5 traditional Christmas desserts!

Cakes 

While fruit cakes & plum cakes (referring to raisins, currants or prunes and not necessarily plums) are commonly exchanged during Christmas, it's important to note that they are not Christmas cakes even though in U.S. & Canada they are still considered the same. Both these cakes are also different from each other. However, today even plum cakes are made in fruitcake style. 

Christmas cakes are usually decorated and have many variations. It can be in a fruitcake style & in varying shapes & sizes; moist, sticky wet, spongy or heavy; with or without icing. In many countries these festive cakes are made using alcohol such as rum/whisky along with raisins, candied peel, cherries & currants. Sometimes coins were also added as good luck touch pieces in christmas cakes & puddings. 

Chocolate log or swiss roll is also served in U.K. during christmas. 


Christmas Pudding

Traditionally an english dessert, the pudding is also known as plum pudding and can have a few ingredients similar to that of plum cakes. Christmas puddings contain large amount of dried fruits such as raisins & currants which are binded together by egg and suet and aged for months with flavours of cinnamon, clove or ginger. 

There is no fixed recipe and one can make many delicious variations as per the taste. The pudding consists of high amount of alcohol which prevents it from getting spoiled during these months.

The pudding can be served with custard, rum butter, cream or ice cream. Before serving the pudding is reheated and topped with a warm dressing of one's choice. 

Eggnog 

Traditionally served in U.S. & Canada during the festive months of Thanksgiving and Christmas; Eggnog is a chilled beverage made out of milk, eggs, sugar, cream along with bourbon, brandy or rum. It is usually sprinkled with cinnamon while serving. Spices can be added as a variation. 

Gingerbread cookies 

Gingerbread cookies or gingerbread man is widely consumed during Christmas months specially in U.S. & Britain. It is made out of gingerbread which is a ginger flavoured sweet food product made using honey or molasses. Gingerbread is also used in the preparation of variety of cakes. 

Gingerbread houses are a common sight during Christmas and new year as part of the decorations as well as desserts. 

Apple Pie 

Apple pie comprises of 2 crusts of pastries at the top & bottom with a filling of chopped apples cooked with sugar and cinnamon. The top can be cut out in desired designs & shapes for decoration. The crusts are usually slighltly crispy. It can be topped with whipped cream, ice cream, custard, caramel or any desired topping while serving. 

Some other apple based desserts served during christmas include apple crumble, apple cobbler & apple crisp. 

Pecan pie made out of pecan nuts & corn syrup is also widely served during this festive season. 

Living the Healthy Life

Lemon and Mint water

For all you know Lemon combined with Mint could be your next best friend.

Lemon water infused with crushed mint not only tastes great but is also a great way to have a healthy body and glowing skin. Giving your body natural electrolytes, Vitamin C and antioxidants, Lemon helps in weight loss and also acts as a remedy for ageing skin and indigestion.

It also builds up your immunity and maintains ph levels in the body. Further, Lemon not only is a great way to detox but also has antibacterial properties and helps to cure common cold and joint problems.

While these are just few of its uses, its daily intake is sure to give you a healthy body. When combined with crushed mint leaves, the lemon water will give you not only long lasting freshness but will also help in easy digestion.


You can choose to add Cucumber slices for added health benefits. It helps you rehydrate and also fights cancer, controls diabetes & cholesterol, good for joints, skin and hair and is a great source of Vitamin B. Use it as a quick remedy for bad breath by pressing it against the roof of the mouth for a few seconds.


Flax Seeds

You can either use it in its original form or go for Flaxseed oil. It is a rich source of Omega - 3 essential fatty acids, Lignans and fiber.

While its health benefits go upto a great length, it largely helps fight cancer, diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol. It also helps control liver diseases. Always consult your doctor before you decide to include flaxseed in your daily diet.


Chia Seeds

While these are easy to digest as compared to Flax seed, make sure you do consult a doctor before its intake. Its consumption entirely depends on your choice and body requirements.

Chia seeds are a great source of Omega 3, Vitamins, Minerals and antioxidants and helps fight diabetes and controls blood pressure. It also helps in weight loss and provides hydration to the body.

Please check for intake instructions.


Apple Cider Vinegar

Apart from its health benefits such as weight loss, curing sore throat, detox, controlling blood sugar and many more, its major benefits help to keep your skin and hair healthy.

It not only acts as a great conditioner but also fights dandruff, whitens teeth, controls bad breath and acne, maintains the ph levels of the skin, soothe sunburn and voilaa...you can even use it as a room freshener.


So go on and start your healthy diet today!

Jaipur - Heritage hotels serving great food

chicken biryani

1135 AD, Amer

A fine dining restaurant serving North Indian, Mughlai and Rajasthani cuisines to its customers, 1135 AD is one of the most romantic restaurants in Jaipur. The restuarant is a depiction of royal charm specially during the night. With a huge menu to choose from, their Lal Maas and Rose ice-cream are a must try.  Ask the staff for their recommendations. You can also opt for outdoor seating.Tip - Dishes may vary in their taste. Do discuss with your waiter while ordering. 

Palladio, Hotel Narain Niwas

Located at Narayan Singh Circle, this lounge has one of the most beautiful ambience around the city. The place also offers a gorgeous outdoor seating arrangement with lighted candles and tent roofs. Delight yourself with some amazing Italian food and beer from their well stocked bar. 


Samode Haveli Restaurant


Originally built in the 16th century, the haveli is a true depiction of royal architeture. The restaurant has a charming outdoor seating and elegant interiors done with hand painted murals. The cuisines offered include North Indian, Mughlai, Rajasthani and Continental. It would be a better option to stay overnight and experience the entire place with their delectable meals. 


Rambagh Palace


This former residence of Maharaja of Jaipur was converted into a hotel in 1957. Having a mix of stylishly modern and traditional look, the hotel comprises of four restaurants and one bar. Suvarna Mahal amongst all has been quite popular for its Noth Indian and Mughlai food. In the recent months however, Steam, one of their restaurants serving Italian and Lebanese has taken over its popularity. The restaurant is known for its restaurant inside a steam engine along with a victorian style station offering an outdoor seating and some lip smacking food. 


Cinnamon, Jai Mahal Palace


You are likely to visit this place more often for its ambience than the food. The restaurant is usually quiet and peaceful. Interiors have been done in royal pink with a traditional yet modern decor. The restaurant serves delicious North Indian food along with a good collection of dessert wines. 

Tip: This is probably the only restaurant serving dessert wines in Jaipur, so enjoy while you can. However, make sure to ask the waiter if they are serving that day. 

4 Most popular rice dishes around the world

vegetable biryani

Biryani 

Having originated from the Indian subcontinent, this dish has many varieties & sub varieties within the country itself. While its roots go back to the mughal era, it is associated traditionally with the Awadhi cuisine of Luknow, Mughlai cuisine of Delhi and the Hyderabadi cuisine from Andhra. Its popularity reaches its epitome during the month of Ramadan. The most popular variations include Chicken & mutton biryani. Apart from the spices and the basmati rice, saffron is one of the main ingredient used in its preparation. 

The next time you are in any of the above cities you know what to eat. Do not miss the old Delhi region of the capital city!

Fried Rice

While its origins remain unclear, it is one of the most popular dishes from the Chinese cuisine. Made with leftover rice and other leftover ingredients, it is also a staple dish of the American-Chinese cuisine. Whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, this particular rice dish has numerous varieties all across the Asian region. Most people have developed their own variations according to preferences and hence the dish often includes ingredients ranging from seafood to eggs to veggies and sometimes a mixture of all. Yangzhou & Fujjan are two of the famous Asian varieties. 

mushroom risotto

Risotto 

Served often as the first course dish, Risotto is a famous rice dish of Italy (and my personal favorite). An easily detectable short or round-medium rice grain with high starch & low amylose is used for preparing this dish. Though there are numerous varieties of rice grains which are used for its cooking but Arborio, Carnaroli, Padano, Roma, Baldo and Maratelli are some of the best varieties. Cooked in a creamy broth from fish, meat or vegetables along with butter/olive oil, onions & wine depending upon the taste, this dish is one of the most common ways of cooking rice in Italy. 

Paella

Originating from Valencia on the eastern coast of Spain, Paella is regarded as Spain's national dish and as the regional dish of Valencia. More than anything else the dish has been given its name because of the specific shallow pan used for its cooking. Cooked with white rice, the main varieties of Paella include the traditional Valencian Paella, seafood Paella & mixed Paella. Much of the Valencians have their own specific ways of cooking this dish. The mixed Paella is quite popular in the non-valencian Spain with Seafood Paella being the most popular globally. 

Cafe's and Restaurants

Delhi - What are we tripping over?

flip bistro

Flip Bistro and Pizzeria

Though the cafe is now limited to only two outlets in the Delhi/NCR region, it is still my personal favourite. With the menu having wider range of options now you are sure to drool over their pizzas and pastas. The place also serves good breakfast for the early risers and some of the best meals in town. Do try their Chicken Stronoff and Cottage Cheese Steak. 
Where: DLF Phase 4 & Golf Course Road

elma's bar & kitchen

Elma's Bar and kitchen

If you have been here you sure do know what I am talking about. The beautiful ambience with a victorian touch along with some gorgeous dishes served to your taste are not the only things you can expect here. Sometimes if you are lucky you can also catch up a live performance to add up to your experience. They also serve a great variety of tea; so if you are a tea addict, this is the place for you. 

Where - Hauz Khas Village

rose cafe

Rose Cafe

Located in a not so easy to find area, the beautiful victorian decor is what clearly speaks for this cafe. They have a lovely outdoor seating perfect for romantic evenings. Take a good look at what you are ordering; not all of the dishes will live up to your taste. If you are a veggie go for their Cottage Cheese Steak. The place serves an All day breakfast and a variety of tea/coffee options. They have some delectable desserts to satisfy your tastebuds and a separate high tea menu. 

Where: Saket

carnatic cafe

Carnatic Cafe

If you have not tried this one then you are probably missing something. Located in New Friends Colony this place serves one of the best South Indian in the city. Known for its authentic home style South Indian, the cafe boasts not only of its food but also its ambience which reminds you of Kerala (atleast I thought so) or probably some small house made of organic products. Ask the manager for suggestions. Do try the Buttermilk.

smoke house deli

Smoke House Deli

Yes well its not a new addition to the increasing restaurant numbers in Delhi but it ought to receive a thumbs up for its presentation. This deli serves some of the most delectable sanwitches and burgers in town and oh!..the french fries here are the best I have tasted so far. Choose from their wide range of menu serving European and Itali

Where: Khan Market, Hauz Khas Village, DLF Place Mall Saket, DLF Promenade Mall and Vasant Kunj

colony bistro

The Colony Bistro

Not many people know about this beautiful once upon a time cosy and tiny cafe in Kailash Colony. I had just bumped into this one by chance and totally loved it. They have now moved to Lajpat Nagar with a bigger space and menu. Go for their continental dishes. Chicken Wings are a must try. If you love non-veg and are looking to spend some great time with your friends then this is the place. 

Where: Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar IV

cafe turtle

Cafe turtle
 

Its always quite difficult to find a place here specially on weekends but if you do plan to hang around the book shop and come back then you are sure to get delighted. Their mushroom quiche, Lebanese platter and Minty Lemon are some of my favourites. Go on and satiate your taste buds with some of their lip smacking serves. 

Where: Khan Market, GK 1 & Nizamuddin

cafe qahwa

Cafe Qahwa

Another of my favourtes, Cafe Qahwa has a very appealing ambience. With its wide open spaces and beautiful and comfortable indoor seating this cafe can be your next workstation. You can laze around for hours here and hog on their all day breakfast, lip smacking snacks and main course meals. Their shakes deserve a special mention with Peanut Butter Chocolate Shake winning hands down. 

Tip: They have a great outdoor seating facing the IIT main gate. 

       You can't miss their Almond Honey Cake.

Where: SDA Market