Author: cookingwithshy

Za’atar & Buttermilk Cluster rolls

Published by

    Good Morning! The dear son has arrived on summer holidays and it’s a Bakathon (Baking Marathon) of sorts in my kitchen once again. A fussy eater as a child, he is now happy to sample a variety of cuisine, breads and bakes from my kitchen. I had baked up these easy and fool-proof Buttermilk Cluster rolls a couple of days ago. These work great as an accompaniment with Dinner or can be served by at breakfast as well. I’ve used up some Za’atar that I had around but you could use any other topping of your choice. Sesame, Onion and sunflower seeds do equally well for this recipe. Za’atar: Za’atar (zaatar) is a mixture of sumac, sesame seed and herbs frequently used in the Middle East and Mediterranean areas. It is often mixed with olive oil and spread on bread; sometimes this is done at the table, other times the mix is spread on the bread rounds which are then baked. Za’atar also serves as a seasoning to sprinkle on vegetables, salads, meatballs or …

Brandy Snap Baskets for Mothers Day & a Contest

Published by

Mother’s hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their heart’s forever… Mother’s Day is being celebrated on May 10th  and that’s coming up soon.This year I plan to bake up a little surprise for my mum. It’s great that I’ve now moved to Mumbai,where she lives as well and what’s more really quite close to her. Well then nothing is more special than baking up a little something  to say “I love you Mom and thank you for being a wonderful Mother”. I’m planning to make  up these delightful and cute Brandy Snap Baskets for her. These are quite dainty and delicate and may need a bit of practice before you get them quite right. But oh so worth trying them out. I will be filling these up with some fresh strawberries and whipped cream and dusting them with some Cocoa. You could just about try anything else as an alternative. Perhaps some fruits and custard or even whipped Mascarpone cheese and fruits. Happy Mother’s day Mom and wishing all my readers a wonderful one …

Warm Beetroot & Feta Salad on Parmesan Crisps

Published by

  Aaah, summer – that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of responsibility and rife with possibility. It’s a time to hunt for insects, master handstands, practice swimming strokes, conquer trees, explore nooks and crannies, and make new friends… Darell Hammond     It’s been over five months having  moved to Mumbai. Time sure flies! Also we are facing the onslaught of a very hot Indian summer,something one had all forgotten about. Well yes we’ve lived in the Middle east for over 15 years,but some how never bore the brunt of it. I guess the luxury  of being in  air-conditioned comforts all the time made a huge difference. I find myself being outdoors a lot more here in Mumbai with either making quick runs to the fabulous fruit and vegetable markets in the neighbourhood, or a stroll on the beach or just walking from point to point.

Quinoa Poha-A twist on Traditions

Published by

  Lets face it we all get stuck for healthy breakfast ideas at some point or the other. Now, while I enjoy a light one most often, consisting of fruits, Oats and perhaps an occasional smoothie, I must admit I do like to indulge in a traditional breakfast a couple of times a week. I’ve recreated a twist in the traditional poha breakfast by using some wonderful Quinoa instead. Poha is a wholesome breakfast made in most homes in India.It’s quite easy to make up and most often has a mix of spices like cumin, turmeric and mustard seeds used for flavoring. Along with chopped onions,peas and of course chopped coriander for the garnish. So what is Poha? Poha is  Flattened rice (also called beaten rice) is a unhusked rice which is flattened into flat light dry flakes. These flakes of rice swell when added to liquid, whether hot or cold, as they absorb water, milk or any other liquids. The thicknesses of these flakes vary between almost translucent thin to nearly four times thicker than a normal rice …