Choco-Fudge Mug Cake

Mug Cake is best dessert for us for sudden craving in middle of the night or while watching movies or while studying .. !!  I love them with some icecream in summer time... but in winter just this alove work wonder for us !

Just few minutes in kitchen and this ultimate soft choco cake is ready to have.. :) and the best part is gooey fudgey chocolate sauce as surprise in the bottom of cup !(as you can see in the pictures).Some times i make them even in pressure cooker instead of microwave !

INGREDIENTS

1Egg

3tbsp Flour

1tbsp Butter/Oil

3tbsp Sugar

2.5tbsp Cocoa powder

2tbsp Milk

Pinch of Baking powder

1/4cup Esspresso coffee

1.5tbsp Choco Chips/Crushed chocolate

1 Mug/Big Cup

DIRECTIONS

• Add flour,2tbsp sugar,2tbsp cocoa powder and baking powder to the mug, and mix well.
• Crack an egg and add it to your mug. Be sure to mix it well to avoid any pockets of flour in the corners. Pour in the milk, oil and 1tbsp chocolate chips, and mix well. 
• On top of the mixture spread remaining cocoa powder,sugar and choco chips.Pour hot coffee over it.
• Pop mug into the microwave & zap for 3 minutes on maximum power. Wait until the cake stops rising      OR
• Put in hot pressure cooker(without rubber and whistle) for 5minutes on high heat.than on low heat for another 4-5 minutes.
• Allow to cool for a few minutes,sprinkle some icing sugar and enjoy.

# The cake may rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

## If you want simple mug cake ,just dont add any topping.

Egg Puffs

In U.P. we call it patties :) n can get it at any bakery shops ! I personally like egg puffs more then veg one :P..its simpler to make too..just you need couple of ingredients...you can add some veggies too if you like but i prefer just onions in it.. 

INGREDIENTS
(4puffes)


1Sheet Puff pastry sheets
2 Boiled eggs
1 Onion (medium)
1/2tsp Ginger garlic (paste/crushed)
1/2tsp Garam masala
1/4tsp Red chilly powder
1 Egg white
1tbsp Oil
Salt to taste


DIRECTIONS

• Heat oil in the pan & fry ginger-garlic paste.Add the onions, salt & fry well.
• Add the chilly powder, garam masala powder.
• Finally add the eggs(halfed) & mix gently.Remove from heat,let it to cool completely.
• Preheat the oven to 180'C.
• Cut square shapes out of the pastry sheet (approximately 3 inches each side).
• Place the masala with 1/2 egg in the center of the squared sheet.fold the corners of the sheet to cover the egg masala.
• Brush the egg white on top of the puff pastries.
• Place the puff pastries & bake it for 20 - 30 minutes or till the top layer becomes golden brown in color.

# It important the filling to be completely cool before filling it in,otherwise butter of pastry sheet will melt down and will be tough to handle.

Cornflakes Cookies

I made them last month but because of festivals and all,not able to upload here.These cookies are so crunchy and light in texture..Just loved it !! So,without further delay here is my recipe.... :)

INGREDIENTS

(10-12 cookies)

1Cup Cornflacks(crushed)

1/2Cup All purpose flour

1/2Cup Butter

1Egg

1/2Cup Cashew(crushed)

2tbsp Coconut(shredded)

1/2Cup Sugar

1/2tsp Baking Powder

DIRECTIONS

• Sieve the flour and baking powder in a bowl and keep aside. 
• Beat butter and sugar till creamy. Add half of egg,mix well. 
• Add the flour mixture along with cashewnuts and mix well. 
• Add the cornflakes,mix properly.
• Spoon into a sheet.Brush remaining egg on top of each cookie and bake in a preheated oven (180C) for about 12 – 14 minutes or till it turns golden brown on the edges. 
• Let it cool down completely and store in air tight container.

# It will be chewy when out of oven.will turn crispy once cool down completely.

Home made Pastry Sheets

Necessity is mother of invention !! I was having carving for puffs from past few days..but here we don't get nice puffs !! So,finally no choice left then to make it at home.....For that pastry sheet is must !! i googled n got the idea for making it...So here is my pastry sheets recipe..

This pastry sheets can be used in any puffs,pie etc dishes.I am gonna upload many recipes using these sheets in near future.Actually its pretty easy but bit time consuming process.It can be made in large quantity and stored in freezer for around 3 months.



INGREDIENTS

2Cup All purpose flour(Maida)
1tbsp Vinegar
1Cup Cold Water
1.5Cup Butter(cold but not hard enough)
1tsp Salt

DIRECTIONS:

• Mix vinegar with ice cold water and keep aside.
• Sift flour with salt in a bowl.Add 1/2cup cold butter and rub it with hand until it resembles to breadcrumbs.
• Add vinegar-water mixture and make soft sticky dough.
• Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in fridge for at least 2-3 hours.
• Roll the dough using some dry flour into thick rectangular shape.Spread the butter over on 2/3part of it.Fold it as picture shown below.Seal the edges with the help of fork.Again wrap tightly in plastic sheet and keep it in fridge until it get harden.
• Repeat the same process as above,i.e. roll>>fold>>>seal>>>freeze.Repeat this process 4times.
• Finally roll it in thick sheet.You can cut it in strip or just fold  and wrap in plastic to store.

# DON'T knead the dough after mixing water.
## Use dry flour while rolling.Make sure butter doesn't come out while rolling.If it comes out little bit,just sprinkle some flour over it.
### Prefer to use next day after making these.Can be stored in freezer till 3months.

Upcoming Recipes made by this sheets:

   

                   Veg Patties                                  Egg Puffs                              Chicken Pie

Frankies

Its very popular road side snack in Mumbai.We love specially from 'Tibbs frankies',they have many varieties.Back in my Chennai times,me and my brother had them as our dinner many time !!! His favorite was always mutton and mine Chicken tikka !!

Well,now coming to my this post....i tried to replicate the spice mix which Tibbs use in their frankies. and thankfully i got 90% success ! Usually i made them with leftover chicken or mutton.Many time Pankaj Purposely leave some pieces in dinner to get these as his next day snack :) You can make specially for these,if going to make them for many people.

If you gonna make chicken.Make any of your favorite dry chicken masala.Here i am gonna tell all other details of this dish.

INGREDIENTS

(4-5 frankies)

1Cup Fine Flour(Maida)

3 Eggs

2Cup Chicken/Mutton(any dry dish,prefer chicken/mutton masala)

1 Onion(medium size)

2 Green Chilies

1/2Cup Vineger

Salt to taste

2-3 tbsp Oil

Powder spice mix:

1tbsp Cumin seeds

1tsp Red chili powder

1/2tsp Dry mango powder

1/2tsp Coriander powder

1/2tsp Garam Masala

1/2tsp Black Salt powder

DIRECTIONS

• Take flour and pinch of salt in bowl,make a well in middle and crack 1egg in it.Mix slowly and make soft dough of it.use little water if its too stiff.Keep the dough for rest arround 10 minutes.
• Chop the onion and green chilies finely and soak them in vinegar.
• Roast the cumin seeds,grind.Mix all powdered spices in a bowl and it ready to go.
• Heat the chicken/mutton super hot.Whisk remaining egg thoroghly in separate bowl and keep aside.
• Make 5-6 balls from the dough.Roll one like chapati thin.
• Spread some oil on flat pan over heat.Transfer the chapati on it.Cook it for 2-3 minutes on one side.Flip it to other side.Now spread 1tbsp of whisked egg over it and flip it again carefully.Cook it for another 2 minutes.
• Remove Chapati from heat and place on plane surface.Place some chicken/mutton over it in middle.Top it with some vineger dipped chilies-onions.Sprinkle 1/2tsp of spice powder and roll it carefully.Seal one end with the help of some foil.
• Make other 5 and Serve hot.

# If your chicken or mutton have little bit of gravy,don't worry.it will make frankies juicy !

## After rolling it,seal one end with the help of some foil sheet so that no juice leaks out while eating them.

### You can make extra spice mix and store in air tight container for long time.

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Tapioca Pancake

Tapioca i.e sago or sabudana in hindi..pancakes,parathe or thalipeeth.....Whatever u wanna call it,the taste will remain same ! ;)  I was having a packet of sabudana in my cupboard from navratri time..n after having khichdi of it for 9 consecutive days of fasting its complete no-no for me to have it again...n also i needed to make something which Pankaj can have as breakfast without knowing its sabudana in that..

So,finally came up with this pancake idea as it consist way too less oil than those deep fried fritters !!!(though i like them too :P ) I made them today in morning for him and he had them all without complaining !! So,i take it as victory for me.

INGREDIENTS
(4-5 Pancakes)

1Cup Tapioca/Sabudana/Sago
3 Boiled Potatoes
1tbsp Whole Wheat flour
1 Green Chili
1 Onion(medium)
2tbsp Green Coriander leaves
1/2tsp Cumin seeds
2tbsp Oil
Salt to taste


DIRECTIONS

• Wash tapioca and soak in 1/2cup water overnight.
• Mash boiled potatoes with tapioca finely.Add chopped onion,chili,coriander,cumin seeds and salt,mix well.
• Add flour and kneed it as dough.
• Take 2 plastic sheet or foil. Grease it with little oil.
• Take 1 sheets of plastic of foil.Put 2tbsp of dough on it and place another plastic/foil piece over top of it.
• Press gently and make 1"thick round shape like chapati.
• Heat non stick pan and spread some oil on it.
• Carefully place the pancake on it with the help of plastic.
• Fry both side on medium heat with little oil for 5minutes.
• Serve hot with some dipping sauce,chutney or simply with tea.

# Make sure you use very little pressure while spreading the dough in plastic sheet otherwise it will be too flat to transfer on pan and ll break too.
## You can use ghee/butter instead of oil and in more quantity..it will make pancake crispier.
### Can add chili flacks,kari patta or garam masala.

Orange Chicken

If you Google,u will get only Chinese style orange chicken recipe...but i was not in mode to have fried chicken in dinner...So,decided to do some experiments and thankfully results were awsome !! :D
Marination in orange juice gives a sweet-tangy flavor to whole dish and peel makes it so aromatic..Surely gonna make them again n again..
So,here is my another chicken dish.....

INGREDIENTS

1Kg Chicken
2 Oranges
2 Onions(medium)
8-10 Garlic
1" Ginger
1tsp ginger-garlic paste
1tsp Turmeric powder
1tsp Coriander powder
1tsp Chili powder
3 Whole dried Red chilies
1/2tsp Cumin 
2tsp Garam Masala
1tbsp Vinegar
1tbsp Ketchup
Salt to taste
3tbsp Oil
2tbsp Green coriander leaves



DIRECTIONS

• Marinade the chicken with 1/2tsp chili powder,1tsp of ginger-garlic paste,1orange juice and peel for an hour.
• Heat oil in heavy bottom pan.Saute chopped onion with whole dried chilies till it turns brown at edges.Now add finely chopped ginger-garlic and saute for 2minutes.
• Remove and discard orange peel from the marinade.Add only chicken pieces in the pan.(don't discard the marinade juices)
• Fry on high heat for 5minutes.then add powdered spices and salt.Fry for another 5 minutes.
• Add another orange juice,vineger,ketchup,marinade juice,mix well and close the lid.Let it simmer for 20minutes or untill its cooked.
• Finally add coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or rice.

# Don't forget to remove orange peel from marinade otherwise it will make whole dish bitter in taste.

This recipe earned :

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Spinach Soup

Another soup which is very favorite in our friend circle..Its very healthy n filling in winter.Corns give a nice sweetness and texture.I don't add cream generally but while serving for guests i add some on top while serving.

INGREDIENTS

(2 Serving)

1Cup Spinach(boiled)

1.5 Cup Milk

1tbsp Flour(Maida)

1Onion

1tsp Black pepper(powder)

1tbsp Butter

Salt to taste

1/2Cup Sweet Corns(optional)

DIRECTIONS

• Blend and make very fine paste of boiled spinach.
• In pan heat butter.Saute finely chopped onion for 1minute.
• Add flour and saute for few seconds.turn the heat low and mix in milk and spinach paste.
• Mix it well so that no lumps form.Bring it to boil and then simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
• Finally add black pepper.
• Top with dollop of  butter or cream and serve hot.

# You can add some cream while adding black pepper for richer flavor.

Chapati Noodles

Its best trick to use leftover roti/chapaties.and its a very healthy n filling to take as breakfast ! It can be made in many version like southindian style or north indian style but i like indo-chinese style one...some time i specially make some roti to make this. :P You can add any veggies or even eggs as per your taste buds !

INGREDIENTS
(Serves 3)

4 Roti/Chapaties
1 Onion
2 Green Chilies
2-3 Garlic
1/2tsp Ginger(fine chopped)
1Cup Cabbage (shredded)
1/2cup Carrot (shredded)
1 Capsicum (thinly chopped)
2-3 Beans (chopped)
1Cup Baby Spinach(optional)
1tsp Soya Sauce
1/2tsp Ajinomoto
1/2tsp Vinegar
1tbsp Tomato Ketchup
1tbsp Oil
1Cup Roasted Peanuts(optional)
Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

• Cut Roti/chapaties in thin strips with knife and keep aside.
• Heat oil in pan.Add chopped onion,garlic and ginger,saute for minute.
• Add all veggies and fry on high heat for 2 minutes.
• Add all sauce,salt and cook the veggies on low heat till its tender.
• Finely add roties and mix properly.and remove from heat.
• Mix roasted peanuts and Serve hot.

# You can add some water before adding roti,if roti are tight in texture.
## If you like crunchy veggies than no need to cook them on low heat.
### You can add garam masala and tomatoes instead of sauces to make indian version.

Coconut Cookies

Whole Wheat,Honey,Coconut,Eggless !!! what else you need to get motivated to  make these sweeties ;) ..  Can be made anytime as very less work is required ! :)

INGREDIENTS

(10 cookies)

1Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1/2Cup Coconut(powdered)

1tbsp Sugar(powdered)

2tbsp Honey

1/4tsp Baking powder

1/4Cup Oil/Butter

1/4tsp Cardamom powder

2tbsp Milk

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven on 150'C
• Sift flour and baking powder together.
• Mix milk and honey properly by using fork.
• Mix sugar and oil properly.Add cardamonand coconut,mix again.
• Finally add flour and knead properly with milk.
• Leave it on room temprature for 10 minutes.
• Roll it in 1-1.5 inch thick sheet and cut in desired shape.
• Bake for 20minutes on middle rack.
• Remove from oven and let them rest for a while.
• Store in airtight container.

# You can replace cardamom by vanilla essence.

## Adjust sweetness as per your liking.

Crispy Beer Cauliflower Fritters

This was we had in dinner last night with beer :) actually its really good to make for small gathering as go no snacks !!This time i experimented with some beer and turned out real good crispy beer flavored fritters,goes well with drinks ...We absolutely loved it !!

INGREDIENTS

1 Cauliflower

1Cup Fine Flour

2tbsp Cornflour

1/2Cup Beer

1tsp Chili powder

1/2tsp Coriander powder

1 Lemon juice

1tsp Chat Masala

Salt to taste

Oil for Frying

DIRECTIONS

• Cut the cauliflower in small florets and boil in water untill half done.
• Make a thick batter using flour,spices(other than chat masala),cornflour and beer.
• Add boiled cauliflower in batter and mix properly.
• Heat oil in deep pan.Drop floret one by one in oil(5-6 at a time).and fry on medium heat untill golden brown in color.
• Sprinkle chat masala on fried fritter and mix well.
• Serve hot with ketchup,mayonese or any dip of your choice.

# If batter is too thick just add bit of water but not too much otherwise it will suck alot of oil.

Spicy Tomato Soup

According to me,One of the best way to enjoy winter is to indulge yourself with some hot soup while sitting under blanket !!So,here is one of my creation,'Spicy Tomato Soup'..its rich in flavors yet healthy option.You can add some couple of veggies too,if you healthier version !

INGREDIENTS
(Serving 2)

3 Tomatoes
1 Onion
1 Carrot(optional)
1/4tsp Grated Ginger
1Bay leaf
3 Clove
5-6 Black pepper
1/2tsp Garam Masala powder
1/2tsp Cumin
1/2" Cinnamon stick
1/2tsp Honey/Sugar
1tsp Butter/Ghee
1tsp Cornflour
4 Cup Stock/Water



DIRECTIONS

• Heat butter/ghee in heavy bottom pan.Add julianed onion,ginger and all whole spices.Saute for 2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and carrot(if using) and all ground spices.Saute for another minute.
• Pour water and honey.Close the lid and let it simmer on low flame for 20 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Sieve the soup in another pan.
• Dissolve cornflour in 2 tbsp of water and add into the sieved soup.
• Put on heat again and let it cook on medium heat for another 4-5 minutes.
• Serve hot with some fried bread cubes  and dollop of butter on top.

# Keep removing the foam forms on top of the soup while boiling in last with the help of spoon.
## You can make it in advance.Just keep the sieved soup in fridge.Add cornflour and bring it to boil just before the time of serving.
### Adjust the consistency of soup by adding or removing cornflour as per your liking.
### Prefer stock as it gives better flavors,if its unavailable then use water.

Whole Wheat Cookies/Nankhatai

"Nankhatai",as far as i know,everyone loves them !! ;) including me..i still remember when mom use to bring them while coming back from shopping :) ...Today i tried to make them bit healthier by using wheat flour instead of fine flour.(person like me who have big big sweet tooth,need this :P) result was dense yet tasty cookies !

INGREDIENTS


1Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/3Cup Sugar(powdered)
1tbsp Cornflour
1/4tsp Baking powder
1/3Cup Oil/Butter
1/8tsp Nutmeg powder
1/4tsp Cardamom powder

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven on 150'C
• Sift flour and baking powder together.
• Mix sugar and oil properly.Add cardamon and nutmeg,mix again.
• Finally add flour and knead properly.Leave it on room temprature for 15minutes.
• Make 12 balls from dough and bake for 20minutes.
• Remove from oven and let them rest for a while.
• Store in airtight container.

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Chakalaka/S.African Stir Fry Vegetable

I got this recipe while searching for capsicum dishes...Its a staple food of South Africa and basically its a spicy stir fried vegetables.They have it in meal,as dipping sauce for bread etc !! 

I made this several time,as side dish for guests..Some time i make puree of left over and use it as pizza or sandwich sauce (just add some exta spices) ;)...Today i just had them with roasted papad !! :P Next i am planning to make it with chicken ! :)

INGREDIENTS

1 Capsicum
1 Onion(medium)
2 Tomato
3-4 Green Chilies
2 Carrots(grated)
1Cup Beans (baked/boiled)
1/2Cup Cauliflower(optional)
4 Garlic
1/2' Ginger
Salt to taste
1tsp Curry powder
2tsp Oil
1tsp Coriander(chopped)

DIRECTIONS

• Heat oil in the pan.Saute onion and green chilies for 1minute.
• Add chopped capsicum and cauliflower.Mix and let it cook with lid on for 5minutes on low heat.
• Boil tomatoes in 2cup water for 2-3 minutes.Remove from water n put in cold water for 5 minutes.Peel and chop them finely.
• Add chopped tomatoes,grated carrots,curry powder and salt to taste.Close the lid and let it cook on low flame,till veggies are completly cooked.
• Add beans,cook for another 5minutes.
• Remove from heat.Garnish with some coriander.

# Can be serve warm as side dish or cold as dipping sauce.
## It can be stored in fridge for week.


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Apple Kheer/Apple pudding

This delight is really easy and quick to make...filling and nutritious too !! what else we need to go for any recipe ;)...So,here is Recipe for Apple kheer..

INGREDIENTS

1 Apple

2Cup Milk

1tbsp Condensed Milk(optional)

2 Cardamom Seeds(powdered)

1tbsp Sugar

2tbsp Nuts(crushed)

few strands of Saffron(optional)

DIRECTIONS

• Grate apple with skin on.
• soak saffron(if using) in 2tbsp of warm milk.
• Heat a pan and add grated apple with sugar and cardamom powder.Let it cook till moisture evaporate.Add half milk and let it simmer on medium heat till it reduce to half.again add remaining milk and condensed milk(if using).
• Cook till you get desired consistency.Finally add nuts and saffron milk.
• Remove from heat.Let it get chilled in fridge for 1-2 hrs.
• Garnish with nuts or apple pieces and serve.

# don't add raw apple in milk directly otherwise milk will curdle.

## if you are not using condensed milk, than adjust the sweetness.

### you can add some cornflour dissolved in some milk as thickening agent.

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