Monday, December 26, 2016

Deviled Chicken and A Quiet Christmas Eve

This year we didn’t keep anything on Christmas Eve. Long before we decided to stay at home only. Though, once we decided to Tahoe, but we abandoned our plan. So, almost we did nothing. We went to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. Then we did some shopping. I bought a bagful of goodies from Bath and Bodyworks. Then after coming back I remembered that We need some gloves and hats for our forthcoming vacations. So, again we rushed back to Sports Basement. Anyway, rest of the day we decided to stay at home only. So, the Christmas Eve was almost uneventful. Actually, we did want to make it simple, just staying at home, and relaxing. I cooked a little different for the dinner, though I was not in the mood to cook anything. Though, Mr. Man suggested having dinner outside, I only denied that. We already ate out lunch. Anyway, I just cook one chicken dish, and with had chicken with fried rice.

Salmon at California Pizza Kitchen

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Spanish Chicken with shrimp

Last few days before Christmas are going a little bit hectic. From cooking something different dishes to keeping kiddie’s demand is becoming overwhelming. I’m not complaining at all, I love to be busy, I love to cook different dishes for family and friends, I love to give handmade gifts . Last Friday I invited my friends for a little lunch before going to pick up our kids from school. That was a beautiful time.  We moms, spent together without any interruptions. One of my friends came with a Mason Jar full of Holiday potpourri , that was so nice. Monday evening I was not at home. I took my son to dentist’s office. At that time one of friends, Bella and her two little ones came to give a box full of homemade delicious cookies.  

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Christmas crafts

I think I'm not managing my time properly. I won't tell that, I'm not getting enough time . I've enough time, but I'm not utilizing in smart way. I thought of uploading a new post on Friday, but till Sunday evening I'm unable to do that. Anyway, the weekend is going pretty busy. Friday I had a small lunch party with at my home with few of my close friend. We had a nice time , tough we spent only one hour together, but everyone enjoyed my cooking. On Saturday we visited one museum, that was very interesting. Hopefully I'll write about that on Monday. In the mean time I did some little crafts, some just for myself, some with my kid, some for my kid, and some for my husband. Here I'm giving the picture all those pictures.




Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Turkey stuffed chicken breasts

Saturday was a real busy day. On the top of that to was just down pouring. That was a perfect day for hot cocoa and snuggle under blanket. However, we had a loads of things to since morning. In the morning first ,our son has his first violin recital. so, we had to go, as there was no question of missing the first ever recital in life. And that was not the end. We had our first Christmas dinner party of 2016 that very Saturday evening. Mr. Man wanted to make a snacks party. So, I couldn’t make anything night before.  Anyway, the recital went well. 

Friday, December 9, 2016

Pear sandwich

The Holiday season is going on well. We are doing some little fun thing everyday. One day we went to the Christmas lighting event in our town. Then, one day we went around the neighborhood to see the Christmas lighting on the houses. In the mean time all of us were down with bad cold. While father and son has almost recovered, I’m still down with cold.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Chicken Soup

The day was not at all a good today. Though, I started very early, and I was very much optimistic that I could do a lot of things. Before going swimming, I thought I could finish all the household chores, including cooking. However, the clock didn’t show any sympathy to me. Very quickly, it started ticking 9:30. I stopped everything, and I rushed to swimming class. 


Saturday, December 3, 2016

The Advent Calendar at last

At last I made my Advent Calendar. I made it very fast. My target was to hang the calendar on 1st December before my son came back from school. I started it on November 30th. I decided to make some white pockets. Suddenly in remembered some blank invitation cards I bought from OfficeMax in heavy discounted price. I bought them mainly for those envelops came in the packets, which I needed at that time. Those cards were not attractive , at least to me. So, I cut the border out. The size of the white parts came out was perfect for the pockets.  

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Christmas decorations 2016

Last Sunday I almost finished the Christmas decorations inside our home. Daddy-sonny duo put up the Christmas tree. That was an event. I forgot to video the argument time. That was so funny. My little one argued with his dad through the entire time of putting the tree. Anyway, after they finished I decorated the tree. This year we added a few more items than last year. We bought two beautiful poinsettia garland from Jo-Ann in October, on a huge sale. I usually buy all the items when they are on sale. Almost every year I visit all the stores on 26th of December , and I usually get everything at least on 50% off. Anyway, I put pup the decoration and wall hangings. All the wall hangings were made by me through out the year. This year I also have plan to make more wall hanging. 

Our Christmas tree

Friday, November 25, 2016

Potato fritters

When it is overcast outside and a little drizzle make you feel like getting drenched with two wide open hands towards the sky, we love to eat some deep fried fritters. If the sky becomes gloomy with gray clouds appear in shadowy form, Mr. Man will call from office to ask me to cook some lip smacking fritters. Here is my fritters recipe for a rainy day.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Giving Thanks..

This is the time to give thanks, time to tell what are we grateful for.  We all know on the fourth Thursday of November, the people of America and Canada give thanks to God for all the blessings they receive throughout the year by feasting and prayer, which is known as Thanks giving day. Thanksgiving Day first started in New England, for thanking God for the abundant harvest of crops. When the first pilgrims arrived in 17th century, the very first winter was rough. Only 46 pilgrims survived out of 102. Next year they celebrate Thanksgiving, along with some Native Indian. During their rough time the Indian helped them a lot. It was probably a harvest festival in the beginning, and a completely religious affair. My son, told me the this history, when he was just 4 years old. He learned the history from Charlie Brown Cartoon. 

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Tomato-coconut Salmon curry

Sometimes I feel to cook fish in some different way. I love to experiment just with a little twist. Simply changing few spices in cooking, can yield a great recipe. When I cooked salmon with coconut and tomato, it turned out to be a very satisfying comfort food. Here is the recipe.


Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Strawberry loop hiking

It was Saturday morning. We had a plan to hike somewhere. According to our plan we left home after a heavy breakfast, around 10 o’clock. Sun was shinning brightly. The weather was warm compare to the month of November of any other years. The weather must be cool, the air must be cold and crisp, in November. However, this year the weather in November, is more like spring weather. Anyway, I decided to hike on a trail in Oakland, but Mr. Man told that was very easy. We should go for at least on a moderate hiking trail. So, he found to Panoramic hill in Berkeley. 

Monday, November 14, 2016

Day trip to Placerville

No, our destination was not Placerville. We didn't even know that Placerville was a historical place. Our plan to go to Apple Hill for apple picking. I was under the impression that Apple Hill is in Sacramento. I didn’t check that in the map. Saturday morning we were in dilemma whether we would go to Apple Hill or not. Suddenly , Mr. Man decided that, we would visit Apple Hill. 

Friday, November 11, 2016

Pork chops

Long back I was watching Martha Stewart show, and got a very interesting pork chop recipe, using apple, and cranberry. When Mr. came back with packet of pork loins, I had neither apple, nor dried cranberry in my kitchen. Instead of that I had huge amount of tomatoes, thanks to my backyard garden. So, I decided to do something , so that, I could use tomatoes as much as possible.  So, I came up with this recipe.

 

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Beet root cake

After ext rating juice from the beetroot, I decided to bake cake with the residue. Before that I used to grate the beet, and used to whisk it the batter. However, it always turned red, and the cake always turned brown. This time I didn't whisk with the electric mixer, instead of that I lightly mixed with a spatula. The caked turn out delicious , as well as didn't turn brown.


Here is the recipe: One medium sized beet root
One and half cup all purpose flour 
One third cup oil (no olive oil)
Two egg
Half cup cold milk
One tsp. distilled vinegar
One and half tsp. baking powder
One cup sugar
One and half tsp. vanilla extract



Peel and cut the beet root in slices so that it can into a juicer. 

Extract the juice and you can use it afterward. We usually drink the raw beetroot juice. 

Take the residue and keep aside. 

In a cup take the milk, add vinegar , and wait for ten minutes.

In a mixing bowl cream oil, sugar,and eggs. Add vanilla extract, and milk, and mix with an electric mixer.

Then sift flour on the batter. 

First, mix flour with a spatula. 

Then mix with an electric mixer to get rid of the lumps. 

Then add the beet root, and mix well with the spatula.

Preheat the oven at 350 degree fahrenheit. 

Grease well a 13 inch pan.

Pour the batter into it. 

Bake for 40 minutes or until a toot pick comes out clean inserted in the middle.




Monday, November 7, 2016

My etsy shop

All my dear friends,I’ve been thinking of writing this letter for a long time. I’m in this blogging world almost five years.  One fine afternoon I was sitting on the couch and writing about one of my travel stories. Suddenly it came into mind of opening a blog.


 And by this way my blog came into life. First of all I want to give you a very big thanks for encouraging me to write. Everyday I get you beautiful and encouraging comments, which make not only happy, but also making me write more and more. I want to apologize to you friends, as I don’t reply all you your comment individually, but believe me, I read all the comments. 


You know apart from my interest in traveling, and cooking, I’m an avid crafter. Till the date, craft was my hobby. However, very recently I opened a shop in etsy.com. I would be very glad if you guys visit my shop. Your comments and encouragement will be extremely valuable to me.



Thanks n regards
Krishna
Here is the link of my easy shop: From a mind of a girl

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Halloween 2016

Halloween had already over few days back. However, I couldn’t make time about Halloween of this year. I couldn’t find out time. Moreover, when I found some time, no right word came into my  mid, so  that, I would able to write something.

This carving was done by Mr. Man

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Kidney beans curry

Rajma chawl (Kidney bean gravy and rice) is a very famous North Indian dish. In my home though others love kidney beans, they love to eat kidney bean curry with roti (tortilla). Only my kiddie loves kidney beans with rice. He calls that big beans. i never try to find out actual recipe of kidney beans of particular “Rajma shawl”. I always cook kidney beans in my own way. However, that also very much delicious with rice.



Thursday, October 27, 2016

United Kingdom trip (part 7)-Greenwich


From the Tower of London we decided to go to Greenwich to visit the Royal Observatory. We took the train and reached the Greenwich station. The observatory was very near to the station. Located at the Southeast part of London, it was very quiet place unlike London. Greenwich means green village. It was very much green indeed.


Tuesday, October 25, 2016

United Kingdom trip (Part 7)-London

London Day 2


On second day of our London trip we three went to visit the rest of the parts of London. First we went directly to Kensington station, from where we walked to the Natural History Museum. My son had been constantly debating with us for going to Science Museum. The terra-cotta colored typical Victorian high ceiling building was situated very near to Kensington station. The huge building was built using terra-cotta to fight with the harsh climate of London, was proposed by Alfred Waterhouse who was the main in-charge of the building, after Captain Francis Fowke died.

Natural History Museum



The building very much look like castle. When we reached the museum, we stood behind a long waiting line.  Many school children as well as a bunch of tourists were coming to visit the famous museum. Just entering the museum we could see an enormous model of the dinosaurs skeleton was standing tall under a huge archway, partly covered with glass. With sun light coming through the glasses making the skeleton dazzling bright black. Various fine designs were created on all the pillars of the building. The museum had a vast range of exhibits from various segment of natural history.


 Again we just see few of them and came out, as we planed to visit the London bridge and Tower Bridge. Before that we decided to have lunch. To waste minimum time on lunch we went to a Starbucks. While walking towards the Starbuck, I saw the Victoria-Albert museum. I wanted to go inside , but, I knew that, if I went inside, I would spend the whole day there. 

Monument to the Great Fire of London 


Anyway, we started walking towards the London bridge. We tried to find out the route from mobile map, but searching the route on mobile was very difficult. Somehow we managed to walk on the right way. I had under the impression, that there was one bridge with two big tower was the London bridge. However, that was incorrect. We reached the London bridge, but I thought that was not the correct one, and we were about to walk to the other bridge with towers which was very near to that. Out of curiosity I walked down some steps along side of the bridge to see the bottom, where I found the name inscribed London bridge. Then I realized we were actually standing on the London Bridge facing to the tower bridge. This London bridge had a fascinating history. It was built by the Romans 2000 years ago. The nursery poem “London is falling down” actually tells  the history of the bridge. In  different time it was built with different material and it was destroyed under various circumstances, before the modern bridge was built in late 19th century.

London Bridge

 

After we started walking towards the Tower bridge. At that point of time we desperately wanted a map. Luckily I saw a lady was distributing London Map, and we took one map from her. She also suggested  the places we could visit. One of the place was Greenwich City.  Anyway, we reached the iconic Tower Bridge built in late 19th century , one of the prides of London City. The bridge is a combination of bascule and suspension bridge. We crossed the bridge and reached the Tower of London. 

Tower bridge

Tower of London

The colossal medieval stone structure staring on a vast area of land. It was first built by William the Conqueror, but during Tudor period it was used as a prison. I was very much fascinated with Tower of London. I read many historical fictions based on King Henry VIII, and Tower of London was played a vital part on those books.The enormous building is standing silently bearing so much history through the time. The black  stone building with small window like opening ,witnessed suffering of the captives inside.It gave chill in mine spine, specially because I read those historical novel , where I read many brutalities , which are occurred at that time. I wanted to go inside, but later decide not to. First of all the ticket price was very high, and we had very less time. I think it would take two to three days to see the dungeons inside the prison. Those enormously thick prison walls were the silent spectators of those bygone days. 

Old and new are co-existing

From there we took train and went to Greenwich City to see the Prime Meridian from where the world is divided into east and west. 



Sunday, October 23, 2016

United Kingdom Trip (Part 6) -London

London- Day 1


After visiting southwest part of England on the weekend with our friend and his family, we went to my brother-in-laws place, who eventually lives very near to London. We planned stay at his place so that ,we could travel around London easily. Monday evening we reached his place. We were fatigued, on the top of that we had no time to visit any places in that evening, we decided to have rest. However, we had enough time to chalk out our plan for visiting London. My sister-in-law knows every nooks and corners of London, even every unknown places. She is a very good planning person.She asked us, what actually we wanted to see. After knowing our desire, she chalked put the whole plan, we just put little brain in that, rather Mr. Man, not me. Mr. Man  told her about the English afternoon tea. Promptly she booked table at Wolsey in London, one of the upscale restaurant famous for afternoon tea. We were lucky enough to get table there, as most of the time it remains overbooked. 


Thursday, October 20, 2016

United Kingdom trip (Part 5)- Bibury village

Leaving behind the city hustle and the century old buildings we drove towards Cotswold to get some fresh air, see the rural beauty amid greens. Crossing the freeway, through the narrow lanes ,and by lanes with trees covered like umbrella from the top we reached Cotswold. The cerulean blue sky and chilly breeze invited us in the bright green nature where the Bibury village had been existing for years. As usual we faced parking problem. Like us, many tourist came there to take a glimpse of the beauty of the sandstone cottages with high roofs. After going up and down few times we parked our car  near The Sawn Hotel.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

United Kingdom trip (Part 4)-City of dreaming spires

After coming back home at 11:00 Saturday night, we readily went to bed. We needed to be fresh next morning, as we were going to visit the Oxford, the city with dreaming spires.

Carfax tower

Friday, October 14, 2016

United Kingdom trip (Part 3)- City of Bath

City of Bath- UNESCO World heritage site

“Do you want know about Roman history in England?” Asked my friend. “Yes, I do” was my answer. So, we included City of Bath in our itinerary. After visiting Salisbury we headed toward City of Bath. Again we faced problem with parking the car. We entered Bath Cricket Club. We saw plenty of parking. We were so overjoyed that we didn’t notice, that , that was a private parking space. That means only the club members can park cars there. 

Bath cricket club ground

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

United Kingdom (Part 2) - Salisbury, the medieval city

From Stonehenge we went to our next destination was Salisbury. In the mean time all of us became hungry. We debated about the place where to have lunch. Everything was unknown to us, so relied on our friend. First he suggested trying luck in the adjacent restaurant of Stonehenge. We checked, but no food item was promising to us. So, last decision was to have lunch after reaching Salisbury.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Egg curry

I’m very bad in cooking egg curry. Past 10 years I’m cooking regularly, still I yet to master the art of cooking egg curry. I cannot satisfy Mr. Man with my egg curry, who is a man very much choosy about food. If he tells some dish is tasty, means that dish is real tasty. Anyway, I tried many types of egg curry, but the simple curry with onion and tomato never turns out that much delicious. So, the other day, I decided to cook in a different way. It was not anything exceptional, may be may people cook in that way.However, I never cooked in that way. For the first time I tried, and it turned out good. Now onwards I will cook in that way. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Legoland trip

Past two years we had been thinking going to Legoland. However, every time something happened and we cancelled the trip. After my son finished his grade one we decided to visit Legoland that very summer, but he broke all rules, and behaved very badly. I asked him to stay good and listened to me for the first month of summer, if he wanted to go to Legoland. He directly told that, he didn’t want to visit Legoland. So, at that very moment we cancelled our trip. Next this summer we decided to go , but we faced some unavoidable circumstances, and had to change our plan. 

Monday, September 26, 2016

Little one turned eight

The month September is very exciting to our sonny boy, because it is his birth month! Since the very first day of the month he had been counting the days. He was eagerly looking forward to it. Every morning he used to tell me how many days to go. His all waiting came to an end on last Friday. A last he turned eight. He was so happy. Ge was the last in his class to turn eight. 

The banner


Anyway, he wanted me to bake his birthday cake with a plane on it. This time we decided not to have any party, rather to celebrate only between ourselves. We already went to Legoland for his birthday earlier this month. I decided to do everything at home, even making the goodie bags for his friends. So, from Thursday, I had been extremely busy. Thursday morning I baked more that two dozens of cookies to distribute among his friends. 

cookies


However, in the afternoon after coming back from home he declared that, I couldn’t give away all the cookies. Since it was his birthday, I must give importance to his decision . Also, I was extremely tired of cooking, decorating, shopping, visiting library, so, I didn’t want to go on any argument. Again I baked some mini cupcakes, which was easier to me,rather than baking bunch of cookies again. Mr. Man went to buy some small gifts. In late evening, we three sat down, and prepared all the goodie bags, which were to be distributed on the very next day. 

The cake with plane 


After dropping him off at school, I thought I would come back home, but then I realized I had volunteer duty in school. So, after finishing all those tasks, I hurried back home, and started preparing for night time celebration. First was to bake the cake. I decided to bake chiffon cake. However, when I read the recipe it was little bit daunted to me.

Mini muffins
The goodie bags


 I was skeptical about the result. Then I thought of giving a try. To my amazement, it came out perfect. Then it was time to cook biryani. Mr. Man and sonny boy, both wanted mutton biryani for dinner. I prepare the mutton Thursday evening. After putting the cake in the oven I started cooking biryani. Though I made only three dishes for the celebration, but all of them were very elaborate. There was no short cut method known to me to  prepare them. Anyway, I successfully made all of them. As a gift he got Lego City Sea operation. He was super excited. He spent the whole Saturday to built that. 

Biryani

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Beet root chops

One big beet root


One big potato


Two tsp. of garlic powder


One tsp. cumin powder


One tbsp. of Kausari methi ( dried fenugreek leaves)


Bread crumbs


Salt to taste


Oil for deep frying



Monday, September 19, 2016

Day in the life-A busy weekend

I’ve never shared “Day in the life”. There is nothing to share in day to day normal, obscure life. However,after spending the whole Saturday, I just want to share this very weekend with you friends. The weekend was not a typical lazy weekend, or not very eventful. However, it was extremely busy weekend, though we never went out of home. 

Friday, September 16, 2016

Dal fry

What is dal fry? I really didn’t how to dal fry. I heard about it many times. However, I never cooked it, I don’t why? Anyway, one day I asked my best friend what actually a dal fry. I found out that, it is nothing but a way to make left over lentil soup tasty. She told me the recipe. When I went to cook, I found that, the main ingredient, green lentil was absent in my kitchen. I searched in the pantry, there was new package of green lentils. 





Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Salmon in Mustard gravy

After spending a whole day in Legoland I was tired like a dog. I was dying to get out of Legoland, but kiddie and Mr. Man was still full of energy. Kiddie desperately wanted to ride the last roller coaster which was still left. I have a fear of roller coaster, so I waited outside when two of them went to ride. I just wanted to sleep on the bench. Anyway, our plan was to our friend’s house who lives 80 miles from there. Again it was another one and half hour drive. Tough I don’t drive on those long distance travel, still it was painful to sit back. We reached their place at 10 o’clock at night, the family greeted us warmly. Kiddie was feeling tired and hungry like starved hunter. When I could put the bags down at their home, I sighed in relief. Anyway, to fill our hungry stomach they arranged some hearty dinner. My friend cooked Rohu fish in mustard gravy. It was extremely delicious. I asked her the recipe.  Today I’ve cooked salmon based on what she told to me.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Eating Sushi

“Sushi eating experience?” yes. I didn’t it till date. No, no actually long ago I ate sushi at a restaurant, but unfortunately the experience was not good. After eating sushi at that time, I dared to try sushi again. Many of my friends told me that sushi is really delicious. Even my husband likes sushi a lot. Whenever, he asked me to have sushi, I always turned down his suggestion. However, in recent time I just wanted to try sushi again. But taking my son to have sushi wouldn’t be good experience. He was not going to love anything , rather he would disturb a lot, so that we couldn’t even get the actual taste of sushi.