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Showing posts from April, 2013

SANDRA�S MEXICAN CHICKEN CORN TORTILLA LASAGNA

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An ideal lasagna entree you�re able to  prepare ahead of time and make as mild or spicy to your heart�s content,  including alternatively substituting chicken  for precooked pork, beef, moose, venison, caribou, elk and so on... Servings: (12) Prep: 15 Mins. Cook Time: 1 Hr. INGREDIENTS Lasagna: 1 (16 oz. can) refried beans 1 (1.25 oz. pkg.) taco seasoning 18 (6�) corn tortillas 3 chicken thighs, cooked and roughly shredded * 1 (15 oz. can) black beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups prepared salsa 1 (4 oz. can) fire roasted mild diced green chilies, drained 1 cup sour cream 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 (2.25 oz. can) sliced olives, drained 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Garnish: --Shredded romaine lettuce --Diced fresh tomatoes --Sliced pickled jalapenos METHOD Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13�x9� baking dish, and set aside. Place refried beans and taco seasoning in a small saucepan over low heat, mix to combine.  Stir occa...

Cinnamon No-Knead Bread

I've tried creating some variations on the wildly popular No-Knead bread from Sullivan Street Bakery and Jim Lahey. See here . But this is my favorite, no question. I still love the basic recipe, of course, but it is nice to have a slightly sweeter version. So delicious served warm with butter. It also makes fabulous toast or French toast. 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting 1/2 teaspoon instant or rapid rising yeast 2 teaspoons salt 3/4 cup mini cinnamon chips (I purchased these at a local kitchen store) 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon A little less than 1/4 cup sugar 2 cups water at about 70 degrees 1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast, salt, cinnamon chips, cinnamon, and sugar. Add the water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably about 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees. 2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface a...

Paratha Mania (Stuffed Flatbread)

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Stuffed Parathas Piping hot stuffed parathas (filled flat bread), with a dollop of butter makes for a perfect start to the day! They are my absolute favourite for breakfast� sometimes even for lunch and/or dinner. Mom would wake up in time, prepare everything and ensure we were all fed hot parathas for breakfast � my dad, elder brother, any visitors/ friends, me and finally herself. I usually wake up late on weekends, so parathas make for a perfect brunch. I have recommended my favourite pairings based on the fillings below. This is a paratha-mania post� The base atta remains the same. The filling, pairing and how you roll changes � whether you prepare the paratha by filling in the same layer, or in two layers. Some of the best parathas in India are found in homes. Outside homes, the best place to eat them is at �dhabas� i.e. roadside restaurants. Also, parathas are cooked in three styles: Dry roasted in the tandoor yielding crisp and �light� versions Roasted on a tava in oil � t...

Meetha Puda (Sweet Pancake)

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This is one of the simplest, healthiest, easiest comfort foods. Very often, I didn�t feel like eating anything � not in the mood, feeling low, bored of the usual breakfast/ lunch/ dinner, or simply feeling under the weather� Mum knew this would cheer me up and make me jump up and ask for more! Goes very well on a nice, rainy day � which is what got me in the mood to make it on a heavy-rainy Sunday morning. Makes: 4 (increase the quantity based on the number of pancakes you would like to make Ingredients: � cup wholewheat flour 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (saunf) 2 tablespoons sugar Water (about 3/4 th cup) 1 tablespoon milk (makes it softer) 1 tablespoon oil Method: 1.      Mix the wholewheat flour, sugar and fennel in a bowl 2.      Add the milk and water slowly, mixing well to make a smooth batter ensuring there are no lumps. It should be of pouring consistency 3.      Heat a non-stick tava and spread a generous spoon of ...

M & M's Blondies

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I have seen blondies recipes everywhere lately, with all kinds of mix ins. I had never even eaten one before. So when I was in need of a good, quick, easy treat for my family last week, I was thrilled to find this recipe in the Six Sisters' Cookbook. I didn't think the coconut they included was going to work with our kids, so I simply left it out and I didn't notice a difference. These were super yummy! Our kids are still asking to eat more, a whole week later! M & M's Blondies Six Sisters' Stuff pg 164 lightly adapted 10 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1 1/4 cups M&M's (I used regular, but mini would work too), plus more for topping Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray and 8 x 8 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. The recipe says to line the pan also with parchment paper. I did, but I think that's just to turn them out ...

SANDRA�S FRESH and LIGHT TROPICAL FRUIT SALAD

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I at first served this fresh salad as is, then later with a dollop of yogurt. I found both methods to be incredibly delicious.... Serves: (8 to 10) Bearrs Seedless Limes were used  in this recipe from my indoor dwarf citrus tree... Prep: 15 Mins. Stand: 15 Mins. INGREDIENTS Dressing: 1 tablespoon honey 6 mint leaves, finely sliced 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice Fresh Fruit: 1 mango, peeled and chopped 1 papaya, peeled and chopped 1 gala apple, cored and chopped 1 granny smith apple, cored and chopped 2 cups whole red seedless grapes 6 whole strawberries, sliced 1-1/2 cup pineapple, chopped Garnish: -Sprig of whole mint leaves METHOD In a large, glass (non-reactive) bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey, and mint.  Add all the prepared fruit, toss with a wooden spoon to combine ensuring all the dressing has been incorporated. Let salad stand 15 minutes, toss, and serve. ~ Enjoy!

Halwa-Chana-Puri (Prasad for Kanchkein)

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One of my favourite childhood memories is of Kanchkein � the day marking the end of 8 days of fasting for navratris (9 nights for the Goddesses)... I�m wondering about the 8 and 9-day confusion myself now! We typically had school, so it meant getting up early, getting dressed and running around in a little group of girls from one house to another � where we were welcomed, made to sit, our feet washed, holy red thread tied on our right hands and then we were fed � with some lovely halwa (sweet), dry black chana (black gram) and puri (deep fried bread). We also got money and/or gifts and stacked paper plates of food from each house. After the third house, we would be more excited about the money and gifts than the food� We typically had a week�s worth of tuck-money for school. One of my favourite gifts was a red dupatta with a gold gota border. My parents followed this religiously � and every year called little girls over� Most of my friends have either come home or eaten this love...