We love ,We chat- With Anyone,Anywhere... No matter what the hair maybe like.

We Chat.
Nothing complicated about that.
We must chat.

That is the mantra of the female of this species.And today,fast adopted by the males too.
And the boys rival the girls on Voice chat...
I am old school...
Yet...
I still don't have a smart phone...yep...
Actually just going to convert ,whenever my present Nokia gives out.
My next on line is a Samsung galaxy S whatever...as in whatever "S"  hubby dear pays for...
So whenever anyone out there wants to gift me the Samsung Galaxy S4,I'll not be complaining...
I'm a teacher.
Went back to school despite the carrot dangled by hubby dear(yes teaching is a very low paid job),but the blah ,blah, blah and the yada, yada, yada is fairly stimulating to my brain and even without exercising anything other than my vocal cords,the endorphins are partying all over my blood stream.
So I chat.
All day, and I fear in my sleep too.
So I chat.
No matter what the hair maybe like.
Varun Dhawan?
What were you thinking of?
Check out the video and the why and where for here.

The famous FIVE people who I would love to chat with.Eccentric would be one word they would identify with-definitely.

• Cleopatra.

Cleopatra-Not Liz Taylor ,but the queen in the flesh.The one and only ,who was born in Alexandria and the one who challenged Cesar. Her wisdom,or sense of humour would not be the topic of conversation, but I would love to know why she sat in a tub full of donkeys milk. I mean the smell would have got to her in a while-after all,Egypt is not a cold country.What did she do to get rid of the donkey milk smell? And how long did she have to sit still to have the maids do her hair and clothes. Oh, what luxury it must have been to be born into royalty at so many centuries ago...
And how did she get Kohl that never smudged? Me, I have tried everything-from Shehnaz Kajal, to Colossal from Maybeline to Smoulder -the Non Smudging Kohl from MAC...$2 or $22 all my money gets me is kohl smudged eyes and I end up looking BAD!
After my voice chat with Cleo darling...Shehnaz Hussain will kill to know my secrets.After all,she suffers from the same smudged eye syndrome.
Hmm...there is money to be made here!
Eyes! Must keep them open!

• Anthony Bourdain

My favourite waste of time on television. Rude, opinionated and totally free with expletives. And the best thing about him,he is super,super talented. His food looks good!OK ,now ,he just acts as a food critic and traveller, but his earlier shows ,where he actually cooked-the magic of you tube and streaming videos -will tell you why. I believe in his credo too-COOK FREE or DIE. So most days the food in my house may not be what you think it should be.
What I would love to talk with him about is his palette. So diverse, he can pick flavours out of the muckiest looking food and speak so well about them -with a totally deadpan expression. And I'd also love to discuss his feelings -when everyone ignores his apparent good looks and thinks that French Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardain is better looking than him.
                                                                                                 

   Anthony Bourdain and I would discuss how being pretty is an asset when you cook and how I can make my food look better...looks are important.We are quiet good looking you know...
I would also like to coach him about the benefits of cleaner language-better TRPs -children around ,you see!
That is the reason why the wall is not so pretty...been washed off be his not so pretty language.
Food for thought!

• Micheal Jackson

Totally Thrilling!
Totally back from the dead!
No, not Zombie like,but in his Before Marriage Avatar.
Lovely Voice-perfect for Voice Chat.Serenading me on the air waves. I liked him before he went into oblivion-before he was dragged into all that murky scandal stuff and before he died of starvation and debt.We 'd chat about his beautiful voice and his awesome songs-Human Nature being one of my all time favourites.I can scream and shriek like him...only my voice is not as melodious-'m sure my neighbours will testify.I'd also like to advise him to eat good old ghar ka maa ke haath ka khana, after all food dished out by a mother will ensure that her son does not die of starvation.
Sad!

•         Lady Gaga                                              

Pretty lady, with some serious talents. Serious does not even begin to describe her. She sings  beautifully,even the angels would stop their good work to listen. Even with pink hair,she is a show stopper. Nothing, the weird outfits nor the makeup nor her steak dress and hat can take away from her beauty. I'd love to talk about how she manages to wear shoes like she does. I love shoes, I really do. I can wear 4 inches and run across the carpeted floor, but never in my dreams can I ever wear shoes like she does and walk to tell the tale.
I'd be unable to figure out left or right or even front or back...
So Lady Gaga, please voice chat with me ,I could do with the pearls of your wisdom...
These are the shoes I am talking about...

And these are pink stockings???
Help!

• Edward Cullen

Ah!

I can hear the sighs already!
No, I am not a TWImom, and I did read the books and see the movies. I'm cool with the whole Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewards thing,but...whatever!
What I would love to discuss with His Royal Vampire"ness" on Voice Chat ,about is the absolute disregard of image issues that youngsters suffer from and of course the high price of diamonds.
Do you really need to be so beautiful Mr Cullen?(I'll show some respect to a senior citizen here-on last record you clocked 119 years)Beauty I get,then why did you choose a girl with such low self confidence...she never looks at your face. What a waste of such good looks. If  were so pretty I'd want every one to just look at my face all day!
And the diamonds...
I know you are loaded, but if you keep all the diamonds for your facials,there will never be enough for us women. So ,let go Mr Cullen, at least let go of the Diamonds. Your lord and mistress Ms Stephanie Meyer has decreed your fate with those of image issues, but let us women have some more best friends. We need the Diamonds!

No food this time,but curiosity.
Feed my soul with answers.
And Varun Dhawan,please tell me why is your hair like that?
So, go on...
Get me Voice Chat.
And let me continue to chat .
Let me say it...
We chat- With Anyone,Anywhere!
The new way to connect!


This blogpost is an entry for Indiblogger's Contest We Love, We Chat../the new way to connect.
See the ad  here

And we will get back to food ...
Tomorrow...
There is always another day.

So what are you baking today???

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Of Gourmet Meals and Dinner Parties -Pre Packaged Food with a Heritage

Dinner Parties for friends or for family...
Any excuse to get together and celebrate each other's company...
Laughter and Memories and Gossip ...
Best of all FOOD!

Nothing makes for better memories than good food...
All your table decor and artefact's and votives will be forgotten, but the finger licking food will stay in your guest's memories forever...
A spread...
A day may be more spent slaving in the kitchen...
Happy faces and filled bellies...
That's what you are aiming for...
A Gourmet Party of your own...

A Gourmet Party with your finest silverware and the choicest of foods...Indian and Comfortable...always because wherever you go,whatever you like..phir bhi dil hai hindustani.
The beat way to begin is with the planning...
The first and most important rule in party planning...

• The Guest List.

Some thing to be extremely careful about-invite those who will gel with each other and those who are sure to enjoy your hospitality.Never invite two people who do not get along and if you are of the single variety still-never invite your exes and your present love interest together...they just might compare notes...

• The Ambiance.

Make sure your entire house is clean and your loos are super,super clean.With clean towels and soap in the dispenser,try to place a small green plant in the loo.And for best measure,get nice candles and keep them burning somewhere safe in the bath room. Really handy in taking away bad odours...

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Like wise in your entire house.Just make sure the candles don't create a fire hazard.

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Flowers always set the mood...

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If you want to be different ,try leaves...green is uber cool today...

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They don't have to be super expensive...random leaves plucked from the neighbours garden will do too.

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Use them as place mats...

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I use them as the base...as white finger food-baby Idli's here get lost on my white serving platters...

• Seating Plan.

Unless you have a caterer ,avoid a sit down formal dinner. Lets face it ,it is difficult to plate and serve an Indian meal by your self...so a buffet is always easier...
Just make sure you have comfortable chairs or couches and an abundance of cushions...

• Music.

A great ice breaker-good music. Depending on the mood of your guests,change the tempo-maybe trance or dance music ,or some oldies or ghazals...better to stock up and sort through your music collection.
I love happy music-whether peppy numbers played low or just happy ghazals...

• The drinks.

The watering hole is always the most popular plce to be,jungle or corporate jungle or just your living room.Make sure you have plenty of booze even if you don't drink.B-O-R-I-N-G.
And glasses.

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Also,make sure you have the drinks that your guests love.

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Even if it means calling before hand or observing what your guests are drinking at someone Else's party. Courtesy,this is.Also keep plenty of lemons,soda,ice and juices handy.Don't forget the bacchhas(kids)stock plenty of tetra pack juices for them -and paper serviettes or napkins...saves you the bother of broken glasses and washing up later and stains on walls or upholstery...ewww.

• The Menu Planning or most importantly Food.

Plan an executable menu. Something that will not require your attention when your guests are around. Prepare food that can be heated and served, and if possible hire help to help you  heat the food and make the rotis.So if you cant really cook-get a restaurant to cater,or better still get the stuff from Kitchens of India.
My favourite -the Dal Bukhara

Served like ...

You can also buy Curry bases and add the main component  to get an incredible preparation at home.
For Paneer Makhani Masala-Use fresh cottage cheese and cook the mix to get your yummy dish.

With pre cut chicken making a chicken curry is so ,so easy...Use Chicken Curry Masala Mix to prepare a yummy curry.

And if you cant even stir fry a curry paste just open a pack of Chicken darbari...

Or just open a pack of Murg Methi-Methi chicken to wow your guests... 

Or maybe Mirch Ka Salan...

And if you cant find the time to make cottage cheese simply open up..

 That for you is a sample of the stuff available...

For the  accompaniments to the meal ,just twist open a lid and empty the contents to a pretty bowl...
The Freshness of Kerala in the pineapple and green pepper chutney- brilliant in its combination...

Or my favourite Strawberry and Mint-the kiss of summer...

A regular in most homes-Shredded Mango...

More flavours in their bouquet at Chutneys and Conserves...
And desserts...
Gift your self this pack of 4 -one for the party and 3 for the after conti party...

Then there is Petha Halwa and Moong Dal Halwa...

They are available a click away here.
Just make the rice and the rotis...
And serve with elegance.


Adopt an easy life. Do up your self.Look pretty and be an amazing hostess...
Welcome your guests to your pretty nest...

Let Kitchens of India do all your hard work and rake in the complements...
And enjoy the fruits of your labours.(who is to know that you only opened the packets)
Psst...ensure that you dish out the food before your guests arrive and enthrall them with your Awadhi and Hydrabadi cooking skills.
After a wonderful evening of good company,booze and better food...you'll sleep well tonight!


 This post is an entry to the Indiblogger Contest -Kitchens of India -a feast for the senses .All products available at Kitchens of India home delivered to your dinner table ... to ensure memories are drenched in tradition...

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Mutton Masala Restaurant Style Loaded with Mum's Love

Vacations...

And Happiness...

And Books...

On my bedside at the moment is a big pile...the pile of books is my new bed side table...

I have Inferno-Dan Brown's newest offering of the same old,same old but adorable Harris Tweed and Cordovan Loafers sporting Mickey Mouse watch wearing professor of iconology and symbology-Robert Langdon...

Yes...the persona is as cool as the story...

And then I have Baldacci...

Clice Cussler...

Ernest Hemingway...

Mark Mills...

Cecelia Ahern...

A library at my disposal,and what daddy always said...in not so colourful a way though...

So the at onset of the vacations,I wanted to nothing except read and lie in bed...

So I read and lay in bed...

Dinner time and an almost Yakhni later...

Mutton masala that tasted better than any restaurant special...

Almost YAkhni?North India has been reeling under a heat wave-44C to 46C just passing by.The heat you can stand,its the humididity that saps your energy.

So we have to contend with air getting frizzier and sweat trickling down from everywhere along with the heat.

From the air conditioned comforts of the TV room, I was beseiged with requests for Mutton Masala-Restaurant Style...

So here it is...

Greasy,with oil floating over well cooked pieces of mutton...

Served with hand closed ghee laden chappatis and mum's love...

Mutton Curry served in restaurants generally tastes similar.Just a few shades of difference -a bit spicier or a bit oilier.

But across the board they are all tasty...

And taste best piping hot with chappatis fresh from the tandoor-or in our case -at home fresh off the tawa or fresh off the gridle...

It’s all about chance...

All about watching a TV show-where the hosts waited for the mutton which was pre boiled...

So that is what I have started to do...

And ended up with mutton that tastes amazing!

Just pressure cook the mutton with a little bit of water up to one pressure, make the base of the curry and then add the al dente  mutton and stock to the cooking base...

Hey presto! You have restaurant style mutton at your table.

To start with

For the

Mutton Curry Restaurant Style –served with Mum’s love...

You need

500 gms assorted cuts of mutton-ribs, shoulder and marrow bones

200 gms sliced onion

2 tsp ginger garlic paste

½ cup freshly grated tomatoes/2-3 tbsp packaged tomato puree

Salt, red chilli powder to taste

½ tsp turmeric powder

2-3 tbsp Meat Masala Powder (basic garam Masala to which a few extra spices are added-I used Catch Meat Masala)

3 tbsp Mustard Oil/Ghee

You need a pressure cooker for the mutton, and if you don’t have one...simple-just use a heavy bottomed pan.

Place the mutton in the pressure cooker and add 2 cups of water along with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp turmeric powder.

Open once the pressusre drops. If you do not have a pressure cooker, add 1 cup water extra. Bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer, cooking for about 15 minutes. Just one whistle/pressure will do otherwise.

In a wok/kadai/flat bottomed pan, heat the mustard oil or the clarified butter to smoking point. Clarified butter or ghee tastes best but the cholesterol haunts!

Once the fat smokes, add the onions and fry till they are translucent.

So what are you baking today???

Now add in the ginger garlic paste. Either ginger or garlic will be fine too.

Now fry till the onions get a nice caramelised hue, adding the salt, turmeric and 1 tsp red chilli powder.

Add in the Meat Masala and add in some of the stock to deglaze the pan...

Place the pieces of cooked mutton in next and sauté...

Keep adding the stock at regular intervals...

Add in the tomatoes and stir...

If you run out of stock, add water.

The mutton needs to be cooked on a medium to low flame till the sauce is thick and is napping and wrapping the pieces of mutton, coating it silkily and lovingly

By this time, the mutton will be cooked and the grave thick, with the oil/fat separated and floating on the surface...

You can add a little water for runny gravy, if you want to eat this with boiled rice...

Me?

I prefer the gravy, wrapped around my ribs...

Accompanied by hot, hot chapattis, straight off the griddle.

For this, sweet child and hubby dear, sit at the table. I make the chapattis, slather them with a wee bit of homemade clarified butter or ghee and close them in my fist and serve...

They say that when the woman does this for her family...she is enclosing her love in the fisted chapatti. The wee bit of ghee, helps the spices go down easy, as they coat the lips and prevent you from feeling the heat of the chili laden super spicy gravy.

The Meat Masala is just a spicier garam Masala that helps to thicken the gravy and bring the right combination of spices to the curry.

Simple meal, served with sliced onions, liberally splashed with lemon juice and loads of love.

Ps raw onions help cool the heat in the body and reduce cholesterol. So you balance meats with a salad/salsa of raw onions...

Try the fisted chapatti/chopri roti (as it is known in Punjab)...you may hurt your hands, but the chapatti is always tastier...

Coming up...

A green chocolate cake, that brings back memories of After Eights...

So what are you baking today???

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