tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64290897209036392772024-03-12T23:00:34.662-04:00Happy,Healthy,Fun CookingFind here recipes for some Happy(comfort foods) some Healthy and some Fun foods from around the world to enjoy with your family and friends ! An Indian touch to American classics!! Bon Appetit!!Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-52901492550414665762011-04-28T20:47:00.001-04:002011-04-28T22:02:17.650-04:00Spring mix-Berry,Mango n Avocado Salad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_ttUalGvpU/TboCnCcqwhI/AAAAAAAAD-o/ICMLHOoumJY/s1600/HPIM7245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_ttUalGvpU/TboCnCcqwhI/AAAAAAAAD-o/ICMLHOoumJY/s320/HPIM7245.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love Spring time,not only for the lovely weather,birds and flowers it brings but also for the abundance of spring vegetables,fruits and salads that are available which taste so fresh and crisp just like the Spring air.I haven't posted a recipe in a while because was busy mulching and planting my flower,veggie and herb kitchen garden.Will post the pics as soon as the veggies start to grow.Have planted Basil,Oregano,Sage ,Thyme,Tarragon,Lavender,Tomatoes,Eggplant,Zucchini,Watermelon,Okra ,Bell Peppers and another long list of flowers some of which have to be planted yet .So please excuse me for not blogging regularly.Here's a delicious Spring salad .Goes well with BBQ chicken or baked fish or even on it's own.I love the combination of early Spring salad mix with delicious strawberries and ripe mango and creamy avocados.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recipe:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix in a salad bowl </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 cups of organic Baby Spring salad mix or mix </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a bunch each of baby Romaine,baby Spinach,Endives,Radicchio </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 ripe mango diced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10- 12 strawberries halved</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 ripe avocados sliced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 Persian or 1 English cucumber chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Gala Apple thinly sliced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 carrots julienned ( use a veggie peeler)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dressing of your choice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have used JapaneseTonton Ginger dressing </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Winner of 2006 NASFT’s Outstanding Oil, Vinegar and Salad Dressing Category)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-48765347688649445392011-03-06T20:19:00.002-05:002011-04-28T22:00:56.714-04:009 Grain Artisan Bread with sunflower and flax seeds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mGMDtCzwmco/TXQCDyxGqbI/AAAAAAAAD9U/s1W3q1az2jc/s1600/HPIM7130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mGMDtCzwmco/TXQCDyxGqbI/AAAAAAAAD9U/s1W3q1az2jc/s320/HPIM7130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Yippeee !!! baked my first loaf of artisan bread today !! There's nothing more satisfying than the whole process of the ingredients mixing together and rising into this wonderful ,wholesome and fresh loaf of loveliness...My kitchen smells like a Parisian boulangerie .<br />
<strong>Flaxseeds</strong> also known as 'Alsi 'in India contain an agent that soothes and protects the lining of the <strong>intestine.</strong><br />
<strong>Sunflower seeds</strong> are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, some amino acids ,Vitamin E, B Vitamins and minerals such as copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, calcium and zinc.<br />
Ingredients :<br />
3 cups of warm water<br />
2 packets of yeast<br />
2 tsp sugar <br />
3 tbsp melted butter<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
2 cups of 9 grain bread flour<br />
2 cups of whole wheat flour(more if reqd)<br />
2 tbsp Flax seeds<br />
2 tbsp sunflower seeds<br />
1 tsp black sesame seeds<br />
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Directions : In a bowl combine the warm water (not hot ),sugar and yeast .Add the 9 grain bread flour and stir .Let bubble and rise for 30 mins. Now add the whole wheat flour,salt and melted butter and mix to form a dough.Add the sunflower and flax seeds and mix well.<br />
Transfer the dough on a floured surface and knead well.Add more flour if sticky.Keep working on it for 5-6 mins.Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise for 1-2 hours in a warm place.It will double in size. Punch down and divide into 2-3 loaves. Shape the loaves .Press black sesame seeds on top.<br />
Transfer to loaf pans or baking sheets and let it rise one final time for 30 mins till it is an inch above the rim of the pan.Bake at 350 F for 30 mins . Do not overbake.Brush with melted butter.<br />
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</div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-79283170453245124232011-02-14T16:56:00.003-05:002011-04-28T22:01:04.783-04:00Chocolate's in the air -Sweet treats- Happy Valentine's Day !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdiQgBSIPx4/TVX-iyQSJdI/AAAAAAAAD84/WaLG66tw5MA/s1600/aA1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdiQgBSIPx4/TVX-iyQSJdI/AAAAAAAAD84/WaLG66tw5MA/s400/aA1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Edible bouquet</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4NjvEnusHE/TVdOxE24VKI/AAAAAAAAD9E/YIFmbwieHdE/s1600/aA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4NjvEnusHE/TVdOxE24VKI/AAAAAAAAD9E/YIFmbwieHdE/s320/aA2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Chocolate covered strawberries,Oreo cookies and marshmallows</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">If it's Valentine's Day there has to be chocolate in the celebration.These chocolate covered strawberries,marshmallows and Oreo cookies are a breeze to make and super to taste.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Tip: Use the highest-quality chocolate you can buy. Good chocolate has a glossy sheen and a smooth taste.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients: 1 cup Ghirardelli semi sweet chocolate chips</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">4 tbsp heavy cream</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">8-10 strawberries</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">8-10 Oreo cookies</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">8-10 large marshmallows</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">bamboo skewers</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions: Melt the chocolate and the heavy cream in a double boiler ( Fill a pot with 3 inches of water.Bring it to a boil.Place a thick glass bowl on top of the pot .Add the chocolate and heavy cream in the bowl and keep whisking with a fork till it melts and forms a smooth glossy velvety liquid.The chocolate should only melt with the steam from the water i.e the water should not touch the bowl.Turn off the heat and let cool for 2 mins. Dip the strawberries last or they'll get cooked in the hot chocolate.. Skewer the fruits and marshmallows .Dip in the chocolate and allow to dry on a wax paper. Cut a cantaloupe in half and use it as the base of your edible bouquet to arrange the skewered strawberries and marshmallows. You can use any other fruits of your choice. Get the kids to pitch in .They'll love it. Enjoy your creation.!!!</div></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-49628456401872665542011-02-08T15:34:00.002-05:002011-04-28T22:01:11.415-04:00Quick and Easy Chili Chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chili Chicken</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A very quick ,simple and delicious recipe for Chili chicken </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Replace chicken with paneer,tofu or mushrooms for a veggie version <br />
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Ingredients:<br />
3 tbsp olive oil<br />
1 lb boneless chicken cubed<br />
1 small red onion sliced<br />
3 cloves of garlic finely minced<br />
1 green bell pepper<br />
2-3 whole green chillies<br />
4 stalks of scallion(green onion)<br />
1 packet Knorr Chinese hot and sour soup .<br />
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For the batter :<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
1 egg<br />
2 tbsp cornstrach<br />
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Directions : In a bowl beat the egg ,cornstarch ,salt and pepper together to form a smooth paste..Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Dip the chicken in the batter and shallow fry till cooked .Set aside on a papertowel to drain the excess oil.In the same pan add a little extra oil and add the onions and cook till transluscent.Add the minced garlic and brown lightly. Add the green chillies<br />
and bell pepper and saute for a few minutes. Add 1 cup water and the entire packet of Knorr hot n sour soup.Bring to a boil and let it thicken stirring at regular intervals.If it's too thick add a little more water .Add the cooked chicken and spring onions and garnish with coriander leaves(cilantro).Serve hot with noodles or rice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIazZxBp3QI/AAAAAAAADTQ/C4fv-ttZvqc/s1600/HPIM4427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIazZxBp3QI/AAAAAAAADTQ/C4fv-ttZvqc/s320/HPIM4427.JPG" /></a></div></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-45586273417805810132010-11-16T10:54:00.000-05:002011-04-28T22:01:18.041-04:00Basil Pesto and Pimento Chicken Panini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJER-FtSq4I/AAAAAAAADX0/j_LM_7Gj1T0/s1600/HPIM4640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJER-FtSq4I/AAAAAAAADX0/j_LM_7Gj1T0/s320/HPIM4640.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ready in minutes .This healthy and delicious dish is great for the days when you are too rushed to make a proper meal.Pair with your favorite soup to make a great lunch.Also a great way to use up Rotisserie chicken.The Pimento cheese and Pepperjack add a nice spice to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 slices of multigrain bread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tbsp Pimento cheesespread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tbsp basil pesto</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken( like Rotisserie)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 slices Pepperjack cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat Panini press or grill to high. Spray with cooking oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spread the basil pesto on one slice of bread .On the other slice spread the pimento cheese spread,top with chicken and Pepperjack cheese slice .Cover with the basil pesto layered slice of bread. Drizzle with olive oil. Toast on the Panini press till crisp and golden brown.Serve hot with your favorite soup.</div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-65773412311208516712010-11-09T16:56:00.002-05:002010-11-09T17:18:53.161-05:00Happy Diwali -Pistachio Almond Cookies-(Badaam -Pista Nankhatai)<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wishing all my friends a very HAPPY DIWALI and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR !!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Badaam -Pista Nankhatai<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hope everyone had a fun and safe Diwali !!Made these nankhatai for Diwali .The recipe is very simple and super easy to make once you get the ingredients measured correctly.These are made in pure ghee the old fashioned way instead of margarine.The difference in taste is substantial because of the ghee. Thandai powder has fennel,poppyseeds,cardamom,nutmeg etc which gives a very exotic flavor to the cookies.Once you get around making these you'll never go back to store bought ones.You can also make these plain by just adding cardamom seeds and omitting the saffron,almonds and pistas and Thandai powder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients :</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 1/4 th cup unbleached all purpose flour(maida)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2/3 rd cup pure ghee</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1/8th tsp baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1/8th tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp Thandai or milk masala pwdr(optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">pinch of crushed saffron</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">seeds of 4 green cardamom crushed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Handful of almond and pistachios roughly chopped</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TNiDvTBiS9I/AAAAAAAADvQ/n0mTvNB4l6Y/s1600/HPIM5903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TNiDvTBiS9I/AAAAAAAADvQ/n0mTvNB4l6Y/s320/HPIM5903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TNiDw6OU2WI/AAAAAAAADvU/nGrIC6GgD3M/s1600/HPIM5905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TNiDw6OU2WI/AAAAAAAADvU/nGrIC6GgD3M/s320/HPIM5905.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TNiDy9uus2I/AAAAAAAADvY/7WWtZjMgaKg/s1600/HPIM5909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TNiDy9uus2I/AAAAAAAADvY/7WWtZjMgaKg/s320/HPIM5909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Position rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 F</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In a bowl mix together the flour,baking soda,salt,thandai pwdr and set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Melt ghee in a saucepan over low heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Add sugar and stir to dissolve 2-3 mins.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Remove from heat and combine with dry ingredients.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Add crushed cardamom seeds ,saffron,chopped almondsl and pistachios and combine thoroughly with a wooden spoon.When the dough is cool enough to handle mix with your fingers and knead to form a ball. While it is still warm divide dough into 16-20 small walnut size balls .Roll each between your palms ,flatten slightly and place the discs on a cookie tray lined with aluminum foil 1 inch apart.Press a few slivered pieces of almond and pistachios on top of the cookiesBake 15-20 mins or till the bottoms are lightly colored.Cool and store in an airtight container.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=d94e8a51-aa78-4ccc-9d5e-906e3606bc88" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-68267524252125460842010-10-30T16:21:00.003-04:002010-11-02T09:54:58.243-04:00Happy Halloween -Autumn Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Pudding Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx4BD5jUZI/AAAAAAAADuQ/gz6uqF5z7xU/s1600/HPIM5858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx4BD5jUZI/AAAAAAAADuQ/gz6uqF5z7xU/s400/HPIM5858.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I created this recipe for Halloween.<br />
This deliciously spiced cake has all the flavors of autumn .The rustic taste of pumpkin and crystallised ginger are enhanced by hints of warm spices like cinnamon,nutmeg and cloves.Toasty pecans add a nice crunch . Don't get discouraged by the long list of ingredients.Once they are at hand this cake is a breeze to make and worth the effort .Serve hot with coffee or tea with Spiced Gingerbread Butter(Williams Sonoma makes an excellent one ) Click on the pictured for an enlarged view .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx687T7NPI/AAAAAAAADuo/D5dxThtuuaA/s1600/HPIM5862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx687T7NPI/AAAAAAAADuo/D5dxThtuuaA/s320/HPIM5862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx602fcS-I/AAAAAAAADuU/0J9oSwsErwQ/s1600/HPIM5792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx602fcS-I/AAAAAAAADuU/0J9oSwsErwQ/s320/HPIM5792.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dry ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx62hMqjII/AAAAAAAADuY/A02KoyT_yns/s1600/HPIM5797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx62hMqjII/AAAAAAAADuY/A02KoyT_yns/s320/HPIM5797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wet ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx64Jv31jI/AAAAAAAADuc/RRJK3KlLXOA/s1600/HPIM5799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx64Jv31jI/AAAAAAAADuc/RRJK3KlLXOA/s320/HPIM5799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx65-R_d8I/AAAAAAAADug/ww2Zy6z7SFo/s1600/HPIM5800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx65-R_d8I/AAAAAAAADug/ww2Zy6z7SFo/s320/HPIM5800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx67GjpqTI/AAAAAAAADuk/Yv5jt_-L58E/s1600/HPIM5802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMx67GjpqTI/AAAAAAAADuk/Yv5jt_-L58E/s320/HPIM5802.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">prepared batter in the cake mould</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Dry Ingredients :<br />
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 small packet pumpkin spice or lemon flavor instant pudding mix<br />
1 small packet butterscoth flavor instant pudding mix<br />
2 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp baking pwdr<br />
2 tsp cinnamon pwdr<br />
2 tsp nutmeg pwdr<br />
1/4 th tsp clove pwdr<br />
2 tbsp crystallised ginger finely chopped or soft ginger chews<br />
1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
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<br />
Wet ingredients :<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
1 15 oz can organic Pumkin puree<br />
1 cup vegetable oil<br />
1/2 cup apple sauce <br />
4 eggs (room temp )<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
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Directions : <br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 F .Line a 9 inch round pan with parchmant paper.<br />
Mix the flour,salt,baking soda ,baking pwdr,instant pudding powders,cinnamon,nutmeg,clove powder and sift to mix well.Add the chopped crystallised ginger and pecans and toss well. Keep aside. <br />
In a mixing bowl mix the sugar and vegetable oil with a electric mixer ,add the pumpkin puree,apple sauce and 1 egg at a time and beat well till they are mixed together.<br />
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well to form a thick batter. Pour in a baking pan or cup cake pan and bake at 350 for 40 mins or till toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.<br />
Serve with Spiced Gingerbread Butter (optional)<br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=5ea4100f-8e8a-410e-9bc9-a6df84418206" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-27532835971796217072010-10-29T07:26:00.001-04:002010-10-29T09:35:24.587-04:00Giada's Ricotta and Orange Marmalade Pound cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLda0BpSWBI/AAAAAAAADkE/GahxaktD8ew/s1600/HPIM5212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLda0BpSWBI/AAAAAAAADkE/GahxaktD8ew/s400/HPIM5212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We all know the secret to making a deliciously moist pound cake is adding sour cream to it.In this recipe sour cream is replaced with Ricotta cheese which is a smooth ,creamy, mild cheese .The results are a deliciously light,moist and fluffy pound cake. Orange marmalade and zest add a lovely citrus flavor and lightness to it.This is one of Giada's recipes.The only change I have made is replaced 1/4th cup sugar with 2 tbsp orange marmalade .</div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLdahqK8WvI/AAAAAAAADjc/sqrl91nGW5s/s1600/HPIM4926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLdahqK8WvI/AAAAAAAADjc/sqrl91nGW5s/s320/HPIM4926.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cake ingredients </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLdajYBLlRI/AAAAAAAADjg/kZ5LB2irB4E/s1600/HPIM4928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLdajYBLlRI/AAAAAAAADjg/kZ5LB2irB4E/s320/HPIM4928.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making the batter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLdaldMhuqI/AAAAAAAADjk/Ej_yuJ7R5m4/s1600/HPIM4944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLdaldMhuqI/AAAAAAAADjk/Ej_yuJ7R5m4/s320/HPIM4944.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">prepared cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMqun8INRKI/AAAAAAAADuA/vYp2_doyTIA/s1600/HPIM5425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMqun8INRKI/AAAAAAAADuA/vYp2_doyTIA/s320/HPIM5425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amaretto Italian liqueur(if you don't have it,replace with 2 tsp Vanilla extract)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Ingredients :<br />
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1 1/2 cups cake flour (to make your own cake flour add 2 tbsp cornstarch to 3/4 th cup of sifted all purpose flour)<br />
<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder <br />
1 teaspoon salt <br />
3/4 cup butter (room temp)<br />
1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese <br />
1 1/4 cups sugar,<br />
2 tbsp orange marmalade<br />
3 large eggs <br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract <br />
1 orange, zested <br />
2 tablespoons Amaretto (Almond flavored Italian liqueur) I have used Disarono Italian liqueur here<br />
Powdered sugar, for dusting <br />
1/2 cup strawberries quartered.<br />
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Directions <br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 inch round pan with butter. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine. <br />
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Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, ricotta, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. With the machine running, add the eggs 1 at a time. Add the vanilla , orange zest ,orange marmalade and Amaretto until combined. Add the dry ingredients, a small amount at a time, until just incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean and the cake is beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 45 to 50 minutes. If the cake is still moist at the center move it to a lower rack in the oven and bake for an additional 10 mins.Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with strawberries.<br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=44b3dd89-3aed-4259-a7bc-09f163665e54" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-78138046170343774392010-10-27T16:33:00.000-04:002010-10-27T16:33:52.854-04:00Awards and acknowledgements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMawEamp2HI/AAAAAAAADts/UDRHhdR913c/s1600/z3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMawEamp2HI/AAAAAAAADts/UDRHhdR913c/s1600/z3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A big thanks to Jay who writes a wonderful blog <a href="http://tastyappetite.blogspot.com/">Tasty Appetite</a> for the above award.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMa3wpfD-wI/AAAAAAAADtw/iZsjGa_aAss/s1600/z3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TMa3wpfD-wI/AAAAAAAADtw/iZsjGa_aAss/s1600/z3.jpg" /></a></div>A big thanks to Prathima of <a href="http://www.prathimarao.blogspot.com/">Prat's Corner,</a><br />
Nayna of <a href="http://www.simplysensationalfood.blogspot.com/">http://www.simplysensationalfood.blogspot.com/</a><br />
and Chaitrali of <a href="http://i-m-not-a-chef.blogspot.com/">I'm not a chef </a> for sharing this award with me which I would like to share with all my blogger friends.Your comments and suggestions are always greatly appreciated.<br />
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</div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-22834704925604624552010-10-25T20:19:00.002-04:002010-10-29T06:41:05.133-04:00Guacomole<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" sizcache="111" sizset="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody sizcache="111" sizset="0">
<tr sizcache="111" sizset="0"><td sizcache="111" sizset="0" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLs_5sNwZqI/AAAAAAAADlU/ohykHADCG78/s1600/HPIM5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache="110" sizset="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLs_5sNwZqI/AAAAAAAADlU/ohykHADCG78/s320/HPIM5268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr sizcache="111" sizset="1"><td class="tr-caption" sizcache="111" sizset="1" style="text-align: center;">Guacomole<br />
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This delicious and highly nutritious Mexican dip is a breeze to make .You can leave it chunky as I have or run it through a food processor to make a smooth dip. Serve with tortilla chips or add to tacos.<br />
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<div class="separator" sizcache="111" sizset="1" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLs_31sFK5I/AAAAAAAADlQ/F0XcHiVLUsQ/s1600/HPIM5266.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache="110" sizset="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLs_31sFK5I/AAAAAAAADlQ/F0XcHiVLUsQ/s320/HPIM5266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" sizcache="111" sizset="2" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLs_7IqBX_I/AAAAAAAADlY/mWrqpKsQhuk/s1600/HPIM5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" sizcache="110" sizset="2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLs_7IqBX_I/AAAAAAAADlY/mWrqpKsQhuk/s320/HPIM5270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Ingredients: 2 ripe avocados<br />
1 half red onion<br />
1 ripe tomato<br />
handful of chopped cilantro leaves<br />
1 tbsp or juice of half a lime <br />
5-6 pickled jalapeno rings chopped<br />
3 tbsp sour cream<br />
salt to taste<br />
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Directions :<br />
Cut and dice the onion,avocados ,tomato.Add salt,lime juice,jalapeno ,cilantro and sour cream and mix together.Alternately you can run these through a food processor to a smooth finish.<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=6209b225-035c-47d2-876f-9b2e797ca72b" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-30230207096101704322010-10-21T10:08:00.005-04:002010-10-29T06:41:29.812-04:00Dassera pics n Mohan thal-Gramflour Fudge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sorry friends haven't posted any recipes since the last week.Did cook a lot but couldn't blog as had a super busy week with Navratri,Dassera,pooja,havan at home and if that wasn't enough our town hosted their annual Diwali function last week and my kids had participated in a dance for that.So in between school, dance practices,dress rehearsals and temple visits I was also allocated by the choreographer the task of buying thirty yards of fabric and cutting 16 skirts ,scarves and dupattas out of them which were then stitched into dance costumes by the moms .Believe me I haven't cut so much as a handkerchief in my life so with this enormous task on hand had a really busy time juggling several things at once..Everything turned out great in the end.The costumes and the kids in them looked oh so cute,the dance went off well,managed to clean and prepare the home before the pooja and havan and could also visit the temple for a couple of nights on Navratri and the Ram -Leela and Raavan dahan on Dassera.Here are some pics below as well as a recipe for Mohan -thal a fudge made out of gramflour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mohan thal </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A delicious ancient recipe made out of gram flour which stays good even without refrigeration.Gram flour when roasted in ghee emits a delicious nutty aroma and taste. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">250 gms gram flour/besan (you can use mohan thal flour which is also gram flour but coarser in texture if you find it or regular gram flour is fine)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">200 gms ghee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">300 gms sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 2 tbsp ghee </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tbsp milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pinch of saffron</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">few slivered almonds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp cardamom pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 tsp nutmeg pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take the gram flour in a dish .Add the 2 tbsp warm milk and 2 tbsp warm ghee to it .Mix the flour well and leave aside for 5 mins. Seive it through a thin seive .The consistency of the seived flour will be like semolina/rava .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat the ghee in a non-stick pan. Add the seived flour to it and roast stirring constantly till the flour changes color to a light brown and emits a lovely nutty aroma.Once it cools adds the cardamom and nutmeg opwders to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In another vessel,make the sugar syrup by adding equal quantity of water to the sugar and boiling it together to a one thread consistency.Add a pinch of saffron to it while it boils.One both cool mix them well..grease a steel thali and spread the mixture evenly on it. Decorate with slivered almonds. .Once cool cut into rectangles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBL5AP8wI/AAAAAAAADmM/_p0RBdBP3Ro/s1600/HPIM5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBL5AP8wI/AAAAAAAADmM/_p0RBdBP3Ro/s320/HPIM5320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mohan thal </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TL3czKEOmwI/AAAAAAAADtY/Z-yMyy_zJoM/s1600/HPIM5634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TL3czKEOmwI/AAAAAAAADtY/Z-yMyy_zJoM/s320/HPIM5634.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dassera pooja and havan at home</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img height="72" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBGh10IvI/AAAAAAAADmA/ShLzTW7NNTs/s200/HPIM5305.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 158px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2309px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /> </div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">38 ft Raavan effigy </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TL3csqYIldI/AAAAAAAADsw/2xXW8WHz1QM/s1600/HPIM5650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TL3csqYIldI/AAAAAAAADsw/2xXW8WHz1QM/s200/HPIM5650.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ram Leela- US style </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=8a92c6ea-0671-425b-b601-984c62aae89a" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBDOqA8yI/AAAAAAAADl4/_diAK0ZB7p0/s1600/HPIM5303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBDOqA8yI/AAAAAAAADl4/_diAK0ZB7p0/s200/HPIM5303.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">add warm milk annd ghee to the gram flour </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBGh10IvI/AAAAAAAADmA/ShLzTW7NNTs/s1600/HPIM5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBGh10IvI/AAAAAAAADmA/ShLzTW7NNTs/s200/HPIM5305.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seive through a fine seive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBA2RsLQI/AAAAAAAADl0/MoWgXPjavRM/s1600/HPIM5302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBA2RsLQI/AAAAAAAADl0/MoWgXPjavRM/s200/HPIM5302.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">measure all ingredients</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBIZZfNuI/AAAAAAAADmE/eeX3FWxchm4/s1600/HPIM5306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBIZZfNuI/AAAAAAAADmE/eeX3FWxchm4/s200/HPIM5306.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roast in ghee to a light golden brown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBKmAPzlI/AAAAAAAADmI/1A_gET1cTHU/s1600/HPIM5311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBKmAPzlI/AAAAAAAADmI/1A_gET1cTHU/s200/HPIM5311.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">remove on a greased plate</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBEs3ItkI/AAAAAAAADl8/IKWfHyQ9eak/s1600/HPIM5304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TLtBEs3ItkI/AAAAAAAADl8/IKWfHyQ9eak/s200/HPIM5304.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making saffron flavored sugar syrup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-19576785691662277312010-10-11T09:39:00.000-04:002010-10-29T06:42:18.809-04:00Creamy Tomato Basil soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJERajs77WI/AAAAAAAADXk/7MX0Yd_GWBA/s1600/HPIM4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJERajs77WI/AAAAAAAADXk/7MX0Yd_GWBA/s320/HPIM4642.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato Basil Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The secret to a delicious tasting Tomato Basil soup is in the freshness of the ingredients since this is a very simple soup prepared with very few spices .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 vine ripened red tomatoes chopped </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 can of organic tomato sauce ( not ketchup )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 cup carrot puree/juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 tbsp heavy cream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 th cup chopped fresh basil leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup vegetable stock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 shallot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cloves of garlic finely grated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">salt to taste </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp black pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp olive oil </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tbsp fresh Italian Parsley (to garnish)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjc8_1AgiI/AAAAAAAAC2o/R041WP_gHug/s1600/HPIM3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjc8_1AgiI/AAAAAAAAC2o/R041WP_gHug/s320/HPIM3179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Italian Basil growing in my backyard</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/THbhQa7ukZI/AAAAAAAADNE/YLxo8UEJCJU/s1600/HPIM3637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/THbhQa7ukZI/AAAAAAAADNE/YLxo8UEJCJU/s320/HPIM3637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fresh tomatoes from my backyard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat olive oil in a non- stick pan .Add the finely sliced shallot and sautee till transluscent.Add the garlic and saute for a few seconds. Now add the chopped tomatoes ,salt and pepper and roast for 5-7 mins.Add the tomato sauce ,vegetable stock and carrot puree (this helps to cut down the sourness of the tomatoes and also adds a delicious flavor and nutrition to the soup) and simmer on a low flame for 10 mins till soup starts bubbling.Add the fresh cream and chopped basil leaves .Simmer for another 2 mins. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley. Serve hot with grilled cheese toast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-24773434185057288002010-10-06T11:46:00.001-04:002010-10-07T09:22:50.264-04:00My kitchen pics for 'October Blog Carnival-It's a cook's nook event'Last week I had sent my kitchen pics for Nupur's 'Kitchens Revealed ' event .This week I got an invitation from Sharon who writes a beautiful home decor blog at <a href="http://www.thekeybunch.com/">http://www.thekeybunch.com/</a> to participate in the 'October Blog Carnival -It's a cook's nook' event at her blog and I'm more than happy to do the same.<br />
It's always fun to view kitchen pics and get to share new ideas .This time around I'm also posting some of my kitchen garden pics because it is an intricate part on my kitchen and cooking too.<br />
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Here's the link if you would like to participate <br />
<a href="http://www.thekeybunch.com/2010/10/october-blog-carnival-its-cooks-nook.html">http://www.thekeybunch.com/2010/10/october-blog-carnival-its-cooks-nook.html</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTDqsnDyFI/AAAAAAAADaY/2fJ-YIm3zw0/s1600/HPIM5189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTDqsnDyFI/AAAAAAAADaY/2fJ-YIm3zw0/s320/HPIM5189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White zodiac countertops ,white cabinets ,dark walnut wood floors and SS appliances give my kitchen a very contemporary look and feel not to mention that I have to work extra hard to maintain that look :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I knew it would be a challenge to go for an all white on white kitchen especially if you use a lot of spices in your everyday cooking and cook a lot but I couldn't pass this up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTDr-xRkRI/AAAAAAAADac/zz_3cI8oEvk/s1600/HPIM5190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTDr-xRkRI/AAAAAAAADac/zz_3cI8oEvk/s320/HPIM5190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is my KitchenAid kitchen fridge (I have one more Kitchen Aid fridge in the adjacent room) I was always short of freezer space so bought a second one..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjfqCcJbcI/AAAAAAAAC7M/aqUsiOD7ErY/s1600/HPIM3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjfqCcJbcI/AAAAAAAAC7M/aqUsiOD7ErY/s320/HPIM3195.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Peek inside the kitchen fridge <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTID6i2l1I/AAAAAAAADbM/XW1g7Jgqo0M/s1600/HPIM2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTID6i2l1I/AAAAAAAADbM/XW1g7Jgqo0M/s320/HPIM2196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>peek inside the second fridge <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTFGTlYGNI/AAAAAAAADaw/5mqbCKeOfOk/s1600/HPIM5203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTFGTlYGNI/AAAAAAAADaw/5mqbCKeOfOk/s320/HPIM5203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>KitchenAid dishwasher ,Moen faucet n Kohler sink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTIAbnOafI/AAAAAAAADbE/g8POIWQw5b0/s1600/HPIM2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTIAbnOafI/AAAAAAAADbE/g8POIWQw5b0/s320/HPIM2173.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>A peek inside my walk in kitchen pantry<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTFKEw-4XI/AAAAAAAADa8/cmxgglv0q_8/s1600/HPIM5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTFKEw-4XI/AAAAAAAADa8/cmxgglv0q_8/s320/HPIM5207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar on the left </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTFLY0HgeI/AAAAAAAADbA/eM8ZusFDfgc/s1600/HPIM5209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTFLY0HgeI/AAAAAAAADbA/eM8ZusFDfgc/s320/HPIM5209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen Aid 8 burner gas range with dual convection ovens makes cooking a breeze not to mention it's the star of my kitchen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTFHpmDcWI/AAAAAAAADa0/YMQHgq7NxH8/s1600/HPIM5204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTFHpmDcWI/AAAAAAAADa0/YMQHgq7NxH8/s320/HPIM5204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
walk in pantry on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/THbguHV-o9I/AAAAAAAADM0/iOCv6958JdI/s1600/HPIM3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/THbguHV-o9I/AAAAAAAADM0/iOCv6958JdI/s320/HPIM3602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Yellow tomatoes that I grew in my backyard kitchen garden this summer</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/THbhEO-wTgI/AAAAAAAADM8/xAO2WI4RctM/s1600/HPIM3603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/THbhEO-wTgI/AAAAAAAADM8/xAO2WI4RctM/s320/HPIM3603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vine ripened red tomatoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKyXyN7ezcI/AAAAAAAADh0/kGF8yEHhs70/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKyXyN7ezcI/AAAAAAAADh0/kGF8yEHhs70/s320/a1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon which I grew meticulously from seed but unfortunately got destroyed 2 weeks before harvest thanks to the carelessness of the workers who sprayed weed killer on it !!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjh0Im0wmI/AAAAAAAAC4o/2S_4chyy2Eg/s1600/HPIM2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjh0Im0wmI/AAAAAAAAC4o/2S_4chyy2Eg/s320/HPIM2868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAja44Tzy8I/AAAAAAAAC4w/XCwqQtqa2CM/s1600/HPIM3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAja44Tzy8I/AAAAAAAAC4w/XCwqQtqa2CM/s320/HPIM3164.JPG" width="240" /></a>Strawberries some we ate some the birds enjoyed :))I did not want to put a protective net around it as I've read sometimes their little feet get caught in it. So I let them enjoy it too.</div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjc9a9wP4I/AAAAAAAAC2w/ZUb2XzsYv80/s1600/HPIM3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjc9a9wP4I/AAAAAAAAC2w/ZUb2XzsYv80/s320/HPIM3181.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kitchen garden when it was just planted in spring early this yr</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Rosemary </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTIGiGbNuI/AAAAAAAADbQ/122IXZnhL3Q/s1600/HPIM3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTIGiGbNuI/AAAAAAAADbQ/122IXZnhL3Q/s320/HPIM3196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">view of my backyard from my kitchen</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjblNbiSMI/AAAAAAAAC2E/FCuBAyYtjdk/s1600/HPIM3172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjblNbiSMI/AAAAAAAAC2E/FCuBAyYtjdk/s320/HPIM3172.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardenias blooming in my front yard </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=9975e956-9313-4b7e-8fa5-0bc84200fec7" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-39028963746035078942010-10-05T15:31:00.000-04:002010-10-05T15:32:56.991-04:00Citrus flavored Cremini Mushrooms n Wild Rice Pilaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJERqtVldeI/AAAAAAAADXs/mIcnKHDWlVM/s1600/HPIM4593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJERqtVldeI/AAAAAAAADXs/mIcnKHDWlVM/s400/HPIM4593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wild Rice is not really rice but the seed from an aquatic grass. This rice is dark brown to black in color and has a delicious nutty flavor.You will often find it as a mix of brown or white basmati/Texmati and wild rice in grocery stores . The Indian brand Kohinoor also carries it.Below is a recipe for a delicious wild rice dish .The citrus vinaigrette compliments greatly with the nutty flavors of the rice and the cremini mushrooms add a great full bodied flavor .Enjoy it with your favorite vegetable or chicken curry.Do add all the vinaigrette ingredients ,you will not taste the honey at all as it balances out with the soy sauce and citrus flavors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8-10 brown cremini mushrooms </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp lemon -pepper seasoning</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> 4 cups water<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=raginimiranda&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000G82L62&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div>1/2 teaspoon salt <br />
1/2 teaspoon olive oil <br />
2 cups brown basmati rice n wild rice mix <br />
3/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves<br />
1 lemon, zested <br />
1 cup thinly sliced green onions <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the Citrus Vinaigrette :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 cup olive oil </div><br />
Juice and zest of 1 orange<br />
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon) <br />
2 tablespoons soy sauce <br />
1 tablespoon honey <br />
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin <br />
salt and freshly ground black pepper <br />
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Directions :<br />
For the Mushrooms:<br />
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Wash and thickly slice the cremini mushrooms .Heat olive oil in a pan. add the mushrooms and lemon-pepper seasoning and saute for 5 mins.keep aside.<br />
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For the Citrus Vinaigrette:<br />
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In a blender, combine the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and cumin taking the measurements listed under 'Citrus Vinaigrette'. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.<br />
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For the wild rice blend:<br />
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Wash and rinse the rice ,strain and keep aside.Heat 1/2 tsp olive oil in a pot. Add the washed rice and saute for 30 secs.Add 4 cups of water ,salt and bring to a boil .Let most of the water evaporate and then remove from heat ,cover the pot and let steam for 5-7 mins..Remove the cover and gently mix in the prepared vinaigrette,chopped green onions,corinader leaves,lemon zest,orange zest n sauteed mushrooms.Serve hot with vegetable or chicken curry.Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-8515245304299840052010-10-03T15:05:00.001-04:002010-10-04T10:16:17.775-04:00Giada's Italian Style Doughnuts -Orange Zeppole<div class="zemanta-pixie"> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNeb6O_VI/AAAAAAAADhc/aXLjnuwu4Tg/s1600/HPIM4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNeb6O_VI/AAAAAAAADhc/aXLjnuwu4Tg/s400/HPIM4969.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Italian Doughnuts -Orange Zeppole</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I was going through Giada's recipe book and came across these delicious looking Italian doughnuts .I was a little skeptical in trying out the recipe because I've never made doughnuts before and more so because Dunkin Donuts is right outside my home so never bothered to make at home :) Anyways,decided to try them out and followed the recipe exactly and were they good !!! They got wiped out in less than 10 mins ,everyone loved them the kids more so.They taste way better than store bought .Try them out follow the recipe exactly and you cannot go wrong.I left out the chocolate sauce as the doughnuts tasted great just as is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients : </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span>For the doughnuts<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 stick butter ( 1/2 cup )</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1/4 teaspoon salt </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1/4 cup sugar </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup water </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 cup all-purpose flour </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">4 eggs </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 tablespoon orange zest </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Vegetable oil, for frying </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Orange Sugar: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 tablespoon orange zest </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2 tbsp sugar </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Directions : </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For the Orange Zeppole:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In a medium saucepan combine the butter, salt, sugar, and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Take the pan OFF the heat and stir in the flour. Return the pan to low heat and stir continuously until the mixture forms a ball, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Using an electric hand mixer on low speed, add eggs, 1 at a time, incorporating each egg completely before adding the next. Add the orange zest and beat until smooth. Set aside. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For the Orange Sugar:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Place the orange zest and sugar in a bowl and mix together </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Using 2 small spoons, carefully drop about a tablespoon of the dough into the hot oil. Turn the zeppole once or twice, cooking until golden and puffed up, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked zeppole to the dish with the Orange Sugar. Roll to coat in the orange sugar. Finish making the remianing similarly and grab a couple for yourself as these will quickly disappear :)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNdUN7PTI/AAAAAAAADhY/0vsNv17zMcY/s1600/HPIM4967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNdUN7PTI/AAAAAAAADhY/0vsNv17zMcY/s320/HPIM4967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fry to a golden brown </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNYQX_f0I/AAAAAAAADhI/S7CaijdPtSI/s1600/HPIM4962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNYQX_f0I/AAAAAAAADhI/S7CaijdPtSI/s320/HPIM4962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNZeh7ihI/AAAAAAAADhM/R5cZZdHMFg4/s1600/HPIM4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNZeh7ihI/AAAAAAAADhM/R5cZZdHMFg4/s320/HPIM4963.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the cooked dough should look like this before you add the eggs</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNaljDFKI/AAAAAAAADhQ/tVgH2Mx5HXY/s1600/HPIM4964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNaljDFKI/AAAAAAAADhQ/tVgH2Mx5HXY/s320/HPIM4964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this is how the batter should look finally </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNbvGTbLI/AAAAAAAADhU/fy-dbvZpJPU/s1600/HPIM4965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKjNbvGTbLI/AAAAAAAADhU/fy-dbvZpJPU/s320/HPIM4965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">orange zest</div><img alt="" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif" /></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-68001895893712427842010-10-02T09:33:00.002-04:002010-10-08T15:33:32.123-04:00Peas Stuffed Aloo Tikki Chhole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEdhs5SLGI/AAAAAAAADYs/a_uQn52OoP4/s1600/HPIM4797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEdhs5SLGI/AAAAAAAADYs/a_uQn52OoP4/s320/HPIM4797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a great chaat party dish or even a meal in itself.There's nothing junk about it ..packed with proteins and nutrients from the peas,potatoes n chickpeas and still tastes like Bombay street food !!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">MDH chunky chaat masala is the star of the show here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients for the peas stuffed patties : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 large Russett potatoes (these bake great)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup green peas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp cumin seeds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 finely chopped green chilli</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp MDH chaat masala</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 tbsp chopped coriander leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">salt to taste </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp pepper pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake or boil the potatoes .Mash them ,add salt to taste and keep aside.Heat oil in a pan .add cumin seeds,let them brown then add the peas,chaat masala,green chili,salt ,pepper and saute for 2-3 mins till peas are tender.Remove and mix the coriander leaves in them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take a dollop of mashed potatoes in the cup of your hand.add a tbsp of peas in it and cover with more mashed potatoes and shape into a round flat topped patty.Make the remaining similarly. Heat a little olive oil in a pan and fry them to a golden brown on each side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEdxhwfN9I/AAAAAAAADY0/3GurN0Y7vGI/s1600/HPIM4792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEdxhwfN9I/AAAAAAAADY0/3GurN0Y7vGI/s320/HPIM4792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">shaping the patties</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients for the chhole :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are many delicious recipes for making chhole some of which are very time consuming .Here's one that takes only 15 mins but still tastes fabulous. I use organic tender cooked chickpeas as they taste delicious,cut down cooking time tremendously and each chickpea is perfectly cooked and not mushy unlike when we pressure cook them not to mention they are grown organically and are free of pesticides and preservatives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 can of tender cooked organic garbanzo beans ( chickpeas)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3/4 th of a large red onion (reserve 1/4th for garnishing)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tomato </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 whole green chilis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 bay leaf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4-6 black peppercorns</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 cloves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 black cardamom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 cloves of finely grated garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 inch finely grated ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 heaped tbsp MDH chana masala</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp MDchunky chaat masala</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp cumin pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp turmeric pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp corinader pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">salt to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 tbsp olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat oil in a pan. When hot add the peppercorns,cloves,bay leaf n black cardamom.Let sizzle for 30 secs.Add the finely chopped onion,and whole green chilis(slit the chilis to prevent them from bursting).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saute till the onions are transluscent then add the finely grated ginger n garlic and tomato along with the chana masala ,turmeric,coriander,cumin pwdrs and cook till oil seperates from the mixture.Add the garbanzo beans and 1/2 cup water and salt and cook till gravy thickens. Finish off with MDH chunky chaat masala.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To serve plate the chickpeas and place the patties on top. Drizzle with mint-coriander chutney and chopped onion and cilantro and serve hot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sending this recipe for Nithu's CWF--chickpeas event </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nithubala.com/2010/08/250th-post-cwf-lb-chickpeas-event.html">http://www.nithubala.com/2010/08/250th-post-cwf-lb-chickpeas-event.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-72910691870690416212010-09-30T13:50:00.003-04:002010-10-02T09:01:42.219-04:00My kitchen pics for Kitchens Revealed eventWe are always posting recipes and food pictures on our food blogs but thanks to Nupur we had a chance to peek into some of our friends kitchens too and it felt wonderful going through the pics.It's like you know the person a little bit more better and anyone who loves to cook love their kitchen too as they spend a considerable amount of time there. Here's a peek into my kitchen ...sending these pics for Nupur's -Kitchens Revealed event .Here's the link to participate <br />
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<a href="http://onehotstove.blogspot.com/2010/09/kitchens-revealed-link-party.html">http://onehotstove.blogspot.com/2010/09/kitchens-revealed-link-party.html</a><br />
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Let me first begin with my Ganesh Chaturthi 2010 pooja pic below <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My KitchenAid 8 burner gas range with dual electric convection ovens .. makes cooking for a crowd a breeze </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> KitchenAid dishwasher and Kohler sink.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> KitchenAid fridge ,microwave n GF grill below </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walk in pantry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjfqCcJbcI/AAAAAAAAC7M/aqUsiOD7ErY/s1600/HPIM3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TAjfqCcJbcI/AAAAAAAAC7M/aqUsiOD7ErY/s320/HPIM3195.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a peek inside my first fridge</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTID6i2l1I/AAAAAAAADbM/XW1g7Jgqo0M/s1600/HPIM2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTID6i2l1I/AAAAAAAADbM/XW1g7Jgqo0M/s320/HPIM2196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a peek inside my second fridge</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTIGiGbNuI/AAAAAAAADbQ/122IXZnhL3Q/s1600/HPIM3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TKTIGiGbNuI/AAAAAAAADbQ/122IXZnhL3Q/s320/HPIM3196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of my backyard from my kitchen</td></tr>
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=12c78873-502f-49ff-9780-206232744cc1" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-90901069951449297182010-09-22T13:28:00.000-04:002010-09-22T13:29:32.283-04:00Savory Cheese Egg Toast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEczYVkBBI/AAAAAAAADYU/LOrlYoY67t0/s1600/HPIM4753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEczYVkBBI/AAAAAAAADYU/LOrlYoY67t0/s320/HPIM4753.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a great picnic snack easy to prepare , carry and eat on the go.Goes well for breakfast /brunch too .This is like eating a cheesy Indian style omelette and toasted bread all rolled into one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 slices of Multi grain bread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 finely chopped chilli</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4th tsp turmeric</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1.4 tsp cumin pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp pepper pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">salt to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cubes soft cream cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oil for pan frying </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a bowl break the two eggs.Add salt,pepper,turmeric,cumin pwdr,chopped chili,coriander leaves and beat together well with a fork .Spread the cream cheese on the slices of bread and cut into four slices as shown in the pic below.Heat oil in a frying pan .Coat each slice evenly by dipping in the egg mixture and shallow fry to a golden brown .Serve hot with ketchup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="zemanta-pixie"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEc8Q7ENsI/AAAAAAAADYc/auunzcn_91U/s1600/HPIM4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEc8Q7ENsI/AAAAAAAADYc/auunzcn_91U/s320/HPIM4748.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEdMGGoePI/AAAAAAAADYk/KjlaeAYGZAE/s1600/HPIM4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEdMGGoePI/AAAAAAAADYk/KjlaeAYGZAE/s320/HPIM4749.JPG" /></a></div><img alt="" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif" /></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-40964874859115153662010-09-20T15:05:00.002-04:002010-09-21T07:59:04.821-04:00Stuffed Eggplant and Potatoes-Gujarati style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEe89D9tDI/AAAAAAAADZc/I1pNL5ZWJ9g/s1600/HPIM4737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJEe89D9tDI/AAAAAAAADZc/I1pNL5ZWJ9g/s320/HPIM4737.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another simple yet delicious Gujarati vegetarian dish known locally as "Aakhu Shaak" literally meaning whole vegetables..Takes only around 25 mins to prepare from start to finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients : 6-8 small eggplants</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6-8 small whole potatoes or halved big ones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 tbsp Olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: blue;"><u>Stuffing :</u></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup fresh green peas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tomato finely chopped </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 small bunch spring onion finely chopped </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 th cup chopped coriander leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 green chillies finely chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4-5 green garlic chives chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cloves of garlic grated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 inch ginger grated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 th tsp turmeric pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4th tsp chili pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp coriander pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4th tsp cumin pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">juice of 1/2 lime </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">salt n pepper to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions : Slit the eggplants and potatoes in the center but not all the way through (see pic below) .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a bowl mix well all the ingredients listed under 'Stuffing'.Stuff the eggplants and potatoes with the stuffing .Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan .Place the stuffed eggplants and potatoes stuffed side up .Spread out the remaining stuffing around them. Add 1/2 cup water and gently stir around the stuffed vegetables.Cover and cook till potatoes are tender.Garnish with chopped coriander.Serve hot with chapatis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffing <br />
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<a href="http://simplysensationalfood.blogspot.com/2010/08/announcing-event-flavours-of-gujarat.html"><span style="font-size: small;">This recipe is being sent to Flavors of Gujarat event </span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJid-W7K2II/AAAAAAAADaA/IWqsyDiWHZc/s1600/z3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TJid-W7K2II/AAAAAAAADaA/IWqsyDiWHZc/s320/z3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Check the link below for a CSN giveaway at </span><br />
<a href="http://littlefoodjunction.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway.html"><span style="font-size: small;">Smita's Blog </span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', fantasy;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', fantasy; font-size: small;"><i>http://littlefoodjunction.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway.html </i></span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-31908775744458106262010-09-16T15:22:00.002-04:002010-09-20T14:01:49.887-04:00Giada's Spinach,Peas n Mushroom Stuffed Manicotti Pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbozRCaDwI/AAAAAAAADUk/3_92PofAkTg/s1600/HPIM4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbozRCaDwI/AAAAAAAADUk/3_92PofAkTg/s400/HPIM4613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This is a modified version of one of Giada's signature recipes.She made this with Swiss chard but since it's not in season right now I replaced it with spinach and also added cremini mushrooms.Since this is a pretty elaborate recipe if you follow all directions ,I've replaced some ingredients of the Fontina Fonduta sauce with a jar of Bertolli white Alfredo sauce as I didn't have Fontina cheese and also to cut down cooking time.The results were fabulous and the kids n hubby polished off their plates .A great way to get the kids to eat spinach and mushrooms.<br />
Here's a link if you want to follow the original recipe : <br />
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/swiss-chard-and-sweet-pea-manicotti-winter-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/swiss-chard-and-sweet-pea-manicotti-winter-recipe/index.html</a><br />
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<strong>My recipe : </strong><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Ingredients : </span><br />
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2 tbsp olive oil<br />
8-10 Manicotti pasta shells<br />
1 jar of Bertollini Alfredo sauce<br />
1/4th cup shredded Mozarella cheese<br />
1 1/2 cups chopped spinach<br />
6-7 cremini mushrooms<br />
1 cup green peas<br />
2 cloves of chopped garlic.<br />
1 medium onion<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning<br />
1 cup Marinara sauce<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">For the white sauce</span> :<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1/4 th cup whipping cream<br />
1/2 cup Ricotta cheese<br />
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese<br />
1/4th cup chopped fresh basil leaves<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Directions : </span><br />
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Boil 8-10 cups of salted water in stock pot .When it comes to a rolling boil add the Manicotti pasta shells and cook till tender but firm around 8 mins .Remove the shells with tongs and keep aside.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Filling :</span><br />
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan .Saute the onion till transluscent .Add the finely chopped garlic and saute for 30 secs. Add the spinach ,salt ,pepper and saute for 5 mins .Add the sliced mushrooms and green peas and lemon -pepper seasoning and cook for another 5 mins.Add the Bertolli Alfredo sauce and blend well with the vegetables for another 5-7 mins till the sauce bubblles and mixture thickens .Turn off the heat and let it cool down (cool enough to be handled).<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">For the white sauce :</span><br />
In a thick bottomed non-stick pan heat the milk and cream till bubbles form .Reduce the heat and add Ricotta cheese stirring continuously till mixture thickens ..around 5 mins .Add the chopped basil leaves to it.<br />
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Preheat oven to 400 F.Grease a 13x 9 inch baking pan liberally with butter.Fill the cooked Manicotti pasta shells with the prepared spinach mixture using a spoon as shown in the picture below .Hold the Manicotti diagonally to prevent the mixture from slipping out.Keep the prepared Manicotti on the buttered dish. Finish preparing all in a similar way and arrange them on the baking dish.Pour the prepared white sauce over it.Sprinkle the shredded Mozarella cheese on top .Bake for 35 mins till the top is golden brown .Serve hot with marinara sauce .<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbpyYjJV3I/AAAAAAAADVE/oyq2QyZ7f3Y/s1600/HPIM4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbpyYjJV3I/AAAAAAAADVE/oyq2QyZ7f3Y/s320/HPIM4608.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Manicotti dish before you put it in the oven </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbpmVXo00I/AAAAAAAADU8/449BJ-AJzFE/s1600/HPIM4602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbpmVXo00I/AAAAAAAADU8/449BJ-AJzFE/s320/HPIM4602.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients :Manicotti pasta,shredded Mozarella cheese,peas,spinach,Ricotta cheese,Bertolli Alfredo sauce,cremini mushrooms</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbpRPrNSKI/AAAAAAAADU0/4IhkwlpM49k/s1600/HPIM4605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbpRPrNSKI/AAAAAAAADU0/4IhkwlpM49k/s200/HPIM4605.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the Manicotti </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the mixture </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbp7m6m0DI/AAAAAAAADVM/3vz2DpNSqro/s1600/HPIM4609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbp7m6m0DI/AAAAAAAADVM/3vz2DpNSqro/s320/HPIM4609.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dish after baking </td></tr>
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=868edec2-1bab-4e0b-b327-d190ea38cde1" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-4759735522506243422010-09-13T15:27:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:27:40.509-04:00Caramel Macchiato Cold Coffee<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I love hot Caramel Macchiato .It's my favorite coffee drink I love it</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">piping hot but the summer heat prevents me from having it .Even now in September the mornings and evenings are cooler but the rest of the day is pretty hot. So I was really happy when Starbucks came out with all their bestselling coffee flavors in icecream form. Here's a simple and delicous recipe for making Caramel Macchiato cold coffee.</span><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbrvY9uzDI/AAAAAAAADWM/XzX5ZWf9hws/s1600/HPIM4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIbrvY9uzDI/AAAAAAAADWM/XzX5ZWf9hws/s320/HPIM4456.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients : 2 cups whole milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 scoops Caramel Macchiato icecream </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tsp instant coffee pwdr like Nescafe </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><em>Note: In case you don't have caramel macchiato icecream you can use vanilla/coffee flavor icecream and caramel sauce</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions : Add the milk,sugar,coffee,cocoa pwdr and icecream in a blender and blend together for 30 secs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">serve with more icecream or whipped cream on top.</div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-83986112597759246182010-09-11T14:56:00.000-04:002010-09-11T14:57:46.631-04:00My 2nd win at a CSN giveaway n Participation awardBelow is the link to my 2nd CSN win of $60 hosted by Pari <br />
<a href="http://cooking-goodfood.blogspot.com/2010/09/winner-of-60/60-csn-giveaway.html">http://cooking-goodfood.blogspot.com/2010/09/winner-of-60/60-csn-giveaway.html</a><br />
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Pari's blog : <a href="http://www.cooking-goodfood.blogspot.com/">http://www.cooking-goodfood.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Also recieved a participation award from Akila for the event -'dish name starts with A' hosted by her .<br />
Akila's blog : <a href="http://www.akilaskitchen.blogspot.com/">http://www.akilaskitchen.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Thank you so much girls for conducting these events !!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIvQPmonakI/AAAAAAAADXU/6I4LDbDQD50/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIvQPmonakI/AAAAAAAADXU/6I4LDbDQD50/s320/a1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-76763417061852134452010-09-10T15:04:00.002-04:002010-09-11T14:46:43.198-04:00Saffron infused Fruit n Nut Pilaf and my second win at CSN<span style="color: red;">WISHING ALL MY DEAR FRIENDS AND FELLOW BLOGGERS A VERY HAPPY EID AND GANESH CHATURTHI</span><br />
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I'm really happy to share this news with you that I won the $60 CSN giveaway hosted by Pari !! Thank you so much Pari for all your time and efforts in hosting this event.She writes a wonderful blog at <a href="http://www.cooking-goodfood.blogspot.com/">http://www.cooking-goodfood.blogspot.com/</a> .<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIaw_3QgwFI/AAAAAAAADSI/nUzK0736KuI/s1600/HPIM4701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIaw_3QgwFI/AAAAAAAADSI/nUzK0736KuI/s320/HPIM4701.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit n Nut Pilaf <br />
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</tbody></table><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=raginimiranda&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000ND7E7G&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>This is a festiv<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=raginimiranda&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000LRH6DQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>e pilaf made with ghee ,nuts, dry fruits and saffron .I normally make it on festive occasions and love how the aromas of spices , nuts,fruits and basmati rice tempered in ghee fill up the whole house.It actually smells like 'Havan' (the Hindu holy ritual pooja fire)<br />
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Ingredients :<br />
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2 cups Basmati rice rinsed <br />
2 tbsp pure ghee(clarified butter)<br />
1 cup mixed vegetables(green beans,carrots,peas n corn)<br />
6-8 cashews<br />
4-5 blanched almonds<br />
12-15 raisins<br />
1/4 cup milk <br />
2 pinches saffron strands<br />
3-4 dried apricots chopped <br />
1 tsp Biryani /pulav masala (I like Everest brand )<br />
31/2 cups water <br />
Salt as per taste <br />
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Whole Spices:<br />
3-4 peppercorns<br />
2 Green cardamons crushe slightly but whole<br />
1/2 inch cinnamon stick<br />
3-4 cloves<br />
1 star anise <br />
1 tsp cumin seeds<br />
2 Bay leaves<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIaxQjuEnuI/AAAAAAAADSQ/WreKkypvCYQ/s1600/HPIM4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIaxQjuEnuI/AAAAAAAADSQ/WreKkypvCYQ/s320/HPIM4698.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat the ghee in a deep pan.Add all the spices listed under whole spices to the hot ghee and let crackle and sizzle for 10-15 secs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add the mixed vegetables and the Biryani/Pulav masala and stir fry for 5 mins on a medium flame .Rinse the basmati rice in a sieve to remove excess starch. Add the basmati riceand salt to the veggies and stir fry another 5 mins stirring gently.Soak the saffron and the raisins in the milk and microwave for 40 seconds to release the saffron flavors and color and to plump up the raisins.Add the saffron infused milk and 3 1/2 cups water to the pilaf and stir it .Bring to a boil and let most of the water evaporate .When you see rice on top and bubbles forming on the surface,put off the heat and cover the pan with a lid and let it steam cook for around 7 mins without opening the lid.Pan fry the cashews and almonds seperately in a little ghee to a golden brown and keep aside.Add the chopped apricots ,cashews and almonds .Serve with <a href="http://happyhealthyfuncooking.blogspot.com/2010/09/paneer-makhani-low-fat-low-cal-made-in.html">Paneer Makhani</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://torviewtoronto.blogspot.com/2010/09/festive-rice-event.html">This recipe goes to Akheela's Festive Rice event </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIvOg8y71oI/AAAAAAAADXM/SBwfXxKtxTI/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIvOg8y71oI/AAAAAAAADXM/SBwfXxKtxTI/s200/a1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-76621746713323023292010-09-09T15:24:00.003-04:002010-09-11T14:40:22.351-04:00Paneer Makhani (Low fat-low cal made in olive oil)[Cottage Cheese cooked in a creamy tomato sauce]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIawulNYsfI/AAAAAAAADSA/HorrNQfqWM8/s1600/HPIM4692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cA6GBFr4cmE/TIawulNYsfI/AAAAAAAADSA/HorrNQfqWM8/s320/HPIM4692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been making Paneer Makhani the traditional way since the last 10 yrs or more .I love the rich ,creamy flavors but since it is packed with calories I used to limit it for parties only .I wanted to make it for everyday meals but was guilty about the calorie count till I completely omitted the butter and replaced it with olive oil and replaced the heavy cream with light and Voila !!It still tasted as authentic as the original recipe. You will not know the difference !! The olive oil has heart- healthy mono unsaturated fats so eat to your health !!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ingredients :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tbsp Olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 lb (250 gms) Panner cubed </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 cup tomato puree/sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 tbsp light cream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp finely grated ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp finely grated garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 peppercorns,4 cloves and seeds of 2 green cardamoms ground roughly </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp dry Kasoori Methi leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp honey/sugar </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ground spices:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 tsp paprika(or chili pwdr if you want it hot )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 tsp turmeric pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4tsp cumin pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4tsp coriander pwdr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp garam masala pwdr..the smoky dark brown one ( I like MDH )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 tsp chaat masala pwdr ( I like MDH )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directions: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan .When hot but not smoking add the ground peppercorns,cloves and cardamom seeds and let sizzle for 10 secs. Add the grated ginger garlic and saute for 30 secs. Add the tomato puree and all the masalas listed under ground spices and cook on a medium -low flame for around 15 mins or till oil seperates from the mixture.Reduce the heat and and add the cream and honey and simmer on a low flame .The gravy will be light orange initially but will turns a deep orange in around 5-7 mins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Microwave the Kasoori Methi for 30 seconds ,crush with your fingers and add it to the sauce .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seperately pan fry the paneer pieces in olive oil to a golden brown and add to the gravy.Serve hot with naan or veg pilaf .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tastyappetite.blogspot.com/2010/08/letz-relishh-event-announcement-paneer.html">This recipe goes to Jay's Letz relish Paneer </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://mharorajasthanrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/08/guest-hosting-only-event-with-low.html">This Recipe also goes to Priya Mitharwal's Only-Low oil-low calorie Event </a><br />
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</div>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429089720903639277.post-56999234110673654582010-09-08T14:50:00.002-04:002010-09-11T14:40:30.471-04:00My 50th Post and Meeting with celeb chef Giada de Laurentiis !!<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=raginimiranda&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1400052580&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My meeting with Giada</td></tr>
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Welcome to my 50th post !! Cannot believe how quickly they add up and as promised here's the meeting with the someone special I was talking about .All who love cooking have a favorite chef whose recipes,cooking methods and presentations we adore.Mine happens to be the uber celebrity chef Giada de Laruentiis .She 's cooked for the best of the best of Hollywood and also has two very successful shows on Food Network namely 'Everyday Italian' and 'Giada at Home' .I've been religiously watching her shows since a few years now and am always in awe of her passion for cooking,her simple healthy recipes ,cooking methods ,her exotic presentations and even her fabulous beach facing kitchen in her Malibu mansion in California !! Not to mention that she herself looks like a supermodel and critics actually blamed FoodTV for hiring a model for ratings till they found out that she was a graduate from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in France !!Well can't blame her for she also happens to be the daughter of an actress and the granddaughter of a Hollywood film producer so she was born to be glamorous!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personally autographed book by Giada</td></tr>
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Ok I can go on endlessly about her but coming back to the point I had the great privilege of meeting her in person !! Imagine that !!They say you should never meet your idol...it breaks the magic spell .But I simply had to especially when fate brought her to my town one Sunday afternoon for her book signing event for her latest book 'Giada at Home' at our local Barnes n Noble store around 4 months ago and I wasn't even aware of it!! We were just driving by deciding where to go when my hubby just happened to drive by the Barnes n Noble store and presto !! There was a huge banner of her book signing event outside.I still couldn't beleive it so we went in and asked and they said she'll be coming in a couple of hours and will be personally signing her cookbooks and we can even get pictures taken with her !!So we purchased two of her cookbooks got our tag number and we were(no. 370) went for a quick lunch and were back at the bookstore waiting in line and there she was!!! Like a Greek Goddess sitting there and even more beautiful in person !! Finally it was my turn ,got my books autographed ,spoke a few words with her ..told her how much I loved watching her shows and she thanked me ,introduced my kids to her and shook hands with her .She was wonderful and such a pleasure to meet.My hubby took the pics while my SIL took the video of a very memorable afternoon!!<br />
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And if you still feel that the info above is not enough you can get more at her website <br />
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<a href="http://www.giadadelaurentiis.com/">http://www.giadadelaurentiis.com/</a> :)<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=raginimiranda&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0307451011&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Ragini Miranda's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195942525124009550noreply@blogger.com13