Top 10 EYK! Posts of 2010

Ushering the New Year, I am very grateful for all my faithful readers. I've made some lovely blogger friends too. Enriching Your Kid! would never have been successful without your support and encouragement. Wishing you a Blessed and Prosperous 2011! Leaving the most popular recipes of the year. Enjoy!

Aloe Wine

Cheers!.. Wishing you a Blessed and Healthy Christmas!

Rainbow Nutrition

Its time for another International Incident Party and this time the theme being COLOUR.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ela Ada/ Rice Dumpling In A Leaf

Ela Ada- ela means leaf and ada could be translated as dumpling I think. A classic Keralite dish.

Christmas Giveaway

As we enter the season of Christmas here's a giveaway for my readers courtesy CSN stores. Their products ranging from sling backpacks to cookware seem to be ever expanding.

So here's a gift certificate for you worth $65 to use for any product from any of their sites this festive season. You can also gift it to a relative or friend in the spirit of Christmas.

Mushroom Curry

Here's a very simple, easy to make mushroom curry with Indian spices. Just ideal for rotis or rice.

Chicken Corn Kebabs

Chicken kebabs have been on my list for a while. I did prepare them a couple of times, but I liked this version the best and it was certainly kid certified!
Though most recipes for kebabs require chicken mince, I prefer buying chicken breast and mincing at home. I've also kept the spices low, though a classic Indian kebab would be loaded with spices. You can throw in the garam masala and chilli powder if you like it hot. The mint dipping sauce or pudina chutney is another Indian favourite and spicy enough. A good combination on a rainy day. Can be included as part of school lunch.
The winner of the Childrens day giveaway is Kelly Parr. Stay tuned for more giveaways.

Peach and Avocado Salsa-Guest Post

As we celebrate Children's Day in India this weekend I have a very special guest. Simona from Alison's trials. Simona is a very versatile food blogger from Romania. The one outstanding trait of her dishes that have me baffled always; is her creative combinations with raw foods. We all know that salads are healthy, but are you wondering how to pep it up for your kids and family?

Chocolate Panacotta

We were shopping for groceries and Jo kept himself busy with the TV in the kid's corner. Here's where he saw batman for the first time. So on our way back...

Edible Diyas- Guest Post

I did my very first guest post Edible Diyas for Mary Ann Dames at Reading Writing and Recipes. Mary Ann had given us a precious post on picky eaters- Who's in Control? some months ago. Her blog includes both kid-friendly recipes as well as reading, writing and fun activities for kids. A must visit for parents and kids. Hop over to read my post.

Children's Day Giveaway

The 14th of November is celebrated in India as Children's Day. It is the birth anniversary of independent India’s first Prime Minister – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. His birthday has been chosen to celebrate Children's Day because he had a great love and passion for children.
On this ocassion Enriching Your Kid! with CSN stores offers you a giveaway.
Their products ranging from kitchen bar stools to cookware seem to be ever expanding.

Dal/Lentils

There's nothing as comforting as eating some hot dal-roti. Though I do make dal on a regular basis, I never thought of blogging about it. It's one of those regular dishes that you feel is not special enough to blog about. 

Avocado Smoothie

Here's a nutrition filled lip-smacking smoothie to begin the day. Since it is the first time I am blogging on Avocado, I looked up the health benefits. There were so many that I decided to keep it for the next post.

Kids will love this one.

Apple Bread Pudding

I've come a long way since I posted my first bread pudding. In this version, I've  substituted sugar for jaggery a very healthy option. The apple gives a fruity kick(besides keeping the doctor away). Of course I have only used brown bread, in case you still havent converted to brown, here's why you should.

Another Exciting Giveaway

Here's this month's giveaway from our favourite stores CSN. Their products ranging from console tables to cookware of products seem to be ever expanding.

So here's a gift certificate for you worth $45 to use for any product from any of their sites.

Egg Chutney-International Egg Incident

Egg wha?? I hear you say. Yes you read right.This is presenting egg chutney with crouton sticks.

Yard Long Beans Thoran

While preparing this post I realised how many varieties of beans are there in the world. And there are so many names in which each one is referred to! Here's a bean thats one of my favourites, I always referred to it as "payar" or "chowli". These are the names in other parts of the world-

Fish Roe Omelette

Fish roe omelette is one dish that I have fond memories of. I tried to replicate the taste of the way in which my mom prepared this, but I wasnt successful. Mom prepared this for me on her recent visit and I realised that it wasnt so complicated after all!

Chicken Farfalle

  

 Farfalle are a type of pasta. Commonly known as "bow-tie pasta," the name is derived from the Italian word farfalla (butterfly). The "e" at the end of the word is the Italian feminine plural ending, making the meaning of the word "butterflies." 

The Nutmeg Fruit

My mom had visited us recently. On her way here she had also paid a visit to my grandmom in Kerala. From there she brought me this beautiful nutmeg fruit to show me and for the benefit of my lovely readers. My uncle in Kerala has a few nutmeg trees in his plantation.

Teacher's Day Giveaway

For a school going child the role of the teacher is one next to his parents. Teacher's Day in India is celebrated on the 5th of September every year. It is the birthday of the second President of India, academic philosopher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Childen in India felicitate their teachers in a special way and in the senior classes dress up like their teachers and role play. The celebrations culminate with a cultural programme and a feast for the teachers. Its fun, I still remember how we had our teachers in splits over our mimickry.

Chole/ Chana Masala

Chole(pronounced as cho-lay) or Chana masala is a popular Punjabi(north-Indian) preparation. Its a side-dish with chickpeas in sour sauce. Usually eaten with batura, or roti. But I can have it as a healthy brunch.

Wholemeal Oatmeal Scones-International Scones Incident

Have to say I wouldnt attempt scones if it hadnt been for the International Party.

Appam

I haven't been blogging for a while, for all the reasons Mommies take a break from blogging. Hoping to be more regular and catch up with your blogs soon.

Broccoli Lentil/ Dal

Broccoli is a Superfood that packs the most nutritional punch of any vegetable. It belongs to the cabbage family collectively known as "cruciferous" vegetables. Health organizations state cruciferous veggies as must have foods recommending we eat them several times a week since they are linked to lower rates of cancer. Broccoli is a storehouse of protein, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, Vitamin A and C.

Friendship Day Giveaway!

CSN stores which operates many online stores that sell everything from dinnerware sets to furniture or fixtures- you name it, has offered a $40 gift certificate giveaway for my wonderful readers. Shopping with CSN is extremely covenient,  and a very satisfying experience, do check out their products.

Bhapa Doi- Steamed Yoghurt Dessert

Bhapa Doi is a Bengali dessert. Bhapa meaning steamed and Doi means yoghurt. My niece had tried it recently and declared it a must-have. I've followed the recipe exactly as she had given me and we truly relished it. Simple to prepare and delicious. Can also be given as one of the baby's first foods.

Plum Chutney

Gotta say this was one gorgeous looking chutney with a very unique taste! I followed the same recipe I had used for Tomato Chutney. Tastes fantastic with parathas.

Anniversaire!

Today is a very special occassion for me as well as for Enriching Your Kid! My wedding anniversary and my first blogoversary as well.

Moong Wholemeal Tacos with ScrambledCottage Cheese-International Tacos Incident

Time for yet another International Party. Don't I love them now. I guess you are used to my Indian versions of what I bring to the party by now. This one was tough to crack I must say. Usually taco shells are made from tortillas which are usually made from white flour or cornmeal. I've prepared the shells puri style with added nutrition from the moong. Hope everyone at the party enjoys them.

Banana Flower with Moong

 Having posted about the Banana Flower I had an overwhelming response from all of you. Sharing with you my mom's recipe though I didnt manage to acquire the exact taste. You can serve it as a side-dish for rotis, rice or parathas.

Banana Flower

The banana tree is a wonder plant that every part of the tree is used for cooking purposes. Have you ever tried cooking the banana flower or banana blossom? Purple in colour, heart-shaped, it is commonly seen in the Indian markets where it is considered a vegetable.

Jackfruit Panacotta

Panacotta (from Italian cooked cream) is an Italian dessert made by simmering together cream, milk and sugar, mixing this with gelatin, and letting it cool until set. It is generally from the Northern Italian region of Piemonte, although it is eaten all over Italy, where it is served with wild berries, caramel, chocolate sauce or fruit coulis. It is not known exactly how or when this dessert came to be, but some theories suggest that cream, for which mountainous Northern Italy is famous, was historically eaten plain or sweetened with fruit or hazelnuts.

Vermicilli Biryani with Tahini- International Noodles Incident

Its that time of the month, that calls for another International Incident. I so enjoy these incidents for the fresh excitement and challenge that they bring along. Its fun to stretch the creativity and post at the same time across the globe. This times theme being "noodles" here's an Indian biryani of the Italian vermicilli with the Mediteranean Tahini. Howzzat for International?

Giveaway

Its giveaway time again.
Here's a lovely Cucina Pro Cordless Crepe Maker from CSN stores which operates many online stores that sell everything from lights to cookware. CSN offers such a fantastic variety of products that I always have a tough time to decide on one.

Chicken Jalfrezi

Have you ever observed how role modelling affects a child?

Jackfruit Crumble

Here's one of those recipes from my mom's collection. One that has childhood memories attached to it. I've been meaning to prepare this since a long time, however the aroma of a ripe jackfruit is too tempting to keep aside for the crumble. Recently my nephew visited us with a generous helping of this luscious fruit, so I decided to finally try it out.

Spiced Beef in Toasted Sesame

It's back to school for Joel tomorrow- a change in our schedules, excitement, anxiety...sigh!

Tropical Fruit and Nut Smoothie - Beat The Heat!

The month of June heralds two very important changes in this part of the globe. The monsoons and the begining of a new academic year. The Met department predicts that monsoon will hit us today. Lets see how accurate they are, till then we continue to beat the heat expectantly.
I've adapted this smoothie from Sanjeev Kapoor's recipes. A great combination of tropical fruits and nuts. Cool and healthy!

Black Trumpet Mushroom Sago Papadums

A Blackforest and your Wishes!

Mommy Bloggers e-book

Paneer-Malai Kofta - International Dumpling Incident

Time for the next International Party! This time since it is on Dumplings I decided to prepare one of my favourites. Paneer-Malai Kofta/ Cottage Cheese-Fresh Cream Dumplings another North Indian Classic served best with butter naan. A recipe from my files, that I havent prepared since a long time.

We are celebrating a lot of birthdays this time, including mine.

Who is in control? Guest Post

On the occassion of Mother's Day I have a very special guest -MaryAnn Dames. MaryAnn is a Registered Dietitian and children's author. Her blog includes both kid-friendly recipes as well as reading, writing and fun activities for kids. Her writing style is a reflection of her genuine love for children and creativity. I enjoy reading her posts and am sure my kids would love them when they are able to read.

Horsegram Dosa/Muthira Dosa

I have been meaning to try this recipe since a while, finally got down to it. Should say am quite happy with the outcome.

Mommy Bloggers

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Tahini

Tahini  (Arabic tahina) or sesame paste is a paste of ground sesame seeds used in cooking. North African/West Asian tahini is made of hulled, lightly roasted seeds. East Asian sesame paste is made of unhulled seeds. So that explains the brown colour of my tahini.

Pineapple Jam

Pineapple jam- a great way to eat this lovely fruit. This is the first time I tried making jam out of pineapple and it is o so delicious! Just that I cant believe that a whole pineapple is reduced to just one bowl of jam. Maybe next time, I'll put 2 pineapples for that. Your kids would love this one! If they dont go ahead and wallop it guilt-free.

Chickpea Crepes with Tofu Crumble/ Besan Chila

A chila is a North-Indian crepe made out of chickpea flour. You can have your chila with chutney or roll it around a stuffing like Tofu Crumble. Very simple to prepare, you can serve it for breakfast or for snacks.

Tofu Crumble

Many of my readers are very fond of tofu and have asked me to suggest more ways of using tofu. Here's a great way to prepare tofu loaded with veggies. You can serve this with rotis and also a great way to stuff a chillah. In my next post I will provide the recipe for chickpea flour( besan) chillah (crepes).

So here's a simple and yet nutritious recipe with your favourite tofu.

Healthy Wholemeal Spiced Veg Pizza- International Pizza Pie Incident

After the huge success of the International Gnocchi party, its time for the International Pizza party. Though I was a first-timer at gnocchi, this time I wasnt willing to risk that since it came to matters of the yeast, and its also our host's Birthday.

Pumpkin Bolo-de-fuba cremoso

Raw Mango Pickle

Summer in India is not only time to Beat the Heat, but a time to prepare your pickles and papads.

Easter Sunday and a White Chocolate Cheesecake- Guest Post

On the occassion of Easter Sunday I have a very special guest. It's none other than the lovely Divina from Sense and Serendipity.

Watermelon-Mint Crush- Beat the Heat!

Since its the first time I am blogging on the watermelon I thought of doing some research on this refreshing fruit. Was I in for a surprise with some of the facts I found!

Health Benefits

• Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight, thus has an excellent capacity to rehydrate and gives a special cooling effect.
• It is packed with some of the most important antioxidants found in nature.
• Contains large amounts of beta-carotene (one can guess with the colour).
• The red flesh is a significant source of lycopene. This can help reduce the risk of prostrate cancer. Infact it is the only fruit that contains higher concentrations of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.
• It is rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium that we lose through our perspiration.
• Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Food experts recommend watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin B1 and magnesium. Because of its higher water content approximately ninety percent and calorie value it is ranked more valuable than other fruits. 

Did You Know?

• Watermelon rinds are also edible, and sometimes used as a vegetable. In China, they are stir-fried, stewed, or more often pickled. When stir-fried, the de-skinned and de-fruited rind is cooked with olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, scallions, sugar and rum. Pickled watermelon rind is also commonly consumed in the Southern US, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria.
• In Japan, farmers of the Zentsuji region found a way to grow cubic watermelons, by growing the fruits in glass boxes and letting them naturally assume the shape of the receptacle. The square shape is designed to make the melons easier to stack and store, but the square watermelons are often more than double the price of normal ones. Pyramid shaped watermelons have also been developed and any polygonal shape may potentially also be used.
• There are more than 1200 varieties of watermelon ranging in size from less than a pound, to more than 200 pounds with flesh that is red, orange, yellow, or white.
• Yellow Crimson Watermelon has been described as "sweeter" and more "honey" flavoured than the more popular red flesh watermelon.

Watermelon-Mint Crush

Ingredients-
A sprig of mint leaves
Chilled watermelon cubes
2 ice cubes

Preparation-

• In a juicer, run the washed mint leaves, with a cube of ice.
• Add the deseeded watermelon cubes with another cube and juice.
• Serve chilled and Beat the Heat!