Sunday 29 March 2015

Cricket on the Field and Cookie for Treat

There is something about sports which connects the whole world. Be it NFL or baseball or tennis or cricket. May be the love for sports comes from our ancestors - our evolutionary path. Long time back, when we were prey (seems terrifying), speed and strength were quite important. If you can’t run away from a predator, you are gone for good. Only the best ones could survive, eventually impress the society and pass their legacy on. Though we don’t have to worry about the predators these days (as WE have replaced them - irony!), we get our thrill from sports. 

I am not an avid cricket fan but World Cup final is something which you can give a try. New Zealand and Australia fought each other off in the finals yesterday. Martin Guptill (NZ) and Mitchell Starc (AUS) have been the best performers so far and are my favorites. Guptill lost his three toes from a childhood accident - hence known as “Two Toes Guptill”. He has been putting more effort into everything since that accident. And look at him now, top run scorer from the New Zealand team.

Mitchell Starc was a wicket keeper until someone told him to try bowling. His height adds on to his good bowling figure. At times he loses his temper on field, but ironically he loves sweet. Though Australia defeated New Zealand on the cricket battleground but there is something sweet which these two nations have been sharing for a long time. Let us try “Anzac Cookies” off the field. Hope you enjoyed my Australian Cocktails. Now be ready for a “sweet” battle.

Anzac Cookies

Ingredients:-

1/2 cup Coconut,
125 grams Butter,
1 cup Rolled Oats,
1 cup Brown Sugar,
1 tablespoons Water,
1 cup All-purpose Flour,
1/2 tablespoon Soda Bicarb,
2 tablespoons Golden Syrup,
2 tablespoons chopped Pistachios.

Preparation Method:-

1. Sift the flour in a bowl. Add sugar, rolled oats, pistachios and coconut. Melt butter in a pan. Add the golden syrup and water.
2. Stir the soda into the liquid mixture. Add the liquid into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Place small balls of mixture on a greased tray.
3.Bake at 175 D.C for 20 minutes. Biscuits will become hard when cool. Enjoy with your fav coffee!

Cheers for Australia!

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Indian Cricket team and Indian Delicacies

Few things will never lose their charm - my blog (lol) and the diverse food. Indian cuisine has been developing over the years, from invasions by other countries or by cultural interactions. This philosophy of mixing up of different cultures and coming up with something surprisingly good applies to the Indian Cricket Team too - like MS Dhoni’s love for Meat Recipes. As Indian cuisine gave its own touch to foreign delicacies, Indian cricket team got hold of this English game and took it to a religious level too. This concoction of players from different cultures in India is a perfect blend for a good World Cup winning team. Let it be food or cricket , mixing up of spices or cricket players, India surely has a big shot at both of them.

Virat Kohli - Lamb Chops

Virat Kohli, the heartthrob of India and the Star batsman, was observed munching on lamb chops and salmon at various restaurants in Dhaka. During his tours and travels, he never misses a chance to relish the tangy meat and seafood yummz. These mushy rib chops hardly take any time to cook but are good enough to satisfy the tummy. Coated in garlic, tomato and other spicy flavors, the recipe loved by Virat Kohli is definitely every non-vegetarian’s all-time favorite.

Suresh Raina - Aloo Kadhi
 
Suresh Raina, the aggressive left-handed batsman, has a deadly craving for Aloo Kadhi. Aloo means potato in Hindi. The recipe is simple as well. Prepare potato fritters first and set aside. Blend well equal quantity of yogurt and water, set aside. In a wok, add 2 tablespoons of oil, curry leaves, cumin seeds, ginger and whole red chillies. Add in yogurt mixture and boil for 30 minutes, 15 minutes on high and 15 minutes on simmer. Now add in potato fritters. Cook on simmer for another 15 minutes. Enjoy with steamed rice.

Rohit Sharma - Poha

Did you know that Rohit Sharma loves poha prepared by his wife? Poha is uncooked flattened rice flakes. When added to water, these rice flakes swell-up. Poha is lite food and a popular Indian breakfast recipe. One can add in onion, tomatoes and other veggies like potatoes, peas etc. Fried groundnuts are also added to enhance the flavor and texture of this recipe. With the additional kick of chillies, curry leaves and lemon, the recipe is an all time winner. Serve with mint or tomato sauce.

Ravichandran Ashwin - Paneer Capsicum

Ravichandran Ashwin also said, "my favourite dish is the paneer capsicum my mother makes at home". Moms are always special. Paneer capsicum is nothing but cottage cheese with loads of capsicum. The recipe is quite simple. First add in green chilies, onions, tomatoes and green bell pepper. After sauteing these veggies, throw in cottage cheese cubes. Lastly mix in heavy cream. The recipe is best paired with boiled rice tossed in clarified butter and cumin seeds or simply naan, the Indian bread.

Enjoy the World Cup with yummy food!

Sunday 22 March 2015

MS Dhoni's Love for Butter Chicken Masala

Cricket is the national sport of England but a religion in India. This religion follows Sachin Tendulkar and these days its Mahendra Singh Dhoni. ‘World Cup’ in Indian cricket has two names- Kapil Dev and Dhoni. Kapil is retired from cricket while Dhoni is still there as the captain of Indian cricket team. Looking at India’s winning streak in 2015 World Cup, Dhoni might become the only Indian captain to win two world cups. There are a lot of things which are “only” to Dhoni - most wins by an Indian captain in ODIs and Tests, first captain to win all three ICC limited over trophies and the ‘Helicopter Shot’. He excelled at badminton and football in school. Once sent to play cricket by his coach, he boarded a different flight altogether.

A sportsperson is supposed to maintain a diet which is something hard for Dhoni. He loves food, especially homemade. Once, one of his team mates got Indian recipe, Biryani from his place but the hotel staff didn’t allow the outside food. Dhoni left the hotel with the whole team. People do get emotional when it comes to food, I do too. Currently in New Zealand for world cup he made sure that he goes to this kebab restaurant in Hamilton. His favorite is home cooked Chicken Butter Masala. Let’s get emotionally involved and try his favorite dish.

5 Steps to Enjoy Finger Licking Good Butter Chicken Masala

Ingredients:-

1 lb. Chicken
½ cup Yogurt,
2 chopped Onions,
1 tablespoon Vinegar,
14.5 oz Tomato paste,
¼ cup chopped Ginger,
2 tablespoon BBQ Mix,
½ cup Whipping Cream,
1 teaspoon Chili powder,
2 tablespoons Mustard Oil,
1½ teaspoon Cumin powder,
1 tablespoon Clarified Butter,
¼ cup chopped Garlic Cloves,
½ teaspoon Indian Hot Spice,
3 teaspoon Ginger Garlic paste,
1½ tablespoon Coriander powder.

Preparation Method:-

1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste and BBQ mix. Let chicken marinate in this mixture for 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate.

2. In a pan, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of mustard oil along with the butter. Saute the onions till brown. Add 1 teaspoon ginger, garlic paste. Cook till brown. Add tomatoes, chili powder, coriander powder and cumin powder. Cook for 5 minutes. Turn heat and cool the mixture.

3. Meanwhile take a pan and heat it medium. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Now add marinated chicken with all the yogurt. Cook for 5 minutes.

4. Blend the mixture set aside to cool. Add mixture to the chicken and cook for 20 minutes. Also add the whipping cream and hot spice in between.

5. Serve with boiled rice or naan, the Indian flat bread!

Enjoy the World Cup with Yummzz!













Thursday 19 March 2015

Pup, World Cup and Rissoles

Michael Clarke aka “pup” has grown up into top hounds of Australian cricket, hunting down one team after another. Over the years, Clark has proved himself in all formats of international cricket and established himself as a reliable player. His technique has changed from hitting the ball up the rope to finding gaps and good placements. There has been ups and downs in his professional as well as personal life. But there is one person who has been underpinning this ‘pup’-his mother. Clarke has always been close to his mother Debbie. She has been managing his finances, thanks to her career in the bank.

Apart from this, his mother is also a great cook and makes number of Australian recipes. Hope you enjoyed my blog Traditional Aussie Meat Pie. Though Clarke travels most of the time because of Cricket commitments, he never gets to explore much, especially food. May be his mother’s Rissoles are tempting enough to surpass all the food in the world. Born in London, the European food is what he has grown up on. His love for Rissoles comes from there I guess. I am not a much of a Cricket fan but this World Cup fever hit me hard. Since Michael Clarke’s country is hosting this world cup, let’s give him a “food support” and try Rissoles.

Easy Homemade Rissoles
Ingredients:-
1 beaten Egg,
1 grated Onion,
500g minced Beef,
1/2 teaspoon Herbs,
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs,
1 tablespoon Olive oil,
2 chopped Garlic Cloves.
Preparation Method:-
1. Mix beef, onion, garlic, herbs, egg and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Shape-up the mixture into six, 2 cm thick rissoles.
2. Place on a large plate. Now heat the oil in a wok, over medium-high heat. Add the rissoles balls. Cook for 4 minutes for each side or until golden brown.
3. Serve rissoles with salad and bun.


Enjoy Cricket World Cup 2015!

Wednesday 18 March 2015

Quick and Easy Recipes on St. Patrick’s Day

Hey friends! Hope you enjoyed my St. Patrick’s Day cocktails. Now it’s time to enjoy some quick and easy green recipes. So here we go!
Green Fritters (Broccoli and Peas Fritters) - These green crispy and quick fritters make a perfect party appetizers for St. Patrick's Day celebration. Broccoli boosts up the immune system and also helps in preventing cancer. It also maintains the cholesterol level. On the other hand, peas help in managing weight and blood sugar level and cholesterol level. It prevents from aging and keeps the heart healthy. I would love pairing these fritters with my all time fav Cheesy Beer Dip. What would you pair it with?
Green Bars (Creamy Lime Bars) - Green lime bars are made up of simple ingredients. This recipe is quite similar to key lime pie, except that I add in few drops of mint syrup to get that green color for St. Patrick's Day. Despite of the creamy texture, I find the recipe refreshing and sweet. The best part is that you can offer green bars to your guests at home and also gift the bars to someone special. I couldn't resist having few bars while preparing the recipe. 
Green Chicken (Mint Sauce Chicken) - Having green chicken on St Patrick's day is definitely a big hit! The idea behind this green chicken is simple. Broil chicken pieces with ginger and garlic paste coated on them. Set aside. Prefer boneless. Prepare a green sauce (this does not require cooking). In the blender, add in coriander, mint leaves, lemon juice, green chillies, salt and pepper. Take a wok and add in broiled pieces. Add the green sauce, toss the pieces and heat for two minutes. Serve at once as bitings on St Patrick's day.
Happy St. Patrick’s day!

Thursday 12 March 2015

Saint Patrick’s Day and Most Wanted Cocktails

Currently where everybody is going gaga over “go green”, there is a place which redefines green, this is Ireland. Long time back Saint Patrick was kidnapped by Irish guys. However he managed to escape just to come back to Ireland (again) and make sure that Christianity prevails out there. Saint Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain Christianity, which eventually became the symbol of Ireland (Green). The three leaves depict-the father, the son and the holy “spirit”. March 17 marks his death and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland leading to an excuse for celebration.

On this day, there is no restriction on drinking, which consequently results in no further restrictions. Over the years, the celebrations spread worldwide. If the fountain at Trafalgar Square in London can go green, Calgary Tower in Canada can turn its light to green (symbol of “Go Green”), Russians can go for a carnival and Opera House in Sydney turns green,  then why don’t you try something green. Since everybody is Irish on March 17, without restrictions on drinks, lets try “go green” drinks. Hope you enjoyed my warm cocktail recipes on Frozen Dead Guys Day. So let’s dance with dizzy fizzy green cocktails.

Minty Green Ice-cream Cocktail

Ingredients:-
3/4 oz. Mint Cream,
3/4 oz. White Cocoa Liquor,
3 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream,
50 grams Dark Mint Chocolate.
Preparation method:-
1. Blend all the ingredients. Pour into party mugs or glasses, as per choice. Place in the refrigerator to cool for 5 minutes.
2. Top with grated mint dark chocolate as shown. Serve cold!
Green Vodka Cocktail
Ingredients:-
Apple Cider,
1 oz Mint Syrup,
1 oz Citrus Vodka,
2 dashes Lime Juice,
Lime Twist for garnishing.
Preparation Method:-
1. Pick a glass of your choice. Add citrus vodka, lime juice, green syrup and fill with apple cider.
2. Garnish with a lime twist.
Dance with the St. Patrick’s Day drinks!

Monday 9 March 2015

Enjoy Frozen Dead Guys Day with Hot Cocktails

Here comes the Frozen Dead Guys Day! This is one of the most unique, funny and quirky festivals in the town of Netherlands, Colorado. The festival is a lively one because of it's numerous events. Coffin Racing, Costume Polar Plunging, Ice Turkey Bowling, Parade of Hearses, Frozen Salmon Toss, Frozen Dead Poet Slam etc. are the major centre of attraction. The festival encourages participation in many such activities. There is a bunch of activities for the music lovers also. There are over 20 Live bands, Friday The 13th “Superstition” Blue Ball, Theatrical Wu Shu performance etc. to cheer the crowd. 
There is no doubt that the vibrant festival has earned the title of 'Top Five Winter Festivals in the Country'. What my generation prefers (I am not that old) is Montreal Jazz Festival. However, I can’t look at this fest with indifference. This fest is funny in a weird way, which is all good for the young ones. A music fest is nothing without a bit of intoxication. “A bit” is a lot for such fests, which is nice as you need to beat the chill. Where jazz fests are about cocktails and smoothness, this is all about binge drinking. Hope you enjoyed Thandai, which was one of the best among the traditional drink recipes. This blog is a blend of hot cocktails to break the cold!
Mulled wine
Ingredients:-
3 star anise,
1/4 cup honey,
4 whole cloves,
2 cinnamon sticks,
4 cups apple cider,
750 ml bottle red wine,
1 zested and juiced orange.
Preparation Method:-
1. Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs. Enjoy!
Peppermint Patty
Ingredients:-
1 cup Milk,
100 ml Peppermint Schnapps,
1 teaspoon Hot Chocolate Powder.
Preparation Method:-
1. Heat milk in a pan. Pour in a glass when hot. Add powdered chocolate to taste.
2. Add a shot of liqueur and top with whipped cream. Serve!

Enjoy the Fest!


 

Sunday 1 March 2015

Dance with the Traditional Drink on Holi

Winter in India is a big deal in the Northern part. Winter comes to an end in the month of March which marks the arrival of spring, a season of colors. Years ago, Indians came up with a festival “Holi”. Also known as festival of love, victory of good over evil (unlike Diwali, which is quite sober as compared to Holi) and for some, this is an excuse to meet old friends and family. Well, everybody has their own excuse to celebrate and color anybody they come across. This is the beauty of Holi. Celebrations are day long and in some parts of India it goes on for 2 weeks.

People move out of their houses and go to each others house, throw colors. You can see them everywhere, dancing, laughing, dragging each other to throw colors. In Mathura (around 100 miles from New Delhi) women playfully beat their husbands. Where do you think this energy comes from, as food is cooked from oil which eventually slows people down? May be this Thandai is where all the happiness comes from. Thandai, the traditional Holi drink, is the perfect source of energy and unlimited source of ecstasy which has been a part of the Indian culture from ancient times. Hope you've enjoyed my last blog, Red Meat Recipe. This time let’s dance to the beat of drums and celebrate Holi with vibrant powdered and wet colors and of course the Thandai.

Thandai Recipe
Ingredients:-
1 1/2 litre milk,
Few ice cubes,
6 peppercorns,
6 teaspoons sugar,
10 peeled almonds,
2 teaspoons fennel seeds,
1 teaspoon  poppy seeds essence,
250 grams sweetened condensed milk,
1/2 teaspoon pinch powdered cardamom.
Preparation Method:-
1. Grind well the peeled almonds, cardamom and fennel seeds to a fine paste and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Strain the mixture well.
2. Take crushed ice cubes in a glass till half and fill the rest with the above mixture.
3. Serve garnished with rose petals. This makes for 12 glasses.
Wish you a colorful Holi!