Lamington cup cakes

Lamington cupcakes

These were made by a very dear person, a great chef in her own right..! more about her inventions later..but these cupcakes are to die for..

Im not a coconut fan, but i could'nt resist these..I dare you try them....

This is the traditional Australian lamingtons, but with a twist! they are cupcakes!!! easier to make, bake and treat.. the dare is, that you cannot stop at one!!!!

Ingredients

2 cups of all purpose flour

2 tspn baking powder

1/2 tspn baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

125gm unsalted butter

7tbsp sugar- powdered

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract/essence

1 1/4 cup milk

For icing and dusting

2 cups icing sugar

3 tbspn cocoa powder

1 1/2 tbsp butter

3/4 cup water

2 cups dessicated coconut

Method:

Sift together dry ingredients- salt, flour, baking powder in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one and beat until thoroughly combined! Add flour in batches and mix well by adding milk in between, add vanilla extract and beat well. Pour into cup cake paper in cupcake tray

place into preheated oven at 180 C for 20 minutes. Allow to cool

Meanwhile- mix together sugar and cocoa powder in a bowl. In a saucepan boil water and butter. once butter melts, add this to sugar cocoa powder- mix and stir well until it becomes a thick syrup..please dont burn it, keep flame at medium and do not leave unattended! the syrup must not be lumpy.

Setting them:

Dip the top portion of the cupcake on the chocolate syrup and dip them again over the desiccated coconut till well coated.

If your not a coconut fan, you can always add roasted unsalted nuts crushed as topping- it wont be lamingtons though!!

If you dont have desiccated coconut, get grated coconut, dry them under the sun for an hour and place them for 15 mins in a hot oven(180 c) ! Voila..desiccated coconut is ready!

Makes 12 cupcakes..

broken..carbon?

As zaara was playng with her toys, her attention shifted to the colouring book, barney..did he know that zaara would colour him blue, black and give yellow spots over, and call him"ill" on barney colouring book??? that what i was witnessing on a lazy tuesday afternoon...
Guess the friction was too much for barney to take and he gave up... the page tore and zaara was like "carbon mamma carrrbon..."
I smiled and as a dutiful mother worried at the very many accents she speaks in and getting tongue tied at seemingly simple words(she called a tomato a MATATO) corrected her-" Zaara, its Broken or tore..the page tore, you dont call it broken, or carbon for that matter" she still ran around the house with the page screaming" carbon...carbon"
Later that day,Mr Z walks in after a tiring site visit and she says.."Dada...barney colouring book CARBON!!!!" He gives me a confused expression and i explain" she calles it carbon broken i guess!
He still asks..but why would she say broken for a torn page? same instant, her beloved toy microwave door cracks open..she goes again" carbon mamma..carbonn"
I roll my eyes...about time rite..emphasising on the fact that i was right..shes just mixed words around saying carbon for broken!
Mr Z is still not convinced, but we have a good laugh...we still cant come to terms of her chattering away, her questions...we're in the AWWW stage still....cant believe how much shes grown..and so quickly.....time does fly!
After a few days... Mr Z texts me about our so called carbon... talking to some Arab friends, he realises that karbaan and not carbon..means spoilt or torn/ruined in arabic...
Little did we realise that she picked up a different language at nursery! using la for no and hada zaara were all pushed aside as hearsay
Children...they just amaze you...dont they?
so now zaara says "kharbaan" and i dare not correct her...just check what she has now wrecked!!!
"haada zaara haada mamma haada dada"
"la! la! la.."and laughter when i tickle her..
"badein mamma" when i ask her to clean up:D..and thats zaara for you..growing up learning little by little the very many things this world has to offer!

Tradition with a twist- Fish cutlets of Isha Bhavan

Hi Peeps!!!

Sorry for being away for so long..but this is a food post..YAY!!When we got married, we were invited(virunnu) for dinner/lunch to relatives' and friends homes... what a wonderful delight!!!Its quite a tradition to invite newly weds to give them a warm welcome to the family... so this was more of zain being welcomed into my gelf malayali family :D

We were super excited for the first few invites, but seeing our expanding waist lines, and lack of time to actually spend with each other (we both had full time jobs in dubai, and ended up going during weekends,would spend a considerable time at relatives places as it would be rude to walk out after food!) we dreaded them..I still liked meeting all of them and had loads of fun!!! Once while getting ready to another party, Mr Z asks..whats with the Fish cutlets and your family??? I was like- "So whats with it.."Thats when i realised that every home we went to from my side, fish cutlets were a permanent fixture...be it in different sizes, shapes,colours...these crunchy delicasy actually defined us....

I even introduced it to my in laws who still ask me to make it for them when we visit!!! It is delicious and a MUST TRY!!!Hence this recipe is a tribute to my sister(who makes the best of em all), my mum who taught us this and my aunts and cousins...who all have perfected their various forms of the FISH CUTLETand excelled in it..

I also have my own version and of course a healthier option to the original too!!!

Here goes:

Ingredients:

Tinned Tuna in water/ oil(white tuna better, in low sodium water option for the health consious)-2

Potatoes-1 medium boiled and mashed

Green chillies-2 medium chopped

Onion- 1 medium chopped thin

Ginger paste- half teaspoon

Oil- 2Tbspn, 300ml for deep frying
Bread crumbs 1 cup

Egg beaten- 1

Salt to taste

Method:

open tuna tin and drain water/oil and keep aside.In a non stick frying pan, pour 1 tbspn of oil, saute onions till pink, add ginger and green chillies mix well.lower flame and add potatoes that are mashed well, add tuna to this mix and stir, it form a warm dough.Check salt..only add more if necessary as the tuna is usually salted. Take vessel from flame and stir in the mix well that they look homogeneous. This where the fine chopping actually pays off. Let this cool dwon completely.make them to small patties makes around 8-10 with above quantities.

dip in beated eggs and roll over bread crumbs so that they are evenly coated, keep aside. You can leave the patties plain without egg and bread crumBs and grill them(with a tbspn of oil) for the healthy option..turns out equally yummm..

Picture of the healthier option above! In a kadai, heat the oil and deep fry the coated ones till golden brown!!!Tomato ketchup is an ideal accompaniment!

Happy munching

designer- patricia urquiola

I was going through outdoor furniture- for a very important project, It was way past work time, but i still wanted to finish the whole area before saying good night to work that day. It had been a busy week, 18 hours daily since a week was not easy on my spine(i have a weak one).

I then laid eyes on this piece of furniture and it changed my life...

This is where i found patricia urquiola... the genius! you can read about her here http://www.designboom.com/eng/interview/urquiola.html

I was inspired.... i then dug further in, to know about her..i get a little obsessive when i like somebody's work, and i just wanted to know more... And sometimes the power of nature just forces you against the each other...I had a client who loved the chairs and asked me to specify them for his project! which i did!!! further, i also had the opportunity to view through moroso furniture for whom she has designed as well!!! I like the unbashed girliness she brings to her design. She is never pretentious and is not afraid... a close friend once told me that if i had to be a successful designer, I must dare to do what I love! it reflects so well about Ms Urquiola!
The swing chair...isnt it beautiful?the intricate mesh makes it more appealing!! check the setting! FABULOUS!. Not only did i specify her furniture for the project, i also turned into a big fan! I do not follow many furniture designers, but she is unique. Search her in the web and then you will know why!
Oh and did i tell you about forms? she has a way around forms, specially seating -when you observe closely, you have the thought that"hey i thought about that too! and its exactly how she's made it!"
Check the night and day furniture below. You can work. play and relax by just converting it to your convenience.

And i have to add- shes the woman of colour...lovely bright colours..check her moroso range, and you will know what im talking about.

I could just go on and on, about the artist..shes just good..period!

Accordingtodina: Thoughts for my birthday

Accordingtodina: Thoughts for my birthday

Mother

I think everyone dreams to be a mother, i remember the first day i realised i had ahem ...ehhh....."MATURED". I was excited that I could be a Mom! Maybe coz i admired being a mom and their love.......unconditional..and then my sister Div was pregnant...though eldest sister was pregnant and had her baby, my adorable Bannu, i was a lil girl then....and he was start of our huge family.......then Div's happened, and when i moved to dubai, i spent more time wid div and aaru... i saw their bonding..it was just..BEAUTIFUL.....And my niece, i owe to her the person i am with my daughter! Shes the person i admire the most..the bestest girl in the whole world... she is like that beacuse of my sister, and im soo proud of both of them..

Div..your the best..the moment i laid my eyes on Zaara, i hoped i would love her the way you love aaru..your the best mom and perfect according to me.. I love you and admire you!God bless!

Now im all senti, so let me write something about Zaara...

Shes my first born, shes always made me learn something new about life..
Be it patience(not one of my virtues)

Be it taking one step at a time

Be it listening... which feel i alwais forget to do

Be it loving......children..they can love soo much...

Be it Mr Z, shes shown me a completely different side of his....hes such a great Dad!

The day she was born, i was soo overwhelmed! I couldnt believe i could actually have a baby, I was told by a few doctors i would not be able to concieve..so when she finally was here, the first of october 2008, i proved everyone wrong... i could be what i wanted...A mom!

Shes truly a blessing...My Zaara....My love

Thoughts for my birthday

Birthday thoughts.. I have been trying to avoid writing on my birthday and wishing myself, but hey..why not??? Happy Birthday to me!!! I am celebrating myself at the moment, and want this post to remind me always that i must enjoy just being myself! and, this is also for zaara that whatever she becomes, whoever she is, she must live in the moment and love it..no matter what!

This birthday is dedicated to the new me, i consider this my rebirth of sorts...I want to prioritize whats best and do it in the same fashion. We as women are always keen to please others, specially being the daughter who obeys, the sister who adjusts , the wife who is a trophy and the mother who sacrifices...I always joked that half your life you obey and are under your parents and the other half with your husband,, so when do you life for yourself??? the answer is always, i hate it when women loose their identities.. we are sister, daughters, wives and mothers..but when will we be just the 'I' we are???
I wish everywoman to do some soul searching..reach up to the stars..grab the oppurtunity to be the dream you saw you would be! put yourself up on a pedestal and be the queen..let no one, nothing be able to touch you..Your pristine..your the best..forget the rest.
I have had a super week so far, getting pampered by Mr Z, songs from zaara..and love from everyone around.. Im truly blessed, I thank God immensely and thank all of you for sharing my happiness
I also have made a list of things i will do this year..yes! Its the birthday resolution...
1. Love unconditionally
2.Enjoy life...you just live once..so y not!
3. Write once a day..even if i dont post it, atleast write
4. Experiment.. try new things, new recipes, learn something new...
5. Wake up and chant "I am the best, i am happy"
6. Exercise well and eat well...
7. and finally remember all the above :D
Here's to all of us women...and the wonderful men who love and treat them like a queen!
CHEERS!

Everyday is a good day

Is smiling a crime? I kinda always smile, not the cheeky grin but the kind of hey-how-are-you kinda warm smile.I was always known as the girl who always smiles and take it as a HUGE compliment!!!

So i was asked by this person a day ago..."why are you smiling???" not in the good way but the kinda annoyed way
I said-"Ahem..excuse me???" I was amused..hmmm nice question..i thought..

"Im happy so I'm smiling.."so she went about.."why are you happy?" (and now this was serious)

I answered-" Im always happy, i dont think i will find others happy until Im happy"..but unfortunately for her, she did not wait to hear my answer..she went away in a huff.. BAD for her :D

Anyway moving on..isnt it nice and warm to see someone smile? the pleasant smile, not the Joey tribiani "How you doing..."smile!!!
My mornings start with the I WILL SMILE mode..After my yoga/workout session i just believe that my day will be fabulous. while cleaning up, cooking breakfast..i keep wondering and THANKING GOD for everything he has done for me till date...

Being thankful is another way of being happy...and then the secret..My secret is the SECRET...the book i have a copy in my loo,of which i read atleast a page or two. It just prepares me for the whole day...
I am at a stage in my life where nothing is decided..nothing is planned..im living everyday as it comes..and the irony of the matter is that Im absolutely happy...I have learnt a way to deal with life head on and im taking inspiration from all my fellow women bloggers who are soo inspiring!!!

Last saturday, i was dancing and i wore pink..a few years ago i couldnt imagine myself in pink and now my closet has all the possible colours...

Be different..run a mile..buy something you feel you never would..take a swim..feel the sun on your face.smell the flowers in the garden...stop at the traffic and dont grunt- look around you...pump up the volume of the stereo and sing along...blow a kiss.... wave at the school bus full of children.... add marshmallows in your hot chocolate..this list could just go on.....

Its your life..you just live once..live it the best!!! let everything else wait!!!!

Interior design firm feature- Yabu pushelberg

I just remembered that i need to start doing a fitness profile as promised, to many of my friends, as well as write about Zaara's new lingo..(which im dying to write!) it is Hilarious!!!

But here is another favourite deisgn studio of mine.. They have inspired me to go higher and better each time I design. Did i mention that im an avid researcher and read about anything under the sun...Borders at Mirdiff and Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall have been my favourite spots so much so that even Zaara refuses to leave the place even when we have spent 6 hours in there with no food and water!!!

Yabu pushelberg:

You can view their website here -http://www.yabupushelberg.com/

They are immensely successful,and have offices in toronto and new york.They are luxury hotel,restaurant and store designers, with a very strong character of thier own. Each of their project is a dream and i love their use of natural lights and elements.

Avenue road: A furniture showroom- very clean lines and focus being the skylight. Natural light
is used so well ,it blend each artist's work, yet makes them stand out from one other.

The Los Cabos, Polanco Mexico City- hospitality

See the way each form blends into the other? subtle use of colour and texture should also be appreciated!

Their design is characterised by:

-Strong lines, simplicity
-Use of walls as a feature, architecture and interiors blend graphically
-Use of metal and glass and sometimes resin as solid or as a semi transparent unit.

-Strong accents and colours that blend with general architecture

-Experiment with styles,textures and finish they have a bold outlook to a design
the last point being my favourite..They design fearlessly, the art looks positive, and balanced. The design has a sense of rhythm, almost like music notes that blend together to give you the perfect song.

Photos courtesy thomas loof

George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg at their residence

Way to go guys...would love to see more of your work!

D

Design feature-kelly hoppen

Hiya Folks...

Trying to make way through the whole blogging process... and i must admit, the only thing i find boring about it is that like most 9-6 jobs, its one that you have to sit down and type....and that too for a long time until your creative juices start flowing!!!

Today's journal I dedicate to Kelly Hoppen who has influenced me in more than one way...first she introduced me to TAUPE...one of my favourite colours that i have a whole wall in my home in taupe! it a space..it brings a certain calmness..

Today i feature some of her work and the art of symmetry, these images have inspired me to do better over the years..You can read more about her in http://www.kellyhoppenretail.com/

see the taupe with the symmetry? well balanced..very peaceful..

check this beauty with the wenge/black partition! i love mango colour..did you notice the legs??? isnt she a beauty..its quite a subtle play of colours making a BOLD statement


check the living room..i particularly like the way an ottoman is used as a centre table?? nice setting too..and i am also kinda obsessed with white...would do a post on my favourite whites someday!

blue to the finale...taupe, blue seagreen...MAGIC!

dream on....

TIRAMISU

image courtesy italianrecipepasta

My Darling Husband(DH)is not a fan of non-indian delicacies.. his culinary adventure ends within the tightly controlled borders of india..he calls himself -completely Desi! well i would call it completely South indian! Once out of adventure i made him try the TIRAMISU and hes loved it since..its one of the very, few things hes tried that is not indian and liked it!
Again, he doesnt fancy it but likes it never the less.. For his birthday i decided to make it for the first time ever and as usual wanted to try the low fat version- so if you want to slightly lower the fat content use the alternatives i have mentioned.. I must say it tastes awesome but the end result is not as firm as the ones made out of thick cream..the solution to this is to let it freeze for an hour and then move it to the chill tray of your refrigerator... pics will be added soon. this is totally inspired by culinary guru sanjeev kapoor..do give it a shot!

Preparation Time : 15 minutes
Cooking Time : 25-30 minutes
Servings : 8
INGREDIENT LIST:
Finger biscuits- 1packet (I used the Unibic ones)
Unflavored gelatin /china grass -1 tablespoon
Normal thick/low fat cream -2 cup
Powdered sugar -1 cup
Egg yolks -5
Vanilla essence: 2 teaspoon
Sugar -1/2 cup
Instant coffee powder -3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
Mascarpone cheese -1 1/2 cup
Cocoa powder -to dust and decorate

Preparation
Dissolve the gelatin in three tablespoons of hot water. Whip cream and powdered sugar till stiff and keep aside.(again, the stiffness might be less with the low fat cream)
Beat together the egg yolks with sugar and one tablespoon of water in a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, till the mix forms thick ribbons. Cool this mix and add vanilla essence. Mix three tablespoons (can reduce to 1 1/2 with more water if you want to reduce the coffee taste) of instant coffee powder in half a glass of water and soak the finger biscuits in this solution. Arrange half the sponge fingers in a layer at the base of dessert bowl. Mix two teaspoons of instant coffee powder in one teaspoon of water. Add this along with mascarpone cheese and gelatin to the egg mixture and mix well. Fold in the whipped cream. Pour half the mixture over the now coffee fingers. Arrange the remaining chocolate fingers over the cheese mixture and top with the remaining mixture and level the top. Dust cocoa all over.. Place it in the refrigerator till set.

If you use low fat cream, remember that it will not be set hard and will be pudding consistency..Hence use a flat spoon to serve- with thick cream, it sets to form thicker, stronger wedges..

Enjoy....and remember low fat does not mean load your plate!:D

Till later,
D

Free at Last

Hello everybody
Had to share this bit of conversation-
Met my most favourite couz Vee over lunch the other day at the Noodle house(hmm love the broccoli there..details sometime soon!)
Our conversation goes like this
Vee: Hey how u doing???? ur positively glowing!!!
Me: Haaa must be the yoga..and maybe just the fact that i quit?
Vee(Rather shocked!!?): Why??? are you pregnant???
Me: Hmmm No!
vee: Got a better job?? when are you joining?
me: Ahhh nope..im not joining anywhere, just taking a break..
Vee: Sure yeh...were you fired??? you can tell me!
Me: Uh nooooo!!!
Vee: Are you @#$%^&% MAD???
Me: Aaaaahmmm maybe..but i feel great
Vee being my favourite couz and a sweet soul then decides to quit getting me back to my senses..
she says: Well good for you..but what are you planning to do??? have you told ur family??? what has Darling husband have to say about this...are you sure it was such a great idea???
Me: I am not sure Vee..but i had a hectic schedule and suddenly realised wasnt spending enough time wid zaara nor was giving 100% at work..and you know me..impulsive that i am..i just decided to quit till i sort things out...Zaara's school, probably move homes..maybe do some freelance???
And i want to pursue my dream...to be the "it" designer!!!
Vee:What works for you.. and a silence..
Further to that lunch, we did have fun and she did appretiate me wanting to do something different..and thats why i love her soo much!!:D
AND moving on...the gist of the matter is that I HAVE QUIT!!! and somehow feel soo liberated... Now i will be a freelancer-Blogger-baker-Cook etc etc...

And i hope you my friends will be a part of my journey...
A toast to me,improving my language- may culinary skills-my photography and my designs....

D