One Day At A Time!

December is here .... the holiday season with gifts, cakes, cookies and the festive spirit. Snickerdoodles are  Cinnamon Sugar coated soft cookies, especially made during this festive season of Christmas. When it comes to baked goodies, we enjoy the eggless version more. Hope you guys like it too. Ingredients: All Purpose Flour/Maida - 1 1/2 cups Sugar - 1/2 cup Sour Cream - 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter - 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) Vanilla Extract - 2 tsp Baking Powder - 1 tsp Baking Soda - 1/2 tsp Sugar - 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon/Dalchini Powder - 2 tsp Ground Nutmeg/Jaiphal Powder - 1/8 tsp (optional) How to bake Eggless Snickerdoodle Cookies: In a mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients - all purpose flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add about 1/4 tsp salt too, if you like. Mix and keep it aside. In a big mixing bowl, add (room temperature) softened butter, sour cream, 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract. Mix all the ingredients well, using a whisk or a spoon. If y...

Few days back, I had blogged about Homemade Vegetable Pizza . Many readers loved it and a few readers asked for a Chicken Pizza. Thanks everyone for the lovely response. So, for all chicken lovers, here is a desi style Tandoori Chicken pizza with a few vegetables. Plus, its made of whole wheat flour. Hope you all enjoy this as much we loved it.

If you are looking for some healthy appetizers cooked with less oil, you must give these nuggets a try. Baked Fish bites seasoned with Cajun spices. Generally breaded chicken or fish nuggets are deep fried in oil. I find baking a healthier alternative, where the crust is equally crunchy and the fish is nice soft and flaky.

For some hectic days, we all have our own shortcut ways of cooking. Some days, I go for semi-homemade food, using some store bought ingredients. One pot meals like pulav and baked pastas are loved at our place. Stuffed Parathas with yogurt, chutney and pickles are a hit too. Today's oven baked Salmon seasoned with Indian Tanduri Masala has recently joined our list of those quick lunches and lazy dinners.

Few years back, when I started food blogging, it was all about sharing my Mom's recipes and anything I find easy to cook.  Gulab Jamun , Potato Chips , Rasgulla  and Muffins used to be all store bought in my kitchen. Just because, it was convenient to buy, rather than cook. Nowadays, I enjoy cooking such goodies at home. And baking a Pizza from scratch is one of my recent culinary ventures. If I can make it, so can you.

Regular readers might have read my previous posts and its no secret that I like Italian food. Most Italian restaurants serve fresh baked bread as an appetizer. Our favorite are these garlic and parsley flavored Cheddar Cheese Biscuits popularly known as Cheddar Bay Biscuits . I find these easy as compared to the yeast breads. Ingredients: All Purpose Flour/Maida - 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Sharp) - 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter - 5 tbsp Milk - about 1/2 cup Olive Oil - 1 tbsp Baking Powder - 1 tsp Baking Soda - 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder - 1 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Powder - 1/2 tsp Dry Parsley - 1/2 tsp Sugar - 1/4 tsp Salt How to bake Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Preheat the oven at 400 degrees F.   Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter. In a small mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients - all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fresh ground black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and sugar. Mix well. In a big microwave safe b...

Oven roasted red potatoes seasoned with Indian spices and herbs. Every time I cook potatoes, I try different seasonings. Until now, rosemary and garlic  were our favorite spices. These desi style chatpate Aloo have become our new favorite. Ingredients: Red Potatoes - about 500 gms Oil - 2 tbsp Black Pepper Powder - 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper/Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp Chat Masala - 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin/Jeera Powder - 1/2 tsp Kasuri Methi/Dry Fenugreek Leaves - 1 tsp Garlic Powder - 1 tsp Kala Namak/Indian Rock Salt How to roast potatoes in an oven: Preheat the oven at 400 degrees F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. In a big mixing bowl, add oil, fresh ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, chat masala, cumin, garlic, salt and kasuri methi.  Crush the kasuri methi leaves between your palms before adding to the bowl. If Kala Namak is not available, use regular salt. Mix all the ingredients well. You can add more oil if you like. Wash/scrub ...

Whenever I bake a cake, I prefer a low calorie fruit cake. Today's Eggless Banana Bread is made of whole wheat flour and sour cream. Whole grain provides more fiber and sour cream has lesser calories as compared to butter. And the cake is equally moist and delicious. Ingredients: Bananas - 3 big Whole Wheat Flour/Atta - 2 cups Light Brown Sugar - 1 cup Almonds/Badam - 1/4 cup Sour Cream - 1/2 cup Milk - 1/2 cup Olive Oil - 1/4 cup Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp Baking Soda - 3/4 tsp Baking Powder - 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon/Dalchini Powder - 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg/Jaiphal Powder - 1/8 tsp Salt - 1/4 tsp How to bake Whole Wheat Banana Bread: In a small bowl, add the dry ingredients - whole wheat flour, roughly chopped almonds, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix well. Use any other nuts of your choice. Add some raisins/dry grapes too if you like. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan with oil or cooking spray. In a big mixin...

Soft and moist vanilla flavored egg-less cake made of sour cream and a tad bit of butter. Sour cream has lesser calories as compared to butter which makes this cake a delicious treat for calorie conscious foodies. Also, a perfect sponge cake for the holy month of Shravan.

Potatoes are a staple here as a side dish with sea food and meat. You might have heard about the well known combination Meat and Potatoes. Be it Potato Fries , Pan-roasted baby potatoes, Mashed Potatoes or Baked Potatoes, I love all forms of this starchy root.  Similarly, you can bake a sweet potato too. Ingredients: Russet Potatoes - 4 Olive Oil - 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder Salt Sour Cream Butter How to bake Potatoes in an Oven: Preheat the oven at 450 degrees F. Scrub the dirt of the potato skin and wash them well. Wipe them dry with a paper towel. Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork or a knife. This will let the steam release from the potatoes. Apply oil to the potatoes, a few drops would be enough to lightly grease them. Sprinkle some salt on the potatoes. Bake the potatoes on an oven rack for about 30 minutes or until the skin turns crisp. Baking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes. Prick with a fork to check if potatoes are cooked soft. You ca...

Every time I bake a cake or muffins, I look for low calorie options. Today's fruity vanilla muffins are made of milk and not butter. Also, oats and whole wheat flour make it healthier and nutritious. Ingredients: Apples - 2 Lemon Juice - 2 tbsp Whole Wheat Flour - 1 1/4 cups Quick Oats - 1 cup Light Brown Sugar - 3/4 cup Milk - 1 cup Olive Oil - 1/4 cup Baking Soda - 3/4 tsp Baking Powder - 1/4 tsp Cinnamon/Dalchini Powder - 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract - 2 tsp Nuts - 2 tbsp How to bake Eggless Oats and Apple Muffins: In a big bowl, add about 5 cups water and lemon juice. Peel the apple skin and dice it into small pieces. Add the diced apples to the water so that the apples  don't  turn brown. In a mixing bowl, mix all the dry ingredients - whole wheat flour, quick oats, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and ground cinnamon. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Line a 12 muffin baking tray with cupcake liners or grease it with cooking spray. In another big mixi...

Every fried appetizer can be baked in an oven, reducing the calories and without compromising its taste. These crisp Garlic and Herb Potato wedges are a healthy variation of the most loved French Fries or Potato Fries. Ingredients: Potatoes - 4 medium Oil preferably Olive Oil - 2 tbsp Vinegar - 1 tbsp Black Pepper Powder - 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper/Red Chili Flakes - 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder - 1 tsp Onion Powder - 1/2 tsp Italian Herb Seasoning - 1 tsp Orange Peel/Zest - 1/2 tsp (optional) Salt How to bake Crisp Potato Wedges: In a big mixing bowl, add olive oil, vinegar, fresh ground black pepper, chilli flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, orange zest and dry Italian herb (rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory, basil) seasoning. Mix all the ingredients well.    Wash/scrub the potatoes well. Soaking potatoes in warm water for about 20 minutes will make cleaning the potatoes easier. Pat the potatoes dry. Dice each potato lengthwise into half. Cut e...

Eggless Orange Cake with whole wheat flour and sweetened condensed milk. Ingredients: Sweetened Condensed Milk - 400 gm Orange or Pineapple Juice - 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour - 1 cup All Purpose Flour/Maida - 1 cup Semolina/Rava - 1/4 cup Pistachios/Pista or any other dry fruits - 1/4 cup Butter - 1/4 cup Olive Oil - 1/4 cup Baking Powder - 2 tsp Baking Soda - 1 tsp Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp Salt - 1/4 tsp How to bake Egg-less Condensed Milk Cake: In a mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients - whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, semolina, roughly chopped pistachios, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well with a whisk or spoon. Microwave the butter for 30 seconds or more to melt it. In a big mixing bowl, add condensed milk,  orange juice, melted butter, olive oil and vanilla extract. Mix all the ingredients well. Now add the dry ingredients, in small amounts stirring gradually. The cake batter will turn lumpy. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. G...

Spicy crisp Chicken puffs with mixed vegetables. Ingredients: Pastry Sheet - 1 Chicken - about 1 cup Onion - 1 medium Mixed Veggies - about 1 cup Coriander/Cilantro Leaves - few sprigs Lime/Lemon Juice - 2 tbsp Garlic - 4 big cloves Coriander Powder - 1 tsp Cumin Powder - 1 tsp Kabab Masala or any spice mix - 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper/Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp Green Chili Paste - 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Powder - 1/4 tsp Turmeric - 1/4 tsp Salt Oil How to bake Chicken and Veggie Puffs: Thaw the pastry sheet as per instructions or for about 45 minutes. Dice chicken into bite size pieces. In a mixing bowl, add lemon juice, coriander powder, cumin powder, kabab masala, cayenne pepper and little salt. Mix all the ingredients well and add diced chicken. Let the chicken marinate for about 2 hours or more. Preheat the oven at 375 degrees F. Bake the marinated chicken for 7 - 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 7 - 8 minutes or till chicken is cooked. Alternatively,...

When you hear the word Pav, you might be thinking of the mouthwatering dishes.... Pav Bhaji , Vada Pav ,  Misal Pav , Dabeli . For me, it brings back a childhood memory, Maska Pav. In case Maska sounds new to you, it is butter. Simple bread butter sprinkled with little sugar used to be one of my favorite breakfasts. Ingredients: All Purpose Flour/Maida - 3 cups Oil - 3 tbsp Sour Cream - 2 tbsp Sugar - 1 1/2 tbsp Lukewarm Milk - 1/4 cup Lukewarm Water - 1/4 cup Yeast - 2 1/4 tsp Salt - 1 tsp How to bake Indian Ladi Pav: In a small bowl, add lukewarm (not hot) water, sugar and yeast. Lukewarm water is ideal for the activation of yeast. Mix and set aside until it turns frothy, about 10 minutes. Rising of the yeast is the key step for soft bread. In a mixing bowl, add lukewarm milk, sour cream, oil and all purpose flour. To this add the yeast sugar mixture and mix. Knead well for about 5 minutes till the dough turns soft. Cover and let the dough rest for about 2 hours...

I love desserts, maybe more than the entrees. After coming to US, two desserts turned to be our new favorites - Warm Apple Crumble and Cheesecake. Apple Crumble seemed something I could try in my kitchen and take my word, it is absolutely scrumptious too. A baked dessert made of soft caramelized apples topped with a crisp crust, also known as Apple Crisp or Apple Crostata . I make this more often now, whenever I want to finish off the apples. Also, an effortless dessert perfect for entertaining guests. Ingredients: Apples - 2 Lemon Juice - about 1 tbsp All Purpose Flour - 1/4 cup Whole Wheat Flour - 1/4 cup Almonds or Walnuts or Pecans - 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar - 1/2 cup Ground Cinnamon/Dalchini Powder - 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg/Jaiphal Powder - 1/8 tsp Butter - 1/4 cup/4 tbsp  Vanilla or Dulce de Leche Ice cream How to prepare Crispy Apple Crumble: In a big bowl of water, add lemon juice and mix. Peel the apple skin. Add thin sliced apples to the...

Soft and moist Banana Muffins topped with crunchy low calorie pistachios. Egg free and Butter free delicious muffins. Ingredients: Ripe Bananas - 3 large Whole Wheat Flour - 1 cup All Purpose Flour/Maida - 1 cup Light Brown Sugar - 1 cup Sour Cream - 1/2 cup Whole Milk - 1/2 cup Olive Oil - 1/4 cup Baking Soda - 3/4 tsp Baking Powder - 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon/Dalchini Powder - 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg/Jaiphal Powder - 1/8 tsp Salt - 1/4 tsp Pistachios (roughly chopped) - about 2 tbsp How to bake Egg free and Butter free Banana Muffins: In a mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients - whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Mix well with a spoon. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Line the muffin pan with cupcake liners or spray the muffin pan with cooking spray.  I used a 12 muffin pan. In a big mixing bowl, add peeled bananas. Mash them well. Now add sour cream, milk and olive oil...

Eggless Coconut cookies with multi flours - whole wheat flour, chickpea flour, corn meal and all purpose flour. Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour - 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour - 1/4 cup Chickpea Flour/Gram Flour/Besan - 1/4 cup Corn Meal or Corn Flour - 1/4 cup Walnuts/Akrot or any other nuts - 1/4 cup Dessicated (Dry) Coconut - 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar - 1 cup Unsalted Butter - 1/4 pound Milk - about 2 tbsp (optional) Whole Almonds or Pistachios (optional) Green Cardamom/Elaichi - 2 pods Saffron/Kesar - few strands Baking Soda - 1/4 tsp Baking Powder - 1/4 tsp How to bake Eggless Coconut Cookies: 1. Microwave butter in a microwave safe big bowl for about 2 minutes.  Let the melted butter cool slightly. 2. Crush cardamom seeds and saffron in a mortar pestle to a fine powder. 3. Grind corn meal and walnuts in a blender/mixer to a fine powder.  4. In a mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients - whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, chickpea flour, powde...

Crunchy whole wheat biscuits with pistachios and corn meal. Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour - 2 cups Light Brown Sugar - 1 cup Whole Milk - 1/2 cup Corn Meal - 1/2 cup Roasted Salted Pistachios/Pista - 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter/Loni - 1/2 pound Green Cardamom/Elaichi - 2 pods Baking Powder - 1/4 tsp Baking Soda - 1/4 tsp How to bake Corn Meal Pistachio Biscuits: 1. In a microwave safe big bowl, add butter.  Microwave it for about 2 minutes so that butter melts.  Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a pan on a stove top.  Let the butter cool slightly. 2. Crush cardamom seeds to a fine powder in a mortar pestle.  Roughly chop the pistachios.  3. In another bowl, add the dry ingredients - whole wheat flour, corn meal, baking powder, baking soda, chopped pistachios and cardamom powder.  Mix well. 4. Add milk and sugar to the melted butter.  Using a hand blender, mix till it becomes light and fluffy.  Now add the dry ing...

Naan Khatai are soft eggless biscuits or cookies generally flavoured with green cardamom or elaichi.  This recipe of Nan Khatai is with vanilla and crunchy nuts. Lighter crisp biscuits with milk and less butter. Ingredients: All Purpose Flour/Maida - 1 1/4 cups Whole Whear Flour - 1 cup Sugar - 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter/Loni/Makkhan - 8 tbsp (1/4 pound) Whole Milk - 1/2 cup Walnuts or any other nuts (roughly chopped) - 1/4 cup Vanilla Extract - 2 tsp Baking Soda - 1/2 tsp Baking Powder - 1/4 tsp Whole Nuts - about 25 How to bake Eggless Vanilla NanKhatais: 1. In a mixing bowl, add all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder and roughly chopped nuts.  Mix well and keep it aside. 2. In another big mixing bowl, add melted butter, milk, vanilla extract and sugar.  Mix all the ingredients well.  I used a hand blender/mixer and mixed till it turned light and frothy.  Now add the remaining dry ingredients.  Mix well wi...