Stay Slim In Winter Holidays

Christmas countdown has already begun and I know Christmas is that time of the year when we allow ourselves to indulge in caloric foods yet also except to look awesome in slinky outfits. So today I thought to discuss the recipe how to stay in shape during Christmas and winter holidays. If you find them happening then you can go for some I hope you will feel better.

Christmas is here and it’s a great time to taste all those Christmas cookies and but our body still needs some vital nutrients and vitamins to stay strong. So eat plenty of veggies and fruits and just give few minutes time to listen to your body. Drink plenty of water, in summer we drink plenty of water but in winter we skip this, hydration is another key element to winterizing your body.


Don’t go to holiday meal empty stomach because this can be a surest way of falling sick. So eat light healthy high fiber snack such as fruits or few wheat crackers before you go, it will curb your appetite and prevent over eating. Holiday brunch with irresistible food and dessert is hard... hard too hard to say no but try to fill up with fruit juices , salad and veggies before those eye catching dessert call you to have more and more. Rather than taking every dessert on the table try to pick your favorite or take a small portion of some of them.


Healthy eating at this time can be very challenging when most of the time we eat out. One of the most deceptive parts of the festive meal is the sauces. A healthy entrée or side dish can turn into a calorie disaster when you choose a wrong sauce. On the other hand a low calorie sauce can make a satisfying and enjoyable meal. I can name few butter and cream based sauce which can add your waist line such as béarnaise sauce, hollandaise sauce, alfredo sauce, carbonara are some from the many and don’t you forget those lovely sour cream, decorative soup topping they too count. You may feel good when you go for a baked fish or a Red Lobster but until you dip it in a tartar sauce. So go for tomato based sauces as tomatoes are low in calorie and source of heart healthy lycopenes. Also salsas, pestos, mushroom sauces are lighter and good for health. I hope you like this little sauce communication.


Eat slowly. The brain takes 20 minute to register fullness. So enjoy your meals by savoring the beauty flavor and taste of each bite.


Focus on quality of food and not on the quantity. This will help you to enjoy your favorite food and you don’t need to deprive yourself. Eat small amount of it and don’t go for second or you can use small serving dishes to eat so that food look abundant on your plate.

Cut short your alcohol intake or sweetened beverage as this are reasons for weight gain. Go for plain water or mineral water, unsweetened tea or sugar free soft drink. If you are among those where no firm reason to avoid hard drinks works, then hold in style a tall glass of cocktail and roam from one corner of the party to the other without sipping just once and by the time you take 3 to 4 rounds inspiring other to drink those who love to drink have already finished their 5 to 6 glasses and then you know ….. (hahaha) you can slip easily.

These are few tips that I am sharing with you so that we can all stay happy and healthy in this blessed season which engage the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

Be Happy And Stay Healthy

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Scottish Dessert Raspberry-Cranachan

A Very Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends.
This Monday I sat for a chat session where a friend from England shares an excellent Scottish dining experience with me. Her husband was there for his business trip and you know girls can never miss to pack the bag be a part of the journey where there is ample scope to shop and dine specially when New year is so near and the good news this time fortunately they met few of their Scottish friend. Now these hungry Scot friends take them for a treat to Boisdale of Belgravia, which is one of London’s most fashionable haunts of highland hospitality. “Magnificent restaurant, bar, courtyard and live jazz …. The blood red walls, exuberant tartan décor a unique old style atmosphere mesmerized her while her husband get totally carried away by the hypnotic scent of Cuban cigars and unbelievable collection of whiskey….o… ho! Men will remain men and when it comes to good cigar and wine there are nobody to stop them. It‘s dinner time so poor boy have to return to their dining table after his visit to the Cigar terrace. She told that Boisdale is one of the most iconic restaurants in London for its award winning Scottish menu. The menu sound quiet interesting to me dishes like Raviolo of spinach & sorrel with toasted walnuts, sage & parmesan butter sauce , Handpicked Unpateruised Herbridian Crab with Spiced Avocado,Cornish mutton & wild mushroom pie with rosemary and garlic mashed potato topping , Half a roast free range corn fed Black Leg chicken and few more delectable delicacies, the reason may be because I never tasted Scottish cuisine and somehow I feel very organic, healthy, fresh flavors of countryside. Now that’s what my instinct says talking to my friend but to know the real flavor someday I have to visit Boisdale and give all those a try but for now I am making Raspberry-Cranachan. Truly speaking when she told me about this dessert, since then I am drooling . It is creamy , delicious and what is more appealing for my lazy bones – it is super easy.
This year I decided to rock my Christmas party with this delicious Scottish dessert Raspberry-Cranachan . If you want something different, something Scottish for coming parties then don’t miss it .

Ingredients:

Double cream      1/2 cup
Raspberry puree   1/4  cup
Toasted oatmeal   2 table spoon
Scottish whisky    1 teaspoon
Fresh raspberries  6
Scottish honey     1 table spoon or to taste
Leaf gelatin       1g 

Procedure:
Oats can easily burn so with little care, scatter them on to a baking tray and toast under grill or in a low oven until golden brown.Your toasted oatmeal is ready.
Soak gelatin leaf in cold water for 10 minutes. Whip double cream to soft peak. Now gently fold in the raspberry puree, honey( if you can get the Scottish one go for the regular honey), whisky(any good malt whisky will do) and the toasted oatmeal with your spatula. Drain and melt the gelatin make sure not to boil it.
Then fold it in to the cream mix. Keep it in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. Serve it in individual serving glass or dishes garnish with honey glazed raspberry (toss fresh raspberry in warm honey) and then drizzle this warm honey with whisky over it. This whisky not only add a Scottish taste but give awesome kick to the flavor. Your delicious, creamy traditional Scottish dessert is ready.

*To make it more healthy  instead of double cream use  equal quantity whipping cream and fromage frais, instead of whisky you can use brandy or apple juice. Yes taste will definitely differ but in festive parties healthy you is more important to your family and friends.

So enjoy!
Be Happy And Stay Healthy.
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Mulled Apple Cider

Mulled apple cider is one of my favorite warm up drink in winter, not because it is absolutely delicious but with it every sip I remember those colorful school days when we bunch of friends use to sit in our favorite roof top joints in a friends place and her Mom make this delicious spicy apple cider for us. I still remember how some of my friends shared stories about their secret crush and sobbed when they lost them you know why………… because all happen from 5th floor roof top and those poor handsome guys crossing roads never get to know that from such grand hill top there are sweeties and cuties pouring their heart out!...... sound hilarious yes they are like that but fortunately all those crazy girls get their Mr. Perfect and are happily married! Some of them are out of contact and I don’t know where on earth they are but till today in a chilled winter night whenever I make a mug of this apple cider for me and sit in my balcony watch the night sky I remember those moments even though those memories gift me wet eyelids ! Ok now I want to stop this emo journey and give you this delicious soul soother Mulled Apple Cider recipe. I am sure if you shared it with your loved ones in a chilled winter there will be some stories that you will love to remember!

Ingredients:

Apple cider    4 cups
Cinnamon sticks   1/2 
Nutmeg            1/4  tea spoon
Clove             1
Lemon juice       2 table spoon
Orange  zest      1 table spoon
Brown sugar       3 table spoon (more or less to taste) 

Procedure:
Place apple cider in a medium sauce pan in a slow flame. Add all the other ingredients except lemon juice and orange zest. Let it simmer half covered for 15 to 20 minutes in a very low flame. Within this time all the spices will mingle well to give you that everlasting refreshing aroma. Then add the orange zest and the lemon juice and put off the flame and cover it for a minute. Strain it through a fine mesh strainer and serve hot with a cinnamon stick and a spiral fresh orange rind- these is a simple garnish tip you may use or may not . To mull something generally means to spice and heat it so now you know why this is called Mulled apple cider. Relax and sip this delicious perfect fall drink.
Have A Lovely Weekend!

Be Happy And Stay Healthy.
abcdlady.com- image source

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Japanese Clear Soup (Suimono)

It was a total mess last week I got hay fever and you know what happens in it, itchy, puffy, watery eyes and red, stuffy nose- OMG it’s terrible! I am not feeling to have anything, my taste buds are completely flat. Then Maa (Mother) came as a savior as she always does, she make a Japanese Clear Soup for me which is not a fill you- up- kind of meal but a delicious refreshing Asian soup. I think God bless every Mom with a caressing hand so that they can make anything special ! What do you feel………….! I am ok now and so want to share that easy yet delicious Japanese Clear Soup –Suimono's recipe with you.

Ingredients:

Chicken stock        3 cups
Soya sauce           1 teaspoon
Dry sherry           2 table spoon(optional)
Mushroom              3 to 4  thinly sliced 
Green onion strips    1 teaspoon
Celery leaves         1teaspoon chopped
Lemon                 Thinly sliced
Carrot                Thinly sliced
Lemon peel            strips  few
Tofu                  small chunks 
Cooked  shrimp        4 to 5(optional)

Procedure:
In a large saucepan bring chicken stock to simmer. Stir in sherry and soya sauce. Simmer for few minutes. Top with all those other ingredients. Cook for another half minutes and you are done. If you want you can season with salt but this soup don’t need that as soya do all the work. Ladle the soup in small soup bowl and relish this delicious Japanese Clear Soup (Suimono).For me this is a total comfy, feel good soup and I hope you too will like the fresh flavors of Suimono.

For now Sayōnara (good bye)!

Be Happy And Stay Healthy.
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Delicious Mint Rice with Creamy Prawn Curry

I have some crazy friends who think time doesn’t matter at all and they drop in any time, the other day two of them came 11 at night when I was having a diet salad with some bread and boiled egg just to skip cooking my dinner but God have some different plan and yes I have to cook for them something that is delicious yet quick because I want my dishes to be served as dinner and not breakfast….hahahah! The good thing is I have very few things in my freezer , just have some leftover rice and 4 to 6 tiger shrimp and little veggies and with this little ingredients I have to please my two dear hungry friends! I must say I am successful in my mission. Mint rice and Creamy Prawn curry served the whole purpose. You can take a look of this delicious platter. I am sure you will like this.

Ingredients:

For Mint rice
Basmati rice cooked     3 cups
Fresh mint leaves paste   3 table spoon
Lemon juice                1/2  tea spoon
Yoghurt                        1 table spoon
Spring onion  chopped    ½ cup
Clarified butter/ butter    1 table spoon
Coriander powder (dry roasted)     1/3  tea spoon
Green chilly                       1 chopped (optional)
Sugar                                   1/2  tea spoon
Salt and pepper                to taste


For Creamy Prawn Curry
Tiger shrimp      4 to 6
Garlic                  1 tea spoon  chopped
Yoghurt              3 table spoon
Clarified butter/ butter  1 tea spoon
Corn flour        1/2  tea spoon
Cayenne powder/white pepper 1/2  tea spoon 
Sugar                1/2 tea spoon
Saffron            a pinch
Salt                   to taste
Water             a little more than 1/2 cup
Fresh coriander   1/2  tea spoon  finely chopped
Fresh cream          1 heaping spoon (optional)

Procedure:
For Mint Rice
Heat clarified butter on a pan then adds the chopped garlic. Mix lemon juice with mint paste then add it stir, add yoghurt and chopped spring onion. Stir then add the cooked rice. Add sugar, salt and pepper. Stir and mix well now sprinkle coriander powder (dry roast the coriander seeds on a pan and then grind it, it give a unique smell to your dishes). Mix well and your delicious mint rice is done.
For Creamy Prawn Curry
Take a bowl and in it put yoghurt, cayenne powder, salt, sugar, water and cornflower mix well. In a pan heat clarified butter now sauté the tiger shrimp with garlic. After that add the yoghurt mixture stir well. Let it cook for few minutes. When the gravy starts to thicken take a spoon full of the gravy in a small bowl and mix saffron in it then add this saffron mixture in to the gravy. Let it cook for a minute. Then add fresh cream. Put off the flame. Garnish with finely chopped coriander. Your creamy prawn is ready to serve.
Serve this delicious Mint rice with creamy prawn curry with your favorite salad.

*The taste of the whole recipe will differ if you use butter instead of clarified butter but no doubt delicious in both way. And for those who want it to be healthier you can use diet butter.

The spreading light of happiness.......
The eternal victory of light over darkness as good over evil

With gleam of Diyas
And the Echo of the Chants
May Happiness and Contentment Fill Your life
Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Diwali!!


Be Happy And Stay Healthy.
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Delicious Shahi Khichuri ( A yummy rice preparation from Bengal)

I am back and thanks to all of you for all your love and best wishes. Durga Puja is a traditional festival and a part of our culture , though it is a religious festival but the good part of this festival is that it has broken all the religious boundaries and enjoyed by everybody irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and economic status. This festival is the perfect example of unity in diversity. Now days it has taken a from of carnival and the creative effort that is added to this festival is making it world famous and a major tourist attraction. So any of you want to visit India this part of the year don’t miss Kolkata and it’s Durga puja, I am sure you will take back home bundle of colorful memories.
The colage above will give you a short synopsis of the festival and rest is written in words below.
The festival which is to declare the win of Goodness and Godness over the power of evil, last for five days starting in the sixth day( sashti) of the lunar calendar and end on the tenth day(Dasahami).In this five days Mother God is worshipped with perfect traditional rituals. Some of the important feature of this festival are the beats of dhak , Durga Puja is incomplete without the maddening beats of dhak , a large drum that is played by two thin stick which the dhaki (drumer) hang around their neck and play those enchanting beats that are enough to conjure up the sights and smells of Durga Puja. Sandhi Puja is an important ritual performed during evening at the juncture of Ashtami (eighth day) and Navami(ninthday). The goddess is worshipped with 108 lotus flowers, red hibiscus flowers, wood apple leaves and vermilion. A 108 earthen lamps are lighted to mark the end of the puja.After that Dhunuchi nritya' or ‘the dance with effervescent smoke' which is a traditional dance form Bengal, is performed in front of the idol of the Goddess Durga to the sound of dhak both young men and women participate in this and some places participant are awarded with lots of prizes according to the excellence of their performance. On the ninethday (Navami) various delicious vegeterian dishes is prepared for the  Ma Durga called bhoga and then this is distributed among the people as Prasad. This include shahi Khichuri ( a delicious rice preparation) with fried eggplant and potato with spicy mixed vegetable(labra tardkari) and mango chatni and payas (sweet dessert made with rice and milk). On the tenthday (Dashami) Bengali married women go to worship the Goddess and pray for happiness all the year through and share vermilion (sindoor),among themselves as well as with Ma Durga this ritual is called Sindoor Khela. And on the evening of the tenth day is Visarjan (immersion ceremony), Goddess Durga’s idol is mmersed in the holy river Ganges , Durga Visarjan is the most eye-catching event where the celebrations conclude with a bang.After that happy free hug ( Kolakuli) is exchanged between each other and everyone have rosogolla( melt in mouth tofu balls dipped in simple syrup) to wait for another year with this sweet memory and blessing of Goddess Ma Durga.
It’s hard to describe such festival in such few words but I try my best to give you a brief essence of the whole festival I hope you will enjoy reading.

Today I want to share with you a very delicious, easy and healthy dish that is served during this festival . This is shahi khichuri a fragrant subtle preparation pepped up by a number of side dishes. The finished khichuri smells awesome and taste incredible.
Ingredients:

Basmati Rice    150 gram
Whole mung  bean dal  (without skin)  100 gram
Bengal gram dal    50 gram
Whole red chilly  2
Cardamom       2 whole
Cinnamon         1 inch stick
Clove                 2 
Tomato            1 big chunks
Carrot                1  big chunks
Potato                 1 big chunks
Peas                   1/2  cup
Cauliflower          6 big florets
Cumin seed        1/4  tea spoon
Turmeric powder  1/4  teaspoon
Chilly powder         1/4  teaspoon 
Cumin powder       1/4 tea spoon
Coriander powder   1/4  tea spoon
Salt                          to taste
Sugar                       1 tea spoon
Fresh coriander leaves   1/2  cup  coarsely chopped
Mix  raisin , cashew , almond, coconut  finely sliced    1/2 cup lightly fried
Graram masala    1/2  tea spoon ( whole -black pepper 2, clove 1, cardamom 1,cinnamon 1/4  inch dry roast them together then gind into fine powder)
Clarified  butter    1 table spoon
Soya or vegetable oil   3 table spoon
 Water      2   glass 

Procedure:
Cut and wash all the vegetable. Mix all the dal and rice and wash it. Heat oil in a pan and then break the whole red chilly little bit add it with whole cardamom, cinnamon and cumin seeds. When they start to crack add all the spices and tomatoes , vegetables , rice, daal , salt mix well and then pour two glass of water. Mix well. Put the lid and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes or till the rice and dal are well cooked. Then add sugar ,chopped coriander, gram masala powder , fried coconut, cashew and raisin and at last a sprinkle a spoon full of clarified butter. (Instead of red chilly powder you can use black pepper and for clarified butter you can use butter but that will not give you the exact flavor and taste that I want to share with you.) Mix well. Your delicious pure vegetarian delicious khichuri is ready. This is a whole meal you can have it for lunch and dinner with fried eggplant or potato  or simply relish this Indian delicacy. Though the list of ingredient is bit long but once your prepared it is just few minutes job. I hope you will love it.

Cherish the music of Dhak , if you like just leave a comment may be your best wish vibes reach and inspire a  a drummer far away whom you will never meet-


Be Happy And Stay Healthy.
indiafoodandtravelguide.com –image source kchidri


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Celebrating Durga Puja

Devi Durga

This is our  most beautiful Mother God Maa Durga we worship for health, wealth and prosperity.
The most auspicious festival that we celebrate in this part of the globe is on. I don’t know that you have heard about it or not but this is the time when we worship Mother God as Devi Durga. All Bengalis all over the world celebrate this special occasion. And in our city this is the carnival time with lots of color lights, glamour, glitz and of course delicious tasty yummy foods. I am busy for this preparation so I am bit late for this post. In my coming post I will share some good festive stories but it will be after a short break because I will be enjoying this once in a year grand festival with my family and friends. But while I enjoy Durga Puja you enjoy this lovely quick to make delicious healthy Chinese egg preparation Foo Yong.

Ingredients:

Egg    4 
Green chilly    1 to 2 chopped
Onion       1 chopped
Garlic        2 clove chopped
Yellow and Red bell pepper   1/4  cup chopped
Shrimp       4 to 6 ( deveined)
Chicken small cube   4 to 6 (optional)
Spring onion    1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
Grated coconut   1 teaspoon  (optional)
Fresh coriander    1 table spoon (finely chopped)
Sugar     2 pinch
Salt and pepper according to taste

Procedure:
Take a big bowl now beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Now add all the above ingredients. Mix well. Adjust seasoning. Now take another bowl brush it with any vegetable oil and then pour the whole mixture in it. Then steam this whole mixture in your steamer for 10 minutes or till done. (Traditionally Foo Yong  is a fried dish but to make it healthy I tried the steam version.) You are ready to relish another delicious healthy dish.As I have to do lots of shopping and pack gifts for friends and family I have very less time to spend in kitchen so such easy tasty dish is appropriate for such time. Have it with bread for lunch or dinner and your are done with a guilt free filler.

Be Happy And Stay Healthy.

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