tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790594605030402962024-03-18T03:27:31.047-07:00Magpie's RecipesSimple, traditional and modern recipes for fun, fuss free cooking and delicious foodUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-76795195438759569202015-05-30T22:38:00.002-07:002020-05-03T23:07:05.050-07:00Aam Panna Granita / Green Mango Granita <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">The rains came unexpectedly early this month, and while we got a much needed reprieve from the scorching summer heat, it suddenly grew from a light drizzle to a full blown thunderstorm. Laundry drying on rooftop lines flew away, window panes shattered, trees were uprooted and there was all kinds of chaos. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">My sister would have disagreed, dunking chunks of green mango slices into red chili powder and salt and enjoying the contrast of spicy and tangy. My mother in law had them brined to temper the sharp edge of their bitterness, and made pickle, green mango chutney and fish curry. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;">We were determined to relish every single mango Achen shared with us, as if to somehow make up for his loss. I made aam panna granita. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Tingly, sour-sweet and mildly spiced, this refreshing summer drink is perfect enjoyed in the form of icy flakes that melt in your mouth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">Aam panna, is a very popular summer drink made with green mango pulp, infused with spices and pungent black salt. It is known to have cooling properties, in addition to aiding digestion and being full of vitamin-c. I tasted it for the first time when visiting a friend in Delhi almost a decade ago. After being out all day in the intense Delhi sun shopping for fabric at the bustling Sarojini Nagar market, we got back to her home, hot, sweaty and tired, to be greeted by tall glasses of this weird looking, speckled yellow-green drink that her mother had thoughtfully made for us. The drink was cool and refreshing as it flowed down my parched throat, the then unfamiliar flavors of black salt and cumin dancing on my tongue. In aam panna the often underappreciated green mango is celebrated for what it is: tantalizingly sour with just a slight hint of sweetness.</span></span></div>
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</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Summer is meant for aam panna and is even better with aam panna granita! It’s refreshing and cooling abilities get kicked up a notch. Try it, you will never again look at raw green mango with scorn or impatience, wishing they were ripe.</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Green Mango- 4</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Sugar- ½ cup or to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Roasted cumin powder- 1 tsp</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Black Salt / Kaala Namak- 1/2 tsp or to taste ( can substitute with regular salt to taste) </span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">Method</span></div>
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<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slit the the green mangoes in half, place in a saucepan or pressure cooker with enough water to just cover them</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cook until they are soft and mushy and the peel comes off easily.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once cool enough to handle, scrape the flesh off the seed and discard both the seed and the peel</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blend the pulp and water in a mixie/blender and strain it with a wide meshed sieve back into the saucepan, stirring the pulp to help it strain faster</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Add sugar, spices and salt and heat the strained pulp on simmer until all the sugar has melted.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Store the cooled aam panna mix in the fridge.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38;">When ready to serve, pour the aam panna mix into a glass to fill it about a third, fill the rest of the glass with water. Stir, adding some lime juice and muddled mint leaves if desired. </span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">Aam Panna Granita Recipe</span></div>
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<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">To make aam panna granita, first make the drink as mentioned above or use store bought juice like </span><a href="http://www.paperboatdrinks.com/drinks/aam%20panna" style="line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Paper Boat Aam Panna</a><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pour into a cake pan or some other wide, shallow container, making sure the liquid level comes up to only an inch or so high and freeze.(You can also use ice pop moulds if you have them. Basically we want the drink to freeze into a thin layer that is easy to break up. You don’t want to be breaking up chunks of ice that are too thick.)</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once the drink is frozen solid ( in a couple of hours) scrape and break it up with a fork into fluffy, flaky ice crystals. </span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy either as spoonfuls or slurp up with a straw! </span></li>
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The next time I make this I will definitely try spiking with a little vodka and a green chilly or two! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com119tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-57478979814115400142015-04-05T11:30:00.000-07:002018-08-23T04:24:37.542-07:00caramel popcorn easter eggs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy Easter!</div>
I can't believe its already another Easter. We have settled in well, back home here in India, after moving <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.in/2013/03/lemon-couscous-spring-chicken-in-pot.html" target="_blank"> from our beloved Marin </a>,that I still miss dearly, but now, no longer in that heart-gnawing way, more as one remembers a beautiful dream.<br />
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We have been busy in our new lives here, catching up with family and friends, taking little trips to rediscover and fall in love all over again with our beautiful and colorful country and getting the kid settled into school here (the same one his Pappa went to!), and I did neglect my beloved blog.<br />
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Easter and Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, so here we are! I have much to share,and I am finally ready to get back to blogging.<br />
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I have been cooking and baking a LOT but somehow, in the hustle and bustle of our new life here, just didn't get down to writing and posting here. <br />
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These delightful sweet and salty, crunchy caramel popcorn filled Easter eggs though, were such fun to whip up, I just had to share in case you have an Easter egg hunt planned for the little bunnies in your life this week.</div>
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Growing up, sometimes we got Easter Eggs filled with candies from the local bakeries in Kerala. Those were usually made of a hard and dry fondant or gum paste and elaborately decorated with piped flowers. They shattered when you broke them, and spilled the treats within. These chocolate eggs are fully edible though, and totally delicious!<br />
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The bittersweet chocolate I used contrasted well with the sweet and salty caramel popcorn and my little bunny loved the crunchy eggs as well as the hunt to find them all!<br />
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Ok so you don't really need a recipe to fill an egg mold with melted chocolate and fill it with caramel popcorn, so this is more of a sharing of an idea!<br />
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Anyways, here are some tips:<br />
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Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Easter Eggs<br />
(Yield- about 9 medium sized chocolate eggs)<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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Tempered chocolate ( Dark, Milk, White- any kind!) 400 gms<br />
Caramel popcorn (Chopped into small pieces or pulse for a few seconds in your food processor) 2 cups<br />
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( The amount of chocolate and popcorn you will need of course depends on the size of your molds. I used ones that were roughly the size of a small egg) <br />
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Method<br />
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I used chocolate egg molds, and also made some using an empty plastic kinder egg cover ( much larger eggs but works like a charm. Martha uses real eggs<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/267215/chocolate-egg-how-to" target="_blank"> here</a><br />
Chop chocolate ( I used about 400 grams of already tempered chocolate for about 9 eggs) and melt in the microwave in 30 second bursts stirring until chocolate is fully melted.<br />
Pour about a teaspoon into mold and swirl it so it evenly coats the inside and let set in the fridge. Repeat this about three times so that you have a strong shell.<br />
If you find the chocolate firming up, just microwave again for a few seconds more.<br />
Now fill with caramel popcorn chopped into small pieces.<br />
Make sure no pieces of popcorn are jutting out of the egg half.<br />
Cover the popcorn pieces with a final coat of chocolate and swipe the top with a spatula or knife so that it is even. NO bumpy tops.<br />
Let set again in the fridge for about 10 mins till fully solid.<br />
When you try tapping the mold, the egg halves should pop right out, else give it a few more mins in the fridge.<br />
Affix two egg halves with some melted chocolate to make a complete egg.<br />
You can also adhere some sprinkles on with a teeny drop of melted chocolate.<br />
Wrap with foil. Enjoy!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-65401959099819483012013-04-10T15:16:00.000-07:002015-04-14T07:39:15.999-07:00Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8584433175/" title="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8584433175_c2f6940361_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8585533622/" title="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8585533622_39916bfa5a_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a><br />
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Hey! How are you all doing? We have just a few short weeks before our big move back to India, so things are pretty crazy around here. We sold some of our furniture and gave away the rest of our stuff that we had accumulated over the years. Surprisingly I did not feel much of anything to see them go, except an unexpected sense of relief. The kid was quite confused when they hauled the sofa away but immediately reveled in all the new space he had to run around!<br />
I am trying not to let go of most of my kitchen stuff though, and that is what I am packing first, forget clothes and shoes! My baking pans are covered in bubble-wrap and packed away in suitcases and I am itching to bust them out, and bake one last time before we leave. <br />
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Today we had to make a trip up to the city, so we also took a short drive up to take one more look at this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8638949462/" title="Golden Gate Bridge, SF by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Golden Gate Bridge, SF" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8638949462_a5b58b0661_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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(I didn't take my camera along so this picture is from an earlier trip up to the breathtaking <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2013/02/cod-and-couscous-en-papillote.html" target="_blank">Marin Headlands</a>.) Initially, to me, The Golden Gate Bridge was just a pretty red bridge, but over the years I formed a deep attachment to it, and so has the three year old who's whole face lights up every time we see it. Driving up to the city it is always an awe inspiring sight to see the bridge shrouded by fog and surrounded by the green hills, just as we emerge from a tunnel. A truly dramatic sight I can never get tired of, and always have to photograph and then of course share with you all here! I am sure you don't mind :) Just look at that! We must be pretty crazy to leave right?<br />
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As you can guess, I am already missing California deeply but I just cannot wait to be all settled in my next kitchen on the other side of the world, and get cooking & baking again.<br />
I can't wait to re-discover Bangalore, the bustling South Indian city we are moving to. It has changed so much from the green and quiet little town I once lived in long ago as a child, and over the years that we have been away, I am sure it has changed even more.<br />
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But before that, there are hundreds of things to wrap up here, and a<i> </i>loooonnggg 30 hour trip to make. Do say a prayer for us and send good wishes our way!<br />
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So what am I doing here? escaping my never ending to-do list for just a little while, with a delicious and beautiful apple tart dusted with fennel pollen. It looks like a flower in full bloom doesn't it? Like these gorgeous spring flowers- something else I just cannot stop photographing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8637666445/" title="flowers by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="flowers" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8637666445_291e5c6d3e_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8637666881/" title="daffodils by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="daffodils" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8637666881_32e04f2814_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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This is a guest post for my good friend Viji at her blog <a href="http://spicesandaroma.in/2013/04/10/guest-post-by-rose-of-magpies-recipes-fennel-pollen-apple-roti-tart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spices and Aroma</a>, which always inspires me to cook and eat healthier. You will find Viji cooking with a lot of whole grains, South Beach diet friendly recipes and also making some absolutely brilliant, not so sinful desserts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8584433359/" title="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8584433359_2f7bdfceb9_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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When she requested a fruit tart for this guest post, I had something else in mind initially. Something involving cooking down berries and the rolling out of a buttery tart base like in this fantastic strained<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/03/lebni-strained-yogurt-tart-for-spring.html" target="_blank"> Greek Yogurt Tart here</a><br />
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Then one day when I was flipping channels on the TV, my three year old surprised me by loudly exclaiming "that's Pepin!" on seeing Jacques Pepin! A little later, he also confirmed that he was familiar with Julia Child. We are a little addicted to PBS, him and me, and I am so<i> not</i> proud of the fact that he can name most of the characters of "Down<i>tum</i> Abbey".<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8584433421/" title="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8584433421_e3f2672d2a_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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Anyways, Pepin on that day was making a<a href="http://www.kqed.org/w/morefastfoodmyway/episode223.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> tortilla-tart</a> with pears that looked so delicious and easy, that I could not resist making it, and decided to use up the last of the pink lady apples that were a steal at our farmer's market, perhaps because they were on their way out. Since it is quite healthy too without all the fat and sugar that goes into most tarts, I thought this is just the sort of recipe that Viji would like- not so sinful and bound to be a hit with her little toddler too.<br />
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I also decided to test some of the fennel pollen I received as a sample from the wonderful people from <a href="http://www.pollenranch.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pollen Ranch</a> whom I met at the<a href="http://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-show/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Fancy Food Show</a> and got to learn a lot about this spice that I had not used before.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8584444081/" title="Fennel Pollen from Pollen Ranch at the Fancy Food Show by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fennel Pollen from Pollen Ranch at the Fancy Food Show" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8584444081_6669e7a927_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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Most of us are familiar with fennel bulbs and of course fennel seeds, which are widely used in many cuisines, and very common in Indian cooking. Fennel is one of my favorite spices, both in savory and increasingly, sweet uses as well. In India bowls of fennel seeds are offered after meals to refresh your palate, aid digestion and serve as a natural mouth freshener. So that is my association with it, fresh, sweet, slightly anise-like.<br />
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But what is fennel pollen? As you would guess, it is the pollen collected from flowers on the fennel plant. I was expecting it to be like dust, but it is more granular than powdery, and tastes sweeter and less anise-like than fennel seeds, at-least to me. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fennel pollen from Pollen Ranch is hand picked from fields of fennel growing wild in the Sonoma area. I was intrigued to learn that fennel grows wild throughout much of California and the US West Coast. I hope to visit those fields one day and would love to watch how they harvest it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8584433213/" title="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fennel Pollen Apple Roti Tart" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8584433213_f8e0ebec7e_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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In this easy tart, left over tortillas or rotis are spread with a tablespoon of butter or margarine and sprinkled with sugar, instead of using a regular tart shell. Slices of apples or pears are arranged on the top, dotted with a little more pieces of butter, sprinkled with spoons of sugar and a pinch of fennel pollen, and then baked at 400 F for about 20 mins until the sugar and butter form a fennel scented caramel over the softened apples. The top of the apples are brushed after baking with preserves or honey that make them look shiny and glazed and adds just a touch more sweetness. The roti gets baked into a crisp and crunchy sweet base. Easy, delicious and pretty all in one go? Ingenious!<br />
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Head over to Viji's blog<a href="http://spicesandaroma.in/2013/04/10/guest-post-by-rose-of-magpies-recipes-fennel-pollen-apple-roti-tart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Spices and Aroma</a> for the full recipe and a lot of inspiration to eat healthy!<br />
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-58577074629362335102013-03-31T13:50:00.001-07:002015-04-14T07:40:35.351-07:00Happy Easter & Happy Spring! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8606590791/" title="Spring Flowers by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Spring Flowers" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8606590791_c74b761805_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"> "Our daily problems and worries can wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness, and that is where death is" </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">-Pope Francis during the Easter vigil</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Hope this beautiful Spring-time opens up our hearts and fills it with love, and LIFE! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Easter & Happy Spring my friends! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Update:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the winner of the <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2013/03/masala-chai-spiced-ginger-tea.html" target="_blank">GitaDini Saucepan Giveaway</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Comment number 44: Amy of Utry.it</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Congratulations Amy, will be contacting you for your address. Thanks to everyone who participated and to Gitadini for offering this giveaway to us. </span><br />
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-41373312435426138902013-03-29T13:13:00.002-07:002015-04-14T07:47:09.734-07:00Lemon Couscous Spring Chicken In a Pot- and of goodbyes and new beginnings!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8600157630/" title="Chicken in a pot by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken in a pot" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8600157630_0183e6d728_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8600167014/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="spring by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="spring" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8600167014_9cdb5ca7d5_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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Spring has very loudly announced her presence for a while now, around here. Little shoots poke out from the ground and buds burst open into a riot of colours. Tree branches that had nothing more than barren twigs, are covered with pink petaled flowers almost overnight.<br />
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I made a trip to our beautiful farmer's market here in Marin along with friends<a href="http://pattysfood.com/salad/moroccan-carrot-salad-with-blood-oranges/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Patty </a>and<a href="http://www.spcookiequeen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Gina</a> recently, and we were greeted by piles and piles of bountiful produce, that has come to life after the cold death of winter. Bright orange carrots and pretty radishes freshly dug from the brown earth. All around me, visible signs of change, new beginnings, rebirth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8599090653/" title="farmers market collage by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="farmers market collage" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8599090653_6c98a6e915_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8601232678/" title="cabbages by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="cabbages" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8601232678_55935a0348_c.jpg" height="534" width="800" /></a><br />
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Today is Good Friday, the solemn day we remember the death of Jesus. But it is followed, like Spring follows Winter, with the greatest celebration in the Christian calendar- Easter, this Sunday. As we prepare to celebrate Christ's resurrection after His death, we are reminded of our own resurrection after our life here on Earth is done. Reminded that our troubles, achievements and everything here in this life is only temporary- a passing mist, compared to our everlasting life to come.<br />
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The Jewish festival of Passover falls at the same time, and symbolically the two events are linked- Christians believe that Jesus Christ was sacrificed as the pascal lamb that was traditionally slaughtered for Passover. That Jesus, the son of God was crucified, accepting unbearable suffering so that each and every one on the earth, would be forgiven for our sins, and saved. He paid the price for our souls, taking on the punishment each of us deserve for our sins.<br />
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Of course, this does not mean that sin does not have consequences What it means is that while we are here on Earth, we have the opportunity to confess our sins and avail of God's grace to "fix" ourselves and our lives, and resolve to sin no more. To put our past behind us, and start afresh.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8600159154/" title="Marin by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8600159154_3eb6b01664_c.jpg" height="484" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8600159322/" title="Marin by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8600159322_5233ea6142_c.jpg" height="534" width="800" /></a><br />
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As we celebrate new beginnings, there are going to be some major changes and new beginnings in my own life too. We have been considering this decision for a while, and it had become something we thought of as being inevitable, eventually, but somewhere at the back of our minds. Recently however, God aligned things to make this decision for us: We are moving to India! Soon, much sooner than we had initially planned.<br />
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I am very excited but honestly, equally anxious. There is SO much to do and I wish we had more time to do it. I dread my long to-do list, I dread the packing, the planning, the starting from scratch. I just want to hide and pretend that it will all take care of itself! There is furniture that will hopefully get sold, the letting go of so many <i>things</i> that I had accumulated and grown attached to. I hope this hard exercise is going to teach me to finally do something I strive to- to live simpler, to own less, to be less attached to mere things. Less to store and maintain, less to clutter and clean up after, less to carry around. Let's hope this resolution holds!<br />
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But in all this confusion, I feel God's hand guide us, helping me strike one more thing off my list, and then another. When I am anxious, I remember to surrender.<br />
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I am one of those people who hate change so it took me a while to get used to the very idea of the big move. I thought about everything I would miss. I will deeply miss our beloved farmer's market, the wonderful library, the long walks with my little man to the duck pond close by, the hills outside my window. I will crazily miss being only a short ride away from the cuisines of Argentina to Ethiopia and Vietnam and our regular barbecue picnics by China Camp State Park. Seeing my beloved Golden Gate shrouded by fog. I will dearly miss the friends we made here, and I know my little man will miss his friends here too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8600213232/" title="Marin Farmer's Market by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin Farmer's Market" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8600213232_9984263ebd_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8600214226/" title="Marin Farmer's Market by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin Farmer's Market" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8600214226_e884f03e78_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8600215282/" title="Marin Farmer's Market by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin Farmer's Market" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8600215282_9c21ed5d93_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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Another half of me though, is growing more and more excited by the day. Excited about meeting up with family and our dear old friends whom we haven't seen in too long a while. One of my favorite cousin's wedding is on the day after we land and I couldn't be more thrilled that it is one wedding we won't have to miss! Looking forward to being steeped in tradition, colour, and chaos! I look forward to experience the wonderful food of my home with fresh eyes and to learn more about Indian cooking while I also try to recreate the food I enjoyed here. I look forward to wandering around the busy, colorful and crowded markets there and <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2013/03/masala-chai-spiced-ginger-tea.html" target="_blank">drinking cutting chai by the road side</a>. To enjoy sweet golden mangoes and mangosteens from my grandmother's garden.</div>
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Lots to look forward to, hopefully even more beautiful than the wonderful years we will be leaving behind.<br />
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This means that things might get a little quiet around here, as I force my self away from the laptop and wrap up some stuff, but I will be back soon with new stories! And I won't be able to stay away from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/magpiesrecipesblog?ref=hl" target="_blank"> facebook</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/magpiesrecipes/" target="_blank">instagram</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/magpiesrecipes" target="_blank">twitter</a> and will probably be bombarding you with minutia leading up to the big fat move!<br />
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To all our friends here: I hate saying goodbye, so I won't. See you in South India my loves, let me be your tour guide!</div>
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To all the old friends we are meeting and the new friends I hope to make: I. Cannot. Wait.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8599058399/" title="Chicken in a pot by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken in a pot" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8599058399_92234b2a8e_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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In celebration of Spring, while its still not very warm in most parts of the country, here is a one pot chicken dish adapted from Dorie Greenspan's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618875530/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0618875530&linkCode=as2&tag=magpiesrecipe-20">Around My French Table: More Than 300 Recipes from My Home to Yours</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=magpiesrecipe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0618875530" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which is very simple to make so is perfect if you are looking for an easy to throw together, yet dramatic Easter dish.<br />
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It makes the best of Spring veggies and you can drop in what ever you have on hand. Carrots, cabbage, caramelized shallots and garlic, everything is just sublime cooked along with the chicken. I had to experiment and add my own touch so added some lemons which add a wonderful tangy brightness and served with some couscous that readily soaked up the glorious chicken "gloop" as Dorie calls it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8601415106/" title="chicken in a pot by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="chicken in a pot" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8601415106_fd2444c57c_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a></div>
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This dish is a truly wonderful thing, way awesomer than the sum of its parts. Flavorful and bright from the lemon, it is a great way to finally welcome Spring! </div>
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I pretty much followed Dorie's instructions that you can read on her blog <a href="http://doriegreenspan.com/2007/01/when-in-doubt-chicken-in-the-pot.html" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Basically you take the biggest pot you have and heat some oil and sautee garlic, and some shallots or onions and whatever vegetables you like- I just used some carrots<br />
Then heat oil in a skillet and brown a whole chicken that has been patted down ( Remove the giblets and if you like, the skin as well- I did) and seasoned liberally with salt and pepper. No need to cut up the chicken, or you can use some chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken.<br />
<b>Place the chicken breast side down </b>( this I think is very important to avoid drying out the breast) on to the veggies<br />
<b>Place wedges of cabbage and lemon </b>as much as you can fit into your pot around the chicken.<br />
Stir together a half a cup of wine, half a cup of olive oil and a cup of chicken broth ( or water mixed with bullion) and whatever herbs you like- I just used some dried oregano and thyme because I didn't have any fresh herbs, and pour this over the chicken.<br />
Then I just covered my pot with a tight lid, but Dories makes a flour-paste to seal the lid, or suggests using foil to cover the pot tightly.<br />
Bake for 70 mins in an oven that has been preheated to 450 F<br />
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As Dorie promises, the chicken bakes up to be fall apart tender and gosh so amazingly flavorful The juices or "gloop" is definitely the best thing about this dish, and the couscous and cabbage that magically soaks up all this flavour gets finished off first! Seriously don't skip the cabbage even if you are a cabbage hater. It transforms into something truly amazing. And I definitely recommend adding the lemon-made the chicken taste tangy fresh and just perfect for Spring!<br />
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Reminder: There are only two more days left to enter the giveaway for a<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2013/03/masala-chai-spiced-ginger-tea.html" target="_blank"> very useful straining saucepan by Gitadini</a> so don't forget to stop by and leave your entry if you haven't already! </div>
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-76621056317187392013-03-04T17:42:00.001-08:002015-04-14T07:51:10.685-07:00Masala Chai Concentrate and a Straining Saucepan Giveaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8530066330/" title="Masala Chai Concentrate by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Masala Chai Concentrate" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8530066330_162dee3b7b_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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I had just moved into an apartment with a kitchen during my student days. I barely knew to cook and along with my roommates had just set up our kitchen- a rented fridge, a small gas stove and a toaster oven and a few pots, pans, spices and bags of lentils we had each brought from our mother's kitchens.<br />
We were all set and felt so grown up, even though none of us had accomplished cooking anything more than rice and dal, and that was dinner on most days. We didn't really feel the need to learn anything more, as when we got tired of dal, restaurants delivering delicious and cheap but greasy food right to your home and even home cooks who brought healthy, homemade meals for us "bachelors" (and bachelorettes) were only a phone call or a short walk away.<br />
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But on that rainy Sunday, my roommates and I were stuck at home, with a yearning for masala chai.<br />
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Masala chai or spiced ginger tea is popular and easily available at tea stalls all over India. It tastes best drunk out of little cut- glass tumblers on a crowded street full of life and color and is a great picker upper when you are tired after a long day, or a chilly, rainy one. On that bleak, grey morning many years ago, we began to talk about masala chai and I grew increasingly desperate for some.<br />
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The only problem was that I had no idea how to make tea, so I had to look it up in a cookbook, (my first ever), a used copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8125040447/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=8125040447&linkCode=as2&tag=magpiesrecipe-20%22%3EModern%20Cookery:%20For%20Teaching%20and%20the%20Trade%20Volume%201%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=magpiesrecipe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=8125040447" target="_blank">Modern Cookery</a> picked up on a whim from a pavement book seller near Besant Nagar Beach, because I remembered seeing it on my mom's bookshelf.<br />
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Luckily we found a bag of loose tea leaves and the required spices among the stuff our mothers had packed for us and I followed the steps that included filling a saucepan with "fresh bubbling water" from the tap. Thank you and your detailed instructions Thangam E. Philip!<br />
I boiled milk along with twice the amount of water, added a piece of smashed ginger, pepper, cloves, cardamon and cinnamon on our little stove. I waited until it came to a rapid boil, then threw in a teaspoon of of tea leaves for every cup of tea as Ms Thangam instructed me to, then turned down the heat and let it simmer and then boil alternately until the tea and spices infused the tea with warmth and strength as I had seen the<a href="http://chaipilgrimage.com/2008/11/28/what-is-a-chai-wallah/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <i>chaiwallahs</i></a> ( tea stall man in North India, called<i> chaya kada karan</i> in the South)<i> </i>do.<br />
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That first cup of tea was absolutely wonderful, and soon my roommates and I discovered that a steaming cup of spiced ginger tea and a warm piece of toast spread with cold butter or jam was one of the best things in life to wake up to. For some reason I became the official chaiwallah of the house, followed by which I soon mastered or atleast became familiar with cooking some simple things. Ofcourse there were<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/03/perfectly-easy-chocolate-cake.html" target="_blank"> lots of disasters</a> too, and sometimes even today, but they all help me learn what <i>not</i> to do!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8530066980/" title="Masala Chai Concentrate by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Masala Chai Concentrate" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8530066980_dab773088e_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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Many years have passed and I no longer need a cookbook to make chai, and today, cooking is no longer a necessity for me, but more of an obsession!<br />
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Whenever my mother in law comes to stay with us, tea and toast is our little ritual that we share before we begin the day and whenever the weather is chilly, and especially when one of us is fighting a cold, she asks me to make my "special" masala chai.<br />
The steam opens up blocked nasal passages, and the spices soothe and heal a sore throat. Along with Mummy's special blend of homeopathic remedies, a warm cup of the masala chai is sure to chase away colds.<br />
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This masala tea concentrate is for those days when you need that spicy kick in your tea, but are short on time. I boil the spices in water before hand, cool the liquid and store it in a bottle in the fridge. I only make a little at a time, but you can increase the amount to make for the week ahead. Pour it into a pretty bottle and the beautiful golden red liquid would also make a nice gift for the tea lovers in you life.<br />
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I can also see many other uses for the concentrate,to poach fruits, make into a syrup for desserts, maybe even in savory cooking uses.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8528965797/" title="Masala Chai Concentrate by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Masala Chai Concentrate" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8528965797_011c7fc94b_z.jpg" height="398" width="530" /></a></div>
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Update: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED<br />
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The<a href="http://www.gitadini.com/buy/76901/2quart-medium-saucepan.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> GitiaDini Straining Saucepan</a> is perfect for making this masala chai concentrate because it has deep pour spouts and a strainer inbuilt. Such a clever idea, making it ideal to cook rice, pasta, vegetables, soup and anything else that may require pouring and straining, without needing a separate colander or strainer. If you want to strain very finely, ( for example tiny tea leaves) you may find the holes a little large and may want to use a mesh strainer, but for most things like rice, pasta, vegetables and larger spices like those used in this spice concentrate it works great. I wish it came with a lid, but was happy to find that I had several lids from other pans at home that fit perfectly.<br />
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I like that the sides are also slightly rounded making it easy to stir things and it is just the right size at 2 quarts- making me reach for it often. It has a nice heft to it and is well made. I have had it for about two weeks and so far I have used this pot almost exclusively for all kinds of things and would definitely recommend it.<br />
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<img alt="My Photo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jwQwOtfMSzZ-BHCV5dAnKZVASJJnPKkMcqzpK_xXS_wI1m_yXnCORCJ9qhzAjVcVoeB4EFrGjB1RxWPBs1qhqzN3vK4nSFFqaA68RZqzgAfQMTIhG7C4JIYtjZR_umEDY6RyNvB8lA0/s220/FB+logo.jpg" /></div>
I am happy that the lovely people at <a href="http://www.gitadini.com/" target="_blank">GitaDini</a> giving away a Straining Saucepan to one of Magpie's Recipes' readers.<br />
Here is how you can enter the giveaway and gain extra entries:<br />
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1. To enter: Leave one comment on this post telling me what you would use the straining saucepan for<br />
2. Extra Entries: Like or follow Magpie's Recipes on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/magpiesrecipesblog" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/magpiesrecipes" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://plus.google.com/116260178757899022323/" target="_blank">Googleplus</a> or<a href="http://pinterest.com/magpiesrecipes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Pinterest</a> and leave a comment saying you did, a separate comment for each<br />
3. Extra Entries: Like or follow GitaDini on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GitaDiniUSA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,<a href="http://www.twitter.com/GitaDiniUSA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.goplus.us/GitaDiniUSA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google Plus</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/GitaDiniUSA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, and leave a comment here saying you did, a separate comment for each<br />
4. Extra entries: Share, tweet or pin this giveaway and leave a separate comment saying that you did for each<br />
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The contest will close on March 31st and winners will be announced shortly after and the saucepan will be shipped by GitaDini to any address here in the US. Winners will be chosen using<a href="http://www.random.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> random</a>, so the more entries you have, the more likely you are to win. Make sure you have a US address if you take part!<br />
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If you want to check out all the other cool products by GitaDini like the<a href="http://www.gitadini.com/buy/76896/rotito-rolling-board-set-grey.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Rotito Roti Rolling Board set</a> and the fun <a href="http://www.gitadini.com/buy/76906/yin-yang-storage-bin-black-&-white.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ying Yang spice box</a>, visit<a href="http://www.gitadini.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> their website</a>.<br />
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<b>Recipe for Masala Chai Concentrate</b><br />
Yield: Enough concentrate for two cups of tea, increase proportionately to make more<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Water 2 1/2 cups </li>
<li>Cinnamon 1 stick</li>
<li>Ginger 1 inch piece smashed with the heel of your knife or in a mortar and pestle ( no need to grind, just smash it once or twice to release juices)</li>
<li>or Ginger powder 1/4 tsp</li>
<li>Cloves 6</li>
<li>Cardamom 6</li>
<li>Whole Pepper corns 10 or 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper</li>
</ul>
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Instructions:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Add the spices to the water and bring to a boil on medium heat.</li>
<li>Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 mins to infuse the water with the spices</li>
<li>Cool,strain, bottle and store in the fridge.</li>
</ul>
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When you want to make your tea, just pour a cupfull of the concentrate into a mug,<br />
Add a dash of milk ( I add only about 2 tablespoons of milk, increase if you like your tea more milky) to the concentrate,<br />
Heat until boiling ( 2 mins on high in the microwave should do)<br />
Add a tea bag and let it infuse for 2 to 4 mins depending on how strong you like your tea.<br />
Enjoy a cupfull of bliss :)<br />
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You can use spices of your choice- (ground nutmeg or dried mint would be a great addition), some people prefer to leave out the pepper as it can be a little prominent.<br />
Use a black tea you like to drink, I have used Darjeeling, orange pekoe or even Mummy's favorite Twinings Earl Grey tea.<br />
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Please note: I received no compensation from GitaDini or anyone else to write this review for the sample saucepan they sent me. All opinions are strictly my own, from the two weeks that I have rigorously used this saucepan.</div>
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-92050647453020240802013-02-20T20:21:00.002-08:002015-04-18T01:36:09.321-07:00Quick Skillet Garlic Green Beans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8493995534/" title="Quick Skillet Green Beans by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Quick Skillet Green Beans" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8493995534_375a03ccc3_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes there is perfection in the simplest of things. Like a bunch of french beans, quickly sauteed in light olive oil, with a little caramelized garlic and a sprinkling of chilli flakes for heat. Served over rice, with a soft boiled egg, this is my idea of a perfect meal.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8494289954/" title="Garlic Green Beans by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Garlic Green Beans" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8494289954_b7b2dff9f0_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We eat beans a lot. All kinds. This <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/01/kerala-beans-stirfry-payar.html" target="_blank">long beans stir fry</a> is a favorite. And then of course there are dried beans ( lentils) of all kinds. <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/red-moong-and-squash-erissery-for.html" target="_blank">Red Beans and Pumpkin Eriserry</a>, <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/09/basicshow-to-make-mung-dallentil-soup.html" target="_blank">Yellow Dal</a> and <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/10/green-mung-rice-gruel-cherupayar-with.html" target="_blank">Green Mung</a>, and another simple ever-favorite, the humble <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/03/muthira-horsegram-lentil-and-crushed.html" target="_blank">Horsegram (Muthira)</a> What's not to love about legumes? They are inexpensive, easy and quick to cook, nutritious and delicious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am sharing this green beans saute with some other legume lovers over at <a href="http://foodandspice.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-legume-love-affair-56-and.html" target="_blank">My Legume Love Affair</a> that was started by <span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 20.98958396911621px;"><a href="http://thewellseasonedcook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Susan </a> and is now being run by <a href="http://foodandspice.blogspot.ca/p/mlla.html" target="_blank">Lisa</a>, and if you love legumes as much as we do, you should definitely join in the fun. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8493996068/" title="Quick Skillet Green Beans by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Quick Skillet Green Beans" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8493996068_1989a58b97_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you think beans are boring ? Or do you think of magic, and of Jack and the beans stalk? Of something amazing that can come from something so ordinary? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whenever I see beans, I think of my little brother. He is not so little now, but when you have a brother who is nine years younger than you, he is your first baby and will always be. My sister and I and we were fiercely protective of him from the second he was born. While my sis and I went through our share of sibling rivalry and quarrels, with my brother things were different. We big sisters were happy to pamper him. He was just the cutest little kid. Light brown eyes framed by long lashes, and the sweetest, widest smile on his chubby face. Most little girls had dolls to play with. My sister and I were lucky enough to have our own live, little doll! Yes, the poor thing had to go through a lot of tea time, dress-up and worse! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I could not believe it when I went off to college and during that time our happy chatterbox grew into a quiet teen who towered over us at 6 feet tall. Today I cannot believe he is twenty, almost done with his studies and ready to join the work force.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But once, he was five, and a sweet little boy who, like Jack, had a beanstalk. Well, my mother planted it, but it was the five year old, whose job it was to water it and he did so, enthusiastically. One of my most cherished photographs has a disheveled, chubby little toddler, who (in my mind at least) can never grow up, dutifully watering his beans plant. And that's the image that came into my mind, looking at that bag of beans at Costco.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8492896811/" title="Quick Skillet Green Beans by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Quick Skillet Green Beans" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8492896811_a03154be0d_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't shop at Costco </span>( a popular warehouse store that has stores across the US and some other countries) <span style="font-family: inherit;">too often, but every two months or so I make a trip there, armed with a long list. I bring back giant bottles of nuts, bags of rice, cereal, pasta and sugar and other staples and very occasionally some treats like those fantastic chocolate covered berries or giant bottles of nutella that really should be out lawed. I take shopping for groceries very seriously and like to take my time, moving slowly from one aisle to the next, scanning every ingredient list and tasting samples. Grocery shopping is just one of those things I really, really enjoy. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think I just like to be surrounded by food or the promise of the many meals I will get to cook :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This time I was happy to see a huge bag of tender green beans, and I had only this one thing in mind to do with them- sautee them with garlic, and that's all I did with the entire bag. No complaints.</span><br />
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Quick Skillet Garlic Green Beans</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li>French Green Beans or String Beans- 1 1/2 pounds</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Garlic- 5 cloves sliced into wedges</span></li>
<li>Chilli flakes- 1-2 tsp ( optional) </li>
<li>Extra light Olive Oil or Canola oil- 2 tbsp </li>
<li>Salt to taste</li>
</ul>
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Directions:<br />
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Cut the end off the green beans and if you like cut them up into shorter pieces ( easier to eat this way)<br />
Heat the oil in a skillet and saute the garlic until crisp and light brown.<br />
Add the chilli flakes and salt and stir for a few seconds<br />
Add the washed and cut beans and stir to cover evenly with the oil.<br />
Cover the skillet with a lid and leave to cook, stirring occasionally.<br />
The beans should still have a bite to them but no longer taste raw.<br />
Serve with rice or as a side to meat or pasta. </div>
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com116tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-86629755413663638372013-02-13T20:00:00.003-08:002015-04-14T08:32:26.154-07:00Cod and Couscous En Papillote <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8471518929/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fish and Couscous En Papillote by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish and Couscous En Papillote" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8471518929_0e914e87d5_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Since there was no school on Sundays, my sister and I decided that meant we could sleep in. Our mother did not agree, and we woke every Sunday to the sound of her insistent knocking on the door of our bedroom, as she hurried us to awake and get ready for church.</span><br />
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We would sleepily nudge each other to get up and get bathed first so that the other would have a few more cozy minutes, buried under the covers. Usually this meant we were almost always late, arriving at church bleary eyed and grumpy as we went through the motions, waiting for the service to end so we could get to our Sunday feast and favorite TV shows.</div>
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How things have changed! Today, going to Sunday Mass with my little family is one of the highlights of my week and I am always, like my mom, the first one to be dressed and ready, urging T and the toddler to hurry so we won't miss a bit of the service. Mostly because today as an adult, I understand the significance of the symbols, the meanings behind the motions. Over the years, life's many ups and downs, God has drawn me closer to Him and I hope, He draws me closer still. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8471448539/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Marin Headlands by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin Headlands" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8471448539_8e780ff3ea_b.jpg" height="479" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8472543962/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Gate Bridge by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Golden Gate Bridge" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8472543962_e1a0cbc6de_b.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golden Gate Bridge- from the beautiful Marin Headlands</td></tr>
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In our busy, sometimes unrelentingly demanding week, the peaceful church is a serene, soothing retreat. Joyous hymns raise my spirits and strengthen me ( <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Eqq5Q1DOU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one</a> and<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWpG7qHtB8g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this</a> are two favorites) I smile when the toddler loudly joins in- the fact that he doesn't know too much of the words doesn't deter him in the least. He usually just makes up his own! The sermon fills my heart and inspires me to be a better person and rise above my flaws, feelings of in-adequacy and petty anxieties. I am reminded of God's enduring, unconditional love for me and my fellow human beings. I leave feeling rejuvenated with a song on my lips and a feeling of contentment in my heart. After mass, the world is more beautiful. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8471437671/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Marin Headlands by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin Headlands" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8471437671_b3b1630714_b.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of a solemn time when we count down to Easter and the death and Resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and many fast and abstain from things they usually enjoy, during this forty day period before the celebration of Easter. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8471449543/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Marin Headlands by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin Headlands" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8471449543_53aeaea123_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8472543976/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Marin Headlands by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin Headlands" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8472543976_fd2e9a977e_b.jpg" height="783" width="530" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8471449533/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Marin Headlands by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Marin Headlands" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8471449533_9ef879bb19_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/02/cumin-roasted-cauliflower-soup-hearty.html" target="_blank">Like last year</a>, I plan to give up or at least reduce my consumption of <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/dessert">my biggest weakness-sweets</a>.<br />
Unfortunately, since it also happens to be Valentine's day tomorrow, I am surrounded by decadent chocolate cakes and tempting sweets in pink and red hues. Seeing these and the many adorable heart shaped cookies and cakes on Facebook and all my favorite blogs, I almost broke down and baked today, using a V-day themed blog post as an excuse to give in. Then I reminded myself that this is an austere time, a time to grow spiritually, a time for self-discipline, so I resisted.<br />
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Instead I decided to post this fish en papillote that the hubs and I made together last Sunday A simple, healthy and romantic meal and a special day spent together.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8472613132/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="Fish and Couscous En Papillote by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish and Couscous En Papillote" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8472613132_25b7e7d769_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">After last Sunday's mass, we were thinking about where to head for lunch when the hubs suggested that instead of going to a restaurant how about going to the nearest Whole Foods to pick up some fish and attempt en papillote ( in parchment) cooking. "I don't know how!" I exclaimed. It sounded complicated, and the only similar thing I had seen my mother make was </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Meen Pollichathu</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> where fish is cooked with spicy masala inside a banana leaf."We'll learn together." said he.</span><br />
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So we did. With guidance from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/red-snapper-en-papillote-recipe/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alton Brown</a>, I was sous chef to the hubs for the afternoon as we sipped wine and cooked together, packaging the fish with herbs, vegetables and couscous in a sheet of parchment paper. It turned out to be very easy, didn't take much time at all, and was a lot of fun! There was much drama, excitement and anticipation at the escaping steam when the hubs cut open the package in the end. </div>
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One of the most delightful Sundays ever, and a fresh and delicious meal that although we devoured completely, we didn't feel stuffed, but rather left us feeling energized and light.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8471518901/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fish and Couscous En Papillote by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish and Couscous En Papillote" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8471518901_106c58f2e8_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tasty mess! </td></tr>
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The couscous and the carrots absorbed all the juices and flavors and the lemon and onions almost tasted like they were pickled and I found myself eating slice after slice. </div>
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I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow, filled with love. The three of us are a little under the weather, and will most likely be staying in, but we plan to cook something special, maybe try something new, because this was so much fun! </div>
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Cod and Couscous En Papillote<br />
Recipe adapted from: Alton Brown <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/red-snapper-en-papillote-recipe/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 cup couscous ( I would recommend that you don't skip this) </li>
<li>2-pounds cod fillets or whole red snapper, cleaned, head on</li>
<li>2 teaspoons salt, plus a sprinkling for the couscous</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper </li>
<li>1 small bunch fresh oregano ( we used 1 tsp dried) </li>
<li>1 small bunch fresh parsley</li>
<li>1 whole lemon, thinly sliced</li>
<li>1 cup thinly sliced red onion</li>
<li>2 teaspoons minced garlic</li>
<li>1 cup halved grape tomatoes</li>
<li>1 cup drained and quartered artichoke hearts ( we didn't use this) </li>
<li>A few carrots sliced in half lenghtwise (optional but recommended)</li>
<li>1/2 cup white wine </li>
<li>1 tablespoon butter</li>
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Special Equipment:</div>
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A Baking sheet </div>
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Parchment Paper or aluminium foil ( do not use wax paper) </div>
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Directions:<br />
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<li>Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.</li>
<li>Rinse and soak the couscous in cold water for about 10 mins, then strain and lay out on a plate, after sprinkling some salt.</li>
<li>Cut parchment paper into a 15 by 48-inch sheet, large enough in width to cover your baking sheet twice. </li>
<li>Fold in half and lay on baking/cookie sheet so that it resembles a greeting card. </li>
<li>Open the "card" and lay the fish on the inside layer of parchment so that you can cover it woth the outer flap of parchment.(As though placing the fish inside a greeting card.)</li>
<li>Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on the fish, on both sides of the fillets or if using a whole fish, inside and out. </li>
<li>Place herbs in between the fillets or inside cavity of fish along with half of the sliced lemons, and half of the sliced red onion. </li>
<li>Arrange couscous next to fish on all sides. </li>
<li>Place minced garlic, and remaining lemon and red onion on fish and lay tomatoes, carrots and artichoke hearts around outside of couscous, creating what Alton describes as somewhat of a wall. </li>
<li>Cut up the butter into small chunks and place them over the fish. </li>
<li>Pour wine over fish and cover with the outer flap of parchment</li>
<li>Fold along the edges of parchment paper, to create a package and staples the edges if necessary, so that it won't leak. </li>
<li>Bake in oven for 30 minutes. Carefully cut open, keeping away from the escaping steam.</li>
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Make sure to serve enough couscous which absorbs all the juices. Along with the carrots it was perhaps my favorite part about this dish.<br />
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-91680656474389500822013-02-05T18:49:00.002-08:002015-04-18T01:30:26.677-07:003 Ingredient Nutella Avocado Banana Mousse <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8449440224/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="3 Ingredient Nutella Mousse by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="3 Ingredient Nutella Mousse" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8449440224_6322627a8c_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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Today I have a special treat for you: luxuriously smooth and creamy chocolate decadence which is actually<i> healthy</i>, and what is more, is ready in under 5 minutes. I know, it sounds too good to be true. This 3 ingredient mousse tastes and looks absolutely sinful, but it's creamy lusciousness hides a surprising secret: </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8448454811/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nutella Avocado Banana Mousse by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Nutella Avocado Banana Mousse" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8448454811_da62d40644_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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Nutrient rich avocados and a banana that are completely enveloped by the deliciousness of nutella or if you are allergic to nuts, simply melted chocolate, or even cocoa powder and a bit of sweetener of your choice. Yes, yes! Believe! It is even more delicious than it looks! and no, you cannot taste much of the avocado or the banana. You probably wouldn't even guess they were there if I hadn't told you. All you taste is deep chocolate decadence and all you feel is smooth creaminess that your spoon will not have enough of! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8448355585/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="3 Ingredient Nutella Mousse by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="3 Ingredient Nutella Mousse" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8448355585_953b8e4065_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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Whenever I think of avocados I remember those early months with the toddler when he had just started on baby food. Mashed bananas and avocados, roasted pureed sweet potatoes- these were our picky eater's favorites. Avocados were blended with a little sugar or maple syrup a lot in this house. Past the finger food stage however, we had rarely bought them, mainly because I actually don't like them very much. </div>
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Then one day a couple of friends got together for a potluck and my friend
<a href="http://spicesandaroma.in/2012/01/25/chocolate-mousse-with-avocado-valentines-day-special/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vijitha</a> brought over a chocolate mousse. When I heard that it was made with cocoa and avocados I was pretty sure I wouldn't like it, because I just don't like the taste of avocados. I think they taste kind of eggy. But her mousse looked so creamy and irresistible I had to taste it, and gosh was I proved wrong! I LOVED it! </div>
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The awesome thing about avocados, apart from their dreamy creaminess, is that although it has a pretty strong flavor on it's own, when it is mixed with something else, it completely takes on the flavor of whatever it is that you mix in. And what could be better than nutella?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8448355641/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="3 Ingredient Nutella Mousse by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="3 Ingredient Nutella Mousse" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8448355641_de3285211e_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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We love desserts, T and I, and our little three year old has a big sweet tooth too. The last couple of years we definitely have indulged a little too much, thanks mostly to my baking obsession. So this year, at-least while my new year resolutions are still quite fresh in my mind, I was on the lookout for healthier alternatives to satisfy our sugar cravings. </div>
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When some one tells me that something is healthy, I used to automatically expect it to taste "healthy". You know what I mean. Healthy desserts are a bit of an oxymoron right? Chalky, tasteless is what I had come to expect of most desserts that had been robbed of butter, cream, sugar, eggs and other sinful ingredients that make it awesome yet overindulgent.<br />
If you are an unbeliever too then one taste of this mousse will convince you that going healthy does not mean missing out on delicious.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8449440210/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="3 Ingredient Nutella Mousse by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="3 Ingredient Nutella Mousse" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8449440210_1b0d535439_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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Since today is <a href="http://www.nutelladay.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Nutella Day</a>, I couldn't resist making something rich and purely decadent and this secretly healthier mousse totally hits the spot.</div>
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Even though I waited till today to post this, I have actually made this mousse many times, especially since it is dairy-free, eggless and allergy friendly and wholesome for the three year old and not even T could tell that this was a "healthier" version of mousse. It can be slathered on anything, and I am also
planning on using it to fill crepes like the ones I always make sure to get whenever we head to Fisherman's warf in San Francisco. They make the crepes on large cast iron griddles, slather a big gloop of nutella on them and serve it to you hot and crispy, with sliced strawberries on the side.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8448427357/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Pier 39 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Pier 39" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8448427357_ca9b457a00_b.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8449524596/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Pier 39 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Pier 39" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8449524596_4b13f8d078_b.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love going over to Pier 39. It is such a colourful, bustling place. I like playing tourist and going over to gawk at the sea lions, watching the street performers and eating nutella crepes are almost always part of the experience. These pictures were taken on our last visit to Fisherman's wharf over the holidays. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8448427245/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Pier 39 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Pier 39" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8448427245_c2a2595621_b.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8448427449/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Pier 39 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Pier 39" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8448427449_c75351c3a2_b.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This mousse it would make a really rich tasting, thick and creamy chocolate frosting for a layer cake, or sandwiched between cookies... I am sure I will be playing with this healthy mousse in many ways!<br />
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Recipe for 3 ingredient Nutella Avocado Banana Mousse </div>
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Yield: Serves 4-6</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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<ul>
<li>2 Avocados ( Tastes best with ones that are just ripe, dent lightly when pressed with a finger, with green not brown flesh)</li>
<li>1 Yellow, not over ripe banana (Over browned bananas may have a stronger banana flavor)</li>
<li>1/3 Cup Nutella (Use less or more as per your preference)</li>
<li>2 Tablespoons cocoa powder ( optional- I use and love Ghirardelli's unsweetened, Cadbury's or Valrhona)</li>
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Directions:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Whizz all of the ingredients in a blender or use an immersion blender until creamy and combined and no lumps remain ( Do not add any liquid) </li>
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Note: </div>
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Taste and add more nutella, a sweetener, or if you like, a shot of vanilla extract, or even balsamic vinegar or a little sea salt if you like some tang.</div>
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In place of the nutella you can also use chocolate chunks that have been melted in warmed milk or soymilk<br />
You can also just mix the mashed avocados with or without the banana with just cocoa powder and a sweetener like sugar or maple syrup as per the original recipe that this version was inspired by.</div>
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Can store the mousse for about a day or two in the fridge and serve either at room temp or chilled.</div>
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If you are as nuts about nutella as I am, you may like to check out <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/nutella" target="_blank">other recipes celebrating nutella here</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-2434680064008250902013-02-01T13:11:00.000-08:002015-04-14T08:38:29.420-07:00Beer Braised Cilantro Chicken Dumpling (or anything) Stew <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8430765264/" title="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8430765264_ff586cbd2d_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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Wait, what? it's Friday already? Gosh this week just flew past!</div>
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How are you all doing? Anyone down with the flu? I heard it's especially nasty this year. Stay warm and well my friends!</div>
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We decided to skip getting flu shots this time, after having been sick immediately after getting the shot for the last two years. So I'm being extra careful. I caught my self edging away from <i>people who sniffle! </i>I have even become one of those people who carries around a clip-on bottle of hand sanitizer (!).</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8429679299/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8429679299_4bfba398eb_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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In spite of all this, in case we do succumb to those dastardly bugs (very likely because we have a germ magnet of a three year old who loves to share) I have stocked up on my homeo supply and will be making steaming mugs of <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.in/2013/03/masala-chai-spiced-ginger-tea.html" target="_blank">masala chai</a>, pepper soups and this stew. Guaranteed to make bleak and depressing days better. Why? because it's chicken stew and it has beer in it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8430765198/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8430765198_4145e3a0cf_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I'm not too much of a beer drinker, and would much rather sip a glass of wine. But every time the hubs brings home a case of beer, I squirrel away a couple of bottles to cook with. Beer tops wine in cooking, I think and adds a lovely hearty, malty flavor to everything. From pouring onto</span><a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/12/spicy-masala-pulled-pork-polenta.html" style="text-align: left;"> slow cooking meat</a><span style="text-align: left;">, baking super easy</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/07/beer-bread-no-yeast-no-knead-dairy-free.html" style="text-align: left;">beer bread</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">and this chicken soup/stew, I love the many ways that beer can be used in the kitchen.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8429679261/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8429679261_605e0d4867_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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With the Superbowl this week end I am sure many of you will end up with more beer bottles than you could possibly drink. Use them well.</div>
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And while we are talking about the Super Bowl, I felt compelled to share some Super Bowl friendly food ideas:</div>
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/grilled-chicken-wings-indian-style-for.html">Grilled Chicken Wings Indian Style</a><br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2013/01/melted-brie-and-balsamic-bruschetta-dip.html">Melted Brie and Bruschetta Dip</a><br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/04/spicy-rice-crispies-what-we-munched-on.html" target="_blank">Better than popcorn-spicy rice crispies and nut mix</a><br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/02/pizza-for-two-with-quick-easy-homemade.html">Skillet Pizza with no knead 5 minute dough </a><br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/12/spicy-masala-pulled-pork-polenta.html">Garam Masala Pulled Pork- feed a crowd!</a><br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/02/pork-vindaloo.html">Pork Vindaloo</a><br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/02/swapnas-tasty-tuna-cutlets.html">Tasty Tuna Cutlets or Croquettes</a><br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/03/chicken-masala-fry.html">Easy Kerala Style Chicken Fry </a>- one of the first recipes here!<br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/12/nankhatais-wholewheat-cardamom-eggless.html">Whole Wheat Pistachio Cardamom cookies</a><br />
<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/02/nutella-brownies-for-world-nutella-day.html">4 Ingredient quick and easy Nutella Brownies</a><br />
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And now back to this stew/ soup. I do love the dimension of flavor that beer adds to it. But it doesn't <i>have</i> to have beer. It's just a basic, really good chicken stew or soup that I make all the time with what ever I have on hand. All kinds of vegetables can be tossed in, including one of those bags of assorted frozen veggies. This stew helps me use up all kinds of left overs like roast chicken, rice, pasta or even lentils. This time I simmered it with a bottle of beer that was hanging out in the fridge, though you can easily skip the beer and use chicken stock instead. Sometimes I make it with egg noodles, sometimes I plop in bits of dough that absorb the delicious broth and cook into hearty, plump little dumplings. We ate them all up so I didn't have any to photograph, maybe next time, in the next incarnation of this stew that I make too often. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8430765222/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Beer braised cilantro chicken stew" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8430765222_0618fe3a12_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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It might interest you to know how different yet awesomely delicious too is the <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/03/stew-coconut-milk.html">chicken stew</a> that I grew up eating in Kerala- a gloriously spiced coconut milk, chicken, vegetable or meat stew that is one of my all time favorite dishes. My good friend Prerna Singh of <a href="http://www.indiansimmer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Indian Simmer</a> even features a slow cooker variation of it in her brand new cook book :)</div>
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Hurry over to her beautiful blog to <a href="http://www.indiansimmer.com/2013/01/how-to-make-ghee-in-slowccoker-from.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">win a copy of her first cook book</a> and discover how to cook Indian Food easily and deliciously in the slow cooker.<br />
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<b>Recipe for Beer Braised Cilantro Chicken Stew</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe by: Rose of Magpie's Recipes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Difficulty Level: Easy</span><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken breast tenders or thighs 6</li>
<li>Pearl onions or shallots 4 ( or you can use 1/4 of a regular onion)</li>
<li>Garlic 6 cloves sliced into wedges</li>
<li>Celery seed powder 1/4 tsp ( better to use fresh celery about a handful, chopped, I just didn't have any)</li>
<li>Cumin powder 1/2 tsp</li>
<li>Coriander powder 1/2 tsp</li>
<li>Pepper 1/2 tsp</li>
<li>Dried Thyme 1/2 tsp</li>
<li>Carrots 1 cup sliced into thin rounds</li>
<li>Scallions 2 chopped ( optional)</li>
<li>Ginger 1 inch piece smashed</li>
<li>Flour 1 tbsp</li>
<li>Beer 1 twelve oz bottle ( optional, can use some more chicken stock instead)</li>
<li>Chicken stock 2 cups ( can use bullion dissolved in 2 cups water)</li>
<li>Cilantro a handfuls, chopped to garnish</li>
<li>Oil (I use canola or light olive oil, sometimes one of those herb or garlic infused olive oils)</li>
</ul>
Directions<br />
<ul>
<li>Heat some oil in a skillet</li>
<li>Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the chicken breasts and brown the chicken on both sides, don't cook, just brown</li>
<li>Remove the chicken and keep aside</li>
<li>In the same skillet, adding a little more oil if required, brown the garlic then the onion, then add the spices and vegetables and stir until lightly browned.</li>
<li>Add back the browned chicken and stir in the flour. Keep stirring until the flour is slightly turned a light brown and is no longer raw.</li>
<li>Add the chicken stock and or beer and let simmer.</li>
<li>If you want to add noodles, pasta or cooked rice, this is the time.</li>
<li>Check and add salt if required and garnish with chopped cilantro.</li>
<li>Drizzle some olive oil, if you like ones infused with herbs or garlic, use that, and serve with <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/07/beer-bread-no-yeast-no-knead-dairy-free.html">bread</a>, <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/02/easy-onion-drop-biscuits-no-eggs-no.html">biscuits</a>, or even over rice.</li>
</ul>
Note, If I'm in a hurry this is what I do to save thawing the chicken in the microwave, I use my pressure cooker instead:<br />
Pressure cook the frozen chicken tenders with 1/2 cup chicken stock or beer till thawed and cooked<br />
Heat oil in a skillet and brown the chicken, cut it up with a fork and remove, proceed as above for the rest.<br />
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You can also make dumplings and simmer them in the stew until cooked:<br />
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Dumplings<br />
1 cup AP flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tbsp olive oil<br />
salt to taste<br />
Herbs (optional)<br />
Water or milk<br />
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Mix the above ingredients with just enough water or milk to make a dough<br />
Roll into small marble sized balls or scoop with a spoon and drop into the simmering stew.<br />
Cover and let the dumplings cook until a skewer inserted into the dumpling comes out clean and the inside is not gummy ( 10 to 15 minutes, the smaller you roll them, the faster they will cook) </div>
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-12042099760936887012013-01-22T20:54:00.000-08:002015-04-18T01:29:07.802-07:00Kerala Coconut Crab - Njandu Peera Pattichathu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8404645612/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab4 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab4" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8404645612_a11083abfb_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8403552739/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab2 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8403552739_00fe10d62e_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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This Coconut Crab dish is one of my mom's specialties, It is mildly spiced and tangy from the Kokum- a kind of tamarind. It is mouthwateringly good and a childhood favourite. This recipe is common among Kerala households and is often made with prawns or the flaked white flesh of other fish like tuna or seer fish.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8403552821/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab3 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab3" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8403552821_44414c8aaa_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">My mom always made this whenever she chanced upon fresh crab from our neighborhood fishmonger who would drive up with an icebox perched precariously behind his moped. Crab and Kari-meen (Pearl spot fish) were in high demand, and so we were always aware of the extra-special-ness of a lunch with either of these on the table! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8403552689/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab6 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab6" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8403552689_72574748ae_b.jpg" height="781" width="530" /></a></div>
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She would usually make it the same way each time. Poaching the crab in a little warm water in which sour <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garcinia_indica" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kokum</a> was soaked to infuse it with it's tangy flavour. The water was evaporated to ensure that every bit of the tanginess was absorbed by the crab, usually in a wide, shallow clay pot ( mann chatti) reserved for cooking seafood, that also imparted it's rustic earthiness.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kokum" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8405478637_2afdefb0ef_b.jpg" height="795" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="530" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kokum- used like tamarind to impart sourness usually in seafood dishes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8403552653/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab8 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><br /><img alt="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab8" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8403552653_df79c02347_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This process of cooking is termed </span><i style="text-align: start;">Pattichathu</i><span style="text-align: start;">, where delicate seafood is cooked in a little amount of flavorful liquid until all the liquid is absorbed and evaporated. She then stirred the tender meat gently, along with coconut, tempered spices and curry leaves over a low flame so that the flavours danced together harmoniously. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8403552789/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab5 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab5" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8403552789_d016b08344_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">When I saw crabs at my neighborhood grocery store I was suddenly filled with all the memories surrounding my mom's crab dish and a deep craving for it, so I immediately decided to make it. Halfway through wheedling the flesh out of one crab and my hands were scraped red. I decided I didn't have to do everything exactly like my mom did, and left the rest of the flesh intact to crack open at the dinner table, which was actually kind of fun! The rest of the process is quite simple and you can make this with any kind of fish by flaking the meat, and is especially delicious with tiny shrimp. It is also one of the most magical things you can do to a can of tuna, </span><a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/02/swapnas-tasty-tuna-cutlets.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">along with this</a>, although of-course it is most excellent with crab. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8406866982/" title="The handsome dude who came over for dinner! by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="The handsome dude who came over for dinner!" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8406866982_3ba0361d74_z.jpg" height="612" width="612" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8405287397/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Crab by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Crab" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8405287397_b750d7876a_c.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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We ate it with mounds of rice and a little spiced buttermilk and the tantalizing play of contrasting flavours - the sweet crab meat and coconut, tang from the Kokum, the zing of freshly grated ginger, heat of the green chillies with the crunchy toasted mustard seeds is something you will never forget.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8403552771/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab7 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Kerala Ginger Coconut Crab7" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8403552771_ab9cbf96d9_b.jpg" height="795" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">A new friend, the very lovely Jean from </span><a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Lemon and Anchovies</a><span style="text-align: left;"> had been cooking with crab too, and I couldn't wait to see what she would make with it, especially since she mentioned homemade pasta and fried Meyer Lemons! To see what Jean made with her crabs <a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2013/01/dungeness-crab-pasta-with-wine-fried-meyer-lemon-slices-and-fried-capers/#.UP9krjVbXJI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">go to her beautiful blog here</a>. Isn't it great how one ingredient can be cooked in so many delightfully different ways? Never ceases to amaze!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Update: I thought this recipe deserves an illustration! ( Click to enlarge) </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8476495295/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kerala Coconut Crab Illustration by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Kerala Coconut Crab Illustration" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8476495295_298f180794_b.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></div>
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Njandu Peera Pattichathu ( Crab Shredded and Poached) </div>
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Ingredients</div>
<ul>
<li>Crab meat -1 pound or 500 gms of meat </li>
<li>Kokum ( Kodampuli) – 3 pieces ( A kind of tamarind, available in Indian stores, else substitute with a marble sized ball of regular tamarind, if you can't find either, just squeeze some lemon before serving for some tang) </li>
<li>Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon</li>
<li>Red chili powder – 1/2 tablespoon</li>
<li>Grated coconut – 1 cup ( If using frozen shredded coconut like I do, thaw for about a minute in the microwave) </li>
<li>Fresh ginger, peeled and grated – About an inch (Do not use store bought ginger paste instead, omit it if you have to) </li>
<li>Thai green chillies slit in half – 6-10 </li>
<li>Warm water for poaching the crab and soaking Kokum- 1 cup for fresh crab (1/4 cup if using cooked crab) </li>
</ul>
*Note: I used one and half of a Dungeness crab, which is atleast twice the size of the the smaller crabs my mom cooked in India. I cracked the small legs and kept the flesh intact but extracted the flesh out of almost all the other parts of the shell to make it easier on the diner- aka myself and the hubs!<br />
Also if you are not used to spicy food, please reduce amount of red chilli powder and green chillies to suit your tastes<br />
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For the tempering:</div>
<ul>
<li>Coconut oil – 1-2 tbsp</li>
<li>Mustard seeds - 1 tsp</li>
<li>Cumin seeds- 1/4 tsp </li>
<li>Garlic pods, each sliced in half – 8</li>
<li>Small Pearl onions or Shallots– 3-4 (sliced thin or use half of a red onion instead chopped fine) </li>
<li>Dried Red chillies – 3 ( or 1 tsp red chilli flakes) </li>
<li>Curry leaves- 8 ( Optional, avaliable in Indian grocery stores. Do not substitute with curry powder) </li>
<li>Sprinkle salt to taste</li>
</ul>
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Method</div>
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If you are using uncooked crab meat, soak the Kokum in about a cup of warm water in a pot or saucepan ( but preferably an earthernware mann chatti). </div>
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If you are using already cooked crab use less water, only about 1/4 cup, just enough to cover the Kokum pieces in a small cup.</div>
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Soak the Kokum until it softens and the water turns a brown colour- about 15 mins</div>
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Now add all the ingredients including crab meat with the kokum water and stir gently together- just to flake up the flesh a little. </div>
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Turn on the heat to a medium and bring the liquid to a gentle boil.</div>
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Cook, stirring very occasionally till all the water has evaporated</div>
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In a separate pan or skillet, heat the coconut oil and just before it begins to smoke, add the mustard seeds and wait for all of them to finish popping. </div>
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Cover with a lid to prevent the seeds from popping all over your kitchen!</div>
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Once it begins to slow down to just a few pops, add the cumin and stir until it turns brown and no longer smells raw. Careful not to burn or blacken them.</div>
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Add the garlic and lightly brown it, then the onions and golden brown them too. </div>
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Add the chilli powder and curry leaves together and switch off the heat just as curry leaves begin to stiffen up. </div>
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Now add the crab mixture to the tempering in the pan, salt to taste, and stir gently on low heat until the dish is completely dry and flavours are well combined. </div>
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Enjoy with rice and spiced buttermilk ( recipe follows) </div>
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Tastes best the day it's made. </div>
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For the spiced buttermilk</div>
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1 cup yogurt</div>
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1 cup water</div>
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3-4 fresh thai green chillies chopped</div>
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salt to taste.</div>
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Stir in a little water at a time into the yogurt whisking with a spoon constantly to make buttermilk ( or just use store bought buttermilk- which is usually a little more hard to find than yogurt) </div>
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Stir in the green chillies and enough salt to taste </div>
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Serve chilled or at room temperature, pouring over rice or drinking as is. </div>
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Although traditionally served with rice, I think this crab dish also tastes great with salad and a soft boiled egg. Even though this dish may sound complicated, the part that will take the longest is the shelling of the crab, and you can just use crab meat instead or even most white, flaky fish as mentioned above. Everything else is quite easy. </div>
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-11860245068810308802013-01-09T01:28:00.000-08:002015-04-18T01:42:59.774-07:00Melted Brie and Balsamic Bruschetta Dip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8363165593/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="bruchetta2 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="bruchetta2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8363165593_eda611d428_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope you are all having a great start to the new year, and dealing with the fact that the holidays are over much better than I am. I think I am in denial and am having trouble getting back into the routine. I stubbornly refuse to take down the Christmas ornaments and get into the celery nibbling mode that is typical for this time of year. All your amazing carrot soups and Tabbouleh posts may help me finally get over cookies and desserts though, so please keep them coming! </span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a truly wonderful two weeks with my sister- in-law and family visiting us and I so miss my nephew, niece and our monkey being all kinds of goofy together- whether it was endless jumping around to Gangnam Style or being Batman, Super girl and the big monster and chasing each other around the house. Thank God this time the three kiddos did not decide to fall sick together and we didn't have to make those dreaded trips to the ER like we did the last two times we all met up. So we had a great time- lots of poker playing, charades, just dance 4 sessions, and my cute as a button little niece and I were even able to do craftsy shrinky dink jewelry making and use her easy bake oven cake decorating kit which I admit was a Christmas gift as much for myself as it was for her! </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8363101181/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="wine country6 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="wine country6" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8363101181_cf187d8fed_c.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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We even managed to do a little sightseeing this time, and went wine and cheese tasting and picnicking in wine country.Yes, it is almost always picnic weather in California, but hey, all weather is wine and cheese weather :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8363100725/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="wine country3 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="wine country3" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8363100725_b197d33d0c_c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8364165964/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wine country2 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="wine country2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8364165964_2307bf415a_c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Photo taken by my sis-in-law </td></tr>
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We went to the Mondavi and Gundlach Bundschu Wineries in Napa and like every time we visit, I decided that we must visit more often. Would love recommendations for wineries to visit so do comment on the ones you love.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8363137777/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="winecountry picnic2 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="winecountry picnic2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8363137777_d1e9355a67_c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He did ask for wine but the monkey only got to taste water :) </td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8363100781/" title="wine country by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="wine country" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8363100781_7193ce1b71_c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8364205546/" title="winecountry picnic by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="winecountry picnic" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8364205546_fcaa7a13f4_c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Marin Cheese Company in Sonoma (not too far from the kiddo's </span>favorite<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.traintown.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Train Town</a>) <span style="font-family: inherit;">is a great place for all cheese and wine lovers to go to and is such a nice picnic spot, with lots of space for the kids to run around, a pretty duck pond, picnic tables and a convenient, well stocked tiny little deli with all kinds of cheese, wine, sandwiches, pastries, deli meat..all kinds of wonderful things, so you don't have to bring your own food, or even paper cups and things because they give you all that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They have lots of cheese set out on platters to taste, their specialty being small wheels of brie and we made a beeline for the one that was topped with an amazing roasted tomato and caper bruschetta which was the starting point for this post. We enjoyed the combination of bruschetta and the soft cheese both with garlic bagel chips and the baguette that they even slice up neatly for you, and I decided to make my own version at home with whatever I had on hand, though I would love to try another version with either broiled or sundried tomatoes. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8364239736/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Melted Brie and Bruschetta dip by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Melted Brie and Bruschetta dip" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8364239736_a853e29ca4_c.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I LOVE cheese but I don't like brie too much, especially on its own, so this warm, gooey, cheesy dip with balsamic bruschetta was the most delicious way for me to use up the last of the cheese hanging out in my fridge and the perfect quick and easy, delicious appetizer that I see my self throwing together all this year. I love it so much, I may even put it inside a sandwich. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Melted Cheese Bruschetta Dip</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes enough appetizer for two-four people </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 plum tomatoes chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 clove garlic minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3 thai green chilies chopped ( optional) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 small pearl onions chopped or a tablespoon of chopped regular onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tsp dried </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp balsamic vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp rice vinegar ( optional) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 small brie round ( I used Rouge Et Noir Le Petit Bleu from </span><a href="http://www.marinfrenchcheese.com/Store/Cheese/CheeseProducts.aspx?CatID=2&CatgroupId=1" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Marin Cheese Company</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and also tossed in a bit of some </span>Parmesan<span style="font-family: inherit;"> that needed to be finished, but you can use any melting cheese you like, even a mix since we will be melting them together to make a spread or dip) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Method:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep the cheese aside and mix all other ingredients gently together in a small bowl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Taste and adjust, adding more herbs or more tomato if you find the mix too garlicky or spicy for your taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Set in the fridge for about an hour or longer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If your cheese has a thick rind, cut it off since it won't melt and chop up or grate the cheese if you are using a hard cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat either on the oven, stove or in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds to a couple of minutes or just until the cheese is slightly melted, warm and gooey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stir up the melted cheese and top with the bruschetta mix</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy over some lightly toasted baguette or crackers and a glass of chilled<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="line-height: 16px;">Gewürztraminer!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">I am sending this dip over to Lisa the <a href="http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Authentic Suburban Gourmet</a> for her Appetizer party to celebrate her blog birthday! </span></span></span><br />
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-17877077601525856612012-12-24T23:34:00.001-08:002013-02-07T23:46:00.995-08:00Secretly Vegan Carrot and Plum Cake- Eggless and Dairy free <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8305480173/" title="plumcake vegan by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="plumcake vegan" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8305480173_5c22e79b84_c.jpg" width="534" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8305480735/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="christmas ornament by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="christmas ornament" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8305480735_826c7efb03_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All is quiet, the little one is fast asleep, snug between his two cousins, and dreaming of Santa. I am writing this post quickly just to share with you a quick and super easy recipe for a plum cake that happens to be vegan. But you really shouldn't label it a vegan cake and it's not really a traditional Christmas cake. I</span>t's just a really good moist cake that happens to be vegan- mahed bananas replace the eggs and most of the fat, with grated carrots and enough chopped dried plums to make it Christmassy</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8305481907/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="plumcake vegan 3 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="plumcake vegan 3" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8305481907_4bd12afe15_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After complaining about my dislike for fruitcake in my <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.visibli.com/ea4317350a3a0acb/?web=ab25a6&dst=http%3A//www.foodwanderings.com/2012/12/nankhatai-indian-buttery-cookie-guest.html%23.UNMN3LQTuqQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">guest post for Shulie</a>, you must be wondering why I am here with a fruit cake recipe right? Well I do want to give fruit cake one more try, and also wanted my little one to get a taste of some Christmas-time traditions that his mom grew up with! Since he is allergice to dairy and eggs, I just adapted his favourite banana cake into something more Christmassy and quite healthy yet delicious too!</span><br />
You can soak the fruits in brandy or rum and spices as in traditional fruitcake if you like, but as I have mentioned (repeatedly here ), I am not a fan, so I just soaked the plums in warm water to soften it and it really did the trick, making them plump and moist.<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8305481257/" title="plumcakevegan 4 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="plumcakevegan 4" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8305481257_c72f9eca9b_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8305483315/" title="plumcake slice by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="plumcake slice" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8305483315_a6d9db9244_c.jpg" width="534" /></a>
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Carrot Banana Plum Cake<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Ingredients ( The order in which these ingredients are added is important):</span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 medium very ripe bananas peeled and mashed well till no lumps remain ( the riper the bananas the stronger the banana flavour.) </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup oil</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup sugar ( I have halved this amount too and it works- just made the cake a little drier)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups flour</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 TBSP water, 3 TBSP oil, 2 tsp baking powder (all mixed together <b>in that order </b>and kept aside for about 5 minutes prior, not much more ahead else it may lose some of the fizz require to make the cake rise)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 tsp, baking soda</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp vanilla essence ( optional) </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup chopped dried plums or prunes ( soak the fruits in warm water or just put them in a bowl of water and heat in the microwave for 15 secons to make them moist) </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup grated carrots </span></li>
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Method:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Preheat oven to 350 F degrees or 325 F if using a glass pyrex dish </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Grease and flour a 9X5 inch loaf pan, or a pyrex bowl as I used in the photos above, to give it a traditional Christmas pudding look ( I used vegetable oil to grease the pan and didn't flour it, but lined the bottom with parchment paper, cutting the paper where it bent and creased and overlapping it to make it as smooth as possible to fit the curved shape of the bowl)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients <b>in order given </b>( if you don't follow the order, things may not work so its VERY IMPORTANT!). Pour into pan and bake 40 to 50 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 mins. Then run a knife around the sides of the pan.<br />Invert it onto a plate or cooling rack and let cool completely</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also bake this in muffin or cup cake tins and it would be perfect for breakfast</span></div>
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Am sending this cake over to Simone of<a href="http://junglefrog-cooking.com/christmas-cakes-sparkly-and-festive/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Junglefrog Cooking</a> who is hosting the Monthly Mingle as well as a sparkling photo challengeRose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-33688645359503969482012-12-20T10:55:00.003-08:002013-01-23T00:21:31.792-08:00Nankhatais Indian Cardamom and Whole Wheat Cookies -Guest Post for Food Wanderings <div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8274485632/" title="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8274485632_75a0e6b5a3_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8274485656/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8274485656_656c3228b2_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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I love <span id="goog_1470880956"></span>Shulie's blog<span id="goog_1470880957"></span> <a href="http://www.foodwanderings.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Food Wanderings</a> ( such an apt blog name right?) and enjoy discovering many new things to try from her Jewish heritage. Several times I have been happily surprised to learn about Jewish dishes that may have influenced those that I grew up eating all the way in Kerala in the south of India, among my Syrian Christian community there. I am very excited that I am getting to do a guest post for her inspirational blog as part of her Indian Food Series, which has featured some of my most favorite Indian food bloggers. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8273419893/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8273419893_e093e30a51_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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When we were brainstorming about what the post should be about, I mentioned Nankhatais since I had just taken a batch along with some macarons to a cookie swap and I was so happy to learn that Shulie loved them and that her mom used to make them for her too, after taking grains to a store in their community where it was ground for her.</div>
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I am glad these cookies brought back childhood memories for Shulie and hope you all enjoy them too! </div>
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Do<a href="http://www.foodwanderings.com/2012/12/nankhatai-indian-buttery-cookie-guest.html#.UNMN3LQTuqQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> go over to Shulie's blog</a>, fall in love with her writing and breath taking photographs if you haven't already and also read my post on these buttery, cardamom infused snappy cookies from India (which are also a snap to make), and read about one particular Christmas time tradition in Kerala I am more than happy to escape! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8273419913/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8273419913_cda64d9cdb_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8274485672/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8274485672_72661b6dff_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope these cookies held their own </span>among<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the other deliciousness like</span></span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span><a href="http://pattysfood.com/cookies/chocolate-drizzled-caramel-hazelnut-bars/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chocolate drizzle caramel bars</a> from Patty, these <a href="http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/2012/03/salted-caramel-and-coconut-thumbprint.html" target="_blank">Salted caramel and coconut thumbprints</a> that just have no mercy from Lisa,<a href="http://www.spcookiequeen.com/2012/11/chocolate-caramel-cherry-thumbprint.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Chocolate Caramel Filled Cherry Thumbprints</a> from the Cookie Queen herself :) -the lovely Gina, melt in the mouth <a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2010/11/russian-tea-cakes/#.UNK-02_PxAE" target="_blank">Mexican wedding cookies</a> from Jean and tender <a href="http://kitchenconfidante.com/coconut-cookies-recipe-free-holiday-printables" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coconutty cookies</a> (with cute cookie swap printables) from Liren and pretty, swirly <a href="http://www.lawyerloveslunch.com/2012/12/cinnamon-bun-biscotti-for-christmas.html#more" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cinnamon bun biscotti </a>from Azmina<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8273419867/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies" height="530" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8273419867_6a1814570f_z.jpg" width="354" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8274484400/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Nankhatais- Indian Wholewheat cardamom cookies" height="530" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8274484400_045cd0961b_z.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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They really go well with tea or coffee and would even be great nibbles to serve alongside some red wine. Make them, gift them, but most importantly enjoy them, and have a wonderful holiday, and a very Blessed, Merry Christmas! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8280233144/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Love, Joy, Peace by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Love, Joy, Peace" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8280233144_f3ec62fdd2_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Recipe is over at Shulies blog <a href="http://www.foodwanderings.com/2012/12/nankhatai-indian-buttery-cookie-guest.html#.UNNYS2_PxAF" target="_blank">Food Wanderings here</a></div>
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-5377620450389189182012-12-18T16:08:00.000-08:002015-03-28T05:34:45.983-07:00Garam Masala Pulled Pork with Polenta and Roasted Brussels Sprouts <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8284650457/" title="pressure cooker pot roast by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="pressure cooker pot roast" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8284650457_9e902e02e1_z.jpg" height="640" width="456"></a><br>
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As I mentioned in my <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/12/eppa-sangria-cranberry-preserve-with.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, I came to the US, just four Decembers ago. I immediately fell in love with the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us here in California,the warm, welcoming people and in these short years that I have been here, I have felt at home.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magpiesrecipes/8284657943/" title="The Golden Gate Bridge by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="The Golden Gate Bridge" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8284657943_02e433b597_z.jpg" height="427" width="640"></a>
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Today, I too mourn with the rest of the country for the many young lives lost to senseless violence. This festive season, we are all robbed of good cheer, replaced by feelings of sadness, anger and fear. Happy carols sometimes grate on my nerves, and I feel a pang of guilt when I decorate the house or bake cookies while so many other mothers are mourning. But I am trying to focus on keeping this season of Christmas special and magical for my little monkey, as it should be. I join thousands of others in signing petitions to prohibit assault weapons. Whenever the uneasiness wraps itself around me, I whisper a prayer for the grieving families and for the protection of my own.<br>
That's all I know to do, and to bake cookies and cook a warm and comforting meal for my loved ones, and that is what I am going to stick to doing.<br>
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</div></div><a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/12/spicy-masala-pulled-pork-polenta.html#more">Wait! There's more. Click here for the recipe »</a>Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-37710380718121137252012-12-10T15:16:00.000-08:002012-12-14T22:16:16.287-08:00Eppa Sangria Cranberry Preserve with Easy Yogurt Pannacotta <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8259845929/" title="cranberry sangria preserve with yogurt pannacotta by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="cranberry sangria preserve with yogurt pannacotta" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8259845929_567ec4d488_c.jpg" width="534"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8259849093/" title="cranberry sangria preserve by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="cranberry sangria preserve" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8259849093_6de62d8b05_c.jpg" width="534"></a>
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There is a tangible sense of excitement and expectation in December. I always feel like something amazing is going to happen, a feeling echoed perhaps from thousands of years ago at that very first Christmas... December has since always been a month of hope, and is definitely the happiest month of the year. In my life December has always been the month of new beginnings-T and I were married in December four fleeting years ago, we came to this country on the last day of the month to bein our new life together here, and it is also the month that I began another beautiful new journey as a mom to my little monkey. I am always excited to see what December brings! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8260911118/" title="cranberries by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="cranberries" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8260911118_7ff246a254_z.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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One of the things I enjoy the most about this time of the year is getting together with friends and family. Everyone takes the time out and makes the extra effort to get together, sit at one table, share stories, laughter and create memories. Food is festive, rich and plentiful and wine always seems to flow more freely.<br>
Living close to Napa Valley I always like discovering new wines to try and I was only happy to accept when the people of <a href="http://eppasangria.com/" rel="nofollow">Eppa Sangria</a> asked me if I would like to review their wine.<br>
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On a whim I also used it to make a cranberry preserve or dessert topping for a creamy panna cotta that I made lighter replacing half greek yogurt in place of cream. I think I came up with the perfect Christmas time dessert- it is a light refreshing end to a heavy meal, is super easy and takes only a few minutes, a saucepan and a spoon to put together, you can make it ahead to set and chill in your fridge and it doesn't take up oven space. With a seasonally apt red cranberry topping infused with spices and wine how much more perfect can it get?<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8259853255/" style="text-align: start;" title="Eppa Sangria by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Eppa Sangria" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8259853255_e89bbde9a2_z.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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I made the dessert for some friends who came home for dinner and I also served them the wine which I was not so surprised to note was preferred more by us women because of its sweet taste and fruitiness. I think Sangria just looks so pretty too, with the bobbing bits of fruit that infuse the wine with their bright fresh flavors.<br>
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Eppa Sangria is a combination of Cabernet and Syrah from beautiful Mendocino County, blended with fruit juces from antioxidant-rich fruits, including pomegranate, blueberry, Mediterranean blood orange and acai. I was pleased to learn that this makes it nearly twice as antioxidant rich as a glass of red wine and it is also certified organic- something that is not very easy to find. You can buy it in Whole Foods or other stores mentioned on their website and you can also have it shipped to most states. It came to me well packed in thermocole bottle savers and could be a good gift idea to send friends and family who don't live close by.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8260917056/" title="Eppa Sangria by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Eppa Sangria" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8260917056_6d2da80e66_z.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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I made the cranberry preserve by simmering the red berries until they burst with spices and citrus zest and it is even more delicious than it looks, especially when paired with the refreshingly light and so easy to make pannacotta. I'm sure it would taste great with crackers or cookies, plain yogurt, or even with cheese. I would probably spoon it over ice cream especially <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/08/mascarpone-ice-cream-with-wine-poached.html">this one</a>.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8260911914/" title="cranberries simmering with spices in wine by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="cranberries simmering with spices in wine" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8260911914_17db1ab280_z.jpg" width="640"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8260918200/" title="Cranberry Preserve by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Cranberry Preserve" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8260918200_750fd3f2b6_z.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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</div><a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/12/eppa-sangria-cranberry-preserve-with.html#more">Wait! There's more. Click here for the recipe »</a>Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-24705227423557849192012-11-27T20:25:00.002-08:002012-11-29T02:54:51.139-08:00Travel Post: Monterey Bay Aquarium <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"The sea is as close as we can come to entering another world"</div>
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- Quote seen on entering Monterey Bay Aquarium's sardine room </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8225996842/" title="Monterey Bay by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Monterey Bay" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8225996842_c222d7936f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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I found some pictures from a visit to the <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/">Monterey Bay Aquarium</a> and thought I would share them here even though these were taken about a year ago on my point and shoot camera. The monkey (seen here with his Ammama who was visiting us then) is now a <i>very</i> opinionated pint sized little man, no longer the baby in these photos! </div>
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You should definitely make a trip to the aquarium if you find these angelic beings as fascinating as I do. (I could stare at them for hours. Or days.)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8224926507/" title="Monterey Bay by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Monterey Bay" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8224926507_36cd3067fe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and If your bucket list includes high fiving a star fish</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8224924111/" title="Get friendly with a starfish!- Monterey Bay by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Get friendly with a starfish!- Monterey Bay" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8224924111_768df5cc6e_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And especially if you have little monkeys who would like to have conversations with fish...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8224924817/" title="Monterey Bay by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Monterey Bay" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8224924817_63da3bb6d2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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....or look for Nemo </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8225998932/" title="Monterey Bay by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Monterey Bay" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8225998932_edecf35e63_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...or just make silly faces with grandmothers from behind the fish tanks :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8229711674/" title="Monterey Bay by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Monterey Bay" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8229711674_b2ee798212_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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If you are visiting the Bay area and especially if you are planning a trip to<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/07/blueberry-coconut-vegan-scones-no.html"> beautiful Carmel or Big Sur</a>, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is close and is definitely worth seeing. There are special events at the aquarium during the day including wine tasting and even celebrity chef visits so check out the website before you plan your trip. Cannery row where the aquarium is located, where there used to be sardine canning companies which are all shut down now, is also interesting to stroll through. There are many quaint little shops and restaurants.<br />
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If you are driving down from San Jose it is only about a two hour drive and you must make a pit stop at Morgan Hill at the delicious <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/trail-dust-bbq-morgan-hill">Trail Dust </a> BBQ. The Gilroy outlet malls are also enroute if you want to stop for some deep discount and factory store shopping and in July, Gilroy is the destination for all garlic lovers during their annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. </div>
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-70739577574162733302012-11-19T20:43:00.000-08:002012-11-20T12:27:19.188-08:00Thanksgiving Macaron Centerpiece: Pumpkin Spice Macarons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8200966337/" title="IMG_9372 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9372" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8200966337_daa6a596f1.jpg" width="426"></a><br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8200965655/" title="IMG_9377 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9377" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8200965655_907d3823b2.jpg" width="426"></a></div>
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Hey all! How are your thanksgiving preparations going? did you plan your menus, finish the grocery shopping and shine the silver already or are you more of a last minute type (like me?) I have been seeing posts and tweets about turkey thawing, and pie-crust rolling and I can't help getting caught up in the excitement. I always miss my large family during holiday season and wish there were more of us on the West Coast. But I can't complain too much since I was blessed to see my awesome cousins recently and had my mom-in-law visiting us until last week. So this year Thanksgiving looks to be a small affair with my little family and plans to meet a couple of friends after which we three are heading off for a short trip. It didn't seem natural to not do any cooking or baking though, so here is a thanks giving center piece idea: Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Macarons! </div>
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Making these and piling them into glass jars or stacking them on cake stands along with little pumpkins, squash, pine cones and autumn leaves seemed like a good idea to add some festive cheer to your table. They would make great hostess gifts too I'm thinking :)</div>
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I haven't made macarons in a while and recently a couple of friends were discussing them and I felt that familiar itch to bake them all over again. Looks like my <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/macarons">macobsession</a> is back eeeeeks! These pint sized treats are perfect to nibble on while waiting for the <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/10/caramel-cardamom-pumpkin-pie.html">caramel cardamom pumpkin pie</a> or <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-ginger-cheesecake-pie-with-easy.html">swirly pumpkin-ginger cheesecake</a> to be served. <span style="text-align: center;">Another interesting fall macaron idea is this </span><a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/11/ginger-spice-macarons.html" style="text-align: center;">Ginger Spice Macaron</a></div>
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Oh and I discovered that you don't need cream to make ganache. Ok so I forgot to buy cream. But the important thing is- you don't need it! Make ganache with chocolate and ...milk! You can thank me now and <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chocolate-ganache-substitute-for-cream-4215">Nigella</a> who apparently knew too. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8202060206/" title="macarons2 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="macarons2" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8202060206_fd6741ea2c.jpg" width="640"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8200968105/" title="macarons3 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="macarons3" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8200968105_b0b20825f2.jpg" width="640"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8202061050/" title="macarons4 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="macarons4" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8202061050_6643c2dfe8.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8202059454/" title="IMG_9350 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9350" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8202059454_831a913afa.jpg" width="426"></a></div>
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</div></div><a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-macaron-centerpiece.html#more">Wait! There's more. Click here for the recipe »</a>Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-26483950413922124842012-10-01T15:59:00.000-07:002012-12-15T22:50:33.857-08:00Easy Small Batch Spiced Plum Preserve ( No pectin) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8039812521/" title="spicyplumjam1 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="spicyplumjam1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/8039812521_d3d1b80aed.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8039812951/" title="plums2 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="plums2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/8039812951_291b0734cd.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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Hello every one! I would like to introduce you all to my first ever bottle of jam. I am so hooked!<br />
Update: This bottle of jam was featured on <a href="http://www.yummly.com/blog/2012/10/10-fruity-fall-jams-for-national-canning-day/">Yummly's 10 Fruity Fall Jams</a> for National Canning Day </div>
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Ok first of all the difference between preserve and jam apparently is that in preserve there are chunks of fruit whereas jam is more smooth with the fruit having been crushed or pureed, and jelly is even more smooth being made from the fruit juice and not the pulp. This one is full of soft spreadable plum chunks so it is a preserve, and not jam but I'm going to use the terms interchangeably, ok?</div>
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Last month I met the talented Patty of <a href="http://pattysfood.com/" target="_blank">Patty's Food</a> at a bloggers meet and we discovered that we lived quite close to each other. She invited me to her beautiful home to cook together, and I had a blast whipping up some spicy tomato rice with the cherry tomatoes we bought from the farmers market on the way over, and Patty showed me how to make this delicious Spiced Plum Jam. I had no idea it would be SO easy to make! ( and eat :O) So Patty, I have you to thank, both for a delightful afternoon, and what I am sure is going to be a lifelong addiction to jamming!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8039818620/" title="jam3 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="jam3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/8039818620_41f89b5e88.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It was all gone too quickly and then I made another large batch of jam and learnt to can or bottle it so that I could take it with me in my suitcase to Ohio to gift to my family I was visiting there, and it was a huge hit with them too. Now that I am back I am buying up all the plums and peaches I can find at my favourite stall for stone fruits at our farmers market- <a href="http://www.pcfma.com/producers_detail.php?producer_id=288">Kashiwase Farms</a>, to make more jam, and bottle up the last of summer goodness for the chilly months to come ( well, not SO chilly, I do live in California after all!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8039813057/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="jam white by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="jam white" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8039813057_21114d6c56.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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My mom makes a very sweet banana jam popular in banana abundant Kerala, with a surprisingly natural red hue, which was a favourite of mine growing up. She used to make it to take to my college hostel- my roomies and I would spread the runny jam on Marie biscuits as a midnight snack! I think I ate too much of it though, because now I've become a lot more finicky about my jam and do not like it overly sweet, and prefer to let the taste of the fruit shine through. If you love jam then you MUST make yours at home too. It is so easy and it knocks the socks of supermarket jam. Best of all you can make your own flavour combinations to spread on toast ( try it in between your grilled cheese sandwich!) , crackers, spoon over dessert or serve with yogurt or cheese...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8039818492/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="leaf by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="leaf" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8039818492_5536fedc2a.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8039818726/" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;" title="064 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="064" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/8039818726_5746eccee1.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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The leaves on most trees are tinged red and I know overnight they will be all red or gold and soon begin to fall. So go, hurry and get jamming before all trace of summer is gone along with all the summer fruits! Isn't that a really depressing thought? That these mounds of juicy stone fruits are going to quickly disappear? But you know what, every time I think that September slipping away is going to throw me into wallowing despair, almost unwillingly I succumb to Fall's seductions. A lone red leaf lying on the pavement, a whiff of cinnamon, Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving decorations in store windows (ALREADY! ) My mind wanders towards pumpkin pies and crisp apples and then of course I am falling for Fall too :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8039818652/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="jam by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="jam" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8039818652_6c9c01160f.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Just in case I do pine for a taste of summer, all I have to do is open up one of my many bottles of spiced plum jam!</div>
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<b>Recipe for Small Batch Plum Preserve</b></div>
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Recipe adapted from: <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/reviews/Quick-Plum-Preserves-106774">Epicurious</a> with tips from Patty of <a href="http://pattysfood.com/">Patty's Food</a><br />
Yield: Makes about 3 half pint bottles of jam, recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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<li>2 pounds plums or pluots ( I used a delicious variety fom <a href="http://www.pcfma.com/producers_detail.php?producer_id=288">Kashiwase Farm</a>s called Flavour King) </li>
<li>1/2 cup sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup water</li>
<li>4 cloves or 1 stick cinnamon or other spice of your choice</li>
<li>1/2 vanilla bean (optional) </li>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/8039818226/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="plumjamslices collage by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="plumjamslices collage" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/8039818226_f684100132.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Directions:<br />
Place a plate or bowl in the freezer ( preferably a steel one)<br />
Coarsely chop the plums after pitting into large chunks ( if you are using organic plums, no need to peel them)<br />
Stir together with the water, sugar and cloves in a large (2 quart or more) pot, saucepan or dutch oven.<br />
Slit and scrape the inside of the vanilla bean and add it along with the bean to the saucepan.<br />
Place on medium heat until it reaches a simmer and then reduce heat to low.<br />
Let it simmer, stirring occasionally so that it does not get stuck to the bottom of the pan, especially towards the end when the jam starts to thicken and reduce (in about an hour)<br />
Pick out the cloves and vanilla bean before bottling.<br />
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Notes:<br />
To check that the jam is done, put a drop of the jam on the cold plate from the freezer.<br />
Tilt the plate and if the drop of jam runs down then that means that the jam needs to cook some more.<br />
Another way to check is to run a spoon through the jam in the pot and it should leave a channel or a trail ( think parting of the red sea!) for a few seconds before getting filled up again.<br />
I don't mind my jam being a little runny, but I make sure that I don't over cook it so that the fruit still tastes bright and the texture is not too hard or gummy.<br />
If you jam is still too runny, you can use it as a delicious topping for yogurt, ice cream or other desserts too! So don't worry, get jamming!<br />
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Storage:<br />
You can store your jam in clean and dry containers in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer than a month or so and plan to store it out of the fridge, you should can it, following the <a href="http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_home.html">guide lines here</a></div>
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Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com211tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-67043006592447639342012-08-28T00:48:00.000-07:002012-08-30T15:04:42.202-07:00Onam Special<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7878696008/" title="Onam kerala by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Onam kerala" height="358" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7878696008_90d8d07a58_c.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<i>Happy Onam</i> to all my fellow Malayalis and Malayalis at heart :) I hope you all enjoy a wonderful feast and have some extra for me :)<br />
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Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala celebrated not only by the Hindus for whom it is a religious festival, but by everyone throughout the state and all Mallus scattered worldwide, as a sort of celebration of everything that is beautiful and beloved to Kerala! If you visit Kerala during Onam, you will see colourful carpets made from flower petals outside every home, beautifully dressed women in their white and gold saris and ornate jewelry with strings of jasmine in their hair, and boat races along the many rivers, and if you are really lucky maybe even some Kathakali performances or Puli Kali ( tiger dance with the dancers bodies painted orange and striped black to look like tigers)<br />
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I hope to enjoy a full blown <i>Sadhya</i> this year after ages. <i>Sadhya</i> to all my non-Mallu friends is a large feast of delicious vegetarian dishes ranging from spicy to tangy to sweet, served with a mound of rice, typically on a large banana leaf, which ofcourse is my favourite part of Onam!
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I am really looking forward to my Onam celebration with my sister-in-law's family, especially since my cute little niece will be performing a special Onam dance! but this Onam get together is happening only in two weeks. So tomorrow, I will be making just one or two of our Onam favourites. Since it will just be the two of us and the monkey I am not attempting to make a full <i>Sadhya</i> (that might probably kill me!) Preparing a full Sadhya requires a lot of collaborative effort and you need a team of dedicated, chattering aunts or a team of skilled cooks to accomplish!<br />
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Here are some of my favourite dishes from the archives that may be part of the Sadhya:<br />
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/red-moong-and-squash-erissery-for.html" target="_blank">Red Moong and Squash Eriserry</a></div>
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<img height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1MXp59O_X0/TnuangYKEhI/AAAAAAAACB8/1D7TlyI6S4o/s400/sep2011+075.JPG" width="270" />
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/01/kerala-beans-stirfry-payar.html" target="_blank">Beans Mezukkuperutti</a></div>
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<img alt="Kerala beans stir fry" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6799101377_a10c4970a3_b.jpg" width="266" />
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/03/muthira-horsegram-lentil-and-crushed.html" target="_blank">Muthira Curry- Horsegram Garlic Stew</a></div>
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/08/sambhar-and-cilantro-coconut-chutney.html" target="_blank">Sambhar</a></div>
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<img height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4luy1iszGd0/TkmwFICyMRI/AAAAAAAAB1w/H7r3kVr0Kqw/s400/IMG_1049.JPG" width="400" />
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/09/basicshow-to-make-mung-dallentil-soup.html" target="_blank">Parripu Curry- Lentils</a></div>
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And now to my favourite part... the dessert! </div>
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/05/quick-cooker-carrot-pal-paysam-and.html" target="_blank">Quick Pressure Cooker Carrot Pal Payasam</a></div>
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<img alt="carrot pal payasam collage" height="299" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7140266945_260d82464f_z.jpg" width="400" />
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/ada-payasam-for-onam-sweet-flattened.html" target="_blank">Ada Payasam</a></div>
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<img height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUBcpB3jILU/Tm5VsUgj3uI/AAAAAAAACBo/AU-Q6Hjk-IE/s400/sep2011+344.JPG" width="400" />
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For more Onam special recipes visit our Kerala Cooking group- <a href="http://www.thekeralakitchen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Kerala Kitchen </a><br />
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I think the apart from the Payasams<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/red-moong-and-squash-erissery-for.html" target="_blank">, Eriserry</a> is my favourite. What is your favourite Onam item?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-40247739243745111992012-08-27T01:43:00.000-07:002012-08-28T11:10:33.474-07:00Mascarpone Ice Cream with Wine Poached Cherries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7870525412/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Aug 2012 128 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Aug 2012 128" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8441/7870525412_1ce9edf670_c.jpg" width="534"></a></div>
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Sitting cross legged on the grass, feeling the sun on our backs, talking and laughing, watching my toddler entertain himself as puppies chased each other, and savouring scoops of ice cream that melted away too quickly, as did the afternoon itself..</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7870894964/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Aug 2012 146 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Aug 2012 146" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7870894964_9ebe7dc589_z.jpg" width="427"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for tree toads! </td></tr>
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There is something about eating ice cream that makes a fun day, even more fun don't you think? Though I think I now enjoy making <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/ice%20cream" target="_blank">ice cream</a> as much, if not even more than eating it! I made this <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-ice-cream-maker-and-bourbon-peach.html" target="_blank">peach bourbon</a> ice cream without an ice cream maker, and we also loved this <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/08/jenis-splendid-pistachio-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">pistachio honey</a>, <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/05/jenis-salty-carmel-egg-less-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">salty caramel.</a> and this <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/01/macaron-ice-cream-sandwiches.html" target="_blank">macaron ice cream sandwich</a>.. so how could I let this summer go by without making even one? </div>
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This time I wanted to make something to pair with all kinds of glorious summer fruits and it so does- it's lightly tangy from home made mascarpone cream, a perfect match for fresh, poached or roasted summer fruit like these deep red cherries which I poached in red wine, but I just <i>know </i>it will be as spectacular with caramelized grilled peaches.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7865334032/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Aug 2012 091 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Aug 2012 091" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7865334032_5a1d68fccc_c.jpg" width="534"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(See how to pit cherries with a <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/08/how-to-pit-cherries-without-cherry.html" target="_blank">beer bottle</a>!)</td></tr>
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Best of all, it requires no ice cream maker! I kind of stumbled onto this when I whizzed together some home made ( yes, yes <i>homemade! </i>and it couldn't be easier- I'll tell you how soon, promise) mascarpone cheese and whipped cream and then froze the whole thing because I knew a tub of THAT would not be safe anywhere else but the freezer!<br>
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The resulting ice cream is smooth and rich and so, so lickable! It kind of took me by surprise by how good it was considering how easy it was to make. You must know that we are a household of ice cream snobs, and will allow ourselves only the luxury of<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-ice-cream-maker-and-bourbon-peach.html#more" target="_blank"> Jenny's Splendid Ice Cream </a>or my Bay Area favourite Bi-Rite. This one passed our ice cream test, so you know it is good. Real good!<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7870680372/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mascarpone Ice Cream with Wine Poached Cherries by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Mascarpone Ice Cream with Wine Poached Cherries" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7870680372_80dcdb18d9_c.jpg" width="534"></a></div>
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Also check out this tantalizing <a href="http://www.indiansimmer.com/2012/07/cherry-ginger-chutney.html" target="_blank">Cherry Ginger Chutney</a> , this gorgeous <a href="http://www.sunshineandsmile.com/2012/07/29/cherry-ice-cream/" target="_blank">Cherry Ice Cream</a> and this tempting <a href="http://spicesnaroma.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-make-ice-cream-without-machine.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Ice Cream</a> that my friends Prerna, Kankana and Viji made that triggered my cherry + ice cream quest!<br>
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/08/mascarpone-ice-cream-with-wine-poached.html#more">Wait! There's more. Click here for the recipe »</a>Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-4967222229713273632012-08-26T10:38:00.000-07:002012-08-26T10:39:09.697-07:00How to pit cherries without a cherry pitter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7865334032/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Aug 2012 091 by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Aug 2012 091" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7865334032_5a1d68fccc.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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Pitting a bowl of these can be messy business if you don't have a cherry pitter. Since I already have several gadgets that I hardly use and I hate buying stuff that serves only one purpose, I was thrilled to see this idea from <a href="http://food52.com/blog/3795_hacking_a_cherry_pitter" target="_blank">food52</a>. I know I might be a little late to be sharing this, but it was too good not to!</div>
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Simply place the cherry in the mouth of an empty bottle with a small neck- your typical beer bottle. </div>
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Use a sturdy plastic straw, a pastry tip or a plastic spout like I used (something with a sort of nozzle works better, than the chopstick that they suggest I think) to gently push the pit out, right into the bottle! Easy!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7865332178/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="How to pit cherries without a cherry pitter by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="How to pit cherries without a cherry pitter" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7865332178_5c2f3c3812.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-53730719820520630622012-07-29T10:58:00.000-07:002012-08-20T16:52:07.793-07:00blueberry coconut vegan scones - no butter, no eggs<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7660438642/" title="Blueberry Coconut Vegan Scones by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Blueberry Coconut Vegan Scones" height="750" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7660438642_0f46dfc376_b.jpg" width="500"></span></a><br>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope you are all having a good summer. Can you believe that it's almost August already? I think this is my favourite season (but then, I do say that every season! ) Picnics, trips to the beach, bbqs, road trips...summer is just the perfect time for fun and for portable, finger friendly food, that you can pack and take along, like these blueberry coconut scones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We made a trip up to beautiful Carmel some time ago and I baked up these blueberry scones to take with us. I made them with coconut milk so my little dairy allergic munchkin could have them too, but you could use any kind of milk. For good measure I tossed in some shredded coconut and blueberries which bubbled and burst in the oven, leaking rivulets of purple juices.</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Isn't it kind of weird that blueberries are actually a translucent green inside? When you bake them, the inside turns purply too. Baking really makes blueberries even better, turning them jammy and juicy and wonderful.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXxZUv9Buig72Hj_4PD8xBkUq7ylL5puxNXjp5EhsQ97F9M_AyzvxmJUnCLOXGHZryrWSYbt_mDI_0jnxn9xkpCIdwPT6cVI_th7UqXIHYCIs-6v2-tJy67T3HBmg3wveh4zQva5XLuiR/s1600/blueberry+vegan+scones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXxZUv9Buig72Hj_4PD8xBkUq7ylL5puxNXjp5EhsQ97F9M_AyzvxmJUnCLOXGHZryrWSYbt_mDI_0jnxn9xkpCIdwPT6cVI_th7UqXIHYCIs-6v2-tJy67T3HBmg3wveh4zQva5XLuiR/s640/blueberry+vegan+scones.jpg" width="640"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are not exactly like the traditional butter scones. <span style="background-color: white;">These are super simple and quick to make- everything gets mixed together in one bowl with a fork.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">The batter is somewhat loose and you drop them by the tablespoons and bake. That's it. They are as delicious though, with a crisp exterior and all tender and soft inside- good on their own, fantastic with some buttery spread and preserves. </span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">You can skip the coconut if you are not a coconut lover and replace the coconut milk with any other milk. Play around with them- a little zest, some spice, dried fruit? </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a picture from Carmel, on a drive to Big Sur. I had to walk down small trail, braving poison oak and stand on the edge of a cliff, risking my neck to take this pic for you all. It is a truly beautiful place, simply spectacular sights and if we stopped every time I wanted to enjoy the jaw-dropping view and take pictures, the drive would have taken us several days at least. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7601159916/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Beautiful Carmel by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Beautiful Carmel" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7601159916_9a2375baed_z.jpg" width="640"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJRiVRVdexNb0VlPUuzFBpTBAdb56tbUYVGnh45tfpn6Gn7_2nGnwG0fX4Cr-jIc3eBogjq-e4UcCTIKjSyi28bXsC6dW5sE7MV-yxR5T4DNKFusO6eiXtgIaH69559oO-LtU1gNuauOT/s1600/carmel+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJRiVRVdexNb0VlPUuzFBpTBAdb56tbUYVGnh45tfpn6Gn7_2nGnwG0fX4Cr-jIc3eBogjq-e4UcCTIKjSyi28bXsC6dW5sE7MV-yxR5T4DNKFusO6eiXtgIaH69559oO-LtU1gNuauOT/s640/carmel+patio.jpg" width="640"></span></a><br>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Downtown Carmel is like walking into a fairytale. There are moss covered <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/cottage-of-sweets-carmel" target="_blank">cottages filled with sweets</a>, quaint tea shops, galleries and secret passages. <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/" target="_blank">The Monterey Bay aquarium </a>is also close by so if you are making a trip that side, it is definitely worth visiting too.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was quite sad to come away from a truly dreamy weekend there, but I'm glad to have the memories, pictures and these scones!
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/07/blueberry-coconut-vegan-scones-no.html#more">Wait! There's more. Click here for the recipe »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com87tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-53999869989561538262012-06-17T20:27:00.002-07:002012-06-18T13:08:42.897-07:00coffee cake with coffee swiss meringue buttercream for dads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today being Father's day, I had planned to post this coffee high cake in honour of the two fathers in my life- T and my dad who both have a thing for coffee, and so I am assuming most other dads do too.<br>
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My Dad drinks his cuppa several times a day and although he is one of the most easy going people ever, he is very specific about the way his coffee should be made. Even today I don't seem to make it just the way he likes it -it has to be just hot enough, with just the right amount of milk and topped with the exact tiny amount of froth.. It's much easier to make <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/macarons" target="_blank">macarons</a> than Dad's cup of coffee!<br>
T is thankfully not as particular but likes his espresso straight up- no milk no sugar- full strength.<br>
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I was thinking about a special Father's Day message to begin this coffee cake post with and was chopping some onions to make a quick brunch, with my little toddler/tiny kitchen helper running around looking through my cabinets for his "lello" crayon to put the finishing touches on his hand drawn card for T, when it happened to me...<br>
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If you watch Top Chef or any of those cooking shows ( as I do obsessively) everytime someone is chopping onions invariably they will cut their finger. It happens so often it's almost predictable. Kitchen accidents are very very common, and yes the kitchen, even a stress free kitchen like the one at home is a dangerous place. I don't mean to scare you but I was reminded of the fact today, perhaps so that I can be more careful and aware!<br>
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As I was chopping the onion, the peel slipped and I cut my finger. It was not very deep or anything, but there was some blood and since there are lots of nerve endings on the fingertips- quite some pain. Being the wuss that I am, I got lightheaded was sure I was going to faint, and could see that my little kitchen helper was getting worried. Thankfully just then T walked into the kitchen and in my half-faint I immediately knew it was all ok, and so did the little one who joyfully jumped into his arms. And that's what fathers do- they make you feel like everything will be ok.<br>
(I did not faint, the feeling passed in about half an hour- apparently its just adrenalin rushing and my finger is fine, just a little sore and bandaged. )<br>
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Happy Father's Day to T, the little one's hero, to my own wonderful daddy who has always been there for me through my childhood and terrible, terrible door slamming teens ( I cringe) all these years and to all fathers everywhere! Today seems just as good a day as any, to say thank you for all that you do and for having been there for us.<br>
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<a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/06/coffee-cake-with-coffee-swiss-meringue.html#more">Wait! There's more. Click here for the recipe »</a>Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com130tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379059460503040296.post-81525120667672705902012-06-08T17:25:00.001-07:002012-07-24T12:17:51.660-07:00easy and quick cashew chicken stir fry and a trip to china town<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7165379515/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cashew Chicken Stir Fry by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Cashew Chicken Stir Fry" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7165379515_7f53ec7a33_c.jpg" width="534"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo for <a href="http://www.mydiversekitchen.com/2012/06/exercises-in-food-photography-2-less-is.html" target="_blank">"Less is More"</a> Photography Exercise </td></tr>
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When we were kids, on Sunday after breakfast mom's kitchen was closed, and that was one day in the week she usually didn't cook. Sundays meant church, grocery shopping or trips to the zoo or the park, all of us watching the Mahabharata or Tipu Sultan on Door Darshan ( ah! those days before cable!) and the highlight being when dad would take us to our favourite neighbourhood eat out. Most often these were small hole in the wall kinds of places which I have learnt have some of the best food! Annapurna for crispy Dosas, the Shawarma stand at a nearby park, Moti Mahal for their yum butter chicken or to Golden Dragon, our neighbourhood Chinese restaurant where the food was in no way authentic to China but modified and spiced up to suit local tastes which is why I will only call it Asian inspired or Indo-Chinese.<br>
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Now that we live in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have the opportunity to taste and discover many kinds of cuisines and sample unusual dishes and ingredients - from fresh tofu straight from the bamboo molds to funky fermented things. But even today when I crave Chinese food what I usually mean is the familiar, Indo-Chinese dishes like <a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/06/sweet-and-sour-pork-with-vegetables.html" target="_blank">sweet and sour pork,</a> chilly chicken, gobi manchurian etc. that I grew up eating.<br>
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So when I recently wandered around the colourful and bustling San Francisco China Town where I guess I will taste the most authentic versions of Chinese Cuisine without actually taking a flight to China, I found the food ( apart from the dim sums which I LOVE) to be bland to my taste buds accustomed to the heavy dose of garlic and ginger and assaulted with spices. Although I am beginning to appreciate more subtleties and nuances in flavour, more often I like my flavours really bold!<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7165380515/" title="China Town SF by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="China Town SF" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7165380515_4181eb97d1_c.jpg" width="534"></a>
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Visiting China Town:<br>
Walk! It's impossible to find parking here. Plus it's great to wander around and soak in the ambiance and especially interesting to visit during parades and festivals- though ofcourse would be much more crowded then.<br>
My little one loved the stone lions outside the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Six_Companies" target="_blank">Chinese Benevolent Association</a> building.<br>
For knick knacks and props : <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/far-east-flea-market-san-francisco" target="_blank">The Far East Flea Market </a><br>
and <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-wok-shop-san-francisco" target="_blank">The Wok Shop</a> for cast iron woks and other kitchen utensils<br>
Keep an eye out for street art by the UK artist <a href="http://www.banksy.co.uk/QA/qaa.html" target="_blank">Banksy </a><br>
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I love going to China Town to pick up unusual ingredients and inexpensive little props for the blog. It's good to carry cash as some stores don't take cards.<br>
It's also great fun to walk through the busy market and see weird things like dried sea urchin that I someday hope to find a way to use in my cooking! There are also lots of familiar things too, like this dried shrimp that made my Mallu mouth water.<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7165381585/" title="Market- China Town by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Market- China Town" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7165381585_62e8c26513_z.jpg" width="640"></a>
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China Town has very unique bakeries with impossibly fluffy sponge cakes and filled steamed cakes, and these cute shaped breads, that I spotted while I was traipsing down the busy markets, camera in one hand and my delicious bubble tea in the other. That was a good day!<br>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58177474@N03/7165381231/" title="Market- China Town by magpiesrecipes, on Flickr"><img alt="Market- China Town" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7165381231_cc1ce4019f_z.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
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When I got back home I was craving some of the kind of spicy <i>Asian inspired</i> stir frys that for me ( An Indian in the US) is quintessential Chinese food. I am very curious to hear suggestions for authentic and unique Chinese food I should try next time in China Town.<br>
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I usually make stir frys in my cast iron skillet to give the chicken a nice sear and a better alternative to deep frying. Garlic powder gives it that restaurant type taste, though I often add a lot of fresh garlic as well, being a household of garlic lovers! I toss in what ever vegetables I have on hand- broccoli, mushroom, peas, even a bag of frozen mixed veggies. That day it was bell peppers and onions and a handful of cashews for crunch! It may not be authentic, but it sure tastes good!<br>
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<img alt="Cashew Chicken Stir Fry" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7350595550_2e6f562d00_c.jpg" width="534">
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</div><a href="http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/06/when-we-were-kids-on-sunday-after.html#more">Wait! There's more. Click here for the recipe »</a>Rose from Magpies Recipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10432622253847371737noreply@blogger.com24