Happy New Year !!

Hello Everyone,

Wishing all of you a fab 2016!! Happy New Year ..muahh :)

Date Brownies!

Hi Everyone,

Cooking and blogging are my greatest stress buster. I love both of these things. And of course...desserts. I can eat only desserts full day :-D. Sharing one of my favourite recipes with you all. Enjoy :)

Date Brownies!

Ingredients:

• 100gm Maida
• 90gm sugar
• 5 tbsp Chocolate Powder
• 1tsp Baking Powder
• 2 Eggs
• 100ml Oil/ Butter
• Vanilla essence
• Sliced dates

Method:

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, except the sugar. In a mixer, add oil/butter and sugar and give it a quick mix. Now add the eggs one by one and mix it for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla essence and pour this wet ingredients over the dry one. Using cut and fold method, mix them together. Now add the sliced dates. Pour them in moulds and bake them for 30 minutes in pressure cooker or for around 25 minutes at 160* deg c.
Tip: To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick in the centre of the brownies. If it comes out clean, they are done. Enjoy warm :)

Paneer Masala Exotica

Hi Everyone,

I have been trying quite a few recipes these days. Whenever I am in doubt or in a hurry, humble Paneer comes to my rescue. Its actually a life saver. There are very few people who do not like Cottage cheese or paneer. If you are one of them, then you can use tofu or soya in this recipe.

Paneer Masala Exotica

Ingredients

• 500gm Paneer
• 2 Tomatoes
• 2 Onions
• 4 Green Chili
• 1inch Ginger grated
• 1tbsp Garlic paste
• 2 Tej Patta
• 5-6 Whole Black Pepper
• 2 Green Cardamom
• 1 Black Cardamom
• 4 pcs Laung
• 1tsp Cinnamon Powder
• 4tbsp Milk
• 1tsp Turmeric powder
• 2tsp kitchen king/all spice powder
• Salt & Black Pepper : As per Taste
• Coriander for garnishing

Method: 

1. Put small slits on the tomatoes and put them in boiling water till the skin starts to remove slightly.
2. Put the tomatoes in cool water for 5 minutes and then remove the skin.
3. In a pan, put 2 tbsp oil. Fry tej patta, green & black cardamom, laung and whole black pepper.
4. Once the crackling sound starts, add grated onions. 
5. After a minute or so, add ginger and garlic. 
6. Saute them till the onions turn slightly golden.
7. Now add the boiled tomatoes. I prefer to remove the seeds too. Also, add green chili.
8. Cook for 5 minutes and then add Turmeric powder, black pepper, salt, all spice or kitchen king powder.
9. Once the raw smell is gone, add warm water according to the required consistency. 
10. Bring it to a boil and then add Paneer and cook it on low heat for 5 minutes.
11. Now add milk and cinnamon powder and again cook it for 5 minutes or till the gravy is of required thickness.
12. Garnish it with fresh coriander. You can also garnish it with browned onions and ginger.
13. Serve hot and enjoy with hot phulkas :)

Aam Ki Chutney

Hey Everyone,
I am very happy today. We have grown to 500(members) . Thank you all for showering your love :)
Today's recipe is not by me. It's from my dear husband :-D. Do try it!!

AAM KI CHUTNEY

Ingredients :

• Grated Raw mango 1/2kg
• Sugar 1small cup
• Methi Seeds 1/2tbsp
• Red chilli powder 1/2tbsp
• Salt 1/2tbsp
• Saunf/ Fennel seeds 1/2tbsp
• Kalonji 1/2tbsp
• Cooking oil 1tbsp

Method

1. Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Add methi dana and cook on high flame till it becomes brown.
2. Add grated raw mango and mix. Cook on low flame now.
3. Now add all of the ingredients except sugar and mix them properly. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Now add sugar & keep on stirring (medium flame). Cook it for 5 minutes. Remember to stir it continuously.
5. Once it gets thick, turn off the heat. Let it cool. For few hours.
6. Refrigerate it so that it becomes nice & cool.
7. Serve with paranthas, roti or have it as it is :)

Vegetable Biryani!

Hi All,
Sharing a quick yet yummy recipe today. My favourite : Vegetable Biryani
Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice
• Diced Tomato -2
• Sliced Onion- 1
• Ginger Chopped – 1tsp
• Cauliflower – 1small cup
• Boiled Peas
• Boiled & Diced Carrot & Beans
• Cinnamon Stick – 1/2inch
• Black Cardamom – 1
• Bay Leaf – 1
• Black peppercorns – few
• Green Chillies -2
• Dry Spices : Salt, Red Chilli, Turmeric, Biryani Masala
• Oil for Frying

Method :

1. Soak a glass of Basmati rice In water for atleast half an hour. Keep aside.
2. In a deep pan, put black cardamom, peppercorns & bayleaf.
3. Once the crackling sound starts, add onions & fry for 2 minutes.
4. Then add ginger & fry till the onions are slightly brown.
5. Add tomatoes to it.
6. After a minute, add all the vegetables to the pan & chopped green chillies.
7. Add salt,red chilli powder, turmeric powder as per taste.
8. Now add the rice & water (twice of rice).
9. Now add a tbsp. of biryani masala.
10. Cook on high flame for a minute then on medium flame with the lid on till the water is absorbed & rice is cooked.
11. Serve hot with nice bowl of vegetable curd :)

Vegetable Samosa Recipe

Hello Everyone,

I know its been a long time since my last post! But I promise that I am gonna be regular now :-D
               Well, today's recipe is any Indian's favourite. But with a twist.!! I thought, why not to re-invent the traditional Indian snack. So here it is :)

Vegetable Samosa

Ingredients:
Wheat flour (Atta)
Refined flour (Maida)
Ajwain
Oil
Water
Salt
Filling:
Boiled & diced carrots - 2tbsp
Boiled peas                   - 2tbsp
Grated cauliflower        - One cup
Chopped ginger             - 1tbsp
Salt                                 - as per taste
Black pepper                   - as per taste
Diced green chillies        -2
Chopped Coriander leaves
Pinch of Dry mango powder (amchur)- Half a tsp

Method:
Take all the ingredients for the filling together & mix them. Keep it aside. Now for the samosa cover, take 3/4th cup refined flour & 1/4th cup wheat flour. To this, add a pinch of salt. Mix together & add 1tsp ajwain. Now add 2tbsp oil & enough water to knead it. The dough should be slightly tight. Knead it properly for 5minutes. Then let it rest for 15minutes.
Now, take a small ball of this dough & pat it flat. Fill enough filling inside the dough & wrap carefully forming a triangle. Or any other desired shape! Seal the edges with a drop of water.
Deep fry these yummy samosas till golden brown.
Enjoy them with yumm Mint chutney & a cup of masala tea :)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Hello Everyone,

Have a yummy Valentine's Day!!!

Apple Kheer Recipe

Hello Everyone,

Festival season is here. Everyone loves to eat sweets. Sharing this beautiful recipe which is perfect for weight watchers. Enjoy :)

****Apple Kheer****

Ingredients:

• Apples 2 medium
• Milk 5 cups
• Sugar 1/2 cup (optional)
• Green cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon
• Almonds 6 – 8
• Pistachios 6 – 8

Method:

Bring milk to a boil in a thick bottom pan and simmer till it thickens. Thickly grate peeled apples. Heat a pan, add some ghee & the grated apples and cook on medium heat. Add sugar and mix till sugar melts. Continue to cook till most of the moisture evaporates. Add some of the reduced milk and cook. As the mixture thickens add the remaining milk and cook till the kheer thickens some more. Add green cardamom powder, almonds and pistachios and continue to cook till the kheer thickens to the desired consistency. Let it Cool… Enjoy :D

img: Google

Cheers for 200!!

Hey Everyone,

We are now a family of 200 food lovers. Thank you everyone for being a part of Chocolates Paradise!! Cheers :)

Happy Lohri!!

Happy Lohri Everyone :)

Nutty Marshmallows

Hello Everyone,

Today's recipe is a Children's favourite.

Nutty Marshmallows

img : google pics

Ingredients:

• Marshmallows
• Cooking chocolate( either dark or white)
• Mixed crushed nuts
• Toothpicks

Method:

1. Dry roast the mixed nuts. Crush them slightly.
2. Microwave the cooking chocolate until it melts.
3. Stick a toothpick on one side of the marshmallow and dip it in the melted chocolate.
4. Spread the nuts in a sheet. Cover the dipped marshmallows with the roasted nuts.
5. Allow it to cool for 30 minutes or more.
6. Happy eating 

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone :)

My fab Starbucks !!

Hello Everyone,

Cool Weather, lovely evenings, freshly made cakes, nicely brewed coffee & friends.. What a deadly combo, isn’t it!! I visited the Starbucks India cafe recently and was so thrilled to see the Christmas Decorations all over the place. The service was quick & friendly, & the latest Christmas Coffee…hmm yummmm. Do try out all the Christmas goodies. Here are some pics to cherish :)

Christmas Special Fruit Cake Recipe

Hello Everyone,
My favourite time of the year is finally here...Love everything about Christmas..the carols, the goodies, decorations, smiles, warmth of people and what not. Sharing my famous Christmas Special recipe with you all. Enjoy :)

**** Christmas Special Fruit Cake****

Ingredients :

• 1 cup (210 grams) light brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
• 1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups (250 grams) raisins
• 2  eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups (195 grams)  refined flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (175 grams) candied fruits/tutti fruity

Img Crtsy: Google

Method :
Butter the pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). In a large saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil the sugar, water, butter, spices, and raisins. Boil for five minutes, remove from heat, and let it cool till lukewarm. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs, flour, baking soda, vanilla extract and candied fruit. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Enjoy 

Chicken Clear Soup

Hi Everyone,

OMG..I just cant stand winters! I actually need a nice hot bowl of soup everyday to keep myself warm. Sharing a simple yet yummylicious soup recipe with you all :)

Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 5-6 Chicken pieces
• 1 Carrot sliced
• 1 tsp ginger 
• 1 tsp garlic
• 3-4 Black peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• a pinch of cinnamon
• Spring onion green part- garnishing

source

Method :

In a pressure cooker, add 5-6 cups of water. Add chopped ginger , garlic, diced carrot, cinnamon, peppercorns and salt. Wash the chicken pieces and add it in the water. Now pressure cook it on high flame till one whistle. Then slow it and cook it for 10 more minutes or till the chicken is cooked properly. Once its cooked, serve it in a nice bowl. Garnish it with little greens of spring onion!! Enjoy the hot soup on this cold season :-D

Paneer do Pyaza

Hello Everyone,

Today's recipe is my all time favourite food. It is normally served with roti or flat bread. Also, it can be used as the stuffing for the wraps! Hope you will enjoy this :)

  ****Paneer do Pyaza ****

Ingredients

• Paneer (cottage cheese) 500 grams
• Onions 4 medium
• Oil 4 tablespoons
• Cumin seeds 1 tablespoon
• Green cardamoms,crushed 5
• Garlic paste 1 tablespoon
• Ginger paste 1 tablespoon
• Tomatoes,chopped 2 medium
• Tomato puree 1/4 cup
• Turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander powder 2 tablespoons
• Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon
• Red chilli powder 1 teaspoon
• Fresh cream 1/4 cup
• Salt to taste
• Garam masala powder 1 teaspoon
• Fried onions 1/2 cup

Method:

1. Heat a deep non-stick pan and add 2 tablespoons oil.
2. Halve 2 onions.Heat 2 tablespoons oil in another non-stick pan and add these big onion pieces to it.
3. Add cumin seeds, green cardamoms and 2 sliced onions to the oil in the deep pan. Sauté till onions turn golden.
4. Cut paneer into 2 inch triangles. Sauté and toss the big onion layers till golden and take off the heat.
5. Add garlic paste and ginger paste to onions in the deep pan. Sauté and add 2 tablespoons water. Mix well.
6. Add tomatoes and tomato puree and mix.
7. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and red chilli powder. Mix well and cook till oil separates.
8. Add paneer triangles and mix well with the masala. Add cream and mix well.
9. Add salt and mix again. Add garam masala powder, the big browned onion pieces and ½ cup fried onions. Mix everything together lightly. Serve and enjoy :)