CHEDDAR GARLIC BISCUITS

The name itself says am "Cheesy".This particular pale-colored cheese is so different in flavor and smell that at simply having a bite you dont even know whether it can enhance or simply spoil any dish....To be honest i really dint like its taste when eaten raw.I was recommended by one of my friend to have it as its real good for women and kids.I was so curious and bought it.....But I was dissappointed at the first bite.....I didnt want to simply throw it away....I googled for some recipes where i found this one and tried it.I used the same cheese in making Mac&cheese ,in burgers ,whereever i felt like.....after a few tries i really dont have any inhibitions about using.having it the next time. And one more thing the older [this cheese] gets, the more the bacteria produce enzymes that break down its fats and proteins.

These biscuits were an easy enough thing to make, came out simple soft and they turned out to be a great Evening food/Bfast that I strongly suggest for this weekend!

INGREDIENTS:

All Purpose Flour----------------2 cups

Butter Unsalted-----------------2 tbps

Baking powder-------------------1 tsp

Milk------------------------------1 cup

Garlic-----------------------------2-3 cloves minced

Sharp cheddar cheese-----------1/2 cup-1 cup packeddepending on your obsession

Egg wash-------------------------1 egg+1 1/2 tablespoons water or milk(optional)
DIRECTIONS:

1.Preheat oven to 425 degrees and use a large non-stick baking sheet or line a tray with parchment paper..

2.In a large bowl sift together the flour and salt.See that u use butter at room tempurature and crumble into the dry ingredients until a crumbly meal is formed.

3.Add in the cheese and garlic and combine. Mix in the milk slowly without kneading.

4. When fully incorporated, take a big tbp of the batter and drop it onto the baking sheet until all of the dough has been used. No need of shaping them.

5.Gently brush them with eggwash and bake them for 25-35 minutes or until lightly browned on the top.

6.Serve hot with any dip or just them.

SPINACH FRY

There are different ways one prefers to eat spinach.Either in the form of soup,appetizer(spinach samosas are great for those who say no to potatoes),as Rich curries(Palak paneer,.....)as a fry curry with combination of any of these:potatoes,eggs,scrambled egg/paneer,moong/channa dal.....But of all these we prefer to have palak with toor dal which is an Authentic Andhra dish called Palakura Pappu.I have seen people adding tomatoes to this fry curry which in my view is not advisable.I have heard that the combination of spinach and tomato is'nt good for health as they together in long run might form kidney stones. I am not sure how correct this is but my dal is'nt complete with a small tomato.Its an exception once in a while.Guys go head and try the dal as well as this fry...Am sure u are gonna fall in love with its taste......

INGREDIENTS:
Spinach--------------------2 fresh bunches chopped 

Red onion------------------1 medium sized coarsely chopped

Red chillies-----------------2

Jalapenos--------------4-5

Mustard-------------------1/2 tspn

Urad dal-------------------1 tsp

Garlic----------------------4 cloves chopped&crushed

Cumin seeds---------------1 tspn

Turmeric-------------------1/2 tsp

Red Chilli powder-------- 1/2 tsp or more depending on ur spice level

Salt------------------------ to taste.
Oil-------------------------4 tbp


DIRECTIONS:

1.Wash and chop the bunches coarsely discarding the  half of the stem part.

2.Bring some water to boil and add the chopped spinach .Bring it to a boil for not more than 2mins and turn off. Separate the water and boiled spinach and keep aside.

3.Heat oil in a pan, add Garlic, red chillies, urad dal, mustard ,cumin seeds.When cumin starts spluttering add chopped onions,green chillies,turmeric.


4.When onions turn soft, add  spinach and turn flame to medium.  

5.Add salt,chilli powder(if required) and cook uncovered on medium heat for 10 more minutes until they turn dark green and is cooked.

6.Turn off and serve with hot steamed rice, chapathi.

ALOO TIKKI

Haaa!!!!Its been a long time that I really missed (my blog)all your colorful ,mouthwatering dishes and your wonderful,encouraging words.It ofcourse is a long break that i enjoyed most, as we made a 15-day trip to the East-Coast for the Christmas-New year Break.Though the season wasnt right to roam around the country it indeed has the most beautiful days in our lives.After getting back to LA i cought hold of Severe Cold.It took me almost 10 days to recover and now am pretty fine.Since am back lets make this year a lot more vibrant!!!Hey Guys missed to wish you all a Happy New Year 2009 and Happy Pongal.

INGREDIENTS:

Potatoes----------------------------3 big ones

Peas--------------------------------1/4 cup

Red Onion finely chopped--------1/4 cup(optional)

Chopped Mint&Cilantro----------1 tsp each finely

Green chillies chopped-----------2-3

Chaat masala,Garam masala-----1/2 tsp each

Red chilli powder----------------1/4 tsp or more

Ginger-Garlic paste--------------1 tsp

Dried Mango Powder------------1/4 tsp

Cumin Powder-------------------1/2 tsp

Bread Crumbs-------------------Enough to coat

Salt------------------------------to taste

Oil-------------------------------For shallow frying

DIRECTIONS:

1.Boil the potatoes till thoroughly cooked and peel,grate them.

2.Add the rest of the ingredients except bread crumbs , oil and mix well.

3.Make small balls and flatten them and make any shapes as you wish.

4.Take bread crumbs in a small plate and roll them over to coat the patties on all sides with them.

5.Heat oil ina pan and fry the flattened balls on both sides till golden brown.

6..Enjoy hot with any mild flavoured sauce.