The Ambrosia

AMBROSIA - TECHNOPARK

2012-03-07T10:30:00.000+05:30

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CRISPY VEGETABLE PAKORAS

2012-03-06T10:53:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1 cup chickpea flour
    * 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
    * 1 teaspoon salt
    * 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
    * 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
    * 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
    * 2 cloves garlic, crushed
    * 3/4 cup water
    * 1 quart oil for deep frying
    * 1/2 head cauliflower florets
    * 2 onions, sliced into rings

Directions

   1. Sift the chickpea flour into a medium bowl. Mix in the coriander, salt, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala and garlic.
   2. Make a well in the center of the flower. Gradually pour the water into the well and mix to form a thick, smooth batter.
   3. Over medium high heat in a large, heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
   4. Coat the cauliflower and onions in the batter and fry them in small batches until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving.

AMBROSIA - KOWDIAR JN

2012-03-05T12:17:00.002+05:30

AMBROSIA - BAKERY JN

2012-03-05T12:15:00.002+05:30

RECIPE OF THE DAY || GHEE RICE

2012-03-05T10:30:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1-2 onions
    * 3-4 green chilies
    * Cumin seeds little
    * 3 to 4 whole nut mugs
    * 1 small clove garlic mashed nicely
    * 1/2 inch piece ginger mashed or cut nicely
    * Cashew pieces little.
    * 3 tbsp butter or oli
    * 1 cup basmati rice

Method

    * Cut onion to small pieces and fry it along with chilies, cumin seed ,nut mugs, garlic ginger, cashew till onion turns little brown.
    * Wash rice and fry for a minute or so along with other and add 2 cup water to it and cook till done Add salt and lemon .
    * When all is done add cilantro .

Serve raita with this.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || APPLE RAITA

2012-03-02T10:29:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1 apple
    * 3 cups fresh curd
    * 1 tsp sugar
    * 1 tsp black pepper powder
    * Salt to taste

Method

    * Peel and cut the apple in small pieces.
    * Beat curd till smooth.
    * Add apple in curd. Then add sugar, pepper and salt, in this mixture of apple and curd.
    * Mix well and chill an hour before serving.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || FRESH STRAWBERRY JUICE

2012-03-01T10:34:00.002+05:30

Ingredients:

Fresh Whole Strawberries: 2 cups
Sugar: 1-2 tbsp
Vanilla Sugar: 1 tbsp (or replace it with sugar and vanilla extract)
Water: 1 cup, cold (or replace with sparkling water)
Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (freshly squeezed)

Directions:

1. Cut strawberries into thin slices. Sprinkle over with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp vanilla sugar.

2. Leave in the fridge for two hours until the juice starts to come out.

3. Process the strawberries with cold water and lemon juice in a blender.

4. Taste the blend and add more sugar if required.

5. Strain the juice and serve chilled.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || HOMEMADE CARAMEL POPCORN

2012-02-29T10:19:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

    * 8 cups of unsalted popcorn
    * 2 sticks of butter
    * 2 cups packed brown sugar
    * 1 tsp salt
    * 1/2 cup light corn syrup
    * 1 tsp baking soda

Cooking Guide

   1. Pop popcorn and place in large roaster pan.
   2. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
   3. In a saucepan melt butter and combine in brown sugar, salt, and corn syrup.
   4. Bring to a light boil or until all is combined well into a sauce.
   5. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.
   6. Pour over popcorn and stir to coat well.
   7. Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || DOUBLE CHEESE FISH FILLET

2012-02-28T10:14:00.002+05:30

Ingredients:

Boneless Fish - 400 gms
Breadcrumbs - 2 cups
Oil for deep frying
Parmesan Cheese - 3 tblsp, grated
Oregano Powder - 1/2 tsp
Pudina Leaves - 1/2 tsp

To Serve:
Burger Buns
Tomato Ketchup
Cheese Slices
Fried Onion

Method:

1. Cut the fish into 3/4 inch thin strips.
2. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the fish pieces and keep aside for 10 minutes.
3. To make the fish fillet sticks, take two fish pieces to begin with.
4. Mix the cheese with the herbs and oregano.
5. On one of the fish strips spread this mixture and cover with another strip.
6. Roll this fish sandwich in bread crumbs.
7. Prepare all the fish sandwiches in this way.
8. Heat oil for deep frying and fry a few pieces at a time till crispy and golden brown.
9. To serve, cut the burger buns in half and toast them lightly on a pan.
10. Spread a little tomato ketchup on one half.
11. Place the fried onions and fish fillet.
12. Cover it with the other half of the bun.
13. Serve this delicious Double Cheese Fish Fillet Burger with french fries.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

2012-02-27T10:05:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1 cup butter, softened
    * 1 cup peanut butter
    * 1 cup white sugar
    * 1 cup brown sugar
    * 2 eggs
    * 2 1/2 cups flour
    * 1 tsp baking powder
    * 1/2 tsp salt
    * 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

Cooking Guide

   1. In a large bowl cream butter, peanut butter, and both sugars together with an electric mixer.
   2. Mix in eggs.
   3. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
   4. Add dry ingredients into butter mixture. S
   5. tir batter so that all is combined well.
   6. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
   7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
   8. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a non-stick baking sheet.
   9. Using a fork, flatten each ball making a criss-cross pattern.
10. Bake for 10 minutes.
11. Cool on wire rack and serve.
12. Sprinkle with sugar if you’d like.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CHICKEN CAFREAL

2012-02-24T10:38:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

Serves: 6

    * 1 Chicken
    * 6 Green Chillies
    * A bunch of Coriander leaves
    * 15 Cloves of garlic
    * 1 inch piece of ginger
    * 1 tablespoon khus-khus
    * 1 tablespoon Jeera
    * 8 Cloves
    * 6 Peppercorns
    * 1 inch Cinnamon
    * 1/2 teaspoon Tumeric powder
    * 1 tablespoon Tamarind
    * 1 Lime
    * Oil For shallow frying
    * Salt To taste

Preparation method

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Extra time: 1 hour, marinating

1. Wash the chicken and cut up into large chunks. Apply salt and set aside.
2. Grind together the chillies, coriander leaves, garlic, ginger, khus-khus, jeera, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, tumeric powder and tamarind into a fine paste.
3. Apply the ground paste to the chicken and let it marinate for atleast 1 hour. For best results let it marinate overnight.
4. In a deep pan put in oil enough for shallow frying. When heated put in the chicken and fry, turning all sides till golden brown. When done, squeeze lime over the chicken and serve.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || VEGAN PASTA SALAD

2012-02-23T10:46:00.002+05:30

Ingredients: (4 Sides)

    * 8 ounces elbow macaroni
    * 1 cup celery, finely chopped
    * 1/2 cup soft silken tofu, drained
    * 1/3 cup soy milk
    * 1/4 onion, minced
    * 1/4 cup sweet relish
    * 1 tbsp lemon juice
    * 2 tsp mustard
    * 1 tsp salt
    * Cayenne pepper to taste

Preparation Method:

   1. Cook pasta as package directs.
   2. Rinse with cold water and drain.
   3. Place in large serving bowl.
   4. In blender, blend tofu and soy milk until well combined.
   5. Blend in onion, relish, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and cayenne.
   6. Add sauce to pasta and coat all evenly.
   7. Mix in celery.
   8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
   9. Serve cold.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || VEGETABLE STEW

2012-02-22T10:41:00.002+05:30

Ingredients:

500 gm chopped vegetables of your choice
1 cup coarsely chopped onions
2 tbsp butter or oil
1 cup refined flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp powdered black pepper
4 cups water
1/8 tsp nutmeg

Method:

Heat butter or oil and add onions and stir fry till soft.
Increase the heat to high and add the vegetables. Lower heat, add flour and keep stirring till pieces are coated.
Add water, bring to a boil, add the nutmeg and simmer till vegetables are half done.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || MEAT ROLLS

2012-02-21T09:54:00.000+05:30

A different snack to serve at your tea time. Its delicious & filling.Since its similar to puffs, children will love it.

For the Filling:

   1. Cooked & minced meat – 2 cups
   2. Chopped onion – 1 cup
      Chopped tomato – 1/2 cup
   3. Pepper powder – 2 teaspoon
   4. Butter – 1-2 tablespoon
   5. All purpose flour (maida) – 2 teaspoon
      Chicken stock – 1/2 cup
   6. Salt

For the Roll:

   1. All purpose flour – 250gm
   2. Unsalted butter – 125gm
   3. Salt
   4. Warm water
   5. Egg – 1

Preparation Method:

Melt butter in a pan & add onion. When onion becomes soft add tomato. When the mix becomes dry, add minced meat,pepper& salt.Mix well. Add all purpose flour & chicken stock. Mix well. When it becomes a paste, remove from gas.

Mix all purpose flour & butter. Make sure that there are no lumps.Add water 7 make it into a soft dough.Roll out each dough & put the filling in the centre. Make the roll into the desired shape.Apply the egg over each rolls before baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degree for 15-25 minutes. Adjust the baking time according to oven type.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CHINESE SALAD

2012-02-20T10:39:00.001+05:30

Ingredients:

Lettuce - 1, head, washed, dried, shredded
Ham - 4, slices, cut into strips
Bean Sprouts - 225 gms, blanched in boiling water, drained
Bamboo Shoots - 120 gms, sliced in long pieces then cut into halves
Carrot - 1, cut into strips
Palm Hearts - 3, cut in half lengthwise then in half again
Cucumber - 1/2, cut into strips

For the Sauce:

Vinegar - 1/2 tsp
Soy Sauce - 1 tbsp
Oil - 1 tbsp
Sugar - 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste

Method:

1. Mix the lettuce leaves with the ham and arrange them on a serving platter.
2. Sprinkle the bean sprouts over the lettuce and the blanched and drained bamboo shoots on top.
3. Add the other vegetables on top in layers.
4. Make the sauce by mixing together all the sauce ingredients.
5. Pour the sauce over the salad just before serving.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM

2012-02-18T10:45:00.000+05:30

Ingredients:

Double Cream - 300 ml
Milk - 2 tblsp
Icing Sugar - 50 gms, sifted
Vanilla Essence - 1/2 tsp
Plain Chocolate - 125 gms, broken into pieces
Single Cream - 2 tblsp
Chocolate Sauce - to serve, optional

Method:

1. Put the double cream and milk into a bowl and whisk until just stiff.
2. Stir in the icing sugar and vanilla essence.
3. Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer container and freeze for 30 minutes or until the ice cream begins to set around the edges.
4. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl with the single cream, set over a pan of gently simmering water and stir gently with a wooden spoon until melted and smooth.
5. Set aside to cool.
6. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and spoon into a bowl.
7. Add the melted chocolate and quickly stir it through the ice cream with a fork.
8. Return the ice cream to the freezer container.
9. Cover and freeze until set.
10. Transfer the ice cream to the 30 minutes before serving to soften lightly.
11. Serve with chocolate sauce, if preferred.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || MANGO PICKLE

2012-02-16T11:51:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1kg. mango pieces
    * 1/2 tbsp. kalonji
    * 1/2 tbsp. saunf, coarsely crushed
    * 1/2 tbsp. methi seeds coarsely crushed
    * 1/2 cup salt
    * 2/3 cup chilli powder red
    * 2 tbsp. turmeric
    * 2 1/2 cups mustard oil approx.

Method

    * Take mango pieces in large wide bowl or jar.
    * Pour all ingredients over them, except oil.
    * Mix very well with clean dry hands of wooden spatula.
    * Keep in sun for 4 days.
    * Stir once, check for taste.
    * Heat oil very well till smoky.
    * Cool to almost room temperature
    * Add to pickle and mix well.
    * Pour into clean, dry pickle jars.
    * Press down firmly with back of the spoon.
    * There should be enough oil to form a layer over surface of pickle.
    * Tie with a thin muslin, before placing lid.
    * Allow to mature for 10-12 days before using.
    * Store carefully as shown above to keep pickle from going bad.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || PAZHAM PORI (FRIED BANANA)

2012-02-15T10:04:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

Banana(Ethakkai or Nenthra pazham) - 3 nos(not too ripe)
All purpose flour(Maida)
Sugar - 1 - 2 tsp
Turmeric powder - A pinch
Cumin seeds(Jeerakam) - A pinch (optional)
Oil for deep frying

Preparation Method

1. Mix together maida, tumeric, cumin, sugar and water to make a thick batter with a dropping consistency.
2. Mix well, till all lumps are gone.
   .If too thick, add more water.
   .If loose, add more maida.
   .Adjust turmeric(for colour) and sugar(for sweetness).
3. Slice the bananas vertically into thin pieces.
4. If the bananas are very big, u can cut it into 2 pieces first and then cut it length wise to make thin slices.
5. Dip the slices of banana in the batter and coat it very well with the batter.
6. Heat oil in a deep-fry pan.
7. Put the slices and fry both sides, till Pazham Pori(Fried banana) is fried well.
8. Keep Pazham Pori(Fried banana) on kitchen tissue paper to remove excess oil.

   Serve Pazham Pori(Fried banana) hot.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || LOVE-HEART CUPCAKES

2012-02-14T10:14:00.002+05:30

If ever there was a day for these cupcakes, today is it! Happy Valentine's Day!

Makes : 24

Equipment : You will need 24 paper patty cases and one 24-hole patty pan.

Ingredients

    * 220g unsalted butter, softened
    * 400g (2 cups, firmly packed) dark brown sugar
    * 2 eggs
    * 1 tsp vanilla extract
    * 100g dark chocolate, melted, cooled
    * 1 tsp bicarbonate soda
    * 200g plain flour
    * Pure icing sugar, sifted, to dust
    * 500g packet ready-made icing
    * 2 packets (22g each) love-heart lollies*

Method

   1.Preheat oven to 180°C. Line the patty pan with paper cases. Place butter and sugar in an electric mixer and beat for about 5 minutes until soft. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and chocolate, stirring in gently (don't over-beat at this stage). Add bicarbonate soda to the flour, then sift into mixture, alternating with 1 cup boiling water. Stir until smooth and just combined.
   2.Fill the paper cases to three-quarters full. Bake for 30 minutes or until risen. Remove and allow to cool.
   3.Dust the workbench with the icing sugar, then roll out icing until 2mm thick. Use a fluted pastry cutter to cut out circles the same size as the top of the cakes. Sit one on top of each cake, moulding to its shape. Press a lolly into the top of each cake.

Notes : Lollies are available from sweet shops.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CREAMY COCONUT MILKSHAKE

2012-02-13T10:42:00.002+05:30

Thick and creamy, possibly the best thing you'll ever taste! It's not light in calories though!

Ingredients (Serves: 4)

    * 300ml Milk
    * 8 scoops Vanilla Ice cream
    * 3 tbsp dessicated coconut
    * 3 tbsp cream

Preparation method (Prep: 5 mins)

1.Put the milk, ice cream, dessicated coconut and cream into a mixie.
2.Blend for 1-2 minutes. Serve in tall glasses with a straw.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CHOCOLATE FUDGE

2012-02-10T10:24:00.002+05:30

Ingredients:

Milk - 1 litre
Sugar - 2 1/2 cups
Cocoa - 1 1/2 tblsp
White Butter - 1 cup

Method:

1. Boil milk for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, cocoa and butter.
3. Cook in medium heat.
4. When the mixture becomes thick keep stirring constantly till it leaves the sides of the pan.
5. Pour on a greased tray and let it cool.
6. Cut into small square shaped pieces and serve.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || BUTTON MUSHROOM FRY

2012-02-09T10:16:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

    * 100 gms Button Mushroom
    * 1 tsp Chilly Powder
    * 1/3 tsp Salt
    * 2 gm cumin seeds
    * Pinch of asafoetida
    * Oil - reqd Quantity.

Method

    * Wash Mushrooms and place it on Blotting / Old news paper.
    * Heat oil on a tawa. When the oil heats up add the mushrooms.
    * Fry the mushrooms for 2 minutes. Add all the other ingredients and fry for 3 more minutes.

Serve hot.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CHICKEN BIRYANI

2012-02-07T10:32:00.000+05:30

Ingredients:

Chicken - 1, about 900 gms, cut into 8 pieces
Ghee or Oil - 1 cup
Onions - 2, medium sized and sliced
Onions - 2, medium sized and minced
Ginger - 2, two inch pieces, minced
Garlic - 5 cloves, minced
Garam Masala Powder - 1 tblsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Black Pepper Powder - 2 tsp
Salt - 1 1/2 tsp
Tomato - 1, large, minced
Coriander Leaves - 1/2 cup, minced
Rice - 1 cup
Black Cardamoms - 2
Green Cardamom - 1
Cinnamon - 1 inch stick
Cloves - 2 to 3

Method:

1. Wash chicken and set aside to drain.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-based pan over moderate heat.
3. Add sliced onions and fry till brown.
4. Remove onions from pan, drain and set aside for garnish.
5. Remove half the oil from the pan and return to moderate heat.
6. Add minced onions, ginger and garlic.
7. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes till well blended.
8. Add chicken, spice powders and salt.
9. Stir and cook over moderate heat for 5 minutes, checking that it does not stick to pan.
10. Lower heat and cook for a further 8 to 10 minutes till water released from chicken is almost absorbed.
11. Add tomato and coriander leaves and cook for about 5 minutes.
12. Wash rice and soak in water for 15 minutes.
13. Drain rice and add to pan with whole spices.
14. Stir till rice turns translucent.
15. Mix in 2 cups of water.
16. Cover pan and put a weight on the lid.
17. Steam cook rice over moderate-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes till water is absorbed and rice is tender.
18. Garnish with the reserved fried onions.
19. Serve hot.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || ALOO PARATHAS

2012-02-06T10:32:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1 kg sieved flour
    * 1/2 kilo boiled potatoes (in hot condition)
    * 3 spoonsful cheese spread (grated cheese can also be used).
    * 2 finely chopped/grated onions
    * Finely chopped chillies /coriander leaves, turmeric powder/dhania powder
    * Salt as per requirement.
    * A little warm water

Method

    * Mix onions,chillies,chopped coriander, cheese spread,and the powders well, without wasting the juices from the onions and set aside for 5-10 minutes.
    * Then mash the potatoes into this in hot condition into a very smooth paste. Now add the flour a little at a time, and knead into a smooth paste. Add water if necessary.
    * Now set this aside for an hour and then roll out the paratas and cook in preheated tawa.

Serve with tomato chutneys, pickles and tomato ketchup.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || BADAM HALWA

2012-02-03T10:17:00.002+05:30

Ingredients:

Almonds - 1/2 cup
Cashewnuts - 1/2 cup
Sugar - 3 cups
Raisins - 10
Green Cardamom - 6 to 8
Ghee - 250 gms
Milk - 2 tsp
Saffron - few strands

Method:

1. Soak almonds and cashewnuts separately for 2 hours.
2. Remove the skin from the almonds.
3. Grind them together smoothly with enough water.
4. Fry raisins in ghee.
5. Crush green cardamom into powder.
6. Dissolve saffron in a little warm milk.
7. Prepare sugar syrup and pour cashewnuts-almond mixture along with cashewnuts, raisins and saffron solution with ghee.
8. Stir well until it becomes a paste.
9. Pour it on a greased plate.
10. Allow it to cool and then cut it into diamond shaped pieces.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || BREAD ROLLS

2012-02-02T10:24:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

    * 6 slices bread
    * 5 medium sized potatoes
    * 1 small onion
    * 1 small bunch coriander leaves
    * 6 pods garlic
    * 4 green chillies
    * 1/2 tsp garam masala (optional)
    * 1 tsp chilli powder (less or more depending on taste)
    * Salt to taste
    * Oil for deep frying

Method

    * Hold the bread slices together and cut the rough edges.
    * Boil potatoes ( the best is to pressure cook them since this will be the fastest)
    * Meanwhile, chop onions, green chillies, coriander, garlic and green chillies finely. Keep aside.
    * Once potatoes are cooled, peel and mash. Add all ingredients except the bread and oil. Mix well.
    * Take a little water in a flat plate and dip the bread slices one by one in it. Squeeze excess water from the bread slices and keep them aside on a tissue. Make sure that the slice does not get too soft or watery or too hard.
    * Heat oil in a deep frying pan / kadai.
    * Take a slice of the wet bread on a dry plate. Spread some potato mixture on it. Roll the bread slice towards you till the edges meet. Seal the edges by pressing the bread slice. Pat the roll to even out edges. This may seem a little difficult at first, but you will get used to it. Deep fry in hot oil. Repeat for remaining slices.

Serve hot with Tomato ketchup and mint chutney.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || BANANA CAKE

2012-02-01T10:29:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1/2 Cup Butter
    * 1 Cup Sugar
    * 2 Eggs
    * 2 to 3 Mashed Riped Banana
    * 1 & 1/4 Cup of All Purpose Flour
    * 3/4 tsp. Baking Soda
    * 1/2 tsp. Salt

Preparation

    * Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
    * Add eggs one at a time beating after each egg.
    * Stir in mashed Bananas.
    * Mix other ingredients. You can add nuts and raisins as per your choice.
    * Pour into a greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 mins. Temperature may vary depending on the oven.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || GRILLED VEGAN BEAN BURGER

2012-01-31T10:18:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1 16ounce can black beans, drained & rinsed
    * 2 carrots, finely diced
    * 1 onion, chopped
    * 3 cloves garlic, minced
    * 1 tbsp chili powder
    * 1 tbsp cumin
    * 1 tsp hot sauce
    * 1 tsp cinnamon
    * 2 tbsp olive oil
    * 1 cup bread crumbs

Preparation:

   1. Preheat charcoal grill and get it nice and hot.
   2. In a large bowl mash black beans.
   3. Add in carrot, onion, garlic, and all spices and olive oil.
   4. Mix in bread crumbs and make 4 patties.
   5. Place on grill and cook for 7 minutes on each side.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || STRAWBERRY DUMPLINGS

2012-01-30T11:03:00.002+05:30

Fresh strawberries make a delicious cobbler-like dish, baked with lightly sweetened drop dumplings. Serve these delicious strawberry dumplings with cream for a wonderful spring or summer treat.

Ingredients:Serves 4 to 6

    * Sauce
    * 1/3 cup granulated sugar
    * 2/3 cup water
    * 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
    * Dumplings
    * 1 cup all-purpose flour
    * 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    * 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    * 1/2 teaspoon salt
    * 4 tablespoons butter
    * 1/2 cup milk
    * 2 cups cleaned and hulled fresh strawberries
    * 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for topping

Preparation:

In a saucepan, combine the 1/3 cup sugar with water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla.

Heat oven to 450°.

Meanwhile, while sugar mixture is simmering, combine the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the 4 tablespoons of butter until mixture is crumbly. Add the milk and stir just until moistened and holding together.

Put strawberries in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart baking dish. Pour the simmering sugar and water mixture over the berries. Using a tablespoon, drop the dumpling mixture ovenly over the berry mixture (about 8 to 10 dumplings). Sprinkle the dumplings with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar for topping.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm with cream, if desired.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || VEGETABLE MOMOS

2012-01-27T10:30:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

Serves: 8

    * MAGGI Magic Cubes Vegetarian-2
    * Minced Vegetables (carrot,cabbage,Beans)-100 g
    * Garlic 2 cloves,minced
    * Ginger 1/4" piece,minced
    * onion(small) 1/2 finely chopped
    * Green chilly 1 minced
    * Coriander leaves 1tbsp,chopped
    * Oil 1tsp
    * Salt to taste
    * Maida 1 cup(100 g)
    * water 1/3 cup (approx.50 ml)

Preparation method

Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins

1. Make a semi hard dough with maida and water. Keep aside. 2. Mix together minced vegetables, garlic, ginger, onion, green chilly, coriander leaves, crumbled MAGGI cubes and oil. 3. Divide the dough and minced vegetable mixture into 16 equal portions. 4. Roll out each portion of dough into thin rounds, place a portion of vegetable filling in the center and fold the edges of the dough circles like sari pleats, pinching it once you reach the end. Use a little water to seal. 5. Steam for 10-12 minutes. Serve hot with MAGGI Oriental Chilli Garlic Sauce. This dish is a good option to be served as a snack or as a part of main meal. --> Tip For authentic taste use musterd oil instead of refind oil .Momos are usualy served with a clear soup. To prepare the same add some shredded vegetables to the water in the steamer along with 1 cube crumbled cube and the dash of sesame seasoning.

2. For authentic taste use musterd oil instead of refind oil .Momos are usualy served with a clear soup. To prepare the same add some shredded vegetables to the water in the steamer along with 1 cube crumbled cube and the dash of sesame seasoning .

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CHICKEN LOLLIPOP

2012-01-26T10:46:00.002+05:30

Chicken lollipops is an Indo Chinese dish and favorites of everyone and even the child also loves to eat it.

Ingredients:- (Servings - 2)

1. Chicken drumettes (5)
2. Minced ginger (1 tsp)
3. Fermented red bean curd (mashed 1 cube)
4. Egg (1, yolk and white separated)
5. Panko breadcrumbs
6. Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp)
7. Salt (to taste)
8. Sugar (1 tsp)
9. Corn flour

Method Of Preparation:-

1. Firstly take out the knife and with that scrape and pull the meat from top to the bottom of the chicken drumette. Now marinate the chicken in the minced ginger, egg white, mashed fermented red bean curd, black pepper, salt and sugar.

2. Now set the chicken in the refrigerator for and keep it there for 10-15 minutes. Now dip the chicken into the corn flour and then into egg yolk and then into the bread crumbs. Keep it in refrigerator and then deep fry them in the oil on the medium to high heat until red brown.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || LEMON BARS

2012-01-25T10:18:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

      For Crust

    * 1 cup soft butter
    * 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    * 2 cup flour
    * Salt

      For Top Layer

    * 4 eggs, beaten
    * 1/4 cup flour
    * 2 cup granulated sugar
    * 6 tbsp lemon juice
    * Grated rind of 2 lemons

Method

      For Crust

    * Combine ingredients and mix well.
    * Press mixture in 9 x 13-inch greased pan.
    * Bake at 350oF for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

      For Top Layer

    * Combine flour and sugar; mix in beaten eggs, lemon juice and rind.
    * Pour onto slightly cooled crust.
    * Bake at 350o F for 25 minutes or until filling is set.
    * Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || SPICY CHAPATIS

2012-01-24T10:53:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

    * 4-5 Chapatis
    * Oil to fry
    * Salt to taste
    * Red Chilli powder
    * Chat masala

Method

    * Take four to five left over chapatis and cut them into long strips or in any other shape you like.
    * Fry them in oil till deep brown.
    * Lay these fried strips on tissue paper.
    * Apply salt, chilli powder and chat masala to these strips.

Serve hot with tomato sauce.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || GARLIC BREAD

2012-01-23T10:48:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

    * 1 french loaf
    * 1 pod garlic - flaked, peeled and ground
    * 100 gm Butter
    * 1/2 tsp salt
    * 1/2 tsp pepper powder
    * 40 cm x 30 cm cooking foil

Method

    * Slice the loaf in 2 cm slices but do not slice through. Leave a 2 cm base undisturbed.
    * Mix the butter with garlic paste, salt and pepper.
    * Butter the half cut Slices on both sides with 80 gm of the butter - garlic paste.
    * Place the loaf on cooking foil and spread the rest of the butter on it.
    * Close the foil to cover the loaf completely and bake in a hot over (200 C, Gas 6) for 10 minutes.
    * Open the foil the top and rebake for 5 minutes.

Serve hot in foil.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CARROT HALWA

2012-01-20T10:37:00.000+05:30

Ingredients

    * 20 Carrots
    * 2 cups Milk
    * 1-2 cups sugar
    * Raisins and cashews
    * Ghee

Method

    * Grate the carrots preferrably using a hand-held grater, if not use a blender.
    * Soak this grated carrots in milk, make sure it is completely soaked.
    * Cook the mix in a pressure cooker until you hear 2 whistles.
    * Once the pressure dies down, make sure the carrots are well cooked, but not mashed.
    * Now pour 2-3 spoons of ghee in a wide-mouthed vessel.
    * Pour the cooked carrot/milk mix into the vessel.
    * Add the sugar (about 1-1/2 cups).
    * Let this mix boil.
    * Stir constantly
    * Once it has reached the required level of solidification, fry some raisins and cashews in ghee, in a separate vessel.
    * Spread the halwa in a plate and decorate the raisins and cashews on the top.

Serve cold or hot.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || POTATO CHIPS

2012-01-19T10:32:00.002+05:30

Ingredients

    * 6 Potatoes
    * Salt
    * Oil for frying

Method

    * Wash the potatoes and slice the potatoes in your slicer.
    * In a bowl add about six tea spoons of salt to the water
    * Heat till the water comes to boiling point
    * Wash the potato slices in water and sink in water.
    * Deep Fry till golden brown

RECIPE OF THE DAY || VEGETABLE CUTLET

2012-01-18T10:40:00.003+05:30

Ingredients

    * Boiled and mashed potatoes : 1/4 Kg
    * Finely cut carrots, beans, cauliflower, peas & capsicum: 100gm each
    * Coriander leaves, garlic & ginger paste
    * Chilli powder or Green chilli & salt
    * Garam Masala
    * Bread crumbs
    * Maida mixed with 100ml water
    * 50 ml Oil
    * 1 Chopped Onion

Method

    * Fry the chopped onion in the pan with little oil.
    * Add cut vegetables and fry for 5 minutes in sim
    * Add mashed potatoes, salt, chill, masala powders & coriander leaves, garlic &ginger paste and make it like a dough.
    * Make the dough into small balls
    * Dip each ball in Maida-Water mix and then roll all balls in bread crumbs.
    * Put all balls in roasting sheet and put in the oven in 400F,for 45minutes or until golden brown.
    * Or deep fry in oil.

Serve with Tomato sauce or Puthina cutney.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || MANGO LASSI

2012-01-17T10:51:00.002+05:30

Smooth, creamy and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

Serves: 1

    * 1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
    * 1 cup plain yogurt
    * 1/4 cup white sugar
    * 1/2 cup ice

Preparation method

Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 5 mins

1. In a blender, combine mango, yogurt, sugar and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CHEESE PIZZA

2012-01-16T10:44:00.002+05:30

Cooking time: 10 – 15 mins

Ingredients

4 medium pizza bases
For topping
200 gms onion (chopped)
200 gms tomatoes (chopped)
125 gms capsicum (chopped)
100 gms mushroom (sliced)
250 gms pizza cheese (shredded)
3 tbsp tomato sauce
Salt & black pepper powder (to taste)

Method

1. Preheat the oven on convection mode at 250 degree Celsius.
2. Spread tomato sauce on each pizza base
3. For topping, mix all chopped vegetables and seasoning. Microwave the chopped vegetables in a microwave safe bowl for 30 secs. at 100% power.
4. Apply tomato sauce on each pizza base. Now spread the vegetable topping on each pizza base along with the sliced mushrooms.
5. Sprinkle grated pizza cheese at the top of each pizza.
6. Bake on non-stick tawa on the high rack at 250 degree Celsius for 10 – 15 mins (till the cheese melts).
7. Cut into pieces and serve with sauce

Tips: You can also add non-veg. toppings e.g. Shredded chicken, bacon, ham etc

RECIPE OF THE DAY || COCONUT LADOO

2012-01-13T10:53:00.004+05:30

Ingredients:

Coconut Powder - 4 cups
Condensed Milk - 400 gms
Ghee - 1 tblsp
Cashewnuts - 25 gms
Raisins - 25 gms
Green Cardamom - 8, powdered

Method:

1. Pour condensed milk into a thick bottomed pan.
2. Add 3 1/2 cups of grated coconut powder.
3. Stir well and cook on a slow fire.
4. Fry cashewnuts and raisins in ghee.
5. Add cashewnuts, raisins and green cardamom powder with coconut mixture.
6. Cook gently till the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
7. Remove and cool.
8. Roll it into small laddus with buttered hands.
9. Roll the laddus on the remaining coconut powder.
10. Serve during festivals or special occasions.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || SPICY CHICKEN FINGERS

2012-01-12T10:34:00.000+05:30

Ingredients:

Chicken - 250 gms, julienned
Salt to taste
Egg - 1/2, whisked
Cornflour - 2 tsp
Oil - 1 tsp
Ajinomoto - 1 tsp
Oil for deep frying
Ginger - 1 one inch piece, chopped
Garlic - 3 cloves, chopped
Spring Onions - 2, chopped
Green Chillies - 5, chopped
Five Spice Powder - 1/2 tsp
Black Peppercorns - 1 tsp, crushed
Chinese Wine - 1 tsp

Method:

1. Marinate the chicken with salt, egg, cornflour, oil and ajinomoto. Keep aside.
2. Heat the oil in a pan.
3. Deep fry the marinated chicken pieces.
4. Remove and keep aside.
5. Add the ginger, garlic, spring onions and green chillies in the pan.
6. Saute for a few minutes.
7. Add the fried chicken along with the five spice powder, black peppercorns and toss well.
8. Stir in the Chinese wine and remove from heat.
9. Serve hot.

Note: Five spice powder consist of clove powder, cinnamon powder, star anise powder, Szechuan black pepper and fennel powder.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CANTALOUPE MILKSHAKE

2012-01-11T10:39:00.000+05:30

Ingredients:

2 cups cut Cantaloupe pieces
2 cups Milk
1 cup Plain Vanilla or French Vanilla icecream
3-4 tps Sugar
1/4 tps Cardamom powder
1 tps Almond powder

Method

1. Blend cantaloupe pieces till a smooth pulp is formed.
2. Add milk, sugar, cardamom powder, almond powder and blend again for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add icecream to it and whip for 1 minute adding 1-2 ice cubes.
4. Serve chilled.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || MUSHROOM CUTLET

2012-01-10T10:26:00.000+05:30

Ingredients:

Fresh Button Mushrooms - 200 gms
Oil - 2 tblsp plus some more for shallow frying
Onion - 1, small and chopped
Tomato - 1/2, small, chopped
Coriander Powder - 1/4 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1/4 tsp
Chilli Powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala Powder - 1/2 tsp
Potato - 2 tblsp, grated and boiled
Breadcrumbs - 2 tblsp
Rice Flour - 3 tblsp
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Cut the mushrooms into small pieces.
2. Sprinkle with salt and set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Heat 2 tblsp of oil in a pan and saute the onion till it changes colour.
4. Add the tomato and cook till soft.
5. Add the mushrooms and saute till half cooked.
6. Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, chilli powder and garam masala powder. Mix well.
7. Remove from heat and leave to cool.
8. Mix together the cooked mushrooms, potato, breadcrumbs and salt.
9. Make small round balls of the mixture.
10. Flatten into an oval shape.
11. Roll in rice flour and shallow fry on both sides till golden brown.
12. Serve hot with tomato sauce.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || PANEER PUFFS

2012-01-09T10:10:00.000+05:30

Ingredients:

Refined Flour - 1 cup
Pure Ghee - 2 tblsp, melted
Salt to taste
Paneer - 2 cups, grated
Processed Cheese - 4 tblsp, grated
Butter - 2 tblsp
Onion - 4 tblsp, chopped
Green Chilli Paste - 1 tsp
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tsp
Milk - 1/2 tsp
White Pepper Powder - 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil for deep frying

Method:

1. For the puffs, mix together the flour, ghee, salt and enough water to make a soft dough.
2. Cover and set aside for 15 minutes.
3. To make the filling, heat the butter in a pan and saute the onions till they change colour.
4. Add the green chilli paste, ginger-garlic paste, grated paneer, cheese, milk and white pepper powder.
5. Cook for 2 minutes over low heat, stirring continuously, till the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and leave to cool.
7. Make small marble size balls of the dough and roll out each one into a three inch puri.
8. Place each puri on a flat surface and place one tblsp of paneer filling on one side of it and cover with the other half to make a half moon shape.
9. Press edges to seal well.
10. Deep fry the puris in hot oil.
11. Serve hot.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || BHATURA

2012-01-07T11:00:00.000+05:30

Ingredients:

Fresh Yeast - 15 gms
Granulated Sugar - 1 tsp
Lukewarm Water - 1/2 cup
Strong White Bread Flour - 3/4 cups
Semolina - 1/3 cup
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Ghee or Butter - 1 tblsp
Plain Yogurt - 2 tblsp
Oil for frying

Preparation Method:

1. Mix the yeast with the sugar and water in a jug.
2. Sift the flour into a large bowl and stir in the semolina and salt. Rub in the butter or ghee.
3. Add the yeast mixture and yogurt and mix to a dough. Turn out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with oiled clear film and leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
5. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and punch down.
6. Divide into ten equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
7. Flatten into discs with the palm of your hand. Roll out a lightly floured surface into 5 inch rounds.
8. Pour oil to a depth of 1/2 inch into a deep frying pan. Heat and slide on bhatura into the oil.
9. Fry for about a minute turning over after 30 seconds.
10. Drain the bhatura well.
11. Keep each bhatura warm in a low oven while frying the remaining.
12. Serve immediately while hot.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || CINNAMON BREAKFAST MUFFINS

2012-01-06T10:38:00.000+05:30

Coffee in one hand and a decadent, melt in your mouth, warm muffin rolled in cinnamon sugar in the other. Ahhh!

Ingredients
... Serves: 12

* 200g plain flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 100g caster sugar
* 75g butter or margarine
* 1 egg
* 120ml milk
* 100g caster sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 75g butter or margarine, melted

Preparation method
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins

1. Preheat oven to 180 C. Grease a 12-hole muffin tin or a plain cake tin.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream together 100g sugar and butter. Beat in egg. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture alternately with milk. Beat well. Spoon into prepared muffin tin.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. While muffins are baking, combine 100g sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.

4. Remove muffins from oven and muffin tin. Immediately, dip the tops of the muffins into the melted butter, then into the sugar/cinnamon mixture. Repeat with each muffin, until all muffin tops are covered. Serve warm.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || BABY CORN FRY

2012-01-05T11:58:00.000+05:30

This is very simple dry curry which can be taken with meals. It is healthy and corn lovers might enjoy... they will now be baby corn lovers too after making .. n eating this.

Ingredients

Serves: 4

* 20 pieces baby corn

* 2 tspn chilli powder

* 1 tspn cumin powder

* 1tspn jeera or cumin seeds

* 1 tspn zachia - optional

* salt to taste

* 1-2 tblspn cooking oil

Preparation method

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins

1. cut the baby corn into any shape and size you wish

2. pressure cookwith salt for 3 whistles or microwave

3. drain off water

4. add oil to pan , once heated add cumin seeds, zachia and wait to splutter

5. add boiled baby corn, chilli powder, cumin powder and fry for 10 mins

6. once fried... remove crispy and serve hot....

RECIPE OF THE DAY || VANILLA PASTRY CREAM

2012-01-04T11:12:00.001+05:30

This light, vanilla flavoured cream is great as a stuffing inside sponge cakes. When combined with fruits, it also makes a lovely icing for pastries and cakes.

Ingredients ... Serves: 6

* 300 ml milk, plus 2 tbsp extra if needed
* 1 vanilla pod, slit open lengthways or essence
* 3 egg yolks
* 30 g caster sugar
* 15 g plain flour
* 15 g cornflour

Preparation method

Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Extra time: 30 mins, cooling

1. Pour the milk into a pan and bring to boil. Add the vanilla pod, then remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 30 minutes.

2. Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar for 2–3 minutes or until pale. Sift in the flour and cornflour, and whisk to combine. Remove the vanilla pod/essence from the milk and scrape the seeds into the milk with a sharp knife; discard the pod. Bring the milk just to the boil, then gradually whisk it into the egg yolk mixture.

3. Pour the mixture back into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or a whisk. When thick, simmer gently for 1 minute, still stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Cover the surface of the pastry cream with wet wax paper and leave to cool.

RECIPE OF THE DAY || SPICED GLAZED NUTS

2012-01-03T10:25:00.000+05:30

Use any nut for this recipe, or make a mixture of many nuts. Makes a fantastic gift or party food.

Ingredients
... Serves: 16

* 1 egg white
* 100g dark brown soft sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 500g walnut halves

Preparation method
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Extra time: 30 mins, setting

1. Preheat oven to 150 C. Line a baking tray with aluminium foil.

2. In a large bowl, beat egg white until foamy. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and vanilla. Add nuts, and stir to coat. Spread evenly onto prepared tray.

3. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until well toasted and golden brown. Remove from oven, and cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

The Ambrosia - Special Cake Display & sale

2011-12-30T10:33:00.000+05:30

The Ambrosia - New Year Cake Display & sale (Dec 26 to 31st Dec 2011)
FOR BOOKING - +91 471 2332211, 2337515

Ambrosia : Never short of surprises

2011-12-30T10:21:00.000+05:30