Bruschetta & Baguette - Buon Appetito !

Do not go by the jazzy words. I just wanted to make the post sound sophisticated with Italian and French. I recently saw the movie - Julie and Julia. Though Beef Bourguignon (BB) was the highlighted dish in the movie, I got fascinated with french cooking. But I guess BB is a tough dish to conquer altogether. I don't think I am ready to try it out yet. But hopefully one day I would give it a try.

Anyways, I came across Bruschetta during a sampling event. I don't know whether it was the taste or the name itself, that piqued my interest. Somehow the complexity of the name reminded me of the Bourguignon from Julie and Julia. I mistook Bruschetta to be French but the mighty Google tells me - It's Italian. So Italian it is :).

Ari Pidi - A Kerala Delicacy

Pidi, a Kerala delicacy, is mostly well known in the central region of Kerala. We used to have a restaurant at the karshaka market(farmer's market) near to our home, where one could get it. But its very rarely found served at restaurants these days. Served best with chicken curry, these are yum to have.

Its been years now, since I last had them. Recently I watched a TV show, where they were showing how to make these and my mouth got all watery. I was scared to try these because of the thought that, what if it does not turn out well. But then again if I don't try, how would I ever know. Well, I gave it a try and luckily it turned out to be good.

Let the Coriander leaves stay fresh !

Did You Know that, wrapping coriander leaves in a paper towel, lets it stay fresh for a longer period of time.

Before you place them in the refrigerator, just untie the bundle of coriander leaves. Leave it for a while till the water on them(if any) gets dried off. Take a paper towel and spread the coriander leaves on it. Now roll it from one end to the other. Tie it in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. Whenever you would need to use them, take out the ones towards the end of the roll. Remove the decayed leaves, if any, and then roll it back and place it in the refrigerator. The leaves would stay fresh for upto 1- 1 1/2 months.

Thanks to Lakshmi, my friend and neighbour for this great tip :).

Lemon Pickle / Naranga Achar

Pickle is something that is associated with Indian meals/Sadhya always. At our home, we need to have a pickle for lunch/dinner. Lemon pickle being our favorite, I decided to give it a try.

I had been addictive to lemon pickles, but only the ones those turn out to be tender. I have heard people say, that such tenderness in pickles happen, when it is made by people with Kaipunyam. I don't know how far is it true. But I am sure that this recipe is gonna deliver you with one even if you might happen to lack kaipunyam :).