POP Chivda  made of Pohe, Oats and Papad that is ready in 6 minutes in the microwave and one that you just cannot resist ‘popping’ in your mouth!

Microwave Chivda with Oats and Papad !

Microwave chivda with Oats and Papad

Are you taking a car trip this Memorial Day weekend? Do you pack snacks in the car that are “for the kids”? Then you are like me!

This 6 minute microwave chivda, which I call my microwave POP chivda, is one snack I will not leave home without 😉 It is crispy, savory and a much lighter and healthier version of readymade chivda available in the stores. Also chivda available in the stores is generally made of deep fried or roasted poha. I add the oats and papad in my recipe which add nutrition and varied textures to the chivda.

The POP stands for Poha, Oats and Papad. This…

Panchamrut, with it’s perfect balance of five tastes, is a party for your taste buds! here is an easy recipe!

Green Pepper Panchamrut-A popular item in wedding, puja and festival thalis

The word Panchamrut is made up of panch meaning five and amrut meaning nectar. During holy ceremonies, there is a sweet Panchamrut offered to the Gods which is made up of milk, yogurt,honey, sugar and ghee. It is supposed to be very good for health, according to Ayurveda. As is the custom, the Panchamrut is then distributed among the devotees. However, I have never been a big fan of the sweet Panchamrut.

But come time for lunch after the religious ceremonies, I looked forward to the spicy Green Pepper Panchamrut in the traditional thali menu. It has the five tastes- sweet, sour, bitter, astringent and pungent and with the distinct taste and aroma of roasted sesame seeds and peanuts, it makes for one…

Easy recipe with just a few ingredients and step by step photos!

Buffalo Chicken Star Calzone and Apple Raita with Blue Cheese and celery

Super Bowl fever has taken over New England and everyone here is rooting for our stars-the Patriots! Of course Super Bowl food goes hand in hand with the excitement of watching the game!

Buffalo wings and pizza are all time favorites so I decided to make the Buffalo Chicken Star Calzone. For the dip, I made the delectable Apple Raita with blue cheese and celery. Other favorite munchies during the game are the Masala Peanut Bhujia in 4 1/2 minutes, the Broiled Stuffed Indo Mexican Jalapenos, Touch down Chili! and the Baked Vada Paav Poppers….to name a few…..did I tell you we are foodies ? 🙂

Party  on with these amazingly popular alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions of the Dazzling Champagne Jelly Flutes!!

Impress your friends and family with these Dazzling Champagne Jelly Flutes!!

What are your New Year’s traditions? So many cultures and families have so many interesting traditions, don’t they? I know that some folks eat noodles, some eat 12 grapes at midnight, and some eat anything sweet to start the New Year. Did you know that some break plates, throw a loaf of bread against the wall and some even flush out toilets at midnight?