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Raise and Toast with French Toast

The cakes are rising to the Christmas’s beckon. In a conversation with the ShrutiNayar, the R & D Chef of French Toast.

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The cakes are rising to the Christmas’s beckon. In a conversation with the ShrutiNayar, the R & D Chef of French Toast.

cake-2Christmas is just around the corner; Shruti had to deal with a towering Nutella cake and stud it with hazelnuts. She was putting the final touch, grating the lemon zest on the cupcakes, and was making a call for a pumpkin. She got a funnier question in return, “Mam would you like a disco pumpkin?” That’s why a merry follows a Christmas. Enjoying some mint and Belgian chocolate macarons, we were seated amongst Christmas decorations.

There was a book that rested beside the Santa candle holder, The Food Bible. We knew it wasn’t exactly going to deliver us from the temptations of sumptuous treats. After all, desserts have the song Joy to the World tuned to its taste. The Christmas ribbons and the fairy lights set up for the shoot suddenly transformed the café setting.

The stories we shared were like the macarons, crispy but gooey inside. I enjoyed Shruti’s story, unlike the usual ones where they say I started baking since I was a young child, and my Nana taught me everything. The call for cooking was while she was studying her culinary course in Ireland. She decided for her majors she wanted to specialize in patisserie – an idea like dough left to rise. She later whisked away to Le Cordon Bleu and told me her hilarious stories in France, on how she used to whine and be horrified of making flower figurines out of melted sugar. Marie Antoinette’s ‘let them have cake’ was the best lesson ever taught and how she used to dive into the cake she baked after class. I envy her now, her assignments were so tasty. Her fascination for the Famous

Five was not because of the adventure, but all the meals they enjoyed. I could not agree any less; Enid Blyton has a lucid and lovely explanation of tea parties from those fancy scones to ginger tea. Shruti said, “She wrote so much about ham, I wanted to eat it despite not knowing what it is.”

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When asked about the days, she baked something that truly warmed her heart. She said, “It was the first time I made the perfect croissant.” As we were arranging the props, she did not mind the rustic look, a few crumbs here and there. She bakes with a homely touch, that’s how the banoffee pie came about. It tasted like ‘avulos podi’ except with the rich dol lop of whipped cream. Shruti laughed because she had a friend who thought the same. We were winding up the last shot, milk, and the cardamom cookies.

Knowing that Santa is coming to town, I asked, “What would you serve San ta?” She said, “A cup of hot chocolate, a chocolate loaf and of course a magazine.”

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Food

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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Food

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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Food

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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