Homemade Chocolate-Blueberry Belgian Waffles with "Presto Flipside" Waffle Maker

A few weeks ago I bought this Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker from CSN Stores to try my hand at making homemade waffles.My son has been looking forward to home-made waffles ever since this package arrived at our doorstep.I am so happy with the purchase because this waffle maker makes some awesome thick Belgian Waffles that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside..just how a nice waffle is supposed to taste like. I used the same Krusteaz Pancake mix that I used for making my Butternut Squash Pancakes that I posted a couple of weeks ago but jazzed up the batter with some Dutch processed Cocoa Powder and frozen blueberries. And I topped my perfectly perfect pancake with cut-up banana, strawberries,blueberries and of-course a healthy drizzle of maple syrup. Yum-O!

Ingredients(For 3 Scrumptious Belgian Waffles):

• 2 Cups Kruteaz Pancake Mix
• 1-1/2 Cups + 2 Tbsp Skimmed Milk
• 3 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (Add 1 Tbsp more if you like it really sweet)
• 3-4 Tbsp Dutch-processed Cocoa Powder
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 2/3 Cup Frozen Blueberries

Procedure:

• Preheat the Waffle-maker for about 5 minutes.

• Make the batter by mixing all the ingredients and stir enough to combine. Its okay if the batter is lumpy. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or so.Pour them into a measuring cup/batter bowl or any bowl that has a spout to conveniently dispense the batter.

• Grease the insides of the waffle-maker with a oil dipped paper and pour about 3/4th of a cup of batter.

• Close the lid and set the timer for 4 minutes.

• Now flip the handle from right to left.

• Cook the waffle for 4 minutes. The timer will beep when the time is up. There will be steam arising from the sides which pretty much stops around 4 minutes..If steaming hasn't stopped continue to cook for half minute - minute more.

• Open lid and be ready to clap eyes on a perfect homemade waffle. Those purplish stains on the waffle are the nothing but blueberry stains. 
• Use a steak knife to loosen the edges and lift the waffles.

• Repeat the above steps for the remaining batter. Batter should be sufficient to make 2 more.
• Top the warm waffles with choice of fruits and a healthy drizzle of maple syrup.

Nothing beats homemade waffles.So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and get yourself one from CSN Stores that has a wide selection of Waffle-makers.

Enjoy!

Read More...

Modern Bar Stools - A CSN Review

Modern Bar Stools, from Allmodern, part of CSN stores, has me wishing and hoping for a big kitchen with Island cum Bar stools where my family and friends get together for an impromptu lunch/cocktail hours etc etc..

All Bar Stools has the best quality Bar Stools with plenty of choices to choose from. The Icing on the cake would be the free shipping which is applicable for most of the products on the site. Allmodern isn't limited to Bar Stools alone..it has every type of  furnishings for Living-room to Dining-room, Bath-room to Bed-room. Check the above link  to see what I am talking about. Here are a few of my favorites:

Winsome - Adjustable Airlift Bar Stool (Set of 2):

LumiSource - Viva 28" Bar Stool in Dark Brown Wood:

Modus - Hudson Dining Biscuit Back Bar Stool in Mocha:

Gus Modern - Pawn Stool:

Read More...

Holidays, Travels, Luggages + Malaysian "Lacey Crepe" Click

Now that its officially holiday season, I bet you folks are all geared up for travel, either to spend some quality time with family and friends or to an exotic location for a new holiday experience. Whatever the case, you will definitely need luggage sets for travel.

Everyone knows that spinner luggage makes travel a breeze than the regular one. I am so in love with this matching spinner luggage set from Britto Collection by Heys. With its electrifying exterior there will not be a problem spotting this on the baggage carousel. So no baggage switch and other headaches that follow that. At $1000+ bucks, its a bit on the pricey side but I bet its totally worth it.

I don't know a lady who doesn't travel without a cosmetic case/travel pouch. For $80 bucks you get Tony Perotti's "Green collection" leather 3-sized cases that gives you the versatility to pack bigger jars in bigger cases for check-ins and smaller ones for carry-ons.

I am a girl who loves all shades of Red and Pink.This Delsey Helium Trolley has my name written all over it.

People who love to take their laptop wherever they go would love this Tumi expandable laptop bag that is efficient, classy and distinctive.

Happy Holidays and Happy Travels. Click the above link to check for other choices.

Here is something else to look forward to- An Upcoming Post for Malaysian "Lacey Crepe/Net Bread":

Read More...

Review: Cuisinart CSB-77 Smart Stick Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopper Attachments

After a long thought about investing in an immersion blender, I decided to go with the Cuisinart Smart Stick mainly because I loved the sleek finish of the hand blender and also because it came with a small chopper attachment that will eliminate the need to reach out to my big food processor for cutting onions, veggies and such.

I am very happy with the blender cause it makes making soups, smoothies and bisque(s) a breeze.Take this creamy red lentil soup that I made a few days ago-- it went from coarse/chunky to creamy in a matter of 5-10 seconds. I didn't have to wait for it to cool down, pour into a blender and do it in batches.Totally love the mixing/measuring cup with graduated markings. The chopper isn't the best of best and the whisk could be a little heavier. But if you are looking for a moderately priced, elegant and efficient hand blender for soups, smoothies and bisque you can invest in this Cuisinart smart stick hand blender, available at csnstores.com for $50 bucks with Free Shipping.

Creamy Red Lentil Soup, a simple and satisfying winter indulgence. The beautiful porcelain footed rice/cereal bowl that you see in the pictures are from csnstores too. I got 6 for $30 bucks.I eat my morning cereals, rice and noodle lunch, soups in the multi-taking bowl that is just the right size for me.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Red Lentils, Cleaned and drained of water
• 2 Medium Yukon Gold Potatoes
• 2 Small Tomatoes
• 1/2 Large Onion
• 1 Dry Red Chili(2 if you are up for it)
• 2 Stalks Mint
• 3 Cups Water or  2 Cups Water + 1 Cup Milk
• 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt for taste

Procedure:

• In a soup pot, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil.
• Add the chopped onions and mint leaves. Saute till the onions are translucent.

• Throw in the vegetables, chili and fry for 2 minutes.
• Drain the cleaned lentils and add it to the pan.

• Pour water or water-milk combo and bring the contents to a boil with lid-on.
• Add salt some 15 minutes later, check for taste and puree the contents using an immersion blender.

• Transfer the creamy soup into a serving bowl. 

Makes 4 Generous Servings.

Enjoy!

Read More...

Maharashtrian Style Chicken

This is yet another recipe from Anjum's New Indian cookbook. Well, it was time for me to put that "Goda masala" to test and see how it fared in a chicken curry. Oh boy, was I blown away? My taste-buds were rejoicing all the while I was munching on tender juicy pieces of chicken that were perfectly spiced and cooked just right.

Sending this and Baked Orange Marmalade and Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Wings/Thighs, Chettinaad Chicken Chukka, Baked Crispy Masala Chicken, Quick-Bake Masala Chicken to Chicken Recipes Event at "My Culinary Creations"

Ingredients:

• 6 Chicken Thighs with Bones, skinned and halved
• 2 Small Onions, finely chopped
  
• 2 Cocktail Tomatoes or any small tomatoes, pureed
  
• 5 Green Chili, poked but left whole
• 1 Tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste (or) 1/4 Inch Ginger and 5 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Goda Masala powder
• 1 Tsp Garam Masala powder
• 1 Tsp Tamarind Paste (Optional)
• 1 Tsp Cracked Pepper
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt as needed

For Marinating the Chicken:

• 1 Tbsp Thick Yogurt
• 1/2 Tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1/4 Tsp Cracked Pepper
• 1/8 Tsp Salt

Tool:

• Cast Iron Pan

Procedure:

• Marinate the chicken for 4 hours, preferably overnight, with the ingredients under "marinade".
• Heat a tbsp of oil and brown the chicken. Set aside.

• Add the remaining tbsp of oil to the same pan and brown the onions.
• Add ginger-garlic paste a couple of minutes later and fry till it loses raw smell.
• Add the pureed tomato, spice powder, mint and green chili along with a little water.Bring to a boil.

• Transfer the browned chicken, salt, cracked pepper and lid the pan. Cook on medium heat for 7-8 minutes.

• Sprinkle the tamarind juice/paste, if using, and cook for 5 more minutes with lid.
• Remove the lid and keep stirring gently until all the moisture is evaporated and the gravy clings to the chicken.

• Serve with a steaming bowl of cooked rice.

Enjoy!

Read More...

Review: "Anjum's New Indian" Cookbook Review + Maharashtrian Goda Masala

Who is Anjum Anand? This very same question was on my mind some 6 months ago. But that was before I became enamored to her "Indian Cooking made easy" show on Cooking channel, spin-off of Food Network. She may be relatively less-known in the US but she is a superstar in UK. And she has been famously dubbed as the "Indian Nigella Lawson" and Television's Tastiest Chef. :)

Anjum's New Indian cookbook is the latest offering from this extremely talented chef cum author. When I was asked to do a book review, I was eager to get my hands on the very handsome paperback book that is filled with plenty of easy to cook regional recipes from all over India. These recipes are backed up by page after page of gorgeous color photography. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian eater, there are plenty of recipes to whet everyone's appetite. The book is neatly organized into chapters like Light Meals and Snacks, Fish and Seafood, Chicken, Meat, Vegetables and Dessert. The recipes have crisp and clear instructions that even a novice cook can follow.All of the recipes use easily available ingredients that one can find in the Supermarket/Asian stores. Additionally this 256-pages book has an alphabetical list of useful terminology, a glossary if you will, that is a big plus for anyone who is relatively new to Indian Cooking. Overall this book is a bonafide hit. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to try fuss-free Indian recipes at home.So what are you waiting for? Now that holiday season is almost upon us, make sure to get a copy of this book for yourself and for your friends/family from here.

Look forward to seeing more recipes from Anjum's New Indian. Here is a recipe for a Masala that Anjum uses in many of her recipes in the book-

Anjum's Maharashtrian Goda Masala(Spice Powder):
This is a very fragrant mixed spice powder that can be used to flavor a bunch of curries, khorma and such.This is a very popular masala powder used in the state of Maharashtra. Anjum suggests to store this masala in an air-tight container and finish off within 3 months. Warning: This is quite an intense mix of blend. So less is more.

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp Dessicated Coconut Flakes
• 2 Tbsp White Sesame Seeds
• 7 Tbsp Coriander Seeds
• 1 Tsp Black Peppercorns
• 1 Star Anise
• 2 Tbsp Cumin Seeds
• 1 Tsp Fennel Seeds
• 8 Cloves
• 2 Black Cardamom Pods
• 1 Large Dry Red Chili
• 1 3" Cinnamon Stick
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 Stalk Curry Leaves(Optional)
• 1 1/2 Tsp Olive Oil

Procedure:

• Dry fry these ingredients "separately" until they are browned: Coconut, Sesame Seeds, Coriander Seeds.
• Heat the oil in a thick shallow skillet.
• Add all the other ingredients and stir till they start emitting aroma and the cumin seeds are dark brown in color. (Watch out for hot splashes from the pan as the Peppercorns start splitting)

• Cool the ingredients and add them to a blender.
• Grind them into a fine powder.

• Store the powder in an air-tight container for upto 3 months.

Taro Root Fry using Goda Masala:

Ingredients:

• 12 medium Taro Root, fully cooked but firm to touch
• 1 Tsp Goda Masala
• 1 Tsp Cracked Pepper
• 1/2 Tsp Mustard Seeds
• Salt for taste
• 1 Stalk Curry leaves, optional
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Procedure:

• Peel and halve the cooked Taro.
• Heat the oil in the pan.Add the mustard seeds. Once they start sputtering, add the cut taro.

• Saute them until they start to brown in spots.

• Sprinkle the Masala powder, Cracked Pepper and salt.
• Splash a little water and fry gently until they are really browned and crisped at the edges.

Enjoy!

Read More...

I Love "Le Creuset" Pots and Pans + some reposts

Hi lovelies, how are you all doing? I have been away for nearly 2 weeks due to 1.MIL's arrival and 2.nearly a month-long condition called "Menorrhagia" due to thyroid imbalance which has made me severely anemic,fatigued and dizzy spells abound. So I have been taking it easy. But I am back on track and will slowly but steadily catch up with all your posts.

Now, Do you all remember what I got for Mother's Day? A 10-piece 'All-Clad pots and pans' set after pestering DH for nearly a year. With my wedding anniversary fast approaching(just a dozen days away), I am routing for something else - A new set of pots and pans, but this time from Le Creuset. Now I don't have to tell you all about this superior brand of french cookware, all made by experienced craftsmen for a lifetime enjoyment. I own a couple of pans from this award-winning cookware and I have to say I thoroughly enjoying cooking/baking in them.

So if you cooking fanatics are looking for a cult to follow or a crusade to join, wait no more. Check these wide array of Le Creuset pots and pans and start collecting. While doing so, write a will/a decree,if you will, for those pans to leave it behind, cause these pots and pans will far outlive you.If you take good care of it, that is!:-)

A few of my favorite things I already own/I wish to own, from Le Creuset:
Square Baking Pans In Carribean($25): Excellent stoneware that is an answer for most of your baking needs. I have these in Cherry and I enjoy baking with these.

2.25 Quart Saucier Pan in Cassis($160): An ideal multi-task pan for making Sauce, Stock, Saute or Sambhar.A bit pricey but IMHO totally worth the price.

Ramekins in Cobalt ($10 each):Excellent for keeping Salt/Pepper/Sugar or ideal for making mousse, creme brulee or flan.

8-0z Petite Casseroles in Cherry ($20 each):This attractive mini-casserole has me dreaming of Pot-pies,French onion soups, Baked puddings and Portion-control lasagnas.

For more choices and colors, check the "Le Creuset" Page @ CSNStores.com

Some re-posts for upcoming event this month:
For this month's Monthly Mingle - Party Treats, brainchild of Meeta of What's For Lunch Honey, hosted at Sara's Corner:

• Puff-Pastry Spinach and Cheese Swirls
• Crispy Onion Fritters(Pakoda)
• Dhal Fritters(Masala Vadai)
• Bitter Gourd, Pinto Beans and Raisins Sliders
• Sweet PigeonPeas Stuffed Ball Pancakes(Paniyaram)
• Rice and Black Bean Stuffed Gourmet GreenHouse Mini peppers
• Mashed-Potato and Pepper Stuffed Mushrooms
• Turkish Sugar Cookie "SekerPare"
• Shimla Bharwa Mirch

Read More...