The Brunette Diaries

Do You Know The Secret Powers Of These Spices?

“Add a little spice to your life”, is what we hear from people whenever our life gets boring; same is with food. To make any dish delicious, we add spice. Spices are simply the best thing in the world. It can make any food item so exciting, like Christmas in your mouth. Spices, not only do they add a touch of flavour and warmth into our food but many of them also have secret superhero abilities. The power to heal, to improve and to help us feel healthy both inside and out.
But what are these super spices and how exactly do they have an impact on our bodies?

1) Turmeric

Turmeric, the spice that gives curry powder its yellow hue, is used in Indian medicine to stimulate the appetite and as a digestive aid. But lately it’s grabbing some serious attention as a potentially powerful cancer fighter. The chemical responsible for turmeric’s golden color, called curcumin, is considered a top anticancer agent, helping to quell the inflammation that contributes to tumor growth and working in much the same way as broccoli and cauliflower to clear carcinogens away before they can damage cellular DNA and to repair already damaged DNA.

2) Cinnamon

Cinnamon is highly concentrated with the very potent antioxidant polyphenols. This high potency as an antioxidant allows for cinnamon to also be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It has also been linked to improving heart health, blood sugar reduction and having a powerful anti-diabetic effect. Cinnamaldehyde the main active ingredient in cinnamon may also help to fight various types of infection. It has been used to treat infection of the lungs by fungus, and can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella.

3) Black Pepper

Putting black pepper on your food can be the easiest most affordable way to increase your health. As our food’s nutrient values decline and supplement costs increase using black pepper is a great way to maximize our nutrient absorption. Piperine is the main alkaloid found in pepper responsible for its remarkable ability to increase the bioavailability of nutrients and supplements. So dash on that black pepper! It is allowing for more of those vital nutrients, and vitamins to be absorbed by your body.

Also, check out this amazing article that gives us more insights about the spices world: Click Here

4) Rosemary

Rosemary is also a rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. However, it is more notably known for its link to neurological protection. Carnosic acid, found in rosemary has been found to fight off free radical damage in the brain. It has also been linked in keeping the brain from aging, and enhancing memory and concentration.

5) Ginger

When it comes to settling any digestive issues, our mothers always turn to ginger. However, what they may not realize that this popular spice can also help when you feel the burn after a workout. Studies have shown that people who consume just one teaspoon of ground ginger a day for 11 days saw a 25% reduction in the pain they felt after a workout. This is because it contains gingerol, a chemical that is thought to reduce inflammation and block pain signals being sent to brain.

6) Coriander

Coriander seeds yield cilantro, a staple herb in Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cooking. The seeds have been used for thousands of years as a digestive aid. Try making a strong tea from crushed seeds (strain before drinking). The herb can be helpful for some people with irritable bowel syndrome, as it calms intestinal spasms that can lead to diarrhea. Preliminary studies in animals support another traditional use for coriander-as an anti-anxiety herb. Its essential oil appears to fight bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. It’s also being studied for its potential cholesterol-reducing benefits and has been shown to lower cholesterol in animals.

7) Fenugreek

Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek seeds have been found to help lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS. In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a heathy metabolism, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. So a definite all rounder.

Hope these secret powers help you lead a healthy life 😀

10 Natural Aphrodisiac Foods Proven to Spark Romance

For those confused, aphrodisiac means any fruit, drink, etc that produce sexual desire in a person. Many of us active animals don’t need to turn to such measures to spice up our sexual life, but those in need, these food can prove to be really helpful. Well, you can try them yourself with your partner and then you’ll know for sure. 😛

1) Chilli Peppers

Apart from helping a pregnant women from conceiving early, This invigorating spice has an exotic reputation and a bright red color, which could be why it’s considered a natural aphrodisiac and a symbol of love. Chilli peppers stimulate endorphins (the brain’s feel-good chemicals), speed up heart rate and make you sweat, which all mimic how you feel when you’re aroused.

2) Chocolate

A girl’s best friend, chocolate is sensual, from its taste to its aroma, but dark chocolate has also been shown to cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure.

3) Honey

Food that’s created through pollination, a symbol of procreation has to be the number 1 aphrodisiac item. In fact, the word ‘honeymoon’ originates from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey given to the happy new bride and groom. It also contains boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost.

4) Banana

Apart from looking like… well you know, Banana also contains bromelain, an enzyme which triggers testosterone production, and the fruit’s potassium and vitamin B elevate energy levels.

5) Watermelon

As surprised as I am to as why this fruit is in this list, according to scientific research this fruit may have a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. These are the myths about sex that everyone thinks are true.

6) Coffee

The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that ups the heart rate and makes the blood flow. Research suggests that coffee could put women in the mood for sex.

7) Strawberry

If you put strawberries on a plate beside a cup of melted chocolate, chances of you getting laid triples, you don’t need any scientific study to tell you that :P. Or maybe just Feed them to each other for a healthy, vitamin C-packed dessert that helps keep blood flowing to all regions of the body.

8) Artichokes

Alright, all you dirty minds calm down, it’s not what you think it is. This veggie’s aphrodisiac reputation comes mostly from legend and the intimacy of eating it with another, pulling off the leaves to reach the center. But it is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which are critical to proper body function and blood flow.

9) Chai Tea

Skip the coffee after dinner and reach for a cup of chai tea. The typical spices in this brew—ginger, cloves, and cinnamon—will get the blood flowing but the caffeine effect is less, so you’ll still be able to drift off to sleep after your meal.

10) Whipped Cream

Decadent yet light as air, it just isn’t dessert without this rich topping. While there’s no evidence that whipped cream will boost libido, it’s sure to put you in the mood. You can also try and come up with exciting or kinky ways to use this aphrodisiac item to make the mood.

Let us know if this list of item got you excited in any way in the comment section below.

These Food Items Is What Makes Janmashtami So Special

Janmashtami celebrates the birth of the world famous Hindu God, Krishna. The festival is different in that it is the child-God – Balkrishna- (bal– Sanskrit for the child) that is worshipped. While everyone is busy looking for Dahi Handis and chanting along with the crowd as they make the tallest human pyramid to break the handi with a coconut, my eyes are always on the food. A festival that includes food in its rituals also includes delicious treats in the kitchen. I’m sure just like I do, Y’all must be waiting for this day for the food that mom cooks, from breakfast to dinner, a whole special menu is decided to be cooked and served for the family. Let me share some of the best dishes my mother cooks on this day:

1) Sabudana Khichdi

Quite often, Janmashtami falls during the month of “Shravan”, so people are usually fasting during this period. So, Sabudana is the only thing that comes to mind when someone says FASTING. Making a simple yet full of flavours sabudana khichdi is not so easy task. What you need is, sabudana, peanuts, green chilies, sendha namak (rock salt) and ghee/oil.

2) Mishri Makkhan

You need only two ingredients and that is Mishri and fresh cream (homemade malai works too), and you’re good to go. Just pour the cream in a mixer and blend, The butter will form in a lump. Transfer in another container and refrigerate. Offer it to Mix it with Mishri.

3) Coconut Barfi

As told before, people usually fast on this day, so coconut barfi is an edible dish during fasting. This dish is pretty complex so let me explain you in detail:

Grate/crumble khoya and heat in a pan till the ghee separates. Add the coconut and sugar. Stir till the mix begins to come together and leave the sides. Essentially, the coconut juices should be reduced. Mix in the cardamom. You can also add in some almonds at this point if you like. Pour into a greased thali or plate and smoothen. Let cool, refrigerate if needed, till set. Cut with a sharp knife into diamonds or squares and ENJOY

4) Murukku

Murukku is typically made from rice and urad dal flour. The flours are mixed with water, salt, asafoetida and either sesame seeds or cumin seeds. The mix is kneaded into a dough, which is shaped into spiral or coil shapes either by hand or using a mold. In simple terms, it is famously known as chaklis which is savored by many.

5) Badam Kheer

One of my favorite desserts, Badam kheer is a real winner. It is a sweet and creamy Indian dessert made from badam (almonds) and milk as base ingredients with a slight touch of ghee, saffron and cardamom powder for extra flavour. The addition of Saffron is what makes this dish so special, it is the touch of aromatic flavor also a creamy texture to the dish which makes it even more so special.

Let us know how you celebrate this day or what special you cook on this day to celebrate the birth of Krishna 😀

Watching These 7 Movies Will Make You Hungryyy….

Ever watched a movie and left feeling completely different? Like watching a horror film, the night that follows you feel more alerted and the chances of you getting scared are really high. Watching a motivational film or a documentary wants you to make great changes in your life, watching someone’s struggle on screen makes you grateful of the things you got in life and when you’ll watch these movies, well, you will only feel hunger and craving for some delicious food. Don’t believe us? GO BINGE WATCH TODAY!

1) Julie And Julia

Meryl Streep stars as the famous chef and cookbook writer Julia Child in this charming ode to the romance of cooking. She plays the real-life blogger who struggled to follow Child’s recipes and documented her success and disasters online.

2) Ratatouille

Cooking movies don’t have to be just for grown-ups, Parents and kids alike will enjoy Disney Pixar’s ode to French cuisine. Ratatouille follows a determined little rodent, Remy, on his adventures to become a chef.

3) Chocolat

Juliette Binoche sparkles as the single mom owner of La Chocolaterie Maya where the ingredients are literally dusted with magic. Johnny Depp plays the handsome gypsy who shows up to sweep Juliette off her feet. Your mouth will water as the camera pans across the delectable delights. If you prefer your cooking movies more sweet than savory, then this is the film for you.

4) The Hundred Foot Journey

An Indian family fleeing violence finds a haven in a tiny French town. They buy a restaurant to start over but soon find themselves embroiled in competition with the bistro next door.

5) Big NIGHT

Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub shine as rivalrous brothers trying to keep their restaurant afloat. When a famed singer is supposed to make an appearance, the two throw everything into creating a perfect feast for the big night.

5) Big NIGHT

6) Soul Food

This popular movie takes place around the crowded, lively dinner table of an African-American family dealing with their matriarch’s illness. The table overflows with comfort staples like macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, potato salad, and mouthwatering biscuits.

7) Burnt

Bradley Cooper is a chef trying to get his edge back after rehab. Cooking is a high-stakes art form, but its true power is the way it allows redemption—with some romance on the side. Look out for plated masterpieces that will make foodies swoon.

Let us know which one makes you go HUNGER CRAZY 😛

What Day Is It? It’s National Gingerbread House Day!

I think I speak for all when I say Gingerbreads are synonymous with “holidays are approaching”. Can you think of a scent so warm, comforting and ah!, so delicious that your mouth start watering. Gingerbread was first baked in Europe around the 11th century when Crusaders brought ginger as well as other new and exotic spices back from the Middle East. At first, gingerbread was mainly baked by Catholic monks and used in religious ceremonies, but over time it became more and more popular throughout the continent.

The Germans started the tradition of baking a house out of gingerbread around the holidays in the 16th century, but the practice didn’t become as popular as it is now until the publication of a certain fairy tale a few centuries later. German immigrants to America brought the gingerbread house tradition across the ocean with them, and now we see it everywhere, from home kitchens to department store holiday window displays.

People in Europe had been eating gingerbread for centuries, but we can thank the Brothers Grimm for the popularity of gingerbread houses. They published Hansel and Gretel in the 19th century—remember that one? It’s the fairy tale where a witch lures a brother and sister duo into captivity with her house made out of gingerbread and candy, and then tries to fatten them up to eat them. The story became immensely popular in Germany, and people started baking gingerbread houses at the holidays as a result.

So, let’s celebrate this day with baking loads of Gingerbreads with the help of this traditional Gingerbread recipe:

Ingredients:

150g Unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup (125ml) golden syrup
1/2 cup (110g) firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
3 cups (450g) plain flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg, lightly whisked
Writing fudge, to decorate
Rainbow choc chips, to decorate

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 large oven trays with baking paper.

Place butter, golden syrup and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil. Remove from heat. Add bicarbonate of soda and stir to combine. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl. Set aside to cool.

Sift flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and baking powder over butter mixture. Add the egg and stir until combined. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth. Divide dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a disc and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge for 45 minutes or until firm.

Roll one portion between 2 sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Using a 6-7cm Christmas pastry cutters, cut shapes from dough, re-rolling scraps. Place on the lined trays, 3cm apart to allow for spreading. Repeat with remaining gingerbread portion.

Bake in the preheated oven, 1 tray at a time, for 8 minutes or until just firm to touch. Remove from oven and set aside on trays for 5 minutes to cool before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate gingerbread using writing fudge and rainbow choc chips, if desired.

Now, you can use these Gingerbreads to make your own cute little or big house and celebrate this day with your family and friends.

Happy National Gingerbread House Day to all <3

Here’s A Day To Celebrate Hot Cocoa In This Cold Cold Winter!

“A rich steam rose and he took a sip. Sweetness flooded his tongue, followed by cream, sugar, spices, chocolate finer than anything he had ever tasted, dark and bitter and delicious.”

― Laura Madeleine, The Confectioner’s Tale

A cold December day is the perfect time to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy National Cocoa Day. Each year on December 13th, people across the country celebrate their favorite cold weather comfort drink.

It’s National Cocoa Day! Nothing is better on a cold winter day than a delicious cup of hot cocoa! Cocoa is made from the dried, fully fermented seeds of the cacao tree. These seeds are ground to make cocoa powder, which is a main ingredient in the hot cocoa we all know and love. Fun fact: Monkeys were actually the first creatures to discover that the cacao plant was edible – and tasty! Over 1500 years ago, monkeys began to eat the pulp of the plant and spit out the beans. Humans soon caught on, and the rest is history.

History:

Chocolate’s history goes far back into history, far longer than most people are aware. It first was found by European explorers in South America, where it had been being enjoyed for hundreds of years prior to their arrival. We have reason to believe that the reason the America’s didn’t make contact with Europe sooner is they didn’t want to share this delightful beverage with the rest of the world. The first origins of cocoa can be traced back to 500BC, but many archaeologists believe that this is only as early as we can trace it, and that coffee consumption predates even that august culture.

The beverage was flavored with vanilla and often with chili and was served at all temperatures dependent on the recipe being used. It took until 1828 for a powdered chocolate to be made, and in that glorious moment of culinary history, both the chocolate bar and instant hot cocoa came into existence.

How to celebrate this day:

We think the best way to celebrate Hot Cocoa Day is to try every variety you can think of. Form a gathering of friends and have everyone bring their favorite recipe and all their favorite varieties. White and Dark, Milk and Bittersweet, there are as many different Hot Cocoa recipes as there are individuals!

Or you can simply make the classic recipe of hot cocoa and enjoy the weather –

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup half and half
4 cups whole milk
Whipped Cream or Mini Marshmallows

METHOD:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa and salt until blended. Then whisk in half and half.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.

Simmer 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add milk; stirring constantly, heat until warm. Do Not Boil.

Remove cocoa from heat and whisk or beat until frothy. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or mini marshmallows.

Happy National Hot Cocoa Day <3

National Pie Day: Recipes That Are Easy To Bake

Keep your tummy’s empty today as it is National Pie Day. This day has been celebrated since the 1970s. Celebrated annually on January 23rd, National Pie Day is an unofficial holiday to celebrate the baked dish which is usually made of a pastry dough casing that covers or completely contains a filling of various sweet or savory ingredients.

Why do we celebrate National Pie Day?

National Pie Day, is an annual celebration of pies started in the mid-1970s by Boulder, Colorado nuclear engineer, brewer and teacher Charlie Papazian after he declared his own birthday, January 23, to be National Pie Day. Since 1986, National Pie Day is sponsored by the American Pie Council.

But what is a Pie?

Pies are defined by their crusts. A filled pie has pastry lining the baking dish, and the filling is placed on top of the pastry but left open. A top-crust pie has the filling in the bottom of the dish and is covered with a pastry or other covering before baking.

A two-crust pie has the filling completely enclosed in the pastry shell. Shortcrust pastry is a typical kind of pastry used for pie crusts, but many things can be used, including baking powder biscuits, mashed potatoes, and crumbs.

If you are a fan of Pie and would love to have one, then we are happy to share with you some Pie recipes’ that you can easily bake at home.

• Apple Pie:

A fruit pie in which the principal filling ingredient is crisp and acidic cooking apples. Sweet tender apples baked in a golden crust.

Check out the recipe here:

• Pumpkin Pie:

Pumpkin-based custard flavored with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, baked in a single pie shell. Sometimes the crust is a graham cracker crust or a pastry dough crust.

Check out the recipe here:

• Chocolate Cream Pie:

For all you chocolate lovers, this is the one you are looking for. Homemade chocolate pudding is made for this recipe with an added hint of espresso powder to really bring out the flavors. You can use different types of chocolate for it.

Check out the recipe here:

• Blueberry Pie:

A fruit pie in which the principal filling ingredient is blueberries.

Check out the recipe here:

• Banana Cream Pie:

A cream pie made with a rich custard made from milk, cream, flour, and eggs and combined with sliced bananas in a pastry or graham crumb crust. It is often made with a whipped cream topping.

Check out the recipe here:

• Walnut Pie:

Prepared using walnuts as a main ingredient. Walnut pie is very similar and is far less expensive to make.

Check out the recipe here:

So which Pie are you ready to bake?

Go ahead and enjoy a slice of your favorite pie yourself or share one with your beloved.

Recipes To Keep You Hydrated This Summer

Summer brings with it so many things. Hot temperature, hot dry winds during the afternoon, dry weather etc. All in one, less water in the surroundings. This leads to excess perspiration in our body too which again leads to dehydration. Dehydration can be harmful as it gives way too dizziness, dry mouth, lethargy. According to Doctors around the world, one must consume at least 2.5 Litres of fluids every day during summer, to avoid dehydration. The reason I mentioned ‘fluids’ is because drinking water is not the only answer. Soups, juices, smoothies come under fluids too, which in turn can help increase the body’s water level.

Here, I present you with healthy & quick on-the-go recipes which will help you regain your body fluid level! Stay hydrated!

1. Salads
Try to increase your salad intake as much as possible. Use vegetables like Cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, green cabbage, radishes to make a scrumptious vegetable salad. Also, fruits like strawberries, pineapples, oranges, raspberry, watermelons, etc can contribute to your fluid intake.

2. Smoothies
If eating fruits is just not your cup-of-tea, then you swoosh the fruits in a mixer, add sugar, milk, & gulp it down! Then you are good to go for your daily routine! You can even carry it with you wherever you go!

3. Lemonade Popsicle
Take water, lemon juice, sugar, some salt & pepper & prepare lemonade. Now you have two choices: drink the lemonade right away! Or else, pour the lemonade into popsicle tray & refrigerate it for few hours. Voila! Lemonade popsicle is here to quench your thirst!

4. Avocado Fruit Salad With Chia Yogurt Dressing
Grapefruit, pear, orange, mango, and strawberries are all water-filled fruits. Greek yogurt is also about 80 percent water, and chia seeds help the body soak it all in. After all that, the avocado adds some healthy fats to fill you up.

5. Coconut Water

There’s nothing better than a refreshing sip of coconut water down your throat. It is not only refreshing for your body but also has various health benefits!

For now, these recipes are capable of hydrating you & make you summer ready. Try them & let us know if you have more of such healthy & tasty recipes to kick off this summer!

Shawarma – A Lebanese Delight

Carter’s Blue, Piccadily, Maroosh and Falafel’s – what’s the first thing that came to your mind after reading these names?

Let us guess … – It’s Shawarma!! Being a Mumbaikars, we all know that these restaurants serve some of the best Shawarmas in Mumbai.

This Lebanese wrap is also one of the top emerging street food snacks in Mumbai. While Mumbai swears by its Vada Pav & Ragda Patties, one cannot deny the strong influence some of the neighboring countries have on its palette and this particular dish is one such example having its own loyal fan base.

Some people may call it a Roll or a Frankie but this Lebanese wrap is made up of Pita Bread or Khubz and is stuffed with grilled meat/paneer, cucumber & tomatoes, along with a dollop of creamy tahini sauce or mayonnaise.

This sumptuous delicacy can be easily cooked at home with very little oil and can be turned into a wholesome and healthy meal.

Easy Shawarma Recipe

– Brine 500 gm boneless chicken with a pinch of salt, sugar and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Add enough water so that the chicken is immersed completely and leave it for approx 1 hour.

– Chop vegetables for a salad – 1 Onion, 1 Red bell pepper, 1 cucumber and Tomato, a bunch of lettuce leaves, and olives and jalapenos as per taste.

– After chopping the veggies, season them with salt & pepper and add 1 tablespoon of Tahini Sauce/Mayo.

– After an hour, transfer the chicken to another bowl and add to it ½ tablespoon of tandoori masala, 1 tablespoon of Kashmiri red chili powder, 1/2 cup Yogurt, 1/2 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste and salt & pepper to taste.

– Mix all the ingredients well and once done, brush the chicken with oil and cook it on a non-stick pan for about 20 mins.

– Once cooked, cut it into strips.

– Take a Khubz or pita bread and spread 1 tablespoon of Tahini sauce or Mayonnaise on the bread and then fill it with chicken and salad.

*Vegetarians can use Paneer instead of Chicken.

So what are you all waiting for? Surprise your clan with your culinary skills and you can thank us later.