December 27, 2006

BEET-COCONUT CHOCOLATE CAKE AND "THE THREE THINGS" MeMe!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU, MY BLOG FRIENDS! LET'S HAVE A JOYOUS AND HOPEFUL NEW BEGINNING FOR 2007!! :)

(Image from www.rhettsmith.com)

Guess what did I get for Christmas? Scroll all the way down!;D

What a wonderful end for 2006 and great start for a New Year!! A hope,a dream and a promise!I always loved water; lakes,rivers,Ocean!One day,I hope to live by one too!

Anyway,I am still in FL,having loads of fun.This is the eighth time in 12 years we are visiting Orlando but it never gets old!In fact,Universal Studios has lot of new rides!Kids are enjoying fully.We will head back home on Sunday!:)

My last dish of this year to begin a new one, a recipe for a delicious Beet-Coconut Chocolate cake with Beet icing or glaze rather! It tastes delicious and looks fabulously colorful.I wanted to do something different than just baking a chocolate cake with coconut to celebrate and welcome 2007 and for 'JFI coconut' hosted by Ashwini of 'Foodforthought' this month.I found this recipe at southernfood.about.com and made some changes adding sweetened coconut to the Beet Chocolate cake recipe.It worked out well as you can see.

Here is my beautiful Beet-Coconut Chocolate Cake with Beet icing or glaze with Coconut garnish! Welcome the New Year with a smile and a new hope in your heart!!




To bake this cake you Need:



Pre-heat the oven at 350F. Then gather all these; 2 cups all-purpose flour,1 1/2tsp baking pd,1/2tsp salt,1 1/2 cups sugar,1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.









3 large eggs, beaten,1 cup plus 2 tbsp Canola oil,1 cup grated beets, 1/2 cup sweetened grated cocnout,2tsp vanilla essence.

Cook beets covered for 5mins in the microwave without water ,squeeze and save about 1/8 cup of Beet juice for icing and use the rest for cake.







Beat eggs. Mix all the dry ingredients and put it in a Kitchen Aid or any blender you have with mixer blade.Mix on low, add in all the wet ingredients and blend gently until mixed well.









Pour into a attractive mould (I used a French non-stick fluted pan from Williams-Sonoma)but a Bundt cake pan is best.Tap the bottom to release the bubbles.Put it in the oven and bake for 30-45mins or the knife inserted comes out clean.Oven temps differ,so I cannot give you the exact time.If you use the ready chocolate box recipe ,follow the instructions on the back of the box.




Take the out and cool on a rack before you add icing. You need: 6 tbsps melted butter, 1/2 cup Powdered sugar, 1/4 cup whipping cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla,4 tbsp beet juice.Mix all these to a smooth, thickish mixture.Keep additional 4tbsp coconut to garnish the top separately.Now for icing; take a baking sheet pan,put the cooling rack on the pan with the cake still on the rack.







Pour the beet icing from top to cover the top and sides.Take a spatula,scoop the icing which falls through the rack into the pan and keep pouring it on top until the whole cake is covered with Pinkish red icing.Let it dry between the layers and keep coating the icing until you are satisfied with the even glazing!:)

A Delicious Slice of Beet-Coconut Chocolate Cake slice for you:





NOTE: If you don't want to go through all these steps,here is an easy option!

Take a store-bought Chocolate cake mix ,follow instruction on the box and add the cooked,squeezed 1 cup beet and 1/4 cup coconut as in the recipe above and proceed with baking.I should have done that instead all these!:)




For quick icing or Glaze: Take a cup of store-bought vanilla icing, mix in reserved Beet juice and heat gently in the microwave until little thin.Mix well and pour over the cake until cake is covered.That's it for this year! Enjoy!!!

After that delicious cake, let me take on a equally delicious MeMe!

"THE THREE THINGS":

I've been tagged by my beautiful friend Artizen Flair for 'The Three Things MeMe' of 'artizenkitschen' blog. Thank you for tagging me for this fun MeMe, AF!:)

Here they are, my life in three's!:D

Three things that scare me:

Going back to my early 20's ("horror" is more appropriate word here!),

my husband dying before me,

and my kids getting seriously ill!

Three people who make me laugh:

Myself,(one of these days I am going to kill myself with my own bad jokes!),

my 11yr old son Tushar with his imitations of Bollywood dances,

desperate parents who are trying to "keep up with Joneses", who buy zillion of toys to impress but I see their kids playing with boxes those toys came with!:D

Three things I love:

Being and feeling positive most of the time about life and such,

creating my food blog and to see how an empty page evolves into a beautiful post,

to see my kids are happy , healthy and laughing!

Three things I hate:

Unnecessary War and the results of that conflict all because of somebody's "misunderstanding",

Poverty around the world which includes children,

Paedophiles!(I despise them and war on these creatures is a just war!)

Three things I don't understand:

People who dicriminate against others because of skin color,race or Origin,

ultra rich people not trying enough to help the poor and needy,

emotional,verbal and physical abuse on women and children.


Three things on my desk:

My beloved LapTop,

loads of books,

a calculator!

Three things I'm doing right now:

Typing this MeMe waaay in advance before I leave for my Christmas vacation,

cooking dinner and doing the laundry at the same time,

and just realizing that I am famished and I need to eat something!


Three things I want to do before I die:

To see my kids go to Medical school as it is their dream and goal,

to see them grow up to be fine American citizens with my Indian values and philosophy firmly imbibed in them,(not easy but possible!),

would like to visit Egyptian Pyramids and walk on the 'Wall of China'!


Three things I can do:

Cook creatively , efficiently and deliciously,

read books like a thirsty woman who hasn't seen water for quite a while,

be kind to others and brutally honest when and if necessary.


Three things you should listen to:

Your sixth sense,(if you feel something is wrong,it probably, usually is!!)

sound of waves of the Ocean and chirping of birds on early mornings in Spring,

to kids when they walk in the house from school and yakking away about their day.


Three things you should never listen to:

Destructive criticism,

Fanatical Religious non-sense; people who are alive and breathing around you are always more valuable than anybody's personal beliefs,

to people who take pleasure putting you down!(I say,rise above them and look down!:D)

Three things I'd like to learn:

To be stress free and worry free,

to learn to say 'NO' to people articulately without hurting their feelings,

to relax and smile even more.

Three favorite foods:

Any and every Indian dish,

Crab cakes with spicy Remoulade sauce,

Strawberry Cheese cake.


Three beverages I drink regularly:

Indian masala Chai(Tea),

occasional Cocktail,

Water.


Three TV shows/Books I watched/read as a kid:

Watched "Fraggle rock" every weekend,

Chandamama,(a Indian monthly kids' magazine with lots of stories)

Many, many 'Mills and Boon' and 'Danielle Steel" trash as a teenager!:D


Three blogger friends that I am going to tag:

Rooma of "myKhazanaofrecipes"

JayaK of "Watscookingdoc"

ViniK of "awhirlofaromas"

Pooja of creativepooja as well since she is back from her break!:)


Take up the tag only if you feel you can ladies,no pressure!:)


That's it for this year my friends ! I promise you, there will be no baking anything for the whole of January! I will post Indian food and only Indian food next month! Have a great New Year's celebration friends!I will see you next week! :)

107 comments:

sra said...

ooh, asha, yet another unholy combination, like your jaggery jiggler - wd like to see what you come up with yet again, for the next Jihva. :) And may all your dreams come true, all that you've mentioned in the Meme as well as your house by the water. And btw, 'unholy' is used in the most positive sense of the word - I mean unconventional, creative and more. And your first pic of the cake literally sparkles, I thought it had sparkly bits on it. Happy New Year

karmic said...

Lovely looking cake. Enjoy your time off and have a happy new year.Yay to A, that is so sweet of him, but I guess it is you who does that to him eh? ;)

Anonymous said...

Asha..... I dont know if I should be awed by the cake!!!!! or enjoy the meme!!!!! or be honoured by you tagging me !!!!! What the heck....... its all three :D ...... Thanks dear... love you lots!!!!! :) I will be there with the meme soon!!!!! Wish you loads of luck in the coming year :)

FH said...

I know sra!You meant it in a great way!:)I was impressed too how it came in the end.It was delicious too,never tried that combo before,turne out well.Thanks and wish you the same for 2007.Accolades and appreciation for your work and health for your family!:) Enjoy.

Sanjay, wish you the best for your future and *A*'s too! May all your dreams come true in the new year.Have fun,and my dream takes a little time to evolve!:D But I can wait.Have fun.

Thank you dear Rooma.Enjoy doing the MeMe,it is fun!:) Wish you all the best to you and your family with lot of health and happiness!:)Enjoy the week Rooma!

Anonymous said...

Thats a nice presentation Asha. Beet-coconut chocolate cake is very new combination.

We din't go anywhere in the holidays even though my hubby took 1 week leave.

If you are thinking to retire in India, you can buy such a house in Karwar, Kumta or Goa. (Ok..that is my dream) :D.

Wish you a very happy new year to you and your family. Enjoy Orlando :).

FH said...

Hi Shilpa.Hope you try that cake.
I was around M'lore in Bantwal when I was in middle school,used to play in Netravati river most of the time.I LOVED it and yes, we thought of buying something on the Ocean front in M'lore but we don't know whether we are going to live in India,we will see.I love flowing rivers too!:))
Happy and proprerous New Year to you,so you can buy your own dream house too!)

krista said...

Hi Asha, enjoy your time in Orlando and a happy New Year to you and your family.

By Deepa and Supriya said...

Asha,
Happy New Year to you too. I enjoyed reading your tag- a lot of thought went into the answers but yet I am sure they were straight from the heart. I can also see how passionate you are about your family- the feelings, the dreams, the affection, the sense of comfort is all so transparent. I think the world is a better place because of moms like you, think about it- the love, the values, the secure feeling and the sense of family is what makes positive, productive humans out of children.
Cheers and have you been to Mauritius? 9a true paradise!)

Nidhi said...

Hey Asha! What a wonderful post as always. Your three things....Oh that was so good to read. Mazaa aa gaya! :) You are the best!

Hope the New Year brings all the happiness to you and may all your wishes come true...your dream home.

I am eagerly waiting for your Indian dishes.

With lots of love, Nidhi.

sudha said...

Wow that's a good ending to 2006. Never heard of beet,coconut and chocolate cake before. A bright Welcome to NewYear. Also i enjoyed reading your meme..What you said about your kids playing with toy boxes made me laugh bcz my son also exactly does the same. And i wish you and your family to fulfill your dream of having a Home by the Sea.

Bong Mom said...

Really Really Really ....BEAUTIFUL CAKE. Haven't seen anything like it forget even eating it.
You truly are amazing. We should all chip in with Arvind to buy you that beautiful beach house :)
A very Happy New Year Asha to you and the lovely family. May all your wishes come true.

jayakarthik said...

hey wow wonderful cake asha
red color never seen that color before hehehe
hey thanks for tagging me
A VERY HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHES TO YOU AND UR LOVELY FAMILY ASHA

Ashwini said...

Lovely and unique entry to JFI Asha. Thanks so much for participating. Happy holidays and enjoy your vacation

Sneha said...

wow! all that looks awesome!! happy new year in advancee and yes, this year is going to be a great one sicne Jupiter is back in it's own house of Sag after 12 years. Kickass!! what's your sun sign by the way?

enjoy every bit of this holiday!!!

saakshi said...

hey asha, wish u a very happy and a prosporous new year too girl! I'll pray for ur dream house to come true.....

Lakshmik said...

Hi Asha

Wow, that's one great recipe. I think I will never have the patience to bake such a beautiful cake. Wish you a happy new year too!

Anonymous said...

Wow Ashaji,
Your image in my mind is soaring up. Not a false praise. I know bringing up kids with Indian values is not easy but possible.True to the core. Thanks for a wonderful recipe and the write up.Happy new year.

USHA said...

Hi Ashaji,

Beautiful post and cake too.
Happy Newyear 2007 to your family.

starry said...

That beet cake looks awesome and I am sure it tastes good too. Here's wishing you and your family a wonderful new year.I think both of you are really special .take care.will see you again in 2007.

Deepz said...

Hey Asha,
The cake looks very very colorful and its a very creative idea to combine chocolate, coconut and beets. Also the meme was fun to read and finally the gift looks very sweet and thoughful one. Wishing u luck to have your dream become a reality soon. Have a fabulous holiday and Happy New Year.

Priya said...

Just an awesome cake with bright colors. Thaz sos weet and special of him and good for you. Have a nice vacation and wondeful new year.

Seema Bhat said...

Asha:
You are so creative lady!!! love all your writeup above all all your creative, very unique recipes.you have been to orlandy 8 times in 12 yrs wow ...I havn't been there even once but will plan and go sometime soon. Three things that scare you are so appropriate dear and everything else. I have no words as I am a bad at expressing things dear. Just wanna say you are the best and keep yourself the way you are.May you have a bright future ahead. Thanx a ton gal!!
Seema

Sai said...

hey that is one helluva good looking cake! Asha...I cannot stand beet! I have memories of salads being forced down my throat....:-(

Anyway this looks so lovely. I feel like plucking it off the blog! Now if only you knew how much I hate beet you will understand how much I love this cake!

Thanks for Sharing!

Enjoy your time in Orlando! Happy New Year to You!

Menu Today said...

Hi Asha,
You are so creative.
Wishing you and your family happy new year 2007.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful cake recipe.

FH said...

Hi Krista,thanks,we are and you too have a great new year!:)

Hi,thanks for your kind thoughts and words Orchid!:) No, I would love to go to Mauritius one day.I have seen how beautiful it is in Hindi movies!:D Happy New Year.

Thanks Nidhi,glad you enjoyed the MeMe! Take up the MeMe if you want,it's open to everybody really,not just three!:)Happy new year.

Hi MT,thanks and happy New Year.It's so exciting,2007 came quickly!:)

Hi Sai.YOU ARE A fussy eater,aren't you?!:D:D My son is like that,picks his dishes very carefully!:)Happy New Year,enjoy 2007!

indosungod said...

Asha, WOW that is really a colorful cake, having some fun and sun in Orlando huh.

Happy New Year and good luck on that beach house. May your dreams come true.

FH said...

Hi Thanks for visiting Sudha.I know,kids are weird bunch!:D Enjoy the recipe and happy new year.

Hi Seema,sometimes I feel like I shouldn't think too much but just live day by day!That's less scary,isn't it?!Yeah,when you have kids,their first choice is always Theme parks,we are getting fed up really!:) Thanks Seema,wish you all the best in 2007:)

Thanks Priya.Yeah, Arvind sometimes gets this divine interventions!:D Other times, he doesn't talk much at all.Oh well,can't have everything,right?!:) Enjoy!

Thanks Deepz.My dream take a little time to become reality,kids have to go college first!:D But one day, it will happen,got to save really hard for that!Happy new year,may your dreams come true too sooner mine!:))

Hi Starry,thanks for visiting!Hope your recovery going well,soon you will be as good as new in 2007!:)

FH said...

Oh Sandeepa,you just saying that is enough for me,even if I never get that beach house!You are sooo sweet!Thank you and have a wonderful new year!:)

Indo, thanks.Not much sun here right now but not bad at all compared to midwest!Clear days and very pleasant 60s.Oh! Did I forget to say I have blisters by walking somuch!YOW!!:)Happy New Year!

Thanks Usha.Enjoy and have a great New Year's celebration with your family!:)

Thank you so much LakshmiA! About kids ,it's very true.Everyday is so full of local influence,it's pretty hard raise them to respect elders and be respected!:)But we can do it,it's possible.Good luck to all of us Indian parents,we need it!:D Happy New Year.

Lakshmi,use a regular Chocolate cake box and add beet!Easy peasy!:D Enjoy and have a great new year!

FH said...

Thanks JayaK for taking up the tag!Hope you will do it,it's fun!Enjoy the cake,it's beet and it's healthy!YAY!!Happy New Year!:))

Thanks Saakshi.I am so glad you are free at last.May the new year bring you all you want and more.Enjoy!:)

Thank you Ashwini for hosting and accepting my entry.You too have a great new year's celebration.I can't wait to see round up!:)

YAY!! Sneha is back from all the fun re-union!Hope that went well and enjoyed it.
Thanks for visiting and yeah,I am enjoying my little vacation too,blisters and all!:D:D
I am an Aquarian,had great 12 years of good luck too!My kids both are Pisceans.Now moving on ,I guess.Still got to work hard towards our goals Sneha! Good luck or not,hard work definitely pays!:)
Have a great new year and best to you and your faily.See you next week!:)

Nancy said...

I stumbled upon your blog when looking for a meme to do (terribly bored on this first cold night of break) and really enjoyed reading your answers. All the best to you and your family in 2007!

Shah cooks said...

AW SHUCKS. ASHA, I think I have a crush on ur hubs. He is cho sweet! U better not post any more romantic stuff like this. :) And ur thot fot the new year is very nice.

Meena Kandlakuti said...

Great Asha..a nice cake recipe and really enjoy reading all ur answers for meme.Nice to know ur thoughts.Enjoy holidays and wishu and ur dearest family a happy new year to come:-)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful entry and a gorgeous looking cake! And a beautiful post straight from the heart.

May the new year usher in happiness, cheer and blessings!!

Enjoy your vacation and look forward to some mouth-watering pictures of Indian food in the coming new year..:):)

deepsat said...

mouth watering cake!!

wish you a very Happy New Year. Have a good time!!!

warm regards to your family too!

;-))

ChrisB said...

Asha I eagerly await your Weds posts and am never disappointed. That cake looks fantastic, your meme is thought provoking and your husband is wonderful.
Wishing you and your family the happiest of New Years.

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha,
Wish you and your family loads of good wishes for the new year.
May the new year bring lot of new recipes for us here in India; the way it did the entire last year.

FH said...

Hi Kulpreet,may this year bring Seema her own blog and let us have a feast!:D Fingers crossed! Have a wonderful new year with your family!:)

Hi Chrisb,thank you.May the new year bring you and your family health and happiness.Happy new year.

Deepsat,thanks man.Best wishes to you and your's too,have a great time!:)

Hi Sailaja,you are always so gracious.Thank you so much and have a great celebration next week.I am hoping to see lot of recipes from you!:)Happy New Year.

FH said...

Hi Meena,thank you and you too have a great new year with lots of good luck to you and your's!:))
I cant wait for your recipes in the new year,and guess what I made and brought here for a little break from all the junk we eat?! Kaaram! Oh Yes, I did!:D Thanks for that too.

UH OH!! Shaheen!:D:D NOOO!! Actually, he is not all that fun day to day but just sometimes!That's why Trisha asked "is he alright mom?!":D:D
Have a great new year and lots of good luck and happiness for you and your's!Lots of great food and fun next year!Enjoy.

Hi CZ!Welcome,glad you found me just before new year!Let's have a great 2007 and have fun.Happy New Year to you and your family!:))

Seema said...

Ashaaa...loved the cake pictures n am more than sure they are yum yummmm yummmmyyyyyyyy !

The tag u did was fantastic...just like the wonderful YOU !!!!

N yr really lucky to have such a warm hubby n fantastic kids...My heartfelt wishes to a lovely person (whom I really admire as a person, a homemaker n a pal) n the lovely home u hold together !...wishes at new year n always..take care..indeed happy to have known u !

Anonymous said...

Hey, Asha dearie! I must say you have a wonderful sense of humour, loved your pictures and Meme ,well written and very impressive :) wishing you and your kids and your hubby a Very Happy New Year with lot's of happiness and cheer all through the year,have a great week ahead :))catch you in 2007!

Sri said...

My fav 3 things Coconut,Chocolate and Beet...wow couldn't have thought of having three of them together...that too in the form of a cake....excellent Asha!!!!

I am sure you are having a great time down there in FL.
Happy New Year to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Ashaben, fantastic post, now i know all about my ben...~grin~...have a great time during new years and a fab 2007...take care ben..my love to you and the family...

swapna susarla said...

hai ashaji
a very nice entry..the cake is looking great..i hope all ur wishes come true..a very very very happy new year to u and ur family....:-)

Lotus Reads said...

Wow, what a great looking cake,Asha! I will have try your "easy" recipe sometime...the color will be a hit with the kids and the taste promises to be a winner with the adults - so it promises to be the kind of cake that makes everybody happy! :)

Hope you're having a beautiful time in Orlando, Asha and here's wishing you and your wonderful family a very blessed New Year!

Brilynn said...

That colour is awesome!

FH said...

Thanks Brilynn.Have a great new year's celebration and wish you the best!:)

Easy way is the best,Lotus! I just took the harder way!)Try it and enjoy with your family.Happy New Year and the best for 2007!:)

Thank you Swapna,wish you the same and more!:)) Have a great weekend and New Year's day on Monday!:)

Hi Dilipbhai,wish you and your family a great 2007 and lots of luck and health too.Those MeMe's makes you think ,doesn't it?!:))

FH said...

Hi Sri,they are all in three's,aren't they?! Never thought of that!Thanks and yes, we are having agreat time and we are dog tired too! I think FL is getting old now and want to go home!Happy New Year!:)

Hi Lera!Hope you had a wonderful Xmas with your family and friends.2006 went so fast,it's amazing!Have a great new year party there and thank you for everything.I am sure we all will have a great 2007 and have a culinary blast!:)

Seema,as always you are sweetheart!Thank GOD for all of you and I really mean it!It's so strange to think that we are all connected so much in so many ways although we have never met each other!!It feels wonderful and may we continue to know each other and care as a community in 2007 too!Have a happy New year with all your dreams come to reality!:)

Margie said...

Hi Asha
Your cake is incredible!
Never have I seen such a beautiful cake!
Your tag was wonderful!
I so enjoyed reading it, and getting to know more about you!
You are a very special lady!

I send my warmest wishes for a bright and beautiful New Year!
God bless you and your family!

Margie

Pavani said...

Hi Asha,
That cake looks special and unique. Great to know more about you from the meme.
Wish you and your family a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
pavani

Pooja said...

Beet-Coconut Chocolate Cake ! what a creative idea ! it also looks too good ! nice entry for JFI. it really looks so good, that i wonder sometime how can one make such a delicious looking dish at home . !
well, i was away from my blog for a little while, and now back, hubby dear is ok now.
have already got your email for the next week's post. how nice of you .! didnt u miss me , when i was not around ? just kidding :)). well i missed you and your posts too, now I am here to check each recipe of yours with ease.
thanks dear.
Have happy holidays !
-Pooja

Pooja said...

one more thing, for your last it was 100th comment that was mine, her it is exactly 50th, seems like i am improving... ha ha ha, and thank God that now blog is not troubling me to send you comments... :)

Life said...

hello asha !

happy newyear and may u have wonderful 2007 year a head...

hey these are mouthwatering..

gr8 wrk..

Take Care
Vikas{V}

indianadoc said...

You r awesome Asha! OMG each post is so well written...and each recipe is so well prepared...May this New Year make all your dreams come true...including your riverside dream home!

FH said...

Thanks Margie.Hope you had a great Christmas and wish you a wonderful new year!Health and happiness to your family and to you.Have fun:)

Hi Pavani,happy new year to you too and your's!:)I will visit you all as soon as I come back.Have a great celebration.

Hi Pooja,ofcourse I missed you and kept checking your blog! I thought you are taking Christmas break too like most of us,so didn't want to bother you and then I learnt that your hubby was sick.Glad he is doing well.Happy New Year and have a great celebration.
If you use a ready cake mix,you can add beet and bake just that!:)
I wanted you tag you too,you can take it up if you want to and do it.50th is great too,as long as you are here!:D

FH said...

Hi Vikas,welcome to my blog! Thank you so much.I had to make this cake a week before so I can take my Christmas break!:)Glad you liked it.Wish you a happy and prosperous new year!Hope to see you back here.

OMG! Look who is here! Are you back?! I am so glad girl.I missed you and your posts and thank you for visiting me.You have a great new year with your family and I will see you next week!:))
Hope my dream comes true too, but it will take some ofcourse.Got to save!D

Mallika said...

Asha - wishing you and your family a very happy New Year. It's been a pleasure reading your blog and I'm really looking forward to the month of Indian cooking.

FH said...

Thanks Mallika.Happy New Year to you and your family too!:)) I am really over with baking!:D Looking forward to cook some simple Indian food now.See you next week.

Dalicia said...

happy new year to you!
huh..how about that! beets icing :)
i only make salad and soup out of the beets :) i will have to try that

Deepak Gopi said...

hI:)
happy new year

Unknown said...

Wow..delicous colorful looking cake..nice entry for JFI...
Wishing You and Family a very very happy new year and may all your dreams come true....including that beauty by the sea..:))

Shionge said...

Happy New Year Asha!!!

It is amazing to read this knowing that you've been busy in Orlando...how how I missed that beautiful fun-filled place.

Wishing you a blessed year ahead and thanks for the chocolate treat :D

Hugs & Kisses!

Vini K said...

Hi Asha,Wow,that cake looks delicious.what a great combo.Wish you a very Happy New Year,dear friend.I got tagged from Trupti for the 3 things meme.Just posted my meme.I tagged you too,not knowing you tagged me!Howz that for telepathy!

Wish you and your family a very very happy new year and loads of good wishes from all of us here.Love to kids too!

Vini K said...

Hi Asha,its me again!I actually did not check my mail until now,so I wasn't aware that you tagged me!Sorry dear.Anyway,it feels nice to be tagged by you.visit my blog and take a look when you get the time.

Hope you are having a great holiday at FL.The card and the gift you recieved tells me that you are loved a lot!May your love grow even more over the coming years.Have a nice and happy new year dear.Good wishes to your family from my family!:))

TNL said...

Ashaji, that beet cake was something else....! Never have I imagined a cake made out of beets! and reading your MeMe was so nice, I am so glad to know you. I'm glad you enjoyed "Memories of India" in Orlando.
Have a safe trip back home and have a wonderful new year!

Love,Trupti

Lisa Johnson said...

Happy New Year Asha! I love your answers to this meme. The world would be such a better place if there were more people who thought like you. You're such a sweetheart! : )

FH said...

Anali,thanks!:))You are a good friend,I am glad to know you.Happy New Year!

Thanks Trupti,beet cake tastes great too!Thanks for suggesting that restaurant and I am almost home!:))Have a great Monday and I wil see next week!:)

Hi ViniK,that's okay.I know most of us are on break.I will check your's ASAP once I am home! You are double tagged!That's cool!:)Happy New Year!

Hi Shinoge,happy new year to you and your's! Let's have a great year ahead and enjoy all the interesting things goes on in our lives!:)

FH said...

Hi Mahaesh,thank you dear!Wish you the same to you and your family and may all the wishes you have come true too.Have a great week!:)

Hi Deepak,happy new year.Again,may all your dreams come true this year and more.Enjoy and thanks!:)

Hi Dalicia,isn't that color soo cool?!Infact,this cake is called " Beetnik" in southern US,I didn't know that until I saw this recipe in that website I mentioned up there!I added some coconut as well.Hope you try this cake!:) Happy New Year to you and your's.

Cyberkitty said...

Lovely cake, never thought you could make one of beet.

Wishing you and your family a very happy new year !

Anonymous said...

What a pretty MAGENTA cake!
You Rock Lady!
Wish you a happy and a prosperous new Year. May you get all that you wish for.
Lots of Love
Mona

Joyce said...

Hope you enjoyed your stay in my home town! Happy New Year...thanks for all the inspiration...you still wear me out with the depth of detail you put into your postings! Perhaps my age is showing. Best of the best to you in 2007.

Anonymous said...

Wishing peace, health, and happiness in 2007 and always. Happy New year to you and your family !

Anonymous said...

Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year 2007. The beetroot coconut cake is perfect for such a day !!

Viji said...

Wishing you and your family a very happy new year and let all your dreams come true Asha. You a baking queen. The cake is awesome. Viji

HAREKRISHNAJI said...

Wish you Happy and Successful, Enlightening and Always writing, Delicious New Year!!

archana said...

Wish you a very happy New Year, i am so impressed by this cake. Thank you.

wheresmymind said...

That cake looks SO beautiful!

Nidhi said...

Just wanted to wish you once again...

Here's Wishing you a very Happy New Year Asha. May God bless you and your family with all the happy things in this coming year.

Cheers, Nidhi.

mommyof2 said...

Yummy cake & great gift from hubby;-)

Pooja said...

hi Asha,

May This New Year Bring Good Health, Happiness And Prosperity To You And Your near and Dear ones.thanks for tagging me , I love doing meme ... just posted it and also the enry of yours with my first entry for this week. check it out when you get time. Also i relied to your email.
thanks for being there always.
-Pooja

Anonymous said...

That cake is so creative! What a neat idea.

Your present and promise from your husband would have made me faint. What a thoughtful gift and I hope it's one that comes true for you someday! You deserve all the happiness in the world.

Reeta Skeeter said...

The cake's beautiful.. as r all ur dishes... and u r a lucky woman Asha (ref:card)! :D Cheers! Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Happy new year to you & your family asha:)may this new year 2007 bring lots of love,happiness, laughter & peace to all of us. I see that i have missed a few posts of yours but i will be right back to read each & every line of the missed posts;))
paati

Anjali Koli said...

Asha the beet-choc cake is all natural and thats really good. Thanks for letting us in on your life. Dreams give Asha! Pun intended.

Bong Mom said...

Happy New Year Asha to you and your family

Mandira said...

Wow, the cake looks gorgeous Asha and such a sweet card from your DH. Happy New Year to you and your family! Have fun.

Surya Hith said...

Mouthwatering cake recipe Asha.Lovely color.It is very interesting to read your posts.Happy new year to you and your family.

EYE said...

Lovely cake! Am going to try this out. By the way Loved your threes

Keshi said...

Happy New Year Asha HUGGGGGGGGGZ! I missed u so very much. I hope u had loads of fun during the break.

So ur back with a bang...wow look at all these yummy treats!

Keshi.

Kalpana said...

Wish You too a great new year. I too just came back from a long break. Njoyed. Will go through your blog slowly since I missed some posts of yours.

Deepak Gopi said...

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WISH U A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR ....

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Desire you: 365 days of happiness; 52 weeks of health and prosperity; 12 months of love and affection; 8760 hours of peace and harmony; That in this new year you it has 2007 reasons to smile

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FH said...

Thank you to all of you:Deepak,Kalpana,Keshi,Surya,Me,Sandeepa,Mandira,Anjali,Paati,Kristen,Reeta,Nidhi,MO2,Jeff,Mona,Joyce,PriyaS&S,Cyber Kitty,Gattina,Sushma,ViniK,Vcuisine,Vini,Trupti,Dalicia,Pavani and Anali!!

I came home 2 days ago and was toooo tired to check the blog and to thank all of you.I am doing it today. I appreciate all your comments and wishes.I will see you all this week!:))

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha,

Am a regular visitor to your blog. Have tried out many recipes from your blog. Just writing in to say thank you for all the recipes and wonderful posts and also to wish you and your family a very happy new year.
Kavitha

Lakshmi said...

wow, what a lovely post Asha.
happy new year friend

FH said...

Hi Kavitha,glad you tried them and like them too.I love feedbacks,makes all my efforts worthwhile! Thank you so much for visiting and a very happy new year to you and your's as well.Enjoy and hope you comment again!:))

FH said...

Thank you Lakshmi.You too have a beautiful year ahead filled with joy and health!:))

Unknown said...

Hey asha..i guess you didn't see my reply to u'r comment on Rice flour dosa post.This is regarding smell of egg...
Asha ,you could skip egg here i guess..i haven't tried it without egg.I can give you u tip regarding the smell of egg..if you could just remove the filament like thing attached to the yolk, there won't be egg smell at all.(got it from a magazine).

Hope this helps..

FH said...

Thanks Maheswari!:)That's a great tip.I was going to check on it but then I forgot I asked the question,weekends are busy!:D
I will try and see if it works.I don't mind eggs at all when baking but it's the egg tava recipes in which I find that problem.I will try:)

Me said...

I missed this cake over the new years period, and I sure do regret it. Looks so nice!

FH said...

No worries mate!Better late than never!:) Happy 2007!! Hope this year all your hopes and dreams come true!Enjoy...

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Oh Asha, I loved this post (New Year) especially the three things meme. I agreed with all of them. It gave a real insight as to who you are as a person. Fantastic!
Amanda

FH said...

Thank you Amanda.MeMes are great way to know someone other than their food habits.Specially for foodies!:D

SeeC said...

Asha, I am really amazed looking at your blog.
I am taking my own time going through one by one...am not done yet. I would have read each one atleast 3-4 times. I am trying to learn things.

Thanks.

FH said...

Seec,that is nice of you!:))
Yeah,it probably take few months to go thru' all these !Hahaha!!!Good luck and enjoy.Thanks for leaving a comment,always makes me happy!

Unknown said...

Asha, I came across this gorgeous cake and bookmarked it.This is so beautiful and certainly love to try it.
Nice write up.

FH said...

Hey Pearl, thanks. This is a quite old post indeed. Enjoy the cake, it's good. For frosting, you can any store bought icing too, don't have to make it at home!:))

anudivya said...

Well, mine was a total disaster! I think that the dark chocolate in my kheer was not a very good idea! :)
But really, your cake looks so pretty, it reminds me of a skirt, more like a princess dress, except that the top half is missing! :)

FH said...

Haha! Anu, Headless princess dancing on the new year!
It's just the shape of the mould, a French Brioche one, cakes comes out great in that too! :))