Light and Fluffy Donuts (Doughnuts)

Coated with chocolate ganache or glazed and sprinkled with sugar, the temptation to sink your teeth into a soft and fresh donut is irresistible...
Having tried out different recipes and not particularly happy with the end result, I continued my search for the perfect donut recipe.....until today.
Today I made a batch and I can finally share this recipe with everyone out there because these turned out just the way you would want them - light and fluffy!

How to make Mascarpone Cheese at home..

Yes...I now make my own Mascarpone Cheese...How cool is that!
Hahah...
My hubby wanted a Tiramisu cake for his birthday and I thought why not...
But mascarpone which is one of the key ingredients isn't easy to find here in India..and when you do finally find some you realize that it is bloody expensive (Rs 500/- or more for a meager 250g!!!)

So I did my homework...read a lot...surfed even more...and guess what I found out? that you can make your own mascarpone cheese! at home... and that too with just two simple ingredients!

No Bake Blueberry Cheese Cake

This cheese cake is apt for a make-ahead dessert if you are expecting some special guests. Just pop it into your fridge and forget about it till its time to serve.
I have always preferred a no-bake cheese cake to a baked one. Maybe because its oh-so-easy to make!
No oven, no fuss, just throw in all the ingredients into the mixer and thats it!
I try to create a healthier version of any recipe as much as I possibly can. So instead of using cream cheese all the way I have used half cream cheese and half malai paneer. Feel free to use 100% cream cheese if you wish, its only going to taste even better!

Berry Blueberry Muffins

 I have tried quite a few muffin recipes in the past but I must say this Blueberry Muffin Recipe takes the cake so far.

Fresh berries are not always available when you want them so I made these beauties with canned blueberries. I made two types with the same batter, one with the blueberries mixed with the batter and the other with the berries in the centre only.
I also made a cinnamon flavoured crumb coating and sprinkled it on top of the muffins before they went into the oven. This not only gives a crunch to the soft gooey filling but also lends a warm cinnamon-y flavour!

Crispy Baked Chicken

We all loooovee KFC right? But I have a recipe here for KFC style chicken and the good thing is, its not fried, its baked!! Thats gotta be great, right?

At some point of time we tend to look out for healthier options or cut down on fat every now and then. This is one of those recipes which is healthier, coz its not fried, plus it tastes awesome too!
And whats more, its very simple with ingredients that you will find easily in your kitchen.
I serve it, at times, as a part of the main course for dinner or at other times, as snacks too.
I made these with chicken thighs but you can add any part. Just keep in mind that time and temperature to cook different parts may vary, for e.g thighs take a little longer than breasts. If the meat is cooked longer than required it will turn out dry.

Butter-less and Fatless Almond Biscotti

Thats right! No butter or oil required to make these biscotti. And whats more, it requires very few and simple ingredients.

I made myself a cup of coffee this morning and reached into the cookie jar only to find that it was empty. Well, not really empty...there were some digestive biscuits that my hubby eats, says its healthy and all that...I don't like the taste..

After scanning through various cookie recipes in my head and a quick look at the ingredients in my larder, I zeroed in on one of my favourite healthy biscotti.

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Chutney

This simple 'Chutney' or 'Achaar' as we call it, is the prime accompaniment with momos, noodles and even with the typical Nepali Thali.
Variations can be made by adding ingredients like chopped fresh coriander, mint, crushed peanuts, chopped onions, etc etc..
Just add a handful of your favourite ingredient to the recipe below.

Crackling Pork Belly

Just looking at the picture of a crispy pork belly makes me salivate!
A couple of weeks back I made this for a bunch of friends. A plateful did a round and quickly came back empty and now you know why I do not have too many photos of it. I will click more when I make this dish next time.
The crispy crunchy skin crackles as you take your first bite only to reveal the fat that melts in your mouth right below. And then finally you get to taste the savory pork belly meat. It’s crack-a-licking!

Pickled Radish - 'Moola Ko Aachar'

'Moola ko Achar' is what we call it back home in Darjeeling.
This accompaniment is a favourite among my friends and cousins so I had to put up this recipe.
Once it is bottled up and ready, it keeps fresh for weeks. Having said that, don't be surprised if it does not last too long as it is quickly swiped off, sometimes within a few days of making it!
For those of you who have not had it before please be warned that because of the radish this pickle has a rather strong and pungent aroma. Opening up a bottle in public is unadvisable as it could attract quite a few suspicious glances your way!! hehe

'Kauri' - Homemade Whole-wheat Shell Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables Soup

Kauri is a traditional winter dish popular in places like Darjeeling and Sikkim. It is also something that we cook on Tibetan New Years Eve. It is packed with nutrition and isn't as difficult as it looks.
So go ahead and try it!

I used chicken bones for this recipe but beef  will also do. For the mixed vegetables I added 1 carrot, 1 radish and a few green beans. Although I never do, while kneading the dough you might want to add a pinch of salt for taste.