Green Cucumber Mint Lemonade

Hello my dear wonderful readers,

So I know you are thinking it’s still cold and why on earth would I wanna put up a post with a cold drink. The fact is that it is nice and cold during the nights but the days are getting equally warm. In fact by 2 in the afternoon we have our fans on and my son is usually sweating by then. Also I  realized that it is equally important to stay hydrated during cold times as in summer.

This cucumber mint juice is the perfect way to stay hydrated and cucumber by itself has many healthy benefits. There is always a simple cucumber salad with all our meals and some days we have this drink instead of an aerated drink. We discourage our little one from having soft drinks and beverages so we replace them with juices such as watermelon or lime or even a strawberry milkshake. So this juice was not well received by the little one but we enjoy it every now and then. Its simple to make and it all goes into a single bowl so not much of a recipe per say.

You could also add cumin powder or chilli powder at the end just to give it a different kick. I just use honey cause I love sweet drinks and this is my go to drink when I am in need of a clean refreshing juice.

Ingredients :-

1. Lime – 2
2. Water – 4 cups
3. Cucumber – 3  (sliced and extra for garnish)
4. Ginger – 1 inch knob
5. Honey – according to taste
6. Mint – 1 cup (packed)

Instructions :-

1. In the bowl of your blender / juicer, add the juice of 2 limes
2. Then add all of the above ingredients
3. Blend till the ginger has also blended with the juice. Add more honey if required at this stage
4. Pour into glasses and serve right away

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“Take me to the beach” Smoothie !! – Kiwi, Pineapple, mango

Hello My Dear Wonderful Friends!

How are you all doing today? Yay, its almost the weekend and I can not wait for Saturday. Its been raining all week and my little boy is down with a cold, so I decided to make warm food and to begin my day with lots of nutritious fruits to keep me going. Pineapples help build and secure your immune system. They are anti inflammatory  and also help in digestion. Kiwi also helps build immunity and is a good source of Vitamin C and then there is mango. Do you really need a reason to add mangoes in anything?? 😛

This time I used coconut water cause I wanted this smoothie to feel like a cocktail! ha.. so much for a clean mind and a clean diet! lol. The thing is, when you make smoothies every day, you really do not wanna get bored and our world is full of different kinds of fruits and vegetables and the permutations are endless! That being said, there are certain smoothies I just do not make, like pineapple and oats = yuck! Orange + yogurt = run to the bathroom!! etc!

All this fruit talk is making me hungry! OK, so I am going to run along and make some thing to eat while you check out my recipe for this refreshingly fresh and jazzy smoothie!!

Ingredients :-

1. Mango – 2 cups
2. Kiwi – 3
3. Pineapple – 1 medium size
4. Coconut water – from one large coconut ( add more if you do not like it thick)
5. Palm Sugar – 1 tsp ( optional)

 

Instructions :-

1. Skin the mango and cut the fresh mango into large chunks and chuck right into the blender
2. Then cut the kiwis into two and using a spoon scoop out the flesh
3. Slowly slice off the skin of the pineapple and cut into small chunks
4. Add all the fruits into the blender
5. Finally break open a fresh coconut and add the water to the smoothie ( if you can use the flesh of the coconut as well)
6. Give a good mix
7. Serve into individual glasses with a slice of pineapple on top

 

 

Mango, Peach and Orange Smoothie

 

 

Hello my Dear Wonderful Readers!

How are you all doing today? I found peaches at the nearby market and I decided why not use them in a fresh morning smoothie. As I took a walk down the market aisle,  I realized that the number of mangoes are dwindling, therefore I decided to make the most of it while its still available. That brings me to the topic of canned food. Now for one, unless its an order to make a cake without a seasonal fruit or when I need to add a cheer to a cocktail, I stay clear of canned food. Simple cause I worry about the preservatives in the can. Food was never meant to last as long as it does when it is canned. So why add more preservatives and chemicals to your diet right? That’s why I prefer using fresh fruits in my smoothies. Also if I want an element of cold or frozen, I cut up the required fruit and freeze it over night so my smoothies are thick and creamy. That being said some times when I need to make a tuna salad in a hurry (once in 6 months!) I do grab a can of canned tuna. Nothing substitutes fresh, seasonal fruits. So if you are planing on making a smoothie tomorrow, I suggest you pick up the least expensive fruit in the market, that means they are in season and they will only make you healthier!

So this smoothie is a mixture of fresh peaches, mangoes and oranges. Now if you want you could add water or yogurt but I do not like the combination of milk or yogurt with citrus fruits. It just does not work! ( for me). And this smoothie is a really thick smoothie, almost like ice cream. I did not add any liquid cause I wanted more fruit this time.

Ingredients :-

1. Fresh Peaches – 4
2. Mangoes – 3 cups ( cubes and frozen)
3. Oranges – 2 large
4. Ice Cubes – 5 – 6

 

Instructions :-

1. Cut and core the peaches.
2. Cube the mangoes and freeze over night for a creamy thick consistency ( its ok if you do not have frozen mangoes, fresh mango works too)
3. Juice 2 large oranges ( use the pulp too)
4. Add all the ingredients into a blender along with the ice cubes. Blend according to the blender instructions and serve with a slice of fresh cut orange.

 

Mango Spinach and Honey Smoothie – Sweet Green Nectar

 

Hello my Dear Wonderful Readers!!

Its been so long that for some time I wasn’t sure I would ever get back to blogging! As the days go by, I find my self wishing for an extra hour every day. Time seems to be on the highway to the Himalayas and I am still packing my bags and trying to get ready for the next journey. But on the bright side, we have been eating healthy, the family health is in check. Choosing and living healthier seems to some thing, ever body is game for now and my little one is half way to eating on his own. Its so funny how my day begins and ends with food! And no I do not mean breakfast and dinner.

Now this recipe is something we have been having for the last few months, since mangoes are back in the market. Before I get to the recipe, I wanted to tell you that I have seen many people buy baby spinach leaves and just dump it into the mixer to make smoothies. Here is the thing, I have also seen how local vendors wash fresh greens in puddles and gutters over flowing with rain water. So you get where I am going with this right? My sincere advice is no matter what you do and how organic you think your produce is, there is no reason why you should not be washing your vegetables and fruits before you use them in your recipes. That being said, this is how I wash fresh greens. I make sure to cut off the stem on any part I am not using, then I immerse the leaves into cold water and leave it there for 15 mins. Then I vigorously wash the greens under running water, one leaf at a time. I make sure to wipe both sides of the leave with my fingers to ensure there is no mud or insects hidden between the tiny veins of the leaf and finally I put it back into another bucket of water to sit for 5 mins. Now I have one of these salad leaf driers, so I put them in there and rotate the handle to get rid of all the excess water. If you do not have that apparatus, you could just spread the leaves on a clean kitchen cloth and that will do the trick too.

Now getting back to the recipe, this smoothie stands as a base over which you could add so many kinds of fruits. Fruits not only alter the colour and taste of the smoothie but also its consistency. So if you want a nice think creamy smoothie, I suggest you add frozen bananas into the mixer before you blend it all. Alternatively you could add berries like cranberries or blue berries for a little sour punch. The choice is yours 🙂

 

 

Ingredients :-

1. Mango – 3 cups ( diced) – frozen
2. Fresh Spinach – 200 gms ( torn into small pieces)
3. Coconut water – 3 cups
4. Bananas – 3 ( frozen) – optional
5. Honey – 2 tsp ( according to taste)
6. Ginger – 2 cms piece

Instructions :- 

1. In the bowl of your blender add all the ingredients apart from the coconut water
2. Blend on high speed and slowly add as much water as required to bring to the consistency you like. Ideally I would use all 3 cups
3. Finally pour into glasses and enjoy a wonderful morning breakfast!!

 

Rose water Chia & Mango Banana Smoothie

Hello my Dear Wonderful Readers!!

How have you all been??? I have missed cooking, photography and mostly posting and talking to you all! I feel like its been months since I blogged! 🙂

So last week was a full of ups and downs. The flight to Kerala was pleasant apart from the time my son started crying (coz his ears hurt) when the plane was descending. Then there was the ride home from Airport that was uneventful. But once we got there, we had to run a few tests in the hospital and when all was well, I was admitted the same day!

One the bright side, the surgery was a grand success and we were out the next day. But when I got back home, I was told that my son was down with high fever and till today, he is nursing a horrible cold and chest congestion. Anyway, now that I am back home, it gives us more time with each other and hopefully all will get back to normal soon. Now this recipe is something I put together last night and hoped it would turn out well and trust me it did!!!

Mangoes are in season now and I plan to make the most of this delicious fruit. So please bear with me if your see mango posts back to back 🙂

Ingredients :-

For the Chia layer –

1. Chia Seeds – 4 tbsp
2. Milk – 1 cup
3. Rose Essence – 2 drops

For the Golden Layer –

1. Mango – 1 ( ripe and cubed)
2. Banana – 1 ( ripe)
3. Turmeric – 1/4 tsp
4. Oats – 4 tbsp
5. Milk – just a splash

Instructions :- 

1. In a glass jar with a high lid, add chia seeds, milk and rose essence
2. Close the jar tightly and give it a good shake
3. Put it in the fridge to set over night
4. For the next layer, you should make it just before you assemble the smoothie
5. In the bowl of your blender, add the mango, banana, turmeric and oats
6. The turn on the blender and add just enough milk to get the mixture to combine ( You want the smoothie to be nice and thick in order to get these distinct layers
7. Finally equally divide the mango smoothie into two glasses
8. Then with a spoon, top-up the mango layer with the over night chia layer
9. Finally garnish with some dry rose petals and any fruit of your choice ( I used kiwi)
10. Serve right away when cold!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dry Fig, Dates and Saffron – Oats Smoothie – Super healthy kick start to the day!

 

Hello my Dear Wonderful Readers!

So guess what!! This morning when I opened up WordPress I had this small little message pop up, wishing me ‘A Happy Anniversary’!! Yay!!

I cannot believe that its been one year since I started this baby! It still feels like yesterday when I asked my husband if he thought it was a good idea that I write down the recipes and photograph the food I make at home. From that day, to date, my dear husband has always been my inner voice and has always helped me with every post! Yes we are still in the “honeymoon” phase of the marriage. LOL.

Ok so this smoothie is such an easy drink to make and its actually just the addition of oats that makes it super filling. The figs and dates give it a very sweet yet fruity flavour and I absolutely love it.

Ingredients :-

1. Oats – 1/2 cup
2. Milk – 2 + 1/2 cup ( Cold milk)
3. Dried Figs – 9
4. Dates – 13 ( you can add or decrease according to taste) – deseeded
5. Saffron strands – 1 good pinch ( more of garnish)
6. Ice Cubes – 5 – 10

 

Instructions :-

1. In a small mug, add two table spoons of milk and heat to warm
2. Then add the saffron strands to the warm milk and set aside (this is to infuse the saffron in the milk)
3. Now in the bowl of your blender, add oats, rest of the milk, figs, and dates
4. Blend well to combine
5. Finally add the saffron infused milk and strands
6. Blend for another 2 mins
7. Serve right away

Watermelon, Carrot and Sweet Lime Juice

Hello my Dear Wonderful Readers!!

I have been trying to work with my new camera. So, this is my first post with the new one! So excited! I know I have a long way to go but there is such a huge difference I can almost touch it. LOL. Its like there is much more depth and clarity now. But what I have understood is that every camera needs some time getting used to. Simply cause they work different. What I can tell you off the top of my head is that my new Nikon responds so much quicker and faster and the change in the parameters work really really well unlike my old camera. But the older one had the Live View option that would also show the changes that where made. Here’s the thing, I haven’t ever been to photography school and what I know of the camera and photos is from one year of taking photos. So I do not know the technical terminologies for most of what I am trying to covey! But if I had to tell you what I know about photography, I would sound like a 6 year old taking about a day at school. Ok not so helpful huh. Sorry 🙂

Ok back to the recipe. This is what I made this morning along with breakfast.

Ingredients :-

1. Water Melon – 500 gms
2. Sweet Lime – 3 (juiced)
3. Carrots – 2 cups
4. Salt – two pinches
5. Ice Cubes – 1 cup

Instructions :-

 

1. Add all the ingredients into a blender
2. Blend for 5 mins

 

1. Serve right away (Keeping it for a while will make it sour).

 

Strawberry, Pistachio and Rose Lassi

Hello my dear wonderful readers!

Did I tell you how awful last week was? And I am still hopeful that this week will be better. I haven’t started using my new camera. These photos are from the old one but I will write about the new camera soon. For now I am leaving you with this simple recipe for the perfect summer afternoon/ evening drink.

Ingredients :-

1. Fresh Strawberries – 3 cups
2. Thick Yogurt – 2 cups ( cold)
3. Water – 1 cup ( cold)
4. Rose Essence – 2 drops
5. Pistachio – 10 – 11  (half chopped fine)
6. Sugar – 2 – 3 tbsp ( according to taste)

Instructions :-

1. In the bowl of your blender add all ingredients  apart from the chopped pistachio
2. Blend for 5 – 6 mins or till the mixture is smooth and red
3. Pour into individual glasses and garnish with chopped pistachio
4. Serve cold

 

Cranberry and Apple Oats Smoothie – A sour but healthy smoothie

 

Hello my Dear Wonderful Readers!!

How are you all doing today? So I am back with another smoothie recipe. This time its a sour smoothie but as most other smoothies I post, this one is packed with healthy goodness.  By the way, have you guys watched the new Kung Fu Panda? I haven’t yet, but I plan to this week 🙂 Do suggest any new movies that you think are worth watching. We try watching movies that are “kid” friendly when my son is awake. We reserve the ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes and other action packed movies for when he is fast asleep. But half of the episodes/action movies are seen on mute (read subtitles), cause there is this constant fear of waking him up. Like they say, everything is a balance. Like when we go out, we take turns to eat, the same way at home also we take turns with who gets to change the diapers and who feeds him! Its all a balance.

Ok so back to the smoothie.

Cranberries are a huge source of Vitamin C and Manganese. It help fight cancer and urinary infections. Apples help fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. So on the whole this recipe is one that helps keep you fit and healthy. You can add more sugar / honey as you like. I used greek yogurt and milk. But you could use almond milk or any kind of milk as desired.

Ingredients :-

1. Cranberries – 200 gms
2. Apples – 2 ( cored and cut )
3. Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
4. Greek Yogurt – 1 cup
5. Milk – 1 cup
6. Oats – 1/2 cup
7. Honey – 3 tbsp ( add more if required)

Instructions :-

1. In the bowl of your blender, add the cranberries, apples, cinnamon powder, yogurt and oats
2. Turn the blender on medium speed and add milk. Adjust the consistency as you like
3. Finally add honey into the blender bowl and taste
4. Serve right away
5. The smoothie might be a little sour so add as much honey as you like

 

 

Chilli Watermelon Agua Fresca

Hello my Dear Wonderful Readers!

How was the weekend? We had an awesome time. It started with a birthday party on Friday evening. I absolutely love birthday parties and I love how children find the cutest and sweetest games to play all by themselves. The next day was fun too. I love places that serve awesome starters than you never get to the main course. By Sunday, all we wanted to do was watch a nice movie and have some cold soothing drinks. So that is when I made this drink. Its super simple and I dint want it to be all too sweet so I added a little twist. The fun part is that the spicy hot taste sinks in only at the end. Makes you wanna drink some thing sweet so you take the next sip. Its sweet and fresh and then the chilli hits you again! ha ha. Its a circle (but not vicious). But by the time you have had a couple of glasses you feel refreshed and happy 🙂

I do not buy the seedless kind of watermelon simply cause that would mean they are not organic and have been altered. We try not having any food that has been genetically alerted and try sticking to organic stuff. So I buy the normal kind and I cut it into 4 halves. Then I make long incisions along the line of the seeds. I may miss a few but I still think its better than the seedless kind.

Ingredients :-

1. Watermelon – 1kg ( de seeded and cut to cubes)
2. Green Chillies – 3
3. Honey – 2 tbsp
4. Ice Cubes – 3 cups
5. Water – 2 cups
6. Mint leaves – 1 cups (packed)
7. Lime – 4

Instructions :-

1. In the bowl of your blender add the watermelon, honey, green chillies, water and half the ice cubes
2. Then cut the limes into half and squeeze the juice into the blender bowl. I use my hand as a strainer just to make sure there are no seeds in the bowl
3. Blitz till all the watermelon and green chilli is juiced well . Pour into your serving jug
4. Pick a few of the mint leaves and thrown them into the serving jug. Using a muddler just press the mint leaves to release their minty flavour into the drink
5. Throw in a few ice cubes into your serving glass and pour the watermelon juice
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves