Alcohol Free Eggnog #FoodieExtravaganza

Traditional eggnog recipes are with eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, and vanilla, bourbon or brandy. My mother used to make us drink eggnog, during winter and at other times when we were having terrible cold and cough. Sometimes with brandy added to it. My mother however never added cream and used the whole egg to make eggnog. So this my mother's recipe of Eggnog.

Ingredients
2 Eggs
1/4 Cup Sugar or to taste
2 Cups Milk
2 Whole Cloves
Pinch Cinnamon powder
A Pinch Freshly Grated Nutmeg

Method

Heat the milk, sugar and cloves, in a saucepan until the milk nearly comes to a boil.

 In a large bowl, whisk egg well, keep adding half of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly while you add  all the milk. Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer to remove the cloves. Serve hot with a pinch of cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder.

How much I hated this when my mummy use to make me drink this early in the morning. I made and had this after so many years and enjoyed it. Sorry! Mummy for all the trouble I, gave you when you use to make this for me. Miss you and love you.  

Labels : Egg, Eggnog, Foodie Extravaganza Party, Healthy, Non-Alcoholic, Milk, Juices, Breakfast 

Event for Foodie Extravaganza , for this month the theme is "Egg nog " our Host is Nichole Little, thank you dear for hosting this event. Take a look at the other recipes.

Family Style Non-Alcoholic Eggnog by Palatable Pastime
Eggnog Cookies by Caroline’s Cooking
Eggnog Cheesecake byKaren’s Kitchen Stories
Heavenly Almond Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accompice
Eggnog Tasting + A Classic Recipe by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Eggnog Loaf by Passion Kneaded
Alcohol Free Eggnog by Sneha’s Recipes
Frosted Eggnog Cookies by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Cinnamon Streusel Eggnog Coffeecake by Food Lust People Love
Vegan Eggnog by Cookaholic Wife

Peach And Orange Smoothie # FoodieExtravaganza

This tropical smoothie will make you feel like you're on an island sitting on beach of white sand and surrounded by tall palm trees. This is a perfect healthy breakfast to start the day, it also makes a refreshing drink for a hot summer afternoon or even a dessert. I used fresh preaches to make the smoothie you can use frozen peaches too. 

Servings: 2 Glasses

Ingredients
4 Peaches -  peeled and sliced
1.1/2 Cup Fresh Thick Yogurt
2 Cups  Orange Juice
2 - 3 Tablespoons Sugar or Honey - optional
1 Cup Ice Cubes

Method

Combine all  the ingredients in a blender jar and blend until  smooth. Strain it in a fine sieve ( If you want it grainy than do not strain ).  Pour into a tall glasses and enjoy chilled.

My Notes : I have used honey just a tablespoon.

Sending this to Foodie Extravaganza our Host for the month is Wendy Klik.

Labels  : Peach, Orange juice, Yogurt, Smoothie, Juices, Foodie Extravaganza Party

Posting day for #FoodieExtravaganza is always the first Wednesday of each month. If you are a blogger and would like to join our group and blog along with us, come join our Facebook page Foodie Extravaganza. We would love to have you! If you're a spectator looking for delicious tid-bits check out our Foodie Extravaganza Pinterest Board! Looking for our previous parties? Check them out HERE. 

Also check the recipes Foodies of this month have created..

Halloumi Freekeh Peach Salad by Food Lust People Love
Honey Peach Ice Cream by Tara's Multicultural Table
Mini Peaches and Cream French Toast Casserole by Cookaholic Wife
Peach and Orange Smoothie by Sneha's Recipe
Peach BBQ Sauce by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Peach Crumble Bars by Palatable Pastime
Peach Milk Shake by Family Around the Table
Peach Panna Cotta by Caroline's Cooking
Peach Sorbet by Hardly A Goddess
Peach Tomato Salad with Herb Vinaigrette by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Jamuntini /Jamun With Gin -Cocktail#FoodieExtravaganza

Jamuntini is Jamun with Gin which is a cocktail with a desi twist.  Jamun or Java Plum /Black Plum is an Indian fruit that is purple in color and has a sweet and sour taste. 

When this theme was given by our Host Caroline Williams, for this month's Foodie Extravaganza,  this martini drink immediately  came to my mind and decided to make it, since this fruit is available only during this month.  

A twist to the regular cocktails for all those gin drinking ladies and gentlemen, here is a martini with a sweet and sour taste. This does not require any aerated drink. This is a delicious summer drink and it has a awesome color. Serve this Jamuntini for your weekend party and watch your guest relish in the beauty of this rich purple pinkish color.

Ingredients

60 ML London Dry Gin
7 - 8 Jamuns - pitted
15 Ml Lime juice: 10 ml
20 Ml Simple syrup
Salt, Pepper and Chilly powder to rim
Ice to fill shaker

Method 

Muddle the jamuns in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, add the gin, lime juice and sugar syrup. Shake and double strain into a chilled salt rimmed cocktail glass. Serve immediately.
To Rim The Glass 

Run a slice of lemon over the rim of the glass.
Mix red chilly power to the salt as well and then rim the glass 
To make Simple syrup check here
Labels: Jamun, Gin, Foodie Extravaganza Party, Cocktail, Juices, Simple Syrup, Java Plum

See all the other gin-spiration for today's Foodie Extravaganza:
Bulago Gin Breeze from Food Lust People Love
Gin-Steamed Bratwurst with Kraut Slaw from Palatable Pastime
Grapefruit Salty Dog with Fizz from Hardly A Goddess
Jamuntini from Sneha's Recipes
Raspberry Collins Cocktail from Caroline's Cooking
Shrimp Martini from A Day in the Life on the Farm

Posting day for #FoodieExtravaganza is always the first Wednesday of each month. If you are a blogger and would like to join our group and blog along with us, come join our Facebook page Foodie Extravaganza. We would love to have you! If you're a spectator looking for delicious tid-bits check out our Foodie Extravaganza Pinterest Board! Looking for our previous parties? Check them out HERE.

Basic Simple Syrup

With warm, hot or humid weather drinks are in season like -  Mojitos, Caipirinhas, Mint Juleps, this is a good time to make the key ingredient in many refreshing summer cocktails, mocktails, coffee, tea, and homemade sodas or juices as well.

Also known as bar syrup, sugar syrup, or gomme, simple syrup plays well in any chilled drink calling for a dash of sweetness. Simple syrup blends in smoothly and easily in many classic cocktail recipes, including Daiquiris  Mojito,  Hurricane etc.. and simple syrup is just that: "Simple". 

While several commercial brands are available at gourmet stores (priced highly - for what is literally just a mix of sugar and water), it takes only a few minutes - to stir up a batch.

Makes approximately 1 1/2  Cups

Ingredients
1 Cup granulated sugar
1 Cup water

Method

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Allow this to cool, then strain this into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Keeps in the refrigerator for several weeks.

A Simple Variation

For a deeper, richer flavor, use brown sugar - for rum or any brown drinks.  This is cannot be used for white based cocktails as it will give the clear liquid a brownish tint.

I have just added a spring of mint for a great pic..

Labels :  Sugar, Syrup, Juices

Sparkling Apple And Watermelon Lemonade Spritzers

Cool down and get refreshed with this fresh, tangy, glass of lemonade with a twist of apple and watermelon to quench your thirst.

Ingredients

2 Cups Seedless Watermelon  ~ cut into chunks
1 Apple  ~ skinned and chopped
¼ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
500 ML Sprite or Club soda - I used Sprite
Mint Leaves and Lime slices ~for garnish

Method
Puree watermelon and apple in  a blender until smooth. Add the lemon juice and pulse it 2 or 3 times.   Pour  this mixture  into  pitcher.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours .

When ready to serve, fill  glasses with ice cubes and 1/2 cup of the  mixture; top with sprite and garnish with lime slices and mint leaves. Get refreshed ....

Since August 20th is Lemonade Day. The event for Foodie Extravaganza {Party} for this month is Lemonade our Host is Lauren Everson . Thank you Lauren choosing such a refreshing theme.

Labels : Juices, Lemonade, Apple, Watermelon, Non-Alcoholic, Foodie Extravaganza Party

If you are a blogger and would like to join our group and blog along with us, come join our Facebook page Foodie Extravaganza. We would love to have you! If you’re a spectator looking for delicious tid-bits check out our Foodie Extravaganza Pinterest Board! Looking for our previous parties? Check them out .


Dairy-Free Frosted Lemonade by Cookaholic Wife
Frosty Raw Strawberry Lemonade by Fearlessly Creative Mammas
Honey Mint Lemonade by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Lemony White Sangria by Hardly A Goddess
Papaya Lemonade (or cocktail!) by Caroline's Cooking
Peachy Lemonade by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Pineapple Pink Lemonade Shaved Ice by Food Lust People Love
Shikanji (Indian Lemonade) by Tara's Multicultural Table
Sparkling Apple and Watermelon Lemonade Spritzers by Sneha's Recipe
Sparkling Blue Basil Lemonade by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Sparkling Milk Lemonade by Our Good Life

KIWI MINT LEMONADE

So refreshing to have this drink in summer. If you don't have mint or your kid does not like mint, leave it. This drink is also delicious without it. 

Sending this post to Srivalli's Kid's Delight event, host of the month Harini - theme Fruits in any form - week 1 day 3.

Ingredients
1 Cup Water
½  Cup Sugar
½  Cup Fresh mint leaves
3  Kiwifruit
2 - 3  Lemons
Sparkling water as required

Method

In a saucepan, heat water with sugar, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolves.  Simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes on low flame. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand for half an hour or till it is cooled.

Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a large jar. Strain cooled syrup into the jar, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. 

Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a tarter lemonade.

Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of lemon and mint leaves. 

Makes about 2 cups  without sparkling water, enough for 4 glasses.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 54

Labels : Juices, Kiwi, Lemon, Kids delight, Blogging Marathon

Apple and Watermelon Crush

Watermelon And Apple Cooler is a perfect summer drink to beat the heat. This easy-to-make and flavorful mocktail will definitely cool you down.
Sending this post to Srivalli's Kid's Delight event, host of the month Harini - theme Fruits in any form week 4 day 2.
Ingredients 
4 Cups Watermelon  - seeded and cubed
3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
Rock Salt to taste (Sendha Namak)
1 tsp Cumin Seeds - roasted and crushed
1 tbsp Fresh Mint Leaves (chopped)
1 Big Apple -  grated
Crushed Ice as required

Method

In a blender, blend together watermelon, powdered sugar and rock salt until done.

Pour the blend in a jar and add crushed cumin seeds, chopped mint and crushed ice and mix well.

Add the grated apple to the watermelon juice.

Stir and pour into individual glasses. Serve , garnished with mint leaves. 

Serve chilled.  Quench your thirst with this refreshing drink.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM#53.

Labels : Watermelon, Apple, Juices, Mocktail, Kids delight, Blogging Marathon

Watermelon Agua Fresca

April 14, 2014

Fresh fruit drinks are very popular all over Mexico and are served from large barrel-shaped glass containers. Agua Fresca or Aguas de Frutas - literally translated in Spanish as "fresh water" or "fruit waters." In India, this delicious watermelonis called (Tarbooj) and the drink is referred to as Tarbooj Ka Sharbat.

This wonderful Watermelon Agua Fresca drink is a very light-bodied and very refreshing fruit drinks combined with sweetener (traditionally sugar) and water. A very refreshing and cooling summer drink and a refreshing alternative to iced tea or lemonade.

Ingredients
2 cups cold water
2 cups watermelon (rind removed), seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Juice of 1/2 lime (1 tablespoon)
Ice cubes or crushed ice (optional)

Method
Cut the watermelon into roughly 1-inch cubes.
In a blender, combine watermelon, sugar, and lime juice until smooth. Pour mixture through a strainer into a pitcher, forcing through most of the pulp. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve with or without ice cubes.

NOTE: The amount of sweetener needed will vary depending on the sweetness of the fruit you are using. Some may not require any at all. Sugar substitutes may be used to reduce calories further.

Traditionally an authentic aqua frescas are made without blenders and done by simply mashing the fruit with a fork or masher before adding the water and sweetener.

Labels: Juices, Continental Cuisine, Healthy, Vegan 

You might want to look at 
Watermelon Granita

Watermelon Granita

April 11, 2014

A little lime and a lot of watermelon makes this icy granita a sweet, refreshing drink. To serve, spoon large flakes into chilled glasses or bowls and garnish with a wedge of watermelon.

Summertime in Mumbai means watermelon everywhere — fresh watermelon on street carts, stacks of watermelon in shacks off the footpath side. You will find the black green skin watermelon and the stripe green watermelons everywhere. 

These are big and gorgeous looking fruit.    It’s so hot, I can hardly say anything beyond that.   Just returned back from the hot sun at 2.30 in the afternoon, wanted something refreshing and this watermelon granita is just it   "perfect treat ".

Granita is like a grainy sorbet. This simple version made with fresh watermelon is refreshing and delicious. It takes no dedicated attention to make, but it is quite easy and does not require any special equipment. Well, worth the effort. The easy, no-bake recipe makes for the perfect summer drink!".

The name “granita” is unnecessarily sophisticated; it’s basically a slushie. To make granita, you do nothing more than puree this fruity into liquid in.... to .. a container, then place it in the freezer and use a spoon or fork to scrape the icy mixture as it freezes. It couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a watermelon version. The color is gorgeous, the melon version shines through, and it just sings summer.

Ingredients
4 1/4 cups watermelon juice (juiced with a juicer)
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

Method
In a large metal bowl, whisk the sugar, watermelon pieces and lime juice until the sugar is dissolved. Pour this into a air tight container. Place this container and let it freeze.
When completely frozen just take a fork and scrape it. Pour these grains into a glass or bowl and ! Voila ! the Water melon Grantia is ready. So simple.
Just sit back on the couch have this grantia.

Chill and enjoy !!!!

Note: The Watermelon that I purchased was very sweet so I did not add any sugar. You can adjust the sugar content to your taste. 

Labels: Juices, Healthy, Vegan, Continental Cuisine

Cantaloupe Strawberry Cooler

March 20, 2014

Its really refreshing to have alcohol-free drink on a hot summer day and this is just an apt drink to cool down the heat. I opted not to strain this juice because it blends up very smooth, but it's up to you if you want to strain the final result. Serve as-is for a concentrated, fruity drink or lighten it up by cutting it with a bit of sparkling water.

Ingredients
1/4  Cantaloupe
4      Strawberry's
Dash of chat masala

Method
Wash and skin the cantaloupe. Scoop out the seeds. Chop the cantaloupe and strawberry's into cubes and put it into a blender . I did not strain this juice but used along with the pulp. If you want less pulp, use a hand juicer with a strainer. Blend the cantaloupe and strawberry's into a blender again along with ice cubes and a dash of chat masala. The chat masala in this juice gives you a tangy and sweet taste. If you want it more cooler add ice or just keep it in the freezer for 15 minutes then have it. This juice is delicious and refreshing. Do give it a try.

Labels:Juices, Healthy, Pure Veg, Vegan,

Health benefits of Grapes.

March 11, 2014

This information is taken from the net.

Health benefits of grapes.
It may surprise you to hear that the humble grape is actually considered to be a berry. The potential health benefits of consuming grapes are numerous, with past studies associating them with prevention of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and constipation.

Nutritional breakdown of grapes
The average serving size for grapes is about one cup, or 32 grapes. As a useful measure, you can use the size of your fist to estimate the proper portion size for grapes.

A selection of grapes
One cup of red or green grapes contains 104 calories, 1.09 grams of protein, 0.24 grams of fat, 1.4 grams of fiber, 4.8 milligrams of vitamin C, 10 micrograms of vitamin A, 288 milligrams of potassium, 0.54 milligrams of iron and 3 micrograms of folate.Grapes are high in water content and good for hydration. High water-content fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense, meaning they provide a large amount of essential nutrients while containing few calories. Grapes contain 70 milliliters of fluid per cup. Grapes are high in antioxidants important for eye health such as lutein and zeaxanthin, and red grapes contain the phytochemical resveratrol in their skins, the antioxidant synonymous with wine known to lend protection from several chronic diseases and conditions. Grapes also boast the power of the flavonoids myricetin and quercetin which help the body to counter-act harmful free radical formation. 

Possible health benefits of consuming grapes
Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other conditions. Many studies have shown that increasing consumption of plant foods like grapes decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality. Grapes also have some special components that make them even more essential to our health, giving them "super food" status and reducing the risk of the following conditions:
Cancer: Grapes contain powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols, which may slow or prevent many types of cancer, including esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate and colon.
The resveratrol found in red wine famous for heart health is a type of polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes.
Heart Disease: The flavonoid quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory that appears to reduce the risk of 
atherosclerosis and protect against the damage caused by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in animal studies. Quercetin may have the additional bonus of anti-cancer effects; however more studies are needed using human subjects before these results can be confirmed.
The high polyphenol content in grapes may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by preventing platelet build-up and reducing blood pressure via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
The fiber and potassium in grapes also support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Mark Houston, MD, MS, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at St Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.
In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day).
High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.
High Blood Pressure: As noted above, potassium has many benefits for the body. It may be that a low potassium intake is just as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.4 Because of their high potassium content, grapes are recommended to those with high blood pressure to help negate the effects of sodium in the body.
Constipation: Eating foods that are high in water content like grapes, watermelon and cantaloupe can help to keep you hydrated and your bowel movements regular. Grapes also contain fiber, which is essential for minimizing constipation.
Allergies: Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin, consuming grapes may help to alleviate symptoms of allergies including runny nose, watery eyes and hives. There have been no human studies done to prove this theory.
Diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy: A few studies have shown promise that resveratrol can protect against diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy, conditions caused by poorly controlled diabetes where vision is severely affected. One study in which diabetic rats were treated with resveratrol for two weeks found that it reduced the effects of neural changes and damage associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Researchers have also found resveratrol to be beneficial for treating Alzheimer's disease, relieving hot flashes and mood swings associated with menopause and improving blood glucose control, however large studies using human subjects are still needed to confirm these findings.
A cocktail of fruit:
Slice grapes in half and add them to your salad. Make your own fruit cocktail with fresh fruit and include grapes, pineapple, sliced peaches and strawberries. Drizzle a small amount of honey on top of the fruit mixture for an extra sweet treat.
Freeze grapes and eat them as a snack or dessert on a hot day.
Have a quick 100-calorie snack with 1 cup of fresh grapes.

Risks and precautions
Beta-blockers, a type of medication most commonly prescribed for heart disease, can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. High potassium foods such as bananas should be consumed in moderation when taking beta-blockers.
Consuming too much potassium can be harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully functional. If your kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal.
When drinking wine to reap it's health benefits drink no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.

Labels: Juices,Health benefits

Look here for a Grape Juice Recipe

Grapes Juice - A Summer Cooler - Refreshing Drink

March 10, 2014

This is a healthy drink. It is very quick to make and you do not need a juicer for this.  There is no artificial sweetener in this juice.   These Grapes were sweet so I did not add any sweetener, but if you wish  add a teaspoon or so of sugar or honey. The benefits of Grapes see here

Ingredients

32 Nos  Black Grapes
2 Teaspoons  Lime Juice
1/8 Teaspoon  Chat Masala
1/4 Cup Water

Method
Crush the grapes in  a blender till it forms a paste add ice and water, blend again.  Strain the juice in a muslin cloth, add lime juice and chat masala.  Serve chilled with lots of ice.

Labels: Juices, Healthy, Vegan, Grapes