Red Kidney Bean Salad

My 100th post!!!! I thought it should be healthy :) Ingredients: 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons high-quality red wine vinegar 2 cups small, sweet cherry tomatoes 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, more as needed 3 14-ounce cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (or 1 lb beans soaked overnight and boiled) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 bunch of chopped green onion Method: 1. In a small bowl, combine onions and vinegar....

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Eggplant Lasagna

Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants 1 container (16-ounce) low fat small-curd cottage cheese 1 container( 15-ounce) part-skim ricotta 6 ounces part-skim mozzarella, grated (1 1/2 cups) 1/2 cups grated Romano or Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons grated Romano or Parmesan cheese  Black pepper 1 cups roughly chopped fresh basil 1/2 cups roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 1/2 cups jarred marinara sauce Directions: 1.Heat...

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Beef carpaccio

Ingredients: 8 -10 ounces beef tenderloin 4 cups arugula or 4 cups mixed greens your favorite vinaigrette (amount to taste) kosher salt fresh ground black pepper shaved parmesan cheese Method: 1.Wrap the tenderloin in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 2 hours. 2.After 2 hours, unwrap the tenderloin and thinly slice the beef into  1/8 to 1/4-inch pieces. 3.Lay out sheets of plastic wrap and place each slice onto the plastic....

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Baba Ghanoush

Highly seasoned dip of Middle East, although famous all over world. The finished dish ideally should have the smoky flavor, coming from fire-roasting of eggplant. Leaving on  a little of the blackened skin will fulfill this purpose. The most important part of this dish is roasting the eggplant. You can do this on a gas stove Although it makes a mess, but the flavor can't be beat. Other options are on a grill, under a broiler, or in a hot...

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Secrets of Healthy Living

More than ever before, people are now striving to live longer and stay healthier. The secrets of healthy living are hidden gems, which are presented in the following content. If you are desirous to stay healthier, be advised to make sure that the food you eat is healthy. It's important to combine food types to create a well balanced diet. As we learn to understand how the food that we eat interacts in our body, the better we can decide, as on...

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Grilled Stuffed Pork chops with cranberries, goat cheese and walnuts

This is a high end restaurant quality food made just within the time you would start the car and go to the nearest food joint :) Ingredients: 4 Boneless pork chops Salt and black pepper 1/2 cup cranberries 1/2 cup fresh goat cheese 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1 tsp fennel seeds, chopped Method: 1. Preheat grill over medium heat 2. Use a sharp parking knife to cut a pocket in the side of each chop. Cut it deeper. Stretch out the pocket. 3....

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8 ways to better your grilling

1. You need to cook your food perfectly every time:  Everything else is just frosting over the cake. If the steaks are not properly cooked, they are not worth eating.  Although everyone has their own liking but generally for burgers and steak it should be medium - rare, a little beyond medium for pork and fishes and chicken until the pink color disappears.  Flip Burgers Once and Only Once. Cook 2 minutes per side...

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Pork Chops (chinese style)

4 pork chops 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon wine 2 teaspoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt pinch of pepper 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 egg 6 tablespoons cornstarch oil (for frying) Method: 1. Cut pork chops into pieces. Mix together all the ingredients except cornstarch and oil and pour over pork. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes (preferably for 1 day). 2.Before frying, pour cornstarch on top of pork and stir into marinade. 3. Heat enough...

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Lemon garlic Beef (Take it easy cooking special)

Its the easiest beef and flavorful recipe I have ever experienced!  1 pounds sirloin tips, cubed into equal bite size pieces 11/2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup finely chopped  parsley 1 small lemon juiced 1/2 cup white wine Method: 1. Meat should be marinated with salt and pepper at room temperature for 2 hrs. 2. Heat the olive oil in large, heavy...

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Almond Chocolate cake

For the Cake: 4 ounces chocolate melted with 2 Tb coffee 1/4 lb. or 1 stick softened butter 2/3 cup granulated sugar 3 egg yolks 3 egg whites Pinch of salt 1 Tb granulated sugar 2/3 cup almonds 1/4 tsp almond extract 1/2 cup cake flour turned into a sifter For the Icing: 2 ounces  semisweet baking chocolate 2 Tb coffee 5 to 6 Tb unsalted butter Instructions: For the Cake: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Butter and flour the...

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Bruschetta

Thanks to the Italians who gave us this 'Ready in 10 mins' appetizer which is as easy as a pie and has flavors that are simple yet delightful. Also thanks to people who added so many kinds of variations to the toppings. Ideally Italian bread should be grilled over hot coal to get real Italian flavor, but in regular homes bread is toasted or broiled to make it. I am gonna write my recipe here: Ingredients: 1  can Italian Diced Tomatoes 6...

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Double Chocolate cake

Ingredients:  1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour  1 1/2 cups white sugar  2 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, melted  2 eggs  1 teaspoon vanilla extract  1 cup milk  1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder  1/2 teaspoon baking soda  1 teaspoon salt  1/2 cup butter, softened  1/2 teaspoon red food coloring Check All Add to Shopping List Method: 1. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and...

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Spring Rolls

Mainly part of East Asian Cuisine like China, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, but now is famous worldwide :) This recipe tells you how to prepare the covering as well, so you don’t need spring roll sheets available in the market. You can experiment with the stuffing, though we’ve used an assortment of vegetables and sprouts. Ingredients: For spring roll sheets: 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup cornflour 3/4 cup milk 2 tsp melted...

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Crostini or Italian Croutons

Crostini is Italian croutons. Its a nibbly party food. I tried to make it for a potluck party where Italian food was the theme. It is real simple yet has elegance of Italian food. Ingredients: 1 French baguette, sliced  approximately 1/3” thick 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or olive oil spray Salt and pepper, to taste Toppings: There are as many variations for toppings as the number of people making it. I am going to mention some of my...

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Chili Chicken

Mexican style stewed tomatoes, picante sauce, and chili powder help to flavor this hearty chicken chili recipe. Its easy slow cooker recipe. Ingredients: 6 boneless chicken breast halves, cut in 1-inch pieces 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped bell pepper 2 garlic cloves 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 2 cans Mexican stewed tomatoes 1 can chili beans 2/3 cup picante sauce 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt Method: 1. Saute...

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Black Forest Cake

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 cups sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend 1 cup sour cream 1 1/2 cups water 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs Toppings: 1 lb fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries (I used a jar) 1/2 cup kirsch 3 cups heavy cream 1 1/2 teaspoons...

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Garbanzo beans/Chick Pea Salad to reduce your waist line

I am watching my waist right now and here is my favorite recipe which is kind of making me jump miles ahead whenever I go for it :) There you go with the recipe: Ingredients: 1 cup dried chickpeas (200 grams) 1 jalapeno pepper 3 – 4 tablespoons minced shallot (about ½ large shallot) ½ cup chopped cilantro leaves Salt – to taste Juice of 1 lime 1 tablespoon mild-flavored oil (I used light olive oil) ¼ teaspoon dried mango powder (optional) Method: 1....

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Guacamole

Guacamole is an avocado-based sauce that originated in Mexico. In addition to its use in Mexican cuisine it has also become part of American cuisine as a dip, condiment and salad ingredient. Ingredients: 2 medium ripe avocados  1/2 small onion chopped 1/2 of a 4 oz can diced green chile peppers 1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 Tbsp. lime juice 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 medium tomato, seed removed and chopped Method: 1. Cut avocados...

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Ice cream Sundae

Summers are not easy without Ice creams and Sundaes, especially in Texas :).  I usually make this real simple dessert to sooth the sweet tooth after dinner.  This is the right season to share it with you :) Ingredients:  1 cup fruits like cherries, grapes, berries. Some more for garnishing. 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 4 scoops nonfat vanilla Ice cream (you can use yogurt as healthy option) strawberry...

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Donuts The All time family favorite recipe

The extra shiny donuts are always exciting and enticing.Donut or doughnut  is a type of fried dough confectionery or dessert food. Here is a simple Donuts Recipe to make at home : Ingredients: 2 tbsp dry yeast 2 cups milk 1/2 cup unsalted butter or any shortening 2 tsp. salt 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. cinnamon 4 eggs 6 cups flour Method: 1. Dissolve yeast in 3/4 cup luke-warm water. Set aside. 2. Heat...

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Bhatura Panjabi style

 Bhatoora is a fluffy deep-fried bread from North India. It is often eaten with chickpea curry, chole or channe, making the traditional dish chole bhature.  This is a combination of may recipes I researched over the internet. The best part is that it uses more of whole wheat flour than all purpose flour. My family liked it, so thought of sharing with you :) Ingredients: 21/2 cups atta or whole wheat flour 1 tsp...

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Tomato Chutney for Dosa, Idli

Its a very spicy Tamil style chutney :) Ingredients: Tomato - 1 / 4 kg Onion - 200 g Garlic - 5 pallu Ginger - 1 piece Red Chilli – 3 Broken urad Dal - 2tsp Toor Dal (Lentil) – 2 tsp Coconut - 1 / 2 cup Salt - the quantity Merhod: 1. Take a pan and pour oil. Heat oil, fry Toor Dal and  Urad Dal. 2. Fry on medium heat until you get the pleasant aroma of the grains. 3. Add onion, fry until it becomes golden brown....

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Pickled Jalapeneo

First I would like to show you pictures step by step, to make it really clear to you guys :) Ingredients: Jalapenos - 3 cups, sliced nacho style Salt – 1.5 tbsp Asafoetida - 3 pinches(optional) Lemon Juice - 6 tbsp White Distilled Vinegar – 1.5 tbsp Vegetable Oil - 3 tsp Bay Leaf 1 Method: Wash the Jalapenos and slice them. Put the Jalapenos in a clean, dry jar. Add the Salt, Bay...

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25 Best Nibbles to eat with Champagne

1. Almonds 2. Walnuts 3. Salted pistachios 4. Toasted pumpkin seeds 5. Croutons topped with sour cream and salmon roe 6. Little rolls of cured (but not smoked) salmon 7. Plain oysters 8. Thinly sliced, lightly seared scallops 9. Shrimp with light mayonnaise 10. Shrimp vol-au-vents 11. Diced lobster on potato salad 12. Crab pâté on toast 13. Taramasalata on thin crackers 14. Anchovy straws 15. Light-textured chicken liver pâté on toast 16. Chicken and leek vol-au-vents 17. Slices of white pork sausage 18. Rolls of mortadella ham 19....

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Tortilla wrap Roll-ups

2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese (room temperature) 1 24 oz. container sour cream 2-3 T taco seasoning 10-12 large tortillas Toppings Peas Diced carrots Diced green peppers Chopped green onions Finely grated cheddar cheese cucumber slices chopped mushrooms Be creative with what you like! Its just that tomatoes can make the wrap soggy so may be you should not add them :) Blend cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Mix in taco seasoning. In...

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Black Bean Salad ...... best dinner to reduce waist and tone tummy

Black beans has most fiber among beans, it helps tummy remain full for long, fight constipation, prevents bloating and also tones tummy. To top it all its sooooo yummy that you will not go for anything else at dinner. Ingredients: 1/2 cup minced onion 1tbs ginger garlic, pressed 2 cup black beans or 1 15 oz can (without BPA), drained and rinsed 1 tomatoes, chopped  1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tbs extra virgin...

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Desi/Indian Diet plan For Diabetics

I prepared this chart for my dad and he liked it a lot. It definitely will help keep sugar level and weight in control. Its almost 2000 cal diet plan... Lets fight diabetes with this plan :) What is Diabetes Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as Diabetes Mellitus, is a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells...

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Spicy or Masala Kaju (cashew nuts)

Here is another desi snack with Cashew nut :) Easy n royal, what can you ask for more???? Ingredients: amchoor or dry mango powder     tsp 1/4 black pepper powder  tsp 3/4 cashewnts about 1 lb chat masala tsp 1 1/2 garam masala 1 tbsp red chillies powder 1/2 tsp Clarified butter or desi ghee  1 tbsp Method: 1. Mix all masala together and keep ready. Heat 2 cups oil for frying. reduce heat. Add kajus and stir fry continuously...

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English breakfast with Baked Beans Toast

Actually you can eat Baked beans as breakfast, lunch or dinner in UK.  Baked Beans on Toast is so easy to make, and it's cheap and nutritious too :) This is even more healthier version as it has vegetables and chicken too :) Its up to you what to mix with beans.  Ingredients Brown bread 4 slices Baked beans 1 Onions 2 medium Green capsicum 1 medium Butter 2 tablespoons Garlic,sliced 6 cloves Red chilli flakes 1/2...

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Lime or lemon Pickle or achaar ..... A must in Indian household kitchen !!!!

This is going to be the spicy savory version of lemon or lime pickle. Also I don't believe in the instant version. This recipe will take 1 month to pickle up . INGREDIENTS: Limes 25  whole red chilli 8-9 turmuric powder 1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds 1/2 tblsp Mustard oil or any oil 1/4 CUP + 3 Tblsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 Tblsp+ 2 tsp asafoetida 1/2 tsp METHOD: 1. Wash the limes and pat dry them nicely with help...

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Eggplant Parmesan Pizza

Its a healthier pizza !!!! Ingredients: Pizza Dough (recipe in another blog post 'Pizza Dough') prepared 2 small eggplants 2 Tbsp. olive oil 4 medium tomatoes 2 Tbsp fresh basil chopped 1 clove garlic chopped salt and fresh ground black pepper  flour for dusting 4 oz.  mozzarella cheese 1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese Method: 1. Preheat oven to 450 F.  2. Lightly spray a oven tray with nonstick cooking spray and set...

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Pizza the best style.....

My kid loves it when I make and says that's its better than any pizza chains :) Ingredients:  1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast  1 teaspoon white sugar  1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)  2 1/2 cups bread flour  2 tablespoons olive oil  1 teaspoon salt Method: 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). 2. In a medium bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until...

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