Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Rambling of thoughts with- Chocolate Eclairs



My thoughts have no boundaries. Call me dreamy, crazy, thoughtful, contemplative even broody or stupid anything....my brain works overtime... anytime. While sleeping its more fun, my dreams are all about whats in my mind. I can see my thoughts playing real roles in life and that to in colors. Sometimes thoughts brings back all beautiful moments from the past or even makes present colorful and bright thinking about future.
One day while thinking, God knows what.. all I want to eat was Chocolate Eclairs. I remembered how mommy surprised me one evening with my favourite Chocolate Eclairs from my favourite bakery. M was not there and no bakery in the perimeters of my home. The desire was so strong, I googled and Bon Appétit.
First I was really scared with all those fancy names but truth is, if u have a knack for cooking slowly things become easy for u.
I tried and result was very satisfying for me.

CHOCOLATE ECLAIRS
(Courtesy Videojug-- Thank u very much)
for the choux pastry
6 ¾ fl oz water
4 1⁄3 oz butter
1 cups (½ pint) flour
5 eggs
a pinch of salt

for the pastry cream
17 fl oz cream
8 ¾ oz sugar

for chocolate topping
5 1⁄3 oz cooking chocolate
2 1⁄8 oz butter


Boil the water and butter
Place the small pan on a medium heat. Add the water, spoon in the butter, add the salt and bring to the boil.
Preheat oven Set the oven to 375ºF.
Make choux dough
Once boiling, add the flour to the pan of water and stir well with your wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough. Then set aside to cool.
Make the pastry cream
Begin by adding the cream and sugar into the large bowl. Whisk it continuously until the cream starts to form stiff peaks. Cover the bowl with cling film and place into the fridge until you need to use it.
When the pastry has cooled down add in one egg and thoroughly combine using your wooden spoon, then continue to add all the eggs one by one until the dough has formed a smooth, elastic appearance.
Transfer dough into piping bag. Cover the baking tray with a piece of greaseproof paper and pipe the pastry dough into roughly 3cm wide and 15cm long, log shaped cylinders. (I made smaller) They are now ready to bake.
Place the baking tray into the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Make the chocolate sauce
Whilst the pastry is cooking we can melt the chocolate, so place a pan on a low heat and cover with the bowl of chocolate and butter. Allow to melt slowly.
When cooked remove the cooked eclairs from the oven and allow to cool.
When cooled, slice the length of each of the eclairs with a sharp knife and make a slight opening. Then with a spoon fill all the eclairs with the cream.
With a spoon, dribble the melted chocolate length ways over each eclair and leave them to cool. You could even pop them in the fridge.
Serve these mouth-watering eclairs for dessert or as a special treat

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Happy 2010

There can be two things that kept me away from my dear blog, either I was very busy or being lazy all the time. Well, I would like to believe "I was busy" because though I was not blogging, I was actively cooking for my family. And I do have a proof......
Busy is synonym to "Life" If you are busy that means you are having life (Though sometimes I think when I'm not doing anything I'm alive and believe me having a "good life") How many times busy means Serious Work. Busy means busy with your work or busy in looking what others are busy in....must say busy job. Busy means busy with your family or busy in looking hot and trying hard to be on Page 3 so that everybody knows you are busy. Busy in cooking or busy in making excuses Oh! I can't cook today....
So friends, even I was under the influence of these four letters but I must confess still had time to drink tea while watching opera, talking to my good friends, napping in a cosy comforter, playing with my son and most important (thanks to vonage) talking to my mother everyday.
I was and still is very busy and for me, That's life

This time we had early snow means "cold days" means "less sunlight" means "short days" means "most of the time at home" means "cranky kids". So winter automatically means extra work and time with kids to make them busy and comfortable at home.
That's a busy job,right.
After all busiest days, I did get time to do things not so important (well, its a waste of time when you can get it ready made in stores or restaurants) But believe me, I like to be busy in such jobs than some other popular and busy jobs.
Well, I'm leaving this topic at this point because there is no end to it. Lets talk and see, what I did in all these months.

This is the cake I baked for my son's 3rd Birthday. I am still on my initial learning curve ....long way to go.....

Thanks to my husband for sweetly taking away some of my chores like writing on the cake.
Thank you, Dear.


And, Thank you for making 14th Feb extra fragrant and colorful.

I love flowers but still waiting for my gift, Dear. In Love

Thank You

Holi is around the corner and I am ready for it. (We'll talk about holi in my next post)
What I missed was Shivratri. I am from north India and there we fast whole day and later in the evening after pooja we eat "palahar" means food without any cereal, garlic, onion, haldi. We use few spices, Kuttu flour, potatoes (few vegetables) and very popular saboodana.
I made Kottu ki pakodi, Saboodana Khichadi and Aloo raita


This mail is going on and on and on.....I have still lots to talk about, so I save it for the next mail and give u guys less headache.
A very very happy new year to u guys . May you have a healthy, wealthy, funny, sunny New Year.


Friday, November 6, 2009

Halloween 2009

Now that our festival season is over but the festivity is still all around. That's one big advantage of living in US. As we say, goodbye see u next year .. to Diwali, same time look forward excitedly for Halloween night trick or treat, planning for Thanksgiving dinner and shopping, shopping, shopping on black Friday, Christmas eve party and lastly New year eve.

Wow...But today lets talk about Halloween.
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated on October 31 every year in US. Its a spooky, funky, sweet holiday because of all the candies and chocolates and cupcakes and cookies baked for the day.
I made these Cupcakes on Halloween for Maanav and his friends in our block.

These are Carrot cupcakes with whipped cream frosting.

I even tried my hands in Thumbprint Cookies. Thanks to this blog world for sharing wonderful recipes. These are Chocolate thumbprint cookies and Lemon curd thumbprint cookies.
We preferred Lemon curd, they comes out really good.



These cookies are really fun to bake. I'm not sharing the recipe coz this place is full of beautiful recipes if you still need, let me know I'll be happy to do it.

These cookies are Coconut Macadamias cookies and reallllly delicious. Anyways anything with coconut is really delicious for me. But it tastes like our Indian coconut cookies.


Saving for last, this is my first log cake I baked and decorated. The filling I used was vanilla whipped cream with strawberry and walnut.

Decorating any cakes is always a nice experience, its fun to explore, try new techniques and at last feeling of contentment when your family and friends enjoy eating it.
So this is the story of my Halloween waiting to hear from you guys!!...

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Celebrating my triumph on Diwali.


Diwali, festival of light, signifies the triumphs of good over evil, light over darkness, triumph of love, sacrifice and faith.
Diwali 2009 marks my triumph over fear of making Gulab Jamun. Archana this post is dedicated to you as you motivated me that day to make GJ. You know the whole story, how I started, how many I spoiled, how many times I disappointed.
For my friends, the story behind this is - I used to make GJ in India with fresh Khoya and all required help from my mother. Gits and MTR are very popular here(US) for making GJ. They give quick tasty results. So, many times I tried these brands but the end results were always pimply, ugly, amorphous "Thing" which tastes like GJ if you eat them with eyes closed. I used to envy those good looking pictures of GJ posed by my friends and wondered how they manage to get this even nice shape and texture.
My son loves GJ or "Jamoon" as he lovingly asks me every time to eat. Keeping his demands in my mind I tried and really really glad with the results.
I used Gits but also added 1/2 cup of fresh khoya and 1 tsp of maida in it. (just to increase the Quantity).
Although Diwali 2009 is over but the festive fun and food still lingers in our mind and refrigirator.
Hope You had a wonderful Diwali.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Happy Karwachauth...


Hi Friends,
Better late than never, I know its almost a week now, but I still want to know 'How was your Karwachauth friends' ??
First of all "Thank You" to my Dear friend Sejal for this Marvellous Mehandi. Thank u Sejal, Sorry for the color, it did came out dark but I can't avoid my hands in water for long so after 24 hours, after all house chores(Thank u US) I was able to retain that much of color.
My Karwachauth was very busy, I wore this black and red sari with matching bangals and bindi. (In US wearing sari is so occasional) Whenever I watch this TV Show "yeh rishta kya kehlata hai" I love watching colorful saris, ethnic jewellery, bangles and bindis. No wonder that's my no 1 reason to watch that show.
Food on KC was very ethnic baniya style, I made Aloo Matar, Kattha mitha Petha(pumpkin), Boondi ka raita, mooli ka lachha, puri and our family's favourite Pude.

Sorry guys, after a long day, no formal table-setting just "Attack".
So food was good but what really able to get wow from my hubby dear was, saving for last sabodane ki kheer.

Sabudana Kheer

1/4 cup Sabodana
2 1/2 cup Milk
1/2 cup Sugar
saffron and Cardamom
Pistachios and grated coconut

Wash the sabudana and soak it overnight in a water to the level of sabodana.
Pour the milk into a wide and thick pan and give it a boil.
Add sugar and cardamom and turn the heat to medium. Stir every now and then to avoid sticking it at bottom. Add the sabudana slowly into the pan.
Add saffron and keep stirring occasionally. Boil it on medium heat until the sabudana's are swollen and translucent.
Add the pistachios. Serve hot or cold.
Really simple to make but too delicious to eat. Can serve cold with fruits of your choice too.

Happy sweet ending for this romantic looooong day!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Chocolate Cupcakes dedicated to a Friend.

Hi Sangi,

Thank u very much for all the awards. This post as promised is dedicated to u. I hope things are fine at your end. We your blogger friends are waiting for you and your spicy chatpati post.

Come back soon...

Thank U Sangi.


For Considering my blog,


and showering me with all these beautiful awards.



Now the tag time...

What is your current obsession?
Baking

What are you wearing today?
Blue top and denim capris.

What's for dinner?
No Idea...

What is the last thing you brought?
Grossery

What are you listening to right now?
Moment of bliss, nth.

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
Simple, lovable, friendly, creative.. who cooks delicious food thats why known as Simply...Delicious.

If you have a house totally paid for,fully furnished any where in the world,where would you like it to be?
Seaside Penthouse.

What are your must have pieces for summer?
Sunscreen, white cotton clothes, lots of water.

Which language you want to learn?
French.

Who do u want to meet now?
Now....my hubby, nice weather we can go out for a nice drive.

What is your favourite colour?
Green

What do you try to cook when you have cooking blues(when you feel real lazy to cook something)?
Cook stories about the restaurent so that we can go out and eat there.

What are the cosmetics/make-up/perfumes that you can't live without?
Kajal Pencil

What is your favourite piece of clothing in your own closet?
Actually all my saaris.

If you had $100 now,what would you spend it on?
Mac cosmetics

Who are your style icons?
None

Describe your personal style?
Can't say my personal but I appreciate simple yet classy.

What are your favourite movies?
Favourite none but I enjoyed watching many of them.

Give us three styling tips that always work for you?
Nth for sure.

Coffe or tea?
Adrak ki chai

What inspires you?
Success.

Which other blogs you love visiting?
List is long...this place is full of best of the best.

Favourite dessert/sweet?
Gulab Jamun, rasmalai, rasgulla, gajar ka halwa, jalebi.........

Favourite season?
In US Spring and Fall

Which is your dream destination?
Comforts of home.

Which is your favourite international cuisine?
Italian

Who is your favourite singer?
Asha Bhonsle
Thank u Sangi for tagging and showering me with all these awards.

Now it's time for the recipe of the day....

Chocolate Cupcakes with vanilla ButterCream Frosting

Original recipe from Cupcakes Creations


5 oz Butter - softened
5 oz superfine (castor) sugar I used lesser suitable for my palate.
6 oz (175g)self-raising flour
3 eggs
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to moderate 350F.
Line 12 CC pan with paper cases.
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs. Sift flour and cocoa and fold into butter mixture alternately with milk. Drop spoonfuls of mixture into prepared paper cases. Bake for 20 min or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans.


Vanilla ButterCream Frosting
5 oz butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract (not synthetic vanilla)
1 C icing/confectioner's sugar
2 tbsp milk

Beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add vanilla and 2 tbsp of milk. Beat until smooth and creamy. Pipped it on cupcakes and decorate them ur way.

Sure thing tastes yummy....if dieting forget about it for few minutes.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Home-Style Palak Paneer and an Award!!


PALAK PANEER

This palak paneer recipe is a typical home style recipe with basic ingredients and very important lal mirch ka tadka (red chilli tempering) before serving. Red chilli should be coarsely grinded for more taste. (My mother still believes in grinding all the masalas at home) They gives more taste and color.
Ingredients-
1 bunch chopped spinach (palak)
1 cup paneer cubes
2 tbsp oil + 2 tsp ghee
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp sweet corn flour (makai ka aata)
3/4 cup yogart (or cream, if you wish)
Salt to taste
2 Green Chillies- finely chopped
1 tsp chopped Ginger
1 small onion - finely chopped
2 small tomatoes - finely chopped
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp chilli powder (or to taste)
1/2 tsp garam masala

Heat 2 tbsps of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and stir-fry paneer till golden. Remove and drain on paper towels. Keep aside. Cook spinach with little water until all soft and grind it in a grinder. ( Basically in old times spinach was roughly mashed with spatula instead of grinding in a grinder) Heat oil in a pan, add onions, green chillies and ginger. Fry onions till soft and light brown. Add tomatoes and fry until soft and pulpy. Add all masalas (turmeric pd, corriander pd, cumin pd, garam masala and salt) Fry for 30 seconds and add grinded spinach in it. Mix it well and give it a boil. Mix maize flour and yogart and add it in a spinach. Mix it well and cook till you can see oil on the surface. Now add fried paneer cubes cook another 2 minutes and palak paneer is ready to eat. Do not forget to temper palak paneer with desi ghee and red chillies before serving.
(It was really difficult to type this post while helping my son reading new words, green, frog, peas, pear....gosh sorry for the mistakes.)

Now comes the important news........horray got an award !!!!!



Thank U Bergamot and Jyoti , for considering my blog "Kreativ" and sharing this award with me. Thank U very much. Its always nice to get an award, like presents on your birthday.
Every award comes with its own rules. So lets check out terms and conditions of this award.

Terms & Conditions : 1. You must thank the person who has given you the award. 2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog. 3. Link to the person who has nominated you for the award. 4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting. 5. Nominate 7 other Kreativ Blogger. 6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate. 7. Leave a comment on which of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated.

Rotating Thank You Graphic Thank U Bergamot and Jyoti for passing this award to my blog. Thank You very much.

1. I wish if I can have a list of things that people might find interesting in me but there is definitely many things that i find interesting in others. Ooops count as 1.

2. I'm not stingy in appreciating what I like, can be beauty, recipe, art, craft, idea...anything. And I really like this quality in others too. Right this is 2.

3. I like cooking, and most of the time it is not a chore to me.

4. I like inviting people for lunch and dinners but what is more interesting is they think I'm Crazy,and ask me from where I get the time to cook with one Kid. Welcome to blog sphere and discover yourself its not just me.

5. I have a thing for empty glass bottles. It's weird but I always wash and keep them and forget about them when in need.

6. I'm not blindly religious but always wanted to follow all the customs and traditions away from home in US.

7. After 5 years of my marriage either I don't cook at all or if I cook, I still cook for my husband with same love and concern for his likeness. Do I need to prove.....blushing....

Now comes the nominations. There are many blogs I like and appreciate for their creative works. But I'm sure they already got this award long before.

Purva's Daawat
Simply Delicious
Daily Meals
Red Chillies
Archy's Recipes
Mom's Recipes
Enjoy Indian Food

Congratulations, and getting award second or third time still not bad you guys deserve more...

P.S- Thank You very much Sangi for the awards, next post is all about your tag, awards and a recipe dedicated for you.