Cilantro, almond fish tacos

Grilled or pan-fried, cilantro almond fish is a flavorful combination for tacos and rice. Simply marinade, fry and enjoy. No need of store-bought spice mix. Taco is a Mexican dish with a fried corn or wheat tortilla, typically folded, filled with various mixtures, such as seasoned meat, beans, lettuce, and tomatoes. Traditional tacos don’t include lettuce, tomato, or shredded cheese.

National Taco day is October 4th. Early tortillas took hours to make but by the 1960s, small-scale tortilla-making machines could churn out hot, steaming tortillas every two seconds.

Where Did the Taco Come From?

The origins of the taco are really unknown. In Mexico, because in those mines the word “taco” referred to the little charges they would use to excavate the mine. These were pieces of paper that they would wrap around gunpowder and insert into the holes they carved in the rock face. One of the first types of tacos described is called tacos de minero—miner’s tacos.

Paneer, Roti bites

You may be a football fan or just watch the Super Bowl as an excuse to eat the tasty finger food. Don’t derail your healthy diet with fried, sugar junk. Football food can be both delicious and healthy if you cook with good choices.

Paneer is the ‘tasty’ dish vegetarians eat. Paneer indian cheese mostly homemade. It is used in several forms such as chunks, bhurji, fried, sautéed, barbequed, grilled, etc. Basically, paneer is an all-rounder when it comes to ways it can be eaten and tastes good almost in all these forms.

Fun Facts About the Super Bowl Trophy

Like any great design moment, it started with a sketch: Not long after the merger of the National Football League and American Football League in 1966, Tiffany & Co. Vice President Oscar Riedener got together for lunch with Pete Rozelle, the first commissioner of the newly created NFL, to discuss the design of a trophy to be awarded for the “world-championship” game created as a result of the merger. Riedener sketched the original trophy, which has not changed in size or design, on a cocktail napkin.

Just the stats: Crafted entirely of sterling silver by Tiffany & Co. silversmiths in a Rhode Island workshop, the trophy stands 22 inches high and weighs 7 lbs.

One super debut: The first trophy was awarded to the world-champion Green Bay Packers on January 15, 1967; the Packers captured the trophy again the following year.

No Deflategate here: The trophy’s design features a three-sided concave pedestal topped by a regulation-size football (we’re assuming at the properly inflated PSI). The football is also fixed in a kicking position.

Playing for keeps: Unlike hockey’s Stanley Cup, which is passed to the winning team each season, each winning Super Bowl team gets to keep its own Vince Lombardi trophy.

Tomatillo, avocado dip

Bigger is good with your paycheck. But at snack time, smaller really is better. A perfect snack to melt your fat.

Tomatillo is related to the tomato and is native to Mexico and Central America. The fruit resembles a small unripe tomato and is usually green or yellow. The tomatillo has a papery covering that when peeled away reveals a bright green fruit. Because of this outer covering, the tomatillo is sometimes called a husk tomato. Whole tomatillos are a staple in Mexican cuisine. Tomatillo’s flesh is full of small seeds and has a sweet/sour flavor. Basic for sauces and salsa making, their unique tangy flavor mixes perfectly well with any Mexican dish. The yellow color indicates ripeness, but tomatillo’s are most often used when they are still green.

The tomatillo (toe-ma-tea-o) is of Mexican origin and has been introduced into the United States. The husk tomato plant produces an edible fruit enclosed in a thick husk. The husk is brown and the fruit yellowish when it is ripe. The plants will grow to a height of three to four feet.

Avocados are high on mono-saturated fat (the good fat) and protein, low in sodium and fructose but high in potassium, containing twice that of a banana, and essential vitamins and minerals such as fiber, vitamin K, B5, B6 and C and foliate.

Avocado’s help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. They lower the risk of heart disease, help the body efficiently absorb fat soluble nutrients. Promote weight loss boost eye and heart health etc. Avocados can be eaten every which way, but the first step is making sure your avocado is ripe. Typically avocados will take 4 to 6 days to ripen. You can tell when they are ripe by gently pushing down on them. A ripe avocado should give a bit when you add pressure but it if the avocado is too soft that means it is probably over ripe and will be brown when you cut into it. If the avocado is hard it means it is not yet ripe. One trick is to flick off the tiny stem of the avocado. If it is green underneath that means the avocado is ripe. If it is brown underneath it is overripe and if the stem doesn’t come off it needs more time to ripen.

Avocado Facts

The pit of the avocado contains a milky red or black liquid that was once used as ink for writing
The avocado pit ink can be used as a natural food dye
95% of avocados consumed in the US are Haas avocados

Happy Mukkanuma

Cattle, specifically cows are considered holy gods in the Hindu society. Kanuma is the major festival for dedicating to the importance of these animals in the nourishment and development of the society. Kanuma Panduga is basically known as Kanuma. Farmers pray and showcase their cattle to village. Cattle is considered prosperity in many Indian regions.

Kanuma forms part of the three day event called Sankranti festival, each and every day having its very own importance. Kanuma falls on the third day of Pongal (Tamil and Malayalam) and is generally known as Mattu Pongal in Southern India and in Andhra it is called as Mukkanuma.

Families meet during the Sankranti event. For sons-in-law it is holiday to their wife’s families. They are treated with utter honor, hospitality. After warm up with the bonfire of Bhogi ,the first day of Sankranti. which is followed by new dresses and delicious meals on the second day of Sankranti. Kanuma is the day for showcasing the gaming and betting talents.

The most eye-catching feature of Kanuma procession of most strong, musciline bulls called ‘Gangireddu’. ‘Gangireddu’ is a colorfully decorated bull led by its master who plays the ‘Nadaswaram’. Bulls are trained by ‘Yadava’ casete to nod ‘Yes’, ‘No’ and dance. Master earns money, clothes and grains by Gangireddu performance from village people. The Gangireddu can dance, nod ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for master’s questions, kneel down, bow down and stretch its tongue to show it can sing. The famous ‘gangireddu aata’ arranged in coastal Andhra areas. This event showcases bull feats to the entertain the audience. The bull puts his feet on the thighs and stomach.

In olden times, people bet lot of money on cockfights. It is considered high prestige to win. Betting on cockfights used to lead to fights, cold wars and jealousy among majestic families. It is said this reason led to a big war near Palnadu in Guntur district, called as Palnati Yudhdham. At this time, cockfights are prohibited.

The rendition of a ‘Haridasu’ from Sundarakanda or Bhagavatam makes an auspicious beginning for people. Dressed in unique attire with an ‘akshaya patra’ on the head, a ‘tambura’, and ‘chidatalu’, the Haridasu is symbol of Sankranthi culture and tradition.

All about Makara Sankranthi

The word ‘Sankranti’ means the movement of the sun into Capricorn. On Makar Sankranti, the sun enters new zodiac-sign of Capricorn or Makara.

Most Hindu festivals are based on the lunar calendar, making the dates of festivals change every year. But Makar Sankranti is a festival which falls on the same day every year as it follows the solar calendar.

As Makar Sankranti is one of the oldest solstice festivals and falls on the equinox, day and night on this day are believed to be equally long. Post the festival, it is officially the beginning of spring. Indian summer and the days become longer, and nights shorter.

Makara Sankranthi is celebrated for three days. The first day is Bhogi. North india is known as Lohri.The second day is Sankrathi which is dedicated to worshipping Surya (the Sun god), varuna (the rain god) and Indra (king of gods). The third day is Kanuma which is dedicated to cleaning cows, farm animals and farm equipment and also offering prayers to them for helping with a successful harvest season.

Authentic south indian mint, cilantro chutney

The aroma of mint (Pudina) activates the salivary glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. This is the reason mint is extensively used in the culinary arts.

Chutney’s are staple food in Southern India. A variety of combinations are made. Aromatic mint, flavorful cilantro combination makes tasty and healthy chutney loaded with iron, vitamins and anti oxidants. Traditionally, chutneys are eaten with rice and ghee poured on top. Chutneys also go with snacks as sakinalu, janthikalu or karappusa.

Mint is a great appetizer or cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also soothes stomachs in cases of indigestion or inflammation. When you feel sick to your stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you relief. While traveling long distances via plane or boat, the menthol oil derived from mint can be very soothing for nausea and related motion sickness.

Fresh strawberries Martini

Mixed drinks and cocktails which have extra ingredients as sodas, store-bought juices, sweet and sour mixes are bloated with calories of their own. These added calories can lead to weight gain. This skinny strawberry martini takes only minutes to make and contains just a fraction of calories. Masala peanuts are an excellent accompaniment to drinks. Peanuts are good sources of vitamin E, niacin, folate, protein and manganese. They help in coping with hangover. These relatively healthy drinks adds up fresh fruit consumption, vitamins while you have social fun. They can help you lower calorie and sugar consumption while keeping you hydrated.

Alcohol extremely dehydrates your body and you will need water that is lost when drinking. Drinking water will help drink less alcohol, which results in fewer calories being consumed. Alcohol also is harmful to your digestive system. Eat whole-grain, protein rich healthy snacks, dinner and breakfast to cope with hang over.

Make your drinks wisely by adding fresh juices, no-artificial colors, sodas and sweeteners.

Few fun facts about strawberries.

We tend to think of strawberries as perennials but in fact they can produce for 2 to 3 years.
There are three different types of strawberries : June-bearing, overbearing, and day neutral.
Commercially the entire plant is replaced every year because the plants are most productive in the 1st year and the runners are time consuming to deal with.
There are 200 seeds on an average strawberry.
California produces 75 percent of strawberry crops in the U.S.
Lastly – Don’t ruin your healthy lifestyle with too much alcohol.

Whole-wheat naan

The warm, puffy, oval-shaped flatbreads pretty much are served at Indian restaurants now a days. Making your own naan from scratch and oh my goodness… The puffy, heat-blistered texture…homemade ones will truly knock your socks off. You will not believe how much better this tastes than takeaway naan. It is incredibly easy to make too. It’s the perfect accompaniment to my Kale, mustard greens saag or chicken butter masala – or dal makhani. Or stuff it with meat or veggies (or both) or turn it into a wrap. Naan will make you fall in love with Indian food over and over.

Naan is a soft and pillowy Indian-style flatbread traditionally made in a tandoor oven, or cylindrical clay oven. The dough gets slapped against the walls of the tandoor, where it adheres and bakes quickly over a burning fire. If you don’t have a tandoor, don’t worry. It’s possible to make naan at home and replicate the high heat and charred flavor of a clay oven by using a very hot cast iron skillet or in the oven at your home.

Plain or with a little extra flavor of garlic, melted ghee, onion, sesame or poppy seeds… It makes homemade naan more Yum!

Chicken butter masala

Chicken Butter Masala is definitely the most known and popular North Indian dish in the world. Most probably you will have come across this dish abroad and if you are in India then of course you couldn’t have missed it. Make your own Chicken Butter Masala — way better than you can get in an Indian restaurant with your own organic ingredients. Mild and buttery with a hint of chili, gravy is warm and rich and traditionally simmered with chicken.

This rich, buttery, creamy chicken needs no introduction. Most probably the best known of all Indian dishes, it has already claimed the fame that it deserves.

Chicken Butter Masala is made with pureed juicy tomatoes, cashews and spices cooked in butter, and finished off with fresh cream. Aroma of the dish unfolds with the addition of the kasuri methi/dried fenugreek leaves. The trick is to cook the chicken in a tandoor/traditional clay oven, where the temperature reaches way higher than any regular oven; the marinated chicken is cooked in few minutes, tender and succulent.

Brussels sprouts hara bhara cutlets

The Holiday Tradition Begins

A common Christmas holiday feast consists turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, honey-glazed ham, Brussels sprouts and is not complete without Christmas cake made of dried raisins, candies peel, almonds, apples and whiskey.

Brussels sprouts don’t normally elicit a positive reaction from many people. Take a chance this holiday season to cook up more yummy recipes featuring Brussels sprouts. And every season, these recipes convert more and more people into Brussels sprouts lovers! These veggies are full of fiber and vitamin C, making them a nutritious addition to any meal!

My first experience with Brussels sprouts was cutting them and cooking in tomato gravy. But bitterness turned me off for few years until I had made these cutlets. Ever since I’ve been enjoying them and experimenting with various preparation styles.

The plant that was bred to be the Brussels sprouts we know today probably originated in Ancient Rome. It wasn’t until the 13th century that they were grown in Belgium, and, hence, were named for the county’s capital. Interestingly, the word Brussels came from the Dutch word “Broeksel” meaning “home in the marsh,” and marshes provide a very similar environment to where they now grow on the Central Coast, near ocean inlets, or sloughs.

Sulfurous little Brussels sprouts made their debut in our area in the 1920s when newly arrived Italian farmers began planting them along with artichokes. By 1940 the acreage was significant, and today several thousand are grown in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. The tall stalks yield dense buds that resemble mini cabbages that thrive in the cool, coastal fog and have a slightly bitter taste that can sweeten when frosty temperatures hit.

In fact, the area is so well suited to Brussels sprouts that up until 1993 there was a Brussels sprouts festival sponsored by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The festival went on for 12 years before it was uprooted for dwindling attendance. There were Brussels sprouts on pizzas and in ice cream (possibly the entire reason for the demise of the festival) and attendees who couldn’t bear to eat them were encouraged to whack them with golf clubs and hit targets. Since then, a more diverse variety of produce has been planted on the coast, making Brussels sprouts less significant, and their celebration has taken a backseat to that of garlic, strawberries, artichokes and olives, which all have their own festivals in our region.

About three-quarters of Brussels sprouts production is slated for the frozen food aisle, with only about 15% harvested for consuming fresh. But like most vegetables, Brussels sprouts yield the most nutrients when eaten fresh and raw; steaming, sautéing and roasting are second best. Brussels sprouts contain high levels of vitamins C and K, as well as significant amounts of potassium and feel-good B vitamins that give you energy and a sense of well-being. They are high in protein—2 grams for only ½ cup cooked. However, they are missing certain amino acids so the protein is incomplete unless eaten with a serving of whole grains. They also contain tons of fiber and sulforaphane, a phytochemical touted for powerful cancer-fighting properties.

Ujwala's Delicacies

Indian inspired all natural kitchen.