Cake with a Fishing Theme- Retirement Cake

For many of you who are following my posts are aware that I have started making cakes professionally. This cake order was placed with me at my very own "Sweet Tooth"  and it was for a retirement party. The person who was retiring loved fishing. So wanted to incorporate his love for fishing and the outdoors into this cake. Its  half vanilla and half chocolate cake decorated with butter cream icing. Its filled with butter cream icing too. The wooden plank which says "Happy Retirement Bob" is made of gum paste and is edible. The other decorations (fisherman, fishes, trees, rock) are not edible.

The person who placed this cake order when came to pick up said this cake was way over the top and it was beyond her expectation. When she took it to work they all loved it too and not a single piece of cake was left...She was really kind enough to send me an email with the feedback. I was happy with the positive feedback. So another success story for "Sweet Tooth" !!! Hoping to create sweet memories one cake at a time. 

Soy Flour Parathas- Soy Flour Indian flatbread

Parathas made with Soya Bean Flour

Soya beans or Soybeans need no introduction. They have tons of nutritional value. Soy Flour is made from roasted soy beans. So, Soy flour is rich in high quality protein as well and is an excellent source of iron, calcium and B-vitamins.

Today decided to make plain parathas with Soy flour which could be enjoyed with any dal ,or  a vegetable side dish or even plain yogurt and some pickle. Many kids including mine love these plain parathas with jam and peanut butter as well.

Ingredients :
For the Paratha dough 

• 1 cup Soy flour
• 1 cup wheat flour 
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp oil
• salt to taste

For the Parathas 

• wheat flour for rolling the parathas
• oil/ghee/butter for shallow frying 

Parathas made with Soya Bean Flour

Preparation :

• Mix all the ingredients except water listed under the ingredients for paratha dough in a bowl. Slowly add the water to the mix and  knead. Keep on adding water till the dough is not too sticky or not too hard. You might need to add little more than 3/4 cup of water if you are using less oil for the dough. But if you add too much water the dough would be too sticky to roll the parathas. I like to add 2-3 tbsp oil as the parathas or phulkas turn out soft and remain soft for some time as well. When the dough comes together knead for another 2-3 minutes or so till it becomes soft and pliable. Now cover and keep it aside for 10-15 minutes.
• Rolling the parathas : Divide the dough into 10 equal sized balls. Using some wheat flour roll each ball into a small circle. Apply some oil to the circle. Now fold the circle into a semicircle. Fold it again and it would become a triangle shape. Using some flour roll over the triangle gently to the desired size.
• Heat a tawa or griddle and cook the paratha on medium heat. You will see a slight color change and it  it puffs up a bit. Turn the paratha. Apply a little ghee, oil or butter on top and spread it. Turn it again and apply a little oil on the other side as well. Cook on both sides until they are golden brown.
• Serve these hot protein packed Soy flour Parathas with yogurt and pickle or as an accompaniment to a main course dish. This would make around 10 parathas.

Instant Oats Dosa - Savory Oat Crepes

This is another quick and easy recipe. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. Dosa (savory Indian Crepes) are very versatile in that regard. They can be enjoyed with any chutney of your choice- Cilantro Chutney and Coconut Chutney being my favorite or pair it with spicy Sambar (Pigeon pea soup with Vegetables) or just have it with a filling of delicious potato and onion with some coconut chutney on the side.

As a working mother I'm always eager to try out out new recipes which are easy to prepare and high in nutritional value too. This recipe happens to be what we experimented in our kitchen and I was pleased with the results. I always love to involve my kids in the process of trying out new recipes. It makes them feel like they are little food scientists and the perk for me is they love eating the newly experimented food too. So a win-win for all of us.

Now this recipe was created on the spur of the moment and luckily it turned out delicious. I have made it twice since. When you try this recipe I'm sure you'll agree with me this one is a keeper.

Oats- Super Healthy food : Lowers Cholesterol,  Good for the heart, lowers risk of Type 2 diabetes, Stabilizes blood sugar
Boosts your immune system, Great source of fiber and Selenium. For more health benefits read here.  

Ingredients :

• 1 cup old fashioned Oats 
• 1 cup rice flour 
• 1/4 cup Semolina /Sooji/Rava
• 1 cup yogurt
• 4 cups water
• 2-3 green chillies finely chopped (optional)
• fresh Cilantro chopped (optional)
• salt to taste
• oil/ghee 

Preparation :

• Grind the Oats. 

• Then in a bowl mix the powdered oats with 1 cup rice flour and 1/4 cup Semolina. 
• In another bowl take 1 cup of yogurt and add about 4 cups of water. Whisk it well. It will be like buttermilk consistency. 
• Now add this buttermilk to the dry flour mix while whisking at the same time to avoid any lumps. Mix it well. Cover and keep it aside for 10 -15 minutes. ( If you think you are rushed for time you can make them right away as well).
• Just before making the Dosa / Crepes add chopped green chillies, chopped cilantro and salt.
• Heat a griddle/Tawa. When its hot, pour about 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle. Now this is the most important part and may require some practice. These have to be made like Rava Dosa. You pour the batter in a circular motion forming the outside circle and then the batter just flows towards the center and fills it up forming a circle. Apply some oil/ghee around the Dosa. Once its cooked turn it and let it cook on the other side.

• Your Super Healthy and Delicious Instant Oats Dosa / Savory Oat Crepes is ready to be served. This recipe makes 16 - 18 Dosa/crepes. Enjoy it with any Chutney of your choice or with delicious Sambar.