Baking 101 - Meet my Oven - Part 1

For someone who learnt baking on her own,writing this post does sound a bit over the top,really.I am a late learner when it comes to baking,started baking just 3-4 years back.I do have to my credit(NOT!) inedible flat discs which came out of the oven when I put in delicious cake batter,or rock hard balls of bread which went in soft and fluffy and many more of that I wouldn't wish to divulge.

However,thanks to food blogs,youtube videos and dedicated baking sites,I can say I bake very well than that now.

Another hurdle I had to cross was the oven.I have a small counter top Microwave Convection oven which according to me takes a bit of your time and understanding to get accustomed to.I've been getting many mails regarding the kind of oven I use and timings I follow for baking in it that I thought this post shouldn't be delayed any further.

Here are a few FAQ's I come across 

• Can I bake in my Microwave oven?

There are three types of Microwave ovens

a)Solo Microwave

b)Grill Microwave

c)Convection Microwave OR Grill/Convection Combi Microwave

If you use your oven extensively for re-heating food,like to do a bit of grilling and a good amount of baking,I'd highly recommend you go for a Grill/Convection Microwave oven.

Solo Microwave oven,as the name suggests can only be used for reheating food.You can however try out baking 5 minute Microwave cake or Instant Brownie or Dates Cake in it.Perfect for those sudden cravings but for 'real' baking' you have to go for a convection microwave.Same applies for Grill Microwave.

Top three Microwave baking recipes

• Eggless Dates Cake
• Instant Eggless Brownie
• Eggless Chocolate Brownie

Convection Microwave,however is just like a regular oven with microwave features.You can use the features of Microwave as well as bake in it like any other regular oven.

• Can I use metal tins in my Microwave?

If you have the aforementioned Convection Microwave,yes you sure can.When the convection mode is switched on,there are no microwave rays hence you can safely use your regular cake tins and glassware with great results.

But if you are cooking in a combi-mode like Microwave-Grill or Microwave-Convection,use only Microwave safe dishes like Pyrex,Borosil etc.

• How to set the temperature/pre-heat my Microwave?

Another most often asked query is how to preheat the microwave.The manual which comes with the microwave clearly specifies not to run the microwave empty,so I am guessing that is what confuses everyone.When you are using the microwave features - like re-heating,cooking vegetables or anything else,yes running an empty microwave can cause harm.

But when you are pre-heating the microwave,you are activating the convection mode and it is totally safe to operate the microwave empty.

For preheating the oven - first set the temperature in which you want to preheat,for eg 180C.The oven will start heating up and when the required temperature is reached,will start beeping.This is when you open and put in your cake,cookies etc and then close it.Again set the temperature,180C for eg and set the time 30.00(for eg) and press start,that's it.

• Will the baked good look and taste similar to those baked in an electric oven?

I haven't yet compared a cake,cookie baked in a microwave and an electric oven.So cannot do justice to the question.However,I find that when you bake in the microwave,the cake,cookie gets baked evenly since it is placed on the rotating pan and it also saves the trouble of rotating the pan midway during the baking.

• Should I place the pan on the wire-rack provided in the starter kit?

Many ovens(like mine) come with a heating coil on top.If you place the cake pan on a wire-rack,it will be too close to the heating coil which may cause your cake to brown fast and not cook in the middle.You can safely place your cake pan on the rotating plate and bake.If you feel the cake is not browned enough,during the last five minutes of baking,you can place the cake on the wire-rack and continue with the baking(something similar to the broil mode in regular ovens).

Here are my top five baking recipes in this blog-all baked in my Microwave Convection Oven.

• Death by Chocolate Cake
• Molten lava Cake
• Nankhatai
• Apple Crumb Cake
• Paneer Masala Bread

I don't know if it sounds contradictory,but I did invest in a Regular oven lately,a Morphy Richards 28 ltr.Will be doing a post on that too shortly.Stay tuned!

If you have any more specific queries,please post them in the comment section and I will update the post with the answers.

Also don't forget to check out my guest posts at 

• Chef in You -Part 1,Part 2
• Maria's Menu

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Eggless Microwave Brownie in 3 Minutes | Easy Microwave Recipes

It is tough for me to stay away from baking.Fortunately,I am lucky to share my baked goodies with friends,which is the sole reason and inspiration for me to bake more and more.Imagine sitting with a huge cake and no one to share it with,of course I do get greedy at times and wished it was a possibility but sanity prevails.

Off late I haven't been baking much.In fact I scratched my brains and figured that it's been one whole month of not baking.Blasphemy,right?I decided I am baking something definitely today.Was not in the mood for an elaborate bake as I didn't want anything to to put me off.Almost decided on this,but was out of Nutella so decided on this super simple,quick and delicious 2 minute Brownie.

All it takes is less than 3 minutes,to assemble,mix and bake.Isn't that amazing?Dangerous even.

Eggless Microwave Brownie in 3 minutes
Recipe source - Art of Dessert

Ingredients

Melted Butter - 2 tbsp
Milk - 2 tbsp
Vanilla - 1/4 tsp
Sugar - 4 tbsp
Cocoa powder - 2 tbsp
Flour - 2 tbsp
Chocolate chips - 2 tbsp
Salt - a pinch

Method

 
In a bowl,mix together all the ingredients and make a batter.
 
Pour the prepared batter into a Microwave safe dish,I used 2 ramekins.
 
Microwave at full power for 1 minute and 30 seconds.Let it rest for another 2 minutes.
Tastes delicious on its own,but best served with a dollop of Vanilla ice-cream with chocolate sauce.Yumlicious:)

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Baking in Microwave Mode

Image source

After my last post on DK's blog about Baking in Microwave Convection mode,many people commented asking queries about Microwave baking.So me and DK decided we need a sequel for the same.As I have mentioned before,I started my Baking lessons by cooking in the Microwave.Many hard cakes and soggy pizzas and uncooked cookies later,I tamed the beast,lol.

Hop on over to DK's blog where we have done a post exclusively on Microwave baking.Hope you find the post useful.

Baking in Microwave Mode.

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Baking in Microwave Convection Oven

I started baking in my Microwave without knowing the Abc's of baking.I've searched frantically for topics relating to these in many sites and blogs,but there were only a few which answered my questions to the point.So,when DK asked me to share my two cents on her blog,I was more than happy.

I am not an expert though.I have been baking in my Microwave for sometime now and I have tried to answer the queries in whatever way I can!!I have an IFB Microwave Oven with Convection and Grill and all baking I do is done in that.

Hop on to her blog to see my guest post,Part 1,on Baking in Microwave Convection Oven.Please leave your comments and suggestions and if you have any questions,shoot..:)

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Chocolate Barfi ~ To celebrate!!

I’ve never won a lucky draw before,even in school.
I religiously fill up forms in malls/shops hoping that I’ll win a gift hamper or a holiday package but luck never came knocking at my door.
I’ve commented umpteen times on blogs which host giveaways but always have to satisfy myself with the two words – next time!!

But not this time..I’ve won I’ve won I’ve won!!!

Yes,I’ve won a Waffle maker at Meet my Kitchen things,a giveaway hosted by Nags.I was curious when she posted the link to my Fb wall but never in my dreams thought that I must have won it!! I don’t live in US hence have to hunt down friends’ addresses for shipping and heck,I have no clue when it is gonna reach me and what I am going to do with it..but I’ve WON IT!! [Does it show that I’ve gone crazy??]

On such a happy occasion[at least for me;-)] I feel I should share a sweet with you guys.It was sometime back that I chanced upon Hetal and Anuja’s Show me the Curry site.I am hooked to it and watch their videos over and over again.I’ve tried making Peda from the site and this is a recipe I chose because I wanted to finish off some milk powder which was nearing its expiry date!! I halved the recipe and got around 18 pieces of Barfi.

Chocolate Barfi
Recipe from Show me the Curry

Ingredients

Milk Powder – 2 ½ cups
Powdered sugar – ¾ cup
Whipping cream – 200 ml[I used a pack of Amul Fresh Cream]
Chocolate – ¼ cup,chopped
Cocoa powder – 1 tsp

Method

In a deep microwave safe bowl,mix the milk powder and sugar well.
Add the cream and stir till it forms a smooth paste.
Microwave for 3-4 minutes in 1 minute intervals till it starts fluffing and folding in.[mine got done in 4 minutes,depends on each microwave]
Grease a plate and pour half of the mix into it and flatten it using a spatula.
Wait for a while to let it set a bit.
Meanwhile,mix in the chocolate and cocoa powder to the other half of the mix and mix well till the chocolate melts and the whole thing becomes a smooth paste.
Pour it on top of the mix and flatten well.
Let it set for 3-4 hours in the refrigerator.
Cut into desired shapes and serve.

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Mango Chundo

There was a time when I used to cook our regular meals according to the events going on the blogosphere..yeah I was a crazy blogger then:).Now of course I have sort of settled down and draft my posts accordingly and post them to match any event..yup,little tricks that blogging teaches you!!

MEC aka Microwave Easy cooking was one of the first events that I ever sent an entry to.In fact,following Srivalli’s Microwave cooking series I have prepared so many dishes which I wouldn’t have otherwise.So it was only natural that I send my entry this month,the theme fits the bill perfectly-Celebrating Bloggers.Bookmarking dishes from other blogs and trying them out is no more anything new to me..I do that all the time!!

A pale looking raw mango,peeping at me all the time from the fridge got me thinking.I had a recipe for Mango Chundo and I had been waiting to make it since long.I remembered sharing the recipe with Srivalli.A quick peep into her blog confirmed it.I went ahead and tried it..it is lipsmackingly good.Takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.Tastes great with roti,dosa and bread..yum!!

Mango Chundo

Recipe source - Tarla Dalal

Ingredients

Raw mango grated – 1 cup [around 140 gms]-I used a medium sized mango.
Salt – 1 tsp
Haldi – ¼ tsp
Sugar – 1 ½ cups [ I used just a cup]
Chilly powder – 1 tbsp [ I used ¼ tbsp as I didn’t want it too hot]
Jeera, roasted and crushed-1 tsp

Method

In a microwave safe dish mix together grated mangoes,salt and haldi and keep aside for 3 minutes.
Mix in the sugar with 1 tbsp water and keep aside for another 3 minutes.
Microwave on high for 3 minutes- the sugar syrup should have a one thread consistency[I microwaved for about 7 minutes to get this stage]
Add the chilly powder and crushed jeera and keep aside to cool.
Store in a dry container.[I like to keep it refrigerated]

Sending this to Jayashree for the event MEC-Celebrating Bloggers,an event originally started by Srivalli.

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Gajar ka Halwa ~ Diwali Mithai!!

A cliché scene from 80’s Hindi movies.Son[40+ at that] comes home from either abroad or after studies and the mother prepares the quintessential Gajar ka halwa to welcome the son home.Movies after movies,the same scene repeats but the GkH never goes out of fashion!!

Last year I made this instant halwa courtesy my aunt Taramoushy.I got mixed reactions for it.Though some felt the instant method was very convenient compared to hours and hours of stirring and mixing,some felt that it was worth the effort to have “that” taste for the halwa.Honestly,I can give “that” taste a miss;).By the end of grating mounds of carrot,I am tired as hell and even the thought of stirring the big batch till it cooks gives me the creeps.

I came across this super simple recipe for GkH in Tarla Dalal’s cookbook.It requires only a teeny bit of ghee and a teenier bit of sugar.Since the word d-i-e-t is always there at the back of mind,I though of trying this one out as a diet halwa,almost.

Gajar ka Halwa
Recipe source – Tarla Dalal’s Microwave Cookbook

Ingredients

Carrots,grated – 2 cups
Milk powder – ¼ cup
Sugar – 5 tbsps
Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
Melted ghee – 1 tbsp

Sliced nuts & Saffron strands for garnish

Method

In a microwave safe bowl,combine ghee and grated carrots.
Microwave covered on HIGH for 4 minutes.
Add the milk powder,sugar,cardamom powderand mix well.
Microwave covered on HIGH for 2 minutes.
Garnish with sliced nuts,saffron strands.
Indulge and share with your ♥loved♥ ones.

Gajar ka Halwa goes to Priya's event Diwali 2009.

Happy Diwali!!

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Pedha,not one but two ~ Diwali Mithai!!

A week before Diwali one thing which always made its presence was gift boxes.One too many sweet boxes that by Diwali,the last thing we’d want to have is sweets:).Though majority of them would be assorted sweets,according to me there were three main sweets-stars rather,of Diwali and those were Motichoor laddoos,Doodh Pedhas and Rasgullas.At home,none of us liked pedhas and each and every time,the boxes of pedhas would make their way into our schools for distributing among friends along with other sweets.My friends thought we were crazy..:)

One main reason we disliked pedhas was because they were sweet-cloyingly sweet.Then why a post of pedha you may think,that too two types.Well,I do cook exclusively for the blog sometimes:).

I am totally hooked to Hetal & Anuja’s Show me the Curry.Saw this simple recipe for Instant Pedhas and thought of trying it out after all.Having all the ingredients in my kitchen was a bonus.I halved the recipe and got a dozen pedhas.For some unknown reason,the pedhas have come out sort of crumbly.I struggled to shape them.Me and Ajay shared a piece and have to admit that they taste awesome.I tried out Wheat Pedhas from Home Spices too for an almost guilt-free indulgence.

Instant Doodh Pedhas
Recipe adapted from Show me the Curry

Ingredients

Instant Dry Milk (Milk Powder) – 2 cups (150gm)

Sweetened Condensed Milk - 1, 14oz can (396gm)

Unsalted Butter – 1, 4oz stick (113gm)

Method

In a microwave safe dish, melt the butter.
Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, stirring very well after every minute.
After the 3 minutes, mix well again and leave aside for the mixture to cool down enough to handle.
Once the mixture has cooled down, grease your hands and make balls.
Gently press the balls and flatten them to shape…round and flat.
Decorate them with colored sugar, almonds, cashews, pistachios or raisins.
Let the pedas set and cool down.
For a pretty presentation, place them in baking cups and serve.

Tips
Powder some cardamom seeds and add to the mixture for additional flavor.
Roll out the peda mixture and cut with cookie cutter for some fun shapes.
For best results, store in the refrigerator but serve at room temperature.

Wheat Pedha
Recipe adapted from Home Spices
[Makes approximately 30 pedhas]

Ingredients

Wheat flour/Atta – 1 ½ cups
Sugar – 1 cup
Milk – ½ cup
Ghee – 3-4 tbsp
Cardamom powder – ½ tsp

Method

In a thick bottomed kadai add ghee and roast the flour for 3-4 minutes on low flame or until it starts smelling good.
Add the sugar and mix well.
Now add the milk and continue stirring till it becomes one single mass and starts to leave the sides of the kadai.
Add the cardamom powder and switch off the flame.
Grease a thali/plate with ghee and pour this mix into it and let it cool.
When it is cool enough to handle,make small balls of it and flatten it a bit.Roll them in powdered sugar and store in airtight containers.
Or better still indulge and share it with your ♥loved♥ ones.

Happy Diwali!!

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Loshney Pitti Chutney~Garlic Dry Chutney/Powder

At my place in Ernakulam,Garlic was[still is] never used in cooking.I remember when we were small and fell ill[stomach-related],garlic pods were mashed lightly,mixed in ghee,packed in a small piece of muslin cloth and kept inside our belly button,which miraculously cured the never ending stomach aches.So for a long time,I believed that Garlic was a medicine and not edible:).

I started cooking with garlic as hubby is quite fond of it.He wouldn’t mind if I made a garlic stir fry too I guess.For curries which require a garlic garnish,I keep aside some for me and then follow the recipe.Though I don’t mind the hidden taste in many of the curries,putting a whole garlic and using it for seasoning etc is not my cup of tea.I find the strong smell quite pungent.

Whenever I made the karibeva chutney,hubby demanded I make the garlic version of it.I was apprehensive because peeling whole lot of garlic and smelling of garlic for the rest of the day is quite ..hmm..you know.But he’s been asking it for so long that I gave in[to make garlic chutney,that is:)]It was a trouble alright,peeling 3 pods of garlic,but well worth the effort when he claimed it as “the best”.

Loshney Pitti Chutney ~ Garlic Dry Chutney

Ingredients

Dry copra – 1,grated

Or

Dessicated Coconut – 1 packet[200 gms]

Garlic pods – 3 medium,peeled

Red chillies – 15

Tamarind – a small lump

Salt to taste

Ghee – 1 tbsp

Method

In a thick bottomed kadai,add ghee and roast garlic in a slow flame till it becomes golden in colour.

Add the grated copra/dessicated coconut and red chillies.

Roast it on a low flame till it evenly browns-keep stirring to avoid burning.*

Add tamarind and salt to taste and mix well.

Powder in a mixer—Do not run the mixer for long or else the oil will ooze out(which will not affect the taste in any way)

Let it cool and then store in an air-tight container.

Tastes great with rice and dal.

*If you find the mix turning brown too fast,transfer the entire contents into a MW safe bowl and MW on high power for 2-3 minutes stirring every 30 seconds.

Sending this across to Sia who is hosting this month's RCI-Udupi Manglorean Cuisine an event originally started by Lakshmi.How could I miss it Sia??

Also to eh..umm Click-Bi-Colour.Does this one qualify..:)??

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Microwave Besan laddoo

There’s a saying in Malayalam-Muttathe mullayku manamilla which translates to mean,we don’t value the stuff which is readily available to us.Only when we don’t get it do we realize how important they were.I can so identify with that saying.Each and everything which I didn’t want to have or didn’t like,I yearn to have now.

One among many such things is a simple besan laddoo.It was not a grand one compared to its pretty cousin Motichoor laddoo,but still it has its place among the sweets that we or rather my amma,frequently used to make.Besan laddoo was lovingly called Kongini[the way Konkani is pronounced in Malayalam] laddoo by my friends.Come any festival,any occasion,all that they would ask me to bring was kongini laddoo.My aunt even took offense to it saying they should call it by its name and not this odd name:).

I of course,never even tried to recreate it myself.One-the effort involved,the besan needed to be roasted on low flame under constant supervision,two-my hubby doesn’t fancy sweets much so I’ll end up finishing the whole batch and three-the most important-fear of failure.But I saw many recipes doing the rounds of blogosphere where these laddoos could be made in Microwave.Wait a minute-did you say Microwave..??:)

I tried it out and needless to say it came out excellent.Ok,let me be honest here-it can’t be compared to its original version but it is a great alternative for lazy bums like me:).Pardon the not-so-round shape,it'll take me eons to make perfect round laddoos;)

Microwave Besan Laddoo

Recipe adapted from Tarla Dalal's Book-Indian Microwave Cooking

Ingredients

Bengal gram flour/Besan – 1 cup
Ghee – ½ cup
Powdered sugar – ¾ cup
Cardamom/Elaichi powder – ½ teaspoon
Nuts roasted in ghee – a handful

Method

In a microwave safe bowl,add besan and ghee and mix well.
Microwave on high for 3 minutes,stirring after every 1 minute.
Mix well and microwave again for 2 minutes in 30 second intervals.
Remove and let the mixture cool completely.
Add the cardamom powder and sugar and mix well.
Add the roasted nuts and divide into 8 equal portions.
Grease your palm and shape into laddoos.

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Karibeva Chutney ~ Curry leaves Podi/Powder

I have come across many people who swear by their cuisine and refuse to acknowledge any other types.I remember,during the initial days of our marriage,one of my hubby’s friends was here during lunchtime and when we asked him to join for lunch,he said ‘ah,Konkani food for lunch-my stomach would get upset.I need to have food our style[incidentally,he’s a Mallu:)].Its a completely different story altogether that he had lunch with us that day and many more days to come and got up with a clean plate everytime and still regarded Mallu food as ‘the best’ and ours a substandard one!!

Since me and hubby too share difference in our cuisine,it is a hot topic for a debate for us too[mock-debate,I assure;)].Now both of us have got used to the varied choices we have on both sides,but earlier it was a different story.While having the spiced powder-Thambale puddi once,hubby remarked that they had a similar powder-dry chutney which was truly heavenly and out of this world.Hearing the way he described it,I was determined to be biased even before having it,I didn’t want to have something which was more tasty[or so he claimed] than my favourite thambale puddi.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that it looked quite similar in looks.I had a teeny weeny spoon of it and said it was good.I realized it wasn’t good,it was truly out of this world when I reached for it again and again,even after finishing my lunch:).A great accompaniment with rice and dali thoy,I bet you’ll fall in love with it!!

Karibeva Chutney ~ Curry leaves Powder

Ingredients

Dry coconut(Copra) – 1,grated
OR
Dessicated coconut – 1 packet[200 gms]
Red chillies – 10
Tamarind – 1 channa size
Curry leaves – 12-15 sprigs
Salt to taste

Method

Add all the ingredients to a thick bottomed kadai and roast till brown.
Powder in a mixer—Do not run the mixer for long or else the oil will ooze out(which will not affect the taste in any way)

OR Take the easier route-Microwave everything together in a MW safe bowl on high for 4 minutes or more[depending on your MW]-stirring once after every 1 minute,till brown and then grind to a powder[No prizes for guessing which method I chose:)]

Let it cool and store in an air tight container.

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Baked Vegetables with Crumbs

Once while we were in Bangalore,Ma-in-law made yummy Tomato soup with Toast.It was yummy[needless to say] and I was done with my dinner.After sometime,she served dinner,with the usual dal and upkari and I was amused.I asked her how I’ll eat when I am so full..;-).She told me a funny thing-once,a colleague gave her the recipe for a soup and she made it that evening itself along with some salad and toast.My Father-in-law and bro-in-law enjoyed the fare and slurped happily.She felt very happy too,that they were satisfied with a changed dinner menu.Funny thing was,they asked her what’s for dinner barely a few minutes later!!;-)She said,on her mission to make dinner healthy,she ended up cooking twice and it proved to be not healthy at all!!

Whenever we lay hands on exotic veggies,I make this stir-fry.The only effort involved in making this is cleaning the cauliflower and broccoli and chopping the vegetables.It gets done in a jiffy and makes a great meal.I am lucky that hubby doesn’t ask for dinner after finishing this meal;-)

This time however,I decided to make it differently and followed Raaga’s recipe of Crumb Tossed veggies.As with all her other recipes that I have tried,this one too was absolutely delicious and hubby has given his thumbs-up.Thank you Raaga!!Click here for her original recipe and scroll down for my version[with a few changes].

Baked Veggies with Crumbs

Ingredients

Broccoli florets – ½ cup
Cauliflower florets – ½ cup
Carrots, diced – ½ cup[I did not add]
Mushrooms – ¼ cup
Baby Corn – ¼ cup
Colored bell peppers – ¼ cup
Bread Crumbs – 2-3 tbsp
Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
Chilli Flakes – 1 tsp
Parsley – ½ tsp[I did not add]
Basil – ½ tsp[I did not add]
Roasted Garlic – ½ tsp
Salt to Taste
I substituted Parsley and Basil with Mixed Herbs and Oregano.

Method

Place all the veggies except bell peppers in a microwave safe bowl,sprinkle few tbsp water and cook covered for 4-5 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 200*C.
In a kadai,heat the olive oil and add the chili flakes, parsley, garlic and basil[I added mixed herbs and oregano].
Add the cooked vegetables and the salt.
Toss well and cook for about two minutes.
Add the bread crumbs and toss again. Transfer this to a lightly greased baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.

I served it with Mushroom Soup and Mashed Potatoes for a very satisfying meal!!

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Capsicum-Tomato Soup

Life's getting back to normal again.The roads are almost cleared of stagnant drain water and rains too have stopped.The only thing which is unpredictable is the electricity.One moment its there and the next its gone.I had plans of making a cake for the last day of RM,but I guess that has to wait.

I am not happy with the way I’ve dealt with RM.I would be most probably the only RM member who did not keep any drafts ready.I cooked for the day and posted about it.It worked fine till the cyclone struck.There was no electricity and even though I cooked a number of dishes keeping RM in mind,I just couldn’t take any pictures in pitch darkness,even during the day.I am ready to accept the Silver medal DK..and my grand finale post will make its appearance soon..

I made this soup for dinner today, mainly to finish off the once-plump-looking capsicum which became size zero due to no power..nothing spectacular,it just added a twist to the good-old tomato soup.And I made it in the MW,cooking in MW after a long long time!!

Recipe Marathon – Day 29
Capsicum-Tomato Soup

Ingredients

Capsicum – 1,chopped
Tomato – 1 big,chopped
Milk – ½ cup
Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese spread – 1 tbsp(or 1 cube of Amul cheese)

Method

Cook capsicum and tomato in about a cup of water(full power-5mts).
When cool,grind to a smooth puree and strain.
Add the milk,cheese,salt and pepper-Mix well.
Microwave on full power for 5 minutes-stir well.
Serve hot with toast!!
A peep into my fellow marathoners kitchen!!

1) DK
2) Siri
3) Srivalli
4) Ranji
5)PJ
6)Curry Leaf
7)Medha
8)Priya
9)Bhawna
10)Raaji
11)Ruchii
12)Anu
13)Kamala
14)Roopa
15)Rekha
16)Divya M
17)Lakshmi
18)Raaga
19)Lakshmi Venkatesh
20)Sripriya
21)Viji
22)Kamalika
23)Pavani
24)Karuna
25)Roochi

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Eggless Choco-Chip Cake

Encouragement is one thing...appreciation is another.Overlooking is a totally different thing.I have come across these feelings often.Though most of the times its the first two,the third one is also *omnipresent* in my life.At least I feel so.There have been occasions where I have felt people deliberately ignore your work,something like "a food blog...baaah",not that I care,but...beats me!!It is true in terms of criticizing also.Constructive criticism is fine,but doing so just for the sake of it??

There are people who try and sugarcoat too,even before they start chewing the food,comes the compliment-"hmmmm delicious".And some who do the opposite..who put the food in their mouth and say.."salt/sugar is less/more or,I make it differently".Not that I crave for compliments or anything of that sort.But of course,I am human.I deserve a word of appreciation for all the hard work that I have put into it.At least a word "its nice"..?? Hubby says I shouldn't expect people to say anything at all..easier said than done.Sometimes I do accept that logic too,when I see that all food is polished off the plate with a last lick,that is a sign of appreciation too,isn't it?

Anyway..you guys must be wondering why such a description for a cake.Well,let me explain.Last night,few of my hubbies friends made a demand.They wanted cookies and cake.It gives me great pleasure to make something when someone asks for it.These guys are matter-of-fact,if its good-its good and if bad-its bad.They love the cookies I make(even though I have only limited baking prowess,about which obviously they have no idea).As I put the last batch of cookies into the oven(I made about 3 dozen),I set about making the cake.It was getting late and I decided to make it in the MW.Ever since I saw Sowmya's Chocolate cake,I've been wanting to make that.I followed the same recipe,except for one ingredient,added 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter.The cake came out excellent-it didn't rise much,but was very soft and moist.They simply loved it,an empty container coming back is a lovely proof!!

Eggless Choco-chip cake(adapted from Sowmya of creativesaga)

Ingredients

Maida - 1 cup
Milk - 1 and 1/2 cup
Cocoa powder- 1tbsp
Baking powder - a small pinch
Oil- 1/2cup
Sugar- 1 cup
Dried fruits- 1cup(I used almonds,apricots,cashewnuts)

Chocolate chips - 1/2 cup
Vanilla essence- few drops

Method

Add milk in a pan and boil it.

Add the dried fruits and leave it for sometime till they become a little tender and allow the milk to cool down.

Blend this mixture in a blender till the fruits are ground well.

Add the oil and blend it again to a thicker consistency.

Add the sugar and again blend it for a few minutes.

Transfer this mixture to a bowl.

Add the choco-chips,mix well.

Sieve the flour along with baking powder and cocoa powder.

Add this flour in small parts into the mixture mixing it gently.

Add few drops of vanilla essence. Mix gently.
Grease a microwave proof bowl and pour the batter in it.

Microwave on 80% power for 8 minutes checking in between. Allow to stand for a minute. Remove the cake and cool it.

Sprinkle some icing sugar on top.

Chocolate and Microwave...does it ring a bell..?? Yeah,off this goes to dear Srivalli for her MEC-Chocolate.

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Chocolate Yogurt Cake

Its been a while since I baked a cake.The Zebra cake was quite a mouthful,literally;-).Both of us are not so fond of sweets and somehow I don't relish eating the stuff which I make,so its difficult finishing off one batch.But I had to make this cake..mainly because I haven't posted it on my blog despite it being the first cake I made!!I should say it is a fool-proof cake.I mean,it was a success when I made it,what more proof do you want,;-).

Lakshmivanni,my co-sis,sent me this recipe when I asked her for an easy-successful-delicious-no fuss-very forgiving cake recipe.When I went through the ingredients,I felt it would work out fine.I did not have an oven then and I tried it at a friends place.It came out superb and was over in a jiffy.It does not need any frosting too,it tastes great fresh out of the oven,MW in my case!I remember,we just couldn't wait for the cake to cool down to invert on a wire rack.We cut the cake and had it from the bowl in which it was baked.It got crumbled,but who cares!;-).It has a very moist and melt in your mouth texture and the best part according to me is,even after adding 2 eggs it absolutely does not have an eggy taste.Hubby just couldn't make out whether I added eggs or not..!!

Vanni recently made muffins using the same batter and it has come out wonderful.So it makes a great recipe for Chocolate muffins too!!



Chocolate Yogurt Cake Ingredients

Butter - 2/3 cup
Sugar - 1 cup
Eggs - 2
Maida/Flour - 1 1/4 cup
Baking soda - 1 tsp
Baking powder - 1 tsp
Cocoa powder - 4 tbsp
Curds - 1 cup
Vanilla essence - 1 tsp

Method

Mix butter and sugar well,till fluffy.
Add eggs one by one and mix well.
Mix vanilla essence and curds to this mixture.
Sift together maida,cocoa powder,baking powder and baking soda.
Add the flour-mix 1 tbsp at a time to the wet ingredients and mix well till you get a smooth batter.
Pour the batter in a greased MW bowl and bake at 80% power for 8-10 minutes.

For the icing

I used a fudge icing for this cake.Cut the cake into two horizontally,apply one half of the icing evenly over one layer.
Place the other layer on top and apply the other half over this.
I placed few gems over the cake and stuck some crushed nuts on the sides.

Update - Srivalli has announced a Potluck party to celebrate the anniversary edition of her Microwave easy cooking series.This month's theme is MEC-Potluck party.Prepare anything in your MW and send it to her,lets have a party folks!!!I am sending this cake since,making/baking a cake was the first thing I learnt to prepare in MW,after re-heating of course;-).

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Eggless Apple Cake

Solving a riddle is fun,if you manage to solve the riddle,that is!!When I saw the announcement of Open Sesame 2,posted in TOI,I wondered how I missed OS1.Anyway,better late than never-did not waste any time and went to the site,chose my preferred box,that was box#1.Promptly,Siri sent me the riddle-

"A moniker in my name for a city
A phrase with me will make you cherished
I am so good for you in my utter simplicity
In Medical dictionary the fact so furnished

I am so famous in the world of bytes
Known for many aspects of usage
I am fat and rotund and make crunchy bites
My fame known from many religious traditions - right from the old age

Am, I forbidden? Or mystical ?
or the eternal giver of Youth
I consists of five internal carpels
Am good for good health of your mouth

I am as basic a fruit as you can think of
Or as hard if you dont try enough
If You eat me on a day to day basis
Then you dont have worry about anything - be it cold or dry cough."

I read it once and the word "forbidden" gave me a hint that it could be Apple.Tried to think the rest of the riddle matching it with Apple and it matched-Fat and rotund,Crunchy bites,Religious traditions,Cold&Cough-I really hoped that it was Apple and sent my reply to Siri and Bingo!!she said it was the right answer!!I was sooo soo excited!!I had to prepare a super duper dish with Apple.Had already prepared a Jam for MEC-Bottled,so was wondering what to make this time.A friend suggested that I make Apple Kheer,but I was not so sure about that.Kept the recipe of Kheer for another time and again scanned my cookbook.I saw a recipe for Eggless Apple cake and got very excited.At the back of my mind,I got warnings saying that since I am making it in the MW it wont have a brown crust etc etc.But I avoided all those warnings and went ahead with the recipe,and I am so glad I did!!

Eggless Apple cake with Apple Jam

Ingredients

1 apple - peeled & grated
Maida-1 cup
Baking powder - 1 tsp
Baking Soda - 1/2 tsp
Butter - 1/4 cup
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Milk - 1/2 cup(or more if required)

Method

Sift maida,baking powder and baking soda in a bowl and keep aside.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add grated apples and milk-beat again till mixed well.
Now fold the dry ingredients into this by adding 1 tbsp flour at a time.
Grease a MW proof dish with butter and pour the batter into it.
MW on 80% power for 8 minutes.
Leave in MW for another 5 minutes.
Serve with a dollop of Apple jam(optional).

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Microwaved Apple Jam ~ Step by Step Recipe

MEC-Cooking event by Srivalli is something I eagerly look forward to every month.I am more excited in waiting for the round-up rather than participating.Each month I wait for the round-up and the next theme.I loved the MEC-Snacks & MEC -Cakes.Love them all.This month the theme is "Bottled".Was wondering what to cook,searched all possible MW books for the same.Came across this Apple Jam recipe in Tarla Dalal's MW cookbook.Got the much needed push when I searched the blogosphere and saw that Uma has already cooked and posted it.Thanks Sri & Uma for this wonderful opportunity & the wonderful recipe!!

My ma-in-law used to make kilos of jams and squashes.She went to a canning class near their house and stocked different varieties of jams and squashes.Sadly,she stopped making them when the kids grew up and consumption of these items was very less.I still pester her to make those for me and she has promised to make them someday!! Once,I happened to see a Jam making recipe on a cookery show with step by step instructions.Have written down the recipe but never came around making it!!But when I saw this recipe,I was tempted to try it for one reason,the simplicity in making it.Top it with the MW cooking event and Voila!! I made my first jam..!!It tastes best with bread,but I loved having it just like that..hmmm!!finger licking good!!(even if I may say so myself!!)

Microwaved Apple Jam

Ingredients

Apple - 1(peeled and grated)
Sugar - 1/2 cup
Lemon Juice - 1/2 tsp

Method

Combine the apple and sugar in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 3 minutes.


Remove from MW,mix well and MW again on high for 3 minutes.


Stir well,the consistency should be thick,if not done,keep again for 2 minutes.


Add the lemon juice-mix well.
Cool & store refrigerated.


Click here for the round-up!!

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Eggless Chocolate Brownies

Brownies makes me nostalgic,reminds me of my college days!!!When I was in my final year,a coffee shop opened near our college-Coffee Beanz.It was an all in one shop with food,beverages,ice-creams-even appam & stew adorning their menus.Me and my best friend M started to haunt this shop almost daily,yes daily!!Our order was almost always the same-2 cold coffees&2 brownies with ice-cream.God,even thinking about that makes me drool.They were so rich and yummy that one had to struggle to stop at one.We were not so diet conscious then,unlike todays's college going girls[;-)],we sometimes gave in to our temptation and ordered another one.I mean,who can resist those yummies with chocolate chips oozing out of them and garnished with walnuts?We couldn't!!

I've always wanted to prepare them at home,but the list of ingredients it had always puts me off.And half of the ingredients were not available here too.So we always bought it from outside whenever we felt like eating it.I have written down quite a few number of brownie recipes in my cookbook and have bookmarked many more.But never actually thought of making it.I was looking for a recipe in my book and came across this lovely brownie recipe which I had written down from Srivalli's blog.It has two recipes,one with eggs and one eggless.Moreoever,it required use of 1/2 a tin of milkmaid and I had some ready in my fridge remaining from the Chocolate cake recipe.They came out wonderful,only thing,a little less sweeter than we had expected.So if you want it sweeter,increase the amount of sugar.So brownies it is!!!
Eggless Chocolate Brownie with Banana

Ingredients

Maida - 1 cup
Cocoa powder - 2 tbsp
Milkmaid- 200 gms (Half tin)
Butter - 1/2 cup
Baking powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt a pinch
Sugar - 2 tsp
Ripe Banana - 1 small one
Crushed Walnuts,Cashewnuts - about 2 tbsp

Method

Melt the butter in Microwavefor 1 minute. Mix in the milkmaid, blend it to a smooth paste using a blender.
Mash the banana well and mix to the above butter & milkmaid mix.Add sugar and blend again to get a smooth paste.
In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder. Then add to the butter mix and blend well.
Transfer the mix to a greased microwave safe dish.I used the wax paper which comes as the butter cover,so did not grease the pan.
Microwave this mix for 4 minutes. Let it rest in the microwave for a minute, then remove to the wire rack for another 2 minutes.
Brownies are ready to be savoured!!!

I had bookmarked this recipe on the day Sri had posted it(almost 2 months back) and also had written it down,just in case!!So this one goes to Bookmarked recipes event conducted by Ruth.Check out the round-up here!!

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