Cocktails for Valentine’s Day

Love is just love, it can't be explained but can be certainly expressed. Any occasion is incomplete without drinks. We have lot to offer your love this Valentine’s day. Juz came up with the top enticing options with rich mixes of sparkling wine, golden Champagne and Vodka drive your love crazy..

• Pom-Berry Bellini

Invite your love for exotic dinner and start with Pom-Berry Bellini cocktail. Bellinis are incredibly popular, and this is one of the tastiest of all the bellinis. The elegant drink is a mixture of pomegranate juice, sparkling champagne and natural blueberry jam. Fresh blueberries can be used for garnishing to give the fresh feeling of love. The enticing color would compel her to ask for more and more and more..

• Amour a Mosa

If your sweetie is fond of fruity drink, Amour a Mosa is the classic drink to offer as a token of love. Drown into the rich refreshing classic mimosa, orange-infused vodka and mango juice. Make your sweetie, sweeter still by the sweety sweety drink.

• Rose and Mint Champagne

It is very well said, "A rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to heart". Rose and Mint Champagne is the answer to your question. Honey, mint and dries rosebuds, can make the best drink when when mixed with dry champagne. So give your love the rosy feel.

• White Sand cocktail

With the tangy lemon sorbet, depending on how slushy you desire, with heaven of Cahaca and Prosecco, give your love, ultimate bliss. The peaceful white color will add peace to your relationship. With mint leaves as garnish, offer your Valentine the White Sand cocktail. 

• Romeo and Juliet

This fruitful cocktail is the perfect blend of love with tequila and raspberry liquor uniting two souls on the auspicious occasion of Valentine’s day. The blazing red color doubles the heat within the lovers. May your love story be successful as that of Romeo and Juliet.

• Winter Sunset 

Dreaming of a vacation in Mediterranean with your love. Feel the zest of love with tingling Winter Sunset drink. The coconut-flavored rum and white crème de cacao along with Tia Maria will definitely compel your date to ask for more. Warmed whipped cream shows the warmth of your love. Make your dream date fall for you with the rich Winter Sunset cocktail.

• Un Dia en el Paraiso

Un Dia en el Paraiso means a day in Paradise. The reddish orangey drink will definitely wipe up your sorrows and fill your life with love. Shake and make the drink and wake up your love offering her the rich Un Dia en el Paraiso cocktail. Light-up your love ten times more than the color of drink.

• Touch of Venus

Drown in the flavor of Italy, with Touch of Venus Cocktail, perfectly made for your mate. Limoncello will give you real tangy taste and fresh lemon juice is a fresh start to start with. Dry white wine with added lime calls for some quality time. Get romantic than ever before with the Touch of Venus Cocktail.

• Berry Brazilian

The real sunny day in Brazil is well portrayed with the a Berry Brazilian Cocktail. With the Brazilian rum and red strawberries, enrich your love with yet rich strawberries agave nectar and cinnamon flavor. Rock and roll in love with large rocks glass of a very Berry Brazilian Cocktail. 

So what are you offering your love???

Valentine’s Day Special Red Velvet Cookies

Wanna surprise your Valentine on this special day? Let’s prepare an easy recipe called soft-baked red velvet cookies. The mushy, creamy taste will drive your love crazy. Red color symbolizes love, so it is a perfect treat for Valentine’s day. These can be stored and consumed later. Each bite he takes, he’ll certainly remember his love. Chocolate chips can be used optionally to boost up the romantic mood. So here we have Valentine’s day special, red velvet cookies for our loved one’s.

For Red Velvet Cookies:-

1 large egg,

1/2 teaspoon salt,

2/3 cup brown sugar,

1/3 cup white sugar,

1/2 cup unsalted butter,

3/4 cup sour cream,

2 cups all-purpose flour,

1/2 teaspoon baking soda,

1 tablespoon red food coloring,

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips,

1 ounce squares unsweetened baking chocolate

For Cream Cheese Frosting:- 
 

1/4 cup unsalted butter,

4 ounces cream cheese,

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract,

2 cups confectioners' sugar

Preparation Method:-

1. Preheat oven to 375 D F. Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. Break the chocolate squares into chunks, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high until the chocolate melts, about 90 seconds.

3. Stir the chocolate until smooth and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy; pour in the egg and beat until smooth.

4. Mix in the red food coloring and chocolate, scraping the bowl down regularly, until evenly blended, about 30 seconds.

5. Add half of the sifted dry ingredients, stirring until well incorporated. Beat in the sour cream and mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of the dough 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.

6. Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven until they spring back when pressed, about 9 minutes. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

7. For the cream cheese frosting, whip 1/4 cup butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Blend in the powdered sugar in half cup portions until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

8. Add into cookies and serve.

Enjoy the sugar crush date!!!

Valentine's Day Cocktail, the Singapore Sling

Red is the color of love. This Valentine's, cheer your love with the lovely red drink, the Singapore Sling. Singapore is a multi-faceted state. It is not only known for its milestone tours, fabulous transportation system, soothing opera or medical art of Feng Shui but the state does not lag behind when it comes to hot and happening lifestyle or the electric nightlife. The country is rich in its culinary offerings too, and especially different types of drinks add flavor to the “Work Hard Party Harder” lifestyle.

Of its many luscious drinks, we have picked the Singapore Sling as dish of the day for today. It’s one of the most famous fruity cocktail with the tangy lime taste. Not only does it taste heavenly, but its tantalizing red color is also very appealing. The drink was first mixed by Mr. Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese-Chinese bartender.

Today Singapore Sling is served in various parts of the world with different names and variations. It is served on numerous local festivals and occasions. Singapore Sling is served on all Singapore flights, restaurants, pubs, bars and party places.

Ingredients:-

1 1/2 ounce gin,

1 ounce lemon juice,

1/4 ounce sugar syrup,

1 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar,

2 ounce club soda,

1/2 ounce cherry brandy,

lemon wedge for garnishing,

cherry for garnishing

Preparation Method:-

1. In a shaker add sugar syrup, lemon juice, gin and ice cubes. Shake it well. Pour the liquid in highball glass.

2. Add few more ice cubes. Now pour in club soda. Then slowly add cherry brandy. Do not mix.

3. Garnish the rich cocktail with cherry and lemon wedge. Enjoy the drink.

Dance with your love and this delightful drink on this Valentine's Day!!

Gift for Valentine's Day - Not Just Chocolates!!

It’s often said, “love your lady just as you love chocolates”. This Valentine’s day hunt for something more than chocolates. What about gifting her some alcoholic chocolates?? Chocolates is something any girl can fall for and adding some dizzy alcohol will double the romantic date. With the box of chocolates in one hand and a rose in the other, will cheer her up definitely. So what are you waiting for?? It’s the perfect gift for your Valentine.

Brandy Chocolate - Brandy filled chocolate assorted gift box is the best you can give your love if she chooses brandy as her all time favorite liquor. Brandy is a spirit that is composed of distilling wine. Salted caramel with brandy and cardamom is the most tempting flavored brandy chocolate. Known and loved by Europeans and Americans, this chocolate is the best, one can make out of brandy and chocolate blend. The mild cardamom flavor is very enticing and soothing for your taste buds.

Whiskey chocolate - Pairing chocolate with whiskey is an interesting soothing exercise, since it is an assault on all your senses. Swiss chocolate when combined with whiskey forms the best chocolate bar ever. Whiskey, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation. You gaze first, then it's time to drink. So gaze at your lady, driving her crazy and offering her yet crazy whiskey chocolates. Superb Whiskey combinations are:-

• Cacao dark chocolate and Old Irish Whiskey,

• Milk chocolate and Rye Whiskey,

• Milk chocolate with almonds and Scotch Whiskey,

• Cacao spiced chocolate and Scotch Whiskey

Vodka Chocolate - Vodka chocolates can be combined with flavors offering varied and intoxicating thrill. The flavors include raspberry, strawberry, blueberry and nuts like almond and cashew nuts. Not to a surprise, vodka chocolates are amazing when blended with cayenne pepper and bacon. Dark chocolates sync very well with any superior brand of vodka to ultimately satisfy your sweet tooth. Variety of colors like pink, violet or red can be added to white chocolates, if one opts for a sweeter taste. Marshmallow skewers with melted chilli vodka chocolate is all time favorite for any vodka and chocolate lover.

Wine Chocolate - Love is like wine, you know it's good when it gets better with time. Chocolates are very well designed to complement wine. If you are a real wine lover and love to pair wine with appetizers or main course, you'll simply fall in love with these chocolates. Various known brands consisting of beautiful gift hampers are available in the market. There are various types of wine like red wine, white wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, fortified wine that span from rich and creamy to light and zesty flavor. These wines when added to chocolates will simply make your love irresistible. 

Beer chocolate - Beer Chocolate comes in four flavors. Each chocolate pairs very well with the perfect beer. Types of beer chocolates:-

• White Beer Chocolate - White beer chocolate is a caramel that is flavored with an IPA (India Pale Ale) and covered by white chocolate. IPA is a hoppy beer style that falls under the pale ale.

• Raspberry Dark Chocolate - This chocolate is flavored with a Belgian raspberry. The acid nature of beers blends perfectly with raspberries. Rich aroma with delicate palate of raspberries. Yummzzz!!

• Lager Milk chocolates - Boston style lager caramel is covered with milk chocolate.

• Stout Dark Chocolate - This is flavored caramel surrounded by dark chocolate. Stout is a dark beer made up of roasted malt or barley, hops, water and yeast.

Rum Balls - Rum balls are the perfect heaven for adult indulgence. These sweet and mushy no-bake balls are mixture of crushed cookie crumbs, cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, light corn syrup and rum. We can use both dark and light rum. One can purchase these chocolate rum balls and also prepare the same at home. There are ample of ways to garnish rum balls. They can be dipped in melted chocolate, dark or white, depending on the choice.  We can roll them in confectioners sugar, cocoa powder or even finely chopped nuts for an absolute nutty taste. Pecans, walnuts, almonds, peanuts or pistachios are widely used to give these balls, a yet richy rich taste.

Valentine’s Day Special Mozzarella Cheese Filled Hearts

On the Valentine’s Day, I’ll love to give all the time to my love. Spending too much time in the kitchen that evening would certainly ruin the perfect date. I’ve found out a delectable pesto treat for my love, so that i can have some quality time. Pesto can be made a few days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. Special Mozzarella cheese filled hearts would be the perfect bitings to start with. The heart shape appetizers will melt his heart after a tiring day at office. With lots of hugs and kisses, celebrate this Valentine’s Day with perfect appetizers, Mozzarella Cheese Filled Hearts.

Ingredients:-

For Cheese Filled Hearts:-

1 refrigerated pie crust thawed,

1/4 inch mozzarella cheese slices,

1 egg white,

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese,

flour for dusting.

For Roasted Red Pepper Pesto:-

12 ounce roasted red peppers,

1 teaspoon minced roasted garlic ,

2 ounces chopped roasted and salted almonds,

1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley,

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice,

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese,

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil,

pepper to taste,

salt to taste.

Preparation method:-

1. Unroll pie crust onto a large cutting board.  Cut 24 hearts using the larger heart cutter, re-rolling dough as needed.

2. Cut 12 hearts using the smaller heart cutter out of the mozzarella cheese slices.

3. Brush egg white over one dough heart, place a mozzarella cheese heart in the center.

4. Top it with a second dough heart, press the edges of the dough together. Repeat the process.

5. Crimp edges of hearts with a fork. Brush tops of ravioli with egg white.  

6. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops of each heart

7. Freeze hearts for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 D F and make pesto.

8. Puree roasted red pepper, roasted garlic, roasted almonds, parsley, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese

9. Add oil and puree just to incorporate the oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour into a small serving bowl.  

10. The pesto can be made up to a few days ahead of time and kept covered in the refrigerator.

11. Remove the hearts from the freezer and bake for 12 minutes until golden brown.

12. Be careful while baking. If the cheese begins to ooze out of the pie crust hearts, remove them from the oven.

13. Serve hot with marinara sauce.

Perfect Valentine’s day appetizers to start with!!!

Modern Microwave Oven and Ancient Baking

Oven is the heart and soul of baking process. The best way to judge the quality of oven is the cake it bakes. Initially cakes were crude in texture, not very soft or spongy. Time management had been a problem. Hygiene was a problem as well. Modern cakes have crisp base and are creamy and mushy from inside.

Ancient ovens

Egyptians were the first people to manufacture oven, the portable one. It consisted of beehive or barrel-shaped container made up of baked clay. It was divided into two parts with central horizontal partition. The upper part was called the baking chamber. The lower section consisted of fire box. Animal dung or dried wooden sticks or chopped logs are burnt to carry on the baking process. 

                   

Jewish used the same oven but it was made up of hollowed stones. Instead of placing the baking mixture at the bottom, like the Egyptians, Jewish stuck it on the walls of oven with damp sticky edible material till the dough was totally cooked (baked). Still these ovens are found in rural areas used for making delectable recipes.

Dutch ovens

These ovens were used in early 90’s. After ancient ovens, with the advent of gas, cast iron dutch ovens and aluminum dutch ovens, the two oven varieties, gained popularity.

Property	Cast Iron Oven	Aluminum Oven
Weight	Very heavy	Very light
Heating	Heats evenly and slowly	Heats and cools fast
Cooking	Slow and even cooking	Quick risky cooking
Melting	Does not melt on fire	Melts on fire
Seasoning	Season to prevent rusting	Does not rust
Cleaning	Don’t use soap water	Use soap water

                      

During the middle age, instead of earth and ceramic ovens, people used fire places along with large cauldrons. They were similar to the Dutch oven. During middle age, ovens underwent number of changes with time from wood, iron, coal, gas, and even electricity.

Modern ovens

Modern ovens have become more advanced in terms of cooking strategy. The microwave was discovered by Percy Spencer in 1946.

With the help of engineers, the microwave oven was patented. The microwave oven uses microwave radiation. This excites the molecules in food causing friction, and therefore it produces heat. So make and bake the trendy way!

Food Psychology

In my last blog post “Food That Defines You”, we discussed about how some food items get annealed with your personality so well that people start ordering before you could utter a word to the waiter. Some food items get into our subconscious and become an integral part of our personality.

Food Attitude and Culture

Now taking the relationship of food and psychology further, let me share some intriguing facts or psychological observations that will force you to think. Besides, geography and cultural settings do have a big impact on people’s attitude towards food. Americans, for instance, aren’t very interested in satiating their taste buds, but are more preoccupied with whether the food is healthy or not. On the other hand, French are more obsessed with the taste of the food. In their quest of the healthiest foods, Americans make frequent changes in their diet-plans, and hence become more prone to obesity than French. 

Are You Full? Think Again

Another interesting fact about fooding is that we believe that we eat till the time our stomach is full. Partially true. Actually, a lot depends on the size of plates, serving spoons, bowls, etc. Your stomach only sends you crude messages about your intake. If the size of the bowl is big, there are favorable chances that you eat more than usual. So next time you hit the grocery store, make sure you buy mid-sized bowls and plates. 

It’s Not Just Lunch with Ex

Now, lets talk about the most important part of the day’s meal – Lunch. According to a study, called “It’s Not Just Lunch, Extra-Pair Commensality Can Trigger Sexual Jealousy” by Kniffin and Wansink, when its about ex-romantic mates, having a lunch sparks more jealousy in both men and women than telephonic conversations or coffee. So next time, if you want you plan a secretive lunch with your ex, think again.

These are just glimpses of how crazily different and interesting the food world actually is. As promised earlier, we’ll keep bringing such interesting stuff related to food to you. Stay tuned!!