Thara’s T-mix

 

My customized THARA’S T-mix - a recipe to @love, @savor & @Njoy 

In an effort to replicate a tea flavor I enjoyed in Sri Lanka 2 yrs back, I’ve landed with this mix (ofcourse after multiple trial & error).

@CHAI - it’s a poem @every single time

When your lip meets the chai @cup

When your first @slurp of @hot @tea touches your @tongue

When that @flavor hits your @soul

When the @warmth travels down your @throat

It’s all these different versions of    @awesomeness:

A @boost at @sunrise

A kick @start at @work

A @conversation @medium 

A fuel @refill at slouch @hours

A @comfort @drink with @friends

A @family @reminder before @sunset

A @reassurance after a long day

A @validation that ‘YOU GOT IT’

A @motivator to take on more…..

@HAPPY @HOLIDAYS!  Njoy your CHAI 🤩

Health benefits of the 6 star ingredients that go into Thara’s T-mix

Edible Rose petals - antioxidant & prevents cell damage.  Helps reduce risk of heart disease, obesity & cognitive diseases.

Cloves - anti inflammatory plus antioxidant & aids digestion 

Cinnamon & Star Anise - anti viral, anti bacterial, anti fungal, reduces blood pressure & maintains sugar levels. Star anise helps ease menopause symptoms.

Cardamom - antioxidant, maintain blood pressure, great diuretic, aids digestion & helps promote cancer fighting compounds.

Saffron - antioxidant, improves mood, aids nervous wellness, promotes weight loss.

Fancy Stuffed Mushrooms

1 cup cream cheese (alternate ingredient - boiled & mashed potato, full moong dhal)

1/2 cup cheese - any type (Parmesan is recommended)

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp chilli flakes

Finely diced peppers (any colors) - 1 cup

Salt to taste

1 tbsp oil

Empty out center stump in mushroom 

Chop the stems & add to above mix

Dry out mushrooms by tapping on dry towel

Spoon in above mix to fill the center 

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top & bake in oven till mushrooms browns (alternate option to oven - preheat pan with lid & dry fry till cooked)

Cabbage Mint cutlets

 Cabbage & Mint cutlets

Plenty of shredded cabbage 

Finely chopped onions, mint, green chillies 

Add cumin powder, turmeric powder, salt - to taste

2 cups Almond flour

2 tbsp flax meal

I used Avacado oil & 1 egg to hold these to together - Qty as preferred 

Mix ‘em up, slowly start adding water to a point where you can make rounds & press down to cutlets.

Used Air fryer - 400 degrees for 30 min(flip half way thru)

Sure this will come out fine in a Toaster oven or dosa tava

Zucchini Squash Chips

 

Zucchini Squash chips

Slice vegg

Toss with olive oil - Qty as preferred

Sprinkle oregano, garlic powder, cumin powder, cayenne pepper powder - mix the whole bunch with veggies 

Spread into 1 or 2 layers on parchment paper

Then Sprinkle salt

Preheat oven

Oven roast at 375 degrees for 35 

(Flip veggie half way thru)

Bundt Cake ! - one way or another ....... who said low glycemic can't be tasty ?

 Low glycemic bundt cake

1/2 cup yogurt + 1 tsp baking soda - let this sit for 15 min (will become slightly foamy)

1 cup pancake mix

1 cup almond flour

1 to 1.5 cups Monk sugar (this has lowest glycemic numbers)

1/2 cup dried grated coconut powder

1 tbsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

(cinnamon, nutmeg, rose essence, powdered cardamom - to taste)

To this dry mix 

add the foamy yogurt

1/2 cup oil

Cream of coconut (comes in cans) - add enough to get the mix to a cake batter consistency - semi thick

Preheat oven at 365 degrees

Bake till inserted knife comes out clean (might take 35 to 50 min depending on container or shape)

OR 

Mix 1 cup cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

Sugar to taste 

Pinch of salt

Pinch of beaten all spice while, cinnamon, cloves powder (homemade)

Pinch of nutmeg

Pinch of BAKING SODA & baking powder

1 tsp Vanilla essence

2 tbsp flour (I used 1 part almond & 1 part all purpose)

1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

Beat with beater till it becomes smooth

Mix in Grated lemon zest 

Any amount of nut, any fruit

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 min

Make homemade cake - any flavor

Pour baked & warm cheesecake batter on top of the cake

After mix gets to room temp, pop it in fridge overnight

Lemon Cheesecake - low glycemic & super yummmmmmmmmmmmmm

 Recipe for Lemon cheesecake

Almond flour - 1 cup

Coconut flour - 1/2 cup

2 tbsp sugar (I used Monk sugar)

1/2 cup softened butter

Mix well & beat down to thick layer in greased pan

Bake at 375 for 13 min

In a separate bowl:

Mix 2 cup cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

Sugar to taste 

Pinch of salt

Pinch of nutmeg

Pinch of cinnamon 

Pinch of BAKING SODA

1 tsp Vanilla essence

2 tbsp flour (I used 1 part almond & 1 part all purpose)

1/2 cup Heavy cream 

3 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

Beat with beater till it becomes smooth

Mix in Grated lemon zest 

Any amount of nuts

Pour into baked base

Bake at 375 for 15 min

Let it cool to room temp

Then refrigerate 

Cut & Serve 😍

Ratatouille made simple - mmmm...mmm... delicious & simple

 Recipe - Ratatouille 

Portion size is for 4 people

Slice 2 Zucchini , 2 squash, any 2 peppers - all flat slices

In a separate container- mix the below

1 cup pasta sauce

1/2 cup cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup cheese or more if you prefer

6 or 7 garlic cloves - chopped

1/2 onion chopped

2 tbsp dried basil

2 tbsp dried thyme

1 tbsp jeera powder

1 tbsp chili powder 

Salt to taste

In a baking dish - layer about 1/2 inch height of veggies, then smooth coat the mix & keep repeating layers

Top most layer should be the wet mix

Cover loosely & bake at 375 degrees (after pre heating) - till cheese bubbles & veggies look cooked

Peanut Butter bread.....no yeast, no sugar, flavorful and super tempting

 Peanut Butter bread

1 cup corn bread mix

3 cups almond flour mix

1/2 to 1 cup peanut butter

Add handful Jeera, Fennel seeds (optional)

Add 1/2 tsp baking powder

Add 1 to 2 eggs (OR 1 tbsp yogurt + 1 tsp baking soda)

1/2 cup oil

Make a thick batter

Preheat oven & bake at 365 degrees for 35 or 40 minutes

CHAI....makes it all worth it !

 

Tea mix masala & Chai recipe 

For 250 grams tea dust

• 10 elaichi
• 2 or 3 cloves
• 4 or 5 inch size cinnamon
• 1/2 nutmeg (whole halved)
• 2 tbsp dried rose petal

Grind into fine dust & mix with tea dust (this can be stored in room temperature for up to a month or more for flavorful tea treat)

Boil 1 cup water

Add 1 or 2 tsp of Tea with Masala blend

Add 1/4 cup of milk

Sugar / Honey to taste

Grate in 1/2 fresh ginger

Turn off stove when mix boils and bubbles over

Let Chai seep in for 1 to 2 minutes before straining / serving to enjoy !

(Borrowed pics from online sources)

Green Jackfruit - Wait...read on.... options are endless

Keep loving yourself... 

                                                                                             The day you stop.... 

That moment marks your expiration...

Live on friend....

What better way to live; than to eat what makes you live healthy and happy ?

A South Indian friend of mine introduced me to a sauteed veggie made out of Green Jackfruit.
Intrigued, I looked further and found numerous options.....& 
Wow ! the health benefits..... (should be added to Super Foods - ;) just sayin')

Dishes with Cabbage OR Dishes with meat / meatballs :-
can be made with shredded jackfruit

Raw or Canned fruit available in many grocery stores.

Dish Options:-

Cutlets, Patties, Veggie balls, Cole Slaw, Sauteed and in yogurt as side, curries, flavored rice (chinese, mexican, indian, mediterranean etc..), jelly, jam, chutney, sauce, salsa - told ya 😇 😇, endless possibilities.  

Side note:- 

Three slices of raw coconut, three pieces of jackfruit (yellow fruit dipped in honey) & 1 small banana (dipped in natural honey) --> once a week 
--> best natural medicine.

Web search.....for cuisine based options.

Health benefits:-

• Jackfruit is rich in dietary fiber, which makes it a good laxative. 
• The fiber content helps protect the colon mucous membrane by binding to and eliminating cancer-causing chemicals from the colon.
• Significant amounts of Vitamin-A, and flavonoid pigments (carotene-ß, xanthin, lutein, and cryptoxanthin-ß) - vital roles in antioxidant and vision functions. 
• Good source of antioxidant vitamin-C
• Rich in a B-complex group of vitamins. It contains outstanding amounts of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid.
• Good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.

Corn-Jalapeno-Cheese bread with almond milk

Time is the most valuable gift you can give someone;  use it wisely 

Ingredients:

Store bough corn bread mix - 1 box - with soft grains (do not buy the huge grained ones)
Eggs - 2
Butter - 2 tbsp
Oil - 1/4 cup
Jalapeno - finely chopped
Flax seed - 1 tbsp
Black pepper - 1 tsp
Garlic powder - 1 tbsp  (or add fresh & finely grated garlic)
Onion powder - 1 tbsp
Almond milk - 1/2 cup

Whisk all ingredients for good 5 minutes - consistency can be slightly gooey.  
(Not too thick nor liquid is the idea)

Preheat at 325 degrees
Bake for about 30 or until till inserted knife comes out clear (do not let the bread sit to crisp - this dries the bread)


Health benefits of Jalapeno

• 1. Weight loss:
• 
  
• Peppers contain a chemical known as capsaicin, which is actually what gives peppers their hot properties. Capsaicin is also good for helping you lose weight, and is commonly found in many weight loss pills and supplements. 
• 
  
• 2. Arthritis:
• 
  
• Capsaicin also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it great for reducing swelling and pain in those who suffer from arthritis. 
• 
  
• 3. Cancer:
• 
  
• Capsaicin found in peppers actually is able to kill some cancer cells, specifically prostate cancer cells. 
• 
  
• 4. Headaches:
• 
  
• The capsaicin in peppers is also known to block the neuropeptide known as Substance P, which is a main pain transmitter to the brain. What this means is that peppers can actually help to ease pain. 
• 
  
• 5. Nasal Congestion:
• 
  
•  The heat in peppers, again caused by capsaicin, clears the sinuses. It even helps to fight sinus infections by cleansing the airways. 
• 
  
• 6. Ulcers:
• 
  
• Peppers might not be able to cure stomach ulcers, but they can prevent the ulcers from happening in the first place. How?Peppers kill bad bacteria in the stomach and intestines, and often this bacteria is what leads to stomach ulcers.
• 
  
• 7. High Blood Pressure:
• 
  
• Jalapenos are a chili pepper, and chili peppers commonly have lots of flavinoids, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. 
• 
  
• 8. Fluid Loss:
•  Because peppers cause you to sweat, and the more you sweat, the less fluid there is in your body.
• 
  
• 9. Heart Attack:
• 
  
• Peppers inhibit the buildup of fibrin in the body, and fibrin is a major ingredient for blood clots to form.
• 
  
• 10. Anti-Oxidant Properties
• 
  
• Because of the flavinoids and vitamins found in jalapeno peppers, these peppers are excellent anti-oxidants,

Green spinach wrap with black beans and carrots - with cumin & pesto...

LOVE & RESPECT YOURSELF; LOVE & RESPECT YOUR PASSION/WORK/FEELINGS;

REST WILL FALL INTO PLACE 

Method:-

Ingredients:- Black beans 1 cup (soak overnight)
1 medium onion
2 tomatoes
4 garlic cloves
Inch size ginger
1 large Jalapeno
1 tbsp cumin powder
Salt to taste

Carrot - shredded (about 2 large ones)
Store bought: Spinach tortilla, pesto sauce

Pressure cook the beans with salt
Saute other ingredients and mix it to the cooked / mashed beans

Spread pesto sauce on the spinach tortilla - thin coat works
Spread a tablespoon full of bean mixture - coating depends on your taste
I added a tablespoon of shredded carrot per roll

Roll up the tortilla and cut to desired sized rounds

It serves as lunch / dinner / snack - as you please..

The moistened cooked beans with all the spices / flavors, fresh crunchy & sweet carrots with pesto and tortilla was a beautiful carnival of sweet, sour, salt and protein.

**************/**************

History:-

Black beans were first domesticated thousands of years ago in Peru, and quickly became a staple of the South American diet. They first came to Europe in the 1500s.

Health benefits:-

Digestive Tract 

Protein and fiber in this bean aids in quick movement in intestines; this supports the digestive track in working less harder and keeps it healthy.

Blood Sugar Regulation

The steady movement of protein and fiber through the digestive system allows for a measured breakdown of food into its component parts. This even breakdown of food helps to curtail sugar levels (high or low)

Cardiovascular Health & anit-cancer prevention

Regulates cholesterol level…..

High in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory values.   Black beans are also high in folate and magnesium, both nutrients highly associated with preservation of cardiovascular health, and the antioxidant minerals zinc and manganese.

Nervous System Health

Folate, or vitamin B6, is particularly abundant in black beans. The nervous system relies on folate to produce the amino acids it needs to function. For pregnant women a deficiency in folate can cause the improper development of the fetus’s brain and spinal cord. The high iron content of black beans is also particularly beneficial to pregnant women.

Live a little - have fun with desserts (my experiments / projects for fun...)

DO NOT QUIT in your life; 

cry & pat yourself in valleys; 

embrace & pat yourself in peaks..

Tiramisu

 Bakalava

Coconut milk sweet with splash of cardamom

Chocolate mousse with bananas

Pineapple, vanilla & coconut pudding

Lemon & Oreo frozen cake bells

 

Experimented piping - Orange cake with chocolate, Vanilla cake with Walnuts, Orange vanilla swirl cake with rasperries

Sweet Crepes with coconut and nuts filling with strawberry drizzle

Spice cake with apples & pears

New year dawn - red velvet and lemon
 

Banana chocolate with choco beads
 

Cinnamon Carrot cake
 

Cinnamon Streusal cake
 

Coconut lemon cake
 

Lemon Supreme - lemon cake and lemon icing
 

Vanilla butterfly on red velvet pedestal
 

Treelog - Lemon Vanilla cake
 

Spiced Pecan, cinnamon & fresh apple Super moist simple cake
 

Strawberry cake & Pineapple mousse cups
 

Strawberry cupcakes
 

Strawberry Lemon cupcakes with apple cinnamon & chocolate chip filling
 

Strawberry Vanilla cake
 

Red Velvet with butterscotch & vanilla bath
 

Red Velvet cake
 

Red Velvet and Lemon floors cake
 

Pineapple Supreme buggie
 

Pineapple mousse cups
 

Pineapple cake with crushed pineapple vanilla topping
 

Orange Carrot cake with lemon icing
 

Minecraft cake - chocolate supreme & cake spice cakes

Mango cake
 

Fudge & Carrot Spice cake

Double Decker Lemon Orange Spring cake
 

Circus turkey - used curves and straight line

 

Carrot Strawberry cake with fruit face and chocolate wall
 

Carrot & Red velvet cupcakes
 

Apple Caramel Platform with Praline & Creme pedestal cake
 

Chocolate sculptures