Roundup of "Summer Splash" + winner of the Cuponation Giveaway

Thank you for the overwhelming response to "Summer Splash event and Giveaway".. 86 mouthwatering entries - and perfect Summer Treat too ... 

Thank you dear friends for your wonderful support. I am sure you would participate in the MLLA # 59 event and giveaway too that I am guesthosting here.. ! Rush your entries to win a wonderful giveaway from Susan - the creator of the wonderful event - for the event ends in 8 days :-)

Meanwhile, a delicious round up of the entries, and the winner of the Cuponation coupon is entry # 48  --- Princy of Spicy Foood (yes, with that extra "o" :-)) with her Watermelon & Green Apple Granita !! Congrats Princy :-))-  Please do await an email from either me or Cuponation on your reward coupon and how you can redeem the same !! 

Thank you once again, friends and look forward to your continued support :-)

Cheers

Kalyani

Eggless French Toast

French Toast and eggless ??!! That's what S asked me as I went on to prepare this over the weekend. Everytime we are on a vacation or at a restaurant buffet for breakfast, the strong smell of Vanilla infused Cinnamon in french Toast never fails to arouse my senses. Having said so, the non-egg eater in me refused to eat this, till I saw this recipe recently in a magazine (Good housekeeping, I guess). And got me to make this over the last weekend along with kiddo.

This is a ridiculously simple recipe for holiday cooking too;-) A perfect way to begin the day :-) Or even as a warm dessert post a lazy Sunday brunch (what we did)! 

Sending this across to Pavani who is hosting Valli's Kid's Delight - 5 ingredient fix and to BM # 28 too.

Prep time : 10 mins | Cook time : 10 mins | Serves : 3

Ingredients:

• Bread slices - 8  nos
• Custard Powder - 2 TBSP
• Milk - Approx 1/2 cup (low fat version) + 4 TBSP
• Sugar - 2 to 3 TBSP (adjust to taste)
• Olive Oil - 3 tsp 

Method:

1) Boil the milk. Mix the custard powder in the remaining 4 TBSP milk to a smooth pouring (custard pudding consistency) and pour to the boiling milk. 

2) Switch off the stove and mix well. Add sugar and set aside. Then add the cinnamon powder and vanilla essence and mix well.

3) Cut the bread slices diagonally into half (this is for ease of use - you could use the entire slice if you wish). Lightly dip the bread slice into the custard mixture and place it immediately onto a medium-hot tava (skillet). Drizzle olive oil around the bread and flip and bake for a few more minutes till it turns slightly brown and moist.

4) Serve immediately as it is or with honey , or even better, dusted with cinnamon powder :-)   

Dry Fruits Milkshake | Healthy Milkshake for kids | Summer drinks

We begin the 2nd week of Blogging Marathon # 28 today, and my chosen theme is Kid's Delight Foods - 5 ingredient Fix. Hosted by Pavani, this event by Valli has seen many interesting themes,and this dish was kid-approved in a jiffy.

I am not a fruit+milk = milkshake kind of a mom, although its possibly the easiest way to feed a child with fruits. I feel the texture of the fruit & the fibre content undergoes a drastic change , not to mention that according to ayurveda, fruits and milk taken together increases toxicity in the body, and might lead to chest infections later.

So, coming to today's dish, its made with just 5 ingredients as per Pavani's theme. Its a no brainer and actually requires no recipe per se. Make any additions to this as per your palate. And treat your kids (and yourself) with this yummy drink. 

Prep time : 10 mins | No cook | Serves : 4

Ingredients:

Dry fruits : each 25 gms each : Figs (Anjeer) , Raisins, Almonds (You may use just one of these or many more)

Milk - 250 ml (I used Low fat)

Saffron - few strands

Kesar pista Ice cream - 2 scoops

Pit the anjeer and blanch the almonds (optional - I used 2 TBSP of home made almond Meal) 

Blend the dry fruits with a little milk first. When they are pureed, add the ice cream and the rest of the milk and blend again to a thickish drink with some ice cubes.

Strain and serve chilled topped with saffron strands