Hope all the readers from US had a relaxing Thanksgiving holidays. I was working from home most of the time. Next few weeks will be very busy too.
I had couple of apples that needed immediate attention. I kept on thinking about different things to make with them. But finally I decided to go with this simple bread/cake. I made it on Thursday when we were finding it very hard to step out of home because of cold. I was bored of working and needed a break. The cake came out very delicious. The pecans gave a crunchy topping to the cake. This cake is mildly sweet, just the way I like it.
Ingredients: 1 apple peeled and grated (about 1 cup) 1 cup wheat flour 1 tea spn baking powder 1 tea spn vanilla essence 1/8 tea spn salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter softened 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup chopped pecans 1 tea spn sugar (any normal sugar will do)
Method: Preheat the oven at 350F for about 10mins. Mix together butter, brown sugar, egg, essence. Sieve flour and baking powder. Mix salt. Now add these dry ingredients into butter mixture a little at a time and stir. Add the apple and mix well. Grease a bread loaf pan. Pour the mixture into the pan. Spread the pecans on top. Sprinkle the sugar. Bake in the oven at 350F for about 40-45mins or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Serves : 3-4
Potato and eggplant is such a popular combination. There are many variations to this dish. Every time I make this at home, I change the spice powder and they all taste great. I like to serve this spicy dish with rice and a simple dal. A comfort food for a busy day.
Ingredients: 2 cups eggplant pieces 1 cup potato 1 tea spn chilli powder 1/2 cup onion Oil 2 tea spns chopped garlic A pinch turmeric Salt
Spice powder (Dry roast and grind to powder following): 1 tea spn chana dal 1 tea spn urad dal 1/2 tea spn coriander seeds 1/4 tea spn methi seeds
Method: Heat oil and add garlic and onion. Fry for few minutes. Add potatoes, eggplants, turmeric. Fry on a medium heat. Do not close the lid. When potatoes, eggplants are done, add salt, chilli powder and spice powder. Mix well. Cook for another 1 min. Serve hot.
Serves : 2-3
