Sesame Sweet Roti

I tried Usha's sweet roti recipe. It was yummy! Other than the ingredients listed for the stuffing in Usha's recipe, I added a 1/4 cup dry coconut and a pinch of elaichi(add just before grinding the powder). For detailed recipe click here

Progress outside

We decided to start outside. There is so much to do inside in so many different rooms, that we figured we can get the back in good enough shape to enjoy somewhat quickly.

While we still have more ideas - this is a good start. Mostly, it was filthy - years must have passed with only the weeds to enjoy the yard.

Before:




In Progress:



We hung this lattice by simply nailing furring strips directly to the cinder block wall - using my new favorite tool: a power hammer. This thing is amazing, and scary. You put a nail in the front and a .22 caliber round in a chamber - voila! We like the lattice look and have considered going down the other wall with it.


Craig just had to see what the stain looked like - we'll finish it soon enough.

Chutneys - Part 2

Chutneys - Part 2 CHUTNEY VARIATIONS THAT TASTE GREAT WITH IDLIS, DOSAS, VADAS, ADAIS, CHAPPATIS, BAJJIS, BONDAS!

COCONUT CHUTNEY
INGREDIENTS:
Freshly grated coconut – 2 cups
Roasted bengal gram (pottu kadalai) – 1 tbsp
Green chilly – 2
Fresh ginger – 1 small piece
Tamarind – a pinch
Salt – 1 tsp
Oil - 2 tsps
Mustard seeds – ¼ tsp
Black gram (urad) dal – ½ tsp
METHOD:
1.) Grind coconut, roasted gram, chillies, ginger and tamaraind with ½ a cup of water into a smooth chutney.
2.) Add enough water until you get consistency, you want. It can be thick, or like a sauce.
3.) Heat oil and season with mustard seeds and black gram dal.
This white smooth chutney can be served with all snacks.

CORRIANDER COCONUT CHUTNEY
Follow the recipes above. Add a cup of freshly chopped corriander leaves while grinding . This will give the chutney a different flavour and colour.

MINT COCONUT CHUTNEY
Instead of corriander, add 2 tbsp of freshly chopped mint while grinding for a variation.