Thursday, September 28, 2017

Cream Cheese Swirled Red Velvet Brownie

Red Velvet Brownie

Bite Sized Red Velvet Brownies

This version of red velvet brownie has the characteristic features of red velvet cake and brownie. It's rich, dense and  this cake mingles the flavors of cream cheese along with the dominant chocolate flavor.

Typically it's cut into square shape. When its cut into heart shapes, it would a perfect gift during valentine's day or it could be gifted during Christmas season.

Ingredients

Butter                                 113 gms  ( ½ cup)
Sugar                                 1 cup
Vanilla                                1 tsp
Cocoa                                 ¼ cup
Salt a pinch
Red Color                           1 tbsp
Vinegar                               1 tsp
Eggs                                    2
Flour                                    ¾ cup
Walnut                                 ¼ cup

Cream cheese Layer

Cream cheese      1 cup   
Sugar                      ¼ cup
Egg                        1
Vanilla essence        1/8 tsp

Steps:

1. Melt butter and and transfer to bowl
2. Add sugar, vanilla, cocoa, salt color and vinegar in that order
3. Whisk the egg in a bowl and stir into cocoa mix
4. Fold the flour gently and stir in walnuts
5. Pour the batter in the pan by saving ¼ cup

Cream Cheese
1. Blend together cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla in a bowl.
2. Gently spread the cream cheese layer on top of the brownie batter in the pan.
3. Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese.
4. Using  a skewer or knife drag the tip through the cream cheese mixture to create a swirl pattern
5. Bake the brownies for 30 mts in 180 degree.

 Try this recipe, or make some innovation to this recipe and let me see your finished goodies in the comments box._

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Baking Ingredients and Baking Accessory Shop in Indira Nagar

Looking for baking supplies and baking ingredients in Indira Nagar or Domlur locality in Bangalore?

Here are the shops in this locality where I keep buying my baking related items and ingredients.

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List of of shops:

Lakshika Traders
Lakshika Traders 
Lakshika have assorted variety of tins, and trays for your baking needs!

  1. Icing sugar
  2. Dry and wet yeast
  3. Cake Packing box ( 7, 9 inch, etc)
  4. Fondant cutters
  5. Bread box
  6. Cupcake liners
  7. Whipping Cream ( Tropolite)
  8. Slip Pat
  9. Dry fruits
  10. Baking tins
  11. Bake and serve baking liners
  12. Cake stand
  13. Measuring Cups and spoons
  14. Coca powder ( loose)
  15. Sprinklers
  16. Edible Photo Print ( Call and mail to   

Contact person: Mr Suresh  Mobile # 9986017826

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Nature's Basket at CMH Road
Cream Cheese at Nature's Basket Indira Nagar
1) Cream Cheese
2) Spices and herbs
3) Pasta

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M K Retail ( CMH Road), Indira Nagar


MK Retail at CMH Road
Baking Accessories at MK Retail

1. Tins and Trays
2. Fondant modeling tool kit
3. Cookie cutters
4. Icing nozzles
5. Essence, castor sugar, demerag sugar
6. Canned Cheery and Pineapple
7. Cupcake liners
8. Britannia Cream Cheese
9. Kulfi mold

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Rich Palette and Seafood Delicacies of Kerala

Appam and Stew and more
Online Fish Curry Lessons
If you ask me what's t my fav of all Kerala dishes, the it's not going to one answer. With so much variety in food brought in by different influences and culture, Kerala's food platette is as diverse as the people.

Kerala culinary spread will take anyone through the diverse food taste which are in all forms and flavors. The wide choice are a plenty - from fish varieties, meat dishes, vegetables, dessert (payasam) and unique snacks.

From Austria with Love

I always love to write letters and receive letters. We have lost that art now.
Two days back the postman knocked at my door and handed over a cover and it says from Austria. I was surprised to receive a letter from Claudia Mitterer who had come to me around 3 years back for Indian cooking class. Had a lovely two days cooking class with her along with her husband. Stefan owns a bakery in Austria and was checking with them about the Breads they bake.
Now the letter which I received from them is something which I will cherish my whole life . They have remembered me so well that I was touched by her words and was close to tears when I read it.
I also received lot of notes with regard to bread baking which for sure will make me improve myself.

Thanks for the cookie cutter too!
Love to both of you

Letter and Cookie Cutter
From Austria with Love

Monday, September 25, 2017

To Fish With Love

Every fish curry has a story to tell. Well, a story about the fish, the catch, it's journey and the hands that made it.

When I landed in Bangalore from Hyderabad, I was never a fish lover. I was more at home with rice and pappu charu or just a coconut chamandi, white rice and omelette.

But then, things slowly began to change after I tied the nuptial knot with a fishy person who's hell bend on having fish everyday irrespective of the time. Well, fishy is the least I can call this maverick who wants fish for breakfast to dinner. Here an earlier post on sardine cleaning which he does without any complain, neither do I have.

At first I found it odd, a bit repulsive of fish smell early in the morning....but as most things in life, we get conditioned. So, I too fell into the fishy way of life.

In some time, I too started liking fish, especially sea fish. Initially I didn't know if the fish is fresh but now I know from the bite if the fish cooked is fresh or not. Though, I'm still a novice when it comes to buying fish from the market, I'm now a more seasoned fish eater. Also, I have learned many a tricks and tips on making Kerala style fish curries!

Fish Molly made on a traditional clay pot 

Ladies Selling dried fish in front of Nagapattanam Railway station

What about fish can kappa?

Fish at Kumarapuram junction, Trivandrum

Fish molly and bread ( aahh)

Sear fish in coconut gravy ( Ecstasy for Keralites)

Boiled rice, two fish curry and moru curry 
Fish Ready

It's Ayala ( Mackeral)

Happy Feet Macaron


French Macaron at Trivandrum
Ask anyone who've tried making French Macaron about their first attempts.... Well, there's are many a reason this this tricky recipe can go wrong, esp on the first or the second attempt. When I learned French Macaron, I came back with all the confidence to crack it in the first attempt. But, it took me many, many more attempts to see sight of feet and prefect looking ones. 

These are the problems many face in the making process

No feet forming 
Not getting stiff peak consistency
Batter goes runny
Crack on the shell
Hollow shell 


Btw, what problems did you face? And let me know how you overcame?

Here're few things I learned in the process. One is about checking the temperature inside the oven. I keep an oven thermometer to constantly keep an eye on the heat. Too much or too less is one reason to make it go wrong. Btw don't always believe on what you see on the dial of your OTG.

Apart from this, here's a good resource on French Macaron troubleshooting. Check it out!

Sun Drying Baking Pans

What's left after a baking class?

Dozens of baking tins, spatulas, and many many measuring spoons and cups. The main work behind each class is not the session, it's the pre and post class works.  All the baking tutors know about this and has a one point of time done a lot of washing, and drying.

This is the pic of my backyard where all the baking tins are kept for sun drying. I would like to see and know how you manage to clean the mess after the class.

'
Backyard in Trivandrum ( Baking tray, bowl and tins)

Floral Delight Trivandrum

Arranging flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day - like saying a prayer. #happymonday .
Picked up some flowers,leaves, stones and twigs from #mygarden and made a wild flower arrangement. #flowerarrangement
Leaves, ivy and bloom from the backyard 

All set - Lilly, roses, filler flowers 

At work 

Three arrangement Taught in the Class

Flower arrangement is both an art and a science.

Whether you want to arrange flowers at home or for a party, this class will give you a great foundation on the technical tricks of flower arranging as well as composition, color, and design.

This class will cover the basics of floral design, and the technical tricks of flower arranging and conditioning. Also, You’ll also learn the underpinnings of great floral design including color, symmetry, composition and design.

You’ll make three types arrangment in the class -
1. Mass arrangement
2. Shallow
3. Tall arrangment

The class will also cover the basics like the shops to buy, how to select the right flowes, flower cutting and tricks for helping them last longer.

Carry home the must-know tips and don’t miss the tips for prolonging the life of your flowers with pre-arranging treatments.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Flavors of North Indian Cooking

You have to be confident in who you are and what you're doing. Of course, you try to evolve.
I would never tell you, 'Today is the best I will ever be.' I'm always trying to be a better trainer, a better person.
After the Indian Cooking Lessons 

Melissa from Minnesota came down to Bangalore and want to learn more about the Indian spices, and ingredients used in Indian cooking. As she had prior knowledge of cooking, it was relatively easy and fun taking her through the recipe and process.

Any classes I take is not just about sharing my knowledge, but it's always learning many things about their cuisine, taste and learning from them.

I also learned few knife skills from her, as she had learned while studying at Le Cordon Bleu.

Loved teaching her.

Friday, September 22, 2017

Baking Classes at Trivandrum - July 2017

Baking is one of my many hobbies. I was originally introduced to baking as a child by my grandmother. I continued to bake for friends and family throughout the years for special occasions. I began to create themed cake after receiving continued requests from a lot of my friend and now I love this Journey.

23 days of workshop at Trivandrum was a wonderful journey with my intern Dhanya. She is passionate about baking and loves her work, she left her full time job at IBM and started her journey of passion. Wishing her all the best!! A big thanks to Sindu who helped me to run the show. Looking forward to work with many more inters and trainees in the coming months.

This workshop I started a new session which is flower arrangements. Buying professional bouquets can be expensive, but nothing brings a house to life like fresh flowers And although it can sound tricky, arranging flowers is a skill that’s simple to pick up on. I had a beautifull lovely session with flower arrangement on basic with one student, was so happy and thrilled about the whole thing, looking forward to do more of flower arrangement classes.

Once again Thankyou Trivandrum City for the response to my classes. A big hug and thanks to all the students who had turned up for different classes. Looking forward to your bakes and see you all soon on 19th August 2017 for more fun and bakes.
Bakes in Trivandrum

Cake Class For Trivandrum ( Click on the link for class schedule)

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Restaurants Serving Onam Sadhya in Bangalore 2017

 Onam Ashamsakal to all  ...

Another Onam has come! It's time to dress up in Onam kodi, prepare Onam Sadhya or meetup with relatives and friends. Sadly, for most people living in Bangalore, Thiru Onam is another work day. We hardly buy special clothes for Onam, as we have the habit of virtual shopping. And sadhya is mostly from a near by a Kerala hotel.


List of  restaurants serving onam sadhya in Bangalore

Ente Keralam - Onam Special
Onam Spread at Ente Keralam
Feast your senses with a massive spread of 27 traditional dishes from Ente Keralam.
Your Onam Sadhya can't get any better!

Ente Keralam
No: 12/1, Ulsoor Road, Ulsoor,
Bangalore – 560 008
Tel: +91 7846830749 / 080-41133707
Timing 

Onam Sadhya at Shaap

Happy Onam from Shappy People 
Location: Koramangala and at Indira Nagar
Onam Sadya at Rs 400

At Indira Nagar
1010, 13th Main Rd,
HAL 2nd Stage,
Doopanahalli,
Indiranagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 56000

At Koramangala
487,1st A Cross Rd, Opp Krishna Temple, 5th Block, Koramangala
Bangalore, India 560095
Highlights info row image
080 4153 0004
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The Paul, Bangalore

139/28 Domlur Layout, Off Intermediate Ring Road,
Bangalore, India 560071

Onam Sadhya is served in this time slots:

12:AM  to 1:PM
1;15 PM to 2:15 PM
2: 30 PM to 3:30PM
Rates Rs 1,700 ( Tax inclusive)
For reservation: Ph# 080 4047 7777
Sadhya Date: 4/9/17

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Salt Mango Tree
Located at Indira Nagar and Whitefield
Salt Mango Tree


Sadya Treat at Salt Mango Tree

Onam Sadhya at Rs 445 only from 1 to 3rd
on Thiruonam day (Sept 4) it's Rs 545

Takeaway kit of Onam Sadhya at Rs 675
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Coconut Groove at Church Street

Coconut Groove 
Coconut Grove
86, Spencers Building, Church Street
Bangalore, India 560001
Highlights info row image
080 2559 6262

The GRAND ONAM SADYA at Coconut Grove, Church St. encapsulates a fragrant and lavish Onam lunch rich with authentic kerala flavours in an assortment of 28 vegetarian Malabar delicacies offering a range of sweet, spice and everything nice! Come celebrate Onam with us on Monday, the 4th of September and let us be proud hosts of your Onam Sadya lunch!



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Onam Sadya at Aju's Cafe

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Friday, September 1, 2017

Restaurants and Home Chefs Selling Onam Sadhya in Trivandrum 2017

Onam is back with it's usual fervor. So, what does Onam mean to you - year after year. Do you see it in the same way you experienced it a year back or a decade back? Is it getting blatantly commercial as I hear all kinds of Onam offers in FM radio stations.

New Era Onam 
It makes me wonder if it's the same Onam I've spend in my childhood days. Why aren't the kids playing or going on the fields to collect fresh flowers, playing outdoor games. What happened to those Onam pattu or those seasonal games. Probably, we need to get away from smart phones, virtual games and Facebook friends.

Despite all the changes, I still think that there are many who still cherish the charm, simplicity and the beautiful essence of this Kerala festival.

I remember last Onam  vividly as it was the first time I had bought Onam Sadhya from a restaurant in Trivandrum. Also, last Onam, I was frail or weak as I was just out of the hospital. Luckily, things moved on and I'm back on my feet, falling in the usual rhythm of life.

Buying Onam Sadhya in Trivandrum!  

The experience of buying Onam Sadhya was a an eyeopener for me. Well, I was surprised to know that entire Trivandrum was out there buying Onam Sadya on Thiru Onam day. Yes, you read it right.

Seriously , I'm not joking. It's a fact small family with 2 or four members don't have the time or drive to make an elaborate onam sadya. Well, isn't this a sad reflection of fast-paced life!

Having said this, here are the list of home chefs and restaurants selling Onam Sadhya. ( Reserve a table or place prior order for Onam Sadya takeaway kit).


Restaurants Selling Onam Sadya in Trivandrum

Onasadya @ Biverah 

Onasadya at Biverah Hotel & Suites

Location: Kumarapuram
Sadya: Rs 325

Call to book Onam Sadya: +91 471 4211 111, +91 471 2447 333
Website: https://www.biverah.com/

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Apollo Dimora

Apollo Dimora




















Sadhyolsavam
25 August–5 September ·

Located opposite to the Central Railway
Station, Thampanoor,
Trivandrum,
Ph# 080860 97243
Rate: Rs 500 plus taxes
www.apollodimora.com

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SteamPot 
Onam Sadya @ Steampot at Rs 299
Steampot 







'

Steampot Delivery Areas


Payasam at SteamPot





















http://www.steampot.in/
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Chirag Inn
Chirag Inn













M.G.Road,
Statue, Trivandrum - 1
Phone : 0471-2555556
Email : info@chiraginn.in
Website : www.chiraginn.in

Onam Sadya Rs 279
Home delivery: 299

Till Sept 16
Location: Statue, Trivandrum - 1
Phone : 0471-2555556
http://www.chiraginn.in/

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Puttum Pappadavum Pinne Njangalum
Onam Special  Sadya at Rs 199














Location: Vanross Junction
Ph# 098476 81100

Sep 1,2,3 and 4th
Starts at 12:AM

Sadya Rate 200
Sadya Parcel Rs 210

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Annie's Kitchen
Onam Sadya: Starting from Rs 125 ( Depending on the number of payasam)

SL Tower, Udiyankulangara
695122 Trivandrum, India
0471 223 0399
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Villa Maya
Advance booking required
Rs 850, plus tax.
Till Sep 4th

Location: 120, Airport Road,
Injakkal, West fort,
Ph# +971 4 240 0204
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The South Park Hotel
Onam Sadya at South Park






Located: Opp University College
Palayam

Ph# 2333333
Onam Sadya Rs 550
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Mascot Hotel

Five Star Onam Sadhya at Mascot Hotel 
















Only on Thiru Onam (4th Sept)
Rs 800 inclusive of taxes
Time 12:AM to 3:PM

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Maurya Rajadhani.com
Maurya Rajadhani - Onam Feast in Style















Statue - G.H. Road,
Thiruvananthapuram Kerala
0471 254 7755

Sept 3 and 4
Onam Sadya @Rs 501

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Hotel Park Rajadhani
Ulloor
Trivandrum
Tel: 0471 - 2442627, 2447307
Rate Rs 300

Parcel Rs 310
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Onam Celebration At Classic Sarovar Portico
Onam Sadhya at Classic Saravor Portico

Sadhya from Aug 25 to Sept 10th Sep-17
Rate Rs 555/- Net.
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Onam Sadhya at Impreial Kitchen

Onam Spread ( 30+dishes at Imperial Kitchen)

Keston Road
Trivandrum, India 695003
Highlights info row image
Reservation or for more details, call 0471 231 1789
Rate Rs 289

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Simple Payasam Recipe
Buying sadya from a restaurant is fine, but it's not okay if you're skipping the payasam making part. So, for the time-starved folks, here's a simple payasam recipe you can make under 5 minutes of preparation.

Abalapuzha Pal Payasam 

 Wish you all a very happy, peaceful and generous Onam!