Happy's Cook

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Spiral Moon Cake Recipe - International Food Challenge ( IFC #1 )

I am really excited about participating in this event, which is also my first event after coming to this blogging world. Yes, this post belongs to InternationalFoodChallengeI thank and appreciate Saraswathi Tharagaram  and Shobana Sekar  for their effort in forming this group. I like to explore and learn more international recipes. To learn about foods in other parts of the world is really exciting. This dessert belongs to Cantonese Cuisine, China. This is one of the main cuisine styles in China. We really enjoyed having this yummy spiral moon cake, which is flaky outside and sweet inside. It might look like a lengthy recipe, but it is worth doing it. Do give it a try.

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Friday, August 30, 2013

Senai Kizhangu Fry Recipe | Elephant Yam Fry | Yam Fry

Even though I started exploring all kinds of vegetables, I hesitated to try Sena kizhangu thinking about its itchy nature.  Later made my mind, and tried it. I felt, if cooked properly the itchy feel we get on the tongue can be eliminated. Initially, we have to parboil it with tamarind and turmeric. After parboiling, we can follow any method to make the roast or fry out of it. Shallow frying with little oil is healthy, but I have deep fried it since no one in my home touch the yam if tossed with masala :P

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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Fish Curry/ Meen kuzhambu Recipe

This is the first fish recipe in my blog. Even though we cook fish often in our home, I have not thought of posting it until now. Finally, here I am with my mom's fish curry recipe. My mom makes delicious fish curry and it was the best recipe until now for me. Jany is also a big fan of my mom's fish curry. She makes two or three types of fish curry and this is one among that, which is very simple to make. Other than cleaning the fish, peeling onions and grinding the masala, we don't want to stand longer in the kitchen to make this yummy curry. Simmering and cover cooking the curry for more time give the best result. Here, we go for the recipe.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Aval Payasam Recipe(with Jaggery)| Poha Payasam | Rice Flakes Payasam

For any occasion in my home, we make Siru payir Payasam (Pasiparuppu payasam) or Semiya pal Payasam. This is the recipe I came to know after my venture into this blogging world and I saw most of the blogs have their version of Aval Payasam. Since I had some left over aval, which I bought for Aval Urundai, I thought of giving it a try. And for today's lunch, I made this Payasam. I tried with Jaggery since I wanted to give Happy. It was delicious and easy to make recipe, which we can prepare quickly for guests for their surprise visits. Off to the recipe...
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Krishna Jayanthi Special Recipes| Gokulashtami Special Recipes | Janmashtami Special Recipes 2020

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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Mutta Surukka Recipe | Churukka | Nagercoil Special Mutta Surka | Savoury Muttai Paniyaram (Egg Paniyaram)

This is the first recipe in my blog which was not prepared by me, Yes!! it was prepared by my mom-in-law during her last visit to Chennai. Kudos to her, for the delicious recipe and the patience which allowed me to click in between. The common name for this recipe is Churukka/Mutta Surukka.This can be made in a jiffy since the main ingredient for this recipe is Raw rice flour and Egg, which we always have in our pantry. Adding eggs make this churukka super soft. Over to the recipe:
Final Pictures updated on 28/09/2017(I prepared it and clicked it)
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Monday, August 26, 2013

Cauliflower Masala Dosa Recipe | Gobi Masala Dosa | Cauliflower Dosa | Easy Breakfast Ideas

We had a lovely weekend, we took Happy to a nearby children's park. She was excited after seeing so many kids and enjoyed playing in the slide with Jany's support. And, we captured the lovely moments of Happy with a Deer which came close to her, she even touched the ears of the Deer. The day ended without clicking, cooking and editing. Coming to today's recipe, I am sharing a simple and yet interesting tiffin. Yes, it's Cauliflower dosa. I love cauliflower in any form and this cauliflower dosa goes very well with coconut chutney. It can be had without any side dish as well. Check out my Potato stuffed Masala dosa too.
Final Pictures Updated on 5th July 2016
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Saturday, August 24, 2013

Chicken Biryani Recipe | How to prepare Chicken Biryani | Chicken Recipes

My curiosity to make perfect Chicken Biryani aroused after I failed in all my attempts to make Biryani. Being my best and first critic, Jany told my Biryani tasted like coriander rice with chicken in it :( and he gave different names for my Biryani after every attempt. So seriously I discussed with my mom, Chithi (mom's younger sister) and my friend Freesia for the recipe of Chicken Biryani.  Finally, Freesia's recipe clicked for me and it came out super delicious. 
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Friday, August 23, 2013

Aval Urundai (with Jaggery)/ Poha Balls Recipe | Krishna Jayanthi/Janmashtami/Gokulashtami Recipes

I still remember the golden childhood days when we lived together with my grandparents and cousins in my native. My grandmother gave us Aval with sugar and coconut as one of our after school evening snacks. So, when I saw Aval as the main item for Krishna Jeyanthi, I was super excited and came up with this simple and yummy Aval Urundai. Happy tasted it for the first time and she loved it.
Pictures and Recipe Updated on 21st August 2016
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Thattai Recipe | Krishna Jayanthi/Janmashtami/Gokulashtami Recipes

I learned this thattai recipe only for the sake of blogging Krishna Jeyanthi Recipes. No one else other than my mom likes thattai, she loves thattai from Adyar Anandha Bhavan. Moreover, we never bothered to taste thattai before. But now we enjoyed it thoroughly for the first time after I made it.  The blogging world has given me opportunities to explore so many new recipes. And, here we go for the crispy thattai... 
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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Uppu Seedai Recipe | Seedai | Krishna Jayanthi/Janmashtami/Gokulashtami Recipes

When I saw the other blogs posting Krishna Jayanthi recipes, being a new blogger I was eager to post some recipes from my end. Since we don't celebrate Krishna Jayanthi, I was not aware of the recipes they prepare for that special day. I rang some of my friends and discussed the recipes they make and I am here with my uppu seedai as the first recipe for Janmashtami. My Aachi is an expert in making this seedai and thattai. When I told mum about my plan to make seedai, she was worried  because of its bursting nature. So to be on the safer side, I started frying this seedai after Jany came home. While frying, I was literally running out of the kitchen, after I dropped my first batch into the Kadai. And to my surprise, it came out extremely crispy.
Final Pictures Updated on 23rd August 2016
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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Basic Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe | Bakery Style Vanilla Sponge Cake | Sponge cake with Egg | Plain Vanilla Sponge Cake

We don't like cakes with too much icing, so whenever we crave for a plain cake, I bake this Vanilla sponge cake. I have served many of my relatives with this cake and they really loved it. I have attempted this cake so many times, and this is the first time it was super soft like we get in the bakery. After so many failed attempts, I have finally got a perfect one and sharing with you all. Do try it and give your feedback. Check out my below mentioned similar sponge cake recipes too:
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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Eggless Tutti Frutti Cookies Recipe | Tutti Frutti Cookies | Christmas Special

Tutti Frutti brings me a lot of childhood memories and it is one of the fancy stuff we had in our fridge during those days. When we got our very first fridge, mum used to treat us with icecreams and drinks over the weekend. She always makes Vanilla icecream using a readymade mix and pairs it with fresh fruit salad. When everything is assembled to serve, she sprinkles tutti frutti on top of that and that was my favourite part. From then onwards I love anything that has tutti frutti in it. After I started baking, I was searching for some bakes that have tutti frutti and saw the recipe of these cookies here. It turned out so good and tasted like shortbread cookies. Let's move on to the recipe and do check out other cookie recipes from the blog in the below links.
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Sunday, August 18, 2013

Rava Kesari Recipe

I never know, making Kesari is very simple before I tried this. It is the most simple sweet recipe, even a beginner can get it done perfectly. Just make sure, you don't allow lumps to form. While adding rava in boiling water, stir continuously in medium flame and pour the rava by spreading it evenly. This is the key point to get perfect Kesari. My mom prepares this rava Kesari for most of the occasions and we love it. Also, I love the rava Kesari from Saravana Bhavan, even though I feel it has more ghee in it. Check out the other Kesari's from the blog in the links below:
The below picture is updated on May 1st, 2018
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Saturday, August 17, 2013

Sambhar Recipe | Mixed Vegetable Sambhar | South Indian Sambhar

I was facing some broadband issue for the last couple of days. I had my previous post in the draft, so I managed to post it on mobile internet. Just before few hours, the issue was rectified and here I am, with my next recipe. I am in a hurry to edit this recipe of Sambar before Happy wakes up. This is one of the basic Sambar recipes with the vegetables we have in hand and it goes well with steamed rice. As of now, this is the only type of Sambar I make in my home. Planning to post other types of sambar after I try it. I have posted a tiffin sambar recipe which is mainly for Idly, Dosa and Pongal.
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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Chicken Cutlet Recipe | Chicken Recipes

Happy Independence Day, dear readers!! This is the first recipe I tried in my husband's home after marriage. I got the recipe from one of my colleagues and without knowing anything in the kitchen, I was hunting for ingredients. The cutlets turned out very well and everyone at home was really impressed. My first cooking adventure was a success and I felt proud sharing the recipe with my mom-in law, who is already a good cook by herself. This recipe is spreading in our family circle and I am really happy about this. If interested in mutton cutlet, check that as well. And, here we go for the recipe: 
Pictures updated on 09/08/2017
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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Egg Dipped Cauliflower Fry Recipe | Cauliflower Fry with Egg | Cauliflower Egg Omelet

Cauliflower is one of the vegetables most of us love to have. When I get cauliflower, I usually make Manchurian or cauliflower dosa. Once Jany told me, he likes cauliflower when his mom makes it. So I asked my mom-in law about the recipe and tried it. It was too good and I thought of sharing it with you all. It is so simple and easy to make with only 2 main ingredients in hand. Jany is crazy about this egg dipped fried cauliflower and I started making it once in a while.
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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Cucumber Pachadi Recipe |Cucumber Curd Raita | Velarikkai thayir Pachadi

I have reached a milestone today, yes!! it's my 25th post. Wish me good luck for the upcoming posts. And today's post is Cucumber pachadiThis is one of the tasty side dish in Kerala cuisine. It is also a common side dish which we often make in our hometown. The vegetarian wedding lunch of our place mainly includes Aviyal and Cucumber Pachadi in their menu. The main flavor of the Pachadi comes from the coconut and the sour yogurt.
Final Pictures Updated on 11th July 2016

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Monday, August 12, 2013

Aloo Paratha Recipe | Paratha with Potato Stuffing | Stuffed Paratha

After my graduation, I was in Ahmedabad for my company's training(TCS ILP) and that was the time I tasted Aloo Parathas. Being in North India for the first time, I enjoyed these Parathas which was different from our regular chapathi. Most of the days I had Aloo Parathas both for lunch and dinner. After coming home, I asked my mom to prepare that, but she doesn't know it. I learnt to make these kinds of stuffed parathas after I started the day-to-day cooking. I am making it quite often now since Happy loves it. Do check out my broccoli paratha and gobi paratha recipes as well.
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Sunday, August 11, 2013

Event Announcement of International Food Challenge { IFC } - A joint effort of Shobana and Saraswathi

I am excited about my very first participation in an event, and I am looking forward to learn and try new recipes! 

Yes, I am talking about the International Food Challenge (IFC). It is evolved to explore all the cuisines from all over the world. This is evolved by Saras of sarasyummybites and Shobana of kitchensecretsandsnippets . They have teamed up to welcome  foodies , our talented food bloggers to join in this mission to learn , explore the world cuisine  along with the heritage every country possess  and get to know some ideas what every country has to offer with respect to food . 
How it works:

The host and the founders  are the one’s  who will go through the cuisine of the given month and they will narrow down the results to 3 top most recipes. In  the beginning of every month, say on 1st, the host of the given month will let out all the three recipes  in detail along with the link and the members have to select the one they like and should submit the challenge on the said date, which is 30/31st of every month.

The best presented dish gets the privilege of being the cover picture of our Facebook page for the whole month along with their copyrights. How cool is that !!

Do you have the urge to learn the world cuisine as simple as that, you want to try some new dish one at a time,  then, what’s stopping you foodies, come join us  let’s form a  group and let’s get started.

Join our FB group HERE to get in touch with the event as well as for the latest updates.

Warm Regards,
Happy's Cook - Divya



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Beetroot Thoran/ Beetroot Poriyal Recipe/ Beetroot Stir fry

This is one of the very simple and easy to cook vegetables. Initially, I hate almost all the stir fry/Poriyal I make with cabbage, beetroot, carrot, beans ,etc. Later I found out that I overcook all the veggies adding more water. Now I have corrected myself and the Poriyal's I make comes out excellent. In my opinion, veggies should not be overcooked and it should be crunchy. It should be cooked by sprinkling less water and within a few minutes, it should be removed from the flame. Grating beetroot helps me cook fast and here we go for the recipe of the fastest Poriyal :)
Final Pictures Updated on 5th August 2016

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Saturday, August 10, 2013

Dal Palak Recipe(Spinach Dal)|Keerai Kuzhambu(with Moong Dal)|Siruparuppu Keerai Masiyal

When I was in my second trimester, daily as a part of my lunch I have greens. After having it daily, I was bored with the spinach Poriyal and totally hated the smell of spinach. So I started having this Dal Palak and I like having spinach with dal. Now, at least twice in a week, I try to include the Greens in our meals. Apart from Dal Palak, prepare Spinach Poriyal and Spinach Chappathi as well. And, here we go for the recipe.
Final Pictures Updated on 8th August 2016
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Friday, August 09, 2013

Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe | Tangy Spicy Sweet Chicken | Eid Special

Eid Mubarak to all my friends and their families. Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend!!! I am not ready with any Ramzan special dishes this year. Hopefully, by next year you can find a list of dishes. So this year to celebrate this great day, at least I wanted to share a Chicken Recipe. This is a pretty simple recipe and it can be had as a starter or side dish along with Noodles, Fried rice or Roti. The honey glazed fried chicken pieces when mixed with the Spicy Tangy sauce tastes Yummy!! 
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Thursday, August 08, 2013

Vegetable Semiya Upma Recipe | Semiya Upma | Vermicilli Upma

Vegetable semiya upma is one of the simple and healthy breakfast recipes. I love this upma very much and I call it as noodles during my school days. When I was in the hostel, my friend Angavai and I enjoy it, while other friends don't like it. Even Jany doesn't like and he never tries any upma variety. This is the first time, I made him taste it and he liked it. There are two varieties of vermicelli, thick and thin. This Semiya upma comes out well with the thin variety. The thick ones can be used for Payasam. I prefer adding veggies with this upma and it is purely optional. 
If you are a semiya lover like me, then please check the Semiya Biryani, Semiya Payasam and Semiya Kesari recipes as well.


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Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Seppankizhangu Fry Recipe | Arbi Fry | Taro Fry | Seppankizhangu Varuval

Even people who hate veggies, prefer to eat it when it is deep-fried. So in my home whenever I get Arbi/Yam/Bittergourd, I used to deep fry after marinating it with the masala. Sometimes, if I want to avoid deep frying then I air fry it or bake it in the oven. Both taste good and it goes well with Sambhar and rice. 
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Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Kondakadalai Curry Recipe | White Chickpea Curry | Channa Masala with coconut

In my initial days of cooking, this is the only curry I know to make apart from Sambar. We have it with Appam or chapathi and there were days when I used to serve it even for Dosa/Idli. Now I have tweaked this recipe a bit from my original version, the roasted coconut in the recipe gives great flavour to the curry and it tastes good. Check out my Kerala Puttu Kadala curry(black chickpea curry) too.
Final Pictures Updated on 4th July 2016
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Saturday, August 03, 2013

Apple Honey Oatmeal Recipe | Oats flavoured with Apple & Honey | Simple Breakfast Recipes

On mornings when I wake up late, the first thing that comes to my mind is Apple honey Oatmeal for breakfast. Though we are not real lovers of oats porridge, we like to have oats this way. Jany and Happy have it without complaining and hence I make it once in a while. Oatmeal is full of fiber , combining fruit or nuts with oats while they are cooking adds more nutrients. When you're trying to lose weight, Oatmeal can be served as a healthy and filling breakfast.
Pictures updated on 6th June,2016
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Friday, August 02, 2013

Chicken Puttu Recipe | Erachi Puttu | Steamed Rice Puttu layered with Chicken

Puttu is one of my all-time favorite breakfast dishes. I love eating puttu with any combination, either sweet or spicy. Back in my hometown we prepare puttu for breakfast at least once in a week. But to make Jany eat puttu is one of my most difficult jobs. Once I have seen the preparation of chicken puttu in Asianet television and I wanted to give it a try. Being a chicken lover, Jany was very much impressed with this puttu and even he started eating all types of puttu. Do check out my Kerala style Puttu Kadala Curry recipe too.
Final pictures updated on 30th Oct 2016 

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Thursday, August 01, 2013

Onion Tomato Coconut Chutney Recipe

In south India, most of the days we will eat Idli or dosa for breakfast. This goes very well with sambhar or chutney. Chutneys are not time-consuming and they are easy to make. Our breakfast preparations will be a bliss if we know some variety of chutneys. Also, people at home will not be bored with Idli/dosa if we give a variation in Chutney. Today I am sharing a simple chutney that I often make at my home. Check out the collection of other Chutney recipes from the blog too. 
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Recent Videos

Recipes from the Kitchen

Sakkarai Pongal
Poosanikai Halwa (white Pumpkin)/Ash Gourd Halwa
Rava Kesari
Aval Urundai with Jaggery/Poha Balls
Aval Payasam(with Jaggery)/Poha Payasam
Paal Kozhukattai(with Sugar)
Ellu Urundai/ Sesame Seed balls
Vella Kozhukattai / Modhagam (Modak)
Pasi Paruppu Payasam/ Moong Dal Payasam (Kheer)
Unniyappam/Neyyappam
Semiya Payasam/Vermicelli Kheer
Suzhiyam/Susiyan
Motichoor ladoo
Paruppu Poli/ Puran Poli
Corn Flour Halwa
Adhirasam
Carrot Halwa/Gajar Ka Halwa
Mysore Pak(Krishna Sweets style)
Gulab Jamun(with Khoya)
Paal Payasam
Maa Ladoo/Pottukadalai Urundai
Sakkarai Pongal(without milk)/Sweet pongal
Sweet Pidi Kozhukattai
Thengai Poorna Kozhukattai
Chakka Pradhaman
Sarkara Varatti(Sweet Banana Chips)
Ada Pradhaman
Chakka Varatti(Jackfruit Jam)
Rasgulla
Thirattipal(Palkova)
Rasamalai
Vattayeppam
Kalkandu Pongal
Akkaravadisal
Pazham Pori
Banana Dosa(Chef Venkatesh Bhat Recipe)
Rava Ladoo
Ellu Poorna Kozhukattai
Ragi Kozhukattai
Badam Halwa
Aval Kesari
Besan Ladoo
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Fudge
Khajoor Ka Halwa(Chef Venkatesh Bhat Recipe)
Semiya Kesari
Poha Ghee Ladoo(Aval)
Palada Pradhaman
Milk Kesari
Pachaipayaru(Green Gram) Suzhiyam
Pachaipayaru(Green Gram) Ladoo
Malai(Paneer) Ladoo
Boondi Ladoo
Bread Gulab Jamun
Tirunelveli Wheat Halwa
Coconut Burfi
Sweet Bonda(Wheat Flour Unniyappam)
Munthiri Kothu
Achu Murukku(Achhappam)
Sweet Diamond Cuts
Wheat Rava Sweet Pongal
Makkan Peda
Wheat Flour Kesari
Green Gram Poli
Paneer Kheer
Green Gram Sago Payasam
Pineapple Kesari
Vella Seedai
Jackfruit Ela Ada
Therali Kozhukattai
Jackfruit Appam
Kaju Kathli
Vettu Cake(MuttaiKose)
Ashoka Halwa
Samai Sweet pongal
Health Mix Ladoo
Mango Kesari