Cream cheese - from scratch

Cream cheese is a soft cheese made from full-fat milk.  The following recipe yields 130 grams of cream cheese with a balanced taste, ending on the tangy note.  They are used in making Cheesecakes, dip or spread, and cookies.  Cream cheese frosting goes very popular with Red Velvet Cake.  Though they can be easily spotted in Market, it is still better to make them at home, as it brings out the fresh flavour and is quite cheap as well.

Ingredients required

• 1/2 litre Full fat milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 11/2 tsp lime juice
• 11/2 tsp curd

Don't use normal milk,  Cream cheese is best made using full-fat milk.  

Method

Combine the milk with salt  and let it boil in a milk pan. 

As soon as it bubbles up and rises above, simmer the flame and add lime juice.  

Mix them well with a spoon, the milk will slowly start to curdle.  

Pour them over muslin cloth lined bowl and tie them up on the counter.  

Let it drain for 15 minutes.  

After 15 minutes, you will end up getting a soft cheese.

Add in the curd and fold them into the cheese using a spoon.

Let this mixture drain again for 10 minutes.  Store them in an air-tight container and use within a week's time.  

You can blend them if you want, and TA-DA , within an hour we have our super-cool Cream cheese ready!

Happy Baking :)  :)

Whole Wheat tutti fruity muffins

Hi friends, I am back with yet another whole wheat delicacy.  With everyday chores and three-course meals- one more confusion gets its way when we need to pack some snacks for kids.  I always pack my kid with fruits, but she insists on getting some sweet other than fruits.  That's how these muffins happened.  I got the original recipe from file section of HBG, twisted it to my own taste and result was amazing.  Unlike other eggless bakes, which often end up fudgy, these muffins were soft, cakey textured with an awesome taste.

I made these with tutti frutti.  You can replace these with almonds, cashews or chocolate chips, whatever you got a stock of, but, believe me, kids really dig the tutti frutti.   Now, my kid takes almost two to three of them, in order to share with her friends.  It's a win-win situation for both because I know that I have packed her something healthy and she ends up having her sweet tooth cravings as well.  

Paneer masala

Hi all, this paneer masala is from '100 vagai side-dish' book by Archana Natarajan.  Thanks to Srivalli for an awesome CCC because I am utilizing all my cookbooks now, which otherwise would have been an dusky showcase material  :P  Never thought paneer masala would have been this much delecious that too without adding dense cashew paste or cream.  Recipe calls for an simple ingredients, yet awesome output.  Isn't it great??

This gorgeously looking paneer masala is too creamy and tasty that anybody can hardly resist :)  And they save a lot of time too :P  Comes in handy, especially if you have any sudden guests coming over also for an week-end treat!  Hubby loved it with roti/chapathi, though this would be guarentely an hit with pulao/rice :)

Gobi Masala Dosa Recipe | Spicy Cauliflower Masala Dosa for Breakfast

Spicy, flavorful, and packed with the goodness of cauliflower, this Gobi Masala Dosa pairs perfectly with hot sambar and coconut chutney. A great choice for weekend breakfasts or special occasions!

Ingredients

For Tempering

• 3 tsp oil
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• 1 tsp coarsely crushed peppercorns
• 1 tsp finely chopped green chilies

For the Gobi Masala

• 4 tsp chopped onions
• 4 tsp chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tsp finely chopped mint leaves
• ½ tsp curd
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ cup finely chopped cauliflower
• A pinch of turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Other

• Dosa batter, as required

Method

1. Heat oil in a kadai and add hing, crushed peppercorns, and green chilies.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, mint leaves, and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
4. Add turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, coriander powder, curd, salt, and finely chopped cauliflower.
5. Mix well and cook until the cauliflower is tender. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and keep aside.
6. Heat a dosa tawa and spread a ladleful of dosa batter into a thin circle.
7. Cook until the dosa turns golden and crisp.
8. Place a portion of the gobi masala on one side of the dosa and fold it in half.
9. Serve hot with sambar and chutney

Tangy Mint Chutney Recipe | Refreshing Pudina Coconut Chutney

A fresh and flavourful chutney can instantly elevate any meal, and this tangy mint chutney is one such versatile accompaniment. Made with fresh mint leaves, coriander, coconut, and curd, this chutney has the perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and spice.

The addition of amchoor powder gives it a mild tangy twist, making it an excellent side dish for snacks, sandwiches, dosa, idli, pakoras, or even chapathi rolls. This quick and easy chutney comes together in just a few minutes and adds a burst of flavour to everyday meals.

Ingredients Required

• 1 big handful of mint leaves
• ½ onion
• 1 medium-sized piece of coconut
• 2 green chillies
• ½ cup coriander leaves
• ¼ cup curd
• Amchoor powder (optional)
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Wash the mint leaves and coriander leaves thoroughly.
2. Add mint leaves, coriander leaves, onion, coconut, green chillies, curd, salt, and amchoor powder to a mixer jar.
3. Grind everything into a smooth and creamy paste by adding little water if required.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve fresh with snacks or meals.

This tangy mint chutney is a quick and refreshing recipe that pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian dishes. The freshness of mint and coriander combined with creamy coconut and curd creates a delicious balance of flavours. Whether served with breakfast, snacks, or main meals, this easy homemade chutney is sure to become a regular favourite in your kitchen.