Homemade Chocolate Easter Eggs

Like any other holidays, Easter is celebrated within US with equal gusto, as it heralds Spring into most parts of the country. However, Easter is always extra special for kids, as they have lots more activities to do compared to some other festivals. Right from Easter bunnies to Easter Egg Hunts, to colorful costumes and flavorful candies, there are tonnes of family activities to engage your tiny tots, the most preferred one being Making Chocolate Eggs! Though its customary to dye egg shells, kids are more excited to make Chocolate eggs which they can relish at the end, rather than make painted eggs. This simple recipe is a great way to start your kids on early in the Easter fun! [photo courtesy of Woman's Day magazine]

How To Make Chocolate Easter Eggs

The basic recipe calls for using baking chocolate and some egg-shaped moulds to make your chocolate eggs - a great way to use up some wholesale chocolate, by the way! Then how you decorate them is all your choice. There are tonnes of edible Easter decorations available in markets today - you can just buy whatever suits your theme and stick them onto your finished eggs. From flowers and birds to simple candy dots and sticklers, you will definitely find something to suit your budget, and your child's fancy. So let your child's imagination run wild, and help them create their edible Easter masterpieces!

Instructions
1. Melt the Chocolate first by placing it into a small bowl which you place inside a larger bowl which has some hot water in it (double-boiler method) Be careful not to get any water into chocolate as this will make the chocolate go wrong and not set properly.

2. While the chocolate is melting clean out the Chocolate Egg mould using a small amount of cotton wool.

3. When the chocolate is melted and has no lumps, pick up the large brush and start painting the inside of the Chocolate Egg moulds. Once you have coated the whole of the inside of the mould with chocolate, place it into the fridge for five minutes. Repeat as many times as you like, forming a thick layer inside the mould. Leave it in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to set firmly.

4. Once set, you can remove the egg from the mould. Place the mould upside-down onto the table and give a gentle tap on the top. Then gently lift the mould and the egg will stay back on the table.

Decorating the Chocolate Eggs
Mix up some royal icing in a pot, add tints of colors to make leaves or flowers, and then fill this into separate icing bags. Use proper icing attachment and pipe your desired shapes onto the chocolate eggs. You can also stick some ready-made edible Easter decorations by sticking them onto the eggs using royal icing as glue.

Methi Palak Muthiyas (Low-Fat Snack)

There's nothing like a plate of hot Palak-Methi Muthiyas with a cup of Chai on a rainy evening! And as its been pouring down here since quite a few days, we got a chance to enjoy some lazy yet delicious food that can help you lift the gloom! These Muthiyas are made with spinach and fenugreek leaves, which are then mixed with some flour, spices and onion, then rolled into logs, steamed and cooked, and finally sauteed with some seasoning. Garnished with chopped cilantro and shredded coconut, these steamed dumplings are packed with flavor, and are really high in nutrition! You can choose not to saute them at all, in which case, you can feast on a satisfying oil-free snack which any diet plan would be proud to include! They taste fabulous with Chutneys on the side, but I love having them with a cup of sweet and spicy Masala Chai!

Ingredients
1 bunch spinach leaves, chopped
1/2 bunch fenugreek leaves (methi) - chopped
1 1/2 tsp green chili-ginger paste
4 tbsp whole wheat flour
2 tbsp bengal gram flour (besan)
2 tbsp semolina (rawa)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
1/4 tsp soda-bi-carb
3 tbsp oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
2 tbsp finely chopped onion (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp fresh cream
2 tbsp chopped coriander
salt to taste

For Garnish
shredded coconut
2 tsp mustard seeds
chopped cilantro
2 tbsp oil

Method
In a bowl, combine the fenugreek and spinach leaves. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, mix it well and squeeze out all the liquid (if using frozen and thawed). Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and knead into a soft dough, using warm water. Do not make it too liquid; somewhere between a cake batter and a cookie dough.

Apply a little oil on your hands and divide the mixture into 3 parts. Now roll each part into a log. Then take a steam cooker (idli-steamer) and place all 3 logs into it. Steam for about 15-20 mins, till the outer layer becomes a little hard, and a toothpick inserted into the center of each log comes out clean.

Alternately, use a regular large pot filled with boiling water; place an inverted stell bowl inside, and balance a steel plate(thali) on the top, then place your logs on the thali. Cover with a lid, and allow to get cooked with the steam.

Once done, remove the logs and let them cool a little till they can be handled by hand. Now slice them into 1/2 inch thick oval slices or rounds.

Take 2 tbsp oil in a wok; add some mustard seeds to it. When they start spluttering, add the steamed muthiya slices to the wok. Toss around to coat evenly, then sprinkel with some shredded coconut and chopped coriander.

Serve the Palak-Methi Muthiyas with hot Tea or green cilantro chutney for a delicious light low-fat snack!

How To Choose the Best Espresso Machine

Ask any true coffee-lover worldwide about the best cup of coffee and you'd most likely get an answer "The Espresso!" This one tiny shot of pure coffee adorned with foam at the top gives a kick-start to many of us, awakening our minds and bodies and making us fit to survive through the rest of the day. Most people who haven't had a good cup of espresso typically say they don't like it because it is bitter. If espresso is bitter, it most likely hasn't been made properly as it is supposed to taste like a cup of molten bitter-sweet chocolate. It doesn't need sugar; it is naturally sweet. This belief is true at least for US, while in UK and India, the opposite might be true. In any case, so many of us depend on Barista, Starbucks or Peet's and other cafes for our daily dose of caffeine, that it's easier to invest in a high-quality espresso machine and brew your own cup, which I'm sure would not only save you a lot of "moolah", but also give you immense satisfaction! The million-dollar question though: "How to choose the perfect Espresso Machine? and How to Brew your Coffee the right way??"

The sad fact is, outside of Italy and the other Latin espresso-making countries, few people have had real espresso. Most cafés sell overpriced hot milk with coffee flavoring, and the majority of the mass market home espresso machines are designed to produce the same. So for most of us who insist on good espresso made with organic coffee beans, the only option is to make it ourselves.

Espresso is made when water is forced through a puck of ground coffee at 9 bar of pressure to extract 2 ounces in 25 seconds. However, good espresso is not easy to make — it takes practice. But with the right tools, the best java beans, and a little technique, you can enjoy this bliss at home. When buying a new Espresso Maker, ask yourself these 4 questions:

1. Does this machine produce exceptional espresso?
2. Does this machine have the steaming ability to make outstanding foam?
3. Would I be proud to use this machine in my home to serve cappuccinos and lattes to my guests?
4. Is this worth the price I pay for my coffee everyday?

These essentially translate into the following criteria:

Quality: How consistent was the machine? How good were the shots of espresso it produced? The layer of foam at the top of a shot is called the crema—how thick and well-formed was this layer? When I poured some sugar on it, did it take more than a second or two for the granules to sink through? And how well did it foam milk for cappuccinos?

Convenience/Usability: How difficult was the machine to master? How easy was the machine to use on a daily basis? How long did it take to disassemble and clean? How quickly did it heat up? Espresso cups should be warmed before use—did the machine have a cup warmer? And, for those living in cramped quarters and cooking in cramped kitchens, how much countertop space did it occupy?

Looks: Making a good cup of espresso is something of an art form, and the best espresso machines are themselves works of art. As well they should be, given how much they cost and how much time you'll spend using them (not to mention looking at them sitting on your kitchen counter). All of which is to say that, when it comes to espresso makers, looks count.

Value: On an average, a cup costs 4 bucks, and 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year gives roughly 1500 dollars per year that you spend for just one cup of coffee per day. So accommodate this in the price of the machine you are looking for, and also the added value of being able to use it anytime at home or work!

I'm sure you can find a wide variety of machines of different brands in the market. For beginners, try Saeco or Krupps. Make sure you check out some true reviews for a machine that you've seen or liked before jumping into buying it. Select ones that others have rated high based on personal experience.

I hope this write-up helps you make a suitable choice. After all, this is the first cup of morning caffeine that we are talking about, and our body deserves to be given nothing but the best and the perfect, right?!!

Chance to Win a 1000 Dollar Scholarship!

With the growing interest in social networking, it is no surprise that pretty much anything and everything can be discovered, shared, exchanged and distributed through the social media; it has opened the doors for people all around the world to unite and learn, filling up a void that existed in the online world a few years ago. So when I received an invitation to join NAPW, read about this institution, and spread word about their upcoming scholarship if I found it to be worthy, I thought it legitimate enough to give it a shot!

As an active member of LinkedIn, SWE and BlogHer forums, supporting any and every cause that gears towards education and upliftment of women is something I take as a personal priority. NAPW, which stands for The National Association of Professional Women, is a dynamic and highly inclusive woman's association that brings together thousands of accomplished women, from businesses large and small. Through networking with other members, professional women are enhancing their knowledge, improving their skills and sharing insights about becoming more productive and resourceful.

As the fastest growing professional woman's association in the nation, NAPW satisfies the needs of its members for powerful business growth and effective professional and career development through interactive online networking forums, local face-to-face chapter meetings with other members, access to local and regional seminars, web-seminars, podcasts and keynote speakers. As a small-scale entrepreneur myself, I thought it was my responsibility to share with you this unique opportunity to win a $1000 scholarship for yourself.

To promote successful careers for women, each year the NAPW awards 5 aspiring young women a $1000 scholarship to use towards their college tuition. The Rising Stars NAPW Education Scholarship is designed to help deserving students attain their educational goals, meet their professional objectives, and succeed to their fullest ability. So if you think you have what it takes to be a rising Star, take a minute to hop over to the NAPW website, learn about membership benefits, and how you can participate to win this scholarship.

Educating a woman, is educating an entire household, so I truly support this great endeavor that NAPW has undertaken. If one of my blog readers gets to be one fo the 5 lucky scholarship winners, I would be proud to the brim!!

Hail to Women's Education, and Happy Friday folks!

Self Storage Locations Are Your Best Friends While Moving!

We recently moved into our new home, in fact, out First Home - Yippeee!! and though things are still scattered all around, I fell happy, excited, and a lot less tense, because instead of dunking every piece of furniture, clothing and equipment in the new place, we took advice from our friends and rented a Self Storage Location that will hold all our stuff until we decide what goes where!

I'm sure you have a list of Things to Do before you actually Move. Moving can be a very stressful process, but with a little bit of planning, some help from friends and family, and a clear process of how you are going to tackle the move, you can make this a peaceful and stress-free adventure. One of the topmost concerns while moving is packing and relocating all your stuff to the new place. Yes, you can hire Movers who will do this for you, under your supervision, of course, but most of the times, the new place is not completely ready to take the brunt of all your stuff. And believe me, even if you stay in just a one-bedroom apartment, you'll be amazed at home much stuff you gather over time and dunk it in your closet! you might not even know you had these things, until they show their existence during the process of packing and moving. In my personal opinion, your best bet in such circumstances is to rent a Self Storage Location and move all your not-so-important stuff in there, until you have arranged all the other things in the new place, and have figured out where everything else will go.

Self-storage option can be less expensive if you expect to need it for a number of months Or if you have only a few items to store. Traditionally, self-storage facilities require you to bring your property to them. Because their primary business is self-storage, they tend to offer a better product and more flexibility. However, they can be less convenient because they require you to bring your property to them. Here are a few things to consider before deciding on whether this is right for you:

Understand the cost structure. Almost all self-storage facilities offer the first month free. What's the cost after that? is the rate guaranteed?
Is there a security deposit?
What are the late fees?
When can you access your storage facility? Is it closed on weekends, if yes, then that might not be your best bet.
Do you need to insure the goods yourself? Some homeowners policies may cover property that you put in storage.
How large a space do you need?

All these are valid questions to ask before you hone in on a storage company. Another option is on location self-storage. These companies bring mini-storage sheds, also known as PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage) to your house--you fill them up and they take them to their storage facility. While it's a neat concept, it can be a little tricky to coordinate with a larger move. These are great if you're only moving a short distance, though. But there are some that you can rent the PODS and leave them on your new facility itself. that way, you ahve access to it 24/7, and can slowly shuffle out things as you find space to arrange them in your new space.

Almost everyone I know hates Moving, because it takes up a lot of your time and energy, not to mention the million other things you need to take care of, before your Move is complete. Self Storage locations can help you take off some part of the pain associated with moving. I know it helped us, and I'm sure it could help you too, so give them a serious thought to enable a less stressful move that you had imagined!

Tandoori Aloo Masala (Potato Curry)

Its been raining like hell in North California since past couple weeks, and looks like more rain is on the horizon! Its one thing to sit at home sipping hot tea and enjoying Bhajiyas while hearing the pitter-patter of the rain, and totally another boring story to be driving to work each day in these nasty showers! Nevertheless, whenever I am down, I turn to food for comfort, and making and eating a nice comforting meal always help to lift your spirits! This hot and spicy Tandoori Aloo Masala is no exception! Enjoy it with some lovely Parathas and you'll be sure to feel good after the meal!

Ingredients
8-10 baby potatoes
1 Medium size onion (grated)
1 cup yogurt - blended
1 tbsp Coriander seeds
3 cloves
1 inch piece of cinnamon stick
2 Cardamom pods (green)
4 tbsp Ghee/oil
4-5 Bay Leaves
1 tsp each Ginger-garlic paste and chilli powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/4 tsp Tandoori masala (ready-made)
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tsp sugar (or add to taste)
salt - to taste

Method
Boil the baby potatoes, making sure they stay firm and not become too mushy. Split into halves and keep aside.

Now take ghee in a non-stick pan and let it heat. Then add the grated onions and a pinch of salt, to prevent onions from becoming bitter in taste. Saute the onions for about 2 mins, till golden and translucent.

Dry roast the cardamom seeds, cloves, coriander seeds, bay leaves, and cinnamon in another pan on medium heat. Then process them in a spice grinder to make fresh dry masala powder.
PS: If you cannot do this, add the spices directly to the onions and let them cook with it. Just remove the bay leaves and cinnamon barks after about 5 mins so they don't overpower the recipe.

Add the fresh masala to the onions and let it cook. Also add the ginger-garlic paste and saute on low-to-medium heat, stirring constantly, till it becomes reddish brown and the mixture starts separating from the oil.

Now add turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt. Fry it about a minute till everything becomes smooth and almost like a gravy.

Now add the blended yogurt, and the tandoori masala to the gravy. try to keep the gravy thick, but if it is too solid, you can add about 2 tbsp water. now add the boiled and skinned potatoes and gently roll them over to coat them evenly with the masala gravy. Add some chopped fresh coriander leaves, Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 5 mins. Stir occasionally to make sure the curry does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Add water only if needed.

Cook till thick and muchy, then remove from flame, garnish with some chopped cilantro and chillies, and serve hot with some Parathas!

Also take a minute to check out this recipe for Tandoori Aloo which is a great appetizer or a side dish for parties

10 Minute Peanut Brittle Microwave Recipe

I might be a tad bit late in posting this easy Christmas treat recipe, but when a 5-month old governs your life, its hard to squeeze out time for blogging! In any case, I think you'll find several occasions to make this hassle-free Peanut Brittle which is a great treat all year round. What's more, this fail-proof 10-Minute Microwave recipe makes it very easy to enjoy this favorite dessert with friends and family. And it will undoubtedly be loved by your kids too. For delicious variations, replace peanuts with almonds, walnuts, pecans, or even a mixture of your favorite nuts! Use the basic brittle recipe, and feel free to play around with your choice of nuts.

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup raw peanuts
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda

Method
Combine first 4 ingredients in 2-quart microwave mixing bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes.

Then Add butter and Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Brittle should not get too brown.

Stir in vanilla and soda until light and foamy. Spread on buttered baking sheet as thinly as possible. Allow to Cool completely. Break into small pieces and store in an airtight container.

For a great holiday gift, wrap up some pieces in cellophane paper or tissue wrapper, or even a fancy cloth, then tie with a decorative ribbon and share with friends this holiday season.

Tip: The trick to making thin, tender peanut brittle is to keep the baking sheet(s) you use warm. You can heat them in a conventional oven at around 200 deg F before you spread the peanut brittle mix. This should allow you to spread the mix 1cm to 2cm thick without it setting up.

There, hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and wish you all a wonderful New Year ahead!