TARA VARAD CREATIONS - Tamil Poems

வாழ்க்கை

அன்று ஒரு நாள்

ஜன்னல் வழி வெறித்தேன், சிந்தித்தேன்…..

வானவில் ஆகலாம் என்று; கதிரவன் மறைந்தால், என்ன ஆகுவேன் ?

பறவை ஆகலாம் என்று; சிறகுகள் உடைந்தால், என்ன ஆகுவேன் ?

கதிரவன் ஆகலாம் என்று; பூமி சுழன்ற பின், என்ன ஆகுவேன் ?

காற்று ஆகலாம் என்று; இயற்கை அசைவு நின்றால், என்ன ஆகுவேன் ?

நதி ஆகலாம் என்று; நீரோடை வற்றினால், என்ன ஆகுவேன் ?

அறிந்தேன் நான் உயிர்; நான் தானே அனைத்தும்

அனைத்தும் நான், என் மனதில்

                                                புன்னகையில் பூரித்தேன்

                                                                                                            மீண்டும் வெறித்தேன் …….

நதி

நதியே நீ

சலங்கை விளுங்கினயோ

நடனம் கற்றாயோ

ஓவியன் அகினயோ

வானவில் விளுங்கினயோ

சந்தோஷத்தின் குத்தகை காரியே

நதியே நீ

தாயோ

குழந்தையோ

அரசியோ

சர்வாதிகாரியோ

யாரடி நீ?

ஓயிலாய் பற்பல பரிமானங்கலுடன்,

மனதை கொள்ளை அடிக்கும், கொல்லைகாரியோ!!!!

தனிமை

கற்றுகடங்கா கற்பனையா

எல்லையில்லா மகிழ்ச்சியா

வானவில் நிரம்மா

மலை அளவு சக்தியா

வரையறை இல்லா நீலபரப்பா

பறந்து இருக்கும் வானமா

கொந்தளிக்கும் கடலா

கொப்பளிக்கும் எரிமலையா

சீரும் சுனாமியா

இடிந்து முழங்கும் மின்னலா

பிளந்து நிற்கும் பூகம்பமா

வருகிறாய், செல்கிறாய்

உன் உருவம் தான் என்ன?

புற்றுநோய்

வருவாய்

உறவாடுவாய்

உண்பாய்

மகிழ்வாய்

ஒட்டிகொள்வாய்

ஒன்றிடுவாய்

மென்மையாய் காத்திருப்பாய்

உரிமையோடு ஆட்கொள்வாய்

உடலோடு உடலாக

இரதத்தின் இரத்தமாக

உடன் பிறந்ததாக, அனைத்தும் தந்தும்

நன்றி கெட்டதோ?

அழையா விருந்தாளியே

உனக்கு தடா உண்டா ?

அனாதை

       

                           

                                                                                

                                                         காசு உண்டு உறவு இல்லை                                                        

பசி உண்டு ருசி இல்லை

அறிவு உண்டு அமைதி இல்லை

படிப்பு உண்டு வேலை இல்லை

பெற்றோர் உண்டு அன்பு இல்லை

திறமை உண்டு காசு இல்லை

வீடு உண்டு காதல் இல்லை

திருமணம் உண்டு நட்ப்பு இல்லை

மக்கள் உண்டு ஊன்று இல்லை

உறவுகள் உண்டு தோழமை இல்லை

உடல் உண்டு உறக்கம் இல்லை

ஆசை உண்டு அளவு இல்லை

கண்கள் உண்டு காண்போர் இல்லை

செவிகள் உண்டு கேட்போர் இல்லை

கால்கள் உண்டு நடனம் இல்லை

நீ உண்டு பெற்றோர் இல்ல

யார் ஆனாதை?  நானா?  நீயா ????????????????

உழைப்பு

அகம் மகிழ

உணர்வு ஒன்றிட

மூளை செயல்பட

புலன்கள் சீராக

நாடி நரம்பில் ஏறி

முன்னேற துடித்து

பிறரை கவனித்து

தானாக கற்று

சுயமாய் நினைத்து

அறியாமலே அறிந்து

பல பரிமானங்கள் ஏற்று

நினைவில் நலன் விரும்பி

உடன் இருப்பாரை ஏற்றி

தானும் ஏறி

சிகரம் சேரும் ஏணி !!

எதிர் காலம்

யான் அடி மேல் அடி வைக்க

வரவேற்று காத்திருக்கும்

மகிழ்ச்சி

ஆச்சிரியம்

துக்கம்

கோபம்

இகழ்ச்சி

அமைதி

அறிவு

பொறுமை

எதிர்பார்ப்பு

உறவு

நட்ப்பு

ஏற்றம்

மறைந்து, ஒளிந்து, காத்து, கண் சிமிட்டும் இரத்தின கம்பளம் ……….

உறவு

                                                                                        யாக்வராயினும்

இரு உடல்

இரு உயிர்

இரு உணர்வு

ஒன்று பட துடிக்கும்

ஒன்றிட உழைக்கும்

ஓட்டிகொள்ள இணையும்

இருவரின் துடிப்பு

நேற்று இன்று நாளை

முற்றும் - பச்சை மையில் கையப்பம் இட்ட  காகிதம்

ஜனித்தது - சிவப்பு மையில் திருத்த முடியும் காகிதம்

உருவாவது - கருப்பு மையால் எழுத கூடிய சாசனம்

மழை

வானவராயர்

பூமி தாய்க்கு

விடும் காதல் தூதூ தானோ ?

இசை

உருவம் இல்லா காற்றை

சுவாசித்த மூங்கிலே …..

சென்சோற்று கடனாக

ஈன்று கொடுத்த உயிரோ ?

--------*---------

கொனர்ந்தாயா???

பிறந்தன

விழித்தன

தவழ்ந்தன

நடந்தன

ஓடின

தோழமை சேர்த்தன

விரும்பியவை உண்டன

கல்வி கற்றன

அழகாய் உடித்தின

அலங்காரம் பூண்டன

உலகம் பார்த்தன

பட்டம் பெற்றன

பணியும் பெற்றன

உணர்வுகள் வளர்த்தன

தன்னை அறிந்தன

காதல் கொண்டன

திருமணம் பூண்டன

செல்வங்கள் பெற்றன

வருடமும் கழிந்தன

முதுமை சேர்ந்தன

நீ நீந்திய கடலில் நிம்மதி முத்துக்கள்

நீ கொனர காத்து சிலிர்து பூத்திருந்தன .....

அலை

அன்பு தாயின் அக்கறை போல்  

அரவணைக்கும் தந்தையின் வழிகாட்டல் போல்

அருமை உறவின் ஒட்டுதல் போல்

ஆசை தோழமையின் பரிவு போல்

அழகு காதலின் மயக்கம் போல்

அடுத்து அடுத்து

ஆடி ஆடி

அரையும் ஒன்றுமாய்

மனதோடு ஒன்றிகொண்டாய்....

Golden Fenugreek (aka Methi)

History:-

Few historical facts includes -  native of the Mediterranean area, the seeds have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. Undoubtedly one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants, fenugreek is widely grown today in the Mediterranean countries, Pakistan, Argentina, France, India, North Africa, and the United States etc as a food, condiment, medicinal, dye, and forage plant. 

{A dated back reference is not registered in the multiple research sources I used}

Health Benefits:-

&  Fenugreek powder / dust (seeds) is extremely beneficial for our cardiovascular system -- soluble fiber which promotes the functionality of heart and reduces the risk of heart attack.

&  High in potassium and low in sodium - keeps blood pressure under control and regulates heart rate.

&  Lowers Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad cholesterol’) - used as a cholesterol blocking agent.

&  Decelerates absorption rate of sugar into our bloodstream.  It stimulates the production of insulin and acts as a  Diabetes controlling wonder.

&  It flushes out toxic materials from our body and keeps it clean, which aids in better digestion.  Relieves Chronic constipation, it contains large amount of dietary fiber.

&  When ingested in dust form, fenugreek seeds create a protective coat on the inner wall of our stomach as well as intestine. This soothes inflammed tissues and prevents  gastric ulcer, heartburn and Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GRD).

&  Rich in iron, a great remedy for anemic patients - increases hemoglobin in Red Blood Corpuscles (RBC)

&  It safeguards the mucus membrane of the colon and helps us keep colon cancer at bay.

&  Fenugreek powder is one of the most effective natural remedies for women health issues, especially for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), relaxation during menstrual cramps, and common signs of menopause like hot flashes, mood swing, etc.

&  Boosts the production of milk in lactating women

&  Several studies have established that fenugreek can lessen labor pain considerably and make the process of child birth easier by stimulating the contractions of uterine muscles.

&  Powdered fenugreek is also good for curing high fever and respiratory diseases. It can help us get relief from sore throat and chronic cough.

Cosmetic companies are extracting oil from seeds – benefits below:-

&  Fenugreek seeds are known to have excellent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps reduce skin inflammation (caused by wounds, eczema, burns, etc. and accelerate the healing ).

&  Repair damaged skin cells and regenerates to wade off wrinkles, age spots, fine lines.

&  Fenugreek powder makes an excellent homemade facial scrub leading to a naturally glowing skin (removes dead cells and blackheads).

 Benefits of Fenugreek Powder for Hair

&  Fenugreek powder is one of the most effective solutions for dandruff.

&  It is a natural treatment and great hair mask -- prevents hair fall & makes hair roots strong. Stimulates hair growth & gives a shiny luster.

Kale chips with goodness of spices :)-tips, history & health benefits..

Dawn of spring calls for Crisp, Crunch, Fresh, Aromatic, Flavored yet healthy snack, side or even dressing (yea, you read it right) !!

Friends and family have been raving about KALE CHIPS...
I personally never got around to trying it, for one Kale is not the the most visually inviting foods in this world (hehe - never go with the looks again ;)  eh? ), but hey - it's packed with all the nutrition wonders that our body deserves..
OK, so I muster up near the greens aisle, challenge myself and buy the biggest bag of Kale I could find.  If not crispy chips, then I could always transform it into soup, dhal, etc..

Followed recipe from online - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/baked-kale-chips/.
Quick and easy yet "mmmmm.... mmmm.... awesome...."

You ask, "I can look it up online, why would you post in your blog".
I say "my twist was adding 1 tbsp of ground black pepper, 1 tbsp cumin powder and 1 tbsp garlic powder" - viola goodness of spices with the wealth of nutrition gems.

Got a 9/10 from family.  Happy baker and cook !
Tips - Crush crispy chips and add with olive oil for bread dip OR lemon / olive oil salad dressing OR add into pasta sauce

Happy reading - goodness of KALE... (for other spices goodness, checkout rest of the blogs here in my space)

History:-
Like broccoli, cauliflower, and collards, kale is a descendant of the wild cabbage, a plant thought to have originated in Asia Minor and to have been brought to Europe around 600 B.C. by groups of Celtic wanderers. Curly kale played an important role in early European food ways, having been a significant crop during ancient Roman times and a popular vegetable eaten by peasants in the Middle Ages. English settlers brought kale to the United States in the 17th century.

Health Benefits:-
Kale's nutrient richness stands out in three particular areas:
(1) antioxidant nutrients,
(2) anti-inflammatory nutrients, and
(3) anti-cancer nutrients in the form of glucosinolates
Cardiovascular support is add-on bonus.
Extremely rich source of Vitamin K
High in fiber
And an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, and manganese, vitamin B6,  calcium, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin B2, iron, magnesium, vitamin B1, omega-3 fatty acids phosphorus, protein, folate, and niacin.

Lessons learnt :) - never go with looks again...... Happy Kale-ing folks....

Tortilla sandwich - Quik & easy - warm & flavor filled

With each waking day, my creative mind challenging me plus my family willing to experiment my twists and turns to traditional / non-traditional recipes - it never gets old to keep trying...

It's fun and serves as a 'make over' to the meal 

(or not) ;)....

After a quiet winter with few harsh brrr days, this week Mother Nature showered her gift on us with slow and steady accumulation.  

- Oh yeah, that means closings in east coast!! 

Fireplace ON, movie, warm cup of tea /chai, & Tortilla Sandwich - hmmmm.. it was wholesome.

Ingredients:-

Tortillas - wheat / flour
Egg / Marinated Paneer or Tofu slices
Hash brown / Potato patti / or any burger
Any chutney (you get it in whole foods / Trader Joes / Wegmans / Indian store etc..) - I prefer mint or cilantro chutney
Salt and Black pepper to taste
Panini maker / Sandwich maker

Method:

1) Make egg omelette (Paneer or Tofu slice)with salt and pepper (per taste)
2) Pan grill hash brown / Potato patty / or any burger
Spoon and spread chutney on the tortilla (inside faces - per taste)
Assemble your sandwich - 
Tortilla (with chutney side in), 
stack 1) and 2), (
if need be, stack a cheese slice of your choice), tortilla (with chutney side in).
Grill in Panini maker, press down to contain the sandwich together.

Sandwich maker will make crispy triangles (no fry dry samosas)
Serve warm with Ketchup or just by itself.

(A great school lunch option too..)
This format can be adapted with any sauteed or mashed veggies as well.

Power House (Recipe & Health Benefits) - Breakfast / Snack - White pearls (Sabudhana) & Potatoe rounds

Ingredients:

3 mid size boiled & mashed potatoes

2 cups sabudhana soaked for 3 hrs & drained

1 cup rice flour

1/2 cup peanuts - sauteed 

• Method:
  Mash all together with 1 tbsp each (chilli powder & cumin) & salt to taste.
  Make balls & cook in paniyaram aka Appe pan !
  
  Just 2 drop oil per hole !!
  Crisp well on all sides
  Can serve with chutney / ketchup.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAPIOCA / SABUDHANA & POTATO:-

Improves bone health
Tapioca contains calcium, iron and vitamin K in abundance, which plays a very important role in maintaining bone health and improving flexibility. It also helps get rid of fatigue keeping you energized throughout the day.

Keeps blood pressure under control
Helps maintenance of blood pressure. The potassium content in tapioca improves blood circulation, which in turn, reduces the strain on your cardiovascular system.

Helps give your energy levels a boost
 A great way to keep your batteries charged would be adding tapioca to your diet. Since tapioca is full of carbohydrates, it is a quick and healthy way to give your flailing energy reserves a boost.

Helps you gain weight
If you want to gain weight, then tapioca is exactly what you need. Packed with carbohydrates, this root makes weight-gain quick and easy. A perfect supplement for people suffering from eating disorders. 

Prevents birth defects
Tapioca contains folic acid and vitamin B complex which help in the proper formation of a foetus, protecting it against common birth defects like neural tube defect.

Improves digestion
Tapioca can give your digestive system a boost too. Known to help resolve common digestive disorders like constipation, indigestion, bloating and flatulence, tapioca also helps keep a check on your cholesterol levels, helping you stay healthy.

POTASSIUM

Potatoes are a good source of potassium…more potassium than a banana.

Potassium is a mineral that is part of every body cell. It helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out of cells and in doing so, helps maintain normal blood pressure. Potassium is also vital for transmitting nerve impulses or signals, and in helping muscles contract.

Potassium is a powerful dietary factor that may help lower blood pressure.

VITAMIN C

Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the DV), which is more vitamin C than one medium tomato (40% DV) or sweet potato (30% DV).

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant stabilizing free radicals, thus helping prevent cellular damage. It aids in collagen production; assists with iron absorption; and helps heal wounds and keep your gums healthy. Vitamin C may help support the body’s immune system.

FIBER

One medium potato with the skin contributes 2 grams of fiber or 8% of the daily value per serving.
Dietary fiber is a complex carbohydrate and is the part of the plant material that cannot be digested and absorbed in the bloodstream.

B6

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6 with one medium potato providing 10% of the recommended daily value.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays important roles the synthesis of hemoglobin – an essential component of red blood cells.

IRON

One medium potato provides 6% of the recommended daily value of iron.

Iron is a major component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. 

HISTORY

1) The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C.

2) In 1536 Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the potato, and carried them to Europe

Did you know…

• During the Alaskan Klondike gold rush, (1897-1898) potatoes were practically worth their weight in gold. Potatoes were valued for their vitamin C. And gold, at that time, was more plentiful than nutritious foods!
• In October 1995, the potato became the first vegetable to be grown in space. NASA and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, created the technology with the goal of feeding astronauts on long space voyages, and eventually, feeding future space colonies. 

Sweet Potato fry - Health benefits and recipe (with the goodness of spices)

Made as a fun food for winter break lunch, devoured ;) before clicking. Apologies for no picture. 

My daughter who frowns at Sweet Potato loved this style.  Asked for more, that told me it was a hit.  Oh yes, we loved it too.

Nature just showers us with gifts with no boundaries, take a moment to read thru' the health benefits to feel good that you are consuming another gem from Mother nature.

Look for organic versions, or from farmers market.  They come fresh to table with minimal or no chemicals impacting their natural components.

Ingredients :

3-4 Sweet Potatoes

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chili powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1/2 tsp cumin seeds / jeera

1/2 tsp pepper powder

asofoetida - a pinch

salt to taste

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 stick curry leaves

Method :

· Peel skin off, cut to desired bigger cubes, boil sweet potatoes with enough water (prick a tooth pick or insert knife to check if done – usually takes about 15 min in full heat for mid size; if it gets too soft, wheww :( gets very mushed when seasoned, remove before too soft). Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Drain the water completely. 

· Heat 1 or 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Tamper mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves.

· Add cooked potatoes and saute a while. Switch to low flame. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, asofoetida and salt to taste.

· Maintain low flame for 8-10 mins just for the Browning (it’s cooked already :)).

· Add pepper powder and sprinkle 1 tsp lemon juice if needed.

Health Benefits:-                       

Antioxidant Nutrients 

• Contains vitamin A.
• Sweet potatoes are available in many countries on a virtual year-round basis, their ability to provide us with a key antioxidant like beta-carotene makes them a standout antioxidant food.
• Extracts from the highly pigmented and colorful purple-fleshed and purple-skinned sweet potatoes lower the risk of digestive tract problems

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients 

• Reduces inflammation in brain tissue and nerve tissue throughout the body.
• Helps in successful blood clotting.
• Helps with reduction of health problems like multiple sclerosis 

Improvement of Blood Sugar Regulation

• Here is why? Many people think about starchy root vegetables as a food group that could not possibly be that can't be helpful for controlling blood sugar. Because we understand that food starches can be converted by our digestive tract into simple sugars.
• What's fascinating about sweet potatoes is their ability to potentially improve blood sugar regulation—even in persons with type 2 diabetes— in spite of their glycemic index (GI) rating of medium. it serves as an important modifier of insulin metabolism.

KIDNEY BEANS - magic bean from NATURE MOM [Benefits and recipe - holiday special ;) ]

My mom being a dietitian couldn't stress enough on us to consume lotz of beans and legumes.  As a child, I thought that it was just Indian way of upbringing.  Poultry and meat always took a back seat when I grew up.  Originating from a family that believes in natures cure ahead of medicines, I was intrigued by natural spices.  Then what caught my attention was the WOW factor of these beans which took various forms in my home (evening snacks on school days, before exams, before sports activities, curries making it's way into lunch and dinner menus, desserts on occasion days etc.).  

If only I can pass on some of these great benefits to my next generation.... my blog is a consolidated gateway of what I learn and pass on to my near and dears... and to many of you.....

Read on about these magic beans...  not just Jack had to have a Beanstalk, 
You and I can too inside of us.

HISTORY - 

They spread throughout South and Central America as a result of migrating Indian traders who brought kidney beans with them from Peru. Beans were introduced into Europe in the 15th century by Spanish explorers returning from their voyages to the New World.  Subsequently, Spanish and Portuguese traders introduced kidney beans into Africa and Asia. As beans are a very inexpensive form of good protein, they have become popular in many cultures throughout the world. Today, the largest commercial producers of dried common beans are India, China, Indonesia, Brazil and the United States.

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Kidney beans are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, as are most other beans.
• High fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. 
• When combined with whole grains such as rice, kidney beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. 
•  Kidney beans are an excellent source of the trace mineral, molybdenum, an integral component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites.  (People who are sensitive to sulfites in these foods may experience rapid heartbeat, headache or disorientation) 
• Great source of soluble fiber which forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that binds with bile (which contains cholesterol) and ferries it out of the body. 
• And as insoluble fiber not only helps to increase stool bulk and prevent constipation, but also helps prevent digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.
• Lower Your Heart Attack Risk - Study conducted in more than 16,000 middle-aged men showed  that higher legume consumption was associated with a whopping 82% reduction in risk!
• Excellent source of folate and magnesium beneficial to cardiovascular effects. Magnesium is Nature's own calcium channel blocker. When there is enough magnesium around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax
• Kidney Beans Give You Energy to Burn While Stabilizing Blood Sugar.
• Iron for Energy
• Maintain Your Memory with Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
• Manganese for Energy Production and Antioxidant Defense
• Maganese for energy production and antioxidant defenses.
• Protein Power Plus

Benefits is all good, do I have a recipe for today's taste buds.... 

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Yeah, I say !  My creation today - MEXICAN LAYERED RICE

Ingredients:-

Rice - 1 cup
Black beans - canned or soaked overnight & cooked - 1 cup
Kidney beans - canned or soaked overnight & cooked - mashed - 2 cups
Shredded Cheddar cheese - 1 cup
Chopped peppers - any color - 1 cup
Corn - steamed - 1 cup
Cumin powder - 1 tbsp
Chilli powder or black pepper - 1 tbsp
Cilantro - 2 or 3 strings - chopped finely
Salt - to taste

Method:-

Boil rice with little salt, drain water after rice has cooked.
Spread in a greased pan to cool.
Saute Black beans, peppers, corn, cumin powder, chilli powder/black pepper, cilantro with a pinch of salt.
Spread this mix on top of cooled rice.
Spread mashed kidney beans on top of the rice and beans layer
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the 3 layers
Cover with aluminium foil
Preheat and Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes
Serve when warm.

Tandoori Gopi (Cauliflower)

Having fun times with potluck dinners at friends places..ummmm ummm holidays....who doesn't love em....

Thanksgiving -  a time to show our "Gracias" to all that we have....to everyone that had /have a touch/meaning in our life.
Gracias comes out from a happy soul, a happy soul needs fuel for brain and tummy..
You worry about the brain part ;)), I can help some for the tummy part..

This is my new experiment - (well, not exactly mine) read from another blog and tweaked recipe to our pallets - Tandoori Gobi (preparation time - 15 min max; no effort cooking time - 35 min max)

Ingredients

Cauliflower - full (cut off the center bottom stump)

Cottage cheese or Ricotta cheese or Paneer - 1 cup (shredded / smoothed)

Spices - (Indian - Cardamom - 4; Cloves - 6, Bay leaves - 4, Cinnamon sticks -2 small)

Bread crumbs - 1/4 cup

Chilli powder - 2 tsp (or powdered black pepper)

Cumin powder - 2 tsp

Salt to taste

Food color - eye appealing

(I would encourage experimenting with these (Basil - 10 leaves, Rosemary - 2 full strands, Cinnamon sticks - 2 small,  garlic - chopped - 4 cloves) instead of Indian spices.

Making

Boil 1 gallon water with just the spices little salt
Pop in the cauliflower whole into boiling water - close the pot - 10 minutes

Remove, strain and cool the cauliflower
Blend the cheese, break crumbs, chilli powder and cumin powder
Preheat oven at 375 degrees for 45 min

Once flower is cooled, spoon in the BLEND into the crevices of the flower
Cover the top of flower 

Bake in over till the flower browns ------------- voila......

Serve with yogurt / cilantro / mango chutney...

DOUBLE DHAMAKA - Chocolate & Coconut sweet

NOTHING TO DO WITH SPICES.... but, hey, sweet is a spice too in my opinion..wat say you? !

One more of my fun experiments (knowing the ingredients, worked my proportion like a see-saw ;) )
I got a 7.5/10 from family and 
a Love it from friends (in a scale of "like it, love it, gotto have it")

Ingredients

Sooji - 2 cups (split into 2 batches)
Milk powder - 1 packet (split into 2 batches)
Condensed milk - 1 can (split into 2 batches)
Ghee - 1/2 cup (split into 2 batches)
Cocoa powder - 1/2 cup
Dried shredded coconut - 1/2 cup
Coconut essence - 2 tsp
Sugar (to taste) - if needed (split into 2 batches)
Garnish - any per taste 

Method (about 15 minutes)

(Tip - you can add more milk powder than Sooji if desired - to get a milk sweet effect)

Base - Use 1 batch of the ingredients (Sooji, ghee, Milk powder, condensed milk)

Warm ghee and stir in Sooji, milk powder and cocoa powder for 5 min

Add 1/2 can condensed milk (sugar to taste)

Mix will start mixing together in a dough consistency

Spread in parchment and roll with pin to a flat surface and let cool

Use 1 batch of the ingredients (Sooji, ghee, Milk powder, condensed milk)

Warm ghee and stir in Sooji, milk powder, shredded coconut & coconut essence for 5 min

Add 1/2 can condensed milk (sugar to taste)

Mix will start mixing together in a dough consistency

Spread on top of chocolate flat surface, roll with pin and let cool

Cut into desired shape

Garnish with nuts, fruits, saffron etc..

Muffin Any Time (MAT ) !!!

(This is my own formula of ingredients - can be used with any preferred combo of flavors)

Month of Festival of lights - Diwali. Gotto squeeze brain into more creative mode :) !!

Meanwhile, this new addition to our breakfast menu has sparked excitement.

Family has started to look forward to home made breakfast or snack creations like these.  I get custom orders ;)). Less fatty, more flavorful, no artificial colors or sweeteners.  It brings the family together during baking.  Can bake and store for 4 days (first day in room temperature, then in fridge).

Ingredients

Powdered Oatmeal - 1 cup (use a coffee grinder or high power blender)

Powdered nuts (any type) - 1 cup

All purpose / Plain wheat flour / Self rising flour - 1 cup

Oil - 1/2 cup

Eggs - 2 or 3 ( OR you can use apple sauce / mashed banana)

Baking powder - 1 tsp
Milk - 1/2 to 3/4 cup

Any fruits / cheese / flavors /spices - as per taste 

Salt - as per taste

Tip - cheese or fruits - max 1.5 cups

(Above pic is Apple-Maple (1) and Cheese-Red pepper-Italian spice (1) muffins)

Method

Beat all ingredients together for 5 minutes (not too thick nor liquid)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Spray oil coat pans (any desired shape) and fill batter

Bake for 30 minutes

Cool or serve warm

OCC dogs ! - Oatmeal / Corn / Carrot dogs

(Not my fabricated recipe..:) )

My little angel's apple ducks - borrowed (her first trial...., proud of ya sweety)

Call it breakfast / hot dogs

Call it snack / dinner dogs

Good for a quick bite or decked with elaborate entree..

Ingredients:

Oatmeal - 1 cup - cooked and mashed

Corn - 1 cup - cooked with salt and mashed

Grated carrot - 1 cup

Salt to taste

Ground black Pepper to taste (feel free to use any spices that triggers your taste, jalapeno too..)

Rice flour / All purpose flour - 1 cup

Method:

Mix everything (except the flour)

Warm a non stick pan with few drops of oil

Make small balls

Roll them in flour and keep rolling to longer tubes

Cook em well on all sides

Serve warm with any dip or buns

Breakfast / Dessert Energy Cakes - 10 min recipe

Wow, fall is setting in and instantly taste buds are perking up for something warm, fluffy, soft and easy...

I came across recipes for Sandwich pillow cakes online by some talented cooks.  Quick and easy cooking has been my passion and yeah ! I wanted to try this.... with a twist.

My hubby and me have always wanted to fix breakfast at home, that is not store bought.

So here I was, with my experiemental hat on...viola - Breakfast /Dessert Energy Cake made in Sandwich maker.

Ingredients:-

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered oatmeal (can powder quaker oats in coffee grinder or blender)
1/4 cup powdered nuts (any nuts)
5 or 6 dates (pitted and chopped)
2 eggs (can substitute mashed bananas for eggs)
1 cup milk
2 tsp baking powder
Honey (or raw sugar) - per taste

Method:-

Whip all the ingredients into a liquidy mix (not too runny nor thick, just enough to be liquidy)
Warm up Sandwich maker
Spray oil once warm
Pour batter in sandwich maker and serve when cooked
(with or without sugar syrup, dusted cinnamon powder, whipped cream, jello and/or icecream for dessert)

I can think of numerous recipes with the same technique (yippy... so excited). 
Can add cheese to mix, with finely chopped veggies, salt, any other desired seasoning (minus sugar) for cheesy breakfast.
Can add fine chopped fruits in place of dates.
Can use chocolate and fruits in place of nuts and dates.
Can use flax seed powder in place of oatmeal

No need for pre-heated oven, NO-BAKE cake traingles is a possibility with instant cake mix too.

Get creative....