I have signed up to listen to talks from the Raw Food Summit (http://rawsummit2.com/free_access). This morning, I heard a talk by Ani Phyo - who is a chef, author, and a raw food expert. As I was inspired by her talk, I went to YouTube to look at the video of some of her easy "raw" recipes.
Here are the links to her videos:
Spanish Breakfast Scramble - This can be a wonderful side for your dinner, or can be had for breakfast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gvrEj2H36w&feature=related
Crunchy Donut Holes - This can be a very healthy snack. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuGjDagUWNg
I also saw a video from Wholegormet:
Homemade Pizza Crust - This is a good way to use up my pound of Whole Wheat flour before I go on vacation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAVUFnhP1ZA&feature=related
Friday, November 30, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Kitchen counter top cleaning
Wo.. I just cleaned my kitchen counter top - and my apartment smells of "Bleach!". To counter that smell, I lit a candle (vanilla flavor) a few minutes back. Now, my apartment smells of a mixture bleach and vanilla - it really seems like I am in a "candle making factory!". Not to forget, my fingers hurt because I scrubbed the counter when there was bleach all over.
Though I love commercial cleaning products, I really want to seek an alternative. I would like something more natural, and that would not burn my fingers. My search for "Natural Cleaning Products" led me to this website:
http://www.bostonhealthcoach.com/nn/nov07.html
It is interesting that White Distilled Vinegar and Baking Soda are "Natural Cleaners". I am certainly going to try these out.
Though I love commercial cleaning products, I really want to seek an alternative. I would like something more natural, and that would not burn my fingers. My search for "Natural Cleaning Products" led me to this website:
http://www.bostonhealthcoach.com/nn/nov07.html
It is interesting that White Distilled Vinegar and Baking Soda are "Natural Cleaners". I am certainly going to try these out.
Adai (Indian Bean/Lentil Pancakes/Crepes)
I love Adai.. My mom and grandmom make the best adai, but I can confidently say that mine comes as a close second. The Adai is not as thin as a crepe and fat as a pancake.. it is somewhere in the middle.
You can make this as healthy as you want - or can cheat a little bit and have just 1 that is crisped with oil.
This is what you'll need:
1 cup mixed lentils and beans (You can go to the Indian store, and get a bag of mixed lentils)
1 cup rice
5-6 red chili's (based on taste, you can also use red pepper flakes)
4-5 green chili's (as you know, the heat of the chili depends on the species)
Salt to taste
1 tsp. Asafoetida (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asafoetida)
1/2 cup of chopped fresh coriander leaves
2 tsp cumin seeds (Optional)
1/2 inch Ginger (Optional)
1/2 red onion (Optional)
Sesame oil to grease the skillet (or any other oil)
Soak the Rice and Lentils/beans until soft (for about 4 hours; overnight if possible)
Blend everything until it forms a coarse batter
Heat a skillet and until smoking hot (medium-high)
Spread a tsp. of oil on the skillet
Pour a ladle of the batter and spread on the skillet (draw concentric circles from the middle to flatten as you go)
Pour 1 tsp. of oil to crisp the middle and ends of the adai
Turn once a side is done
Serve with butter, brown sugar, any indian pickle, molagai podi (south indian blend chili powder), tomato chutney, or mango chutney.
Notes:
1. You need to have a thick bottom non-stick skillet for the bean crepe to lift off the skillet
2. Making crepes/pancakes is an art - and needs to be perfected over time - need a LOT of practice
See this interesting article about chili: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chili_pepper
You can make this as healthy as you want - or can cheat a little bit and have just 1 that is crisped with oil.
This is what you'll need:
1 cup mixed lentils and beans (You can go to the Indian store, and get a bag of mixed lentils)
1 cup rice
5-6 red chili's (based on taste, you can also use red pepper flakes)
4-5 green chili's (as you know, the heat of the chili depends on the species)
Salt to taste
1 tsp. Asafoetida (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asafoetida)
1/2 cup of chopped fresh coriander leaves
2 tsp cumin seeds (Optional)
1/2 inch Ginger (Optional)
1/2 red onion (Optional)
Sesame oil to grease the skillet (or any other oil)
Soak the Rice and Lentils/beans until soft (for about 4 hours; overnight if possible)
Blend everything until it forms a coarse batter
Heat a skillet and until smoking hot (medium-high)
Spread a tsp. of oil on the skillet
Pour a ladle of the batter and spread on the skillet (draw concentric circles from the middle to flatten as you go)
Pour 1 tsp. of oil to crisp the middle and ends of the adai
Turn once a side is done
Serve with butter, brown sugar, any indian pickle, molagai podi (south indian blend chili powder), tomato chutney, or mango chutney.
Notes:
1. You need to have a thick bottom non-stick skillet for the bean crepe to lift off the skillet
2. Making crepes/pancakes is an art - and needs to be perfected over time - need a LOT of practice
See this interesting article about chili: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chili_pepper
Healthy Mocha Muffins
Yes, as you realized, the first few posts will be related to Coffee, Cocoa or Chai.
I bought muffin tray last week, and was looking for a recipe to make muffins - not the ones with a lot of butter and sugar - I wanted to make healthy breakfast muffins.
So, I went to google.com and searched for a recipe with the following terms: "Chocolate Yogurt Muffins". And I found this recipe: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,174,147169-239207,00.html
When I read the ingredients, I thought this was an almost-perfect recipe for healthy mocha muffins. I tweaked the recipe (eliminated sugar and reduced the quantity of oil) and here it is:
What you'll need:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Nestle chips)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (you can increase the quantity)
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup fresh strong brewed coffee (I think this will taste better if we use instant coffee/espresso powder)
1 cup plain yogurt (I used Stonyfield low-fat yogurt)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Egg substitute equal to 2 eggs
1/4 cup prune puree (I bought the baby food brand - Gerber)
1/3 cup applesauce (I bought the baby food brand - Gerber)
Optional:
2 table spoons of Sugar to sprinkle on top of the muffins (Optional)
Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar if making this for dessert
Sugar: Since I eliminated sugar in the original recipe, I added prune puree, apple sauce and semi-sweet chocolate chips for sweetness
Makes 16 muffins
Preheat oven to 350 degress. Grease muffin tray (This is an important step. If using muffin cups, please grease them too. I used olive oil spray and also sprinkled whole wheat flour.) Mix dry ingredients (1 to 8) set aside. Beat the wet ingredients with a whisk. Fold in the wet mix with the flour mix - be careful not to form any lumps.
Half-fill the muffin tins, sprinkle sugar on top (optional) and bake for 20 minutes. The muffins came out very well - and tasted very good. (I had 2 muffins for breakfast this morning.) Drop me a note if this recipe worked for you.
I bought muffin tray last week, and was looking for a recipe to make muffins - not the ones with a lot of butter and sugar - I wanted to make healthy breakfast muffins.
So, I went to google.com and searched for a recipe with the following terms: "Chocolate Yogurt Muffins". And I found this recipe: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,174,147169-239207,00.html
When I read the ingredients, I thought this was an almost-perfect recipe for healthy mocha muffins. I tweaked the recipe (eliminated sugar and reduced the quantity of oil) and here it is:
What you'll need:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Nestle chips)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (you can increase the quantity)
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup fresh strong brewed coffee (I think this will taste better if we use instant coffee/espresso powder)
1 cup plain yogurt (I used Stonyfield low-fat yogurt)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Egg substitute equal to 2 eggs
1/4 cup prune puree (I bought the baby food brand - Gerber)
1/3 cup applesauce (I bought the baby food brand - Gerber)
Optional:
2 table spoons of Sugar to sprinkle on top of the muffins (Optional)
Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar if making this for dessert
Sugar: Since I eliminated sugar in the original recipe, I added prune puree, apple sauce and semi-sweet chocolate chips for sweetness
Makes 16 muffins
Preheat oven to 350 degress. Grease muffin tray (This is an important step. If using muffin cups, please grease them too. I used olive oil spray and also sprinkled whole wheat flour.) Mix dry ingredients (1 to 8) set aside. Beat the wet ingredients with a whisk. Fold in the wet mix with the flour mix - be careful not to form any lumps.
Half-fill the muffin tins, sprinkle sugar on top (optional) and bake for 20 minutes. The muffins came out very well - and tasted very good. (I had 2 muffins for breakfast this morning.) Drop me a note if this recipe worked for you.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Health Freak or Health Conscious
I was just thinking of these two words, and wanted to see which one fits me the best.
Health Freak: is someone who is so freaked out about his/her health that they refuse to try anything new or that is remotely unhealthy.
Health Conscious: is someone who knows what they are eating, and is aware of all the implications. That being said, the health conscious people do not 'over-do' the eating, and are 'healthier' than the other group.
Based on my descriptions, I feel that I am 'Health Conscious'. I am glad that I got this clarified. It helps to write things down..
Health Freak: is someone who is so freaked out about his/her health that they refuse to try anything new or that is remotely unhealthy.
Health Conscious: is someone who knows what they are eating, and is aware of all the implications. That being said, the health conscious people do not 'over-do' the eating, and are 'healthier' than the other group.
Based on my descriptions, I feel that I am 'Health Conscious'. I am glad that I got this clarified. It helps to write things down..
My Famous Choco-chai
This is slightly complicated, but it tastes so good!
Choco-chai is cocoa + tea + spices + milk
I don't add the cocoa all the time, as I like the taste of plain chai.
To make Choco-chai, add 1-2 heaped table spoons of cocoa to the chai (recipe given below). Please see the previous post (Mocha) for information about the chocolate I use. Feel free to use any chocolate that you prefer.
Here is the recipe for chai:
(makes 2 cups)
You'll need:
1/2 cup water
1 to 2 cups milk (based on your preference, you can add skim, 1%, 2% or 4% milk)
Sugar or Honey
Tea powder/bags (see note 1)
Spices (see note 2)
1. Add the spices to the water and Boil
2. Add the milk when the water is hot (medium heat, this takes at least 8 - 10 minutes)
3. Add 2 table spoons of tea powder or 2-3 bags
4. After 30 seconds, add sugar/honey
5. Mix, pour and drink. (of course, you will have to use a tea strainer if using loose tea leaves).
Note 1: Tea Powder/bags - You can use any high-quality black tea leaves. Ensure that the tea is not stale and is not pre-flavoured.
Note 2: I make my own spice mixture. I usually make small quantities, so that the spices taste fresh.
What you need:
Cardamom - 10 pods (I love cardamom so I add extra. )
Cinnamom - 1/4 inch stick
Clove - 2
(Optionally add any of these spices based on your taste buds: Ginger powder, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, All spice, Star Anise)
Grind all in a coffee grinder until coarse
Suggestion: Initially, please make small quantities of this mixture so that you can try out various combinations.
Choco-chai is cocoa + tea + spices + milk
I don't add the cocoa all the time, as I like the taste of plain chai.
To make Choco-chai, add 1-2 heaped table spoons of cocoa to the chai (recipe given below). Please see the previous post (Mocha) for information about the chocolate I use. Feel free to use any chocolate that you prefer.
Here is the recipe for chai:
(makes 2 cups)
You'll need:
1/2 cup water
1 to 2 cups milk (based on your preference, you can add skim, 1%, 2% or 4% milk)
Sugar or Honey
Tea powder/bags (see note 1)
Spices (see note 2)
1. Add the spices to the water and Boil
2. Add the milk when the water is hot (medium heat, this takes at least 8 - 10 minutes)
3. Add 2 table spoons of tea powder or 2-3 bags
4. After 30 seconds, add sugar/honey
5. Mix, pour and drink. (of course, you will have to use a tea strainer if using loose tea leaves).
Note 1: Tea Powder/bags - You can use any high-quality black tea leaves. Ensure that the tea is not stale and is not pre-flavoured.
Note 2: I make my own spice mixture. I usually make small quantities, so that the spices taste fresh.
What you need:
Cardamom - 10 pods (I love cardamom so I add extra. )
Cinnamom - 1/4 inch stick
Clove - 2
(Optionally add any of these spices based on your taste buds: Ginger powder, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, All spice, Star Anise)
Grind all in a coffee grinder until coarse
Suggestion: Initially, please make small quantities of this mixture so that you can try out various combinations.
Mocha
Mocha in a nut shell is coffee + cocoa + milk
As you know, the end product is as good as the ingredients that go into the dish.
When it comes to coffee, tea, cocoa, I always buy a high quality brand. For my mocha, I always use Ghirardelli chocolate.
What you need:
- Expresso shot/thick coffee brew/instant coffee
- Ghirardelli chocolate (1 or 2 heaped tablespoons) - see below
- 1 Glass of milk
- Sugar (optional is using sweetened cocoa; necessary if using Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate)
1. Heat the Milk
2. Add 1-2 heaped tablespoons of cocoa (add more or less based on personal preference)
3. Add coffee (quantity depends on taste and type of coffee)
4. Add sugar (optional)
5. Mix
Enjoy.
Ghirardelli - http://www.ghirardelli.com/products/hotcocoa.aspx
I have used the Drinking Chocolate and Double Chocolate Cocoa mix and both taste good. Optionally, you can also use Chocolate Hazelnut Cocoa or White Chocolate mix.
As you know, the end product is as good as the ingredients that go into the dish.
When it comes to coffee, tea, cocoa, I always buy a high quality brand. For my mocha, I always use Ghirardelli chocolate.
What you need:
- Expresso shot/thick coffee brew/instant coffee
- Ghirardelli chocolate (1 or 2 heaped tablespoons) - see below
- 1 Glass of milk
- Sugar (optional is using sweetened cocoa; necessary if using Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate)
1. Heat the Milk
2. Add 1-2 heaped tablespoons of cocoa (add more or less based on personal preference)
3. Add coffee (quantity depends on taste and type of coffee)
4. Add sugar (optional)
5. Mix
Enjoy.
Ghirardelli - http://www.ghirardelli.com/products/hotcocoa.aspx
I have used the Drinking Chocolate and Double Chocolate Cocoa mix and both taste good. Optionally, you can also use Chocolate Hazelnut Cocoa or White Chocolate mix.
Madras Filter Coffee
I am from the south of India, and love the famous "Madras Filter Coffee". Why is it called "Madras Filter Coffee":
"Madras" because it is the name of the city which is known for coffee. Well, the name of the city has been changed to Chennai now, but thankfully, the coffee is still referred to as "Madras Filter Coffee" as opposed to "Chennai Filter Coffee".
"Filter" because because the thick coffee brew is made in a stainless steel filter. The concept is similar to the "French Press" - but not as complex. This is just a stainless steel cup, with minute holes, atop another stainless steel cup.
The authentic "Filter Coffee" is made with coffee powder made from beans that are grown somewhere in South India (probably Coorg, Malabar hills or some other hill station). If you are not in South India at present, you might wonder where you will get the beans/powder from. You can use coffee from Trader Joe's, Starbucks or Folgers - but need to be careful about the blend/granularity of the beans.
Trader Joe's - House blend, medium roast beans (finely ground)
Starbucks - House blend, medium roast OR Colombian, medium roast (turkish grind)
Folgers - Colombian, medium roast
You can also get fresh roasted coffee beans from Whole Foods, Food co-op or any other store. Ensure that you find a coffee that is sweet, less acidic and has no 'extra' flavor (like chocolate, vanilla etc). The key is to buy small quantities of high quality beans/powder.
Storage: Coffee beans/powder and tea leaves always need to be fresh. Don't use something that is more than 3-4 months old. Ensure that you always keep them in a dry, air-tight container. Also, please do not store it in a cupboard that is right above the stove top. The temperature must be moderate (not hot and humid or freezing). So, please buy small quantities. If I have a lot, or if I am leaving town, I always ensure that I call a friend and give them the leftover coffee/tea. Another way of exhausting the supply of coffee powder or tea leaves is to make good "Coffee Cake" or "Chai-tea cake". (Recipes will be posted at a later date)
Madras Filter Coffee recipe:
You will need: 3 heaped table spoons of coffee powder, fresh boiling water, coffee filter
Making the coffee decoction (thick coffee brew):
1. Attach the filter and the cup and place it on a flat surface (kitchen counter/ stove top)
2. Fill the top portion with the coffee powder and gently press it down to level
3. Pour fresh boiling water (yes, you have to see the bubbles) slowly over the powder
4. Close the filter, and let it stand for about 10 minutes
The coffee decoction may take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to get collected in the cup below. The time depends on the amount of powder, how tight the powder is packed, the heat of the water and the size of the filter.
Trust me - this is a science - you will not get it right the first time. The skill of making good filter coffee is usually cultivated over time. And the good thing is that you will devise your own method to get amazing decoction.
Mixing with Milk:
Heat a glass of milk in the stove top or microwave
Add sugar (desired quantity; optional)
Add the coffee brew
As I had mentioned before, this is a SCIENCE - you will need to adjust the quantity of milk, sugar, coffee brew until you get the perfect cuppa coffee. Perfect this art - and get hooked!!
"Madras" because it is the name of the city which is known for coffee. Well, the name of the city has been changed to Chennai now, but thankfully, the coffee is still referred to as "Madras Filter Coffee" as opposed to "Chennai Filter Coffee".
"Filter" because because the thick coffee brew is made in a stainless steel filter. The concept is similar to the "French Press" - but not as complex. This is just a stainless steel cup, with minute holes, atop another stainless steel cup.
The authentic "Filter Coffee" is made with coffee powder made from beans that are grown somewhere in South India (probably Coorg, Malabar hills or some other hill station). If you are not in South India at present, you might wonder where you will get the beans/powder from. You can use coffee from Trader Joe's, Starbucks or Folgers - but need to be careful about the blend/granularity of the beans.
Trader Joe's - House blend, medium roast beans (finely ground)
Starbucks - House blend, medium roast OR Colombian, medium roast (turkish grind)
Folgers - Colombian, medium roast
You can also get fresh roasted coffee beans from Whole Foods, Food co-op or any other store. Ensure that you find a coffee that is sweet, less acidic and has no 'extra' flavor (like chocolate, vanilla etc). The key is to buy small quantities of high quality beans/powder.
Storage: Coffee beans/powder and tea leaves always need to be fresh. Don't use something that is more than 3-4 months old. Ensure that you always keep them in a dry, air-tight container. Also, please do not store it in a cupboard that is right above the stove top. The temperature must be moderate (not hot and humid or freezing). So, please buy small quantities. If I have a lot, or if I am leaving town, I always ensure that I call a friend and give them the leftover coffee/tea. Another way of exhausting the supply of coffee powder or tea leaves is to make good "Coffee Cake" or "Chai-tea cake". (Recipes will be posted at a later date)
Madras Filter Coffee recipe:
You will need: 3 heaped table spoons of coffee powder, fresh boiling water, coffee filter
Making the coffee decoction (thick coffee brew):
1. Attach the filter and the cup and place it on a flat surface (kitchen counter/ stove top)
2. Fill the top portion with the coffee powder and gently press it down to level
3. Pour fresh boiling water (yes, you have to see the bubbles) slowly over the powder
4. Close the filter, and let it stand for about 10 minutes
The coffee decoction may take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to get collected in the cup below. The time depends on the amount of powder, how tight the powder is packed, the heat of the water and the size of the filter.
Trust me - this is a science - you will not get it right the first time. The skill of making good filter coffee is usually cultivated over time. And the good thing is that you will devise your own method to get amazing decoction.
Mixing with Milk:
Heat a glass of milk in the stove top or microwave
Add sugar (desired quantity; optional)
Add the coffee brew
As I had mentioned before, this is a SCIENCE - you will need to adjust the quantity of milk, sugar, coffee brew until you get the perfect cuppa coffee. Perfect this art - and get hooked!!
First post
Hello!
The title of blog clearly identifies me as a lover of coffee, chai and chocolate. I like to drink these beverages and have also perfected the art of making them. So this blog will include recipes for the above, a bunch of other recipes, my travel logs, random thoughts, and anything else that I want to include in this space.
Read on..
The title of blog clearly identifies me as a lover of coffee, chai and chocolate. I like to drink these beverages and have also perfected the art of making them. So this blog will include recipes for the above, a bunch of other recipes, my travel logs, random thoughts, and anything else that I want to include in this space.
Read on..
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