Modern times call for .....fast cooking!!!

In looking at the stats related to this blog, I have come to realize that we all have our priorities and honestly, they are superbly transparent…to prove it, I can further tell you that, the "children's lunchbox" post got maximum views, followed by the “healthy salad” post and then the “travel” to Spain one. Now, does that not tell us something about human nature/priorities?

Considering the above, I thought of making a very healthy meal/dessert/snack (depending on what time of the day it is served and to whom).

The yogurt parfait was an absolute favorite for most of my colleagues at work. It just made the 7 a.m. meetings at the office seem slightly more attractive as we drove through snow piled highways listening to the radio station.  It was also a tradition of sorts for my new year morning breakfast for friends. Of course, in the US, I had the luxury of buying frozen mixed berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries etc.) and it was fairly quick to simply make the layers and accept the compliments J.

For my cousin’s anniversary, we decided to surprise them with home-made breakfast at 7 am. Obviously, the tried and tested yogurt parfait first came to mind and I used a combination of vanilla and strawberry yogurt, fresh strawberries and granola to pull the parfait together. There were a few extras helpings that I shared with my neighbors (yes, I know….just about now, you are wishing you were my neighbor J).  It surprised me to realize that this was a unique combination for most folks and that it was a surefire hit considering its “healthy” quotient. Best of all, the kids seem to love it as well!!

Here I am sharing a slightly modified version of the parfait - for everyone, whether young or old…. 

 

Mango Yogurt Parfait - (serves 6)

 

5 small packs of vanilla flavored yogurt

2 granola bars (I used "oats and honey")

1 cup Mango Puree (homemade with no added sugar)/fresh cut mangoes

1 packet mango flavored jelly (will not be fully used)

Almond flakes and raisins (optional)

Transparent individual serving containers

 

Pre-set your favorite jelly in the containers (I used mango). This step is optional.

 

 

Add vanilla flavored yogurt and top with a layer of granola bar broken in chunks.

 

 

Add fresh fruits or as in my case, the mango puree.

 

 

Simply repeat your layers, top with almond flakes and raisins (as per taste).....and refrigerate. Enjoy it chilled!!

 

This dessert is a lot better when served with fresh fruits. In case you don't have flavored yogurt handy, you can take regular yogurt and add some berry jam to it and whit it well :).

 

So go ahead.....make your day....and your kids as well!!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start of a New Chapter....

So why does one become a blogger? Is it out of an odd sort of a need to express oneself and get ratification from others on our thoughts/opinions or is it for the simple pleasure of expression for the sake of communication with like-minded/wider reaching audience?

For myself, I can say, that the name of the blog gives a pretty good hint on why I am here...."diva" and "delicious"......sort of my motto in life......
 

After living in Minneapolis for slightly over ten years, we decided to move back to India....the city of choice was Bangalore or Bengaluru as it is now called. It has been close to three years since the move and I am discovering the joys of living in a city which offers the best of most culinary delights.

 

Food has always been inspiring for me, but, I realized that its a lot more satisfying when accompanied with scintillating conversation between friends and new acquaintances. Entertaining family and friends with uniquely flavored dishes, well thought out menus and listening to interesting escapades and impromptu witty remarks make me feel truly happy.

 

Entertainment happens for a variety of reason - special occasions, lets-just-catch-up-since-its-Sunday, book club meetings, pot-luck get together and so many more. I am just thankful that we are blessed with friends who range in age from 30-65, and have varied tastes (from being avid painters to wine connoisseurs, to closet singers etc.), and grateful that they all seem to appreciate our company!

 

A good start to this blog would be with me sharing a recipe that was always a hit - whether in the US or here......

 

     Mango Avocado Salsa
 

2 large sized ripe avocados or 3 small ones (roughly chopped)

1/2 cup chopped ripe mango

1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
 

      3-4 tbsp onions - chopped fine

     3 tbsp green bell pepper - chopped fine
 

2 tbsp cilantro - chopped fine
 

2 tbsp lemon juice

1-2 cloves of crushed garlic
 

1/2 tsp de-seeded jalapeno - finely chopped (to taste)
 

1/4 tsp of cumin powder

pinch of cayenne pepper
 

salt and crushed black pepper to taste

 

Mix all the ingredients in a colorful bowl and presto...your appetizer is ready. All you need to do is surround the salsa/dip with your favorite tortilla chips (my favorite combinations were either the extra cheesy variety or the spicy tomato one).

Whereas the above is a very basic recipe, you can always modify the same with the following options:

· Substitute the mango with pineapple and add red chili powder instead of the black pepper powder

 

· Add 1/4 cup pomegranate and a pinch of sweet paprika powder to replace the black pepper powder
 

· Serve with chilled, crunchy, sliced and peeled cucumbers instead of chips

 

Serving food in a creative and fun way is just as important, as enjoying its taste and aromas!

Happy entertaining!