CookingWithFruits – Page 2 – The Secret Ingredient

American Cuisine

Apple Cider Spiced Doughnuts Recipe | Spiced Apple Cider Donuts with Orange Glaze

By anshu October 13, 2016

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I have been meaning to make these baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Orange Glaze for more than three years ever since I saw this recipe on Laura in the Kitchen. There were so many impediments on the way. First I did not have the doughnut mould, which I got from US. Then I made Apple Cider from scratch which was a huge huge achievement for me. For those who do not know there is a difference between Apple Cider and Apple Cider Vinegar. Then I learnt to make fresh apple butter and even pumpkin pie spice. And by the time I arranged all this.. the season of fresh oranges disappeared 🙁 I did not give up and next year I did everything and baked these beauties just perfect for the fall season. All I can say it was worth all the effort.. where there is a will there is a way.

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The doughnuts were extremely delicious and aromatic. The recipe uses no oil in the batter, only a little for brushing the pan. The orange glaze on top is the best part of these Doughnuts, they simply melt in your mouth. You must try them for this fall.

Directions:
1. In a bowl add Brown sugar, white granulated sugar and Vanilla essence.

2. Add eggs, melted butter and apple butter. You can easily make your apple butter at home. Try this recipe.

3. Add Apple Cider and whisk everything together till the sugar has dissolved and everything is evenly mixed.

4. In another bowl add the All Purpose flour, Baking Powder and Baking Soda.

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5. Add salt and Pumpkin Pie Spice. Of Course you can easily make it at home. Follow this recipe . Give all the dry ingredients a gentle stir and combine.

6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet batter and mix till everything is moistened. Do not over mix.

7. Preheat your oven for 10 minutes on 180 degree C (Learn more about Oven temperatures and Conversions) . Grease a donut baking pan with oil and pour the batter in a piping bag for ease.

8. Fill the doughnut mould with the batter. Ensure you just fill 3/4 of it.

9. Bake it in a preheated oven for ten minutes or until cooked through. Take them out of the oven and let them come to room temperature. Remove them on a wire mesh and place the wire mesh on a sheet of parchment paper.

10. In the meanwhile for the orange glaze add icing sugar to the bowl and add orange zest to it.

11. Add Pumpkin Pie Spice and Apple Cider Vinegar. Add Cider spoon by spoon to get that syrupy consistency. It should not be very thick or thin.

12. Mix well and check the consistency.

13. Once the glaze is ready and doughnuts are at room temperature. Dip the doughnuts in the glaze and place them on the wired mesh and let the extra drip off. Indulge and enjoy the deliciousness of yummy Doughnuts.

Other Things you can try with Apple are: Apple & Cinnamon Pan Cakes, Apple Crisp, Apple Raisins Streusel Bread, Apple Lapsi, Apple Spiced Butter.

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Apples

Apple Spiced Butter | Stovetop Apple Cinnamon Butter Recipe

By anshu September 8, 2016

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I have been doing a food consult for an Organic Village Resort in Mukteshwar, Uttrakhand by the name Dyo. It’s a gorgeous property in the middle of an Apple orchard spread over 25 acres. It’s a divine lap of nature with organic fruits and vegetables. They offer ‘farm to table’ experience to their guests. Everything you eat there is all grown organically in the property. If you are travelling to this part of the country you must ensure you spend a few days with them for a ravishing experience into the wild.

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When I went for my food consult last month I picked up two boxes of Apples for myself and my family. Apart from making other amazing dishes with Apples I utilized them in making this huge batch of delicious Apple Butter. It came out creamy, spicy and lip smacking. I smeared on my toast and for a second I was in heaven. You can use this to make Pan cakes, Cakes, Brownies and many other things. This is usually made in a slow crockpot overnight. However I made it in a normal saucepan and it was still delicious and super quick! So if you have apples in abundance put them to right use by making this tempting Apple Butter.

Directions:

1. Take some fresh apples and wash them thoroughly under running water.

2. Cut them into four pieces and core them discarding the seeds.Do not remove the peels.

3. Further cut them in cubes and set aside.

4. In a large pan add the cubed apples and add ground cinnamon and cloves.

4. Squeeze in some lemon juice and add salt and maple syrup.

5. Combine everything together and cover the pot with the lid and let it cook on low flame for 30 minutes to 45 minutes or until everything is squishy squashy. Do not forget to stir it from time to time. Caution! at this point of time your house will start smelling like a cinnamon Bomb! Ummm aaha!

6. I also added additional brown sugar to make it a lot more sweeter. You can skip it if your apples are very sweet and your maple syrup gives you the desired sweetness. You will now notice your apples are bubbly and syrupy. Continue to cook till the syrup is reduced.

7. Once that syrup has reduced you know your apples are ready to be pureed. Put them in a blender and make a smooth butter like puree.

8. Let it come to room temperature before you transfer it to glass mason jars. Keep them refrigerated and it stays good for months. Just remember to use a clean, dry spoon before taking it out of the jar. Enjoy the deliciousness.

Other recipes using apples you can try are: Apple Crisp, Apple Raisins Streusel Bread, Apple Bulgar Pudding, Apple & Cinnamon Pancakes.

AppleButter_Featured4 [whohit]AppleButter[/whohit]

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Easy Recipe

ส้มตำ | Thai Som Tum | Thai Green Papaya Salad Recipe

By anshu August 14, 2016

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Dessert

Mango Saffron Phirni | Rice Pudding with Mango & Saffron

By anshu July 8, 2016

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Mangoes are an integral part of every Indian. With the wide variety of blissful mangoes available all across the nation, we are almost under its spell throughout the season. You can make desserts, chutneys, main courses, drinks or devour them as it is. My father is a die hard fan of Mangoes and his diabetes hasn’t made any difference to his love for mangoes. He has his meals only for the reason that he can enjoy mango after that 😉 .

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This season I played a lot with fresh and ripe mangoes. I made Mango Tart, Spiced Mango Lassi, Mango and Bean Salad, Coconut Milk Mango Pudding and A Mango Chamomile Iced Tea, which I am yet to post. But making this mango phirni was the most delicious thing I have done the entire season. It was a delight with everyone who got to taste this. You must not wait longer to try this, for mangoes are about to bid us goodbye for the season.

Directions:

1. In a bowl add some rice and soak it in water for half and hour.

2. Drain the water and add rice to the blender and make a coarse paste.

3. Add one fourth cup water to the rice paste to dilute and set aside.

4. In a thick bottom vessel add milk and bring it to a boil.

5. Once the milk has boiled slowly add the rice paste and keep stirring so that no lump is formed. This is very crucial step so whisking is highly recommended. Combine with milk and let it simmer till everything has thickened and reduced.

6. The milk will acquire porridge like consistency.

7. At this stage add condensed milk and cardamom powder. Cook a few minutes more and blend everything well. Turn the flame off and let it come to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

8. Scoop out the pulp of ripe mangoes and blend them into a smooth puree.

9. Add this Mango puree to the milk custard and combine well.

10. Add saffron strands and slithered almonds and pistachios and combine well.

11. You can transfer them to individual serving bowls or clay pots and refrigerate further till chill. Serve with additional saffron strands and pistachios.

Other Mango Recipes you can try are: Spiced Mango Lassi, Raw Mango Garlic Spicy Chutney, Mango Tart with Vanilla Pastry Cream, Fresh Turmeric Pickle with Green Mangoes, Raw Mango Rice, Fresh Mexican Black Bean & Mango Salad, Plum Mango Punch, Aam Ka Panna, Raw Mango Chutney with Mint and Coriander, Khatti Meethi Kacchey Aam Ki Chutney, Kacchey Aam Ka Achaar, Coconut Milk Mango Pudding.

Other traditional Indian Desserts you can try: Apple Lapsi, Kadda Prashad, Paneer Ki Kheer, Gram Flour Semolina Balls, Kaddu Ka Halwa, Gajar Ka Halwa, Kesari Seviyan, Makhane Ki Kheer, Sooji Halwa , Swang Ke Chawal Ka Halwa, Swang Ke Chawal Ki Phirni.

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[whohit]MangoPhirni[/whohit]

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American Cuisine

Apple Crisp | Gluten Free Baked Apples with Oats | Flourless Apple Crumble

By anshu July 2, 2016

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American Independence day falls on 4th of July and is a national Holiday. Americans love to celebrate this day with pomp and show. They love to host barbeque parties and often enjoy the day in picnics with friends and family. With 4th of July just in a couple of days I wanted to make something American. And when I got a chance to visit a hotel resort right in the middle of an Apple Orchard I knew what I had to bake with those gorgeous fresh apples hanging on the trees. I am doing a food consult for them and this was an ideal recipe to be brought on the menu.

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Apple Crisp is what they call it in America and Canada and its known as Apple Crumble in Britain. But as they say what’s in a name and the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The cinnamony taste of baked apples along with the crispiness of Oats makes it an incredible dessert specially if you have to feed a crowd. You can make it like a casserole dish and serve the entire battalion with pride. This recipe is ideal for people with gluten allergies as it is flourless and must more healthier than other recipes around.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degree Fahrenheit (Learn more about Oven temperatures and Conversions).Wash, peel and core the apples. Cut them into slices.

2. Put the apples in a bowl and add lemon juice and little vanilla essence and toss them to coat evenly.

3. Place apple slices in a baking tray in one single layer.

4. In a bowl add quick cooking oats, brown sugar and cinnamon powder.

5. Add butter at room temperature but still not melted. Mix this together with your fingers to make a crumbly mixture.

6. Spread this crumbly mixture on top of the Apple layer and pop it in the preheated oven or 45 minutes or until the topping looks crunchy and the apples have turned tender.

7. Take the baking tray out of the oven and let it come down to room temperature. Serve warm with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped cream. You can make this in advance and warm it up little before serving.

Other desserts you can make for festivities are: Peach Cobbler , Basbousa , Brigadeiros , Coconut Macaroons , Coconut Milk Mango Pudding , Mascarpone Cherry Compote Cheesecake Glasses , Tapioca Milk Pudding , Tapioca Coconut Milk Pudding with Strawberry Preserve, Mango Tart.

AppleCrisp_Featured2 [whohit]AppleCrisp[/whohit]

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Beverage & Drinks

Peach Lemonade | Fresh Peaches & Lime Drink

By anshu July 1, 2016

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A few weeks back I had posted the recipe of Peach Cobbler and it got tremendous response from you all. I was asked if we could use peaches in any other ways and the best way I knew was to make this refreshing lemonade with these juicy delicious peaches. This lemonade brings out the real taste of peaches and makes it a fabulous quencher for thirst specially in sultry summer weather.

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When I made this lemonade last week my friends were here and they insisted I make another batch for it was one of its kind and made from fresh fruits. You must try this for your family I am sure your kids will love it. You can make this drink ahead of time and will be ideal for your barbeque parties.

Directions:

1. Thoroughly wash fresh peaches cut them into slices. No need to remove its skin. Place these slices in a sauce pan.

2. Add water and sugar and bring it to a boil.

3. Simmer it for 10 minutes till the peaches have become slightly tender.

4. Let it cool down a bit and put them in a blender along with the water and blitz it into a smooth puree.

5. Add lemon juice to the puree.

6. Add cold water and Ice cubes and dilute the concoction to your taste. Serve with a slice of Lemon.

Other Summer Drinks you can try : Mango Green Tea Lemonade. Plum Smoothie, Aam Ka Panna, Ginger Papaya Mint Smoothie, Litchi Lemonade, Musk Melon & Cucumber Smoothie with Mint, Spiced Mango Lassi, Kafal Ka Sharbat .

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[whohit]PeachLemonade[/whohit]

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Baking

Italian Focaccia Bread with Strawberries | Strawberry Focaccia with Maple Caramelized Onions, Basil and Rosemary

By anshu April 4, 2016

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My steal from Delhi were a few boxes of Strawberry, I utilized half of them to make my ultra delicious 3 ingredient Strawberry Jam and a few strawberries for Strawberry Cookies. I was left with handful strawberries so decided to do this Strawberry Topped Focaccia Bread. The topping also had some caramelized onions slowly cooked with Maple syrup and Balsamic Vinegar. I know I know you are drooling. But this is not over yet. It also had rosemary and Fresh Basil for that additional kick.

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The baking time was the toughest time.. you know the wait was difficult. The entire house was intoxicated with the divine aroma of bread combined with rosemary and basil. When the bread cake out we pounced on it like hunger stricken kids and finished it in no time.

Directions:

1. In a container take some lukewarm water. It should neither be hot nor cold, just hot enough to comfortably put your finger into it . The right temperature of the water is very important for yeast to activate. Put yeast into it.

2. Along with yeast add some sugar.

3. Give it a gentle stir with a fork and let the mixture sit and activate for 10 minutes or until you see some bubbles on top and mixture has become frothy and milky.

4. Take all purpose flour and Whole wheat Flour in a bowl and add salt and olive oil.

5. Add the proofed yeast to the flour little by little and mix till it comes together.

6. Bring the dough to a flat counter or your kitchen platform and knead for good 10 minutes till it becomes soft and supple. Read more about Bread baking techniques in “Basic Steps to Bake a Perfect Bread“.

7. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. And cover with a kitchen towel or cling wrap. Let it sit for an hour or so to double up in size.

8. Punch it down and deflate the dough. Knead for another 5-7 minutes.

9. Grease a baking tray or pan with some olive oil.

10. Place the dough on the oiled pan and spread it with your finger tips. Make indents with your fingers so that it can trap olive oil.

11. Place on top sliced Strawberries and cover it with cling wrap to rise. It should take about 20-30 minutes, depending upon the weather.

12. When the dough rises, that’s how it will look. In the meanwhile Preheat your oven to 180 degree Celsius for 10 minutes. (Learn more about Oven temperatures and Conversions).

13. Pour more Olive oil on top and also sprinkle some rosemary.

14. In order to caramelize onion add little oil in a pan and add sliced onions.

15. Let it caramelize for 15-17 minutes until it turns dark brown in colour. To this add Balsamic Vinegar and Maple Syrup. Keep cooking till the liquid has evaporated.

16. Once the caramelized onions have cooled down. Sprinkle them on the bread along with thinly sliced fresh Basil. Also sprinkle some sea salt on this. Bake it in a preheated oven on 180 degree Celsius for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown in colour.

17. Serve hot with more Balsamic Vinegar.

Other Foccacia Bread you can try here are: Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread and Focaccia Bread with Fresh Cherries, Rosemary and Sea Salt.

Other bread recipes you can try : Vegetarian homemade Pizza, Russian Bublici, Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread, Chinese Black Sesame Steamed Buns, Cinnamon Raisin Bread, Beetroot Bread with Garlic and Thyme, Honey Oats Bread, Domino’s Garlic Breadsticks.

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[whohit]StrawberryFocacciaBread[/whohit]

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