Onion Puffs

Ingredients for the stuffing

Thinly sliced onion-1

Cumin seeds-1/2teaspoon

Curry masala powder-1teaspoon

Chopped cilantro-1tablespoon

Salt

oil

Puff pastry sheets

Milk-1tablespoon

Method

Thaw the pastry sheet according to the instructions on the pack.

Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add the sliced onions and sauté on medium heat. 

Once they are transparent, add the salt and curry powder, give it a quick mix and switch off the stove.

Finally add the cilantro and let it cool completely.

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Cut the pastry sheets into desired shape.

Keep the stuffing in each sheet. 

Brush some water on the edges of the pastry sheet, and seal the edges.

Brush the sealed pastry with milk, and keep them on a lined baking sheet. 

Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Flaky and delicious quick tea time snacks is ready!

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Low fat Whole-wheat Banana-berry&Walnut Cake

This is the low fat and healthy version of the regular Banana-Walnut cake. I have used only egg whites, whole wheat flour, less sugar. Try it and you will definitely like it! :)
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour/Aata -11/4cup
Baking soda-1/2teaspoon
Cinnamon powder-1/2teaspoon
Vanilla extract-1/2teaspoon
Banana puree-1cup
Chopped walnut-1/2cup
Dried cranberries-2 tablespoons
Sugar-6tablespoons
Salt-1/4teaspoon
Softened Butter-4tablespoons(can replace it with canola oil)
Fat free milk-1/4cup
Egg whites from 2 large eggs
Note: Separate the eggs immediately after taking them from the fridge and then bring it to room temperature. Its easy that way.

Method
Pre heat the oven to 350F.
Sift together the whole wheat flour-baking soda-salt-cinnamon powder and keep it aside.
Cream the sugar and butter. Add the egg whites with vanilla extract, mix it.
Mash the bananas with the fork and keep it ready.

Add the dry ingredients with wet ingredients. Fold it gently.
Now add the chopped walnuts-banana puree and fold it.
Finally add in the dried cranberries and fat free milk, mix everything.

Pour the cake mix in a greased loaf pan and bake it for about 50 minutes. 

Open the oven, cover the pan loosely with an aluminum foil and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes(or) the till the cake is done.

Remove the cake pan and let it cool for half an hour. Run a knife on the edges of the pan carefully and remove the cake, let it cool on a wire rack for 2 hours. 

Slice the cake and enjoy! It tastes better the next day! 

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Spicy Turn-overs/Potato Turn-overs

This is an interesting puff pastry recipe. Instead of just folding and baking the puffs, I tried some kinda twist. Everyone loves the food which is appealing to the eyes, right?! :) 

Ingredients

Puff pastry sheets 

Potato Stuffing or Your favorite stuffing

Milk-2tablespoons

Dry flour - to roll out the pastry sheet

Method

Thaw the pastry sheet as per its instructions. [Usually it takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the sheet to come to the room temperature]

Prepare the stuffing according your taste. Here I have used simple potato curry as a stuffing. 

Slightly roll the pastry sheets with rolling pin, with the help of the dry flour. Keep the rolling pin in the middle of the sheet and fold it. With a sharp knife, cut the folded part into thin stripes. 

Open the sheet carefully, separate the stripes and arrange the stuffing. Brush little water on the edges of the stripes, seal the edges in the opposite direction. Finally brush the milk on the turn overs. 

[REFER HERE & HERE for the pictorial of the turn-overs]

Preheat the oven to 425F, bake the turn-overs for about 20 minutes or till they turn nice golden color. 

Flaky and delicious spicy turnovers are ready to serve. Serve with ketch-up and hot tea to make your evenings special! 

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Cinnamon Chip Scones

Ingredients
Cinnamon chips - 1/2cup
All purpose flour-11/2cups + 2tablespoons
Sugar-1/4cup + 2 tablespoons
Baking powder-11/4teaspoons
Baking Soda-1/4teaspoon
Salt-1/4teaspoon
Half & Half milk-3/4cup
Lemon juice - 1tablespoon
[In case you have buttermilk,just add 1/2 cup of butter milk]
Cold Butter-6tablespoons
Melted Butter-1tablespoon

Method
In a large bowl combine the flour, 1/4cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cubed butter,salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix the lemon juice with the half & half. Stir into the flour mixture just until moistened.

Fold in the cinnamon chips.
Transfer it to the slightly floured surface and knead gently 10-12 times or until the dough is no longer sticky.
Divide the dough into 2 parts. Flatten it into 7" circle.[You can freeze the dough at this stage, and can bake when ever you wish.]
Cut it into wedges, brush it with melted butter and sprinkle the sugar.

Bake them at 425F preheated oven for 10-13 minutes.
Delicious and flaky cinnamon chip scones are ready to eat. Serve them warm.

 

 Recipe Source : Here 

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Cinnamon Baking Chips

 

Recently I  came to know about the Cinnamon baking chips. Since I could not find them here in the stores, tried making them at home. The original recipe called for Light corn Syrup, I have substituted honey. This a very simple recipe to make, but you will see lot of pictures here. ;)

Ingredients

Cinnamon powder -1tablespoon
Sugar-1/3cup
Butter-1tablespoon
Honey - 1tablespoon

Method

I made the cinnamon powder fresh by grinding the Cinnamon barks. It gives the 100% aroma of the cinnamon powder than the ready made store-bought powders. You can use the ready made powder if you want. :) 

Grind the cinnamon barks in small jar  of your blender/food processor/coffee grinder, sieve it and make the powder.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. 

Crumble them  with your fingers.

Meanwhile pre-heat the oven to 225F

Spread the cinnamon mix on a greased baking sheet, cover it with a wax paper, pat it into 1/4" thick square or rectangle.

Bake for 30 minutes. Take the plate out and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut them into small square or your desired shape.

Let it cool completely for about an hour or 2.

Remove the chips from the baking sheet and store it into airtight containers.

These can be used in various baking recipes like chocolate chips, butter scotch chips. Stay tuned for the next recipe using the Cinnamon baking chips! :)

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Orange Marmalade Coffee Cake

Ingredients 

All purpose flour -11/4cups

Sugar-1/2 cup +1/4cup(for the middle layer)

Orange marmalade-1/4 cup+2tablespoons(at room temperature)

Orange Juice -taken from half of an orange.

Baking powder-3/4teaspoon

Baking soda-1/4teaspoon

Salt-1/4teaspoon

Eggs-2 (at room temperature)

Vanilla essence-1teaspoon 

Butter-6tablespoons(at room temperature)

Curd-1/4cup(at room temperature)

Cinnamon powder-1/2teaspoon 

Orange zest- 11/2teaspoons

For the Glaze

Icing Sugar - 3tablespoons

Orange Marmalade -2tablespoons

Orange juice - taken from half of an orange.

Method

Mix the flour-baking powder-baking soda, sieve it twice and keep it aside.

Grate the zest from the orange, cut it into 2 parts, squeeze one part and keep it aside. 

Start beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl. After a minute add the sugar and beat the mixture till it becomes creamy. 

Now add in the eggs and vanilla. Mix everything well. 

Add in the orange marmalade and curd, mix it.

Then add in the orange zest along with the juice (taken from one part of the orange)

After beating everything together, start adding the flour and fold it. 

Meanwhile take the 1/4 cup sugar along with cinnamon powder, mix it well and keep it aside. 

Pour half of the cake mixture into a greased pan, sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon powder mix evenly on the cake. Then pour the remaining mixture in the pan. 

Tap the pan and level the batter, bake it for 35 to 40 minutes in the 350F preheated oven.

 

Meanwhile prepare the glaze. Take 2 tablespoons of marmalade and microwave it for about 10-20 seconds. Take it out, add the orange juice from the remaining part of the orange, and add 3 tablespoons of icing sugar. Mix it well and keep it ready. 

Check the cake after 35-40 minutes (insert a knife into the cake, knife should come out clean) and take it out. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then loosen the edges, invert it onto a plate, pour some of the glaze.  

Turn the cake and poke small holes with  a fork or wooden skewer. Pour the remaining glaze evenly on the warm cake and let it sit for one or 2 hours.

Delicious orange marmalade coffee cake is ready to serve. Cut it into slices and serve. 

Recipe inspiration : Here

~~~

Happy Valentines Day! 

..To see more stunning Heart images created by Mother Nature, click Here.

Thanks to - Yahoo Images.

~~~

Sending this recipe to "Passion on Plate" event happening at "En Iniya Illam"

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Almond & Chocolate chip Biscotti

Biscotti is an Italian cookie, which is nothing but twice baked biscuit. Here I have prepared the biscotti's with almonds and semi-sweet chocolate chips...a perfect snack with a cup of coffee are tea.

Ingredients
All Purpose Flour/Maida -11/2cup
Sugar-3/4 cup
Baking powder - 3/4teaspoon
Egg -1
Butter -1/4cup + tablespoon
Vanilla extract - 1teaspoon
Roasted almonds -1/2cup
Semi sweet Chocolate chips -1/4cup
Milk -1 to 2 tablespoons

Method
Sieve the flour and baking powder a couple of times.
Separate the egg yolk and reserve it. Coarsely chop the almonds and keep it aside.
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Cream butter+sugar + egg white with Vanilla essence.
Add in the flour and mix it gently.
Now add the chopped almonds and mix it thoroughly.
Add in the chocolate chips and a tablespoon of milk, combine everything to form a lumpy mass.

Transfer it to a lightly floured surface, divide it into 2 equal parts.
Make them into 2 logs as shown in the picture.
Brush the logs with the reserved egg yolk and bake it for 30 minutes.
Take it out and let the logs cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, reduce the oven temperature to 300F.
Cut the logs diagonally into long stripes and arrange them on the baking sheet.

Bake them for 20 minutes, flipping the biscotti's after 10 minutes.
Delicious almond and chocolate chip biscotti is ready. Store them in airtight containers and enjoy with your coffee/tea/milk.


Note
To roast the almonds, preheat the oven to 300F, spread the raw almonds on a baking tray, bake them for 10-12 minutes. You can roast cashews and peanuts also in the same manner.

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Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Ingredients
All purpose flour -11/2cups
Rapid raise yeast - 1 1/4teaspoon
Sugar - 1/4cup + 2 tablespoons
Salt -1/4teaspoon
Cinnamon powder -1tablespoon
Milk- 3 tablespoons
Luke warm water - 3 tablespoons
Butter - 4 tablespoons
egg -1 (optional)


Method
Mix the yeast and a tablespoon of sugar, add the Luke warm water and keep it aside for a few minutes.
Heat the milk in microwave for 30 seconds, let it cool. Add the egg, another tablespoon of sugar, salt and a teaspoon of butter and mix everything well.

Now add the activated yeast with milk, whisk it then start adding the flour. Add the flour little by little and continue mixing till you get a sticky dough. You might be left with couple of tablespoons of flour in the total quantity( 11/4cups).

Dust you hands with dry flour and start kneading..add that remaining flour if necessary and knead the dough for 10 minutes. Brush it with oil, cover it with clear wrap paper or a wet towel and keep it in a warm place for 11/2 hours.

After 1.5 hours, the dough would have been doubled in size. Punch it and roll it into a rectangle.
Brush the melted butter generously, sprinkle the 1/4cup sugar and the cinnamon powder.
Sprinkle the melted butter (if any) on top of cinnamon & sugar.

Cut the dough into 3"wide stripes and stake them carefully.
Now cut the staked dough into 2" pieces.
Arrange them (cut-side down) on the greased loaf pan, sprinkle the remaining sugar & cinnamon, cover it with clear wrap and let it raise again for another 30 minutes.

Pre heat the oven to 350F. Cover the loaf pan with aluminium foil and made some slits on the foil. Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes.

Take it out from the oven, let it cool for 15 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife and take it out from the pan.
Soft- delicious and aromatic Cinnamon-pull apart bread is ready..serve warm.

Note
Freshly ground cinnamon powder gives the best result, but you can use store-bought powder too! ;)

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Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast

I got a pack of King's Hawaian sweet rolls in Costco, saw this breakfast recipe in their website and followed the same.

Ingredients

King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread - 9 (If using normal bread, take 4-5 slices, cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided
1/2 of a large apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 tbsp. butter
Method

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Place bread cubes in greased 8x8-inch baking dish.
3. Combine eggs, milk, 2 tbsp. of sugar and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon in medium bowl; mix well.
4. Pour half the egg mixture evenly over bread cubes. Cover top with apple slices.
5. Pour remaining egg mixture over apple slices.
6. Mix remaining 2tbsp. sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon together in small bowl; sprinkle evenly over apples. Dot with butter.
7. Bake 40-45 minutes until knife inserted in centre comes out clean.

Serve warm with syrup or honey or plain. We got some left-over, and personally I felt the toast was more tastier the next day! ;)

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Coconut Bun / Thenga Bun

This is a famous snack back home, you can find these soft and sweet coconut stuffed buns in almost every bakery. I have tried it several times at home and finally this time am satisfied with the outcome, and here comes the egg-less version of the coconut bun from my kitchen. :)

Ingredients
All purpose flour/ Maida -11/4cup
Rapid rise yeast-1teasppon
Sugar-4teaspoons
Salt-1/2teaspoons
Warm milk-1/2cup
Warm water - 3 tablespoons
Olive oil - 2teaspoon
Butter -2 teaspoon

Stuffing
Sweetened coconut flakes -1/2cup
Sugar -1/4cup
Nuts (Cashew, Almond)- 1/4cup
Raisins- 15
Ghee-2teaspoons
Method
Heat ghee,roast the nuts n raisins, keep it aside.
Combine the coconut flakes and sugar, cook on low heat,till the sugar melts down and put off the flame.

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt in a wide bowl. Add the warm milk and
start kneading. Add water little by little and make soft,elastic
dough. Add the olive oil n knead for few more minutes. Keep the dough
in a greased bowl and let it rise for about 90minutes.

Punch the dough, flatten it into a round disc.(say 12-15cm diameter),
spread the stuffing, pull the edges of the disc together and make a
ball. Flatten it to fit an 8x8 greased pan, let it rise for one more
hour.
Preheat the oven to 375F, brush the raised bun with little butter,
bake the bun for approximately 35 minutes. Take it out, give a quick
butter/ghee wash, let it cool half an hour. Cut into desire shapes n enjoy!

Note

• Here I have used sweetened coconut flakes, instead you can use desiccated coconut flakes, in that case increase the quantity of sugar according to your taste. If using fresh coconut flakes, roast them to make dry and use it.
• Usually tutty-fruity & dried cherries are added in the stuffing. I didn't add them, as I didn't had them in hand...instead added almonds! ;)
• You can add couple of crushed cardamom in the stuffing for a nice aroma! :)
  
  

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