The onset of spring and warm temperatures called for an alfresco brunch this past weekend. Sun and warmth always bring out the best in me. But instead of cooking a heavy, elaborate lunch I switched gears and decided to make my work easier by making these simple and healthy chicken drumsticks; so I can spend more time outdoors.
This recipe is something I put together a year ago when I felt lazy to prepare an elaborate Indian meal for my Indie food loving non Indian friends. It is simple and the use of fresh ingredients makes it healthy and way more tastier than the store bought marinades. Bake or grill and enjoy. The same marinade works well for any kind of meat or seafood.
The ingredients are good for about 6-8 chicken drumsticks-
Ingredients:
Mint- Half cup
Coriander- Half cup, stalks optional
Lime/lemon- Juice of one
Ginger- Half inch piece
Garlic- 4-5 large cloves ( or 1 .5 tsp ginger garlic paste)
Yogurt- Half cup
Green chilies/ Jalapenos- 2-3( per taste or optional)
Salt- To taste
Oil- 1 tsp
Aluminium foil- 6-8 small squares
Method:
Grind all the above ingredients to a fine paste. Wash and make vertical slits in the drumsticks. In a bowl, mix the chicken and the marinade and let sit for half to one hour. Meanwhile, pre-heat the oven to 350F. Wrap a small piece of Aluminium foil to the bony end of the drumstick for better handling during the baking and after. Once the oven is ready, arrange the drumsticks on an oven proof pan. Bake at 350F for 20-25 mins depending on how you like your meat done. Turn it around halfway through. Once baked, serve as an appetizer or with couscous or rice. I saute a few cumin seeds in a little butter and add cooked couscous or rice to it. The cumin seeds complement the mint+coriander and make for a tasty meal.
Here’s a guide to Singapore by Rachel from hippie-inheels.com
A city known for luxury and interesting food, Singapore has everything. Many expats choose Singapore as their home because almost everything is available to you here, but it’s also full of culture. Singapore has a nickname of being “clinically clean”, with even chewing gum outlawed in case you spit it on the ground. Cars can’t be older than ten years; everywhere you look it’s all brand new. I’m going to break down a little guide for you for where to eat, shop, party, and sightsee.
Food in Singapore is a combination of Malay, Indian, and Chinese and you can find options for all budgets. You’ll want to try a food court or hawkers centers. Two of the most famous are Lau Pa Sat and Newton’s, but sometimes you’ll get a better deal going to a random food court that locals go to on their lunch break than these which tourists frequent. The most popular dishes are fish head soup and black pepper crab. Be sure to try noodles, dumplings, duck, and prawns. The fruit durian is popular with locals but illegal in many buildings and the subway because of the strong unpleasant smell.
Using the MRT, you can get around the different neighborhoods easily and affordably. During the day, you might want to check out trendy art shows and nightlife at Arab Street, shopping souvenirs in Bugis and China town, and very clean and over-priced Little India.
While Robertson and Clarke Quay are the place to go for great brunches, dinners, and nightlife, the shopping is done at Orchard Road. On Orchard road, you’ll find every high-end designer but also the likes of H&M and Top Shop. There are actually 20 full-size malls in this 2.5 km road, the most famous being Ion Mall.
If you want something different, head to the small boutiques on the Far East Plaza or go to Haji Lane near Arab Street to get a unique outfit no one else will have. For the tech nerds, Sim Lim square will be your heaven, but be sure to negotiate.
If you’re a millionaire, then I suspect you’ll want to skip Orchard, and head to Marina Bay Mall to do your shopping. It’s in the same building of the most popular bar, Ku-deta. Almost everyone who comes to Singapore wants to have an expensive drink here and look out at the amazing views. You can expect a glass of wine to be at least 20 USD.
If you want to take a day trip, head over to Sentosa Island. The train there departs from Vivo City Mall, so might as well go early and shop in the morning before heading out. You’ll pass a Universal Studios stop on the way, which could be nice as well. Sentosa is man-made and has quite pricey restaurants and activities like skylines, wavehouses, trapeze, and rock walls. Make sure you take your ID to prove age. There are resorts here if you like to stay on the islands. If you’re on a budget, this might be something to skip.
For a perfect night, start with a fancy dinner and Singapore Sling at the Lantern in the famous Fullerton Hotel and watch the light show across Marina Bay. End it at Insomnia, Crazy Elephant, or Attica, but be prepared for high entry fees.
Rachel is an American who left a career in nursing to live on the beaches of Goa, India two years ago where she is now a Thai masseuse, candle-maker, and travel writer. Rachel gives advice on the other 24 countries she’s been to but focuses on all the secret trendy places in India. If you’re headed to India, you can find everything you need to know on her site which has become the go-to site on India travel: Hippie in Heels. You can follow her adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google plus.
Blend all the ingredients for the crepes and refrigerate for an hour. Meanwhile, chop strawberries, sprinkle them with sugar and the lime juice. Mix well and keep aside. Combine butter and maple syrup and beat well with a fork until fluffy. You could use a hand mixer to do this, especially if you are making a larger batch.
After an hour, heat a crepe pan (any flat frying pan will do) rub the pan generously with butter (you don’t have to douse the pan in butter) and using a 1/3 cup measure, pour batter into the pan. swirl the pan so the batter coats the surface. Turn in 45 seconds and cook another minute. Check if its done. It will look mostly creamish but specs of browning. Crepes don’t take longer than two minutes on both sides to cook. So make sure you are not over cooking them.
Place them on a plate, apply some maple butter, add the macerated strawberries and fold. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream and more strawberries.
If you like your crepes cool. apply the maple butter when hot and let them cool down before adding the fruit. Then fold them up. This batter lasts for up to two days when refrigerated. Perfect for feeding a pack of hungry kids since they only take about two minutes to cook and you can always make a dozen and serve them at room temperature.
Recipe adapted from Alton Brown basic crepe recipe.
Who wouldn’t want to travel and experience Europe, except maybe people already living there? From the Eiffel Tower to Colosseum and thermal baths to Ibiza, Europe has it all. I had to be out of my mind to turn down an opportunity to visit the enchanting continent. With a budget of $5,000 to get me through 4 months, I set out to wander and soak in the wonders of Germany, Belgium, Austria, Hungary and touristy Prague, Rome and Vatican. Here’re a few tips I got from the locals to explore without being cheap or giving up on the good things like food, shopping and adventure sports.
Adrenaline pumping skydiving in Prague!!
1. Mitfahrgelegenheit.de or carpooling.co.uk
This car pooling service between cities and countries is a #must-save-to-itinerary#. If you plan to travel back and forth from a select home base in Europe, like I did, you better save this. Since I didn’t speak much German, I used the UK version of the site which offers the same rides and car pools, but in English. I met the most interesting people and got a wonderful insight into the culture of the country communicating with the fellow riders and drivers. Look for drivers who speak English. If a single Indian woman can carpool at nights and get back to the home country safe and sound, you can bet your money on the safety. According to a friend, there has never been a bad incident reported with the carpools. The site also offers train and bus tickets.
2. Air travel
Ryan Air! Ryan Air! Ryan Air!! Cheap and best if the distance is too long for road/rail travel.
3. Hostels/ Airbnb
Hostelbookers.com is one site you must check out for lodging. I recommend hostels as they are more fun with diverse set of people. I always chose hostels that had free wi-fi and breakfast:) Most hostels have women only sharing options but these book quickly. I met wonderful people and made good friends at these hostels. Maps and good travel advice is free.
4. Free sightseeing tours
Sandeman’s new Europe tours offer free tours in multiple cities at convenient hours. The tour guides know what they are talking about and the itinerary covers pretty much all the major hotspots. Tips are expected though. Tip generously if you are a sucker for British English like me and the tour guide happens to have a Londen accent;) Also, some museums offer free entry for a few hours in a day, which can save some moolah on entry fees.
My first opera, “Turandot” by Puccini, in Vienna
5. Local food markets/flea markets
Being a total foodie willing to experiment anything and everything like Andrew Zimmern, it was pure heaven to walk into the local food markets that offer an array of local foods and drinks. The food is cheap, fresh and absolutely delicious. Take a stroll through the flea markets on weekends or Christmas markets(in the season) for some amazing souvenirs.
The famous Sunday market in Hamburg
Potato pancake with goosemeat and red cabbage in PragueTrdelnik in BudapestDivine chocolate in Rome
6. Money and phone
Use international partner ATM’s of your local bank to draw money as needed, in the local currency. There is a transaction fee, but it is safer to carry as much as you will need.
International roaming is expensive. I used skype with a locally bought prepaid data USB from Oxygen. Pretty cheap and the speed is good.
The fun of traveling is in getting lost and wandering. I planned and booked only the travel and accommodation. Once I got there, I picked the brains of roommates, hostel managers or tour guides as to what to see, where to eat and what to steer clear from. You never know who you may get to see or what may enthrall you. So put your wanderlust on and enjoy exploring..
Got to see the Pope at the Christmas Eve mass in Vatican, thanks to a roommate dating the local Italian Carabinieri. #BlessedDental hand instruments sold at the train station in Nuremberg, Germany. Now you know why Germans have good teeth. They buy their own instruments and do their own cleanings:0
Look out for my next topic- “Why women must travel solo, at least once in their lifetime.”
This is not one of those ‘must see in LA’ lists, nor is it an off the beaten path list. These are the places and sights that I enjoyed (and detested) most while visiting this glitzy California city. So, it’s LA, my way!
Hollywood walk of fame: One place where, I guarantee, you will never spot a celebrity. However, you don’t have to be star struck to enjoy this top LA tourist spot. It’s in your face tacky and kitschy yet fun. Go for an hour, take the mandatory picture with your favorite “star” and get out before the place gets to you.
Meeting the stars!
Hollywood starry tour: You still won’t spot a star, but, you will see their million dollar mansions, well groomed pets, 100k+ cars and well-manicured yards. I love exploring neighborhoods, so this was a neighborhood tour I wasn’t going to miss. Again, take everything…
Nude Pumps Dare I say nude pumps are more versatile than black? Well, my black heels took a back seat once I bought my blush heels. They are neutral enough to give your outfit the spotlight, yet, they make a fashion statement themselves. Dress up or down with this pair and it will play along in style.Check out these pumps on sale at ALDO for $41.99
Rain Boots Saviors. Of course, they keep your trendy jeans away from all the muck, but think of all the shoes they are saving from a rain shower! One basic shoe where you must go color crazy. Be the Little Ms. Sunshine when the skies go grey.
Don’t want to commit to a hunter yet? Check these Chooka boots on Amazon for $ 53.90
Ballets Saviors of a different kind. Who hasn’t cursed the pavement when you really should be blaming your heels or…
Recipe: Kuki Bakshi
Photography: Sati Bakshi
Introduction: Sherrie Bakshi
There are many ways to prepare yellow squash. One of the simplest ways is to sauté it in olive oil with some black pepper and salt. But sometimes you want something different. Indian style squash can go perfectly with anything. It’s easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner or a great side dish at your next gathering.
Indian Style Squash
Ingredients:
1LB yellow squash (washed dried and cut into chunks)
3 TBS olive oil
2/3 cups finely chopped shallots or red onion
1 small clove of garlic grated or chopped very fine
½ cup chunks of Poblano pepper
½ cup chopped tomatoes
1 finely chopped red or green chilly or to taste
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp crushed coriander seeds (take whole seeds put them between wax paper and use a rolling pin to crush them) or use a food grinder
¼ tsp turmeric powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
1TBS fresh cilantro stems
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Ingredients for Garnish:
½ tsp Garam Masala
¼ tsp roasted cumin powder (On a medium heat, add cumin seeds in a dry skillet. Keep stirring the seeds. There will be a fragrance of the cumin seeds. Color will be brown, remove from skillet. Cool and crush them.)
¼ cup washed dried and chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Method:
Heat pan or a deep skillet on medium heat. When hot, add olive oil. In hot oil add cumin seeds and crushed coriander seeds. Seeds will splutter or sizzle. When spluttering stops, add garlic. Cook for ten seconds, then add onions until they are transparent. Add Poblano pepper, turmeric, cilantro stems and cayenne pepper stir and then add squash, tomatoes, salt and black pepper to taste.
Cover, cook on medium low heat stirring now and then until squash is just tender. Do not overcook. Uncover and cook until oil separates and there is no moisture.
Garnish.
Serve hot with Indian Breads: Chapatti, puri, naan or paratha.
Kuki Bakshi was born in New Delhi, India, but grew up in Bangkok, Thailand. The daughter of a diplomat and wife of a Navy officer, she learned and perfected the art of hosting. As a young, newly married woman, she discovered her talent and passion for cooking, concocting new dishes inspired by her heritage and the places she lived. Her talent for the culinary arts grew thanks to her husband who, for many years, has served as her tester. Her talent has not gone unrecognized. Her recipes have been featured in the Post & Courier, Charleston Magazine and Audrey Magazine. She has also taught Indian cooking at local establishments in Charleston, SC, where she lives with her husband, Sati.
We moved to the States a little under five years and survived the initial waves of culture shock. Every challenge in making a new country our home has taught us something. Sometimes, after a lot of goof ups!
This blog is a little piece of our everyday lives as Indian women living abroad. From giving unwarranted advice to boring you with our travails, and everything in between, we promise to bombard you with more of us.
Since you are already here, stay a while, take a stroll and we would love to hear from you guys: questions, comments or just plain venting. Bring it on!
This is not one of those ‘must see in LA’ lists, nor is it an off the beaten path list. These are the places and sights that I enjoyed (and detested) most while visiting this glitzy California city. So, it’s LA, my way!
Hollywood walk of fame: One place where, I guarantee, you will never spot a celebrity. However, you don’t have to be star struck to enjoy this top LA tourist spot. It’s in your face tacky and kitschy yet fun. Go for an hour, take the mandatory picture with your favorite “star” and get out before the place gets to you.
Meeting the stars!
Hollywood starry tour: You still won’t spot a star, but, you will see their million dollar mansions, well groomed pets, 100k+ cars and well-manicured yards. I love exploring neighborhoods, so this was a neighborhood tour I wasn’t going to miss. Again, take everything the guide says with a pinch of salt. “Julia Roberts lives here”, translates to, “she used to live here before you were probably born”! Nevertheless, a fun tour that takes you around the prettiest parts of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. If nothing, it’s good eye candy stuff.
One of the mansions
Rodeo Drive: Squeaky clean, over the top, grand, luxurious shopping experience. Ahem, window shopping experience. Great if you can actually afford the marked up prices but even better if you cannot. This place is a window shopping paradise. Take a stroll down the street and take in the impossibly clean sidewalks and too thin to be true shoppers dripping in brand names. The cars along the sidewalk alone are worth a walk down this famous shopping strip.
Venice Beach: You will either love it or hate it. I belong to the latter category. The sketchy characters, their sketchier bull dogs, the lingering smell of questionable substances, tacky souvenir stores and loud patrons killed it for me. The messy parking situation only added to my woes. Definitely, not my cup of tea but I can see its appeal to many people. Skip it if you think you dislike the same things that drove me away from here in fifteen minutes. Go all out if you like the kitschy hippie vibe.
Santa Monica Pier: The better behaved sibling of Venice beach. Crowded and cheesy yet lively in a nice way. Especially, if you are travelling with kids, this is a must do. This spot will be the highlight of their trip, unless you are going to Disneyland right after!
Little Tokyo: Now, we are talking. Skip the now almost non-existent Chinatown (save that for SFO) and go for LA’s very own Little Tokyo. My obsession with Japan may be playing a role in making this my favorite spot in town but just the smells and sights are worth a trip. Hole in the wall ramen joints, sushi on a conveyer belt, Japanese souvenirs, Hello Kitty merchandise, aaah this is Disneyland for me!
Hollywood sign hike: When all the glitz and glamor of LA gets to you, and if you are anything like me, it will, take the hike up to the Hollywood sign. Just make sure you take your pictures with the sign before you go all the way up because once you are up there, you can see the sign only in its backside glory.
The sign hike
LACMA: Conveniently located on the museum row for an afternoon of museum hopping. Check the schedules out for the special art exhibitions that are on. Don’t forget to stop for a picture in the much photographed, Urban Light, which is a permanent exhibit. If you get lucky, you may also be able to enjoy the local food truck scene across the street. Check for schedules.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard: As upscale as hipster vibe can get. Boutiques, coffee shops and antique stores galore, this ‘too cool for even LA’ block is fun to explore and shop around. It is brimming with unique furniture stores, apparel, juice bars and food. Plan to go here on a Friday when this neighborhood hosts the Food Truck Friday when the trucks add more color to this already vibrant neighborhood.
Farmers Market: Because I never miss a chance to visit the local farmers market. If you enjoy local food markets and eating around food, don’t miss LA’s best. This farmers market is unique in the sense that it extends into a mall with main stream stores. Container Store even! So when you are done exploring and eating, you can drool over Elfa shelves.
In-N-Out: I longingly glanced at the In-n-Out in Phoenix as we were driving to the airport to catch our last flight out of Phoenix. To Charlotte. Our new home. I loved them when they were a mile away from home, and, I love them even more when the closest one is over 1500 miles away. There is no way, I would visit a city with In-N-Out without paying homage to my favorite chain burger. My favorite is from their “secret” menu: Hamburger animal style which translates to a freshly grilled patty topped with mustard caramelized onions doused in animal style sauce on freshly baked buns.
Bottega Louie: What’s not to love about this place? One luscious layer of white after another unfolds as your walk past the deli filled with pastel delights into the main dining room with high ceilings and intricate ceiling details. Just when you feel like you are in a fairytale, a rustic brick oven on a subway tiled wall grounds the space. Perfect marriage of elegance and rustic charm. Of course, the food is delish.
Macarons
Go for their brunch and get the lobster hash which is eggs benedict with paprika spiked hollandaise sauce. A must eat at place for me the next time I am there.
Ramya Malisetty,an IP lawyer, loves French food, Japanese culture, Merlot and King Charles Cavaliers. She obsesses over making a perfect bed, labeling everything in sight, Shabby Chic décor and preparing elaborate meals. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband. Read about her foodie jaunts and fashion tips on her blog Wardrobe Menu.
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