Designing The ‘Perfect Meal’ With Your Hands

We're celebrating Healthy Eating at Foodathon this week and to start with, let's talk about how to make the perfect meal.

The Perfect Meal takes the complexity out of creating healthy, and goal orientated, meals. It follows a simple system of portion sizes (using your hands) that will help ensure that you consume all of the nutrients required to keep your body happy, healthy, and lean.

So how does it work?

Well, it works on the simple premise that every meal must have a few components, and each of these has a serving size that’s determined by your hands. These components are –

• 2 palms of protein – the building blocks of muscle
• 2 fists of veggies – for vitamins, minerals, and fibre
• 2 thumbs of healthy fat – to improve testosterone levels
• A big glass of water – because you’re probably dehydrated, and as Dan John would say ‘water is the most anabolic thing on this planet’.

That’s a pretty simple way of setting things out, right?

High on Desserts – Chennai Style!

It’s the Valentines week and how else can we celebrate it without some sweets? I know the sweets and bakery market shoot up during Valentines day and here’s Foodathon suggesting few of the best desserts and have a sugar overdose peeps!

That Tiny Chocolate Cake

Don’t you feel it’s tiny? Oh yes, this Tiny Chocolate is definitely a MUST for everyone.  I know you’re writhing in chocolicious ecstasy right now.

This is available in the famous Sandy’s in Chennai and it’s just not this tiny in real, MIND YOU!

Rainbow Cake

Bored of one flavoured cakes?  Then please do try Rainbow cake. This cake which is filled with different colors is not just eye-catchy but equally yummalicioussss!

You get Rainbow cake in Cupcake Company, Chennai. Try out their cupcakes too. Truly blissful!
 

Ice Cream Cannelloni

It's easier to resist at the beginning than at the end, but where does this begin?!

"Leave the gun. Take the canneoli." 

Try these truly delicious canneolis at Amadora Gourmet Ice Cream and Sorbet, Chennai.

A definite must visit at least once in two weeks for the dessert lovers.

What other way to treat your loved ones than desserts? So foodies, STOP DROOLING and it’s time to GET HIGH ON DESSERTS!

Places to eat out on Valentine’s Day - Chennai style

Here are our top picks for Valentine’s Day this year – be it candle light dinner by the pool, some elegant wine, romantic music or irresistible desserts – we have it all covered.

The Taj Club House presents an exotic Chef’s special 5-course Dinner under the starlit sky at the rooftop Mediterranean restaurant, Kefi.

Prego by Taj offers a poolside venue, candle lit dinner, a gourmet handcrafted menu, and the finest bottle of Champagne and a starry sky above make for a memorable evening and dinner.

On the nights of February 13 and 14, Upper Deck and Bay View at Fisherman's Cove have a unique do for Valentine's. Four-course menu, dance floor, music bands... its attractions galore.

At Taj Coromandel, it's Aphrodisia at The Patio and Cupid Nite at Matchpoint. Besides live music, dance floor and a mugshot corner to freeze those romantic memories, a four-course meal (champagne) is on offer at The Patio. At Matchpoint, it's going to be candle-lit dinner.

The Hilton offers alfresco dining experience with a set exclusive dinner menu, a bottle of sparkling wine, strawberries and chocolates, and unlimited soft beverages and alcoholic drinks. Guests will have the choice of dining at the rooftop bar, with a view of the cityscape, or share a romantic evening at the cabanas on Vintage Bank's patio.

Courtyard Marriott has drawn up elaborate Valentine’s Day special plans across its best restaurants. Rhapsody brings to you the ultimate romantic Valentine dinner - an exotic Valentine menu with Italian cuisine, wine, live-band, roses and everything romantic. At Paprika there is an elaborate buffet spread; live counters with a mouth-watering dessert menu.

Hyatt’s Valentine Day package that includes multiple experiences starting from pre-dinner beverages at the bar, followed by dinner at Stix and to end the evening on a sweet note they have a special dessert buffet at the pool side in specially decorated cabanas.

The Residency Towers hosts a sumptuous Buffet, Candle light dinner comprising 35 dishes bearing names inspired by romantic heroes and places with Live Music at the Main Street. Key Board artiste Francis will sing your favourite romantic songs. The roof top restaurant The Crown Deck that serves Indian and continental cuisine has a chef handcrafted Valentine’s Day special menu and also Heather & Ashley Playing Live romantic music to dine alfresco at the deck with a breath taking panoramic view of the Chennai City.

Radisson Blu GRT, GST Road offers romantic candle light dinner by the Poolside and Garden Café coupled with flowing wine, live romantic music and a special menu with cupid's favourites on the specials.

At GRT Grand, a special a la carte menu by chef David Kao is an attraction at Oriental Pearl, while a special mock tail will be offered to guests visiting Copper Point.

The Westin promises a special Valentine themed evening at Seasonal Tastes the 
city’s most elaborate dinner buffet specially crafted for families and couples. Signature dessert buffet spread of macaroons, chocolate and strawberry themed delights.

For those who are madly in love, Mad over Donuts has introduced <3 shaped donuts. The love specials come in three exciting flavours:

1. Sweetheart: Dipped in white chocolate. Filled with strawberry jelly. Topped with chocolate sprinkles and drizzled with strawberry jelly 
2. Berry MOON: Dipped in white chocolate, topped with strawberry butter cream rosette and a drizzle of strawberry jelly 
3. I Love Hazel: Filled with hazelnut and milk chocolate ganache, dipped in dark chocolate and topped with chocolate chips. So go ahead and experience pure bliss that’s not only in the air, but on your plate too! 

Valentines Day special !!

We believe the way to a man's heart is definitely through his stomach!! Celebrate the season of love with the universal language of love – Food. Try cooking some exotic, yet simple recipes for your valentine this season.  This is our guide to surprise your spouse with this quick romantic three-course meal this Valentine's Day !! 

Love Potion

·         Champagne

·         2 tablespoons fruit puree (raspberry, passion fruit, blood orange, peach, pomegranate)

Directions:

Spoon the puree into a champagne flute and pour champagne on top. How easy is that!

Stuffed With Love-Shrooms

·         12 gourmet stuffing mushrooms (Washed with stems removed and set aside)

·         1/2 cup white wine

·         2 tablespoons minced garlic

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         1 chopped onion

·         Half a bunch spinach

·         1 cup breadcrumbs

·         1 tablespoon dried parsley

·         1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise

·         3 slices cheese

·         salt and pepper

Directions:

·         Arrange Mushrooms in a large glass casserole dish, set aside.

         Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

·         In a pan, sauté mushroom stems, spinach, garlic, and olive oil for about 3- 4 minutes.

·         Add wine and continue to sauté for about 5-10 minutes.

·         Remove mixture from heat and place in a bowl.

·         Stir in bread crumbs, chopped onions, parsley, mayo and cheese. Mix well.

·         Scoop small amounts of mixture into each mushroom cap. Bigger caps will need more of the mixture.

·         Sprinkle tops with salt and pepper.

·         Cut  cheese slices into fourths. Place small pieces of onto each mushroom cap.

·         Cook in oven uncovered for 20-35 minutes. The bottom of the casserole dish will be wet when mushrooms are ready, and the cheese on top should be brown and bubbly.

Shrimp Alfredo

·         1 lb large shrimp, shelled and deveined

·         1/4 cup minced shallot

·         2 minced garlic cloves

·         1/4 cup butter

·         1/2 lb fusilli pasta, cooked al dente

·         4 large egg yolks

·         1 cup half-and-half

·         1/2 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese

·         2 teaspoons minced parsley

Directions:

·         In a large skillet, cook the shrimp, the shallot and garlic in the butter over moderate heat, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, or until shrimp are just firm to touch and opaque.

·         Reduce heat to moderately-low and stir in the pasta.

·         In a bowl, beat together the yolks, half and half and the Parmesan.

·         Add the egg mixture to the shrimp mixture and cook until the sauce is thickened, tossing all the while so the egg doesn’t curdle, about 3-4 minutes.

·         Do not let sauce boil.

·         Stir in parsley and salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with Love!!

Strawberry dipped chocolate

·         6 ounces semisweet chocolate

·         3 ounces White chocolate

·         1 pound strawberries with stems (about 20), washed and dried

·         Wax Paper

·         Microwave safe bowl to melt the chocolate

·         Optional:  Nuts, sprinkles or small chocolate chips to dip them in.

Directions:

·         Wash and dry all the strawberries.  Make sure they are completely dry before you start melting the chocolate.

·         Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl.  Be sure to only heat the chocolate for 30 seconds at a time so you don’t burn it.  You will heat the white chocolate in a separate bowl.

·         Lay out a long sheet of wax paper.

·         Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift and twist slightly, letting any excess chocolate fall back into the bowl.

·         Optional:  Dip them in Nuts, Sprinkles or small chocolate chips.

·         Set strawberries on the parchment paper.

·         Repeat with the rest of the strawberries.

·         Finally, dip a fork in the white chocolate and drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries.

·         Allow about 30 minutes for the chocolate to set and then enjoy!

Simple Chinese Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Who says Chinese is all meat and noodles?  Here’s a recipe that can make even the meat eaters drool. Enriched with fresh carrots, peas and a small helping of scrambled eggs, this rice dish is easy to make and yummy to eat! Scroll down, grab your pen and jot down the recipe for this simple, yet tasty dish.

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: 15 min

What you’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 3 cups cold cooked rice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

What to Do:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil. Add eggs and scramble, then break up scrambled eggs into small pieces. Remove from skillet and set aside.
    
2. Heat remaining oil in skillet; add peas and carrots and cook 3 minutes. Add rice and soy sauce and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through, stirring frequently. Stir in scrambled egg pieces and cook 1 to 2 additional minutes, or until heated through. Serve immediately.

Let's go Chinese!

To all you foodies out there, welcome and Gong Hei Fat Choi (Happy New Year!!) 

With the Chinese New Year up and coming, we thought it would be best to indulge in some Chinese flavours for the week. For the next few days we will unravel the mystery and secret behind traditional Chinese recipes that will leave you asking for more.

Chinese New Year traditionally represents a family re-union with every family spending a good feast on the table with their near and dear ones. This blog will be a sneak peek into all those delicacies on the table like the rice cakes, dumplings, Sweet glutinous rice balls, whole duck, noodles, candied lotus seeds and many more!

Watch this space for some yummy, flavorsome and delicious Chinese food that can set your taste buds tickling for some yummy Cantonese food.