Saffron Badam Milk

 Ingredients

milk 2 cups

almonds 12

sugar 2 tbsp

saffron few 

turmeric pdr 1/s tsp ( optional)

cardamom pdr 1/4 tsp

Hot water to soak almonds

almonds chopped for garnish 

 

Preparations

soak almonds in hot water  for 30 minutes

peel and roughly chop add to a blender, add little milk to make a paste

heat rest of the milk, add the almond paste, add little water to the blender to get all the paste

stir well, simmer for 5 minutes, stirring in between

add sugar, turmeric pdr and saffron, cardamom pdr, mix well

simmer for another 5 minutes

pour into 2 glasses, add chopped badam , drink hot to soothe your throat 

 

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Instant Dosa

 Ingredients

oats 1 cup

rice flour 1/2 cup 

curd 1/4 cup

water 1 1/2 cups

onion 1 finely chopped

green chili 1 finely chopped

curry leaves finely chopped 1-2 tsp

salt to taste 

 cumin seeds 1/4 tsp

 oil to cook

Preparations

powder the oats fine. Add rice flour, mix well along with salt

add curd and water, mix to make a smooth batter

add the  onion, green chili, curry leaves, cumin, mix well

heat a tawa, grease well, pour the batter, spread thin, add little oil

cook on medium heat , flip over cook till crisp or soft as desired

serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar/ milagai podi. 

 

 

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13 Creative Uses for Plastic Food Wrap

Everyone has a roll or two of plastic food, or Saran wrap, in their kitchen, but most of us only really use it for one thing. Unfortunately, this is a great waste because food wrap actually has more than a dozen other creative uses just waiting to be utilized. Have a look at this fantastic list of 13 things you can do with food wrap that goes way beyond what you ever thought possible. Who knows? They may even inspire you to come up with some of your own inventive ideas!

1. Keep banana bunch fresh longer

 

This bunch of bananas held together by an exposed stem are going to age quickly, losing their moisture and color in a matter of days. Yet, by simply wrapping that same stem with a good amount of food wrap will stall this process, almost as if they were still attached to the tree. 

2. Make your cleansing face mask even more effective

 

If you cover your creamy face mask with food wrap you'll actually be making it work more effectively, helping to stop it from drying out. 

3. Construct a spill-free cup or glass

 

Perhaps you are busy in your home while enjoying a nice drink when you pop it down a bit suddenly on the desk and it spills everywhere. Banish this annoyance by simply covering the top of the beverage with some food wrap. Then pierce the plastic with a straw to make your own homemade no-spill cup. If Starbucks can do it, then so can you! 

4. Have your kids paint a picture without getting their hands dirty

 

All you need for this activity is a piece of cardboard, some paint, food wrap, and a fun child who likes to make pretty and unique paintings. Simply dab some paint all over a piece of cardboard. Then cover the card with a strip of food wrap. All the child needs to do now is push down on the wrap with their hands and fingers to make some Jackson Pollock-esque masterpieces. All this work will be accomplished without any chance of the paint seeping out onto their hands - and thus onto anything else they touch. 

 

5. Make a fruity fly trap

Flies love whatever you're eating, but one thing they particularly can't resist is the scent of fresh fruit. Simply chop up some fruit pieces and place them into a bowl. Cover the bowl with food wrap and pierce a fly sized hole in the top. Pretty soon they'll swoop down into the bowl - and never get out. 

 

6. Keep a bouquet of flowers fresher for longer

 
What gift is more lovely than a bouquet of flowers? To keep a fresh bouquet shining in all its glory wrap it in some wet tissue paper. Then cover the paper with food wrap. This way the flowers will keep themselves hydrated before being placed in the lucky recipient's vase. 

7. Make moving house much easier
There are few things more useful, it turns out, when you are moving house, than a large roll of plastic food wrap. Rather than emptying every drawer in your home you could much more easily wrap everything tightly to prevent them from falling out. Take a tray of cutlery for example. If wrapped tightly, its packing should only take 20 seconds of your time. 

8. Make an easy poached egg

Everyone loves poached eggs, but most people shy away from making them, because they seem so difficult to get right. But by using a sheet of food wrap you need not waste any eggs to get the perfect poached one. Cover a saucer with the sheet, then grease it up with vegetable oil. Gently crack open an egg over the sheet. Fold the plastic over the top of the egg, bagging it up. Then put the bag in boiling water and heat for around 3 minutes. Perfect!

9. Keep your paint roller from drying out

 


Painting is one of those jobs that always takes longer than you bargained for. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take a well earned break before you finish. When you do, first wrap your brushes and rollers in food wrap to keep them from drying out.

10. Make cleaning your fridge as easy as anything

 

Fridge shelves can get pretty disgusting if not cleaned for a long time, and this mess can put you off from your chore even more. Yet, if you just cover the shelves with plastic food wrap, when you want to clean up, all you'll need to do is replace the wrap. It could not be easier. 

11. Keep your toiletry bottles from spilling into your bag

Rather than fretting that your bottles of shower gel, skin cream and shampoo leak all over your bag or suitcase, open the bottles and cover the neck with plastic food wrap. Then put the tops of the bottles back on. You can rest easy knowing these are no longer going to explode all over your clean clothes. 

12. Boost plant growth with a DIY greenhouse
A great way to give your seeds and sapling a growth burst is to cover the freshly watered plant pot with food wrap. With this greenhouse in place no moisture will escape into the atmosphere, and the warmth will help create the perfect conditions for its healthy development.

13. Keep opened wine fresher with plastic food wrap

Avoid the cork soaking up the scent and savor from an opened bottle of wine by emptying the contents into a large glass. Cover this glass or beaker with food wrap to keep the wine fresh.

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https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

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https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

The Difference Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda

It’s always a close shave when you’re cooking something in the kitchen, realize you need baking powder, and you reach for the baking soda instead. Luckily, on most occasions, you manage to catch yourself in time.

The thing is, what would actually happen if you really did pour baking soda into your mixing bowl without realizing the error of your ways? To clear up the confusion, here is all you need to know to clearly distinguish between baking powder and baking soda: 

Baking Soda

Baking soda has many different applications, from cleaning to craft, home remedies and many other DIY reasons. But how can one product be so versatile? The key is in its simplicity. Baking soda is a chemical compound called sodium bicarbonate, which is about as basic an ingredient as you can get. In addition to being an essential, foundational item, it also has high alkalinity to counter the effects of acidic substances. 

Not to bore you with a chemistry lesson, but consider what happens when you mix baking soda with something like vinegar, buttermilk, or lemon juice. A chemical reaction takes place, and this results in carbon dioxide being given off, which can usually be seen in the form of bubbles. 

In essence, then, baking soda is a leavening agent. We use it to create air and create rise, and this effect is achieved when you combine the baking soda with something acidic that will react with it. The effect can also be achieved if baking soda is heated on its own, but this will likely result in a metallic taste that’s often associated with basic pH levels. In addition to helping out with the chemical reaction, acidity allows for air bubbles without the taste problems. 

Baking Powder
Savvy bakers will notice that baking soda is actually contained as a baking ingredient in baking powder, however it’s mixed with other things such as cream of tartar and, on occasion, corn starch. If you notice something in common about these ingredients, then you’re on to something – they’re all acidic. This means that the aforementioned chemical reaction is built right into the baking powder.

Many baking powders that you can buy today actually contain a double-leavening effect, which means that they combine two chemical reactions that occur in succession. The first is an air-building reaction that occurs when dry and wet ingredients are mixed together, and another that occurs when the mixture is heated. 

The fundamental thing you have to keep in mind when it comes to baking powder is the mixture of acidic and basic substances, and the leavening effect that occurs as a result of that. Regardless of whether you use baking powder or baking soda, you primarily need to consider how much “tang” you want to taste and how much air you need. In fact, many professional bakers actually use both in different amounts to achieve different effects.

What it all means to be a home baker
Bad news – you can’t really use baking soda and baking powder interchangeably, and this is because of the extra element that’s contained in baking powder. Although they both have a leavening effect on a recipe, it’s when the leavening actually occurs that represents a crucial difference. 

What do you do when you need baking soda, but only have baking powder? 

Try using two to three teaspoons of baking powder for every teaspoon of baking soda you need. In other words, you need two to three times as much baking powder for the same amount of baking soda to get the same amount of leavening power. Note that you might end up with something a little bitter-tasting, depending on the recipe, when you’re done baking. 

What happens if the problem’s the other way round? 

If you only have baking soda and need to use baking powder, the aforementioned rule goes the other way. So, for instance, if a recipe requires three teaspoons of baking powder, replace with just a single teaspoon of baking soda. Another thing you need to do to get the replacement right is to add an additional acidic element. As a general rule, add one teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every half-teaspoon of baking soda that you add.

How long do baking soda and baking powder last? 

Baking soda can last for a very long time if stored in a cool, dry place, however baking powder can last anywhere from three months to a year. It will start to go bad quickly if it’s exposed to humidity once it’s open. 

How can you check if baking soda is still okay to use? 

1. Add a quarter-teaspoon of white or apple cider vinegar to a half a cup of hot water. 

2. Drop a bit of baking soda into the hot water . 

 3. If you can see bubbling and fizzing, it’s still okay to use. 

How can you check if baking powder is still okay to use? 

1. Measure out half a cup of hot water. Don’t add vinegar to it. 

2. Drop some baking powder into the hot water. 3. If you can see bubbling and fizzing, it’s still okay to use. 

Conclusion 

As you can see from all of the above, baking soda and baking powder are very similar, but they’re not the same things. Keep their leavening properties, together with the necessity of mixing acidic, in mind, to ensure your untold baking success!

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

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Delicious Microwave Potato Chips

 Hands up if you buy your potato chips from the store! I know I did, but I don't anymore. Not now that I know how easy it is to make the crispiest chips using my microwave and only two minutes of preparation. The wonderful thing about this simple base recipe is that once you know it, you can add any flavors you wish. I'm quite partial to using dried thyme, paprika, and even Worcestershire sauce. But everyone has their own favorite flavors, right?

What You Need  

• A potato 

• Salt 

• Pepper 

• A potato/vegetable peeler 

• A long thin wooden stick 

• Olive oil 

• A microwaveable bowl 

• A microwave 

• Kitchen roll

Directions  

1. Using the peeler, slice the potato into chip sized slices, making sure they are thin enough to become crispy. 

2. Now fill the bowl with water and give the slices a good wash. 

3. Remove the water and dry the slices of potato, placing them on sheets of kitchen roll. 

4. Put the potato slices in the now dry bowl and sprinkle them with olive oil. Then give them a good mix. 

5. Now put your potato slices onto the stick, like a kebab. 

6. Rest the points of the stick onto the sides of the bowl, and season the potato slices with salt and pepper. 

7. Then put them in the microwave while still resting on the bowl. You should cook them for 4 to 8 minutes. 

8. Take them out and check that they are crispy. Give them a minute to air away any moisture. Then place them in a bowl for serving.

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Fight Fat and Inflammation with This Sauerkraut Recipe

 

 Let's face it, there are two types of people in this world: those who love and those who despise sauerkraut. While it definitely isn't one of the most popular foods out there, it's definitely one of the healthiest. Sauerkraut, along with other types of fermented foods, has many health benefits. Therefore, if you're looking for a great way to improve the way you eat, adding sauerkraut to your meals at dinner time might just be your answer.

One health benefit is that it's great for your digestive system. It's a probiotic, which means that it's packed with all the good bacteria that your digestive tract requires. These good bacteria include Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria - both of which help break down lactose, sugars, and starches which ultimately helps aid digestion. 

However, the benefits are not all stomach-related. Sauerkraut can improve skin conditions, oral health, and vaginal health. Furthermore, it can also prevent allergies as well as help maintain a healthy immune system. If this isn't enough, it can also help with weight loss. 

Whether you are a long-time lover of sauerkraut, or whether you'd like to try it for the first time, below is just the recipe for you. This recipe will give you one gallon of sauerkraut.

Ingredients: 

5 lbs shredded cabbage 

2 tbsp. sea salt or pickling salt 

1 tbsp. caraway seeds 

1 onion quartered 

Method:

1. Mix all of the ingredients, apart from the onion, in a large bowl and let it stand for 10 minutes. 

2. Pack the cabbage mixture into a large glass food container. Place the quartered onion on top to weigh the cabbage down. 

3. Cover the container with a paper towel and secure it using a rubber band. Store in a cool spot and leave overnight.

4. The following day, check the container to ensure that the sauerkraut is completely submerged in liquid. Then, every other day for the next 2 weeks, check in the same way. A layer of scum might appear on top of the sauerkraut - skim this layer if needed. 

5. After a period of at least 4 weeks, the sauerkraut will be ready. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months. 

 

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Jackfruit khichdi

Ingredients

Tender raw jackfruit – 1 kg

Basmati rice – ½ kg

Moong dal – ½ kg

Ginger juice – 1 tbsp

Peppercorns – 1 tsp

Shahjeera – 1 tsp

Cardamoms – 4 pods

Cinnamon – 1 stick

Mace – 1 blade

Cloves – 4

Bay leaves – 2

Dry mango powder – 1 tbsp

Thick cream – ¼ cup

Rosewater – 1 tbsp

Saffron strands – a few

Ghee 1 kg

Salt to taste 

 

Preparations 

1.Prepare the jackfruit: Cut the jackfruit into cubes and boil until tender. Drain well, squeeze out excess water, and spread on a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.

2.Marinate: Combine the jackfruit with salt, turmeric, coriander, and mango powder. Mix well to coat evenly.

3.Fry: Heat oil and fry the remaining spices; remove and set aside. In the same oil, fry the marinated jackfruit pieces until they turn a deep reddish colour.

4.Cook the khichdi: Sauté the rice and dal with the spices until aromatic. Gradually add all the fried ingredients, one by one, to the boiling water. Cover and cook until the khichdi is soft and well blended. Finish with a garnish of fresh cream and saffron steeped in rosewater.

 

 

 

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https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

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