Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Chicken PUFFS..










Spicy chicken puffs.. a cup of tea..and all those memorable school days!!!
This one was made with additional layer to get tat extra 'puffness' just like the ones you get in bakeries.loved spilling those pastries on my dress..even nw i enjoy that.lol.
My first experiment was a disaster it looked sick!Was using phyllo sheets then.The only reason to grab them from the store was the tag FAT FREE.But again its no sin to overlook them once a while.so the next experiment was with pepperridge's pasrty sheets.I was quite happy with the end result.It tasted just like those we get from bakeries.so if u think your puff is not tasty blame it on the pasrty sheet:-)
The packet will have 2 sheets and it can make upto 12 medium puffs.
The filling is just a variant of the mix we use for making cutlet.
Minced chicken-2 cup
chopped onions-1
green chilly-3
garam masala-1 teaspoon
chicken /meat masala-1 1/2 teaspoon
corainder powder-1 teaspoon
turmeric powder-a pinch
ginger /garlic paste-1 tablespoon
chopped curry leaves-1 string
chopped corainder leaves-2 tablespoon
pepper-1/2 teaspoon
soy sauce-1 tablespoon
crushed fennel seeds-1 teaspoon
i also added a pinch of dry oregano leaves.
salt- to taste
Beaten egg-1
Filling
Saute the onions with ginger garlic paste and salt followed by all the masalas.once the oil is cleared put the chopped chicken and saute them for a while.i used canned chicken so it was already salted.if using fresh chicken cook them with a litlle salt and pepper beforehand.
Sheet
Once thawed unfold the pastry sheets onto a surface dusted with flour.This is to prevent them from sticking.cut them according to your requirement.small..medium or large.Three vertical and one horizontal cut will help you make a medium puff.
Brush the beaten egg on to the sheets and then spoon the filling.Stick the ends together by pressing the corners and seal them with your hands.once sealed brush the beaten egg once again on the outer surface.
preheat the oven to 350 F and let them bake for 15-20mts.














Monday, July 16, 2007

Broccoli and parippu thoran


Never been a broccoli fan till i had itwith dal.Most of the times i used to keep aside the broccoli to one corner of my plate!Especially at the Thai and chinese restaurants where they would bring any curry with tonnes of broccoli in it ..that too without the chopping off the big stalks...mhhh..whereas my hubby happily chews the broccoli however you give him.well i had this thoran at my friends place and became an instant fan,the reason being it was finely chopped and mixed well with dal.so fan of broccoli or dal?thats a question:-).so this ones for all broccoli lovers like me!:-)
Red Gram(Thuvaraparippu)-1/4 cup
Broccoli-1/2 cup(finely choppped)
Trim off the tough ends of the stalk.use the florets.


Shredded cocunut-4 tablespoon
green chilli-3-4nos
garlic-2cloves
curry leaves- 1 strind
shallots 3-4
mustard seeds-1/2 teasoon
turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon
Dry red chilly-1
salt - to taste
oil-as required



Cook the red gram separately in a pan with little salt and a pinch of turmeric powder.make sure its not overcooked.once done remove from heat.
Meanwhile mix together the finely chopped broccoli, shallots, chillies,grated coconut,turmeric powder and salt.
Heat oil in a pan or a kadai. Add mustard seeds and allow it to splutter.
Then add dry red chilly and curry leaves to it.
Now add the mixture into the kadai and allow to cook it on low flame.
Once the broccoli is cooked put the dal in.Mix them well.Cook the mixture for 2 more minutes.Remove from heat.
Serve hot!



Courtesy-Sheba

Monday, July 2, 2007

strawberry picking..weekend project




Strawberry smoothie

Guess there is no hard and fast rule for making a smoothie.whatever comes in hand
and is available is blend in together.:-)Here's the one i tried.
Flavoured yogurt-1/2 cup
strawberries-4-5nos
mango juice-1/4th cup
or 1 Ripe mango
ice cubes-5-6
blend in..and enjoy!


The strawberry farm




Our pick