Crafty Me :D

Yea, i know what you're thinking

Its a food blog, but i just couldn't stop myself

I had to post this :D

A few days before i came across this post, I bookmarked it and forgot all about it till yesterday when i was so bored that i was going through all my bookmarks. I found this and for some reason i just wanted some bookmarks :D

The original post has great instruction pictures. I did the same thing.

But i'll still explain for my satisfaction :D haha :D

First make 3 squares, so that it makes an L shape. All are 2.5 inches in height and width. Make a diagonal line in the top and the right box.

Cut to form this shape. This will serve as your template.

Using the template cut the card sheet with which you want to make the book mark.

Cut a triangle that would go on the top in any color you want. Cute the teeth with white paper.

and the eyes.

Now fold one end..

Apply glue

fold the other flap on top. Press firmly together.

Stick the teeth..

and the green triangle that we cut, and the eyes.

And there you have your book mark :D

I made a black one too :D

and a random one !!

Yea, i tried them on a recipe book. :D

Chicken Jalfrezi

Jalfrezi is a type of curry in which the marinated meat or vegetables are fried in oil and spices than mixed with tomato puree to make a thick sauce.

This recipe had been in my to-do list for a long time. 

It uses some strange ingredients for a Chinese recipe, that was the reason i was a little skeptic about this.

I did some extensive research, mixed up a few jalfrezi recipes that i randomly found on the internet and eventually i came up with this.

Ingredients :

(For Marination)

Chicken : 1/2 kg Boneless

Vinegar : 2 tbsp

Chili Sauce : 1 tbsp

Salt : to taste

Ginger garlic paste : 1 tsp

Chinese salt : 1/2 tsp

Red chili powder : to taste 

Mustard powder : 1/4 tsp

(for the Curry)

Onion : 1/2 finely diced

Ginger : 1 inch piece

Garlic : 3-4 cloves

Tomato puree : 1 cup

Tomato ketchup : 4 tbsp

Salt : to taste

Chinese Salt : to taste

Red chili powder : to taste

Turmeric powder : 1/2 tsp

Cumin powder : 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder : 1/4 tsp

All spice (Garam Masala) : 1/2 tsp

Tomatoes : 2 

Capsicum : 3

Onion : 1

Method :

Cut chicken in strips

Marinate with Vinegar, chili sauce,Salt, Chinese salt, Mustard powder, red chili powder.

Mix and Leave for 1 hour.

Meanwhile..

Cut Capsicum, Tomatoes and Onion in cubes. Keep aside.

Finely dice 1/2 onion, garlic and ginger for the curry. Keep Aside.

Heat a tbsp of oil in a wok, Stir fry Onions and Capsicum with a pinch of salt and black pepper for 1 minute.

Take out and keep aside.

Heat around 3-4 tbsp of oil in the same wok, add the chopped onions and fry till transparent. Add chopped ginger garlic. Cook till fragrant.

Add the marinated chicken.

When the chicken changes color, add the diced tomatoes.

Add Salt, Black pepper, Cumin powder, Turmeric powder,Coriander powder, Red chili powder and Chinese salt. Mix

Add tomato puree and ketchup. Mix.

Add a cup of water and let it cook for 10 minutes on medium flame.

When ready to serve add the stir fried vegetables and a pinch of all spice.

Mix and serve with plain or fried rice.

Enjoy!!

Submitting this recipe to Food of The Month Contest

Submitting this recipe to Food Corner Midweek Fiesta

Submitting the recipe to Turning The Table

Triple Chocolate Brownies

Brownie Fever !!!! 

I have a test tomorrow, a hugeee ward test, but i just couldnt say no when my brother asked if i'd make him brownies right now !

I'm calling them triple chocolate brownies, as there are 3 source of chocolate in them.

They are super easy, they dont make a mess even, can be done in one bowl.

 You can whip them up in 10 minutes and pop it in the oven for 30-40 minutes, while you do something (i studied :S)

Ingredients :

Chocolate : 3 tbsp ( i used milk chocolate chips)

Oil : 1/3 cup

Cocoa powder : 1/4 cup

Sugar : 1/2 cup

Flour : 1/4 cup

Eggs : 2

Chocolate sauce : 3 tbsp

Vanilla essence : 1/2 tsp

Milk : 2 tbsp

Salt : a pinch

Method :

Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave ( I did it in a microwave)

Add oil, Mix till smooth.

Add sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, vanilla essence. Mix.

Add flour, salt and milk. Mix till smooth.

Pour in a greased tin and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees centigrade for 30-40 minutes.

Take out and cut while they are still warm.

Serve with a dollop of Vanilla Ice cream.

Enjoy!!

Submitted this recipe to Zesty Palette and Spicy Treats

Submitted this recipe to Food Of The Month Event

Submitting this recipe to 'Only' - Cookies and Cakes

Submitting this recipe to Baked Goodies

Submitting this to Full Plate Thursday and Turning The Table and Sweet Treats Thursday

Shami Kabab

I've been meaning to make this since Bakra Eid, just didnt get the time.

This is my Mother's recipe and for those who havent tried my mother's food, let me tell that she is an amazing cook!

I tripled the ingredients, as my mother freezes a few too. Made 96 kababs :D (yes, i counted :P)

Ingredients :

Beef : 1 kg (boneless, fat removed, cut in cubes)

Chickpea Lentil : 250 gm (1 pao)

Salt : to taste

Red chili powder : to taste

Cumin : 1 tsp

Black pepper whole : 1 tsp

Cinnamon : 2 sticks

Clove : 1 tsp

Black cardamom :3-4

Garlic : 9-10 large cloves

Ginger : 2 inch piece

Green chilies : 9-10

(To make the kabab)

Onion : 2 medium sized

Green chilies : 10-12

Eggs : 3-4

Coriander : 1/2 cup

Mint : 1/2 cup

Method :

Soak the lentil in water for 1 hour.

In a large pot add the beef..

...add all the spices...

...and the chickpea lentil.

Cook on low flame for 2-2 1/2 hour. Or till the meat and the lentil are tender.

Now take out half of the meat (only) in a separate pot..

...add about a cup and a half of water and let it cook for 1 more hour on low flame.

Stir occasionally. Cook till the meat is so tender that it breaks and shreds when u stir it. Take off heat and let it cool a bit. than with ur hands lightly shred the meat.

Meanwhile pass the remaining meat and lentil mixture, onion and green chilies through the mince machine.

Add eggs, coriander, mint and the shredded meat to the minced meat.

Than with your hand mix for 5-7 minutes.

This is how it will look like when its done.

Shape into kababs.

Shallow fry and Enjoy !!