October 31, 2009

Chocolate Walnut Brownies


Another dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth! During our recent trip to Munnar, we picked up a good batch of homemade dark chocolates. We have almost finished most of it, but before it could get completely over, I wanted to save some for my favorites brownies. I recently picked up a pack of good walnut kernels from the nearby store and they were crisp, crunchy and absolutely fantastic. I have always loved dried fruits and nuts and they have been on my list of 'must-have' in kitchen. They add flavors to the dish and make it really rich.

My previous attempt at making Best cocoa brownies were a good success. They were gooey, fudgy and loved by all. However, they were made using cocoa and not dark chocolates. This time since I had dark chocolates at hand, I didn't want to miss an opportunity to make walnut brownies. I must admit that these brownies were more rich in flavors, fugdy and deep chocolatey. Walnut added a great crunch and complimented the chocolatey fudge very well. My only regret, I wish I had made a larger batch of these as they disappeared the day they came out of the oven! They went perfectly well with our evening tea.


Chocolate Walnut Brownies

INGREDIENTS

200 gm bittersweet dark chocolate
100 gm unsalted butter
225 gm cup sugar
A pinch of salt
2 large eggs
150g plain flour
½ tsp vanilla extract
A handful of chopped walnuts


DIRECTIONS

Melt chocolate with butter in a double boiler over barely simmering water until the chocolate melts and dissolves with butter. Stir frequently till it is smooth. Set aside for it to cool a little.

In a glass mixing bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Beat well till it turns pale yellow. Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Fold again. Next, stir in the chocolate butter mixture. The batter will look thick and shiny now. Then add the flour and blend everything well. Add in the nuts finally. Line the baking tin with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spread evenly on a baking tin.

Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Test with a toothpick. The top would look like a cake, center may be moist. That's how we want it to be. Do not over-bake the brownie. Remove and cool completely. Cut into squares or rectangles. Serve warm as is or as brownie fudge with hot chocolate sauce and ice-cream.


Read more >>
October 22, 2009

Sabudana Kheer/Sabbakki Payasa/ Sago Pudding & A Happy Diwali


Firstly, let me wish all a Happy Diwali and a prosperous new year. May this Diwali brings loads of love and happiness in every home. Welcome Diwali and it is time for all Hindus to buy new clothes, gold, vehicles, etc. Diwali preparations begin a month ahead of the festival and the joy in doing things together binds most families with love and happiness that they share during this festival season.

Most of the shops are filled with people flocking to buy stuffs for Diwali. Streets are lined with people selling diyas, flowers and crackers for the festival. Homes are cleaned, diyas and kandeels brought out, are cleaned and hung, sweets and savories are stocked for guests who visit, crackers are collected for the day, sms messages and phone calls with wishes are sent to everyone. Evenings are spent in lighting diyas and busting crackers. No doubts from kids to adults, from old to young this is one festival which all look forward to.

I love making Diwali a special occasion every year... after all it comes just once a year! This year I had plans to make Chiroti, but I just couldn't make it due to time constraint. However, I did make Sabudana Kheer or Sabakki Payasa as we call in Kannada. It was the first time I tried this one and I admit I was skeptical about it turning out right. Sago needs to be handled with care else it will turn out mushy and can ruin the entire dish. Luckily for me it came out just right.


Sabudana Kheer/Sago Pudding

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sago, washed and soaked for 15 mins
2 cups water
1/2 lt milk (approx 2 cups)
1 cup sugar
A pinch of cardamom powder
1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews/almonds/raisins)
A pinch of saffron


DIRECTIONS

Wash and soak sago in minimal water for 15 mins. Bring 2 cups of water to boil and add the sago to it. Boil till the sago just begins to swell. Switch off the flame. It should be partially cooked so that we can cook it further in milk. Bring milk to a boil and add sugar. Adjust sugar according to taste. Then add the par cooked sago to it. Cook further for 10 minutes. It may look thick, don't worry. You can adjust with milk later.

Rub a few strands of saffron in warm milk. Saffron gives a nice flavor to the dessert. Add them to the kheer. Add cardamom powder and chopped nuts and serve warm.

Enjoy this kheer with your family and friends. Once again, wishing you all a Happy and a safe Diwali!


Read more >>
 

Thank you for visiting Veg Bowl © 2009-2013

Pin It button on image hover