Orange Mousse

Great day..Sarurday! Wanted to write a blogpost for a while now, just things which kept me a little occupied. But its good, good to write a blogpost again. What better than write a receipe post, a dessert!

Oranges! A flavour most of us love or atleast end up liking. It isnt a joke that 95% flavoured candies in the world have atleast one orange variant.

So thought to comeup with something i saw on a show a while back and here we go...Orange Mousse!

Sounds Exotic and Tastes Delicious!!!!

Coming straight to the point -Ingredients:

* Half Litre fresh orange juice
* 1 cup sugar
* 4 slices of orange
* 2tbsp. gelatin
* 2tbsp. Orange Zest
* Hollow orange skin
* whipped cream

Procedure

* Boil half litre juice in a pan. After 5 mins add 3 tbsp. sugar to it and boil for another 10minutes, till the quantity reduces and the liquid starts to become thick. Add 1 tbsp orange zest and cool the mixture.

* On a separate pan, caramalize 3 slices of orange. Heat the pan, put the slices (low flame) and sprinkle some sugar. Wait and toss till golden brown.

* In 10tbsp of water, dissolve 2tbsp of gelatin and keep for 5-7 minutes, until it completely dissolves.

* Add the gelatin mixture to colled orange juice (the one made as per step 1)

* Pour the mixture in hollow orange shells and refrigerate for 30-40minutes, until set

* Whip the cream until it form peaks and add 1 tbsp orange zest in it.

* Top the refrigerated orange mousse with whipped cream and mint leaves

*Serve and RELISH!!

Hope you enjoy preparing it as much as i did :)

Maggi to ‘Meri’ Maggi – The Journey of Maggi Noodles

Drizzling outside, sitting near the window with a friend and suddenly she shouts, “Let us have Maggi!!!” Oh how we love our ‘Maggi Bonding’. 2 in the night or 5 in the morning, somehow this magical bowl never seems to disappoint us. Maggi is a “my” brand. Each one of us relate to it. Despite having it since our childhood, given an option we still love to skip our meals to have a bowl of hot Maggi. From a midnight snack to best friend on a vacation, Maggi has always been there.

Maggie, the nestle brand was launched in India in 1982. So far Indian consumers were conservative in their eating habits, but the launch of Maggi brought a paradigm shift to the way Indians ate. From the traditional Indian dishes rather rose the culture of – instant noodles. Initially Nestle tried to position the Noodles in the platform of convenience targeting the working women. But it found that the sales are not picking up despite heavy promotion. Research then showed that Kids were the largest consumers of the brand. Realizing this, they shifted the focus to children and their mothers and repositioned the brand towards the kids using sales promotions and smart advertising. With taglines like “Mummy Bhook Lagi”, “Bas 2 Minute” created a personal connect between the brand and the consumers. Post which Nestle revamped its marketing strategy to keep the Maggi brand fresh in the minds of Indian consumer and reposition Maggi as a ‘health product’.

The brand has over the year changed its positioning as well – from a 2 minute noodles, now they talk about health – for the health conscious. No brand can ignore the power of consumers – Consumer is the King and the memory of the consumers is short lived. Unless the rand creates numerous touch points and innovates the way it communicates, people tend to look the other way, towards the other interesting brands. Maggi has generally stayed away from taking the celebrity endorsement route. The only exception was roping in actor, Preity Zinta for a brief period, to promote the Rs 5 Chotu Maggi and the Maggi family packs.

To make consumers part of the brand’s journey, Maggi launched a commercial which spoke about various memories people associate with as been conceptualised by Publicis India and works on the favourite emotions of Indians – Nostalgia!

Follow the link to read the complete article:

http://foodathonindia.blogspot.in/2013/02/maggi-to-meri-maggi-journey-of-maggi.html

This valentine's fall in love with Oats

Oh my God!!  Have I turned FAT? Please say no…what? Yes?

Ok. Time for action.

I have been hearing about Oats for a long time now. As a matter of fact I DO know they are healthy and somehow breaking the popular belief that oats are not tasty – I actually do feel, they are ‘Tasty’.

I eat them for taste and health rather than just the latter.

It is about HOW you make it. Being interested in food, I love playing with flavours, textures and presentation. So I thought how to make oats best as per my taste and went ahead by playing safe and made typical ‘Poha style oats’.

Poha has been a part of every Indian’s daily diet. Lots of vegetable, spices, flavour and aroma. Just replacing the rice flakes with healthy oats.

Posting the recipe for all to try and fall in Love with Oats this Valentine’s J

Ingredients (Serving : 4)

• ½ cup peas
• ½ cup chopped cauliflower
• ½ cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. Black Pepper
• ½ tbsp. White Pepper
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup sweet corn
• ¼ cup mushrooms
• 3 tbsp. dry roasted garlic
• 1/4^th cup chopped green coriander

Directions

• Put 5 spoons of Olive oil in a heated pan
• Add all the vegetable to it along with tomatoes and salt (tomatoes and salt help it to cook quickly)
• After 5-7 minutes check if the vegetables are cooked well enough and add 3 cups of oats to it
• Fry for 2 minutes and add black pepper, white pepper and salt as per taste
• Add atleast 6-6 ½  cups of water
• In case you like thick consistency add 5 cups of water, but this type of oats taste best soupy. Also the globby texture reduces to a large extent when enough water is added
• Boil and then cook on medium flame for another 5 minutes
• Garnish with green coriander and roasted garlic and serve hot in a soup bowl

Just to let everyone know…Oats is the only food which is healthy for every kind of individual. This power packed food is right there..grab there and lead a healthy-tasty life. Try once to agree.

Four Seasons Wine Trail at Delhi

A recent invite to a Wine Trail made me realize I had been on a look out for something so niche for a while now.

Event Details:
Event dates: 19th January
Time: 4pm
Location: Ardor, Outer Circle, CP New Delhi.

Image Courtesy : Bhujbal View

Image Courtesy : Bhujbal View

Image Courtesy : Bhujbal View

As per the description it was supposed to be a Structured Wine Trail, where a wine sommelier would take one through the finer nuances of wine. The event had earlier been executed in Kochi, Mumbai and Bangalore and I hence had great hopes from it.

Image Courtesy : Bhujbal View

While the venue chosen was a fine decision but turned out to be a bit of turn-of because of lot of background noise due to some construction work (or whatever it was).
The wine instructor from Four Seasons, was a fine lady with immense knowledge but somehow lacked in putting her point across. The presentation was knowledgeable but way to bookish for everyone to register and remember. Despite requesting for some kind of brochure/email as a note for all the information shared, nothing was shared which kind of delayed my blog post.

Nonetheless some great information was shared like 30ml of wine for men, and 20ml for women per day was extremely healthy. Entire procedure of Wine production was explained. Since I do not have a detailed presentation from them, you can refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winemaking for all the details.
Four Seasons Wines Limited produces wines from grapes grown around Sahyadri valley in Maharashtra, India and at its state-of-the-art Four Seasons winery near Baramati, around 65 kms from Pune. It aims to drive interest in wines and wine consumption by offering good quality wines at reasonable price points with packaging options as well as education and engagement.

Four Seasons Wines basically markets wines under the two brand names ZINZI and FOUR SEASONS. ZINZI is an easy drinking wine that is targeted at the youth. With an unconventional and vibrant packaging, Zinzi Red and White wines are already available nationally. Along with giving young wines a whole new image, Zinzi is all set to change the way wine drinking is perceived by novice wine drinkers.
FOUR SEASONS, the flagship brand of the company, captures the colors and moods of the four seasons, with three reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot); three whites (Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc and Viognier); and, a Rosé (Blush). The Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Barrique Reserve Shiraz are the premium offerings of the Four Seasons portfolio. These wines have been aged in imported French oak barrels for 9 months before being bottled.

Wine Tasting encompasses four major steps:

COLOUR: It should be clear and not at all cloudy. Also remember that aging causes changes in wine color.
SWIRL: Swirling of the wine is essential because it helps in releasing the flavors and aromas of the wine. Swirl the wine by either using the palm of your hand as the base support or a table top.
SMELL: After the swirling smell the aromas released by the wine. White wine smells fruitier and while red wine smells more berry like.  a
SIP: Wine is not a ‘Hurry-Drink’. Take a sip of the wine and roll it around in your mouth so that you can taste and enjoy all the flavors that the wine has to offer. And then gulp!

The event though was not as per my expectations but definitely left me a little more knowledgeable about wine!

Honey Chilly Potato (with 80% less oil )

So today was one of those days when i crave for something awesome but without getting into the calculations of those 'extra' calories. Such are the situations when the proverb , 'Necessity is the mother of  invention' sounds true.

So i THINK, THINK, THINK and Eurekaaaa :)

Here goes 'MY' version of Honey Chilly Potatoes, which have 80% less oil because they are NOT deep fried.

Ingredients:

1. 3 large potatoes
2. Tomato Sauce
3. Fresh Coriander
4. Garlic (7-10 cloves)
5. Salt
6. Red pepper
7. Chilly Flakes
8. Honey
9. Tomato Sauce
10. 2 teaspoons of Olive oil

Receipe:

1. Take a non stick pan and heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
2. Add potatoes to it, sprinkle salt
3. Cover the pan with lid for 10-15 minutes, on low flame
4. Remove the lid and add red pepper, chilly flakes and mashed garlic
5. Cover the lid for 3-4 minutes, on low flame
6. Remove the lid and add 3 teaspoons of honey to it along with coriander 
7. Add 4 spoons of tomato sauce to it
8. Keep flipping the potatoes for 1-2 minutes
9. Garnish with spring onions and some more coriander 
10. Serve HOT

Enjoy the plate of honey chilly potato (minus the guilt of extra calories ;) )

Have Fun !

The WONDER Drink

Not many drinks are as healthy as a hot cup of Green. Tea with a dash of fresh lime in it. Yes, we love coffee, crushers, and other drinks which are high on calorie intakes...but green tea should be converted into a hygiene habit. Each night before going to bed, make sure you have a cup of green tea along with some lime.

Few natural substances equal the powerful combined benefits of green tea and lemon. Green tea has been shown to boost the body’s metabolism and fight disease. And, when coupled with True Lemon, green tea’s strength increases dramatically.Green tea’s healthful properties are largely attributed to these polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants scavenge and neutralize free radicals in the body that damage cells and DNA. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well. Free radicals occur naturally, but environmental toxins, such as radiation and cigarette smoke, also cause free damaging radicals to occur.

Image Courtesy : Google Images

According to studies, antioxidants in green tea may help combat atherosclerosis and heart disease and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Several studies have shown that both green and black teas help protect against many forms of cancer.

In addition to adding True Lemon or lemon to boost antioxidants, you can also preserve the compounds in green tea that provide weight loss and health benefits by avoiding boiling hot water. Boil the water and then let it cool a minute or two before pouring into your teapot. Then, steep the tea one to three minutes to extract maximum antioxidants.

The longer the tea bags steep, the more health-enhancing compounds are released, however, the slightly bitter quality of green tea may also increase. Adding True Lemon will not only increase the antioxidant availability of the tea, but will add tart, refreshing flavor and decrease any bitter taste.

In summertime, another preparation method is to put the tea in a glass or pitcher of water and place it in the sun. The cold water will gradually warm, gently releasing the tea’s flavor and color.

But remember....Green tea is not for everyone!!!!

People with heart and kidney problems, stomach ulcers, psychological issues, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should limit or avoid tea. And talk to your doctor about drinking green tea if you are taking any of these medications due to possible interactions: Adenosine, Antibiotics, Beta-lactam, Benzodiazepines, Beta-blockers, Propranolol, Metoprolol, Blood Thinning Medications (including Aspirin), Chemotherapy, Clozapine. Ephedrine, Lithium, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors,  Oral Contraceptives or Phenylpropanolamine.

Remember, green tea has less caffeine than black tea or coffee, but if you drink too much it can still affect your sleep. Caffeine intake for most people should not exceed 400 mg per day, and each cup of green tea after five minutes brewing has about 32 mg. caffeine.

Philips Foodathon - A Marathon of Food Bloggers

On my recent visit to Philips Foodathon, a marathon of food bloggers where members of the ecosystem came together to celebrate their love for food, i had an experience of my lifetime .As we all know passion for food in our country is next to cricket or probably Bollywood. So it made a lot of sense for a lot of partners to come together and organize an event basis their novel concept. Philips was the primary sponsor of the event while the V Sot Cafe+Bar gave the location courtesy. The world renowned food blogger Sid Khullar was the consulting partner (Chef at Large). The event was organized by one of India's leading PR agency - 20:20MSL.

It was a great experience since the very beginning. A 'block-your-date' invite much prior to the event (which was much appreciated), followed by a formal invite 4 days prior to the event along with polite reminder call made me feel good much before i finally went to the event.

There were no logistical issues as 20:20 MSL people took care of it all indeed very professionally. My travel to the venue was also smooth and I loved the location - Gurgaon!The location was also, I must say, a perfect choice for the event. V Spot Cafe+Bar immediately give you good vibes as soon as you enter the place. You immediately start feeling "Happy" :)

The 'rain is falling chama cham cham' colourful wall took a great deal of my attention while i entered the place. The gracious host at the registration desk (Radhika) greeted me with immense politeness and made me feel comfortable.

Image Courtesy : Ragini Vasishtha

Needless to say all the people were were friendly and made everything look easy (not that there was any difficult part, but you might feel uncomfortable when you meet a lot of new people)

The ambience of the place was bang on! Right from the interiors to the tissue papers (very interesting ones!), to the washroom walls , everything spelled 'coolness' and it was all too subtle, nothing 'in-your-face'.A nice bar and terrace seating arrangement had set the tone of the event - it was going to be "Legendary". The agenda was set (it was in the press kits that were distributed) and it all began around 12:55pm. The MC was also a charming host and made sure everyone in the room was smiling.

Image Courtesy : Monica Miglani

After this, the Philips air-fryer was showcased (and trust me, nothing had wooed me to that extent in quite a while now). An amazing product, it fries stuff without oil (YES!!!!). It uses the technique of using hot air and the final dish has almost 80% lesser fat content (compared to the usual oil deep frying.  In Indian households where one is so fond of deep fried stuff, the Philips Air-Fryer is definitely a boon for many households. Four air-fryers were set to 'fry' eatables for some real experience. Chiken-tikka, french fries and aloo tikki were cooked and as a pleasant surprise it actually felt 'awesome'. The french fries were best amongst the lot - not a drop of oil and crisp like a dream. Usually while cooking french fries at home, we deep fry it twice to get that crunch, but the air fryer will just make life simpler (and slimmer ;) )

Image Courtesy : Faizan patel

To my utter astonishment, Philips Foodathon was trending in Delhi, on twitter in the first half an hour of beginning (Kudos to the 20:20 MSL team)

Sid Khullar also addressed the audience for a while and share some interesting thoughts and sparked a discussion with topics like , if advertising was the only way to monetize your blog .Foodathon was not all general fun,it was a place where I learned a lot as well.

A master class was taken by the executive chef of Shangri La, Darren Canole. He taught a lot about plating and also plated a dish in front of the audience and left us spell bound with his amazing skills (and sense of humour ;) )

Ace photographer, Hemant Sud, took a class on food photography and gave some real insights. The chef and the Hemant later were the jury of a plating contest. The participants of the plating contest were selected by a small quiz which was held by Sid Khullar and MC (Akash). The ones who answered the question were selected for the contest.

Image Courtesy : Ragini Vasishtha

Image Courtesy : Faizan Patel

Chef shared two great insights while announcing the winning dish - One, a dish which has some amount of height to it will always attract eyes more as compared to a flat dish. Secondly, while decorating your dish, make sure you use an odd number of the extras (brain does not connect, even number with decoration of dishes).

Then came FOOD - aha! The lovely names spelled in the menu were making me as tempted as possible and finally it came to tasting.

I completely fell in love with the Chermoula Marinated Fish. It was a perfect balance of taste and texture. The fish was cotton soft and the taste was well balanced with right amount of salt, spices and also had a hint of sugar which gave the tongue that complexity of flavours. In desserts i loved the coffee mousse (the Chocolate mud cake, though was not as per my expectation).Rosemary potatoes were the surprise element on the table as they looked quite simple but the combination of rosemary with potatoes was a connoisseur's delight.

After this wonderful event we were bid goodbye with a goodie bag. It had a box of Dunkin Donuts, a V spot Cafe mug and a Foodathon t-shirt. Dunkin Donuts were another surprise element to the event. I call it a 'box of wonder'. It looked fantastic, and tasted even better. The donuts will be launched soon and are positioned as 'Diwali Specials'. I think the company has made sure they bring all the elements one look for in traditional sweets in this box of donuts - the icing of the donuts and varied flavours which will appeal to the Indian palate. I could find hints of mango, chocolate and recotta. These definitely should be a success because it gives people an option apart from the usual sweets and over done dry fruit gift packs.

Diwali Special Dunkin Donuts

Box of Dunkin Donuts

All in all it was a great initiative and i will definitely look forward to many more Foodathons. I highly recommend it should be turned into an annual property.After many lazy weekends, this was indeed a Saturday - WELL-SPENT!