NEW STYLE BLACK FOREST CAKE

Black Forest Cake is a German layered cake.Usually this cake is decorated with Fresh cream, chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.For all special occasions and Birthday parties Cake has become mandatory.Here for a different look I have modified the Black forest design.So let us see how I have prepared this cake.....

                                                 INGREDIENTS

To make cake balls

• Maida                                       - 1 cup
• Cocoa powder                          - 3 tbsp
• Baking Powder                        - 1/2 tsp
• Baking Soda                            - 1/4 tsp
• Butter                                       -1/3 cup
• Sugar powder                           -1/4 cup
• Condensed milk                       -1/2 tin
• Vanilla Essence                        - 1 tsp
• Milk                                         - 3 tbsp
• Warm water                             - 1/4 cup

For Black Forest Cake

• Black Forest Cake powder      - 250 gms
• Egg                                          - 125 gms
• Water                                       - 65 gms
• Refined Oil                              - 20 ml

For Icing

• Whipping cream                  - 400 to 500 ml
• Powdered sugar                   - 1/4 cup

For dipping cake balls

• Chocolate cream type syrup  -  1/2 cup

                                                         METHOD

• Soften the butter and powdered sugar to a fine foam.

• Add 1/2 tin condensed milk to it.

• Sieve the maida, cocoa powder, baking powder and soda powder together 2 times.

• Add this to the beating mixture.

• Add milk to it.

• Add warm water little by little.The mixture should be in a folding form.

• Grease a tray.

• Layer butter paper on it and bake in a oven for 30 mins or till it is done.It is recommendable to prepare this cake one day before the use .

• Next day, crush the cake and powder it.

• Make small balls out of it.Keep this aside.

• To prepare the cake, first beat egg,water and oil together.Then add the Black Forest cake ready to mix powder(this is available in market).Bake this on a greased tray for 30 mins.Now keep this on a wire rack to allow it to cool.
• Whip the whipping cream and sugar powder to a fine smooth paste.After continuous whipping it will become like a snow foam..
• Do remember that icing should be done only after cake gets cooled.

• After cooling divide the cake into 2 or 3 layers. I divided the cake into 2 layers only.First take a plate or a card board ,take a spoon of whipping cream and place it  in the center of the plate or card board.Then place the top layer of the cake and apply beaten whipping cream frequently.

• Next place the bottom part upside down .We keep it upside down for a cleaner look.

• Now apply all the cream all over the cake level it and smoothen the sides.

                            

• Dip all the Cake balls in Chocolate liquid cream .

• Now arrange it on the bottom layer.

• Then arrange them on the top corners.

• Fill the center portion with grated white chocolate, then silver balls and sugar candy.I have used violet color candy you may use these  as per your taste.

                 Here is the yummy special Black Forest cake!!!                                                            Enjoy!!!!!

CHICKEN BIRIYANI IN COOKER

Biriyani is one of the favorite main course items for many people.Everyone now a days approach restaurants,biriyani zones etc to purchase biriyani. Many people have a perspective that preparing Biriyani is a time taking and a big task to accomplish.So today I thought to share one of the easiest way to prepare a home made Chicken Biriyani in cooker. Let us start the simple method of cooking a tasty Chicken Biriyani.

                                                          INGREDIENTS

• The first thing we need is the pressure cooker
• Chicken legs                                -  4
• Basmati Rice                               -  2 cup
• Ghee                                            - 1/4 cup
• Onions                                         - 1+1 sliced
• Green chilies                               - 4 large
• Ginger Garlic paste                     - 2 heaped tbsp
• Chicken cubes                            -  2 (I have used Indian maggie )
• Pudhina paste                             -  1 tbsp
• Turmeric powder                       -  1/2 tsp
• Coriander powder                      -  1 tbsp
• Cinnamon                                  -  1 stick
• Cloves                                        - 4
• Garam masala powder               - 1/2 tsp
• Curd                                           - 1/2 cup +3 tbsp
• Water                                         -  3.5 cup
• Salt                                            -  to taste
• Coriander leaves  chopped       -   as required

                                                      METHOD

• Soak the rice for 1hour. Drain it after 1 hour and keep it aside.
• Marinate the chicken legs in 3 tbsps of curd and salt for 1 hour.

•  Heat the pressure cooker and add ghee to it.

•  Fry 1 sliced onion till deep brown and keep this aside.

•  Crush the green chilies, slice the balance onion and keep aside.

                            

• Crush the maggie cubes into powder and boil it in the required amount of water.

•  In the same ghee add the sliced onion and saute for a few mins.

•  When it turns light brown add the ginger garlic paste to it.

•  Then add the crushed green chilies to it and saute well for 3-4 mins.

•  Now it's time to add the powders.Add coriander powder and turmeric powder to it.

•  Combine well.Then add the pasted pudina to it.Mix well.

•  Now add the chicken legs and saute well.

•  Add 1/2 cup curd to it.

•  When the masala coats on chicken and becomes dry add boiled water to it.

•  Allow it to boil heavily.

•  Then add the soaked rice to it.Then add 1 cinnamon and 4 cloves.

•  Finally add the garam masala and check the salt content, if needed add required salt.

•  When the steam starts to come out due to high pressure close it with the head.

• As soon as the head is put, simmer the flame and keep it for 5 mins.After 5 mins turn off the flame. Let it rest for 7 mins.

•  After 7 mins open the lid and garnish with fried onions and chopped coriander leaves.

•  Combine it well.Now our home made Chicken Biriyani is ready to serve.

• Serve it on a plate and decorate with tomato slices...ENJOY!!!!

PEARLSPOT SIMMERED WITH COCONUT /kARIMEEN PEERA PATTICHATHU

Hi Foodies...Today I m presenting to all a very special Kerala recipe of my Grandma.Most of them would have prepared today's dish using small fishes like Prawns,Anchovies,Mackerel,Sardine etc. But I am  preparing the dish with small Pearl Spot fish. In rainy season this type of small Pearl Spot fishes are more available in the city.Do not cook this too much in flame.Cooking the fish for 10 mins in medium flame will be enough.So let us see the preparation..                                                                                                   

                                                INGREDIENTS

• Pearl spot small size                -  6 nos
• Coconut grated                        -  3/4 cup
• Shallots                                    -  4 to 5
• Turmeric powder                     -  1/2 tsp
• Crushed red chilly                   -  1.5 tbsp
• Ginger                                     -   a small piece   
• Gambooge                               -  3 piece soak in water 
• Coconut oil                              -  2 tsp     
• Curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Water                                       - 3 tbsp                              

                                                                                                                                   

•  Coarsely grind coconut grated, shallots,crushed redchilies,ginger, turmeric powder.

•  Clean the fish and keep aside.

•  Mix the fish and grinded ingredients together.Add coconut oil.

•  Keep this on very low flame and cover it with a lid.When the steam comes turn the flame to medium.

• Cook this for 10 mins.When it becomes dry turn off the flame.

                         Serve it on a plate and enjoy!!!!!!