Simple Snack - Raw Banana Cutlet

Raw Banana Cutlet
Buying the vegetable from the shop is a headache for me. What to buy and what not to, there is always so much of variety. I almost get confused. And in this confusion I bought raw green banana .It was a mess decision indeed, as I had never cooked anything with green banana. What to do? And two days passed ignoring the green banana kept in the fridge.

Well, today was a innovation day and finally I discovered eating the hot golden crispy banana cutlets. I am more excited to make these cutlets as today is my cousin Aman's birthday. He turned six years old. A naughty but cute little boy is very much fond of banana. Hence, making this dish on his birthday gives me great happiness.

So here, I am sharing my recipe with you. You can be more innovative to make further changes to enjoy according to your choice and taste.



Ingredients:

• Raw banana - 1 Nos.
• Potato - 2 Nos.
• Bread crumb - 50 gms.
• Cornstarch - 20 gms.
• Red chilly - 1 Nos. (optional)
• Green chilly - 2 Nos
• Spring onion - 10 Gms (optional)
• Ginger - 10 gms.
• Cumin Seed & Ajwain - 10 gms.
• Red Chilly powder - 1tsp.
• White sesame - 1 tsp. (optional)
• Sugar powder- a pinch (optional)
• Salt as per taste.
• Oil to deep fry.

Method of Preparing :

1. Boil the raw green banana and potato. Peel both the banana and potato, and mash together in the bowl.
2. Chop finely the chilly, ginger and spring onion and mix it with the boiled mashed banana and potatoes.
3. Roast the cumin seeds, ajwain and black pepper. Crush roughly the roasted seeds. Roasted spices adds more flavour. Add this also with other remaining spices with cornstarch and sugar powder in the mashed mixture made of boiled banana and potatoes.
4. Make small portion of size of walnut and press make cutlets. Be innovative and create any shape, round, circle, oval, trinagle etc. Wrap up the cutlets with bread crumbs. This shall work as the binding agent. Sesame seeds can also be added to the cutlet.
5. Heat the oil in the shallow pan . When the oil is warm, deep fry the cutlets until golden brown on the medium flame. The cutlets must not be very thick in size, this shall help to cook well and crispy.
6. When golden brown, take them out on the tissue paper to extract the extra oil.
   

Enjoy the golden hot and crisp cutlets with green coriander or mint chutney or simply with tomato sauce. My hubby liked this cutlet between the two breads as sandwich. So have it in the morning as a breakfast as banana is good for health or just have it crisp as brunch with the hot cup of ginger tea.

NOTE:

This dish "Raw Banana Cutlet" is dedicated to the WBB-Feast. Deadline for this event is July 31st, 2008. Rush and post the recipes with your picture of dish & mail to Sia. Check out for more details to MonsoonSpice

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Cluster/Gaur Beans Bhaji - Indian Cuisine

Cluster Beans/Gawari Phali Bhaji

Easy cooking with loads of flavour, retaining the color and minerals of the vegetable is always my motive while preparing the dish. Let the vegetable have its own taste. So, here I am again with a one of the legumes widely used as green vegetable , the Cluster beans/ Gwar phali/ Gaur beans.

The ingredients used are few and can easily be found in anybody's kitchen. Cluster beans are something we dont prefer to cook but this recipe is simple yet tasty. Many innovations can be made to cook these beans to have different flavour, but I prefer to have it simply with less masala(spices), this retains the color and taste of the vegetable.

Ingredients :

For 3-4 people

• Cluster Beans/ Gawari phali - 250 gms
• Potatos (Peeled & cut into Cubes) - 2 medium sized
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Red Chilly Powder - 1 tsp
• Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
• Salt as per taste

Method of Prepartion:

1. Pluck top & tail & string the beans.
2. Wash them thoroughly in water, keep aside to rinse.
3. Now chop in to small pieces (1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in size).
4. Wash, peel and cut potatoes in to small dice.
5. Heat oil in the pan.
6. Add cumin seed. When they start to sputter add the diced potato.
7. Fry the diced potato, now add coriander powder, red chilly powder, and salt to taste. Mix it well.
8. When the potatoes are half cooked, add chopped gavar phali/ cluster beans.
9. Cover and cook on a low flame for 3-4 minutes
   Remove the lid stir-fry for 2 minutes.
10. If the cluster beans/gavar phali are not cooked well then sprinkle some water if needed. Simmer for 3-4 minutes
11. Let the gavar phali/cluster beans be tender and soft.
12. Serve hot with bread, Chapati , Paratha, puri, Indian's favorite breads.

NOTE:

• Cluster Beans /Gawar must be young and tender, not woody and fibrous. If woody and hard, boil it in water for 3-4 minutes. Rinse the water and carry on the procedure.
• Potaoes are optional, it adds to the volume of the Bhaji, and one who loves Aloo/potatoes will enjoy!
• Add some fine chopped onion while frying the spices for change and enhancement of flavour. Can also add Hing (asafetida powder) while frying. This shall enhance the flavour of the bhaji.
• Some also like to add lentils and grated coconut, but its all about the innovations to be made to change the flavour.
  

As we are celebrating the spirit of summer with vegetables on WBB- feast, this cluster beans bhaji shall add up more taste and variety in the WBB–Summer Feast for July,08 announced by blog Monsoon Spice.

Enjoy Cooking!

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Happy Birthday Papa - Celebrate Life

Dearest Papa,

I thought, let people know that "My Father Strongest ", (U.K.Shakyawar).

I have got a perfect reason to celebrate as you are celebrating your lovely golden 50 years.
I love all the times we have spent together agreeing and disagreeing the things. Sometimes, I might not agree with you but surely I cant ignore your view of point. Indeed you are such a spiritually inspiring person with an excellent power to convince me and others with your ideas and decisions.

I regard you as Visionary ! You make decisions thinking at least 10 years in advance, hence at the moment your thoughts sometimes doesn't appeal but deep inside heart we know that you are right. Hats off ! to your will-power and strength. There, have been so many moments when I almost brook up with the weird ends of life, but you gave me hope and happiness simultaneously which is difficult to see together. A backup to always feel blessed and glad to be Your Daughter, (Rachana Shakyawar). "Whatever happens without your will is good, as it happens with the will of God", this thought and belief of yours have let so many difficult times in life smooth & easy-going.

I love you as a father, best-friend, mentor, and above all as a superb driver(hehhehehhe...heheh..), Still remember, those long travelling trips (Baroda to Delhi) we had, when I was studying in school. It has been the best experience of my life from which i have learned so much. And the patience you had during my school times in teaching me Mathemetics, is incredibly great.

Laugh a loud and Dance like rock, Sing at the peck of throat in the Bathroom, Sketching and writing diaries, I have all learnd from you. Your positive synergy have been a reason to smile. Your inner character of spreading happiness and a determined reach out of hand for service to all without any personal gain is incredible. You gave me full freedom to do anything I wished to to, in perfect term you allowed me to make mistakes and still have you by my side to clear up the mess. This unconditional love and affection of yours has been my biggest strength to which today I lead a happy stable life.

You have been such a perfect father and infact we share such a eternal bond. With each and every decision you made for me directly and indirectly hinted me, how much you treasure and pamper me. Being with you feels so undesirably nice. Its always being like "U Me aur Hum". The way you have been so protective yet lavishing towards family is wonderful.

There are so much common topics, issues, moments, ceremonies, celebration, people we have that glued us together and firm. This very year,2008 when you are celebrating your Golden Jubilee of life, I shall be celebrating Silver Jubilee of my life, what next I could ask from you that YOU gave me a perfect gift, companion (Hubby) to cherish/celebrate the Life.

Its only words and words that all I have, to take your heart away. And thank you for always loving me providing me a perfect family. You make me the happiest daughter on earth.

I love you very much and Happy Birthday!

Cheers!

Celebrate friendship..

Umi :)

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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Ghiya Kheer - Indian Dessert

My mom makes a simply perfect kheer with Ghiya/lauki. The best thing about this kheer is that it is very healthy to eat, moreover its quick to make. The best thing about Ghiya Kheer is the salient creamy green colour. It cool green colour appeals me, the most. This dessert is very tasty and easy to digest. Serve it hot or cold to your guests, or just enjoy is dessert with the dinner. Check out the list of ingredients mention below to prepare this Indian dessert.



Ingredients:

• Bottle Gourd (Ghiya or Lauki) - 250 Grams
• Sugar - 200 gms
• Milk - 500 gms
• Green Cardamoms - 6Nos.
• Cashew nut - 10-12 Nos.
• Raisins - 10 gms.

Procedure of Making:

1. Boil Milk in a deep pan for 15 Min. Non-stick pan shall be prefered.
2. Keep stirring it occasionally on the slow flame.
3. Wash, peel bottle gourd and grate it nicely.
4. Add this grated lauki/ghiya to the boiling milk in the deep pan.
5. Cook it, till the milk is reduced to half of the original quantity.
6. Add sugar , raisins , cardamom powder and cook for 5 mins.
7. Keep aside and allow it to cool.
8. Garnish it with more of raisins and cashew nuts.

Serve it hot or cold to your guests, or just enjoy this dessert after the dinner. I like to eat it chill, in the morning. How do you like it, do write to me..!

Note: This blog, is to celebrate the spirit of summer with seasonal fruits and vegetables in the WBB–Summer Feast for July,08 announced by blog Monsoon Spice.

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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ME - Indian Bride

I, have been always facinated with the way of celebrating the typical Indian wedding, which is full of differnt traditions and rituals that are followed for days to marriage. I love attending the groom's baraat at night and also dancing to the loud beats and tunes of the band. Dancing and reaching to the bride's home and simply hitting the food corner. But the other side story of the bride's is really amazing.

Every girl longs to look at her best and as beautiful as angel on her wedding day.

In India SHAADI/Marriage is termed as one of the major occasion and celebration of life. Its all about the celebration, new relations, happiness, decorations, delicious food, variety of Indian sweets, party, friends get-together, blessings and above all shopping the bride and groom's grant dresses. The bridal dress adds more colours to the auspicious occasion. Often a girl aspires herself to look like any other beautiful actress in the bridal wear. Madhuri Dixit in HAHK, Kajol in KKHH, Rani Mukerjee in KANK, Prity Zinta in KHNH, and many more bollywood actress have made their mark with the designer's bridal wear.

The wedding day is one the most special day in her life, where she a monthes before starts planning about the ceremony. A dream that the girl and her parents share together since her childhood. Same way it is also the moment for the others, who anxiously wait to have a glimpse of enchanting bride's looks, for which she have been planning for long.

I also had an imaginative picture for my bridal wear. More thinking, I laugh as I remember long back in my school days, one of my very best friend Tanushree said, that "ME" being good in art, must sketch and design my own unique bridal wear.

While my wedding day shopping was done, I made sure to have a good survey of undersanding the fabric, budget and the unique design of my bridal wear.

Wedding dress is so special and attached to lots of joy and happiness, which together makes it so memorable. It was hot June month, sweating and searching for the bridal dress that would hold up the sight.

Finally I tried my luck to the mall close to my home, Pacific Mall, Ghaziabad. Under one roof Chhabra555, I found a huge collection of variety in colours, style and pattern in dresses to suite all types of budget at no compromise over quality. This uniqueness of Chhabra555 impressed me and I bought my wedding and reception dresses from there. It is not only a fantastic place to hang over but I found it very comforting and easy shopping from this particular shop.

Reddish tones was the shade, I wanted for my traditional Indian wedding outfit that is lehnga. Bridal lehngas are available in every possible cuts, styles and fabrics. A-lines, fish cuts, mermaid styles, kalidar lehenga styles are quite popular in bridal lehengas.

I chose it to be grand and elegant so Kalidar style on the Crepe fabric worked simply excellent. My Lehnga-choli had famous work of Zardosi lehnga which belongs to Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Rich brocade, looked glamorous and elaborate with its contemporary patterns. The golden pattern was indeed unique as it did not consist of any floral embroidery but had diamond shaped lines all over the the lengha-choli. I took one extra chunari with the light weight and with same color tone but with floral design which looked great with the contemporary patterns of lehnga.

Exclusively heavily embellished gloden jewellery, gajra (flowers) in hair, mehndi in hands, made all the difference in making the perfect looks of the Indian Bride. And not forgetting to mention that the elegant off-white Sherwani with the tints of Embroidery made my hubby, too looked good. Also a bandini print red tone stole with the gloden-red shade pagadi on head, amalgated and completed the outfit so well .

Here, are some glimpes of my wedding ceremony which are indeed the timeless moments of my life. It was in the rainy season on 23rd July,2007 so I regard it as "Monsoon Wedding". I shall be celebrating the first aniversary of my marriage soon, hence blog is comming on its way at the best time.

Other people who are intersted in buying the bridal wears can go through these sites links:

• Manish Malhotra (Indian Designer who is well know for giving many bollywood actress their bridal looks).
• Ritu Kumar (Famous Indin designer).
• Satya Paul (Shop Online) for wedding and contemporary looks.
• Indian Wedding Sarees (online shopping site).
• Chhabra 555
• Chennai Silk (shop Online)
• Banarasi Saree , straight from Varanasi, U.P. (shop Online)
• Mekhla Chadar , Assam Silk (shop online)
• Phulkari, traditionally from Punjab (shop Online)
• Bandhej/Bandani, traditionally from Jaipur, Rajasthan (shop Online)

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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Tag ME

Its so wonderful to know that somebody has tagged you to know more about you and stuff one likes and dislikes. Kimberly, did the same to make her Tag list at the request. I, was very much inspired by the concept of tagging hence made my tag list too. Its a process through which we not only get to know other person likes and dislikes but also enhances the bonding between bloggers. So let us celebrate this bonding and invite more people to join and share their tag-list. The questions being asked are as follows:-

1. What was I'm doing 10 years ago?

Ten Years ago, that is Yr.1998, on my Paa's transfer, I stepped first time in the North-East Region of India that is Guwahati,Assam. Got admission in K.V.(IOC), Noonmati, School. Made some of the best pals of my life_ Payal, Tanushree, Preeti, Afreen, Namita, Shahana, Shahanara, Suparna, Runjhun, Cheynika, Palak, Sri Devi, and the list is still long. It was a great time in the new friends, new place, new school with new teachers like Bharti Maam, Sheela Maam and lots of Sirs. This was also the first time I was being taught by the Sirs in school. Yr. 1998 was a year which play a major role in my life with a difference.

2. What are the 5 things on my to-do list today:

• Try out making a new recipe on Appetizer/Starters.
• Going out to have lunch probably Chinese Cuisine.
• Buy an earthen pot with flower plant for keeping inside home.
• Buy few edibles like Worcestershire/Worcester sauce, oyster sauce, chilly sauce etc.
• Last but not least, Blogging is the must.

3. Snacks I enjoy:

• Chocolates
• Potato and banana chips
• Ice cream
• Leher Namkeen
• Home-made Khakara

4. Place where I lived:

• Mathura,(Uttar Pradesh)
• Baroda, (Gujarat)
• Guwahati, (Assam)
• Gwalior, (Madhya Pradesh)
• Ghaziabad, (Uttar Pradesh)
• Bangalore, (Karnataka

5. Things I’d do if I were a billionaire:

• I would stop saving money in the saving account. (heheeheee..)
• Do some charity with CRY and HelpAge organisation.
• Go for a world tour with family on Crystal Cruise Ship.
• Start a business.
• Do shopping.

6. People I want to tag:

My readers, My friends name mentioned above in the first question . But
particularly I would like to tag my favourite blogger, RachanaK, and also the members of the IITTM-Nostalgia blog. Looking forward to many more Tag list from my readers.
Enjoy Reading..!

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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The Train - Jab We Missed

" The blog of Munnar was very much appreciated by my friends for the beautiful pics and sharing the bountiful information about the place Munnar. But hardly anybody know that this trip started with the Big-Bang Story making it more memorable experience ! "

Refer.BLOG Kerala -Munnar is must to visit

~ a Brief Beginning :

We had the Train from Bangalore to Kochi, which reaches there early morning. From Kochi we had our Taxi booked to reach for our trip the destination MUNNAR, which was 4 Hrs journey again from Kochi. Everything was booked and planned in advance. Because the distance between Kochi and Bangalore is nearly 500Kms, for comfort we thought of going half way by train. Hence, there was no scope to make mistake. Everything was there according to the way we planned.

Bangalore Railway Station:

We began from home on Time to reach the Bangalore Railway Station. It took almost an hour to reach through the terrific evening traffic-jam of Bangalore. Reached before time to catch the train.

Platform No. 5 Story:

The enquiry gave information that the train Ernakulam Express is supposed to come on the Platform No.5 .We crossed the bridge, checked the hoarding Platform No. 5 & 6, arrow mark towards right side.

There was a good crowd waiting for the Ernakulam Express on the platform.

...Strange but there were no signs of the train arriving.

Reached the Platform No. 6, troubled to see nothing was written as Platform No. 5. Expected to reach Platform no. 5 getting down from the bridge...but reached Platform No. 6. Watching many people waiting on Platform No. 6, we thought there might be a mistake in the announcement. Its Platform No. 6. where the train is cumming. Yes!

Well the train was 10 minutes late. We waited, and there was no clear announcement made. We thought the train is late. We waited for next 20 minutes. Then got panicked, why the hell the train was not coming, and soon asked the shopkeeper on the Platform. He said the train came 10 minutes prior and went. Completely shattered to hear...wait what did I hear....?

Please don't get shocked to see the strange signs of P.F.No. 5 in red.

What..!!!?........Hey are you jocking...??!!!.....

No ..No...the train came at the Platform No. 5 and went away.

PLATFORM No.5.....................!

Where is Platform No 5....???

..Its way is through the lean and thin way from Platform No. 6.....

Completely pissed off..........come on rush to Station Master, He can help........! Really.......No way...

Sir, we got A.C. Tickets and all planned trip...if not reached Kochi on time...the trip will have to be dropped...............No way........!!

The Station Master replied.............."The train is on time and is non-stop"

Sir can we catch the train at next station..? Desperately we asked..

............You can't catch it to the next Platform, even if you try with your own road vehicle...Station Master said...!

• Almost shivered..........and wondered.......how to catch the train................!!


• It was so puzzling to think by that moment.


• One, I could not come out of the shock of missing train.


• Second, What next shall we do now....?

Will we now go or not...will we cancel the trip and all other arrangements made...! A sudden rush of infinite hypothetical questions hammering the brains..!
Well its not the Jab We Meet (Hindi film starting Shahid Kareena), case here.........!

You see Real and Reel life are indeed different......!

It was Jab We Missed situation for us.

So what to do.............Hey we cant drop our trip....we planned to hard for a month to make it happen....................!

• 
  
  Fine, lets have a taxi to Kochi..............Right now.................!


• We came outside the station, took an auto rickshaw for office.


• Sir, 30 rupees....


• Fine...Move on............jaldi..!


• Reached KTDC Office...


• Hey we missed our train to Kochi....want to reach Kochi by next morning.


• Well...we can get you the car, which one would you like.....?


• AC (air conditioned) car..!


• Innova Car will do ...sir ji..?


• Fine! Arrange it as early as possible......!!

Waiting...waiting.......after an hour, the car came and we stared out journey with God's name towards Kochi, The God's Own Country...

Target to reach Kochi early morning........but the road for 25-30Kms is bad, so shall reach little late. On the way saw beautiful Mysore Palace sparkling in the moon-light which we would have definitely missed to watch if we were on train. It was then what realised that realised the fate of the journey was beautiful.

Finally reached not early morning as the train would have done...but reached nearly by 12 noon. We were about 5-6 hours late, anyway...at least the journey for the trip was there. So, we thought of getting fresh-n-up. Gave a break for 2 hours in some hotel. The real journey towards MUNNAR started, which would again take upto 4-5 Hours. We were very tired, but the scenery towards the way to Munnar was so beautiful that all our stress went away. Finally, when we reached Munnar, the place was full of greenery, tea gardens
etc. which gave an instant kick to feel active and above all

Happy.................The happy trip to Munnar took over the grief of missing the Train................!Spending more bugs, really was worth after we saw Munnar..........! And the pictures speaks more than anything.

Indeed Munnar is Must to Visit.....

...and definitely not to be Missed in any case!

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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Yummy Paratha - Indian Bread

[ Note: This blog have a photo presentation to guide you with the step by step making of Yummy! paratha!.. the Indian Flat Bread. ]

Flat breads that survive to this day from the ancient times. Pizza a form of flat bread of Italy is know as all around world. Similar flat bread in India named as Paratha is available at every hooks and corners of the city in India. And who can forget the enchanting Paranthewali Gali which in translation known as Paratha Stret, in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi. The street has several shops that serve Paranthas. One can relish the test of more than 25 varieties of freshly prepared Paratha. This food destination is more than 100 yrs old and have five generations people working together to preserve this tradition of making paratha. People from different part of world come to have the taste of different Paratha.

Enjoy paratha with mint/coriander chutney, jam, curd, mango pickle, or loads of butter or relish with sip of aromatic milk-tea or chilled lassi, Parathas is always a pleasure to have a bite. I prefer to roll the paratha and enjoy eating.The best thing is that it also fills up the tummy.

You can make as many of the parathas with different stuffing. Have it with
cauliflower(gobi), the famous potato(aloo),
raddish(muli),
fenugreek leaves(methi),
the healthy spinach(palak),
onion(pyaz),
or simply with no stuffing and call it plain paratha. Plain paratha an also be
enhanced with either Ajwain or sugar or paneer.
Stuff anything and taste every time a new one. Right now, try making
Gobi(cauliflower) paratha.

My path to make Gobi-Paratha is make it easy and simple as follows:-

INGREDIENTS:

For Dough:-

• 
  
  Wheat flour - 2 Cups
• 
  
  Salt - 1/2 tsp.
• 
  
  Water to knead

For Stuffing:-

• 
  
  Cauliflower - 500 gms
• 
  
  Potato (Boiled)- 1 No (for binding the stuffing)
• 
  
  Cumin powder 1/2 tsp
• 
  
  Paprika - 1/2 tsp
• 
  
  Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• 
  
  Coriander powder - 1 tsp
• 
  
  Green chillies (if needed spicy)
• 
  
  Onion [fine chopped]- 250 gms (optional)
• 
  
  Ginger, Garlic [paste or fine chopped] - 10 gms(optional)
• 
  
  Coriander leaves [fine chopped] - 1/2 cup (optional)
• 
  
  Salt to taste
• 
  
  Oil - 50gms

PREPARATION:

1. 
   
   Boil the water in another pan and add small pieces of cauliflower & cook for 8-10 minutes. Take the cauliflower out and let it cool down.
2. 
   
   Now grate the cauliflower into a fine granules.
3. 
   
   Boil , peel & mash the potato. This is a tip given by my mom.
4. 
   
   The boiled potato gives a binding texture to the stuffing.
5. 
   
   Mix the boiled mashed potato with the fine granules of the cauliflower.
6. 
   
   Add cumin, paprika, salt, coriander leaves and all other ingredients in the mix.
7. 
   
   Now take flour, add salt & required amount of water to make a soft dough.

Now take a lemon size dough, & roll it into small circle. Put a small quantity of the stuffing over the rolled dough.

Cover all the sides of the rolled dough with the stuffing inside. Make sure no stuffing comes out of the dough. So do it carefully.

Now take that stuffed dough and cover it with the flour so that while rolling the dough does not stick to the rolling pin.

Now roll the stuffed ball of the dough gently. If needed dust some more flour over the ball to roll it easily. Roll the dough till it is flattened into a flattened shape.

Heat a flat pan (try using non-stick), when it gets hot add the rolled flattened paratha/bread & let it cook for a minute. When it starts to get small bubbles turn the side.

Now add a small tsp of oil around the paratha. When the brown spots appear turn the side and repeat the procedure to add some oil.

Cook the paratha from both the sides till golden brown on medium heat.

When cooked take the paratha out of the pan, on the kitchen tissue paper, to extract all the extra oil from the paratha. Add butter and serve hot.
Countless variations in the paratha makes it special. So you too try your hand its indeed a delight to eat.

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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Things you didnt know about me - Sequel

Things, usually happen when one least expect it. Long back I wrote a blog on the "things you dint know about me", where I did mention one thing that when I like something I often wish to have a sequel of it. So, here I'm back with a sequel of that blog, The things and funny facts you might not have known about me, here it goes on demand.

Indeed on demand as going through my data shows it one of the most popular blog by the loving readers like you..! So here it goes without looking back :-

• I remember, the poem I recited in school and also got some prize The poem, The Brook is still one of my very favourite poem. The link for the poem is The Brook by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. I like this poem as it have a beautiful rhythm and picturesque expression in each line of he poem. Few lines of the poem are as follows:-

I chatter over stony ways,
In little sharps and trebles,
I bubble into eddying bays,
I babble on the pebbles.
With many a curve my banks I fret
By many a field and fallow,
And many a fairy foreland set
With willow-weed and mallow.
I chatter, chatter, as I flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

• I love Rain. Well, its obvious for the person to be born in the month of September and liking rain. I’m one of those people who love drenching in the rain (as long as it’s not too cold). But there had been times in my life when I used to get very shy getting out in rain . As I dint liked clothes sticking the body giving a transparent looks. Then again, today things have changed, and I am no more super conscious about who is looking at you, all one need to enjoy the moment and let each rain drop dripping from the head and hand, drench away the routines. The coincidence to this point is, it just now and then stared raining outside and I am surely enjoying the atmosphere inside-outside window. Note: This photo is taken by Nadeem in his home garden after the rain.

• While writing I'm quite cautious, to use full stop symbol(.) and my finger often tend to have two dots (..). I resume the two dots shall show an expression of continuity. In fact you will also notice the habit of mine in the creative link, as (Rachi Creations..).

• Though I am a good painting (check: Rachi Creations.. )and have quite a steady-controlled hand in sketching, I cannot put fine eye-liner on my eyes. I tried many times but was not able to make it straight but still its a hard luck.

• These days I don't go out without my sun glasses on. Whether its sunshine or rain..my glasses reflects on my eyes. In past one year these are my third glasses. The first one I accidentally broke, second I guess I lost, I guess because till now I am not able to find out after I kept them on my table. So now I am having the third one. Incidentally all were Fastrack. Well they are good and above all stylish...You see this being stylish is compulsory..these days...!

• I'm a born preserver. Since childhood I have a strange tendency of keeping things and not discarding them. Call it cardboard, box, old bottles, paper chits, school notebooks, etc. I feel that some day these things shall be of great use. I simply don't want to discard it so early and rather preserve them. Despite, the lack of space in the cupboard I manage to keep them somewhere nicely. I still have many books of mine of both primary school and collage notes safe.

• My all time favourite T.V.Show is the "THE WONDER YEARS". The story begins with Kevin, Paul, and Winnie on the verge of starting junior high school. The voice of Kevin as an adult and the show's narrator is wonderful to hear . A friendly but strange relationship shared by Kevin and Winnie which gets completely disclosed in the last few years. Despite their life-long romance, they never married and end up living separate lives.

The Wonder years goes all around the school days, teenagers, best friend, trust, secrets, crush, betrayal, love in first sight, kiss, fights, misunderstanding, grief, fun, attraction, party, girls, boys, teachers, strike father, intelligent mother, dumb brother, beautiful sister, fist car, graduation, dance, rumours,study, little puppy, affectionate grandfather, sweet girl friend, jealousy, break ups, losing, Valentine's Day, transfer to new place, old and new friends etc. It was a good show, with all emotions indulge into them making one believe its their own life.

The final sounds, voice-over and dialogue of the episode and series is that of Kevin providing concluding narration with the sound of children playing in the background:-
"Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers, the next day you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a place, a town, a house, like a lot of houses. A yard like a lot of other yards. On a street like a lot of other streets. And the thing is, after all these years, I still look back...with wonder."

Anyone can relate to the story, and here I wonder ...how Wonderful was my childhood...!

• Remembering childhood, I think of of Dogs..! Its been always a nightmare for me to face a dog. All my close friends and family knows it well that I am scared of Dogs. . But the new thing these days is that, though being afraid, I often wonder how its gonna be having a pet DOG at home, a Golden Labrador puppy. Seems these days I wanna conquer my fear...!
• Hope you enjoyed the second sequel of "the things you dint know about me". When your read this blog, try writing the things people dont know about, and have fun in wondering about yourself..!

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to.."

..Blog Author

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Elephants painting - an ivory trumpet

This ultimate water-color painting is created by Dr.Jigar Modia, based in Vadodara, Gujarat who describe himself very well in following lines;

" a day dreamer

a soft whisperer

a romantic soul

a laughing idol

sweetest thoughts

n cutest act

mystery in eyes

and care in touch

vivid imaginations

with weirdo person complex

yet simple reveal me

i may be never ending treasure. Have an

immense passion for drawing and painting. "

My old school mate of GREMS, Baroda with his unique strokes of brush makes not only me but many stand-still in the deep thought and admiration of this creations. This painting is being added recently and well suits my latest blog "Elephants - turning point of the longest trunk".

I name this painting as "An Ivory Trumpet".

What would you name it ? Do write in the commnet box.

Thank you, is such small word to say for the contribution, but I wish him gud luck and more happy flying colours in life and inspiring others with his beautiful creations.

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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Elephants - turning point of the longest trunk

Note: THIS blog is decicated to THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.

"They are a large, funny animal, and they seem to know when they have done something dumb. They convey a sense of knowing how they fit into the world." (J .Poole quoted in The Fate Of The Elephant).

Everybody loves to play with water. So as the huge Elephants are also fond of water and enjoy showering by sucking water into their trunks and spraying it all over themselves. Afterwards, they pick up and spray dust in the same manner they did with water. with their trunk. Almost like the elephant's sunscreen the protective coating of dust. Though dirty its cute and effective. Is'nt it..!

Unique Ability: African elephants care for wounded individuals and are unique in that they identify and look after elephant bones.

And something I cannot forget appriciating their contribution in all ways so much to the wildlife and mankind. The best example is that, as much as 80 percent of what elephants consume is returned to the soil as barely digested highly fertile manure.

• Type: Mammal
• Diet: Herbivore
• Average lifespan in the wild: Up to 70 years
• Size: Height at the shoulder, 8.2 to 13 ft (2.5 to 4 m)
• Weight: 5,000 to 14,000 lbs (2,268 to 6,350 kg)
• Group name: Herd
• Protection status: Threatened

Remember, how (Hrithik Roshan) in the movie Jodha-Akbar, Akbar had experience powerful wrestling with elephants. This was one of the scene that I liked inspite of the special effects present. I wondered how important Elephants have been ever since the ancient times. The largest creature on earth Elephants have added a royalty, a sense of power, and strenght all past decades. The ancient battles rules have provided us with an interesting application of tactics to the War Elephant in an ancient games context. So many wars have been fought and won due to the large number of the elephants in the army. Elephants have been indeed a sense of pride of all eras.

My Story, of this royal creature elephant starts long back in my childhood when I used to study in Baroda, Gujarat where for the first time I saw the elephant at the temple, which was very near to my home. The elephant was brought far away from Ahemdabad on truck for performing the prayer and other temple rituals. That was first time when I read the elephant so closely. Everybody gave the elephant bananas and sugar canes. The elephant was well decorated and taken to the possession through all the streets in the evening. On the other way, I with my friends were following the footsteps of the elephant. Trying to observe the rough dark skin of that huge animal, its thick hard long hairs on the body. We were so excited to see the elephant, that we stayed in the temple even after the prayers were offered. I believe that was the time when I felt so much for that creature and since than its my favourite animal . Yes! I call elephant my favourite animal.

And how can I forget the wonderful times of Baroda, attending the Ganesh Chaturthi, where huge idols of Lord Ganesh were made. Ganesh, the Hindu God of wisdom, has an elephant's head.

Each year these huge idols were different looks given to the idol and this indeed amazed me.Sometimes covered with glass pieces, sometimes with glitters and sometime with small pices of colourful bangles, creativity have no boundation indeed. We waited egarly each year to see the Lord Ganesh idol of our locality with different looks. Artists work so hard and have such an innovative mind to create the idols everytime with different looks and yet so preety with all spirtual essence. Its an experience only to be felt living at the west edges of India, like Gujarat and Maharashatra.

Comming to north-east, in Guwahati, Assam the view of elephant on the streets is very common. The elephant keeper riding on the elephant come door to door to get some food and bless people.

There was also the time when I was in New Delhi, for my IHM industrial training. To reach on time I used to catch the early morning Bus from ITO, I wondered, from where on these busy roads of the Capital have dung of elephant. And one day when I reached before my time luckily saw the elephants shaking their hips on the road moving slowly. These elephants lived down the ITO bridge at the shores of Yamuna river. The picturesque from the bus was amazing to watch elephants crossing the busy roads. It was then I was almost carried away by this huge creature. I wished if I could know more about the elephants and even ride on it...well it seemed then almost a dream to fulfill some point of my life.



Completing my college in Guwahati, I came Gwalior, Madhaya Pradesh doing MBA at IITTM. I made many friends here, some good and some best. Among them, few friends often called me DUMBO. Dumbo! Dumboo..!! Ahh...I do understand things but a bit late...Got it...why my friends called me Dumbo..! Well this sometimes did hurt me. But later I stared enjoying this pet name of mine given by my friend. Dumbo, is the Disney animated cute baby elephant character. For his enormous ears, and everyone of them calls him "Dumbo". I love Dumbo! For its innocent, cute, chubby smile that can directly make others smile too, Dumbo name excited me.

Finally it was Aug.2007, when my dream to ride & to get closure to this huge habitat elephant came true. Kerala is the destination were I saw in abundant of the elephants at the Elephant Center. I touched, hugged and holded in my arms. I still remember the name of the elephant was Suneeta on which I had my life's first elephant ride. It was one of the best experience of my life. The elephant was too big and a bit difficult to sit on it, with the wide forum. It took an elegant walk and shook with each step it took creating a bubbly effect in my stomach but something which was simply worth being at such a height touching the branches of the trees. This is what I always wanted to do afterall...!

I consider myself lucky to be blesssed by Luxmi ,Her elephant at Pondicherry temple this April.2008. She was again a delight to watch and feed her with green grass. You can read more about her in my blog on Pondicherry with this link clicking.

Who says elephants are found in one color that is a grey shade? India have elephants so well decorated with rangoli colours and other accesories making the creature look beautiful. The elephants in Rajasthan look so much more colourful and vibrant.

Where as the elephnat in South Indis, Kerala looks more of auspicious looks studded. The polo on the elephants is popular in Rajasthan and nobody should miss it. Also in Kerala, elephant festival is celebrated every year.

India have been popular all around the world for its elephant safari, infac this also inspired the famous tourism company "Thomas Cook" to start the tourism in India with a big bang.

Among the most intricate and painstaking crafts of India is ivory-carving. Presently banned in the effort to preserve elephant population. And please don't ever buy Ivory. Save an elephant and make your money work for them not against them. If you travel to exotic places or even to a shopping mall near you, never buy anything that looks like ivory as it probably is. It can be fake and above all illegal.

"At present the world is losing plant and animal species at a rae between 10 to 1,000 times the natural extinction rate.." This came today in the newspaper. I am shocked as any other next Nature lover. But amazingly with this statement I was surpried to know that elephants have one more species. Bornean Pygmy elephant with are beleived to be the last survivors of Javan elephants which are extincting now.

NOTE:

Above is the picture in which Left top is the African Elephant with large ears, Left bottom is the Asian Elephant and Right side is the picture of the cute small Pygmy elephant.
Pygmy elephant in Sabah proven to be a new subspecies. They are smaller, tamer and more mild tempered compared with other Asian elephants and were discovered in Sabah. Following DNA tests, it has been now confirmed as a new subspecies of Borneo “Pygmy Elephants.” These elephants were a distinct subspecies and had different characteristics from their cousins found on mainland Asia and Sumatra.

It is beleived that these pygmy elephants were isolated about 300,000 years ago from their cousins on mainland Asia and Sumatra. “During that period, these elephants became smaller with relatively larger ears, longer tails and relatively straight tusks giving them a cuter looks"

It is important to highlight the conservation of these pygmy elephants to ensure their survival. And hopefully major steps have been taken by WWF and Panda.org. Do'nt cut down the forest. Its the elephant's home. Think about it!

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Kerala - Munnar is Must to visit

My mini trip to Munnar was more of a learning experience than just the leisure. I went there with empty hands and came back with empty purse, but the memory card full of beauty captured. My moments at Munnar are indeed one of the best time I had in travelling. The Magnificent Munnar is a Must to visit in a lifetime! And I am so glad that I did it at the silver jubilee of my life. Here is my mixed details on my mini trip to Munnar.

The Miracle started 510 years since Vasco da Gama's opened the first sea route to India. This sea voyage to India(1497-1499), is one of the defining moments in the history of exploration. It was southwest coast of India at Kerala,Calicut completely changed the Indian industrial history. Indeed, this tiny state of India , Kerala ones again making a difference in the Tourism industry with its remarkable reputation of being one of the most beautiful states. For long been known all around the world as the land of spices, today it has been nicknamed as God's Own Country. A land of lovely palm- fringed wide sandy beaches and lush green vegetation all over is a heavenly experience to visit. In 2006, Kerala attracted 8.5 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 23.68% over the previous year, making the state one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world.

• Kerala - One of the 50 must see destinations of a lifetime - " National Geographic Travel "
  Kerela - One of the 10 paradises of the World - " National Geographic Travel "
• Nominated as one among the three finalists at the World Travel and Tourism Council's ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ awards in the destination category - Yr.2005.

Kerala offers one of the best beaches, backwater experiences and hill stations of the country. Hill station Munnar is situated at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 Ft above sea level. Munnar have a magnificent climate and view with the sheets of tender green paddy fields, cardamom groves, pepper climber, rubber plantation, slopping plantations of tea and many more. Munnar is blessed to have the cool climate attracting many tourists from domestic and around the world all season round.

The history of tea plantation in Munnar started in the 1895 by an European A.H. Sharp, at the A.H. Sharp Parvathy estate (Present Silent Valley Estate). Since than, tea plantation have come a long way making itself as one of the biggest exporter in the world. Today, most of the tea estates are owed by Tata Group, an Indian corporate giant , generating employment to most of the local people and protecting the ecology of the environment.

Tea production, consumption and export, India has emerged to be the world leader, mainly because it accounts for 31% of global production. Tea production is perhaps the only industry where India has retained its leadership over the last 150 years. And being the tea lover its an absolute delight to see the all around green slopes of tea. I was so much carried away by the salient beauty of the green slopes of tea plantation. One can also buy the fresh Tea from the outlets and shops in the market. And believe me there are varied collection of different tastes simply opening up the senses. Buy them for yourself and also gift them to your friends.

" Munnar is a land of waterfalls and species. We also had spice-tour, visiting the farms where the we could see the rubber tree plantation and whole production process of how the rubber was extracted from the tree and made. Pepper climbers, cardamom nurtured, cocoa bushes was indeed a lifetime experience to see. Land of species , also invites people to buy cardamom, pepper, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg etc on best price with excellent quality. Homemade chocolates, honey and other oils for massage are some of the condiments to keep for sure in the buying basket. "

On the way to Munnar, there are glistening brooks and the hills finally roll down to the coastal plains of Munnar through paddy fields and coconut trees. One of the main attraction of Munnar is the Mattupetty which is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the ultimate view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Horse riding and elephant ride is also available there. It is believed that Munnar have the climate as similar to Switzerland, hence there is the Indo-Swisss Live Stock project which is well known for its highly specialized dairy. Echo gaze is another distinct picturesque beauty to visit.

Munnar way stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and magnificent monuments of churches and others statues. A wildlife lover shall love to go Eravikulam National Park, a sanctuary popular for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious). We were definitely lucky to see six such goats at the hill top. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. And the panoramic view from this place of the Munnar is simply great..where clouds touches one's head, leaving the feeling of fairy land or call it Heaven " God's own country".

Kerala is Worth a Thousand Words..Its like it's Tea, have a Sip and Experience...the Pleasure."

Somebody very well quoted saying, " If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you..." Munnar is a place revealing about peace, calmness, serenity and a blooming beauty prevails. The Miracle of Munnar is still blessing the world with its balanced eco-nature, hope the Man respects and cares for it..!

Enjoy Travelling..

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."
..Blog Author

Hope you liked our article. Don't forget to share your view or link to us. Thanks!

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