Miracles do happen !!!

New Year Resolutions - 2017

Hmm.. Since morning I am watching New Year resolutions in fb and tv. I generally don’t take any resolution. I don’t think I need to wait for a New Year Eve or New Year Day to take resolution. Hmm. May be this year, I am thinking of changing myself. May be I can think of New Year resolutions to start with. Hmm, actually today I woke up at 8:45 AM also, which is so unusual. Can I keep this as my new year resolution?? Yaak….I just cant do, I have to be at work by 8 AM, and who will make breakfast for me and set the lunchbox if I sleep till 8:30? Ughh… it doesn’t work for me. How about losing some weight? Two years back I thought of reducing 20 pounds in a year. Instead of losing 20 pounds, atleast weight loss, I ended up more eating, luckily my weight remained same.… Who will eat if I don’t eat? What if my stomach will cry ?? ughh… I can’t keep any such heavy, unreasonable, impractical resolutions for me such as reducing weight, maintaining diet. Hmm… Think Mamatha…Think .. Think for something not fancy, think something for budget friendly... Think Mamatha..Think…Ok..here are few …listing.. let me validate on 31^st Dec 2017 if I still alive and still remember. (List based on priority)

New Year Resolutons 2017:
1. Find out a way and Get a date (definitely with a guy) for Valentine’s day dinner. (at least this year) How to get a guy in 1 month 12 days? …. Wow… this is really challenging… (Goal 1 – already failed…hmm… let me atleast give a try before I say, I failed)
*** Condition: Need to get a guy who don't take me to Sub Way or Pizza place in BJ's / CostCo for Valentine's Dinner... ughhh.. not sure I get one...what a complexity. 

2. More Writing, More blogging (No work in the night times)  - No fans for my blog. So no matter whatever I write, whatever I post it just me…so no worries.

3. Improve Photography skills (Especially night photography and moon photography) – Goal: atleast take one moon and stars picture perfectly like a romantic painting. Romantic Painting…what a word… here is my next goal..WooUoahhh… I am an awesome dreamer

4. Build my own cartoons and themes: I miss Mr.P. I miss my cartoons. I just want to create my own cartoons. 

5. Learn a new language: Explore learning new language

6.Be More awesome and fabulous than last year : hahah…. Laughing loud of writing this statement. How to measure awesome and fabulous… Ok, be more cheerful and funny like the way I am..

Enough Challenging Resolutions. Let me see how many can be achieved in long term and short term. 

Happy New Year 2017 !!!

2016 was so rough. Passed through tough time. Totally broken me into bits and pieces. It was so hard for me. Not one challenge, multiple things, multiple ways, hit me like a storm, challenged my ability every minute and tested my strength to the extreme. Not sure how much mental agony, how many tears shed, how challenging it was balancing myself from the hurt, how much struggle not to lose my hope, courage and stability. I thanked God for being with me always, supporting me always, keepung me healthy, positive and focused. He is my strength, my courage and my savior. He is the only one who knew my pain and he never let me down.  I thanked my friends who helped me during the tough time knowingly and unknowingly. I only know how to stay focus, how to stay positive, how to keep up the spirits high. I know I became stronger than ever and more optimistic than ever. I am sure god will have better plans for me. All I have to be patient enough, stay focus on what I am doing and be thankful to God and for the people. I hope this New Year brings more joy, happiness, health and prosperity for me and for my family.
Wish You Happy New Year 2017 Mamatha !!!

RIP !!!

Year is ending with the sad news. Day started with a news of losing a close relative.  An intelligent, talented person but crooked, broken in many ways with ego, attitude, inferiority complex and successfully failed in leading a better loving life. I was little when he stepped into our family. I admired the little frog and intestine diagrams he drew for me for my science class. I still remember his obsession about few little things (like listening to the same old telugu song repeatedly many times without getting bored, eating the same thing without changing the recipe for several months or years). I do remember his narrow mind and crooked mentality which broke everyone many times. I remember how many times our family got hurt, disturbed and spent more time for them. To me, this couple is the best example who got everything, but ruined their life successfully with Inferiority complex, ego, unrealistic expectations and lack of trust. He was my measuring scale for all my alliances what not to do. To me, he suffered all his life (atleast since 30 years that I know him) and I dont see him happy at any moment. I never saw him living peaceful life at all. I don't know. I may be wrong. He must be having his own perceptions and his own analysis for his deeds. However he is no more. I only knew how negativity, ego, and inferiority complex ruined one life time. One Lifetime …. Cannot be returned any more. Cannot be regained at any time at any given moment. Any change in his perceptions could’ve turned the whole family in a beautiful song, could’ve turned the family into most beautiful way. No matter what ever he was, I loved him. I deeply saddened of hearing the news. I hope he get peace and happiness in heaven. I truly pray for him and his peace in heaven.  May his soul rest in peace and in heaven. 

The Snowman- Who stole my heart

Little things matter. I got a Christmas gift, a little cute snowman in snow globe. He is so cute, little, a carrot nose, with blue scarf and cap, so cute, in a glassy globe, glows like twinkling star in multi colors. I simply loved him. I really became a little kid, kept the snowman in my bedroom. I open my eyes little bit, look at the snowman in middle of my deep sleep, smile cheerfully and sleep happily like a baby. This is the most wonderful gift I received this year. I simply fell in love with this snowman. Thank you so much for the one who gave me such a cute beautiful gift. Sometimes it’s little things that matters most. And the little things that bonds more. Hmmm..Its almost mid night… Good Night Snowman !!!

Year End - 2016

12/30/16

Year end…Hectic work, unrealistic schedules, unrealistic expectations, I am kinda tired of everything. Year End…means New year fun… people are rushing for parties, people are preparing for parties. I simply smile people who plan their weekend or holidays with crazy busy schedule. I know, I was like that few years ago. I am missing my family. I wish to be with them for next holidays. I don’t want to go to any friends place. I just want to be alone and be silent. I am enjoying my silent evening with myself in my beautiful, little house. Hall is glowing with Christmas tree, little Christmas lights. Little gifts, little poinsettia plants are glowing in the Christmas tree lights. I had the most wonderful Christmas after many years. Happiness in my family, Friends visiting, kids, affection, love, tons of laughs, little gifts, good food…house is so filled with peace, heart is so filled with tranquility. It looks like Santa gave me a gift of affection, love and peace for the pain and suffering I had. It looks like God listened to my prayers and blessed with wonderful peace and love. Everything looks more softer, more lovelier and more brighter to me. I am able to regain myself from the intense hurt caused by immaturity. I know, I lost my energy in controlling the negativity, but I am glad, I am strong. I am strong enough to regain myself and my positive attitude. After a long time, my heart, my soul, my body totally experiencing the silence and peace. The pain, the suffering, the tears, the hurt, everything washing away from heart. I am enjoying every moment with myself, I am making peace and love with in myself.  The bond I’m making with myself, my self-love without any selfishness making me more energetic, more confident. I am analyzing myself, I am correcting myself, I am restoring myself, reconnecting with in my soul, empowering myself. I simply saying to myself repeatedly "I love myself".   If Christmas is all about hope, peace and love… I gained it successfully in this Christmas. I just wanted to thank God for his support in my tough times and his help in regaining myself. I also wanted to thank my family and friends and my enemies who helped me to be as me. I decided to focus on my work, and on my hobbies more. I also decided to combine my personal and cooking blog into one and do more blogging. More blogging means…more thoughts and more pictures and more recipes. Happy Blogger in Happy New Year !!! 

Soy Chunks Biryani (Meal Maker)

Soy Chunks Biryani:

“Nutella…or Nutrella… Eating Soy is like Eating Eraser…” a weird feeling on S’s face... Eating Eraser, what kind of comparison ...I tried hard to control my laugh.…simply admired S naughtiness...but yes, its so true… S is not alone. There are many people who hate eating Soy. Ofcourse why does any non-vegetarian eat Soy?? S has a point. J J Ofcourse, Soya is Vegetarian food. Pure Vegan. 100% high in protein.  I remember one of my visit to a Chinese restaurant with my friend, who is a pure vegetarian by religion. Its pure 100% vegetarian Chinese restaurant, which all the items made with Tofu or Soy or Sea weed… Interesting ingredients.. Interesting Menu like Phish and Chips.. is Tofu made in shape of fish and then chips… Kung Pao Schiken is Soy nuggets in Kung Pao Sauce… Well…taste was so good…so no comments. But still I don’t understand how my 100% vegetarian friend religiously eat KungPao Schiken…J J J anyways…coming back to my Soy curry… sometimes I too use  Soy as healthy option. Or for a change. I add in Vegetarian curry, and also I add with vegetables for vegetable biryani. Today my recipe with Soy Chunks is Biryani. Many people don’t like Soy because its chewy, with very different aroma infact it’s kind of rubber aroma ..hahaha…simply remembering  S’s face and smiling still... Well…There is a way to reduce the smell of Soya chunks.

Tip: Wash the soy chunks in cold water. Soak Soya Chunks in cold water for 30 mins. After soaking in water, soya chunks increase the size. Squeeze the water from soya by using hand or by placing in a dry towel. Fully drain the water and put into a separate bowl of water. let it sit for two minutes and squeeze the water again. Repeat the steps for two or three times to get rid of the smell. Squeeze the soya and remove the water, and soya chunks are ready to cook.
Tip 2: Wash and boil Soy chunks in water for 10 mins. Drain and soak soy chunks in cold water for 5 mins and squeeze out the water. repeat for two or three times to get rid of the smell.

This recipe is a traditional biryani recipe with adding soy chunks in it.
Preparation Time: 30 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:
Basmathi Rice – 2 cups (Wash, rinse and soak in water 30 mins before cooking)
Soy chunks (Meal maker) – 15 in number or half a cup
Peas –  a small cup (Option)

Ginger Garlic Paste – 2 spoons

Canola Oil -4  tablespoons
Onion – 1, chopped into small cubes
Fresh Mint leaves – 1 small cup, wahsed, chopped finely
Fresh Cilantro – ½ small cup, washed, chopped finely
Tomato – 1 small- washed, cut into small pieces
Curd / Yogurt – 1 spoon

Caraway seeds/ShahZeera – 1 tbsp
Fennel Seeds – ½ Spoon
Bay leaves – 1 or 2
Green cardamom – 1

Ghee – 1 tbsp
Cinnamon Stick – 1
Cloves – 2

Black Cardamom – 1  (Optional)
Star Anise – 1 (Optional)
Mace – 1 (Optional)

 (Please note, if you don’t have Black Cardamom, Star Anise, Mace or Fennel Seeds, That’s ok. You can add any biryani masala powder (1 tbl spoon)   Most of the Biryani Masala powders have these ingredients, so no need to buy separately.

Preparation:

Heat oil in a big kadai or in a pressure cooker, fry chopped onions till golden brown color, add ginger garlic paste, chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves, sautee for few mins, add Soya chuncks, chopped tomato, add salt, pepper, Yogurt.  Mix everything, let it cook high on 10 mins, and cook on medium flame for another 5 mins. (add little water if required).  Let the soya chunks absorb oil/ masala little bit.

For Rice:
Take rice in a separate dish, wash, rince and Soak Rice in 6 or 7 cups of water.  Add Salt, Cinnamon sticks, Cloves, Cardamom, Fennel Seeds, Shahjeera, Bay Leaves, Black cardamom, Star Anise and Mace to the rice. Add a spoon of ghee to the water. Bring it to boil, let the rice soften little bit, make sure rice is half boiled. When the rice is half cooked, strain the rice and remove the water.  (Please note, adding salt while cooking rice is very essential for biryani, to make the rice delicious).

Mix the half boiled rice in Curry (in Kadai or Pressure cooker), close the lid. Turn the heat to low, let it simmer for 20-30 mins. Make sure the lid is tight and no vapor is coming out from lid. And make sure you don’t tempt by the aromas and open the lid for every 10-15 mins. J J J

If you use pressure cooker, keep the weight on, keep the heat low, and let it sim for 30 mins.

I made egg curry as a side dish and enjoyed Biryani with Egg Curry and Raitha.

Black Eyed Peas (Lobia) Fritters

Black eyed peas fritters are very special festival delicacy in our native place, (rayalaseema) region. My mom used to make these fritters as a holiday snack or festivals like Ugadi and Sankranthi and served with Mutton curry or Coconut chutney (for vegetarians). It’s a lot of work for her, especially those non grinder days, soaking these black eyed beans, removing the shells and the grind by using stone mill.  But the sweet aroma the scrumptious taste and the way we love these fritters, she used to take an extra pain to make these for us. I still remember I always roam around her, and eat the raw batter and get stomach ache all night long…. Well.. now, when ever I see these dried beans in grocery stores, I simply remember my childhood memories.  As a single woman, I definitely need audience to give company for such special items.  In general, most of my friends are all health freaks. They only prefer eating salads, and quinoa…ofcourse I am sure they love these fritters also, if I say I mix quinoa and oats with black eyed beans…. But I can’t lie… well…now, my dad is with me. So all my experiments are on my dad. He loves these fritters… and this is for his snack today with goat curry… After eating these, my dad said, I made just like my mom…. Ahhhh… he made my day…. So…. Here is my recipe to you all… hope you also give a try and enjoy…

Ingredients:
Dried Black eyed peas - 2 cups (Wash and Soak in water over the night or for 7-8 hours)
Rice – 1 tbl spoon (Optional)

Ginger – ½ inch or a small piece
Green Chilies – 2 or As per taste
Coriander Leaves – 2 tbl spoons ( Chopped into small pieces)
Onion – 1 small (Peel, and chop into small pieces)
Curry Leaves – 5 to 6 leaves (Thinly chopped into small pieces)
Salt – as per taste
Cumin Seeds – 1 tbl Spoon (Optional)
Oil – 2 Cups (Or  sufficient Oil to Fry)

Preparation Method:

Wash and Soak Black Eyed Peas and Rice in water over the night or around 8 hours. Drain the water completely.  Add green chilies, Ginger and Salt to the peas and Grind to Coarse Paste. Take two spoons of Coarse Paste aside, and grind the rest into smooth paste. Add little water only if required. The consistency of l the mixture should be like Vada Mixture. Add Chopped Onions, Coriander Leaves, Curry Leaves and Cumin Seeds to the mixture. Mix well, adjust the salt if required.

Pour Oil into a pan, let it bring to piping hot and then bring it to medium hot.  Take the mixture into small lemon size round, Press it like Vada or Patti Shape, Put a hole in the middle of Vada if you like, or press in the middle.  Place these vada s / pattis in oil,  fry till these vada s get golden brown color.  Serve Hot with Mutton(Goat) Curry or Coconut Chutney or any of your fav. Chutneys. I will post the Goat Curry recipe later.  Hope you enjoy !!!

Crispy Cabbage Fritters (Cabbage Pakoras)

Crispy Cabbage Fritters:

Some days are so tiring. Today is one such tired busy day with doing nothing. Weather is also not so good, its so gloomy, Cloudy, making me feel more dull.  The more I feel dull, the more I cook. Cooking is kind of meditation to me, and bring my energies and focus back. I want to make something quick, and something spicy crispy pakoras. When I forced myself to step into the Kitchen, I realized that there are no onions… Booom…. Dull face again…opened the fridge, and saw a big cabbage waving hand to me…jump…. Swap Onion with Cabbage, and here is Crispy Cabbage Fritters…

Preparation & Cooking Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:
Cabbage – 1 big slice of cabbage, washed and sliced into thin, 1 inch pieces
Green chilies – 2 Medium spice, Wash and Chop into small pieces
Chickpea flour / Besan Flour – 1 cup
Rice Flour – 1 tbl spoons
Salt – as per taste
Jeera / Cumin Seeds – 1 tbl spoon (Optional)
Ginger  Garlic Paste – 1/2 tsp
Red Chilli Powder (Optional) – ½ tsp (as per taste)
Curry Leaves – few (As per taste)
Oil – to deep Fry

Preparation Method: Take Besan flour in a bowl, Add Rice Flour, Salt, cumin seeds, chopped green chillies, Ginger Garlic paste, Cabbage, Curry Leaves to the bowl.  Heat a spoon of oil, and add to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients well with fingers. Make sure the batter is little hard, not a smooth paste. The batter should just coat the cabbage. Add just few drops of water if required. Make sure the flour is not watery. Watery mix turns soggy or soft pakoras, not the crisp ones.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil turns hot, reduce it to medium flame. I prefer using fingers to make a small fritters, and drop the fritters in oil. You can use a small spoon of batter and drop the batter in oil. Deep fry till it turns golden brown color.  Once its done, remove the fritters, place on paper towel to remove the excess oil.  Enjoy the Yummy hot fritters (Pakoras) with any ketchup or Tomato Chutney with a hot coffee/ tea. 

Methi Chicken (Chicken with Fenugreek Leaves)

Life became super busy, busy for nothing. Trying my best to bring my sensitivity, energy and taste back to normal during my hectic schedule. This recipe is simple chicken with big bunch of fenugreek leaves (Methi Leaves). Fenugreek leaves are one of my favorite veggies, I simply love the health benefits , taste and aroma of the leaves. Cooking chicken is really interesting to me. The more I experiment, the more flavorful Chicken I make. The style in cooking chicken make the difference in its taste.  

Preparation Method: Simple, Easy

Preparation Time: 30  mins

Ingredients: Chicken – 2 lbs (with bone and skin removed)
Onion – 1 medium (Peel, cut into small pieces)
Ginger Garlic paste – 1 spoon
coriander powder – 2 spoons
Salt – as per taste
Turmeric – ½ spoon
Red Chilli powder – 1 spoon (or as per taste)
Oil – 4 spoons
Tomato – 1 (Wash, Chop into small cubes)
Methi Leaves – 1 big bunch (Separate the leaves and wash in cold water)

Preparation Method: Apply Salt and Turmeric to chicken and wash in cold water. Take oil in a pan, heat the oil. Add chopped onion to the oil, fry till onions get light golden brown. Add ginger garlic paste, fry for a min. Add chicken, add Coriander Powder, Turmeric, Salt, Red Chilli powder to chicken and mix well. Cook on medium flame for 10 mins by covering the lid. Add Methi leaves to chicken. Mix well, cook for 5-10 mins till the leaves get browned. Add chopped tomato, add water if required. Cover the lid, Let the mix simmer for 10-15 mins on medium flame till it gets thickened. Stir occasionally. The more chicken simmers in the gravy, the more it taste better. Switch off the flame, and enjoy the curry with hot rice or roti. 

Chunky Watermelon Salsa

Its so hot this evening. Absolutely I don’t feel like cooking or staying in kitchen. For me, Summer means a season for fresh, simple, quick easy no cook food. After coming home from work, I feel like having something little crunchy, tangy, sweet etc., etc., and I also love to bring more colors on my plate. So I made this for my evening snack.

Preparation Method: Simple, Easy

Preparation Time: 10-15  mins

Ingredients:

Watermelon – ¼ slice (Preferably seedless)
Green, Yellow or Red Bell Peppers – ½ piece each (I used multiple colors, you can use only one as your choice)
Jalapeno Pepper – 1  (Make a slit and remove the seeds and chop into small pieces)
Mango – Peel and dice into small cubes (I used a small piece of mango)
Avocado – ½  piece ( Remove the shell and seed, chop into small cubes)
Red Onion – ¼ piece
Mozarella cheese – 3 small (Optional)
Salt – ½ spoon or as per taste
Fresh ground pepper – ½ spoon
Lime – ½
Basil Leaves – 2 or 3 (for garnishing)

Preparation Method:
Remove the outer part, Slice and dice the watermelon into small chunky cubes. Rinse Bell Peppers. Cut and Remove the seeds, Slice into small cubes. Make a slit in Jalapeno Pepper, Remove the seeds in slice into small cubes. Peel Mango, cut into small cubes. Remove the shell and seed in Avacado, chop into small cubes. Peel the skin of Red Onion, chop into small cubes. Tear mozzarella cheese into small pieces. Mix all the chopped fruit and veggies in the bowl. Add mozzarella cheese, Salt and Pepper into the bowl. Squeeze the lemon. Add chopped Basil Leaves. Toss it. That’s it. A chunky, Colorful, healthy, fresh salsa ready. You can have it as a salad or a side of roti or Tortilla chips or breadsticks or a Side of any Protein (Chicken or Meat). 

Keep Salsa in fridge if you make the salsa ahead of party. Serve it cold.  

Mini Egg Muffins

Super Duper easy breezy breakfast recipe I found for myself. For Myself…Yeah… Sometimes my mornings are so crazy, especially when I get up little late, but still crave for super yummy delicious breakfast before I step into my hectic schedule. I found this recipe is a super easy, can do many things in parallel, no need to stay in kitchen, yet can enjoy the healthy, tasty breakfast.  I thought of sharing this for kids too… Yep, most of the kids like Egg and Toast.  They may get bored of same stuff daily.  Changing the shape and structure, and put few colors, and add veggies to it,  make them feel good, interesting to eat healthy.  You can just use any vegetables that you have in fridge, and any cheese as Kids like. I prefer No cheese for me… so here is the recipe with veggies what I have for today.

What you need: A Muffin Tray

Preparation Time: 5-10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients: Eggs – 3 eggs
Milk – 1 tbl spoon (Optional)
Potatoes – 1 – Peel, Chop into small cubes (You can also use frozen hashbrown potatoes)
Mushrooms – 1 small cup
Spinach – 1 small cup ( I used fresh spinach, Pls Thaw when you use frozen)
Red Bell Pepper – A Small piece, Chop into small cubes
Green Bell Pepper – A Small piece, Chop into small cubes
Onion – 1 small (Peeled, and Chop into small pieces)
Butter or Oil  – 1 spoon
Cooking Spray – to grease the muffin tray
Salt- as per taste
Black crushed Pepper- As per taste
Cheese – Optional (Please use grated cheese what ever kids like)

Preparation Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tray with cooking spray. Heat a skillet, add butter, add all veggies, add salt and Pepper, Saute for 2 mins. In a large bowl, add eggs, little salt and pepper, add milk, whisk it together. Spoon the sautéed vegetables in muffin cups, and pour the egg mixture on top the veggies till half of the muffin cup.  Sprinkle the cheese on top of egg mixture.  Note, eggs puff up little bit, so make sure you pour only till ½ of the muffin cup. Let it bake for 10-15 mins (Depending on the oven) or till it turns golden on edges.  You can also test with toothpick or fork. Insert a tooth pick or fork in the middle of muffin, muffins are done when the toothpick comes out clean. Serve the kids with a side of toast or a fruit. 
Tip: You can make it as a party appetizer or you can also make it as batch, keep it in fridge and serve by heating in a microwave for the next day.

Roasted Veggie Frittata:

Roasted Veggie Frittata:

“They eat all this egg, fruits, cereals, milk, bread toast’ …..When my friend said about kids preferences, I simply decided to make few easy simple things with those ingredients. It is a perfect easy recipe for a group of people without spending longer hours for kitchen. I used the vegetables which are in my fridge. You can use any kind of vegetable as per your choice.  Being a working woman, I prefer very easy recipes and prefer the cooking to be simple, quick yet healthy and delicious.

Additional Equipment You need: Cast Iron Skillet or any over-safe skillet.  (I used 8 inches round pan)

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking Time: 10-15 mins
Serving Size: 2 people

Ingredients:
Eggs – 2  large
Potato – 1 small size – Peeled, Cubed into small pieces
Onion – 1 small- peel and chop into small pieces
Red Bell Pepper – ½ or a small piece , Seeded and diced into small pieces
Green Bell Pepper – ½ or  a small piece, seeded and diced into small pieces
Scallions – 1 small- washed and diced into small pieces
Asparagaus – 3 small
Oil – 2 table spoons
Butter – 1 table spoon
Salt – as per taste
Freshly ground Black Pepper – ½ tea spoon or as per taste
Parmesan Cheese – 1 spoon – Optional


Preparation Method: Preheat over at 350 degrees. Heat the Skillet, Drizzle Oil, place all the chopped vegetables, sprinkle salt and pepper. Fry for two mins. Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Add little salt and little pepper to egg mixture. You can also add grated parmesan cheese. Pour the egg mixture on top of the vegetables, let it cook for 2 mins withoiut stirring. Place the skillet into oven, and let it cook for 10-15 mins.  Remove from oven, serve hot.

Breakfast for Kids

I don’t have kids. Well, I am single, so all my recipes are only related to my own appetite and my own passion in trying to new techniques to satisfy my stomach cravings. It just happened that few of my close friends kids turned 4, and my friends repeatedly mentioned how fussy the kids are in eating breakfast, how difficult for them to enjoy vegetables…I also met someone who is so special, also need of some good recipes for the kids (I think so, but I am not sure)… so I thought of exploring few creative and delicious, healthy recipes for kids. Yes, I don’t have kids, there is no one sit next to me for dining, enjoy or comment or waste the food etc..etc.. But how does it matter as long you have heart to see what kids want… so, friends, here you go, few recipes are for you. Try for your kids…hope they enjoy…these recipes are for naughty, cuty, cranky, chubby, lovely kids….

Oats Crusted Fried Eggplant

I am not a health freak. I hardly eat Oats and I hardly follow any trendy healthy options . It just happened for me to see many varieties of Oats at one of my friend’s place on a sleepover. She is so sweet, really made me remember my forgotten love for Italian and mexican food, explained her passion about oats and other healthy options. With in few weeks span, I had to go for lunch with one of my friend, who simply loves Italian food, especially for Eggplant Parmesan. I thought of creating a recipe which can satisfy both of them, a modified version of eggplant parm, which can be healthy yet delicious, also can be used for traditional eggplant parm (I will make it soon). As I am single, with small stomach, my recipes always goes for only one person. You can modify accordingly to your need.

Ingredients:

Eggplant: 1 medium size
Oil – 3 spoons (I used Canola Oil. You can use Canola Spray or Olive Oil or Butter)
Whole Oats – 1 cup ( I used Quaker Old Fashioned)
egg – 1 large egg
Salt – as per taste
Black Pepper – ½ spoon
Red Pepper Flakes – 1 spoon
Ricotta Cheese – 2 spoons (Optional)
Basil Leaves – 2 leaves (Chopped ) for garnishing (Optional)

Total Time: 15 - 20 mins

Preparation Method:

Take Half a cup of oats and grind into a coarse powder. Place in a plate. Season the Oats flour with Salt and pepper.  Take another bowl, whisk the egg, season it with Salt and Pepper. Keep the rest of the oats in another plate. Wash Eggplant. Cut into ½ inch thick round slices. Sprinkle little Salt and pepper on both sides. Dip Each slice into Oats flour, shake off if any excess, then dip into egg mix, and finally into the oats. Take a Pan, grease it with Oil or Oil Spray, place the eggplant slices into the pan. Let it fry 3-4 mins on one side, flip and then from 2-3 mins on other side. (You can also bake the eggplant slices by placing in a baking sheet, 350 F about 20-30 mins. I fried because it’s a small batch, and was in need of making something real quick. ) Remove the fried eggplant slices, apply Ricotta cheese as spread, sprinkle Chopped Basil Leaves. Serve it with a Side of Salad or Ketchup. For me, It's a perfect Appetizer or an evening snack or a simple dinner . I had it with a fresh salad made with Butter Lettuce, Avacado, Cucumbers, Radish and Baby Corn.

Coconut Shrimp Curry

I am not a great fan of Seafood. Well, to be honest, I am the only one in my family atleast give a try to eat sea food. Either my dad or my sister don’t like sea food at all.  My friend Deepthi made me to taste Shrimp often. She only eat either fish or Shrimp, and she is an excellent cook, so I started exploring those two items in different ways to make her happy.  I am not sure which cuisine this recipe belongs to, I tried to add Jamaican/ Cuban/ Thai flavors to traditional South Indian recipe. It resulted the most succulent, delicious, mildly flavored Shrimp Curry.

Total time: 25-30 mins

Ingredients:

Shrimp – 15 count, fresh/ frozen , uncooked, Peeled, Deveined  (You can also use frozen, uncooked)
Onion -  1 small, peel, chop into small pieces
Ginger Garlic Paste- ½ tbl spoon
Tomato – 1 small – wash, cut onto small pieces
Fresh grated Coconut – 1 small cup – (Grind and make a coarse paste)
Red Bell Pepper – Small or ¼ portion – Remove the Seeds, Cut to Long thin Slices (Optional)
Green Bell Pepper – Small or ¼ portion – Remove the seeds, Cut into Long thin Slices (Optional)
Salt – 1 tea spoon (As per taste)
Crushed Pepper – ½ tea spoon
Turmeric – a pinch
Red Chilli Powder – ½ tbl spoon (As per taste)
Coriander powder – ½ tbl spoon
Mustard Seeds – ½ tbl spoon
Jeera Seeds – ½ tbl spoon
Bay Leaves – 2  (Optional)
Basil Leaves – 2 or 3 (Optional)
Oil – 3 tbl spoons

Preparation Method: I used medium size, uncooked Shrimp. You can use any size, cooked or uncooked shrimp.

Take shrimp in a small bowl, mix it with Salt ,  Turmeric and crushed pepper . Take a Pan, add a spoon of oil, let it get hot. Add Shrimp and cook them for few mins. Cook 2 -3 mins at one side, flip and cook the other side.  Cook them until a little pink color. Remove from the pan and keep them aside.  If you use cooked shrimp, you don’t have to fry in the beginning.
Add two spoons of oil, heat the oil, add mustard seeds, jeera seeds. Fry for a min, and add chopped onion. Fry the onions till turns to golden brown color, add ginger garlic paste, red bell pepper, green bell pepper pieces, salt, turmeric, Red chilli powder, Coriander Powder. Fry for 2-3 mins. Stir to make sure not to burn the spices. Add shrimp, mix well, fry for a min. Add chopped Tomato, Coconut Paste, Bay Leaves, stir well. Close the lid, let it cook for 5-10 mins, bring it to simmer. Stir in the middle if required. Add chopped Basil leaves at the end to enhance the sweet flavor. Serve hot with Steamed Rice or Roti. 

Veggie Basket (Fully Loaded Veggies in a Bread Basket)

This morning was so beautiful, rain, fog, woods…made me feel so good, and made me to crave more delicious breakfast than usual. My cravings this morning resulted this recipe with a kind of a Toast with Sauteed Vegetables. I used the vegetables which I have in my fridge. You can use either eggs or any vegetables as per your choice.  

Ingredients:

Green Bell Pepper – 1 medium size, washed, remove seeds and chop into small cubes
Red Bell Pepper – 1 medium size, washed, removed seeds and chop into small cubes
Potato – 1 medium size , washed, peeled and chop into small cubes
Green Peas – 1 small cup
Onion – 1 small- Peel and chop into small pieces
Garlic – 1 small pod – peeled and chopped  (Optional)
Jeera Seeds – 1 small tbl spoon (Optional)
Mustard Seeds – 1 small tbl spoon (Optional)
Oil – 2 spoons  (to sautee the vegetables)
Salt – 1 tbl spoon (as per taste)
Crushed Pepper – 1 tbl spoon (as per taste)
White Bread – 6 slices
Butter – 1 small cube ( bring to room temperature) – (Optional, You can use any Vegetable Oil)

Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 2 spoons – (Optional)

You also need a Muffin Tray for this recipe.

Preparation:

Preheat Over at 410 °F. Spray the muffin tray with cooking spray or with grease with butter.

Stuffing Preparation: Heat Oil in the pan, add jeera seeds, mustard seeds, let it splatter. Add chopped Onion, fry for two mins till it leaves the raw smell (Or fry till turn little brown color), add chopped garlic, chopped vegetables (Bell Peppers, Potato) and peas. Add salt and pepper, sautee the vegetables for 5 mins or till vegetables leaves the raw smell.

Take the bread slices, Remove the edges. Cut Diagonal and make every slice into two pieces. Apply Butter to both sides of the slices. Place the slices in each muffin cup by pressing in bottom and sides as a cup.  Take a spoon and Fill the cup with vegetable stuffing. Sprinkle Chedder Cheese on top of the vegetables. I am not a cheese lover, so I just sprinkled a little. Also I used Sharp Chedder Cheese. You may use any cheese as per your choice.

Place the muffin tray in the pre-heated oven and let it bake for 10-15 mins. The baking time varies depending on your oven settings.  You can check the oven till the bread turns brown.

Remove the Tray from oven and let it cool for 5 mins. Remove the baked veggie cups from tray with the help of knife or fork and serve hot. Enjoyy !!!

Mini Palmiers - A French Dessert/ Breakfast

Viennoiserie--- It’s a French word for baked goods such as Croissant, pastry, Palmier, Snail rolls, Danish Pastry….list goes on… for various varieties of breakfast or snack French recipes . For some ‘buttery’ , ‘cheesy’ reason, I fell in love with Italian and French cuisines. But the amount of butter, sugar and wine needed for most of the recipes made me to stay away from making those at home. PAUL – A new branch of Authentic French bakery opened recently in the mall. The richest aroma or the cheese made me to stop at Pauls almost store closing time. I was so disappointed that they ran out of every variety and I hardly got a chocolate croissant. It made me to dream about the Palmier all night long, and my dreams forced me to made these mini varieties of Viennoiserie J for my breakfast J

For this recipe, I used ‘Pepperidge farm’ Puff Pastry Sheets. This recipe is only for Palmier.

Ingredients:

Puff Pastry Sheets – 1 sheet ( I used Pepperidge Farm’ Puff Pastry Sheets, store bought)
Sugar – ½ cup
salt – a pinch
Powdered Cinnamon – 2 spoons (Optional) – I prefer Cinnamon in these recipes, but it is your choice.
Butter – 3 spoons or 1 small cube 
Egg  - 1 large
Milk – 1 spoon (To prepare Egg Wash)

Preparation:
This recipe is very easy to make. Technique is only in the folding of the sheet. You can also make it ahead, throw it in fridge and keep it in oven 20 mins before your guests arrive. Thaw the Pepperidge Puff Pastry Sheet as per the instructions given in the packet. For Egg Wash- Mix Egg, Milk and a small pinch of sugar in a small bowl using spoon or fork. Heat Oven 400°F . Mix Sugar and Cinnamon Powder. Sprinkle Sugar and Cinnamon Mix on the floor or plain wooden board. Unfold Puff Pastry Sheet on the Sugar mix. Roll the pastry sheet to make it with smooth surface. Apply Egg wash on the surface of the pastry sheet. Sprinkle Sugar and Cinnamon Mix.

Roll one side of the pastry sheet like a pleat (One over other) and bring it to center. Roll the other side (Opposite) similarly like a pleat and bring it to center. Fold both the sides like a book. Slice the rolled dough into ½ inch pieces. Apply butter to the baking sheet and place the slices in baking sheet (Make sure the cut side is up). Apply Egg wash with brush on the upper portion of each slice. Sprinkle sugar little bit on top of each slice.

Keep it in pre-heated oven and Bake it for 6-10 mins. Time varies depending on your oven. Remove when the pastries turning to caramelized brown and let it cool. Serve with Hot Coffee or Tea. This is perfect for breakfast or evening snack.

Tip: Use the same recipe with a little twist to make the rolls. Sprinkle semi sweet chocolate chips or dried raisins along with sugar on top of pastry sheet. Instead rolling the pastry sheet like a book, roll spiral role. Cut into small one inch pieces. Place it in the oven by keeping the cutting side up. bake it for 6-10 mins or till the rolls turn golden brown. Serve with Coffee or Tea. 

Step By Step Preparation (Including How to roll the sheets):

Raw Tamarind Chutney (Chintakaya Pachadi)

Raw Tamarind Chutney (Chinatakaya Pachadi):

I found Raw Tamarind pods and Sugar Cane in Indian Stores. I felt happy and posted the picture in my facebook. My friend laughed like anything and said she hasn’t had any of these ingredients, and she is so curious to know what I make.

I make few varieties with Raw Tamarind Pods. Today I made a tamarind chutney. This recipe needs tender tamarind pods. Matured pods contains seeds and the shell also is very hard. It doesn’t taste good if the seeds are matured. Removing seeds or shell from Matured pods are very tedious.

Ingredients:

Raw Tamarind Pods – Washed and cut into small pieces – 1 cup
Mustard Seeds – ½ spoon
Cumin / Jeera Seeds – ½ spoon
Coriander Seeds – ½ Spoon
Urad Dal – ½ spoon
Chana Dal – ½ spoon
Red Chilies – 4
Salt to Taste
Turmeric – ¼ spoon
Garlic Cloves – 3
Oil – 2 spoons

Preparation: Fry Mustard Seeds, Jeera Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Urad Dal, Chana Dal, Red Chilies till turns to golden brown color. Transfer to the mixer, grind coarse. Add tamarind pods to the pan, Saute for 3-4 min. Cover with a lid and let it soft for 2-3 mins. Add tamatind pods, salt and turmeric to the mixer and make it as a coarse paste. Heat oil in the pan, Saute garlic cloves for a min in low heat. Mix the Oil and Garlic to the TAramarind Paste. Serve with Hot Steamed Rice. 

Raw Green Mango Rice (Mamidi Kaya Pulihora)

Raw Green Mango Rice (Mamidi Kaya Pulihora):This is one of my all time favourite, the most simplistic yet delicious recipe. Mangos…I eat ripe or unripe raw mangos. Raw Mangos are Tangy in Taste, high in B and C vitamins, very good for health. It is difficult to get really Tangy raw mango in USA. I prefer making many varieties with Raw Green mangos when I get those. This recipe is one of the festive recipe in South India, People make this mostly during the festival of Ugadi (New Year for Telugu people in India). 

Ingredients:

Cooked Rice – 3 cups (Use Left Over rice too)
Mango – 1 Raw Green Mango (Small or Medium Size) – Peel and grate
Salt – for Taste
Turmeric – ¼ spoon
For Tampering:
Oil – 3 spoons
Ginger – ½ inch, grated into a thin pieces
Green Chilies – 2 , Washed  and slit long
Mustard Seeds – ½ spoon
Jeera Seeds – 1/2spoon
Urad Dal – ½ spoon
Chana Dal – ½ spoon
Red Chilies – 2
Cashews –8
Peanuts – 8
Curry Leaves – 8-10
Coriander Leaves – 1 spoon for garnishing

Preparation: Cook Rice and make it fluffy by separating the rice with a fork. Spread it in a plate or bowl to cool. Heat Oil in a pan, add Mustard Seeds, Jeera Seeds, Urad Dal, Chana Dal, Cashews, Peanuts and red chilies and  fry till it gets  golden brown. Add Green chillies, Grated Ginger, Grated Mango, curry leaves and saute for 2 to 3 mins.  Don’t cook grated mango. Over cook spoils the mango taste and kills the tanginess. Add salt, turmeric and coriander leaves.  Add cooked rice and mix it gently with a spoon until the rice fully covered with the mango mixture on low heat. Serve with Papad or Curd.