Eggless Whole Wheat Cinnamon Roll Scones

Here is a recipe which I tried yesterday. It came out perfectly crispy and healthy version of all purpose flour scones. I used Whole Wheat flour as the main component of this recipe. As always, this is an eggless recipe. Children and friends loved it. The end result was filled with aromatic flavour of crushed cinnamon layered in between whole wheat dough sheet, buttered, sprinkled with raisins.

It can be had at room temperature or frozen scones tastes good as well.

Recipe:-

Cinnamon Roll Scones: 1 cup  Whole Wheat Flour  1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated white sugar 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 - 1 cup (180 - 240 ml) buttermilk Filling: 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, softened 1/3 cup (45 grams) currants or raisins (optional) 1 teaspoon (3 grams) ground cinnamon I tweaked the original recipe to create my version of it.

Happy Baking :)

Where is real home?

I have always wondered the idea of home. It means different to different people. I stood at the crux of different time zones and locales when I penned down this piece. The nostalgia of home haunted me. No matter where I was, I longed to return to my roots. But for many, they don't figure out the real meaning of home in their lifetime. This article makes you think on this issue which is central to our existence.

What's your idea of home? To find out read my latest article published in September 2019 issue of Woman's Era.

Eggless butterless Whole Wheat Marble Cake

Hi,

Today, I have decided to do a picture post.

Baking is an addiction. I was always curious to bake but never really dived into it as I have this year. Credit to my three-year-old son who is born with a sweet tooth. I have tried to modify each of the recipe making it a healthier version of the baked good.

I must have baked over hundreds of items by far. Cakes, cupcakes, muffins, scones and much more. This Sunday, I tried marble cake. This recipe turned out superb. This was my second attempt as previously I had tried baking marble cake with Maida or all Purpose flour. It was sticky and gooey and I didn't like the texture. This recipe is whole wheat based and eggless. I like working with whole wheat though the it is more dense than maida. But I want to give healthier version of cakes to my son. So, maida is a strict no at my home.

         
       


......................................................................................................................

         
                                      chocolate batter

         
                                          Vanilla batter
   
         
                            pour it any sequence you like


        
                                 swirl the batter with knife




        
                                          cool it down

         
                                    There you have it

         
                                            marble effect

         
 
Here is the recipe of eggless butterless marble cake. Is is a from a blog. It turned out perfect. It was gone within hours of its making.
         
Happy Baking :)

Morning walk -a panacea for me

 

spot the number of squirrels nibbling food

Nature heals, nature comforts

Spend some time in nature. All your questions have answers in there. Ask, annotate and apply. 

Idli with peanut and tomato chutney

Idli with chutney is my comfort food. I can have it anytime:breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner time. It's oil free, light and nutritious, delicious all at the same time. To steam a plate of perfect idli with varied accompaniments calls for a healthy retreat. It relaxes me to have a plate of a sumptuous delight!




Served with piping hot idlis'

               

I tried two out of the three chutneys given in the recipe:

Here is the recipe link

keep the actress in you alive

                                    

Let you be the chandni (moonlight) that never faded, which casts its radiance to millions beneath. Don't look up to someone, look inside you. Fight to never let the heroine in you die, fight to let her glow with aplomb. For to cut through tinted glasses who brand, judge, label you, needs an unapologetic you. Nothing great was ever achieved by sticking to rules. Let the dreams not dwindle from your eyes, fly higher and higher. Be gone with the winds! 

How to read more

Hi guys,

I have been engrossed with three books simultaneously. So, thought I will write about how to increase your reading time in this post.

                                       
                                                                                                                          (Google images)


Yes, there are ways to accelerate the reading process. Needless to mention, how important it is to read if you plan to be a full-time writer. It's a catalyst to imagination and boosts your creativity.

1. Resist urge to see phone-In today's time, smartphones have become suicidal for creativity to bloom. Merely looking at unwanted information, that too, quantum of information, you invite and absorb stress unknowingly. Next time you feel the urge to look at your phone to check updates, put it off, disable mobile data during your reading time. When you feel addicted to pick a phone, pick a book. Trust me, number of pages that you read will certainly go up.

2. Utilise waiting time-While you wait for your cheque to be cleared up, or waiting for someone in the mall, waiting for the bus or train to arrive, time after booking your cab all can be utilised if you have a book right in your purse.

3. Remind the purpose-The purpose is to train yourself to be an effective writer. Reading is in-person training from the writing legends. Those who have written the unforgettable, read to pick up from their verses and then mould it to your style. It's a powerful exercise which every aspiring writer must do. Analyse what the immortals wrote, think, rewrite it in your style, evolve your own take. But all of this will come if and only if you read. 

4. Invest a little every month in books-  Can you defer buying cinema tickets for next month? Try it, after all, reading experience is way more powerful than a movie of three hours. Not saying watching movies isn't a learning experience but smart budgeting will help you strike a balance.  

5. Skim, skip-When the narrative languishes into vapid storyline, skip a few pages, skim for important parts so as not to loose touch with the plot. And then resume reading at length. This way you'll cover up a good number of pages yet the quality of your reading won't deflate.  

6. Guard your reading time-There will be people, outside calls, engagements, meetings, obligations waiting for your attention, you must guard the time pulled out from your busy schedule. Even, if that means being a bit stern with yourself. 

7. Read before sleep-Usually, we do get few minutes before sleep which are spent doing nothing but flipping through phone, staring blankly on walls. Better, keep a book under your bed and read a few pages before you drool.

Happy reading!

Just me

   

                        

Let no one define you. You'are special, one of a kind, universe's divine gift. Rise above mediocrity and materialism, discover who you really are, let your spirit soak in joy, peace and bliss. That's all that matters!

Turn left over cake into lollypops

I had baked a basic sponge vanilla cake for my son. He simply loves what I bake. The left over portions I decided to serve it differently. So, here I came up with Cake lollypops. My son loves lollpops, so I thought why not make one at home?

Picture 1

Ingredients-

Basic sponge cake 

Melted chocolate 

Ice cream sticks 

Decoration- sprinklers

Method- 

• Reduce the cake into crumbles and knead with two big scoops of melted chocolate and make laddoos out of the dough as shown in pic 1.
• Set the round balls into refrigerator for ten minutes. 
• Insert Ice cream sticks into each ball
• Dip each lollypop into melted chocolate and sprinkle decorations on top of it. 
• Refrigerate for two hours

Happy Baking! Kids would simply devour this recipe. 

Ask often what makes you happy

This is an underrated question: seldom asked, rarely answered. In the whirlwind of chasing materialistic goals, people sideline this important facet which can bring fulfillment. I ask this question 'What makes me happy?' often and over the years, gathered inputs through experiments and experiences, carefully noticing my responses viz-a-viz innumerable things I do. The inputs which I got, I immersed more in, and getting closer and closer to living a complete life.

I will list down things which make super happy:

1. Writing- The craft of pen is my passion. Nothing in this world makes me  happier than being with my laptop and writing down stories about people, places and varied experiences. Being an alumni of India's premier and often ranked No 1 college by media polls, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), I always wrote with elan. I also wrote for Press Trust of India when I was recruited on campus in the capacity of a Journalist. I did features for PTI as a cub reporter and they were picked up by newspapers and electronic media. If you are doing a feature for news agency, chances are less to get a byline . Often, news agency gets credited.

With time my writing evolved and I began writing for The Times of India, The Hindu, Woman's Era magazine, many online magazines and journals. 

Enclosing few links below: 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/soul-curry/No-fence-can-be-built-around-a-good-heart/articleshow/54690374.cms

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/soul-curry/my-sons-smile-brings-my-world-back/articleshow/57769872.cms

Check out my previous blogposts for more on my writing. In short, writing necessitates my survival. I am alive because I can write, I want to write and I will die if I don't.

2. Exercise-I am a fitness freak. I exercise an hour a day. It keeps me away from daily stress and reorients my system to act productively. I have learnt over the years that it's important to add variety to one's workout sessions. I do yoga, gym, pilates, morning walk depending upon my routine and mood. An hour is a must. It releases oxytocin called a happy hormone. 

                            

3. Meditation: Barring yoga, all other exercises restrict only to body. Meditation brings back my center. It reinforces calmness in my life. It makes me content with what I have versus what I desire. And that contentment brings happiness. I feel closer to God. He becomes like my best friend who in my darkest hour is there to guide me, nourish my soul. No one can click while I am sitting for meditation as it's at 3 am. Best time to wake up is when everyone else is asleep. Try it to feel the divine connection.

4. Dressing right: I always dress right whether I am out or inside my home. It intantly alleviates negativity and puts me in a happy space.  It makes me confident of presenting myself to the world, my interactions become smooth and easy. When you care to look your best, it adds grace to overall appearence, people notice your personality. It's a part of who you really are. I had done a post on this subject. CLICK here to read.

5. Singing-Whenever I am not doing any of the above things, I take a short break and listen to songs sung by legends Rafi, Lata, Asha, Sonu and practice on my own. I don't how I fare on performance count  that you can tell me better. I am not trained in any vocal art. I take training from our rich legacy. I feel really happy recording each of my compositions. Sharing a recording dedicated to my son. This video has a picture of my son when he was three months old and I had dressed him as Shri Krishna on his first Janamasthami. 

6. Baking-I always wanted to bake. Somewhere in my mind it was registered that it would make me feel better about myself. I began baking when my son was born. He has a sweet tooth. So my aim was to bake cakes, pastries, muffins, chocolates all at home and serve him to avoid any dental carnage in his mouth. I have done a  recent post on baking. Click here to read.

7. Watching interviews- If I am exhausted, I turn to watching interviews conducted with precision of legends, luminaries who can add a dose of inspiration to my life.

Posting an interview of writer Salim Khan. Really loved it....

Interview of veteran singer Sonu Nigam

There are many more....

So, my friend, what makes you happy? If you find it, shouldn't you do more of it?

Whole Wheat Walnut Chocolate Cake (Eggless)

Hello guys,

Baking is a therapy. I have done a few posts earlier sharing my immense love for baking. Here are the links:

whole wheat biscuits (eggless)

whole-wheat-pista-almond-biscuits (eggless)

healthy-walnut-and-dates-whole-wheat (eggless)

Few points common to all my baking recipes:-

• All the recipes are eggless and made from whole wheat flour.  Since I bake for my kiddo, I don't bring in unhealthy ingredients into my recipe. 
• Recipes have been tried multiple times, noting exact ,measurements, temperature and other observations to arrive at sumptuous results.  
• Milk, curd, buttermilk, olive oil have been used as substitute to add volume to cakes and cookies in lieu of eggs.  
• Size of the cake- 1 kg approx, so use the container accordingly to avoid spill over

Yesterday I tried whole wheat walnut sprinkled chocolate cake, and yes, that too is eggless. I am quite happy with the result.
 

Eggless whole wheat walnut sprinkled chocolate cake

               


For the first time, I tried a theme cake. The idea was to attract the attention of my little one and serve him this delicacy with the cartoon character he loves.

Theme: Chota Bheem & Gummy Bears kingdom
Story: Chota Bheem was the ruler of a chocolate island and used to stay on a walnut cobbled chocolate surface. The island was well guarded by his colourful trusted gummy bears who in order to protect their king could use their magical ability to jump off from the chocolate imbued island onto enemies. Gummies protected both the king and his favourite chocolate from enemies.

My son bought the story ☺.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients-
 (Wet)

Olive oil                 1/3 cup
Milk                        3/4 cup 
Vanilla extract         1 tbsp

(Dry)
Whole Wheat flour  1 cup 
Sugar                        3/4 cup
Baking powder         1 tbsp
Baking soda             1/2 tbsp
Walnuts                   3 to 4, preferable tossed cut and tossed in butter for extra crunch
Garnish Jelly candies


OTG/OVEN/MICROWAVE for baking

I have an OTG. So, all my recipes are OTG baked. In case slight varariation is required in temperature and quantity as per your baking device, do it. That you would know after trying. Remember, baking is nothing but trying trying till you succeed. 

Method-
1. Sift the dry ingredients together thrice.
2. Mix all the wet ingredients. 
3. Gradually, fold wet mixture into the dry one. Then, blend with cut and fold method to incorporate air into the batter. (DO NOT OVERMIX.)
4. Sprinkle the walnuts on top. It can be added while mixing dry and wet ingredients step too.

Pre-heat the oven for ten minutes at 180 degree celcius and bake for 40 minutes.

After baking, cool the cake for about half an hour and coat with chocolate glaze. 

Method for preparing chocolate glaze- melt chocolate in double bolier, add cream/milk/butter and fold 4 tbsp of icing sugar into it. Get the glaze into running consistency. 

Your cake will look something like this-

                                

                                                                                                                                                             

Garnish with gummy bears and Chota Bheem jelly candy  

                               


You'll instantly feel high after baking a satisfying recipe.

Do try and leave a comment.

Happy baking!
Priyanka

Choose a place with pure energy

Among many other things, I really find spending time with nature is the most refreshing activity one can indulge in. It alleviates stress, gives perspective, pacifies inner senses, relaxes both body and mind.

Above all, upon continuation of this marvellous exercise one can feel a strong thread of communication between mind and nature. You offer problems, nature provide solutions. Try when you are in thick of any situation, take a walk in an open space filled with beautiful flowers and long standing trees, dew grass, shrubs, and experience the wave of instant relief sweeping away all apprehensions.   

I have been going here since I was a kid. I am thirty, this park must have been nearly three decades old. It is built within the premises of an old temple.

                    

The surroundings are ten times peaceful than other natural places in and around the place I stay. The reason is of the energy. When you go to a crowded place, negative energy of people block your sight from feeling the purity of nature. Since, it's a temple park (I call it), the energy is soaked in divinity.

Visitors are same-people with ten million worries plaguing them whose resolutions they expect from god. But the scent of sandalwood, agarbatti, arti, bhajana, hyms, chanting of mantras changes the whole aura of the place which envelops the air of the park too.

The conch shell blaring during morning arti and at twilight can be heard daily. It is known as 'Shanka' in Sanskrit. It is a symbol of purity, brillance and auspiciousness. In Hinduism, the sounf from the conch is associated with the sacred syllable 'Om' which is believed to be the first sound of creation. Besides, chirping of birds, lush greenery, trees which are more than hundred years old, boosts the atmospheric cleanliness.

The thought of tying swings under this old peepal tree and taking the gentle breeze on face makes me happy. The branches are thick, full of leaves, which are shooting up the sky, is one of the oldest trees in this park. It has mushroomed into a giant tree, revered by people every Saturday.

                        

Choose the right spot to be on a date with yourself. 

Good luck!

Priyanka ☺                    

Few words I wrote to describe my six-months old son

My Universe   

My bundle of joy

Apple of my eye

soft cotton ball

God’s send angel

Divine dove

A click in bliss

Wonderball

A spring of joy

Fountain of love

My little muse

Inspirational song

Ticking clock

Glint in my eye

thunder in my pan 

Tickle bone

Heart and soul

Endless babble

Imaginative friend

Life in motion

Artist in making

Forever friend

Unwavering companion

Love of my life

You’re my reason for being

What made me a writer

My muse, my son made me a writer. I was going through a rough patch when my son was born. Inner battles were fought due to difficult in-laws and insensitive husband. Swinging on the edge of depression, my son’s birth came like a wave riding on hope sweeping me away from darkness towards light which eluded me by far. Overwhelmed with emotions, I needed an outlet, thus, I was introduced to the wonder world of words.

Though I have been professionally trained in the capacity of a Journalist, I never really wrote much. The romance with words never really blossomed. In other words, there was no flush of motivation to meet the real me until my divine dove was born.
                         

It was a phenomenal event in my life. The act of creating a life empowered me. I looked at life with renewed interest. My son’s daily activities were the real definition of ‘life’. There was nothing as interesting as his theatrics. Something, I can’t trade for the world. Giving birth to him was an emotional journey. I experienced myriad emotions which cried for expression at a time when I had no one to express. The written world came to my rescue then. Words befriended, me, taking me to a world of wisdom.

Each expression of my child was a story in itself. I longed to record it the moment it happened. Creativity unfolded and flew through its boundless source nourishing the well of my inner world. The surge of feelings due to my son's birth brought me in touch with the writer in me. He made me realise the innate talent which I possessed but was shrouded by negative emotions. 

Therefore, I was born the day I gave birth to my son. My whole perspective about myself as an individual and the world around me changed for better.

A journey which began with few words now is a full-fledged story of future aspirations, a dream uncut, powerful panacea, a thought revisted, some baked slices of life. A fulfilment. A ride to the land of magical exotica where I am the creator of different world. Characters weep, feel jubiliant, grow pensive at my command. I govern what fate my characters are to meet: when will they live or die.

It is said one becomes a writer when one has felt immense pain or happiness. May be, the pain of labour was too much for me to handle. It pushed me closer to the written world. Writing was, is, will be highly therapeutic. I felt like a painter with a handbrush who observed- the beautiful art by Almighty- and painted with my inner sense. You inspired me. And inspiration is a requisite for creativity. Isn’t it? 

What inspired you in life? What was your breakthrough point? I would love to know.

Do leave a comment to share the unsaid.

Benefits of Tulsi for toddlers

                                     

I give 5 petals of tulsi leaves to my two-year-old son. It’s a natural immunity booster. Tulsi leaves has anti-oxidants which protects young and old alike from infections, common cold, fever, allergies etc. The method of giving Tulsi to children could vary. For instance, I cut the leaves like coriander and sprinkle over main course like dal, curry etc. I make sure that he eats those leaves within the first few spoons to ensure there is no wastage. 

I have seen significant improvement in his health. Common cold is the biggest enemy for toddlers which develops into chest congestion culminating in fever. 

Regular dosage of tulsi would ensure that one stays away from cold and cough for maximum number of times it hits your child.

Try it and let me know.

Priyanka.

Modi's magic sweeps General Elections'19

I have taken keen interest in the run up to the General Elections 2019 as I have been mostly at home watching my parents follow their favourite leader PM Narendera Modi.

The unpredented historical win with over 345 seats in the Lok Sabha elections speaks volume for the popularity NaMo enjoys among masses. No other leader, except Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has been revered by the people of India. The mandate is for a stronger nation.

Here, the people has shown to the world that a befitting reply to corruption, terrorism, poverty, unemployment and other major issues can be given by choosing a strong government. The united stand of Indians is against coalition form of government which weakens decision making at the centre.

It's is victory of democracy where people choose their own representatives to run country.

It's a victory of the faith people reposed in the previous BJP government for the progress and development of  our country.

It's a revolutionary cusp where India stands today from where a bright future beckons.

I spent the whole day watching various Television channels updating as the seats poured in! What a day and what a feeling it was that we are in safe hands now. Imagine if Mayawati, Akhilesh party would have been there at the center as supporting parasites, what state India would have fallen to! I shudder to even think.

Modi is supreme. His aura, his work is exemplary. I am a die hard fan of our PM Modi who is born to serve the nation. He is a leader with charisma to influence world leaders and policies and bring home what is due for long.

Hope for better India, stronger India.

Jai Bharat!
Proud Indian