Craving Idlys- check out this awesome step by step recipe for simply yumm idlys!

Our love for idlis, the soft, fluffy white, round discs made of rice and lentil batter, began when we were children. Two, three year old babies with tiny idlis in their hand, playing around mom, is a common scene you see in many Indian households. As we grow up, the role of idlis also changes - first as toddlers’ teething food, to childhoods play, fun kind of food. Then in teenage years, the kind of breakfast we really enjoy eating without complaining much. Later In twenties and thirties - we try, struggle and wonder how folks back home make those fluffy cloud like visions of idlis so effortlessly. Try as we may, we can’t recreate those beauties here, because the weather, the grain and even the water is different here.

For recipe go to http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/archives/2006/02/21/idly/

You can also follow Indira at http://www.themahanandi.org/ for more amazing recipes!!

Craving Indian Pani Puri - check out this awesome recipe with an amazing twist!

  



Cold evening, spicy snacks, and masala chai..ummmm...It's always a challenge to think about new snacks everyday. This one is my favorite; it's easy and saves time and effort when entertaining guests. This recipe is a great hit with my family and guests. It reminds me of pani-poori. I am from Gujarat and pani-poori is an  (almost) everyday evening snack. Every crossroads has at least one pani-poori stall. It's difficult to make pooris in US so I have given a mexican twist to the recipe that is easy to make. 

For recipe go to  http://myfamilysfavorite.blogspot.com/2011/12/appetizer-with-indian-twist.html

You can also follow Poornima at http://myfamilysfavorite.blogspot.com/ 

  

colormehappy: Simply yummm...vegetable quinoa!!

colormehappy: Simply yummm...vegetable quinoa!!: 1 Cup Quinoa 2 Cups water 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 Cup sweet peas 1 Cup chopped carrots 1/2 Cup chopped green bell pepper 1 grated green chi...

16 simple ways to reduce plastic waste!!

"Everybody knows about this but nobody cares" was a comment on my facebook page when I posted this article.
The very well question arises is why we do not care to care??

If you are the one who does not care then try anything that reduces any kind of waste, be it using vinegar for dishwashing liquid...not using a straw, a party without balloons, recycling, or just turning off a light when not in use. Caring always makes us feel good, responsible and proud of ourselves!!

All we need to do is Be aware. Change will follow:))

A simple, informative and practical guide to reducing plastic waste!!

16 simple ways to reduce plastic waste MNN - Mother Nature Network

Eggless pineapple very berry wholegrain fruit cake!

Turn any moment into celebration with this fruity, nutty and whole grain heart healthy cake!

• 1 cup fresh pineapple cut up small or grated
• 1/2 Cup fresh juice (mix of pineapple and mango with a handful of blueberries)
• Leftover fruit pulp from juice
• 1/3 cup blueberries
• 1-1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup milled flax seed
• 7oz sweetened condense milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon fresh ground cardamom (omit shells) or powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

•1/2 cup yogurt with 1 tablespoon of agave (or sugar)

• 1/3cup sliced dry fruits and nuts ( I used mix of almonds, walnuts and raisins)

1. Preheat oven to 325`F. Lightly coat pan with oil and flour.

2. Using processor take out ½ Cup fresh juice from pineapple, mango and a handful of blueberries. (Don’t throw the leftover pulp from juice)

3. In a bowl whisk together yogurt with agave or sugar, pineapple, fresh juice, condense milk, blueberries and leftover pulp.

4. In a separate large bowl whisk together whole wheat pastry flour, milled flax seed, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom and salt.

5. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix them together with dry fuits and nuts.( save some to sprinkle on top)

6. Pour batter in pan and sprinkle leftover dry fruits and nuts on top.

7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until pale brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

8. Cool in pan for 15-20 minutes.

Loosen edges, and turn out onto wire rack to cool completely
Enjoy goodness in every bite:)


Thanks for visiting and have a colorful celebration!!

Bakers Note:)
You can use dried or frozen berries too. Soak them in water to regain moisture. (Approximately 20-25 minutes)
Mango for juice is optional.
Whole wheat flour can be used in place of whole wheat pastry flour. I used hudgson mill flour.
Agave nectar is more natural and low in glycemic index than sugar. It can also be used on the slices while serving for extra flavor and sweetness:)
Add an extra bowl of water to oven to keep the cake moist.

Eliminating paper waste!

Instead of paper invitations and thank you notes use online invites or call.

Love those paper invites too much to skip them altogether? Go for sustainable items, recycled paper and decorate with earth friendly materials.

Promote Giving!!

Help your child choose a worthwhile charity and ask guests to make a donation instead of gifts.