happy earth day

It's an undeniable fact that the earth and ultimately we are effected by global warming.so it is our duty to protect it. I found a nice article on worldwatch.org which has simple things that most of us can follow in our daily lives.
here is the link http://www.worldwatch.org/resources/go_green_save_green
So let's start taking little steps to make our earth green....
HAPPY EARTH DAY
this is link that has incredible pictures from earth hour on march 28th..enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthhour_global/sets/72157615780247025/show/

Dhum biryaani (dish I can die for)

DhumBiryani is one of the most popular delicacies of Hyderabad.Dhum biryani is made in two ways..kachi biryani and pakki biryani.kachi biryaani is done with raw meat ,rice and spices cooked together .In pakki biryani curry and rice are cooked separately and layered. I guess my recipe comes under second kind.
I like this dhum biryaani for two reasons....first for it's greeeeaaat taste and second my dear dear husband(learnt it from his friend) makes this awesome dish ....just sitting back,relaxing and eating a great tasting dish ...it's a boon and I can say I'm lucky enough..:).my hubby cooks it with utmost care and perfection that all of it is reflected in the taste.. After enjoying it for several times I am shedding my ego to say these words" dear you make dhum biryani better than me....you are the best".......

Ingredients:

5 leg quarters halved or 10 medium drumsticks,

4 cups basmati rice,

6 cups water.

For marination:

2 tsp ginger garlic paste,

1/2 cup yogurt,

1tsp red chili powder,

1 tsp turmeric powder,

1 1/4 tsp salt,

For biryaani:

1 medium onion,

4 green chillies,

1tsp ginger garlic paste,

5-6 cloves,

3 star anise,

2 -3 jaapatri/mace,

bay leaves few,

1" cinnamon stick,

2-4 cardamon,

1/2 bunch mint,

Biryaani masala powder( I use shan biryaani masala 1pk for 5 cups rice),

2-3 tbs oil

method:

marinate chicken pieces with salt,red chili powder,turmeric,ginger garlic paste and yogurt.

• wash and cook rice in rice cooker adding water in 1:1 1/2 (rice:water) ratio.Cook till the rice is 3/4 th cooked.
  
• In a heavy bottomed pan heat oil and add bay leaves,cinnamon,star anise,jaapatri/mace,cloves,cardamon,green chillies and onions in order.Saute them till the onions sweat.
• Add ginger garlic paste and fry for 1 min.



• Add chicken pieces and mint. mix well and cook keeping the lid closed.
• Once the chicken is cooked thoroughly add garam masala and cook for 2 mins in simmer.


• Now take the cooked chicken pieces in a plate leaving 2-3 pieces in pan.
• Add the rice like a layer covering the pieces.Again add chicken and rice layers.
• keep the lid closed tightly and cook on a very low flame for 5 mins.Once the rice is well done mix thoroughly and put the lid on and cook for about 2-3 mins.

Note: Shan biryani masala has salt in it .If the masala you are using has no salt you can add acordingly during marination. Ajust spices according to your spice level.

Traditionally once the layering is done the lid is sealed with dough so that the air don't escape ...so keep a tight fitting lid once you are done with layering.

coffee talk !!!!!

Stumled upon these while browising here. So cute I couldn't wait to share.But the question is can you drink em????

Instructions to make them using coffee stencil @ coffeestencil.com.

EGG fried rice (Indian style)

Every Monday I always wonder "how come the week end went so fast...???". especially after the spring break for kids I was so lazy to get into the routine ..fixing lunch boxes etc and this recipe came to my rescue.

This is a very simple recipe and you can make use of left over rice for this recipe.I usually make this when I need a quick fix for lunch boxes.I make egg fried rice both in Indian style and Chinese style ..for now this is the recipe for Indian egg fried rice.Will post the Chinese one later...:)

This is going to event for eggs hosted by Sudeshna

Ingredients:

11/2 cup cooked rice,

1 small onion diced,

2 green chillies,

1/2 cup green onion diced,

2 eggs,

1tsp ginger garlic paste,

1/2 tsp red chili powder,

1 tsp garam masala powder,

few strands of coriander

salt to taste,

1tbs oil.

for seasoning:

1tsp urad dhal,

1tsp mustard seeds,

1tsp cumin seeds/jeera,

few curry leaves

Method:

1. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan and do the seasoning adding urad dhal,mustard seeds ,cumin and curry leaves.
2. Add green chilies,onion,green onion and saute till the onion is cooked.
3. Add ginger garlic paste,red chili powder and garam masala and fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat the eggs and mix well(like scrambled eggs).
5. Add the cooked rice and mix well .
6. garnish with coriander and serve hot.

Love and Sorrow...Felt By All living Creatures

I got this forwarded from a friend .....It's very very sad and touchy...

Love and Sorrow...Felt By All living Creatures
Here his wife is injured and the condition is fatal. She was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road.

Here he brought her food and attended to her with love and compassion..

He brought her food again but was shocked to find her dead. He tried to move her....a rarely-seen effort for swallows!
Aware that his sweetheart is dead and will never come back to him again, He cries with adoring love.
He stood beside her, saddened of her death.

Finally aware that she would never return to him, he Stood beside her body with sadness and sorrow.
Millions of people cried after watching this picture in America and Europe and even in India. It is said that the Photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee to the Most famous newspaper in France. All copies of that Newspaper were sold out on the day these pictures were published.
And many people think animals don't have a brain or feelings?????
Think again....