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IN LOVE WITH FOOD

February 24, 2010
23:17
HEALTHY WHOLEWHEAT SOFT BREAD
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD

I love bread, particularly soft, white bread, as a child, bread was a staple in the house and we used to substitute it regularly for chapatis or rice, not a very healthy habit though but you know some habits are so hard to kick! Even now I love to soak up the last of the gravy with a slice of bread, it's really one of the simple pleasures of life.
In an attempt to eat healthy I have however completely stopped buying white bread and have switched to Wholewheat/multigrain/brown bread instead, a long standing wish was, however to be able to bake my own bread, I did that today and have a delicious, fresh, soft homemade loaf sitting on the dinner table. Now I can indulge to my heart's content and really not feel guilty about it.
For 1 medium loaf you require-
Wholewheat flour (atta)- 250 gms
Milk-1/2 cup
Fresh curd/yogurt- 2 tbsp
Butter- 30 gms (diced)
Salt-1/2 tsp
Sugar-2 tsp
Fresh yeast-2 heaped tsp
Egg-1
Sesame/poppy seeds- for sprinkling over
Method-Combine milk and curd, add sugar heat till milk is lukewarm, stir in the yeast and wait for 10 minutes till frothy.Measure out flour in a large basin, rub in the butter so that it is like breadcrumbs, add salt.Break egg in a bowl and reserve little for egg wash, add rest to the milk mixture, now knead a dough by making a well in the center and adding the milk mixture, knead into a smooth dough.Oil a bowl and put the ball of dough, turning over so that the oil coats the ough, cover with cling film and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place till double in bulk.After an hour remove cling film and punch down dough, if you wish you can now shape and leave for second proofing and then bake.I however for lack of time, shaped dough into a simple braid and baked the dough immediately. Brush with reserved egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds, bake shaped dough in a preheated oven (200 C ) for 35-40 minutes or till golden on top.
The bread came out slightly crusty on top but wonderfully soft inside and the smell of baking bread filled the entire house, it was really a wonderful experience, one which I will be repeating as much as I can :).
This healthy wholewheat bread is on its way to the Wild yeast blog, check out all the yeasted goodies there!
February 14, 2010
5:41
TOMATO SOUP ON VALENTINE'S DAY??
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD

Some are baking heart shaped chocolate cakes, some are cooking up elaborate meals for their beloved but I am stirring up a simple pot of Soup b'cause that is what my husband loves the most!, and this is not your regular tomato soup but a strong, nutritious blend of the most healthy veggies and also the most appetizing and digestive herbs so after 5 bowlfuls and a very satisfied look on his face I know Valentine's day is going to be great!!
To make this soup you need-
Tomatoes-1 kg
Carrots-2
Amala-1
Beetroot-1 small piece
Mint- 1 large handful, with stalks
Coriander- 1 large handful, with stalks
Ginger- 1 small piece
Black peppercorns-4-5
Cloves-4-5
Green chilli-1
Black cardamom-2
Sugar-4-5 tsp
Salt and black pepper
for garnishing if desired
Fresh cottage cheese (grated)
Bread Croutons
Fresh cream
Method-In a pressure cooker,combine all the ingredients except those reserved for the garnish, add 4 cups water and give 5-6 whistles, strain and season, serve piping hot with any or all the above garnishes.
And heyy you know what, just to keep looking at everything that reminds you that today is Valentines day, I have downloaded the most amazing Valentine Wallpapers, you can too- just click here. Enjoy your day!- the wallpapers and soup too!! :)
January 27, 2010
20:07
ORANGE ALMOND BISCOTTI
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD
"Biscotti", what a lovely name!, and I thought I could never make them, they *sounded* way too exotic, but all thanks to Vera I have a jar sitting on the table, all crisp, nutty and sweet and I just love them!
I took some to work and the reaction was unbelievable, everyone said that they tasted just like the one's you would get at the bakery, I was so happy and proud.This will definitely be my favorite baked goodie for all times :).
I decided to make a small quantity first with the ingredients I had, and then once I had got the hang of it, bake larger quantities, I also sliced one log diagonally and one into straight slices, which resulted in smaller biscotti.
To make these you require (adapted from here)-
(makes 8 large ones and about 20 small bite size one's)
- Sugar-1/2 cup
- Butter(salted)-60 gms
- All purpose flour-1 and 1/4 cup
- Baking powder-3/4 tsp
- Orange flower water/Orange flavor- a few drops
- Pure vanilla essence-1/2 tsp
- Almonds-a handful
- Raisins-a handful
- Egg-1
- Zest of 1 orange.
Method- Preheat oven to 180 C/350 F and line a baking sheet with foil/parchment,take granulated sugar in a large bowl and sprinkle rind on top, rub to moisten and leave for few minutes, beat in softened butter till light and fluffy.Add egg and essence and beat well for a few minutes.Sieve flour and baking powder together and add to the egg mixture, it will come together to form a soft, sticky dough, add almonds and raisins.Flour your work surface and halve the dough, shape into two logs, 10 inches long and about 1 inch thick, shape with dampened hands and flatten a bit, gently place on baking sheet at least three inches apart and bake for 25 minutes, cool for 10 minutes then with a very sharp knife slice diagonallyand bake again for 15 minutes, transfer to wire rack and cool completely.Store in an airtight container.Enjoy over hot cups of coffee
January 20, 2010
0:46
A WINTER TREAT-CRISP ALU TIKKIS!
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD
Ever since I started cooking myself, the appeal of buying/ordering food from the market has been vastly reduced, I see so many things like pastries, burgers, pizzas, fastfood and want to buy them, but hey wait!I can make all of this myself, and you bet it will be fresher, tastier, healthier and at a fraction of the cost!
So yesterday evening I saw this roadside vendor making tikkis and was tempted to have them, but on second thoughts, What oil is he using?, Are his hands clean?Is the way of making hygienic?, so I skipped buying them from the roadside vendor came home and prepared them fresh and piping hot instead and boy! was I glad, the entire family loved them and asked for second and third helpings!I was really satisfied that I had opted for something fresh and home made instead of the junk they serve outside.
Here's how I made these delicious, crispy crust tikkis which are such a popular roadside snack here in India, I have on purpose abstained from adding any cornstarch/flour, and just let the tikkis be in their purest form :).You too will love them once you start making them yourself and I promise you will never eat/buy from the market.To make these you require-
- Potatoes-6 large
- Onion-1 large, finely chopped
- Green chilli-1 large, deseeded and finely chopped
- Green coriander- a handful, chopped
- Salt and red chilli powder to taste
- Garam masala-1 tsp
- Tender, fresh ginger-1/2 tsp finely chopped
- Oil for shallow frying.
Method-Boil potatoes in the pressure cooker(give 3-4 whistles), peel and mash thoroughly with a fork whilst hot.Combine all the other ingredients and mash up well, let the mixture cool.Shape into tikkis/cutlets and fry in hot oil on medium heat till crisp and golden.Serve piping hot with tomato ketchup.
January 19, 2010
20:50
EGGLESS RAISIN~WALNUT TEA CAKE
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD
A friend at work is getting married and had requested an eggless cake recipe, since she is a vegetarian and so is her husband, I have almost never tried eggless cakes but now, on request wanted to try out one, another reason why I was keen on baking an eggless cake was that even my in-laws do not take eggs so now with an eggless cake version even they could sample my baking.
I wanted a classic, rustic yet elegant taste which goes down well with Tea so decided to stick with walnuts and Vanilla, as these are always,always loved in a cake by young and old alike, I added raisins as an afterthought!The cake took me by surprise, it came out of the oven, well risen and golden, and soft, really soft...on slicing I was pleased at the velvety texture, really I never knew that an eggless batter would yield such fantastic results.
It might come as an odd thing to you that I used a bit of vinegar in this cake, worry not, you cannot taste or smell it, and yes it is important since there will be a chemical reaction between the soda and vinegar, that in the absence of eggs makes the cake rise and gives it such a amazing texture.To make 1 medium loaf cake you require-
- Butter(salted)-100gms
- Sugar(powdered-1 cup
- All purpose flour-1 cup
- Baking powder-3 tsp
- Baking soda-1/2 tsp
- Vanilla essence-2 tsp
- Curd/Yogurt-2 tbsp
- Milk-1/2 cup(lukewarm)
- Vinegar-2 tsp
- Walnuts and raisins- a handful
Method-Soften butter, beat in the sugar till fluffy, add the curd, milk, vanilla and vinegar and combine well.Sieve flour with baking powder, soda and keep aside.Preheat oven to 200C , grease and line a loaf tin, quickly fold in the flour and nuts into the wet ingredients and immediately, scrape batter into the pan, do not keep batter but bake immediately.Bake for about 40 minutes, or till a skewer inserted comes out clean, cool and slice, preferably cool overnight.
January 17, 2010
8:50
SEASONAL SHALGAM,GOBHI,GAJAR KA ACHAR(TURNIP,CAULIFLOWER,CARROT PICKLE/RELISH)
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD

It has been a really bad Winter, ever since it's onset I have been sick either with cold,cough or tummy upset.I dislike this cold weather and wish for warm, sunny days, sunlight seems to be so elusive and my body pines for it.
I feel really fit and active during Summer's but Winter's, I find totally debilitating.I also find myself dreading any kind of work at all, it's cold in the kitchen too!, so cooking for pleasure has also taken a backseat, only a quick essential meal is manageable.A few days back, on a lovely sunny morning I thought of making this pickle, since all the vegetables are in full season, I have loved this pickle since childhood, especially the one my naani used to make.It is sweet and sour, tangy and delicious, I love it on it's own with a parantha!

To make this pickle you require-
Cauliflower-1/2 kg
Turnips-1/2 kg
Carrots-1/2 kg
Mustard powder-2 tbsp
Vinegar-1/2 cup
Jaggery/gur/Sugar-250 gms
Mustard oil-1cup
Ginger paste-3 large tbsp
Garlic paste-3 large tbsp
Salt and red chilli powder to taste

Method-Wash and peel carrots, turnips and cauliflower, Cut carrots and turnips into longish pieces, separate cauliflower into florets.Dry in the sun for 2 days, or if the weather is cloudy, drain on paper towels and dry indoors for 2 days.Heat mustard oil in a heavy kadhai till smoking, let cool a bit.Fry ginger and garlic till golden, add vinegar, jaggery and rest of the spices.Add the vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, toss well, cool and bottle into clean and dry bottles.Keep in the sun for 2-3 days, your pickle is ready!Keep stored in the refrigerator, it will last several months.
December 31, 2009
20:40
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
December 30, 2009
7:05
COMFORT FOOD~GUJARATI KADHI KHICHDI
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD
It's really cold out here and I am craving some comfort food, Gujarati kadhi khichdi tops the list and all I want to do is curl up with a steaming plate of this ginger-garlic flavored kadhi and khichdi with a generous dollop of ghee!The difference between this Gujarati kadhi and Punjabi kadhi is that there are no pakodis in this one and it is on the runnier side, normally eaten with arhar dal khichdi and sweet mango pickle, make sure you add that dollop of desi ghee, it adds a special flavor! :)
- To make this for 4 people you need-
- Arhar dal-1/2 cup
- Rice-3/4 cup
- Turmeric-1 tsp
- Sour curd-1 cup
- Gramflour (besan)-2 tbsp
- Curry leaves- a handful
- Green chilli-1
- Garlic-5 cloves
- Ginger-1 inch piece
- Asafoetida(hing)-1/4 tsp
- Mustard seeds(rai)-1/4 tsp
- Cumin seeds(zeera)-1/4 tsp
- Refined oil- 2 tbsp
- Dry red chiilies-2
- Sugar-2 tbsp
For the khichdi- combine Rice and dal, you can presoak dal for 20 minutes if you have time, otherwise combine both and add turmeric, salt and red chilli powder, give 2 whistles in pressure cooker and let pressure drop by itself. For kadhi-Grind together ginger, garlic, half the curry leaves and green chilli in a blender.Heat oil in a large kadhai, add cumin, curry leaves, mustard, asafoetida and dry red chillies stir till seeds sputter.Combine curd and besan together and add to the kadhai, season with salt and sugar, add turmeric and simmer for at least 20 minutes, adjust seasoning to taste, serve piping hot.
December 23, 2009
2:09
DUNDEE CAKE FOR MY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY & FOR X'MAS TOO!
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD
I have always loved rich, dark, fruit cake pictures and every Christmas I make this Dundee cake- delicious, citrusy and heavy with plump raisisns, I baked two cakes today, one for X'mas and one for my Wedding Anniversary that we are celebrating today, This cake will keep well for several days, and is very good with hot coffee.
- To make 2 cakes you require-
- Orange peel, chopped-4 tbsp
- Lemon peel, chopped-4 tbsp
- Glace cherries, chopped-4 tbsp
- Prunes, chopped- 100 gms
- Butter- 200gms, softened
- Brown sugar. powdered- 2 cups
- Caramel colour- 5 tbsp
- Sultanas- 250 gms
- Flour- 2 1/2 cups
- Baking powder- 2tsp
- Glycerine-2 tsp (to keep cake soft)
- Blanched almonds- a handful, sliced
- Eggs-2
- Milk-1/2 cup
- a little milk for brushing over almonds
Preheat oven at 180 C , prepare pan by lining with brown paper, grease and flour well.Beat butter and sugar well till light in a large bowl, add the eggs, milk , glycerin and caramel, sieve flour with baking pwdr and keep aside.Combine peels, cherries, prunes and sultanas and add to butter mixture, lightly fold in flour, lastly decorate top with almonds and brush with little milk. Bake at 180 C for 40 minutes.Let cool and slice, Enjoy!
December 16, 2009
6:31
CHRISTMAS DATE AND CHOCOLATE CAKE
» ‎ IN LOVE WITH FOOD
Christmas is just round the corner and it's time for festivities to begin, what could be better than a slice of fruit encrusted chocolate cake?, I ate mine slice by slice over steaming mugs of coffee and really let the christmas spirit take over!
- To make this cake you require-(makes two loaves)
- Butter-150gms
- Flour-2 cups
- Sugar (powdered)-2 cups
- Dates- 1 cup (very finely chopped)
- Walnuts and raisins-1/2 cup
- Chocolate- 50 gms OR Cocoa-4 tbsp
- Baking powder -2 tsp
- Eggs-2 large
- Milk (warm)- 1/2 cup
- Salt-1/4 tsp
- Vanilla essence-2 tsp
- Vinegar-1 tbsp.
Beat butter and sugar well till light and fluffy, melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave and keep aside, combine flour and baking powder and sieve , add dates and nuts to the sieved flour along with salt. Beat eggs well, add vanilla essence, now combine butter mixture with eggs, melted chocolate/cocoa and flour, add milk and vinegar in the end.Pour into prepared loaf cake pan .Bake at 180 C for 45 minutes or till a skewer inserted comes out clean.

For more Cake recipes for the festive season from In love with food click here, for cookie recipes click here. I am sending this cake over to Divya's for her -Show me your Cake event and to notyet100 for her It's time to jingle again event.

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