Strawberry Milk Shake

*4 to 5 strawberries,1 cup chilled milk,1 scoop vanilla ice cream,2 tsp sugar,blend it in a blender,serve it in a tall glass with ice cubes.




Note:
*Use frozen strawberries also.
*adjust sweet according to your taste.

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Orange Cake (no egg,no butter)

Here is my cake with nice orange flavour and without egg ,butter.It tastes good and moist with nice texture.
Ingredients:
Maida(All purpose flour)-2/3 cup
Orange Juice-1/4 cup
Sweetened Condensed Milk-1/3 cup
Oil-1/4 cup
Orange Zest-1 1/2 tsp
Baking Powder-1/2 tsp
Baking Soda-1/4 tsp
Lemon Juice-1/2 tsp
Salt-1 pinch

Method:
*In a bowl add all the liquid ingredients mix well with a whisk.
*Sieve maida,baking powder,baking soda together twice.
*Pre-heat the oven for 350'F grease the baking tray.
*Add the flour in batches mix well without any lumps.
*Finally add the orange zest mix well.
*Transfer it to the greased tray ,bake it for 30 mins or until the skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Note:
*Sweet in condensed milk and orange juice is enough.If you want more sweet add 1 tbsp of  sugar.
*Use fresh orange juice and zest from fresh orange for good taste.
*Can make the toppings, heat 1tbsp of orange juice and 1 tbsp of sugar in low heat,stirring continuously till sugar dissolves.Prick the cooled cake with fork.Pour the syrup.

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Toor dhal Adai/Dosa (Lentil crepes)

Adai is source of protein.So it is a good alternative for regular dosas.
Ingredients:
Parboiled rice or idli rice-2 cups
Toor dhal-3/4 cup
Tomato-2
red chilly-4 nos
Onion-1 medium size
Cumin-1 tsp(optional)
Hing(Asafoetida)-1/4 tsp
Salt-as needed
Oil-drizzle over adai.

Method:
*Wash and soak rice and dhal for 3-4 hours.
*Grind tomato and red chilly first,then add rice and dhal grind it to a coarse paste.
*Chop the onion.
*Add chopped onion,cumin,hing,salt mix well.If needed add water also.
*Make thick adai or like dosa  immediately.No need to  ferment the batter.

Usually adai is served with aviyal and jaggery,but it tastes good with coconut chutney also.
Note:
* You can add grated carrots ,coconut pieces  also.
*Pour the batter first outer circle then towards the inner circle in dosa pan for making adai  in dosa form.

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Nature

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Appam(Rice Pancakes)

Appam is a traditional South Indian  recipe.Here is my version of appam,which tastes almost close to traditional one.
Ingredients:
Raw rice-1 cup
Parboiled rice-1 cup
Urad dhal-3 tbsp
Fenugreek seeds(vendiyam)-1 tsp
Grated Coconut-1/4 cup(optional)
Cooking soda-1 tsp
Salt -as needed

Method:
* Soak rice, dhal, fenugreek seeds for 3- 4 hrs.
*Add grated coconut,grind it to idli batter consistency.
*Add salt  mix well.
*Let it ferment for 8 hrs or over night.
*Before making appam, add cooking soda mix well.If needed add water .
*Make appam with  appa chatti or with regular pan.
*Pour the batter in the dosa pan,cover it with lid.
Appam serve with coconut milk,even with coconut chutney it tastes good.

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Tomato Chutney Without Coconut

Ingredients:
Tomato-3
Onion-2 medium size
Red Chilly-4-5 nos(adjust to your taste)
Garlic-3 pods
Ginger-1/2 inch piece
Tamarind-1 tsp(optional)Oil-1 tsp
Salt-as needed

Tempering:
Oil-1 tsp
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Chana dal-1/2 tsp
Urad dal-1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves-few
Method:
* Chop onion and tomato.
* Heat oil in a pan add red chilly .
* Add ginger and garlic,add onion saute it well.
*Add tomato saute it until raw smell goes.
*Add tamarind.
*Keep it aside,let it cool down.
*Once it cool down, add salt and grind it in a mixier to a coarse paste,no need to add water.
*Heat oil in a pan,add the tempering ingredients,let it splutter .Add it to the grounded mixture.

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Chicken Curry or Kozhi Kuzhambu

Ingredients:
Chicken-1/2 kg
Onion-2(medium size)
Ginger Garlic Paste-2 tsp
Garam Masala powder-2 tsp
Chilly Powder-3 tsp
Turmeric Powder-1 tsp
Oil-3 tbsp
Curry Leaves-few
Pudina-10-12 leaves
Coriander leaves-2 tbsp(finely chopped)
Pepper powder-2 tsp

To Grind:
Grated Coconut-1 cup
Roasted chana dal(Pottu Kadalai)-1 tbsp
Cashewnut-4-5 nos.


Tempering:
Cardamom-3
Cinnamomum Stick-2 (1 inch piece)
Cloves-4
Bay Leaves-4


Method:
*Grind the ingredients listed under to grind into a smooth paste.
*Wash and cut the chicken.
*Slice the onions.
*Heat oil in a pan,add the tempering ingredients,let it splutter.
*Add onion saute it until golden brown,add salt,turmeric powder,ginger garlic paste,garam masala,curry leaves,coriander leaves,pudina leaves,until oil separates.
*Add Chicken mix well,add chilly powder ,saute until the masala is coated on the chicken.
*Add the grinded paste and let the gravy to boil
Chicken curry is ready.


Chicken Fry:
It is very easy to make the fry if the chicken curry is ready.
Method:
*Take the gravy with bone pieces out.
*Leave the remaining chicken in the same pan,add a tablespoon oil and pepper powder,saute well, until the gravy dried.
*Finally garnish with coriander leaves.

Note:
* Use sesame oil for better taste.
*Adjust chilly powder,garam masala,pepper powder according to your spice level.

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Tomato Chutney With Coconut

We can make tomato chutney in different versions.I use coconut  to make this chutney,i will  post tomato chutney without coconut also.
Ingredients:
Tomato-2
Onion-1 medium size
Red Chilly-3-4 nos(adjust to your taste)
Garlic-2 pods
Ginger-1/2 inch piece
Grated Coconut-1/4 cup(4 tbsp)
Cumin-1/2 tsp(optional)
Oil-1 tsp
Salt-as needed

Tempering:
 Oil-1 tsp
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Chana dal-1/2 tsp
Urad dal-1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves-few
Method:
* Chop onion and tomato.
* Heat oil in a pan add red chilly .
* Add ginger and garlic,add onion saute it well.
*Add tomato saute it until raw smell goes.
*Finally add grated coconut mix well.
*Keep it aside,let it cool down.
*Once it cool down, add salt and grind it in a mixier to a coarse paste,no need to add water.
*Heat oil in a pan,add the tempering ingredients,let it splutter .Add it to the grounded mixture.

Serve it  as side dish for idli ,dosa.

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Macys Flower Show 2012

Every Spring Macys conduct flower show in selected US cities  for past 38 years.The 38th annual flower show was held at Macys Herald Square Newyork.This year the theme was "Brasil:Gardens in Paradise".

Inside the Macys  they portray  small garden setup.

The  street view of Macys in the broad way also decorated with some theme.Six windows are decorated with tropical blooms.

Actual show was conducted in a 5000 square-foot tent in broad way and 34 th street.The center piece is 8 foot tall toucan sculpture and black magnolia.

Man made waterfalls,wooden bridge,amazon garden and all tropical rain forests.

Amazon Garden

It has wide collections of orchids ,coffee,papaya,citrus ,lot of rare plants were showcased.

7 th avenue Macys window also play major role the Bouquet of the day ,design by famous designers.Inside Macys the flower show themed activities were performed like gardening,cooking show,kids activities.
It was held  between March 25  2012 to April 7 2012.
If  u have a chance to visit next year show,don't miss it.

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Sun Set in Water

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Pazham Appam

Pazham Appam is made of banana,wheat flour,jaggery,coconut.It is healthy ,tasty snack.Here the recipe is not a traditional one,its my way of making appam.

Ingredients:
Wheat Flour-1 cup
Rice Flour-1/2 cup
Banana-1 big ripened
Jaggery-3/4 cup
Water-1/4 cup
Salt-a pinch
Oil-to fry
Method:
*Melt the jaggery with little water ,strain it.
*Add wheat flour,rice flour,mashed banana,melted jaggery,salt in a bowl.
*Mix well add enough water ,the batter must be in pouring consistency.
*Head oil in a pan,when the oil is heated pour a laddle of batter in to.Once it is done,turn.
Note:
*Even we can use coconut milk instead of water.
*I use paniyaram pan  to make it.

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Raw Peanuts Boiled in Salt Water

• Peanuts are rich in energy and contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.Raw peanuts boiled in salt water is one of the simplest ,healthy snack.
  
  
  
  
  The Raw peanuts can be boiled with salt water or it can be pressure cook  for 3 whistles.Remove the pods from the shell and then tempered to make peanuts sundal or have it as.
  
  
  We can use the dried one also,but it was soaked for 8 hrs or whole night.But raw ones taste more.

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Beans Stir Fry

Beans stir fry is a simple dish,serve it as a side dish for sambhar sadham or curd rice.

Ingredients:
Green Beans-1 lb
Onion-1 Medium size
Green chilly-3-4 nos.
Curry Leaves-few
Oil-1 tsp
Grated Coconut-1 tbsp
Salt-as per need
Tempering:
Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
Urad dal-1/2 tsp
Method:
*Wash and cut the green beans.
*Chop the onion and green chilly.
*Pressure cook the chopped beans for a whistle or steam it, or boil it until it becomes soft.Drain the excess water.
*Heat oil in a pan add the tempering ingredients ,let it splutter.
*Add onion ,green chilly,curry leaves saute it for few minutes.
*Add cooked beans and saute it ,until the water dries.
*Finally add grated coconut mix well and switch of the stove.

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Tissue Paper Cherry Blossom

I like cherry blossoms very much,trees with full of pink flowers even with out leaves.Here is my cherry blossom made up of tissue papers.

Another one

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Corn on the Cob

It is always best to use the seasonal produce.In summer we can get lot of fresh corns.It tastes good and more crunchier than frozen ones.It is more juicy and crisp.

There are lot of ways to cook the corn.The simple method is boil it in salt water.
Method:
*Remove the husk and silk of the corn.
*Broken into two pieces add it to the boiled salt water cook it for 5 -7 mins.
*Another way put everything in the pressure cooker and cook it for 2 whistles.
*Once it is little hot  apply dab of butter and serve .

Corns are good source of fiber and rich in vitamin b,phosphorous,magnesium etc.So it is a healthy snack and best travel food also.

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Oatmeal with Buttermilk

Oats are rich source of fiber and  best antioxidant.Its has lot of nutritional health benefits.Starting a day with cup of oatmeal as breakfast is more healthier than any other traditional breakfast.For this i use old fashioned oats not the steel cut one.

Method:
*For one cup oats, boil  1/2 cup of water.
*Add oats to the boiled water.mix well,let it cook for another 2-3 mins.
*Keep aside,cool it down.
*Once it cool down add a cup of butter milk or yogurt(curd).
*Add salt as per your taste.
Your healthy breakfast is ready.

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Mango Rice-Maangai Sadham

Summer is the season for mangoes.So we can try lot recipes based on mango.Like other variety rice, mango rice also tastes delicious.The recipe is very simple.


Ingredients:
Raw Mango-1 (medium size)
Green Chilly-3 nos
Red chilly-2 nos
Curry leaves-few
Mustard Seeds-1 tsp
Urad dal-1 1/2 tsp
Chana dal-1 1/2 tsp
Cumin-1 tsp
Cashew nuts-10 nos.
Peanuts-2 tbsp
Oil-2 tsp
Cooked Basmati Rice-3 cups

Method:
* Peel the outer skin of the green mango.
*Grate the flesh part.
*Heat oil in a pan,add mustard seeds,let it splutter,then add cumin.
*Add urad dal,chana dal,cashew nuts,peanuts.Saute it until golden brown.
*Add the grated mango,fry until raw smell goes.
*Let it cool down,mix with cooked rice.
Serve it with pappad.

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3D Modular Origami Flower Vase

Here is my another 3D Origami, a flower vase.Though 3d modular origami is time  consuming but the end product is really amazing.

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Quilled Miniature Plant

 Quilling is the art of making things using strips of paper.In my previous quilling post i make some flowers and butterfly.Here is my miniature plant.Its made up of 3mm paper strips and the center part is a piece of tooth pick.

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Bread Cup Pizza

Bread Cup Pizza ingredients and method are same as Bread Pizza.Cut the bread slices into circle shape.Check the ingredients and method here.Bake the bread slices in an muffin pan.Different shape but same taste,everyone likes it.

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Bread Pizza

Bread Pizza is one of the simple,easiest dish .Kids can love it,even adult also.No yeast,no kneading ,no waiting time ,it can be made in 10 mins.I learn it from a tv show.

Ingredients:
Bread Slice-2 
Pizza Sauce-2 tsp
Olive Oil-2 tsp
Mozzarella Cheese(shredded)-2 tbsp
Finely chopped veggies(onion,tomato,peppers,mushroom)-3 tbsp
Salt -1/4 tsp
Pepper powder-1/4 tsp
Crushed Pepper(or)Italian seasoning-1/2 tsp(optional)
Method:
*Take the bread slice,trim the sides.
*Preheat the oven to 400'F.
*Apply olive oil in both sides.
*Apply pizza sauce on one side of the bread.
*Scattered the chopped vegetables on the top of the  pizza sauce.
*Sprinkle a pinch of salt,pepper powder,crushed pepper on top of it.
*Then add grated mozzarella cheese on it.

Bake it in 400'F for 10 mins.Bread Pizza is ready.Serve hot.
Note:
*Don't add more pizza sauce,then the bread will be soggy in the center.
*Select vegetables of your choice.
*Amount of cheese also depends on individual taste.

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Idli Upma

Idli Upma one of the best way to reuse the left over idli .It is one of the  simple,easiest  dish with or without side dish .It can be  made within few minutes.

Ingredients:
Idli-4
Onion-1 medium size
Green chilli-3 nos.
Turmeric Powder-1/4 tsp
Curry Leaves-few
Tempering:
Oil-1 tbsp
Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
Channa dal-1/2 tsp
Urad dal-1/2 tsp
Method:
*Crumble  the idli by hand.Finely chop the onion and green chilli.
*Heat oil in a pan.Add mustard seeds, let it splutter.
*Add chopped onion,green chilli saute it until golden brown.
*Add curry leaves.
*Add turmeric powder, saute it until raw smell goes.
*Add the crumbled idli saute it well.
*Finally  garnish with coriander leaves .
Serve it hot with coconut chutney.

Note:
* Add turmeric powder in the oil itself,otherwise dish has raw smell of it.
*Add little more oil and onion, for good taste.
*Cook it in the medium flame,otherwise it will stick in the bottom of the pan.

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Lotus Pop-up Card

I like to make cards.When i saw this lotus pop-up card in live journal i try this.In their site they give the pattern and the way to make.

The tutorial was given by Russian live journal user tekuila.

Here is the link.The tutorial was in both Russian and English.

         Closed View                                                           Open view

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