Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Favourite Sandwiches


Each day for breakfast , I prepare sandwiches  for my school going children .The night before,,I  plan out the type  of  sandwiches that  I will be making  and organize everything  in advance ,like washing and slicing  the stuff  needed for the sandwiches  and    keep them neatly   covered  in the refrigerator.This makes it so easier to cope the pressure that awaits me every morning. Undoubtly each morning even If I am  well organized with the breakfast menu, something will  spruce up unexpectedly  and  outrighly stress me  out.Making  an assortment of sandwiches  can be  fun  when  the mood is calm and controlled.However  when you have a houseful it becomes a tedious task because you got to cater according to each ones preferences. At home,each one has  his/her  favourite.With a  little extra effort  on our part,we can delight the family with their choice.My oldest daughter likes her sandwich spicy.My second daughter  is a vegetarian,so I have to make something that she is  fond of.Whereas my two sons love the cheese and egg toast .When it comes to hubby, there’s no fuss at all from him.He’ll eat whatever I have prepared that day.Most  days I make  My favourite  tuna fish sandwich.It’s really easy making with canned tuna.I crumble the the fish add butter,cheese cream,pepper and salt if necessary and mix this spread on sliced  bread.My husband  also loves when I add some tomatoes and salad leaves to his sandwich.Obviously when an occasion arises,I do everything I can, to make the sandwiches more presentable.During  these  instances,I make them  a scrumptious treat.Imake  rainbow sandwiches which give colour to the bread and a  glow on the  children's face.
 
Rainbow sandwiches
 
 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Creamy Leeks


Uncooked leek is  crunchy and firm and has the taste of onions.Leeks can be used in a variety of dishes and it makes a delectable side dish.One of the most popular uses is for adding flavor to stock.The dark green portion is usually used for stir fries and stocks.This scrumptious stems can be used or cooked on it’s own or blended with  many other ingredients to bring out the extra flavours.In my home country we eat leeks cooked with   variety of ingredients. My children love it when its prepared with sliced onions and tomatoes. However the rest of my family members  love  to eat  leeks cooked with a few tablespoons of  coconut milk which  makes the leeks tastier and gives a more delicate and creamier flavor.We eat this with steaming rice and a meat dish on the side.Raw leeks is ideal to bring the extra crunch to the salad and also used as a  garnish.Leeks also  bring a distinct flavor  to stews and  soups.So today,let me show you how leeks is prepared in my kitchen.
saute the leeks with other ingredients
Ingredients

A salad bowl of washed and chopped leeks
An onion sliced
2-3 cloves of garlic crushed
One tomato chopped
½ teaspoon mustard seeds
 ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon curry powder
1-2 tablespoons  oil
½ cup water
2-3 tablespoon coconut milk powder
A sprig of curry leaves ( optional)
Salt to taste
Adjusting a little more or less of the ingredients won’t make a difference..
Method
Heat the oil in the pan.Saute the onions,mustard seeds and the crushed garlic. Add the,turmeric powder and the curry powder and the curry leaves ( optional).At this stage a wonderful aroma will waft through the kitchen and will start tantalizing your senses.Mix in the chopped tomatoesand the leeks and cook in high heat for 2-3 minutes. Reduce  heat add the  salt and water.Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.Finally stir  in the powdered coconut milk. ( this has to be mixed in quickly so that no lumps form).Enjoy with rice and  any other curry.
 
Final touch - with coconut milk