Masala 'Braids'

A quick evening snack on my mind as I was driving back from work. I have to admit how-much-ever I complain about my hour long commute, it fruitful at times. It is when I listen to my favorite songs.It is when I get to 'think' peacefully and 'too much' ;p (as I like to do). It is also, when I get these 'creative' ideas about 'blog' food!

So, I had this can of buttermilk biscuit dough sitting in the refrigerator. Molding it into 'braids' was fun and they looked so beautiful and made a yummy tea time snack!

Ingredients:
1 Can of Jumbo Buttermilk biscuit dough (makes 8)
2 tsp Sesame seeds
1 tsp chopped cilantro and mint leaves
1 tsp Olive oil
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp finely minced garlic
1/4 tsp black ground pepper
1/4 tsp salt

Method:
1) Preheat oven to 375F
2) Roll out one biscuit dough circle. Cut into 3 parts.Roll into tube like.

3) Press together the 3 tubes at one end and weave into braids. Press the ends together firmly to stick.Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4) Brush with Olive oil.Sprinkle with Sesame seeds, salt, chili powder,garlic, cilantro and mint.
5) Bake in the pre heated oven for 8-10 mins, till golden brown

6) Serve immediately with your favorite sauce

Spinach-Ricotta Cheese Lasagna

We were just back from our first ever camping trip and wanted to cook something delicious but easy for our wedding anniversary.'E' had been been asking me to make 'Lasagna' for past few days..so I thought...it would be a perfect 'family favorite' dinner menu.....Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna followed by 'Dessert Shots'(store bought)

Ingredients:
2 Cups frozen spinach thawed in the microwave
1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
1.5 cups Ricotta cheese(whole milk)
1.5 cup Pasta sauce (store bought or make your own)
8-10 'Oven ready' Lasagna sheets
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 Zucchini sliced into circles
2 eggs
1 Clove garlic minced finely
1/2 tsp Black ground pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp Red chili powder/ Chili flakes
Salt

Method:
1) Pre heat the oven to 375 F
2) Mix together ricotta cheese, thawed spinach,eggs,garlic,pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, red chili powder, Parmesan cheese etc.

3) In a 9x9 oven safe dish, spread about 1/2 cup pasta sauce. Line 4 lasagna sheets length wise.
4) Spread generous amounts of Spinach-Ricotta mixture.Place the zucchini slices in single layer. Layer with lasagna sheets, pasta sauce, zucchini,spinach-ricotta, pasta sauce.
5) On the very top spread mozzarella cheese and some red chili flakes
6) Cover with aluminum foil.
7) Bake in the oven for 45 mins. Take out and let it rest for 10 mins before cutting.

8) Cut into squares and serve hot along withe extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top!

Dessert shots: They were super yummy with flavors like Tiramisu and strawberry shortcake and the perfect size for a dessert!