Magical Purple cauliflower soup

          The kiddos at Kane's Coop love colors . They were equally excited when I brought home the purple cauliflower from the farmer's market . Princess Pea had seen a poster in school nurse's office showing what colors we need to eat . And here is our favorite cauliflower soup with magic .

What we need :

1 medium head of purple cauliflower - chopped
1 medium onion - chopped
2 garlic cloves - chopped
2 tsp oil
2 bay leaves
4 pepper corns
4 cups vegetable stock / water
salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp lime juice for the "Magic"

To Proceed :

1) Heat oil in a deep pan .
2) Add bay leaves , pepper corns and garlic and sauté for a min .
3) Add chopped onions and sauté till the onions are translucent .
4) Add chopped cauliflower and coat well with oil .
5) Add vegetable stock or water and bring it to boil without cover .
6) Let it cook for 8-10 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender .
7) Add salt and pepper to taste .
8) Puree in your blender/food processor .
10) Serve hot .

To add magic :-

Squeeze lime juice in the soup  and see the magic . Watch the purple color change to bright pink .


Enjoy !!!

Paushtik Kheer

       You most probably won't believe me if I tell you my kids LOVE rice and lentils . They can ( read they do )eat it for each and every meal and today when I asked them what they would like for snack , all they said was Varan- Bhat / Dal- Chawal / Steamed rice with plain lentils. I sometimes get sooo tired of just the sight of this, I decided to give it a different look . And yes, the kids loved it . Its a protein packed drink and very yummy too .

     What we need :

1/2 cup cooked Rice ( leftover can be used )
1 cup cooked Toor Dal
2 cups of Milk
1 cup grated jiggery
2 Tbsp Almond powder
1/2 tsp Cardamom powder
a pinch of Nutmeg powder
a pinch of Saffron
2 Tbsp MTR Badam milk powder ( optional )*
1 Tbsp Everest milk masala ( optional)*

To Proceed :

1) Grind rice and dal along with some milk to make a smooth paste .
2) Use remaining milk to clean the jar .
3) Heat on medium low heat till thoroughly heated .
4) Add grated jiggery and let it dissolve .
5) Add almond powder , cardamom -nutmeg powder and saffron .
6) Bring to a low boil .
7) Turn the stove off.

Enjoy warm or cold . You can add chopped cashews,almonds or any other dry fruit of your choice .

* I did not use any of them though .*

White Chocolate Raspberry Lassi

  What we need :

2 Cups Yogurt
1 Cup Milk
2 Tbsp condensed milk ( optional )
1 cup Raspberries
1/2 cup while chocolate , chips or grated
3 Tbsp Sugar ( Not needed if you add condensed milk )
ice cubes

To Proceed :

Put all the ingredients in blender and blend till smooth .
Serve immediately .

Enjoy !!!

Zero oil microwave Dahi Vada

What we need :

For Vada :

1/4 cup moong dal
1/4 cup urad dal
2 green chilies
1" ginger
5-6 curry leaves
2 tbsp fresh coconut slices
1 tsp Eno fruit salt

For soaking the vada :

1 cup buttermilk / water
pinch of salt

Dahi for the vada :

3 cups yogurt
1 tsp chat masala
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
salt and sugar to taste

Green Chutney :

2 cups of cilantro
1/2 cup mint leaves
3-4 green chilies
1/2 tsp cumin
1 slice of bread crust removed

Khajoor Imli Chutney :

1 cup dates
1/2 cup tamarind( Imli)
1/4 tsp red chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin powder
salt to taste

To Garnish  :
chopped cilantro
cumin powder
red chili powder
chat masala
Shev ( optional )

To Proceed :

Sweet /Khajoor Imli Chutney :

1) Boil the tamarind and Dates for 5 minutes . Let it cool .
2) Grind with remaining ingredients , stain and keep aside .

Green Chutney ::

Grind all the ingredients for the chutney and keep aside . My Vitamix grinds it without adding any water but you can add some to make it into a smooth chutney .

Dahi for the vada :

1) Whisk the yogurt  and add rest of the ingredients . Chill in the refrigerator till ready to use .

Vada :

1) Soak both the moong and urad dal in warm water for 1 hour atleast .
2) Grind into coarse paste along with rest of the ingredients except Eno fruit salt .
3) Add Eno fruit salt and mix well .
4) Add 1 Tbsp of the prepared batter each in four bowls .
5) Microwave high for 1 minute 10 seconds .
6) Let stand for a minute .
7) Soak the vadas in buttermilk for about 10 minutes .
8) Repeat with the rest of the batter .

Assembly :
1)Press the vadas gently in between the palms to  squeeze buttermilk out of them .
2) Place vada in a serving bowl .
3) Add prepared dahi/yogurt .
4) Garnish with green and sweet chutney and chopped cilantro .
5) Sprinkle some red chili powedr , cumin powder and chat masala if you like .
6) You can even garnish it with shev if you like .

Enjoy !!!

2 minute eggless moist chocolate mug cake in microwave

What we need :

4 Tbsp All purpose flour / Maida
3 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Cocoa powder
3 Tbsp Oil / Melted butter /Melted Ghee
3 Tbsp Milk
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1/4 tsp Vanilla Essence
1 tsp Chocolate chips ( optional )

To Proceed :

Mix all the ingredients in the given order in a coffee mug till well blended and smooth . Make sure the cup is only half full so that it has enough space to rise . Microwave on high for two minutes . Serve warm . You can even serve it with a scoop of ice cream .

Enjoy !!!

Pineapple Pastry

             Ingredients :
For Cake :-
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple)
1/4 cup yogurt

Filling and Frosting :-
3 cups heavy whipping cream
5 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped pineapple( I used canned pineapple slices)
Chopped pineapple to garnish

To Proceed :



Cake :-
1) Preheat the oven to 350 F .
2) Grease two 9" round cake pans .
3) Sift flour and baking powder together .
4) Mix butter, yogurt ,sugar and pineapple juice well .
5) Add the flour and mix well .
6) Pour in prepared pans and bake for about 20 minute or the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean .
7) Cool completely .

Filing :-

1) Whip heavy cream with sugar till it forms peaks and holds its shape .

Assembly :-

1) Cut each 9" round cake in two halves . So in this case we will have 4 thin cakes .
2) Brush / Spray the cakes with remaining pineapple juice to keep the cake moist and give the additional pineapple flavor .
3) Spread the whipped cream on one layer and top it with some finely chopped pineapple .
4) Top with another piece of cake and repeat the process for all the cakes .
5) Frost the cake with remaining whipped cream and garnish with chopped pineapple .
6) Chill the cake before serving .

Enjoy !!!!!

Fresh orange milkshake

 

 

 

      Half day school does not mean after school snacks at all . Kids , according to their body clock and routine get hungry at the same time . Today was one such day . What to give them that won't fill them up too much to eat dinner but to give them enough energy to play . This is one of my kiddo's favorite milkshake . It has become a common milkshake since we got our Breville juicer . All you need is fresh oranges , milk and some sugar . Yes...that's it..

 

What we need :

 

4-5 oranges / 2 cups of orange juice

2 cups cold milk 

2 Tbsp sugar / honey to taste

1 tsp vanilla ( optional )

 

To Proceed :

 

1) In a blender add orange juice ,milk and sugar and blend well .

2) Serve immediately .

 

 

Enjoy !!!



Anjeer - Kesar breakfast smoothie / Dried figs - saffron breakfast smoothie

     This is one power packed goodness . Dried figs are rich in Vitamin  A , K and minerals like calcium,iron, potassium , manganese and often eaten to avoid anemia . Saffron is believed to inhibit skin tumors and is good for arthritis and vision . It also helps with treating asthma , improving feminine health and helping with depression . Bananas not only add sweetness to the smoothie but is also nutritionally packed fruit . Kids get all these goodies in one single cup and kick start their day with tons of energy .

What we need :

8 dried figs - soaked in warm water for 2-4 hours 

1/8 tsp of saffron , soaked in warm milk

1/2 cup oats , soaked in milk for 2 hours

1 large banana

1/4 cup almonds , soaked in warm water for 1-2 hours

1/4 cup walnut , chopped

2 tbsp flax seed powder

3 cups milk

To Proceed :

1) Chop soaked dried figs in small pieces .

2) Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend till smooth .

3) Serve immediately .

*** If you want to make the smoothie on short notice , soak dried figs and almonds in boiling water for 

5-10 minutes .***

*** You can soak the oats in boiling water  for 5 minutes .***

Tomato Omelette / Vegetarian eggless Omelette Sandwich

   
            Being in a school district where there are hardly any Indians , packing lunch becomes difficult . The younger kids are not open to different scents , nor looks . It's easier to say in theory , kids should be nice and kind to other kid even when they get nauseous after smelling or looking at somebody's food . Oh ..no... I am not complaining . I have been there . The smells that appeal the most to me ( Indian tadka )might be painful for the other and I know exactly how I feel when I pass the sea food counter or a steak house . Age just teaches us how to hide our feelings to not to hurt anyone . My solution to this is fusion food .Sandwiches top that list . This is one sandwich that kiddos and their daddy love . Traditional food meets modern bread .

What we need :

1 medium/large onion finely chopped
3-4 medium tomatoes finely chopped
1/4 green pepper finely chopped
1/2 cup zucchini finely chopped
2 green chilies finely chopped
1/2 cup  cilantro finely chopped
1/4 tsp asafoetida
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp salt / to taste
2 cups besan / gram flour / chickpea flour
1 1/2 cups water
oil for coating the pan
12 slices of bread of your choice

To Proceed :

1) In a deep bowl , mix besan , salt, asafoetida ,turmeric powder and 1 cup of water to make a smooth a batter .
2) Add tomatoes,onions,peppers,zucchini ,chilies and cilantro and mix well . 
3) Adjust the consistency of the batter by adding more water .
4) The consistency of the batter should be like the pancake batter .
5) Heat a frying pan or griddle on medium low heat .
6) Brush the hot pan with little oil .
7) Spread 1/4 cup of batter in a pan and spread like a pancake .
8) Let it cook on each side for about 3-4 mins or till little brown .
9) Toast the bread slices and apply butter on them .
10) Cut the omelette in 4 pieces and arrange them on the buttered side of the bread .

Serve with date-tamarind chutney .

*** You can add ginger-garlic paste to the batter if you like.***
*** Any vegetable of your choice can be added to this .***
*** Tomato ketchup or any other sauce / chutney can be applied to the bread along with butter .***
*** Instead of making sandwich , this can be eaten as is with chutney or ketchup .***

Sprouted moong poori

      Princess Pea asked me to make 8888 poori to eat after school . What mom can ignore such a sweet demand . But the mommy feeling crawled in. My kid can not just eat fried stuff unless the nutritional factor is added to it . My treasure hunt in the refrigerator led me to a container of the moong beans that I sprouts over the weekend . I heard them calling my name . That was when I knew what I was going to make . It's pretty easy to make and is ready in short time.

What we need :

1 cup sprouts
2 green chillies
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp ginger paste
1/2 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp anardana / dry pomegranate powder
1/8 tsp asafoetida 
1 tsp salt / to taste
2 cups whole wheat flour

Oil for deep frying


To proceed :

1) Grind everything except the wheat flour to a fine paste .
2) Add it to the whole wheat flour .
3) Knead to form a firm dough .
4) Keep aside covered for 15 minutes .
5) Heat oil on medium high heat .
6)Divide the dough into small line sized balls .
7) Roll each ball into a 4-5 " diameter circle .
8) Deep fry poori in hot oil till golden on both sides .


Serve hot poori with yogurt , pickle , raita or ketchup .

Enjoy !!!!

Mango Pineapple Oats Smoothie

 

 

 In the morning rush , every mom wants her kids to have a healthy ,filling breakfast . My kids get overwhelmed if they see many things on their plate and eventually end up eating a few of them . So here is my solution to this . Easy breakfast smoothie . Very nutritious , filling and yummy too .

 

 

What we need :

 

 

2 cups mango chunks ( fresh / frozen )

1 cup pineapple chunks

1/2 banana ( to sweeten)

1 cup oats

1 cup milk

1 cup yogurt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup chopped almonds

2 tbsp. flax seed powder

2 tbsp. chia seeds

 

To proceed :

 

1) Add all the ingredients in the blender and blend smooth .

2) You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk  but my kiddos like it thick .

 

 

Serve immediately . This is one power packed breakfast.

 

Enjoy !!!



Besan Halwa / Chick pea Flour dessert

What we need :

1 cup besan / chick pea floue
1/2 cup ghee / clarified butter
3/4 cup sugar
a pinch of saffron
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup warm water
2 tbsp. chopped cashews and almonds
1 tbsp. raisins
1/2 tsp cardamom powder


To Proceed :

1) Heat ghee or clarified butter in a deep , heavy bottom pan .
2) Add besan to it and roast till it turns golden brown and the divine , magical aroma fills the house .
3) Dissolve saffron in a tbsp. of warm milk .
4) Add saffron milk along with warm milk and water .
5) Mix well , cover and let it cook for 5 minutes .
6) Remove the cover and mix well .
7) Add sugar and nuts ,raisins and cardamom powder . Mix well .
8) Cover and let it cook for 5 more minutes .
9) Serve warm .

Enjoy !!!

Paneer vegetable soup by Princess Pea

                 This is Princess Pea's birthday week and she decided to celebrate the last Sunday of her being 7 years old in a different way . She decided to make soup for lunch . To make it extra special , we decide to have soup and only soup for lunch . I asked her what kind of soup she wanted to make and her answer was ,something special , unique , mouth watering  and yes...gourmet .. Seven years old indeed have a great vocabulary . I asked her what did she want to put in her soup and the answer I got was , " Mom , don't you even know what goes in the soup? " So she started her list ..Peas , carrots , potatoes ,something green ,vegetable water that has that special name ( I am her mom , so immediately got it...Vegetable stock ) , paneer and lots of cheese on top .So here we go now...

What we need :

1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 medium potato cut in small cubes
1 cup chopped kale
1 cup chopped paneer
3 cups vegetable stock / water
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp olive oil
Grated parmesan cheese to serve

To proceed :
 
1) Heat oil in a deep heavy pan .
2) Add onion and garlic powder and fry for 30 seconds .
3) Add carrots , peas and potatoes and sauté for a minute .
4) Add paneer and sauté for a minute or two .
5) Add vegetable stock and let it boil till the potatoes are soft and cooked well .
6) Season with salt and pepper .
7) Add chopped kale and let it simmer for 5 more minutes .
8) Serve with grated parmesan on top .

Enjoy it hot on a cold wintery day !!


*** If you want it spicy , you can add red chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce to it .***
*** She even added potato gnocchi in her soup while it was boiling to make it a complete meal .***

Ninav...Traditional Indian cake

               Living abroad means kids don't get to taste grandma's , great grandma's food . I want to bring those recipes in my kitchen . I try to tell them how my grandma or their dad's grandma used to make some of these for us .
     
               Ninav literally means ' with no name ...anonymous ..' . I really don't know how this dish got it's name . It's a traditional Maharashtrian dessert which is packed with goodness of whole wheat flour , besan or chick pea flour , coconut milk and jiggery . Since I got the Nutrimill , I can grind the grains of desired coarseness . This recipe is made with coarser flour but tastes equally good with the regular flours . 

Ingredients :

2 cups Besan/chick pea flour
1/2 cup Whole wheat flour
1/4 cup Ghee/ clarified butter
2 cups coconut milk
1 cup grated jaggery
1 tsp cardamom powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
2 tbsp. nuts to garnish

To Proceed :

This recipe can be made both in the oven or microwave .

1) Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan .
2) Roast besan and wheat flour together till a nice aroma fills the entire house and the flour changes it's color to golden brown . Turn the heat off .
3) Meanwhile dissolve the jaggery in the coconut milk and season with cardamom and nutmeg powder .
4) Add the roasted flour to the coconut milk and stir to make sure there are no lumps .

** *Oven :
1) Preheat the oven to 400 F .
2) Grease a baking tray and pour the mixture in it .
3) Bake in a pre heated oven for 30-35 minutes .

*** Microwave :
1) Grease a microwave safe deep dish .
2) Pour the mixture .
3) Microwave on high for 12 minutes .

5) Let the cake cool for 5 minutes .
6) Garnish with nuts and serve.

Enjoy!!!!

Meatless Lentil and bean meatloaf with mushroom gravy

       
                     Being in a place where there are very few Indians , challenges what to serve when friends come over . Kids many times are not willing to try anything new . On one such occasion , I decided to serve this meatless meatloaf and it was accepted very well . I made mushroom gravy to make it look authentic and served it with some mashed potatoes .

Ingredients :

For Meatloaf :

1 cup oats ( any kind )
1 onion ,chopped
1/2 cups chopped mixed vegetables , boiled and drained ( I used carrots, peas, peppers )
2 cups cooked and drained beans ( I used nine beans - kidney beans , chick peas , black eyed peas , moong , moth , pinto beans , whole udid , horse gram , and white peas  - soaked overnight and cooked)
1 cup cooked and drained mixed lentils ( toor , masoor )
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp Garam masala
1 packet readymade meatloaf spice packet
1 tsp salt

Mushroom Gravy :

1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. whole wheat flour
1 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

To Proceed :
Loaf:

1) Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2) Grease a loaf pan .
3) Pulse the oats in the food processor .
4) Add and pulse all the beans and lentils and vegetables.
5) The mixture should be grainy and almost pureed .
6) Add garlic paste , spices ,and salt .
7) Spoon the mixture in greased loaf pan and smooth the top .
8) Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes .

Gravy :

1) Heat butter in a pan .
2) sauté mushrooms and keep aside .
3) Add whole wheat flour and roast till the raw smell goes away .
4) Add milk and stir to make sure there are no lumps .
5) Add salt ad pepper to taste .
6) Add mushrooms and mix well .
7) Boil till sauce is thick .


Serve the warm meatloaf with mushroom gravy . Enjoy !!



                   
          

Dream dollhouse for Princess Pea

 

 

                   Princess Pea always wanted a dollhouse but nothing impressed her . We have been Ana White's fans for a long time . We found a plan there for a perfect dollhouse . We changed the plan to fit an 18" doll( American girl) instead of 13" ( Barbie) . The structure is made with 2x2s and stairs with 1x2s .The wallpapers are made with scrapbook paper as well as gift wrapping paper while the floors are made with felt and scrapbook paper for the basement. The roof is made with borders found at the dollar store .Princess Pea is not into dolls a lot but she loves her toy story characters . Junior made her a LEGO car for her garage and Buzz light-year was the first one to move in there . The joy and happiness on her face is motivating and encouraging enough to start looking for a new project .

 

The plans for a Barbie dream dollhouse can be found here .

Multi grain pasta cake

                      This is the longest unplanned school closing . The snow , way below freezing wind chills make it hard to get out of the house . Kids are tired of such a break and their boredom leads to constant " I am hungry " and " Give me something good to eat "state.  Here I come with another fusion recipe that is kid as well as mom pleasing . It's a savory cake that is packed with nutrition . The house was filled with an aroma that could not keep the kids away from it .

Ingredients :

Pasta :

3/4 cup Thalipeeth Bhajani ( homemade blend of mixed flours )
1/2 tsp  Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Red chilli powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup water
water to cook pasta

Spicy Paneer and vegetable mix :

1 cup cubed Paneer
4-5 baby corns cut in roundels
1/2 cup mixed peppers , cubed
1/4 cup mushrooms ,cubed

Marinade :

3/4 cups Yogurt
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp ajwain/ carom seeds powder
1 tsp fennel seeds powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp kasoori methi , crushed
1 tsp oil
juice of 1/4 lemon
2 tsp salt
1 tsp chaat masala

Sauce :

3 Tomatoes , deseeded and chopped
1 cup spinach , shredded
2 cups of heavy cream
5 Tbsp cornflour
a pinch of salt
1 cup grated cheese

To Proceed :

1) Preheat oven to 400 F .
2) Grease the pan you want to bake the cake in .

Pasta :

1) Using enough water knead a firm dough .
2) Roll it in 1/4" thick big roti .
3) Cut in diamond or vermicelli / spaghetti shape using a pizza cutter .
4) I cut it like vermicelli with the help of ruler and a pizza cutter .
5) Let it air dry for a few minutes , about 3-5 minutes.
6) Cook in boiling water for 4-5 minutes .
7) Strain and keep aside .


Spicy paneer and vegetable mix :

1) Mix all the ingredients of the marinade and add vegetables and paneer to it .
2) Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes .

Sauce :

1) Mix cream and corn flour in a deep bowl .
2) Add spinach, chopped tomatoes and spicy paneer and vegetable mix to it .
3) Add grated cheese to it .
4) Add pasta to it and toss very gently .
5) Add this to the greased pan and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean .
6) Serve warm .

Enjoy !!!

*** You can substitute any kind of pasta in place of homemade one .***

Paneer Tikka Pizza

          Which kid does not like pizza ? And we are always craving for Indian flavors . So here is a beautiful pairing of Indian flavors with western food .

Ingredients :

Pizza dough :
3 1/2 cups Bread Flour
1 tsp honey
1 envelope instant dry yeast
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 cups warm water

Marinade :
3/4 cups Yogurt
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp ajwain/ carom seeds powder
1 tsp fennel seeds powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp kasoori methi , crushed
1 tsp oil
juice of 1/4 lemon
2 tsp salt
1 tsp chaat masala

Toppings :

1-2 cups of cubed paneer
1/2 cup sliced green pepper
1/2 cup sliced baby corn
1/2 cup mushrooms
1 onion thinly sliced
2-4 cups of cheese

Sauce :

5-6 large tomatoes
2 bayleaves4 black pepper corns
1 small onion
1 tsp chopped garlic
1/2 green + red + orange pepper
3 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp oregano / pizza seasoning
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp salt

To Proceed :

Pizza dough : This can be made in stand mixer / food processor or bread machine .

1) Combine bread flour , sugar , yeast and salt in a bowl .
2) Add water and oil and form a smooth but firm to touch dough .
3)  Grease a large bowl with some oil and add the dough , cover and let rise till it doubles in size , for about 1 hour.

Marinade and toppings :

Mix all the ingredients of the marinade and add all the toppings except cheese to it . Let it marinate for 1/2 - 1 hour .

Sauce :

1) Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water . Remove it's skin and chop finely .
2) Heat oil in the pan .
3) Add bay leaves and black pepper corns and sauté till the bay leaves change their color .
4) Add chopped onion , garlic and green pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes .
5) Add chopped tomatoes and simmer it for 10-15 minutes .
6) Add sugar and salt and simmer for 2 more minutes .
7) Add oregano or pizza seasoning .
8) Cool for some time and grind into the consistency of your choice .
 

To Proceed :

Preheat oven to 400 F .
Lightly grease the pan you want to bake your pizza in .
Assembly :

1) Roll the pizza dough as per your choice . Prick it with fork so that it does not puff .
2) Brush little oil on it .
3) Spread the sauce .
4) Add the toppings .
5) Add as much cheese as you like .
6) Bake in a pre heated oven for 12-14 minutes .

Indulge in this hot Indian flavored pizza while steaming hot !!

Eggless , sugarfree Nachani/Ragi cake

 
                   The kiddos are growing up fast and I am still holding on to the recipes I used to prepare when Jr. was young . A new mom always wants to feed her new baby the healthiest stuff on this planet and that leads her in search of  recipes that fulfill her requirement . This is one of such recipes that is packed with good stuff required not only for kids but for a person of any age also . This cake does not contain white flour and sugar is replaced by iron packed dates .


Ingredients :

Dry :
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup Nachani / Ragi / Finger Millet flour
2 tbsp. chopped nuts ( optional )
1 tbsp. cocoa powder ( optional )
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 pinch nutmeg powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

Wet :
3/4  cups chopped dates
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup yogurt , thick , not strained
1/4 cup water - to grind the dates

To Proceed :

1) Grind the dates with enough water to make thick date puree .
2) Preheat the oven to 350 F .
3) Grease the cake pan .
4) Sift all the dry ingredients and keep aside .
5) Mix the date puree with rest of the wet ingredients for about 2-3 minutes .
6) Mix the wet and dry ingredients together gently .
7) Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or till the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean .
8) Cool for 5 minutes .
9) Serve warm or cold as per your liking .
10) Cool it completely if you wish to frost it .

Enjoy !!

Beautiful doll cake for even more beautiful girl

No fuss pineapple mousse

                When Princess Pea and Junior decided to have their friends over for a play date , the main thing I have to worry about is what to feed their them . This dessert is an instant hit with kids as well as their parents . It's smooth , velvety texture is complimented with pineapple bites .This is a super easy dessert which is ready in no time at all .

Ingredients :

1 can crushed Pineapple
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream , whipped
2 Tbsp instant Gelatin
1/2 cup whipped cream for topping


To Proceed :

1) Drain the crushed pineapple and reserve the juice .
2) Dissolve the gelatin in 1/2 cup boiling water .
3) Beat the condensed milk on medium speed for 2 minutes .3) Add 1/2 cup of reserved juice and mix again for a minute .
4) Add crushed pineapple and mix well .
5) Add the dissolved gelatin and mix again .
7) Fold the whipped cream . It can be mixed at low speed also for a minute .
8) Pour in dessert cups and let the mousse set in the refrigerator for 10 minutes .
9) Top with some more whipped cream .


Enjoy !!!!

*** Cool whip can be used in place of  whipped heavy cream .***
*** Unflavored / flavored ( lemon / Pineapple ) gelatin can be used .***
*** If you like sweet whipped cream as topping , you can add 1 Tbsp sugar to 1/2 cup heavy cream while whipping it .***
*** If you like chunkier texture , you can replace crushed pineapple with canned pineapple chunks.***

Princess Pea's tribute to her grandma .. Her first attempt of baking

          It's been three weeks since Princess Pea lost her grandma . She wanted to do something that her grandma used to do .  Her grandma used to make this cake for Princess Pea's dad , uncle and aunts . She did not have an oven then , but she baked it with the help of sand .

Ingredients :

1 cup Rava / sooji / semolina
1 cup Yogurt
1 cup Milk ( at room temperature )
1 cup Sugar
3-4 tsp Ghee / Clarified butter
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
A pinch of saffron
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp water

To proceed :

1)  Mix well all the ingredients except baking soda in a deep bowl .
2)  Keep it aside for 2 hours .
3)  Preheat the oven to 350 F .
4)  Grease the cake pan with little ghee .
5)  Mix baking soda with a tsp of water and add to the cake batter .
6 )  Pour the batter in greased cake pan .
7)  Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or till the toothpick comes out clean .
8)  The cake starts to turn brown and the aroma fills the entire house when it's done .




**** This cake stays fresh and good for 2-3 days . Hence very good for long drives , weekend trips or picnics too . ****

**** It's healthier as it does not have white flour or butter . ****