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Mixed Berry Smoothie

It is getting very close to the Memorial Day weekend and that means the summer is just around the corner. Even though it is an unofficial start, the temperature here in Texas is giving us a feel of what is in store for the next 4 months or so. With the winter being mild, the experts are predicting hotter than usual summer, so let us see how that is going to be. The temperatures now have climbed to the upper 90’s (F) and it is hot and sultry both inside and outside. Anyway on the brighter side, the days are…

Blueberry Yogurt Parfait

  Blueberries are powerhouse of nutrition! They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and rate very high on antioxidants capability. You knew that already didn’t you? Now that summer is here, the groceries are flooded with varieties of fresh berries. There are different ways in which I use the berries including the regular whip cream based parfait. This parfait turned out to be unexpected treat for us at home; an accidental oversight which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. While doing the regular grocery I picked up a tub of blueberry yogurt instead of the regular plain yogurt. I…

Mango Lemonade

Summer is at its peak here in Texas and with it the relentless heat wave continues to be in full swing. We are in the three digit temperatures (in Fahrenheit, of course) for the past month and half and it seems to be getting worse as days pass by. But then, summer is also known for fresh, juicy mangos, so what better way to beat the heat than with cold refreshing fruity drink? Mangoes are a favorite in our house and I could not let the season of mango go by without preparing anything using of the King of fruits.…

Indian Cucumber Raita Recipe

  If you are looking for a quick cooling Yogurt Cucumber Raita, then this one is for you. Raita is an Indian condiment made using yogurt/ curd and used as a side dish, sauce or dip. This is not only enhances flavor, but offsets the spiciness of the main dish. All that is required for this is cucumber, yogurt and other spices.  Traditionally ground cumin powder is added to this, but my family is not too fond of its taste in this raita and so I skip it. You can add chilli powder instead of green chillies, if you prefer.…

Banana Mango Milkshake

This Banana Mango Milkshake is an easy, delicious and filling drink. Not only does it have a cooling effect, but provides good nutrition as well. This is also a good way of using up any extra ripe mangoes and or bananas. The kiddo has been showing some interest in milkshakes and so it is giving me an opportunity to try some healthy fruit combinations. Plus we bought a new Magic Bullet blender courtesy CSN stores and these shakes, juices, smoothies give me an opportunity to try it on the new blender. The ingredients here are just for reference. It can…

Kashay– Nutritional Spiced Hot Drink

Kashay (In Konkani) is a hot milk beverage that is common in many Konkani households. It is a spiced drink that is not only potent but a nutritional powerhouse as well. This is preferred as beverage choice by many people instead of the regular tea or coffee. Growing up I remember many elderly people having Kashay in the evening as it would aid in digestion and also have a cooling effect on the body. This was a common drink in my house as well. Many times while making this drink my mom used to add lemon grass (called Nirvale tan…

Spicy Pepper Jeera Rasam

  Winter is upon us and along with it comes the essential cold, cough sneezing sniffling etc. So at home, I try avoiding medicines as far as possible and look for some easy home made remedies. So far we have had good success with black pepper (Kali Mirchi in Hindi) and so I use it in different ways and among them one is this Pepper Jeera Rasam. As I understand this is referred to as Milagu Rasam in TamilNadu. Milagu means pepper in Tamil. This Black Pepper Jeera rasam is a medicated rasam and because of black pepper in it…