Announcing Serve It Series - Serve It - Boiled

This month's theme for Serve It series is Serve It - Boiled. We just had to reserve this theme for October. With the onset of monsoons we all would like something steaming hot for a meal. Starting with your morning cup of joe, followed by an awesome curry with rice/roti and ending the day with a warm bowl of soup for dinner would be so comforting and satisfying. That is the reason for this

Aloo-Baingan/Potato-Brinjal Curry - Side-Dish for Roti

Aloo-baingan a saucy curry and a perfect combo with roti's and Rice.  I got this recipe from one of my friends. She cooks delicious Gujrathi Dishes. She made this curry for me when i was preggy with Bala. Loved this totally.  

Ingredients

1 Large Potato

10 medium Size Brinjals

2 Medium-size Onions, finely sliced

2 medium-size Tomatoes, finely chopped

2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped

a small piece of ginger,chopped

1 tsp Red Chili Powder

1 tsp Coriander powder

1/2 tsp Garam masala Powder

1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/2 Cup Milk or Cream
2 tbsp Groundnut Oil (gives a nice aroma to the dish)

Coriander leaves for garnishing

To Grind

1 tsp Oats

1 tbsp Peanuts
2 nos almonds
1 small onion
1 green chili

Method

• Wash and Peel the Potato, cut them into  cubes. Wash the Brinjals, cut the tail off and Chop them too into cubes. Keep the brinjals immersed in water until use.
• Grind the ingredients under 'To Grind' to a fine paste using little water.
• Heat oil in pan, throw little cumin, when it sizzles, add the chopped onions, ginger, garlic and saute them until onions turn pink. 

• Next add Chopped Tomatoes, and the dry masala powders (Red Chili Powder, Coriander powder, Garam Masala Powder, and Turmeric Powder) along with half cup of water and cook till the tomatoes are done.
• Now Add the Potatoes and Brinjals and another half cup water, Salt, Ground Paste. Mix well Cover and Cook for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, add milk and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

Take it off the stove, Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve Hot with Roti's or with Rice. Either way it tastes amazing!!!!!

Round Up - "South Indian Cooking" (SIC) Series Event - # 1

Hello Friends,

This is one of the most exciting event that I ever had and am very very happy to see a total of 190 recipes. Wow I myself could not believe the total number of recipes I received and I should thank a BIG THANK YOU TO ALL for making this event a big success. I also wanted to say that each and every recipe was unique and interesting.

Thanks Agian!! :)

Well here is the round up at the end of the post and below is the event details and anyone who is interested to host this event in future months can leave a comment or email me.

N'JOY!

Hello Friends,

I am so excited about this event because it's a combination of all the South Indian Flavors together where I grew up with. Well now I have to talk as to why all the South Indian flavors are known to me. I am basically from Andhra, but was born and brought up in Pondicherry, but we speak Telugu at home. The language in Pondicherry is Tamil and food is also similar as in Tamilnadu and I traveled a lot in and around Tamilnadu. I did my college in Karnataka and have relatives up there and in Andhra, so very much familiar with the food there too. My better half is my Kerala, so like to cook Kerala food too. The best thing is that I can speak all the south Indian languages fluently. :)

So hope this event is exciting to you all, as it's to me!!

Well to talk about the similarities in these cuisines is the presence of rice as a staple food, the use of lentils and spices, the use of dried chilies and fresh green chilies, coconut and native fruits and vegetables like tamarind, garlic, ginger etc.,

I can just keep talking more and more about each cuisine...but for now lets go to the Event Rules.

EVENT RULES

------------------------

* Use of LOGO is MANDATORY, as it will help to spread the word and please link to this event announcement page.

* Event Start Date is JULY 15th and Ends on SEP 15th (a 2 month event).

* Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian recipes are allowed.

* ANY number of entries are most welcome.

* Archived posts are also welcome, but please re-post it with the even logo and link to this event page. 

* Non-Bloggers are welcome to participate, send in your recipe to anu (dot) healthykitchen (at) gmail (dot) com.

* Bloggers can link to the corresponding Linky....at the end of this page. If you find it difficult to link it...you can also email me your recipe at anu (dot) healthykitchen (at) gmail (dot) com.

(NOTE: Please link the recipes according to the states names pls, and make sure if at all you make a mistake, you inform me about for me to correct it, else the entry will be deleted.) 

( I am combining Pondicherry and Goa as one state entry)

Thanks for understanding!

This is a series event, if any of bloggers friends are interested to guest host it for future months you are most welcome, else the following 2 month I will host it myself. You can leave a comment here for the same or write to me.

Hope to see all yummy and multi cuisine entries!! :)

EVENT CALENDER
-------------------------

EVENT CALENDAR 2012 - 2013
July	Anu	Anu's Healthy Kitchen	July 15th to Sep 15th
September	Sangeetha	Spicy Treats	Sep 15th to Nov 15th
November	Divya	Divya's Culinary Journey	Nov 15th to Jan 15th
January	EZ Cook Book	Ez Cookbook	Jan 15th to Mar 15th
March	Preeti	Preeti's Kitchen Life	Mar 15th to May 15th
May	Achu	Tangy Minds	May 15th to July 15th
July	Sowmya	Nivedhanam	July15th to Sep 15th
September	Shruti	Shruti Rasoi	Sep 15th to Nov 15th
November	Open	Open	Open
Copyright © Anu's Healthy Kitchen August 1st to 31st 2011

TAMILNADU KERALA GOA N PONDICHERRY ANDHRA PRADESH KARNATAKA

Eggs in Purgatory

Nigella Lawson's new programme is on TV now and the first episode was really good. today's lunch was a recipe from that episode, it was yummy:

Eggs in Purgatory

1 clove garlic

1 pinch chilli flakes

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1 egg

bread

Fry the minced garlic and chilli flakes in a hot dry pan for 30 seconds.

Add the tinned tomatoes, stir and sizzle.

Break the egg onto the top and allow to poach in the tomatoes.

Once the egg is cooked and the yoke still runny remove from the heat.

Allow to sit for a couple of minutes before diving in with the bread.

Enjoy!

Quartz Countertops versus Granite Countertops

Although granite and quartz are similar in look and composition, they are very different products. Knowing the maintenance and benefits of each type of countertop material is vital to making the best choice for each space.

Granite countertop installed by KHI

Granite is a very hard stone found deep in the earth. It is mined at many locations around the world, including areas of Minnesota in the United States and places in India and Italy. The color and pattern of the stone is determined by the minerals found in the area in which it is located.Granite is composed of approximately 50% quartz; the remaining elements are softer minerals and impurities. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found on earth, second only to the diamond so durability is not a problem. Quartz countertops are actually 93% quartz crystals, with resins and pigments making up the remaining composition.

Countertop Durability

Both granite and quartz countertops create a very durable countertop. However, quartz countertops, because of the way that they are made, are nearly twice as strong as natural granite. Quartz is very dense and free of the invisible fissures (tiny cracks) that can be found in granite. This is what adds to the strength of quartz surfaces.

Heat and Scratch Resistance

Both granite and quartz are resistant to heat and scratching. Although these products can resist heat from hot pans, it is always recommended that homeowners use trivets when setting a pot on the surface as thermal shock may cause damage. Because granite and quartz have countertops are very resistant to scratching, you should still use cutting boards when preparing food to protect your knives from being dulled by the hard stone surfaces.

Food Safety and Staining

Since granite is a natural stone, it is porous and liquids can penetrate it. As a result, staining, as well as the growth of bacteria, can occur. The lighter granite colors tend to be more porous, making them more susceptible to stains. Keeping the granite sealed periodically is the best way to avoid stains, and keep the stone looking new. Quartz is nonporous and is resistant to nearly all staining. Sealing quartz is not required. The nonporous composition also keeps them from harboring bacteria and many homeowners like the low-maintenance benefits of quartz countertops.

Colors and Patterns

Quartz countertop installed by KHI

Quartz countertops have a completely different look than granite. Granite has patterns that range from the very consistent to the extremely wild. Each slab of granite is unique and comes in a variety of color combinations. For home- owners preferring a more regular pattern, quartz may be the product of choice. Quartz lacks the depth of light that natural granite possesses, and can tend to look flat. However, quartz countertops offer colors that are impossible to find in natural granite.

For more information on countertop materials or if you'd like to obtain a quote on a bathroom or kitchen remodel project call Kruse Home Improvement today at 860-584-8784.

source: suite101.com

 

Library west doors installed on the weekend.  Two more library doors to go.  www.betthermade@bellnet.ca

 

Library west doors installed on the weekend.  Two more library doors to go.  www.betthermade@bellnet.ca

Vegetable Kurma / Chapathi Kuruma / Korma for Pulao in Pressure Cooker | Indian Curry Recipes

My idea of kuruma is that it is a rich coconut or cashew based gravy. But I was proven wrong when MIL made this delicious kurma with very little of those two rich ingredients. The main player here is yogurt, the healthier sibling of cream. Though coconut and cashew is present here, very little amount of these are added here at the end just for the touch. This goes well with steamed rice, Pulao,

EPA Regulatory Fees to Raise Spray Foam Insulation Cost in South Carolina

EPA Regulations Hit Spray Foam Insulation Contractors With Huge Cost in 2013

Hurry and get your home spray foamed before the tougher EPA restrictions start. New restrictions are set to double the cost of the most energy efficient "green" building products on the market like spray foam insulation. With spray foam insulation being the best insulation product on the market to homeowners and businesses in the Myrtle Beach, SC and Coastal Carolina areas, and has a 100% faster payback on investment compared to solar energy products.  New regulations in transportation fees, testing, and inspections, will now cost homeowners almost $2,000 more in spray foam insulation cost then in past years. 

If you have ever been interested in spray foam insulation for your home or business in the Myrtle Beach SC and surrounding areas, then now is the time to install it in your home or business. Beat the regulation start date and save up to $2,000 in regulatory fee cost. With tax credits this year being up to $30% of the installation cost, this may be the last time that homeowners can take advantage of current prices.  This is usually a pretty good tax deduction for most homeowners and businesses, offering incentive to invest quickly into better insulating your home with spray foam insulation.  If your a homeowner or business in the Myrtle Beach, SC or surrounding coastal Carolina area and want more information on spray foam insulation, then contact us today and take advantage of low pricing on spray foam insulation.

MBS & Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: (706)-951-0158 (Dan)
Website: http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficient Roof Coatings | Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems | Mold Guard | Air Barriers | Commercial Roof Coatings | Roof Coatings | Silicone Roofs |

Besan Ki Masala Roti/ Gram Flour Roti with Spicy Masala Stuffing

Its longtime since i posted for Indian Cooking Challenge. Though for the last two challenges, i made the dish, i really didn't had time to Click!!!! This Month's Challenge Srivalli gave us two Delicious Roti's to make, Sanjeev Kapoor's Besan Ki Masala Roti and Tarla Dalal's Bajra Aloo Roti. I made Besan Ki Masala Roti, for Last Friday's Lunch, It tasted great, I served with a Saucy Aloo-Baigan(Potato-Brinjal) Gravy. 

Though a bit heavy on the calorie-side with all those Tablespoons-full of Ghee, it is ok once in a while to indulge, thinking that those calories are divided among those roti's and you get, how much you eat and now that is a bit tricky, isn't!!!! :)

Ingredients

1 Cup Gram flour (besan)

1/2 Cup Whole wheat flour 

2 tbsp Ghee/Clarified Butter

Salt     to taste

The Masala   

1 1/2 tsp Cumin powder 

1/2 tsp Coriander powder

1/4 tsp Turmeric powder 

1 Green chilli,chopped 

Salt     to taste

1/2 tsp Dry mango powder/Amchur Powder

1/2 tsp Red chilli powder    

1 1/2 Pure ghee/Clarified Butter 

Method

• Combine all the ingredients for the masala filling in a small bowl. Divide into  eight portions and set aside. 
• Combine both the flours, salt and ghee in a bowl nd knead into a soft dough using water as required. 

• Divide the dough in eight portions and make balls. Roll out each ball into a four inch disc and place one portion of the masala filling on to it. Fold and Roll out again to make a triangular roti. Repeat the same with the remaining portions. 
• Heat a tawa and fry each roti with a little ghee on both sides till golden brown. 

• Apply a little ghee and press it gently between your palms. 
• Serve hot with your favorite Curry.

They're taking, and keeping more of your $$

For years now your local energy utility has been offering rebates, in the form of money or bill credit, for upgrading you old or inefficient home appliances.  This is nothing new.  Programs such as this help sweeten the deal when trying to make the decision between just replacing that old water heater or boiler or whether you should go with the next better model that promises to save you money as time moves forward.

Well, those rebates are getting less and less all the time.

Take a look at this email attachment I received this morning.  

In the second paragraph it states the proposed incentive for replacing that inefficient tank type water heater with a new high efficient tankless model is going to be reduced by 75%.  Yeah, you read that right.  In an age where great emphasis and marketing has the been pushing us all toward saving energy this utility company had decided they would rather you consider something more consumptive. After all, they stand to make less if you're using less. 

I know this the letter clearly states that these changes are just a proposal right now but there is little chance they will be redrafted to include more money for you.

Consider the present time as your best time to save money if you are in the market for a new water heater, boiler or furnace.  There's usually no going back to higher rebates if history repeats itself; if they're offering the money now then now is the time to get it. 

For a complete list of energy rebates and their providers you can click here.  Here you'll find a comprehensive list of local utility companies and all the programs they offer, residential and commercial.  Programs ranging from water heating rebates to solar and geothermal. 

"Happy Vinayaka Chavithi" - Date Apricot Coconut Oats Laddu N Savory Idli Kudumulu (Oats and Yellow Corn Meal)

I completely forgot about Vinayaka Chavithi today, but managed to come home soon and made these two recipes as soon as possible. I was first feeling guilty that I forgot, but after making these two recipes came out so good and keeping the healthy ingredients in mind, made me so happy.

Well I will have to admit that nothing was traditional but tried to recreate the idea, that for doing pooja we must have at least a sweet and a savory dish. Both these recipes are a pure accident that turned out to be good I should say, because I just thought of making both the sweet and the savory recipes using oats. Thanks god I came up with these instant ideas which saved lot of my time, as it was very quick, easy and healthy.

"Happy Vinayaka Chavithi" to all of you, hope you have a wonderful auspicious family time.

Date Apricot Coconut Oats Laddu

------------------------------------------------

Ingredients:
-------------
2 cups oats (I used quarker quick cooking oats)
10 pitted Dates
10 Aparicots
1 tbsp Ghee
2 cups Milk
1/4 tsp Cardamom powder
1/2 sweetened Coconut flakes

Method:
----------
1. In a blender powder coarsely powder the quaker quick cooking oats.
2. In a pan add little (1/2 cup) water and add dates and apricots and boil it, until all the water is absorbed, cooking the dry fruits for about 10 mins. Allow it to cool.

3. In a mixer add the date and the apricots along with the milk and blend to a smooth paste.

4. Now mix the powdered oats to the date mix in a microwave safe bowl and microwave it for about 5 mins.

5. Meanwhile in a pan add the sweetened coconut flakes and dry roast it until it turns slight brown. Allow it to cool and crush it little with hands.

6. Now the oats and date mix would have cooled a bit, scoop out a spoon full and roll it to a ball shape with hands and roll it over again in the sweetened coconut and place the ladoos in a serving plate, repeat this step to make more ladoos.

Savory Idli Kudumulu: Oats and Yello Corn Meal

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1 1/2 cups cracked/broken Oats

2 1/2 cups Yellow Corn Meal

2 cups Yogurt

2 cups Water

2 tbsp Eno (fruit salt)

1 Onion chopped

2 Carrots chopped

1/2 Green Peas

1/4 inch Ginger

2 Green Chilies

1 Sprig Curry Leaves

1/2 tsp Mustard seeds

1 tsp Oil

Salt as needed

Method:

---------

1. In a large mixing bowl add yellow corn meal, oats, yogurt, water and eno and mix all together with a whisk and allow it to sit for about 5-7 mins.

2. In a chopped add ginger, chili, curry leaves and carrots and chop it finely.

3. In a pan add oil and when it's hot enough add the mustard seeds, when they start to sputter add the onions and saute it until transparent.

4. Now add the green peas, and the chopped carrots, ginger, green chili and curry leaves and add enough salt and saute it for about 4-5 mins. Allow it to cool a bit.

5. Now add these sauted vegetables to the corn meal and oats mixture and mix well.

6. Meanwhile grease the idli plates, and spoon the batter into the idli plates and steam it for about 15 mins or until done.

7. Now open the idli cooker and allow the idlis to cool a bit.

8. Now with a spoon scoop out half of a idli and place it in middle of ur hands and hold it pressing it a bit so that it looks like the shape of "kudumulu/kozhukattai" and place it in a serving plate, repeat these steps to make as many as you want.

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Blueberry Muffins

After tasting the soft, spongy Egg less Blueberry Boy Bait, I wanted to try the same with egg. If the egg less version itself very soft, I couldn't imagine the egg version. This is the main reason behind my interest in baking blueberry cake another time.

I followed all the steps from Blueberry boy bait except there is a slight change in ingredients list just to incorporate egg. Also, this time, I baked as muffins instead of round/square cake. Surprisingly, I have got golden crispy crust without any sugar topping which I did for Blueberry Boy-Bait. The final outcome was simply delicious.

Basic Information:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 nos

Ingredients:
All purpose flour / Maida / Plain flour - 1 cup + 1 tablespoon
Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
Butter - 1/4 cup, at room temperature
Granulated Sugar - 1/2 cup
Egg - 1 no, at room temperature
Vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon
Milk - 1/4 cup
Blueberries - 3/4 cup

Method:

1) Preheat the oven to 350F/176C. Line the muffin/cupcake tray with paper/baking cups. Toss the blueberries with the tablespoon of flour and keep aside. This helps the blueberries to avoid sinking.
2) Mix all the dry ingredients and keep aside.
3) In another bowl, add together the butter and sugar. Beat well using hand whisk until the mixture becomes creamy.

4) Add egg and vanilla extract. Beat again.

5) Now add the 1/3 of dry ingredients mixture to the creamy egg mixture. Mix well.

6) Add half of milk now. Mix again.

7) Now add half of the left dry ingredients. Mix again and add remaining milk. Mix Again.
8) Add the left dry ingredients and mix again. You need to start and end with dry ingredients and in between add milk. (flour-milk-flour-milk-flour) Follow this order.

9) Finally add blueberries and gently fold it. Final dough will be thick.
10) Pour a tablespoon or two into the prepared muffin tray.
11) Bake it for 30 minutes or till the tooth pin inserted into it comes out clean.

12) Transfer to the wire rack and cool completely.

Babycorn Satay with Peanut Sauce - Guest Post by Prathima of Prat's Corner

Prathima from Prats Corner is this month's guest host in my kitchen. Prats and I are real "virtual" friends. Though it may sound oxymoronic, it is a true statement. We got to know each other through the blogging world and Facebook and became good friends. Emails and chats kept us connected. I love her elegant blogspace and unique dishes. My favorite is the authentic Davanagare Benne Dosa. I

 

The butler cabinets are getting a complete restoration.  www.bettermadecabients.com