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Traditionally Gougères are French savoury, cheesy puffs made from choux pastry. They are commonly made with Gruyère cheese and are very light – with a slightly crispy exterior and a moist tender interior. Typically they look like little golden balls and make the perfect finger food and bar snack. The ones I have made are [...]
The thing about knowing a thing or two about baking is, you can without batting an eyelid, put something simple n scrumptious together when you need to, without running around frantically looking for a place that will give you what you need. A few weeks ago, it was our friends wedding anniversary, and they decided [...]
I did make it to the Cosmo but not as a fashionista, but doing what I do best … I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of the March issue of Cosmopolitan India. I was given the special task to come up with a chocolate recipe that could be prepared [...]
Tell me your favourite flavours and I’ll try and incorporate them in your cake. Thats my line to everyone around me these days, thanks to the brand new kitchen aid which sits on my kitchen counter, screaming to used. I’m just looking for an excuse to bake and the fun of baking at home is [...]
I think I’ve found my most most favourite chocolate cake recipe. I kid you not, one slice of this cake and you’ll be begging for more ! I’m not easy to please when it comes to cakes, its got to be just right, like this one here … Its got that perfect texture, perfect crumb, [...]
What can I say about this cake ! This one, by far is my most favourite Chocolate Cake till date. You can never go wrong with chocolate, and I’m usually a big fan of buttercream frosting, but this one, is even better than that. The frosting is made from cream cheese, butter and icing sugar, [...]
I’m hoping all of you have had a lovely holiday and begun the New Year on a great note. A lot of new resolutions, a lot excitement, fervour and zest … I’m going to exercise more, I’m going to eat healthier, I’m going to be more productive, spend less on shoes, participate in a marathon, Read More ...
With the New Year just a day away, everyones probably asking the same old question – What are your resolutions for the coming year I’m sure some of you have some and some none, whatever the case one thing that could help, is knowing The love we give away is the only love we keep Read More ...
Baking cookies with my little man has become a Christmas tradition with us now. Last year we made gingerbread men and vanilla cookies,which was a lot of fun. He loved doing the cut outs of gingerbread men, but didn’t quite enjoy eating them, so this year we decided to stick to the basic Vanilla cookies. Read More ...
I was never a big fan of sweet porridge. Or atleast of the way we’ve been having it at home forever, i.e with milk, sugar and a pod of cardamom. I don’t remember the last time I had porridge, though I still make it twice a week for my son, I can’t seem to get Read More ...
December is all about waiting for Christmas. The fun begins as you see all things Christmasy pop up, menu’s change, display windows light up, you’re thinking of what presents to get your family and friends, and dreaming of getting yourself that prize watch you’ve been eyeing all year. Yes its magical, but to me its quite Read More ...
Festive times call for celebration, spending time your loved ones and sharing. Come Diwali and all of us get busy thinking what gifts to give. Usually it is mithai’s ( Indian traditional sweets ) and Dia’s ( Traditional candles) and a whole lot of us like make something special for our dear ones. Nothing beats Read More ...
This post comes up a bit later than it was meant to be. But here it is anyways … Eid Ul Adha- Festival of Sacrifice, is an important day celebrated by Muslims worldwide, to honour the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his young first born son Ismail as an act of submission to God’s Read More ...
You think, it would be fun to live with a lady obsessed with baking. Gorging on desserts, cakes n cookies all the time, well yes it does have its advantages, but the downside is , everyone around me is piling on the pounds and I have been given the red alert from my family, to Read More ...
About 3 weeks ago I got a mail from a long lost school mate, asking if I’d like to be a part of a travel n food show. Its with Carol Selva Rajah a celebrated Australian Celebrity Chef and one of the Australian master chef finalists, he said. I was like sure, why not … anything Read More ...
Last week Gabrielle, a very dear friend of mine, who moved to New York a couple of years ago, visited me here in Mumbai. She always wanted to visit India, and since she’s getting married next month, she decided to make this a shopping cum holistic trip. After attending a months course at the yoga Read More ...
When you pair the unique ingredient of loose tea leaves with a love for cooking and baking, the unlikely marriage delights the taste buds with indulgent and exotic flavors. Are you bored with rotating your dessert recipes and meal plans? Challenge your skills in the kitchen with an innovative tea confection or food by introducing Read More ...
3 I think is a wonderful age. The little ones are not so little anymore, growing into little individuals & getting smarter and cuter by the minute. Its that stage when they (boys specially) have found their diction and cannot stop amusing you with their stories, their questions and answers … They are undoubtedly naughtier, Read More ...
The Ultimate Instant Iced Coffee in just about 80 seconds A video you must watch ‘cuz its quick, its no mess and its cheap – why pay Rs.200 or $4 for a iced coffee when you can do it at home for a fraction of the cost. I know many of you will probably turn Read More ...
As a kid I never liked plums, they’re sour, tangy and why would I want to torture my myself for that little bit of sweet flesh within. Just not worth it. But as I grew older, with my fathers persistence and evolving taste buds, I began to accept the fruit. Not that I’m crazy about Read More ...
If you’re the kind who is thinking about dessert at the last bite of your meal, then you’re reading the right post. Buying desserts n cakes from outside is not very common in my house. I usually make all things my sweet tooth desires. Baking is so simple and so rewarding and the cake Read More ...
Having had my share of baking lately, I wanted to try something I hadn’t made before. It still had to be sweet and not too tough. Recently my cousin had sent me this lovely bottle of cooking coconut oil which I wanted to use, and today I got my chance. I always thought coconut oil Read More ...
Just as Ramadan and fasting are synonymous, so are Fasting and Dates. You will not find any household that is observing the holy month of Ramadan without dates. Dates have a great significance, and the tradition of eating them go back to the 7th century. I won’t give you a lesson in history about them, Read More ...
I don’t know what’s it about the cakes and bread in HongKong, they are simply amazing. They are light, airy, not too sweet, perfect texture, everything is so... Read More »
Never in my life did I think I’ve ever start linking all things Pink. And a few weeks ago, to top it, my 2.7yr old boy suddenly started liking pink. I got seriously worried. But after reading up and speaking to a lot of other moms, I realized its just a phase and will [...]
I know this comes late but I still have to thank my wonderful readers, family and friends for the marvellous support and kind wishes that you sent me on the 29th of April. I knew my article was coming up, but never did I fathom the love and fame that was to follow. I felt [...]
For the past whole week, I’ve been having this uncontrollable desire to make Mango Tarts. I’d end up thinking of it at the weirdest of hours and places. It got so bad, that in my dreams last night I was wondering what flavors I would use and what to top it off with. So [...]
Moroccan food has so many spices and herbs that are common and essential in the Indian kitchen. Be it cumin, paprika, ground corriander,turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, pepper, sesame seeds, saffron, mint or corriander … And yet both the cuisines are so very different in their own way. Making Moroccan dishes at home is always [...]
There are times when you have been doing some things a certain way, believing that it is the right way or what seems like the best thing to do at that point of time. And suddenly something happens and you change your way and realize its so much better and what the hell were you [...]
“ Pav ” - Its not your fancy posh bread, but its what feeds millions of Mumbai-ites. Pav is a local basic white bread. But trust me when I say this, there is nothing quite like it out there. Knead to a soft consistency with lots of butter. This dough makes a very light and airy bread that [...]
This recipe can turn a non Creme Caramel lover into one. Guaranteed. At one point of time I would’ve been caught dead eating a Creme Caramel, let alone make one. I despised all things with milk and this was no exception. But post pregnancy I got used to having milk and slowly accepting milk based [...]
Dal is one of those Indian meals, that is enjoyed the world over. I wish it was easy to categorize dals but there are so many types and variations that it is just not possible to. Within India itself the variations are so many, and each one just as delicious. Eaten by the rich and [...]
So what is all that ballyhoo about making a poached egg? Have you actually ever given it a go or are you the kind who plays it safe and goes for the sunny side up or only orders in cafes and restaurants? Well to be honest, it wasn’t an easy one. I have tried unsuccessfully [...]
When was the last time you celebrated Valentines Day …. probably in the 2nd grade right, when your teacher asked you to make a valentine card for your mother or best friend ! Well honestly I can’t blame you for turning away from this awfully over hyped red heart shaped, cupid crusted, sucky romantic idea of [...]
I’ve waited for the longest time to have my lil guy, one day, join me in the kitchen and make lots of goodies. My son is now a couple months over 2 years and its the perfect time to start involving him and introduce him to cooking and even more fun – baking. This time [...]
December for most of us is always the craziest part of the year. With Christmas around the corner, New Years Eve, the Big Indian wedding season, insane number of parties and events to go to and not to mention the lovely weather, which makes you want to eat much more than just the usual. There’s [...]
For the very 1st time Aapplemint has a guest over. A very special lady, who has taken up a challenge. 12 different ways to prepare pumpkins ! Carly is the author of Createlive. She is extremely talented and very sweet, and make sure you tune in to see all the wonderful recipes she has come [...]
This was an article I wrote for Firstpost.com ( A flagship of Network 18). For all of you who don’t know, I’ve been writing 3 food colums for a while now. “Endangered Eats” and “My Life On A Plate” (Celebrity Interviews) for Forstpost and as “The Home Gourmet ‘for The New Indian Express. “ A celebration [...]
The holy & spiritual month of Ramadan has finally come to an end, and as this wonderful day of celebration sets in, I would like to wish you all Eid Mubarakh ! Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion and marks not only the end of a month full of fasting, sacrifice, commitment and steadfast prayers but its [...]
It’s that time of year again. When the Masjids’ begin to fill and there is a Ramadan spirit in the air. Ladies are dawning their hijabs whilst the age old Qurans’ laying dormant on top of selves gathering dust, are lifted off the selves and people begin to recite the Quran for the next 30 [...]
In the City of Lights, where the Eifel Tower stands tall, numerous crêperies bustle with life … at side walk cafes, sit- down restaurants and takeaway windows, everyone is enjoying but one famous dish. Crêpes. Sweet or savoury, eaten hot and off the iron cast pan, this dish is exquisite. Made from a batter of [...]
Some days don’t you wish you could take off from your hectic work schedules and spend a leisurely day, basking in the sun, stretch your legs out, or lie down on a pristine and serene beach. Smell the ocean, and hear the waves crash, saunter barefoot on a sandy shoreline or dip your toes in cold water. The smell of the salty sea and mouth watering barbecued seafood is what I’m talking about. A li
Long ago, in 1969, at the old city of Surat (Gujarat), on Balaji road, stood a grandiose structure of stone. The ‘Balaji girls’ high school.’ Radhika and Bhavna aged 8 and 6 studied there. These young sisters, like every other kid loved to eat from the vendors selling delectable snacks outside their school. The narrow [...]
Mutton Rara … the name makes you think, doesn’t it? Why Ra-ra? Why not Ba-ba? Or Fa-fa? There’s definitely got to be a story behind it. And so the legend goes … The Chhota Nawab of Awadh, and the Rajkumari of Jaipur were madly in love with each other. They wished to be together but [...]
Who writes the rules in cooking, who writes the Do’s and Dont’s ? In baking sweets yes I agree you need to follow a recipe to a certain extent. Baking needs that perfection, the right quantities the right temperature to achieve the perfect result, but with general cooking, you can just about do anything. As [...]
Ever wonder why we Indian’s are crazy about our Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Pudding) ? Its hard to resist its rich sensuous red colour, the flavour of fresh seasonal carrots, the smell of ghee and cardamom rising with a soft sizzle, the contrasting texture of crunchy nuts and the saffrony sweetness which engulfs your senses. [...]
You must admit that some things just taste so much better when had from and on the streets. Chai definitely classifies as one of them. The masala chai served at Starbucks would loose hands-down compared to the Chai from the streets in Mumbai. Sometime around Christmas, the family started planning where to go for the [...]
Special people deserve special treats. My son’s godmother and my best friend in this whole wide world celebrated her birthday this week. Usually I’m never in town to celebrate her birthday, but this time around I got lucky. It’s amazing how time flies when you are in the company of the people you simply adore [...]
I cannot find an appropriate enough excuse for having disappeared for so long. But not blogging for all these months made me realize one thing … I couldn’t stay away. Its something I’ve been doing for over 3 years now, and its become a part of my life. I missed it. And so I’m back [...]
