We all love Indian food in this family and kebabs from any country are a favourite. These seekh kebabs are from India and I found the recipe at Manus Menu. She also has the recipe for a decent Hari Chutney, which is the perfect accompaniment for these kebabs. I served them with naan bread because I love it but they could work just as well with rice or some other grain. This recipe is not low Fodmap. Seekh Kebab & Hari Chutney Print Author: Suzanne Perazzini Serves: 4 Ingredients For the Lamb 500 gms lamb, minced ¾ tsp garam masala 1 tsp crushed garlic 1 tsp grated ginger ½ big onion, grated 2 tsp cumin seeds 1 pinch nutmeg ¼ tsp chilli powder 1 egg 1 ½ tbsp flour 1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped Salt and pepper For the dressing 1 bunch of coriander, chopped 1 handful mint leaves, chopped (optional) 2 red chillies, chopped 3 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp grated ginger 1 ½ tsp salt 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp vegetable oil 1 tsp sugar Method Mix all the ingredients … [Read more...] about Seekh Kebab
How to photograph food in artificial light and keep it warm
When I first decided to do this cooking blog, it was summer and the sun stayed blissfully visible until late evening. Light wasn’t an issue. But the days got shorter and shorter and shorter until darkness had descended upon the dinner making and photographing process. Now it wasn’t just a matter of grabbing the camera and snapping a few shots. The light was a major issue and it all took time. Too much time for the food to stay warm. And too much time to keep the hungry mouths quiet. So, I had to sort the process and streamline it. LIGHTING The first thing I did was to go on Trademe (the New Zealand equivalent of Ebay) and I bought two lights on stands with lightboxes to diffuse the light. I didn’t know if this would work but I had studied the issue at length and in the end my son told me to get on with it and take action. So I bought these and, miracle of miracles, they work brilliantly. I place one on either side of the food and turn all the lights off except these two and … [Read more...] about How to photograph food in artificial light and keep it warm
Almond, cranberry and applesauce granola bars
These are granola bars number four and probably the best yet. The binding ingredient is applesauce and it adds a degree of sweetness but I still added some honey though not as much as in the base recipe I found at Brown Eyed Baker. These bars have stayed together well after baking and cooling and are moist and tasty as well as healthy. I have been enjoying having my own granola bars for morning teas at work and like knowing what is in them. Adriano and Dario are also now shunning the store bought ones in favour of these. [print_this] Almond, cranberry and apple sauce granola bars Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/3 cup honey 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract 2½ cups rolled oats 1 cup chopped almonds, cashew nuts, sunflower seeds and walnuts 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots and dried cherries 1/3 cup chopped dried dates and cranberries 1/3 cup raisins Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with baking … [Read more...] about Almond, cranberry and applesauce granola bars
Chocolate Rice Cupcakes – Gluten Free
I have been toying with the idea of trying a few gluten-free recipes. I don't think I am gluten intolerant but it's an interesting concept to try just in case because maybe I can feel better than I do. You don't really know until you try. I found this recipe at one of my newest favourite food blogs - My Kitchen Stories. I loved the idea of using leftover cooked rice as the starch and I just had to try it. I was definitely worried while making them because it just felt all wrong but they actually turned out fine though they rose into strange shapes but the icing covered all sins. The family haven't tried them yet so the verdict hasn't come in. [print_this] Chocolate Rice Cupcakes Ingredients: 250gm cooked rice 250 gm caster sugar 1 tbsp golden syrup or honey 6 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 200 gm almond meal 50 gm cocoa 1 tsp baking powder Method: Put the rice and sugar into the food processor and process till smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, almond … [Read more...] about Chocolate Rice Cupcakes – Gluten Free
Favourite Place in the World No. 2 – Angkor Wat
A few years back we visited Cambodia and I fell in love with a wonderful country with a heartbreakingly sad history. The people were gentle and welcoming. Our first stop was Siem Reap to visit the Angkor temple complex just outside the city. These amazing semi-ruined, stone constructions were built in the 12th century and two centuries later abandoned after a 7-month siege by the Thais. The ruins lay dormant in virtually impenetrable jungle until rediscovered by the western world in 1860. My favourite temple was Ta Prohm, the setting for several scenes from the movie, The Tomb Raider. This sprawling, one-time Buddhist monastery is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. The roots of fig and sprong trees grow over its towers and walls, creating scenes of unparalleled structural beauty. Parrots squawked, doe-eyed children clambered to sell us postcards, cameras clicked, but none of this detracted from the mystical, other-worldly atmosphere in this temple where Angelina Jolie … [Read more...] about Favourite Place in the World No. 2 – Angkor Wat
Southwest Chicken Chop Salad
I found this salad at Laurenslatest.com and couldn't resist the strange combinations. I've never added black beans to a salad before and the crushed chips are just plain strange and yet it worked wonderfully. Don't crush the chips too much - leave some pieces quite big. Southwest Chicken Chop Salad Print Author: Suzanne Perazzini Ingredients 2 cups shredded cooked chicken 1 green pepper, diced 1 cup sweet yellow corn {canned or frozen and defrosted} 2 tomatoes, diced 4 spring onions, washed and sliced { green part only} 1 large designer lettuce, washed and chopped ½ bunch coriander, washed and chopped 2 just under ripe avocados, diced 2 cups crushed tortilla chips For the dressing ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream ½ tablespoon ranch seasoning ½ tablespoon taco seasoning ½ tablespoon lime juice {optional} salt & pepper, to taste Method In a large bowl, stir all salad ingredients together, excluding the tortilla chips and … [Read more...] about Southwest Chicken Chop Salad
