tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91632753433929192392024-03-13T16:26:32.665+05:00Kay's House of TreatsHoping to entertain you with my cooking adventures one post at a time. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-14840684731200560772014-10-10T11:32:00.002+05:002014-10-10T11:32:24.237+05:00Cosmopolitan cafe <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosmopolitan Cafe</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Cosmopolitan Cafe: </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Visited this new eatery located at E-street Clifton a few weeks ago, and found it to be a promising addition to the upscale cafes in Karachi. The modern decor, with the hand-painted mural depicting the cityscape of Karachi invites one to come inside & relax. The scrumptious desserts makes one want to linger over coffee & dessert with friends or family. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">For more details about the place, and the menu on offer, please check out my <a href="http://www.dawn.com/news/1135072/cosmopolitan-cafe-modern-decor-sinfully-amazing-dessert" target="_blank">review</a> published at Dawn.com</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dawn.com/news/1135072/cosmopolitan-cafe-modern-decor-sinfully-amazing-dessert" target="_blank">Cosmopolitan Cafe</a>: Modern decor, sinfully amazing dessert </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwWwVtpF6mo/VCG3B4AVPII/AAAAAAAAGJI/Bj0mXnvHtUk/s1600/20140920_154734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cosmopolitan Cafe" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwWwVtpF6mo/VCG3B4AVPII/AAAAAAAAGJI/Bj0mXnvHtUk/s1600/20140920_154734.jpg" height="180" title="Cosmopolitan Cafe" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Contact Details - Cosmopolitan Cafe </b><br /><br /> <b>Address:</b><br /> C-33 Main E Street <br /> Block 4 Clifton<br /> Karachi, Pakistan.<br /><br /> <b>Telephone: </b><br />(92-21) 3-529-0156, 3-529-0058<br /><br /><b>Facebook:</b><br />https://www.facebook.com/CafeCosmopolitanPk<br /><b><br />Launched:</b><br />15th August 2014 </span></span><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-61686803016523325752014-09-20T02:07:00.003+05:002014-09-20T02:12:37.692+05:00Magnum Store Launches in Karachi <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9p2vRuUYY4/VByDtPsjLRI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/0lktKcbbEKQ/s1600/6-IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Quite a few of you must have seen the photos that I shared of the Magnum store and the personalized Magnum that I made on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. Here's my write-up of that same event.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Magnum Store Launches in Karachi" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9p2vRuUYY4/VByDtPsjLRI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/0lktKcbbEKQ/s1600/6-IMG_0052.JPG" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Magnum Store Launches in Karachi" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture provided by Creative Chaos</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagnumPakistan?fref=ts" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Magnum Pakistan</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> held an exclusive Digital Launch on 14th September 2014 for bloggers & twitterati. Ice-cream being one of my favourite desserts, and since I am a blogger, I was very excited to attend. The event was scheduled at 5 pm and lasted about two hours. I reached the venue around 5:15 pm with Sara Muzammil from </span><a href="http://www.csquareonline.com/pk/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Creative Chaos</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> personally greeting all the bloggers, giving us a brief overview of the store & showing us around.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;">Picture provided by Creative Chaos</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first thing you notice about the Magnum store is the luxurious and chic decor - light pink Magnum monogrammed damask wallpaper complemented by chocolate brown painted walls. Situated right under a series of gorgeous looking 'Magnum' prints, the Magnum bar is the main feature of the downstairs floor. Other than that, there's lots of quirky furniture and artistic backgrounds scattered around, with a series of mirrors at one end, a wall decorated with triangular black art and strategically placed TV's. The upstairs floor continued the same concept, with stylish & funky furniture, and more backgrounds perfect for posing & taking selfies. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIQN9rC6Ru4/VByM2-CMOHI/AAAAAAAAGCk/1enVTatJ-Hs/s1600/1-20140914_172138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Magnum Store in Karachi" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIQN9rC6Ru4/VByM2-CMOHI/AAAAAAAAGCk/1enVTatJ-Hs/s1600/1-20140914_172138.jpg" height="180" title="Magnum Store in Karachi" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was about 30 minutes of mingling around, after which the event formally started with the brand team introducing themselves, welcoming us to this exclusive event and then letting us know all about the 'Make My Magnum' experience, which allows us to design our own personalised Magnum at the 'Magnum Bar' downstairs. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Magnum Store in Karachi" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmMqEiL__D8/VByM3IRkgYI/AAAAAAAAGCs/06cubOfdEbY/s1600/2-20140914_172204.jpg" height="180" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Magnum Store in Karachi" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnum Store Karachi - Toppings Offered</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmMqEiL__D8/VByM3IRkgYI/AAAAAAAAGCs/06cubOfdEbY/s1600/2-20140914_172204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While the 'Make My Magnum' experience utilizes the Magnum bar which is available in stores, it enhances the experience by letting you choose from an array of unique toppings, which is dipped into the chocolate of your choice. The first step begins with you selecting your preferred ice-cream stick - either vanilla or chocolate, then choosing your toppings (3 is the best combination but you can add more), and then choose either a milk chocolate or dark chocolate dip. The toppings on offer consisted of 3 categories - the basics ranging from white chocolate vermicelli, chocolate rice krispies, crumbled corn flakes and honeycomb; the specialties ranging from chopped hazelnuts, crumbed biscuits, white chocolate chips, crushed coconut, and chocolate sprinkles; the experimental is what created the most buzz with flavors ranging from popcorn, sea salt, chilli flakes, dried pomegranate, poppy seeds and dried cranberries. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU_Fvo4-JL4/VByDrM3CUnI/AAAAAAAAGB8/Jx_nvjpWx7g/s1600/4-IMG_9880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As part of the activities at the event, the bloggers were asked to take part in the 'Make My Magnum Challenge', where all the bloggers took a picture with our customized Magnums and nominated four of our friends on social media to 'Make My Magnum Challenge'. If the tagged friends fail to make their Magnums within the given time frame, they would have to treat us to a Magnum of our choice. Definitely a fun challenge to try out all those experimental toppings! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Magnum Store in Karachi" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU_Fvo4-JL4/VByDrM3CUnI/AAAAAAAAGB8/Jx_nvjpWx7g/s1600/4-IMG_9880.JPG" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Magnum Store in Karachi" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;">Picture provided by Creative Chaos</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I went off to the Magnum Bar to make my personalized Magnum - vanilla Magnum topped with hazelnuts, crushed biscuits, honeycomb & fruity pebbles topped in a milk chocolate glaze. I was expecting something similar to a normal Magnum but the multiple toppings & the double dipping made it something superior that will push people to come to the store. In the midst of tweeting & social media sharing, I was interacting with fellow bloggers, and the hot topic of discussion was what flavors did everyone get, and who was adventurous enough to get the chilli flakes! </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Magnum Store in Karachi" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvhpZ1yPSvA/VByM3OhVqUI/AAAAAAAAGCo/nsfjPlcnGt0/s1600/3-20140914_181457.jpg" height="145" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Magnum Store in Karachi" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazelnuts, Biscuits, Honeycomb & Fruity Pebbles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Magnum Store in Karachi" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PRLygHHZUc/VByM4L9pylI/AAAAAAAAGC0/TQtNSuG5NMc/s1600/4-20140914_185547.jpg" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Magnum Store in Karachi" width="116" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt, Coconut & Candy Bits</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PRLygHHZUc/VByM4L9pylI/AAAAAAAAGC0/TQtNSuG5NMc/s1600/4-20140914_185547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvhpZ1yPSvA/VByM3OhVqUI/AAAAAAAAGCo/nsfjPlcnGt0/s1600/3-20140914_181457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting a lot of good reviews from people who did try the experimental flavors, I decided to get another one and this time choose coconut, sea salt & candy bits dipped in dark chocolate. While the traditional toppings were also good, this one was much better - the sea salt balanced the sweetness from the chocolate with the coconut & candy bits providing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the crunch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once the Make My Magnum event was over, we had another activity of the 'Magnum Pleasure Hunt' where we had to tweet 'where's the treasure?' to the Magnum Pakistan twitter account (@MagnumPk) and then respond to the questions. Only 10 people were selected as the lucky winner, but the rest of us were not let go empty handed, and were given free vouchers for a free 'Magnum' the next time we visited the store. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">Overall the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagnumPakistan?fref=ts" target="_blank">Magnum Store</a> looks to be an interesting addition as a dessert bar in Karachi, providing a welcome change from the plethora of fro-yo outlets in town. The Magnum Bar concept is similar to our local Dip Shop, but that's where the similarity ends because the decor, ambiance & variety of toppings offered gives it a premium feel bound to appeal to youngsters. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Priced at Rs.250 for a personalized Magnum with 3 toppings, it is pricier compared to the store version, but on par with offerings from other ice-cream outlets. The Magnum Store promises to be an experience, so it remains to be seen how the brand team can keep on introducing new & innovative ideas that will keep people coming back to their store. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Magnum Store in Karachi" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3IirkbEcyg/VByDswiItbI/AAAAAAAAGCM/f6rexgdBN08/s1600/7-IMG_0085.JPG" height="266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Magnum Store in Karachi" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;">Bloggers Group Photo at the Magnum Karachi event -Picture provided by Creative Chaos</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Note:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was a by invitation event for bloggers, with the Digital PR<span style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB"> being managed by <a href="http://www.csquareonline.com/contact/" target="_blank">Creative Chaos</a> and the BTL team was from Empact.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Magnum Store Details:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">Location:</span><b style="text-align: left;"> </b><span style="text-align: left;">Block 7, Clifton, Karachi (Opposite Boat Basin)</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Timings: Weekdays: 12 pm - 12 am & Weekends: 12 pm - 1 am</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagnumPakistan" style="text-align: left;">https://www.facebook.com/MagnumPakistan</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/MagnumPK">https://twitter.com/MagnumPK</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-77698175459164306722014-09-07T02:00:00.002+05:002014-09-07T02:01:06.848+05:00Pantry - A globally inspired cafe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Breakfast is the topic of discussion on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page these days - lots of quick & healthy ideas. But Sunday's are meant for lazing around & a leisurely breakfast in the midst of family & friends. Breakfast at home has its own charms, but the not having to clean up anything (except your wallet) experience that you get when eating outside is beyond compare.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Today I am going to review the breakfast I had recently at Pantry. Comprising of two floors, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pantrykhi?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pantry</a> is a welcome relief from all those tiny cafes that are opening up in the city these days which are such a problem if you are dining with a large group, or if someone has kids. </span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">We ourselves were a group of 5 people with 2 kids. We decided to sit on the top floor which is more spacious and also had a little bit of space for kids to move around. The ground floor is smaller, but it has their </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">drinks & desserts counter along with a display of fresh artisan bread & kitchen appliances for sale. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pantrykhi?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pantry</a> is one of the few places where the menu, tagline & ambiance are in sync with another. "Comfort food with global influence" is the slogan written on the menu and this is reflected beautifully in the cafe. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">The setting is of a casual cafe, with beautiful windows letting in loads of fresh light. The menu isn't huge, but it features an eclectic mix of favourite dishes from around the world. So there's Tuscan scrambled eggs from Italy, Eggs Benedict from France, Lettuce Wraps from China, Beef Pho from Vietnam and so on and so forth. What further interested us was the ingredients mentioned - instead of a typical </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">cheese & mushroom omelette</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">, theirs is known as Country Omelette with caramelized onions & emmental cheese. Instead of basic pancakes or french toast, they have cinnamon buttermilk pancakes & french toast with salted caramel. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Since a few of us reached earlier, we decided to order coffee while waiting for the rest. My last coffee experience at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pantrykhi?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pantry</a> was a bit sad since my friend and I had ordered the wrong coffee, which didn't give us the jolt needed to wake up in the morning. This time asked the waiter for his recommendations, and ended up ordering large/tall cafe lattes which were exactly what we needed! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">It's a major pet peeve to go to a cafe with a huge variety of coffee on the menu & a clueless waiter - glad to say this was not the case with <a href="http://pantry./">Pantry.</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were a bit disappointed when placing the order since they didn't have pancakes or sweet potato fries or the chocolate tart on the menu. <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">One of us had already had breakfast & had planned on ordering just the tart but was disappointed. The tart did become available later, but she had changed her mind by then. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Our total order consisted of the following:</span></div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Masala Omelette - Rs.390</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Greek Omelette - Rs. 480</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Country Omelette - Rs. 480</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cajun Jambalaya Chicken - Rs. 550</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cheese Poppers - Rs. 480 </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chocolate Tart - Rs. 370</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Short Cappuccino - Rs. 210</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tall Cafe Latte - Rs. 250</span></li>
</ol>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSKA74f27pA/VArhPeIH_sI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/ons0us1raBM/s1600/2-20140809_121010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSKA74f27pA/VArhPeIH_sI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/ons0us1raBM/s1600/2-20140809_121010.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Pantry - Cheese Poppers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First to arrive in about 10 minutes were the Cheese Poppers - Golden nuggets of cheesy goodness served with a chipotle & jalapeno aioli. These were so good, both in looks & taste, but the 4 piece serving size was quite small compared to the price.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxy2n8C8wio/VArhRHKDHcI/AAAAAAAAF9w/JT6vnxgy2DY/s1600/5-20140809_122632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxy2n8C8wio/VArhRHKDHcI/AAAAAAAAF9w/JT6vnxgy2DY/s1600/5-20140809_122632.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Pantry - Greek Omelette</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rest of the order came after 10 minutes - my friends ordered the omelettes and I had ordered the Cajun Jambalaya since I wasn't in an eggy mood</span>. <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Country Omelette & Greek Omelette were both served with roasted potatoes & grilled tomatoes along with a basket of freshly made bread with butter & jam. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The omelettes were light & fluffy, with cheese being the star ingredient in both. The Country omelette had a more savoury meaty taste with caramelized onions, mushrooms & melted emmental cheese. On the other hand, the Greek omelette was lighter as it had onions, tomatoes & capiscum with feta cheese & fresh rocket leaves. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvA_ULfEBRc/VArhPyaML9I/AAAAAAAAF9c/riBglwH78jE/s1600/4-20140809_122248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvA_ULfEBRc/VArhPyaML9I/AAAAAAAAF9c/riBglwH78jE/s1600/4-20140809_122248.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Pantry - Country Omelette</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Masala Omelette was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pantrykhi?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pantry's</a> take on the Desi Pakistani Omelette and instead of bread, it was served with Palak Paneer & Paratha's. I</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">t was instantly & happily devoured by my friends two kids so I am going to assume it was good. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCn8bDclpsM/VArhP7bEMyI/AAAAAAAAF9g/OlSxD4fKNIs/s1600/3-20140809_122100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCn8bDclpsM/VArhP7bEMyI/AAAAAAAAF9g/OlSxD4fKNIs/s1600/3-20140809_122100.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Pantry - Cajun Jambalaya </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Cajun Jambalaya was a visual delight when it come with the liberal use of colored capiscums (green, yellow & red) with a sprinkling of paprika at the edges of the plate. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The linguini was cooked perfectly, and the cajun spices complimented the sweet peppers brilliant. However, I felt it missed something, maybe shrimp would have been a better option or some side option to provide just a bit of crunch.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrdbapeYhPQ/VArhR69-LeI/AAAAAAAAF94/KAmCbGgWyI8/s1600/6-20140809_130316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrdbapeYhPQ/VArhR69-LeI/AAAAAAAAF94/KAmCbGgWyI8/s1600/6-20140809_130316.jpg" height="173" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Pantry - Chocolate Tart</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the end, we decided to order the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">chocolate tart since it was now available. It was a fitting end to a delicious meal. I have always preferred savoury over sweet and there are few desserts that make me change my mind. This was one of them - a rich dark chocolate tart with a walnut crust served with cold vanilla ice-cream! So indulgent and absolutely delicious. The only negative would be that the ice-cream felt store-bought and I think fresh would complement the tart better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The service at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pantrykhi?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pantry</a> was as good as the food we had with attentive & trained waiters. It was annoying that a few items weren't available but the waiters were well-versed about the menu and informed us on time. I do wish that there was more space downstairs, as that is non-smoking. It's never a good idea to sit in a small place with kids which is why we opted to go upstairs, but that was obviously smoking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pantrykhi?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pantry</a> is a cafe that is a must visit, especially if you are in the mood to try different cuisines. I am planning on buying their fresh bread, and using it to make sandwiches for my <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-make-home-made-paneer-or-cottage.html" target="_blank">home-made</a> cheese. The prices vary depending on the dish & ingredients. If the dish is using local ingredients, then the per head costs are similar or slightly higher to other cafes. However, if deciding to order a dish that incorporates expensive ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella or smoked salmon then the per head cost goes up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Contact Details:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pantrykhi?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pantry</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">14-C, 10th Commercial Lane,<br />Zamzama, Phase 5, D.H.A.<br />Karachi, Pakistan.<br />Tel: (92-21) 3-581-0515, 3-581-0517</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-34172482586299828092014-08-23T01:57:00.002+05:002014-08-23T02:02:58.387+05:00Lemon Garlic Chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are some recipes that you just want to make at once. They make you forget about the list of chores that need to be completed, the tv shows that you could be watching, and instead you are standing in the kitchen with ingredients laid out on the counter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This lemon garlic chicken was one such recipe for me. Instead of the Chinese styled lemon chicken, this is more of an Italian version where the chicken is first browned, then cooked with loads of garlic & spices to make this thick gravy that is just delicious served with spaghetti. Ideally you could serve rice with it, but I prefered the noodles. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAePYDTwgS4/U_etQK1yiJI/AAAAAAAAF8k/_fZ9mfdQ8yk/s1600/1-20140817_210810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAePYDTwgS4/U_etQK1yiJI/AAAAAAAAF8k/_fZ9mfdQ8yk/s1600/1-20140817_210810.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Lemon Garlic Chicken</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Lemon Garlic Chicken</u></b><br />
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Adapted from Emeril Lagasse's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/lemon-garlic-chicken-thighs-recipe.html" target="_blank">Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs</a> recipe.</div>
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<b><u>Ingredients</u></b></span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">500 grams boneless chicken, cubed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 1/2 teaspoons salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/8 cup oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup onions, finely chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">12 cloves garlic (about 1 heads) garlic, peeled and smashed (I peel the garlic, put it in a clean plastic bag then use a meat mallet to smash it)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 to 4 peppercorns</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 1/4 cup chicken stock (1 chicken cube dissolved in 1 1/4 cup of water)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cloves garlic, finely sliced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3-4 green chillies</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, whole </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">450 grams egg noodles or spaghetti </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 tablespoons butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tablespoon dried parsley</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spring Onions or Cilantro/Dhania - for garnish</span></li>
</ul>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Directions</u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt & 1 teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle the chicken with the flour and mix it together. Set aside.</li>
<li>In a large saute pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep aside.</li>
<li>Keeping the heat on medium-high, add chopped onions to the pan and cook till light brown. Add the smashed up garlic, red chilli flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, peppercorns and cook for 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice, chicken stock and browned chicken back to the pan. Bring the mixture to boil, then turn heat to simmer. Cover pan with lid, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove lid, and cook for about 5 minutes till the gravy is to the consistency you prefer. If you want thick gravy, then add cornflour dissolved in water to thicken it. </li>
<li>Deep fry garlic cloves in a small frying pan or tempering pan (baghar pan) till light golden & crisp. Drain on paper towels. Cut the top of the green chili's, take out the seeds from the top, and then shallow fry green onions till blistered. Drain on paper towels again. </li>
<li>Cook the noodles till al dente (timing specified on packet). Drain well, and toss in a large bowl with the butter & parsley. Sprinkle some of the parsley on top for garnish. Keep the water to boil for the noodles when starting to brown the chicken. The noodles should be added when the chicken is on simmer so both chicken & noodles are ready at the same time for the optimal temperature. </li>
<li>Top chicken with fried garlic & chili's. Another option for garnish is to use sliced spring onions or dhaniya/cilantro. </li>
<li>Serve lemon garlic chicken with noodles on the side. </li>
</span></ol>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6wThUVD3Pg/U_etUZWwASI/AAAAAAAAF8s/ZBbmtrQOwyw/s1600/2-20140817_211046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6wThUVD3Pg/U_etUZWwASI/AAAAAAAAF8s/ZBbmtrQOwyw/s1600/2-20140817_211046.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Lemon Garlic Chicken with Egg Noodles</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-4116017593346427472014-08-19T20:26:00.001+05:002014-08-19T23:24:24.904+05:00Vintage Bakeshop & Cafe <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUCJog2IxdM/U_NnUnA2qZI/AAAAAAAAF8I/9LPbTlhI0xk/s1600/1-Vintage%2BReview%2BPictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUCJog2IxdM/U_NnUnA2qZI/AAAAAAAAF8I/9LPbTlhI0xk/s1600/1-Vintage%2BReview%2BPictures.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Vintage Bakeshop & Cafe - The ambiance & decor</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Vintage Bakeshop & Cafe: Visited this quaint little eatery a few weeks ago. Even from outside, Vintage makes quite an impact with the beautiful yellow door, and once you enter, the decor takes you right to the Victorian era.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">For more details about the place, and the menu on offer, please check out my <a href="http://www.dawn.com/news/1125492" target="_blank">review</a> published at Dawn.com</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.dawn.com/news/1125492" target="_blank">Vintage Bakeshop & Cafe</a> - A classic cafe with a modern twist </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMZLMnMnwok/U_NnXNl9WDI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/rCjvwfjakSw/s1600/2-Collages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMZLMnMnwok/U_NnXNl9WDI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/rCjvwfjakSw/s1600/2-Collages.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Vintage Bakeshop & Cafe - The food & desserts on offer</span></td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Contact Details:</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vintage - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vintagevbc?fref=ts">Facebook</a> Page<br /><br /><b>Address:</b><br />25C, Khayaban-e-Seher, Off Saba Avenue, Phase 6, DHA, Karachi, Pakistan<br /><br /><b>Telephone:</b><br />021-35341722 - 03218957066</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-44775690258747536032014-08-06T00:40:00.000+05:002014-08-06T00:41:04.715+05:00Salted Caramel Custard & a Belated Eid Mubarak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8U8tTkO5gac/U-EwAgGi85I/AAAAAAAAF6Q/vJUbP_x-gBw/s1600/PhotoGrid_1406734705666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8U8tTkO5gac/U-EwAgGi85I/AAAAAAAAF6Q/vJUbP_x-gBw/s1600/PhotoGrid_1406734705666.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Eid Mubarak - Family togetherness with delicious food</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Belated Eid Mubarak everyone! Whether you celebrated it simply or in a much more festive manner, I hope it was spent in the midst of family & friends. That is what Eid is all about - family & togetherness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember as a child, Eid was about new clothes, the delicious food, and of course the Eidi. Getting all dressed up with matching shoes & churiyaan (bangles); going from one house to another to meet relatives & discussing where we would get the yummiest treats; collecting Eidi in little purses, counting it up and then comparing who had gotten the most. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As an adult, things remain the same but my perception has changed. I still get new clothes, but I try to make sure the less fortunate around me have Eid clothes too; I don't throw a fuss if there's a tailor mishap or if I don't have matching shoes. It's still about the food, but its about appreciating the love & care that someone went through to make a favourite dish for their nieces/nephews. It's about trying new things & complimenting each other instead of being a critic. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lastly, the Eidi. It's not about the monetary amount anymore, but a token which reminds me that while I might be an adult, I am still a little girl in front of the my family who loves me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is nothing traditional about the dessert that I am sharing today but its a new Eid trend that I started a few years back. My mom is a brilliant cook in the family (MashAllah) and I hope to someday be as good as her (InshAllah). But ever since I discovered this food passion of mine, I have taken over making desserts for family parties. The response has been brilliant (Alhamdullillah) with the family looking forward to my desserts so much so that every year, I try to outdo myself. So multiple desserts & over the top desserts & staying up half the night is another new habit. But it's all worth it when I start taking away the dessert dishes, and I realize there's nothing left :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PVoQjo_Uyg/U-EwHzXyvuI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/RPIeCGDexmY/s1600/20140730_151633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PVoQjo_Uyg/U-EwHzXyvuI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/RPIeCGDexmY/s1600/20140730_151633.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Salted Caramel Custard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salted Caramel Custard</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/caramel-budino-with-salted-caramel-sauce" target="_blank">Bon Appetit</a> </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Assembly: Can be assembled in a large glass bowl or in small glasses/round bowls for individual servings. Assembly should be done before serving or at 1-2 hours before serving so that the biscuit crust doesn't get soggy.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make-ahead: Salted Caramel can be made ahead by least a week and refrigerated, the custard can be made a day earlier. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Ingredients:</u></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Cookie Crust</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>1 1/4 cup finely ground/crushed chocolate cookie crumbs (Used Oreo's - about 2 rolls)</li>
<li>3 tablespoons unsalted butter</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon salt</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<b>Caramel Custard</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>3 1/2 cups whole milk, divided</li>
<li>1/4 cup + 1 tbsp cornflour</li>
<li>3/4 cup brown sugar, packed</li>
<li>3/4 cup water</li>
<li>5 large egg yolks</li>
<li>3 tablespoons unsalted butter</li>
<li>1 teaspoon vanilla essence</li>
<li>1 teaspoon salt</li>
</ul>
<br /><b>Salted Caramel</b></span><br />
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 1/4 cups heavy cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 vanilla bean, split and seeds removed (or 2 teaspoon vanilla essence)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 teaspoon coarse salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla essence</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Whipped Cream</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>about 1/2 cup cold fresh dairy cream (tetra-pak can be substituted but it will not whip up properly)</li>
<li>2 teaspoons fine granulated sugar</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GztArBliHzo/U-Ev9oC3ALI/AAAAAAAAF6I/UOZQV2zyI_E/s1600/20140730_151016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GztArBliHzo/U-Ev9oC3ALI/AAAAAAAAF6I/UOZQV2zyI_E/s1600/20140730_151016.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salted Caramel Custard - The different layers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><u>Directions:</u></b></div>
<br /><b>Cookie Crust: </b><br /><ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Mix cookie crumbs, salt, and butter in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of the cookie mixture for garnish. </li>
</ol>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Pudding/Custard</b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: </b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup milk and cornflour until combined. Set aside.</li>
<li>In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 3 cups of milk until simmering. Remove from heat and set aside.</li>
<li>In a steel bowl whisk egg yolks on medium speed using a hand mixer for about 3 minutes. </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To make the caramel, stir the brown sugar and water in medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase the heat, and cook without stirring until a thermometer reads 210 – 220 degrees F (100 degrees C) . The mixture will reduce a bit, and it will become a thick syrup similar to normal caramel. </span>Remove from heat.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With mixer on low speed, gradually whisk in the hot milk, then the cornflour mixture into the eggs. Don't mix it altogether because otherwise the eggs will cook & curdle. </span>Slowly whisk in the caramel. Return the mixture to the saucepan and whisk constantly over medium heat, until the mixture thickens (coats back of a spoon) and a thermometer registers 175 degrees F (80 degrees C), about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in the butter, vanilla essence, and salt. Pour through a sieve/muslin cloth to make it more smooth & silky.</li>
<li>Cover and chill custard for 4 to 5 hours. </li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Salted Caramel Sauce</b></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>Place cream in a small bowl. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Set aside.</li>
<li>Stir sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high; boil, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with a wet pastry brush, until deep amber color forms, 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.</li>
<li>Gradually add vanilla cream (mixture will bubble vigorously so be careful). Whisk over medium heat until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes. </li>
<li>Remove from heat; whisk in butter and salt. </li>
<li>If any crystals/hard sugar has formed, stir the caramel over very low heat until the hardened pieces melt and the sauce becomes smooth. </li>
<li>Strain into a heatproof bowl. Let cool slightly.</li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whipped Cream</b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>In a bowl whisk cream and sugar with a hand mixer on high until soft peaks form.</li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<b>Assembly:</b><br /><ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Press the cookie crumbs into the bottom of a large glass bowl. Set aside. </li>
<li>Spoon 1/2 of the salted caramel sauce over caramel custard/pudding and top with lightly whipped cream. </li>
<li>Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs & drizzle of salted caramel (about 2 tablespoon). Make sure it is chilled before serving. </li>
<li>The salted caramel custard can be made in a big glass bowl or individual glasses/bowls as well. </li>
</ol>
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-72349509343955256652014-07-24T23:45:00.001+05:002014-07-24T23:46:23.218+05:00Chicken Cheese Balls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sharing another recipe that I tried this Ramazan and absolutely loved - Chicken Cheese Balls. I am a huge fan of the Jalapeno Cheese balls at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pizzopk?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pizzo</a> - they are filled with melted cheese which literally explodes in your mouth. Since I can't keep ordering from there all the time, this was my take on something similar. Turned out really good especially with the melted cheese inside. This is a recipe that I can see myself making in Ramadan (inshAllah the next one) & on Eid.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9n-pGXWwWE/U9FT3qQnfuI/AAAAAAAAF5k/M-7xPYnYfcg/s1600/2014-07-12+21.03.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9n-pGXWwWE/U9FT3qQnfuI/AAAAAAAAF5k/M-7xPYnYfcg/s1600/2014-07-12+21.03.22.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Chicken Cheese Balls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chicken Cheese Balls</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Adapted from Shireen Anwar's recipe </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>Ingredients</u></b></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 kg chicken mince</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon ginger paste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon garlic paste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 bread slices</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon black pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon mustard powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes (optional - add based on the spice level you prefer)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup onion, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6 green chillies, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoon coriander leaves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12 to 15 mozzarella cheese cubes (one cm in size) - approximately 150 grams of cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dry flour/maida to roll</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 egg, beaten with 1/2 tablespoon of water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bread crumbs as required to roll (I personally use Panko style crumbs, but you can use normal as well)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Method</u></b></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>Put mince with all the ingredients into a chopper or food processor, except flour, cheese, egg and crumbs. When chopping ingredients, don't add them all together into the processor as it sometimes gets clogged up. Keeping the chopper/food processor running, add ingredients through the feed tube so that they get mixed properly. </li>
<li>Chop all the ingredients well. The mixture should be slightly chunky (like kofta/meatball mixture) and not pasty. </li>
<li>Take mixture on hand, make a round flat disk, put the cheese cube in it and then roll it in a ball. Make all the balls first, keeping them on a tray/plate.</li>
<li>Once all the balls are made, roll them in dry flour/maida first, then dip in beaten egg + water mixture, and then finally in the breadcrumbs mixture.</li>
<li>Deep fry on medium heat till light golden. Since the chicken mixture is raw inside, make sure you don't cook on high heat otherwise the outside will brown but inside will be raw. </li>
<li>The balls can be kept in the freezer and then fried when required. </li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-67924136784885620792014-07-16T00:37:00.002+05:002014-07-16T00:37:57.177+05:00Chicken Tikka - Pakistani Style <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's a little bit of cheating involved in this recipe. Basically, I didn't make it. Mom made it, but it is so simple & it turned out so amazing that not sharing it with you would have been sacrilegious. Plus I was responsible for the final baking - so I get a little bit of credit here. Mom makes a Desi-style gravy to serve on the side using up the remaining marinade juices. Serve with <a href="http://www.kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/12/potato-gratin.html" target="_blank">potato gratin</a>, <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/garlic-mashed-potatoes.html" target="_blank">mashed potatoes</a>, <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/12/baked-potato.html" target="_blank">baked potato</a> or baked vegetables. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9sCsmkgYFrk/U8V_S3v-JYI/AAAAAAAAF5E/MnOp80_xvG4/s1600/1405270559798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9sCsmkgYFrk/U8V_S3v-JYI/AAAAAAAAF5E/MnOp80_xvG4/s1600/1405270559798.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Tikka - Pakistani Style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chicken Tikka - Pakistani Style</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients:</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For the Chicken:</b></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 large Chicken Tikka Pieces with bone (used all breast pieces, but you can substitute leg pieces or a combination of both)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 to 10 tablespoon vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 - 1 teaspoon black pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 teaspoon white pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 - 1/2 teaspoon white pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoon Chicken Tandoori Masala (Used Shan)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">250 grams yoghurt (drain yoghurt in a muslin cloth for an hour so it becomes thick or use Greek yoghurt)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon ginger paste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon garlic paste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 tablespoon oil</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gravy:</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remainder juices from chicken</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2-3 cloves garlic (sliced thinly)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 small onion, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cucumber, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 capsicum, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoon worcheshire sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoon ketchup</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon ketchup</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cornflour dissolved in water (optional to thicken if required)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For the Chicken</b></span><br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whisk all the marinade ingredients well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make slits in the chicken pieces, and then marinate overnight.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees celsius.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Line a roasting tray with aluminum foil and then put chicken as well as the marinade into the tray.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cover the chicken & tray with foil and bake for 30 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After chicken has baked for 30 minutes, take off the foil, and drain about 80-90% of the marinade juices into a separate container. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lower heat to 120 degrees celsius and bake chicken uncovered for 15 - 30 minutes till the marinade dries up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Use the leftover marinade juices to make gravy on the side.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Desi-style Gravy</b></span></div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Heat oil and fry garlic till light brown. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Add onion & saute for about 1-2 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Add gravy juices, and capsicum and remaining seasoning ingredients.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taste & adjust seasoning if required.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thicken with cornflour.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serve with chicken tikka on the side. </span></li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-28404674682325747102014-07-09T23:18:00.001+05:002014-07-18T22:10:27.472+05:00White Sauce Pasta with Garlic Mushrooms & Grilled Chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I just had a minor epiphany right now - I write VERY long recipes and I am just wondering if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Most people look at a long recipe & go like oh, forget it, I am not making it because it's complicated. But the reason I write detailed recipes is because I want to make sure that none of the steps are missed and you can adjust if required. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This particular recipe here for white sauce spaghetti has a total of four components - white sauce, grilled chicken, mushrooms & boiled pasta. Sounds long, doesn't it? BUT the chicken recipe I doubled and used for three other dishes (<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/07/peri-peri-chicken-sandwich-with-cheese.html" target="_blank">sandwiches</a>, <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/07/cheesy-potato-skins.html" target="_blank">potato skins</a> & this pasta). That's one component done. The second & third (mushrooms & white sauce) sound long, but they are one pot recipes which can be made in advance. For this particular recipe, I boiled the noodles, made the mushrooms, chicken & white sauce at Iftar (around 7 pm). When it was dinner time (8:30 pm), I warmed everything and then mixed it together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So a long recipe does not necessarily mean complicated. But small 'rule of thumb' for whatever recipe you are making: read it at least 2-3 times, make a note of the ingredients you already have & the ones you need, and then plan steps in advance keeping a 15-20 minute buffer margin. This is even more important during Ramadan when you have a strict timeline so its always best to prepare in advance.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wc9tdJQASoY/U72FZWenCzI/AAAAAAAAF4g/78ASV8lkll8/s1600/2014-07-06+21.42.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wc9tdJQASoY/U72FZWenCzI/AAAAAAAAF4g/78ASV8lkll8/s1600/2014-07-06+21.42.36.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Spicy White Sauce Pasta with Garlic Mushrooms & Grilled Chicken</span></td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spicy White Sauce Spaghetti with Garlic Mushrooms, Chicken & Olives</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients</span></h4>
Serves 4-5 people <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">450 grams egg noodles (spaghetti can be substituted) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Olives for garnish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Garlic Mushrooms</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoon butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> (omit if you don't want it to be spicy)</span> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 can of button mushrooms, sliced </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Peri Peri Grilled Chicken </b></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">200 grams boneless chicken, cubed </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 teaspoon vinegar </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon Peri Peri Sauce (Garlic flavored) - Substitute with the one you prefer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 teaspoon white pepper </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 teaspoon paprika </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(omit if you don't want it to be spicy)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(omit if you don't want it to be spicy)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 teaspoon garlic paste</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Cheesy White Sauce</b></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tablespoon butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon garlic paste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoon flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/2 cups - 2 cups milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Knorr chicken cube</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon black pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon white pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes (omit if you don't want the sauce to be spicy)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon paprika (can be substituted with 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tablespoon cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 tablespoon black olives </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Directions:</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>For Garlic mushrooms</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>Melt butter. Add garlic paste & saute for a minute. Add salt & red chilli flakes, if using.</li>
<li>Add sliced mushrooms and saute for 3-4 minutes till they are just light brown and you can smell the delicious garlic aroma. Pour into a bowl and set aside.</li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<b style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For Peri Peri Grilled Chicken:</span></b></div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: #fefdfa;">
<ol>
<li style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Marinate chicken with rest of ingredients and keep in fridge for about 30 minute. </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Using a pastry brush, brush about 1 tablespoon of oil on a grill pan, and add chicken.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grill for about 10-15 minutes on each side, till the chicken is cooked & the water dries. </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Slice chicken into small chunks. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">When I initially made this chicken, I doubled the chicken quantity and used about half of it in this pasta, and the rest of it in </span><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/07/cheesy-potato-skins.html" style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Cheesy Potato Skins</a><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> and <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/07/peri-peri-chicken-sandwich-with-cheese.html" target="_blank">Chicken Sandwiches</a>. It's a versatile recipe which can be used for other dishes. </span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>For Cheesy White Sauce:</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Melt butter & add garlic paste. Saute for about half a minute till the raw smell finishes. Add flour and stir for at least 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste of the flour. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Pour in about 1 cup of milk, and stir with a whisk to make sure there are no lumps in the white sauce. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Keep heating the white sauce on medium heat till you can see small bubbles on the side after which it should start thickening. Use a whisk to mix the white sauce properly. Add chicken cube & rest of spices. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Add shredded mozzarella cheese and let the cheese melt in the sauce. The sauce will be thick, so add about 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup milk and whisk to get to the right consistency. Add cream & mix in the end.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Taste and adjust seasonings if required. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Add black olives in the white sauce.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">If the white sauce is made in advance, the cheese will thicken & solidify into strands. Just add a little milk and reheat on low flame till cheese is melted and it reaches liquid consistency. </span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Assembly:</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Boil noodles as per packet directions and set aside. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Make garlic mushrooms, grilled chicken & white sauce as per above recipes.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Mix the garlic mushrooms & the grilled chicken into the noodles & toss to mix together. Keep a few pieces of mushrooms & chicken aside for garnish.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Take noodles out into a big dish.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Pour half the white sauce over the noodles and toss lightly. Pour the remaining white sauce over the noodles and make sure they are mixed properly. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Garnish with leftover grilled chicken, mushrooms, olives & a sprinkling of paprika/red chilli powder. </span></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXWsMuaVCa0/U72FaQ5DG5I/AAAAAAAAF4o/J_7wKgmTeA0/s1600/2014-07-06+21.42.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXWsMuaVCa0/U72FaQ5DG5I/AAAAAAAAF4o/J_7wKgmTeA0/s1600/2014-07-06+21.42.14.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Spicy White Sauce Pasta with Garlic Mushrooms & Grilled Chicken</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-78309791323315141852014-07-08T23:26:00.002+05:002014-07-09T00:50:06.532+05:00Peri Peri Chicken Sandwich with Cheese & Olives <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another experiment this Ramadan which Alhamdullilah turned out really well. I was planning to make grilled chicken & cheese subway style sandwiches using French bread but the store near my place was out of it. Since I really couldn't change recipes at that time, I decided to just buy multi-grain bread and proceed from there. I was expecting these to just taste like typical sandwiches but baking them in the oven instead of in the toaster oven individually just made them taste so amazing! Not only did the sandwiches stay crisp till dinner-time, but it also saved me the time of toasting them individually. I can so see myself using the same technique and experimenting with the fillings in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ingredient list is a bit long, but its simply grilled chicken, cheese & vegetables with mayo & butter as condiments. You can easily substitute leftover chicken if you don't have boneless chicken, or add other vegetables but do make sure you add the cheese. Having this sandwich without melted cheese will just not be the same! I made another version using Paneer & Sweet corn which I will post separately. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HscRm_Hdzfg/U7wv9v2_jRI/AAAAAAAAF4I/V1jOpxNFbT8/s1600/20140705_185654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HscRm_Hdzfg/U7wv9v2_jRI/AAAAAAAAF4I/V1jOpxNFbT8/s1600/20140705_185654.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Peri Peri Grilled Sandwich - the sandwich platter</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Peri Peri Chicken Sandwich with Cheese & Olives </span></h4>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
Ingredients:</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Serves 3-4 people (4 sandwiches)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 slices bread (I used multi-grain bread for added texture/crunch)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3-4 tablespoon garlic butter (normal butter can be substituted)</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tablespoon Garlic Paste/Finely Minced garlic </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3-4 tablespoon butter</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Peri Peri Grilled Chicken </b></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">400 grams boneless chicken, cubed </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon vinegar </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoon Peri Peri Sauce (Garlic flavored) - Substitute with the one you prefer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon salt </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon white pepper </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon paprika </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon red chilli powder </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon red chilli flakes </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon garlic paste</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Peri Peri Mayo</b></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 tablespoon mayonnaise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon Peri Peri sauce (Garlic flavored)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3-4 tablespoon sweet corn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">200 grams shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar or mix of both)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tablespoon black olives</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1-2 tablespoon Peri Peri Sauce (Garlic flavor) </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Other filling suggestions:</b> Caramelized onions, sliced Jalapeno's, Sun-dried tomatoes, Deli Meat, Minced Chicken etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz1v9O2TywY/U7wv084pleI/AAAAAAAAF4A/iBamrFWvA04/s1600/20140705_185725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz1v9O2TywY/U7wv084pleI/AAAAAAAAF4A/iBamrFWvA04/s1600/20140705_185725.jpg" height="104" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Sandwich - the filling on display</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Directions:</span></h4>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For Garlic Butter:</b></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Melt butter in small saucepan. Add garlic paste/finely minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes so that the raw flavor vanishes. Take out garlic butter in a small container and keep aside. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>For Peri Peri Grilled Chicken:</b></span><br />
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Marinate chicken with rest of ingredients and keep in fridge for about 30 minute. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Using a pastry brush, brush about 1 tablespoon of oil on a grill pan, and add chicken.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grill for about 10-15 minutes on each side, till the chicken is cooked & the water dries. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Slice chicken into small chunks. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was actually quite a lot of chicken - I made about 3 sandwiches, used about 1/2 cup in <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/07/cheesy-potato-skins.html" target="_blank">Cheesy Potato Skins</a> and I had about 1 cup of sliced chicken leftover that I used in white sauce pasta (recipe pending).</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For Peri Peri Mayo Dip: </b></span></div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mix together mayonnaise, Peri Peri sauce, salt & red chilli flakes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taste & adjust if necessary.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Assembly:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Line a baking tray with aluminium foil.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spread garlic butter on the bottom slices of the bread. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Put 4 bread slices on the foil with butter side down. Spread Peri mayo dip on the slices. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Add grilled chicken then shredded cheese, then black olives. Top with a little bit of the garlic Peri Peri sauce. Top with bread slices.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brush the top slice of the bread with garlic butter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bake in oven for about 10-15 minutes till toasted & cheese melts.Cut into triangles & serve with french fries or salad.</span></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ShAmH5jLGU/U7wv_v6122I/AAAAAAAAF4Q/N-YAfUPpHJI/s1600/20140705_191829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ShAmH5jLGU/U7wv_v6122I/AAAAAAAAF4Q/N-YAfUPpHJI/s1600/20140705_191829.jpg" height="170" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Sandwich - right out of the oven</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<h4>
<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b></h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-16562765191397001482014-07-06T05:19:00.000+05:002014-07-08T00:42:56.755+05:00Cheesy Potato Skins <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided to make potato skins today - I made them at 7:30 pm for Iftar and I am now typing the recipe at 1:49 am in the morning. This is probably the first time I have typed out a recipe this quickly but I </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">did not anticipate the amount of requests I would get for this recipe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, the fact that I shared it on my own <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, on other Facebook forums, <a href="http://instagram.com/kayshousetreats" target="_blank">Instagram</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/KaysHouseTreats" target="_blank">Twitter</a> might have contributed to the amount of likes & "recipe please's" I got. But basically long story short, I am staying up tonight so I can finish this recipe in time for you to make it at Iftar tomorrow! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GT2YOd8bxo/U7iTDJqHjOI/AAAAAAAAF3U/2WfNVZkz9uc/s1600/20140705_192356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GT2YOd8bxo/U7iTDJqHjOI/AAAAAAAAF3U/2WfNVZkz9uc/s1600/20140705_192356.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Cheesy Potato Skins</span></td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Cheesy Potato Skins</h4>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5 medium potatoes, washed & scrubbed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Olive Oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Black Pepper </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup grilled chicken, sliced into small chunks (any cooked/grilled chicken can be used as well as leftover chicken). The recipe I used is shared below out of which I used about 1/2 cup chicken for these potato skins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3-4 tablespoon sweet corn </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2-3 tablespoon green olives (I used green olives but black olives can also be used)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">200-250 grams cheese, shredded (I used ~ 150 grams mozzarella + ~50 grams chilli cheese but you can use whatever mixture of cheese you prefer, as long as it melts)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Peri Mayo Dip</b> - Mix together 4 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Peri Peri sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Other Filling Suggestions: </b>Sliced Jalapeno's, Sliced chicken sausages, Sauteed Peppers (Green, Red or Yellow), Pepperoni. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Other Garnish Options: </b>Sour Cream, Sliced Green Onions, Caramelized Onions, BBQ sauce.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Directions: </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 180 degrees centigrade.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px;">Prick potatoes with a fork all around. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil. Brush the potatoes with olive oil, salt & black pepper. Bake for about 45 minutes - 1 hour till cooked through. Once you can easily pass a knife through the potatoes, they are done. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;">Take the </span><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px;">potatoes</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;"> out of the oven, cut them in half and then set aside to cool. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;">Take grilled chicken (sliced in chunks) & combine with sweet corn and green olives. Season with salt (1 tsp) & white pepper (1 tsp) and mix it altogether. Set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;">Take the potatoes & scoop out the insides leaving about 1/4 inch layer of potato. Make sure you do this very carefully because if you remove too much, they won't stand up on their own. However, if you don't take out enough flesh, then there won't be enough space for the topping. The leftover potato flesh can be used to make <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/garlic-mashed-potatoes.html" target="_blank">mashed potatoes</a>. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;">Stuff the potato skins with some of the chicken + corn mixture, then the shredded cheese. Top with just a little bit of the chicken + corn mixture so that it looks good. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px;">Turn the oven to 200 degrees and bake for about 10 minutes till the cheese is melted and the skins are crispy. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px;">Top with Peri Mayo dip.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Grilled Chicken:</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Marinate 400 grams boneless chicken with 1 tablespoon oil, 1 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> vinegar, 1 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> salt, 1 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> white pepper, 1 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">teaspoon</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> garlic paste, 2 tablespoon Peri Peri sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon red chilli pepper & 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Using a pastry brush, brush about 1 tablespoon of oil on a grill pan, and add chicken. Grill for about 10-15 minutes on each side, till the chicken is cooked & the water dries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Slice chicken into small chunks. Use about 1/2 cup of cooked chicken for the potato skins and reserve the rest to use in some other recipe (pasta, sandwiches, etc). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-7376572903252976142014-07-05T23:56:00.003+05:002014-07-08T00:43:13.939+05:00Onion Rings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have such a backlog of recipes & reviews to put up on this blog and I am just not getting the time to do it all. It's </span><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/06/preparing-for-ramadan-meal-organization.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Ramadan</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and even though we technically have to work shorter hours, there's just so much to do - managing office work & house chores & taking out as much time as possible for prayers & spiritual reflection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This time, I am just going to proceed with the recipe directly - no introductions :). More time for that after Eid inshAllah! </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tju_7D5ieZ8/U7hIZsGEd6I/AAAAAAAAF3E/OpOo_iab-_M/s1600/20140704_192212~2~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tju_7D5ieZ8/U7hIZsGEd6I/AAAAAAAAF3E/OpOo_iab-_M/s1600/20140704_192212~2~2.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Onion Rings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Crispy Fried Onion Rings</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/old-fashioned-onion-rings/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<div>
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div>
Makes 3-4 servings</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>2 large onions, cut into 1/4-inch slices</li>
<li>1 - 1 1/4 cups flour/maida</li>
<li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li>2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1 tsp garlic powder (optional)</li>
<li>1.5 tsp white pepper</li>
<li>2 tsp red chilli powder</li>
<li>1 tsp red chilli flakes </li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>3/4 cup - 1 cup milk </li>
<li>3/4 cup breadcrumbs (I use panko-style bread crumbs as they absorb less oil & are crisper)</li>
<li>salt for sprinkling in the end </li>
<li>oil for frying</li>
<li>Chilli Mayo Dip (Recipe in the end)</li>
</ul>
</span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Directions</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<li>Heat the oil in a karhai/wok/deep pan once the onion rings preparation has been completed and you are ready to fry.</li>
<li>Separate the onion slices into rings, and set aside. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt & spices.</li>
<li>Dip the onion slices into the flour mixture until they are all coated; set aside. Whisk the egg and milk into the flour mixture using a fork or whisk. </li>
<li>Spread the bread crumbs in a large plate or tray. </li>
<li>Create an assembly line with one container holding the onion rings, the second containing the flour batter, with the breadcrumbs in a plate/tray. </li>
<li>Dip the floured rings into the batter to coat, hold them up so that the batter can drip away. I was in a hurry so I just added all the onion rings to the batter, covered it with a big plate and then shook so that it can mix properly.</li>
<li>Place rings one at a time into the crumbs, and scoop the crumbs up over the ring to coat. Give it a hard tap as you remove it from the crumbs. The coating should cling very well. Repeat with remaining rings.</li>
<li>Deep fry the rings a few at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to paper towels to drain. </li>
<li>Season with salt, and serve with Chilli Mayo dip.</li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Note:</b> In order to avoid the dipping & coating mess, make the batter (flour + egg + milk) in ziplock bag. Once properly mixed, add the onion rings, close the bag and shake to coat properly. Add the bread crumbs in another ziplock and add the batter coated onion rings a few at a time shaking to coat again. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Chilli Mayo Dip</h3>
<div>
Mix 4 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tsp chilli garlic sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Taste & adjust if required. Serve with onion rings, or french fries.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b></div>
</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-82257528829257258822014-06-24T18:36:00.001+05:002014-07-08T00:43:31.726+05:00Burger King - Wild West Hangout <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-fdf88e5a-cd9d-c83d-11f3-d31cdb48a6a8" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/0g8pd5IJmR65NQemtE7BEyc6TPQge9gOacAFgpRiNTMgRQnDVRlczjL8rQa9NHz6WxTSE4x9bjxxiyn95-vLiec-Luaf-BC01Yasn10fpA0F-dtegYFLVMprTrvPicMJPA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/0g8pd5IJmR65NQemtE7BEyc6TPQge9gOacAFgpRiNTMgRQnDVRlczjL8rQa9NHz6WxTSE4x9bjxxiyn95-vLiec-Luaf-BC01Yasn10fpA0F-dtegYFLVMprTrvPicMJPA" style="border: medium none;" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Burger King - Wild West Range (Picture from BK Facebook page)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently <a href="https://www.facebook.com/burgerkingpakistan">Burger King</a> invited me to what I can term as a social media brand discussion/hangout, with various bloggers & twitterati. Titled ‘Wild West’ the objective of the hangout was to discuss their brand & the Steakhouse Range that they recently introduced. <br /><br /> Even though almost everyone knows about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/burgerkingpakistan">Burger King</a>, its only been 9 months since they launched making it a relatively new entrant into the Karachi fast food scene. With this kind of brand comes a lot of high expectations, and in the case of Karachiites, the excitement of being the first to try out the brand. I personally don’t believe in going to a restaurant in the first week but I clearly remember how excited everyone was at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/burgerkingpakistan?fref=ts">Burger King</a> finally opening up in Karachi, and the long queues that I heard about, noticed via Facebook check-in’s and saw pictures of online. The brand team themselves were sharing their experiences of how crazy things were when they opened. <br /><br />By now things have settled down - they have launched quite a few items from their international menu, started delivery service with some innovative technology that ensures burgers & fries are delivered fresh (definitely need to check this out); and they just launched a new addition to their main menu. Titled the ‘Wild West’ range, it was the theme of the event I am writing about; a new range of burgers available in both beef & chicken, with a regular version and a hot & spicy version. <br /><br />The event was at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/burgerkingpakistan">Burger King</a> seaview branch on the 2nd floor and I am going to go off-topic (obviously) but woahhh, the view is amazing! There are quite a few tables set-up on all the corners, and if burgers were easy to eat, this would be like a great place to bring a book to relax & read or just hang out with friends.<br /><br />And getting back on track .. <br /><br />So yes, what greeted us when I reached the floor (other than the brand team) were lots of balloons, ice-cold bottles of water (desperately needed), burger king crowns and product pamphlets with pictures of the new range of burgers. <br />1. Chicken Steakhouse - Flame-grilled chicken patty served with BBQ sauce & Turkey strips.<br />2. Hot & Spicy Chicken Steakhouse - Flame-grilled chicken patty served with a spicy sauce & jalapenos.<br />3. Beef Steakhouse - Flame-grilled beef patty served with BBQ sauce & Turkey strips<br />4. Hot & Spicy Beef Steakhouse - Flame-grilled beef patty served with a spicy sauce & jalapenos.<br />Price: Rs. 550 for a regular meal (including regular fries + drink) and Rs. 580 for a large meal. <br /><br />I ordered the Hot & Spicy Chicken Steakhouse with fries. I know the most important part of the burger is supposed to be the filling, but the bun is just as essential. If it’s not fresh & the right size, then be prepared to have your clothes ruined. I am glad to say that my clothes were not ruined. The burger itself was pretty good - I loved the flamed grilled chicken, the hot sauce & the jalapeno’s with just the right amount of kick. It did have some crispy onions in it which I wasn't crazy about. However, the size of the meal with respect to the price is really good! They give a proper amount of french fries (major pet peeve against fast food restaurants that give kid sized fries), thick cut not thinly sliced, so a large meal at Rs. 580 would be good enough for 1 very hungry guy & 2 dainty ladies. Tried the Apple Pie, but found it to be okay - a little too much cinnamon & I prefer the pastry to be more flaky.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/21ScQlfs1G9LeueibYZ9bY3OA6zBwxpOzKf_ui-r5w5z-2ZfveSG3PzfUna5NPg3OmWYlisNkZFquNvaL2-15BgQGP1waFvu4-8gZn0V1Z9KJ7UNWC1F1VDotx6qjGVj5w" style="border: medium none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Burger King - Thick Cut Fries </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5eUrnBgciFOU7bTh32KCnV7CJi2Uc-v5ZEvHMK0B9KgawFWQ6wsZkL6qJfrJscaLhK2PGKIyXcj4BSfkg8MV5Yg1wUSbBPa7a6THL6tIONJfljKBpl37dJi3Z6itAXEjnA" style="border: medium none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Burger King - Hot & Spicy Chicken Steakhouse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5eUrnBgciFOU7bTh32KCnV7CJi2Uc-v5ZEvHMK0B9KgawFWQ6wsZkL6qJfrJscaLhK2PGKIyXcj4BSfkg8MV5Yg1wUSbBPa7a6THL6tIONJfljKBpl37dJi3Z6itAXEjnA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, it was a fun event with great food & interesting conversations. The ‘Wild West’ range looks to be an exciting addition to their current menu. Both variants offered are not the typical chicken/beef burger - they offer a different flavor profile with the BBQ sauce & turkey strips of the regular version & the jalapeno’s & crispy onions in the hot & spicy version. Thus they may not appeal to all the consumers, but they will definitely appeal to people looking for something different which is available conveniently and at a relatively affordable price.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-89384846911887381962014-06-21T02:28:00.001+05:002014-07-08T00:03:25.702+05:00Preparing for Ramadan - Meal Organization & Healthy Eating Tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's going to be Ramazan in about a week Alhamdulillah! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For my readers who are non-Muslims, Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. Everyday during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast by abstaining from food & drink from sunrise (suhoor/sehri) to sunset (iftar). Not only do Muslims have to fast, but they also have to stay away from any sinful behavior or speech and spend more time in prayer. Ramadan teaches Muslims to practise self-discipline & develop empathy for those who are less unfortunate. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Unfortunately, we are so focused on cooking in this month & the preparation of lavish meals for Sehri & Iftar that we forget about the real objective of this month - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">pray, ask for forgiveness and trying to do good deeds.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">What I am going to be doing is sharing some tips that will help you make the most of this month - healthy eating tips so that you remain fresh & organizing tips so you spend less time in kitchen and more time in prayer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. Meal Planning</b><br />Don't wait for the first roza to start your meal organization. First of all, make a list</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> of all the dishes that you want to make during Ramadan, dividing it into Sehri, Iftar & Dinner options. Include your favourite tried & tested recipes, along with any other recipes that you want to try this year.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> The <b>second step</b> is to organize the list into a weekly or fortnightly plan, noting down the meals that you plan to make daily. There will be unexpected surprises or changes in whatever plan you are making, but at least it will help you prepare in advance. The <b>third step</b> is to organize your grocery list - whatever staples & produce is required. If you are ordering food from </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">outside (especially frozen items), make a note of the quantity required.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Menu Planners available here for your reference:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://ramadhanplanner.wordpress.com/printable-organizers/menu-planners/</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. Storing Food in the Freezer</b><br /><b>Prepare meals </b>in advance for Sehri, Iftar & Dinner. This way you can ensure your </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">family is eating healthy home-made food, but you will all also save time by cooking & storing in bulk. </span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Secondly</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">, food stored in the freezer will always be a good back-up options for days when you are running late and don't have time to make a meal from scratch.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">P.s. I will be doing a separate post on freezer cooking (recipes & methods to freeze) in detail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. Balanced Diet</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eating a balanced diet is even more essential during Ramadan. We are fasting from sunrise to sunset, and it is necessary to <b>refrain from over-indulging</b> and eat food that will give us much needed nutrition. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Feeling weak the next day after having a heavy iftar & skipping dinner is not because you are fasting but because you haven't eaten properly!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our diet should <b>include food from all major food groups</b> - bread or cereals, milk & dairy products, meat, fish or other protein, fruits and vegetables and fat & sugars. It is okay to indulge once in a while but food with high sugar content or fatty food should be avoided as it digests slowly and makes one feel thirsty during the day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Eating fibre-rich food or complex carbohydrates is recommended especially during Sehri as they are digested slowly and provide much needed energy during the day. This includes food like oats, bread (wholewheat or bran/multi-grain preferred), beans </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">(chickpeas, red beans/rajma, black eyed peas/lobia)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"> & fruits and vegetables (especially green vegetables). It is customary to break the fast with dates not only because it is Sunnah but also because it provides instant energy. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Almost all of us are guilty of drinking 3-4 glasses of water, juices or carbonated drinks at Iftar then feeling way too bloated to have anything else! In actuality we should consume 8-10 glasses of liquid from iftar to sehri properly spaced out so our body is hydrated.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Secondly, the Rs. 5 off carbonated drink advertisements that are oh so tempting during Ramadan - ignore them! Carbonated drinks are high in sugar & caffeine content and will not provide the hydration our body requires. Instead make smoothies/milkshakes/lassis for Sehri & Iftar. Eat fresh fruit or vegetables with high water content like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, watermelon, melons & oranges. Let's also not forget 'Laal Sherbet' which is a must in every household at Iftar time. While it is considered to healthy, try to avoid adding sugar, or drink with milk.</span></span></span></div>
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<b>5. Healthy Cooking Methods</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will be the first to admit it here - while I might talk all about eating healthy, but I love having fried items in Ramadan. I also know that for a lot of people, it isn't considered a proper iftar if there are no pakora's on the table!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BUT there are ways to have the food you enjoy and still maintain a good diet (albeit slightly less nutritious).</span></span></span></div>
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<li>Use healthy cooking methods like shallow frying, grilling or baking. Shallow-fry pakora's & bake/grill samosa's & rolls.</li>
<li>Don't eat fried items from outside - there is no guarantee about the kind of oil used so its ALWAYS best to fry at home</li>
<li>Use kitchen towel/tissue paper for soaking up excess oil - do not use newspaper as the ink contains lead which is toxic.</li>
<li>Limit the amount of fried items at Iftar; only keep 1-2 items at a time so the cravings are indulged without going over-board</li>
<li>Organize the rest of the meal in reference to the items served at iftar. If serving a heavy iftar with fried items, make sure that the rest of the items are healthy like salads, fruit chat (no sugar), beans (cholay, lobia or rajmah), dahi baray etc. Alternatively, serve a light iftar with 2-3 basic items and then a family style dinner meal like Pizza, Singaporean Rice, Biryani, or similar one-pot/casserole style dish. </li>
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<b>6. Eating Out</b></div>
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One week before Ramadan and you will start getting flooded with all the Sehri & Iftar deals. I personally have a major grudge against the 'all you can eat' deals because there is SO much food wasted by people, and they all start during Ramadan when we should be most careful about food wastage. So go out or order food from outside but make sure that it does not promote negative behaviour - make sure you don't neglect your prayers outside; don't get upset if the waiter/server is rushed or there is a slight delay as he is also probably fasting; in fact, giving him additional tip will only make the extra effort that he's putting in during this month worth it; and most importantly don't waste food! </div>
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</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">O children of Adam! Attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer, and eat and drink and be not extravagant; surely He does not love the extravagant.<br />Reference: Surah al-A’araaf 7:31<br />Sayyidina Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “When one of you eats his meal and a morsel falls down, he must pick it up and remove the doubtful portion and eat the rest. He must not leave it for the devil.”<br />Reference: Jami’ Tirmidhi, authenticated by al-Albani</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-7245304947416730912014-05-27T15:05:00.000+05:002014-07-08T00:03:43.764+05:00Everyday Menu Planning - Meat Dishes (Chicken, Mutton & Beef)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Meat Dishes </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Includes Everyday Curry's, Mincemeat/Qeema Dishes, Kofta/Meatballs, BBQ items, Special Party Dishes & Continental)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Below is a PDF document detailing different kinds of meat dishes that you can make regularly as well as for parties at your home - some of the recipes are already available on the blog (linked below) and the rest I will keep on adding as and when I get time. Please feel free to contribute any recipes & dishes that I have missed and are made at your house! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Desi - Pakistani</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/05/ginger-chicken-pakistani-style.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ginger Chicken, Pakistani Style</a><b></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/12/chicken-kofta-curry.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Kof</a><a href="http://www.kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/12/chicken-kofta-curry.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ta Curry</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/chicken-with-french-fries-peas.html" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken with French Fries & Peas</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"> - Dryish Chicken gravy with potatoes & peas, can be served with bread/roti or rice</span></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/05/chicken-makhni.html" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Makhni</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"> - Butter Chicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><b>International/Continental</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/12/lasagne.html" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Lasagne</a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;">-</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;">Chicken & Mushroom lasagne with Bechamel Sauce</span></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/07/chicken-rendang-with-rice.html" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Rendang</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/06/shawarma-chicken-wraps.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Shawarma Chicken Wraps</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/05/chicken-paprika-stroganoff.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Paprika Straganoff</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/05/asian-themed-chicken-burger-with.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Burger with Grilled Potatoes</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/05/sweet-sour-chicken.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sweet & Sour Chicken</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/04/sesame-noodle-salad-with-shredded.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sesame Noodle Salad with Shredded Chicken</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/01/chicken-quesadillas.html" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Quesadilla's</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/12/grilled-chicken-with-mustard-cream-sauce.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Grilled Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/12/chicken-chili-dry.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Chilli Dry</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/chicken-rice-with-white-sauce-halal.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken & Rice with White Sauce - Halal Food Cart Style</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/chicken-pot-pie.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Pot Pie</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/ginger-wrapped-chicken-with-rice.html" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ginger Wrapped Chicken with Rice</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/chicken-chowmein.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken Chowmein</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/twister-chicken.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twister Chicken</a> - Popcorn Fried Chicken served in a Tortilla Wrap<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/singaporean-rice.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Singaporean Rice</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/hot-spicy-zinger-like-chicken.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hot & Spicy Zinger-Like Chicken</a> - Fried Chicken<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2011/02/home-made-pizza.html" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Homemade Pizza</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"> - Chicken, Garlic Mushrooms and other Vegetables as topping</span></div>
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<iframe height="360" src="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Amir-ZP0NlRJglDgD31Dys6xoT8DEFgMoCbVU6aGgdk/pub?embedded=true" width="500"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-44489479303433900532014-05-27T13:29:00.004+05:002014-05-27T15:03:54.197+05:00Everyday Menu Planning - Vegetarian Dishes <b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Vegetables</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Includes Desi Pakistani Style Vegetables, Desi + Continental Style Vegetables and Continental Vegetables)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Below is a PDF document detailing different kinds of vegetable dishes that you can make regularly at your home - some of the recipes are already available on the blog (linked below) and the rest I will keep on adding as and when I get time. Please feel free to contribute any recipes & dishes that I have missed and are made at your house! :)</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Vegetarian Recipes on My Blog: </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/12/roasted-tomato-garlic-soup.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;">Roasted Tomato Garlic Soup</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/02/leafy-green-salad-with-apples-tomatoes.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leafy Green Salad with Apples & Tomatoes</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/02/green-salad-with-fruits-nuts-in-honey.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Green Salad with Fruits & Nuts</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-make-home-made-paneer-or-cottage.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Home-Made Paneer</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/09/palak-paneer-spinach-with-cottage-cheese.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Palak Paneer</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/06/tomato-chutney-loki-ka-raita.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tomato Chutney & Loki Raita</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/05/eggplant-burani-eggplant-with-yoghurt.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eggplant Burani</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/chicken-rice-with-white-sauce-halal.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spiced Rice</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/mezze.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mezze: Hummus, Baba Ganoush & Falafel</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/05/asian-themed-chicken-burger-with.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Grilled Potatoes</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/12/baked-potato.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Baked Potato</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2012/11/garlic-mashed-potatoes.html" style="color: #7d171d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garlic Mashed Potatoes</a> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/12/potato-gratin.html" style="color: #7d171d; line-height: 14.949999809265137px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Potato Gratin </span></a></div>
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<iframe height="360" src="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HetR0CXA79l7qICPpxB2PcP0ySnqMeNMGjx781s0Urw/pub?embedded=true" width="500"></iframe>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-14488556833813537312014-05-22T16:21:00.002+05:002014-05-25T16:05:26.925+05:00China Kitchen - Gourmet Chinese in Karachi <b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been wanting to try China Kitchen ever since I found out that they had scallion pancakes on their menu. I remember trying them out for the first time at Tao in New York and I just fell in love with the dish. Simply put, they are similar to our lache kay parathay with sesame oil and scallions (green onions) as the filling served with a ginger dipping sauce. Simplicity personified but oh so delicious!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I finally got to go to China Kitchen last week and the food was AMAZING! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It brought back memories of
proper Chinese food that I have had abroad and loved because every dish
has a unique taste instead of tasting exactly the same! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaiBOzM49to/U30TfehqhbI/AAAAAAAAFzc/9y3C8H7H1s0/s1600/Reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaiBOzM49to/U30TfehqhbI/AAAAAAAAFzc/9y3C8H7H1s0/s1600/Reviews.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">China Kitchen</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interior & Ambiance:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first thing that you see when you enter the restaurant is the beautiful courtyard with life size Chinese statues and artifacts. The inside of the restaurant is just as tastefully decorated with Chinese artwork hanging from the walls, oriental style pottery strategically placed around the restaurant and the beautiful red wooden doors.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABIUQeyZKFc/U30S8FIXyMI/AAAAAAAAFyY/u6_EPzspwRA/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABIUQeyZKFc/U30S8FIXyMI/AAAAAAAAFyY/u6_EPzspwRA/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0003.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">China Kitchen - The typical Chinese Round Table</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Food:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What we ordered or actually I ordered (it was my birthday and I was so excited that my friends just gave me the menu) was the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Hot & Sour Soup in Chicken</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Scallion Pancakes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Chengdu Chicken</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Chicken with Chilli & Black Bean Sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Black Beef Pepper Steak with Ginger & Spring Onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Deep fried Red Snapper with House Special Salsa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. Singapore Noodles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. Steamed Rice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The moment the soup arrived, I knew that this was the real deal and we were going to be having some pretty amazing food - this was no red ketchup version but a proper smoky full flavored broth with the proper H&S soup ingredients - bean curd, black mushrooms & bean sprouts along with chicken of course!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the main courses, the Red Snapper was my favourite dish of the day - delicately cooked snapper in a salsa sauce that surprisingly incorporated apples was both a delight for the eyes and the taste buds. For a person who rarely eats beef, considering I ate two helpings of the beef steak with ginger & spring onions is an indication of how good it was. The Chengdu chicken made with hot bean paste came with a spice warning, and while delicious in its simplicity is not for the faint hearted. Our second chicken entree was the classic chicken in black bean sauce with a delicious salty distinct smooth sauce. The wok-fried Singapore noodles with stir-fried vermicelli were good but a bit neglected considering the uniqueness of the rest of the entrees. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately the thing
that I was craving (the aforementioned scallion pancakes) did not
measure up to the ones I had abroad - the ones here were just a little
bit oily and not as flaky but the rest of the food, especially the hot & sour soup more than made up for it. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xg0tqm5WGA/U30S_ocbYfI/AAAAAAAAFy8/8XWnnJ2ho7E/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xg0tqm5WGA/U30S_ocbYfI/AAAAAAAAFy8/8XWnnJ2ho7E/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0013.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">China Kitchen - Chicken with Chilli & Black Bean Sauce</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rH2H5jBBxF8/U30S7lNJzKI/AAAAAAAAFyU/fdyoopHx8g4/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rH2H5jBBxF8/U30S7lNJzKI/AAAAAAAAFyU/fdyoopHx8g4/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0001.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">China Kitchen - Hot & Sour Soup</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukCG9XhJWOA/U30S8ppa15I/AAAAAAAAFyk/5_ojE21puJ8/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukCG9XhJWOA/U30S8ppa15I/AAAAAAAAFyk/5_ojE21puJ8/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0007.jpg" height="94" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">China Kitchen - Scallion Pancakes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JG0flCRtjTo/U30TFDDcFpI/AAAAAAAAFzI/kFWkby4B2Oc/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JG0flCRtjTo/U30TFDDcFpI/AAAAAAAAFzI/kFWkby4B2Oc/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0016.jpg" height="112" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">China Kitchen - Chengdu Chicken</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpSBKDLYqfQ/U30S-yQvl0I/AAAAAAAAFy0/_1uoZePDMio/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpSBKDLYqfQ/U30S-yQvl0I/AAAAAAAAFy0/_1uoZePDMio/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0014.jpg" height="78" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">China Kitchen - Red Snapper with House Salsa</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-LOI2N579A/U30S-Ho5LHI/AAAAAAAAFyw/x9a7v72T5S8/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-LOI2N579A/U30S-Ho5LHI/AAAAAAAAFyw/x9a7v72T5S8/s1600/IMG-20140516-WA0008.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">China Kitchen - Singapore Noodles</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Service:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">From start to finish the service was excellent. The waiters were attentive but not annoying. It did take some time for the main course to arrive after the soup & appetizer round but we were enjoying the ambiance & company so much that it wasn't a concern. The best part was that the waiter knew the menu and guided us properly when I asked him for suggestions on what to order.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Overall Verdict:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">China Kitchen stands apart from the other Chinese eateries/delivery places in town as it offers gourmet Chinese cuisine with items on the menu that I have yet to see anywhere else. The prices are a bit high but worth it considering the superior quality & taste along with the fine dining experience. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ranking:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Food: 9/10</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Price: 8/10</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(On average should cost Rs. 1000-1100/head or more depending on the variety of food ordered)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ambiance: 8.5/10</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Service: 8.5/10 </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Restaurant Details: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Address: 73/5, Swiss Cottages, Clifton Block 4, Karachi, Pakistan-75500 <br /> Phone: +922135860184 , +923332209169 <br />Email chinakitchenpk@gmail.com<br />Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chinakitchenkarachi/info </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-71862110025288289522014-05-16T22:36:00.000+05:002014-07-08T00:03:37.292+05:00Ginger Chicken Pakistani Style <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a simple day and it calls for a simple recipe. This Ginger Chicken, Pakistani style is probably one of the easiest recipes I know. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All it requires is the standard Pakistani cooking arsenal of onions, tomatoes & masalas stirred & cooked together. But what creates the delicious medley of flavors in the dish is the finely julienned ginger added right at the end with a heaping handful of fresh fragrant coriander.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Ginger Chicken Pakistani Style</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Ginger Chicken Pakistani Style</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Serves 6 people</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b><br />3 tbsp oil </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp finely minced/grated ginger or 1 tsp ginger paste</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />1 medium onion, finely chopped</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tsp garlic paste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped<br />1/4 tsp turmeric (haldi)<br />2 tsp coriander powder (sukha dhania powder)<br />1.5 tsp salt<br />1.5 tsp red chilli pepper<br />1/2 kg chicken, divided into 8 pieces. Alternatively, you can also use boneless chicken, cut into 2 inch pieces.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tbsp tomato ketchup or 1 tbsp tomato puree/paste<br />2 inch knob of ginger, finely julienned (keep extra for garnish)<br />1 cup fresh coriander, finely chopped (leaves & stalks both)<br /><br /><b>Method:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Heat oil in large pan on medium high heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Once oil is hot, add freshly grated ginger/ginger paste and garlic paste and saute for 1 minute till the flavor comes out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Add onions and saute till light golden (about 5-7 minutes). Keep stirring so that the onions don't burn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Add chopped tomatoes along with the rest of masalas (turmeric, coriander powder, salt & chilli powder). Keep stirring till the tomatoes thicken and becomes a jam-like consistency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Add the chicken along with 1/2 cup to 1 cup water and let it cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes then turn it on low-medium till chicken is tender. It will take approx. 15-20 minutes for boneless chicken, whereas chicken with bone will take about 30-40 minutes. Once the chicken is ready, you should see the masala oil on top of the tomato gravy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Approximately 5 minutes before the chicken is done, add tomato ketchup/tomato puree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. Add about 90% of the julienned ginger on top of the dish, and let it cook for a minute then take it off heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. Garnish with fresh coriander and the remaining sliced ginger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Serve with naan/chapati or fresh steamed basmati rice. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-60193605812741092822014-04-04T20:43:00.000+05:002014-04-06T01:00:15.261+05:00Pizza Hut Spring Fling - Blogger's Meet-up <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMcrncf_Piw/Uz7N7OKUfOI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/KnYA2NL_G_A/s1600/Baking16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMcrncf_Piw/Uz7N7OKUfOI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/KnYA2NL_G_A/s1600/Baking16.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few weeks ago I received an invite for a Blogger's meetup at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutPak?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pizza Hut</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The meet-up was at their Clifton Branch (the one opposite Boat Basin) and the meeting agenda was to share the details of their Spring Fling campaign.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To be honest, its been a while since I have had <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutPak?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pizza Hut</a>. With so many new pizza delivery outlets opening up it's easy to forget about the chain that started off the pizza trend in Pakistan. More importantly, Pizza Hut is a brand that I have always associated with dining out - delivery is convenient but no matter how quickly the order comes, it just can't beat a pizza fresh out of the oven. The fact that there is no need to clean up afterwards is well icing on the cake! So while there might be new chains opening left, right & centre, when you need to go out for a traditional & comforting thick crust pizza, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutPak" target="_blank">Pizza Hut</a> is almost always the place of choice. Let's also not forget Pizza Hut for office farewells! .. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Moving on from where I sidetracked the conversation to the actual meetup. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Out of all the blogger's invited, my habit of being punctual resulted in me being the first person there (obviously). Blogger Meet-up Lesson for next time - come at least 30 minutes after the stated time. The host (the ABM) was there and we had a good chat regarding well <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutPak" target="_blank">Pizza Hut</a>, the campaign & what exactly was the point of the meetup (it was my first one so well duh). After a few minutes, more people started coming in one by one & introductions were made. Once the entire group was there, we had a detailed & very lively discussion on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutPak" target="_blank">Pizza Hut</a> and their on-going campaign - the positives & the negatives; to what they are doing well, to where they can improve with ideas & suggestions for improvement. Details of the deal and my comments follow: </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring Fling Deal: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Currently <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutPak?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pizza Hut</a> has an ongoing campaign titled 'Spring Fling' which you might have seen on billboards here and there. Aptly titled Spring Fling to signal the end of Winter in Karachi, it offers limited edition/seasonal meal deals by Pizza Hut. The outdoor & store campaigns (billboard & promo material inside the outlets) features the deals itself, using a flower themed background to indicate the spring element. However, on the social media front, the Spring Fling campaign utilizes two brand mascots titled Sherry & Veeni to generate a buzz and interact with fans on both <a href="https://twitter.com/PizzaHutPak" target="_blank">Twitter</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutPak" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Spring Fling deal itself is simply a deal for 4 people with an appetizer (garlic bread), pizzas (of course) and dessert (one serving of their chocolate brownie). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For people who like to share Pizza's there's </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fling 1</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - 2 regular pizzas, 4 garlic bread & 1 serving of chocolicious brownie for Rs. 999 (excluding tax)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For people who like to have an individual pizza of their own there's <b>Fling 2</b> - 4 personal pan pizzas, 4 garlic bread & 1 serving of chocolicious brownie for Rs. 999 (excluding tax)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Toppings available include: Chicken Tikka, Chicken Fajita, Fajita Sicilian, Hot & Spicy and Euro</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QvzN6sgoJYs/Uz7OTYHPXAI/AAAAAAAAFqY/UvGMAem0uAo/s1600/1970452_474189512682080_974741082_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QvzN6sgoJYs/Uz7OTYHPXAI/AAAAAAAAFqY/UvGMAem0uAo/s1600/1970452_474189512682080_974741082_n.png" height="152" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Pizza Hut Spring Fling Details (Image taken from Pizza Hut's Facebook page) </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So basically if you order this deal, and you eat like a normal person (not like 4 large & hungry guys) it will cost you Rs. 292/head (inc tax) and if you add a pitcher to it, then it's around Rs. 350/head which is pretty good value for money! If you do eat like 4 hungry guys, then you need to pay extra and order more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They did serve the deal to us with all four flavors with a pitcher on the side. I am not going to review the food in detail because this was an invited event where I did not pay for the food. Secondly, its Pizza Hut and I am sure that almost everyone has had Pizzas & Garlic Bread from them at some time. If someone hasn't, then they need to! Everyone has to have Pizza Hut at least once in their lives, especially our Desified Chicken Tikka. However, in short, the garlic bread was hot & crispy, the Pizza was hot, loaded with cheese and had that traditional thick crust which is a Pizza Hut trademark. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will give some additional comments on the brownie since I was wondering if it was going to be enough and it was. It is NOT one brownie, its actually one serving of chocolicious brownie (picture attached below) so two large pieces of chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce which is enough for 3-4 people. </span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GyQFIKwQXM/Uz7NqU1tG2I/AAAAAAAAFp0/XO5VA3JEA7I/s1600/IMG-20140315-00838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GyQFIKwQXM/Uz7NqU1tG2I/AAAAAAAAFp0/XO5VA3JEA7I/s1600/IMG-20140315-00838.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lsErxBripU/Uz7NqVnc-MI/AAAAAAAAFpw/jlVkJasJB6k/s1600/IMG-20140315-00841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lsErxBripU/Uz7NqVnc-MI/AAAAAAAAFpw/jlVkJasJB6k/s1600/IMG-20140315-00841.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2eTrWAQ-Vs/Uz7Nq1byAgI/AAAAAAAAFp4/p7eC9kgXKLI/s1600/IMG-20140315-00840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2eTrWAQ-Vs/Uz7Nq1byAgI/AAAAAAAAFp4/p7eC9kgXKLI/s1600/IMG-20140315-00840.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, I really enjoyed the meet-up - the food, the company as well as the experience. There are people who say that these meetups are only a promotional gimmick and of course they are. However, it is also a good way for a company to get constructive feedback from relevant people on their campaign. I had started following Pizza Hut both on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutPak" target="_blank">Facebook</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/PizzaHutPak" target="_blank">Twitter</a> once I got this invite, I noticed that there was a positive shift in the way that they were conducting their social media campaign. I can't be 100% sure whether it was a result of the discussion, but if it is then kudos to the team for listening to both the positive & the negative and improving on it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.s. When ordering the deal, DO NOT leave the end crust! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Being a Muslim, it is obligatory on us to finish whatever is on our plates. Additionally, think about all those less fortunate than you who don't have anything to eat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px;">Anas said: </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; line-height: 22.5px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">“The Prophet ordered us not to leave anything in the plate and he said: “You do not know in which portion of your food <span class="arabic_romanization" style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Allāh</span> has put the Barakah.”</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px;">(Muslim)</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-58381160549854617642014-03-23T02:50:00.002+05:002014-04-11T09:45:56.603+05:00Salad Greens with Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing<div style="background-color: white;">
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="color: #7d171d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Continuing on with posting recipes for salads, here's a recipe for another simple green salad with a roasted garlic dressing. With oranges going out of season, it can easily be substituted with other fruits (grapefruit, pear, or more apples). Garlic in the dressing might seem odd, but once garlic is roasted, it loses its bitter raw flavor, and becomes mild & sweet. Ever since I discovered how amazing roasted garlic is through the <a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2013/12/roasted-tomato-garlic-soup.html" target="_blank">tomato soup</a> I made in winters, I have been experimenting with it ever since. </span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Salad Greens with Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing</b><br />
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Salad Ingredients:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3-4 cups of Shredded/Cut Mild Greens (Mesclun Lettuce/Mixed Salad Greens)<br />1/4 cup of Rocket/Arugula<br />1 Apple - cut into slices (optional)<br />4 Oranges - cut into segments<br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">¼ cup – ½ cup walnuts, toasted</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Dressing:</b><br /><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">3 tbsp olive oil</span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">2 tbsp yoghurt</span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">1 tbsp vinegar</span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">1 tbsp lemon juice</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Roasted Garlic - 2 cloves (Bake garlic in a toaster oven/oven)</span>Lemon Zest - a pinch<br /><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">salt & pepper</span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">sumac (optional)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">1. </span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Blend the ingredients for the salad dressing in a blender for 30 seconds till it is creamy. Alternatively you can add all the ingredients and whisk for about a minute. Taste & adjust seasonings if required. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Take a big salad bowl and add salad greens & rocket/arugula. You can increase/decrease the quantity of the specific type of salad green based on personal preference. Add fruits to bowl.<br />3.Toss the salad greens together with 2 tbsp of the dressing. Adjust and add more dressing if required.<br />4. Crush walnuts and then add them on top of the salad.<br />If you want to save the salad for the next day, then add the salad dressing & nuts individually into your plate otherwise the salad will start wilting once the dressing is added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Playing Around:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Fruits: Substitute the apple for pear </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Citrus: Substitute the oranges for Mosambi or Grapefruit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Vegetables: Olives, capsicum, carrots or broccoli can be added/substituted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Protein: Add grilled paneer, grilled chicken or feta cheese to make it more filling</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Nuts: Almonds or Pine-Nuts and even Peanuts can be substituted for walnuts </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read up on my other Salad 101 blog posts below:</span></div>
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<div style="color: #333333;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/starting-off-with-salad-101-cleaning.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salad 101 - Cleaning & Storing Greens</span></a></b></div>
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<div style="color: black; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-tossing-greens-adding-salad.html" target="_blank">Salad 101 -Tossing Greens & Adding the Salad Dressing</a></b></span></div>
<div style="color: black; line-height: normal;">
<b><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-types-of-salad-greens.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salad 101 - Types of Salad Greens</span></a></b></div>
<div style="color: black; line-height: normal;">
<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-basic-salad-dressing.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Salad 101 - The Basic Salad Dressing</b></span></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Resources (Salad Spinners & where to get salad greens in Karachi):</span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Salad Spinners are available at JB Saeed & Hyperstar (linked below) in Karachi and should also be available at other places.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=134621356576725&set=a.134621099910084.14013.129326953772832&type=3&theater">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=134621356576725&set=a.134621099910084.14013.129326953772832&type=3&theater</a></span></span><br />
<b><br /></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Where to get Salad Greens in Karachi:</b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/72894839977/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sungold Organic</a> – Home delivery of Organic Vegetables</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Email at Sungoldorganic@gmail.com</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sungold number, 0342-2382731, 0345-2008247:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Growing your Own – Seeds available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cropsinpot?fref=ts" target="_blank">Crops in Pots</a> & available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/momms.garden?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mom’s Garden</a></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gardening Help – </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Swotsguide.housengardens/?fref=ts" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">SWOT’s Guide to House and Gardens</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> & </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/90728545579/?fref=ts" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">My Kitchen Garden Project</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shops – Assortment of vegetables can be found from Agha’s, Farids, Hyperstar, Empress Market, Defence Sunday Bazaar, & a ‘Sabzi Wala’ near French Bakery at Khadda Market</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reference Books:</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0764578650">How to Cook Everything (Completely Revised 10th Anniversary Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Best-Recipe-All-New/dp/0936184744">The New Best Recipe</a> by Cooks Illustrated Magazine</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-56932005581551628232014-03-17T00:31:00.000+05:002014-04-11T09:35:57.921+05:00Guacamole<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was just checking out my blog stats and I am done to about 20-40 pageviews a day from a considerably high number earlier. Just goes to show what happens if I don't update this blog on a regular basis<span style="font-size: small;"> (<span style="font-size: small;">Ouch). </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I am resolving to spend a bit more time on posting recipes since I have been receiving some amazing feedback on how much my recipes are being enjoyed by people! So just motivated to share more. Will probably start writing small introductions (I will try :p), and focus more on the recipe writing. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before I begin with the recipe, it is a sincere appeal to all readers who have tried avocados in their life & not liked them to give this recipe a try! Yes - avocados are bland & a little bit tasteless if you try them for the first time. But use them to make Guacamole and I can guarantee that at least the majority of you will be addicted converts! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WiYfDUakkWQ/Uw9427uhMCI/AAAAAAAAFnE/_mp8EHkgO8A/s1600/IMG-20140212-00766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WiYfDUakkWQ/Uw9427uhMCI/AAAAAAAAFnE/_mp8EHkgO8A/s1600/IMG-20140212-00766.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Guacamole Dip </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Serve with Corn Chips/Tortilla Chips)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 ripe avocado</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1-2 Jalapeno peppers, finely chopped </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 onion, finely chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 ripe tomato, seeds & pulp removed, finely chopped </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped) - reserve some for garnish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tortilla Chips or Corn Chips for Serving </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Method:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Cut the avocado in half & remove the flesh. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh and put it in a small bowl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See this article on <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_and_peel_an_avocado/">How to Cut and Peel an Avocado</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Using a fork, roughly mash the avocado. It should still be a little bit chunky so don't overdo it. Add lemon juice and salt. Add chopped onion, jalapeno peppers, coriander leaves, and tomatoes. Mix it all up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Taste & adjust seasonings if necessary. If you like it hotter then add one more jalapeno pepper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Cover with plastic wrap since avocados turn black very quickly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Note: </b>When buying avocados, try to get when they are still firm and then put them in a brown paper bag to ripen. There are different ways to tell if an avocado is ripe depending from variety to variety, but the best method is through gently pressing the fruit.</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If the avocado is ripe, it will yield to a minimal amount of pressure.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If the avocado feels soft/mushy, then it is overripe.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If the avocado feels firm, it is still under ripe. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Avocados in Karachi can be found at Agha's, Farids and Hyperstar. They are quite expensive, but the cheapest I have found so far are at Aghas (Rs. 185 for one)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-1024047154137050712014-02-02T13:30:00.000+05:002014-04-11T09:45:56.581+05:00Green Salad with Fruits & Nuts in a Honey-Yoghurt Dressing<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After I got the hang of the olive oil, lemon juice, yoghurt & mustard dressing, I started experimenting with something different. This time I made a salad with fruits & nuts with a honey based dressing - loved the slightly sweet dressing with the grapefruit & olives. The carrot is only there because I had one lying around so I just tossed it in the salad, but wouldn't recommend adding it otherwise.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YADSN_3Reoc/UuwQNeP6epI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/VdHuDAnknSg/s1600/IMG-20140104-00663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YADSN_3Reoc/UuwQNeP6epI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/VdHuDAnknSg/s1600/IMG-20140104-00663.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fresh Salad with Fruits & Nuts with Honey based dressing </b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Salad Ingredients: </b><br />2-3 cups of Lettuce (Mesclun or any variety you prefer)<br />1/4 cup of Rocket/Arugula<br />¼ cup of baby spinach<br />1 large grapefruit<br />1 orange (optional – I used it because the grapefruit I had was small)<br />Olives – 2 to 3 tbsp <br />¼ cup – ½ cup walnuts, toasted <br /><br /><b>Dressing:</b><br />2 tbsp olive oil<br />2 tbsp honey<br />2 tbsp yoghurt<br />1 tbsp vinegar<br />1 tbsp lemon juice<br />salt & pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blend the ingredients for the salad dressing in a blender for 30 seconds till it is creamy. Alternatively you can add all the ingredients and whisk for about a minute. Taste & adjust seasonings if required. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Dry roast nuts in a skillet for about 3-5 minutes over medium heat till they are aromatic. Keep shaking the pan so they don't burn. Alternatively, you can toast them in a toaster oven.<br />3. Take a big salad bowl and add lettuce leaves, baby spinach & rocket/arugula. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can increase/decrease the quantity of the specific type of salad green based on personal preference.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />4. Add fruits & olives to the salad leaves and lightly toss with about 2-3 tbsp of the dressing. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taste and add more dressing if required</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />5. Chop & crush the nuts then add as garnish on top of the salad. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you want to save the salad for the next day, then add the salad dressing individually into your plate otherwise the salad will start wilting once the dressing is added.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Playing Around:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Fruits: Substitute the apple for pear </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Citrus: Substitute the oranges for Mosambi or Grapefruit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Vegetables: Olives, capsicum, carrots or broccoli can be added/substituted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Protein: Add grilled paneer, grilled chicken or feta cheese to make it more filling</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Nuts: Add sliced toasted almonds, peanuts Toast some nuts in a dry skillet and crush & sprinkle on top</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read up on my other Salad 101 blog posts below:</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/starting-off-with-salad-101-cleaning.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salad 101 - Cleaning & Storing Greens</span></a></b></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-tossing-greens-adding-salad.html" target="_blank">Salad 101 -Tossing Greens & Adding the Salad Dressing</a></b></span><br />
<b><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-types-of-salad-greens.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salad 101 - Types of Salad Greens</span></a></b><br />
<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-basic-salad-dressing.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Salad 101 - The Basic Salad Dressing</b></span></a><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Where to get Salad Greens in Karachi:</b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/72894839977/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sungold Organic</a> – Home delivery of Organic Vegetables</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Email at Sungoldorganic@gmail.com</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sungold number, 0342-2382731, 0345-2008247:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Growing your Own – Seeds available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cropsinpot?fref=ts" target="_blank">Crops in Pots</a> & available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/momms.garden?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mom’s Garden</a></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gardening Help – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Swotsguide.housengardens/?fref=ts" target="_blank">SWOT’s Guide to House and Gardens</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/90728545579/?fref=ts" target="_blank">My Kitchen Garden Project</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shops – Assortment of vegetables can be found from Agha’s, Farids, Hyperstar, Empress Market, Defence Sunday Bazaar, & a ‘Sabzi Wala’ near French Bakery at Khadda Market</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reference Books:</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0764578650">How to Cook Everything (Completely Revised 10th Anniversary Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Best-Recipe-All-New/dp/0936184744">The New Best Recipe</a> by Cooks Illustrated Magazine</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-34811020998529550552014-02-01T10:30:00.000+05:002014-04-11T09:45:56.592+05:00Leafy Green Salad with Apples & Tomatoes<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So now that everyone is updated on what I haven't been posting for the last couple of weeks, let me start catching up by continuing my Salad 101 posts. I have covered How-to's on Cleaning & Storing Salad Greens, Types of Salad Greens & Tossing and Adding the Dressing. Now I will FINALLY be sharing the recipes :D .. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since I embarked on this salad making journey, I have been experimenting with various types of greens, fruits, dressings & seasonings, and have finally achieved the balance that my family loves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My basic rule is that salad greens will form the base of the salad, along with some fruit to provide the sweetness, along with some citrus to provide tang. Other vegetables can be added to make the salad more filling, nuts can be added for crunch, and proteins like chicken & cottage cheese can be added to make it more of a main course than a salad. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fresh Salad Greens with Apples & Tomatoes</span></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOPj2FpplXo/Uuv_n1wpM5I/AAAAAAAAFl0/mrSSlmQlpxM/s1600/IMG-20131220-00609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOPj2FpplXo/Uuv_n1wpM5I/AAAAAAAAFl0/mrSSlmQlpxM/s1600/IMG-20131220-00609.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leafy Salad Green with Apples & Tomato</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Salad Ingredients:</b><br />3-4 cups of Shredded/Cut Mild Greens (Mesclun Lettuce/Mixed Salad Greens or Chinese Cabbage)<br />1/4 cup of Rocket/Arugula<br />1/4 cup of Baby Spinach<br />Fresh Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Oregano) - 10 to 12 leaves, roughly chopped<br />1 Apple - cut into slices<br />1 Tomato - cut into wedges<br />1-2 Oranges - cut into segments<br /><br /><b>Dressing:</b><br />1 tbsp olive oil<br />2 tbsp yoghurt<br />1 tbsp vinegar<br />1 tbsp lemon juice<br />1 tsp mustard<br />salt & pepper<br />sumac (optional)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Note: The dressing is also not a typical vinaigrette - I reduced the olive oil & added yoghurt for some creaminess. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br />1. Toss the fruit (apples & oranges) with some lemon juice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blend the ingredients for the salad dressing in a blender for 30 seconds till it is creamy. Alternatively you can add all the ingredients and whisk for about a minute. Taste & adjust seasonings if required. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />3. Take a big salad bowl and add salad greens, baby spinach & rocket/arugula. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can increase/decrease the quantity of the specific type of salad green based on personal preference.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />4.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Toss the salad greens together with 2 tbsp of the dressing. Adjust and add more dressing if required.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />5. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add apples, carrots & oranges. Add 1 tbsp of the dressing and lightly toss. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />6.Garnish with tomatoes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you want to save the salad for the next day, then add the salad dressing individually into your plate otherwise the salad will start wilting once the dressing is added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Playing Around:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Fruits: Substitute the apple for pear </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Citrus: Substitute the oranges for Mosambi or Grapefruit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Vegetables: Olives, capsicum, carrots or broccoli can be added/substituted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Protein: Add grilled paneer, grilled chicken or feta cheese to make it more filling</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Crunch: Toast some nuts in a dry skillet and crush & sprinkle on top</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read up on my other Salad 101 blog posts below:</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/starting-off-with-salad-101-cleaning.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salad 101 - Cleaning & Storing Greens</span></a></b></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-tossing-greens-adding-salad.html" target="_blank">Salad 101 -Tossing Greens & Adding the Salad Dressing</a></b></span><br />
<b><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-types-of-salad-greens.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salad 101 - Types of Salad Greens</span></a></b><br />
<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-basic-salad-dressing.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Salad 101 - The Basic Salad Dressing</b></span></a><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Where to get Salad Greens in Karachi:</b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/72894839977/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sungold Organic</a> – Home delivery of Organic Vegetables</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Email at Sungoldorganic@gmail.com</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sungold number, 0342-2382731, 0345-2008247:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Growing your Own – Seeds available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cropsinpot?fref=ts" target="_blank">Crops in Pots</a> & available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/momms.garden?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mom’s Garden</a></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gardening Help – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Swotsguide.housengardens/?fref=ts" target="_blank">SWOT’s Guide to House and Gardens</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/90728545579/?fref=ts" target="_blank">My Kitchen Garden Project</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shops – Assortment of vegetables can be found from Agha’s, Farids, Hyperstar, Empress Market, Defence Sunday Bazaar, & a ‘Sabzi Wala’ near French Bakery at Khadda Market</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reference Books:</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0764578650">How to Cook Everything (Completely Revised 10th Anniversary Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Best-Recipe-All-New/dp/0936184744">The New Best Recipe</a> by Cooks Illustrated Magazine</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-20562398790529862362014-02-01T02:02:00.001+05:002014-02-01T03:59:32.667+05:00Update! Menu for Ordering <div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello Everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know its been a while since I posted recipes, but on immense popular demand, I started taking orders for a few items. MashAllah I am getting an amazing response and thats pretty much why I don't get any time to blog lately. There's the 9-5 pm job, then the office homework, then the taking orders & planning them out, then thinking and experimenting with future menu items, and let's not forget the actual cooking :).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, just in case anyone thinks I am superhuman, let me clarify right now that I am not doing this alone, but together with my family (mom, dad, me, chacha, chachi) and everyone is contributing something to the menu or helping out with the business idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am going to continue with my recipes on the blog, but for those interested in the menu, its uploaded on the </span><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/p/menu.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">blog</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and is also updated on my </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/kays-house-of-treats/menu-order-method/751540721525219" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> page. Currently, there's a range of pickles/achaar's including some common ones like Gaajar ka Achaar (Pickled carrots in a tangy vinegar base) to new ones like Baighan ka Aachar (Eggplant Pickle) & Tamatar Shimla Mirch Aachar (Tomato & Capsicum Pickle). There are also winter favourites like Sarsoon ka Saag & Gaajar ka Halwa. For the future there will be a separate Dessert menu & a Savory menu (Desi + Continental). </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But don't worry - will start posting recipes tomorrow :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For those who would like to try out stuff that I make, please do order and let me know if there are any suggestions for the menu :). <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDM0U8-QUOQ/UuwPCkC3ShI/AAAAAAAAFmE/wQf0Rv5gptA/s1600/Business+Pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDM0U8-QUOQ/UuwPCkC3ShI/AAAAAAAAFmE/wQf0Rv5gptA/s1600/Business+Pictures.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kay's House of Treats - Menu</td></tr>
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</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163275343392919239.post-47225536871365278942014-01-13T01:25:00.000+05:002014-04-11T09:45:56.597+05:00Salad 101 - The Basic Salad Dressing<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="color: black; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Please 'like' me on Facebook to keep updated with new posts, tips & tricks, or to ask me any questions: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaysHouseOfTreats" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Kay's House of Treats</a></b></blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #333333; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBfPfC_k1zQ/UtL4Rnco0VI/AAAAAAAAFkY/slT2OzgxN8s/s1600/Baking15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBfPfC_k1zQ/UtL4Rnco0VI/AAAAAAAAFkY/slT2OzgxN8s/s1600/Baking15.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Salads tossed with various Salad Dressings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By now you should have bought, washed & mixed your salad together. The next step is deciding on the dressing and with most salad greens this is usually a type of Vinaigrette.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A vinaigrette consists three things - a good oil, acid (vinegar or lemon/lime juice) and seasonings which is combined with a chemical process known as emulsification to form a beautiful creamy dressing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Following are basic dressings, with a few variations based on the type of salad greens that you decide to use. The standard ratio of oil to acid for a dressing is three parts oil to one part acid. For mild salad greens, a basic dressing of oil, acid & seasoning will work, however, for spicier salad greens like rocket or baby spinach, stronger flavors like mustard, garlic, onions along with some cream/yoghurt are required to complement the taste of the greens. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But again, I will repeat the same thing - adjust the dressing based on your own preferences, and what is available in the fridge. I will be posting some recipes for salads in the future, and in almost all the recipes, I have used less oil and more yoghurt because I think the taste of extra virgin olive oil can be strong, so I would reduce from the basic recipe. Similarly, there are a number of additions and substitutions that can be made. Have included a list of basic recipes along with a list of simple additions in the end for experimenting with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Basic Vinaigrette for Mild Salad Greens</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Makes about 3/4 cup)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tbsp vinegar (or lemon juice); or use 1.5 tbsp lemon juice and 1.5 tbsp vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt & freshly ground black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sugar/Honey - 1 tsp (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Method:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Depending on type of greens used, combine all ingredients in a blender for about 30 seconds till a creamy emulsion results. You can also add all the ingredients in a bottle, and then shake vigorously or add the ingredients in a bowl and use a wire whisk to mix. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Taste the dressing and adjust vinegar/lemon juice or seasonings if required.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Use 1 tbsp of dressing for about 2 cups of salad greens.</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Basic Vinaigrette for Spicy Salad Greens</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tbsp vinegar (or lemon juice); or use 1.5 tbsp lemon juice and 1.5 tbsp vinegar</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt & freshly ground black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mustard - 1 tsp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sugar/Honey - 1 tsp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Minced Garlic - 1/2 tsp (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Method:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Depending on type of greens used, combine all ingredients in a blender for about 30 seconds till a creamy emulsion results. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can also add all the ingredients in a bottle, and then shake vigorously or add the ingredients in a bowl and use a wire whisk to mix. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Taste the dressing and adjust vinegar/lemon juice or seasonings if required.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Use 1 tbsp of dressing for about 2 cups of salad greens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Basic Vinaigrette for Bitter Salad Greens</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tbsp vinegar (or lemon juice); or use 1.5 tbsp lemon juice and 1.5 tbsp vinegar</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tbsp yoghurt or cream</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt & freshly ground black pepper</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mustard - 1 tsp</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sugar/Honey - 1 tsp</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Minced Garlic - 1/2 tsp (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Method:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Depending on type of greens used, combine all ingredients in a blender for about 30 seconds till a creamy emulsion results. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can also add all the ingredients in a bottle, and then shake vigorously or add the ingredients in a bowl and use a wire whisk to mix. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Taste the dressing and adjust vinegar/lemon juice or seasonings if required.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Use 1 tbsp of dressing for about 2 cups of salad greens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Other Simple Additions to Vinaigrettes:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The above dressings are base recipes, but you can always make additions/substitutions to them based on ingredient availability & your own taste. Sometimes I would add some lemon zest, or fresh herbs, or minced roasted garlic to leftover dressing just to change the taste. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Herbs: Herbs can be added either fresh or dried to the dressing. If using fresh, then you can add about 1/4 cup of finely chopped mild herbs like parsley, basil or oregano for 1/2 cup of olive oil. If using stronger herbs like rosemary, tarragon or thyme then use about 1 teaspoon. If using dried herbs, then start with adding 1/8 teaspoon, and then add more if required. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fresh Garlic: Garlic flavor can be incorporated in three different ways depending on how strong you want it to be. If you want a stronger flavor, then you can mince/finely chop fresh garlic and add it in the dressing. Secondly, you can roast garlic in the oven which turns the flavor mild and sweeter. Thirdly, you can rub a mashed garlic clove around your salad bowl which will just give you a mild garlic flavor. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Honey, maple syrup or sugar: If you want the dressing to be a bit sweet, you can add sweetener of your sugar. Start off small, 1-2 teaspoon for sugar & 1 tablespoon for honey, and then adjust more based on taste.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mustard: 1 teaspoon of good quality mustard, or 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard can be added.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lemon Zest/Orange Zest: Zest of 1 lemon can be added for a lemon vinaigrette, making sure that you use lemon or lime juice for the dressing as well. Orange zest combined with fresh orange juice can also be used.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Creamy Vinaigrette: Fresh or sour cream, yoghurt or mayonnaise can be used (about 3 tablespoon). Fresh cream is preferred over packaged as that has a much better flavor. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soy Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to give an Asian flavor to salads; best if used with Asian vegetables like spring onions, Bak Choi etc. </span></li>
</ol>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read up on my other Salad 101 blog posts below:</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/starting-off-with-salad-101-cleaning.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salad 101 - Cleaning & Storing Greens</span></a></b></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-tossing-greens-adding-salad.html" target="_blank">Salad 101 -Tossing Greens & Adding the Salad Dressing</a></b></span><br />
<b><a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-types-of-salad-greens.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salad 101 - Types of Salad Greens</span></a></b><br />
<a href="http://kayshouseoftreats.blogspot.com/2014/01/salad-101-basic-salad-dressing.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Salad 101 - The Basic Salad Dressing</b></span></a><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Where to get Salad Greens in Karachi:</b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/72894839977/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sungold Organic</a> – Home delivery of Organic Vegetables</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Email at Sungoldorganic@gmail.com</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sungold number, 0342-2382731, 0345-2008247:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Growing your Own – Seeds available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cropsinpot?fref=ts" target="_blank">Crops in Pots</a> & available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/momms.garden?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mom’s Garden</a></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gardening Help – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Swotsguide.housengardens/?fref=ts" target="_blank">SWOT’s Guide to House and Gardens</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/90728545579/?fref=ts" target="_blank">My Kitchen Garden Project</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shops – Assortment of vegetables can be found from Agha’s, Farids, Hyperstar, Empress Market, Defence Sunday Bazaar, & a ‘Sabzi Wala’ near French Bakery at Khadda Market</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reference Books:</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0764578650">How to Cook Everything (Completely Revised 10th Anniversary Edition</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Best-Recipe-All-New/dp/0936184744">The New Best Recipe</a> by Cooks Illustrated Magazine</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15942238586980365777noreply@blogger.com0