Daring Baker's October Challenge: Violet French Macarons filled with Nutella

Dear All

The 2009 October Daring Baker's Challenge was brought to us by Ami S. She chose macarons from Claudia Fleming 's The Last Course: The Desserts of Gramercy Tavern as the challenge recipe.

I was extremely happy when I came to know that October's Daring Bakers Challenge is French Macarons, after my successful first attempt I really wanted to experiment making these gorgeous treats using different flavors and colors. As ecstatic I was there was a little fear too because of the humidity and high temperature in my part of the world. I really didnt want to make them 2 or 3 times before I get it right therefore I used the same recipe which I had used earlier from Chef Nini.

                                                   Macarons filled with Chocolate Ganache

The choice of color and filling is my sister's favorite, initially she wanted me to prepare pink color macarons but we only had violet color in hand hence we went with it and i must say the color looks really gorgeous, dont go by pictures my camera is playing tricks and not functioning that well so until I figure out what to do with my camera pls bear with me.

The only problem I faced this time was that I didnt get a very smooth surface, sure i got my feets but the top surface wasnt smooth as in my first attempt. I think it may have required more of mixing, I did tap the baking tray several times and let it sit for 40 mins and then baked. If anyone has any idea regarding the smooth surface problem pls let me know.

For the recipe and directions pls visit my earlier post here

I was really glad the way macarons came out and this time in my very first try I got my feets. I would love to try making these again using some different filling. These are ideal for gifting your loved ones something special. I would urge everyone to try them atleast once, do mail me if you have any questions and i'll reply as soon as possible.

Till next time, take care and enjoy!!!


Love,

Mix vegetables with grated coconut

Dear All,

Hope everyone had a wonderful time this diwali. This was my first diwali after 3 yrs which i celebrated with my family and friends so was very much special. Things are very much settled down here so now you'll see me active. I have already started dropping by my fellow friends blogs but still i have lots to catch up, so please dont mind if I am a little late.

The recipe I present you today is a very simple one and is perfect with rotis or phulkas. The most important ingredients here is grated coconut. I have always loved the taste of coconut in curries and dry veggies, it not only enhances the taste but also gives a unique flavor which is sure seduce your tastebuds. The combination of veggie I have used are carrots, green beans and green peas but you can use any combination.

Ingredients :-
1/2 cup carrots chopped
1/2 cup green beans chopped
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1 big onion finely sliced
1/2 cup grated coconut
2 tsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
2 medium green chillies finely chopped
Salt to taste
2 tbsp coriander finely chopped

Procedure :-

• Heat oil in a nonstick pan, add in mustard seeds, cumin seeds, green chillies and onions.
• Saute onions for 2 to 3 mins until soft.
• Add in the veggies, cumin powder, salt, turmeric powder, sugar and grated coconut.
• Cover and cook on slow to medium gar for 25 to 30 mins, DONOT add water, the vegetables need to get cooked in steam itself.
• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander on top and serve hot with rotis or phulkas.
• Enjoy!!

In past few weeks many of my blogger buddies have passed awards to me, I thank you all for your love and support. I will acknowledge the awards very soon!

Happy Diwali !!!!

Dear All,

I hope you all are enjoying this festive season and spending some wonderful and happy moments with your families. I wish you and your families a very Happy, Prosperous and Safe Diwali !!!

I am still in the process of settling down, past few weeks havent been easy, new home, new environment, just about everything seems to be new. I know i havent been regular in visiting your blogs but here i dont get unrestricted internet access so it becomes little difficult. Hopefully i'll be back to this wonderful world of blogging very soon and i really thank all my friends who have been constantly supporting and motivating me, thanks a million. Till then do miss me and keep visiting :-)

Lots of Love & Hugs