Easy home made rasagullas

Ingredients:

4 cups milk
11/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoon lemon juice

Method:

1. Boil the milk for 6-7 mins
2. Add the lemon juice to the boiling milk and stir occasionally. You can see the milk and water separating. At this point switch off the flame.
3. Using a clean Cotten cloth filter the panner separated from milk. Drain the water completely.
4. Using your hands smash the panner nicely and make small size rasagullas.
5. Add 4 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of sugar for syrup. Sugar syrup doesn't have to be very thick.
6. When the syrup is done add the rasagullas to the syrup. Do not switch off the flame. Leave the rasagullas in the syrup for 7-8mins  in medium flame.
7. Refrigerate the rasagullas for 1 hr and serve cold. 

Best pancake recipe

Say good bye to the ready made pan cake mixes! Once you taste this home made recipe, you will definitely agree they are better than the ready made pan cakes.

Ingredients:

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2. 2 tablespoons sugar

3. 2 teaspoons baking powder

4. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

5. 1/2 teaspoon salt

6. 1 1/4-1 1/2 cups milk

7. 2 eggs

8. 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

9. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients.

2. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk.

3.Start with 1 1/4 cups milk, adding up to another 1/4 cup if necessary, as you mix it with the flour.

4. Add the two eggs, vanilla and oil to the mixture and whisk nicely without any lumps. 

5. Heat a frying pan (if it is not non-stick, you will need to melt a bit of butter or oil in it) and when hot, pour in some pancake mix.

6. When the pancake starts to bubble on top and is golden brown on the cooked side, turn it and continue cooking until both sides are golden brown.
7. Repeat this process for remaining batter.Maintain in medium flame.

8. Serve hot with maple syrup or honey and butter. 

Kandarappam - traditional indian-chettinadu sweet

Kandarappam is a traditional sweet from the south India's famous chettinadu cuisine. It is prepared for all important festivals and  poojas. It is a healthy and tasty snack.

Ingredients:

1. Raw rice - 1 cup

2. Par boiled rice( idly rice) - 1 cup

3. Urad dhal - 1/4 cup

4. Peeled broken green gram/moong dhal - 1 tablespoon

5. Toor dhal - 1 table spoon

6. Channa dhal/bengal gram - 1 table spoon 

7. Pinch of salt

8. Jaggery - 1 1/2 cup

9. Grated coconut - 1/2 cup

10. Elachi/cardamom - 5-6

11. Oil for frying 

Procedure:

1. Soak the rice and dhal for 2 hours.

2. Grind everything except grated coconut, jaggery and elachi for 10 mins.

3. Finally add the jaggery, grated coconut and cardamom to the batter. Batter should be in dosa or pan cake consistency.

4. Take a frying wok and add required amount of oil for deep frying the appam.

5. When the oil gets heated (not smoking hot), immediately reduce the flame and maintain in low - medium flame. Take a ladle of batter and pour slowly into the oil. Wait for few seconds. When appam raises turn it other side and cook for few seconds.Appam will not take much time to cook. When appam turns light brown, remove it from the oil. 

6. Now serve hot. It is very tasty when it is hot. 

How to care for chemically and heat damaged hair?

1. Wash your hair with good moisturizing shampoo made for whatever hair type you have.Also, use a leave in conditioner and rinse thoroughly.

2. Towel dry your hair and make sure to pat it. Always let your hair dry naturally.

3. Wash your hair only once or twice a week, any more will dry your hair out.

4. Give your scalp a nice massage and hot oil treatments once in 2 weeks. Gentle massage is always good for your hair otherwise, you will damage your sensitive skin or pull out your hair.

5. Moisturize your hair and scalp with these popular oils like almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, coconut oil, etc to promote your hair growth.

6. Brush and comb your hair daily. Workout tangles gently using your fingers and don't over work the hair.

7. Opt for boar or wide bristle hair brush, they don't tear and stretch your scalp and hair .

8. One way to achieve a healthy scalp is by brushing your scalp itself. It loosens the dead cells and dirt and promotes blood circulation. If your scalp is dry and if you see any white flakes on your hair, it is not dandruff all the time. It is just really dry skin.At this situation, you can try using all the popular hair oils stated above for your scalp and give a nice massage and let it sit for 30 mins.After 30 mins wash your hair.Use leave in conditioner. Don't comb your hair when it is wet because your wet hair will be fragile. 

9. Get your ends trimmed every 8-12 weeks to get rid of split ends and dead hairs. 

10. Never ever grease your scalp because it clogs up your pore and lead to breakage and damage. Your ends are the oldest hair so treat it with good protein conditioners.

11. It is good to sleep on a satin pillow always.Cotton and fleece pillow covers will pull your hair out and cause breakage.

12. Good hair starts from within so eat healthy and drink 2 to 3 liters of water every day to keep your hair moisturized. 
  

How does flat iron, curl iron and hair dryer damage your hair?

Flat iron, blow dry and curl iron can make your hair look great, but if you do not know how to use it properly or have the wrong ones, you might damage your hair. Always study the guide lines or seek professional help before you do it yourself. 

Must have features in  flat iron, curl iron and hair dryer:

-> Look for these basic features:

- different heat settings(cheaper ones have only one setting),
- check if your tool display the temperature,
- look for automatic shut off feature,
- buy a professional blow dryer(choose dryers with a nozzle attachment),
- remember these important features before buying a hair dryer that will keep your hair healthy:
1. cold blast technology
2. multiple heat settings
3. ceramic heating elements 
- look for high quality plate material. The best quality material for flat iron are tourmaline and ceramic.

-> Know your hair:

- Consider the thickness of your hair,when ever you select a heat setting on your dryer or flat iron or curl iron.For finer hair use low temperature and for thicker hair use medium to high temperature.

-> Protect your hair:

- There are lots of products that helps to protect your hair from heat of dryers, curling irons or flat irons. Many of them use silicone as a protective coating for your hair.

Why silicone?
The silicone bars protect the hair as it passes through the iron by lifting the hair off the plate, preventing it from being pressed too hard and avoiding serious damage to the cuticle. They also help to retain the moisture and essential fatty acids that are normally burned off during flat ironing, leaving the hair soft and shiny.

- Both irons are worse than blow dryers when it comes to causing damage.
- When you use flat or curling iron, you should probably not use it for more than 3 to 4 seconds per section.

- > Seek professional advice:

- Ask your professional hair stylist to style your hair. They might show you the easy ways or newer techniques. 

How to repair damaged hair:

If your hair looks dull, shows split ends, feels rougher, it's probably damaged.

1. Try home treatments: 

- Use products with oil and moisturizer that are designed to repair heat damaged hair.
- if your hair is chemically treated and damaged use products with protein to make your hair look good.

2. Get professional help:

- If your home remedies do not work, get help from professionals.
- Try salon repair treatments to strengthen your hair and to get back the natural looking hair.
- If an inch on your end is damaged , it may take at-least 2 months to get your hair back to normal.

About back pain and remedies

Back pain is a very common problem and it can affect people of any age. It is more common among adults aged between 35 and 55 years. Back pain is associated with the way our bones, muscles and ligaments in our back works together.

Pain in the lower back may be linked to the bony lumber spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdomen and pelvic internal organs and the skin around the lumber area.
Pain in the upper back may be due to disorders of the aorta, tumors in the chest and spine inflammation.  


The following factors are associated to higher risk of developing lower back pain :

1. Mentally stress job
2. Pregnancy
3. A sedentary life style
4. Age
5. Anxiety
6. Depression 
7. Gender - back pain is more common among females than males
8. Obesity
9. Smoking
10. Strenuous physical exercise (when it is not done properly)
11. Strenuous physical work.

If any of the following symptoms accompanies a back pain you should see your doctor immediately :

1. Elevated body temperature(fever)
2. Pain down the legs
3. Weight loss
4. Inflammation on the back
5. Persistent back pain(lying down or rest does not help)
6. Numbness around genitals, anus and around the buttocks.
7. Pain reaches below the knees
8. Urinary incontinence
9. Fecal incontinence
10. Difficulty in urination    
11. A recent injury, trauma to your back.

EASY WAYS TO GET RID OF BACK PAIN :

1. Stretching :

- stretching is vital for preventing back pain and staying flexible. It helps in recovering from back injuries.
- Always stretch before exercise or other strenuous physical activity and also before bed.

2. Quit smoking : smoking cuts blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate. Smoking doesn't just damage your lungs, it can also impair your back.

3. Keep a healthy diet : eat healthy diet(fresh fruits and vegetables) and low on processed foods to avoid excessive weight. Staying fit is one of the best remedy for back pain.

4.Exercise : regular exercise is the best remedy for back pain. It is always best to consult your physician for a list of low impact exercises suitable for your age as well as the type of pain you have.

Here are few moves/ poses that can help you to get rid of back pain gradually:

 5. Sleep well : 

- Always sleep on firm surface for back pain relief rather than soft mattresses that push your back out of alignment. Poor posture can lead to back pain or other health issues.
- While sitting in the chair, you must keep your back straight. Take periodic walk around the office will help relieve stress. If you need to sit for long time, rest your feet on a low stool or on a foot rest.

Cheese and olive cocktail samosa

Ingredients:

1. Cheese - 300 gm
2. Olives - 250 gm
3. Maida flour - 500 gm
4. Butter - 250 gm
5. Ajwain/ Carom seeds/ omam -2 gm
6. Jalepeno or White pepper powder - 2 gm 
7. Baking soda - 1 pinch
8. Oil for frying

Method:

1. Mix together maida and butter. Add ajwain and a pinch of baking powder. Keep aside to rest. Dice the cheese into small cubes and the olives as well, to the same size as cheese. Toss together with pepper or jalapeno finely chopped.

2. Make small puri shapes, cut into half ( the size of a crescent) and make small packets (cups) filled with one tablespoon of cheese mixture. Join the ends and moisten with a drop of water at the edge.

3. Cool for a while. Fry on low flame in very warm oil slowly until golden brown. serve hot with mint chutney. 

EASY-TO-COOK RECIPE - Spicy corn panner tikka with dates chutney

Ingredients for tikka:

1. American corn - 250 gm
2. Panner - 250 gm
3. Green chilli - 3 nos
4. Coriander leaves - 10 gm
5. Mint leaves - 10 gm
6. Refined oil for frying 
7. Chilli powder - 5 gm 
8. Cumin seeds whole - 5 gm
9. Chat masala - 1 tbsp
10. Coriander powder - 5 gms
11. Corn flour powder, to dust the tikkas
12. Salt, to taste

Ingredients for chutney:

1. Dates - 100 gm
2. Jaggery - 100 gm
3. Tamarind - 100 gm
4. Chat masala - 1tbsp
5. Chilli powder - 1 tbsp
6. Salt to taste

Method:

1. For tikka: Boil corn and strain. Make a paste in a blender. Grate panner and mix with corn paste. Chop chillies, mint leaves and coriander and add to the mixture. Add other seasonings to the mixture . Make small dumplings and flatten. Dust with corn flour powder. In a tawa, shallow fry until goldern brown.

2. For chutney: Boil dates, jaggery and tamarind in 500 ml water, wait until it becomes a paste. Add chilli powder, chaat masala and salt.

You can eat this with any chutney you like.

Facts about Sun Exposure

Sun exposure causes most changes in the skin, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays damages the fiber in the skin called Elastin. When these fiber break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch and lose its ability to go back to its normal place after stretching.

The real bad news about sun exposure is, it increases the risk of skin cancer. If You have any following symptoms, See your doctor immediately:

- A mole that is changing it color or shape, getting bigger, itching or bleeding.
- A pink or red lump (mostly on your head, hands or shoulders) that forms a non-healing scab or ulcer.

Who is at highest risk?

There are 2 main group of people who are particularly at high risk of skin cancer.
1. People with skin that tends to burn easily
2. Those who spend lot of their time in the sun over a life time.

People who have RED or BLONDE HAIR, BLUE or GREEN EYES and FRECKLES have higher risk of 'MELANOMA'.

You are at higher risk of 'NON-MELANOMA' skin cancer if you have a long-term job that keeps you out in all weathers.

MELANOMA- is aggressive and deadly.
NON-MELANOMA- is a type of skin cancer that is not melanoma ans less aggressive.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CANCER?

1. Use a high sun protection factor(SPF)- atleast 15.
2. Stay out from sun between 10 A.M - 4 P.M.
3. Don't apply very little sun screen cream! If you apply thin layer, the SPF will be much lesser than the label suggests.
4. Re-apply the sun screen cream/lotion every couple of hours and after swimming.
5. Protect your children and youngsters! About 50% of your life time sun exposure is likely to happen before 20 years.
6. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
7. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths

If you notice any change in your skin and if you think it might be a cancer, don't delay to consult your doctor. Most skin cancers can be completely cured but only if it is treated early. 

IMPORTANCE OF SUN-EXPOSURE:

1. We do need some sun exposure and it give Vitamin D, which protects us from osteoporosis (Thinning of the bones).
2. 15 to 20 mins a day during summer season is enough and its gives you Vitamin D to last all year.
3. The best time for sun exposure is from 8 A.M - 10 A.M in the morning and after 4 P.M in the evening.
4. Sunshine Vitamins helps to maintain high level of immunity, neurological functions and protect against psychological disorders. 

Tomato Sauce VS Mustard Sauce

*Tomato sauce*

Facts:

1. 1 tbsp = 15 calories

2. Tomato ketchup is one of the most versatile condiments worldwide and is used as an accompaniment with number of food items like fries,sandwiches, burgers and even on the side of steaks with veggies.

3. The sauce is packed with tomatoes, which are high in antioxidants that have been scientifically proven to protect against various types of cancers.

4. The unique flavonoid lycopene prevents skin damage from UV rays, and Zea-Xanthin, another flavonoid compound, protects the eyes from harmful ultra-violet rays.

5. Tomatoes are also a rich source of Vitamins A and C.

*Mustard sauce*

Facts:

1. 1 tbsp = 37 calories

2. The mustard seed is itself an excellent source of essential B-complex vitamins, which help regulates metabolism, enzyme synthesis and nervous system function. 

3. The vitamin B3 helps lower cholesterol. Mustard sauce is source of calcium, copper and iron.

4. American yellow mustard is pungent and is best used in dishes like hot dog or potato salad, the more mild Dijon mustard is ideal for delicate fish and salads, coarse wholegrain mustard is best to marinades and gravy 
for lamb or chicken dishes, and spicy English mustard compliments sausages.    

Nutritionist's pick

-" Anything that is commercially made, processed and uses additives or preservatives is never good for you". 

- When both tomato sauce and mustard sauce are user in small amounts, they offer neither nutritive value in that amount, nor pose a health threat. 

- TOMATO SAUCE is healthier, simply because it has vitamin C and other nutrients. 

Simple Amla/ Gooseberry Raita

Ingredients:

* 3 Amlas
* 2 Green chillies
* 1 small cup of grated coconut 
* 1 Cup curd, beaten.
* Salt to taste

For Seasoning:

* 1 tsp cooking oil
* 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
* 1 red chilli
* A pinch of asafoetida
* A few curry leaves & coriander chopped finely.

Method:

1. Boil amlas till they are soft. Allow them to cool and de-seed them.

2. Grind the de-seeded amla with green chillies and grated coconut.

3. Add beaten curd and salt. Mix it well. 

4. Prepare seasoning by heating oil in a pan and adding all the other ingredients. 

5. Add the seasoning to the curd mix. Serve cold

Goodness of Amla: 

1. It is packed with vitamin C, amla increases immunity and guards against common cold and nausea.

2. Several studies on cancer have indicated that amla slows down tumor growth.

3. Weight-watchers should love amla, as it helps burn fat, and, when mixed with turmeric can even help lower blood sugar. 

SUKHIYAN (Diwali Special sweet)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: Four

Ingredients:

* 200 g whole green gram (moong dal), Don't over cook the gram

* Salt to taste

* 2 cups of water 

* 2 tsp ghee

* 200 g jaggery

* 200 g coconut, grated

* 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

* 200 g flour

* Water as required

* Oil to deep fry

Methods:

1. Pressure cook the green gram with a pinch of salt and water. When done, drain water and set aside.

2. In a heavy-bottom pan, heat ghee and add jaggery. When jaggery has almost melted, add coconut, cardamom powder and cooked green gram. Saute until mixture comes together and then remove from heat.

3. Once cool, make lemon sized roundels of the mixture and set aside

.

4. Mix flour with a pinch of salt and enough water to make a medium thick batter. Dip each roundels in the batter and deep-fry in hot oil until golden crisp. Serve hot.

ALOO TIKKI (Spiced potato cutlets)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: Four

Ingredients:

- 30 ml oil + extra for frying
- 4 tsp cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 100 g green peas, chopped fine
- 2 tsp chopped ginger
- 4 green chillies, chopped fine
- 3/4 cumin powder 
- 4 tsp chaat masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 400 g potatoes, boiled, peeled and grated
- 20 g coriander leaves, chopped finely
- 100 g corn flour
  
Method:

1. FOR STUFFING- Heat 30 ml oil in a pan and ADD 2 tbs cumin seeds.When they splutter, add asafoetida, green peas, ginger and green chillies, and saute until peas are crispy. Add cumin and chaat masala powders and salt. set aside.

2. TO MAKE TIKKI- Mix grated potato with remaining cumin seeds, salt, coriander leaves and corn flour. Take a portion of Tikki mixture and make a medium size ball out of it.Stuff some stuffing inside the ball and gently flatten the Tikkis into a round shape.

3. Deep-fry tikkis in hot oil  till golden brown. Serve hot.

Okra/ Ladyfingers/ Bhindi Chaat

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: Four

Ingredients:

- oil, for frying 

- 500 g ladyfingers(cut into long thin strips)

- 100 g onions sliced

- 100 g green bell pepper/ capsicum(cut into long thin strips)

- 100 g tomatoes(cut into long thin strips)

- 2 tsp chilli powder

- 3/4 cumin powder and garam masala powder

- 4 tsp chaat masala

- 2 tsp chopped ginger

- 20 g coriander leaves, finely chopped

- 4 tsp lemon juice

- Salt to taste

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a pan and deep fry ladyfingers until golden and crispy. Drain well on tissue paper.

2. Put the fried ladyfingers in a bowl with the remaining ingredients and toss well.

3. Serve with your favorite chutney.

Punjabi Chaas( Buttermilk )

Ingredients:

- Butter milk 2 cups
- Coriander finely chopped 2 tbsp
- Cumin seeds 1 tbsp
- Ginger small piece ( skin peeled)
- Salt to taste
- Ice cubes

Method:

- whisk the butter milk and take out all the butter / fat that is formed on the top after whisking.
- Add cumin seeds, ginger and salt to the butter milk and blend for 10-15 seconds.
- Finally garnish with  coriander and serve chilled.

Facts about BUTTERMILK:(For 200 ML - 98 Calories)

1. It helps digestion and excellent coolant.

2. Buttermilk is rich in calcium and vitamin B complex, especially riboflavin, which is needed by the body for conversion of food into energy and for secretion of harmones.

3. PERFECT drink for those who are LACTOSE-INTOLERANT
.
4. Due to cooling property, consuming too much might cause sore throat or a common cold.

5. It can also cause acidity, if consumed in empty stomach.

6. Packed buttermilk contains too many preservatives.OPT for HOME-MADE chaas/buttermilk.

Simple Punjabi lassi (sweet yogurt drink).

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cup fresh thick creamy yogurt / curd chilled
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chilled water
- 2-3 tbsp sugar
- 1 cardamom (only seeds)
- ice cubes optional
- Blend all the ingredients in a blender for 10 -15 sec .
- Add more sugar if required.
- Serve chilled

Using the same ingredients you can make lassi with fresh fruits

Facts about LASSI:(For 200 ML - 158 calories)

1. Yogurt based drink is probiotic, and good bacteria that helps absorb vitamins, break down sugar and support immune system.

2. It helps boost immunity, and fight infection and fatigue.

3. It has cooling properties and thereby makes it easy to digest spicy food.

4. If you are LACTOSE-INTOLERANT( inability to digest lactose, it is a sugar found in milk), AVOID LASSI.

FACTS ABOUT COOKING OILS

1.OLIVE OIL

PROS:

- It contains the highest levels of polyphenol, a powerful anti-oxidant.
- olive oil raises good cholesterol (HDL) and lowering bad cholesterol (LDL).
- Olive oil is known to significantly lower your risk of having heart attack.

CONS:

- It is high in calories.
- consuming too much will lead to gain weight and obesity .


2.COCONUT OIL

PROS:

-It contains about 66 percent Medium Chain Fatty Acids(MCFA).
- MCFA have antiviral, antibacterial and anti fungal properties, and have the ability to boost the immune system.
- MCFA are good for digestion and stimulating the body's metabolism leading to weight loss.They also boosts energy levels.

- STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT POPULATIONS                                                                                  THAT EAT A LOT OF COCONUT ARE THE HEALTHIEST IN THE WORLD.

  CONS:
                                                                         
  - Even though it has some heart-friendly fatty acids (MYRISTIC), it has MORE heart-unfriendly fatty acids (LAURIC).
                                                                                                                                                 
  - IT IS A SATURATED FAT THAT NEEDS TO BE CONSUMED IN LIMITED QUANTITIES IN THE DIET.  
                                                                .
  - The fatty acids found in coconut oil are associated with  increased risk of heart attack/stroke.                                                                             

3.SESAME OIL

PROS:

- It reduces the high blood pressure,cholesterol  and improves the health of diabetes patients.
- High in polyunsaturated fat.
- Contains Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium and Copper.

CONS:

- Sesame oil doesn't have many negative qualities.
- It is loaded with of fats and calories.


4.RICEBRAN OIL

PROS:

- Rich in Vitamins C and Anti-oxidants.
- It improves Cardiovascular problem and lower cholesterol.
- It is filled with healthy fatty acids.
- THERE ARE LOTS OF HEALTH BENEFITS IN USING RICEBRAN OIL AND IT IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S HEALTHIEST AND MOST VERSATILE OIL OF ALL.

 CONS: 

- Ricebran oil doesn't have many negative qualities.
- It is fattening and relatively high in calories so use it moderately.