Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Pistachio Shortbread CookiesWhenever I see a box of Sandies Butter Pecan cookies in a grocery aisle, my heart melts and I am tempted to pick up a box or two. I literally relied on these as a pick-me-up during grueling grad school days. Shortbreads are one of my favorites, because I love their soft cake-like texture, yet they have a crunch to every bite. So when I came across these beautiful … [Read more...]

Chocolate Mousse With Tofu

Healthy Chocolate Tofu MousseWhen I think of enjoying a dessert, on a whim, it needs to satisfy three criteria - delicious to eat, nice, creamy texture, and easy to prepare. Now that I need to watch my weight, low-calorie and healthy has also joined the list. So I was genuinely happy when one of my friends introduced me to this Chocolate Pudding recipe, which includes Tofu in the ingredient list. … [Read more...]

Paneer & Asparagus Lollipops (Appetizer Recipe)

Paneer & Asparagus LollipopsWhen it comes to choosing an Indian dish for a fancy gathering, Paneer tops the charts in the ingredient list. Its versatility makes it an obvious choice to make any recipe special. Just like these Paneer Lollipops, the perfect appetizers for a party. This time, I decided to try something new, so I paired it with Asparagus, and besides Indian flavors, I also threw in … [Read more...]

Coconut Panna Cotta with Berry Topping

Coconut Panna Cotta with Berries Panna Cotta is famous for its creamy texture but light and mild flavor. Also, unlike other heavier Italian desserts, this one is a quick-fix, and does not mess up your weighing scale much. It is very simple to make, and you can add any flavored extract that you like to suit your taste-buds. The recipe below is adapted from an original Whole Foods recipe, where I … [Read more...]

Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries

Oven-Baked Zucchini FriesIf you are like me, you struggle between eating your favorite foods and maintaining your ideal weight, and the struggle seems to be endless. Trying to stick to one of my New Year resolutions, I was hunting for healthy snack ideas, whn I stumbled upon this lovely Zucchini Fries recipe in Kraft Recipes magazine. I am not a fan of Zucchini, except for a Chocolate Zucchini … [Read more...]

Plum Cheesecake Bars

Plum Cheesecake BarsAs spring approaches, it is fun to visit the local farmer's market and grab some lovely fresh produce, mainly seasonal fruits that is available in bounty. Plums are still running strong in California, and if you are looking for a unique way to use these fruits, these decadent cheesecake bars are meant just for you! Also, as Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I am sure … [Read more...]

Blueberry Muffins With Streusel Topping

Blueberry Muffins with Streusel ToppingWhen it comes to the battle of the berries, more often than not, the tiny deep blue berries packed with tonnes of flavor, a sweet/savory taste and a boot-load of anti-oxidants, often win the race. Just a small cup of Blueberries can be so healthy and nutritious to your body. Throw some on your breakfast oatmeal, mix them with granola, blend them to make … [Read more...]

Baked Sweet Potato Pie

Homemade Sweet Potato PieSweet Potatoes are a very versatile ingredient that is often kept on the back-burner. These delicately sweet tubers are a powerhouse of nutrition too, giving you all the more reason to cook with them. Baked Sweet Potato Fries are my absolute favorites - if you haven't tried them yet, I urge you to do so! However, this tempting Sweet Potato Pie that comes from Susan aka … [Read more...]

No-Bake & Healthy Thumbprint Cookies

No Bake Healthy Thumbprint CookiesWhen it comes to eating healthy, we often confuse calories with unhealthy food. Yes, you should definitely limit your calorie intake if you are on a diet. However, it is equally important to see that whatever calories you consume, are full of good carbs, good fat, protein and fiber - eating 300 calories of pure fat is way more unhealthy than eating 400 calories … [Read more...]

Paneer Masala (Paneer Makhani)

Paneer Masala (Paneer Makhani)This year, it looks like Winter came early to the west coast, and to add to the chill, rain seems to have become a daily ritual! I hate it when it becomes dark and gloomy when before I head out from work - its like all the energy is literally sapped out from the body and soul. The only thing that can bring a little smile on the face is the thought of some hot and … [Read more...]