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Fest Of Flavour at Hotel Crowne Plaza

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FWD Life Fest of flavour (7)

With a spread that strings together dishes from around the world, Hotel Crowne Plaza is ready for the holiday season with a delectable Christmas menu

Words by Fathima Abdul Khader    Photographs from Midhun Vijayan

While the weather outside is far from frightful and enjoying a delightful fire inside is another rarity in our coastal state, we can always partake in the other best thing about the festive season, a delicious Christmas spread. All set with a Christmas menu that strings together the old and the new holiday table staples from around the world, Hotel Crowne Plaza is ready to have people singing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”. In the warmly lit, wood paneled restaurant Inside Hotel Crowne Plaza, we were treated with one delectable dish after the other; nothing like being treated to such a spread to put one in the holiday mood.

FWD Life Fest of flavour (8)

Hues of the Holiday

The menu started with a rather bold choice of Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, a dish so pink, one would be a bit taken aback, but offers an explosion of flavor to the senses. Chef Kalesh KS, the Executive Sous Chef at Hotel Crowne Plaza told us the tale of how a salmon fillet is repeatedly coated in a mixture of beetroot, salt, sugar, and dill for this dish to become what it is. Served with cream cheese, dill and fresh greens, the salmon makes for a perfect appetizer for the Christmas feast to follow.

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FWD Life Fest of flavour (1)“Colors of Christmas”, the phrase will bring to mind a combination of red, green and gold and the next dish to be served could boast of donning all them. Beef wellington, a juicy beef fillet covered in puff pastry and brushed with egg yolk and baked to crisp golden perfection was served with the works- ripe red tomatoes and lush green asparagus, along with carrots and golden potatoes. The rustic dish reminds one of the warmth of the home and the best of the holidays.

Nestled on a grey slate and accompanied by assorted vegetables and garlic and a pepper sauce, the turkey was a succulent sight to behold. Truly the star of the show, the indispensable holiday main course was stuffed with root vegetables and was roasted till the skin was crackling a golden hue. A hand at carving the turkey had the knife cutting through the meat as if it were butter and revealed a combination of dark and light meat that left this writer reeling.

Decadent Desserts

The resident pastry chef at Crowne Plaza, Chef Shinto George brought traditional dishes from around the world on to the dessert table with his choice of stollen bread and mince pie this year around. A holiday bread with a lot of secrets to its name, Stollen, pronounced schto-len is of German origin and dates back to the 1400s. Pieces of candied fruit and fruit zests embedded in the dough and a core of delicate marzipan is revealed when you slice the powder sugar coated surface. Whether it is served as a holiday breakfast or as an alternative side to a cheese plate, Stollen bread is a treat in itself.

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No matter where you are, mince pies are indispensable for the festive season. When you take that first bite into the pie, you are greeted with a buttery pastry crust that will crumble in your mouth, with a slight hint of sweetness. Soft plump raisins, candied peel and maybe a cranberry or two are all smothered in a sticky, sweet, festive spice mix that brings everything home. A mince pie is basically what Christmas is all about –a lot of varying components coming together to give a unique outcome; reminiscent of a family coming together around the Christmas dinner table.

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Coffee Pairing: Foods That Complement Your Morning Brew

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International Coffee Day is a celebration for coffee lovers around the world, offering the perfect opportunity to elevate your morning coffee experience by pairing it with the right foods. While we often focus on how we brew our coffee, the right food pairing can make a world of difference, enhancing the flavors and aromas of your favorite cup of joe. Let’s dive into some delightful coffee and food pairings that will make your mornings even more enjoyable.

1. Espresso & Dark Chocolate

If you’re an espresso enthusiast, pairing this bold and concentrated coffee with dark chocolate is a match made in heaven. The richness of the chocolate complements the intensity of the espresso, balancing its bitterness while enhancing its deep, earthy notes. Try a square of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa to elevate your espresso experience.

2. Latte & Croissants

For a softer and creamier start to the day, a latte paired with a buttery croissant is a classic combination. The mild and frothy nature of the latte contrasts beautifully with the flaky, buttery layers of the croissant, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

3. Cappuccino & Almond Biscotti

Cappuccino, with its frothy milk and rich espresso base, pairs wonderfully with almond biscotti. The biscotti’s crunchy texture and subtle sweetness complement the coffee’s bold flavor, making this an ideal choice for those who enjoy dipping their snacks into their coffee.

4. Cold Brew & Avocado Toast

For a modern and trendy breakfast, cold brew coffee pairs exceptionally well with avocado toast. The smooth, refreshing flavor of cold brew contrasts with the creamy, savory taste of avocado spread on toasted sourdough, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

5. Americano & Blueberry Muffins

The subtle and smooth profile of an Americano pairs perfectly with a fruity blueberry muffin. The sweetness and slight tartness of the blueberries bring out the brighter, fruity notes in the coffee, while the muffin’s soft texture complements the light body of the Americano.

6. Mocha & Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, pairing a mocha with a cinnamon roll will satisfy your sweet tooth. The chocolatey, rich flavor of the mocha mirrors the sweetness of the cinnamon roll’s glaze, while the spiced notes from the cinnamon add a layer of complexity to the pairing.

7. Flat White & Banana Bread

Flat whites are known for their smooth, velvety texture and strong espresso flavor, making them an excellent match for the moist, dense goodness of banana bread. The banana bread’s natural sweetness and subtle flavors work well to soften the intensity of the coffee, creating a balanced taste.

8. Turkish Coffee & Baklava

For a cultural twist, pair the bold, unfiltered flavors of Turkish coffee with the sweetness of baklava. The rich, syrupy layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and honey provide the perfect complement to the strong, concentrated coffee, creating a sensory experience that is both rich and satisfying.

9. Iced Coffee & Fresh Fruit Salad

On warmer days, an iced coffee goes well with a fresh fruit salad. The chilled, refreshing nature of iced coffee enhances the natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits like melons, berries, and citrus, making it a light and healthy pairing for a quick breakfast.

10. Macchiato & Cheese Danish

For those who enjoy a macchiato, the addition of a cheese Danish offers a creamy and slightly tangy balance to the intense espresso shot topped with just a bit of milk foam. The Danish’s soft, cheesy filling contrasts well with the strong coffee, making each bite more indulgent.

The beauty of coffee lies in its versatility, and with the right pairing, you can transform your morning coffee into a more elevated culinary experience. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, there’s a perfect food match for every type of coffee. So, on this International Coffee Day, take a moment to experiment with different pairings and discover new flavors that enhance the joy of your morning brew.

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Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

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Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.

Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult. 

 Good Protein Source

Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats. 

Strengthens Heart Health

Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes. 

Increases Brain Activity

Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain. 

Strengthens bones

You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones. 

Contains selenium

Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function. 

An aphrodisiac

The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.

Makes the blood flow faster

Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process. 

Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.

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The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden

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A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well. 

Words By : Goutham Satheesh

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