Friday, May 11, 2012

"Sweet Treats"- Strawberry Trifle

Short on time...but still want to make a beautiful and luscious dessert??? Here it is buddy!
This is one of those semi-homemade type desserts...which is quick and easy to  make, looks gorgeous and tastes....come on strawberries,whipped cream sponge cake...what can go wrong there???? It  will surely please the pickiest of the eaters!!!

For 6 servings:
Ingredients:
6 slices of store bought/ home made sponge or pound cake.I used store bought blueberry sliced cake.
8-10 strawberries sliced
6 strawberries sliced like a flower for garnishing
1 and 1/2 cups vanilla whipped cream
2 tsp sugar
1tsp Strawberry jam

Whipped cream:
1 Cup heavy whipping cream
2tsp sugar
1tsp Vanilla essence


Method:
1) You can make the vanilla whipped cream ahead and store in refrigerator.Here goes the recipe-
http://www.joyofbaking.com/WhippedCreamFrosting.html

2) To the sliced strawberries add 2tsp sugar and 1tsp jam and let them macerate for 30 mins.
3) Cut the Sponge cake into bite size pieces
4) Assembly-
Place a dollop of whipped cream at the bottom of the serving cup/glass/bowl
Add a spoonful of the macerated strawberries
Place few pieces of cake on top.
Layer with whipped cream....strawberries...cake..cream...
Continue layering till the top of the glass
Decorate with Whipped cream and fresh strawberry.
5) Chill the glasses till ready to serve. 
Done!
 You will love the smooth chilled fluffy whipped cream with the juicy strawberries and the cake soaking up all those juices!! Layer by Layer......satisfy your sweet tooth!








Monday, May 7, 2012

"Appetizers"- Asparagus-Chicken Kababs

Aren't they gorgeous and mouthwatering????
I just love myself, when I make something which looks this good and makes everyone drool!!!
These are perfect little bundles to have as an appetizer and also to grill outside,especially now since the summer is sizzling!
I had invited a couple friends over...and was pondering on what to make as appetizers to go along with Chicken Biryani.. as the main course. While grocery shopping.....I found these "Asparagus Tips" at Jay-C ..and in my head sizzled this idea..of Asparagus- Chicken Kababs!!!!

Ingredients:
1 bundle of Asparagus Tips

Chicken Kababs:
1lb minced chicken/kheema
1 medium onion chopped finely
2tsp mint paste/ dry mint powder
1tsp ginger garlic paste
1tbsp chopped cilantro
1tsp Cumin seeds
1/2tsp chicken curry masala
1/2tsp garam masala
 2 tsp red chili powder
1/4tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin-corainader powder
1/4tsp black pepper
salt to taste
oil to brush hands

Olive oil to shallow fry/ grill the Kababs

Method:
1) Wash and dry the Asparagus tips and keep aside.
2) Mix together all the above ingredients for the kababs.Do not over mix,otherwise the kababs will come out tougher.
3) Take couple asparagus tips and cover the center part with Chicken mixture cylindrically.Use oiled hands to press the mixture on the tips.


4) Heat a nonstick pan. Place the Kababs on the pan and drizzle with little olive oil. Cover with a lid. In a couple mins(once the kababs brown up on one side), turn them to the other side.Cook till browned from all sides and the asparagus looks tender.

5) Serve hot by themselves or along with sliced caramelized onions. Your guests will love these kababs for sure!!