A Short Break!!!

A short break...
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7 Superfoods to Boost Your Kids Diet

Just got this mail from Baby Center. Sharing with my Blogger friends.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_7-superfoods-to-boost-any-kids-diet_1745746.bc?bclink=bullet1&scid=adhoc_20100618_cobrand_tyson:3&pe=2UuWGQQ

"Superfoods" are packed full of nutrients that have wide-ranging health benefits. Some critics think it's misguided to focus on only a handful of healthy foods, but nobody argues that these foods pack a powerful nutritional punch.

Bottom line? Even if you can only wrangle one of these onto your kid's plate, you're doing good — and you may initiate a food habit that will help your child's health throughout her life.

1. Avocado

The only vegetable laced with monounsaturated "good" fats that may lower "bad" LDL cholesterol that can harm the heart, avocado is also a super source of soluble fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar. And it's full of vitamin E, which protects your cells from free radicals.

"Try mashing avocado with a little lime or lemon juice and yogurt and using it on quesadillas or tacos — or as a dip for raw vegetables," suggests Jessica Seinfeld.

2. Blueberries

Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — substances that slow the body's release of chemicals that can damage cells — blueberries can help lower cholesterol, sharpen memory, and fight certain cancers. These little fruits offer big health benefits, whether fresh or frozen.

"I make a purple puree filled with blueberries and spinach that I add to tacos, burgers, pancakes, cookies, and brownies," says Missy Chase Lapine. "Wild, organic, frozen blueberries are one of the most versatile nutrient-rich foods you can disguise in dishes."

3. Oats

These mild-tasting, versatile whole grains help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, will keep your child feeling full, and aid in escorting bad cholesterol out of the body.

"Serve oatmeal for breakfast," says Chase Lapine. "The old-fashioned rolled oats, not the quick-cooking kind — they offer more fiber and longer-lasting energy. Cook them in milk, rather than water, and top with blueberries for a well-balanced start to the day."

4. Salmon

This cold-water fish contains healthful fats known as omega-3s that can lower the risk of heart disease. These nutrients may also help improve mood and prevent memory loss.

"Make your own fish fingers," recommends Jennifer Iserloh. "Choose wild salmon to reduce your child's exposure to toxic substances such as PCBs and mercury. Adults enjoy these lightly crumbed strips too."

5. Spinach

An excellent source of iron, calcium, and folic acid, along with vitamins A and C, spinach is great for growing bones and brains.

"This versatile vegetable has a mild flavor and cooks in a flash," notes Iserloh. "Stir it into hot soups, toss it into your tomato sauce, and tuck it into quesadillas."

6. Sweet Potatoes

Packed with vitamins B, C, and E, plus calcium, potassium, and iron, sweet potatoes are also rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which keeps digestion moving along properly.

"Sweet potatoes are good at preventing a sugar crash, thanks to those complex carbs," says Chase Lapine. "They also add a subtle sweetness to sneaky recipes and work hard to cut the acidity of tomato that some kids dislike in pasta sauces."

7. Yogurt

Rich in calcium and a good source of protein, yogurt helps build strong bones and teeth. It also aids in digestion and fights bad bacteria in the gut.

"Buy plain low-fat yogurt and add your own fresh or frozen fruit to it," recommends Iserloh. "That way, you'll avoid the sugar that's in flavored yogurts. It's so creamy and comforting that most kids go for it."

Vegetable Subzi

This is the first Side dish i learnt after my marriage or i would say coming to US.My hubby is the one who taught me this subzi which is favorite to both of us.Its simple and quick and easy.Its goes well with rice and chappati.If you have cooked toor dhal you can make this in 20 mins.All you need is chopped veggies.I use my regular veggies and made this tasty subzi.

Ingredients:
Carrot : 1
Beans : 10
Potato : 1 small
Peas : a handful
Capsicum : 1/4 cup
Tomato : 1 small
Green Chilli : 1
Chilli Powder : 1 tsp
Garam Masala : 2 tsp
Salt : as needed
Toor dhal : 3 tbsp
Coriander Leaves : a handful (for Garnish)

For tampering:
Oil : 2tsp
Mustard seeds : 1tsp
Cumin seeds : 2tsp
Curry Leaves : 8 leaves

Chop all the veggies except tomato in to small cube or use frozen vegetable.You can alternate any veggies.
Microwave them in safe bowl for 4 mins.

1.In a Kadai or wok,add oil and mustard seeds.
2.when it starts to crackle,add cumin seeds and curry leaves.
3.Add chopped tomatoes with green chills.
4.Cook until the tomatoes becomes soft.
5.Add chilli powder and Garam Masala Powder with salt.
6.Fry for few seconds.
7.Add the veggies and cook.
8.Add cooked toor dhal and add enough water to make it right consistency.
9.In the end add chopped coriander leaves and enjoy with roti or chappati.

This goes well with rice and ghee.Add extra chilli as per your spice level.

This goes to Think Spice - Garam Masala event hosted by Sara and started by Sunita

16 Bean Minty Chappati

I bought a packet of 16 bean soup mix.Made adai with these and rest of the bean mix is lying in my pantry waiting for me.I got an idea of making stuffed paratha and soaked bean mix in the afternoon.
But in the evening busy playing with my lil one,it was too late for me make dinner.So i simply added cooked bean  with wheat flour and made chappati.To give a nice flavor i added mint paste.and it turned out really good.Healthy and tasty.

Ingredients:
Wheat Flour : 2 1/2 cup+a little extra for dusting
16 Bean Mix : 1 cup(cooked)
Tomato : 1 small
Mint Leaves : a handful
Cumin seeds : 1tsp
Chilli Powder : 1tsp
Garam Masala : 2 tsp
Salt : as needed
water : to knead the dough(if needed)
Ghee : 2tsp

Grind the tomatoes and mint leaves and keep aside.

Soak 1 cup of bean for 5 to 6 hours and cooked until soft.Drain the water completely from beans.
Excess water can be used to make dhal or curry.

1.In a bowl,add the cooked beans and mash with potato masher or with hand.
2.Add the wheat flour and gently mix.
3.Add the spices with salt and ghee.
4.Mix gently.
5.Slowly add little by little minty paste to the mixture and make a dough.
6.If you feel too sticky, add little flour to make a dough.
7.Let rest for 15mins.
8.Take the dough and make a small lemon size ball and flatten them in to round shape.
9.In a hot iron griddle,place the flatten chapati and cook on both side.
10.Follow with rest of the dough.
11.Brush some ghee for extra flavor and enjoy!!

Variations:You can adjust the chilli powder as your spice level also can add small green chilli.

Sending this MLLA #24 event hosted by A Little Bit of Spain In Iowa and started by Susan.

Beetroot Palya

  I normally make my lunch with my lil one everyday.She helps me in my kitchen like handing me veggies and spices.I cut the beetroot with a vidalia chop wizard.It gives a cute little square shape.My daughter helps me in this by giving me each piece to cut and loves to do and helps me in pressing the wizard with me :)

  I tell her about the veggies i use day to day.And also about the color,shape and size.
She loves to have this in her lunch.I like to add little bit of jaggery to give sweetness to this recipe(tip from mom).Garnishing with coconut is optional.This is a simple,yet tasty side dish with rice.

Ingredients:
Beetroot : 1 Big
Green chilli : 1 slit lenghtwise
Salt : as needed
Jaggery : 1tsp
Turmeric :1/2 tsp

For Tamper:
Mustard seeds : 1tsp
Cumin/Jeera seeds : 2tsp
Curry leaves : 5 leaves
Hing : 1/4 tsp

Coconut flakes : 2tsp(for garnish)(optional)

Peel the skin and cut beetroot into small square shape(used vidalia) and microwave with little water for 4 mins.

This helps beetroot to cook fast in stove top.
1.In a skillet,add 2tsp of oil add the seeds for tampering.
2.When it crackles, add the curry leaves and hing.
3.Add beetroot with rest of the spices.
4.Give a stir and if need sprinkle water to get the beet cooked.
5.Garnish with coconut flakes

Enjoy with hot rice and sambar.You can add more chilli for spiciness

I still remember my mother used to give me this when i was little,hot rice,ghee and palya. aah it soo tasty.

Sending this to Srivalli's Kids Delight,Theme: Coloring Food

Eggless Chocolate Cake

Have you visited Chef in you?? Well , You should, She is a great chef who showcase all types of recipes from around the world. Im a big fan of her recipes. The way she showcases her recipes is amazing.

I was going through her eggless baking recipes and made this Eggless chocolate cake.It came out really good and tasted yummy. I added crushed walnut to give crunchness to the cake.

I exactly followed her recipe and added 1/2 cup of walnuts.So head over to Chef in you where you can find whole lot of wonderful recipes which is healthy and vegetatrian.

My hearty and biggest thanks to her for giving such a amazing cooking website to newbie like me :)

Cabbage Peas Stir Fry

This is a great way of including Legumes in your meal.I had a left over cooked Black Eyed Peas after making sundal,so i used in this cabbage stir fry.Easy,tasty and healthy side dish which goes well with rice or parathas.

Ingredients:
Cabbage : 2 cup(chopped)
Peas : 1/2 cup
Black Eye Peas : 1 cup(Cooked)
Green Chilli : 1 slit long(use more if you want spicy)
Turmeric Powder : 1tsp
Salt : as needed

Tampering :
Mustard  Seeds : 1tsp
Cumin Seeds : 2tsp
Curry Leaves : 5

Coconut flakes for Garnish(Optional)

1.In a skillet, add 2tsp of oil and add seeds for tampering.
2.When it starts to splutter,add curry leaves.
3.Add Cabbage and peas with green chilli.Add turmeric powder
4.Give a stir and sprinkle some water to get cabbage cooked.
5.When cabbage is half cooked, add black eyed peas and salt.
6.When cabbage is fully cooked switch off and garnish with coconut flakes.

serve hot with rice  or roti and Enjoy!!

Make spicy as you need by adding extra chillis.

Curry Leaves Thambli/Raita

This one quite easy and tasty raita which goes really well with steam hot rice.My mother used to make different types of thambli and i like all of them.I Im getting all the thambli recipes(from mom) and making them.
She makes with Manathakkali keerai.It has lots of medicinal value but i dont get in US.If you happen to get, use them in this recipe.

Ingredients:
Ghee : 1tsp
Jeera/Cumin seeds : 1tsp
Pepper : 1tsp
Curry Leaves : about 15 to 18 leaves washed
Coconut : 1/4 cup
Curd : 1 cup
Salt : as needed

Cumin seeds and Mustard seeds for Tampering.

1.In a skillet,add ghee with pepper and jeera and fry a little.
2.When jeera crackles,add curry leaves and fry.
3.Fry carefully as pepper and curry leaves dances alot. :)
4.Remove from heat,cool and grind with coconut.
5.Mix with curd and add salt
Tamper with Cumin and Mustard seeds

Enjoy with steam hot rice.

Variations:
Instead of curry leaves add a handful of Mint leaves or Coriander leaves or Manathakkali keerai.

Sending this to Green Gourmet event hosted by Preeti(W'rite' food)

Tomato Cheesy Pasta

  Well I got this idea from Chefinyou. She is amazing. She quite got a collection of recipe. She is a great chef.I was going through her pasta recipes.When i saw Cheese macaroni and Penne all'arabiata, i thought of making macaroni but ending up making tomato cheesy pasta.I added mint to give a minty flavor.

Ingredients:
Pasta(Elbow) - 1 cup
Tomato - 3 medium size
Mint Leaves - 1 bunch
Pepper - 1tsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Italian Seasoning - 1tsp

Cheese Sauce:
All purpose flour - 2tsp
Milk - 1tbsp
Butter - 2tbsp
Cheese(any kind) - 1 cup(I used shredded mix chesse)

1.Cook the pasta as per the instruction in the box.
2.In a skillet,add 2tsp of oil and add Cumin seeds.
3.When they crackle add chopped tomato and fry.
4.The tomatoes will start to leaves water and continue to fry.
5.Add Chopped mint leaves and all the spices.
6.In a bowl.add milk and flour and mix till no lumps.
7.Heat butter in a seperate pan,add flour and cheese and mix.
8.Mix cheese sause to tomato spice mixture.
9.Add pasta and give a stir,adjust salt and spice level.
Enjoy!!!

I baked some bread pieces to give some crunchy flavor.

Sending this to Global Kadai event hosted by Indhu and started by Cilantro