Guest Post for "Celebrate Sweets: Ice Cream" : Chocolate Chip Ice Cream by Diksha

Hello everyone,

Couple of days back, I got an email by this cute girl Diksha.. It was so fun to read her thoughts.. She is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and an Accounting major student. She loves to cook and often, helps her mother in kitchen. She likes Thai and Continental food; and likes Indian spicy food too..

So, this was a brief introduction about Diksha and now I'll leave this post to her...

Diksha - In her own words..

I'm not a blogger but I love to blog.. Blogging is my main source of knowledge about cooking.. I'm not good with cookbooks but I enjoy reading blogs where bloggers include their personal thoughts along with those wonderful recipes... I remeber, my first recipe was Thai Fried Rice and the rice got overcooked.. But thanks to my family, they still enjoyed the dish.. love u mama!! I believe may be not now but by the time I reach my mid 20s I'll be a good cook.. Just like my mama...

While I was blogging, I came across this event and its main theme is "Ice Cream".. How can I resist from participating when the star is my favourite ice cream.. I saw lots of amazing recipes linked to this event and thought giving my contribution too.. This is my third attempt of preparing ice cream.. The first attempt was "plain vanilla ice cream". I prepared it last summer and it was big flop.. I cried a lot but my mama said "Even though it doesn't look like an ice cream but it tastes great".. I love that comment and this gave me the courage not lose the battle.. Few months back, mama bought a new ice cream maker and now my job got very easy.. Last month, I've prepared chocolate ice cream and it was good.. my BF liked it!! And now I've chocolate chip ice cream and I loved the texture.. My mama liked it.. :D

Recipe:

Heavy Cream - 2 cups
2 cups half and half cream
1 cup sugar
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
 3/4 cup good quality dark chocolate chips or shavings

Procedure:

Whisk the cream, half and half, sugar and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Heat until it reaches 170F to 175F. Stir in the vanilla. Pour into the bowl and refrigerate overnight. This procedure is to kill the bacteria.

Next day, pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and do according to manufacturer's direction, adding the chocolate chips or shaving about halfway through.

Transfer ice cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap such that it touches the surface of ice cream. Freeze for 4-5 hours.

Serve with chocolate sauce drizzled over it and few strawberries..

I hope you liked my recipe and as I'm not good at taking pictures so please!!!!!!!! :D

Sending this to Reshmi's "Celebrate Sweets: Ice Cream" event which was started by Nivedita.

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!

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Guest Post for Maitri: "Murrukku" by Raji

Hello everyone,

Hope you all had a great weekend and why not, this weekend was too special.. "Our Indian cricket team won the World Cup!!" Few minutes before framing this post, I was watching the final shot by Mahendra Singh Dhoni that created the history... Believe me guys, when the camera focused Dhoni's expression I got goosebumps.. What a moment!!! Terrific... WOWOOWOW!!

And in my previous post "World Cup is Ours", my blogger friend, Sojo has asked to prepare some yummy sweets to celebrate this occassion.. Done sweetie!! This is due and I'll make it soon... Well I had prepared almond pudding on Saturday but before I can take pics, it was all over.. No.. not me... Sree is the culprit.. :D So for Sojo and for Team India, I'll prepare something sweet and post it at the earliest.. ;)

Okay!! So now moving on to the post of the day... Here we have Murrukku and it is prepared by Raji, our non-blogger friend. Raji was introduced to me by Priya Mitharwal. I was matched with Raji, along with Priya, for Maitri. At first, I was planning to send her the same ingredient that I've sent to Priya but then I thought as Priya is a friend of Raji, I mustn't send the same ingredient to both of them... But anyways, Raji was smart enough to identify the mystery ingredient sent by me...

So, girls please welcome Raji..!!

Raji, in her own words...............

Well, it all started when my good friend Priya told me about "Maitri"and also asked whether I will be interested .ofcourse, I said YES!

Then, I got matched with Reshmi who sent me an email asking about my address in order to send me the mystery ingredient.I was very excited and curious to know what it could be? I got the package on monday and when i opened to see what was inside it, guess what i found? I could immediately tell it was" ajwain" by the smell of it. Conicidentally, i was going to make murukku for my daughter who loves it so much. So, i used the ajwain(mystery ingredient) to the make murrukku.Thats abt the mystery ingredient.Wait a minute! let me tell u abt the best and sweetest part remaining in the package, which is this beautiful plate and lovely greeting card awaiting just for me sent by Reshmi as a token of friendship.I was immensely overwhlemed by her guesture.Thanks! Reshmi for this wonderful gift. What a great thought..I will always remember you.Thank you for being my friend.

Now for the recipe for Murukku:

Ingredients:
rice flour- 4 cups

urad flour -1 cup

butter softened 2-3 tbsps

ajwain(mystery ingredient) powdered- 1 tbsp

red chili pwd- 1 tbsp

salt -as per taste.

Procedure:

Mix all the above ingredients in a mixing bowl by adding water little by little.Knead the dough until it becomes soft( it shouldn't stick to the hand).

Now with the help of murukku press make the desired shaped on a plate and keep them ready.

Once the oil gets hot, gently slide these murukkus in the oil and fry them until it turns golden yellow.

Crispy golden yellow murrukkus are ready to eat.

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!

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Reminder: "Celebrate Sweets - Ice Cream"

Three more days to go... Come on friends!! I know in this era of "Weight Watchers", everyone is quite concerned about their diet.. But I believe "Summer is incomplete without Ice-creams" And I'm pretty sure that each one of us has their favourite delicious and yummilicious recipe that has ice cream in it.. So guys, make it a go... share your favourite recipe and make it a hit in every blogger's kitchen for this summer..

We have had some excellent entries from both blogger and non-blogger friends. Thank you all so much for your participation. But I'll encourage to participate more and make this event a big success.

This post is just a reminder that this event will end on April 6th, 2011. Also, there is an ongoing $25 CSN giveaway along with this event. So, if you haven't had a chance to link your entries yet, please do participate. For more information, visit "Celebrate Sweets - Ice Cream" event page.

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!

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World Cup is Ours!!

After 28 years, India won the Cricket World Cup beating Sri Lanka in the Grand Finale by 6 wickets with 10 balls remaining.. What a wonderful match? Even though I didn't sleep last night because of this most awaited match but I'm still feeling energetic thinking of the fact that "World Cup is Ours!!".. The Champions are back........ We are the Champions!!

When India lost Sehwag on the very 2nd ball and Tendulkar in the 6th over at a score of 31-2, I told Sree "Honey!! What u say?? Are we going to win??" and he said "Just wait n watch!!" And then Gambhir and Kohli brought India back in the match.. Although there was pressure rebuilding when Kohli was out but then the Captain of Indian team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, played the captain's innings and what we've now is "Winning World Cup" playing on our home ground.. What a fabulous inning!!!!

New World Cup Champions, "Team Blue, Team India" 



A Tribute to Master Blaster "Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar".. 

[Image Source: Cricket.WorldCup-live]

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!

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Birthday Cake for a Birthday Girl... Happy Birthday to Me!!

Yes... finally no more waiting. Today is "The Day!!" It is said "The best birthdays of all are those that haven't arrived yet" ;) But this birthday is quite special for me.. This is my 1st birthday in my blog-world!! I've set some targets and all I've to do is work on it.. So, I've lots of resolution to be made on this day.. Usually I've fewer New Year resolutions coz my year starts today and I make resolutions on this day.

Also, I'm bit upset coz this is my 1st birthday when I was blowing my birthday candle and there was only one voice singing a birthday song for me, tats Sree.. I miss my dad-mom, my sis, my brother and all those who love me and where a part of my birthday bash.. :( You know guys, Sree did his best to make me not miss anyone else and a gift for this day would be his love, his care and all those pampering that makes me feel "I'm not getting older, infact I'm getting younger!!" I admire how he plays the role of my parents, my life partner and my best friend.. I won't thank him for this coz this will not do justice to his love.. So, my first resolution would be to love him more than what he do.. Ever since I got married this is one of the resolutions I make on my birthday and would always be!!

Am I getting emotional???? Chill out, It's party-time, It's my birthday time!! I'm still in my sleepy pants and dancing around my laptop singing "happy birthday to me!!!".. Come on guys, join me and make it faster coz we got to wind-up soon before Sree is out of his shower.. He has asked me to stay away from laptop and I'm still wondering "Why??" Is this his way of giving me "Birthday Bumps!!"

As I suspected, today it is full of surprises.. Sree has asked me to get ready, he is taking me out somewhere.. It's a secret!!!!!! I love surprises and I'm very excited... :D May be he is going to buy me "Diamond Pendant" kidding guys.. I don't want to have this surprise, I'll faint!!! Wheeeeeeeeww.......

Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake. So, lets move on to "Cake Story..."

Age is a number and mine is unlisted!!

As Sree was very busy, also he was planning to take day-off on my birthday, so I thought I'll prepare the cake.. Well, it was my wish to see him preparing my birthday cake but tats fine.. may be next birthday ;)
So, my plan was make it a surprise.. I'll prepare the cake and when Sree is back from office I'll surprise him..

Yes guys, it's my birthday!! But tats fine.. I love to bake my birthday treat..

Now, I was preparing everything and I got a call.. Tring.. Tring..!! Lets see the conversation; R is mine and S is Sree's...

R: "Hello"
S: "Arrey, mei bol raha hun"
R: "Oh! kya baat hai, itne jaldi"
S: "I was thinking of getting a birthday cake for you"
R: "Oops!! Stop.. Did you order it?"
S: "Nopes.. Why? What happened?"
R: "Nothing"
S: "Are you planning something? Hey, don't do this"
R: "kya."
S: "I'm going to buy cake for u"
R: "Arrey, but I've started preparing"
S: "@#$%$^$#^ Why you didn't tell me?"
R: "Oooye Hello!! It's my birthday I'll do whatever I want to.. #@%@^@%"
S: "Ok.. ok.. I'm sorry baba!! Lets do like this.. You bake the cake and I'll do the cake decoration.. Deal??"
R: "Lemme think.. Hey, no!! You'll spoil my cake.. Never"
S: "Please.. please.. My sweetie.."
R: "Ok.. Tell me.. You know how to do icing??"
S: "Na"
R: "Then"
S: "Do we need to do icing to decorate a cake? :D Well, is it difficult to do?? :("
R: "No.. But if it is you, then Yes!!!"
S: "oh!! Now what.. ok you do the icing.. I will think of something else"
R: "Are you sure.."
S: "Yes honey.. I'll call u later on"
R: "Ok dear.. bye bye"

Well, I was feeling bad for Sree.. Poor Boy!! I've spoiled his planning.. :( The very next minute I got another call.. Tring.. Tring!!

S: "Hey, U remember we have seen bow over XYZ birthday cake"
R: "Ummmm.. Yes. So??"
S: "I'll do tat.. Once you do icing make sure you leave enough space so that I can top it with my Bow of Love"
R: "(cough) What?? Bow of Love.. Cool hubby.. Ok! go ahead. I've fondant with me so you can use it "
S: "Okie dokie.. I'll be back soon :D Bye"
R: "See you.. Bbye"

Wow, tats interesting "Bow of Love".. Lets see how is he going to do.. Then, I was back to preparation. I've bought a new hand-mixer and believe me guys "it's awesome to work with it" Whether it is mixing the batter or preparing icing, everything is done in minutes..

So my birthday cake flavor is "Chocolate and Cocoa-Strawberry Cream Cake" and as of now without "Bow of Love"

Here is the recipe!!

Ingredient :

For batter

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour   
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup sugar, powdered
4 eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup oil / butter
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

For Frosting

4 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tbsp strawberry extract

Method:

For Batter

Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks, buttermilk and sugar till well blended and frothy. Combine flour, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into liquid mixture till blended.

Take another bowl and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks. Fold into the prepared batter.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F for 15 mins.

Transfer the batter to greased pans and bake for 20-25 mins or till toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Let it cool for sometime and then transfer to the wire rack to cool completely.

For Frosting 

We are going to prepare frosting in 2 batches. One with cocoa and other with strawberry extract.

Beat 3 cups of whipping cream, 1 1/2 cups sugar and cocoa powder till stiff peaks form.In another bowl, beat remaining whipping cream, sugar and strawberry extract till stiff peaks form. Cover both the bowls.

Assembling

Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place one layer on the plate and layer it with cocoa frosting. Repeat with other layers. Spread a layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Smoothen it with spatula.

Decoration

I did basketweave design for sides of cake and swirls at the top circumference of the cake using cocoa frosting. Using strawberry frosting, made a sequence of stars covering the lower circumference of the cake and also the space in between basketweave design and top swirls.

I was quite happy seeing the final outcome.. But it was still incomplete. Something is missing.. But, I was tired enough to identify what's missing.. So, I did nothing much and kept the cake in freezer.

As said, Sree came early and he was eager to see the cake.. He was so tempted that I doubt, atleast, he must have tasted the icing. lol!!! Within 1 hour he was in kitchen to start with his Mission : Bow of Love. I was surprised but impressed as well.. These are few moments that occur very rarely and I'm happy that I'm able to cherish them.. :D

"Mission: Bow of Love"

Sree started with lots of kick-boxing to my poor fondant and then coloring them.. I loved how he was estimating the amount of icing color to get the perfect tone.. Then another round of kicks, followed by rolling them out and finally forming beautiful and cute looking bow, I was enjoying each moment seeing him working hard to get his share of contribution to my cake.. :P

Atlast, Sree's Bow of Love was placed right at the top of my cake. After few more additions, my cake was looking perfect. I had lots of beautiful cake but this cake is so cute that I hate to eat it .. :(

Now I understand why I was finding my cake as "Incomplete" coz it was missing its Bow of Love. And my cake is complete with its perfect topping just the way I'm complete with my perfect partner..

So guys, thanks for reading the whole, not-so-long post :D and yes for your wishes.. Will describe how was my whole day in my next upcoming post..

Till then take care and enjoy!!

Sending this as an entry to Priya's Crazy for Cakes event.

Also, sending to Rumana's Treat To Eyes - Series 2  event.

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!



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My Best Bites of 2010

Wow, this is the first time I'm blogging twice on the same day.. too cool!! But you know, when I came across Smitha's event "Best Food I've eaten or blogged about" that was going to end today... The first thought that came into my mind was "How come I missed this?" but as usual silly old me!... I cannot let it go just like that when I've some best bites with me...... Let's check who are nominated for this event...

Nomination #1: Hard Rock Cafe's Haystack Chicken Salad

When you have fresh cut greens, carrots, corns, tomato and shredded cheese, tossed with ranch dressing and topped with fried chicken breast, spiced pecans and crisp tortilla straws... Then how can I ignore this wonderful yet very light salad to be nominated for this  event.. Yes this is one the best bites I've had in 2010.. I tried making this at home but hard rock cafe.. Rocks!!!

Nomination #2: Nutty Pinwheel Cookies

What's special about this is  "It was my first experiment with cookies" and came out good... I still remember how Sree finished a box full of these cookies in just 1 hr..

Nomination #3: Mango Lassi

Mango Lassi is one of those foods that carry my special childhood memories with them... This riotous combination of fruit and yogurt make it the most delightful sip of the year.. So, I must rename it to "Best Sip of 2010"... ;)

So Smitha, here is my entry to your event.

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!

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The Three Months' Journey

On 10th September, I left LA for my hometown. If you'll ask me, how was I feeling at that moment? The answer will be "Confused!!!!!!!!!". Coz at one moment I was so excited that I was jumping for joy but then I will be upset as I was leaving Sree alone.

 My major worry was "What will he do?", when it comes to cooking, I can't trust him... But time waits for none and finally I boarded my flight and whosshhhh............ after long, long 26hrs I was standing in front of my parents... And yeah, I'm sure.... I was feeling "WOWY!!!".. But every excitment washed away as soon as I saw my mom's weird expression when she said " Hey fatto!! u gained lot n lot of weight!!!. I'm going to put u on strict diet.........."

Oh my! I felt like RUN!! I must take another flight and go back to LA.... No No, I don't want to be here, I don't wanna hear this again.... But," beta phass gaye tum to!!!!!!!!!!!!!"  ;)
But, to be honest I've gained only 5 or may be 10 pounds and that was all visible on my face........... :D

okie dokie... leave it... Coz  "Every classic movie starts with some boring scenes...."

These three months were FAB!!! I came across some very beautiful moments and some bitter ones as well... But again tats just ok.. "Coz they add spice to your cherished moments".. isn't so?

So lemme share with you, what I've treasured in this small episode of life!!!!!

First and foremost - I got admission for my Master's. So, from January I'll be back to school... Thanks to all of you... I still remember those wishes, during my exams... they were very motivating!! once again, thnk u all............ HUGS!!!

Then I was a part of some great occasions.... We had Dussehra, Durga-Puja, Diwali, my mom-dad's 26th anniversary, my sweetie sis's birthday, my mom's birthday, my best frnd/childhood frnd's marriage, met some of my very good frnds and lots n lots of efforts to make our trip to Gujarat, WORKING!!!!

And there is something terrific, "My Mom's Weight-Control Program" buaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh...!! This was the big reason I was unable to post any recipe, coz neither she will let me prepare something nor does she.... Thnk god! 10 days of diwali celebration saved me......

The pictures are some of my contributions to Diwali special and guys be ready to go for a photo tour that will narrate the story of my "The three months' journey".

This was a surprise to my sis by me n my bro..... lemme tell u that this cake is not prepared by me but yeah! the decoration over the cake is done by me.... Hey wait a minute.... By decoration, I mean those candles.. :P
Well did I hear "WOW"? thnk u thnk u............

Now we move to some of the Diwali blasts...... Rangoli (patterns or designs using powdered colors) by me, some sweets.. again by me!! and lighting crackers, ofcourse not by me... ;)

And, yes this plate is decorated by me... also I've decorated some glass bowls...



 Whew!!! the image above is the one  for which I'm going to bill the highest............ ;) I really worked a lot for this one.......

And finally the best moment was celebrating my mom's birthday.... It was special coz we were all present for this occasion and it happened after long time...

Well, this blackforest pastry is prepared by me... The reason why we celebrated a birthday with pastry? Answer to this is.. We all were saturated with sweets and cakes.... So anymore cakes... was a big No No!!!

Then I thought, Why not pastry? Small and Special!! So here is my blacky pastry.. :D

And after couple of days, I boarded my flight back to LA... Yes, again I was loaded with mixed feelings.. To add spice to my confusion, my domestic flight to Mumbai was cancelled.... OOPS!! Well they got us for another flight, no worries... But again, I've to board this flight 3 hrs before my previous one. Thnk god! we were there before time.. But Alas! I just have 30 mins to be with my parents.... buaaaaaaaaaaahhh. 

Gosh! I'm running out of time... and in that hosh-posh I was unable to say proper bye-bye to my parents.. To be honest, I was crying when my flight takeoff..

Again, after 28 long hrs, I reached LA and when I came out of the airport I saw Sree waiting there with that killing smile... Oh my!! I was so happy to see him after such a long time...!!!

Happy Ending................!

So, this was a short story of my vacation in India.. I hope you all had a great time in those three months and of course missed me too coz I missed u all...

Guys, all the diwali sweets, pudding and pastry recipes will be posted in my upcoming posts. So, stay tuned!!

And now, I would like to mention about "The LA foodie bloggers meet" that was organised on 4th December 2010 at Rajdhani restaurant in Artesia (Norwalk,CA). Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this meet and yes I'm quite jealous, when I saw those beautiful pics shared by Priya. Also, they are planning for another meet somewhere around in Spring 2011. So, I welcome everyone for this meet. Do let me know, if you can make yourself available for this meet. For further information, do visit  LA Foodie Blogger Meet.

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!

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Happy Krishna Janmashtami with Rasmalai

  

Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. Although, I'm celebrating it today but the real charm of this festival exists in India. Rasa lila, Dahi Handi or uriadi are the major events on Janmashtami.

I still cherish the memories of Dahi handi (Matki Phod) in Mumbai, where teams of young men, called as Govinda, form human pyramids to reach high hanging pot filled with buttermilk and break it with a blunt object.

I remember, early morning Mom will draw little footprints outside the house with rice-flour, walking towards the house.I will keep fast the whole day and by evening Mom will prepare yummy food and sweets. The divine aroma itself kills me. After doing evening puja, I'll be found only in kitchen... ;) How can someone resist those killing aroma? And one of the favourite dishes prepared on Janmashtami is "Rasmalai".

Rasmalai is a milk sweet made with Paneer (cottage cheese) and it is served chilled. Sometimes, mom will prepare them without including saffron and sometimes with saffron, but in either way, it tastes delicious.

So this time I thought of preparing Rasmalai. Initially, I thought it would be difficult to make, but then it turns out to be quite an easy recipe. Only thing you need to take care is while preparing paneer dumplings. So, now here is the recipe of everyone's all-time favourite, Rasmalai.

  

Ingredients:

Milk (2% milk) - 3 cups ( for paneer)

Milk (2% milk) - 1 cup ( for rabadi/malai)

Condensed milk - 1 cup

Sugar - 1/2 cup ( for making syrup)

Sugar - 3 tbsp (for malai)

Cardamom - 1/2 tbsp

Saffron - 5-6 strands

Lemon juice - 2 tbsp

Pista/Almonds/Cashews - for garnishing

Method:

For Paneer:

Boil milk in a heavy bottomed vessel by stirring constantly. When it comes to boil, add lemon juice slowly and keep stirring. Milk fat is washed out in whey water and remaining is the protein. Add cold water to this to stop curdling process, as we need soft paneer out of it and also this removes the flavor of lemon from paneer.

Strain it using muslin cloth and hang it for an hour till it drain completely. After that, rub it with clean towel for 5-6 mins. This will knead the dough and also remove some extra moisture left behind. To check whether the paneer is ready, take little bit of paneer and rub it using your thumb and you should be able to make smooth ball with it. Your paneer is ready.

Make small golf size balls and flatten slightly.

To cook paneer balls:

Take 3 cups of water and 1/2 cup of sugar in a pressure cooker. Heat it at high flame for sometime and once the water starts to boil, reduce it to medium flame, add paneer balls into it and close the lid. Let it whistle twice or cook for 7-8 mins. Turn off the heat and let it stand for 1 min. Keep it under running cold water and once the steam is gone, open the lid. Now you'll find the paneer balls are double in size. Keep it aside.

For Malai:

Boil the milk with sugar, cardamom and saffron in a medium flame. Keep stirring for about 20-30 mins. Now add condensed milk into it. Boil for 15 mins more. Adding condensed milk will enhance the texture of malai. Keep stirring constantly. By this time, milk will turn into thick syrup. 

Take paneer balls out and press gently to remove water from it. Add it to the malai, so that the paneer balls will absorb the milk. Remove from heat.

Let it cool or refrigerate, as it is served chilled. Garnish it with pista, almond or cashew.

Enjoy this delicacy!!! 

This recipe goes to BSI-MILK event hosted by Sanyukta.

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!

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Onam Celebration in US

Kerala has just finished celebrating Onam, which is nothing less than a season. There is a rush of adrenaline with sports like snake boat races and tug-of-wars. In the streets, you can hear the beats of drums and folk dances like tiger dances and Kummati. The 10 days of celebration ends with Thiruvonam. This year, it was on Aug 23rd and everyone was little distracted by Shashi Tharoor's wedding to his third bride Sunanda Pushkar.
This was my first onam celebration in US. Although, the charm of this festival exists only in Kerala. Early morning, people make carpet of flowers in front of their homes and then it is followed by preparing magnificent feast, Ona Sadya. It brings out the best of the Malayali kitchen. The whole house will be filled with nice aroma of spices and frying in coconut oil. Ahhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I told Sree that we gonna celebrate this onam in a very grand way. Just like the way it used to be in Kerala. He suggested "Why not we invite some guests on onam?". Love you honey! that was an awesome idea. But there is a small problem. I never count myself great with Kerala cuisines and when it comes to onam feast, it is similar to a jumbo feast.

This is the click of our Ona sadya. It is a lavish 5-course meal served on a fresh, green banana leaf. The number of items served are usually between 30-50. The first course begins with rice and parippu (daal), then with rice and sambhar, the third with rice and puliserry, the fourth with payasam (kheer/pudding) and banana and ends with buttermilk.
Whosssh!! by this time you will feel pity for your poor tummy, but this whole course is so tempting that you cannot skip any one of them. Thanks to ginger curry and buttermilk included in this meal, as it helps in digestion.

Have you enjoyed this recipe or photos? Do follow this blog, share it with your friends and help this blog grow. This will motivate me to carry on with my passion. Hope you've enjoyed your time here and thank you for visiting me!!!

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