As a child I used to wonder in awe when I watched Popeye gulp down loads of spinach! I used to struggle with finishing the portion of palak in my plate and amma used to make sure that it does'nt get transferred from my plate to anyone else's. But I realized much much later that I adored these greens in form of palak paneer. With all the goodness in spinach, I am sure it is still forced down many throats unwillingly... So for all those folks, try the recipe and who knows you just might be surprised to see them asking for a second serving!
Palak Paneer
Recipe inspired from my amma
Occasionally I would pick books related to cake decorations from the library. So the last time while returning few books, the librarian asked me when would I be getting them some nicely decorated cupcakes. I knew he was kidding but I gave it a thought anyways. So I decided, the next time I bake fancy cupcakes, I would drop some by the library :) Inspired and encouraged I picked a few additional cook books. Familiar through cookery shows on TV, I picked the book that would bring the spirit of Italy into my kitchen. One of the express recipes that I tried was the Quick Italian filler. Here 'in carrozza' means 'in a carriage', implying the cheese in a sandwich carriage! Enjoy your ride ;)
Mozzarella in Carrozza
Adapted from the book 'Nigella Bites' by Nigella Lawson
These beautiful cupcakes are very popular and almost found in most bakeries. On a cold winter day one could easily munch away into these velvety cuppies sipping hot tea... These reddish brown cup cake with rich creamy cheese frosting can surely win a firm place among your favorites. So having heard and seen loads of praises for these beauties, I wanted to bake them in-spite of the fact that coloring agent needs to be used for its dark red color! I felt it was pretty easy to whip and bake them and I have to admit the cream cheese frosting is heavenly... So go ahead, make your batch of red and celebrate a wonderful valentine's day!!!
Red Velvet Cup Cakes
Recipe adapted from laurainthekitchen
As you all know, I love baking and one thing that I really get excited about is when I get to bake for my near and dear one's. Any occasion is a wonderful excuse ;) So not to mention my delectation when Nikhil's Birthday came round the corner. All my vigorous enthusiasm aside, I had a challenge, we were fasting during the month and I had to make the cake without the use of any eggs or gelatin. So I bookmarked the egg-less cake on Ria's blog (thank you so much Ria) and made it special by baking the cake in a heart shaped tin :) Cake topped with chocolate ganache renders it the glossy rich & chocolaty appearance. To add more crunch and cream, I tossed a little cashew praline and piped whipped cream rosettes. I suggest you grab your apron and baking aids, make that special someone feel more special on their special day!
Chocolate cake topped with Chocolate Ganache & Cashew praline
Recipe adapted from Ria's Collection & Divine Taste
