Welcome aboard!
Indian cuisine is a riot of colours, flavours, and spices. Every state has its own unique culture- ingrained taste bud. And, to many of us staying within familiar tastes is a sacrosanct act. Of course an occasional trip to a speciality restaurant that serves another fare is ok. But, as a matter of routine ...at home...NO!
One of the benefits of being born to parents who dared an interstate marriage (am talking about India of the 70's) was being able to widen a regional taste bud to accept, experiment and, relish eclectic cuisines :-)
I love food! Be it traditional or fusion, cooking is all about turning out fare that is tasty and healthy.I welcome all lovers of good food to come on aboard and share your kitchen adventures.
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Happy cooking!
Dershana
Almost everyone I know is a "Nu.....a", fan, the super famous Hazelnut chocolate spread. So much so, that it would be blasphemy to say it aloud that I don't buy it for my little one. It is easy to say I don't care but for those of you who do, the next time you pick up a jar of the spread, do take a peek at the ingredients list. You will be surprised how little hazelnut actually is in there and how much of it is plain and simple flavoured sugar. Do try this easy home made, healthy version and tell me if you still find the commercial one better.
Hazelnuts - 1 cup ( a standard teacup)
Unsweetened Cocoa powder - 2 dessertspoons (20 gms approx)
Dark soft brown sugar - 1/4 cup or more if you want it sweeter(use powdered white sugar if you don't have soft dermerara)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 1.5 dessertspoons
Roast hazelnuts in an oven or dry roast in a skillet. Cool completely and rub off the brown skin. Pour into a mixie jar and blend till powdered. Scrape the sides in and add the cocoa, sugar, vanilla, and the oil. Blend again till it amalgamates into a creamy whole. Add in a few more drops of oil if it is too thick. Check and adjust sweetness. Voila your very own hazelnut spread is ready! Enjoy. Do write in if you enjoyed it :-)
