We all are creations of beautiful nature. There is no word as ugly in natures' creations. The judgment of grades of beauty lies in the vision of viewer. One looks beautiful and radiant only when his inner beauty surfaces. This inner beauty is gained through yoga, meditation and use of natural beauty enhancers.
Beauty tips:
1. Grate raw coconut and squeeze milk out of it. Apply this milk over your lips and face. It adds grace and glow to your skin.
Cleansing the skin :
Dip a piece of cotton wool in un boiled milk and wipe on the face with it. It also cleans unseen dirt and goes down to pores.
Skin Moisturizer:
For normal skin mix 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a cup of yogurt, to make a paste. Apply it on face as a mask and keep it on for 15 minutes. Then clean it off with a wet tissue. This mask enhances the complexion and glow of face.
Nourishing the skin A protein mask help to nourish your skin. Soak a teaspoon of urad dal and 5-6 almonds overnight. Grind this to a fine paste apply this protein mask on face and wash it off after half an hour. This mask nourishes the facial skin and also enhances the complexion.
Preventing wrinkles :
Application of pure castor oil prevents wrinkles and softens the skin. This slows down the aging process also
Home made conditioner:
mix one table spoon of honey and 2 table spoon of cream. apply this mixture on face and wash it off after few minutes. It works wonders.
Removing Skin pigmentation and marks:
Rubbing a raw potato on face removes marks and pigments.
Sun-screen Lotion from kitchen:
Prepare a homogenious mixture of cucumber juice , glycerin and rose water .Apply this mixture on face. this mixture can be refrigerated.
Face packs:
Split Orange lentils (Masoor dal) Flour pack ( Gives glow to Skin)
Ingredients:-
Split orange lentils (Masoor dal flour which is available in Indian stores) flour
Milk
Ghee
Method of preparation :-
1. Prepare a paste by mixing the flour with ghee and milk .Apply this as face pack. This enhances the glow of skin.
Sandal wood powder pack (Rejuvenates skin) :
Ingredients:-
Sandal wood powder
Turmeric powder
Milk
Method of preparation:-
1. Mix all the ingredients to form a paste. Apply this as face pack. This rejuvenates the skin.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tips to reduce Obesity
Win the weight:
1. Determine with the help of your physician how much weight has to be reduced.
2. Set several short term realistic goals .
3. Reward yourself each time you make progress (Not food items).( Like I will buy a new sandals if I reduce this much pounds or Kgs)
4. Even small weight losses have shown to be beneficial.
5. Make gradual changes in eating habits. (The human body reacts negatively when calories are reduced by slowing basal metabolic rate. This makes weight loss harder.)
6. You will lose weight when you burn more calories than you consume. Hence eating less and being more active help in losing weight.
7. Sound eating habits keep you out of putting on weight.
8. Stay motivated to lose weight.
9. Slow weight loss is the safest and most effective. ( one to one and half pound per week).
10. Gradual weight loss, promote long term loss of body fat.
Physical activity:
1. Determine the type of physical activity that suits your life style.
2. Regular aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging or swimming, is a key factor in achieving permanent weight loss and improving health
3. Health experts recommend exercising 30 minutes or more on all, days of the week for maximum benefits. 4. The exercises should be moderately vigorous to be most effective but not exhausting.
5. Incorporate few simple measures to burn calories effectively. Like- taking an after dinner walk, using stairs instead of escalators or elevators, parking the car farther away to have a longer walk etc.
6. Exercises also improve sense of well being ,decreases stress and decreases appetite in some.
10 Essential Tips :1. Fry or sauté foods in a non-stick cook wear with low-calorie fat.
2. Baking or boiling is recommended instead of frying.
3. Eat high-fiber foods.
4. Use sugar substitutes while sweetening foods and beverages.
5. Opt for light menus in restaurants, or purchase low-calorie or reduced-fat products at the grocery store.
6. Never skip meals. Eat three to six times a day in smaller portions to avoid getting hungry.
7. Use a smaller plate at mealtime to satisfy your psychological need to see a full plate.
8. Eat and chew slowly. Stop eating before you feel full. (It takes 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that it is full!)
9. Weigh yourself on a regular schedule, but don’t become a slave to your scale.
10. Reward yourself with pleasures other than food--buy some new clothes, get a different hair style, see a movie, visit a friend, etc.
HERE IS THE BASIC DIET CHART:
5:00 - Drink lemon mixed in warm water.(you can even mix honey in it as it is summer iam avoiding honey)
7:00 - Drink skimmed milk (or) green tea (or) lemon tea.
8:30- 2scoops wheat upma (or) 3 ragi dosa with very less oil (or) 3wheat dosa (or) 2-3 idly.
avoid using coconut chutney and more oil. Use green chutney (or) tomato chutney and sambhar.
11:00 - 1 bowl vegetable clear soup (or) any fruit (or) ragi with butter milk.
12:30 - Eat az bowl of raw veegies salad.
1:00 - browm rice (or) 3-4 chappati's with 3 portions of cuury (i.e vegetables with dal, greens, and vegetable curry) 1cup of curd.
4:00 - 1cup of sprouts or channa(boiled) (or) any fruit or juice.
6:00 - Tender coconut water
7:00 - 1 bowl of homemade soup with lot of vegetables.
7:30 - 3-4 chappati's with vegetable curry and a glass of buttermilk.
8:30 - Eat gauva fruit 1hr before sleeping.
9:30 - 1glass skimmed milk....................(if you wish to drink)
Follow this diet and this help you to reduce weight in healthy way easily 4kgs per month.
but the most important thing is reduce oily foods, potatoes,
Do exercise and drink lots of water................................
This will help you to look slim and beautiful.................................................
0
1. Determine with the help of your physician how much weight has to be reduced.
2. Set several short term realistic goals .
3. Reward yourself each time you make progress (Not food items).( Like I will buy a new sandals if I reduce this much pounds or Kgs)
4. Even small weight losses have shown to be beneficial.
5. Make gradual changes in eating habits. (The human body reacts negatively when calories are reduced by slowing basal metabolic rate. This makes weight loss harder.)
6. You will lose weight when you burn more calories than you consume. Hence eating less and being more active help in losing weight.
7. Sound eating habits keep you out of putting on weight.
8. Stay motivated to lose weight.
9. Slow weight loss is the safest and most effective. ( one to one and half pound per week).
10. Gradual weight loss, promote long term loss of body fat.
Physical activity:
1. Determine the type of physical activity that suits your life style.
2. Regular aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging or swimming, is a key factor in achieving permanent weight loss and improving health
3. Health experts recommend exercising 30 minutes or more on all, days of the week for maximum benefits. 4. The exercises should be moderately vigorous to be most effective but not exhausting.
5. Incorporate few simple measures to burn calories effectively. Like- taking an after dinner walk, using stairs instead of escalators or elevators, parking the car farther away to have a longer walk etc.
6. Exercises also improve sense of well being ,decreases stress and decreases appetite in some.
10 Essential Tips :1. Fry or sauté foods in a non-stick cook wear with low-calorie fat.
2. Baking or boiling is recommended instead of frying.
3. Eat high-fiber foods.
4. Use sugar substitutes while sweetening foods and beverages.
5. Opt for light menus in restaurants, or purchase low-calorie or reduced-fat products at the grocery store.
6. Never skip meals. Eat three to six times a day in smaller portions to avoid getting hungry.
7. Use a smaller plate at mealtime to satisfy your psychological need to see a full plate.
8. Eat and chew slowly. Stop eating before you feel full. (It takes 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that it is full!)
9. Weigh yourself on a regular schedule, but don’t become a slave to your scale.
10. Reward yourself with pleasures other than food--buy some new clothes, get a different hair style, see a movie, visit a friend, etc.
HERE IS THE BASIC DIET CHART:
5:00 - Drink lemon mixed in warm water.(you can even mix honey in it as it is summer iam avoiding honey)
7:00 - Drink skimmed milk (or) green tea (or) lemon tea.
8:30- 2scoops wheat upma (or) 3 ragi dosa with very less oil (or) 3wheat dosa (or) 2-3 idly.
avoid using coconut chutney and more oil. Use green chutney (or) tomato chutney and sambhar.
11:00 - 1 bowl vegetable clear soup (or) any fruit (or) ragi with butter milk.
12:30 - Eat az bowl of raw veegies salad.
1:00 - browm rice (or) 3-4 chappati's with 3 portions of cuury (i.e vegetables with dal, greens, and vegetable curry) 1cup of curd.
4:00 - 1cup of sprouts or channa(boiled) (or) any fruit or juice.
6:00 - Tender coconut water
7:00 - 1 bowl of homemade soup with lot of vegetables.
7:30 - 3-4 chappati's with vegetable curry and a glass of buttermilk.
8:30 - Eat gauva fruit 1hr before sleeping.
9:30 - 1glass skimmed milk....................(if you wish to drink)
Follow this diet and this help you to reduce weight in healthy way easily 4kgs per month.
but the most important thing is reduce oily foods, potatoes,
Do exercise and drink lots of water................................
This will help you to look slim and beautiful.................................................
0
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
10 HAIR CARE TIPS FOR SUMMER
Hair Care Tips for Summer
Sun, water and the ocean can cause a lot of damage, especially to dyed hair. Take a look at the following tips to look after hair.
The best things about summer are the fun times - relaxing in the sun, swimming in the ocean or in a pool. This article examines hair care tips to prevent sun damage.
Hair, especially colored or chemically treated hair, needs a lot of protection to avoid looking limp, frizzy and lifeless.
Hair Care Tips for Summer
Sun, water and the ocean can cause a lot of damage, especially to dyed hair. Take a look at the following tips to look after hair.
1. Swimming in a chlorinated pool or the ocean: Chlorine is very harsh on hair and can make it look dull and frizzy. Sea salt has a similar effect and can make dyed hair even worse because dyes and colorants make hair more porous than natural hair. Make sure to use a protein rich conditioner or hair treatment and apply it before swimming. A treatment such as a hair mask will give more protection. Rinse hair immediately after swimming, as more damage can be caused the longer chlorine and sea salt are left in the hair.
2• Avoid blow drying: Allow hair to dry naturally, in the warm summer months at least. Blow drying can damage hair and make it brittle.
3• Hair styling: Use a wide toothed comb and don't brush wet hair as it is more likely to break. Curling tongs and straightening irons can cause damage, so give hair a break every now and again – go natural! If this seems impossible, put hair in a bun or tie a headscarf around the head – even if its just around the house, hair will benefit from the break.
4• Fine hair that looks flat and limp: A volumizing shampoo and conditioner is a good solution. Diet affects hair, so in summer especially, be sure to eat plenty of raw, natural foods to give hair the boost it needs.
5• Split ends: Use a good quality serum or cream and have the hair trimmed regularly to avoid splitting and keep hair looking good.
6• Avoid tight ponytails: This causes tension on the hairline and pulling the hair in this way can cause hair to break, headaches and even hair loss. Tie hair in a looser ponytail and avoid rubber bands or poor quality pony tail bands.
7• Look for natural hair care products: Hair that is regularly washed and conditioned with shampoos and conditioners that contain harmful chemicals, such as SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) can become damaged over time and this can even cause hair loss. Be sure to choose organic, natural products and read labels carefully and get educated on what actually goes into regular shampoo.
8• Home made hair mask: Give hair the ultimate treatment at home – this can be very effective and non-expensive. Try an olive oil or coconut oil mask – simply rub oil into the hair and scalp, cover and allow to soak in for a few hours before washing off with a natural shampoo.
9. Green hair after swimming: Chlorine has this effect on blondes, usually after swimming a lot. Try a rich, natural, leave-in conditioner or treatment and/or visit a salon for a professional analysis.
10• Protection before going on vacation: Start the season with a visit to a stylist for a great cut and treatment to make sure hair is in good condition before going away. Ask the stylist for tips on maintenance to keep hair looking fabulous while away.
Preventing damage to the hair and caring for hair is not difficult. Thinking ahead is the key factor to good looking hair during the hot summer months
Sun, water and the ocean can cause a lot of damage, especially to dyed hair. Take a look at the following tips to look after hair.
The best things about summer are the fun times - relaxing in the sun, swimming in the ocean or in a pool. This article examines hair care tips to prevent sun damage.
Hair, especially colored or chemically treated hair, needs a lot of protection to avoid looking limp, frizzy and lifeless.
Hair Care Tips for Summer
Sun, water and the ocean can cause a lot of damage, especially to dyed hair. Take a look at the following tips to look after hair.
1. Swimming in a chlorinated pool or the ocean: Chlorine is very harsh on hair and can make it look dull and frizzy. Sea salt has a similar effect and can make dyed hair even worse because dyes and colorants make hair more porous than natural hair. Make sure to use a protein rich conditioner or hair treatment and apply it before swimming. A treatment such as a hair mask will give more protection. Rinse hair immediately after swimming, as more damage can be caused the longer chlorine and sea salt are left in the hair.
2• Avoid blow drying: Allow hair to dry naturally, in the warm summer months at least. Blow drying can damage hair and make it brittle.
3• Hair styling: Use a wide toothed comb and don't brush wet hair as it is more likely to break. Curling tongs and straightening irons can cause damage, so give hair a break every now and again – go natural! If this seems impossible, put hair in a bun or tie a headscarf around the head – even if its just around the house, hair will benefit from the break.
4• Fine hair that looks flat and limp: A volumizing shampoo and conditioner is a good solution. Diet affects hair, so in summer especially, be sure to eat plenty of raw, natural foods to give hair the boost it needs.
5• Split ends: Use a good quality serum or cream and have the hair trimmed regularly to avoid splitting and keep hair looking good.
6• Avoid tight ponytails: This causes tension on the hairline and pulling the hair in this way can cause hair to break, headaches and even hair loss. Tie hair in a looser ponytail and avoid rubber bands or poor quality pony tail bands.
7• Look for natural hair care products: Hair that is regularly washed and conditioned with shampoos and conditioners that contain harmful chemicals, such as SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) can become damaged over time and this can even cause hair loss. Be sure to choose organic, natural products and read labels carefully and get educated on what actually goes into regular shampoo.
8• Home made hair mask: Give hair the ultimate treatment at home – this can be very effective and non-expensive. Try an olive oil or coconut oil mask – simply rub oil into the hair and scalp, cover and allow to soak in for a few hours before washing off with a natural shampoo.
9. Green hair after swimming: Chlorine has this effect on blondes, usually after swimming a lot. Try a rich, natural, leave-in conditioner or treatment and/or visit a salon for a professional analysis.
10• Protection before going on vacation: Start the season with a visit to a stylist for a great cut and treatment to make sure hair is in good condition before going away. Ask the stylist for tips on maintenance to keep hair looking fabulous while away.
Preventing damage to the hair and caring for hair is not difficult. Thinking ahead is the key factor to good looking hair during the hot summer months
LUNCH BOX MENU 4
TODAYS LUNCH BOX MENU CONSISTS OF:
SCOOPY MELON SALAD WITH MINT
GREEK SALAD
CHETTINADU PLATES
.
SCOOPY MELON SALAD WITH MINT
GREEK SALAD
CHETTINADU PLATES
.
GREEK SALAD
INGREDIENTS: Carrot sliced - 1
Cucumber sliced - 1
Tomatoes sliced - 1
Onions sliced - 1
Capsicum sliced - 1
Lecttuse shreeded - 1/2cup
Orange - 1(remove the seeds and cut half each slice)
FOR DRESSING: Olive oil - 1/4cup
Oregano - 1tsp
Parsely - 1tsp
Chilli flakes - 1tsp
Lemon juice - 1tsp
Salt
Pepper powder - 1sp
METHOD:
1. Cut all the veggies into long fingers or strips.
2. Take all the ingredients for salad dressing.
3. Take a bowl squeeze lemon juice add all the ingredients for dressing and whisk nicely.
4. Add the cut vegetables and orange fruit.
5. Mix well nicely.
This salad can be served with shreeded cheese also...............................
Monday, April 5, 2010
HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS SALAD FOR LUNCH
Healthy and nutritious salad for lunch :
With the advent of the new era, eating habits and lifestyle has suffered the most, resulting in several health problems including early signs of aging and heart diseases.
A general trend of ill-health has been witnessed, with most people plagued by problems related to diet, stress and a lack of nutrition supplements. Apart from the daily stress of the demanding lifestyles that we lead, food habits have also worsened. In this fast-paced lifestyle, where little or no time is spent on what we eat, fast food offers a plethora of options that are just too attractive to give a miss. Unfortunately, most forms of fast food do not provide any healthy nutrition
However, a new wave has been witnessed over the last few years: one that is entirely focused on eating healthy, looking healthy, and staying healthy. More and more people are realizing the importance of health and nutrition. Effort is being made to eat well-balanced meals and get adequate exercise. This has given rise to terms such as "healthy snacks" and "healthy meals" as supposed to the general potato chips and burgers and fries; health bars and nutrition supplements have taken over fast food joints.
Moreover, "diet and nutrition" and "health and nutrition" have become common topics of discussion.
Fruit juices, salads, salad sandwiches, and whole wheat bread are the new food for today's generation. While juices are good for in-between meals, salad sandwiches are most adequate for a quick lunch at work or a much-needed snack during the day. Most delis and fast food joints now offer salad sandwiches that are essentially made out of whole wheat bread and contain cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, etc. The reason why they have become so popular is because they are quick to make, easy to eat, and are perhaps one of the healthiest snacks since they include a lot vegetables that are otherwise missing from the daily diet. They are also considered to have nutrition calories that are important for keeping a healthy and active lifestyle. Some of the most popular salad sandwiches that offer adequate natural nutrition are egg salad sandwich,
Regardless of the new diets that are extremely popularized, it is a nutrition fact that nutritional elements such as fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins are all equally important for the body. In an effort to stay healthy, nutrition supplements have also become increasing popular. However, they are not necessarily needed if one can incorporate all the necessary nutritional elements into one's diet. It is important to adopt a natural nutrition diet that includes all the necessary dietary elements for holistic health and well being.
Salad sandwiches are high in nutrition, low in calories and you can even have a second helping.
1.Take a large piece of lettuce and use it as a wrap. Use 2-3 hard-boiled egg, and discard yolk from one of them, add in some chopped celery and dill and use non-fat mayo, sliced tomatoes or cucumber to prepare this egg salad sandwich.
Even apples, grapes and walnuts can be added.
Here are some healthy nutritious salad ingredients that are low in calories and fat. And are packed with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and proteins.
1/4cup raisins, 3 medium black olives, 1cup baby spinach, one sliced egg white only, 1/3cup broccoli, 1/3cup sliced beets, 1/3cup sliced carrots, 1/3cup tofu cubes, 1Tbsp roasted sunflower or sesame seeds, 1/3cup Alfa-Alfa sprouts.
SCOOPY MELON SALAD WITH MINT DRESSING
INGREDIENTS :
Water melon - 2cups
Musk melon - 2cups
Juice of water melon - 1/2cup(the juice comes out while making scoops)
Sugar - 1/4cup
Pudina leaves - 1/4cup
Lemon - 1
METHOD:
1. Scoop both the melons.
5. Mix well.
serve chillllllllllllll............................................
With the advent of the new era, eating habits and lifestyle has suffered the most, resulting in several health problems including early signs of aging and heart diseases.
A general trend of ill-health has been witnessed, with most people plagued by problems related to diet, stress and a lack of nutrition supplements. Apart from the daily stress of the demanding lifestyles that we lead, food habits have also worsened. In this fast-paced lifestyle, where little or no time is spent on what we eat, fast food offers a plethora of options that are just too attractive to give a miss. Unfortunately, most forms of fast food do not provide any healthy nutrition
However, a new wave has been witnessed over the last few years: one that is entirely focused on eating healthy, looking healthy, and staying healthy. More and more people are realizing the importance of health and nutrition. Effort is being made to eat well-balanced meals and get adequate exercise. This has given rise to terms such as "healthy snacks" and "healthy meals" as supposed to the general potato chips and burgers and fries; health bars and nutrition supplements have taken over fast food joints.
Moreover, "diet and nutrition" and "health and nutrition" have become common topics of discussion.
Fruit juices, salads, salad sandwiches, and whole wheat bread are the new food for today's generation. While juices are good for in-between meals, salad sandwiches are most adequate for a quick lunch at work or a much-needed snack during the day. Most delis and fast food joints now offer salad sandwiches that are essentially made out of whole wheat bread and contain cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, etc. The reason why they have become so popular is because they are quick to make, easy to eat, and are perhaps one of the healthiest snacks since they include a lot vegetables that are otherwise missing from the daily diet. They are also considered to have nutrition calories that are important for keeping a healthy and active lifestyle. Some of the most popular salad sandwiches that offer adequate natural nutrition are egg salad sandwich,
Regardless of the new diets that are extremely popularized, it is a nutrition fact that nutritional elements such as fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins are all equally important for the body. In an effort to stay healthy, nutrition supplements have also become increasing popular. However, they are not necessarily needed if one can incorporate all the necessary nutritional elements into one's diet. It is important to adopt a natural nutrition diet that includes all the necessary dietary elements for holistic health and well being.
Salad sandwiches are high in nutrition, low in calories and you can even have a second helping.
1.Take a large piece of lettuce and use it as a wrap. Use 2-3 hard-boiled egg, and discard yolk from one of them, add in some chopped celery and dill and use non-fat mayo, sliced tomatoes or cucumber to prepare this egg salad sandwich.
Even apples, grapes and walnuts can be added.
Here are some healthy nutritious salad ingredients that are low in calories and fat. And are packed with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and proteins.
1/4cup raisins, 3 medium black olives, 1cup baby spinach, one sliced egg white only, 1/3cup broccoli, 1/3cup sliced beets, 1/3cup sliced carrots, 1/3cup tofu cubes, 1Tbsp roasted sunflower or sesame seeds, 1/3cup Alfa-Alfa sprouts.
SCOOPY MELON SALAD WITH MINT DRESSING
INGREDIENTS :
Water melon - 2cups
Musk melon - 2cups
Juice of water melon - 1/2cup(the juice comes out while making scoops)
Sugar - 1/4cup
Pudina leaves - 1/4cup
Lemon - 1
METHOD:
1. Scoop both the melons.
2. Collect the juice of watermelon while scooping.
3. In a bowl add 1/4cup sugar.
4. Add the melon juice in the sugar and mix well keep in gas and make sugar syrup.
6. Take pudina leaves and mash it well.
7. Mix in the sugar syrup .
8. Off the gas and let the syrup cool and add to the melons.
9. Squeeze lemon juice and mix well.
10. Sprinkle on top sugar and cool it in fridge.......................
serve chillllllllllllll............................................
BIYAM RAVA UPMA WITH TAMARIND WATER
INGREDIENTS :
Rice rava – 1 cup
Onions chopped – 1 cup
Green chilies – 2 long
Tamarind Water –3 cups(mix 2tbsp ot tamarind paste in 3 glasses of water)
Salt to taste
Gingely oil - 2 tbsp
For Seasoning:
Mustard – ¼ spoons
Channa dal – 1 spoon
Urad dal – ½ spoon
Curry leaves – 5 to 6
Cashew Nuts for topping.
Peanuts - 1 tbsp
Method :
1.Add oil to the tawa, when it is hot, add the mustard and let it splutter. Then add curry leaves, chopped chillies, Bengal gram and cashew nuts. Let it fry for 2 mins.
2. Then add the chopped onions, sauté till onions turn slightly brown in colour on the sides.
3. Now add tamarind water and salt, cover with lid. Bring it to boil.
4. When the water starts boiling, sim it and add the biyam rava slowly so that lumps are not formed.
5. Cover it again and let it get cooked for 5 mins.
6. Remove the lid and mix well and let it rest covered for another 5 mins.
Rice rava – 1 cup
Onions chopped – 1 cup
Green chilies – 2 long
Tamarind Water –3 cups(mix 2tbsp ot tamarind paste in 3 glasses of water)
Salt to taste
Gingely oil - 2 tbsp
For Seasoning:
Mustard – ¼ spoons
Channa dal – 1 spoon
Urad dal – ½ spoon
Curry leaves – 5 to 6
Cashew Nuts for topping.
Peanuts - 1 tbsp
Method :
1.Add oil to the tawa, when it is hot, add the mustard and let it splutter. Then add curry leaves, chopped chillies, Bengal gram and cashew nuts. Let it fry for 2 mins.
2. Then add the chopped onions, sauté till onions turn slightly brown in colour on the sides.
3. Now add tamarind water and salt, cover with lid. Bring it to boil.
4. When the water starts boiling, sim it and add the biyam rava slowly so that lumps are not formed.
5. Cover it again and let it get cooked for 5 mins.
6. Remove the lid and mix well and let it rest covered for another 5 mins.
serve hot.............................................................................
TODAYS LUNCH BOX MENU 3
Today's lunch box menu consists of : palak (spinach) dal with raw mango
mushroom fry
curd rice
PALAK(SPINACH)DAL WITH MANGO
INGREDIENTS:
Toor dal - 1cup
Tomatoes - 2chopped
Green chillies - 4
Palak -1cup finely chooped
Raw mango -1/2chopped
Sambhar powder - 1tbsp
Salt
FOR TEMPERING :
Mustard seeds - 1tsp
Jeera - 1/2tsp
Dry red chillies -2
Onions 1/4thinly sliced
Curry leaves
Hing - pinch
Ghee - 1tbsp
METHOD:
1. Wash and clean palak in salt water and chop it finely.
2. Chop greenchillies,raw mango and tomatoes.
3. Slice the onions.
4. In pressure cooker boil toor dal, adding palak,greenchillies,tomatoes,raw mango pieces and haldi in a ratio of 1:5(1cup dal 5cups water)
5. Mash the dal well.
6. In a pan add ghee let it heat.
7. Then add mustard, onions,jeera,redchillies,curryleaves and hing let it fry.
8. Then add this to the cooked dhal mixture.
9. Add salt, sambhar powder and mix well.
10. Let it boil for 5mins
serve hot with rice or roti.....................................
mushroom fry
curd rice
PALAK(SPINACH)DAL WITH MANGO
INGREDIENTS:
Toor dal - 1cup
Tomatoes - 2chopped
Green chillies - 4
Palak -1cup finely chooped
Raw mango -1/2chopped
Sambhar powder - 1tbsp
Salt
FOR TEMPERING :
Mustard seeds - 1tsp
Jeera - 1/2tsp
Dry red chillies -2
Onions 1/4thinly sliced
Curry leaves
Hing - pinch
Ghee - 1tbsp
METHOD:
1. Wash and clean palak in salt water and chop it finely.
2. Chop greenchillies,raw mango and tomatoes.
3. Slice the onions.
4. In pressure cooker boil toor dal, adding palak,greenchillies,tomatoes,raw mango pieces and haldi in a ratio of 1:5(1cup dal 5cups water)
5. Mash the dal well.
6. In a pan add ghee let it heat.
7. Then add mustard, onions,jeera,redchillies,curryleaves and hing let it fry.
8. Then add this to the cooked dhal mixture.
9. Add salt, sambhar powder and mix well.
10. Let it boil for 5mins
serve hot with rice or roti.....................................
Sunday, April 4, 2010
SUMMER BEAUTY CARE
SUMMER BEAUTY CARE
1. Homemade Deodorants:
•Add a few cups of tomato juice to the bath water, soak for at least 15 minutes.
•Use 4 tablespoons of baking soda in the bath water.
•Apply cornstarch under the arms
•Apply vinegar under the arms
•Wear all cotton clothing that breathes as opposed to synthetic fibres which cause perspiration and retain odours.
For problem odour, avoid eating the following strong smelling foods which cause body odour when sweated out:
1.Garlic
2.Onions
3.Cumin
4.Peppers
5.Eggs
6.Liver
7.Fish
8.Legumes
Make your own Deodorants:
1.1/2 cup cocoa butter
2.1/2 cup beeswax
3.2 Tbsp glycerine
4.2 Tbsp rosewater
Melt cocoa butter and beeswax slowly in the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat, add glycerine and rosewater. Add several drops of one of the following
deodorising essential oils: eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, rose .... Stir before use.
Believe it or not ....Radish Deodorant:
Extract the juice from about 2 dozen radishes, add 1/4 teaspoon of glycerin. Pour into a spary bottle and keep refrigerated. Squirt under arms after a bath or pour some into the palm of your hand and rub under the arms.
Deodorising Foot Bath:
Soak the feet in the following solution:
1/2 cup white vinegar
5-6 Tbsp Epson salts
1 bucket of warm water
1. Homemade Deodorants:
•Add a few cups of tomato juice to the bath water, soak for at least 15 minutes.
•Use 4 tablespoons of baking soda in the bath water.
•Apply cornstarch under the arms
•Apply vinegar under the arms
•Wear all cotton clothing that breathes as opposed to synthetic fibres which cause perspiration and retain odours.
For problem odour, avoid eating the following strong smelling foods which cause body odour when sweated out:
1.Garlic
2.Onions
3.Cumin
4.Peppers
5.Eggs
6.Liver
7.Fish
8.Legumes
Make your own Deodorants:
1.1/2 cup cocoa butter
2.1/2 cup beeswax
3.2 Tbsp glycerine
4.2 Tbsp rosewater
Melt cocoa butter and beeswax slowly in the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat, add glycerine and rosewater. Add several drops of one of the following
deodorising essential oils: eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, rose .... Stir before use.
Believe it or not ....Radish Deodorant:
Extract the juice from about 2 dozen radishes, add 1/4 teaspoon of glycerin. Pour into a spary bottle and keep refrigerated. Squirt under arms after a bath or pour some into the palm of your hand and rub under the arms.
Deodorising Foot Bath:
Soak the feet in the following solution:
1/2 cup white vinegar
5-6 Tbsp Epson salts
1 bucket of warm water
HOME MADE BEAUTY CARE ESSENTIALS
Home Made Beauty Care Essentials
Are you bored with flipping through magazines and channels? How about whipping up beauty essentials that can pamper your skin, right at home? We give you the ingredients....
ROSE PETAL FACE WASH:
All you need is one cup of clean rose petals, two cups of milk and two tablespoons of glycerine. Fill a pan with water and place a glass bowl on top. Heat until the water begins to simmer in the pan and then pour the milk into the bowl. Add glycerine and rose petals. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Now, pour it in a blender and mix well. Store in refrigerator. And whenever you feel tired, wash your face with the mixture and rinse with warm water.
SOFTENING LOTION:
It takes time all right. But you will not regret it, for it makes your skin super soft. You'll need two eggs, four tablespoons whipped margarine, half-a-cup plain curd, one cup milk, one teaspoon vinegar, three tablespoons rosewater, two teaspoons glycerine, one cup apple juice, 1/3 cup eau-de-cologne, 1/3 cup groundnut oil and one teaspoon ground cinnamon. Warm the margarine and mix in the peanut oil. When it cools, add the eggs and beat with an eggbeater while adding all the other ingredients (one at a time).
Store in a refrigerator. Smooth this all over your body and let it set for 25 minutes, before taking a warm shower.
OATMEAL BATH:
To exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin, try oatmeal bath. Mix 2/3 cup oatmeal, 2/3 cup powdered milk, and two teaspoons lavender oil in a blender. Put the mixture in a muslin fabric and tie off to make a bag, to drain the excess water. Apply this mixture on your body. Wait till it dries and wash it off with lukewarm water.
MUSCLE REJUVENATOR:
This concoction will help rejuvenate your tired muscles. Mix 1/3 cup aloe vera gel, one teaspoon corn starch and one tablespoon witch hazel. Heat the mixture in a microwave or thick-bottom tawa until it turns into honey-texture (keep stirring all along to avoid the mixture sticking to the vessel). Wait for it to cool and then add four drops of peppermint essential oil. Refrigerate it. After a long day of hectic shopping just massage this on your feet and legs, and relax.
ANTI WRINKLE LOTION:
Try this anti-wrinkle oil to banish those crow's feet and laugh lines. Mix aloe vera gel and extra virgin olive oil (increase the ratio of olive oil if your skin is drier) and apply on affected areas. While the aloe vera will control the skin from the damages caused by the sun and rejuvenate it, olive oil adds moisture and elasticity to it. If you have very oily skin, apply just the aloe vera gel.
Are you bored with flipping through magazines and channels? How about whipping up beauty essentials that can pamper your skin, right at home? We give you the ingredients....
ROSE PETAL FACE WASH:
All you need is one cup of clean rose petals, two cups of milk and two tablespoons of glycerine. Fill a pan with water and place a glass bowl on top. Heat until the water begins to simmer in the pan and then pour the milk into the bowl. Add glycerine and rose petals. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Now, pour it in a blender and mix well. Store in refrigerator. And whenever you feel tired, wash your face with the mixture and rinse with warm water.
SOFTENING LOTION:
It takes time all right. But you will not regret it, for it makes your skin super soft. You'll need two eggs, four tablespoons whipped margarine, half-a-cup plain curd, one cup milk, one teaspoon vinegar, three tablespoons rosewater, two teaspoons glycerine, one cup apple juice, 1/3 cup eau-de-cologne, 1/3 cup groundnut oil and one teaspoon ground cinnamon. Warm the margarine and mix in the peanut oil. When it cools, add the eggs and beat with an eggbeater while adding all the other ingredients (one at a time).
Store in a refrigerator. Smooth this all over your body and let it set for 25 minutes, before taking a warm shower.
OATMEAL BATH:
To exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin, try oatmeal bath. Mix 2/3 cup oatmeal, 2/3 cup powdered milk, and two teaspoons lavender oil in a blender. Put the mixture in a muslin fabric and tie off to make a bag, to drain the excess water. Apply this mixture on your body. Wait till it dries and wash it off with lukewarm water.
MUSCLE REJUVENATOR:
This concoction will help rejuvenate your tired muscles. Mix 1/3 cup aloe vera gel, one teaspoon corn starch and one tablespoon witch hazel. Heat the mixture in a microwave or thick-bottom tawa until it turns into honey-texture (keep stirring all along to avoid the mixture sticking to the vessel). Wait for it to cool and then add four drops of peppermint essential oil. Refrigerate it. After a long day of hectic shopping just massage this on your feet and legs, and relax.
ANTI WRINKLE LOTION:
Try this anti-wrinkle oil to banish those crow's feet and laugh lines. Mix aloe vera gel and extra virgin olive oil (increase the ratio of olive oil if your skin is drier) and apply on affected areas. While the aloe vera will control the skin from the damages caused by the sun and rejuvenate it, olive oil adds moisture and elasticity to it. If you have very oily skin, apply just the aloe vera gel.
Friday, April 2, 2010
LADY'S FINGER SAMBAR
Ingredients :
Toor Dal - 1 cup
Lady's Finger/ Bendakaya - 1cup
Sambar Onions - 25
Sambar Powder - 1 tsp
Tomatoes - 2 medium
Tamarind pulp - small lime size
Coriander Leaves - few chopped
Oil - 1 tbsp
Salt to Taste
Turmeric a pinch
Channa dhal -1tbsp
Daneya seeds - 1tsp
Red chillies - 4
Coconut grated - 1/2 cup
For Seasoning :
Mustard Seeds + Urud Dal + Fenugreek - 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves - few
Hing - pinch
Ghee - 1tbsp
METHOD:
1. Clean Toor Dal and pressure cook it with 2 drops of Oil and turmeric. This makes it cook fast. Keep it for 4 whistle.
5. Keep aside let it cool. meanwhile saute grated coconut
Goes good with hot rice, idly.........................................
Toor Dal - 1 cup
Lady's Finger/ Bendakaya - 1cup
Sambar Onions - 25
Sambar Powder - 1 tsp
Tomatoes - 2 medium
Tamarind pulp - small lime size
Coriander Leaves - few chopped
Oil - 1 tbsp
Salt to Taste
Turmeric a pinch
Channa dhal -1tbsp
Daneya seeds - 1tsp
Red chillies - 4
Coconut grated - 1/2 cup
For Seasoning :
Mustard Seeds + Urud Dal + Fenugreek - 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves - few
Hing - pinch
Ghee - 1tbsp
METHOD:
1. Clean Toor Dal and pressure cook it with 2 drops of Oil and turmeric. This makes it cook fast. Keep it for 4 whistle.
2. Clean and wipe the Okra well. Then chop Okra.
3.Remove the skin of Shallot (Sambar onions). Chop Onions and grind tomatoes to fine paste.
4. Heat oil fry channa dhal , daneya seeds, redchillies until golden brown.
6. Grind the fried dhal and coconut to fine paste adding water.
7.Heat ghee in a pan, add the seasoning ingredients.
8. Then add chopped onions. Sauté till they are cooked, add tomatoes, Sambar powder. Cook till the tomatoes are soft. Add the ladys finger at this stage.
9. Then add the cooked toor dal, tamarind pulp. The dal should be well cooked.
10. Then add the grinded coconut paste to the dhal.
11. Cook on high flame for 5 mins, then simmer for 10 mins till its cooked well. Garnish with coriander leaves.
RAGI ROTI WITH DRUM STICK LEAVES
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup ragi powder
1/2 cup drumstick leaves (u can prepare without this also)
1/2 tsp mustard seed
1/2 tsp jeera
1 medium size onion chopped
2 greenchillies chopped
water to mix
salt to taste
oil for cooking
METHOD:
1. Take ragi flour and keep aside.
2. Chop onions , greenchillies, drumstickleaves.
4. Add chillies saute it then add the onion and then add the greens
9. Then take a polythene cover apply oil on it with ur hand and then keep the dough ball on it and flatten the ball .
1 cup ragi powder
1/2 cup drumstick leaves (u can prepare without this also)
1/2 tsp mustard seed
1/2 tsp jeera
1 medium size onion chopped
2 greenchillies chopped
water to mix
salt to taste
oil for cooking
METHOD:
1. Take ragi flour and keep aside.
3. First take a pan heat it put oil add mustard, jeera ,let them crackle.
5.(i added chilli powder according to my taste as we eat more spice)
add salt and mix well.
6. In a bowl take the ragi powder then add the above fried things to this.
7. Then sprinkle water add mix it as we do for chappati or rotie . the consistency should be in such a way to flatten the dough ,ie it should not be too loose also.
8. Make the dough into handfull of balls each.
10. Heat the pan or dosa thava add a little oil and take this flattened roti by tuning upside down the cover over your palm and put that into the pan apply oil.
11. Allow to cook for 30 seconds in medium flame turn it the other side allow to cook as we do for chappathi.
12. Serve it with plain curd...................................
This is good for small children too as it contains lot of iron.............................................
MINI BONDA'S WITH LEFTOVER IDLY BATTER
INGREDIENTS:
Idly batter - 2cup
Maida - 1/2 cup
Rice flour - 1/4 cup
Onions - 1chopped
Green chillies - 2chopped
Curry leaves - few
Coriander leaves - 2tbsp finely chopped
Salt - little
Jeera - 1/4tsp
Oil - for deep frying
METHOD:
1. Take left over idly batter and keep aside.
2. Chop onions,greenchillies,corianderleaves,curry leaves.
6. Mix all these well and make a batter like bhaji flour consistency.
Idly batter - 2cup
Maida - 1/2 cup
Rice flour - 1/4 cup
Onions - 1chopped
Green chillies - 2chopped
Curry leaves - few
Coriander leaves - 2tbsp finely chopped
Salt - little
Jeera - 1/4tsp
Oil - for deep frying
METHOD:
1. Take left over idly batter and keep aside.
2. Chop onions,greenchillies,corianderleaves,curry leaves.
3. Take 1/2 cup maida and 1/4cup rice flour.
4. Add these flours to the idly batter.
5. Add chopped onions,greenchillies,curry leaves,coriander leaves,and jeera.
7.Heat oil in a pan for deep frying .
8. With the help of spoon or hand keep like mini balls. do not bother about the shape.
9. Fry in oil till golden brown colour.
10. Serve hot with tomato sauce or coconut chutney......................
MANAGING YOUR TIME IN THE KITCHEN
Planning your menu and recipe is a big part of being successful in making that recipe.
Menu Planning : While planning a menu-Combine into your menu a rice dish ,an entree (main dish)& a salad or raita. You may include parathas too. A good menu should generally cater to the sweet and spicy tastes, say when your main dish is spicy, choose a raita that is sweet. this way you can ensure that your guests don't end up eating only spicy or only sweet food. Also never make just one dish. If that one dish fails to appease your guests taste buds, they'll go home hungry.
Keeping Greens Fresh: Leafy vegetables die within a couple of days even when kept in refrigerator. To keep them fresh for a longer period of time, clean & wrap them in paper. Refrigerate this bundle and the vegetables will remain fresh for a longer time.
Prepare a list of the things you need to do and prioritize. This will include shopping for ingredients and special items.
Keeping the work area clean : Work in a clean and uncluttered space. This will help you organize your thoughts better. It may mean clearing up the counter and table top space but it will be worth it.
Reading cooking steps ahead of time : Many a times reading the recipe and familiarizing yourself with the cooking method is a great way of starting out.
Following the recipe to the T : Try a recipe once, the way it is recommended the first time. Make changes as you see fit the next time, this way you can taste the recipe as it was meant to be cooked.
Pre-tasting a recipe : Try to taste the recipe in a restaurant as you will have some idea of how it should taste.
Jotting down "Unusual items" : Make a list of the "special" or "unusual" items to your regular grocery list. Keep this list on your refrigerator as you plan your menu.
Shopping ahead : Shop for all ingredients and items needed the week before.
Fermentation of Dosa batter : If you live in a centrally air conditioned flat and want to make dosas, keep the dosa batter overnight in the microwave (switched off, of course), as the interior of the microwave will be warmer than the rest of the house. Also, a pinch of sugar into the batter gives a lovely brown color to the dosa.
Pre-Preparation
Retain green color of greens: A pinch of sugar while cooking green leafy vegetables like Palak etc. will help retain the fresh green color.
Pre-Prep for Daals & Vegetables for FAST cooking: Soak any washed daal to be cooked for 1/2 hour before putting in cooker. It will cook faster.
If u r using a pressure pan, then put the soaked daal directly in the pan & in a smaller vessel, put yr cut vegetable which takes time to cook in kadai, eg, Beans etc to be cooked. Put a lid on this smaller vessel & put directly on top of the daal in the pressure pan & cook together for 3-4 whistles. This saves time for cooking each separately. After done, u just have to give the seasoning to the daal & vegetable separately. So cooking time is saved.
Add little salt to daal & vegetable before putting in pressure pan. This will give little flavor to the dish, when cooking in the pan. Adjust masalas accordingly when doing seasoning after removing from pan.
Too much salt in your dish !! Opps ! : In case you have added more salt than desired....add a ball of dough(flour)...keep the dish aside for 5-10 mins.
Decorative Biryani Rice : While making Veg/Non-Veg Biryani, you can cook rice earlier, cool it and divide it into 3 portions - make each of a different color e.g Indian tricolor - coriander or palak rice can be bottom layer, then the biryani gravy with some nuts, middle layer white rice, then again biryani gravy with some nuts and the top layer can be kesar rice which will give the saffron color. It really looks very decorative and adds flavor to the dish.
To make soft tomatoes regain their hardness, put them in cold water to which a litre of salt is added. The tomatoes will turn hard in 10 mins.
Ginger Garlic Paste Freshness : Mix a pinch of salt to the Ginger/Garlic paste and refrigerate it for a fresh cooking . Paste will last longer and fresh for months.
Pre-prepare Ginger & Garlic paste : When you have free time, use it to prepare a bottle of ginger garlic paste, which can be used to be used later while cooking.
Making tasty Dosa: To make tasty dosas and idlis add a tsp of methi (fenugreek)seeds with the rice and dal when soaking.
Freezing Fresh Ginger : When you buy fresh ginger, freeze it. When you need to use it use a cheese grater to get required amount u need, put rest back in freezer.
Pre-Preparing Masalas : Pre-Prepare most of your "masalas" ahead of time.
Defrosting First: First things first....Defrost the frozen foods first, then go on to doing the other cooking.
Safe Defrosting : Defrost sealed frozen food in the refrigerator on a plate instead of on your kitchen counter to prevent bacteria.
Prepare portions of a meal in advance :If there is a masala or paste or chopping of nuts that you can do a day ahead, do so as it will reduce the cooking time.
Methi pre-prepare for future use : If you are a fan of fresh methi (fenugreek leaves) then on a weekend you can clean them up and place the methi in a freezer ziploc bag and freeze it. It can be stored for months. You can use this to make a quick methi aloo accompanied with some sweet raita at time of emergency.
Cooking :
Crispy Samosas :To make crispy samosas add 1 tsp of rice flour to 1 cup of maida.
Crispy Pakoras : For crispy pakoras add little hot oil in the batter before frying.
Browning Onions : Add a little salt, onions become brown faster.
Quickly cooking half cooked rice: When you find that the rice which you are going to serve is not fully cooked, and you cannot add water again then ... add a small quantity of milk to it and steam it for some time the rice becomes soft without becoming smudgy.
Frying Fish: Put in a pinch of salt in the oil before frying a fish. The fish will not get stuck to the frying pan.
Frying : Always fry on a low or medium flame for even cooking.
Double or triple the recipe : if you are making an exclusive dish. This way you can divide it up and save some for another meal.
Cook a day ahead. Many Indian dishes can be made ahead of time. Store the food in Ziploc bags or your serving containers. In fact some of the dishes taste better the next day. For Example: Biryani. Use the double-bag ziploc freezer bags as they are frost resistant.
Store extra servings : Use Ziploc freezer boxes and bags.
Storing leftover rice : Rice is best stored in containers that can be re-heated.
Handy Dishtowel : Pull a dishtowel or rag partially through the belt loop on your jeans/sari. The towel is handy to wipe your hands on at any time, and you don't have to keep looking for one when you need it most.
Ingredient Readiness : While cooking a dish, have all the ingredients on the counter top so that you don't miss out on any of the ingredients.
Cleaning Top
Keeping drains unclogged : You can keep drains unclogged by pouring this mixture down your drains every week: one gallon of hot water, 1 tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent, and 1/2 cup of bleach. Pour into drain and let the tap run with warm water for a few minutes afterwards.
Keeping the cooker clean: To keep the inside of the cooker clean place a lemon piece in the cooker while using.
Cleaning Turmeric Stains : Clean the turmeric stained area with few drops of lime juice.The acidic content will clear the surface.
Stained Coffee pot: You can clean the inner sides of the stained coffee pot with the egg shells. (dont throw away the boiled eggs shell). Be careful when you are cleaning.
Keeping cooking range clean : Put a Aluminium Foil on the Cooking Range top so that if there are any spills while cooking, it can be easily cleaned by simply replacing the foil.
Cleaning of Ginger: Ginger can be soaked over night and next day morning clean it with a tooth brush (with a tooth brush you can clean each and every corner) blend it and keep it in the fridge. this can be used anytime.
Assigning everyone tasks : If there are others in your house hold assign each person a specific task for the clean up. For example picking up the dishes or putting away the left overs or cleaning the table etc.
Individual servings for later: Store the left over in individual containers for future use.
Removing Ink stains: If you want to remove an "ink stain" you should wash it with unboiled milk .
Clearing a clogged sink : Clogged sinks can be unclogged in an hour when a cup of hot water mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar and a teaspoon or two of baking soda is poured into the sink.
Keeping drains unclogged : You can keep drains unclogged by pouring this mixture down your drains every week: one gallon of hot water, 1 tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent, and 1/2 cup of bleach. Pour into drain and let the tap run with warm water for a few minutes afterwards.
Keeping the cooker clean: To keep the inside of the cooker clean place a lemon piece in the cooker while using.
Menu Planning : While planning a menu-Combine into your menu a rice dish ,an entree (main dish)& a salad or raita. You may include parathas too. A good menu should generally cater to the sweet and spicy tastes, say when your main dish is spicy, choose a raita that is sweet. this way you can ensure that your guests don't end up eating only spicy or only sweet food. Also never make just one dish. If that one dish fails to appease your guests taste buds, they'll go home hungry.
Keeping Greens Fresh: Leafy vegetables die within a couple of days even when kept in refrigerator. To keep them fresh for a longer period of time, clean & wrap them in paper. Refrigerate this bundle and the vegetables will remain fresh for a longer time.
Prepare a list of the things you need to do and prioritize. This will include shopping for ingredients and special items.
Keeping the work area clean : Work in a clean and uncluttered space. This will help you organize your thoughts better. It may mean clearing up the counter and table top space but it will be worth it.
Reading cooking steps ahead of time : Many a times reading the recipe and familiarizing yourself with the cooking method is a great way of starting out.
Following the recipe to the T : Try a recipe once, the way it is recommended the first time. Make changes as you see fit the next time, this way you can taste the recipe as it was meant to be cooked.
Pre-tasting a recipe : Try to taste the recipe in a restaurant as you will have some idea of how it should taste.
Jotting down "Unusual items" : Make a list of the "special" or "unusual" items to your regular grocery list. Keep this list on your refrigerator as you plan your menu.
Shopping ahead : Shop for all ingredients and items needed the week before.
Fermentation of Dosa batter : If you live in a centrally air conditioned flat and want to make dosas, keep the dosa batter overnight in the microwave (switched off, of course), as the interior of the microwave will be warmer than the rest of the house. Also, a pinch of sugar into the batter gives a lovely brown color to the dosa.
Pre-Preparation
Retain green color of greens: A pinch of sugar while cooking green leafy vegetables like Palak etc. will help retain the fresh green color.
Pre-Prep for Daals & Vegetables for FAST cooking: Soak any washed daal to be cooked for 1/2 hour before putting in cooker. It will cook faster.
If u r using a pressure pan, then put the soaked daal directly in the pan & in a smaller vessel, put yr cut vegetable which takes time to cook in kadai, eg, Beans etc to be cooked. Put a lid on this smaller vessel & put directly on top of the daal in the pressure pan & cook together for 3-4 whistles. This saves time for cooking each separately. After done, u just have to give the seasoning to the daal & vegetable separately. So cooking time is saved.
Add little salt to daal & vegetable before putting in pressure pan. This will give little flavor to the dish, when cooking in the pan. Adjust masalas accordingly when doing seasoning after removing from pan.
Too much salt in your dish !! Opps ! : In case you have added more salt than desired....add a ball of dough(flour)...keep the dish aside for 5-10 mins.
Decorative Biryani Rice : While making Veg/Non-Veg Biryani, you can cook rice earlier, cool it and divide it into 3 portions - make each of a different color e.g Indian tricolor - coriander or palak rice can be bottom layer, then the biryani gravy with some nuts, middle layer white rice, then again biryani gravy with some nuts and the top layer can be kesar rice which will give the saffron color. It really looks very decorative and adds flavor to the dish.
To make soft tomatoes regain their hardness, put them in cold water to which a litre of salt is added. The tomatoes will turn hard in 10 mins.
Ginger Garlic Paste Freshness : Mix a pinch of salt to the Ginger/Garlic paste and refrigerate it for a fresh cooking . Paste will last longer and fresh for months.
Pre-prepare Ginger & Garlic paste : When you have free time, use it to prepare a bottle of ginger garlic paste, which can be used to be used later while cooking.
Making tasty Dosa: To make tasty dosas and idlis add a tsp of methi (fenugreek)seeds with the rice and dal when soaking.
Freezing Fresh Ginger : When you buy fresh ginger, freeze it. When you need to use it use a cheese grater to get required amount u need, put rest back in freezer.
Pre-Preparing Masalas : Pre-Prepare most of your "masalas" ahead of time.
Defrosting First: First things first....Defrost the frozen foods first, then go on to doing the other cooking.
Safe Defrosting : Defrost sealed frozen food in the refrigerator on a plate instead of on your kitchen counter to prevent bacteria.
Prepare portions of a meal in advance :If there is a masala or paste or chopping of nuts that you can do a day ahead, do so as it will reduce the cooking time.
Methi pre-prepare for future use : If you are a fan of fresh methi (fenugreek leaves) then on a weekend you can clean them up and place the methi in a freezer ziploc bag and freeze it. It can be stored for months. You can use this to make a quick methi aloo accompanied with some sweet raita at time of emergency.
Cooking :
Crispy Samosas :To make crispy samosas add 1 tsp of rice flour to 1 cup of maida.
Crispy Pakoras : For crispy pakoras add little hot oil in the batter before frying.
Browning Onions : Add a little salt, onions become brown faster.
Quickly cooking half cooked rice: When you find that the rice which you are going to serve is not fully cooked, and you cannot add water again then ... add a small quantity of milk to it and steam it for some time the rice becomes soft without becoming smudgy.
Frying Fish: Put in a pinch of salt in the oil before frying a fish. The fish will not get stuck to the frying pan.
Frying : Always fry on a low or medium flame for even cooking.
Double or triple the recipe : if you are making an exclusive dish. This way you can divide it up and save some for another meal.
Cook a day ahead. Many Indian dishes can be made ahead of time. Store the food in Ziploc bags or your serving containers. In fact some of the dishes taste better the next day. For Example: Biryani. Use the double-bag ziploc freezer bags as they are frost resistant.
Store extra servings : Use Ziploc freezer boxes and bags.
Storing leftover rice : Rice is best stored in containers that can be re-heated.
Handy Dishtowel : Pull a dishtowel or rag partially through the belt loop on your jeans/sari. The towel is handy to wipe your hands on at any time, and you don't have to keep looking for one when you need it most.
Ingredient Readiness : While cooking a dish, have all the ingredients on the counter top so that you don't miss out on any of the ingredients.
Cleaning Top
Keeping drains unclogged : You can keep drains unclogged by pouring this mixture down your drains every week: one gallon of hot water, 1 tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent, and 1/2 cup of bleach. Pour into drain and let the tap run with warm water for a few minutes afterwards.
Keeping the cooker clean: To keep the inside of the cooker clean place a lemon piece in the cooker while using.
Cleaning Turmeric Stains : Clean the turmeric stained area with few drops of lime juice.The acidic content will clear the surface.
Stained Coffee pot: You can clean the inner sides of the stained coffee pot with the egg shells. (dont throw away the boiled eggs shell). Be careful when you are cleaning.
Keeping cooking range clean : Put a Aluminium Foil on the Cooking Range top so that if there are any spills while cooking, it can be easily cleaned by simply replacing the foil.
Cleaning of Ginger: Ginger can be soaked over night and next day morning clean it with a tooth brush (with a tooth brush you can clean each and every corner) blend it and keep it in the fridge. this can be used anytime.
Assigning everyone tasks : If there are others in your house hold assign each person a specific task for the clean up. For example picking up the dishes or putting away the left overs or cleaning the table etc.
Individual servings for later: Store the left over in individual containers for future use.
Removing Ink stains: If you want to remove an "ink stain" you should wash it with unboiled milk .
Clearing a clogged sink : Clogged sinks can be unclogged in an hour when a cup of hot water mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar and a teaspoon or two of baking soda is poured into the sink.
Keeping drains unclogged : You can keep drains unclogged by pouring this mixture down your drains every week: one gallon of hot water, 1 tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent, and 1/2 cup of bleach. Pour into drain and let the tap run with warm water for a few minutes afterwards.
Keeping the cooker clean: To keep the inside of the cooker clean place a lemon piece in the cooker while using.
TIPS FOR INCREASING SELF CONFIDENCE FOR WOMEN
Increasing self-confidence for women, building confidence, and boosting self-esteem will open the door to professional and personal success. Growing more confident will help you maximize your potential, make you more comfortable with others and even improve your appearance. Increasing self-confidence for women can make a huge difference in life.
A woman's self-confidence affects her thoughts, feelings, behavior, and body. When a woman has low self-confidence she thinks she can't do anything. A woman's self-confidence affects her decision-making abilities. Low self-confidence makes her feel anxious, discouraged, and afraid. Low self-confidence makes her act passively and avoid new things. Low self-confidence makes her feel sluggish, tense.
Increasing self-confidence for women is a process – but it can happen quickly! Building self-confidence for women - and boosting self-esteem - requires knowing a few things about low self-confidence versus healthy self-confidence
Increasing self-confidence for women isn't about just one thing. We have different levels of self-confidence about different things – and that's normal and good! For instance, you may feel self-confident doing your taxes or balancing the checkbook, but less self-confident when your partner is home with the flu, hospitalized for an operation, or dealing with depression. At work you could feel totally comfortable and self-confident because you're an expert; at home you may feel inept or anxious because your relationship needs attention, or you live alone and feel isolated and lonely. Building self-confidence for women should address your specific areas of low self-confidence.
Self-confidence for women depends on what you're doing. Avoid labeling yourself with low self-confidence just because you stutter when talking to your boss – because if you think you have low self-confidence, then that's how you'll act. Instead, be aware of your whole self as a woman. You're self-confident in some situations and less self-confident in others. Self-confidence in wome requires focusing on what you're good at, admit your weaknesses, and let yourself be yourself in each situation. Building self-confidence for women requires being honest about who you are.
Increasing Self-Confidence For Women
Increasing self-confidence helps women achieve professional and personal success. To maximize your potential, try these 3 ways to build confidence & boost self-esteem.
Increasing self-confidence for women, building confidence, and boosting self-esteem will open the door to professional and personal success. Growing more confident will help you maximize your potential, make you more comfortable with others and even improve your appearance. Increasing self-confidence for women can make a huge difference in life.
2. Increasing self-confidence for women comes from action. The path towards building self-confidence for women is to do things. Playing softball in a community league, making presentations at work, striking up a conversation with a stranger, sharing your opinion in a pubic forum – the more you step up to the plate, the easier it gets to get involved. This will build confidence. When you're trying these "building self-confidence for women" techniques, you may fumble and even fail. You could also feel smooth and successful as you boost your self-esteem!
Wayne Gretzky said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." When you're building self-confidence for women know that everyone misses the net and makes mistakes. Accept your mistakes as part of living an adventurous life! Even failing goes a long way in building self-confidence because you learn to trust and respect your ability to take action, to step up to the plate (or take a shot at the goal). Building self-confidence for women involves trying new things.
3. Increasing self-confidence for women changes your experiences. If you act timid and hesitant, then people will think you have low self-confidence – and will treat you accordingly. They may "walk all over you" or even speak disrespectfully about you to your face or behind your back. When you're building self-confidence, remember that people will treat you the way you treat yourself. You teach people how you want to be treated; if you have low self-confidence you may let them get away with more than they should. On the other hand if you're self-confident, firm and self-assured, people may be less likely to take advantage of you. Building self-confidence for women often requires acting a certain way.
Increasing self-confidence for women involves ups and downs; as long as you're enjoying more highs than lows.
So follow these tips and improve your self confidence........................
A woman's self-confidence affects her thoughts, feelings, behavior, and body. When a woman has low self-confidence she thinks she can't do anything. A woman's self-confidence affects her decision-making abilities. Low self-confidence makes her feel anxious, discouraged, and afraid. Low self-confidence makes her act passively and avoid new things. Low self-confidence makes her feel sluggish, tense.
Increasing self-confidence for women is a process – but it can happen quickly! Building self-confidence for women - and boosting self-esteem - requires knowing a few things about low self-confidence versus healthy self-confidence
Increasing self-confidence for women isn't about just one thing. We have different levels of self-confidence about different things – and that's normal and good! For instance, you may feel self-confident doing your taxes or balancing the checkbook, but less self-confident when your partner is home with the flu, hospitalized for an operation, or dealing with depression. At work you could feel totally comfortable and self-confident because you're an expert; at home you may feel inept or anxious because your relationship needs attention, or you live alone and feel isolated and lonely. Building self-confidence for women should address your specific areas of low self-confidence.
Self-confidence for women depends on what you're doing. Avoid labeling yourself with low self-confidence just because you stutter when talking to your boss – because if you think you have low self-confidence, then that's how you'll act. Instead, be aware of your whole self as a woman. You're self-confident in some situations and less self-confident in others. Self-confidence in wome requires focusing on what you're good at, admit your weaknesses, and let yourself be yourself in each situation. Building self-confidence for women requires being honest about who you are.
Increasing Self-Confidence For Women
Increasing self-confidence helps women achieve professional and personal success. To maximize your potential, try these 3 ways to build confidence & boost self-esteem.
Increasing self-confidence for women, building confidence, and boosting self-esteem will open the door to professional and personal success. Growing more confident will help you maximize your potential, make you more comfortable with others and even improve your appearance. Increasing self-confidence for women can make a huge difference in life.
2. Increasing self-confidence for women comes from action. The path towards building self-confidence for women is to do things. Playing softball in a community league, making presentations at work, striking up a conversation with a stranger, sharing your opinion in a pubic forum – the more you step up to the plate, the easier it gets to get involved. This will build confidence. When you're trying these "building self-confidence for women" techniques, you may fumble and even fail. You could also feel smooth and successful as you boost your self-esteem!
Wayne Gretzky said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." When you're building self-confidence for women know that everyone misses the net and makes mistakes. Accept your mistakes as part of living an adventurous life! Even failing goes a long way in building self-confidence because you learn to trust and respect your ability to take action, to step up to the plate (or take a shot at the goal). Building self-confidence for women involves trying new things.
3. Increasing self-confidence for women changes your experiences. If you act timid and hesitant, then people will think you have low self-confidence – and will treat you accordingly. They may "walk all over you" or even speak disrespectfully about you to your face or behind your back. When you're building self-confidence, remember that people will treat you the way you treat yourself. You teach people how you want to be treated; if you have low self-confidence you may let them get away with more than they should. On the other hand if you're self-confident, firm and self-assured, people may be less likely to take advantage of you. Building self-confidence for women often requires acting a certain way.
Increasing self-confidence for women involves ups and downs; as long as you're enjoying more highs than lows.
So follow these tips and improve your self confidence........................
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)