ASPARAGUS PESTO

Ingredients-

3 cloves garlic
1 1/4 cup fresh asparagus, diced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt

Method-

* In a food processor, pulse garlic until well crushed.
* Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth

TANGY SWEET CASHEWNUTS

Ingredients-

1 cup raw cashewnut
1/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp freshly crushed pepper

Method-

* In a large pan, combine cashewnut and sugar over medium high heat.
* Stir frequently until sugar starts to melt.
* Lower heat, and stir continuously for 10 minutes, or until sugar starts to fully melt and cover nuts.
* Add pepper and continue to cook for an additional minute or two, until nuts are well glazed and pepper is well mixed in.
* Add lemon zest and stir until well mixed.
* Pour onto waxpaper on a cooling rack, and spread out.
* Allow to cool. Store in tightly-sealed container.

OLIVE CHEESE BITES

Ingredients-

1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili pwd
1/2 tsp garlic, chopped
2 cups grated cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2/3 cup chopped black olives

Method-

* Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic, cheese, and olives in a bowl.
* In a small bowl, beat egg and milk together.
* Add to bowl with dry ingredients, and combine well.
* Drop by teaspoonful onto greased baking tray.
* Place in preheated oven, and bake 10-15 minutes, until done.
* Allow to cool on a cooling rack for a few minutes before serving.

SPAGHETTI NAPOLITAN FRITTATA

Ingredients-

Boiled spaghetti, one handful (can use any other pasta instead)
3 tbsp tomato concasse
1 tomato, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp basil, shredded
3 eggs, beaten
Salt to taste
Black pepper, crushed, to taste
2 tbsp mozzarella, grated

Method-

* In a non-stick pan, saute onion and garlic with olive oil.
* Add the concasse and the spaghetti and toss well.
* Add the chopped tomato and basil and toss.
* Mix in the beaten eggs.
* Season with salt and pepper.
* Let it cook on a slow flame.
* When the bottom is golden brown top with cheese.
* Flip over the frittata and cook the other side till golden brown.
* Cut into wedges and serve along with a salad of your choice or a crusty bread.

SWEET CHILI PEANUTS

1 cup dry roasted unsalted peanuts
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp chilli flakes
zest of 2 lemon

Method-

* In a large pan, combine peanuts and sugar over medium high heat.
* Stir frequently until sugar starts to melt.
* Lower heat, and stir continuously for 10 minutes, or until sugar starts to fully melt and cover nuts.
* Add chilli and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds, until nuts are well glazed and chilli is well mixed in.
* Add lime zest and stir until well mixed.
* Pour onto wax paper on a cooling rack or a greased tray and spread out.
* Allow to cool.
* Break into pieces and ENJOY !!!!!!

LEMON CHILI PEANUTS

Ingredients-

1 cup raw peanuts
1 onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
2 tbsp coriander, chopped
Salt to taste
Lemon juice to taste

Method-

* Fry the peanuts and drain excess oil.
* Mix the rest of the ingredients.
* Check for seasoning.

VEGGIE ON HORSEBACK

Ingredients-

Bread slices
Cheese, grated(processed or cheddar)
Tomato ketchup

Method-

* Toast the bread slices on both sides till very crisp.
* Top with a small mountain of grated cheese.
* Top with a small dollop of ketchup.
* Garnish with a sprig of coriander.

NOTE- U can also use spicy chilli sauce instead of ketchup. And originally in the snack, made by my mom when i was small , the bread was deep fried and this would make the bread extremely crisp. But toasting hte bread makes it a little more healthier. And stops the guilt pang. But miss mom when i have this.

BREAKFAST COUSCOUS

Ingredients-
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup couscous
1/4 cup cranberries
1/4 cup raisins
1/8 cup golden flax seed (or regular)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon pwd
1/8 tsp salt

Method-

* Bring water to boil in small saucepan.
* Add remaining ingredients, remove from heat.
* Cover and let stand 10 minutes.
* Serve either hot or cold.
* Mix all the dry ingredients and store them in a jar. Just add water and instant breakfast is ready in 2 min.

GREEN CHILLI AND COCONUT CHUTNEY

Ingredients-
2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and stems, coarsely chopped
4 green chillies, coarsely chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tsp ginger, chopped
1 cup grated coconut
1/2 tsp toasted cumin seeds
3 tbsp fresh lime juice

Method-

* In a food processor, process cilantro, chillies, garlic, and ginger until finely chopped.
* Add coconut, crushed toasted cumin seeds, and lime juice, and blend until well combined.
* Do not overprocess.
* Serve right away, or allow flavors to make friends in the refrigerator for a few hours.

SCALLOP AND PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE

Ingredients-
1 1/2 cups of Basmati rice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp ginger, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
120 gms scallops
1 cup pineapple, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tbsp coriander, chopped

Method-

* Boil a medium pot of salted water.
* Stir in the rice and boil for 10 minutes (until done).
* Drain the rice and set aside to cool.
* Heat oil in a large nonstick pan or wok.
* Add the ginger and garlic.
* Stir-fry until lightly browned (about 2 minutes).
* Add the scallops and stir-fry until done (about 3 minutes).
* Add rice, pineapple, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
* Stir-fry until thoroughly heated.
* Sprinkle with coriander and serve.