cookbypassion

Kalpasi / Black stone flower / Patthar ka phool / Dagad phool is a spice used in Indian Cuisine. Typically used in meat dishes or Biryani, it is also used in some vegetable dishes too. Kalpasi as such does not have any particular shape, it is curly like dried flower that is very light in weight. For day 3, under the theme " Ingredients through mail", I have got this rare spice Kalpasi from RAJINI (  https://mykitchentrials.com /)    I have never used Kalpasi as such in any of my dishes. I usually read the ingredients which are listed  in any of  the store bought Masala's. Long back I have seen this word Kalpasi in one of the Garam Masala packet (don't remember which brand it was ). But I knew exactly what I had to prepare with the ingredient I got from Rajini. I rarely prepare Garam Masala powder at home. This time as I made it at home, have used in couple of non veg dishes  and it really  made a different. Fresh flavor of the spices and the taste too. So here goes th

Mango Chia Popsicles are a sweet and healthy treat with just 3 ingredients. Officially Spring / summer hasn't started yet but its little warm here in NJ. Kids are very happy to play outside and have some cold treats after the playtime. I haven't seen mangoes in market yet but I had a can full of mango pulp in my pantry, with which I made this yummy Popsicles. If you find fresh mangoes in market, go ahead and use them instead of pulp.  Under the theme "  Ingredients through mail", my 2nd ingredient, White Chia seeds are  from Usha ( http://www.myspicykitchen.net/ /). I have used Chia seeds in Pudding and cakes earlier, this is the first time am using in Popsicles and it gives a nice texture and taste to them. Here goes the recipe...... Ingredients: Mango Pulp 2  cup Coconut water  1 1/4 cup White / Black Chia seeds 1 1/2 tablespoons Preparation : Blend  mango pulp and coconut water in a blender until smooth. Stir in Chia seeds. Pour in Popsicles molds. Freeze until don

Today we are starting with 4th week of BM 73. My theme for this week is "Ingredients through mail" .It is a very interesting theme where Valli has paired  2 bloggers from our team to exchange the ingredients and cook with those, 1 on each day. As we were 5 members here in New Jersey, each member got 3 and exchanged with in all of us. We all planned to meet rather than sending the ingredients through mail. Unfortunately I had to drop in the last minute because of my illness. It was so nice of my fellow bloggers  Rajini, Pavani, Usha and Mirelle to bring an extra ingredients to share with me. Thanks to Rajini who picked my packet and made sure I received it on time.  For day 1, am starting with " Keema curry spice" which I got from Mirelle (  http://www.theschizochef.com/ ). I have  used this spice powder in regular chicken curry instead of  Keema ( minced meat) curry. Here goes the recipe....... Ingredients: Chicken 2 lbs Onion 1 large Ginger garlic paste 1 spoon Cur

 Holi is a Hindu  spring festival in India and Nepal. Holi Festival of colors and festival if sharing love. It  is the time for celebration and relishing yummy food. People make variety of snacks and sweets  on this day.   I used to love this festival as a kid. But in South India, there is no tradition of making special dishes on this day. But couple of my North Indian friends used to say that they cook variety of food on this day. Gujiya, Dahi Vade, Bhang pakoda, Dal kachori, thandai and many more. Holi is still few weeks away, but my bloggers friends are celebrating bit early with these delicious dishes. Today on the 3rd day, week 3 of BM 73, I am here with Holi special dish Dal Kachori, under the theme " Valentines Special / Holi Special". Dal Kachori is a delicacy of North India, these are spicy puffed pastry. I have used yellow pigeon peas here for the stuffing but you can use any kind of dal like, udad dal, moong dal etc....Here goes the recipe..... Ingredients: Maida /

After a yummy and delicious dinner / lunch , would you like a have some  yummy cupcakes?   I have made these delicious  Strawberry Preserve cup cakes  for this Valentines day dinner. You can use any fruit Jam or preserve in place of Strawberries in the recipe. These cupcake are perfect for any family gatherings or birthday parties. This recipe goes to the 2nd day of BM 73, under the theme " Valentines Special / Holi Special". Here goes the recipe..... Ingredients: Cake flour / All purpose flour 2 1/2 cups Eggs 4 Baking powder 1 1/4 teaspoon' Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon Unsalted butter  3/4  cup Sugar  1 1/2 cup Salt 1/4 teaspoon Strawberry Preserve / Jam 3/4 Cup Buttermilk 1/2 cup Vanilla Extract 3/4 spoon For Frosting : Cool whip 2 cups Strawberry Preserve 3/4 cup Icing / frosting bag Frosting Nozzle Preparation: Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl mix cake flour, baking powder and baking soda, set aside In another bowl beat butter and sugar with hand mixer or w

Fish Lettuce Wraps are quick and healthy weekend or weekday dinner ideas. Crunchy fish strips / fingers are my kids favorite. They can have them at any time of the day. Fish strips are great for party  starters or after school snack or can be packed in your lunch boxes too.   Wanted to make something special for this Valentines Day, as it is a week day didn't plan much, nor hubby wanted to go out for dinner.  So thought of making my kids favorite fish strips and hubby's favorite lettuce wraps.  I have tried chicken lettuce wraps before but never tried fish wraps. Fish also tastes great with fresh butter lettuce and  chopped carrots, avocado and rice vermicelli.  Light and quick  Valentines Day dinner is ready with in no time for my family.  Today we are starting with 3rd week of Blogging Marathon 73. My theme for the week is Valentines Day recipes / Holi Special. Fish Lettuce wraps goes to the Day 1..... Ingredients: Fish Fingers  10 Butter Lettuce 10 Carrots grated 1/4 cup Cho