Rava Laddoo ~ The Indian Cooking Challenge

As a prelude to Srivalli's Indian Cooking Challenge, which is all set to begin on the 1st of July, it was decided to conduct a trial round and rava laddoo was chosen as the inaugural dish. Rava Laddoo is one of the easiest sweets you could make. Its totally hassle free, uses simple ingredients and could be made in no time. I have only helped mom to shape the laddoos before, this is the first time I made it all by myself and I'm so pleased with the results. This is a perfect recipe and I totally enjoyed the challenge.

It's my dad's birthday today and this one is for him. He loves sweets and I so wish I could stuff one into his mouth as I wish him.

T & T : Baingan ka Bharta

Meena's Hooked on Heat is in the spotlight this month for Tried and Tasted. She has got so many amazing dishes out there, no one could go back disappointed. For a change, I decided to go for a vegetarian dish this time. Baingan ka Bharta is something I've wanted to make for a long time and Meena's recipe was so simple and looked so delicious, I just jumped at the chance.

Here is a picture of my oven roasted eggplant....

Find the recipe here. I did not make any changes except adding the garam masala along with the other spices instead of sprinkling it at the end. I had this with dal rice and used the rest as a sandwich filling the next morning. Totally forgot to take a pic.

Great recipe, one I would be making very often.

My entry to T&T: Hooked on Heat, hosted by KC of Kits Chow, event started by Zlamushka.

Also sending this to FIL - Brinjal hosted by Sanghi of Sanghi's Food Delights.

Pancakes with Chocolate Sauce

I make pancakes quite often especially on weekends when I want to indulge or am in the mood for something sweet that I could whip up in a jiffy. I try a different recipe each time and I always love the result. You couldn't ever go wrong with this. I have always wondered why people buy the packaged mixes, yet I know a number of people who swear by 'Bisquick'. So when I saw the recipe for Homemade Bisquick at Natalie's Blog Perry's Plate, I had to make it. I'll never if Bisquick is the same but i totally loved it. The pancake were light, fluffy and soft, I didn't mind having them cold. This recipe is a keeper for sure.

I followed Natalie's recipe and just added 2 tbs extra sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla essence.

I made my favorite topping, chocolate sauce of course, to go with the pancakes. Just melted about 1/3 cup chocolate chips with 1 tbs of butter. Had 5 pancakes by myself, all the talk about dieting! But I'll save the guilt for another time:)....this was just irresistible.

My entry for Taste n Create.

For my Century : Strawberry Chocolate Trifle

I'm not sure when I started collecting recipes, sometime when I was in school coz I remember teachers lecturing me as I always had something written on the last pages of my notebooks. I just had to see a cookery show on TV and I would just grab the nearest book or paper without even checking what it was. Very often it would be my brothers book, as he always had them scattered all over the house and you can imagine his reaction:)...such fun! Now I have so many books and files full of recipes, all back in India of course, it's impossible to find anything. When I was packing before coming to the US, I was so sad to leave my collection behind and was all set to start another one here when Manoj suggested that I start blogging. I couldn't be more grateful coz I've enjoyed every moment of it. I've met some wonderful talented people and thanks to all of you who visit my blog regularly and leave such lovely comments. This is my 100th post and I hope to enjoy your support as I aim for a double century....