Pepper Fried rice and Pepper Chicken

Black pepper flavoured rice and chicken for a perfect spicy meal!

Total Time......2hrs 30 min (Prep - 10 min, Cook- 20 min, Inactive-2 hrs)

Yield...............4 to 6 servings
Level..............Easy

Ingredients for Pepper Chicken

• 2 cups Chicken pieces
• 1/4 cup Curd
• 1 tsp Lime juice
• 1 tbsp All purpose flour(Maida)
• Puree of 2 Tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp Chilly powder
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
• 1 tbsp Pepper powder
• 2 cups sliced Onion
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• Salt as required 
• Cilantro

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken pieces with curd, lime juice, flour, chilly powder, pepper,  turmeric and salt. Keep aside for 2 hours.
2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken.
3. Take some oil in a pan & saute onion till golden brown.
4. Add ginger garlic paste, pepper and salt. Saute for sometime.
5. Mix in the tomato juice, 3/4 cup water and fried chicken Cook for 10 min.
6. Add chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Ingredients for Pepper Fried rice

• 2 cups Rice
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 3/4 cup Corn
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Black Pepper
• 1 cup sliced Onion
• 1/2 cup Green peas
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
• Salt as required

Directions:

1. Cook rice and keep aside.
2. Saute Onion for 2 min. Add corn, peas, soy sauce, pepper and salt.
3. Mix cooked rice to it. Saute for sometime and serve hot with the pepper chicken!

Fried Banana with Ice-cream

Banana is coated with cinnamon flavoured flour and coconut batter, then it is deep fried in vegetable oil. I got inspired to try out this combo when I once had a similar dessert from a Thai restaurant :) The combination of coconut ice-cream scoops and fried bananas gives this dessert a very unique taste!

Total Time......15 min (Prep - 5 min, Cook- 10 min) 
Yield...............5 to 6 servings
Level..............Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour(Maida)
• 1 cup unsweetened Coconut flakes
• 4 large size ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp Salt
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
• A pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil 
• Hershey's chocolate syrup 
• Coconut ice-cream

Directions

1. Take a bowl and beat egg thoroughly. Add flour, coconut flakes, cinnamon powder, sugar, water and salt. Mix thoroughly.
2. Heat oil in a shallow pan. Then slice bananas and coat with the batter. 
3. When oil is hot, fry the bananas till golden brown colour & place on a paper towel so that the excess oil is absorbed.
4. Serve with coconut ice-cream and Hershey's syrup!

Chicken Biryani

Biryani  is one among the most popular lunch/dinner item on the Indian menu, that brings the aromatic flavours of Indian spices! It can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian, and is made by preparing rice & masala(gravy) separately. And finally layering them brings the contrasting taste of the 'flavored rice' and the 'spicy masala'. The best way of eating Biryani is with Raita, Papadum and Lime Pickle! 

Total Time......2 hr 30min (Prep - 15 min, Cook- 1 hr 15 min, Idle- 1 hr)

Yield...............4 to 5 servings 
Level..............Intermediate

(I) Ingredients for the Rice

• 1 1/2 cup Basmati rice 
• 4 Bay leaves
• 5 green Cardamoms
• 5 Cloves
• 1 medium sized Cinnamon  
• 5 Pepper corns
• 2 tbsp Ghee
• Salt as required

Directions:

1. Wash rice 3 to 4 times and drain the water. Take a vessel and lightly fry rice in ghee for 2 to 3 min.
2. Cook rice with bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, pepper and salt. 
3. When rice is fully cooked, remove all spices(if needed) and keep aside.

(II) Ingredients for the Chicken Masala

• 2 pounds Chicken pieces
• 3 cups sliced Onion
• 2 Tomatoes 
• 3 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
• 3/4 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 3/4 tsp Cloves powder
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder 
• 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
• 5 green Cardamoms
• 2 tsp Garam masala
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 4 Bay leaves
• 4 tbsp Yogurt(Curd)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper powder
• 1 tsp Red chilly powder
• 2 Green chillies
• 1/2 cup chopped Coriander leaves (Cilantro) 
• 1/2 cup chopped Mint
• 5 tbsp Ghee 
• 2 tbsp Lime juice
• Salt as required

Directions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in 2 tbsp yogurt, turmeric powder, 1 tsp chilly powder, lime juice & salt. Keep aside for 1 hour.
2. Take a pan and pour ghee. Saute onion with salt till you obtain a brown colour. Then add ginger-garlic paste, chopped green chillies, tomatoes and saute for sometime.
3. Add cardamoms, cinnamon powder, cloves powder, corriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, pepper powder, chilly powder and turmeric powder. Saute for 2 min.
4. Mix in marinated chicken pieces & saute for 3 minutes
5. Add 1 1/2 cup of water, chopped cilantro, mint, bay leaves, lime juice and salt. Close the lid and cook for 15 min in low flame. (Stir occasionally)
6. Then mix in remaining yogurt and cook for 5 more min or till you obtain a thick gravy. Take off the cardamom pods and bay leaves (if needed). Keep aside.

 (III) Ingredients for the Raita

• 1 1/2 cups Curd
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced Onion
• 1/2 cup sliced Tomatoes
• Salt as required

Directions

1. Mix onion with a pinch of salt.
2. Add tomato, curd and a pinch of salt into the above mix. Combine well and keep aside. 

(IV) Other Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Raisins and Cashew nuts (lightly sauteed in ghee)
• 4 boiled Eggs 
• Fried onions (1 cup sliced onion fried in ghee)
• 1/4 cup chopped Coriander leaves (Cilantro)
• Papadums (fried in vegetable oil)
• Lime Pickle 

Layering 

Take a shallow pan, spread little ghee and start layering as shown below:

• Layer a) Rice                                         
• Layer b) Chicken masala, few Cashew nuts, few Raisins and chopped Cilantro
• Layer c) Rice 
• Layer d) Chicken masala and eggs
• Layer e) Rice 

Keep in a low flame and let it cook for 10 to 15 min. When it is ready to serve, garnish with fried Onions, remaining Cashewnuts, Raisins and chopped Cilantro. Serve the delicious Biryani with Papadum, Lime Pickle and Raita!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken pieces simmered in Chicken Broth with tender Egg Noodles, 

Carrots, Onion and Celery.

Total Time......35 min (Prep - 10 min, Cook- 25 min)

Yield...............2 to 3 servings 
Level..............Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked & shredded Chicken
• 3/4 cup cooked Egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sliced Onion
• 1/2 cup sliced Carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped Celery
• 1 1/2 cups Chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chopped Cilantro
• 1 tsp Black pepper powder
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 3/4 tbsp Cornflour
• 2 tbsp Butter 
• Salt as required

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium sized cooking pot. Saute onion in a low flame.
2. Then add carrots, cooked chicken, chicken both, black pepper and salt. Cook in a low flame for 15 min.
3. Make a solution of cornflour in 1/2 cup water separately and add to the  pot.
4. Stir in cooked noodles, soy sauce, celery, cilantro and cook for 5 more min. Serve hot on a chill day!

Sausage Sandwich

Simple Sandwich made with grilled Beef Sausage, fresh Lettuce, pickled Cucumber, red Bell pepper and tomato Ketchup.

Total Time........13 min (Prep - 5 min, Cook- 8 min)

Yield..................4 servings 
Level.................Easy

Ingredients

• 4 Sandwich Buns
• 4 Beef Sausages
• 1/2 cup chopped Cucumber Pickles
• 1/4 cup chopped Red Bell pepper(Capsicum)
• 1 tbsp Black pepper
• Mayonnaise as required
• Lettuce as required  
  
• Ketchup as required
• Salt as required

Directions

1. Season sausage with pepper and salt. Grill them according to the package instructions.
2. Cut the sausages into 1/2 inch thick slices. 
3. Spread mayonnaise and fill the bun with lettuce, sliced sausage, pickle, bell pepper and ketchup.

Beef stew

Beef and vegetables cooked in aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk and served with  Palappam (laced rice pancakes).

Total Time....25 min (Prep - 5 min, Cook- 20 min)

Yield..............3 to 4 servings

Level.............Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup cubed Beef
• 1 cup thinly sliced Onion
• 1 cup cubed Potato
• 1/2 cup cubed Carrot
• 1/2 tsp Ginger garlic paste
• 2 Green chillies
• 1 Tomato
• 1/2 tsp Cloves powder
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 4 Cardamoms
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 cup Coconut milk 
• Salt as required
• Oil as required
• Curry leaves (optional) 

Directions

1. Cook the beef in a pressure cooker with 1/4 tsp pepper and salt.
2. Take a pan & pour oil. When oil is hot, saute curry leaves, green chillies and crushed cardamoms. Add onion, ginger garlic paste & saute for few min. 
3. Mix cooked beef, potato, carrot, cloves and cinnamon. Saute.
4. Then add 3/4 cup water,  pepper, salt and close the lid. Cook for 10 min in medium flame.
5. Add chopped tomato and cook. Then reduce the heat, add coconut milk and simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Serve this tasty dish with crispy laced Palappam for breakfast!

Note: 

• Palappam mix is available in Indian stores. Usually special 'appam pan' is used for making the laced appam but it can also be made like pancakes too. You can prepare perfectly by following the package instructions carefully. The main ingredients needed other than the palappam mix are coconut milk, yeast and sugar.
• Beef can be replaced by chicken for making Chicken Stew :)

 

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken stew baked with a biscuit crust and served with salad.  

Total Time....55 min (Prep - 10 min, Cook- 45 min)

Yield..............4 to 5 servings

Level.............Easy

Ingredients for the stew

• 1 Chicken breast
• 1/2 cup sliced Onion
• 1/2 cup sliced Potato
• 1/4 cup sliced Carrot
• 1/4 cup Green peas
• 1/4 cup Celery
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 3/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp All purpose flour (Maida)
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1/2 cup Milk
• Salt as required
• Oil as required

Ingredients for the biscuit crust

• 1 1/4 cup All purpose flour (Maida)
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1 1/2 tbsp Butter
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Oil 
• Egg white 
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 375 degrees C. 
2. Take a shallow pan. Add water, potato, carrot, onion and cook with a closed lid. 
3. Season chicken with oil, salt & back pepper. Bake for 25 to 30 min.
4. Take another shallow pan, add butter, flour & milk mixture, pepper and salt. Stir well until thick.
5. Take out the cooked chicken and preheat oven at 450 degrees F. 
6. Add the cooked vegetables, pulled chicken, bay leaf, celery, green peas, amd chicken broth.
7. Cook in a low flame till you obtain a thick gravy & till everything mix well.
8. Then take a food processor & put all the ingredients for the biscuit crust and blend till you obtain a soft dough.
9. Make small balls and then flatten in round shapes(1 inch thick) to fit inside the ramekins. Leave little space when arranging so that there is space for the dough to rise.
10. Take ramekins and pour the vegetable stew. Place the round dough on top and brush with egg white
11. Bake for 10 to 15 min. Serve hot with salad!

HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY TO ''YUMMY DELIGHTS'' !!!

I still can't believe that 1 year is over after I started blogging (Sep 15, 2011)! It was a thrilling experience to be in the Bloggers World :) I want to thank my family and friends for all the encouragement they have given me. I am really grateful to all my 223 blogger friends for their immense support through their lovely comments, awards and event participation!! Hubby was the one who gave me the confidence to start my own blog & criticized my cooking experiments :) My brother, sister & best friend were the ones who criticized in my food photographs, giving me the best suggestions and support to move forward with more perfection. And last but not the least I thank all my 926 Facebook fans for their support too :) Thanks a million to each and every one of you and I'm hoping that you all will keep on encouraging me :) Given below are some of the major happenings:

• My first posts: Strawberry Smoothie and Sausage-Chicken Pizza 
• Most viewed recipes: Fruit Custard and Chicken Tikka Masala 
• Recipes with max. no. of comments: Carrot Cupcakes and Raspberry Jam Tarts 
• First 2 blogger friends: Faseela and Julie 
• First 2 awards by: Amy  
• First event: Valentine's Day Event

As part of my Blogoversary celebration, I made a special cupcake that I got inspired to make when I once had from ''Cupcake Royal'' :) It was so so YUM!! Eventhough I couldn't beat them, I've tried to make something similar ;) Hope you all will love this!!

Total Time....1 hr (Prep - 10 min, Cook- 35 min, Inactive-15 min)

Yield..............5 to 6 cupcakes

Level.............Easy

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cupcake

• 1 3/4 cup All purpose flour(Maida)
• 1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 1/4 cup Sugar
• 3/4 cup Cocoa powder
• 2 Eggs
• 1 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Oil
• 2 tsp Vanilla essence
• 1/2 tsp Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven at degrees 350 degrees F(175 degrees C).
   
2. Sieve flour, baking powder and baking soda together.
3. Take a large bowl and mix butter and sugar thoroughly. Then add eggs and whisk.
4. Make a solution of cocoa powder and milk. Mix in this solution and flour alternatively.
5. Add vanilla essence, oil and salt. Mix everything thouroughly.
6. Bake for 15 to 20 min.

Ingredients for the Caramel Sauce

• 2 Egg Yolks
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 tsp Vanilla essence

Directions:

1. Beat all ingredients and heat in a shallow pan & stir till it boils and become thick.
2. Allow it to cool.

Ingredients for the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1/2 cup Caramel sauce (Prepare as shown above)
• 1 tsp Vanilla essence
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Whisk butter and sugar well. Then mix in caramel sauce.
2. Add cream cheese, vanilla and whisk thoroughly.
3. Frost & decorate the cupcakes once they are completely cooled.

Rice Krispies Kheer (Payasam)

Payasam (Kheer) is one of the unavoidable desserts for the South Indians during Onam festival. In my recipe I've used 'rice krispies cereal', which is entirely different from the usual traditional kheer preparations with 'vermicelli' or 'rice'. I'm sure you'll love it. Do give a try!

 

Total Time....1 hr 10 min (Prep - 5 min, Cook- 5 min, Inactive-1 hour)

Yield..............3 to 4 servings

Level.............Easy

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 cups Milk 
• 1/2 cup Condensed milk
• 4 tbsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1/4 Cup Raisins
• 1/4 cup Cashewnuts
• 2 tbsp Ghee  
• Pinch of saffron

Directions:

1. Take a shallow pan and slightly fry cashewnut & raisins in ghee. 
2. Add cereal and saute for 2 min.
3. Pour milk, condensed milk and sugar. Then mix in saffron and cardamom powder. Stir till the milk boils.
4. Allow it to cool and refrigerate for 1 hour(minimum). If its too thick before serving, add more chilled milk & stir well.

I hope all the Keralites had a great Onam with the lovely celebrations and tasty Sadya :)    

 Wishing everybody a very HAPPY ONAM !!

Chicken Fingers

Chicken strips coated with herbed, cheesy & crispy mix. It goes perfect with tomato sauce, mayo,honey mustard dip etc. This is definitely a crunchy & tasty appetizer!!

Total Time....30 min (Prep - 10 min, Cook- 20 min)

Yield...............3 servings

Level..............Easy

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup Chicken strips
• 2 cups Crushed Corn flakes cereal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose Flour (Maida)
• 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried Thyme
• 1/2 tsp Basil leaves
• 1 tsp black Pepper powder
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1 Egg white 
• 3 tbsp Butter
• Salt as required 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven at 375 degrees F. (about 190.56 degrees C)
2. Beat egg white with little water thoroughly and keep aside.
3. Make a mixture of crushed cornflakes, cheese & garlic powder. Keep aside.
4. Take a separate  bowl and mix flour, milk, herbs, pepper and salt.
5. Dip the chicken strips first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture & then again into the flour mixture.
6. Finally coat evenly with corn flakes mix. Arrange on a baking pan and drizzle little butter.
7. Bake for 10 min. Turn the strips & bake for another 10 min.

Note: Same method can be used for preparing big chicken pieces. Increase the baking time to 50 to 55 min and serve hot with mashed potatoes :)

Tilapia Fish Curry

Tilapia pieces and green peas, cooked in a thick and spicy coconut gravy! It goes perfect with rice, paratha, roti etc.
.

Ingredients: 

• 3 Tilapia fish fillets
• 1 cup sliced Onion
• 1/2 cup Green Peas
• 1/2 cup Coconut milk 
• 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 tsp Garam masala powder
• 3 tbsp Tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp Oil
• Salt as required 
  

Directions:

1. Clean the fish in water and lime juice(to reduce the smell) and marinate for 10 min with little red chilly powder, turmeric powder and salt.
2. Take a pan, pour oil & saute onion till golden brown. 
3. Make a paste of 1/2 cup cooled sauteed onion and add back to the pan with ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, coriander powder, remaining red chilly powder & fry for sometime.
4. Now add the peas and tomato sauce to it. Stir for some time.
5. Then add coconut milk and 1/4 cup water, mix it well and allow it to boil.
6. When it will starts boiling, add the marinated fish and cook with the lid closed for 3 min.
7. Then open the lid & cook so that the fish is cooked perfectly and a thick gravy will be formed. Serve hot!

Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry

Simple, healthy & colourful dish of stir fried veggies and chicken strips served over plain rice. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups Chicken strips
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
• 6 tbsp Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 4 tbsp oriental Sesame Oil
• 1/4 cup Asparagus
• 1/4 cup sliced Carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced Grean Beans
• 1/2 cup chopped Cauliflower
• 1/2 cup sliced Yellow squash
• 1/2 cup chopped Celery
• 1/4 cup chopped Onions
• 1/4 cup chopped Mushroom
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Water
• 2 cups Cooked rice
• Sriracha hot Chilly sauce

Directions

1. Take a small bowl & mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, cornstarch and water.
2. Stir fry vegetables in a skillet until soft.
3. Add chicken and sesame oil. Stir fry for 3 to 5 min.
4. Stir in sauce (1) and cook until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
5. Serve over rice & drizzle with soy sauce and chilly sauce.

Choco Vanilla Cookies

Ingredients for the Vanilla dough

• 1 1/4 cup sifted all purpose Flour
• 8 tbsp Butter
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 Egg yolk
• 1 tsp Vanilla essence
• A pinch of Salt

Directions:

1. In an electric mixer beat butter and sugar. 
2. Add egg yolk and mix thoroughly.
3. Gradually add flour, salt and vanilla essence. Beat till a soft dough is formed. 
4. Cover in plastic wrap & refrigerate for half an hour. 
5. Unwrap and flatten using rolling pin to 1/2 inch thickness and in rectangular shape.

Ingredients for the Chocolate dough

• 1 1/4 cup sifted all purpose Flour
• 3 tbsp Cocoa powder
• 7 tbsp Butter
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 Egg 
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• A pinch of Salt 

 Directions:

1. In an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar. 
2. Mix thoroughly and add egg yolk. 
3. Gradually add flour, cocoa powder, salt and vanilla essence. Beat till a soft dough is formed. 
4. Cover in plastic wrap & refrigerate for half an hour. Unwrap and flatten using rolling pin to 1/2 inch thickness and in rectangular shape.
5. Preheat oven at 350 degrees F. Place the vanilla on top of chocolate.
6. Cut into half & place one half on top of the other so that the colours come alternatively.
7. Cut into 1/4 inch length wise strips. Place all strips one above the other so that the chocolate & vanilla comes alternatively.
8. Wrap the logs in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour. Unwrap, cut into squares and bake for 10 to 12 min.

Note: (Brush egg white in between the dough while arranging & press slightly to join)

Vegetable Pakoras (Fritters)

Vegetables coated in a spicy batter and deep fried in vegetable oil.

Total Time......30 min (Prep -10 min, Cook-20 min)      
Yield...............15 to 20 pakoras
Level..............Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup Gram flour(chick pea flour)
• 3 cups sliced vegetables (Carrot, Cabbage, Onion etc)
• 1 tsp Chilly powder
• 1/2 tsp Garam masala
• 1/2 tsp Corriander powder 
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• Salt as required
• Oil for frying

Directions:

1. Take sliced vegetables in a big bowl. Mix in gram flour, spices, ginger-garlic paste and salt. 
2. Add water and mix well so that the vegetables are well coated with the batter.
3. Heat oil in a shallow pan. When oil is really hot, drop the veggie batter.
4. Fry until golden brown and have a tasty tea time snack with some ketchup :)

Chocolate Strawberry Cake

This was a surprise cake prepared for my bro-in-law's wedding anniversary :) I was confused with many options but finally ended up in preparing the strawberry cake, as I always wanted to try out & ofcourse strawberries makes the occasion more romantic!!! This is a vegan recipe but beware of the chocolate frosting, chocolate strawberries and the cookies used for decoration, it is not vegan ;) Cake was a bit too sweet with all the frosting but it turned out to be delicious. Hope you will also love it. Give it a try!!

Ingredients for the cake

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 lb organic Strawberries
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Egg re-placer for 4 eggs

 Directions:

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.
2. Puree and strain the strawberries. Keep aside.
3. Take the flour and sugar in a bowl. Add vegetable oil and mix well.
4. Mix the pureed strawberries & combine thoroughly.
5. Add egg re-placer and vanilla essence. Mix everything well and pour in 2 cake pans.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 min. Insert a toothpick/skewer and check whether it comes out clean else you have to bake for some more time. 
7. Allow it to cool, prepare the frosting & start decorating!

Ingredients for the frosting and decoration

• 3 cups powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Earth Balance buttery spread
• 1/4 cup Soy milk 
  
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 12 oz Semi-sweet chocolate baking chips
• Chocolate sprinkler
• Cookies

Directions:

1. Whisk butter and powdered sugar. Then add Soy-milk and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Spread in-between the 2 cakes.
3. Use melted semi-sweet chocolate baking chips for  frosting  the sides.
4. Decorate with chocolate strawberries, chocolate sprinkler and cookies!

Tuna Quesadilla

A quesadilla is made with tortilla filled mainly with cheese and other ingredients such as cooked meat, vegetables etc. This dish originated in Mexico, and the name is derived from the Spanish word queso(cheese). The filled tortilla is then toasted until the cheese melts and then sliced. The main ingredients in my recipe is tuna and blackbean and is served with Pico de Gallo/Salsa/Guacamole/sour cream.

Ingredients for quesadilla

• 6 Flour Tortillas
• 9oz canned Tuna
• 1/2 cup Black bean
• 1/4 cup chopped Onion
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped Cilantro
• Salt as required

Directions

1. Mix carefully all the ingredients except tortilla.
2. Take one tortilla and spread the mix. Place the other tortilla on top.
3. Grease a pan and add the quesadillas, one at a time and cook until lightly browned.
4. Turn and cook until cheese has melted.
5. Take off from the pan, cut into slices and serve.

 Appliance used for this recipe:

Sweet Momos

How about a bite of sweet momo??? .....mmm...yumm right! Here is my special recipe using coconut, sugar and raisin filling. Being a sweetaholic, I felt like giving a twist to the normal veg/meat momo recipe :) You can even replace the usual hot sauce with a chocolate sauce dip ;) This is not a traditional recipe but I'm sure anyone will love this different taste! So what are you waiting for? Wear your chef hat and get creative ;)

Ingredients for the dough

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 cup lukewarm water 

Directions 

1. Mix all the ingredients and kneed the dough till soft and non-sticky. 
2. Cover and  keep aside for at least half an hour. 
3. Before rolling out, prepare the 'filling' as explained below. 

Ingredients for the filling

• 1 cup Coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup Raisins
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder

Directions

1. Mix everything and keep aside.
2. Roll out the prepared dough for momo in small circles & place the filling inside. Close it by folding and pinching the dough to the top. 
3. Lay the momos without touching each other in a greased steamer.
4. Steam for at-least 10 minutes and then serve hot !

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a common type of appetizer/snack filled with meat, veggies etc. Of all the different names, the one which is more familiar to me is Lumpia. It is the name for spring rolls in the Philippines and Indonesia. Today I've prepared a veggie roll with a homemade wrap & a hot sauce dip. This sauce is not a traditional recipe but a normal tomato sauce with some extra spice in it.  Do try this as an appetizer or as a tea time snack.  Hope you all are enjoying the spring time & eagerly waiting to welcome the most awaited Summer time!....Have Fun!!!

Ingredients for the filling

• 1 cup thinly sliced vegetables (Carrot, Cabbage, Celery) 
• 1/4 cup Onion
• 2 tbsp Soya sauce 
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 tbsp black pepper 
• Salt to taste

Directions 

1. In a frying pan, pour oil and saute onion and garlic. 
2. Add vegetables, salt, pepper & saute for few minutes.
3. Set aside and now prepare the wrapper.
   

Ingredients for the wrapper

• 1 cup All-purpose flour(Maida)
• 1 Egg
• 3/4 cup or more Water
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• Oil  

Directions

1. In a bowl beat egg well & add flour, water & salt. Mix thoroughly.
2. Heat a pan, spread little oil & pour the batter to make a thin wrapper.
3. Cook till the crepe pulls away from the pan. 
4. Fill it with the prepared veg filling, roll carefully and then deep fry in oil till golden brown.
5. Prepare the sauce as mentioned below.

Ingredients for the Hot sauce

• 1/2 cup Tomato sauce
• 4 to 5 Red chillies
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• Salt

Directions 

Blend everything together with little water and dip the rolls to enjoy the hot taste!