Marble Cake

                                              Eggless Marble Cake
                                                             

 Yes!!!!Its that time of the year to welcome... a New Year, to take new resolutions (and of course to break up them later on), to leave behind all sorrows and worries, to cherish and treasure all sweet moments 😊.  The crackling of sound of crackers can be heard a mile away. It’s really a visual treat to your eyes, and more importantly we can enjoy those fireworks from our balcony but the cold weather won’t allow us to enjoy that spectacular view to the fullest. Its that time of the year to look forward to new opportunities.  It’s the time of the year to have party and fun, and of course to bake something special for your loved ones. Here I have baked a very simple but yummy cake. A very moist marble cake that too eggless and butter less. You can easily bake with those ingredients that are in your kitchen. It’s eggless and I have used curd instead. I haven’t posted an eggless cake yet, this is the first one. Raise a toast and celebrate 2017 with this simple, yummy and super moist cake with a blend of chocolate and vanilla flavors. May 2017 bring a beautiful dawn to your life which is colorful and bright as you 😍.

Happy New Year Dear ones 💓….  Wishing you a year of immeasurable joy and blessings!!!

Okay then let’s get started.

Fish Stew

                                                          Fish Stew
                                                         

A simple and easy fish recipe 😃😃.  It is a perfect side dish for appam ( laced rice pancakes), idiyappam (string hoppers).  This can be prepared in minutes. The only difficulty is extracting coconut milk and if you are using readymade coconut milk like the one I used the whole procedure can be wrapped up in minutes 😉.  It is more or less similar to fish mappas the only difference is that you don’t temper the gravy . Like vegetable stew it is cooked in coconut milk and you don’t temper the gravy. Try this simple and easy recipe. Ok then let’s get started.

Orange Cake

                                                    Orange Cake
                                          

This is my first post … ..thought it would be nice to start with something sweet .  I love baking  :-) Everyone goes gaga over Cakes.This cake is not only simple & delicious but it tastes better the next day.  There is no icing  or frosting so its very simple with few ingredients. Anybody can bake this cake. This is a super moist, soft and flavorful cake.  The light yellow color of the orange juice makes us tempting to eat it. I’m sure you will love it . so…. Let’s get started ….

Chicken Pulao

                                                   
                                                          Chicken Pulao

                                                                 

Hello everyone ….it’s been a long time since I posted something. Last two weeks I was swamped - Long weekend outing, Onam ,Sadhya potlucks …. the list goes on and unfortunately one of my friends moved from here to New Jersey that was sad amidst all happiness.  All of us are too tired after onam celebrations. It’s been boring eating the same sadya items (left overs ;-) ) throughout the week.  So for a change prepared chicken pulao this weekend.  Oh my gosh!! It is too easy and super yummy.  A one pot meal which can be prepared in half an hour.   Unlike biriyani it’s simple. You cook the meat and rice together to get an aromatic flavorful dish.  OK then lets get started ..

Banana Halwa

                                                            

Halwa is popular around the globe. We usually make it with flour and rava/semolina but we can create different varieties by using different fruits n veggies.. Here I have tried making banana halwa , I made this for the first time but it came out well :-) One day I was longing to eat our own red colored kozhikodan  halwa, unfortunately there was no scope to eat it. I miss all those differently colored halwas.So planned to make halwa at home.  Then was confused, which one to make. Suddenly my eyes got stuck on the banana that was there in my counter, it was over ripened , to eat. So cooked halwa with that. Believe me it was super yummy. I myself couldn’t wait till it got cooked. It is an easy way to transform all those over ripe bananas.  Ok then let’s get started….

Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting

                                                  Simple Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting

                                                                 

                                                           

Who doesn’t like chocolates; it’s loved by all …. Yes this time I have something for chocolate lovers….it’s a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.  Yes chocolate lovers it‘s a double treat for you guys. I baked this cake for someone special. One of our friends celebrated their anniversary last month. I baked this cake for them.  I surprised them with this. They all enjoyed eating this. I dedicate this post to them. She has been really helpful. Along with my husband she also encouraged me to start blogging. “Thank you my dear “. She helped me in selecting pictures and recipes initially.  Moving on to the cake, this cake is super moist and super soft that it literally melts in your mouth. You can follow the recipe to bake a basic chocolate sponge cake and then decorate it with anything of your choice.  I love baking and really enjoyed baking this.  You too can surprise your loved ones with this double layer chocolate cake with chocolate frosting ……. Ok then let’s get started

Peanut Chutney

                                                       Peanut chutney / Peanut Dip

                                                                

Peanut is loaded with nutrients. Excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin E and dietary minerals. It is also a rich source of proteins. It helps to fight malnutrition.This peanut chutney serves as a substitute for coconut chutney. It tastes more or less like hummus used in Mediterranean cuisine. We can say it is a tempered version of hummus. Unlike coconut chutney it stays well for 4-5 days. It can served to kids as well as it is loaded with proteins.  A delicious condiment that can be served also as a dip. It can be made in no time. It can be served with any south Indian breakfast. It can be served with rotis and even bread.  Ok then let’s get started…….

Guacamole

   
                                                        Guacamole

                                                           

Ripe avocados at home?  Then why not try making a simple, healthy and tasty dip… yup guacamole it is, but can also be used as a condiment or salad. It is a Mexican cuisine but now it has become a part of American cuisine. The main ingredients are ripe avocado, salt and lime but to increase its richness you can very well add onion, garlic, tomato and corn…believe me it’s too easy to prepare. Gather all ingredients and  mix,,, yes that’s it yummy guacamole is ready. You can make it smooth or chunky according to your preference.   Ok then let’s get started.

Pumpkin Soup

                                                          Pumpkin Soup
                                                           

 Come October and you have pumpkins all around. Fall is the perfect time to add pumpkin to your dishes. It goes hand in hand with the fall holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving. Carving pumpkins into jack -o’- lanterns is a famous Halloween tradition. These orange colored pumpkins are rich source of vital antioxidants and vitamins. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of proteins, minerals, vitamins and omega -3 fatty acid.  You can make a variety of dishes with pumpkin like bread, muffin, pie and soups.  Here I have tried pumpkin soup with small sugar pumpkins. This soup comes together quickly and has warm notes of pepper and garlic. This is a simple and easy recipe. No cream and no broth. My little one went pumpkin patch from school and brought this sugar pumpkin. She told she wants pumpkin soup so thus here it is. Ok then let’s get started.

Fish Biriyani

                                                Meen Biriyani
     
                                                     

It’s been a while since I posted a non vegetarian recipe and that too haven’t posted a seafood recipe. Prepared fish biriyani last week so thought to post it.   Biriyani is everyone’s favorite. The young and old enjoy it the same way. It’s a one pot meal. It’s a mixed rice dish, the rice mixed with spices, vegetables, meat and dry fruits. The main ingredient is basmati rice.  I always like to eat all kinds of biriyani. At the beginning of my cooking days I thought it is a hectic task to cook one.With the help of many food blogs now it’s easy peasy. I love making chicken biriyani but I enjoy eating fish biriyani. Here I have tried making fish biriyani in a very simple method without using coconut milk and biriyani masala.  Surprise your friends and family by serving this delicious fish biriyani at your dinner table. Ok then let’s get started.

Breakfast Smoothie

                                                  

                                                          

                                                     

Yes I’m back with something that is yummy & nutritious. It is a breakfast smoothie or you can call it blueberry banana oats smoothie. Yup  it has all those…  blueberries, banana, oats and milk.  It is very important to have something heavy in the morning.  It gives you the energy needed for the entire day. This breakfast smoothie is very delicious, filling and above all it’s very refreshing to have a perfect start. Moreover it doesn’t require cooking so it’s super easy. You can prepare and store it in the fridge the previous day itself.  As you all know these days all of us are so conscious about our health that we are trying to include all kinds of fruits and veggies in our diet. This smoothie is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Blueberry is a good source of antioxidants. it helps to maintain a good blood sugar level and also has many anti- cancer benefits. Bananas are filled with essential nutrients like potassium and are filled with energy boosters.  Oats a whole grain cereal is a good source of fiber and antioxidants. It helps to lower our blood and cholesterol levels.  This smoothie is a complete meal which can also be served a as a snack. Ok then let’s get started.

Corn Flakes Mixture

                                                        

                         Wanna eat something healthy and crunchy????   Then here it is……. corn flakes mixture. It’s also called corn flakes chivda . Its a super easy recipe and super tasty too. My hubby always needs something to chew on so I make it in bulk and just store it in an air tight container so that you don’t run out of snacks. My little one also enjoys this as it’s loaded with dry fruits and she enjoys the nuts popping up from the mixture while eating. It’s a guilt free snack. You can impress your guests and friends with this.  Nowadays corn flakes are inevitable in every household. It’s a must for  morning breakfast as it is loaded with nutrients.So let’s have something healthy for our evening snack also.  Corn flakes mixture will be ready in no time.  Ok then, let’s get started.

Watermelon Lemonade

                                                        Watermelon Lemonade

                                                               

                                                                

Hello everyone… how is it going ….  Ya the weather is driving all of us crazy. Its too hot out there.The mercury is touching 99-100 F. I have something to calm you guys down.It’s nothing but watermelon lemonade.  The word watermelon takes me back to my school days when we (me and my sisters) used to enjoy this melon drink. We get it in tall glasses mixed with sugar but picking the black seeds was a Herculean task. Thank god!!!!! Now we get seedless watermelons. This summer drink is so refreshing that you will fall in love with it. Ya I’m not joking, this acts as a great coolant .It cools your tummy like anything. Not only that it can be served as a great drink for your grill or potluck party. It’s too easy, just chop the watermelons add in lemon and honey, blend and serve that’s it.You can add ginger if u prefer but I didn’t add because it’s already too hot outside so just wanted to cut the extra heat generated  in our body as ginger adds to body heat. Ok let’s get started.

Aloo Methi

      

                                                           

Aloo methi is a North Indian dish which is quite popular. The rich combination of potatoes and fenugreek / methi leaves is always a winner.  The potatoes are roasted well along with the spices and the addition of methi leaves always tempt us to eat more. Methi leaves are rich in antioxidants , fiber , phytonutrients and contain a wide variety of other beneficial nutrients. Potatoes as you all know are a best source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Aloo methi  is a healthy combo which is enjoyed by all . We can make a variety of dishes using fenugreek leaves:  methi paratha , methi dal , methi pakoras etc. Aloo methi has a unique flavor and hence it stands out from other methi recipes.  Ok then let ‘s get started .

Chilli Chicken Gravy

                                                                                                       

                                             

Yes it is a non vegetarian dish this time…. An easy chili chicken recipe..Chili chicken is a popular Indo –Chinese dish. It is severed along with fried rice across the globe. Usually it is severed in the dry form as an appetizer. Here I have added some gravy to the dish. Chili chicken usually calls for frying the marinated chicken by adding color.Being a bit health conscious didn’t go for frying and coloring J J…. Instead the marinated chicken is cooked with the added sauces making it very juicy and tender. You don’t add any Maida as we are not frying it.   As you take a bite you get a combination of added sauces which will have the flavours of a hot and sweet mixture. Will soon update the dry fried version. . Ok then let’s get started.

Lemon Rasam

                                                               

Hello everyone I am back with my next post.  Thanks for all the positive feedback and hope you will be continuing the same.

This time it’s completely different.  Its a side dish for rice and its vegetarian. You can also serve this as a soup. Its Rasam !!! with a twist . Yes you guessed it right here we use lemon instead of tamarind (puli/imli) and no need for Rasam powder.  We can’t imagine a South Indian thali without Rasam. We have all kinds of Rasams like Tomato Rasam, Parippu Rasam (dal), Garlic Rasam etc. Lemon Rasam is entirely different.   Our little one loves this like anything. OMG she loves all tangy things. So I nicked named her as Puluppi … she won’t show any tantrums when I tell her  its Lemon Rasam for lunch.  She just gulps it…  Go grab the ingredients let’s get started. 

Oats Kesari

                                                           Oats Kesari

                                                               

Oats Kesari?  Ya you read it right … "Kesari with Oats" ...  Kesari is a sweet dish which is very soft and delicate. We make Kesari with Semolina, but here I have tried making Kesari with oats. In recent times the usage of oats has hit a new high. Other than consuming it as normal cereal we make many new varieties like bread, muffin, payasam (pudding), pancakes (both sweet and savory), idli (rice cake) almost everything. I have tried this recipe from “Magic Oven” - a cookery show .  Oats as you all know is a cereal which is rich in fiber and other essential nutrients. Due to its cholesterol lowering qualities it is recommended by doctors these days, but in this recipe you have to add a little extra amount of ghee (clarified butter)  to make it little soft.  I have tried both ways like adding less and more ghee believe me 7-8 tbsp of ghee is a must to make to it soft. Those who are health conscious can avoid it. Ok then let’s get started.

Coconut Laddoo

                                                                  Coconut Laddoo

                                                                      

                                                     

Happy Diwali dear ones!!!!!!!! Yes it‘s deepawali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated every year in autumn.  It spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Diwali is one of the biggest festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day celebrated as the main Diwali festival or festival of lights.  Millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and all around are a wonder. On diwali day people dress up in new clothes, participate in family puja (prayer) to goddess Lakshmi – Godess of prosperity , followed by fireworks. Celebration of Diwali is never complete without the exchange of mithai(sweets). People make all kinds of sweets. Along with sweets savory snacks are also exchanged among friends and family. Here I have tried making coconut ladoo. It’s simple yet delicious. With just three ingredients you can wrap up the whole procedure in less than 5 min. If you are running out of time it is the perfect recipe to celebrate this diwali. Ok then let’s get started.

Aloo Gobi

                                                         
                                                       Potato - Cauliflower Fry
                                                             

Aloo Gobi / Potato Cauliflower fry is a North-Indian delicacy. It is made out of potatoes, cauliflower and other spices.  The added spices make it rich and flavorful.  Aloo Gobi is my favorite among all North Indian dishes. It’s a perfect combo for any bread, naan or chapathi (Indian flat bread).This is my second North Indian side dish. After Aloo methi I didn’t post any north Indian recipe. This is a very easy and simple recipe but care should be taken while cooking this. Cauliflower may not get cooked properly water can be added but adding more water might make the dish soggy and mushy. So please take care not to overcook or undercook cauliflower. Ok then let’s get started.

Egg Puffs

                                        Egg puffs

                                                                       

Egg puff is a very popular snack in India. After coming to US I was missing those a lot till I came to know that egg puffs are very easy to prepare using readymade pastry sheets.  These are crunchy and crispy, a perfect tea time snack. Egg puffs are a main attraction in all bakeries and canteens.  With readymade puff pastry sheets these are too easy to prepare. The boiled eggs are sautéed with onions and other flavorful ingredients and wrapped in pastry sheets are just yum. Egg can be replaced with chicken or any other meat/vegetables. I’m sure it will be a treat to all your loved ones. It can be served as a snack or as an appetizer. A perfect item for your parties. Give it a try and surprise your friends and family. Ok then let’s get started.

Broccoli Thoran

                                       Broccoli Fry
                                                               

Broccoli!!  Oh my god!!!! I am in real love with this vegetable. Back in India have seen this veggie many a times but never tasted. Once we went to a country diner  I ordered steamed broccoli as one of my sides. I didn’t like it as the steamed ones tasted raw but I was adamant to include those in our diet. Then I came across Indian broccoli recipe. A special Naadan touch to our own broccoli.  Every fortnight I try to include these in our diet. Initially I wondered if broccoli thoran would be good, this recipe is for all those who are having such silly doubts…   the recipe is very simple; a normal thoran ( fry) recipe. Broccoli as said is loaded with nutrients a rich source of calcium and phosphorus. Try to include this wonder vegetable in your diet. Here is a simple and tasty recipe. Ok then let’s get started.

Fruit Skewer

                                        Fruit Skewer
                                                             

Fruit skewers or fruit kabobs are nothing but fruit salad but here fruits are threaded on to a wooden or plastic skewer. It is a healthy side dish for kids and also a prank to make them eat fruits. Basically kids doesn’t like to eat fruits as such, this will be great option for those who are very choosy over eating fruits. Fruits are rich in all vital nutrients and it is a must to include them in our diet. You get to eat different varieties of fruits in a single serving. You can choose any fruits of your choice. It will be a great snack for all. It can also be served for parties. They are healthy, easy and extra ordinarily colorful. You can also serve along with any dip (like vanilla yogurt) . My little one likes to thread fruits on to skewers and this was done by her :-)

Egg Biriyani

                             Egg Biriyani
                                                             

There were no egg recipes in my rice varieties. So made egg biriyani last week. My little one just loves all kinds of biriyani even vegetable biriyani . I love cooking and if it’s her favorite dish oh my gosh!!! No words to express my feelings. Just like her, biriyani is also my favorite dish :-) Here I have tried to make egg biriyani with some minor variations. I have followed ‘Magic Oven’s recipe’. Believe me it is super yummy and super delicious. You will sit smacking your lips. I have tried many other egg biriyani recipes but those never tasted like this one. Give it a try. Ok then let’s get started…

Pomergranate Smoothie

                                           Pomegranate Smoothie

                                                

Pomegranates are among the healthiest fruits on earth 😃. They have many beneficial qualities which help our body to be fit and fine. Pomegranate have anti –tumor, anti-viral, anti-oxidant properties. These amazing fruits have many useful properties that help to treat many diseases. Not only can that it be used for cosmetic purpose. The antioxidant in them prevents aging 😊.  The amazing health benefits of pomegranate can be enjoyed by consuming them in several ways. It is mainly a winter fruit, but you can enjoy these in winter or summer. Here I have made a smoothie by blending them with banana and honey . It is loaded with nutrients so you don’t want to search for reasons to include these in your diet 😉. Okay then let’s get started…

Eggless Chocolate Cupcake

                                                         Eggless Chocolate Cupcake

                                                                      

Jingle jingle little bell ….. I can ring my little bell ……. Yes it is Christmas …. My little one has been singing this song for the past one month. It is been celebrated by all around the globe. Celebrations begin on Christmas Eve itself. Actually it’s a month old celebration …Come December and you see red, green and golden colors all around you.  The whole house is decorated with these colors along with wreaths, lights, candles, trees, stars, bows and bells. We too decorated one Christmas tree.  You can feel so much love in the air and the melodious music adds colors to the celebrations. Kids eagerly wait for Santa to receive their gifts. The grownups exchange gifts among their loved ones. It is also the season of eating and drinking. The aroma of cookies, cakes and candies follow everywhere you go. Here I have tried many eggless chocolate cupcakes. To give a Christmas touch transformed those in to Santa hat cupcakes. Ok then let’s get started.

Banana Pancake

                        Eggless Whole Wheat Banana Pancake
                                                               

Pancakes are my favorites. They are just yum. International house of pancakes (IHOP) is one of my favorite restaurants.  Back home we have rice pancake (dosa), laced rice pan cake (appam) but never tried pancake with all purpose flour or maida. They are too easy to prepare.  You don’t have to blend the ingredients to make batter or you don’t have to ferment it. Just you have to mix the ingredients in correct proportions. Being bit health conscious here I have used whole wheat over all purpose flour.  Have added jaggery (a kind of brown sugar) insead of sugar. Jaggery has many health benefits. It is rich in iron and potassium and many other phyto-nutrients. Whole wheat banana pancakes are guilt free breakfasts. As they are rich in fiber they are very filling and they keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day.  It is best way to use all those over ripened bananas. Ok then let’s get started…..

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About Me

Hello Everyone JJJ

Welcome to Bellpepperss…..

This is Sharika from “God’s Own Country”: Kerala. I love food and I love everything involved with food. I love the fun of it, I simply loooove cooking !!! My passion for cooking started after Marriage, before that I never entered a kitchen. Cooking has been my stress buster and I see myself evolving as a better cook day by day. My first adventure in the kitchen was to cook a feast for 20 people for my daughter’s Choroonu (first rice eating ceremony). It was a big success!!! Then gradually started baking too ….  Last year I won a prize for Diwali sweet making contest conducted by the St Louis County library. My hubby always encouraged me to write a blog (for the last 4 years J )..at last here it is. Thanks to my sisters & friends who helped me to make this possible.

This blog is for someone who is new to the world of cooking. I would like to focus on day to day menus. I have simplified my posts to the core which will be helpful to anyone who wants to explore & expand their cooking skills. I love baking so you can expect some baking goodies too. Do try out my recipes.  Your suggestions are always welcome it helps me a lot to improve my cooking skills.

The internet has been a big help and guide to my kitchen adventures. A big “Thank you” to the below sites for helping me when I started as a newbie. Some of the recipes are inspired from them. I have added my very own twist to the recipes in www.Bellpepperss.com

·         Vahrevah.com

·         Bhavnas kitchen.com

·         Kothiyavunu.com

·         Kurryleaves.net

·         Allrecipes.com

Cakes n Bakes