Skinny Milk Shake

How to make Skinny Milk Shake 

         
         This is one treat that will not leave you, feeling guilty! If you haven't guessed from the name yet- this is made using skim milk & low fat ice cream sandwiches from Skinny Cow - but, don't let the ingredients fool you - it's so light & refreshing, which translates to SWEET when you are watching your calories!!

Ingredients for 1 Serving:

Cookies & Cream variety of  low fat ice cream sandwiches- 2

1 cup of cold skim milk

• Cut the sandwiches into wedges & save 1 or 2 wedges for garnish.
• Put the remaining pieces in a blender along with the skim milk & blend.
• Pour into a tall glass, insert a straw & place a wedge of the ice cream sandwich  on top & serve cold.

Honey Fruit Salad

How to make Honey Fruit Salad

           Fresh oranges, bananas, strawberries, apples and grapes combined with a dressing makes this a cool and refreshing treat on a hot summer day. Don't tell anyone, but I let everyone have their share so I get the bottom of the bowl with the sweet cocktail of all the fruit juices!!

Lemon-Lime Rice

How to make Lemon-Lime Rice

         The Lemon Rice as we know it has taken a turn for the better in this Bold & Tangy Lemon-Lime Rice!! I have been making my Lemon rice this way as my family likes its bold flavor. I prefer not to use Basmati rice, as the flavor of Basmati doesn't compliment this dish.

         This is excellent for picnics, travel, lunch boxes and Valaikkappu (Indian Baby Shower). I bet the pregnant ladies would love this tangy rice. It can be served with Potato fry / pickles / chips or pappad.

Oreo Milk Shake

How to make Oreo Milk Shake

            The first time I ever saw Oreo's in this wonderful land of opportunity, I wasn't ready to try it, under the presumption that it was the bitter kind of chocolate. I was so naive; I had no clue as to, what I was missing. I am thankful to my son - for giving me the positive reviews & making me try this amazing cookie. If you need a crowd pleaser for a gathering, you should give this recipe a try. I always get 'Two Thumbs Up' from all the kids for whom, I have whipped up this drink plus, it makes a filling snack as well. I have had kids come up to me & ask for the recipe too :)

Special Dal with vegetables

How to make Special Dal (with Ridge Gourd)

                I like to add vegetables in my dal, so i can sneak in atleast one more serving of vegetables during dinner/lunch. You can omit the vegetable altogether or substitute the Ridge Gourd (Peerkangai) with any other vegetable of your choice. Vegetables with a high water content works well for this dal, ex: Bottle Gourd (Sorakkai), Chayote Squash (Chow-Chow or Bangalore Brinjal),Spinach or other greens. As a plus, you can also use the peel/skin of the Ridge Gourd to make a yummy Chutney/Thuvayal.

Vendakai Poriyal / Sauteed Okra /Bhindi Sabji

How to make Vendakai Poriyal

           Okra or Bhindi (in Hindi) as we know it, has been my most favorite vegetable since childhood; not because of its qualities but because of how my mom used to make it for us. If you are thinking of Okra as a slimy vegetable, you will have to try this recipe & it will change the way you think of it.

Pudalangai Poriyal /Snake Gourd Curry

How to make Pudalangai Poriyal/Snake gourd Curry

              The Snake Gourd (Pudalangai in Tamil) was not on my favorites list until I tasted a variation of this vegetable at my friends (Ms.U) place. That reminds me, I should try to get that recipe from her. If you or anyone in your family is like most of us, then you should definitely try this recipe. This is a very easy & tasty recipe which needs just a few simple ingredients.

Cheesy Black Bean Enchiladas

How to make Black Bean Enchiladas

           Loaded with black beans, corn and cheese, saucy enchiladas are easy to make and always satisfy hearty appetites. It went along great with the other items on the Mexican themed party. These are a hit every time it's made. It's definitely a crowd- pleaser, plus it makes the job easy on the host.

Stuffed Hot (Bell) Peppers

How to make Stuffed Hot Peppers

           I made these to go along with the Mexican themed party foods since I needed something that wasn't loaded with Carbs. I would suggest these hot pepper boats go in the 'Sides' category. As a plus, this is also a good source of Protein as there are Soy granules in the stuffing. If you find small peppers you could cut them across, which makes them more presentable. I decided to turn mine into boats so the pieces aren't too big for one serving.

Stuffed Hot Peppers

Easy Muffin Tin Tacos

How to make Easy Muffin Tin Tacos

        When it's time to throw a party, I usually go crazy searching for recipes that suit our guest's palates. Since I couldn't find a veggie version; I had come up with my own filling for these crunchy starters that went like hot cakes in the party. These were made for a Mexican themed B'Day party & it makes a great appetizer for everyone. The crispy/crunchy baked shell & the gooey cheese along with the corn & beans is an excellent combo, you will love. These went like hot cakes at the party.

Ingredients:

6 flour tortillas
1/2 cup canned Black beans
1/2 cup frozen or canned Corn
1 Tbsp Lime Juice
Salt
Black Pepper to taste
1 Tbsp Finely chopped Cilantro
1/2 cup Thick ‘n Chunky salsa or Pico De Gallo

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Shredded lettuce, if desired
Sour cream, if desired
Additional Thick ‘n Chunky salsa, if desired