No-Bake Buttery Truffles

 Ingredients

For the syrup

1 cup granulated sugar (7ounces; 200g)

3/4 cup (180ml) water

3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

3 whole cloves

1 tsp (5ml) orange blossom water / rose water / vanilla extract

 

For the Flour Mixture

1/4 cup plus 1tbsp ghee (2 1/3ounces; 66g)

2/3 cup all-purpose flour (3ounces; 85g)

1/4 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume 

 

For Serving

Finely chopped pistachios, toasted unsweetened shredded coconut, ground walnuts, and/or toasted sesame seeds

Sliced apples, sliced pears, or fruit skewers

Preparations

For the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, cardamom, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once sugar is dissolved, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in orange blossom water, and set aside for at least 10 minutes to cool slightly. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof liquid measuring cup; discard cardamom and cloves.  

For the Flour Mixture: In a separate medium saucepan, melt ghee over medium-low heat. Add flour and salt and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula and scraping along the bottom and corners of the saucepan, until mixture is the color of peanut butter and smells nutty, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat. 

While stirring constantly, slowly pour in strained warm syrup. The mixture will steam and bubble vigorously. Return saucepan to low heat. Using a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth, glossy, and the consistency of thick warm fudge sauce, 12 to 14 minutes. 

To Serve as a Paste: Transfer mixture to a shallow serving bowl or plate and spread into an even layer. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with pistachios, coconut, walnuts, and/or sesame seeds, if using. If desired, serve with fruit on the side. 

To Shape Into Balls: Let the mixture stand at room temperature until firm and scoopable, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Portion and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll balls in pistachios, coconut, walnuts, or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve at room temperature. 

Make-Ahead and Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container; if shaped into balls, separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature.

 

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

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

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

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

 

How to make your everyday chai more gut friendly

A morning ritual to wake up the body or an evening cup for refreshing conversations, chai has been central to our lives. And in this wellness first world, an expert spills the tea on how to brew a healthier sip that's healthy for your gut too.

 Ek cup chai ho jaaye!

It’s a phrase that echoes in the Indian hearts, homes, offices, and even street corners every single day. There’s no need to make a case for tea and how it’s more than a beverage – it’s a habit and a comfort.

If you’re a chai person, you would know it’s not just limited to that morning wake-up drink or evening refreshment. This beverage also makes for the perfect afternoon companion — a pause in the hustle, a moment to reset, maybe even a subtle boost for better cognition. But it’s not just about any tea. It has to be the kind that offers more than comfort and science seems to root for black tea in that department.

While most people prefer the staple version, the one with the milk, unfortunately, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It can lead to acidity, bloating, and digestive discomfort, and may not be the best pick for those who are lactose intolerant either. From a health perspective, black tea has the edge. 

Studies suggest that two to three 200 ml servings of black tea can enhance both objective and self-reported attention and alertness. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm alertness and helps balance caffeine’s effects, making it ideal for midday consumption. The kind of post-lunch pick-me-up or 4 pm office refill drink everyone’s looking for, right?

Additionally, black tea is considered a better alternative to milk tea largely because it retains higher levels of beneficial polyphenols and antioxidants, which are often diminished or bound by the proteins in milk. Research has also linked black tea with improved heart health, lower LDL cholesterol, and anti-inflammatory effects — benefits that might be compromised when it’s consumed with milk.

There are several studies that establish how black tea may help you power through that afternoon slump too. But that’s not all. Before you rethink your tea ritual, in this wellness-first world, a doctor recently shared how to make that afternoon black tea even more nourishing.

Healthy and hearty afternoon tea

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard- and AIIMS-certified gastroenterologist, often shares his expertise online through quick, practical reels. In one of his recent viral videos, he shared a recipe that can make a regular black tea more nourishing without losing the comfort that makes it so beloved.

His intention? To make that sip a little more anti-inflammatory and a little better for the gut. Because, well, isn’t gut health the wellness trend?

Here’s his way of adding a little more ‘well’ to your garam chai ki pyaali:

• Take some black tea leaves and bring them to a boil.
• While it’s brewing, add a few slices of fresh ginger — it helps with better gut mobility and aids digestion.
• Next, crush a few cardamom pods and add them to the concoction. They help reduce bloating and add a naturally sweet aroma without sugar.
• Add a small piece of clove; it contains eugenol, a compound known to support liver function.
• Once everything is done, strain the tea and let it cool slightly. You can then add a drizzle of honey for optional sweetness.

It’s true this version takes a little extra effort to prepare, but experts say it’s a small step toward wellness. However, it’s not a magic fix as health is always personal and subjective to each individual’s body and lifestyle. 

Not only this, but people must also be mindful of the tea-time snacks they consume because those rusks might be savoury, but not so much for health.

Green, black, milk, or bubble — chai is a drink that doesn’t just brew conversations, it stirs emotions too, and history is proof of how it has always been part of shared social fabric. So, why not make it a little healthy?

 

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

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

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

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