Orange and Peanut Salad

Chennaites are going through a punishing weather these days. I am drinking gallons of water and juice to beat the heat :) Sometimes I also include fruit salads to this list.



What about a salad which is a bit spicy and crunchy? Would be an amazing combination right? I loved it completely when I prepared it for first time. Give it a try and I am sure you'll like it.



Basic Information:


Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:



Oranges - 2 nos, skin and seeds removed, sliced

Unsalted peanuts - 1/3 cup, roasted and skin removed

Onion - 1/4 cup, chopped

Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon

Olive oil - 1 tablespoon

Cumin seeds - 1/4 teaspoon, crushed

Dry red chilli - 2 nos, crushed

Red chilli powder - 1/4 teaspoon

Coriander leaves - 3 strings, finely chopped

Salt - A small pinch (optional)



Method:



1) Mix, oranges slices, peanuts and onion in a mixing bowl or wide plate or whichever is convenient to you.

2) Add lemon juice, olive oil, cumin seeds, dry red chilli, red chilli powder and toss well. Make sure all the ingredients are mixed well.

3) Sprinkle coriander leaves and serve this dish.

Carrot n Raisin Low-Fat Pannacotta

Pannacotta, an italian dessert made using Cream. I have already posted Apple Pannacotta, Saffron-milk Pannocotta and Moong Dal Pudding(Low-fat Version). When Kalyani announced this month's Magic ingredients Carrot n Raisins for Magic Mingle, immediately i decided to make Low-Fat Pannacotta again.  I used a generous amount of Cinnamon to Flavor this Light Dessert, the taste was amazing.

Ingredients

3 Medium Carrots, Peeled and Chopped roughly

1/4 Cup Raisins (i used Sun-maid California Raisins)

2 Cups Milk  (i used full-fat)

1/4 Cup Sugar

1/4 Cup Agar-Agar/China grass, soaked in 1/2 Cup Water
1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder

2 tbsp Raisins for Garnishing

Method

•  Soak Agar-Agar/China Grass in Water for 30 minutes.
• Take the Carrots, Raisin and Milk together and Pressure Cook for 3 Whistles. Let it Cool. Then Blend it smooth in a blender.
• Heat the soaked agar-agar/china grass on a stove-top, in a Low flame. Let the Agar-agar dissolve completely. Strain the liquid.

• Add this Strained  Warm agar-agar liquid to the Carrot-Raisin-Milk Mixture. Stir in the Cinnamon powder. Pour in small bowls/moulds. Let it Cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate until set. 
• Serve Chill with some raisins on top or if you  want a rich Dessert, then top it up with some Whipped Cream and fresh fruits. Enjoy!!!!

Sending this to Magic Mingle#4, by Kalyani

Terrible two's

I have had 6 children, 5 deliveries as I have twins, and the first 5 went well. Giving birth is not easy but I coped. Number 6 came along and it was awful, I screamed, shouted, cried, panicked and scared my eldest daughter who was my birth partner. Afterwards I said if it had been the first I wouldn't have had any more. The birth was difficult, she nearly didn't make it and was ill for a while after delivery, but all turned out well after about a week. Or so I thought.

Here she is today fast asleep on the door mat.

Terrible two's never existed before in my house, it was a made up concept for people who couldn't cope!. I take it all back. She is a nightmare!. She never sleeps through the night, breastfeeds every two hours - still, screams, shouts and causes trouble wherever she goes. She fell asleep today after shouting 'No' for about half an hour because I took her out of the car.

But I wouldn't be without her, she makes us all laugh and is so cuddly and cute, helping me around the house - when it suits her!

Sallie