CHOCOLATE COATED STRAWBERRIES

CHOCOLATE COATED STRAWBERRIES

Rich dark chocolate delicately coats the succulent strawberries to make attractive after dinner treats.

Cooking Time : Nil.

Preparation Time : 5 mins.

Makes 12.

Ingredients

12 large strawberries

¾ cup dark chocolate, chopped

Method

1. Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.
2. Place the chocolate in double boiler and melt it over a slow flame.
3. Stir well using a spatula till the chocolate has melted and resembles a sauce.
4. Remove from the double boiler and continue to stir it for a few minutes till it comes down to room temperature and is still a sauce like consistency.
5. Dip the base of the strawberries so that the chocolate coats half of each strawberry evenly.
6. Place them on a tray covered with grease proof paper and refrigerate till required.
7. Serve as petit fours or as an interesting garnish on a bowl of ice-cream.

Tips

You can also use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate if you prefer.

Store cooking chocolate at room temperature and not refrigerated.

Suggested Accompaniments

Hot Chocolate

Iced Café Mocha

DHOKLA SIMLA MIRCH

Capsicum halves filled with khaman dhokla.

Cooking Time : 15 mins.
Preparation Time : 10 mins.
Served 4 to 6.

Ingredients:
8 large capsicums
1 packet instant khaman dhokla mix

For the tempering
1 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (til)
a pinch asafoetida (hing)
4 to 6 curry leaves
2 tablespoons oil

For the garnish
2 tablespoons chopped coriander

Method
1. Cut the capsicums into 2 halves vertically. Remove the seeds carefully so as to retain the shape of the halves.
2. Make the khaman dhokla batter as per the directions on the packet.
3. Pour the khaman dhokla mixture into each capsicum half. Steam for 10 minutes.
4. Allow the capsicums to cool. Cut each capsicum half into 2 pieces.
5. Heat the oil in a pan, add the mustard seeds and when they crackle, add the sesame seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves.
6. Add the capsicum pieces and saute for 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with the coriander

EASY CHEESY VEGETABLE PASTA

EASY CHEESY VEGETABLE PASTA

You will never have trouble making this easy and delicious pasta.
Preparation Time : : 10 mins.
Cooking Time : : 10 mins.
Serves 4.

Ingredients :
2 cups cooked pasta (macaroni or fusilli)
1 cup boiled vegetables (carrots, peas, french beans etc.), diced
1/2 cup capsicum, sliced
1/2 cup milk
3 cheese slices
1 teaspoon butter
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat the butter in a pan and saute the capsicum in it for 2 minutes.
2. Add the milk and cheese slices and bring to a boil.
3. Add the vegetables, salt and pepper and mix well.
4. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and bring to a boil.
5. Serve hot with toast or garlic bread.

Tips
Approximately 1 1/4 cups of dried pasta will yield 2 cups of cooked pasta.