Kugan's Kitchen Part 6

[suvai]

dev....that is amazing that the school provides....stuff for the kids to eat...ellaam ipadi koduthitu...namma kita panathaiyum meleye serthu vaangipaanga pola ...worth it if its less hassle..

[kugan98]

Dev, this is the idlli Suvai was looking for.
I made pumpkin puli mandi for lunch. This sweet idlli for dinner.
Every one in my house said that the puli mandi and idlli
was the best combo, and enjoyed it.


Dev, here too in Malaysia food is provided in the pre school.
Aishu, alone will take from the house, as they do not provide
vegetarian meals. Thanks and take care.

[kugan98]

Selviem try out the urad dal kutoo. Very simple and yummy.
My aunt has given me another recipe , keerai with urad dal podi.
The best part is no oil is used.
Thanks and take care, Kugan98

[kugan98]

Aarthi, thanks for your nice mail.
Take care of Pranay, spring has started.

My nephew too will suffer from running nose and things
because of the pollen and things in US.

You can use ash gourd ( pusini kai,) peerkangkaai ( ridge gourd)
Try and see Aarthii. Thanks and take care, Kugan98

[kugan98]

Jay tamby, nice feed back on the chocolate cake. Congrats
Next time try light icing. The cake tastes better with icing.

I personally think cooking is much easier than baking.
Wish you all the best in the carrot cake.

Thanks and take care, Kugan98

[kugan98]

Suvai, thanks for the nice post.
the sweet idlli is very simple to make.
Try it out Suvai, and give us the feed back.
Thanks and take care, Kugan98

[kugan98]

I baked this eggless cashew nut banana muffins for the kids.


CASHEW NUT BANANA MUFFIN

Ingredients:

¾ cup all purpose flour
¼ cup chopped cashew nuts
½ cup sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 big bananas
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp vanilla essence

Method:
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees C for 10 minutes
Peel the bananas and mash them nicely with a masher.
Add oil, sugar, vanilla essence to the mashed banana.

Sieve together the flour, baking powder and baking soda.
Put the flour mixture in a bowl, make a dent and pour in
the banana mixture. Fold gently the flour, do not over mix.

Now add in ¾ of the chopped cashew into the mixture.
Reserve the ¼ for sprinkling on the top.
Now line a tray with muffin cups.
Spoon the batter in it up to ¾ of the cup.
Must leave room for the muffins to rise.
Sprinkle some cashew nuts over it.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until the cake tester inserted
comes out clean, and the top turns golden.
Remove and enjoy.

MUFFINS BEFORE BAKING:




MUFFINS AFTER BAKING:

[kugan98]

WISHING ALL MY DEAR FRIENDS

A VERY HAPPY TAMIL NEW YEAR


MAY THE WHOLE YEAR BE FILLED WITH JOY AND HAPPINESS







Tamil Puthandu Vazthukal





The month of Chittrai (April - May) embarks the time of festivities in Tamil Nadu. Tamil's New Year Day " Puthandu" is celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year (according to the Gregorian Calender). People greet each other "Puthandu Vazthukal" which means Happy New Year. This auspicious day is also popular as Varusha Pirappuv. As per the Hindu mthyical legends, Lord Brahma started creation of the universe.

Highlights of the Festival

New Year's day is a gala time for all Tamils. The main focus is on the food eaten on the day. 'Maanga Pachadi' is the pulse of the festival. It is a dish made of raw mangoes, jaggery, neem flowers which tastes sweet, salt, sour and bitter. This entails different colors of life. It depicts that life has to face everything from success to defeat. At the time of New Year festivities, a grand Car Festival also takes place at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam. At some places, Chitthirai festival is also celebrated. It is said on this day, Goddess Meenakshi got married to Lord Sundareswarar.

Puthandu Rituals

In Tamil Nadu, people follow some strict rituals in a belief to ensure well-being and prosperity of their families. The most popular tradition is to view Kanni at dawn with a hope to bring good luck. People start the day by watching some auspicious items like gold and silver jewelery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts. Following the rituals, Tamils take bath, wear fresh clothes and visit the temples to pray for success in life. After this, Panchangam (almanac) is read.

Many people get their houses painted to mark the renewal of life. Ladies adorn their houses with fresh mango leaves and Kolam (rangoli)designs. Sometimes, a decorated lamp kuthuvillakku is placed in the center of colorful Kolam to bring light to the house.

People in the advent of merrymaking and feasting exchange gifts with each other. Children are highly excited at the time of Puthandu as they receive small gifts or cash from their parents and relatives.

[dev]

Aarthii, she's a lil over 2 1/2 now... since it's pre-kg admission, there was no interview n all...

[dev]

dev....that is amazing that the school provides....stuff for the kids to eat...ellaam ipadi koduthitu...namma kita panathaiyum meleye serthu vaangipaanga pola ...worth it if its less hassle..

tht's true Suvai... but enakku food avanga provide pannuradhil ishttam illai...nothing like home-cooked...but no choice... Maharishi vidhya mandir is opening up here next yr... will see how her curr skol is and if not happy, will move to MVM...