Masala Chai-Spiced Indian Tea

Masala Chai is a blend of tea and spices.This beverage  has become popular in many parts of the world.Spices like cardamom,black pepper and ginger have several health benefits.A cup of warm masala chai can help you relax after a stressful day and can even keep us warm in the cold of winter.You can add sugar-free or even honey as sweetener.
Try this spiced tea with some hot crispy pakoras as evening snacks.

Ingredients:
Tea leaves-2 tablespoons(I prefer Tata Tea Gold)
Milk-1cup
Water-2 cups
Ginger-1 small piece
Green cardamoms-2
Bay leaf-1 small
Sugar-free powder-1 small teaspoon
Black pepper powder -1/4 teaspoon
Cloves-1

Method:
-Heat 2 cups of water in a pan and let it simmer on slow flame.
-Crush the ginger,cloves and cardamoms in a mortar-pastel and make a coarse powder.
-Add this powder along with the bay leaf and black pepper powder to the water and let it boil.
-Add 2 table spoon of tea leaves and allow it to boil.Stir well.
-Now add 1 cup of milk and boil it.
-Place a tea strainer on a cup and strain the tea.
-Add the sugar-free powder and stir it well with a spoon.
-Hot masala tea is ready!

Make-Ahead Basic Gravy(Indian Recipe)

Indian cooking is usually done with fresh ingredients and it's a common misconception that Indian food takes hours to cook.
Today's recipe is a basic Indian gravy that uses some of the common ingredients. Preparing this gravy ahead of time can further cut down on your cooking time.This gravy is cooked using a little more oil and no water is added.Use freezer storage bags to store this gravy and don't forget to label the bags with dates.
This gravy can be used to make a recipe using boiled potatoes and blanched vegetables.You can even cook eggs,meat,fish or paneer(Cottage Cheese) and green peas.
Ingreadients
Onions-1 big,sliced
Tomatoes-2 medium,Pureed
Ginger-Garlic paste-2 teaspoons
Green chilli-1,Finely chopped
Cinnamon-1 piece
Black pepper-2-3
Bay leaf-1
Green Cardamom-1
Red chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon
Coriander powder-1.5 teaspoon
Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Oil-5 teaspoons

Method
-Heat a pan and 5 teaspoons of oil and saute the sliced onions till translucent.
-Add finely chopped green chillies and all the above ingredients and cook for 3-4 minutes.
-Stir well to see that the gravy has been cooked properly.
-Turn the flame off and allow this gravy to cool completely.
-Take a spoon and put the gravy in a freezer storage bag or an air tight and dry container.
-This gravy stays fresh if stored properly for 3-4 days.
-Remember to use a spoon every time you use the gravy.

Kitchen Cleaning Tips

 Stop the kitchen Germs
Kitchen is the germiest place in the house.Since mothers are in charge of the food department,it is your responsibility to maintain a clean and germfree kitchen in your house.By following a proper regime you can easily control the kitchen  germs and bacteria.
Follow these tips to tackle the nasty germs and keep your kitchen clean.

 Kitchen Sponge

• This is an item that is filled with germs.Soak the sponges in bleach or vinegar solution for 20-30 minutes and rinse it thoroughly with dry hot air.
• Don't forget to change the sponges every two weeks.
• Use separate sponges for cleaning dishes and wiping counter tops,sinks and other surfaces.

Counters

•  Remember to wipe the counter top after each food preparation.Use 10% vinegar solution on the counters and keep them for 40 seconds and then wipe.
• You can also use antibacterial solutions or disinfecting solutions to spray or wipe the counters.

Cutting Boards

• Try and keep separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables.
• Use plastic or cutting boards as they are non porous and more resistant to bacterial attacks.
• Change the cutting board if it has lots of knife indentations or is worn out.
• Always disinfect the cutting board immediately after cutting meat or vegetables.This prevents cross contamination of food.
• Use hot soapy water and spray vinegar or bleach solution.Keep it for atleast 20 minutes.Rinse off with hot water and let it day.You can also put it in the dishwasher at high.

Dish Towel

• Use paper towels while preparing food with meat.Always wash hands with soap after cutting meat.
• It is a good idea to have separate towels for  wiping hands and dishes.

Trash Can

• Keep the trash can lid closed.This will keep the smells from spreading and also prevent insects and bacteria.
• Always keep a waste paper bag in the trash can.
• The trash can should be cleaned every time you see stains or dropped food inside.Spray bleach solution and keep it for 20 minutes.Rinse it with hot water and some anti bacterial solution and allow it to dry.

Handles

• Clean the refrigerator,cabinets and pantry door handles atleast once a week.
• Use bleach solutions or vinegar to clean.

Refrigerator

• Clean the handles every week.
• Wash all the surfaces of the fridge including drawers and racks with vinegar solution.
• Get rid of the mold on the refrigerator door by cleaning the surface with bleach.

Wonders of Oats and OatMeal

Oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods known for its high nutritional values.Oatmeal has been approved as a heart friendly food as it lowers cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart diseases.

Types of Oats and Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a whole-grain cereal made from ground oat groats.It has very low fat content and is rich in soluble fibers called Beta-Glucan.
Oatmeal comes in several forms:

• Instant Oatmeal-It is dried and precooked.It often contains sweeteners and other flavours as additive.
• Rolled Oats-This old fashioned oats is steam processed and rolled into flakes.This helps the oats to stay fresh for a longer time.Rolled oats are used as an ingredient in muesli and granola.
• Steel-cut Oats/Irish Oatmeal-The oat groats are chopped into small pieces using  large steel blades and are usually roasted.

Nutrition

• Vitamins-Oatmeal is a good source of B-complex vitamin.Vitamin B is water soluble and is important for metabolic functions.
• Minerals-Oatmeal cereal is a rich source of magnesium, zinc,iron,manganese and selenium.It also contains calcium,potassium and phosphorous.Magnesium supports the immune system and zinc promotes healing and growth.Phosphorous and calcium are good for bone and teeth.Iron helps to create red blood cells and thus prevent anemia.
• Protein-One cup of cooked oatmeal has 6 grams of protein.It provides all the energy required by our body.
• Carbohydrate-A cup of cooked oatmeal contains 28.08 g of carbohydrate.

Health Benefits

• Soluble fibers present in oats and oatmeal lower the LDL or bad cholesterol in the body.
• Phytochemicals in oats and oatmeal  can lower the risk of developing cancer.
• Avenanthramides, a type of antioxidant are present in oats.This helps to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
• Insoluble fibers in oats help to stabilize blood sugar and this can help patients with diabetes.

 Tips to make your Best Oatmeal

• Oats can be slow cooked and even reheated.Reheating does not reduce the nutritional value of oats.
• Instant oatmeal usually has higher glycemic index,you can add a little fat free or low fat milk and a few nuts to lower the glycemic index.
• Steel-cut and rolled oats are considered superior to instant oats as they contain more fibers and nutrients.Steel cooked oats take atleast half and hour to cook while rolled oats can be cooked in 15 minutes.Add 2 parts water to one part oat while boiling.
• You can add soy milk or low fat milk to your oats to get more calcium.
• Pieces of fresh fruits like strawberry,kiwis,apple,banana or chikoo can be added to the oats.You can also add dried fruits like raisins.
• Add a dash of Cinnamon,pumpkin seeds or even cocoa to make your oats topping  more delicious.

 

Turmeric- The Amazing Health Food

Turmeric(Curcuma Longa) is a sharp tasting spice derived from a root and is commonly used as a culinary spice in South Asia.This spiceccomes from the underground stem(rhizomes) of the turmeric plant.It has a sharp,woodsy taste and pungent aroma.It has been widely used as a traditional remedy to cure many ailments in Ayurvedic as well as Chinese medicine.

Potential Nutrients
The main nutrient in turmeric is Curcumin which is consumed in diets and is used as herbal remedy in many countries.Curcumin  in turmeric has strong antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,anti cancer and cortisone -stimulating properties..
Other compounds include ascorbic acid,carotene,polysaccharides and ar-turmerone.These compounds also have medicinal properties.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

• It helps to stimulate the gallbladder and improve bile flow.This helps in treating many gastrointestinal problems.
• It helps to remove bloating,gas,heart burn and acid reflux.
• It can be applied on the skin to treat wounds,insect bites,eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
• Turmeric has as a powerful anti-inflammatory property which helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Some medical studies have also proved that curcumin in turmeric has several anti-cancer properties.These studies suggest that curcumin should be considered as an anticancer agent and must be included as part of daily diet.Some studies have also shown that curcumin inhibits the growth of certain tumors.
• It has the power to thin blood and reduce the ability to form clots.This helps people with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Research has also shown that use of turmeric or curcumin might protect against Alzheimer's disease, stomach ulcers and heart diseases.

How to select Turmeric
It is advisable to buy turmeric powder from reputed manufacturers.Go for organic brands if possible as this will ensure that the product is free from adulteration.

Storage Tips
Store in a cool and dark place away from heat and direct sunlight.Always store in a dry and clean jar and seal the lid after use.

Precautions

• Pregnant women should always consult doctors before taking turmeric supplements.
• If taken in high doses it may cause nausea and diarrhea.
• People suffering from liver problems,gallstones and jaundice should not take turmeric.
• Turmeric may have possible interactions with some drugs,so it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any curcumin supplement.

Stop Child Labour

  Say NO to Child Labour:

Childhood is the most special time in one's life.When we look back,we all have happy memories of childhood.Spending time with parents and grandparents and all the love and attention we got.
Unfortunately,there are many children who have been deprived of this love.Life for these children is very different.They have to drop out of school to work as labourers at construction sites,as domestic help or in hazardous industries.

Supporting their family from an early age is a must for them.Life for these little children is a constant battle with hunger and disease.
Child labour is a disgrace for the society.These unfortunate children are neglected by their families and society too.Poverty and unemployment forces the little children to steal and do odd jobs.They are even harassed and exploited by people.
This is the plight of millions of poor children in developing countries including India.The government has enforced certain laws to stop child labour but it still needs to do much more.The government should  punish people who employ children.
The Indian government is providing free school education to poor children and is also giving free books and mid-day meals.Despite the government's efforts,not many parents are sending their children to school.
There are various NGOs that are working towards improving the living conditions of these poor children and their family.
I truly appreciate the efforts of organizations like CRY.It has helped many children live with dignity.
We as responsible citizens of the society too can do a lot to put an end to child labour.

• Don't employ any children for domestic help and discourage others too.
• Volunteer to teach poor children buy conducting evening classes in your locality.
• Don't buy products of manufacturers who employ child laborers.
• Support organizations working to stop child labouur.

Every child is special and has the right to education and life of dignity.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Bathroom during Covid-19

The health authorities recommend everyone to wash their hands frequently and pay more attention to keeping the home clean, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, where dust and dirt can become a source of infection, if they are not properly cleaned.In this post i am going to share some important tips to keep the bathroom clean.

BATHROOM GERMS-You can really catch them!

It's true that you cannot entirely wipe out the germs but there are simple things that can be done around the house to maintain a germ free house.
Without much effort you can keep the germs at bay and keep your family healthy.
It's true that when the dirt is visible we quickly wipe it off or wash it,but the fact is that most of the dirt is invisible and odourless. The kitchen and toilet are the heavens for the common household germs.
So it's important that you concentrate on these two rooms in the house.


According to a survey by Hygiene Council, the bathroom is the room where you can find germs lurking.
Here's something most people are unaware of,they think that the toilet seat is the place where most bacteria are found.Instead, the germiest parts of the bathroom are not just the toilet seats but faucets and the toilet handle.

• Cleaning the toilet each week should be a priority.Use a good toilet cleaner that contains bleach or a disinfectant cleanser and a brush to clean.

•  Don't forget to change your germ ridden toilet brush from time to time.You can also make your own bleach solution with 1 cup of bleach mixed in 1 gallon of water.Close the lid on the toilet seat before you flush because flushing can cause germs to spread to the other counters.

• Use old towels or disposable sponges to clean.

• Keep the shower walls and floors free of molds.You can do this by spraying bleach solution and cleaning the walls with packaged cleaning wipes.

• If you are using shower curtains then keep changing them every 1 to 3 months.

Following a daily routine of good personal hygiene can help you win the battle against bathroom germs.

• You must wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap after using the toilet.Kids must also be taught to practice this.

• Each member of the family should have a separate towel in the bathroom.

• Discard old toothbrushes from time to time.

• Replace the plastic bathroom cups with disposable paper cups.

Cleaning regularly and practicing hygiene can lower your risk from bathroom germs.
If you and your family practice  good personal and household hygiene and follow these simple steps then you can prevent the unnecessary bouts of illness.

Kid Superfoods

Helping kids avoid junk food and eat superfoods:

Kids love to eat burgers, fries and a whole lot of other junk food.It's not that a trip to KFC or McDonalds is bad but having it once in a while is okay but if your kids want to have it on a  regular basis, then we all know it's definitely not good.old habits are hard to break but it's not impossible.Though my son is not accustomed to eating junk food but he sometimes whines for it and I do take him out for a treat but that is not very often,once in 2 months maybe.
I try to make sure that there is no junk food in the house .Developing good eating habits in kids can be tricky but parents should make sure that kids are exposed to different kinds of super foods from an early age.

What are Superfoods
Well, superfoods are those foods that are packed with vitamins,minerals and antioxidants.In other world superfoods are whole foods.These foods act like a tonic for the body and help you build immunity and live a healthy life.They are natural food sources where the nutrients are in the raw unprocessed state.
Some of you might be thinking, why not multivitamins and supplements? research has shown that taking multivitamins over a prolonged period of time increases the person's chances of death .No.I'm not trying to scare you but it's a fact established on the basis of several studies.

10 Super foods
 1) Oatmeal- Oats are rich in fiber and antioxidants.They also contain Zinc,magnesium and also iron.Some studies have also shown that kids who had oats in their breakfast were able to concentrate better in classroom.The study also showed that kids who ate oats at the start of their day showed increased spatial memory skills as compared to kids who had cereals.Spatial memory is related to memory and problem solving abilities in kids.
2) Whole Eggs-Eggs contain Choline, an important component that is essential for brain development in kids.They are also packed with protein.Egg Yolk is equally important.It contains all essential vitamins and minerals.So,don't even think of throwing away the yolk.Best way to have eggs is hard boil it and kids can have it as snack or can even take it in their lunch box.
3)Fruits-As we all know "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Yes, apples are a great source of vitamins and minerals .Other fruits like Kiwi fruits,strawberries,mangoes, bananas and pears.Serve fruits as fruit salad and fruit kebabs
4)Milk-A natural source of calcium and protein.Proteins helps in the wear and tear of the body and calcium is great for keeping bones and teeth strong and healthy.
5)Nuts and Seeds-Nuts provide the essential fats that kids little bodies require.A handful of nuts can provide quick energy and keep away the hunger pangs.Almonds are rich in Vitamin-E and calcium.Mix powdered almonds into a glass of milk.Walnuts contain antioxidants and are very beneficial for brain developments.
Another seed that is rich in antioxidants is Pumpkin seeds.Pumpkin seeds are known to have many health benefits.
6)Tomatoes-Tomatoes contain Lycopene. Lycopene is a substance that fights against cancer.Kids can have ripe and juicy tomatoes or you can even cook it.Cooking tomatoes makes it even more healthier.
7)Yogurt-Regular consumption of yogurt  helps build immunity.It also helps in digestion.Yogurt contains healthy bacteria which regulates the sugar levels in our kid's body.Go for pro-biotic curd.
8)Fish-Fish like Salmon,mackerel and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids which is good for brain development in children.It is also heart friendly.
9)Beans-Pinto beans.chick peas,black beans are all filled with protein, vitamins and calcium.They help our body to fight against bad cholesterol.Darker the colour of beans,the better it is.
10)Green Vegetables -This includes green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.Vegetables like broccoli and cabbage are extremely good for health.They contain antioxidants and are full of vitamins and minerals.

I know it can be tough to get your kids eat all the healthy veggies and fruits.I sure do.In my next post I'm going to share some of my ideas to get kids eat vegetables and fruits.

Celebrate Earth Day with Kids

Today is World Earth Day and this is the best time to teach our children how to protect and preserve what mother earth has given us.

Our children are the future of this planet and it's never too late to explain how by our small efforts we can make  the earth a green place to live.

Teach then the concept of REDUCE,REUSE and RECYCLE.

• Reduce-means making less garbage.Take your kids to a nearby park and pick up trash like plastic bottles,cans but be there to supervise so that they don't pick up any dangerous stuff like broken glass pieces.Talk to them how certain waste can pollute the environment and make animals sick.Also talk about the bio degradable and non-degradable stuff.

•     Reuse-means making use of something more than once.Take a reusable bag and decorate it with ribbons and buttons.Involve kids in this activity.Kids can use this for carrying lunch boxes to school or even to the local grocery store.

• Recycle-turning something useful into another useful item,like recycled paper and cans.

Save Energy-Explain what is energy and where it comes from.Talk to them about the various alternate sources of energy,like solar,hydro and wind energy.Tell your kids to turn off lights and Tvs when you are not in the room.

Save Fuel-You and you kids can walk to the local store instead of going by car.Cycling is also another option you can consider.Encourage your kids to walk or ride a bike to their school.

Global Warming -how pollution and cutting trees is effecting mother earth .Explain how global warming is effecting our life on earth.

Save Water-How water can be used to generate electricity.How can we save water by rain water harvesting and stop the water pollution.

Endangered animals-Talk about the various endangered animals like the Indian tiger.Why they are becoming extinct and what we can do to conserve this species.

Giving back to mother earth:

• Plant more and more trees

• Use recycled products as far as possible

• Participate in fundraising activities for environment and wildlife conservation.

• Involve in clean up garbage or other green activities in your community.

• Spread awareness about environmental issues with friends.

Here's a list of some interesting books on Earth:
1)The cat in the hat comes back-by Dr.Seuss
2)Worms eat my garbage-by Mary Appel
3)The hungry caterpillar-by Eeic Carle
4)Kids nature notebook-by Susan Milord
5)Bugwise and Birdwise-by Pamela Hickman


Everyday is Earth Day.If we take care of nature,it takes care of us.