet rose petal preserve) You can use the Kohinoor brand available in Indian stores

  2 -3 Tbsp Water                
  2 cups Chilled Milk      
Ice Cubes- As required           

In a blender pour in water along with figs and gulqand and blend well
Once done, pour in milk and ice cubes and churn it again until done
Serve it chilled in frozen glasses

Note:
You can vary the quantity of Gulqand according to your taste, also you can add sugar if desired
You can also use frozen milk....it taste great, but eliminate the ice cubes while using frozen milk

Mother s Day Special

Happy Mothers Day to all the lovely Mom's out there.....have you every wondered how did it come into Existent....

"One of the early calls to celebrate a Mother's Day in the United States was the "Mother's Day Proclamation" by Julia Ward Howe. Written in 1870, it was a pacifist reaction to the carnage of the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War. The Proclamation was tied to Howe's feminist belief that women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level."

In United States, its celebrated on the Second Sunday of May,while there are countries which coincide it with existing celebrations honouring motherhood, like Mothering Sunday in the UK or, in Greece, the Orthodox celebration of the presentation of Jesus to the temple (February 2). In some countries it was changed to dates that were significant to the majority religion, like the Virgin Mary day in Catholic countries, or the birthday of the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad in Islamic countries

So today, here are some recipes for our Great Mom's toasting to their Long lives ..........Love you Momma

BAKED SPINACH WITH CORN

Many women have problems with their Hemoglobin(Hb) levels, so here s simple and easy to make recipe with the Iron (Fe) richness of spinach and Tomatoes ,Calcium from Panneer packed with a difference!

Serves 6

Ingredients:-

For the spinach layer

3 cups chopped spinach (palak)

½ cup chopped tomatoes ( Finely )

½ cup chopped onions (Finely)

½ cup boiled tender corn kernels

2 green chillies, finely chopped

1 Tbsp Butter

salt to taste

For the potato layer

2 cups boiled and grated potatoes

½ cup crumbled paneer (cottage cheese)

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped coriander

1 green chilli, chopped

salt to taste

Other Ingredients

  1 tomato, sliced

1 teaspoon fresh cream

3 tablespoons grated cheese  - I used Cheddar but you can try with other variations

 ½ teaspoon oil for greasing

To Proceed :

For the spinach layer

• Heat butter in a pan and saute the onions for a minute. Add the green chillies 
• Add the spinach and cook for 1 minute and then add chopped tomatoes and saute for a minute
• Now add the corn and the seasoning , mix well and set aside

For the potato layer

• Mix all the ingredients well

Finally.....

• Pre heat Oven at 230°C (450°F)
• Take a baking dish and grease it evenly
• Layer it with the potato mixture followed with the spinach and corn mixture 
• Place the tomato slice and spread the cream
• Sprinkle cheese and bake for about 10 - 15 mins or until the cheese turns color
• Serve hot with Garlic bread / Bread sticks 

 Note: let me know if you are looking for a modified Indian Spicy version for the same....

Since We have given our Mom's enuf dose of Fe...need to add something that helps in absorption of Fe....and  here it is

RANGEEN CITRUS COOLER

A tasty and delightful drink prepared using khus syrup, rose syrup, lemon and orange juice

Serves : 4

1/4 cup Khus syrup

1/4 cup Rose syrup

1/4 cup Orange squash

1 cup Sugar       

1/2 cup Lemon juice

Fresh mint leaves to garnish

Take Khus , Rose and Orange in 3 separate bowls and dilute them with 2 - 3 Tbsp water

Pour these in 3 different trays and set them to freeze

Meanwhile heat equal quantities of sugar and water to form the syrup, once it starts to boil set aside to cool

For the Final Touch 

Take tall glasses and pour 2Tbsp of lemon junice, add a Tbsp of sugar syrup to each ( you can add more depending on the sweetness you want ) along with 2Tbsp water. Mix well

Top it along with the colored ice cubes and mint leaves for garnish

Serve Chilled