Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

'My Spicy Recipe' ~ Event Round Up and Announcement of Winners!



The initial decisions of picking out winners by 'draw' slowly got diluted due to the fabulous entries sent by the enthusiastic participants!.

Let me thank, first of all, each and every one for the amazing entries!

Criteria

Now, I had to decide laying criteria for judging.
All I could think primarily were, the recipe, presentation and photography.

But then, I had a lovely bunch of entries with pictures of professional quality and presentation from my closer knit of friends. They were particular to encourage the deserving new bloggers and mentioned lovingly that they were offering the entries considering the friendship. I love that! So, I affectionately placed this irresistible bunch gently at the back seat, mingled with the overwhelming feeling of perfect understanding! Let me thank you, sincerely!

New criteria that got added were: the choice of the recipe, uniqueness of the entry, whether the recipe was sent over exclusively to the event "My Spicy Recipe" or shared with other events of the period, addition of the event logo and online shopping tips, though they were not insisted. I was also looking out for more, which stood out from the rest, again giving consideration to newer bloggers.

The Prize Winners

One recipe was accepted per blog. But then I saw bloggers who held 2 food blogs in different languages and blogging different recipes in both, updated promptly! Holding one food blog, regularly updated, is more than hard work. As bloggers we know how to tough it is to maintain 2 food blogs that too one in English and the other in a regional language!

Asiya Omar and Jaleela Kamal, girls, I am impressed!


1st

She was one among the contestants who mailed me expressing her deep interest, clarifying her doubts and rather fighting with the bad connectivity she had been experiencing, exchanging at least 3 dozens of cheerful mails. Her Paruppu Adai or the healthy lentil pancakes from her  Tamil food blog, Samayal Attahasangal had been unique, the only breakfast recipe here, and the step wise traditional recipe of the Spicy Aathur Pepper Mutton  from her English food blog , Cook Book Jaleela had been contributed exclusively for the event. She was innocently worried about the not so well presented dish, until I consoled asking to leave as is. I succumb to your innocence, honesty, enthusiasm, and hard work.
Congrats, Jaleela, You go first!

2nd

She manages My Healthy Happy Kitchen, the English food blog and Samaithu Asathalam, the Tamil space with much effort and talent. She updates them regularly with stepwise pictures  with varied recipes and cuisine.
The only contestant who shared the online shopping tips above the recipe post in both her spaces and the third contestant to send over the entries. I received the homely Milagu Thanni Soup and the Spicy Pepper Prawn from her bilingual blogs within the first five entries!  Asiya, for your hard work, enthusiasm and talent you get the second with a close score!

3rd

The first impression is the best impression!
While the entries were coming in, this new blogger stole my heart with her simple but good photography, presentation and the extra love she gave me :)
I saw my logo not only under the recipe post but also in her side bar, throughout! Simple and good Egg Curry sent over by Divya Shivaraman from Dishing with Divya bags the third prize.



Well, this is not going to mean mean that the others are not competitive and deserving. I find even many appealing and equally good though I do not make a note here. Wish I had the choice of giving 43 prizes that all of you would be rewarded!!
Sadly, I am restricted with the first three.



The Final Round Up

Let me individually enjoy and appreciate each and every entry here. Nothing matches the love and concern combined in the dishes, though!



Soups



This spicy heartwarming Milagu Thanni or the Pepper Soup is from Asiya Omar had been one of my favourite recipes which was contributed very early for the event. Asiya is the author of Tamil and English food blogs!







Drinks / Beverages



One of the prettiest and unique entries!

Lavi, I am spell bound with this Spicy Chilli Hot Chocolate!
Can't ask for more!










Appetisers / Starters / Snacks

Vegetarian



Beach style Kara pori  is a simple snack with an interesting combination of rice puffs, raw vegetables and boiled peanuts tossed with masala. It  requires less stove top but serves more than enough to liven up a beach side evening. Shared by Rak's Kitchen!










Sharmilee's Lemon Aval Upma can be considered as a heavy appetiser or a light meal. Made with poha or rice flakes, the dish is prepared with minimum oil for the tea-time munch.  The colour combination of the dish, the bowl, the props and shot on the whole is undoubtedly beautiful!







Imagine biting deep into these moist, spiced up Stuffed Capsicum topped carelessly with crunchy bits of onion! Boiled and mashed potatoes, green peas and carrots are the main ingredients she had used for stuffing the green and red bell pepper halves after spicing them up in an Indian way. A 'delicious pick' from Foodie lover.

This recipe is a fascination; a fusion of  North and South. The South Indian Vadas ( let me recommend you to have a look at the ingredients used to make the Vadas) blended with the array of Northy chat flavours and combined with the goodness of Yogurt! The feasty Dal Dahi Vada Chat from Jayasri Ravi.



A snack made with horse gram and vegetables! I bet these Spicy Kollu Vegetable Rolls are new to you as for me.She made my day mentioning the event prompted her to start a food blog and she did it right away, posting this interesting recipe!
Feeling proud that I had been the reason behind the start of a homely space which is going to benefit millions, soon! Good Luck, Lakshmi :)


Non-Vegetarian


Chicken legs never lose their demand and so do these hot Spicy Tandoori Chicken on the plate. Prepared by Faiza Kader. Shared by her Tamil Blog, 'En Iniya Illam'.







Don't these buns look perfect and more than gorgeous?
Do visit her space to check out her lovely step-wise recipe for Soft Chicken Stuffed Buns. I am more than excited to have them for the event, Nitha :)










Main Meal
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Recipes)

Vegetarian


A healthy combination of rice and dal makes a healthy start for the day too.
Paruppu Adai from Jaleela Kamal. She is a busy homemaker who manages both Tamil and English food blogs!






The first girl who promised me to send over the entry. She kept her word by sending over her Spicy South Indian Tomato Rice.
A lovely recipe with pictures of aesthetic sense; from Pepper Bowl!
Can't ask for more!





Have you thought of making something tangy and spicy with quinoa? Well, Priya Sahasranaman has ventured the differently delicious Quinoa Puliyodarai! She also substitutes quinoa for the rice part in curd rice, pulao and even Khichdi!




Non-Vegetarian

Meena Selvakumaran had perfected the elaborate recipe of Dum Chicken Biriyani in  a simpler way urging the non vegetarian biriyani lovers to give a shot!
Also, the first contribution for my first event :)





Here's a treat from another spice lover.
Princy's Prawn Pulav - A simple but great meal for prawn and pulav lovers. The rich red colour, the blend of spices and the moist look of the pulav is simply  mouthwatering!









Who doesn't love this dish called 'Kothu Paratha'?
Babitha Costa's Beef Kothu Paratha  provides a sumptuous lunch for a non-vegetarian who likes beef!








Curries / Accompaniments

Vegetarian


How many of you had thought of a combo of methi leaves and mor kuzhambu? Aparna Rajesh Kumar  elaborates with her stepwise of the flavourful Spicy Methi leaves Morkuzhambu in her space.




A guilt free side dish with the healthy green vegetable, ladies finger or okra.
The Konkani's Bhende Phanna Upkari or the Chilly Okra sent over with lots of love from Divya Kudua









Imagine you are living far...far away in a country quite far from your native home. Recreate a kuzhambu with all the goodness and flavours back home. Have it for lunch! How would you feel?I am sure Latamma felt heaven, when she made the very homely Karuveppilai Poondu Karakuzhambu with all her love!


I am sure many of you love biting into crunchy, juicy bits of young corn soaked in a flavourful gravy!
Sharanya's Baby Corn Gravy made with freshly ground Indian masala is a traditionally flavoured combo for Indian breads and pulaos!


Here's an Indo Chinese recipe of Vegetable Manchurian with Gravy. by Linsy Patel. Addition of soya granules along with the veggies for the balls gives the recipe an interesting twist.






Honestly, I haven't heard of Rogan Josh made with Mushrooms.
The innovative Mushroom ki Rogan Josh with stepwise illustrations from Arthy Shama.









If you are bored with the regular recipes of raw plaintain, give it a twist, following the recipe of Spicy Plantain Masala prepared by Priya Satheesh.









 The picture says it all. The yummy spicy red hot Mushroom Chops by Shama Nagarajan.









If I am right here, Vengaya Kose is one of the Tamil recipes which is disappearing from the tables of the state. This simple but special side dish is prepared and sent over by Meenal Ramanathan.





Gobi Capsicum Kheema -Yet another interesting combination of cauliflower, bell pepper, tomato and coconut, blended with a touch of jaggery. Contributed by Anuradha Prem, a creative girl, who crochets embroiders and paints.This entry is special as it is her first food recipe in the space :)



Quite an appealing and innovative dish. Spiced Unripe Banana Balls in Rich Gravy, contributed by Anshu Bhatnagar.








Spicy Gavarfali Dhokli or Cluster beans with wheat flour dumplings is an interesting combination!
"Dhokli can be had as it is or with roti, But we normally have them as it is," says Manjula of Desi Fiesta.







Non Vegetarian




Don't you think this Pepper Chicken Masala from Swapna is classic? I love the ingredients of the recipe and the pastel shades in the shot!










This simple Egg Curry from Divya Shivaraman has captured all the goodness and creaminess in the final picture. The clear stepwise illustrations with sharp shots were one among the first entries, that stole my heart.










This yummy and Spicy Pepper Prawn  is from Asiya Omar, from her Tamil Blog









A very homely Pepper Chicken curry from Tinku Shaji.










Yet another classic pick!

Turkey Kofta Curry is sure to delight the soul of any non-vegetarian. A glimpse from 'Divya's Culinary Journey.










Even a simple looking curry can be capable to lock most flavours. The Spicy and Perfect Shrimp Gravy which Usha suggests, is a good example!







Spicy Chicken Curry topped with lots of coriander greens is more than appealing for a chicken lover. Shrav's chicken curry illustrated stepwise is not an exemption to that!







Who cares about the presentation when it comes to a  homely and traditional recipe? :)
Spicy Aathur Pepper Mutton is sent over by Jaleela Kamal from her English blog






The pretty looking Pattukkottai Chicken Curry is one among my favourite entries. Revathi owns a neat blog with lovely pictures of food she cooks.





A homely treat for fish lovers. The irresistible Chettinad Fish Kuzhambu made and sent over by Nithya











Fork n Folks! Smart!
With a burnt shell of coconut, butter, topped with cloves, Latha has brilliantly induced a smoky flavour to her perfectly done Boneless Smoky Chicken.






Chutneys / Dips



This Red Hot Spicy dip is from Lakshmi Venkatesh. Enough to make any cheeks hurt, the fiery Varamilagai Thovayal is the traditional combination   with Vellai Paniyaram of Chettinad Cuisine!






Here's a quick-fix blend onions and tomatoes! The simple and yummy Onion Tomato Chutney for the South Indian idlies and dosas. From my little sis, an ardent chutney lover :)












Pickles / Preserves



The picture catches the attention!

The lovely Gooseberry Pickle send over with much enthusiasm by Jeyashri Suresh.






Green Bell Pepper and Green Chilli Pickle dip from Chithra is a very different chutney with a combination of two kinds of peppers!







I still dwell upon my doubts if anyone has a better recipe for 'Fish Pickle' than the Keralites!
Sini's Meen Achar is the last to be featured, but the most favourite treat for spice and fish lovers like me :)










Let me thank, from the bottom of my heart, each participant, who had taken time to prepare and send over the recipe, thereby making my first event a successful one :)



Loads of Love
Bharathy :)


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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Arusuvai ~ The dormant chain wakes up! Yet another Season to Celebrate!

I still can't believe it's been three years since the start of the Arusuvai friendship chain, the healthy and long chain which extended to many food bloggers of the time in India and abroad.

The final round up of the chain was done by Srivalli and me after about 5 months since it started and by the time we had a real bunch of enthusiastic Indian food bloggers whom we could loop up successfully.

The list of participants in India in 2007- '08


Lathamma- Renuka & Bharathy

Renuka - Srivalli & Arundati Rao

Bharathy - Lissie & Lakshmi

Srivalli - Anita & Kamini

Lissie- Rachel & Lathamma(back)

Lakshmi - Raaga & Nags

Nags - Bhags

Raaga - Nanditha Iyer

Rachel- Shella

Bhags - Kajal & Sukanya

Anita- Reeta & Deepshika

Shella- Priyadarshini & Aparna

Kamini- Nirmala & Perspective

Kajal- Priya Mahesh

Nirmala - Jayashree M

Arundati Rao - Deeba & Gaurav

Deeba - Miri

Aparna-Bindiya Singh

Deepshika-Gayathri H & Nanditha

Sukanya -SMN

SMN - Manidipa

Gaurav - Jayasree

Jayashree - Kamalika

Jayasree- Sunshinemom

Miri - Ramki

Perspective- Simran

Kamalika - DG

Priya Mahesh-Archana

Archana- Swati

Ramki- Divya

Sunshinemom - Arundathi


The chain had been sleeping ever since.

A few months back I got a message from a cheerful and an active blogger, Sayantani that she would be interested to activate the dormant chain. It took some time to get us into the track as I had been away to my home town and later when Sayantani got held up due to her personal reasons.

Finally, I sent along the secret ingredient to Sayantani, restarting the chain.
Read about her announcement post here.

Now we have to find interested bloggers in India to whom she can pass along.

So, friends, if you happen to reside in India and want to be a part of this friendship chain, please do not hesitate to leave a message in her post or down in my comment box. We will be happy to include you in the chain.

Know more about the chain, here, here and here

Cheers,
Bharathy :)
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Thursday, October 25, 2007

A Spice Mix for a Spoonful of Christmas...


It had been quite a surprising discovery that a cute girl residing in Sweden has almost the same tastes of that of a lady who dwells in South India!!.The resemblances of these ladies are the love for chillies, spices, care for their sisters and more..So what if comes, if these attributes blend?...Care for the sisters, love for the spice mixes and sending them over as a gift?..

After having seen and read about the awesome Monday Spice Series , the collection of spice mixes, which the Swedish girl had prepared personally and gifted her sister for her wedding, the idea had been brewing up in me which had eventually turned out to reality now.


Even in her early teens my sister preferred homemade spice mixes and would remark,"when I start cooking, I am never going to get the store bought masalas or powders and will see to it that I make them personally, unadulterated!".

This is my gift to Nags , for her love of fresh spices ; my submission to A Spoonful of Christmas hosted by the sweet Zlamushka .

Sambhar masala or Sambhar powder had earned me the "greatest hit credit" among all the recipes blogged so far; the simple reason of choosing this ingredient to be gifted..



The recipe to make this "spice mix" is here and the "curry" which can be made out of this powder is here.
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Saturday, October 20, 2007

RCI-Varalakshmi Vratham...

A day for Ladies, with the yellow sacred threads, kumkum, flowers and the Kalasam with the face of the Goddess atop, decorated with jewellery and flowers is a never to miss sight.Offerings or Neivedyam like white payasams, tamarind rice and some traditional sweets are made for the goddess Varalakshmi along with the offerings of fruits, coconuts and betel leaves and nuts.Pushparchanai or flower offerings is done along with the sacred Ashtothram chants with the 108 names of the Goddess!. The day falls on a Friday, every year according to the Tamil Calendar.



I had posted about Varalaksmi vratham a few weeks back, giving importance to Arisi Upma or Raw rice Upma.Find the recipe and details here.

In this post, let me add along the recipe for the Dosai and the accompanying Chutney which were again the part of the main menu for the day..

Pacharisi / Raw rice dosai.

Fermentation for the Iddly or Dosa batter requires 8 to 10 hours in normal room tempature of 25-30deg C. Parboiled rice and Urad dal in the ratio 4:1 is generally used for the purpose.

When it comes to the day of "vrutham", raw rice(pacharisi)becomes the substitute.Fermentation is avoided as it is considered “making ready the previous evening”and believed to be “unfit”!!.
Therefore the soaking is done early in the morning for an hour on the same day and ratio for the raw rice and the urad dal would be 2:1 so as to acquire preferably a “softer” output :)..

Ingredients:

Yeilds 10-12 medium dosas

Raw rice -1cup
Urad dal-1/2 cup
Salt-to taste.
Oil, you prefer,(use fresh and unused)-for making dosas

Method:

Soak together, rice and dal for an hour and a half.Grind it to a smooth batter using the required amount of water,just as you prepare the normal idly or dosa batter.
.Spread the batter on the hot tawa, meant for making dosas. Let the dough be slightly watery .Pour along in a circular way and avoid spreading into flat circles using the back side of the round ladle as you make the normal dosas.Just “pour” round and it spreads itself.Take care to fill the gap and resemble a dosa J..Flip over and cook the other side.Try to make soft and whiter dosas as this batter has the chance for making dosas harder.So avoid overcooking on the griddle or keep on flipping over and over.


Kadalai paruppu / Bengal gram dhal Chutney.

Ingredients:

Serves 2-3

Kadalai paruppu/bengal gram dhal-1/2 cup
Red chillies-4-5 or according to your preference
Oil for roasting-2 tsps
Oil for tempering-1 tsp
Mustard seeds and urad dal-1/4 tsp each
Kayam/hing-1/4 tsp
Curry leaves-a few
Salt-to taste

Method:

Heat oil for roasting in a kadai.Roast the dhal till unform golden colour.add the chillies and fry for a few seconds.Remove from fire,transfer contents to a flat dish and cool.Grind with salt adding enough water.See the picture for the consistency.Heat oil and temper using the mustard seeds and urad dal.Add hing and curry leaves.Pour it over the chutney and serve with the above hot dosas.Do not attempt to heat up the chutney.

Sambhar was also prepared, with pumpkin pieces in it. I am not going in depth with the recipe of Sambhar here as Viji had requested us to avoid regular sambhars or rasams :).

The recipe is already posted here.
The only difference with the sambhar recipe is that, onions are avoided for the day or on any such auspicious days.

The food is served on a banana leaf soon after the morning poojas and women generally skip lunch or dinner as they observe fasting for the day..

This goes to RCI-Tamil festivals hosted by Viji of vcuisine.
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