Diwali Card created using PurpleTrailThe festival season is upon us, and pretty soon, you'll find yourself planning for your Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner, not to mention the Navratri and Diwali celebrations that are going on strong with the Indian community around the world. Festivals are very important in one's life, especially as it is often the time when the entire family tries to be … [Read more...]
Vegetable Rava Idlis with Cilantro Coconut Chutney
Vegetable Rava Idly served with Cilantro Coconut ChutneyIf you are familiar with Indian cuisine at all, you'd know the name of Rava Idli. A staple in many households in Southern India, these steamed cakes made with semolina are a quick and healthy way to satiate your appetite. As with any other recipe, the Idlis have also evolved over time, and they take on a more fancy look that's as appealing to … [Read more...]
Healthy Chocolate Fudge Cake with Avocado Frosting
Mocha Fudge Cake with Creamy Avocado Frosting & Toasted AlmondsI'm sure you all have enjoyed a piece of a luscious Mocha fudge cake sometime in your culinary life. However, have you ever dreamt of trying some creamy avocado frosting to compliment the chocolate indulgence?? Perhaps not, and neither have I. That's why when Janet from The Vegan Feast told me she had a lovely recipe for a Vegan … [Read more...]
Spiced Quick Bread with Persimmons Dates & Walnuts
Spiced Persimmon Bread with Dates & WalnutsOne of the less-known Fall fruits is Persimmon, the tiny fruits that look like a mix between apples and tomatoes, except that they have a lovely orange-yellow color, and a texture similar to dates. Persimmons are a Winter fruit, and you'll see plenty of these starting from October till right upto the end of December. They are highly nutritious, with a … [Read more...]
Layered Mexican Lasagna
Vegetarian Mexican LasagnaIts turning chilly out here, and winds and clouds have suddenly replaced the nice warm sunshine that brightened our homes! I guess its time to bid farewell to the Summer season, after all. When its cold and cloudy out there, your heart and tummy yearns for something that is warm and comforting. Soups are the first that spring to your mind, followed by casseroles and hot … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Fall is rapidly approaching in this part of the world, and the smell of fresh fruits like Pumpkin, Zucchini, Persimmons, and Squash has started to float in the air. As red and orange hues dot the trees while the greens fade, cooking takes a new direction in the kitchen. its time to turn on the ovens and bake with apples, pumpkins … [Read more...]
Grilling BBQ Set Giveaway – Winner Announced!
Delicious Grilled Corn on the CobSummer is almost going away in California as we move into colorful Fall weather. But it's still warm enough to enjoy the sun with some easy grilled dishes on a BBQ picnic, whether its out in a park, or tight in the comfort of your backyard. And to make things more interesting, we are hosting a BBQ Grilling Gift set giveaway on this blog! I Can't Believe Its Not … [Read more...]
Spanish (Mexican) Rice with Tomatoes & Black Beans
Spanish Rice with Tomatoes Corn & Black BeansI was totally oblivious to the fact that there is actually something called Spanish Rice, until I came to grad school in the US and on one of our grocery trips, I chanced upon a package of ready-to-eat Spanish Rice in one of the food aisles! However, now that I consider myself to be a food enthusiast, i can give you some interesting information about … [Read more...]
Vegetable Samosas With Mozzarella & Basil
Vegetable Samosas with Mozzarella & BasilSamosas, the deliciously crispy fried pastries with a bubbly texture and a tasty vegetable filling are a favorite street food all over India. These babies have always held their own, even amidst non-vegetarians, and have evolved over time into a recipe that is cherished by all. The traditional variety comes with a simple potato-peas filling, but variety is … [Read more...]