OUR 20th !!! :)

Look what a beautiful logo creative Pooja made it just for me today!Thank you sweetheart, I appreciate it and love it:)





My sweet friend Anali got together secretly with my other blog buddies and created this button and wrote this article just for me! How do I thank her and others with just my words?! I am overwhelmed by all your wishes and affection! My heart is full,there is nothing else out there for me to achieve and want for.I have reached my maximum and I am humbled today and forever by all your wonderful thoughts and caring!! THANK YOU!!

You must be wondering what the heck is going on in here this week!
Well, on December 07th 2006, Arvind and I are celebrating our 20th Wedding Anniversary!! Yeah,I said I am married for TWENTY years and to the same guy too, my one and the only!! Seriously people! 20 yrs of all these and more, don't you think I should be recommended for atleast a 'NOBEL PEACE PRIZE"?! Cheers!!


Here are some of our wedding photos:

(Due to some personal problems I faced, I have deleted and posted my wedding photos in a private blog. Sorry that I had to modify this post but it became necessary!)

That's all folks! A beautiful milestone in my life to remember and I thank all of you for sharing it with me! :)

Now,on to what I do best:
Some of you asked me, if I would post a Indian style Thanksgiving spread.

Here it is: My belated Indian style Thanksgiving and our Anniversary dinner:



Since we were not at home for Thanksgiving, my son insisted that I should cook a meal when we go home.Of course I had to do it .
My menu: Tandoori Chicken(not Turkey)along with cumin flavored rice,two side dishes and a Sweet Potato Pudding.I made some Egg nog too, but forgot take photos!


How to cook a Tandoori Chicken:
(Approximately,I hour of cooking for every 4lbs of meat at 400F)
(Vegetarians,add little paste to mixed vegetables and cook until oil shows on top for a very tasty veg meal)

You need about 3 1/2-4lbs of Chicken(whole bird).Slash the meat in places and rub in some lemon juice or slices and some salt into it and keep aside in large pan in the fridge.

To make Tandoori paste,you need:


Grind 2" fresh ginger,2 big garic,1/2 big onion,1 tbsp sweet Paprika,3" cinnamon,4 cloves,2 tsp Cumin seeds, 2 tbsp Coriander seeds,1/2tsp or more chilli pd for heat,3/4 cup yoghurt,1/4 cup Tomato sauce,1/2 tsp cardamom seeds,few peppercorns,2tsp Fennel seeds,salt to a smooth paste.Rub the paste on the bird evenly and marinate overnight in the fridge covered.Turn once or twice to coat the masala evenly.





Next day,pre-heat the oven to 400F and place the chicken on a dripping pan in the pan. Melt 1tbsp butter,dribble on the chicken or spray oil.Cook for 45 mins.Turn up the heat to 450F,cook for 10-15mins just to get the crisp coat on top and a reddish color.Do not burn it.Take it out,let it sit for 15mins before slicing.For Gravy:Drain excess oil from the drip pan,cook it on the stove,adjust the salt and remove and add 3-4 tbsp half and half or cream and mix.Heat gently.Strain for smooth sauce into a gravy boat.




Cumin-Clove-Cinnamon flavored Rice:


Cook 2 cups of Long grain rice or Basmati rice,fluff with a fork and keep it aside.Heat a little and oil,add 1tsp cumin seeds,2cloves and 1" cinnamon.When sizzles, add to the rice and mix well.You can 1/4tsp salt but not necessary since chicken has already has the salt.




Saute`ed Rainbow Swiss Chard:


Rainbow swiss chard is a beautiful multiple colored and wonderful tasting greens.Little expensive than the other greens but looks and cooks beautifully.This is an easy recipe similar to southern Collard greens,makes a great side dish for any special meal.Wash and chop them coarsely and set aside.




Heat oil and butter,add 1/4tsp mustard seeds,1/2tsp cumin seeds,1-2 garlic, finely chopped,1/2 big onion finely chopped,fry until reddish.Add chard and stir-fry,cover and cook until all wilted and cooked.Add salt and you are done.Make sure you discard the hard stems before you chop the chard.




Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry:


Here is a delicious simple veg side dish lightly spiced and stir-fried.Goes very well with any meat dishes to make a perfectly balanced meal.Cut 1 potato into slicesor cubes,cut 1 green bell pepper into squares,1 carrot sliced into thick pieces,few Broccoli flowerettes or any veg you like,set aside.Heat oil/butter,add all the veggies,stir-fry for a while.








Add 1tbsp of water and cover and cook on a low heat for few mins,just until little tender.Don't let the Broccoli turn pale.Open the lid,add salt,1/2 tsp or more Cumin seed pd,squeeze a little lemon juice ,pinch of chilli flakes(optional).When done,it should be dry ,tender to bite and lightly coated with spices .



Cardamom-Cream Sweet Potato Pudding:


Sweet potatoes are traditional Thanksgiving dish.I made a simple but delicious dessert using cardamoms for flavoring.Adjust the sugar to your liking.Sweet potatoes are already sweetish,I don't add too much sugar.You need a big sweet potato for this,peel and cube it to chunks about 2 cups..Add some water and cook in the microwave until soft.Add about 1/4-1/2cup sugar to it and mix.







Microwave it again on for a minute,do not burn it.Meanwhile,powder 3-4 cardamoms with 1/2 sugar until fine,add to sweet potatoes.Let it cool a bit,add in 1/4 cup heavy cream and mix.Microwave again for 1 min.Serve chilled and sprinkle any toasted Almond slivers on top if you like.



Delicious Dinner is served:)


ENJOY AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WISHES!! :)