Blog - Sugar et al

Chocolate Pistachio Muffins

18|07|2013

Muffins were probably the first things I learnt to bake. As a child, I only knew two flavours. Vanilla and Chocolate. We had an old fashioned portable round oven which would sit on the floor during baking times and otherwise tucked away in one corner of the house. Baking was not very popular in Indian homes and my mother was probably one of the few bakers I knew existed at that point in time. Before I was allowed to take complete control of the oven, my job was to butter the muffin tins which were of all possible shapes and sizes. And to ward off my then toddler sister and crawling brother from attacking the oven. I enjoyed the first but loved the second one! Because it meant sitting close to the oven.

Its funny when I think about how I would sit right next to the equipment and peek into its glass face to see the muffins rise before my eyes. Sometimes I would see my mother adding dried orange peel or nuts. Pistachios and cashew nuts were a favourite in my house and they would make an appearance in all sweet treats, Indian or otherwise.

I took out coloured liners to bake these muffins but on an impulse decided to bake them in different sized tart pans. Just like I did when I was a little girl. We didn’t even know then that muffin liners existed. I am very nostalgic lately. And with good reason. I will be meeting my family after a year…in fact going back home after 2 years. I am more excited for my boys and of course their grand parents who find joy in nothing more than holding them close.

Coming back to the muffins, they are simple, moist and soft on account of the buttermilk and quite chocolatey too. No creaming of the butter so I love it all the more. The original recipe called for chocolate chips but I have replaced them completely with chopped pistachios. Hence they have a nice nutty crunch to them. It goes without saying that you can use any of your favourite nuts, chocolate chips, sultanas etc. These are perfect for the lunchbox or a tea time snack.

And even better accompanied by stories that you share with your children about what you baked or ate as a child…

Chocolate Pistachio Muffins (adapted from Joy of Baking)

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 Cups (230 g) all-purpose flour
2/3 Cup (60 g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
11/4 Cups (265 g) Light Brown Sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
extra pistachios for garnish

Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. Butter or line muffin cups with paper liners (I used tart pans).

In a large measuring cup or bowl whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk and Vanilla extract.

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the chopped nuts. With a rubber spatula fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir only until the ingredients are combined. Do not over mix the batter or tough muffins will result.

Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Sprinkle with the extra chopped pistachios. Place in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre of a muffin comes out clean, about 15-20 mins. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for about 5 mins before removing from pan.

Note: Baking times will vary according to the size of the muffin cups. If you are using two different sizes like me, you will need to check the smaller ones after 10 mins as they will bake in lesser time.

Gluten-free Amaretti Cookies

12|07|2013

‘What are you baking Mama?’ asked my 3 and a half-year old as soon as he opened his eyelids in the morning. The house was filled with the smell of freshly baked amaretti cookies. He leaped out of bed in excitement and stood in the kitchen trying to peek into the oven. The smell of almonds and caramelised sugar was enough to drive anybody crazy, let alone the rapidly developing senses of a little sugar hungry boy. He ran to tell his brother.

“Wake up, We will have cookies for breakfast’

When did I say that! I couldn’t help but smile at the sweet exchange of words taking place between them, around the cookies.

The temperatures have been dropping a wee bit every day and I find the best way to keep warm is to switch on the oven. Even if it means 6.30 in the morning.

These Italian cookies are little bites of Heaven. They are so so good. Almonds and sugar…what a magical pair! And the good news for you..no butter, no flour! They are ready in no time and they tend to leave me with a ‘is that it?’ kind of feeling. Delicate, light, airy with a crunchy exterior and a soft chewy centre. And the scent…Oh! I could bake them every single day.

You know, I just had a thought! If I should rename my blog..

…Sugar, Almond, Raspberry et al..

Amaretti Cookies (recipe adapted from Eugenie kitchen)

Yields 15

1 egg white (strictly medium size)
1/3 cup castor sugar (75 g)
4/5 cup + 1 tablespoon ground almonds (85 g)
1/4 teaspoon almond extract/essence (or vanilla extract)
A Pinch of salt
Additional confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven at 200 degrees C. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Cookies are sticky. So if you want, use silicon pad or butter the parchment paper.

Beat the egg whites until doubled (not too firm). Add in the sugar and whisk just until combined. Fold in ground almonds, almond extract, and salt cutting the batter carefully with a spatula.

Make small balls with hands and place the cookies on the parchment paper. Dust them with confectioner’s sugar.

Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Cornflake, Cranberry and Raisin Cookies

8|07|2013

Did you like cereal as a child? I love them now but they never made it to my favourite breakfast list when I was a child. I think I know why! Because they were never as sugary or nutty or as flavourful as they are today. And now I snack on them whenever I am hungry, straight out of the box, pretty much throughout the day.

My title is kind of deceptive isn’t it? Sounds like a big bowl of health. Yes, the ingredients more or less form a part of the breakfast category. But I am not promoting health here. I can say with absolute certainty that I am promoting deliciousness with a few healthy ingredients.

These cookies are so quick and easy to make. They get a nice crunch from the corn flakes and a lovely chewy tang from the cranberries and raisins. The recipe is totally adaptable to use chocolate chips or nuts instead. Also, any crunchy cereal should work. Once, someone asked me if this was a means of getting nutrition over to my kids like a lot of mothers do. Well, fortunately I did not have to. Both my boys are pretty adventurous about food and I have never had to hide cereals in a cookie. But coming to think of it, it’s a fantastic idea for fussy or picky eaters. Because these are delicious and addictive. And bright and cheerful.

Big kids will love them too!

Cornflake, Cranberry and Raisin Cookies (adapted with variation from Taste.com)

Yields 16 cookies

125g butter, chopped, at room temperature
2/3 cup castor sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/4 cups self-raising flour, sifted (or 11/4 cup plain flour plus 1 tsp baking powder)
1 tbsp milk
1 1/2 cups cornflakes
1/2 cup cranberries
1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line two large flat baking trays with non-stick paper.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla essence in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add the flour and mix on low-speed until just combined. Add milk and mix until dough comes together. Using a wooden spoon, stir in corn flakes and sultanas, and mix until well combined.

Using 1 tbsp of mixture, roll into balls. Place onto baking trays allowing room for spreading. Flatten slightly with a spatula. Bake for 12-14 minutes, swapping trays after 8 minutes or until light golden. Stand for 5 minutes on tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

Rhubarb Almond Crumb Cake

2|07|2013

I love using almonds in my cakes. I am always looking for recipes where I can substitute flour with almond meal or any other nut meal. Not only is it healthy, but it gives an amazing texture to the cakes. Rich but not heavy. Last time I paired it with orange to make a gluten-free treat but this time I wanted a recipe that would also use up the flaked almonds lying in my cupboard. The rhubarb almond crumb cake is sweet, tart, moist, crunchy all at the same time.

I made it for my friends who were coming over for afternoon tea. And everybody like it. The best thing about this cake is its different textures…the cake with the rhubarb and then the crumb topping. And the flaked almonds. This is one of those fuss free cakes where you just toss everything into a bowl and mix. I love recipes where you don’t need to cream the butter.

Rhubarb can at times be quite tart but in this recipe it just balances out. Being a colour fanatic, I also love the way it looks. Rustic brown and pink. I kept the styling to a minimum as I thought it didn’t need any. The cake is best served warm with some whipped cream on the side. Alternately, you can use hulled, chopped strawberries, peaches, apricots or any other fleshy fruit.

Not very long ago, I had a reputation of making everyone wait at the table because I had to photograph the dish. Especially warm dishes. I would end up on a guilt trip after that. And though I actually make loads of savoury dishes, I stopped photographing them. Gradually, I am learning the different tips and tricks of the trade.

This one however, came out of the oven and was a breeze.

Rhubarb Almond Crumb Cake (adapted with variation from Taste.com)

Serves 8-10

1 (550g) bunch young rhubarb
240g (1 1/2 cups) icing sugar
50g (1/2 cup) plain flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
125g almond meal
185g unsalted butter, melted
6 egg whites
1 1/2 tablespoons Demerara sugar/brown sugar

Crumb topping

40g castor sugar (3 tbsp)
60g plain flour (1/2 cup)
40g unsalted butter, softened
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
60g sliced/flaked almonds

For topping, combine sugar and flour in a bowl, then rub in butter until mixture forms clumps. Rub through the orange zest until evenly combined.

Trim leaves and ends from rhubarb and discard, then cut into 2cm lengths.

Preheat oven to 190°C. Grease a 24cm square cake tin (or a rectangular tin, 32cm by 16 cm) and line with baking paper. Push sugar, flour, cinnamon and almond meal through a coarse sieve over a bowl, then stir in butter and egg whites until just combined. Spoon into tin, scatter with half the crumb topping, then rhubarb, then remaining topping. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and demerara sugar and bake for 40 minutes or until firm. Cool in tin for 10 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

No Churn Raspberry Ice Cream

28|06|2013

Well, I suppose I told you that my Raspberry mania did not end with my raspberry cupcakes. Actually I doubt if it will ever end. Raspberries have taken over my life at the moment. After spending a good amount of time reading up on how to freeze berries, I promised myself I will wait till summer. Passing by the freezer section at the supermarket, I forgot all about my resolve and got a larger pack this time. And thus began the raspberry madness. All over again.

I notice ice cream recipes, frozen yoghurt all over the blogosphere. So I decided to make one too. I love this recipe to bits. The colour just blows me away. What an amazing pink! And the taste.. Honestly the only reason you wouldn’t make this is if didn’t have access to raspberries. Or if eggs (egg white) are an absolute no-no. Once you do…you are addicted for life! Like me:-) The recipe, rather somewhat similar recipe was featured on Masterchef Australia with different set of fruits. I adapted the concept with a bit of variation on the ingredients and proportions to suit myself. And it worked beautifully for me.

Can it get simpler than this? Just 3 ingredients! No ice cream machine! Dairy free too. And so easy to make. Texturally it is like a ice-cream but tastes like a sorbet. The ice cream can be stored for up to a month in your freezer.

No Churn Raspberry Ice Cream

250 g frozen raspberries (if you have fresh raspberries, just put them in the freezer in an airtight container and freeze overnite)
3/4 cup castor sugar
1 egg white

In the bowl of your electric mixer or with your hand mixer whisk all the ingredients together on high-speed, till the mixture doubles in volume (about 5-7 minutes)

Pour the mixture into an ice cream container or any air tight container and freeze for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight. I stored mine in a glass tray and covered tightly with cling film.

Irish Cream Milk Chocolate Mousse

24|06|2013

It poured incessantly all weekend. Rains are great but not when it is already cold. And definitely not during the weekend. When I woke up to the rains on Saturday morning, I imagined how our weekend would turn out, walled in with no adventure. But to lift up the spirits, the Husband served a gourmet breakfast, all plated up with the perfect amount of cheese. Loads of it! Now that was not a bad start.

It did not shower in a huge downpour…just an annoying drizzle that wouldn’t go away. We came up with the idea of an impromptu visit to our earlier suburb. The twins instantly recognised the place, much to my surprise and became very excited. And so was I. That familiar lanes, shops, faces, library, parks and the BAKEWARE store. I realised how much I missed this place. We had a Vietnamese lunch at our usual table at the restaurant and talked about memories of our stay in that locality. I had stayed a considerable amount of time with the kids alone there on account of my husband’s work related travel but I was almost always at ease. Guess who I had for a neighbour. The cops!

During the course of the conversation, I was reminded of this dessert that I had made for myself at midnight during one such long travel. I made four servings, added a good deal of liquor (far more than the recipe), refrigerated them for setting up, piped a little decoration the first thing I woke up in the morning, took pictures, posted them on Facebook (for my husband to see:-)). And devoured them myself! It definitely made me feel good…and a little less lonely. Bailey’s Irish cream, I think can by default takes you to Heaven. When you add chocolate to it…need I say more!! Have you ever made something fancy, just for yourself? I would love to hear your stories.

Until this day, one of the pictures was the profile photograph of my blog’s Facebook page. But l missed posting this beauty. When I came back home, I looked up some old folders and found what I was looking for. And a lot more. So many posts that never happened. Or should I say, yet to happen.

The forecast is calling for rains all week. But guess who’s not disheartened.

Rains are great!!

Irish Cream Milk Chocolate Mousse
Serves 4

4 Egg Yolks
¼ Cup Sugar(or to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ Cup heavy cream for the custard (Crème Anglaise)
3/4 Cup Milk Chocolate chopped or broken into cubes
1 teaspoon powdered gelatine
1 Cup Heavy Cream for whipping

2 Tablespoons Irish Cream (preferably Baileys)

Heat the ½ cup cream over medium heat in a saucepan. Beat the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl. When the cream reaches boiling point take it off the heat, let it cool till just warm and add the gelatine. Let the mixture stand till the gelatine becomes puffy. Reheat the cream slightly till gelatine dissolves and slowly pour it over the egg mixture whisking constantly. Return the egg-cream mixture to the pan.

Heat the mixture under a medium-low flame, whisking constantly till the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is called a Creme anglaise/custard.

Place the milk chocolate in a bowl. Remove the custard from heat and pass it through a sieve into the bowl of chocolate. Let the mixture remain undisturbed for a while. Stir to smoothen out the chocolate. Cool to room temperature.

While the custard is cooling, whip the remaining 1 cup cream to stiff peaks. Add the 2 tablespoons of Irish cream and mix gently. Store in the refrigerator till needed.

When the chocolate mixture has cooled down completely add it to the whipped cream gradually & fold in till no white streaks appear. Pour into serving glasses. Refrigerate till set, about 4 hours or preferably overnight.

To serve, pipe a little swirl of whipped cream or simply dust with cocoa powder.

Raspberry Cupcakes with White Chocolate Ganache Frosting

20|06|2013

If someone ever asked me what I miss most about summer, my answer would be the daylight and BERRIES! With the evenings getting colder and darkness setting in by mid afternoon, I am almost ready to retreat into a hibernating mode. While Summer is nowhere near and little that I can do about daylight, there is technology and there are Berries. If not fresh, then frozen!

As much as I love the colourful little jewels of deliciousness, I have always shied away from freezing them or buying frozen pre-packs. There is definitely a freshness that seasonal berries would contribute but I realised there is a lot that can be done with frozen ones. Looking at the prices of fresh raspberries at this time of the year, I finally convinced myself to get a frozen pack. And since then, I have been reading up on how to freeze berries during season.

Buying fruits in bulk during season and preserving them is not only a great way of saving money but allows you to enjoy your favourite fruits all year-long. Honestly, with whatever I have read, it is a simple process with no fancy equipment.

Pretty pleased with the way my cupcakes turned out I made 2 more desserts and I thought they looked spectacular and tasted just as good. I can’t wait to post them all. The cupcakes by themselves were great but I wanted to turn it into a raspberry celebration so I made a white chocolate ganache frosting and drizzled some home-made raspberry sauce. So, there you go..my raspberry celebration cupcakes!

Sorbets, mousse, smoothies, jams, sauces, fillings for cookies and cupcakes there is so much that can be done with frozen berries. There is a lot of information available on the net on freezing fruits too. The forthcoming summer, I am looking forward to freezing and stocking up my berries and using them in every possible way. How about you?

I also wanted to give you a little heads up on some progress I have made with the software part on my blog. I have finally manged to import my Tastespotting, Foodgawker badges. Also, subscriptions are available through Feedburner now. For existing subscribers, I have already moved it manually. Let me know if you are facing any issues. My Recipe Index page is updated too. I cannot tell you how relieved I am at the moment. Now, all I need is to bite into my little red cupcakes.

And Celebrate…

Raspberry Celebration Cupcakes with White Chocolate Ganache Frosting
The recipe can be totally adapted to use fresh raspberries

Raspberry Cupcakes (cupcakes adapted from Coles recipes)
Serves 10

100 g Butter, at room temperature, chopped
1/2 cup Caster Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Essence
2 Eggs
1 cup Self-raising Flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 tsp baking powder)
1/3 cup Milk
1 cup Frozen Raspberries, thawed

Preheat oven to 170°C or 150°C fan forced and line 10 medium muffin tins with paper cases. Using electric beaters, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Fold in half the flour, then all the milk, then remaining flour, until just combined. Fold through raspberries. Spoon into prepared cases. Bake for 20 mins, or until the cakes are springy to a light touch. Leave in tin for 5 mins, then lift out onto a wire rack to cool.

To serve, pipe swirls with white chocolate frosting (recipe below) or spoon frosting over cupcakes. drizzle with raspberry sauce (recipe below)

White Chocolate Ganache Frosting

200 g white chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup thickened cream
100 g butter, chopped

Place white chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every minute, until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Add butter and stir until it melts and the mixture is smooth. Refrigerate for 1 1/2-2 hours or until the mixture is thick and spreadable. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Raspberry Sauce
Makes about 3/4 cup

250 g frozen Raspberries
2 tbsp Castor sugar
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Place frozen Raspberries and sugar into a large non-stick frying pan. Stir to combine. Heat over medium heat until bubbling. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or it takes a thick syrupy consistency. Using a metal spoon, crush Raspberries until pureed.

Remove from heat and set aside to cool. (If you do not like the seeds, strain the mixture once pureed)

Whole Orange Almond Mini Cakes with Orange Syrup

13|06|2013

I am very excited about this one. Not only because it is sweet post but it uses one of my cannot-do-without fruits. And in its best form ever – WHOLE! Yes, skin, pulp..everything. No seeds though. If that has already excited you, I have not even come to the more interesting facts. There is no butter, no flour in the cake. So gluten-free, reduced fat, healthy, however you like to call it. For me, not having to zest an orange for an orange cake is brilliant enough so with pleasure I call it a whole orange cake.

The cake is known to be a classic Passover dessert drawing inspiration from Morocco, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. And trust me when I say, the flavour is to die for!

During my childhood, the appearance of oranges marked the onset of winter. One funny memory that I have is dozing off in the school bus on my way home and waking up to the smell of citrus. Almost everybody was biting into an orange. Back then fruits were strictly seasonal. With the way technology has evolved in the present day much of our produce is omnipresent. And we have so many options to choose from. So coming back to the cakes, while all varieties of oranges can be used, Navel being seedless would be the safest bet. If you are using any other variety make sure the seeds are left out. Or the resulting flavour could be bitter.

While the cake is extremely simple to put together with just 5 ingredients, I would like to share a few tips that help in the process. After boiling the orange in water let it cool down in the liquid. That way the boiling time (the boiling time mentioned was 2 hours in the recipe, I boil it for 40-45 mins) can be reduced and the fruit is still softened. In case you do not have seedless oranges at hand, before pureeing make sure you take the seeds out by cutting it open. Grease the cake pan well and dust it with a generous amount of sugar so you get a nice caramelisation on the outside of the cakes. I use a mini bundt pan to get individual portions, you can double the recipe and bake a 8 inch cake instead.

The cake is intensely orangey in flavour, moist and beautifully fragrant. The original recipe did not call for a syrup. But the syrup does give it a touch of sophistication. Serve it warm with some ice cream or whipped cream on the side and you are sure have guests raving about your dessert. Don’t believe me, give it a shot!

Whole Orange Almond Mini Cakes with Orange Syrup (adapted with variation from SBS.com)
Serves 8
1 Orange (I used Navel Orange)
125 g castor sugar plus extra for dusting (a little more than 1/2 cup)
125 g almond meal/ground almonds (about 2/3 cup)
3 eggs
1/2 tsp baking powder

Wash the orange and cook in boiling water for 40 mins. Allow the orange to cool in the water before pureeing. This can be done ahead of time. Once cooled, puree the orange in a food processor or using a hand blender.

Preheat the oven to 160°C. Butter a mini bundt pan/muffin tin/ramekins and dust it with a little castor sugar. Place the eggs and castor sugar in a mixing bowl and beat well. Stir in the orange puree followed by the almond meal and baking powder. Pour into the bundt pan and dust the top with more castor sugar. Bake for 35-45 mins until the top is golden brown. Drizzle with orange syrup before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Orange Syrup

Juice of 2 Oranges (when short of time, you can use store-bought juice but the sugar will need adjusting as per sweetness)
2 tbsp castor sugar

Bring the ingredients to a boil and let the mixture reduce slowly till it thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Award Time! One more Liebster.

13|06|2013

Another Liebster award! What can I say! I am honored, overwhelmed and delighted. Though I really really wonder how much I deserve this recognition for the long gaps that follow my posts, the networking that I miss out on to maintain my presence in the blog-o-sphere, the technical aspects that have been screaming for attention for a while now. Despite my best intentions, there are times when putting a post together requires that last ounce of energy that has already been drained out of my system. Having said that, blogging to me is addictive, it is therapeutic. And I love everything about it.

My 3rd Liebster nomination is from the lovely Nilu of Kitchen Serenity. We started blogging around the same time but I have to admit that I can never keep up the pace and discipline with which she posts. Her blog is a treasure chest of recipes…appetisers, curries, beverages, desserts, lunchbox recipes and if I have to key it all in, it might as well make a whole post. She says ‘we seldom eat out’. I say ‘Lady if I was your neighbour, I would never eat out too’. Nilu is also one of the friendliest and familiar names in the blog-o-sphere, welcoming one and all with her warm words and comments. Nilu, I am so glad that we connected over this wonderful world of FOOD! And a big thank you.

I am not going into all the details of the award or myself as I have done it already during my earlier awards. Here are Nilu’s questions and my answers.

What is your favorite quote and why?

Oh I seriously love quotes. I don’t use them too often but they go into a favourite folder of mine and are read over and over again. I love quotes that make me stop and think, actually the inspirational ones. A recent one I remember ‘Persuasion is an art of getting people to do something they wouldn’t do if you didn’t ask’- Aristotle

And of course, all quotes by Julia Child ‘The only time to eat diet food is when you’re waiting for the steak to cook’. ‘If you’re afraid of butter, use cream.’

2. What is your most favorite place on Earth?

Home is where the heart is. India. I also immensely like the place I live in today…Sydney. And the place of my dreams Paris! Maybe it’ll be a tie!

3. What is your favorite social media?

Facebook is my favourite media. it gives me the opportunity to stay connected with family and friends. Being miles away from so many of my close ones, I rely a lot on picture uploads to be a constant part of their lives and experiences.

4. If you could learn one new language, what would it be?

French.

5. Mountain or beach. Which one is your favourite?

Mountains. Ironically, I live in the land of beautiful beaches and harbours.

6. When was the last time you wrote a whole paragraph using a pencil/pen?

I can remember scribbling with a pen here and there. But a whole paragraph…cannot even remember!

7. What is the one thing you can’t live without?

Talking:-)

8. Your favourite song?

It all depends on the mood. Generally, I like Bryan Adams, Sonu Nigam numbers.

9. What inspires you to blog?

Think, I had this question last time too. Everything and anything. Nature, people, food, books, fellow bloggers…I draw inspiration from everything around me.

10. Has any book inspired you, and why?

Clearly, there are books that inspire me even today to cook or create. My food heroes, Raymond Blanc and Michael Roux Jr…I love love love them. When you read about extraordinary people…what made them..their struggles, thier lessons it gives you the motivation to pursue your dreams.

It’s a shame, that I have never blogged about their recipes despite making them a hundred times over. I am making a mental note as I write…maybe soon!

11. If you could move anywhere in the world, where would it be?

That’s a tough one. I would love to travel to Paris and spend a few weeks in the famous Patisseries of France but definitely not move there. Sydney, I think is the perfect place for me…at least for the moment.

Grilled Pumpkin, Red Onion, Feta and Pine Nut Salad

6|06|2013

Perhaps its the cold winter air. Perhaps its the beautiful leaves desperately clinging on to half barren trees. Perhaps its the familiar aromas of childhood that greet me on the way. Perhaps its the multitude of women racing past, freshly painted lips & high-heeled shoes that take me back to my days at work. Or perhaps its my new-found happiness, in a vibrant store. I love my long walk home.

After dropping my kids at the Care each time, I choose to walk. The road is a long one and I would be lying if I say that it doesn’t wear me out. But the prospect of building up little experiences on the way are far too exciting to overlook. The magic of this journey lies in its contrasting visuals. Starts on a busy street filled with shops, restaurants & cafes and ends up through winding lanes that are buried under mounds of dry fallen leaves. You can almost hear the universe whispering in your ears ‘Slow down’. Between the two different worlds lies a restaurant. Too early for it to open at that time of the morning but the smell of cardamom & ginger hangs heavy in the air. I am instantly transported to my place of birth.

But the highlight of the walk is a grocery store that specialises in fruits and vegetables. As soon as I step into the store, I am mesmerised by the colourful array of fresh produce. I hop from one to the next filling up my basket, my head brimming with ideas. We are already quite lucky to have access to great local produce anywhere in this country, but this market particularly takes my breath away for its wide selection of local & gourmet fruits & vegetables. The other day, I spotted herb pots and I could have clapped my hands loudly as the thought of growing my own rosemary and thyme struck me. And what do you think…I bought them all! So I have a little herb garden to take care of now. My aromatic little garden!

I am not a huge fan of pumpkin but I am beginning to like it lately. Pumpkin desserts were always welcome. Sugar has the power to transform everything..literally. What do you think? I know you have been missing Sugar on my site for a while now…as much as I have. Someone wrote to me recently. ‘Where are the DESSERTS?’. Do bear with me. Sugar is very much present in my life & coming back on the blog. With a vengeance!

Grilling gives pumpkin a nice flavour & look. This salad has Middle Eastern flavours and is vegetarian. For those unfamiliar with Tahini, it is a paste made out of ground sesame seeds, used extensively in Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine. It is available in most supermarkets these days. Non-vegetarians can add your favourite meat..grilled chicken, shrimps or prosciutto. I love both Feta and Pine nuts so they go into all my Middle Eastern dishes.

So that is my long walk home, shortened by the personal connection I make with the world, sharpened by the all the beauty I take in, enlivened by the little bag I bring back with joyful anticipation of what I might achieve today…on the other side…

Of the long road home..

Grilled Pumpkin, Red Onion and Feta Salad with a Tahini Dressing

1/2 butternut pumpkin, peeled and thinly sliced
2 red onion, cut into thin wedges
A handful of baby spinach and rocket leaves
3 tablespoons of Feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon pine nuts
1 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper for seasoning

Tahini Dressing

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Tahini
1 teaspoon castor sugar
salt and pepper.

Brush the pumpkin slices with olive oil, salt and pepper. Heat a grilling pan (or a non sick frying pan) over medium heat. Place the pumpkin on the pan and grill for 1-2 mins on each side (the time will depend on the thickness of the slices) till tender (but not too soft to handle). Transfer to a plate. Grill the red onions in the same way till soft. Remove from heat.

Place the pumpkin, onions and leafy greens in a large serving bowl. Add the crumbled Feta and pine nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.

To make the dressing, mix all the ingredients together except salt and pepper. Season to taste.