I have been toying with the idea of introducing a guest post each month featuring some wonderful cooks I know. When I voiced this at home, there was an uproar! My husband 'P' complained that though he is a good cook, I have never thought of featuring any of his recipes. Jr. 'H' also said something similar, and fearing a revolt I decided to feature the Daddy and Daughter Duo at their best!The Apple Fig delight is made by my daughter 'H'. It is yummy and healthy and I am very happy that she opts for such shakes rather than coke or pepsi! I had only a sip to please her, and we both agreed it tasted good but more like chikoo shake. Even my son appreciated her!! This is one rare thing in my house:)
While I was on search for the nutritional benefits of apples and figs, I came across a beautiful recipe by Gemma Turrel featuring the two in a tart!
Interesting facts about figs from here(Find the health benefits there):
- Though apples and figs tango in this recipe, it is thought by some that the forbidden fruit that Eve took was a fig and not an apple, as it is a symbol of fertility!
- Figs are believed by Roman's to be a gift of Bacchus, the God of Intoxication:)
- They are said to be Cleopatra's favourite fruit!tassium, fiber and calcium
- may help to control blood pressure
Ingredients:
Milk - About 2 cups
Apple - peeled and sliced - 2 she used firm sweet ones
dried figs - To sweeten the drink chopped into pieces
Ice Cubes
Method:
Just put everything into a blender and buzz till smooth. Pour into a glass, garnish and serve.
I am sending H's creation to Srilekha for the ice creams and milk shakes event! This is going to be a lovely round up of yummy items! Hurry up the last date is 25th of August:)
On to the Dad's creation:
(By the Dad)Fresh Coriander leaves without the hard stalk - About 3 cups
Chickpea meal / Besan - About 1 cup heaped
Ginger - 1inch
Chillies - 2 small or 1 medlium
Garlic - 1 pod
Water - About 2 cups or more if needed
Turmeric powder - A pinch
Oil - To shallow fry
Salt - to taste
Seasoning:
Sesame seeds - 1 tsp.
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp.
Curry leaves
Method:
1. Mince the ginger, chilli and garlic with little water and set aside
2. Bunch together and chop the coriander leaves roughly.
3. Mix the besan with a cup of water, salt, haldi and the coriander leaves to a thin kadhi consistency and set aside.
4. Heat a deep wok and pour a tsp. of oil.
5. When the oil smokes, add the minced ginger, chilli and garlic with liquid.
6. Add the besan mixture, stirring all the while till the liquid evaporates, and the mixture comes together into a thickish ball, not jiggly or spredable. Don't stop stirring, else lumps form. It should look like this:
7. Grease a flat plate and pat the lump into a rectangle. Cool completely, and cut into cuboids thick or thin, but at least a centimetre thick.8. Heat a non-stick pan. Pour a little oil and add the seasoning when the oil turns hot. Immediately keep the cuboids, and shallow fry on each side till brown and shiny. Alternately, you may deep fry or bake.
Serve hot with mint chutney or tomato ketchup! We had the left over with dinner with rasam rice, as these taste equally good when they are room temperature. Do not serve cold!These Kothimbir vadis are perfect for parties as starters/appetizers, as they are sufficiently moist inside, crisp on the outside, and so easy and tasty to prepare!! You could make the squares a day prior to the party, refrigerate and bake them the next day! They stay fresh and moist, and make excellent finger food, so they are perfect for outings and picnics.
In this month's edition of Waiter there is something in my......, hosted by Astrid of The Passionate Cook', the theme is picnic recipes. I hope this typically Maharashtrian delicacy from P is well received on a global level!! For many it may be a new dish with new flavors, but I am sure you will find this extremely versatile in taste!
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Today I am able to publish this post only because it I have come to my SIL's house for 'Raksha Bandhan', a festival to recognise the long lasting bond between brothers and sisters. I am so tied up in office, and since the net at home is still shaky, I have been late in recognising these awards, my blogger friends passed on.
Anisheetu of 'My Kitchen' passed me this 'Beautiful Site Award' [I am blushing:)]!! Thanks Anisheetu

Uma, from Essence of Andhra, and Vaidehi of Chakali, two dear friends passed me the Genie with the magic lamp, alongwith the goodluck it carries:)
Thank you, Uma and Vaidehi for the Genie and the luck:)
The mighty Genie King and the beautiful Genie Princess from the magical Land of Faraway are back! Upon escaping the clutches of their Evil Master after being held captive for 1000 years, the magical genies have been busy flying on their Magical Flying Carpet, granting wishes and spreading love throughout the blogosphere. And now, the genies are back with a special gift for everyone! Behold the sacred, Magic Lamp of Luck! With this magic lamp, your blog will enjoy much good luck and fortune, warding off all things evil lurking around in the blogosphere.
We would like to share this magic lamp with you so please pass on the Magic Lamp of Luck to those in need of some good luck. Remember, do not be greedy or unkind, evil or vengeful and good luck & fortune will always be with you! Join us on another exciting magical adventure as we spread goodwill and good luck to one and all!
1. Add your site(s) to the list once you have received the Magic Lamp of Luck.
2. Pass on the Magic Lamp of Luck to as many people as you like. After all, everyone needs some good luck!
3. Leave a comment HERE once you’ve passed on the Magic Lamp of Luck. Once the Genie King and Genie Princess have visited your site to make sure your links are complete and proper, you will then be added to the Master List.
4. To ensure everyone receives equal link benefit, please UPDATE your list regularly!
The Genie with the lamp and luck go on from me to these bloggers, not because they need, but what is the harm in having a little more luck??
Bellini Valli of 'More than Burnt Toast', Global Vegan - Kumudha, Asankhana - Priyanka,
Vegetarian In Me - Rajani, My Food Blog - Arundathi, and The Budding Cook - TBC
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The 'Blogging Friends Forever' award is given to me by Uma of Essence of Andhra, and Dershana of 'The Footloose Chef', thank you both. The feeling is mutual:)
I am very happy to pass this on to some friends I have already made! This is actually very difficult as I am a very social person by nature:) However I am allowed to turn my heart to stone and decide only five - so unfair!!
Well here goes:
Vegetarian In Me - Rajani, My Diverse Kitchen - Aparna, My Kitchen - Anisheetu, Passionate About Baking - Deeba and Tangerine's Kitchen - Rachel.


That's wonderful. The weather is just right here for those squares. And if the milkshake tastes like chikoo, then we are fans for sure.
ReplyDeleteNow I know who the "Tongue Ticklers" are! :)
Have a nice weekend, Harini, and appreciate the award you've passed on. Thanks.
Frienship sealed.
ReplyDeleteFinally posted the meme you set me to do.:)
congratulations on your awards,hope the lucky streak continues, and thanks for thinking of me, much appreciate it. :) a guest cook once a month is a great idea- aur gharwaalon ne launchpad ka achha istemal kiya hai. kothmir wadi!! yummy my mom makes these!!! and wash down with seb aur anjeer ka shake! wah wah!itne achhe pati aur pyari si bitiya ke liye mere ore se badhaiyaan badhaiyaan!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your awards...well deserved & many humble thanks for passing one on to me. I am indeed touched! Wonderful post on a family that loves to cook...how nice!! How old is your daughter? Thanks again!
ReplyDeletePhew! finished reading your post ;)...so many things in one post...wow! shake looking so gud and healthy and vadi looking yummy, convey congrat's to your daughter & hubby..gud job....
ReplyDeleteThankyou so much for the Genie award. As you mentioned we can use all the luck we can get in this day and age. I have enjoyed browsing through your blog and absolutley love the name:D Thanks for thinking of me:D
ReplyDeleteZAM ZAM ALAKAZAM! Thank you for joining us on another magical adventure, filled with love and luck! Your site has been added to the Master List at number 256. Pls update your list accordingly from the Master List, thank you very much and have a magical day! :)
ReplyDeleteGenie Princess
I like the daughter's creation..more my kind of food..
ReplyDeleteLovely presentation as always and thanks for thinking of me for the award!!!
Those gramflour squares look scruptious.....and you tell your daughter I think that shake sounds delicious!!!
ReplyDeletewow, your daughter seems to be a great cook too! the shake looks so good and healthy. the vadis are so mouth-watering. Congrats on all the well deserved awards.
ReplyDeleteGood that u posted ur family's culinary adventures. Hope to see more from ur family here.
ReplyDeleteKothimbir Vadi is in my todo list for a long time. Your post has reminded me. Hope to make it soon.
Milk shake is exciting! However your Kothimbir vadas are a stealer. Absolutely loved them.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your awards.
Aparna, thanks, and congrats!
ReplyDeleteRajani, Aap Hindi mein bolti hain to humme accha lagta hai (Hum bolega to bologe ki bolta hai!)! Badhaiyon ko zaroor pahoncha doongi:) Shukriya!
Deeba, daughter dear is 12, and a huge food critic!!
Priti, thanks! I know this turned out too long, and chatty - can't help it! Its me:)
Valli, I hope it brings you lots of luck!!
Mariuca, thanks for the luck and yes I will update mine:)
Rachel,Jayashree, Uma, I will pass that on to H:) She will be thrilled!
Jayasree, I am sure you will like this one. Do try:)
gorgeous !! it indeed tickled my tounge!! yummy
ReplyDeletethose squares look so great!! i'm definitely gonna try this. thank you so so much for the genie - right, a little luck is always welcome! :) thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on ur awards :) Kothimbir vadi never tasted but very tempting one :)
ReplyDeleteThe vadas look so good. I'm sure to try them out! Lovely pictures. The shake is a great combo too. Your daughter is following your footsteps in being a geat cook too.
ReplyDeleteThanks all for your kind words! Am sure P and Jr.H will be thrilled!
ReplyDeleteVadi's are looking ausumn and shake is combination I hear for the first time... must be very tasty...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the friend ship award... I feel honoured...
ReplyDeleteoh i am a big coriander addict and i still have some gram flour from one of my "indian cooking" experiments! i will definitely try these! thanks for your contribution to WTSIM...
ReplyDeleteI am really glad to have found your blog. It's funny how you mention your husband, because mine does the same thing. The Coriander Gramflour Squares look really good. I can't wait to give them a try!
ReplyDeleteAnisheetu, Eva, Christine - thank you:)
ReplyDeletethe kothimbir vadi was simply and lucidly explained. thank u.
ReplyDelete