Sunday, December 6, 2015

Time to Bake Bread Loaf!

Mirka and Me 
Mika Keen at Learning tip to making Indian dishes

Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside".
Mark Twain
Mirka from Czech, who's settled in Australia, came to Bangalore for a short visit. She loves cooking, and likes to experiment with Indian food. She joined me for two Indian cooking class sessions - South Indian Breakfast and another class which covered lunch delicacies.

I had a great time sharing what I knew about Indian spices, dishes and the little nuggets of information on how food habits and taste vary in India. During the class, she shared the story of food in Czech. I was amused when she told how in Czech they have add a dash of rum in coffee on Christmas eve. She also shared a Banana Loaf cake recipe which I'm sharing here.


I followed the recipe given below and used half the recipe to make a small loaf cake. One thing I didn't use was soured cream. Instead of this, I used normal curd.

Banana Loaf Recipe
( Recipe source: Shared by Mirka)

Serves 8

Ingredients:
  • 2 really ripe bananas
  • 150g butter
  • 225g caster sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 175g plain flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 130g soured cream
Step to make Bread Loaf

1. Preheat the oven to 170⁰ and grease and line a 18cm x 8cm x 8cm loaf tin with
baking parchment.

2. Puree bananas.

3. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the
eggs.

4. Sift the flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder into the mixture and mix
together well. Mix in the soured cream, followed by the banana puree.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake 50 minutes or until a cocktail stick
inserted into the centre comes out clean.

6. Remove from the oven, allow to cool for 20 minutes in the tin and then turn out on
to a wire rack and strip off the baking parchment.

Banana Loaf

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Shops Selling Cake Baking Ingredients in Hyderabad

In the past one year of my baking class in Hyderabad, I'm fortunate to share my baking knowledge to many baking enthusiast and home bakers in this city. Also, in the past one year, I've seen a steady rise in the number of enquirers from folks in Hyderabad asking about the stores selling ingredients to questions about which OTG to buy for baking. Also, there are frequent calls regarding cake orders, which I pass on to few of my students who are now taking cake orders in Hyderabad.



Based on the questions I got, I've gathered information on shops selling baking ingredients in Hyderabad and Secundrabad side. I hope this post will be helpful for people who are looking to start baking, or those hunting for ingredients in this city.

1) Sri Venkateswara Agencies,
Near Jagannath Swami Temple,
General Bazaar, Secundrabad,
Phone- 040 66483608/ 66573608
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/venkateshwaraagencies?fref=ts
Sunday holiday

Banking ingredient accessory store in general bazar secundrabad
Sri Venketeswara Agencies
2) Bakers Kraft,
Plot No 10 Kavuri Hills
Hyderabad, India
+91 9949894130; 040-40248921
Timings : Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m;
Sun : 11 a.m. - 4p.m (Closed on Public Holidays)
Website: http://bakerskraft.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakerskrafthyderabad/

3) New Arife Lamoulde


New Arife -  A baker's den

H.No 1-43/c, Hi-Tech City Main Road,
Madhpur, Hyderabad
Phone No
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/newarife.lamouldehyd?fref=ts

4) Bakers Dezire
4-1-969/970,Surabhi Shraddha Complex,
Ahuja Estate, Abids, Hyderabad

Phone No: +91-40-24755508, 24755509.
Mobile No: +91-9246175508.

Website: http://bakersdezire.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bakersdezire/timeline

5) Chawla Essence Mart
 General Market, Hyderabad
Baking Accessory store in General Bazar Hyderabad
Chawla Essence Mart - General Bazar, Secundrabad


Other Shops selling baking related ingredients and products
such as baking trays, icing sugar, whipping cream, essence, cake base and board, gelatin, palette knifes, cutters, moulds, cupcake liners, bread loaf tin, turn table, spices, etc
  1. Ratnadeep Super Market, Marredpally, Secunderabad ( Cooking Butter, Maida, baking accessories, etc)
  2. HyperCity, Inorbit Mall, Hyderabad
  3. Auchan, Begumpet, Hyderabad
  4. Godrej Nature Basket, Banjara Hills
  5. Adilaxmi Enterprises, Banjara Hills
  6. Q-Mart, Road no 2, Banjara Hills
This list is not complete. I'll be updating it with more information, such as phone numbers, landmark, etc. If you know of a place which is not given here, then please share it in the comments box.

Thanks and keep baking

Marina

---------------------------------------------------

Baking Lessons in Hyderabad 

BAKING AND ICING CLASS in HYDERABAB

Aug 2 ( 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM)

Chocolate Making Class - Learn to Make Homemade Chocolates

2:30 to 6:PM

Buttercream Icing for Beginners

3/8/18 ( 10:AM to 1:PM)
Bread ( Learn 5 types of Eggless bread)

Date: 3/8/18, Time: 10:AM to 1:PM

Cookies ( Egg-less)


Date: 4/8/18 ( 10:AM to 1:PM)

 Cupcakes ( Class for Beginners)

5/8/18 ( 2:30 to 6:PM)

Red Velvet Cake and Chocolate Cake

5/8/18   Sunday ( 10:AM to 1:PM)

New York Cheese Cake and Chiffon Cake

Sunday ( 2:30 to 6:PM)

Fondant Cake Decoration 

Pre Order Christmas Cake in Bangalore

Book your Christmas Cake

Do you bake or buy Christmas Cake? If you have plans to buy homemade Christmas cake, then it's high time you place the order. As we approach the Christmas week, most places run-out of cakes. In Bangalore, there are few well established bakers who close their order by November 15th.
Christmas Cake ( Available at 500 gm and 1kg packet)
Christmas Cake Sale ( Nov and Dec) - About this Christmas Cake:

To make this rich Christmas Cake, I soak dried fruits and nuts in dark rum. At the time of baking, it's mixed with flour, and baked with love and packed with care. I hope the cake you buy from me will spread the Christmas cheer and be your festive delicacy on your Christmas table. I follow our family recipe ( St Andrews, Trivandrum) to bake this flavorful and rich cake

This ever popular Christmas Cake ( plum cake/rich fruit cake) is an ideal gift to family and friends. It's priced Rs 900 a kg and Rs 500 for 1/2 kg.

How to Order Christmas Cake in Bangalore

1) Call me or Whatsapp me at 9379398865 or 8861389165. You can also email at mennasdelight@gmail.com for details .

2) In case you like to taste the sample of Christmas Cake, you're welcome.

3) Once your order is confirmed, you need to make advance payment.

4) I don't do home delivery.  You'll have to pick it from Domlur. I'll provide with the address to reach my house. However, I provide home delivery for orders above 2 Kg and those living within 3 km of Domlur.

Last order is December 19, subject to the availability of cakes. So, make sure you book your Christmas cake orders early!


Dry fruits & Nuts mixed in dark rum and in caramelized syrup
Baked Christmas Cake 

Best served with homemade wine
 Home bakers Selling Good Quality Christmas Cakes in Bangalore

There are many home bakers and Christian folks who are well known in Bangalore for the unique and rich fruit cake. After a bit of research, I found few people who make wine and Christmas Cake during this season. Here are few people in Bangalore who are well known for their Christmas delicacies.

1) Sini Thomas
This home baker is based in HSR layout. She has been selling Christmas cake for many years. You can see her bakes on her Facebook page, Homemade Delite.

Christmas cake is priced Rs 1,100 a kg. Contact her 9972245356 to advance book Christmas cake in Bangalore.

2) Michelle Gafoor
 
Her specialties are Date and Walnut Roll and Christmas Cake. She stays in Frazer town.
 The Christmas cakes are sold at Rs 750 for a kg. She has an convenient home delivery option for those  looking to get it delivered. Order fast, her cakes are a big sellout!
 Contact phone number: 9845092630

3) Jacqueline D’cruz     
    For quality home made wines for Christmas.
     Ph# 080 25302742
 ( source: http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/)

Bakeries in Bangalore which sell Christmas Cake

1) Nilgiris
    Personally, I like their rich plum cake. These cakes are available in 250, 500 and 1 kg and it's available in all Nilgiris outlets in Bangalore.

2) Thom’s Bakery
 
    Location: Wheeler Road, Frazer Town,
    Phone:080 2536 1076
   
3) Fathima Bakery
     Location: Hosur Road, Opp Johnson Market, Richmond Town,
     Korangala Branch, Near to Sony World Signal  
     Phone:080 2551 0378

4) All Saints Bakery
     Opposite Brigade Towers, Next To Hotel Vellara
     Phone:080 2557 2091Hosur Road.

5) Thomson Bakery
    Near-East Railway Station, Frazer Town
    Phone:080 2548 6919

Book a Homemade Plum cake ( Fruit Cake) for Gifting  

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Licious Meat Story

I had a great time being part of the bloggers cook off meet at Slurp Studio, which was organized by the meat ordering startupLicious This newly introduced brand, delivers super fresh and hygienic meat and seafood in Bangalore.
In the cook out meet, I and Caroline Radhakrishnan who made pomfret curry, with tips from the experienced chef Joe Manavalanhe.  The event was attended by many food bloggers; Anu NaveenSoumya GopiHari CamalaHrish Thotar, Rumana Nazarali Vidya Lakshmi and many other budding bloggers.
Biryani Cooking Lesson
Two days after the event, I got the first hand experience when I ordered Licious meat for my cooking class. Two handsome guys from Switzerland, Etienne and his friend also vouched the quality of the meat. The mutton Dum Briyani made with Licious meat was a testament of their quality and freshness.

May they continue to wow more meat lovers in Bangalore. I hope their maintain these three aspects in their business - Quality, Freshness and Innovation. And, more importantly, good customer service.

Good Luck to Licious Team! 
All Set for the Cook Out Session 

Licious - Idea & Story by Abhay Hanjura 

Enter Hygienic & Clean Meat

Fish at Cook out - Licious Cook Out

Cook Out at Slurp Cooking Studio


Licious Meat Pack at my Cooking Class

Biryani - Ready

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Restaurants serving Onam Sadya in Trivandrum - 2015

It's a been a long time since I have been in Trivandrum during Onam. So, this August, I'm extending my stay in Trivandrum to be here during Onam festivities. One thing I still relish is the road side illumination, shopping spree of  people and to be a part of the Onam crowd.

Already, electronic stores, textile shops and restaurants has started their pre-onam buzz. Offers, discounts, sale, are few ways how sales pickup during Onam time.

2017 Update  List of restaurants serving Onam Sadhya 
2016 update - Here's the list of restaurants serving Onam feast 

Hotels providing Onam Sadya in Trivandrum

1) Biverah Hotel Trivandrum 

Biverah Hotel, Kumarapuram, Trivandrum 
Call - 8069000603 to reserve your seat
Onam Sadhya rate- Rs 299
12:00 - 3:PM
Payasam - Rs 170 - 180



2) Imperial Kitchen


Imperial Kitchen

Rate: 279/- for Onam Sadhya
From 21 to 31st August
For reservation and details, call 0471 2311 789, 2311 798

3) Onam Payasam at Indian Coffee House, Spenser Jn, Trivandrum
Payasam - At Indian Coffee House


4) Onam Sadhya at South Park
South Park Hotel
5) Onam Sadhya Parcel at Steampot

Steampot - Onam Sadya

Location: Pottakuzhi
Phone: 0471 2553663
Onam Sadhya Parcel - 3 Pax - Rs 1,000/-
                                     5 Pax  - Rs 1,500/-


6) 
Hotel Classic Avenue

For details contact: 0471- 2333555.

Rate Rs 399/- ( All inclusive)
12:30 - 3:PM


7) Hotel Chaitram

Enjoy different varieties of payasam and Onam Sadhya on Thiru Onam day you can feast on 28 plus dishes on one platter. For details, contact: 0471-2330977.

Payasam available from 10AM to 10:PM

  • 1 ltr payasam - Rate is Rs 230 
  • 1/2 ltr payasam Rs 120/-
  •  1 cup payasam at Rs 30/- 
Onam Sadhya on Thiru Onam day at Rs 350/-
Time from 12:AM to 2:PM


Onam Sadya - 2016 (
Updated list of restaurants in Trivandrum serving Onam sadya)

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Online Grocery Shop at Trivandrum - Kada.in


I always shop with Kada.in whenever I am at Trivandrum or whenever my mom in law need stuffs I shop for her from Bangalore through them.

I found them very customer friendly and prompt on service and this Onam 2015 they are having few packages and can choose from 2 exciting Combo kits:

1. The Economy Kit @ Rs.555/-http://www.kada.in/product_detail.php?pdt=onam-economy-kit 

2. The Grand Kit @ Rs.919/- http://www.kada.in/product_detail.php?pdt=onam-grand-kit 

These special Onam kits include all that you need to make your Onam a special one!

Don't forget to check out the special Onam Discounted Product range at http://www.kada.in/index.php?cat=onam_special

Happy Shopping and Happy Onam 2015

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Visit to St. Andrews

St Andrews Palli, Trivandrum

Way to St Andrews beach 

Beach View

Confessions, Confessions!

St Andrews Church View

St Andrews -  Resting Place

Oh, we rejoice!

St Andrews Beach View

St Andrews - Frontal View

St Andrews, Grotto
My mother's side come from St Andrews, a coastal locality in Trivandrum. Though I spend very little time in this place, I have fond memories of this place - people ( elders who have passed away) and time spent at Telma villa during my school vacation with cousins and brothers.

Apart from the relative base, I'm now in the process of discovering its unique cuisine. Surprisingly, the food made in many household in St Andrews have a different taste, flavor and even called differently than the typical Kerala cooking.

The distinctive food habits in St Andrews, could be from the external influence. For instance, Pork Vindaloo is popular in St Andrews, Trivandrum. It's also made by Anglo Indians and it's also popular Goan cuisine. Though the taste of vindaloo curry differs, all the dishes have the common tangy taste.

Another surprising fact about pork vindaloo is that, it's also made in some parts of Kollam and Cochin.

Nasi Goreng is another chinese food which my mom has picked from her mom. I'm sure no one in my family can beat my granny when it comes to cooking. She had a wide range of cooking skills, that it's a pity that we are no where close to her.

Here are few recipes, which are popular in my family.

1) Pork Vindaloo
2) Polly's Baked Chicken Mince
3) Scone
4) Orapam
5) Chilly Chicken
6) Churl Appam ( Crepe)
7) Plum Cake

So, what's the popular dish in your family? Is there any secret recipe or killer-taste food which is made in a family member? One suggestion - try to preserve the old family recipe. Don't let it die with a person, let the good taste last long for future generations.

Thanks!

Marina ( Menna)

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Restaurants serving Onam Sadya in Bangalore - 2015

Ambalapuzha Pal Payasam Recipe

Onam Sadhya ( At our house)

2017 Update  List of Restaurant serving Onam Sadhya

Another Onam is fast approaching and it's time to get into the groove of Onam. And, with Onam, it's time to enjoy the elaborate Onam Sadya on a banana leaf. .

Back in the good old Onam days in Trivandrum, it was common sight to see kids and elders branding in brand new clothes ( Onam Kodi ). Well, such sightings are rare. These days, we buy new clothes almost every month and for every occasion or with some impulsive reason. Thanks to eCommerce sites like Myntra, and Amazon, it has almost killed the old ways of shopping.

More changes...
Also with time, many old ways of life has changed. I remember the way we used to scour the locality for flowers and how we kids used to go in groups and compete to collect as many flowers as possible for Attam.

Kerala Sadya in Bangalore
For Malyalyees settled in Bangalore, and folks keen to enjoy Onam Sadya, there are many restaurants in Bangalore which are serving Onam Sadhya. Most restaurants, will start from the mid of August 2015 till the month end.

Here are the list of star hotels, restaurants and Malaylee joints which are ready to provide Onam Sadya.

1) Ente Keralam, near Ulsoor


Ente keralam

Location: Ulsoor
Call to reserve your seat: 080 3242 1002
Website: entekeralam.in/

2) Coconut Groove
Location: Church St,
Rate: Rs 750/-
Onam Sadya on Friday 28/8/15 Time ( 12:PM to 4:PM)
For more details and reservation: 080 2559 6262

3) Vembanad, The Paul, Domlur


The Paul

Vembanad restaurant at The Paul, is an award winning restaurant which brings a wide choice of coastal cuisine across India. It is renowned for Kerala cuisine and kerala style food in a wonderful ambiance.

Onam Sadya on 28th - Rate 1,299 plus tax
For reservation and details, call at 080 - 4047 7777


4) Salt Mango Tree

Onam Sadya at Salt Mango Tree


Location: The Oasis Club, Prestige Ozone,
No. 302, Whitefield Main Road
Varthur Kodi, Whitefield,

Special Onam Ssadya from 28th to 30th August
Price - Rs 595 only
Time 12:30 to 5:PM

Onam Sadya Takeaway
Rs 495 only.

For Reservations or Home Delivery , call:
080-25936295  / 9886037106  / 9886037105











5) South Indies

South Indies
Website: http://thesouthindies.com/
Location: 276, 100 Feet Road, 6th Main Junction, Above GIRIAS, Indiranagar

Onam Sadhya available only on - 28/8/15
Rate Rs 543 + tax
Timing 12 to 2

For reservation and details, call: 08041636363, 08041636362

6) Rasa India
Location: CMH Road , Indiranagar,
above Nature's Basket,

Rasa India - Onam Feast

7) Sanjeevanam,  Koramangala
Sanjeevam, Bangalore
Onam special Sadya from 26/8/15 to 30/8/15

Rs.500/- per PAX for Adult and Rs.300/- for kids
Timing:12 noon to 4 pm
Take away for Sadya and Payasam are available.

For more details and reservation, call 09900065201

8) KARAVALLI - The Gateway Hotel Residency Road Bangalore

Onam Ela Sadya,
Rate: Rs 1,400 ( All inclusive)
Sadya slots: starts from 11:30 onwards
For details and reservation, call 080666 04545

9) Little Home, Koramangala
 
   Location: 1st Block, 80 Feet Main Road, Koramangala, Bangalore
    Onam Sadya rate: Rs 250
    Parcel Rs 300
    Date: 28/8/15
    For booing table and seat, call  08025631504, 08025525950

10) Anju's @ Rangashankara Cafe



Anju's @ Rangashankara Cafe




Phone: 93421 94176
Location: 36/2, 8th Cross, JP Nagar - II Phase,
Onam Sadya on 23/8/15 



















Onashamsagal to All

P.S- Due to heavy rush, it's advisable to reserve your seat in advance. Also, check the sadhya rates, which is usually high on Thiru Onam day.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Delectable Ghee Cake Experience

For the love of Ghee Cake - Ghee cake is a popular cake at Cochin Bakery. This cake is a bit hit in Trivandrum. The credit goes to Supreme Bakery at Koravankoram, for spreading the taste of ghee cake in the capital.
Due to popular demand to learn this cake and this baking workshop at at Trivandrum, I have included it in one of the sessions.

On 22nd August, Saturday ( 3:PM) baking class, I'm covering Ghee Cake, Marble Cake and Tutty frutty cake. Those interested to learn and get hands-on baking lessons may contact me to register for the class. 
Phone: 08861389165, 09379398865 for more details of the class.
Sliced Ghee Cake

Ghee Cake 

Ready to savor Ghee Cake
I've posted the picture of Ghee cake in Home Bakers Guild, an active group of bakers in Facebook.  I got many comments asking for the recipe. So, check this tried out recipe.


Ingredients to make Ghee Cake:

  • Maida                  2 cups
  • Baking Powder   1 tsp
  • Baking Soda       1/4 tsp
  • Ghee                   250 gms
  • Powdered Sugar 250 gms
  • Eggs                   4
  • Milk                     1/2 cup
  • Sugar                  2 tsp
  • Vanilla Essence 1/2 tsp


Method
  1.  In a bowl sieve Maida, Baking powder and Baking Soda.
  2.  In another bowl, beat together ghee and powdered sugar till light and fluffy. 
  3.  Then add egg yolks one at a time, beating well.
  4.  With the beater on low speed, alternately add flour and milk to Ghee mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
  5.  In another bowl whisk egg whites, then gradually add 2 tsp sugar and vanilla essence and continue to beat until stiff. . Fold egg white mixture into the ghee mix.
  6. Pour the batter in a cake tin and bake in a preheated oven of 180 degree for 50 minutes.


Source : funwidfud.blogspot.in

Friday, July 17, 2015

Eid Mubarak 2015 - Buttercream Daisy flowers

This white chocolate cake is light yet velvety. It is a cake with great depth of flavor from the white chocolate with butter cream icing of daisy flowers. Eid Mubarak