Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Christmas Cake Baking Classes

 59 days more for Christmas... Have you soaked your dry fruits?
Learn the soaking and baking of Christmas cake and Carrot Cake on 28th October Thursday 10:30am to 1:00pm at Poonthi Road, Kumarapuram, Trivandrum . Limited seats, Contact Marina at 9379398865 or 8861389165 for registration

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Christmas Cake and Cheese Cake Class at Trivandrum

Learn to bake 2 types of Cakes
1. Christmas Cake
2. Cheese Cake
It's a hands on session at Menna's Delight , Kumarapuram, Trivandrum
Date :12th Oct 2021
Time : 2;00pm to 4pm
Whatsapp or call 9379398865, 8861389165 for details and registration


 

Croissants, Danish Pastry and Cream Cone Class

Make the Perfect Croissants!
What's special about this classic pastry— Croissant! - It's flaky on the outside and tender and buttery on the inside—seems to melt in your mouth.
Participate in a two-hour hands-on session in preparing and baking scrumptious French Pastries.

Date: 13/10/21
Time; 10:AM to 12:PM
Location: Kumarapuram, Trivandrum
What you'll learn in this 2 hrs:
1. Croissants
2. Danish Pastry
3. Cream Cone
In this class, you'll learn the proper techniques behind crafting a flaky, buttery dough. Also, learn how to make, roll out, shape and bake your own croissant creations.

For details, call 9379398865, 8861389165

#croissants #trivandrum #pastryclass


 

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Stretching Exercises for your Immunity

Just sharing this immunity boosting exercise by Dr Ankita Dhelia. These exercises are specifically good for lymphatic health. Also, if you have time, check this informative discussion at Google about importance and role of lymphatic system for the overall health of a person. 

Exercises outlined in the video:

1. Pulling the ears
2. Cycling with the ears
3. Shoulder pump
4. Exercises for diaphragm region
5. Agnisara
6. Baddha konasana (Butterfly Pose)
7. Calf Pose 

Fire Your Interest in Indian Cooking Private Online Class Lessons

 Are you a homemaker or an aspiring home chef looking to learn and build your skills in Indian cooking? If yes, then are the list of classes you can choose from and advance your expertise in Indian Cooking.

Personalized Online Indian Cooking Class - Alacarte

These classes cover different recipes. The Online Class recording is available for you to buy as a single class or a multiple class. In all these classes, you'll see how each recipe is done from scratch so that it's easy for you to replicate the same taste and flavor in your kitchen.

11 Day Online Cooking for Beginners
If you're looking to learn with practical guidance and personalized training, then you can join for the 11 Day Online Indian Cooking Class. These classes are taken using Zoom app. Each day, you'll learn a set of recipe. This online class menu is customized based on your choice of recipe, type of food ( veg or non-veg and cuisine ( North Indian or South Indian or a mix of both). 


Indian Cooking Class Video Tutorial 


1. North Indian Chicken Recipes and Naan

North Indian Cooking Class

1. Butter Chicken - Curry dish made with chicken, tomato gravy, cream and butter. 

2. Panner Muttter Masala - It's a popular North Indian vegetarian dish 

3. Kadai Chicken  - Made with spices, and prepared in a kadai.

4. Nann  - Make restaurant type nann at home. 


===============================================================


2. Kebabs Class 



Homemade Kebabs ( Made in Oven)


1. Hariyali Kebab - Green in color due to the marinade. It's tender and flavorful

2. Malai tikka - This grilled boneless chicken cubes is marinated with cream, spices.

3. Fish Tika - Fish grilled in skewer, made with masala, yogurt. 

4. Kathi Roll - Popular roll made with different filling. Ideal for snack and short bites.


===================================================

3. Chicken Starters


1. Chicken Satay with peanut dip

2. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

3. Honey Glazed Seasme Chicken Wings

4. Crispy Fish Finger

5. Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise


====================================================

4. 


Chilly Chicken ( Malaysian Style)

Kerala Chicken Curry

Pepper Chicken Roast

Tri Color Pulav


======================================================

5. Biryani Class

1.Chicken Biryani ( Thalashery Biryani)

2 Chicken 65  ( starter)

3. Raita

========================================================


1.Chandi Chicken

2.Tomato Chicken

3.Vegetable Kolapuri

4.Panner Pasanda 

5. Triangle Chapati


Saturday, May 8, 2021

Caramelization of Sugar

 


Caramelization process might look scary for a first timer. It darkish brown of sugar in temp above 150 C appears like you're making a broth full of magical properties. However, this is just the way sugar breaks down after it reaches 170 degree C. 


Mambazha Pulissery/ Sweet and sour mango curry

I got some ripe mangoes from my cousin's wife @rinaroynold 

Wanted to make Mambazha Pulissery/ Sweet and sour mango curry for a long time.


Mambazha Pulissery made in a earthen pot

So today made some and had along with spicy fish curry and rice 

I took my time and enjoyed each and every mouthful

Recipe for this was taken from Venna's Curry World. Thanks to Veena for the awesome and perfect recipe. 

#ripemangoes
#mambazhapulissery
 #mennasdelights
#marinacharles2004

Friday, May 7, 2021

Covid Immunity Organic Drink

 



Herbal drink for Immunity 

This phase is one of the darkest and horrific phase. Never before we have felt so helpless, overwhelmed by the sheer spread of the viral attack. So much so, all most all states have announced lock-down to curb the surge of infection.

Apart from daily surge in fatalities, we are going through all kinds of emotional stress, fear, and financial stress. Every morning, I feel that I have fever. Today was no different. I checked the temp and it showed 97.2. I panicked. It was after sometime that I realized that it was the normal temp. 

Crush the Curve -Stay Indoors

One possible way to stop spreading is by reducing our social interaction. Along with it, it's time to build your internal in these three things - drinking lots hot water, steam regularly and gargle.

Another vital thing is to build immunity. For this breathing exercises, moderate physical activity, vitamins, and other natural home remedies. 

Healthy Immunity Drink

Here's my immunity drink which I made from whatever is available at home. I think all these are available in every home or it can be procured from angadi shops in your town. 

Ingredients used:

1. Pani koorkka  (in Malayalam) Indian Borage ( medicinal properties)
2. Ginger
3. Tulsi Leaf
4. Kasthuri Manjal
5. Karim jeerakam ( kalonji seeds) 

( Put all these in a steel vessel and boil it in sufficient water.) 

Let me know of other ingredients used to make such a hot concoction. 

Sister Love

A sister-sister relationship is special in many ways. Your sister will likely be with you for some of your best memories in life. 

I don't have a sister so can't say much about this relationship. But I have always seen my mom and her younger sister's love for each other. 

Their day start with calling each other in morning and wishing a wonderful day for each other and checking if they had good sleep last. Then the next call in the afternoon checking about the lunch and evening call about the tea, gossips and TV serial & Big boss discussion and the night ends with prayers and Good nite. 

Due to the current situation they were unable to meet each and it so happened that 2 days back they happened to meet each while going for the second dose of the vaccine. My mom sister missed my mom so soon that she wanted to cook and send lunch for her. 

Today we shared an amazing lunch cooked by my aunt and we got it picked up by Swiggy genie 🧞‍♂️. 

It had a wide spread... Avial, thoran, moru curry, fish curry and fish fry wrapped in banana leaf and also mango pickle.  Everything made by her with so much of love wrapped in each dishes. 

God bless both of them with good health and may the sister's continue their sweet little chats everyday. 

My love and hugs to my aunt for her lovely gesture. Love you aunty. 

Tasty Spread with Love from Baby Aunty

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Online Cooking Class

 

Indian Cooking Class


Make better homemade and traditional curries, and flavorful dishes by joining this online cooking class. These classes are specially focused courses on variety of Indian cuisine.

In this 11 day online cooking class, I cover a wide range of dishes which are from different cultures and tradition. All these classes are also customized based on your taste and preference.

If you are new to cooking, then I'll also explain in detail the use of spices and the purpose for which it's used in these dishes. I feel this is the right time ( social distancing) to take up virtual cooking class as it makes you engaged and enables you to expand your knowledge in cooking.

==============
11 Day Cooking Class
================

Day 1 

Butter Chicken

Panner Muttter Masala

Kadai Chicken

Naan

Day 2

Kebabs Class 

1. Hariyali

2. Malai tikka

3. Fish Tika 

4. Kathi Roll

Day 3 

Starters 

1. Chicken Satay with peanut dip

2. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

3. Honey Glazed Seasme Chicken Wings

4. Crispy Fish Finger

   Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise


Day 4 - Middle Eastern Dishes

1.Kabasa 

2.Falafel

3.Hummus

4.Fattoush

5. Pitta Bread


Day 5 - Italian

Pasta ( White sauce)

Chicken Lasagna

Spaghetti and meatballs


Day 6

Biryani Class

1.Chicken Biryani

2 Chicken 65 

3. Raita


Day 7 

Kebab and Rolls

- Hariyali Kebab

- Chicken Tandoor

- Paneer Kebab

- Malai Tikka

- Kath Rolls


Day 8 

Chilly Chicken

Kerala Chicken Curry

Pepper Chicken Roast

Tri Color Pulav

Day 9 

Fish Curry with Coconut

Red Fish Curry with Kudampuli (Cocum) 

Appam 

Fish Molee


Day 10


Beef Fry (Beef Ullathiathu)

Pork Vindaloo

Beef Pattichu Varathathu

Pulao Rice


Day 11


Meen Pollichathu

Prawns Pappas

Fish Peera Pattichathu

Theeyal

Pineapple Pachadi 


===========================

These classes are individual classes spread across 11 days or more. The duration of the class is around 2.5 hrs a day. The class is taken via Zoom app.

In this class, you'll see how each recipe is made from scratch. Also, you can ask questions, clear your doubts when the class is in progress. After each session, you'll get the class recording, which you can view anytime, anywhere. 

Let's break the chain while we continue our journey!


Monday, May 3, 2021

Happy Soul

What can you do today that will make your soul smile? 😃 

Today's Breakfast

Baking and the smell of freshly baked wheat bread for Breakfast.

#happysouls #wheatbread #homemade #bullseye #egg #sunnysideup #bakinglover

Rainy Evening

The best thing one can do in the rain is, enjoy the music of rain, the smell of rain with a hot cup of coffee and banana fritters. 

So made some hot coffee and Banana fritters (pazham pori) to enjoy the moment. I wanted to take for my mother in law but due to covid I try not to go out. So, arranged a Swiggy Genie 🧞‍♂️ to deliver some Banana Fritters for her. Though she stays hardly few meters away from my house, I find Swiggy genie the best way to avoid such trips. 

Happy that I could give her the same experience of a rainy day. 

Fried in less oil

Rpazham pori ready for photo shoot

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Stay Home - Bake and Break the Chain

 

Stay Home and Bake

A month or so back ( Feb, March 2021), we felt like the end of pandemic. Election campaigns, cheering crowds, festivities, family meets, holidays and events resumed to pre-covid times. We were under the assumption that the worst is over. Also, no one warned us that there was a tsunami rumbling on the way. 

And then this wave hit us hard, real hard this time! We are caught unaware of the severity, and the lack of preparedness made it even more worse. 

It was like a jolt to all. A wake-up call for our administrator and planners. 

At this time, we are saddened by the plight of our people and worried by the things around us. But don't loose hope, things will get better. For now, let's go back to the old rules of lock-down. That's the only way to break the chain. 

Avoid 24/7 News - Focus on Possibilities and Growth

If you're into baking, you can try new recipes. If you like reading, start with a new reading list. If you have an unfinished project, this is the time to set a deadline and finish it. Or if you want to think of a new income stream, then use this time to do online research to sort out possibilities and options to explore a second income path.

And if you know any person or family going through Covid, then you can send them food, or call them regularly and give support. It would means so much for people going through this phase.

Second Income from Baking
I know a lot of my students, who make good income from cake sales. And the good news is that few of them are online student who had attended the 12 day online class.  It's gives me so much joy when they tell about the sales they are making and how they are confidently running a small biz out of their kitchen.

Home Baking - Where should you Start and Focus
Most beginners have this question on their mind about how to make an income from baking. So, just like any new project, first things is to get the basics right. Once you get the fundamentals right, it's time to perfect the looks. Here don't expect to make the super looking cakes you see on Pinterest or Instagram on the first attempt or even after a month or so. The cakes which you see getting hundreds of likes are a result of many hours of practice. So, at first be patient in your attempts. 

At this stage, try new recipes, make different designs and borders on the cake. I'm sure, you'll face lot of disappointments, but don't be disheartened.

What to Focus and Specialize!

When it comes to baking, it's a vast area. There are many areas to focus or you can be generalist. Usually beginners set out to start with cake orders. The first order usually comes from friends or relatives who place them for b'days, or parties. The popular cakes are chocolate or vanilla, red velvet, caramel, cakes with fresh cream, etc. Here's the basic cake list every beginner should learn

Apart from basic cakes, you can make theme cupcakes or cakes. The medium is mostly fondant or buttercream. Also, some people focus on wedding cakes or anniversary cakes. In Bangalore, I have seen quite a number of people making cakes for hen parties. They are bit bold in shapes and mostly done as per client's specification. 

How Good is Your Digital Marketing of your Cake Biz

This is an area most home bakers ignore or don't spent much time. With an online presence ( Facebook or Insta), you can share your cake pictures to your friends and their friends too will see your work. This kind of network makes it easy for people to refer you and get more orders without spending much money.

I often tell my students to start a Facebook Page, an Instagram account, a website or a blog. These are the basics to start. Also, one mistake people make is that they start a Facebook Page, but it's hardly updated. Another common mistake is that the posts become very repetitive. 

Do you have FSSAI Licence?  

It's now mandatory for home bakers to take FSSAI licence. If you haven't taken it, try to apply it asap. I have given the steps and the FoSCoS site where you can apply it online. 


Picture Perfect Cakes

Why are some cake picture so appealing to the eye, while some look lost it's sheen in the picture. This is where a good photography skills come to play. To become a better photographer, you need to learn learn few basic things, such as lighting, backdrop and placement. With these, you can start making your cake like a STAR.

Now VIDEOS Get All the Attention
More than picture, it's the videos that's catching everyone's attention. Not just plain unedited videos, but videos with text and music in the background. Again you can make such videos by learning few video editing skills.

Recently, I started using InShot, a mobile app to take and edit short videos. It's easy to use and you can learn it make own videos with nice background music without much effort. Another popular video editing app is KineMaster - Video Editor. Try it out! 

Practice Makes Perfect

If you're a beginner and wanting to become a baker, then here's one thing I have observed. It's about practice. It's only through practice, you learned to improve the looks, finish and create outstanding cakes.

Not All Who Start Baking, end up the Same

Do you know how some home bakers make that perfect sharp edge cake with lovely designs and writing?
What are some cakes looking very much average, while some bakers make that extra awesome cakes?

It's not just creative skills, it has to do with practice! Of course, some people who have been in artistic field gets a head-start, but that's not all. The more you practice a skill, improving day by day, you can reach the pinnacle of perfection. This is true in baking or in any other creative field. 

While writing this I'm reminded of Kanika from Port Blair who attended few private baking classes with me in Trivandrum. She now posts her bakes on Facebook and on my online Whatsapp group. After seeing her beautiful creation, I must say that they are a class-apart.

Secret Sauce behind her Creations!

Even though she was blessed with creative skills, she spend long hours to perfect her skill. We all know it's not easy to make cakes as per client's specification. But, she took all these orders and worked really hard to create one-of-the-kind finishes on cakes. 

All these perfect looks on cakes does not come easy. It's diligence, an eye for perfection and the desire to improve the quality of work -one cake at a time. Check below to see one of her recent cakes. 

Kanikas Homemade Cakes Port Blair 
Ph# 9476019410

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Biscoff Cupcakes with love

A very trending Biscoff cupcakes were made for a Doctor. It was gifted by a happy mom of a baby girl. After doing this customized theme cupcake, I feel I should be doing more these theme based designs on cupcakes. One reason is that it's a perfect gift which gives so much meaning and happiness to the giver and the recipient.  

Flashback to 2012

While posting this cupcake theme pic, I digged into the old post to see if I had done any customized figurine on cupcake. To my surprise I found that back in 2012 I had made few fondant vineyard theme and posted on this blog. So, here's my long back fondant theme design. 

Also, do check out the Xmas theme fondant designs and animal figurine on cupcake. 



Fondant Theme Cupcake 



Monday, April 26, 2021

May Online Baking Class

After taking a weekend break, I'm back with two new classes and two repeat sessions. Two new classes are sauce making and cake baking class. 

The repeat classes are chocolate making and jam and squash class. 

==================

Jam and Squash Making Class

 Here are the list of ONLINE Classes scheduled for this week. 


Date: 1/4/21 ( 10:30 to 12:PM)

Homemade Chocolate Making 

( Learn 12 types of homemade Chocolate)

Rs 950

-----------------------------

Date: 1/4/21 (2:30 to 4:PM)

1. Tripple layer Chocolate Pound cake

2. Banana Chiffon Cake

3. Chocolate Japanese Cotton Cake

Rs 1,250

---------------------

2/4/20 ( 10:30AM to 12:00PM)

Jam and Squash


- Pineapple Jam

- Mixed Fruit Jam

- Orange Marmalade


- Pineapple Squash

- Grape Crush

- Mango Squash


Rs 950

=======================

Date 2/4/21 ( 2:30 to 3:30)


Homemade Ketchup

Sauce Making Class

1. Tomato Ketchup

2. Mushroom Sauce

3. Green Chilli Sauce

4. White Sauce

5. Sriracha Chilli Sauce

6. Parsley Sauce

7. Peanut butter

8. Béchamel sauce

9. Pickled Jalapeno


Rs 1,250

========================

If you are unable to attend these session, you can buy the pre-recorded online of the classes with the recipe and class video for the same fee.

======================

14 Day Online Class for Beginners!

Personalized class covering 17 cakes and 5 icing/frosting. Details https://bit.ly/3nuPOzt

---------------------

8 Day - Bread, Puffs, Dognuts Class 

Learn basic to advanced breads, puffs, etc. 

https://bit.ly/38839IT

Tomato ketchup Online Class

This homemade tomato ketchup will make you wonder why you ever bought a ketchup bottle from the store.        
                                                                         
 Made with fresh tomatoes, and without any preservatives, it is delicious and easy. 


Pickled Jalapeno


Learn this online on 2nd May 2021 2:30 pm. WhatsApp 9379398865 for details and registration. Click this link for weekend class schedule. 

Sauce in the making

Jackfruit Fritters

Jackfruit fritters ( similar to pazhyam pori / Banana fritters) 

Jack fruit Sliced for Making Fritters

Thanks to Shelma ( my neighbor) for the yummy Jackfruit. 



Tea Time Delight - Jackfruit fritters


Here's a simple twist to the usual pazha pori ( banana fritters) which is common snack in this part of the world. When my neighbor gave half portion of a jackfruit, I took a part of it, sliced it and then dipped in mix of maida, water and sugar. 

For those who likes to try banana fritters, here's the recipe. 




Sunday, April 25, 2021

Recent Bakes by my Online students

Scoup in a bowl


                                 
      Biscoff Gelato Ice cream by Sara Bangalore. Just sharing the pic shared by her in the Online group. Apart from her, Priya from Trivandrum too shared pics of gelato ice cream. I had earlier shared pics of jam and squash made by few students after attending the online session. 

Sunday Morning Chappati Mission

Today morning breakfast was special because it was going to a family who were tested postive for covid virus. 

I love making chappati's because it used to be my favorite job in the kitchen during my college days. 

So decided to make those triangle chappati's and the potato masala curry  was made by my mom. Everything was ready by 8:30am and used the Swiggy Genie service to deliver the breakfast to our friends place. 

Wishing, Praying and hoping for the entire family to recover at the earliest. 

Stay home and be safe. 

Chapati and Potato Gravy Ready
Chapati in the making
All Eyes at the Breakfast Table




Home Cooked Food from Home Chef in Trivandrum

 We're in midst of an unruly Covid wave, much higher that what we seen earlier. Blame it our complacency, our judgement from the look of Covid curve. In Dec and Jan it looked like we overcome the pandemic. The cases were low, but little did we know that it was just the beginning of a major up-tread. And as we socialized and went for vacation, Covid had other plans. It caught us unaware, while  our guards were down. 

Whatever may be the reason, we are now in a state that each of know at least one person directly who has been infected with Covid. A friend or a relative or a colleague is now infected with Covid. In this time, the best we can do is keep social distance, reduce unwanted shopping trips and keep drinking hot water and gargle with salt. 

Though we have to keep social distancing in mind, we don't have to live completely cutoff from the people or from the community we live. One thing each of us can do is to give mental support to people who are affected with Covid and if possible send food to the households who finds it difficult to prepare regular food at home.

Few days back, I send chappati and gravy to a friend through Swiggy Genie app. It reminds me of how helpful this pick and drop service is for people. I had talked about this in a earlier blog and now repeating it again. 

Coming to the food, it's important to have fresh, homely food. I keep getting calls from my students asking if I know any  home chefs in Trivandrum who make food and deliver to people. 

Recently I saw a thread on Where in Trivandrum (WIT), a Fb group which had asked for people who are providing food ( lunch or dinner). So, here's a list of home chef which I got from the group. Pls call and check with them, before you order. 
--------------


Najiya Ershad, a home chef  from Sreekaryam

Krishna Renjith: 8848531009

Taste Magic: 9037021838

à´µീà´Ÿ്à´Ÿà´®്à´® à´ªൊà´¤ിà´š്à´šോà´±്: 8301043415

Ambu's Kitchen: 9567755618

Food Castle: 9061012479 

Sanda(pasta, quiche, desserts): 9746068095

Helens Kitchen: 9446552690

Sheela Nazar Located at Kazhakoottam near Technopark, 

Home chef Swapna Rakesh - Swapna's Swadcuisine Ph# 8848088964, 8891231977
Visit her website for food recipes and tips

Hometown Aroma

Krish wholesome kitchen: 6361853600

My Lunch Box: 8089883762

Ammis Homely: 9633685299

Shree food products: 9633194779 

Emis Food Court: 9497106815


----------------------------

Restaurants Serving Pothi Choru in Trivandrum


1. Poomaram
 
  Contact No: 097471 15660
Facebook Link - https://bit.ly/3evf6Kb




Menu at Poomaram

Learn Homemade Jam and Squash

 

Jam and Squash Making Class

When I think of homemade jams, I still remember how my mom used to make to make pineapple jams at home. At that time, the jam making process appeared to be a long laborious process. She use to spend a lot of time in front of the gas stove, stirring the mix while it slowly thickened to become ready to be filled in glass bottles. 

Now as I make jams and marmalade, I feel the process is more easier, and faster. However, I feel that the taste of jam during school years taste better. 

Jam and Squash Making Online Class

If you're looking to learn how to make homemade jam and squash, then this upcoming weekend class covers these recipes

Date: 2/5/21
Time: 10:30 To 12;PM
Fee Rs 950

Online Class Via Zoom App

The topics covered:

1. Pineapple Jam 

2. Orange Marmalade 

3. Grape Squash 

4.  Ginger Mint Squash 

5. Mixed Fruit Jam

==================================================================

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

I turned 49 year

I turned 49yr yesterday. Next year I will have lived a half a century if Corona will spare me. The best part of looking ahead is being able to look back and say, “Wow, what a ride it’s been”!

At 19 life was uncertain in a new City (Hyderabad) but I had a path to follow and knew if I stuck to it things would be ok. Adventures, graduations, jobs lay ahead and I was going to conquer it all with my fierce independence and sheer grit.

At 29 I was in another Country (Maldives) Traveling and New Job completely unaware of the adventures my 30s would bring and loss of my Dad made me a strong person to face the world alone with my two younger brothers and Mom

At 39 in another City(Bangalore) I am in love and stepped into a decade of incredible joy of getting married at 32yr and renewed hope and powerful love of my partner made me see a different World. I started my baking career and learned so many new things about myself, my courage and my  love for my Baking and Cooking.

As I enter my 49th year I’m still learning, trying new things, dumping old ones and finally making conscious decisions to step away from the not productive area.

My greatest joy is in my baking. I hope to close my 40s surrounded by my love, friends, Students, brothers and mom and uplifted by faith, strengthened by hope and blessed with health so far. Thanks for coming along for the ride! 

Thankyou all for the FB messages, Whatsapps and calls wishing me a wonderful year. Yes I had a beautiful Birthday with lots of flower bouquets, cakes , gifts and loving people around me and the most precious gift was my mom’s painting for me.

Stay home and Be safe

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Vishu feast and Online Class Schedule

 One bright spot for this week for us was Vishu. The sight of cascading  kanikonna flowers on the trees near our house, and the day's relevance made me hopeful for a better year. 

This vishu, two of my auntys came home to have Vishu sadhya with us. It was a simple lunch, somewhere close to sadya style dishes - sambar, avial, thoran, pickles, pappadam, vellarika pachadi, moru kachiyathu and payasam. In addition, we fried navara fish in malayalam Kili meen in Kannada ( fin beam fish). :)

How did you celebrate your Vishu? Did you keep and see kani? 

Let me know about story in the comments box.

==========================================

Details of this week's Online Class

Here are the list of ONLINE Classes scheduled for this week.

--------------
Class Details
---------------

Date: 17/4/21 ( 10:30 to 12:PM)



1.Lotus Biscotti Cupcake

2.Mint Chocolate cupcake

3.Hummingbird-cupcakes

4.Vegan Beet Cupcake

Rs 950

-----------------------------

18/4/20 ( 10:30AM to 12:00PM)



Sandwich Making Class

Sandwich 

1. Club sandwich

2. Grilled Chicken sandwich

3. Egg Sandwich

4. Subway sandwich

5. Mumbai Style Chicken Frankie Rolls

( Fee 950)

=======================

Date 18/4/21 ( 2:30 to 3:30)

Gelato Ice Cream Making Class

Gelato Ice Cream

- Fresh Mango Ice Cream

- Custard Apple

- Banana Ice Cream

- Coffee Ice Cream

Rs 950

========================

If you are unable to attend these session, you can buy the pre-recorded online of the classes with the recipe and class video for the same fee.

======================

Become a Baker in 14 Days!

Comprehensive Beginners Baking class which covers 17 cakes and 5 icing/frosting. Learn from the basics of baking in this Online baking Class. This also covers, how to take Food Safety Licence, how to start a Facebook Page to promote a home based baking biz, Instagram tip and food photography techniques.

Details https://bit.ly/3nuPOzt

Monday, April 12, 2021

Wool Roll Bread and Cruffins Online Class

 What makes bread making a different experience than making other bakes? Probably, it's the kneading, rising process, punching, and then shaping...which gives the maker a different feeling. 

This month, I had a new session which included Wool Roll Bread, which was made very popular by a Malaysian baker. Apart from it, I've included Cruffin, most inspired after seeing it on Paul Hollywood's series. And finally, coffee fun, which I had tasted long back at Zam Zam Bun Cafe at YMR junction, Trivandrum. 

What's Covered in the Online Class:

1. Wool Roll Bread

2. Cruffins

3. Coffee Buns

When you buy this video session, you'll get the recipe booklet with instruction on how to make. Also, after watching the video, you can call or whatsapp me to clear any doubts or questions you have about the recipe. To know more, pls whatsapp to Ph#9379398865


Pictures of the bakes!

1. Wool Roll Bread


Wool Roll Bread

2. Cruffin


Cruffin

3. Coffee Bun


Coffee Bun


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Other bread classes

1. Basic Breads - Milk Bread, Buns, Rolls and Cinnamon Rolls

2. 100% Wheat Bread, 

3. Forcaccia, Spinach Bread, Dominos styled Garlic Bread

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7 Day Bread Making Class - Online Class 

If you're a beginner in breads, then the 7 day bread class will take you through the basics to advanced breads. This is an online class suitable for beginners. Details of the types of bread is given in this post. Click to know more. 

Friday, April 9, 2021

Learn to Make Indian Curries with Confidence

 

Indian Cooking Lesson


Just when we thought things are under control, we have the third wave of COVID hitting us badly. In response to the rising covid cases, governments have issued new restrictions. So, we are somewhere back to last years's quarantine rules. 

While these can undermine our spirits and outlook, it's not the time to be bogged by such news. It's the time to use the available opportunity to explore or make use of the time to be more productive than binge watching some YouTube videos. 

One useful activity you can thing of is developing cooking skills

Introducing Online Indian Cooking Lessons!

Do you love the smell and taste of flavorful masala in Indian curries? Do you want to make it in your kitchen?

Join Online Indian cooking class where you learn simple to popular Indian curries and dishes! 

Few items covered in North Indian Cooking

  • Indian Korma
  • Naan
  • Roti
  • Butter Chicken
  • Tandoor Chicken
  • Kadai Veg
  • Dal
  • Mint Raita
  • Jeera Rice
  • Panner muttar masala

Choose Other Indian Cooking Class Sessions

1. 7 Day Indian Cooking Class ( 2 hr per day)
2. 14 Day Class covering South Indian and North Indian dishes
3. South Indian Breakfast dishes 
4. Main course ( Veg thali)
5. Indian breads, Roti, and Tandoor
6. Dosa, Idli, Chutney  
7. Kerala fish curries and dishes
8. Hyderabadi veg curries 
9. Idli Sambar, Upmaa, Samosa, Poori, Stuffed Aloo Parata 
10. Chicken starters for parties 
11. Kerala sadya recipes - Avial, Thoran, etc
12. Anglo Indian recipes - Dak Bungalow curry, Railway Chicken, etc


For more details, email or whatsapp to +91 9379398865

Monday, April 5, 2021

Simnel Cake for Easter

 

Simnel Cake

Easter Special Cake


Every Easter carries a different story. Last Easter, we were in the time when Covid made daily headlines. Now, a year after, there are stories about new strains of Covid, new clusters in cities, news of yet another lock-down or restrictions. It's at a time, business was limping back to normalcy and we thought that there was heard immunity effect. But, that's not the case. 

Simnel cake looks similar to a fruit cake, but few things are different. One is the ingredient, which is almond flour. The topping on Simnel cake is marzipan. Then there are 11 balls kept on top of it. It's the symbolic representation of 11 apostles of Jesus. Judas is left out!

I will share Simnel cake recipe which is from a popular baker. 

Weekend Online Classes in April

April Month Wishes to All!

This month, the covid cases in India surged past other countries after being in the low rungs. Apart from these, here are few headline that comes to my mind. The Suez canal block, election in Southern States, and, what!

Here's my recent milestones. I resumed direct one-on-one 12 day baking classes in Trivandrum. Till now, I had only online class. Next, I took the first shot of Covid shot two weeks ago. I had minor after-effects, whereas my partner had fever and tiredness for 2-3 days. Same shot, different reaction.

On the baking front I made Simnel cake for the first time. It's a cake usually made during Easter in England. Also, this Easter, I made and sold Hot-Cross buns and cutlets for few students in Trivandrum. 

Another good news related to Covid was the speed at which United States was vaccinating their people. Going with this trend, they will vaccinate the entire population ( except kids below 16) by June/July 20121. 

Here are the list of ONLINE Classes scheduled for this week .

French Macaron

Banana Custard Cake

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Class Details

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Date: 10/4/21 ( 10:30 to 12:PM)

French Macaron

- How to make macaron shells 

( Three flavors & Fillings)

- Coffee Filling

- Pista Filling

- Ganache filling

Rs 1,600

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Date: 10/4/21 (2:30 to 4:PM)

1. Banana Custard Cake

2. Vanilla Latte Cake with Swiss

   Meringue Buttercream Icing

Rs 1,250

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Date: 11/4/21 ( 10:30 to 12:PM)

1. Wool Roll Bread

2. Cruffins

3. Coffee Buns

Rs 1,250

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Date 11/4/21 ( 2:30 to 3:30)

Cookies 


Cookies Class on Sunday ( 11/4/21)

1. Ghee Cookie

2. Coffee Bean Cookie
3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
4. Cheese Crackers

Fee Rs 950

If you are unable to attend these session, you can buy the pre-recorded online of the classes with the recipe and class video for the same fee.

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12 Day Class on Cakes and Decoration!

Comprehensive Beginners Baking class for 12 days, covering 17 cakes and 5 icing/frosting. Details https://bit.ly/3nuPOzt

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8 Day - Bread, Puffs, Donuts Class 

Learn basic to advanced breads, puffs, etc. 

https://bit.ly/38839IT

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Million Thanks to Devi's Millionaire Shortbread Cookie Gift

Devi's Millionaire Shortbread Cookie

Thank you note!

Sweet and Perfect Cookie!

Devi, a student who had attended many of my online baking classes, came with a special gift. 

She had bought a box of millionaire's shortbread cookie. On the box, she had written a note thanking me for guidance and support. 

Any gift is a treasure to be cherished, also a positive confirmation from people about the classes. In my short journey in baking, I am more than blessed to receive similar gifts . It's not just material gifts, a gift could be a hug after the class, a holding of hands, a smile or a call after the class. 

Here's one gift from a lady. Last year or so, I got a call from this lady who stays at Attingal, Trivandrum. She had attended few direct classes before the pandemic (2020). She called me out of the blue to say that she's now taking baking classes in her locality. She said, she's still can't believe that she's able to teach, and earn that extra money from her classes. I felt so nice to hear this from this lady who's around my mother's age. In her call, I could make out her enthusiasm, the overwhelming feeling of gratitude  and confidence she felt for herself. 

Many such interactions had left happy memories of people and moments shared with them.

The Cake Fairy - Perfect Bakes by Devi

Those who have seen the cakes made by Devi, can instantly make out the impeccable finish to her cakes. The millionaire short bread cookies is one of her super seller, and it tastes a class apart!

Check out her page, The cake Fairy, to see her artistic design and elegant cakes.