The Brunette Diaries

Coffee Meringue – The 16-Calorie Sin-Free Dessert

In my opinion, meringues are THE secret star dessert. Why, you ask? These cute chewy clouds are so light and airy, with just the perfect amount of sweetness to teleport you straight to heaven. Although meringues are often associated with French, Swiss, and Italian cuisine, what makes them such a big hit is that they go well with almost any type of table spread! And the cherry on top is that they are low on calories – yay! Try these 16-calorie coffee meringue for your next guilt-free indulgence. Here’s the super easy recipe!

Ingredients:

3 large egg whites

½ tsp cream of tartar (substitute – lemon juice)

3/4^th cup sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 and ½ tbsp instant coffee powder

1 tbsp roasted coffee beans (optional)

Also read: Easy-To-Make 15-Minute Chocolate Dessert Recipes

Method: In a bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar (or lemon juice) until it forms soft peaks. Add the vanilla and coffee powder and continue beating until shiny. Spoon this mixture in 2-inch mounds on a cooking parchment-lined baking tray (spaced 1 inch apart) and place a coffee bean on each mound. Bake in the oven (at 200C) for an hour or until the meringues are light brown and fluffy. Turn off the oven and let the meringues stand in it for another hour. Remove them carefully by sliding a greased spatula or butter knife under each mound and serve immediately or store them in an airtight container.

Also read: 10-Minute Homemade Chocolate Fudge Made The Traditional Way

How easy was that!

10 health benefits of different types of tea

Tea is an aromatic beverage that is well known for health benefits that it provides. Many people drink tea for pure health reasons while many others drink because of their addiction to it. Tea has less caffeine compared to coffee, and doctors from across the globe recommend the habit of drinking tea regularly.

Tea leaves can be a solution to various beauty problems also. Here are 10 beauty benefits that tea leaves offer.

Goodbye puffy eyes

Working overtime can give you puffy eyes. And, what if you have an important function to attend? How much concealer can you apply to make your eyes look normal? This is when tea leaves come to the rescue. Take two tea bags and soak them in warm water. Place the soaked tea bags on your closed eyes for 20 minutes. Tea leaves have natural astringent known as tannins which reduce the puffiness and removes dark circles under your eyes.

Sunburns can be handled as well

Many women worry about sunburns after their long summer holidays. Well, the good news is tea leaves help to provide relief to your sunburned skin. Put some tea leaves in your bath water and let your body soak in its goodness. This is will be the best solution for your itchy skin.

Lose excess weight in a jiffy

Studies prove that green tea drinkers lose weight faster than those who don’t. Also, green tea helps to balance the body weight after a period of weight loss. It also boosts your metabolism and helps in relieving digestion problems. So, why wait? Sip a cup of green tea whenever you get time and stay fit.

Quick solution to acne problems

Based on its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea is the best solution for acne problems. Rub moist tea leaves on your face before going to bed, and drink green tea every day morning. This will take care of your skin by getting rid of your troublesome acne and gives a natural glow to your face.

Protect your skin

Green tea helps in skin tightening and anti-ageing. Why waste time on botox when green tea can make you look younger day-by-day? Mix water, white sugar and green tea to prepare a scrub. This acts as a cleanser and helps to moisturize your skin by increasing the hydrating levels, thus exfoliating the skin.

Tea does magic to your hair as well

Tea is a good conditioner for dry and frizzy hair. Rub some freshly brewed tea (unsweetened) on your hair and allow it to dry before you rinse it off. Also, you can add some rosemary and sage (medicinal herb) to black tea and leave it over night. Strain the mixture and rub it on your hair for positive results.

Adios stinky feet

Many people do not approve of the idea of removing their socks only because of the foul smell that their feet emit. You don’t have to worry anymore as green tea leaves provide the best solution. Soak your feet in strongly brewed green tea for 20 minutes. It helps to close the pores that release sweat. Now you can walk indoors without any fear of being the one with smelly feet.

Tea leaves can control gum bleeding

By pressing moistened tea bags on your bleeding gums and applying pressure for 20 minutes, you can easily control the bleeding and pain. Tea leaves are known for their refreshing mouthwash properties as well. So, now you can make your own homemade mouthwash.

Calm yourself with tea leaves

Studies prove that tea leaves reduce stress in our mind and body. Stuff your pillow with sundried tea leaves and sew it. The fragrance gives a relaxed feeling and also helps to get rid of your body odour. These tea leaves can get soggy easily, therefore, sun drying them frequently is essential. They also help to reduce blood pressure and headache.

Charm each other with a cup of tea

Green tea contains caffeine, ginseng, L-thiamine which is known to have positive effect on sexual drive, especially on women. Pouring each other a cup of tea can initiate some romance between any couple. In this way, there is a chance of impressing each other, especially the newlyweds.

Now, who wouldn’t want a cup of tea when it provides heaps of benefits to stay young and fit?

Benefits of drinking green tea

Green tea has become a popular drink all around the world because of its immense health benefits. It has been proved that green tea drinkers have a healthier circulation system than most others. It isn’t that difficult to make yourself a cup of green tea, and its benefits will surely make the effort worthwhile.

Anti-aging

Green tea contains an antioxidant that fight against free radicals. This means that it fights against aging and promotes longevity.

Weight loss

Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism naturally. It is believed to burn around 70 calories per day which adds ups to four kilograms per year.

Heart disease

It prevents heart disease by lowering the level of cholesterol. It prevents cell death and speeds up the recovery of damaged heart cells.

Cancer

It helps reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant in green tea is hundred times more effective than vitamin C and 24 times more effective than vitamin E. This helps in protecting your cells from damage linked to cancerous formations.

Skin

As in the case of anti-aging, the antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the action of free radicals, which cause damage to the skin. Green tea also helps to fight against skin cancer.

Diabetes

It improves lipid and glucose metabolism. It also prevents sharp increases in blood sugar levels and balances your metabolism rate.

Cholesterol

Green tea helps to lower cholesterol levels. It also helps in improving the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol by reducing the latter.

There are countless benefits of green tea which make it a must-have in today’s health risk world. Make sure you do what you can to maintain good health and drinking a cup of tea is the least effort you can put in to facilitate proper health.

For The Tea Lovers: Our Favourite Chai Recipes With A Twist

We Indians love our tea, actually, we Indians love our chai. Just like the west where the day does not begin without a cup coffee, in India no day can begin effectively without a cup of chai. We make plain tea, pudina tea, cinnamon tea, cardamom tea, ginger tea and so on. But, have you ever tried chocolate tea or vanilla tea perhaps? Now you can! Try out these amazing chai recipes and give your regular chai a lovely twist.

Also read: 10 Health Benefits Of Different Types Of Tea

Chocolate Chai

Chocolate and chai, two of our favourite things, together, in one drink. How can we not love this concoction?

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon regular tea powder

½ stick cinnamon (dalchini)

1 clove (laung)

1 heapful teaspoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)

2 teaspoons brown sugar or white sugar

½ cup water

½ cup milk

Chocolate shavings/cocoa powder (optional)

Method:

Pour the water into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the cinnamon, clove, tea powder and sugar.

Bring this to a boil. Add the cocoa powder and stir with a spoon ensuring no lumps are formed.

Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer stirring occasionally. Once completely heated, strain into a glass or cup. Top it with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Serve hot.

Vanilla Chai

The vanilla extract gives this chai recipe an irresistible aroma and silky smooth taste.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon regular tea powder

2 cloves cardamom (elaichi)

2 teaspoons white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup water

½ cup milk

Whipped cream (optional)

All spice powder (garam masala) (optional)

Method:

Pour the water into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Crush the cardamom pods in a mortar-pestle.

Add the crushed cardamom, tea powder and sugar.

Bring to a boil. Add the milk and vanilla extract. Stir occasionally.

Once heated, strain into a glass or cup. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of all spice powder. Serve hot.

Also read: Benefits Of Drinking Green Tea

Orange Chai

We never thought chai could be made more refreshing than it already is, but with the addition of orange, it’s even more awakening and delicious.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon regular tea powder

½ stick cinnamon (dalchini)

1 small orange zest

2 teaspoons honey or white sugar

½ cup water

½ cup milk

Sliced orange (optional)

1 stick cinnamon (optional)

All spice powder (garam masala) (optional)

Method

Pour the water into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the cinnamon, tea powder, orange zest and sugar.

Bring to a boil. Add the milk and stir occasionally.

Once, the milk has boiled, turn off the heat and strain into a glass or cup.

Garnish with sliced orange and cinnamon stick if desired. You can also sprinkle a little all spice powder around the rim. Serve hot.

What are you waiting for! A true chai lover would definitely give these delectable chai recipes a try. Are you one of them?

For The Coffee Lovers: Our Easy-To-Make Coffee Variation Recipes

Some people call coffee the ‘elixir of life’ rightly so. For most people around the globe, the day does not begin without a cup of coffee. The caffeine found in coffee stops certain chemical signals to your brain, thus waking you up and driving away sleep. Its caffeine properties aside, the taste of coffee is what we love. Its warm tones and aroma awaken the senses. Coffee shops today make a host of different types of coffees for everybody’s taste. For those of you who have ever wanted to make these delicious drinks at home, we have listed for you our tried and tested coffee variation recipes that you can easily prepare in your own kitchen.

Warm Spiced Coffee

For those of you who love a hint of spice in your coffee, you have to try this one.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Instant coffee powder, cinnamon (dalchini) powder, nutmeg (jayfal) powder, sugar, milk, water

How to make it:

Mix the instant coffee, cinnamon and nutmeg powder. Put this into the water and set on the stove on medium heat. Add in the sugar. Let it brew for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer into a cup or mug. Add a dash or more of warm milk according to your preference, and enjoy.

Also read: Coffee Meringue – The 16-Calorie Sin-Free Dessert

White Chocolate Latte

All you white chocolate lovers out there, this is a yummy way to mix white chocolate with coffee.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Instant coffee powder, chopped white chocolate, milk, vanilla extract or essence, whipped cream

How to make it:

Mix all the ingredients together in a saucepan and set it on the stove on medium flame. Stir till all the chocolate is dissolved and a creamy texture is achieved. Pour into glasses. Add whipped cream on top. You can also garnish it with white chocolate shavings, and let the flavour sweep you off your feet.

Mocha Hot Chocolate

Once you try the richness of this mocha hot chocolate, we doubt you’d want to go back to instant hot chocolate powder.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Instant coffee powder, chopped dark chocolate, milk, brown sugar (you can also use white sugar), water

How to make it:

Mix the milk and chopped chocolate in a saucepan, set it on a medium flame and let the chocolate melt. Meanwhile, warm the water with instant coffee and brown sugar. Once the chocolate and milk have combined add in the warm coffee-water to it. Stir to mix. Pour into a cup. Top it with marshmallows or baby marshmallows or just relish it the way it is.

Caramel Latte

This one is very simple and easy to make and tastes equally good!

Ingredients you’ll need:

Instant coffee powder, caramel ice cream topping, milk, sugar, whipped cream

How to make it:

Mix in the coffee, caramel sauce, sugar and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil on the stove. Serve in a glass or mug and top it with whipped cream and caramel sauce. That’s it! So easy!

Also read: Easy-To-Make DIY Watercolour Coffee Mug!

Irish Coffee

This one is our personal favourite. We love a good cup of warm Irish coffee and we are sure those of you who prefer their coffee with a little extra kick will love this too.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Instant coffee powder, brown sugar (or white sugar), fresh cream (unsweetened), whiskey

How to make it:

Brew the coffee in water and bring to a warm boil. Add the sugar to this water and let it dissolve. Pour this mixture while still hot, preferably into a long-bodied glass, a little more than half full. Add in the whiskey leaving ¼ of the glass empty. Lightly whip the fresh cream and layer it on the remaining 1/4 space in the glass. Now sit back and enjoy this lovely Irish drink!

These tried and tested coffee variation recipes are perfect for any occasion when you feel the need for a warm caffeinated drink. They taste best when you are snuggled up next to the window on a rainy day accompanied by your favourite book. Then again, they taste equally good in the company of friends. Basically, they taste fabulous all the time! 😛

Yummy Desserts Made With Cheese For The Cheeseoholic

My name is XYZ and I’m a ‘cheeseoholic’! For me personally, chocolate is yummy, but cheese is any day better. I have never craved chocolate the way I often crave cheese. You give me a food oozing with melted cheese and I’ll eat it. I totally and unconditionally love cheese. If you do too, them I’m sure you would love these recipes of desserts made with cheese. I know I do!

Also read: The Quickest And Easiest Cheese Fondue Ever!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Ingredients

1 ½ cups unsalted butter

225 grams cream cheese

3 cups sugar

6 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

3 cups flour

½ tsp baking soda

Method

Cream together the butter, cream cheese and sugar until a light and fluffy consistency is achieved.

Add the eggs to this mixture one at a time. Beat well after each addition.

Add vanilla and mix until it is well combined.

Mix together the flour and baking soda. Add to the mixture.

Mix well until fully incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps.

Pour the batter into a loaf pan or a normal cake tin, if you don’t have a loaf pan.

Bake at 325^oF forabout 1 hour 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let it cool down before transferring onto wired rack.

Eat as desired.

Also read: 20-Minutes To Deliciously Gooey And Creamy Mac N Cheese!

Cheesecake Roll Ups

Ingredients

10 slices of plain white bread

1 cup strawberry pulp or topping (you can use any flavour you like)

⅓ cup butter (melted)

1 lemon

115 grams cream cheese (unsalted)

⅔ cup sugar (granules)

3 tablespoons sugar (powdered)

Also read: Interesting Twists To Everyday Egg Recipes

Method

Zest the lemon and mix it with the whole sugar.

Cut the crusts of the bread slices. Using the rolling pin, roll the slices flat.

Mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar and half a lemon juice in a bowl.

Empty the mixture into a piping bag.

Pipe nearly a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling on every slice of bread. Top this with strawberry filling.

Roll up the slice nicely and dip into butter. Make sure all sides are nicely covered with the butter. Follow this by rolling it in the lemon zest and sugar mixture.

Preheat to 350 ^o F

Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake until lightly brown.

Enjoy it warm!

I sincerely hope you enjoy these desserts made with cheese as much as I do. After all, when something is as good as cheese, why not try and incorporate it in every meal, right? 😀

Creamy And Delicious! Easy Steps To Make Baba Ghanoush

Do you love the creamy, earthy texture of charred eggplants (Baingan)? Are you looking to trying a different cuisine for your Sunday dinner? Here is a simple eggplant mash recipe, popularly known as Baba Ghanoush, that you can try. Get ready to give a middle-eastern twist to your favorite Baingan Ka Bharta. Explore your culinary skills with this simple yet exotic recipe. Check out the ingredients required and easy steps to make Baba Ghanoush.

Also Read: 3 Super Easy Super Tasty Recipes Using Jam

Ingredients to make creamylicious Baba Ghanoush –

2 medium sized eggplants or Baingan

3 garlic cloves

3 tablespoon olive oil

5 tablespoon refined sunflower oil

Freshly ground black pepper

Fistful fresh basil leaves (tulsi)

100 gram feta cheese

Juice of 2 lemons

Salt to taste

Tabasco sauce for that kick

Let’s Start Cooking

Start with char grilling the eggplants on the stovetop for about 10 minutes. Keep them over open flame till the skin completely blackens and the inside goes soft. Char grilling the eggplants add a smokey flavor to the dish. Once you take the eggplants off the heat, let them cool before you start peeling the burnt skin. Next, put the peeled eggplants in a blender along with fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, few drops of Tabasco sauce, feta cheese, pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, some refreshing lemon juice, and blend them. As you blend all the ingredients together, slowly add the refined sunflower oil to the green mash.

Once everything is blended well and the mash comes to a creamy consistency, your Baba Ghanoush is ready to be served. Plate the delicious eggplant mash on a ceramic deep dish and drizzle luscious drops of olive oil on top. Sprinkle a pinch of earthy sumac (available in supermarkets) for that authentic Middle Eastern touch.

Also Read: Diabetic-Friendly Dessert Recipe – Date Squares

Try this quick and easy Baba Ghanoush recipe for a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine at your home. You can also heat up some pita breads, cut them into long strands, and dip them into the creamy and delicious eggplant delicacy. Surprise your friends and family with this exotic and tasty dish on a Sunday evening. This dish is irresistibly tasty and healthy at the same time. If you are planning to eat something light for dinner, this is the perfect recipe for you. Serve it with some fresh lemonade or a glass of wine.

Irresistibly Delicious Spinach And Chickpea Fritters

Winter is setting in, and with it our appetite is increasing. It is only natural to feel hungrier in winter, as our body needs more food to generate more heat this time of the year, so snacking between meals becomes unavoidable. Gorging on hot bhajiyas and pakodas with a cup of chai or coffee will never get old, but why not try something new as well! This spinach and chickpea fritters recipe is perfect for a cold winters evening and is easy to make.

Also read: Creamy And Delicious! Easy Steps To Make Baba Ghanoush

Ingredients:

1 cup boiled chickpeas (Kabuli channa… coarsely chopped)

1 cup chickpea flour

1 ½ cup blanched, drained and squeezed spinach (palak) (coarsely chopped)

½ medium sized onion finely chopped

2 finely chopped green chillis (hari mirch) (optional)

¼ cup corn flour

1 tablespoon minced ginger (adrak)

¼ teaspoon black pepper (kali miri)

1-2 teaspoons red chilli powder (lal mirch powder)

1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)

¼ teaspoon baking powder

Salt to taste

Vegetable oil for deep frying

Also read: Yummy Desserts Made With Cheese For The Cheeseoholic

Method:

Mix together the chickpea flour, chopped green chillis, corn flour, black pepper, cumin seeds, baking powder and salt to taste in a bowl.

Add to the bowl about 2/3 cup of water and whisk until a smooth batter is formed. Add the chopped chickpeas, spinach, onion, and ginger to the batter and mix well.

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed non-sick pan (kadhai). Take sufficient oil for deep frying.

Drop heaped tablespoonfuls of the thick batter into the hot oil. (Take care not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches. Keep frying for about two minutes or till the balls become slightly gold in colour. Line a dish with paper towels and transfer the fried balls on it to soak up the excess oil.

Let the balls cool slightly, and then with your hands, press down the balls into discs that are about 1/3 of an inch thick.

Return the spinach and chickpea fritters discs to the pan, and fry until they get a beautiful dark golden colour and become crisp. It should take about 1 minute.

Transfer to a tray liner with paper towels, to drain the excess oil.

Spread it in a serving dish with a side of your favourite chutney as a dip.

Make these yummy spinach and chickpea fritters even better by coupling them with one of our delicious coffee or tea recipes. Bon apetit!

No-Bake Recipe! Steamed Chocolate Chip Muffins

You don’t always need a fancy oven to enjoy yummy homemade cakes. Steamed cakes and muffins too are just as delicious provided you have the right recipe, and it so happens that we do. Check out this super easy steamed chocolate chip muffins recipe, which is as tasty as it is simple to make.

Also read: Irresistible Spiced Cheesecake Recipe For Christmas

Ingredients

1 large egg

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup all purpose flour (maida)

½ cup cocoa powder

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

¾ cup fine sugar

½ cup milk

¼ cup vegetable oil

Pinch of salt

Also read: Irresistibly Delicious Spinach And Chickpea Fritters

Also read: Yummy Desserts Made With Cheese For The Cheeseoholic

Method

First step is to mix the wet ingredients together. So, in a large bowl, crack your egg, add to it your milk and vegetable oil and whisk the three together. Whisk it until it becomes slightly bubbly; this will ensure that your muffins are fluffy and soft.

Now, to the bowl of your wet ingredients add you dry ingredients one by one, except the chocolate chips.

Combine together all the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Mix them well so that no lumps remain.

Once you have achieved a smooth, yet thick consistency add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and give the batter another mix.

If you feel the batter is too dry, add a dash of milk, and mix till you get a thick pourable consistency.

Also read: 3 Super Easy Super Tasty Recipes Using Jam

Once your batter is ready, quickly line your silicone cupcake or muffin moulds (metal ones are fine too) with cupcake or muffin liners. Pour the muffin batter into the moulds just filling 2/3 of the space. Leave the top space empty to allow room for the muffins to cook and fluff up.

At the same time, get your steamer ready. If you don’t have a steamer, you can always use your pressure cooker too.

Place the moulds into the steamer or cooker and cover the lid. After 20-30 minutes of steaming, open the lid to check on the muffins.

Insert a toothpick or the tip of a knife in one of the muffins and pull it out. If it comes out clean then your muffins are ready. However, if it comes out with batter sticking to it, then steam your muffins for another 5-10 minutes.

Next step is to carefully unmould the muffins once they have cooled down a bit. And the last step is to but of course enjoy these delicious steamed chocolate chip muffins. 🙂

So are you ready to impress everyone at home with your culinary skills with this deviously easy muffin recipe?