February 01, 2008

RUM-RAISIN BREAD, FRENCH TOAST AND Rösti

Hello friends, have a great time watching Super Bowl this Sunday night!
I am very excited, getting ready to prepare snacks, dips and Cheese Fondue I am planning to make. My kids are already upset that they have to get up early on Monday morning and have to go to school!:D
We are not partial to any particular team but we fully intend to enjoy the game. May the best team win!! GO Patriots and Giants!!:)

I baked a beautiful Rum Raisin bread last week, loved the rich flavor with plump Rum flavored raisins. You will not smell the Rum at all in the bread after it's baked. If you don't have Rum on hand, you can use Sherry, Cognac, or even Orange juice instead of Rum to soak Raisins but it won't be Rum Raisin bread anymore!:D
I specially liked the warm French toast made with these slices and served with crunchy, slightly spicy Rösti for Sunday brunch. You can serve just plain slices with any flavored cream cheese for breakfast as well. Do try if you can.

Rum Raisin Bread:
This recipe comes from a book called "Beard of Bread" by James Beard, a great chef and food writer, most popularly recognized as the father of American cuisine. He is the founder of his namesake annual award foundation for the best cookbooks,chefs and writings, "The James Beard award". I am grateful to him for giving us this recipe!:)


To make the Rum-Raisin bread, you need:

You need:
1 1/2 cups dark Raisins soaked in enough Rum for an hr.
Yeast mix:
1 cup Milk,heated until warm,
3 tbsp sugar,
2 tsp salt,
6 tbsp Butter
2 Packages of Active Yeast.(14gm or 1/2 oz),
1 cup warm water (110F-115F).
To mix and knead:
1/2 cup granulated sugar,
1/2 cup softened Butter,
6 cups of plain flour (you may not need to add all 6 cups and also you can mix 4 cups plain and 2 cups wheat flour), sifted.
one large loaf pan approximately 9 1/2" to 4 1/2" or bigger, buttered or sprayed with oil.

To bake the bread:
1. Soak the raisins first for a hr. After an hour,drain all the Rum, add 1 tbsp flour to the raisins and keep aside.
2. Heat the milk until warm and pour it in the big bowl or KitchenAid bowl and mix in all the other yeast mix ingredients along with warm water.Mix well.
3. Stir in 3 cups of flour and mix well to a smooth batter with the paddle hook or with a spatula.
4. Now keep adding rest of the flour and mixing either by hand or mixer until you get a soft kneadable dough.You may need all 6 cups or little less, use your judgment.
5. Change into dough hook ,knead for 6 mins or by hand for 10 mins. When elastic and soft, brush some oil or butter on the dough, cover, let it rise in a warm place until double for 1-2 hrs.
6. Punch down the dough, add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup soft butter and the floured raisins, knead well again with dough hook or by hand.
7. Put it the buttered loaf pan, tap the pan few times on the counter top to make the dough sink in, let it rise for 30 mins or until 60% raised.
Preheat the oven 400F.
8. Bake the bread for 40 to 50 mins or it's golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bread. If top is becoming too brown before it cooks inside int he 20 mins of baking, cover the top of the bread with foil.
9. Cool on a rack. Store in a plastic bag in the fridge and slice when needed.

Cinnamon French Toast with Rum-Raisin bread:
I made a few Cinnamon French toast with thick slices of Rum Raisin bread for our Sunday breakfast and served with wedges of Rösti. YUM!! Believe me, they taste way better than those we get in restaurants which we pay so much money for!!

To make 6 slices of French toast: 1. Beat 2 eggs, 2 tbsp cream or milk, 1 tbsp sugar,1/2 tsp Vanilla essence, 1 tsp Cinnamon powder well in a wide plate.
2. Cut 3 1" thick slices bread in to half each and place into the egg mix, leave for 1 minute and flip them to soak the other side. With a spoon, brush the sides of the bread with egg mixture.
3. Heat a wide non-stick pan, brush some butter on the bottom and add the slice and cook both sides until golden.
4. Serve hot sprinkled with powdered sugar and pancake syrup on top.You will love it.


Rösti goes to DhivyaK from "Culinary Bazaar" for her "Potato Fe(a)st" event, celebrating the "International year of the Potato". Thanks for hosting your first ever event DK, enjoy!:)



Rösti:
WIKI says "Rösti(Raw-stee) means "crisp and golden" and is a potato dish from Switzerland. It was originally a common breakfast eaten by farmers in the canton of Bern, but today is eaten all over Switzerland. Many Swiss people consider Rösti a national dish."
It is similar to Southern Hash brown made with the similar ingredients but with cubed potatoes, veggies and sauteed unlike Rosti which roasted whole without stirring at all in the pan.


This is how I made my jazzed up Rösti:
You can add any vegs, herbs and spices you like to the potatoes or just potatoes, salt and pepper, your choice. Experiment with different cheeses too, enjoy.

1. Peel 3 large Russet or any floury potatoes and grate them with large holes.Add 1 tsp Lemon juice.
2. Mix in 1 tbsp soft butter or olive oil, salt, pepper, (few chill flakes, 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds pd, optional,not traditional) 1/2 tsp Oregano or Thyme, or spices you have, mix well.
3. Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat add spray some oil. Pour in all the potato mix, press down with a spatula to flatten it, cover and let it cook for 2-3 mins. DO NOT stir it. When you think the bottom is golden and crisp, give it a shake to loosen the bottom. Drizzle some olive oil on top.
4. Since you can not flip the whole thing like dosa, take a big flat plate, gently slide the whole Rosti on to the plate with uncooked part facing up, then place the pan on top of the plate and flip the plate on the pan so the uncooked top of Rosti goes on the bottom of the pan. You got all that?;D
5. Press again gently with spatula and let it cook until golden. Just before taking it out, sprinkle some cheese like Cheddar or Gruyère on top, let ot melt and sprinkle 1 tsp of fresh or dry Chives on top. Cut into wedges and serve right away.

*****************************************************************************************************************

Thanks to all of you who recommended books and few movies in my last post. I have ordered "My life in France" by Julia child and will be renting few of those movies you recommended too!:)

Here are the two books I read since my last post:
1. "My grandmother's Chinese Kitchen" by Eileen Yin-Fei Lo, who describes her grandmother's great influence on her life and cooking when she was growing up in China. She says her grandmother got upset with her because the author refused to bind her foot when she was young to make them look pretty, while her grandmother herself couldn't walk, had to be carried around since her feet had completely deformed and painful as a result of binding since she was a child!!
2. "Monsoon Dairies" by Shoba Narayan, a wonderful book by a great writer. Her description of "Tamil mamis" and her paati's milkman who gave "English" names for each of his 3 milking cows, who also has 3 wives with the same "English" names too, kept me in stitches for days! :D
Incidentally Shoba Narayan is also a James Beard award winner, not for this book but for her other writing and she speaks on NPR "All things considered" as well!)

I watched all three of "The Godfather" movies at last. I had watched the first one long time ago but hadn't watched the sequels until last week, thoroughly enjoyed them all!:)

Now the breaking news!:D
I traded in my Toyota Highlander to brand new fully loaded (with seat warmers, which we don't really need in NC!:D) Nissan Rogue! Just had it delivered all the way from Japan, built specially with my choice of black leather seats with red stitches. I am loving my little Rogue! I still have that "Cauvery" L plate too!

Have fun on Sunday night!:)

111 comments:

Finla said...

Now I don't know what is lore exciting the dishes or the new car.
Well they both are excelent.
I sometimes make raisin bread. But mostly i cheat i buy the premix packet and just add raisins to it :-)

indosungod said...

Asha, Happy Friday! The bread and Rosti look delicious. Will see if I can get hold of Monsoon Diaries.
Have a great weekend.

lakshmi said...

rosti tunring sounds more difficult than learning the split!!!!

what with taking on a plate and all!!!

you know how i make quesadillas - like masala dosa - no putting one tortilla on top of another, pressing the corners with fork and cooking both sides for me. just cook, put stuffing, flip one side and you're done. :D lol

how's you doing?

Siri said...

Oh my gosh... Just loved reading ur post .. it started with a yummy cake.. then the french toast.. then my favorite potato cake a.k.a ur Rostii ( which btw I was planning to make today..) and ended with brand new car.. :DDD

Love the books u suggested.. my next is definitely Monsoon Diaries..

Have a great weekend ashaji..:)

Hugs,

~ Siri

bha said...

The Rosti looks so very tempting.....

Btw congrats for the new japanese machine, have fun driving it.

Good luck with your reading and nice to know you interested by Indian authors as well

Bharathy said...

What heavenly bread you have here,Asha!!!Fantastic!!

Love the cinnamony french toasts :)

Rosti is the ultimate!..I too made rostis back from swiss, but a little different I tried there..But yours is the REAL authentic one here :)
Will try this next! :)..Thanx for sharing!

Susan said...

Asha, how many hours do you have in *your* day? Do you get any sleep? Cooking, baking, reading, movies, buying cars...You are amazing. Bread and potatoes make my carb world go round. Best wishes on your new wheels!

Coffee said...

Is it Wednesday today??

I loved reading Monsoon Diaries..... feel like reading it once again. Its been a long time. And congrats on the new car aunty!!

KonkaniBlogger said...

Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Everything looks so good, and the rosti looks really tempting..Lucky you, brand new car and all..Seriously, how do u manage with all the other things that you do ?? Monsoon Diaries looks like a nice read..Will try reading that..

Padmaja said...

hey new car, wonderful recipes and amazing asha to liven up any day.
Your car looks amazing, love that radiant blue, any chances of lift please?

Rachel said...

Interesting read..love the transition from one yumm dish to another..so this is the sweet bread you were talking about :))

Great car there! Lovely blue!

Srivalli said...

both are looking so nice..my you are baking so many, all are looking so good...Congrats on the new car..it looks so sexy!

Mishmash ! said...

Congrats on your new baby :)was wondering what happened to your wednesday post.....and this one compensated beautifully :) Godfather is one movie that still can take my full attention :)

Shn

starry said...

Love that raisen rum bread and the new car also.a beautiful color and who would not want seat warmers.Take care and have a good superbowl feast.

Mythreyee said...

Congratulations of the new car. Its looks terrific!

Your recipes especially the potato dish is just superb. Looks very nice and tempting. I used to make eggless version of french toast. I forgot the recipe. After seeing your post I feel like having one.

Beccy said...

Oh Asha I shouldn't be reading you an hour before dinner time as seeing and reading has made my tummy rumble!

The rum and raisin bread looks divine, it will definitely be tried and tested in this house.

Ashwini said...

Asha I just read Monsoon Diary too and loved it. I also liked the way she described food; from morning coffee to piping hot rasam to tiffin.
The last book I read was Ruth Reichl's Garlic & Sapphires. She was a NY TImes food critic and has written about her experience, reviews etc. Good read, find it if you can.
I am going to try the rum bread.

sandhya said...

Your dishes and car, both looks beautiful.Wanted to try rosti for a long time, now sine i have your recipe will go ahead and make it this weekend.

FH said...

Ashwini, I just started reading "Tender at the Bone, Growing up at the table" by her! I will read the next one too!:))

Anonymous said...

ASha
What a great post. That bread looks delicious will have to make that. I also love rosti and it's wonderful with a poached egg on top.
Hope you enjoy Julia. Another book I am reading is by Tom Parker Bowles (yes her son) very funny food writer "The Year of Eating Dangerously"

Rajitha said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Margie said...

Hi dear Asha
I just had to come by and visit you brfore we get on the road.
You left such a sweet comment for me this morning...thanks so much darlin'!
And, yes we will be watching Super Bowl on Sunday...would not miss it.

Rum-raisin bread...how yummy!
And, french toast...I love it!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Gotta run, my hubby tells me it's time to go...we have a 3 hr drive.

Hugs to you...

Margie
P.S Love the new car...great color...enjoy it!

FH said...

Sounds great Gilly. I will get that book too. Thanks!:)

Rajitha said...

wanted to say nice ride..adn custom made interiors no bad at all...and if i am in NC and see a 'Cauvery' L plate..i am so following u home :D..and tnks of book reco...i need to get back into reading too..i borrowed a few Anita Desai's myself...(and i shall never delete a comment again..copy paste refused to work!!)

DK said...

I am running out of words! and thats saying something for those who know me! I am dumbstruck! Where do I start? with the rum'my' luking bread ? with the appetising Toast? Or with the most delicious luking Potato rosti ( which happens to be my fav)I have seen? Where? and if at all I do what do i say? I really have to give u the credit for making me search so much for words! I am amazed at u asha! Thanks is not enough for this entry!

Vanamala Hebbar said...

What a bread and toast today!! gr8t to see your lovely recipes asha :)

Congratulations for your new car...

Have a nice weekend :)

Pallavi said...

Wow.. those look really yummy.. Asha. I am going to try some.

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha,
rum n raisin bread looks delicious.
congrats on the new car.

shalini

Suganya said...

Never knew its called Rosti. But I make it regularly with omelette.

Manju said...

yooohhoo on the new car!!! n yes the rum raisin bread with those pics..defenitely a coincidence!! :)is the rosti some kind of german food..?!?!?

evolvingtastes said...

The Rösti brings back many memories of Switzerland. Hmm, should make some and relive those times, would be a lot easier than flying there.

FH said...

Manju, Rosti is from Switzerland. In southern US, we make a similar dish called Hashbrown, this is slightly different!:)

Namratha said...

Ohh Asha, love the bread...looks good :) And the Rosti, superb!! Way to go on the new car...congrats dear!! :)

Richa said...

I too am excited @ making all those dips this wknd :)
raisin bread looks great,
BTW is it 1 1/2 Cups raisins?
enjoy the eats err... game ;)

Seema said...

Congrats on your new Car! Your all excited i can see, i would be too, if i were in your shoes!
Bread looks yum.Rosti looks delicious.. i dont think i will like to share it with anyone else! I am a potato fan :-)

FH said...

Richa, yes! It is 1 1/2 cups of Raisins! I was hesitant at first too but this recipe makes a large loaf, so it tastes good. You can cut down to 1 cup if you like. I use the usual measuring cups (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup etc) you get in the stores btw, got to use those cups for all the measures in this recipe!:)
Good eats!:D

Laavanya said...

As good as the rum & raisin bread looks, the Rosti is what I prefer... It reminds me of the fabulous ones I've had in a Swiss restaurant in Singapore. With a huge dollop of sour cream.. perfect! :) Now you've got me craving for it.
Congrats on your new car! Looks good.

Pooja said...

hmmm, so now no wednesday posts... a good change though asha !
lovely post a usual, now as it is shorter it takes less tiem to read all :)), I love raising bread. just a question , except using rum can do it ?
Rosti is looking yummy ! never had it ,seeing your pic feels like I should try some time :D, what else a foodie can do , he he he...
Congrats on you new car. Its a great joy to get vehicle of our choice and design , isn't it ? May you get all the finest things you ever wished.
Take care.

Manasi said...

Oooooooh!! love ur new car!! SUPER!!!!
Rosti looks difficult to turn! looks awesome!

bee said...

love your rogue. and your rosti. yum yum.

Anonymous said...

Love the French toast. You must be having a blast reading some interesting books!

Nice car!

TBC said...

Rosti- sounds so similar to the Jewish potato latke. Looks very good.

Have fun driving around in that beauty!

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha,

That's a loverly brunch spread as usual. Rum n raisin bread looks moist & delicious.The car looks awesome. Thanks a lot for suggesting Monsoon Diaries. Seems to be very interesting.

Love,
Kate.

EC said...

Rosti looks superb....congrats on the new car

Seena said...

Rosti, looks wonderful! Hey girl, how many books you read, great!
Congrats on getting new blue beauty..:)
Forgot to ask, you started taking seafood? Noticed the comment on chilly fish taht you prepared cod..! hey, post it pls..:)

Daily Meals said...

Hi Asha! Delicious bread, yummy rosti and lovely car. Enjoy!

FH said...

Thanks to all of you girls!:))

Pooja, you can soak Raisins in Orange or apple juice to plump them first, drain and mix with little flour to prevent them settling in the bottom of the dough. Try it!:))

Seena, I love Crab cakes. I like it when Sea food doesn't smell very fishy, otherwise I like them, been trying to cook at home these days too! If it's very fresh, it doesn't smell like fish that much!:)

vimmi said...

Congrats on ur new car. As usual ur dishes look so amazing that i dont have words to comment. I make the potato dish the same way, only it does not remain whole by the end. breaks down.

Amna said...

HI Asha, absolutely loved your new post, all the yummy recipes and yes congratulations for your custom built Nisaan Rogue :), hope you build up many many fond memories with your new car,also the book reviews are the latest addition to your blog, hmmm..love that part the most ,:)

ChrisB said...

Your new car looks wonderful, but then so do all you recipes. I'm feeling rather hungry after looking at those photos!

FH said...

Vimmi, it is tricky indeed. Try sprinkling some plain flour or corn starch to the potatoes and mix before adding to the pan to cook. Good luck!:)

Ramya's Mane Adige said...

Congratulations on the new love in your life, Ashakka!!! [:)]. The bread looks gr8

SMN said...

Hey Ashakka, all i can ask is Can in hv some bread! Automobiles hv always driven me crazy.. Very lovely car.. i am a die hard fan of Toyota, Honda, Lexus and Nissan..

Pravs said...

lovely bread and rosti.whoa,a new car ! That's nice. have a good weekend. Hugs to you :)

Aparna Balasubramanian said...

That's beutiful raisin bread. And rosti, too. I tend to keep my rosti kinda plain with salt,pepper and herbs.

Red Chillies said...

OK now where do I start? Let me start by congratulating on your new 'Rouge'. Enjoy your time and the super bowl. Love your spirit and enthusiasm.
The Rosti is very new to me, I will try that on my little one as he likes potatoes.

Anonymous said...

first of all wishing you a very happy new year dear asha!:) & wow i seemed to have missed some delicious recipes over here. both the rum & raisin bread & the rostis look yummy, but i will surely try out your tested rosti recipe & get back to you:)btw asha do you have any tried & tested homemade remedies to get rid of the common cold?
paati

Meera said...

Hey Asha,
Thanks for sharing wonderful recipes. and congrats on your new car. I thought about u yesterday as we were watching "Bal Ganesh" with my daughter because it showed how river Kaveri was created.

Sig said...

Congrats on the new car Ash... Love the color, and the black leather with the red stiches sounds great too... Enjoy the game, I am not a football fan, so I have the whole house for myself today :D

DEEPA said...

First of all congrats on the new car....awesome one ....the bread and the rosti is awesome ..yummy yummy one ,,,

So where are you taking the new member on a drive ....Can i join you !!!!

Shionge said...

Cool Car :D Can you bring me for a spin when I visit you in America :D

By the way, do you have any leftovers for me too .... er..maybe not ya but I think the Rosti is easy to make, one my fingers are functioning I think I will attempt doing it.

Thank you.......

Keshi said...

NEW CAR yeyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! LOVELY blue.

I like French Toast...one of my fav brekky deals. :)


Hope u had a great weekend Asha HUGGGGGGGGZ!

Keshi.

Kribha said...

You LUCKY GIRL... new car? Looks so good. Nice color too! Rosti made my mouth water. I always prefer sweet dishes. But this time rosti did beat raisin bread by the looks. Thanks for all the recipes.

A, mama of twins said...

Hi Asha,
I havent been here in a long time..

The rosti looks yummy as does the bread. Nice wheels!

Hope to be in better touch!
Archana

Miri said...

French toast is one of my favourites....this one with rum and raising bread must have been even more delicious! Rosti, I made just once 6-7 years back, still remember the potatoes it took to make it! Yummy looking and know it must have taken a lot of time!

FH said...

Paati, common cold is caused by Virus, so there is no quick cure for the cold, just have to deal with t for a week or so. But you could make yourself feel better by having some hot chicken soup or hot pepper Rasam.Take care sweetie. My husband and son have cold too right now!

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

I love rosti, and the rum and raisin bread turned into french toast. Mmmm, do you take house guests? ;)

Cyberkitty said...

Awesome Car!! It's been a long time since I last read a book. Hope u enjoy yours!!

Pooja V said...

i loved Rosti , rum bread & French Toast. Congrats on the new Rouge. I am definitely reading Monsoon diaries next.

Anonymous said...

Hi BigS! You still blog hop and leave your friendly smiles behimd:)

I have never tried Rosti. Seems simple and delicious. Raisin bread looks equally delectable.

Hope you had fun yesterday night! I am not a foodball fan, but the last couple minutes turned out to be quite exciting even for me with hubby and friends shouting and screaming for the Giants:)

Anonymous said...

BTW! congrats on the new purchase! Looks beautiful.

FH said...

Hema, if I have time I would be more than happy to visit all of you. Unlike before, I don't feel guilty if I skip a day or few posts to comment on now, which is great!:))

Pooja, do read that book,it's really good!:)

Lisa Johnson said...

You're new Rogue is so cute! I love the color. I've never had a blue car... I enjoyed the Super Bowl even though the Pats lost. It was a good game and NY was better. Oh well, we can still hold our heads high. The season was still very good.

And more importantly, that Rum Raisin Bread French Toast looks incredible!!!

Grihini said...

Rosti..has got my attention. I remember eathing these at a friends place but she had made them into small balls.
Enjoy your new rogue :)

AnuSriram said...

Rosti is new to me asha... a must try recipe!

Meera said...

I just ordered Monsoon Diaries from the library. Can't wait to read...Thanks to you, Dear Asha.

Kalai said...

Guess I'm a little late with this one, huh? At any rate, glad I didn't miss it. That rum raisin bread has me salivating like a puppy dog! I am definitely going to try that one and put my stand mixer to good use!

Rosti looks awesome, too, Akka! :)

Poonam said...

Asha, lovely recipes..Especially liked the Rosti.

Anamika:The Sugarcrafter said...

Asha, the rum-raisin bread looks and can't resist to eat. Thanks for posting it. Have a wonderful ride...

Mandira said...

you have been busy reading Asha! The rosti looks fantastic. Will have to try it soon :)

Anonymous said...

wow Asha! The rogue looks just made for u! Congrats!
The rosti looks sooooooo delicious! And ofcourse the bread too -except i would anjoy the rosti better! Hope u guys had a fun time watching the super bowl!

Unknown said...

Hi asha, the rosti looks great, and that tip for flipping it sounds good:) I love that cinnamon toast made with the rum-raisin bread:) Congrats on the new car! Hope you have a wonderful ride ahead:) By the way we r also waiting for our new addition of Honda-accord :)

Anonymous said...

glad to be back finally ashakka, the bread looks heavenly!! congratulations on your new car!! Have a wonderful and safe ride always!!!!

FH said...

Dee, welcome back. Just wanted to tell you that I tried to comment in your blog but it's not letting me. When I type, letters do not show up. I will try again later, hope it works then!:)

Seema said...

Woooooww long time..but this page is as lovely and mouthwatering as ever :)) that rasin bread is inviting meee:)))

Reeta Skeeter said...

WOW!
I am surely going to try the Rosti someday!!!!
It looks yummmmmm and so does the rum raising bread! (but i don't bake)
Nissan Rogue!! Cool! Mubarak ho aapko :D
Njoy the rides/drives!

Prema Sundar said...

Raisin bread looks great ,but the rosti steals my attention. have to make it sometime Asha.
Congrats on ur new car!!!enjoy driving
happy weekend

Uma said...

Wow, what a wonderful post. Can't express my feelings in words. Good one. Congrats on your new car. It looks great.

Kajal@aapplemint said...

Asha , this is the first time i've seen something non Indian here. The rosti looks simply gr8 ! and ofcourse the raisin bread flawless... yum yum :)

Mansi said...

Sorry for a tad late response asha! that vread looks AWESOME!! man, I an so trying your recipe:)

the rosti sounds interesting and easy too! and great to know you finished 2 books...good job girl! you r on the right track:) congrats for the new car, so when r u driving it to sunny california?:D

FH said...

Kate, check my recipe index in the bake section, you will find many many non-Indian stuff. Hope you bake tis bread!:)

Mansi, don't say sorry girl, take your time. Yeah, I will surely drive 1000s of miles right across US to see CA! ;D
We were in LA few years ago, just for sightseeing!:)

Dhivya said...

looks colorful and yummy..

Gattina Cheung said...

It is a smart-look Rogue!
You are excellent cook, can turn the humble looking rosti to a happy party food!

Deepak Gopi said...

I presant James beard awardt 2 u.May god bless you to buy a May back scar.
Good day 2 u & family

Jayashree said...

Both the bread and the rosti look good....iam partial to potato, though....so i like the rosti better.

FH said...

My thanks to all of you who took time to comment here, hugs to all of you!:))

Deepak, thank you for the James Beard award given by you, I am lucky!!:D
Have a great weekend.

Raaga said...

Ashakka... was eyeing this for a long time, but it wouldn't open. I think it is 1 1/2 cups raisins soaked in rum... you missed the cups I think...

Congrats on the new car... it looks beautiful!!

And everything in this post looks so yummy!!

Pelicano said...

Hey Asha...I was fascinated reading about rosti, because here where I live (Wisconsin) many people make their "hash browns" quite similar to this- (not like the diced southern style) with shreds and fried in one piece. And it must be so because there are many Swedish immigrants in the area I live in! (potato pancakes- latka, I think they are called, are also popular here; you must try them sometime) Anyway, to flip and fry the second side, we divide the "cake" into quarters in the pan using the spatula, and flip each piece over to fry the other side. :-) I love your spicing BTW, sounds great!

FH said...

That's true Pel. I used to in Minneapolis, they do make Rosti!:))
We love southern hash too, they are all similar but different in sizes and shapes. I already made Latkes too, made it for Meeta's event last year, love it.

Rachna said...

hey asha, im slowly catching up with the blogging world, love your rosti and the new car!! just like pel was saying, a friend from mineapolis gave me the hash brown recipe and its exactly like this rosti!! i so wanna make it on the weekend. By the way we are settling down in connecticut and into the american lifestyle!!!

FH said...

WOW!! Rachna, welcome to USA! That is a great news friend. Enjoy. Must be cold in there in Connecticut but it gets better!:)
Take your time, it is big move and takes time to settle in a new country, glad you let me know. Hugs to you!:)

Deepa Kuber said...

hey can i link my recipe pictures with ur content. if i put up a recipe picture (my own)or write just the name of the recipe in my blog and link it with ur URL for the recipe content???? is it fair? i have so many doubts in my mind :D its all mumbo jumbo for me.

FH said...

Anjali, yes you can. If you cook my recipe and take a photo of that and publish in your blog, you can write the name of that recipe and link that word to my url. I will show you how in your blog in a minute. I know it's confusing for you, I will be glad to help!:)

Edith said...

Hi! Veery nice recipes especially I loved the Raw-stee (so far :P). I will certainly try it!

FH said...

Haha!! Thank you Edith. Enjoy the Raw-stee!;D

Sunshinemom said...

Hi Asha! First time visitor, I got so tempted to know you after seeing your name in almost every other blog I visited. Seeing the mouthwatering dishes...and of course the book and movie reviews...I think I will be a regular for more than just one reason...not the food alone!! Wonderful blog and great style! Do have a look at my blog and any advice would be most welcome!!

FH said...

Hey SM, glad you visited me, enjoy everything. I do my best to bring something new and sometime s old here in my blogs. I am on break right now until May, will blog roll you and see you in May!:)

Unknown said...

Asha , This is a fantastic bread.I loved the Rosti recipe,planning to make soon dear.Nice to go through ur vast collection of great recipes.

FH said...

Thank you Pearl. It is VAST, believe me! Even I get confused!:D
Enjoy the Rosti, it's my fave too, makes a great breakfast for Sunday Brunch!:)

Smita said...

Oh now I see your review...Glad you have read it and liked it as much as I did:)

FH said...

I did Smita, it was a great read, enjoyed it! :)