Website

While I have completely enjoyed posting in this space and interacting with you all,i think the time has come for me to be able to offer you all a more complete view of all the information that I have to share.
so,let me with pleasure introduce you to my website;
www.pinklemontreerecipes.com
I look forward to you all being regular visitors and await your many comments ! Thank you for encouraging my journey into the world of food bloggers !!!

Iyal-organic food store

Every once in a while,sadly not that often,you hear about something that is unique and supports your lifestyle. After having read about the organic stores in Coimbatore( THE HINDU -Metroplus)...2 of which I frequent every week,the other one called IYAL...I had never heard of ! To my amazement it was in the heart of the city unlike the other two stores.The pictures spoke a thousand words and my curiosity was indeed piqued !

Walking in to the store with trepidation and a 'I hope it's nice' thought process, I was dumbfounded and delighted at what I saw ! The attention to detail ,the cleanliness,the open space and the veg and fruit so charmingly arranged in bamboo baskets...I was absolutely enchanted. A joy for the shopper who is interested in exploring and foraging for good ,healthy produce.

The other thing that impressed me was that their staff were not only courteous but well informed and knew exactly what they were selling and where it came from ! They have many varieties of millets and for those of us who are pressed for time,they even offer packets of millet mixes for idli and dosa. 

Huge glass bottles of different kinds of podis (spice powders) are neatly arranged and labelled along with bottles of hibiscus syrup and other oils which are greatly beneficial to health.

Apart from all of this,what was very thoughtfully done was placing small terracotta jars of the different millets with their names...which made it so easy for the lay person to identify which millet they preferred to buy !

I do hope stores such as these continue to thrive and get increased patronage because everyone needs to start making healthier choices somewhere and at some point of time...why not start here ?!

Variety of millets

Unusual Donut flavours

We've all heard the old adage..'when in Rome do as the Romans do'. That certainly applies to the variety of food available all over the world. In past times,food that was cooked and eaten was contained to the local produce available and the cooking methods practised and that in turn differed from region to region. Now,of course the world is getting smaller...with all kinds of produce available at our doorstep.

Still,the joy of eating a particular dish or sampling a specific flavour in the country where it has originated from is an experience in itself. There is something that sets apart locally grown produce from it's counterpart flown in from half way across the world ! Like one of my cousins constantly says,one can taste the sun while eating a tomato in Italy !!!!
 Even multi national fast food chains change the flavours of their items depending on which corner of the globe they are at...based on diet preferences and religious beliefs.

Green tea and sesame

The much talked about Durian is a great favourite with most Malays...the rest of the world guffaws at it's smell.While it is rather strong and overpowering (they only eat it with a spoon ,as the smell will linger on the fingers!!!) it is still very popular as I saw at a Donut house. The flavours of green tea,black and white sesame , durian ,mango were the exotic flavours of Donuts that were on display ...along with the ho hum...chocolate,vanilla and strawberry..Lol !!! Now,this definitely was different from a Donut house back home or in the west,I was quite amused to see the locals choose these very flavours and devour them with gusto...and no,the Durian Donuts did not smell at all ! Give it a try the next time you visit that part of Asia :))

Kway teow

Malaysia...truly Asia,is how the tourism ad goes and it is true in every sense. It is truly the whole of Asia ensconced in 1 country ! A melting pot of traditions, cultures ,languages and of course cuisines. Here,without having to even look for it,one does come across an array of restaurants serving authentic Malay ,Thai , Chinese,Indian and Japanese food...truly Asia indeed.It's funny how as an Indian,one does feel right away at home but still experience the exotic flavour of a foreign land .The Malays on the whole are huge foodies,why else would one find such a staggering number of eateries everywhere,an absolute foodie paradise. Even if you are pressed for time and visit the country on work,the local food finds a way of charming itself into your stomach and have you craving for more.

While I did hope to treat myself to a Laksa at some point,thanks to many wonderful foodie friends,I was introduced to another very popular dish...the KWAY TEOW...a local speciality,it has different versions in Indonesia and Singapore,this one I was told was a Penang version.It also comes under the category of fast food or street food. No matter the setting,the dish is nevertheless delicious and I'm sure will appeal to most palates. The name itself means flat rice noodles.While this dish ,originally was considered very unhealthy when cooked in pork fat,it's now cooked mainly in oil and a lot of vegetables and sprouts are being added to the recent variations ! 

Kway teow

Traditionally served on a banana leaf it comes with an accompaniment of soy sauce and red chillies...very tempting despite the intense heat ! Though this dish does contain chicken ,egg and prawn they do offer vegetarian versions of the same and are also quite scrummy !


The streets and alleys leading to eateries have a festive air about them as if in preparation for an impending celebration...the sounds of large groups of families and friends in loud laughter and conversation,enjoying a meal indoors as well as outdoors ,despite the warm evenings, will always be a part of my memories of the short but enjoyable time spent in soaking up the 'warm ways of Malaysia' !

Recipe for Kway Teow (shared by a friend)

Stir frying is a quick method of cooking using a wide shallow dish called a wok where the heat is spread and allows for space in tossing and stirring...very fast and also quite dramatic.

Ingredients

Serves: 4 

3 tablespoons dark soy sauce 
4 fresh red chillies, pounded in a pestle and mortar
4 fat cloves of garlic, pounded or smashed with the back of a knife and then chopped fine
2eggs, beaten1 kg flat rice noodles (kway teow), cut into 1 cm wide strips 
250g fresh prawns, shelled and deveined
450g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips 
350g-400g beansprouts
200g Chinese chives, chopped (you can use spring onions)
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste 
3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil

 Method
Heat oil in wok and saute' the pounded chillies and garlic until fragrant.
Add chicken and stir fry on high heat for 5-8minutes. Add shrimp and quickly stir fry for another 3 minutes .
Add the beaten eggs, making sure to stir quickly so that it does not turn into a dry scramble. Add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and beansprouts.
Add the noodles and toss well.
Check seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste,if required.
 Stir fry for another 5 minutes and add the chives before turning off the heat.
Note...as you can see the flavours of this dish offer a huge possibility for variations,both vegetarian or otherwise !
I look forward to introducing you to many more sights and smells of Malaysia... :))

Cafe' V again

The first time i mentioned cafe' V...was just after I had sampled their bread...now after paying them a visit along with celebrity chef Karen Anand,I was delighted to meet two people who are very passionate about their work.Once you have that then,of course you will give your best and appreciation will be at your doorstep. The location maybe quiet and unassuming but once you go in,you know that it is far from your average bakery...clean,well lit and open ,it is very appealing to all the senses..Here at V's ingredients are treated with respect and it shows.

The warm smiles of welcome make you feel at ease and they are very humble when it comes to talking about their products and seemed very open to new ideas. In my opinion,that is the perfect recipe for success for any entrepreneur...particularly one who has a career in food...one learns something new everyday just by listening and observing.

I also discovered that a baked yoghurt is far from being just that,sadly it is an extremely decadent dessert with lots of condensed milk and Karen noted that in all the bakers that she has visited , Vishak's bakery is the only one to have mentioned that...no secrecy here !!!
So do stop by Cafe' V and maybe meet the friendly owner Vishak and his chef Mani...I'm sure you will enjoy the experience !
Contact them at :4322206 or 72000-20570

Chef Mani and owner Vishak

Hazelnut and strawberry cuppycakes

Children in my family became interested in my food only after I started making cupcakes...or cuppycakes as my little 7 year old niece calls them.Initially they were only for the kids...when I realised that adults found them equally appealing,I started making healthier versions of different flavours.While I am aware that certain ingredients aren't always easily available,I would still like to mention them,as you never know when you may come across them at the store...and when you do,you will at least have the option of using them in a recipe !

Having featured this recipe in my last series of "moms in a hurry" for the hindu metroplus...I realise that this was closest to my heart...while I enjoyed writing them all,this one in particular reminds me of very special moments in my life...that of being in the family way ! This year seems to be the year of babies,many cousins and friends of mine are awaiting their own bundle of joy,very soon !A woman, I think, is known as a mom when she introduces her own little being to the world !

These days women work up until their last term of pregnancy leaving very little time to allow themselves to be pampered much to the disdain of their mothers and grandmothers !!!However the practice of plying an expectant mother with special treats continues even today.With that in mind,these little cuppycakes are for those gorgeous women who are awaiting the arrival of their little ones who will make their world an even better place to be in ! Love and hugs to you all ! Welcome to my club...it takes priority over all my other clubs and I'm delighted for you to be a part of 'The mommy club' !

 
Recipe for hazelnut and strawberry cuppycakes

Ingredients

70 g -toasted hazelnuts (almonds are also an option)

170 g butter

3 eggs

140 g Castor sugar

115g self -raising flour

Vanilla essence-1 and 1/2 tsp

Strawberries-10-chopped into bits (just before serving)

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees C

. Line the cupcake tin with paper cases.

 Remove the skin off the toasted hazelnuts by rubbing between the fingers. Chop finely and set aside. Beat together the butter and sugar until pale and creamy.

 Beat in the eggs until well combined. 

 Sift in the flour. Fold in gently.

 Mix in the chopped hazelnuts. 

 With a small spoon, dollop into the paper cases, until half way up.

 Bake until risen and golden, approximately for 10 minutes or until a small skewer inserted comes out    clean. 

Allow to cool. 

Top with a butter cream frosting. Just before serving add the chopped strawberries.

Butter cream frosting

75g soft butter

125g sifted icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla essence

Beat the butter until fluffy,add the icing sugar and vanilla and continue to beat to a firm icing. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle and pipe swirls or just use a flat knife and spread it across

Wine and Cheese

There is something very uplifting about a mid week "girls only" outing.It's not really something you have to do or  even 'need' to but when it happens it's definitely a lot of fun. A "wine and cheese" evening was suggested by a friend and I loved the idea of spending time relaxing and catching up with the others....Like she said 'it's not about the food'....so ,I was all set to put my foodie thoughts aside and focus only on the company and conversation,an equally pleasurable task,if I may add !

Was I in for a surprise...more like delighted amazement.The table looked so beautiful and appetising...'not about the food ??!!' Really ??!!...Accompanied with cranberry juice,pink champagne,proseco and chardonnay and candlelight...it did start off on an unforgettable note.As the conversation flowed more than the spirits did and the topics ranged from politics,to face lifts (of movie stars only!!!)to movies,to children,music and much more,the slow assault on the cheeses began. First to get completely vandalised ,was the goats cheese and we so enjoyed the various pairings with the fruit and the yummy preserves . 

A bit of this ,a dollop of that , a smear of this and a drizzle of that...the action had begun and no one seemed keen to stop...the marinated olives and bites of pineapple and jalapenos...I was in foodie paradise.For me personally,it was just what I needed after a particularly long day,the freshness of the green grapes and lusciousness of the juicy strawberries were so reviving.I did sample some cheeses for the first time ,a red cheese,which had a smoky flavour and a cheese with nettles...interesting,though ,not my favourite ! Gouda,blue cheese,cheddar ,some flavoured,some plain...with little rounds of bread and crackers,loads of laughter in between ,ended on a sweet note with chocolate fondue with berries and cake for dunking...I'd say it was the perfect evening and oh...it "was not about the wine" !!!!

All of these cheeses are available at Godrej Nature basket which is open in the metros.In Coimbatore,we do have quite a good variety available at Nilgiris and Nuts n Spices...except for the goat cheese.
So,my reason for sharing this, is,a relaxed evening with friends can be special without having to slave over a hot stove...although my host did go to a lot of trouble ,as is evident ! It's something to consider,the next time you plan an all girls evening.... iced tea and a variety of mocktails will go great with cheeses too !

Post the cheese attack !

Justice done to the cheese platter !

Apple cinnamon cake

 

Apple cake with a honey glaze

Yummy apple loaf cake

The one thing in abundance in my family are, cake-o-holics or should I call them cake fiends??!! Honestly,one would think they know not any other word other than "CAKE" or any other food for that matter. Mind you,these are not kids I'm talking about,the little ones are more than happy with the odd cupcake treat but ,the grown ups...OH MY GOD !!!!

The leader of the pack is of course,my spouse,who insists that all my culinary interests are only because of his constant encouragement !!!!! (he's right ;PPP...sssh !)
But ,seriously cake ,cake and not just a few slices..the whole cake,if you please. So,enter my loaf tins of many sizes,regular,small and smaller. Genius right ?!!  Actually I'm doing everyone a favour by splitting the batter into many tins,far fewer calories getting ingested,they'll thank me some day,soon, I hope!
Actually,the truth be told, I can never resist a cake request...which is why not  many people have my phone number...lol ! I enjoy making things for friends and family and it really strengthens the bond in relationships when you give,in different ways ! 

Anyone who denies wanting to eat a slice of home made cake is only part human...lol! I mean that's one of life's small pleasures that you should indulge in.Also for me ,the act of mixing batter is so relaxing and usually puts a smile on my face when I think of the person whom I'm making it for.....fill it with love,there lies the secret of a delicious cake :))
 Recipe
100g wholemeal flour (you can use 50g whole wheat.25g ragi flour and 25g soy flour)
 self raising flour-75g
 apples-2
curd- 65ml
butter -115g
cinnamon- 1 1/4tsp
eggs-2
150 g demerrera sugar
honey -3 Tbsp
Method
 Preheat the Oven to 180 degrees C
Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment( or 1 small and 1 medium loaf tins)
Beat butter and sugar until pale and creamy
Add eggs n beat well
Add Cinnamon and curd and mix in
Sift the flours together
Fold the flour in with a turning action...do not overmix, you will get a fairly  thick batter...no need to worry, just make sure that you mix gently,not vigorously and you'll get a  light cake
Spoon half of the batter into tin
Peel,core,slice apples and add a layer of  the fruit on the batter,top with more batter and another layer of apples and continue until batter is done
Bake for 40 mts or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out  clean.
Let it cool for 5 mts before transferring to a plate.
Brush the top with honey or drizzle over to form a light glaze.

Pear and cherry tomato salad

I think as human beings we are constantly fascinated by things tiny. A whole industry thrives on the lure of the cute and small ! Baby corn ,baby carrots,baby spinach...give a totally different appeal to the dish as does the word 'mini' !!! In my family ,tomatoes roasted with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar tops the list in flavours.... So,you can only imagine the loud welcome ,that cherry and pear tomatoes receive ,at our home...sometimes almost a thunderous applause !

I owe my deepest gratitude for this bounty of pear and cherry tomatoes,to the garden of Mrs.Chitra Krishnasamy,the lady with not only a green thumb but with green hands and a heart filled to the brim with the spirit of generosity !She is a true inspiration and is eager to help anyone who wants to follow a healthier life style...you can contact her at...98655 24323.Some of the cherry tomatoes ,I found at Orga foods on Race course.

This simple salad always nourishes our body and soul whenever we eat it. This time however,made with these tomatoes and basil from my back yard,they did indeed taste as if they were cooked for the divine !

Recipe for cherry and pear tomato salad
Cherry tomatoes
Basil leaves-15-folded and sliced length ways
Balsamic vinegar-2 Tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil-2 Tbsp
Salt and freshly cracked pepper
Method
Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees C
Wash the tomatoes well and make a criss cross at the top
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Toss the shredded basil leaves on the top
Mix together gently
Bake/Grill  for 15mts...the tomatoes should still hold their shape,far more appetising that way !