Pumpkin shaped Pedhas

'Fall' and Halloween in America ...has "Pumpkin" written all over it. The bright Orange color like the 'falling  leaves'...represents 'Fall' extremely well. With the Jack O lanterns of pumpkin ..no Halloween is complete without Pumpkins...their carvings...cookies shaped like pumpkins...cupcakes with pumpkin color and pumpkin pie. I thought...why not Pumpkin shaped Pedha???? 

I am sure everyone will love to get their hands on these cute little 'Pumpkin Pedhas' at the Upcoming Halloween Party.
For the recipe.....I used the same old 3- minute Pedha recipe ( http://my-kitchens-aroma.blogspot.com/2011/03/sweet-treats-3-minute-pedhascondensed.html) with few modifications-

Ingredients:
1/2 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 can of 14 oz sweet condensed milk
1 cup+ little Dry milk powder(I used carnation milk powder)
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4tsp Saffron crushed
Liquid Food colors:( Red and Yellow color) or Orange color and green color

Method:
1)  Mix together butter, condensed milk, milk powder in a large microwave safe bowl
2) Warm 1/4 cup milk with saffron.Add to the butter, milk powder mixture.Mix well
3) Microwave for 3-4 minute total, mixing every 1 minute.The mixture will fluff up and thicken as it cooks. Remember to mix every 1 minute.
4) After 4 minutes, if it isn't thick enough to roll into Pedhas, add 2 tsp milk powder, mix. Microwave for 40 secs more.
5) Add orange color drop by drop ( If using Red and yellow to make orange...mix 4 parts red + 2part yellow to get orange color). Mix. Add more to get desired orange color if needed.
6) After cooling, knead well.Roll into small balls of equal size without cracks. You can apply butter/ ghee to your hands to prevent sticking.Slightly flatten them to get pumpkin shape. Make ridges on the sides with a small fork.
For details chk:
http://my-kitchens-aroma.blogspot.com/2012/09/sweet-treats-quick-and-easy-mango-pedha.html

7) Make the Pumpkin stem by slightly pinching the top.
8) Apply green color to the stem with a small brush.Draw eyes and mouth with green color with pointed brush.

Your own little Pumpkin Patch is ready and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!!

Halloween cake that I baked few years ago:
http://my-kitchens-aroma.blogspot.com/2009/11/pat-cake-halloween-cake.html

Spooky Halloween Pasta! Spaghetti with Worms (Zucchini strips) and Worm eggs(Peas)

Looking for a cool Halloween pasta idea??? Here is one!! A vegetarian Spooky Halloween Pasta...Spaghetti with Worms (Zucchini strips) and Worm eggs(peas)!!!! Sure to scare the scariest of the scariest:))
So this year for Halloween, we are going to have 2 devils ( both E and M as devils), Little 'A' as fairy and me the black cat!! Can't wait for the Halloween party!!

Here is how I made the Spooky pasta:

Ingredients:(Serves 6-8)
1 Pkg Thin Spaghetti
2 Zucchinis cut into thin length wise strips
1/2 cup green peas
2tbsp olive oil
1tsp minced garlic
2tsp butter
1tsp flour
1/2tsp black ground pepper
1/2tsp basil
1/2tsp red chili flakes/  red chili powder
1/2tsp Italian seasoning
4tsp lemon juice
salt
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Method:

1) Cut Zucchini length wise into thin strips.
2) Boil pasta as per packet directions in salted water
3) Heat olive and butter in nonstick pan. Add crushed garlic and flour. Let it cook for few seconds. Do not let it brown.Add the zucchini strips and toss gently
4) Add the seasonings,peas and toss the pasta in.
5) Squeeze the lemon juice and take off the flame
6) Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

"The Sizzle From a Guest Kitchen"- (Guest -Ananya Joshi) - Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Hummus Crostini

It was 'House Warming" at A and A's new house and she had planned a perfect Mediterranean menu for the party! Among the appetizers was this 'Roasted Red Pepper and Roasted Garlic Hummus Crostini". The Grill toasted crunchy bread with the smooth flavorful hummus and fresh veggies on top...was just a perfect start to the Mediterranean meal!
I am not a Big Hummus person...but this hummus was so flavorful and delicious ..that anyone will go in for a second helping!!

 Recipe:
A mentioned that she got the recipe from this site and did slight modifications.
http://www.theperfectpantry.com/2011/03/recipe-for-roasted-red-pepper-and-garlic-hummus-crostini.html
Her additions:
In addition I also used siracha sauce. I garnished it with half cherry tomato and cucumber and drizzled some Mediterranean seasoning.

I loved every bite of this pretty-petite- delicious appetizer!!

Veggie Fettuccine in Lemon-Butter-Garlic sauce

Weekend went by like a breeze. "M' had taken 2 days off and we visited St.Louis along with some friends.'E' and 'A' had great fun taking a tram on the St.Louis Gateway Arch. 'E' even drew a picture of us under the Arch!! Isn't it cute:))

For dinner we had stopped at Olive Garden. I had ordered the Chicken Scampi Pasta. I loved how such a 'light' sauce can be so flavorful and had decided to give it a try as soon as I come home.

So here goes my version of a similar sauce---

 Ingredients:
1 Pkg Fettuccine Pasta
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup red bell pepper cut into squares
1/2 cup green peas
1/2 cup whole milk(optional)

Sauce:
4tsp butter
4tsp olive oil
2tsp Lemon juice
1tsp crushed garlic
1/2tsp red pepper flakes
1tsp Italian seasoning(basil, oregano. thyme etc)
1/2tsp black ground pepper
salt

Method:
1) Boil the pasta in salted water as directed on the package.Drain and keep aside
2) Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan.Add the garlic and the veggies and saute for 1-2 mins. The veggies should remain crisp.Add the remaining seasoning to the butter and toss the pasta in.Add the milk and toss again till well heated.
3) Squeeze lemon juice on the pasta and toss.Serve Hot!!

Cranberry Lemon Baklava Tarts

'A and A' had their 'house warming' party last month. A had decided a perfect "Mediterranean' menu and had planned an awesomely delicious menu of Chicken Kabobs, Biryani, Veggie skewers, Crostini (recipe coming soon) and for dessert were these "Sweet, crunchy, tiny and prettiest little "Cranberry Lemon Baklava Tarts"

They were sweet and tart from the honey and cranberries,nutty from the walnuts, crunchy from the Filo Cups, lemony from the lemon juice and topped with smooth sweet and tangy Greek yogurt....a heaven in one bite. It was such a 'light and refreshing' dessert after the meal!!!
A had forwarded me the recipe and I gave it a try...and the results were delightful and tasty!!
Here is the link to the recipe:
http://baking.about.com/od/cranberries/r/Cranberry-Lemon-Baklava-Tarts.htm
I pretty much followed the recipe and made these tiny mouthfuls of delicious and light dessert!

Sweet Upwas Pattice/ Potato-Coconut Sweet Pattice

Last week, "M' was away on a tour and like always... me and the kids were bored. I had invited a friend for lunch and keep us company. She had a upwas/ fast on that day.Now, I haven't  experimented much with Upwas food....as I hardly keep any Upwas.But I LOVE Upwas food..Sago Khichadi, Potato peanut bhaji, Sweet potato kees.....I love all that!! As a kid..I would wait impatiently for my mom to keep Upwas so that I could get to eat all of these!!
That day...I did try some different dishes...On the menu was.....Sweet Potato kees, Varyachya tandul dosa with peanut chutney,Kutchi beer (http://www.my-kitchens-aroma.blogspot.com/2012/10/sizzle-from-guest-kitchen-guest-pooja.html) and these Sweet tasting Potato pattice stuffed with coconut-cashews and raisin filling.It was a fulfilling, delicious and satisfying meal from start to finish!!

Ingredients:
3 medium potatoes boiled and mashed well
3tsp sugar
Ghee for shallow frying

Filling:
1 cup fresh grated coconut/frozen coconut
1/2 cup sugar( add more for sweeter taste)
1/4 cup jaggery
1tsp poppy seeds
1/2tsp cardamon powder
1/4tsp nutmeg powder
1/4 cup cashew and raisins
1tsp ghee

Method:
1) To the well mashed potatoes add 3tsp sugar and knead well.
2) Heat 1tsp ghee in a pan, add the coconut, jaggery and sugar and cook for 5-8 mins, till all the sugar melts and the mixture thickens.
3) Add the remaining ingredients to the filling.
4) Make lemon size balls of the potato. Flatten them and make a well in the center. Place a tsp of the sweet coconut. Cover from all sides with the potato filling.
5) Shallow fry on ghee till golden from both sides.

Quick and Super Easy Creamy Tomato- Basil soup

To celebrate the 'dancing' success of our little "Columbus Rockstars" (They rocked the stage... on tunes of "Auntyji Auntyji Get up and Dance" from Ekk mai aur Ekkk tu).....

We took "D' their dance instructor on a lunch treat.'Johnny Carinos' was the place by choice. Mostly everyone opted for the soup/salad and entree option. I ordered the Tomato Florentine soup and Spicy Chicken Flatbread.Yummm Yuummm Yummooo. The creamy tomato soup in the chilly fall weather...just PUUURRRFECCT!!!
Last night, for dinner at "A''s ....made a Super Easy version of Creamy Tomato Basil soup..and SLURPPP...everyone loved it to the last drop:)

Ingredients:
2 cans "Condensed tomato soup"
1.5 cups milk
3tbsp Cream cheese at room temperature
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1clove garlic minced
1 tsp dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4tsp red chili powder
1tsp butter
1tsp sugar
Fresh Basil leaves for garnish
salt
Croutons

Method:
1) Saute the onion and garlic in 1tsp butter till translucent.
2) Add the canned tomato soup and milk.
3) Add the black pepper, chili powder, salt, sugar, basil leaves and simmer the soup on low for 3-4 mins.
4) Stir in cream cheese. Mix with a wisk for 5-8 mins, until all the cheese is nicely blended.Or you can use a hand blender
5) Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot with crunchy croutons!!

" The Sizzle From a Guest Kitchen"- Guest: Pooja Shah(Recipe-Spinach Brown Rice and Kutchi Beer)

Taste of Columbus 1st Place Winner in "One Dish Meal" Category- Pooja Shah

Recipe: Spinach Brown Rice with Kutchi Beer

(Sorry...I don't have  a good picture of the Spinach Brown Rice)

I had loved Pooja's 'Kutchi Beer" recipe. The name got me interested and I looked it up on the net...why this 'Light Green, frothy, gingery, minty ...non alcoholic yogurt drink'...is called 'Beer'???? The fun fact is...this 'masala chaas' became so popular in Kutch region...that......the drink was sold in beer bottles...and hence called...KUTCHI BEER!!!!

Ingredients:
Spinach Brown Rice
1 cup brown basmati rice
1 cup chopped spinach fresh or frozen
1/2cup chopped cilantro
1tso cumin
1 clove garlic chopped
1 bay leaves
1 stick cinnamon
2 cloves
1/2tsp turmeric
1tsp garam masala powder
1tbsp butter/ghee
10-15 raisins
Roughly chopped cashews
salt
2 hot cups water

Method:
1) Wash rice 3-4 times. Soak in water for 30 mins.
2) Put the spinach in the blender and make smooth puree
3) Heat ghee, add cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon,cumin, garlic and saute'
4) Add cashews and raisins,turmeric,Pour the spinach puree and allow to boil for few seconds and then add garam masala.Mix well.
5) Add the washed rice , add hot water and allow the rice to cook. Let it sit for 30 mins before serving.


 Kutchi Beer

Ingredients:
1 Cup Greek yogurt (I used plain Dannon yogurt)
1 small green chili
small piece of ginger
few mint leaves
few cilantro leaves
1/4tsp cumin
1tsp sugar
1tsp lemon zest( I didn't add any)
salt
water

Method:
1) In a blender add green chili, mint, cilantro, ginger, cumin and make into smooth paste
2) Add yogurt,some water, salt, sugar and make into smooth consistency..like lassi just little thinner.Add lemon zest.
3) Allow to cool in refrigerator for some time.Garnish with mint/lemon. cilantro.
4) Enjoy this cool drink along with a meal or on it's own!

"Appetizers"- Veggie Flutes

Last week, had bought a packet of Wonton Wrappers to make Veggie Pot stickers/ Momos. After the momo's , I still had quite a few wrappers left. And then there is always that question....WHAT TO MAKE FOR SNACK????
With the left over filling of Veggie Momo's of Cabbage- Carrots and Corn and the remaining Wonton Wrappers...these delicious flutes made a wonderful snack!! They are small enough and handy for kids to eat and 'classy' looking for being at any party as appetizers!!!
You can add any type of filling to these....potato filling like in Samosas, or shredded chicken, or corn and beans like in mexican foods....and they will still be as delicious !

Ingredients:
12 Square shaped Wonton Wrappers

For the Filling
1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
1/4 cup corn kernels
1 clove garlic finely chopped
2tsp oil
1/4tsp ground black  pepper
1/4tsp red pepper flakes
1tbsp chopped cilantro
salt
Oil to fry

Method:
1) Filling:- Heat 2tsp oil. Saute' the garlic and the veggies till slightly tender.Add the red pepper, black pepper, salt and cilantro. Keep aside.
2) Folding the flutes:
Moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. Place a 2 spoonful of filling in the center(spread it length wise) Roll into 'Flutes'. Stick the edges with water.
3) Deep fry in oil till golden brown and crisp

4) Serve with Ketchup/ Maggie Hot and Sweet sauce( my favorite!!!)

"Chatpata Chaat"- Papdi Chaat/ Tortilla Chaat

I love the way some 'Cooking tips' and 'Tricks' spread from ear to ear...and then everyone around you..is making it the same way!!! Last week, during Ganpati festival, I made Mango Modaks and molded them with a help of a fork. Many of my friends tried that trick....liked it...and so... many Ganpati bappas had the Mango modaks for prasad!!
Similarly, "A' had made 'Papdi chaat' for a Baby shower Potluck , couple weeks ago. She had fried 'Flour Tortillas' to make the 'Papdi' for the chaat!!! They were so crisp and yummy!! I thought it was a easy and cool trick to do!!

 Ingredients:
4 flour Tortillas cut up into strips
1 boiled Potato chopped into pieces and sprinkled with salt and red chili powder
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped tomato/ sliced cherry tomatoes
1tbsp chopped Cilantro
1/4 Cup Fine Sev
Oil for frying Tortillas
1/4 cup Yogurt slightly sweetened (optional)
Boiled Chickpeas/ white chana (optional)

 Green Chutney--
1/2 cup Cilantro
1/4 cup mint leaves
1tsp lemon juice
1/2tsp cumin seeds
2 green chilies
salt
sugar
Blend everything into a smooth paste

Tamarind Jaggery Chutney--
1 cup water
1/2 cup Jaggery or use 1/4cup jaggery and 1/4 cup sugar
1.5 tbsp Tamarind concentrate
salt
1tsp Chaat masala
1tsp Cumin-Coriander powder
1/2tsp red chili powder
Mix everything till well blended and boil for 10 mins or until slightly thick. This Chutney should taste Sweet-Sour tasting.

Method:
1) Deep fry the cut up Tortilla strips in oil till golden brown and crisp.This will be 'Papdi' for the chaat.Drain well.

2) Assemblying the chaat--
a) Place a handful of Papdi in individual serving plate.Top it with chopped potato, onion and tomatoes.
b) Drizzle the Sweet-Tangy Tamarind and Jaggery chutney and drops of green chutney. If you like drizzle some sweetened yogurt and boiled chick peas.
c) Garnish with chopped cilantro and fine Sev. Sprinkle some chaat masala, red chili powder on the chaat.
Serve immediately!!!

You will love the crispy Papdi with variety of textures and flavors of the chaat!!

" The Sizzle From a Guest Kitchen"- (Guest-Dr.Sharvari Kolhatkar-Deshpande)- Hello Kitty Sandwich

DR.SHARVARI KOLHATKAR-DESHPANDE

Consulting Dietician and Naturopath

"Taste Of Columbus" Cooking Competition - 1st Place winner in the "Lunch box for Kids" category

Hello Kitty Sandwich-

Sharvari says:

Being a big time cat lover since childhood, I was always fascinated by HELLO KITTY. It’s a simple thing to make and nutritious.  Because of good presentation I believed that Kids will eat it with smile..:) There is always a scope to show your creativity in making meal for Kids. And I exactly did that...

Sharvari's Recipe:

 

Ingredients-

4 Whole wheat bread slices

2 tbsp Tomato, finely chopped

2 tbsp Onion , finely chopped

2 tbsp Capsicum , finely chopped

2 tbsp Whole green gram (sprouted)

1 tbsp grated mozzarella cheese

1-2 chopped curry leaves

A pinch of black pepper powder

Salt to taste

1 tsp olive oil

How to make it-

Cut the whole wheat bread slices in desired shape and size.

In a pan, take 1 tsp oil and heat it. Sauté onion, tomato, capsicum.

Add 1 tbsp grated mozzarella cheese in it and mix well.

Add curry leaves, black pepper powder and salt to taste and mix.

Take on slice of bread (which is already cut into desired shape) and spread the above mixture evenly on it.

Place the other slice of bread on it and press gently.

Give this sandwich in the lunch box with chutney or tomato sauce.