Weight issues

I guess there is no one in this world who is happy with the way the weigh. When a great percentage wants to lose weight, another good percentage wants to gain weight. Off course lose weight in certain areas or gain weight in certain areas. It is a never ending struggle. How can I escape from this madness. My requirement is to lose weight - loads of it.

While struggling with Lupus / SLE and all that steroid tablets which I eat, I can easily blame my weight gain on my health issues. But what is the point? I need to lose weight no matter what the reason behind the weight gain. There are times I hate myself, rather my body. I cant help it when I feel helpless and my moods go swinging. Tears are the order of the day for most days. I wish someone understands what I am going through. Hmm.. I am digressing.

What I want to talk about today is weight loss, not Lupus (SLE). I will write about Lupus/ SLE some other time. While I wish I lose weight, the most important thing is eating healthy. I love eating so there is no choice of not eating. Only option is to eat healthy. Like any person who wants to lose weight and "reads" a lot of stuff, I too read all kind of stuff on heath stuff and eating. There are lots of websites which give all kind of information. One of the website which I love and follow kind of religiously is Prevention. 

I read recently on prevention on an article on 25 Ridiculously Healthy Foods and wanted to share it with all.

 1. Eggs

Egg yolks are home to tons of essential but hard-to-get nutrients, including choline, which is linked to lower rates of breast cancer (one yolk supplies 25% of your daily need) and antioxidants that may help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Though many of us have shunned whole eggs because of their link to heart disease risk, there’s actually substantial evidence that for most of us, eggs are not harmful but healthy. People with heart disease should limit egg yolks to two a week, but the rest of us can have one whole egg daily; research shows it won’t raise your risk of heart attack or stroke. Make omelets with one whole egg and two whites, and watch cholesterol at other meals.

2. Greek Yogurt

Yogurt is a great way to get calcium, and it’s also rich in immune-boosting bacteria. But next time you hit the yogurt aisle, pick up the Greek kind—compared with regular yogurt, it has twice the protein (and 25% of women over 40 don’t get enough). Look for fat-free varieties like Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt (90 calories and 15 g of protein per 5.3-ounce serving).

3. Fat-Free Milk

Yes, it does a body good: Studies show that calcium isn’t just a bone booster but a fat fighter too. Recent research from the University of Tennessee found that obese people who went on a low-calorie, calcium-rich diet lost 70% more weight than those who ate the least. Vitamin D not only allows your body to absorb calcium, it’s also a super nutrient in its own right. Recent research found that adequate D levels can reduce heart disease risk, ward off certain types of cancer, relieve back pain, and even help prevent depression, but most of us don’t get nearly enough of the 1,000+ IU daily that most experts recommend. A splash of milk in your morning coffee isn’t enough to provide the calcium and vitamin D you need. Use milk instead of water to make your oatmeal, have a glass with breakfast, or stir some chocolate syrup into it for an after-dinner treat.

4. Salmon

Salmon is a rich source of vitamin D and one of the best sources of omega-3s you can find. These essential fatty acids have a wide range of impressive health benefits—from preventing heart disease to smoothing your skin and aiding weight loss to boosting your mood and minimizing the effects of arthritis. Unfortunately, many Americans aren’t reaping these perks because we’re deficient, which some experts believe may be at the root of many of the big health problems today, like obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Omega-3s also slow the rate of digestion, which makes you feel fuller longer, so you eat fewer calories throughout the day.

5. Lean Beef

Lean beef is one of the best-absorbed sources of iron there is. (Too-little iron can cause anemia.) Adding as little as 1 ounce of beef per day can make a big difference in the body’s ability to absorb iron from other sources, says Mary J. Kretsch, PhD, a researcher at the USDA-ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, CA. Beef also packs plenty of zinc (even minor deficiencies may impair memory) and B vitamins, which help your body turn food into energy. If you can, splurge on grass-fed. Compared with grain-fed beef, it has twice the concentration of vitamin E, a powerful brain-boosting antioxidant. It’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Because this type of beef tends to be lower in overall fat, it can be tough—so marinate it, and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

 6. Beans

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect food than beans. One cooked cupful can provide as much as 17 g fiber. They're also loaded with protein and dozens of key nutrients, including a few most women fall short on—calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Studies tie beans to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast and colon cancers. The latest dietary guidelines recommend consuming at least 3 cups of beans a week—3 times the measly 1 cup we usually get. Keep your cupboards stocked with all kinds: black, white, kidney, fat-free refried, etc. Use them in salads, stuffed baked potatoes, and veggie chili or pureed for sandwich spreads.

7. Nuts

In a nutshell: USDA researchers say that eating 1½ ounces of tree nuts daily can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Walnuts are rich in omega-3s. Hazelnuts contain arginine, an amino acid that may lower blood pressure. An ounce of almonds has as many heart-healthy polyphenols as a cup of green tea and 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli combined; they may help lower LDL cholesterol as well. The key is moderation, since nuts are high in calories. Keep a jar of chopped nuts in your fridge, and sprinkle a tablespoon on cereal, salads, stir-fries, or yogurt. Or have an ounce as a snack most days of the week.

8. Edamame and Tofu

Soy’s days as a cure-all may be over—some claims, such as help for hot flashes, don’t seem to be panning out—but edamame still has an important place on your plate. Foods such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame help fight heart disease when they replace fatty meats and cheeses, slashing saturated fat intake. Soy also contains heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, a good amount of fiber, and some important vitamins. Soy’s isoflavones, or plant estrogens, may also help prevent breast cancer. Some researchers believe these bind with estrogen receptors, reducing your exposure to the more powerful effects of your own estrogen, says Prevention advisor Andrew Weil, MD. But stick with whole soy foods rather than processed foods, like patties or chips, made with soy powder. Don’t take soy supplements, which contain high and possibly dangerous amounts of isoflavones.

9. Oatmeal

Fiber-rich oats are even healthier than the FDA thought when it first stamped them with a heart disease-reducing seal 10 years ago. According to new research, they can also cut your risk of type 2 diabetes. When Finnish researchers tracked 4,316 men and women over the course of 10 years, they found that people who ate the highest percentage of cereal fiber were 61% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. To reap the benefits, eat 1/2 cup daily—preferably unsweetened. For a versatile breakfast, top with different combinations of fruit, yogurt, and nuts. You can also use oats to coat fish or chicken or add texture to meatballs.

10. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is the most potent plant source of omega-3 fats. Studies indicate that adding flaxseed to your diet can reduce the development of heart disease by 46%—it helps keep red blood cells from clumping together and forming clots that can block arteries. It may also reduce breast cancer odds. In one study, women who ate 10 g of flaxseed (about 1 rounded tablespoon) every day for 2 months had a 25% improvement in the ratio of breast cancer-protective to breast cancer-promoting chemicals in their blood. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed a day on your cereal, salad, or yogurt. Buy it preground, and keep it refrigerated.

11. Olive Oil

Olive oil is full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), which lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and raise "good" HDL cholesterol. It’s rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, like Alzheimer’s. Look for extra virgin oils for the most antioxidants and flavor. Drizzle small amounts on veggies before roasting; use it to sauté or stir-fry, in dressings and marinades, and to flavor bread at dinner in lieu of a layer of butter or margarine.

12. Avocado

These smooth, buttery fruits are a great source of not only MUFAs but other key nutrients as well. One Ohio State University study found that when avocado was added to salads and salsa, it helped increase the absorption of specific carotenoids, plant compounds linked to lower risk of heart disease and macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. "Avocados are packed with heart-protective compounds, such as soluble fiber, vitamin E, folate, and potassium," says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of 10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet. Get Healthy Avocado Recipes But they are a bit high in calories. To avoid weight gain, use avocado in place of another high-fat food or condiment, such as cheese or mayo.

13. Broccoli

Pick any life-threatening disease—cancer, heart disease, you name it—and eating more broccoli and its cruciferous cousins may help you beat it, Johns Hopkins research suggests. Averaging just four weekly servings of veggies like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower slashed the risk of dying from any disease by 26% among 6,100 people studied for 28 years. For maximum disease-fighting benefits, whip out your old veggie steamer. It turns out that steaming broccoli lightly releases the maximum amount of sulforaphane.

14. Spinach

We’ll spare you the Popeye jokes, but spinach has serious health muscles. For one thing, it contains lots of lutein, the sunshine-yellow pigment found in egg yolks. Aside from guarding against age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, lutein may prevent heart attacks by keeping artery walls clear of cholesterol. Spinach is also rich in iron, which helps deliver oxygen to your cells for energy, and folate, a B vitamin that prevents birth defects. Cook frozen spinach leaves (they provide more iron when cooked than raw) and serve as a side dish with dinner a few times a week.

15. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are our most common source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may protect against heart disease and breast cancer. The only problem with tomatoes is that we generally eat them in the form of sugar-loaded jarred spaghetti sauce or as a thin slice in a sandwich. For a healthier side dish idea, quarter plum tomatoes and coat with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes, and serve with chicken.

16. Sweet Potatoes

One of the best ways to get vitamin A—an essential nutrient that protects and maintains eyes, skin, and the linings of our respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts—is from foods containing beta-carotene, which your body converts into the vitamin. Beta carotene-rich foods include carrots, squash, kale, and cantaloupe, but sweet potatoes have among the most. A half-cup serving of these sweet spuds delivers only 130 calories but 80% of the DV of vitamin A. Replace tonight’s fries with one medium baked sweet potato (1,096 mcg) and you’re good to go—and then some.

17. Garlic

Garlic is a flavor essential and a health superstar in its own right. The onion relative contains more than 70 active phytochemicals, including allicin, which studies show may decrease high blood pressure by as much as 30 points. High consumption of garlic lowered rates of ovarian, colorectal, and other cancers, according to a research review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Allicin also fights infection and bacteria. British researchers gave 146 people either a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks; garlic takers were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold. The key to healthier garlic: Crush the cloves, and let them stand for up to 30 minutes before heating them, which activates and preserves the heart-protecting compounds, according to a 2007 study from Argentina.

18. Red Peppers

Citrus fruits get all the credit for vitamin C, but red peppers are actually the best source. Vitamin C may be best known for skin and immunity benefits. Researchers in the United Kingdom looked at vitamin C intake in 4,025 women and found that those who ate more had less wrinkling and dryness. And although getting enough vitamin C won’t prevent you from catching a cold or flu, studies show that it could help you recover faster. Vitamin C has other important credentials too. Finnish researchers found that men with low levels were 2.4 times likelier to have a stroke, and Australian scientists recently discovered that the antioxidant reduces knee pain by protecting your knees against arthritis.

19. Figs

When you think of potassium-rich produce, figs probably don’t come to mind, but you may be surprised to learn that six fresh figs have 891 mg of the blood pressure-lowering mineral, nearly 20% of your daily need—and about double what you’d find in one large banana. In a recent 5-year study from the Netherlands, high-potassium diets were linked with lower rates of death from all causes in healthy adults age 55 and older. Figs are one of the best fruit sources of calcium, with nearly as much per serving (six figs) as 1/2 cup of fat-free milk. Serve by chopping and adding to yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, or green salads. Or enjoy them as a savory snack: Cut a slit in the side and stuff with 1/2 teaspoon of a low-fat version of a soft cheese such as ch√®vre or Brie.

20. Blueberries

Blueberries may very well be the most potent age-defying food—they’re jam-packed with antioxidants. When researchers at Cornell University tested 25 fruits for these potent compounds, they found that tangy-sweet wild blueberries (which are smaller than their cultivated cousins) packed the most absorbable antioxidants. Research shows a diet rich in blueberries can help with memory loss, prevent urinary tract infections, and relieve eyestrain. Add up to 1/2 cup of blueberries to your diet a day for maximum health benefits, recommends Ronald Prior, PhD, adjunct professor of food science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. This alone provides just about double the amount of antioxidants most Americans get in 1 day.

21. Asian Pears

One large Asian pear has a whopping 10 g of cholesterol-lowering fiber, about 40% of your daily need. People who ate the most fiber had the lowest total and LDL cholesterol levels, according to a recent study of Baltimore adults. The same researchers found that people who ate the most fiber also weighed the least and had the lowest body mass index and waist circumference. Serve by dicing it into a salad of Boston lettuce, crumbled goat cheese, walnuts, and mandarin oranges. Or make it a dessert: Add peeled and cored pears to a saucepan with 1 cup white wine, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and enough water to cover the pears. Cover and simmer 40 minutes or until pears are soft.

22. Lychee

A French study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that lychee has the second-highest level of heart-healthy polyphenols of all fruits tested—nearly 15% more than the amount found in grapes (cited by many as polyphenol powerhouses). The compounds may also play an important role in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer. Serve by peeling or breaking the outer covering just below the stem; use a knife to remove the black pit. Add to stir-fries or skewer onto chicken kebabs to add a sweet, grapelike flavor.

23. Apples

One of the healthiest fruits you should be eating is one you probably already are: the apple. The Iowa Women’s Health Study, which has been investigating the health habits of 34,000 women for nearly 20 years, named apples as one of only three foods (along with pears and red wine) that are most effective at reducing the risk of death from heart disease among postmenopausal women. Other massive studies have found the fruit to lower risk of lung cancer and type 2 diabetes—and even help women lose weight. In fact, one of the only things that could make an apple unhealthy is mixing it with sugar, flour, and butter and stuffing it into a mile-high pie. Instead, have one as an afternoon snack with a tablespoon of peanut butter, or add slices to sandwiches or salads.

24. Guava

Native to South America, this tropical fruit is an excellent source of skin-healing vitamin C, with 250% of your RDA per serving. One cup of guava has nearly 5 times as much C as a medium orange (377 mg versus 83 mg)—that’s more than 5 times your daily need. It’s also loaded with lycopene (26% more than a tomato), which may help lower your risk of heart disease. And according to research by microbiologists in Bangladesh, guava can even protect against foodborne pathogens such as Listeria and staph. You can buy guava juice, or simmer chunks in water as you would to make applesauce. Guava also makes a super smoothie: Blend 1/2 banana, 1/2 ripe guava, a handful of strawberries, 1/2 cup soy milk, and a few ice cubes.

 25. Dark Chocolate

Thank you, dark chocolate, for making us feel good—not guilty—about dessert. Dark chocolate is filled with flavonoid antioxidants (more than 3 times the amount in milk chocolate) that keep blood platelets from sticking together and may even unclog your arteries.It may also help with weight loss by keeping you feeling full, according to a study from Denmark. Researchers gave 16 participants 100 g of either dark or milk chocolate and 2 hours later offered them pizza. Those who consumed the dark chocolate ate 15% fewer calories than those who had milk chocolate, and they were less interested in fatty, salty, and sugary foods. Try a chocolate with 70% or more cocoa. Two tablespoons of dark chocolate chips with fresh berries as a midafternoon snack or after-dinner dessert should give you some of the heart-healthy benefits without busting your calorie budget.

Another Onam is a memory...

Yes, Onam is over... Leaving some wonderful memories..

To tell the truth, nothing was perfect. We were stuck in Bangalore owing to a mid week Onam.. Our parents couldn't come here. We had my sis and hubby over. And some friends dropped in. I was working from home. Ya, off course there is no respite from work.

Though I got up as usual listening my cook's bell. As the plan was to go out for dinner, I asked her to make breakfast and some malloo snacks - My Favourite Parippu vada & Sukhiyan.

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Parippu Vada - Recipe

Ingredients

• Toor dal ( Thuvara parippu )  3/4 cup
• Chana dal ( Kadala parippu )  1/4 cup
• Dry red chillies  5 nos
• Green chillies   4-5 nos ( Finely chopped )
• Curry leaves  a few ( Finely chopped )
• Shallots ( Cheriya ulli ) ~ 4-5 nos
• Ginger   1 medium sized piece
• Red chilly powder   1/2 tsp (Optional)
• Asafoetida powder (Kayam podi)  2 pinch
• Coriander Leaves – a few ( Finely chopped )
• Oil as needed
• Salt to taste

Method

• Wash both the dals nicely by changing the water 2-3 times and then soak in enough water overnight. Drain water and remove excess warer using a paper towel. Soak dry red chillies in water
• Coarsely grind soaked dal and dry red chillies in a mixer grinder for just 3-5 pulses without adding any water. Do not make it to a fine paste
• Crush or coarsely grind shallots and ginger. Add crushed shallots and ginger, green chillies, curry leaves, coriander leaves, red chilly powder, asafoetida powder and enough salt to the ground dal mixture and mix well. Keep aside for about 5-10 minutes.
• Make around 15 small balls of dal mixture and keep in a plate. Heat oil in a deep bottom pan in a medium-low flame. Take each ball and carefully flatten it using your palm and add to hot oil and deep fry. Turn vada till both sides becomes golden brown in color. It might take about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the fried parippu vada to a paper towel. 

Tips

• You may just one type of dal
• Ensure that there is no much water left in the dal before grinding else the  vada may break while frying

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Sukhiyan - Recipe

Ingredients

• Green gram (Moong bean/ Cherrupayar)  1 cup
• Grated coconut  3/4 cup
• Jaggery   1/4 - 1/2 cup or to taste
• Cardamom powder  1 tsp
• Turmeric powder  1 - 2 pinches
• All purpose flour / Maida  1/2 - 1 cup
• Water  As required for making the batter
• Rice flour  1 - 2 tbsp (helps to make it more crispy)
• Salt  to taste
• Oil to Fry

Method

• Soak green gram over night and cook the gram in a pressure cooker with enough water, until done. Drain the excess water and keep aside
• Grate/ Powder jaggery.  Add the grated coconut and mix well
• Add the cooked green gram.  Keep it on the stove and stir until it becomes little dry ( for around 15 - 20 mts)
• Add cardamom powder and mix well. Switch off
• Mix maida, turmeric powder, rice flour and a pinch of salt in water to make a medium thick batter. When the green gram-jaggery- coconut mixture is cold enough to touch, make small balls out of it. Dip them in the maida batter and deep fry

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After breakfast, I started working. My husband and sister started strategizing on how to design a pookalam. After a lot of deliberation, they started on it and I took breaks to help and down some parippu vada and sukhiyan.By the time, the pookalam was done, we got ready for the Onam Sadya outside. We went to a place called Backwaters. Sadya was decent:-)

After a full stomach, we reached back and I started on my work again. Friends dropped in, conversation, beer, wine and what not flowed... It was an Onam to remember...

Let me stop here looking forward to another Onam...

Onam Sadhya - Bangalore - 2012

This post is for all Bangaloreans - Malloos or Non-Malloos - those who are still wondering what to do on Onam day... The Onam Sadhya, off course!

This post is dedicated to all Bachelors or families in Bangalore who cannot spare time to prepare an elaborate sadhya, but wish for one! This year with Onam falling on the Wednesday has played a weird game with all those who are far away from home and cannot spare so many days of leave to reach Kerala to celebrate their favourite festival. Thank God, there are malloo restaurants in every nook and corner of Bangalore. And needless to say, they all offer an Onam Sadhya with all works!

I was searching for some information on Onam Sadhya in Bangalore and stumbled upon a site: http://www.bejoy.in/Bangalore/Onasadya-in-Bangalore
Amazing data:-) Off course thanks too from bottom of my heart(and other fellow Malloo Bangaloreans) who are desperate to find a place in the nth moment:-) I have been checking this site from yesterday and list keeps getting updated... Once again - GOOD JOB!!

Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam

Maveli Naadu Vaneedum Kalam..... This is a song which every Keralite knows from childhood.

I for one, used to love it and still remember the lyrics. For those who want to relieve their childhood memories of Onam and to share with the new generations, here is the lyrics of this great song...

Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam: Lyrics in Malayalam

മാവേലി നാട് വാണീടും കാലം 

മാനുഷരെല്ലാരും ഒന്നു പോലെ

അമോതത്തോടെ വസിക്കും കാലം

അപതങ്ങാര്‍ക്കുമോട്ടില്ല താനും 

ആധികള്‍ വ്യാധികള്‍ ഒന്നുമില്ല 

ബാല മരണങ്ങള്‍ കേള്‍ക്കാനില്ല 

കള്ളവുമില്ല ചതിയുമില്ല

എള്ളോളമില്ല പൊളിവചനം 

കള്ളപ്പറയും ചെറു നാഴിയും 

കള്ളത്തരങ്ങള്‍ മറ്റൊന്നുമില്ല 

Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam: Lyrics in English

Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam

manusharellarum onnupole

amodhathode vasikkum kalam

apathangarkkumottillathanum

adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla

balamaranangal kelppanilla 

kallavum illa chathiyumilla

ellolamilla polivachanam

kallapparayum cherunazhiyum

kallatharangal mattonnumilla

Meaning of the Lyrics: Explained

When Maveli, our King, ruled the land,

All the people were equal.

And people were joyful and merry;

They were all free from harm.

There was neither anxiety nor sickness,

Deaths of children were unheard of,

There were no lies,

There was neither theft nor deceit,

And no one was false in speech either.

Measures and weights were right;

No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.

To enjoy the song:

Its Onam

Its Onam... Thought it may be a good idea to write something on Onam, My favourite festival. This post has some background on Onam.

Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala by all Keralites irrespective of their religion or caste. Onam celebrates the visit of King Mahabali to Kerala every year. The festival is celebrated with great passion as King Mahabali is greatly respected by his subjects. Keralites call King Mahabali, Maveli and Onathappan.

Onam - The Story Behind:

The story behind Onam is very interesting. It goes that Kerala was once ruled by a demon king, Mahabali. The King was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody was happy in the kingdom; there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were equally treated. There was neither crime, nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in that kingdom. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease in the reign of King Mahabali and everybody was happy and content.

As every should have a twist, looking at the growing popularity and fame of King Mahabali, Gods became extremely jealous. They felt threatened and began to think of a strategy to get rid of Mahabali. Gods requested the help of Lord Vishnu.

It was well known that Mahabali was very generous and charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help or requested for anything he always granted. To test the King, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a poor Brahmin called Vamana. He came to the Kingdom of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons to Brahmins.

The Vamana asked for a simple gift — three paces of land — and the king agreed to it. The King was surprised to hear but agreed. Though the learned adviser of the King, Shukracharya sensed that Vamana was not an ordinary person and warned the King against making the promise. But, the generous King replied that it would be a sin for a King to back on his words and asked the Brahmin to take the land. Poor King never imagined that the dwarf Brahmin was Lord Vishnu himself.

As soon as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then increased his stature and with the first step covered the sky, blotting out the stars, and with the second, straddled the netherworld. Realising that Vamana's third step will destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head as the last step. Vamana placed his foot on the head of the King, which pushed him to the nether world. There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his person. The Lord told the King that he came to test him and the King won the test. King Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the King.

The King was so much attached with his Kingdom and people that he requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the King and said even after losing all his worldly possessions, the King would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people.

Onam is the celebration that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays a glorious tribute to the memory of this benign king who gave his all for his subjects. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their King.

Festivities of Onam continue for ten long days. Of all these days, most important ones are the first day, Atham and the last or tenth day, Thiru Onam. Celebrations commence from the first day, Atham. Notable feature of this day is that making of Pookkallam or the flower carpet that starts from this day. Attha Poo is prepared in the front courtyard by girls of the house to welcome the spirit of King Mahabali. In the following days, more flowers are added to Pookalam. As a result Pookalam turns out to be of massive size on the final day. 

Off course, there is lot of great food too. Be it breakfast or lunch. Typical breakfast consists of steamed bananas and fried pappadam (pappad). Lunch is a very elaborate meal consists of 11 to 13 strictly vegetarian dishes.

Onam Sadhya

Apart from preparation, the presentation or serving of sadhya is a tradition itself. It is in 'Banana' leaves the sadhya is served, the Kerala style of having sadhya is sitting on the floor with the end of the narrow part of the leaf facing left. The way of eating a sadhya is another art which helps easy digestion of the heavy menu. There is a fixed order of serving the meal and a set place to serve the various dishes on the leaf. A lot of preparation and hard work goes in making of the scrumptious Onasadya. 

The serving has its own Do's and Dont's. Serving should start from the bottom left of the leaf with a pinch of salt and banana, a series of side dishes follow this pattern.

From left to the right of the plantain leaf the items that comes are

1. Pappadam:.........Pappad or Pappadum is to be served on the extreme left.
2. Banana:..............On top of the big pappadum banana is served.
3. Sarkara Varatti:..Right of pappad - salt, banana wafers, sarkaravaratti fries are served.
4. Pickle:..................After this, mango pickles is served.
5. Inchicurry:.........Then inchicurry (ginger lime) is served.
6. Thoran:...............On the right, thoran curry is served
7. Olan:...................
8. Avial:..................
9. Pulissery:............
10. Kichadi:..............
11. Kalan:.................
12. Koottucurry:......The meal will be complete with the kootu curry.
13. Water:................

Apart from these side dishes, the other dishes to follow are

1. The rice, served at the bottom center of the leaf.
2. Then, Parippu curry along with Ghee Is served.
3. Then, rice with Sambhar is served.
4. Next we have Rasam and Mooru.
5. After this delightful meal, we have the sweet and tasty 'Paayasam' along with some Pappadam.
6. Traditionally it is advised to have some rice along with Mooru after Paayasam for helping digestion.

Phew! Too much? Off course you can ditch every instruction and go ahead as you wish. It is the spirit of Onam which is more important!

Thanks to below sites which helped me with my research! 

http://www.onamfestival.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam

http://recipes4hunger.blogspot.in/2010/03/onam-sadhya-how-to-prepare-onasadya-how.html

Almond & Cashew Biscotti

I love baking. I can't explain what that wonderful smell of baking does to my senses. One of my mission today was to bake cookies or biscotti, which will stay for a few weeks, unlike a cake. Anyway a gooey chocolate cake is already there in my refrigerator, f:rom yesterday's baking! I will share that recipe some other time.

I had no time to waste. I started of with gathering my ingredients. Though the initial plan was to make Almond Biscotti, I could not find required quantity with me and I modified my recipe and decided on Almond & Cashew Biscotti. Let me start with the ingredients.

•            1/2 cup (120 gms) whole almonds (skins off or on)
•         1/2 cup (60 gms) Cashew
•          3 large eggs
•          1 tsp vanilla extract
•          1/2 tsp almond extract
•          2 cups (260 gms) all-purpose flour / maida
•          3/4 cup (150 gms) granulated white sugar 
•          1 teaspoon (5 gms) baking powder
•          1/4 tsp salt

      I always gather and weigh out my ingredients in all required quantities as my first step. It helps me to remember all the ingredients and add them appropriately. If I am following a recipe, I follow it the last word when I bake something new. The second and third time is for experimentation and then for that tried and tested recipe for keeps.

      Now about the steps to follow to make that amazing biscotti!

•      Preheat oven to 180 degrees C /350 degrees F.

•      Place the almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until very lightly brown and gives out a nice fragrance.  Add Cashews when almonds are half done (5 mins). Allow it to cool and then chop coarsely.

•     Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with butter / parchment paper. 

•      In a small bowl whisk the eggs with the vanilla and almond extracts. 

•      In a large bowl whisk the flour with the sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in the chopped almonds & Cashews. Then add the egg mixture and stir until a dough forms. 

•     Divide the dough into two. Lightly flour  a surface roll each half into a 7 inch (18 cm) log that is about 3 - 4 inches (8 - 10 cm) wide. 

•      Transfer logs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 35 minutes, or until firm to the touch (log will spread during baking). 

•      Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 to 15 minutes.

•      Transfer logs to a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut logs into slice about 1/4 - 1/2 inch (6-12 mm) thick on the diagonal. 

•      Place the slices of biscotti on the baking sheet and bake about 10-15 minutes, turn slices over, and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until firm to the touch. (The longer you bake the biscotti the more crisp and crunchy they will be.) 

•      Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container for several weeks

      I wanted my biscotti really crisp. I left it a little longer that what I normally do and it came out extremly crisp. Needless to say, I am really happy with the final product!!

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My first post

Everyday I decide that I should restart writing... A blog! Then laziness sets in... and so far my laziness succeeded. Today I decided to make it a different day and I started.

I am still not clear what I will finally write... It may be thoughts, my travels, poems, stories or anything which may interest me... irrespective of feelings it may evoke - Positive, Negative, Neutral... My writing may just interest me or others also. Key is that I continue writing.