Hummus recipe



Hummus is a very popular middle eastern dish that is mainly enjoyed with pita bread or as a side to other items.

To make hummus we need very few and basic ingredients.
1.Chickpeas (soaked in water and completely boiled for 4-5 whistles in a pressure cooker) 1 cup
2. White sesame seeds half cup
3. garlic 1 clove
4. Olive oil half cup
5.Lemon juice half cup
6. Salt to taste

Proportion of chickpeas and sesame seeds should be 2:1.

Procedure is the simplest of all.
Just dump in all ingredients into a mixer grinder or food processor. Blend it into a smooth paste like texture and if required you can add water or olive oil to adjust the consistency. Your hummus is ready.
Instead of sesame seeds you can also add tahini sauce if you have or want. But tahini sauce is actually made of sesame seeds like a thin paste of sesame seeds infused with lemon juice.
Traditionally , hummus is served with pita bread but you can also serve it with roti like I did and it tastes absolutely phenomenal.
Make it and let me know how it was.

Spinach and Baby Lima Beans soup| Spinach recipes| Healthy vegetable soup


Spinach and Baby Lima beans soup is my husband's recipe. This is a very simple healthy and light dish,the recipe is easy and quick to make. Both the ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. We all should find more recipes to introduce such healthy ingredients into our daily diet.
You can visit my youtube channel to see this in action. Click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ4OGqwUzJc

 Ingredients:
1.Spinach 10 oz
2.Baby Lima beans 12 oz
3.Water 3 cups
4.Dried red chilli 2
5.Bayleaf 2
6.Panchphoron 1 tsp
(Panchphoron is a 5 whole spice mix consisting of cumin, black cumin,white mustard, fennel and fenugreek)
7.vegetable oil 1 tsp 

 Spinach and baby lima beans should be taken in almost equal amounts. If you are using frozen ingredients, no need to defrost it before cooking, Anyways you are going to cook the dish in a pressure cooker, so no need to defrost.

 Procedure:
1.Use a pressure cooker for this dish as it 
reduces the time and effort by half.
2.Pour 1 tsp of oil, put in Dried red chilli 2
Bayleaf 2, Panchphoron 1 tsp and saute.
3.dump in spinach and lima beans, Salt to taste and turmeric powder(optional). Saute.
4.Pour 3 cups water.
5. Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles.

 Your Spinach and Baby Lima beans soup is ready.
Serve with bread or paratha or enjoy as it is.

12 Best Places to visit in your Smoky mountain trip

Road trip comes along with your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. The best time to visit Smokies is the Fall season but Spring is also a very good and convenient time to visit because hotel prices remain low, good weather, spring blooms and wildflowers.

1.If you are passing through Kentucky, then you should stop at Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum for a quick lunch. Its the original KFC and has a little museum attached to it showcasing KFC history and stuff, so it will be a 2-in-1 stop.








2.Get your hotel at Gatlinburg or book a cabin in the hills. Gatlinburg is the litttle gateway town to the mountains situates on the lap of the mountains filled with hotels, restaurants and shops. A long walk around the streets will be entertaining.

 3.Ober Gatlinburg is best attraction in Gatlinburg itself. It is a cubicle hanging in a ropeway all the way up to the mountains. The guide will describe all the places it passes through with beautiful views of the mountains and the picture perfect town of Gatlinburg. The place where it drops you has many other activities to do like ice skating, cafes,fun rides and Scenic Chairlift. You can get tickets on spot or online. Click here to visit the official website.

 4.Scenic Chairlift will be an wonderful experience if you dare to do so. I will recommend this only to fit people , because this is a cable chair thing for two people hanging with a rope going even higher up to the steep Mount Harrison at a view point and the hanging chair wont even stop to pick you up at the station. You have to jump-sit on the moving chair as it will pass through the station.  I dont want to make it scary, but it is what it is. You have to get the tickets on spot where Ober will take you. So it is a two part journey. Photos will be taken at the very end while you are still hanging on the chairlift, smile or kiss and make it worth all the risk.



5.Visit Laurel Falls and Cade's Cove on the same day, as both are on the same route. Laurel Falls is a 1.3 miles steep walk, possible to tag along children,it comes first on the way. The waterfall is good and worth the steep walking.

6.Cade's Cove is a beautiful scenic area on top a mountain. It is not a particular point, it is a scenic loop of 7-11 miles drive-through comprising of lush meadows, little cottages, winding roads, horses, deer and good views. It is a photographers haven. There are several parking spots on the road where you can stop your car and come out to enjoy peaceful nature and take photographs.
7. Roaring Forks Motor Trail is a scenic drive through with Little river by the road side all along. There are several beautiful rapids which calls for wonderful photography opportunities.(the first pic of the page)

 8. Rainbow Falls is another hiking people look up to. Sadly it is really long and can take about 5 hours or so. We didnt have time to do it.

 9. Last but not the least, Clingmans Dome. This is sacred place of worship for the Cherokee tribe. There is a steep road taking you up there and there is the Appalachian Trail passing along with it. You can go by one and return by another. You will be North Carolina at this stage. On the way you can also visit the border between the two states.
Note: The washroom at Clingmans dome is ancient style and you will have a bad experience using it. So take precautions or you may drink less water and wait till you reach Sugarlands Visitor Center.

 10. The Island at Pigeon Forge is an amazing place filled with shops, restaurants and free parking. There is fountain in the middle of the plaza surrounded by rocking chairs which displays light and sound fountain show at regular intervals which is very enjoyable.

 11. Helicopter rides in this area (Sevierville)is way cheaper compared to other places. We did the Scenic Helicopter tours for $35 a person. Rates start at $9, $18, $25 ,$35 and so on. It was worth it and had to buy our photograph taken by a staff at the end of your ride. Check out details here.

 12. For great food options, I will recommend Cicis pizza which is a pizza buffet, a dream come true. We had another dinner at Panda Express at Pigeon Forge and then went to see the fountain show at the Islands at pigeon Forge..

 There are many many other beautiful places to see in the Smokies but this is just what I saw on my trip.

12 Easy BBQ Recipes:Chicken,fish,mushroom,shrimp,paneer: Complete food guide to a grilling party| Grilling recipes


Spring has just set in. As the weather outside improves, you gear up for exciting outdoor activities . BBQ and grilling remains one of our favorite activities on a lazy weekend or vacation or camping.Here are 12 of my favorite and best recipes to give you a beautiful bbq party.

 Chicken:
BBQ recipes with chicken can be endless but here are 6 of my favorite ways to grill chicken which are hassle-free and super tasty to brighten up your day.

 1. Chicken Tandoori: Buy Chicken Tandoori masala from the INDIAN SECTION of any grocery store near you or at your Indian supermarket.
Marinate chicken cubes or whole chicken or drumsticks in a mixture of plain no flavour 
yogurt and Tandoori masala with salt to taste, leave overnight. Next day carry your marinated chicken to your bbq location,put them in skewers and grill. Enjoy with lemon and onion wedges.

 2.Chicken Tikka Masala: Buy Chicken Tikka masala from the INDIAN SECTION of any grocery store near you or at your Indian supermarket.
Marinate chicken cubes in a mixture of plain yogurt and Tikka masala with salt and paprika to taste,leave overnight. Next day carry your marinated chicken to your bbq location,put them in skewers and grill.

 3.Chicken Teriyarki Rolls: Buy Teriyarki Sauce from the Sauces or chinese SECTION of any grocery store near you or at your Chinese supermarket.Marinate thinly sliced chicken with teriyarki sauce with salt to taste,leave overnight. Next day carry your marinated chicken to your bbq location,put them in skewers and grill. A bottle of this sauce is always useful to make any week night stir fry.You can eat grilled teriyarki chicken just like that or you can make chicken rolls with tortillas and burritos with these along with lettuce and mayonnaise.

 4.BBQ Chicken: Buy BBQ sauce from any grocery store.Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper and grill them for about 15 minutes or more till they are completely cooked. Brush bbq sauce on them just couple of minutes before taking them out of fire. In this way the sauce does not burn. 

 5.BBQ Cajun Chicken wings: Buy BBq sauce and cajun spice (low sodium) from any grocery store.  Mix bbq sauce and cajun spice in 2:1 proportion.  Grill chicken wings till completely cooked and then brush the bbq cajun sauce on them just couple of minutes before taking them out of fire. In this way the sauce does not burn. 

 6.Teriyarki Sesame Chicken wings: Mix 1 or 2 tsp of dry roasted white sesame seeds with teriyarki sauce, adjust salt if required.Grill chicken wings and brush the sesame teriyarki sauce on them just couple of minutes before taking them out of fire. In this way the sauce does not burn. 

 Fish:

 7.Indian style grilled Salmon: Buy Shan fried fish Masala or Shan fish seasoning from the INDIAN SECTION of any grocery store near you or at your Indian supermarket. (I personally recommend this brand because I use it regularly and love it. But if you do not get this then you can buy any fried fish seasoning which has dried herbs in it.)
 Prepare a spice mixture of: 
fish seasoning+ turmeric powder(optional) + paprika+little cayenne or red chilli powder+salt to taste. Generously sprinkle this spice blend on the salmon fillets, both sides and rub. Now, on a piece of aluminium foil lock the marinated salmon pieces with little minced garlic and lemon juice or lemon wedges on top. Grill for 10 minutes each side.
You have the most amazing salmon. 
You can also make this salmon dish at your home OTG or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes and broil 2 minutes for that amazing crispy top.

 8.BBQ Tilapia: Buy BBQ dry spice from the spices section at your local grocery store. Marinate the tilapaia fillets with this spice+salt to taste+paprika. Now, on a piece of aluminium foil lock the tilapia fillets with lemon juice. Grill for 10 minutes each side.

 9.Zesty Shrimp: Marinate large shrimps with Olive oil+paprika+italian seasoning+lemon juice+salt+pepper. Leave it overnight. Arrange them in skewers which is a little difficult task. Grill for 10-15 minutes and you have the yummy zesty shrimp. You can also make this dish at home in a frying pan and serve this as a starter.

 10.Buttery Shrimp with tartar sauce: You can also grill shrimps with salted butter and minced garlic and enjoy them with tartar sauce which is made for seafood, available in the fresh seafood section or at the sauce section of your local grocery store.

 Mushrooms: 

 11. Mushroom Bombs:This is the ultimate mushroom recipe which you can make at home or at your bbq party. For this you need whole or half mushrooms. Saute some minced garlic in butter which will give you "garlicy butter". Now marinate the mushrooms in that garlicy butter+Soy sauce+italian seasoning+pepper+ salt to taste. Put them in skewers and grill for 10-15 minutes and eat them whole at ones. Enjoy the flavor bombs. Mushrooms are spongy in nature, all these flavors get absorbed so well if you keep them marinated overnight and when you eat them they just burst into your mouth. Amazing feeling.

 Paneer/Tofu:

 12.Paneer tikka Masala:This item can make you the star of the bbq party. Marinate paneer cubes( about 12 cubes) with a mixture of : 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste+1 tbsp of oil+juice of half a lemon+pinch of turmeric powder+1 tsp paprika(kashmiri chili powder)+ 1 tsp garam  masala+2 tsp chaat masala+1tsp cumin-coriander powder. Arrange this in skewers with onion and bell pepper cubes. Grill. Panner takes only few minutes to cook, say 7-12 minutes.
You can also serve this dish as a starter in your home, grill it in oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes and broil 2 minutes for that amazing crispy top.

  Happy Grilling!!!




Disney Tinkerbell movie on Netflix: Best Tinkerbell movies: Kids movies on Netflix




Lately, I was watching a lot of Disney's Tinkerbell movies on Netflix. Tinkerbell is a favorite cartoon character for most of us but in our childhood (for 90's kid) we mostly experienced them in comic books. But at the age twenty four now, I am enjoying watching these equally.
I loved all the Tinkerbell movies especially-

1. Disney Tinkerbell: I think this is the first movie of Tinkerbell. It shows the birth of fairies and Tinkerbell and to love yourself no matter what you are.

2.Disney Tinkerbell and the legend of the Neverbeast: This is a fascinating movie which revolves around the friendship of the huge Neverbeast (which wakes up ones in about 1000 years to protect the fairies) and Tinkerbell.

3.Disney Secret of the Wings: This is very captivating movie which shows Tinkerbell has a sister who is a winter fairy, so they cannot live together because the wings of each kind of fairy are adapted to their particular weather and breaking rules can actually harm them. Rules are actually made for protection.

4.Disney Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy rescue: This movie shows how Tinkerbell gets trapped by a lonely little girl and finally the friendship between them and Tinkerbell's rescue by her gang. The girl and her father will get to see all the fairies and have tea with them at the end. 

 Apart from Tinkerbell Movies , here is a list of the best animated Disney movies that I have really loved and I think you and your kids will have a great time to watch these movies.

1.Walt Disney short film Collection : This is a collection of 12 short films for 1 hour 29 minutes covering some the best movies like 'Frozen fever', 'Paperman' and so on.

2.Disney Mickey's Once upon a Christmas: This is a collection of three films on Christmas stories of Mickey, Donald Duck and Goofy individually. It will be a very heartwarming watch.

3.Anastasia: This is the story of the lost princess Anastasia and a wizard. Captivating storyline and some amazing animated work.

4.Disney Atlantis Milo's Return: This movie shows a group of researchers discover the cursed Atlantis under the sea guarded by a monstrous creature and its rescue.

 5. Disney Sofia the first: This is a series about the adventures of a little girl named Sofia who became a princess overnight when her mother married the King of Enchancia. Currently they are released Season 3. Each episode ends with a good lesson.

So now you have a list of movies absolutely best for your kids. So no more wasting time in selecting the perfect movie for your little baby. Find it in Netflix and have a great time.

Cherry Blossom in Columbus, Ohio, USA


Columbus in Ohio is definitely not the name which comes in your mind when you hear Cherry blossom. But for all the local residents to enjoy the lovely cherry blossom in Columbus itself , I will be sharing with you a list of places in Columbus.

 1. Inniswood Botanical Garden which is also a metro park is the top place to visit for cherry blossom from mid April to early May. There are a number of cherry blossom trees at the entrance and then inside too. At this time there will be lovely tulips too. I had a wonderful time here last year at April end. All the flowers were at their peak stage.

 2. Franklin park conservatory promises to showcase some cherry blossom tress at April end. I am planning a visit.

 3. Scioto Mile has something always for all season.

 4. Shafer Street, Athens, Ohio 45701.: I read about Cherry blossom in this street in an article but I have not been here. But I plan to go this time and check this place.

  Thats all for now. If I discover more places I will update here and also post pictures so check out this page later and also the above places in the upcoming cherry blossom season.

 Tell me about any cherry blossom places you know in Columbus in the comments section below.

Cleaning with baking soda and white vinegar.

I recently got to know about the unlimited uses of baking soda and regular white vinegar. So, today I am going to share some useful and life changing tips with you.

 1. Here is this cleaning recipe: mix 2 tsp of baking soda, 2 tsp of  your dish-washing liquid and 1 tsp of white vinegar. 
When you pour the vinegar/lemon juice ,you will notice the mixture is becoming frothy, this is because the baking soda is getting activated. Baking soda needs something citric in nature in order to get activated. Vinegar and lemon juice are the most common things present in our homes.
Use this mixture to clean your basin, kitchen sink , bathtub, bathroom walls,taps and so on. Just rub the mixture wherever you need to clean and keep it for 5 minutes. Then just rub with a thick scrub soaked in water and then wash away with water. Squeaky clean results,even at the most pathetically gross areas. Hard water changes the looks of the taps but after cleaning with this mixture your tap will come back to its original looks. Mark my words- this will be a life changing experience.

 2. Pour some white vinegar on the paper towel or a cloth and rub stained areas like table tops and floors.  You can also clean your rusted scissors in the same way. You can wipe floors with this too. Vinegar also acts as a deodorizer , it absorbs all the foul smelling substances and dont worry about the vinegary  smell, it vanishes in a couple of minutes.

 3. Does your shoes smell really gross? Problem solved. Sprinkle some baking soda in your shoes  at night, like powder, spread properly and sleep and in the morning.... Voila!! All smell gone.
This trick works for any gross smelling places because baking soda also acts as a deodorizer , it absorbs all the foul smelling substances. Sprinkle baking soda in your bed, sofa, carpet, shoe rack, drains and so on.

 4. You can also keep a cup or a bowl of vinegar wherever you think is smelling foul. Vinegar will absorb all the bad smell.

 All the above tips and tricks have been tested by me and all worked. Try these and let me know how well it worked for you in the comments section below and also share more 'baking soda and vinegar' cleaning tips with us .
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