tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26013014288356504112024-02-07T00:07:30.049-08:00Food GalaA vital resource for healthy and tasty food.Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-5383636904874214972011-10-06T08:30:00.000-07:002011-10-06T11:00:53.693-07:00Pizza Buns...Yummmm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmdhdZ4bxf4krRmmp4Ufz__6R_5IA3JMpLlI394Fz9I2NdG2tg6yFocdnSD_cXGWk9VfoTuJqeUVSvbGJanKr4YtfvFd0niEH4HYxEiKMoXReDPE-fYHSn_aOh4CYZjB4OijwiT-r/s1600/DSC00155.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 535px; height: 401px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmdhdZ4bxf4krRmmp4Ufz__6R_5IA3JMpLlI394Fz9I2NdG2tg6yFocdnSD_cXGWk9VfoTuJqeUVSvbGJanKr4YtfvFd0niEH4HYxEiKMoXReDPE-fYHSn_aOh4CYZjB4OijwiT-r/s400/DSC00155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660437662673573778" border="0" /></a><br />OK.. now which food has the ability to spread happiness? Yep....its pizza! I was craving for it but was not in the mood to go through the entire length process of making a full pizza. Another thing is that the original pizza is better hot and straight out of the oven . My problem is that when I make something this lengthy , I usually loose my appetite. Any one else have this problem?<br /><br />Well anyways I came across a <a href="http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2008/07/pizza-buns.html">pizza bun recipe</a> and thought VOILA! That is exactly what I need. Nice little pizza buns that I can snack on anytime and even pop into the lunch boxes for the kids. Now isnt that a nifty idea?<br /><br />I made a few changes to the original recipe and made some really bodacious buns!<br /><br />I have a nice staple recipe for making pizza dough. Here it is:<br /><br />1-1/2 tsp dry yeast<br />1/2 cup warm water<br />1/2 tsp sugar<br />1 Tbsp olive oil<br />1/2 tsp crushed garlic<br />1-1/4 cup all purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp salt<br /><br />Put the yeast in a bowl and add the warm water. Keep it covered for 1 minute. Now add the salt,sugar,garlic and oil and mix. In another bowl measure out the flour and add the water mixture to it and knead well. make it nice and elastic. Keep it covered and let it rise for about 20-30 minutes. Ok now ..punch down the dough and roll it out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Roll out the dough like this:<br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtrEK5bBNljt7X1jDs1UNPGE5otNc_wioPjsqDYoQrPRjNQgSWCK6o4KPhQcJcCJJDjuq0msTop6v9yUPdPKrJj-4Lr_MiVhtk-rsE9EqR0H-Q5bHx-zNwyk1W-F1JRUjjB5RNDNr/s1600/DSC00144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtrEK5bBNljt7X1jDs1UNPGE5otNc_wioPjsqDYoQrPRjNQgSWCK6o4KPhQcJcCJJDjuq0msTop6v9yUPdPKrJj-4Lr_MiVhtk-rsE9EqR0H-Q5bHx-zNwyk1W-F1JRUjjB5RNDNr/s400/DSC00144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660405723835649874" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Spread a thin layer of your favorite pizza sauce<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAlricKUYBhl_OMlnNUzKoVk6kxFOXkaj4BXy7-XilppPXySKqN2iFj3ofHXAxO9NLbwYdIX0AaAQ3zM0TxQpSqbwoxqWrXDJKSjauRd4MXTBWtlKUwBTIKwvdOrfwGLI3fWmQ25i/s1600/DSC00145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAlricKUYBhl_OMlnNUzKoVk6kxFOXkaj4BXy7-XilppPXySKqN2iFj3ofHXAxO9NLbwYdIX0AaAQ3zM0TxQpSqbwoxqWrXDJKSjauRd4MXTBWtlKUwBTIKwvdOrfwGLI3fWmQ25i/s400/DSC00145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660410855934575842" border="0" /></a>Sprinkle a light layer of grated Mozzarella and cheddar cheese<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkfafI-xMT-djf6adjx7DAdWinTSf5df1j3GnHcvcfqsl70WFmsWNyh3CwdcO8tx2ShSlv94jKK3jFOHVjmmpjfgKZHqWz0szGL3GiIkQqDlHJgeT4mTi6z707TVVenGmC3-2AZgC/s1600/DSC00146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkfafI-xMT-djf6adjx7DAdWinTSf5df1j3GnHcvcfqsl70WFmsWNyh3CwdcO8tx2ShSlv94jKK3jFOHVjmmpjfgKZHqWz0szGL3GiIkQqDlHJgeT4mTi6z707TVVenGmC3-2AZgC/s400/DSC00146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660413295735496226" border="0" /></a>Roll it up into a log. Make sure its not rolled too loose, nor too tight. Score the log into 1-1.5 inch sections. Now take a piece of thread or dental floss and gently lift the log and place it under the first mark. Cris-cross the thread and watch how easily it helps you too take off the first bun. Do the same with the rest of the buns and put each cut off bun on a well oiled baking pan. I lined mine with butter paper for easy cleaning.<br /><br />Its really fun and as you can see in the photo my little 7 year old chef is helping me out. Well actually she has kind of taken over the show :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dVvmKrdTrCpACorV1uA9259An5p3Mb5yF8V5nDziM5kbDM796x3UXfP4b72IEDFYOpEfkN1y2epLfXsUJwKqCKZVuN1cWzFZChGkz0jJr94hlUCDsn1Sk583oJZlnWsgtjkJDZ3a/s1600/DSC00148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dVvmKrdTrCpACorV1uA9259An5p3Mb5yF8V5nDziM5kbDM796x3UXfP4b72IEDFYOpEfkN1y2epLfXsUJwKqCKZVuN1cWzFZChGkz0jJr94hlUCDsn1Sk583oJZlnWsgtjkJDZ3a/s400/DSC00148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660427811926226898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_oIoyyWPMHk-on95flQrXdAzjIpWNpP5_OorO2V8v8vLjQob9IvuviTsn99jR30DT8fhVL2ZsDCc1zHtzEEjlZ75re8EBj3hZFwJOHsFEo0XNWI9YQjE9WhWkZZvwHffcK3QycEh/s1600/DSC00149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_oIoyyWPMHk-on95flQrXdAzjIpWNpP5_OorO2V8v8vLjQob9IvuviTsn99jR30DT8fhVL2ZsDCc1zHtzEEjlZ75re8EBj3hZFwJOHsFEo0XNWI9YQjE9WhWkZZvwHffcK3QycEh/s400/DSC00149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660422273151326338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBhUgunUN9sxrO0C0nNdqTnZQ0-Z53Wfpz5mg4llWF6NadS3fJp5XPAqiCfBcQ0oHpMc2A7DUZLxafnPnk724swByBepMlsaBR6yCdEpc5yORViXnhygXqEdeWRwZ37A5nDsXHdKF/s1600/DSC00150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBhUgunUN9sxrO0C0nNdqTnZQ0-Z53Wfpz5mg4llWF6NadS3fJp5XPAqiCfBcQ0oHpMc2A7DUZLxafnPnk724swByBepMlsaBR6yCdEpc5yORViXnhygXqEdeWRwZ37A5nDsXHdKF/s400/DSC00150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660423888353961522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU82jnQwRu6ue63aYEvHWtQkcrAwqgsMBfFSaDBwpz1plqJZ2gxAt7QAYziA4fBQIR7ZmiTZo5DobncBgUGIu3BLw7czEqXCrlgZuSXkWgLd04aauK9aY3vXAZVQuXEcL7TkIht0p/s1600/DSC00151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU82jnQwRu6ue63aYEvHWtQkcrAwqgsMBfFSaDBwpz1plqJZ2gxAt7QAYziA4fBQIR7ZmiTZo5DobncBgUGIu3BLw7czEqXCrlgZuSXkWgLd04aauK9aY3vXAZVQuXEcL7TkIht0p/s400/DSC00151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660426212004110194" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Put some extra cheese on top<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06EjviCJad-ljKIeVwL1_TFW9G9u8zc_JooO386Yi-MUUzrRh_nQI9QQwNKHwqpfuWec5uW5utdgLuEFp14Zz_hwemzgIlIjTD3uRbOGQtIeV5geHNk3xDK_cterCvjaXaBjif8sv/s1600/DSC00154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06EjviCJad-ljKIeVwL1_TFW9G9u8zc_JooO386Yi-MUUzrRh_nQI9QQwNKHwqpfuWec5uW5utdgLuEFp14Zz_hwemzgIlIjTD3uRbOGQtIeV5geHNk3xDK_cterCvjaXaBjif8sv/s400/DSC00154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660435360495319234" border="0" /></a>Bake at 375 F for about 15 minutes. Makes about 12-14 buns.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmdhdZ4bxf4krRmmp4Ufz__6R_5IA3JMpLlI394Fz9I2NdG2tg6yFocdnSD_cXGWk9VfoTuJqeUVSvbGJanKr4YtfvFd0niEH4HYxEiKMoXReDPE-fYHSn_aOh4CYZjB4OijwiT-r/s1600/DSC00155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmdhdZ4bxf4krRmmp4Ufz__6R_5IA3JMpLlI394Fz9I2NdG2tg6yFocdnSD_cXGWk9VfoTuJqeUVSvbGJanKr4YtfvFd0niEH4HYxEiKMoXReDPE-fYHSn_aOh4CYZjB4OijwiT-r/s400/DSC00155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660437662673573778" border="0" /></a><br /> The pics are not so great, but the buns definitely are!Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-55003297219110064952011-09-17T07:30:00.000-07:002011-09-17T08:50:07.167-07:00Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon-Coconut Cream Frosting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-hRkaZYC96TG79m3ZzCNoMZqToDjmpggwVMUowDt1OAdCJwHOfhj38OVn7qBFbbEbEvpySulmSdk3PY6wS-aEdGPEgHl7A-cQvFHAxqk7en_5k0yON8D9guE5mUgMM_RU0DbnM0g/s1600/DSC00224.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-hRkaZYC96TG79m3ZzCNoMZqToDjmpggwVMUowDt1OAdCJwHOfhj38OVn7qBFbbEbEvpySulmSdk3PY6wS-aEdGPEgHl7A-cQvFHAxqk7en_5k0yON8D9guE5mUgMM_RU0DbnM0g/s400/DSC00224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653347171933979970" border="0" /></a><br />Howdy All! Here is another exciting episode of my kitchen blunders and wonders! Was still in my lemon mood today. Saw a very inspiring recipe for <a href="http://quartercupkitchen.wordpress.com/2011/02/23/lemon-cupcakes-with-blueberry-pie-filling-and-lemon-buttercream/">Lemon cupcakes with lemon butter cream frosting</a> on the <a href="http://quartercupkitchen.wordpress.com/">1/4 cup Kitchen blog</a>, so I thought Why not!<br /><br />Obviously I didn't follow the recipe exactly, just used it as an inspiration. Like my mom use to say, I never listen to anyone anyways. When cooking or baking I usually don't like to use boxed and canned items and try my best to make everything from scratch, but today I made an exception. I had picked up a box of Betty Crocker's Lemon cake and used that as a base. I made 9 cup cakes and two 6" cakes.<br /><br />I have an e-version of the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whats-New-Cupcake-Ingeniously-Occasion/dp/054724181X">"What's New, Cupcake?"</a>. In the book there is a tip that if you want to make perfect cupcakes they must be a bit firm . Therefore when ever you buy a box cake mix , use 4 eggs rather than the 3 eggs written on the box. Also substitute the water written on the box ( its usually 1and 1/4 cup water) and use one cup buttermilk in its place. The water will be more in quantity but use only one cup buttermilk in its place.<br /><br />If you don't have buttermilk then no worries. Just take one cup milk and add one tablespoon of lemon juice (or vinegar) and let it stand for 10 minutes and then its good to use. Simple!<br /><br />BUT....I just followed the box recipe and added a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest for an extra zing!When the cupcakes were done and cooled ,I <a href="http://adventurousvegetarians.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/cannoli-cupcakes/">carved out a hole</a> in the top of the cupcakes and then filled them with my homemade strawberry sauce.<br /><br />For strawberry sauce take 2-3 cups fresh strawberries and cut or slice as u like..I like it chunky. Wash, dry and slice and put in a microwaveable bowl and sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice and microwave it for 3-4 minutes till it boils and then cool it. It will thicken a bit. Now fill the cupcakes with the sauce. You can use blueberry or raspberry too if you want.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JHeWp9UwUcEDxdOQ8Ni3-NTfzLOOTgocfzC2YLA_gkKWR62r1kRZHJIYXbvrDQftHJY5CylasEeWanujvxemreEz9JZXhf3LyEb2fhCFc8-DQvFV9YcLt-7BQiA5avj36EeRLcaS/s1600/DSC00218.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JHeWp9UwUcEDxdOQ8Ni3-NTfzLOOTgocfzC2YLA_gkKWR62r1kRZHJIYXbvrDQftHJY5CylasEeWanujvxemreEz9JZXhf3LyEb2fhCFc8-DQvFV9YcLt-7BQiA5avj36EeRLcaS/s400/DSC00218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653339384014738322" border="0" /></a><br />Now for the frosting. Buttercream frosting is obviously the best choice but its too sweet and I don't like too much sugar in my frosting. I'm no chef but I love to experiment. So I try to use some thing to substitute the sugar. Here is what I came up with. Its not your usual frosting but was so yummmm.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lemon- Coconut Cream Frosting:</span><br />2 cups Confectioners Sugar (I used Icing Sugar)<br />1 cup coconut cream powder<br />1/2 cup dry milk powder (I used Nido)<br />1/2 cup soft butter (227 grams- one stick)<br />1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest<br />4Tblsp fresh lemon juice (use less if you don't like it tart)<br />1/4 cup milk (if you like your frosting really tart and lemony then you can use more lemon juice in place of this milk. That's what I did ;-)<br /><br />In a bowl mix the softened butter with the lemon zest and 2tbsp milk and 2table spoon lemon juice and mix well. Then add the coconut powder and sugar slowly and and keep mixing. Slowly add the lemon juice till the frosting obtains required consistency. Chill a while and then frost the cupcakes. I used the remaining frosting on the cakes and the chilled them. They were really Yummm. I had 3 pieces already!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOmJdrAqYoenm9WNL5vZggpf6Gz7ocrxips9aB1GwhzW3aYxEKW4YpYmIXzEar4NsHb4BiPwFkPtAkFtujDsb1WUR285wjOB6JtTw_OezyRkXyRqk0HDViluSuK7Qwf662c8H8Rn4/s1600/DSC00222.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 457px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOmJdrAqYoenm9WNL5vZggpf6Gz7ocrxips9aB1GwhzW3aYxEKW4YpYmIXzEar4NsHb4BiPwFkPtAkFtujDsb1WUR285wjOB6JtTw_OezyRkXyRqk0HDViluSuK7Qwf662c8H8Rn4/s400/DSC00222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653350402349337778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipryzqPi2O6d9HT9klKjfdfjvXUXYOhyMP05aO2iqHf46rqq81LE0ionGiaNlNsAYRBrrS-9so8Smhu5yAN93R9sugTYjb6mDLPTQ8_nIbjXh5Ts8CARbalmGHqnq1M_dMEMCIch5y/s1600/DSC00220.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 451px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipryzqPi2O6d9HT9klKjfdfjvXUXYOhyMP05aO2iqHf46rqq81LE0ionGiaNlNsAYRBrrS-9so8Smhu5yAN93R9sugTYjb6mDLPTQ8_nIbjXh5Ts8CARbalmGHqnq1M_dMEMCIch5y/s400/DSC00220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653355142407316882" border="0" /></a>Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-21388665430308010392011-09-16T04:53:00.000-07:002011-09-16T05:37:35.219-07:00Magic No-Bake Lemon Cracker Pie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3ifixCgKrcsmmHbHHCUEt6p1JxpFrH9FbN5VtW1DkA8TCHTyz0HcfYwfl6MQsNCQYuyFElXhyphenhyphen5Z8ckwYf94STj7JpJZYCWDREAtVbL3wpIRZ0_qHoLPKsZENW7m3kF8Smu3wvial/s1600/DSC00210.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 578px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3ifixCgKrcsmmHbHHCUEt6p1JxpFrH9FbN5VtW1DkA8TCHTyz0HcfYwfl6MQsNCQYuyFElXhyphenhyphen5Z8ckwYf94STj7JpJZYCWDREAtVbL3wpIRZ0_qHoLPKsZENW7m3kF8Smu3wvial/s400/DSC00210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652934044305522962" border="0" /></a><br />Living in Lahore-Pakistan means getting use to the 10 months of sun. This translates into "a looong hot summer". Now if your anything like me, then you just have to have something sweet after a meal and in hot weather it has to be light ,cool and refreshing! But.....you also want to avoid toiling long hours over the stove. Sounds Familiar?<br /><br />How many of you think anything "LEMONY" as a perfect summer dessert? Yes? Really? Ok now your my kinda person!<br /><br />I love food and I love all the new food blogs popping up everyday. The best thing about these food blogs are that they usually mention recipes that the blogger has ACTUALLY tried themselves and then they also give tips and variations to take it up to the next level of delight-fullness.<br /><br />In my search for a nice cool lemony dessert I stumbled upon a super awesome blog called <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/">Serious Eats</a>. This has now become one of my favorite blogs. On this blog, I found a recipe for a <a href="http://sweets.seriouseats.com/2011/07/sweet-hacks-10-minute-no-bake-lime-cracker-pie.html">10 minute no-bake Lime Cracker pie</a>. I searched some more and found the same recipe tried by <a href="http://thecookiescoop.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-bake-lime-cracker-pie.html">The Cookie Scoop blog</a>. This recipe was explained better on the second blog as it had step by step photos to take us through the stages visually. I love anything that has a lot of visual representation.<br /><br />So now its my turn. Im now posting my version of the recipe with photos taken by yours truly :)<br /><br />The photos may not at all be up to the mark as I have seen on many other blogs. Reason being that I just started taking food pics a few days ago and am at the beginners level . I had no idea its so technical but through trial and error I might be able to take a few good ones. So do cut me some slack till then :(<br /><br />Another thing I must mention before posting the recipe is that the original recipe requires a few products that are not available here. I have visited some of the top food stores here and cant find Key limes anywhere. So I swapped them with lemons. The lemons here are really good. They are not as large as the ones you find in the US but just as good.<br /><br />Then there are the imported items that are only available in very few stores in the top metropolitan cities like RITZ crackers, Borden Condensed milk etc. So Im giving you the local substitutes that I used and the result was just as tasty!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ33OiguN_Ddqa57bP33ygW-ARqJZri9rnHAliAm-opROB2gBbq9yDCYuKE4m8yZmrKNJBWyKcgj_qPKsQ4XC2Vv2PxLeyihcFhrtfPHl8JeA8IPnSbAKursnZVWrgGWLM4qAaq9OF/s1600/DSC00197.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 583px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ33OiguN_Ddqa57bP33ygW-ARqJZri9rnHAliAm-opROB2gBbq9yDCYuKE4m8yZmrKNJBWyKcgj_qPKsQ4XC2Vv2PxLeyihcFhrtfPHl8JeA8IPnSbAKursnZVWrgGWLM4qAaq9OF/s400/DSC00197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652921397192365986" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No-Bake Lemon Cracker Pie:</span><br />This is a lemony, salty, sweet dessert that requires just 4 ingredients!<br /><br />29 Saltish Crackers (approx one box or two half sized pouches)<br />One Cup Cream (250 grams approx)<br />1/4 cup Lemon Juice<br />One 14oz tin Condensed Milk<br />1tsp Lemon rind<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step One</span>: Empty the contents on the condensed milk tin into a bowl. Now mix in the heavy cream and stir till combined.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKFStVYWXhLoNgkUtMZ4TMtPPUxD4ZwHAW4cTpxxSc9RWR0S-39NSrrpS_E2MIgJTzNqM4pSS7yooPnbBjqzf9_dOegUL1Hj671HCTcon14tBcKXmw7ApAa2jQ1gwJ-6HjRjYN-Vv/s1600/DSC00198.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKFStVYWXhLoNgkUtMZ4TMtPPUxD4ZwHAW4cTpxxSc9RWR0S-39NSrrpS_E2MIgJTzNqM4pSS7yooPnbBjqzf9_dOegUL1Hj671HCTcon14tBcKXmw7ApAa2jQ1gwJ-6HjRjYN-Vv/s400/DSC00198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652923933626072194" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step Two:</span> Add lemon juice to the cream mixture and stir/ whisk swiftly. You will see that the mixture suddenly thickens up into a custard like consistency. That means your doing good. Keep going.. Almost done ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step Three:</span> Take a pie dish or what ever you prefer to serve it in. I used a square glass dish that is about 5-6inches. Now spread a layer of this lemony custard on the bottom of the dish and place a layer of the crackers on it , then again pour custard on it and continue layering.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYO35xZHtU55T3SkEJtqxeQnaD-Ul7bjTNlO6s85qzMT-v1xZL0xZcrE4IYWQybau2GyRr-sxrtHwwDGcK4thDmm3kKZBU_hp93I5AHGZo0lEAXSfB7kbgm2-FLJj3-bw4YwVv78S/s1600/DSC00205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYO35xZHtU55T3SkEJtqxeQnaD-Ul7bjTNlO6s85qzMT-v1xZL0xZcrE4IYWQybau2GyRr-sxrtHwwDGcK4thDmm3kKZBU_hp93I5AHGZo0lEAXSfB7kbgm2-FLJj3-bw4YwVv78S/s400/DSC00205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652927412619606418" border="0" /></a><br />The last layer must be the custard. Then top your pie with some kind of decoration. Those making the Lime pie can grate some peel on top to make it look pretty. But I used lemons so I improvised by decorating it with lemon slices. I know.. I know... I need to work on my food styling.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiSAqmVce18lv209P0poqx0LmWJhw5_G0wCF4VktyWpl-fp8dQNKk7ygD8Cnvuy1vPkJolZqh2sYG3wi1roPCWLNivDD43MKwZb_s-H-uM-28iaXfvYHONu1VtT5YwgWLRhHNYS25/s1600/DSC00207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiSAqmVce18lv209P0poqx0LmWJhw5_G0wCF4VktyWpl-fp8dQNKk7ygD8Cnvuy1vPkJolZqh2sYG3wi1roPCWLNivDD43MKwZb_s-H-uM-28iaXfvYHONu1VtT5YwgWLRhHNYS25/s400/DSC00207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652930799131274834" border="0" /></a><br />Now put it in the fridge overnight or at least 7-8 hours if you want it to set right. If you take it out any sooner then you will have round crackers running around in loose pudding. Believe me...As the impatient person I am, I took it out after 2 hours and ummm ...it wasn't quite a pie, but still super yummy!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Variations:</span><br /><ul><li>Now if you don't like the sweet and salty combo you can easily replace the crackers with graham crackers, wheat cookies or better yet MARIE cookies. It will give you an even better pie taste. </li></ul><ul><li>Also this custard can be mixed with other fruits too like bananas or mangoes or even fruit fillings.</li></ul><ul><li>Instead of lemon juice you can use orange juice and gingersnaps in place of the crackers.</li></ul>Use your imagination and the combinations are endless!! Will be awaiting your feedback!Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-84119426556059891912011-08-25T10:25:00.000-07:002011-08-25T12:18:48.384-07:00How to Color Sugar in just a few seconds!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAY8DZp-Z2ttfOGv12x2yKYfkvfxWKq8ghTXK2bmho_4hMy27wNLAmo5dIC7LuEC1A1k0Bkpl9rML9ZZzWjmeKfAkKXaNeRkgWk6M7Z7Bo3kE8zp83R9SEbEG4A2QQnFx-MQFUoZmK/s1600/img_2302.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 499px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAY8DZp-Z2ttfOGv12x2yKYfkvfxWKq8ghTXK2bmho_4hMy27wNLAmo5dIC7LuEC1A1k0Bkpl9rML9ZZzWjmeKfAkKXaNeRkgWk6M7Z7Bo3kE8zp83R9SEbEG4A2QQnFx-MQFUoZmK/s400/img_2302.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644874567530153170" border="0" /></a>Want to make sugar cookies, but don't have any colored sugar ?Well no worries! I have the world's most easy method to make your own colored sugar. You can dye it in a matter of seconds and even make new colors too!
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<br />In the modern world decorative and colored sugars can be easily available but also quite expensive. Well in my opinion if you have sugar and food color at home then why waste money on it?
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<br />In my part of the world we cant easily find these decorative items and they are only available at high class grocery stores that stock imported items. So its really a big hassle to get this kind of stuff. Some shops may only have one color or may be none at all. So I usually try to adapt the do-it-yourself mode in such a situation. Most of the items I make are from scratch. This way anyone can make them. Most recipes on the net involve many ready made items that are not available globally. For example Betty Crocker cake mixes, taco seasoning, etc. So making it from scratch makes it easy for anyone to follow.
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<br />Ok now for coloring the sugar. Take a jar and put the required amount of sugar in it. If the sugar has large crystals then that's the best kind to use. Otherwise any will do.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OftqFEnxfkPaWiJrrut9ADbE-jhsbIAKc-TedUkFeFI_4ux8lwpS7yjI1fT0p-pzEyTI53Fhzuy9eJP-yr3MHJobtTDO06ADDwUR6uvUnm6Z_LJnLti6BtkfOIehlAQsZ8pvIWgf/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OftqFEnxfkPaWiJrrut9ADbE-jhsbIAKc-TedUkFeFI_4ux8lwpS7yjI1fT0p-pzEyTI53Fhzuy9eJP-yr3MHJobtTDO06ADDwUR6uvUnm6Z_LJnLti6BtkfOIehlAQsZ8pvIWgf/s400/IMG_1621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644861502887174770" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Now add a few drops of the required food color. I'm using green. Use a few drops initially and then increase the number of drops until you get the required color.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqnmXzuIggzJfPwEsC2l7kYt1ptw6IeGuVN9by2I-e1n9pUwl_iUcs8FRt474Ka24PSitbTzQLXqxwv_Juv7ouyAD9DxOuQUmt0fAnmHiQX7CJeMazuknaN7ubZUfzozuq6wdc_pu/s1600/IMG_1622.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqnmXzuIggzJfPwEsC2l7kYt1ptw6IeGuVN9by2I-e1n9pUwl_iUcs8FRt474Ka24PSitbTzQLXqxwv_Juv7ouyAD9DxOuQUmt0fAnmHiQX7CJeMazuknaN7ubZUfzozuq6wdc_pu/s400/IMG_1622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644862408335709730" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Now shake the bottle well and make sure all the sugar is evenly coated. and Viola! you have green sugar!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK26FyUVuoHy7LC6_43Xl0hSun-_awtObauiBCKhvzZzrb-4YtvG_VNm_kaE-fL2ccbm_PchvI1oGtTTkj29uaX8e13j9wUyEAkMIPm-upfAoNqo4Tm4L41fEtCrgCKTtHnWvPw1i/s1600/IMG_1623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK26FyUVuoHy7LC6_43Xl0hSun-_awtObauiBCKhvzZzrb-4YtvG_VNm_kaE-fL2ccbm_PchvI1oGtTTkj29uaX8e13j9wUyEAkMIPm-upfAoNqo4Tm4L41fEtCrgCKTtHnWvPw1i/s400/IMG_1623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644865038645361778" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Tip: If your going to use it later then its best to spread the sugar out and let it dry and then store it.. Now enjoy sugar cookies and other desserts with colored sugar and no pinch on the wallet!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPyvOd-48KJcIPvtyVj7W1invdAGmsF-R6M4RTS1KyuzSwX6IZpkzVz9xG9cpNEKcY72ZySIeDWh5RW3TX2ZwE-zBIS0cKuvvnVlpgc09nd2obHq-YJidMDTIAMrLzERh3bi61ZR6/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPyvOd-48KJcIPvtyVj7W1invdAGmsF-R6M4RTS1KyuzSwX6IZpkzVz9xG9cpNEKcY72ZySIeDWh5RW3TX2ZwE-zBIS0cKuvvnVlpgc09nd2obHq-YJidMDTIAMrLzERh3bi61ZR6/s400/IMG_1627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644866118952934834" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-44426483047277537292011-08-23T06:48:00.000-07:002011-08-23T08:02:02.432-07:00Quick and Easy Kulfi Ice CreamIn this hot and humid month of Ramadan I was craving for something cool and satisfying. What could be better than yummy rich Kulfi! I wanted to make it, BUT not slave over the heat of the stove for hours. So I tried a few short cuts and came up with an outstanding recipe. Here it is :
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVdIc5O6wVkjww7KVOfrvU2C3v88R970efbM0XSW4aYL5VhesWTMNwKDYZVkWxqSngO1kOQwVAdabaAPuAymtiShOZWLCWt-vEXi4LmEGCCry7vR5ITBhGSxsaPgo3Wlf05PHRxx1/s1600/icecream006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 497px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVdIc5O6wVkjww7KVOfrvU2C3v88R970efbM0XSW4aYL5VhesWTMNwKDYZVkWxqSngO1kOQwVAdabaAPuAymtiShOZWLCWt-vEXi4LmEGCCry7vR5ITBhGSxsaPgo3Wlf05PHRxx1/s400/icecream006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644065687100440642" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kulfi Ice Cream</span>
<br />1 Liter milk (4 cups)
<br />1/2 tin condensed milk (7 oz)
<br />6-8 pods of green cardamon
<br />1 tbsp sugar
<br />4 slightly heaped Tbsp of milk powder ( I used NIDO)
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Method:</span>
<br />Take out the black seeds from the green cardamon pods and waste the husks. Now grind these seeds with 1 tbsp sugar till fine powder and set aside.
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<br />Take a heavy based pan and pour in 3 cups milk, the cardamon and sugar powder, 1/2 tin condensed milk. Then in the remaining one cup of milk mix in the 4 tbsp milk powder then also add this to the pan. Now turn on the heat and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Now remove from heat and cool a bit and pour into the Kulfi molds, or a pudding molds or Popsicle molds...what ever you have will do. Then freeze well. When frozen ENJOY!..they were sooo good.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Variations:</span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLk4pLB5s4TBghimMmRNzwUrffmVhXww4yn5HbTXJ3bYs-Pd3haoenc8d8Y4NN5RwiGRWVBg-1hE-YIj1ytY4TQS36ez1IhHezBzSxvljdavKWJyNdkFmO74ikLlr9_aZAt2t-ke1/s1600/Saffron-kulfi-Ice-cream-Recipe-300x225.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLk4pLB5s4TBghimMmRNzwUrffmVhXww4yn5HbTXJ3bYs-Pd3haoenc8d8Y4NN5RwiGRWVBg-1hE-YIj1ytY4TQS36ez1IhHezBzSxvljdavKWJyNdkFmO74ikLlr9_aZAt2t-ke1/s400/Saffron-kulfi-Ice-cream-Recipe-300x225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644066673303833058" border="0" /></a>
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<br />After cool you can add 1/2 cup chopped roasted almonds or Pistachios then freeze
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<br />Or for Saffron Kufli ( kesar, zafraan) you can add some strand of Saffron to 2-tblsp warm milk then add to Kulfi mixture and freeze..All are super yummy!
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<br />Do let me know if you enjoyed!
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<br />Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-14160138406633549892011-08-21T12:48:00.000-07:002011-08-24T12:53:41.228-07:00Quick & Easy Dessert Recipe: Candi CustardThere are so many varieties of desserts. Change one ingredient and you have added a whole new dimension to the dish. A dash of creativity and and a drop of imagination makes the possibilities endless.I have for you here a very quick, easy and yummy dessert recipe.With some slight variations you can create a new master piece every time.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJdBj7hnhn2KSLZJHfaRnEf2_OXflCqB-RQMs4cShRobEoEbO-P9PcvjYCPyexb-LI0l9VosFM9se9IjgUrzdmEFj9Knm9aogbrR1ti4_O3oUWa1b_V1l2UQlYssxxT5rqhgvI8Po/s1600/14876vanilla_custard.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 493px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJdBj7hnhn2KSLZJHfaRnEf2_OXflCqB-RQMs4cShRobEoEbO-P9PcvjYCPyexb-LI0l9VosFM9se9IjgUrzdmEFj9Knm9aogbrR1ti4_O3oUWa1b_V1l2UQlYssxxT5rqhgvI8Po/s400/14876vanilla_custard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644511589083229954" border="0" /></a>Let me give you a run through of the basic dessert first and we can variate later. There are just 4 ingredients:
<br /><a href="http://www.continentalbiscuits.com.pk/candi_original.html">
<br />One box Candi Biscuits </a>( coarsely crushed)
<br />2 cups thick cream
<br />3 -4 Cups vanilla Custard (prepared and cooled)
<br />Fruit ( either pineapple chunks, sliced bananas or apples sauteed with a little sugar )
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<br />Take a nice 8" glass dish and line it with the crushed Candi Biscuits, then pour prepared <a href="http://www.unilever.pk/brands/foodbrands/Rafhan.aspx">custard </a>over it. Then layer it with thick cream and then the fruit. Repeat layers twice and end by covering top layer with the crushed cookies... Chill and enjoy... Now what could be more simple?
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<br />As for the variation you can variate by changing the type of cookies, the flavor of the custard/pudding and the fruits. For example use oatmeal cookies, chocolate pudding,strawberries and whipped cream for a whole new range of flavors! You can also add granola instead of the cookies to give it a crunch and turn it into a more healthy option. This dessert looks super in individual glass servings too.
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<br />Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-32130861062621594902011-08-21T04:23:00.000-07:002011-08-21T05:01:49.241-07:00Recipe: No Bake Chocolate Cake - Super Hit!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ48FILtir51n7BQ15gBB9t5r2kJJyQu2aEhY04-nUdS_Z4hyphenhyphenClswazk4wUjTaRGum7cmnx6mmifCkp_0Mvd7lceQz5Cd-oMkz10PMRW6z29JssUrpVSjixcn_mINiTQExGfLEU-8/s1600/chocolate%252Bbiscuit%252Bcake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 517px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ48FILtir51n7BQ15gBB9t5r2kJJyQu2aEhY04-nUdS_Z4hyphenhyphenClswazk4wUjTaRGum7cmnx6mmifCkp_0Mvd7lceQz5Cd-oMkz10PMRW6z29JssUrpVSjixcn_mINiTQExGfLEU-8/s400/chocolate%252Bbiscuit%252Bcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643276524184996914" border="0" /></a>
<br />Chocolate is an all time favorite. I dont know of many people that DON'T like it. As for me , I am a chocoholic. I always have some stashed away hidden from everybody, then again ...who doesn't ;)
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<br />I will now share a recipe that I have been making for many years and has always been a super hit. The taste is somewhat of a chilled snickers bar, so if you like that, you will surely enjoy this one!
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No Bake Chocolate Cake Recipe:</span>
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<br />6 0z Butter
<br />2 tsp cocoa powder
<br />2 eggs
<br />7 tbsp white sugar
<br />1 pack of Marie Biscuits
<br />1/2 cup of roasted peanuts (you can use any nut)
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<br />Fill a heavy based iron pan with water and put it on the stove to boil.
<br />Take another pan (that will fit into the larger pan of water) and in it put the butter, eggs, sugar and cocoa. Mix well. When the water in the larger pan begins to boil , put the bowl with the mixture in the water ( Also called a Ban marie) and stir constantly til the mixture thickens.
<br />Then take it off the stove and allow to cool a bit. When a bit cooler add the crushed Marie Biscuits and Crushed peanuts. Mix and coat well. Now pour this mixture into a 6-8 inch spring form pan lined with butter paper and chill in freezer for 5-6 hours. Then remove from pan , slice and enjoy!
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<br />Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-23103286809773360732011-08-21T03:43:00.000-07:002011-08-21T04:11:26.371-07:00The Bento Box - Good things in small packages!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWtuRJPeYcafyMb7dn4G7KkeDP-oPVdI0DQePk2Ei5_gxeUt9g9wk3r_EVRePt1epjBpOn7w6J76Ap9AGnCXIjPo1CRSX4Q9WBytpRLU_AYLvvEYSdqwl8UaDZ-9O-xKtek0EgMI2/s1600/bento_box_real.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWtuRJPeYcafyMb7dn4G7KkeDP-oPVdI0DQePk2Ei5_gxeUt9g9wk3r_EVRePt1epjBpOn7w6J76Ap9AGnCXIjPo1CRSX4Q9WBytpRLU_AYLvvEYSdqwl8UaDZ-9O-xKtek0EgMI2/s400/bento_box_real.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643261763266181826" border="0" /></a>
<br />Bento is Japanese for a single person meal. The Bento box is a box that has various compartments , each containing a different food item. Traditionally it consisted of rice, fish, meat, pickled or cooked veggies as a side dish. The Japanese women were suppose to be able to produce a very appealing and tasty Bento box meals, but now they can be found in various places as take out lunches and fast food. Its history and origin can be found at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento_box">Wikipedia</a>.
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<br />Here is a Salmon Teriyaki Bento box I found at the <a href="http://www.yummy-licious.info/2011/01/if-you-cant-decide-what-to-order-salmon-teriyaki-bento-box/">yummi-licious blog</a>.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJzhWILeQRLUAiTEVxBVOaaXGzhYVjN_BOn0_k0hQQuOar3EhX19DEibpEoJ0KsIWIwCeJpe8oZ43eD6sJuvs7cJ19eVzLFuNFV1W3P6OhuzC247BjGhRa1rm-93Jc7li1Kryhduo/s1600/salmon+teriyaki+bento-box.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJzhWILeQRLUAiTEVxBVOaaXGzhYVjN_BOn0_k0hQQuOar3EhX19DEibpEoJ0KsIWIwCeJpe8oZ43eD6sJuvs7cJ19eVzLFuNFV1W3P6OhuzC247BjGhRa1rm-93Jc7li1Kryhduo/s400/salmon+teriyaki+bento-box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643262521537113842" border="0" /></a>
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<br />The Japanese people are very meticulous when it comes to food. It not only has to taste good, but also has to look even better! They have turned it into a form of art. Here are some awesome ones for <a href="http://www.femtalks.com/design/charaben-japanese-bento-box-food-design/">kids</a>! I would love to dig into one now...Yummmmm
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXeGct3Zh8qmfJBGlf6xIL4HOtjNw0-Mz_st7kckVmSOAjWk4W6fpq6OABzxjq4t59u6xALWg4FeLt0jFrmfoKwuITKgMY5j12xSJQzQqwg6SkokLf6nAh1qNsuo61nP2oxGS0tE1/s1600/cute-best-japanese-food-art-bento-box-03.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXeGct3Zh8qmfJBGlf6xIL4HOtjNw0-Mz_st7kckVmSOAjWk4W6fpq6OABzxjq4t59u6xALWg4FeLt0jFrmfoKwuITKgMY5j12xSJQzQqwg6SkokLf6nAh1qNsuo61nP2oxGS0tE1/s400/cute-best-japanese-food-art-bento-box-03.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643263203610611666" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6VWJqQ-44qja0Fd_q1oarQYEh9bESn5sihBg3s4ZASzMQ_59djHzdKgYfuOnKcMRSAsAeAGM1n2uFclD0DLP-Q0tC-3rynvrTsq9WwbFkb1R1Ql80kqUKM_AwDzbgtUO0sJfD9Z9/s1600/bento-art-lunch-art-04.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6VWJqQ-44qja0Fd_q1oarQYEh9bESn5sihBg3s4ZASzMQ_59djHzdKgYfuOnKcMRSAsAeAGM1n2uFclD0DLP-Q0tC-3rynvrTsq9WwbFkb1R1Ql80kqUKM_AwDzbgtUO0sJfD9Z9/s400/bento-art-lunch-art-04.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643264580007955602" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9irwmWaAbAMR_WOHl0hJY8AkKGSVqHqdx9i4Dgjb22APmORZQhTH8h3QlmBqUnLNill9odfdvsTIFNzUPJKfJR2ue9v95defetwbrPONT8sSIXrPiUY-gPGYZE6pM6_7thSuhX0a/s1600/bento-art-lunch-art-06.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9irwmWaAbAMR_WOHl0hJY8AkKGSVqHqdx9i4Dgjb22APmORZQhTH8h3QlmBqUnLNill9odfdvsTIFNzUPJKfJR2ue9v95defetwbrPONT8sSIXrPiUY-gPGYZE6pM6_7thSuhX0a/s400/bento-art-lunch-art-06.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643264588983890690" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-65013256960809844762011-08-20T13:34:00.000-07:002011-08-20T14:09:36.639-07:00White Gazpacho Soup vs. Cucumber RaitaI was going through some food blogs today and came to a very interesting conclusion. There are many foods of different cultures that are actually quite similar to one another. But since they have various exotic names ,it sometimes becomes hard to tell .
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<br />Let me start off by telling you about <a href="http://thefoodillusion.wordpress.com/2010/08/21/recipe-super-easy-white-gazpacho/">White Gazapacho Soup </a>. Now gazpacho is basically a Spanish cold soup that is made of raw vegetables. Usually tomatoes but in this case since the soup is suppose to be "white" so it uses cucumbers. Here's a recipes that I found off an excellent blog called <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/">100 days of real food</a>.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYubnzLEY-XkX1H3iGrfNwWKrn76mHrZQgMLtqYSeUJKgS2EXkmpnAaPJ0S2UX7Xgj41O6kEekIjlYqLKB-VsK4kBcmvSO1z-zW4dCUcET_K8elotT6brwtNzd4b2ACdNKADF1HQN/s1600/gazpacho.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYubnzLEY-XkX1H3iGrfNwWKrn76mHrZQgMLtqYSeUJKgS2EXkmpnAaPJ0S2UX7Xgj41O6kEekIjlYqLKB-VsK4kBcmvSO1z-zW4dCUcET_K8elotT6brwtNzd4b2ACdNKADF1HQN/s400/gazpacho.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643043331218889426" border="0" /></a>
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<br />This <a href="http://thefoodillusion.wordpress.com/2010/08/21/recipe-super-easy-white-gazpacho/">White Gazpacho Soup </a>uses cucumbers, garlic, parsley, yogurt, sour cream, vinegar and salt and everything is blended into a puree and served as soup. Here is a <a href="http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2010/07/how_to_make_dovetails_white_ga.html">gourmet version</a> of the same.
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<br />OK now in my part of the world i.e. Pakistan, we have something called "Kheeray ka Raita" which is cucumber raita. Raita is a condiment uses as a sauce or dip. It accompanies many meals during the summer time and can be consumed with curry, rice or bread.
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<br />My favorite recipe is to take 2 cups of nice thick yogurt and add one large grated cucumber to it. Then add salt and black pepper to taste along with 1/4-1/2 level tsp of garlic powder. That's it. Your good to go!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk_nGAHlyh0-8wQCx13_pFKMly7oWqZzz5WTtDJ5Ssqb-iKKjJrXdk0ZTteOzIMowHWwWGsgsIfHTYPZl2GfnFmGyU436tE1o49i3qEipcWTOdtle4nHGbvu2Xsu2Nq-Et9F6P8ls/s1600/cucumber-raita-30.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk_nGAHlyh0-8wQCx13_pFKMly7oWqZzz5WTtDJ5Ssqb-iKKjJrXdk0ZTteOzIMowHWwWGsgsIfHTYPZl2GfnFmGyU436tE1o49i3qEipcWTOdtle4nHGbvu2Xsu2Nq-Et9F6P8ls/s400/cucumber-raita-30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643045417716979170" border="0" /></a>
<br />The soup is obviously finer in texture and the raita is lumpy and has a nice bite to it. The former is used as starter or course in a meal and the latter is a condiment. Therefore I cant say they are both the same thing but quite similar. I found this comparison quite interesting and hope you did too. Ahhhhh the wonderful world of food!
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<br />Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-91760683352712795552011-08-19T08:56:00.000-07:002011-08-19T09:54:49.892-07:00Sattu and Shakar ka SharbatToday Im going to share with you one of my favorite summer drinks that is packed with energy and has a cooling effects on the body too. Its Sattu in Shakar ka Sharbat.
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<br />Sattu is basically dry roasted grains that are ground into a course powder or meal. It can be of wheat, barley (jaw), oat, green gram, horse gram (chana dal). A classical favorite of mine is the barley <span style="font-style: italic;">"sattu"</span>.
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<br />For me I love sattu in shakar ka sharbat. <span style="font-style: italic;">"Shakar"</span> is raw cane sugar or non crystallized brown sugar. Just mix it with water and you have raw cane sugar sherbat. This is a very popular drink in Punjab in both India and Pakistan during the summer.
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<br />Let me give you a step by step recipe for this awesome summer cooler.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Step one: Take a glass of cold water
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oOUJ8eUm3N5XpWMXiWtHotJnYZ8-2pl0_Mdr21-tls_t-kBndjxhW6rNaxSAMRQ9T82sN2xL3X5l5oJMFr789rhu-jfJCrAd-s5ZEttfFQh4Cbh1hKN_zYZUm8zP1DDelNYiBM4-/s1600/one.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oOUJ8eUm3N5XpWMXiWtHotJnYZ8-2pl0_Mdr21-tls_t-kBndjxhW6rNaxSAMRQ9T82sN2xL3X5l5oJMFr789rhu-jfJCrAd-s5ZEttfFQh4Cbh1hKN_zYZUm8zP1DDelNYiBM4-/s200/one.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642603828721571442" border="0" /></a>
<br />Step 2: Add 4-5 tsps of raw cane sugar ( as per desired sweetness) and stir to make sharbat
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXofi4U0hO9voe6H0hCnjk_6Iptv-LjXsCfPgyGYJ6f9C4pQqb6ddP8bh_OCdAgsRVBNtiv4XELQCwSvAF9pUFO-sDS4ksFCQ1hsvZJz5CVht56KckF8s01hX1Aq4kTYK-tw6p_vXG/s1600/thre.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXofi4U0hO9voe6H0hCnjk_6Iptv-LjXsCfPgyGYJ6f9C4pQqb6ddP8bh_OCdAgsRVBNtiv4XELQCwSvAF9pUFO-sDS4ksFCQ1hsvZJz5CVht56KckF8s01hX1Aq4kTYK-tw6p_vXG/s200/thre.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642604343795619410" border="0" /></a>
<br />Step 3: Now add ice and chill then add 2-3 Tbsps of Sattu and mix and enjoy!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC_CJO_VxEehZOO-7zXo9YMOLNyil3enhBtJn06qWP_QHZrWJUGg8jIzqoLD9sX62asgQjeHHIu6_Eqbd1gaXecQ-vUGCBzkmIv_JEzlqTeEM_GoMAi2Iz8pb1CJWN_P8Ce3JbjoG/s1600/fiv.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC_CJO_VxEehZOO-7zXo9YMOLNyil3enhBtJn06qWP_QHZrWJUGg8jIzqoLD9sX62asgQjeHHIu6_Eqbd1gaXecQ-vUGCBzkmIv_JEzlqTeEM_GoMAi2Iz8pb1CJWN_P8Ce3JbjoG/s200/fiv.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642606911311322082" border="0" /></a>
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<br /></div>Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-11725771165010500732011-08-19T06:59:00.000-07:002011-08-19T07:50:11.464-07:00Falsa (Grewia Asiatica)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim7okaVY6fE-F2mGHlCNZoi9u-ZMRedL4TSWP3wBqkmp98Pa0wuMs1SlAZroHBUMW9RBQoePL_rS29dRDossFBvJ6hWSbfTds7hROU4k0ccWEIEdgixtRhZDq0MKSolHyhuvXSqBZ/s1600/50512_92091589322_8512_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim7okaVY6fE-F2mGHlCNZoi9u-ZMRedL4TSWP3wBqkmp98Pa0wuMs1SlAZroHBUMW9RBQoePL_rS29dRDossFBvJ6hWSbfTds7hROU4k0ccWEIEdgixtRhZDq0MKSolHyhuvXSqBZ/s400/50512_92091589322_8512_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642578235948105970" border="0" /></a>
<br />God has bestowed this Earth with numerous organic gems. One of them is the "Falsa" which is also known as Grewia Asiatica. Its is a dark purple berry like fruit that has a sweet and tangy flavor and small hard seeds. This fruit is indigenous to Pakistan and India but can now be found in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
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<br />In the summer is seems to be one of the most sought after fruits. It also has immense medicinal value as all parts of the plant is used and very beneficial.
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<br />BARK: Infusions are used to reliever fever and used as a remedy for stomach problems and indigestion. Also used to purify sugar cane juice and in the process of making brown sugar.
<br />LEAVES: Have an antibiotic effect and used to heal cuts ,wounds and rashes
<br />FRUIT: Eaten whole has many benefits.
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<br />Treatment of liver and gall bladder problems<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftRyVLdR6YAQAaotdGM_H9i_QPqnH3rrkJfgShQ-Jo3eAyvNh3UViOb9d1O1m07Yp-zz7wTIoCY5ZxHh6Tedi-UX2h9ObvOwYkrAiBEEcNrGGjqEmjAmcumQj72PhyphenhyphenjxQ5TriiFa_/s1600/falsa+juice.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftRyVLdR6YAQAaotdGM_H9i_QPqnH3rrkJfgShQ-Jo3eAyvNh3UViOb9d1O1m07Yp-zz7wTIoCY5ZxHh6Tedi-UX2h9ObvOwYkrAiBEEcNrGGjqEmjAmcumQj72PhyphenhyphenjxQ5TriiFa_/s400/falsa+juice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642578329239873218" border="0" /></a>
<br />Regulating blood pressure
<br />Regulating cholesterol levels
<br />Relief from coughs and colds
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<br />The Falsa sherbat is an excellent remedy for sunstroke . Here's a recipe :
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<br />Falsa fruit : 1kg ( 2.2lbs)
<br />Water : 4 cups
<br />Sugar : 2cups
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<br />Make 2 cups of sugar syrup by boiling 2 cups sugar with 2 cups water. When thick set aside. Soak the washed fruit in 4 cups water for at least 4 hours. Then blend the fruit and water and pass it through a fine sieve. Now mix the sieved juice with the sugar syrup. Add salt or black salt as desired and chill well and serve! YummmmMarryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-39303627500931989022011-08-17T06:33:00.000-07:002011-08-17T07:14:48.887-07:00Nando's Peri Peri Chicken : Review
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFMXKISux4IOIrn3iuP31Yc8byrnsdNCzx-I5WkRFsEl9ZR2vSo4mgkXOTtU2yKWCUPGFC8MXiyxFGI3DGetIFepIKbNccZHui5Ob9071anAASTQym9n5d5-2sDgl7z_3oQXB6vhyphenhyphen/s1600/nandoslogo.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFMXKISux4IOIrn3iuP31Yc8byrnsdNCzx-I5WkRFsEl9ZR2vSo4mgkXOTtU2yKWCUPGFC8MXiyxFGI3DGetIFepIKbNccZHui5Ob9071anAASTQym9n5d5-2sDgl7z_3oQXB6vhyphenhyphen/s400/nandoslogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641827750773648850" border="0" /></a>
<br />My family wanted to eat out and wanted a new experience. I had suggested Nando's as I had heard a lot about the "Peri Peri Chicken" , but still had not tried it. Since chicken is an all time favorite and a no-fail choice, therefore with a unanimous vote it was decided. Peri Peri is a small red hot fiery South African Chilli.
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<br />Ok now off we go. The ambiance was nice but it was quite a small place in Defense, Lahore, Pakistan. While trodding through the menu we found a very limited choice. Not many things to choose from. By this time the skeptic in me was wide awake and very busy analyzing every aspect of the experience.
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<br />The order: We are one of those people who relish all that is hot and spicy. Despite the warning that the waiter gave us , we decided to order the extra hot version of the whole chicken . Now this came with a choice of 4 side servings and viola! They only had a choice of 4 side servings.Hmmmm. I told the waiter to bring one of each. They were cole slaw, peri peri wedges, normal french fries and peri peri rice.
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<br />We were four people so the chicken was cut into 4 pieces. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWERvvp2Ry5dxKTuHw5J3H-JIVX2BUfnfb5VuWAPpSVxR8IpS-1uJw-HI9EdNO8oYLzMR8A10XzrcB3cuhmj_Y1fbwEQij-j4zskGLAqFpfip-RBaWs50CMlyZXEbBOfxxg8ZoE1eH/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWERvvp2Ry5dxKTuHw5J3H-JIVX2BUfnfb5VuWAPpSVxR8IpS-1uJw-HI9EdNO8oYLzMR8A10XzrcB3cuhmj_Y1fbwEQij-j4zskGLAqFpfip-RBaWs50CMlyZXEbBOfxxg8ZoE1eH/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641827929084756930" border="0" /></a>It seems that the chef put it on one plate and then cut it up as one plate was splattered with the sauce. Even so they could have taken a second to clean the plate. OK that's the second negative mark. The first was sticky dirty cutlery.
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<br />We all first tasted the 4 side orders. All passed with flying colors! We especially liked the peri peri rice. It was light, spicy and very different. Now for the main course. I carved out a piece and very skeptically tasted it. OK WOW! It was very very different, not very spicy but unique and delicious! I loved it! It was cooked well and very tasty. I must say being a food lover and avid recipe tester, this one was a winner! We will definitely try it again!
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<br />Ok now after this experience the cook in me wondered what could be a nice clone recipe that I can make from scratch at home. I know that we can easily find the Nando's marinades and sauces in the market, but I wanted something that I could make fresh and change it to suit my needs. I found the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0owWwNHKzxw">perfect peri peri recipe</a> and am sharing here. Hope you enjoy it!
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<br />Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-18236596774982892082008-12-31T05:17:00.000-08:002008-12-31T05:18:25.523-08:00Happy New Year To All !!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnveQp42Gx70mn4j8ZHrqzFtJlzqcBL9N_yLDLIf1mulL-cW3cvUTTNrcvgBTeYD5-Osl4gQFvnCG7Z1_eaTbCk0a_tHf4tv8lpnRyvGnR_R5mFpsczPw5AJ3UUJTcuEFrAiBOoxli/s1600-h/New+Yr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnveQp42Gx70mn4j8ZHrqzFtJlzqcBL9N_yLDLIf1mulL-cW3cvUTTNrcvgBTeYD5-Osl4gQFvnCG7Z1_eaTbCk0a_tHf4tv8lpnRyvGnR_R5mFpsczPw5AJ3UUJTcuEFrAiBOoxli/s400/New+Yr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285942942092109314" border="0" /></a>Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-23668501118114449502008-12-29T09:09:00.000-08:002008-12-29T09:40:04.914-08:00Traditional Pakistani FoodHealth and Happiness to all my Readers!<br /><br /> Today I have for you something different, something like a culinary treat. Being an American with Asian roots, I have had exposure to a wide variety of foods from the simplest to the most exotic, from the totally bland to the fiery hot fiesta food that can light up every cell in your body!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHKnQ4bPDjLpNibFXk3PFSZxx-orW1h2CCcBsKVIrVOhDpGjQx64R6lBHLNWetyStDP-_jOrmWGNb-Uc0fBkX8Crd7elbayo0EE7J9wq01eV8HEChe0mG0I4ty3TQIERqlxC5K2B6/s1600-h/pori.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHKnQ4bPDjLpNibFXk3PFSZxx-orW1h2CCcBsKVIrVOhDpGjQx64R6lBHLNWetyStDP-_jOrmWGNb-Uc0fBkX8Crd7elbayo0EE7J9wq01eV8HEChe0mG0I4ty3TQIERqlxC5K2B6/s200/pori.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285262369560640930" /></a><br /> I love food and I must confess that I love authentic Pakistani food. This blog is about healthy food and authentic Asian food which is just as healthy. So I am going to try my best to create a blissful and tasty mixture of foods from both the east and the west.<br /><br />When one thinks of Pakistani food it would be a crime not to mention the traditional Lahori food. Lahore is in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and is a very busy metropolitan city. The splendor of Lahore is mostly accredited to the historical Mogul architecture in various parts of the city and of course, the traditional authentic Pakistani Food. Many people even call Lahore the CULINARY CAPITAL of Pakistan. <br /><br />Now if you want to make sure you are able to try all the best and most popular traditional foods then be sure to head straight for the <a href="http://archive.gulfnews.com/gnfocus/pakistan2008august/sub_story/10236837.html">Gawalmandi FOOD STREET</a>. It is THE PLACE for people who want to TASTE Lahore! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2zIiyD1KzQGgWx-ZZNzmohV2j3UOhKNXttr5qTVA32Y9wcFKm1rIoD2lIlCyMaBwBfZhgT3bcTJs4FzxzFTpstwQ9hqVqWekgBLHptcn5kJm6RBEu0W0fqG3hSrlhYj8GLfEPg5l/s1600-h/food-in-lahore.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2zIiyD1KzQGgWx-ZZNzmohV2j3UOhKNXttr5qTVA32Y9wcFKm1rIoD2lIlCyMaBwBfZhgT3bcTJs4FzxzFTpstwQ9hqVqWekgBLHptcn5kJm6RBEu0W0fqG3hSrlhYj8GLfEPg5l/s200/food-in-lahore.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285262657931228562" /></a><br /><br />If you are a food lover this place is not to be missed!!<br /><br />A very popular and heavy brunch that is a specialty in Lahore is <a href="http://chatkharay.blogspot.com/2007/09/halwa-poori-aaloo_03.html">HALWA-POORI.</a> It is also famous in western parts of India especially East Punjab. Halwa -poori has developed into a traditional breakfast consisting three main components which are:<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. The Poori :</span> A flat bread made of white flour which is deep fried for 2-3 seconds till it blows up into a ball. It is very soft and crispy<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHmM9DWF_5c9z7-fA9o4Zx5-3GLdr9Wi1ATFypBhpnJEZ04BmOiui_mZOSM4V8GkRaMEnpG658kHdTYiRjirBxrdektTEai9SnaxQSOaM7IffdLRRgmy2ifaol0aqS71054eT1mzh/s1600-h/halwapuri.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHmM9DWF_5c9z7-fA9o4Zx5-3GLdr9Wi1ATFypBhpnJEZ04BmOiui_mZOSM4V8GkRaMEnpG658kHdTYiRjirBxrdektTEai9SnaxQSOaM7IffdLRRgmy2ifaol0aqS71054eT1mzh/s200/halwapuri.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285266959846080274" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. The Halwa :</span> A sweetmeat made with semolina and loaded with sliced almonds and pistachios. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFi4dOX4mBBpajPn9Rl13qVNF3OjQwUzpKSjK1cdPvq5eZ9ZFfd3Rr-v2uHYS5_mnonjjdEE9x_rRfj4jB0YgztzwtYCBddMEJjYi8G4m9ritoA-U91YG4XYcsAR-0f0tM-og3cdI/s1600-h/SoojiKaHalwa2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFi4dOX4mBBpajPn9Rl13qVNF3OjQwUzpKSjK1cdPvq5eZ9ZFfd3Rr-v2uHYS5_mnonjjdEE9x_rRfj4jB0YgztzwtYCBddMEJjYi8G4m9ritoA-U91YG4XYcsAR-0f0tM-og3cdI/s200/SoojiKaHalwa2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285267425042570530" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. The Curry:</span> It is called Aloo choolay, which means potato and chickpea curry. It is very spicy and very tasty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KatzPV5DRI3uJsQD8Q5VbbiD7dK8vATYI5acdv2NxCkNErXhNVU9fZkzW5_HgX4h-H7_11uOGSjo5E4GXwf5xA8fBBv8LTQnhM880osG9hlmOJstd2SDPvx2yU_Fd4KM12RGTHZu/s1600-h/choley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KatzPV5DRI3uJsQD8Q5VbbiD7dK8vATYI5acdv2NxCkNErXhNVU9fZkzW5_HgX4h-H7_11uOGSjo5E4GXwf5xA8fBBv8LTQnhM880osG9hlmOJstd2SDPvx2yU_Fd4KM12RGTHZu/s200/choley.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285266221906194754" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. Condiments: </span>Traditional mango pickle and onion pickle are also served along with fresh yogurt.<br /><br />This dish is a flavorful combination of sweet and spicy and is sooooo good! You have to try it to believe it..or take my word for it ! <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"> Happy Eating!</span>Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-17708816512399442902008-12-25T07:35:00.000-08:002008-12-25T08:01:50.447-08:00Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas!!!First of all I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZExYmTu0mrJVFxhQvjRe6cGfVQ3ordGria4KS4xCJowIPtOlad_Hl8rf-UaIcg9pLj5oUpPsRYOiCoajF2IbzUFDdszHJ-MnWGQjLZc6DCHG6JCVGiZMB8SHeid3sYCY9imM6tGgU/s1600-h/merry_christmas08.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZExYmTu0mrJVFxhQvjRe6cGfVQ3ordGria4KS4xCJowIPtOlad_Hl8rf-UaIcg9pLj5oUpPsRYOiCoajF2IbzUFDdszHJ-MnWGQjLZc6DCHG6JCVGiZMB8SHeid3sYCY9imM6tGgU/s200/merry_christmas08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283752877588974690" /></a><br />Actually this is the time of year when loved ones come together, share love, give presents and most important of all EAT!<br /><br />Food served at this time of the year is festive and tasty . Fruit Cake is one of the Christmas Time favorites and I want to share a recipe that has a slight twist to this classical favorite .It is actually the recipe of the famous Celebrity Chef <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.nigella.com/">Nigella Lawson</a></span>. Her recipes are always packed with flavor and are a treat to make. So do try it…I assure you…this is a keeper!!<br /> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/chocolate-fruit-cake-recipe/index.html"> <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">CHOCOLATE FRUIT CAKE</span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47NzrT8gIjLpQMojof5oNlq1XfYKe0Kxo6FtU8Gbk4gqxxcaJ18OK2677iDS-KhWBXiSCO7Jt0ANr3Vh0jQ4p-nkgsiGXumXqJ06rUASxh8zdexQKOC1i3k8iJAnkrlChi-GVjrgK/s1600-h/chocolate-fruit-cake_s3x4_lg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47NzrT8gIjLpQMojof5oNlq1XfYKe0Kxo6FtU8Gbk4gqxxcaJ18OK2677iDS-KhWBXiSCO7Jt0ANr3Vh0jQ4p-nkgsiGXumXqJ06rUASxh8zdexQKOC1i3k8iJAnkrlChi-GVjrgK/s200/chocolate-fruit-cake_s3x4_lg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283757706143346786" /></a>Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-32053358495691193012008-12-22T08:40:00.000-08:002008-12-22T09:47:44.525-08:00Healthy Juice Recipes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E3YX0YGUtkJlBW93H2mhTNUmbw4gm1Xcsj2N3XK4FcY9I8dLxGrKbz3DDzie6Qw8xN8ksqQ7riDqAUuqvIJIxm8AawAOW2azNnoy9rz4Qi7Rbzm24Z6b1hyfYhZromxL5DQJDmKJ/s1600-h/veg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E3YX0YGUtkJlBW93H2mhTNUmbw4gm1Xcsj2N3XK4FcY9I8dLxGrKbz3DDzie6Qw8xN8ksqQ7riDqAUuqvIJIxm8AawAOW2azNnoy9rz4Qi7Rbzm24Z6b1hyfYhZromxL5DQJDmKJ/s200/veg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282668054529866418" /></a><br />We all know that a regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables boost our health and immune system. The problem is that many people are unable to meet their recommended daily intake. Now pressing out a fresh colorful glass of juice is a fast and easy way to do so. By juice I don’t mean the sugary, additive loaded boxed or canned juices. We should squeeze the fresh fruits and vegetables in such a way that we get the pulp too and this enriches it manifold. Now what does this all mean? It means that you will have a glass full of nutrients, soluble fiber and a bigger bang for your buck!<br /><br />For getting the most out of your fruits and vegetables, follow these handy tips:<br />1.Always use organic produce<br />2.Always wash and scrub the produce prior to extracting the juice<br />3.Always make seasonal juices. This means use the ingredients that are found fresh at that time of the year<br />4.You don’t need any special kitchen gadgets for making juice. A simple blender will do.<br />5.It’s better to cut the larger chunks into smaller ones. Best is a one inch chunk.<br />6.Drink the juice as soon as it is extracted, as it loses nutrients and spoils easily. <br />Just remember …a fresh glass of juice is the best snack one can have when you’re on the run!!<br /><br />Here are some of my favorites:<br /> <a href="http://www.healthmad.com/Fitness/10-Exotic-and-Healthy-Juice-Recipes.82062">1. Ten Exotic and Healthy Juice Recipes</a><br /><a href="http://www.spaplayground.com/spa-intoxication/blog/21/healthy-juice-recipes.aspx">2. Seasonal Juice Recipes</a><br /><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Pink-Perfection-Juice-29571">3. Pink Perfection Juice</a><br /><a href="http://www.juicyjuice.com/Recipes/Details.aspx?RecipeId=137710">4. Peach of Mind</a>Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-37969259875479093302008-12-21T11:23:00.000-08:002008-12-21T11:41:14.268-08:00Hot & Healthy Drinks for Winter :<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHKVbYPBeY5S7GNIgOd8w9XEPUG0gsh_WJARcnN3FktdT7wDMVQL-W-op6N99Z56JrAbWebi1GaWLC5bKMHKwv0sKjq7tw9joFzrx3_n6613zX-AI6jzVpbQTwE4z3d92RQvuhe8g/s1600-h/CupOfTea.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHKVbYPBeY5S7GNIgOd8w9XEPUG0gsh_WJARcnN3FktdT7wDMVQL-W-op6N99Z56JrAbWebi1GaWLC5bKMHKwv0sKjq7tw9joFzrx3_n6613zX-AI6jzVpbQTwE4z3d92RQvuhe8g/s200/CupOfTea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282328870034243890" /></a><br /> Hot & Healthy Drinks for Winter:<br /><br />Whether your goal is to chill out, warm up or improve your health, here are a few drinks to enjoy during the cold winter evenings.<br />1. <a href="http://www.green-tea-expert.com/">Green Tea</a><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031106051159.htm">Hot Cocoa</a><br /><br />3. Spicy <a href="http://www.online-vitamins-guide.com/herbs/cardamom.htm">Cardamom </a>Drink<br />To prepare this drink, put about 12 whole crushed pods into 6 cups boiling water. Add a strip of orange peel and brew for about 10 minutes. Add 2 tbsp black tea leaves, leave for 5 minutes more, and strain. Serve immediately with hot milk and honey.<br /><br />4. Hot Milk with <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=24">Figs</a> and <a href="http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html">Turmeric</a>:<br />A healthy preparation which will help build resistance in your body and keep you far from cold, cough and throat problems.Take 2 Dry figs & 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder. Add a glass of milk and boil it for 1o minutes. Drink it hot twice a day.If you don’t fancy figs, you can also have this without it.Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-67701622138981507702008-12-21T10:49:00.000-08:002008-12-21T10:56:18.411-08:00Ten Foods for Long Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNzHh75Bt2tI9qaPSmNNKoq8K-DREjoAPnDlZGNMRvSz6J6ansgC_vb9E4rn0MT8cXp5Qrbncg7Jy-mrX8I46b7VA_MBPKhZckGiAtUxjwJrIDzdjKnkoRv4ciP3ySiIWiIOzMOrc/s1600-h/Fountain-of-Youth-JPEG-copy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNzHh75Bt2tI9qaPSmNNKoq8K-DREjoAPnDlZGNMRvSz6J6ansgC_vb9E4rn0MT8cXp5Qrbncg7Jy-mrX8I46b7VA_MBPKhZckGiAtUxjwJrIDzdjKnkoRv4ciP3ySiIWiIOzMOrc/s200/Fountain-of-Youth-JPEG-copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282319131418671666" /></a><br />Who doesn't want a happy healthy life? Well here are a few foods that can help you live better...if not longer!!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />1. Tomatoes.</span> A major source of the antioxidant lycopene that reduces the risk of cancer by 40% -- notably prostate, lung and stomach cancers -- and increases cancer survival. Tomato eaters function better mentally in old age and suffer half as much heart disease. Concentrated tomato sauces have 5 times more lycopene than fresh tomatoes, and canned tomatoes have three times more than fresh. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Olive Oil.</span> Shown to help reduce death from heart disease and cancer. Recent research shows that heart-attack survivors on a Mediterranean diet had half the death rates of those on an ordinary low-fat diet. Olive oil is also high in antioxidant activity. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Red Grapes,</span> including red grape juice and red wine. Red grapes have moderate antioxidant power, while purple grape juice has four times more antioxidant activity than orange or tomato juice. Red wine (not white) has about the same antioxidant capacity as purple grape juice or tea. French research show that drinking red wine in moderation increases longevity, but excessive drinking has the opposite effect, so limit to two glasses per day. Drink grape juice. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. Garlic. </span>German researchers have found that garlic is packed with antioxidants know to help fend off cancer, heart disease and all-over aging, and prolong cancer survival time. Let crushed garlic "rest" about 10 minutes before cooking to preserve disease-fighting agents. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. Spinach.</span> Second among vegetables only to garlic in antioxidant capacity and is also rich in folic acid, which helps fight cancer, heart disease and mental disorders. New University of Kentucky research shows folic acid may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Eat both raw and steamed for best benefit. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6. Whole grains.</span> A University of Minnesota study suggests the more whole grains you eat, the lower your odds of death by 15%. Whole grains contain anticancer agents and help stabilize blood sugar and insulin, which may promote longevity. Whole-grain "dark" breads, cereals such as All Bran, and "old fashioned" oatmeal are an excellent source. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7. Salmon, and other fatty fish.</span> Contains high amounts of omega-3 fat that performs miracles throughout the body, fighting virtually every chronic disease known. Without it, your brain can't think, your heart can't beat, your arteries clog, and joints become inflamed. You need one ounce a day, or two servings of salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring or tuna per week. <br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Nuts.</span> Eating more than 5 ounces a week can cut heart-attack deaths in women by 40% and help prevent deadly irregular heart beats in men a Harvard University study found. Almonds and walnuts lower blood cholesterol. Most of the fat in nuts is the good-type monounsaturated and/or omega-3. Unsalted nuts are best. <br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Blueberries.</span> High in antioxidants, Tufts University researchers say a half-cup of blueberries a day can retard aging and can block brain changes leading to decline and even reverse failing memory. <br /><br />10. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Tea.</span> Green or black tea has equal antioxidant benefit. One cup a day can cut heart disease risk in half Harvard researchers found. Make from loose tea or tea bags, instant and bottled tea has little effect Tufts University shows. <br /><br />YUM!!!!!!!Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-5878627769148700162008-12-21T09:56:00.000-08:002011-08-19T12:39:49.936-07:00<a href="http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html">
<br />10 Health Benefits of Apples</a>
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<br />We're told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what exactly are the health benefits of apples? Here are ten reasons to heed the advice of that old proverb.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigafFOKzTz0zplrrAv-jrGcKYPwaQ1g9eN-7Mxddlp-ndNLDmvU_mSIr4E2uKLu2q65HSritDwSY2jgIkOpTAXkJegyQANOY6zsxbLHxByhcJM2lS5KWd0IJoba0B6kBmM8TjdEt0e/s1600/apples-555.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigafFOKzTz0zplrrAv-jrGcKYPwaQ1g9eN-7Mxddlp-ndNLDmvU_mSIr4E2uKLu2q65HSritDwSY2jgIkOpTAXkJegyQANOY6zsxbLHxByhcJM2lS5KWd0IJoba0B6kBmM8TjdEt0e/s320/apples-555.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642652289839032578" border="0" /></a>
<br />Bone Protection
<br />French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.
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<br />Asthma Help
<br />One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.
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<br />Alzheimer's Prevention
<br />A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.
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<br />Lower Cholesterol
<br />The pectin in apples lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.
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<br />Lung Cancer Prevention
<br />According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.
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<br />Breast Cancer Prevention
<br />A Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44 percent.
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<br />Colon Cancer Prevention
<br />One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.
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<br />Liver Cancer Prevention
<br />Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of liver cancer.
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<br />Diabetes Management
<br />The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.
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<br />Weight Loss
<br />A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-79822439378812361012008-12-21T09:54:00.000-08:002008-12-21T10:36:20.290-08:00Fat Burning Foods<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIQmf6Eb5PDUPaBYLofOSL8ndy8m8iMBoqIVFRE1j1ehq_kheaqjG6onCcXMeFDYw51Clds9mrcU6gKq4ETlrqj1r-UcmE-1rO-MzpavDb3M8HJ22vuTcH9_kDgy-Dt3HfibPOPAu/s1600-h/applee.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIQmf6Eb5PDUPaBYLofOSL8ndy8m8iMBoqIVFRE1j1ehq_kheaqjG6onCcXMeFDYw51Clds9mrcU6gKq4ETlrqj1r-UcmE-1rO-MzpavDb3M8HJ22vuTcH9_kDgy-Dt3HfibPOPAu/s200/applee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282313993926775810" /></a><br />There are many <a href="http://www.webterrace.com/fat/burning.htm">fat burning foods </a>and one of the most popular are apples. Apples contain a chemical call pectin. This chemical is found in most berries, and fresh fruit. The pectin is in the cell walls of most fruits, especially apples.<br /><br />Pectin limits the amount of fat your cells can absorb. This will put a natural limitation on the amount of fat your cells can absorb. Pectin, once in your system, has a water binding property, it absorbs watery substances, and these watery substances in turn bombards the cells and makes it release fat deposits.<br /><br />Add applesauce (it's loaded with pectin), apples, fresh fruit and berries, to your diet and let the power of pectin pulverize the fat that accumulates on your cells. An apple a day can help keep the fat away.Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-248639986586345342008-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:002008-12-21T09:11:15.585-08:00Benefits Of Honey & Cinnamon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKjwbE0QoOoDxHVkM85rWyKIiBcPsZ3TZ4dqnIEE8U_pO5cpG9rAVyAQyAHGChRx4hXBkwpOpPX5Ft4Wjo_J_mNtrv0XLkZy2hxW-X_yu8e1AKRkaJupnwqlgIAvz-Y-26Q42ZLDP/s1600-h/CinnamonStickPic.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKjwbE0QoOoDxHVkM85rWyKIiBcPsZ3TZ4dqnIEE8U_pO5cpG9rAVyAQyAHGChRx4hXBkwpOpPX5Ft4Wjo_J_mNtrv0XLkZy2hxW-X_yu8e1AKRkaJupnwqlgIAvz-Y-26Q42ZLDP/s200/CinnamonStickPic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282292092557761442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxZyyh7ulEu2LPqXrQ6uIZ6ND9tBViY8gJ9IY27yHFxsDBlD8GtWQRpbIPpEzGcKT30-ni-noRg9sfwHmChIL3L4myHZ6JiuZ1OnbfEZXAZfzJsCez6tbFnIv79i144b9VnErdB_B/s1600-h/honey.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 96px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxZyyh7ulEu2LPqXrQ6uIZ6ND9tBViY8gJ9IY27yHFxsDBlD8GtWQRpbIPpEzGcKT30-ni-noRg9sfwHmChIL3L4myHZ6JiuZ1OnbfEZXAZfzJsCez6tbFnIv79i144b9VnErdB_B/s200/honey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282292006492690546" /></a><br /><br />This blog is dedicated to exploring foods that taste very good and are also healthy and beneficial. So chances are you’ll see me featuring healthy recipes, food information, commentary, news, and everything else about food in relation to health and well-being. So let's start off with honey and cinnamon.<br /><br />It is found that mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases.Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey as a vital medicine for centuries.Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.<br /><br />Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients also.<br /><br />A famous magazine named weekly World News published in Canada dated 17 January, 95 has given a list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon as researched by western scientists.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Arthritis</span><br />Take one part honey to two parts of luke warm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly.It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two. Or arthritis patients may daily; morning and night take one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If drunk regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.<br /><br />In a recent research done at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast,<br />they found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Hair Loss</span><br />Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. <br />It was found very effective if kept for 5 mins also.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bladder Infections</span><br />Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of Luke warm water and drink it. It destroys the germs of the bladder.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Toothache</span><br />Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time that the tooth has stopped aching.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Cholesterol</span><br />Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, if given to a cholesterol patient; it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours.<br />As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day any chronic cholesterol is cured. As per the information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complains of cholesterol.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Colds</span><br />Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon luke warm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Infertility</span><br />Yunani and Ayurvedic have been using honey for years in medicine to strengthen the semen of men. <br />If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before sleeping, their problem will be solved.<br />In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women who do not conceive and to strengthen the uterus have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.<br /><br />A couple in Maryland, America had no children for 14 years and had left hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated above, the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Upset Stomach</span><br />Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">GAS</span><br /> According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Heart Diseases</span><br />Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread or chapatti instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.<br />Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat.<br />In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that due to the increasing age the arteries and veins, which lose their flexibility and get clogged, are revitalized.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Immune System</span><br />Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Indigestion</span><br />Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Influenza</span><br />A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Longevity</span><br />Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age.Take 4 spoons of honey, 1spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life span also increases and even if a person is 100 years old, starts performing the chores of a 20 year old.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Pimples</span><br />Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Skin Infections</span><br />Eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections are cured by applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weight Loss</span><br />Daily in the morning, 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cancer</span><br />Recent research in Japan and Australia has reveled that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one<br />tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fatigue</span><br />Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful than detrimental to the body strength. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts are more alert and flexible.<br />Dr. Milton who has done research says that half tablespoon honey taken in one glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts decreasing, increases the vitality of the body within a week.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Bad Breath</span><br />People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hearing Loss</span><br />Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder taken in equal parts restores hearing.Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2601301428835650411.post-77455017611240512522008-12-19T06:21:00.000-08:002008-12-19T06:24:13.321-08:00The Best Blog on Healthy FoodFood Gala is a blog about natural healthy foods, organic produce and the finest ingredients.It is a primary source of information and inspiration that focuses specifically on food that's packed with nutrition and health boosters and at the same time is still very appealing and palette pleasing.Marryam Chaudhryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07720652116559626217noreply@blogger.com0