Food Recipe Hacks.

 

Delicious Escapes: Monsoon Food Recipe Hacks!

The great monsoon is already here!

Before we tell you how we will help you on this blog, are you the sole decision-maker of what goes inside the stomach of your family members? Then, you are at the right place. Here, we are with the suggestions to make healthy food recipes in under 10 minutes. Are you excited to know how even the green veggies can turn out to be an amazing alternative, especially when the entire family is holidaying….

Universal rule for all the below listed recipes-

Time took: 10 minutes

Quantity: Depends on the number of members

Avocado toast

Delicious Avocado toast

Avocado might be a favourite and might not but it comes loaded with goodness and health benefits. Teaming it up with exciting and savoury ingredients is a great idea always. And yes, how can we forget the fast-food effect for your kids when the toast is added. I think you can do a toast for this toast (just kidding…). We have got the recipe for this wonder food sorted for you in a much better way than you can imagine:

Master this process:

1. Toast the slices Of the bread you prefer (whole wheat/Brown bread/ Multigrain).
2. While it is still in the process, scoop out the flesh of the Avocado, and mash it with a spoon or fork. You may go ahead and use ingredients like pepper, mint leaves, Lemon juice etc, whatever suits your/ your family’s taste buds.
3. Once the toasts are ready, top It up with the avocado mash and serve with juice or a warm cup of milk.
4. You will feel like a winner when you get it right and everyone loves the taste with the twist of health added to it.  

Breakfast Cookies

Spread health and love through cookies.

What is a better way to start your day than with a recipe which spreads the love? And obviously when, as the title talks, we are talking about cookies here. But wait, this is with a twist. Why don’t you give it a try?

Master this process:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line up the baking sheet.
2. In a bowl beat peanut butter, vanilla extract (a nearby grocery store is a place you need to go to), mashed bananas, cinnamon, and salt together.
3. Add oats and dried nuts to the beaten mixture.
4. Scoop little mounds of the cookies and place them evenly on the baking sheet. (*Tip: flatten each cookie slightly and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until they are golden and soft. Take it out and let it cool).
5. Serve with a glass of juice, milk, and a cup of tea/ coffee.
6. Wave at your family like a champion when you come out with the love in the tray.

Beetroot pav bhaji

Really? Yes. Beetroot can be fun as well as the healthiest bite of the day. This recipe gives you the freedom to hide as many veggies as possible, which makes it an excellent dish. This will be the most awesome dose of health for you and your family. And when it is in the form of a pav bhaji, nobody will dare to reject this recipe of yours.

Master this process:

1. Cook the vegetables you want to put in a pressure cooker for 7 minutes(3-4 whistles).
2. Mash cooked vegetables in a bowl and keep them aside. Heat oil in a shallow pan
3. Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let it crackle(½ – 1 minute). Some chopped onion and let it turn translucent (slight white)
4. Top it up with capsicum and fry for 2 minutes. Add peas and fry for 2 minutes
5. Now add tomatoes and fry for two minutes. Put salt and pav bhaji masala and let it cook on medium flame.
6. Keep mashing the ingredients in the pan into a fine paste
7. Once you find the oil separates from the gravy, you can pat yourself on the back because it’s going to taste wonderful

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

AS A MATTER OF FACT, DO NOT PUT CAPSICUM AND PEAS IN THE PRESSURE COOKER. 

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Peanut Butter Sandwich:

Mouthwatering peanut butter sandwich.

Oh my my! Peanut butter is heaven and marrying it with cheese. Do you have a word to describe this heavenly dish? Of course, you will be able to while gulping it in in the form of a sandwich. It is an experience that can only be felt once the heavenly cheese and peanut butter melt together in your mouth creating a cosmic affair.

Here is how to cook a delicious peanut butter sandwich:

1. Place the griller or tawa over medium heat. Place the slices of bread (Whole Wheat, Multigrain, Brown) on the griller or Tawa.
2. Spread peanut butter on the sky-facing side of the bread. In like manner, top it with a slice of cheese. Add the ingredients which you love like: tomatoes, oregano, other herbs, pepper etc. etc. Cover it with the other slice of bread and close the griller or put the lid on the Tawa.
3. Grill/ Cook until golden and delicious cheese melts.

Bread pizza

Fascinating? Ever had burgerizza in Dominos? Yes, a little brother of the burger pizza made with bread. So Bread+ Pizza= Breadizza! Whoohoo..what do you think about this cool name? Do not forget to tell us in the comment section below. By the way, here is the way to make this too simple recipe that no one can deny on their plate.

Master this recipe:

1. Heat a Tawa or a pan. Make sure the base of the utensil is heavy (Thick). Using a heavy base will keep your bread pizza from being extra cooked or in some cases, burnt.
2. Use Olive oil/ Butter(according to your preference). Place the slices of bread (two-three slices at once). Heating or toasting of the bread a little (Just golden from the base). Turn it over.
3. On the toasted side of the slices, spread pizza sauce. Mozzarella/ Pizza cheese and the ingredients which you want to see on your bread pizza (Oregano, dried basil leaves, chopped tomatoes, Steamed corn kernels, chopped olives, chopped onion, chopped capsicum, sauteed mushrooms, sauteed spinach etc)

Amazing World Records Set By Indians

7 Guinness World Records India achieved so far

Indians are a talented bunch of people. They are second to none in a lot of fields, be it technology, medicine, sports or business. The same goes for holding unique Guinness World Records. From creepy eye-popping record to the longest domino effect, the sky is the limit for people who want their names to go down the history for their weirdest of talents. Here are some of the quirky & bizarre world records held by Indians.

World’s Longest Dosa

The 53-ft-long dosa was prepared by a team of 32 chefs who used 80 kg of flour,30 kg of pure ghee and 300 kg of cooking gas to make it in just 10 minutes. They broke their own record, which was previously a 32-feet long dosa in 2006. Before that, they even held the record in 1997 for preparing a 25-feet long dosa.

World’s smallest woman

Nagpur based Jyoti Amge (23 years) who is known to be the smallest woman in the world, is only 61.95 centimetres or about 2 feet in height. Before this, Jyoti also got the title of the smallest teenager in the world. She was declared the world’s smallest woman after being measured by Dr Manoj at Pahuk Wockhardt hospital in Nagpur India in 2011.

World’s largest biryani

Sixty Indian chefs cooked a rice dish weighing 13-tonne (28,600 pounds) and set the world record for the largest Biryani. 12,000 kilos of rice and vegetables went into preparing the world’s largest Biryani dish on March 1, 2008. Three cranes dumped 3,000 kilos of Basmati rice, 85 kilos of chilli peppers, 1,200 litres of oil and 3,650 kilos of vegetables into a giant vat at a New Delhi sports stadium.

World’s largest poster

Baahubali: The Beginning broke the opening weekend box office record in India in 2015 with $25.6 million. According to Guinness World Records, the poster has an area of 4,793.65 square meters or 51,598.4 square feet. It trumpets the movie’s star, Telugu actor Prabhas, as well as the name of the director, acclaimed blockbuster-maker S. S. Rajamouli.

World’s longest moustache

Ram Singh here holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest moustache, which hangs at a whopping 18.5 feet long. 63-year-old Ram from Jaipur in India has been growing his moustache since 1970 and spends two hours every day grooming it to ensure its continued growth – but he only washes it once a fortnight. It was measured on the set of the Italian TV show “Lo Show Dei Record” in Rome, Italy, on 4 March 2010.

World’s largest turban

A 60-year-old man from Patiala, Punjab, Avtar Singh Mauni, holds the record for the longest turban in the world. The turban weighs 100 pounds and stretches as long as 645 metres. Wondering how long it takes him to get ready every morning? Six hours! A strongly devout Nihang, Avtar Singh says he started wearing a 150m long turban and gradually started trying a 365m turban until it reached the size of 645m. He cannot get inside a car with a heavyweight, so he usually travels across the city on his motorcycle.

Largest gathering of Santa Clause

The largest gathering of Santa Claus was achieved during an event organised by Thrissur Citizenry & Thrissur Archdiocese for Buon Natale Programme 2014 at Nagar Saktan Thampuran Ground, Thrissur, Kerala, India, on 27 December 2014. A total of 18112 people were present for the gathering. The previous record of the largest gathering of Santa Clauses was in Ireland on December 9, 2007.

tips for taking care of your dog

5 tips for taking care of your dog

Anyone who has ever had a pet wishes just one thing – that their pet lives a healthy life. Your dog will offer your family years of unconditional love and loyalty — as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care, and love in return.

Here are 5 tips on how to take utmost care of your dog. The more you know, the more you will be confident in providing a safe space for your pet.

Give your dog an identification tag

Giving your dog an ID tag is the first thing you should do once you get a dog.
Dogs can sometimes get out of their backyard or house and might need a little help getting back home. If you give your dog an identification tag, it’ll greatly increase the chance of you getting your dog back. You can also give your dog a chip so that it would be easier to recognize the owner in case your dog goes missing.

Feed a high-quality diet

Us humans tend to take good care of our diet. So why not do the same with your pet? Obesity is one nutritional disease that can be seen in many dogs. Studies have shown that being overweight or obese can shorten a dog’s life span by as much as two years. Fresh water should also be made available to your dog every time.

Take your dog to the vet regularly

The key to maintaining a very good relationship with your dog is to take proper care of him or her. Your veterinarian will provide you with information on vaccination schedules, deworming and external parasite control. A routine checkup of your pet will help in detecting any illness or disease before it’s too late. In many cases, an early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment. Your vet can also point out areas where your dog may need some extra care, such as cleaning his ears, helping him with anxiety, or even providing general training and obedience tips.

Train your dog

A training session with a proper trainer is a good way to begin instructing your dog. The better the dog is following basic instructions, the more it will be aware of what to do and what not to do. This will also allow your dog to socialize with other dogs. You will also have good control of your dog with the right training.

Spend time with your dog

Dogs need to interact with their owners regularly. Having a good time will help you get to know your dog better. Always keeping the dog fenced won’t help in the long run. So the more you spend your time with your dog, the better the relationship between you and your dog. Even though dogs can’t talk, they do express their feelings with their faces. So be prepared as to why your dog is reacting to a certain situation.

affordable foods that are rich in nutrients

 

5 affordable foods that are rich in nutrients

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Nutrients are essential for your body. Having the perfect nutrient-rich dishes also come at a cost – they can become quite expensive. This is why people opt for some cheap junk food instead. Everything that we eat tastes good and also contains a lot of nutrients, but some of them may also contain unnecessary fat.

This article takes a look at 5 affordable, nutritious foods and their health benefits.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. They are cheap and one large egg contains 6 grams of protein. They are also full of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Eggs are also good for weight loss since the egg whites don’t contain any excess fats in them. Given their range of nutrients and powerful health benefits, quality eggs may be among the healthiest foods on the planet.

Bananas

Bananas come cheap and they are full of some important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese. Bananas also provide a decent amount of fibre, which may benefit digestive health, promote weight loss and protection against diabetes. Consuming moderate amounts of bananas should be safe for people with diabetes, but they may want to avoid eating large amounts of bananas that are fully ripe.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter not only contains fat, but it also has a lot of protein in it. A two-tablespoon serving of this creamy nut butter provides 8 grams of protein. Natural peanut butter is better than artificial peanut butter because the latter has unwanted fats and oils. Also, studies have shown that people who include peanuts and peanut butter in their diets are less likely to develop certain chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Beans

Beans are budget-friendly, in addition to being very nutritious. Different types of beans vary in price, but you can generally find them for less than Rs.50 for a kg! One cup (172 grams) of black beans also contains over 15 grams of protein. Beans are high in low-fat protein, packed with fibre, and contain a host of nutrients and phytonutrients, the combination of which may help guard against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers while also building and repairing muscle.

Milk

Milk is very healthy and affordable, costing a little under Rs.50 per litre. Milk comes in many fat percentages and is widely available, making it a convenient protein choice. One cup (244 grams) of whole milk contains over 8 grams of highly absorbable protein, along with loads of vitamins and minerals. Consuming milk and other dairy products regularly may help prevent several chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and certain cancers

Empower women

 

Are You a Feminist Wo or man? Dive Deep Into the Most Debated Topic of This Century

You must have heard this word very frequently. In conversations with your female colleagues, in movies, books, music, stand-up comedies, global speeches, debates or just about anywhere.

It’s so commonly used that it’s become synonymous with strong independent women. Unfortunately, some men and even women mistake it to be akin to male-bashing.

Let that sink in!

It’s not male-bashing, male hating. We don’t want to hate or be superior to anyone. We just want to be equals. Is that too much to ask? Considering we make up half the population in the world. Gloria Steinem says “A FEMINIST is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”

It’s true, that men and women are different. Biologically and emotionally too. Sadly, women’s differences are frowned upon and seen as a sign of weakness and a chance for subjugation. But differences have to be celebrated. We feel and express differently, and that’s what makes us unique and beautiful. We complement each other.

It has been thousands of years since human civilization, and yet we are still stuck with one gender dictating and dominating another. How did we, as a society, turn out like this? If God did create us, then I am sure he created Man and Woman as companions, not one superior to another.

But guess what the biggest irony is? Women look down on their own gender.

Have you observed that women are women’s biggest critics? While it should be the opposite of that. Some women judge, criticize and belittle other women for their choice of clothes, career or life. Some women even accept and expect other women to live in the shadow of men.

What I don’t get is, why?

Don’t we already have enough people to pull us down? Don’t we already live in a patriarchal society?

Instead, we should try to lift each other, love each other, help each other, respect each other and most of all, accept each other and our choices.   Women should be the flagbearers of other women’s achievements and bravery. Women should rejoice at the success of women; be the guiding light to girls who dare to dream; encourage girls to have their own voice; believe in the power of the female and stand up for themselves and others. Because as Maya Angelou said, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

Another important topic I want to talk about is misdirection.

We are in the fourth wave of feminism. But it baffles me that we are still squabbling over trivial things. People think allowing women to dress the way they want, drink, smoke, party or stay out late qualifies as equality. It doesn’t even come close.

While the traits above-mentioned are one’s own choice, irrespective of one’s gender. They are merely choices—they don’t necessarily empower women. A woman can choose to do it or not. It’s her decision.

However, if you want to see a quantifiable change in the way society perceives women, then start by educating girls, respecting them, providing jobs to women, and giving women powerful decision-making roles. “Choose your battles wisely because if you fight them all, you’ll be too tired to win the really important ones.” This quote elucidates why it’s essential to stand for the right to education, right to equal pay, right to freedom, right to jobs, right to vote, right to her body, and right to choose.

These are the things we have to fight about. These are imperative, and there is no compromising on them. These things are trailblazing attributes which directly lead to other changes. In conclusion, I want to leave you with impactful words from Meghan Markle “Women need a seat at the table, they need an invitation to be seated there… where this is not available, they need to create their own table.”

Throughout centuries, a woman’s worth was measured by her role toward men. How good of a daughter she was; how obedient of a wife she was or was she a dutiful mother. Her life was always determined based on her servitude to others. Since childhood women were told and raised with the notion of being a good wife, and a good mother, and that their life was successful if they marry well. Career or job or personal desire was seldom considered and often sidelined. If a woman was ambitious or strived to succeed professionally or if she wanted to be independent, she was usually seen with disgrace.

But I am glad these medieval ideas are changing. These changes were possible due to the relentless perseverance of various women as well as men. These folks were well ahead of their time and were scrutinized for the same. They endeavoured for an equal society, and because of them, we are here today. Although we have a long way to go, these courageous people fill me with hope and strength. I feel fortunate to be born in this era, where feminism has taken the forefront space, and people from all walks of life are using their voices to empower women.  

Today, women are breaking stereotypes and taking up social, financial, and political responsibilities. Men are leading and encouraging women to stand up and take power. While the percentage is still a  bare minimum and equal future is still miles apart, women, now, see a ray of hope, for a day, when no girl ever feels sad for being born as a woman. 

Bring on the skincare treatment with these DIYs for all

 

Stuck in shutdown: Bring on the skincare treatment with these DIYs for all

This year is probably going to be if not the worst, at least the most boring year. Stuck at your home with nowhere to go, it feels like our freedom has diminished. Even though there are times when I haven’t left my house for days, the thought that I can if I want, was liberating. It’s all in your head they say, and they (whoever ‘they’ are) can’t be wrong.

As we fight the COVID-19 pandemic outside, most of us are battling mental health issues, stress, and anxiety inside. The paranoia which has gripped the world, although it is valid, has reduced our lives to a caged animal-like scenario, constantly waiting for the situation to improve.

While there are many negatives to this situation, I believe in seeing the silver lining. It just makes me feel better and more positive. All the times when one complained about lack of time, now we have all the time in the world. Yes, you are working from home and probably more so. But there is no denying that since outdoor activities are banned, you have the time to work inwards. By inwards, I mean, on yourself. 

Catch up on the books you always wanted to read, get going with some spring cleaning, binge-watch all the movies on your watchlist or pamper yourself with DYI face masks, facials or hair masks. Take care of yourself, both mentally and physically. It’s pivotal. 

To help you get going, your friendly neighbourhood survey man, as promised, is back with our part two of skincare DIYs treatments.

Rice water:

Yea, rice water, the one we easily throw off after washing the rice is liquid excelsior for your hair and skin.  An ancient Chinese tribe in the village of Huangluo is called the ‘Long Hair Village’. The Yao women in this region have Rapunzel-like hair which is long, shiny, black, and beautiful. And their secret—rice water.

Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for skin and inositol, a carbohydrate that helps strengthen your hair and reduces surface friction, rice water is a game-changer when it comes to beauty regimes.

Procedure: Take a cup of rice, and rinse the rice to remove any dirt or impurities. Then take the rinsed rice in a container, add two or three cups of water, give it a good mix and let it rest for half an hour to one hour. Next, strain the rice and pour the fresh rice water into an airtight container or spray bottle, and you are good to go for one week. Make sure you keep the rice water in the fridge and yes, cook the rice. 

Tada. Now you have homemade rice water cleanser, toner, and hair rinser. If you are running out of stock due to the lockdown or panic buying, give this century-old remedy a try, and we are sure you won’t be disappointed.

Sidenote: You can also ferment the rice water for added benefits. After you strain the rice, keep the rice water in a bowl for a day or two and then when it goes a little sour, pour it into a bottle and use it for up to a week.

Tomato sugar:

Exfoliate. Heard this a million times, but after washing your face, you get too lazy to scrub it. But scrubbing your face plays a vital role in getting clear, smooth skin. It gets rid of dead skin and lets your skin breathe. 

While there are many products which claim to work miracles on your skin, homemade scrubs are a safer and more affordable alternative. One of the famous homemade facial scrubs is the Tomato-Sugar scrub. 

Tomato is a good source of antioxidants and is known for its astringent properties. An abundant source of vitamin A and lycopene—the latter of which, calms inflamed skin and protects it from free-radical damage. Sugar, a rich source for alpha-hydroxy acids combined with its granular structure, is an excellent exfoliate. 

Procedure: Wash your face and let it dry naturally. Meanwhile cut a tomato into two halves and spread a spoonful of sugar on a plate. Next, take the tomato and dip the inside part of the tomato in the sugar spread.

Now, gently scrub your face starting from the forehead and concentrating more on the T-zone of your face. Do this in a circular motion for about five minutes and let it rest for five more minutes. Finally, wash off with water and pat dry. You can follow with your favourite moisturiser for smooth skin.

Sidenote: Tomatoes are acidic and may irritate sensitive skin. Also, use soft and small sugar crystals, and exfoliate very gently. Your facial skin is thinner than the rest of your body so, please don’t scrub it like a stained dish.

Take away

We know the lockdown, and the situation is hard. It’s unpredictable when the pandemic will subdue, and when we will get on with our lives as in the old days. However, until then, all we can do is stay home and stay safe and do what we can. In this case, take care of yourself. And it stands true for everyone—women and men.

It’s an excellent opportunity to try the beauty hacks mentioned above and to see if they will work for you or not. With more than 10-15 days at home, you can try these DIYs along with the ones mentioned in our part-one blog. The ingredients are readily available and it's a comfy substitute for the expensive spas and facial treatments, which, unfortunately, are closed now.  Maybe when all this is over and when the world gets back to normal, you will be proud that you made the lockdown count.