25 Cool Places to visit in lifetim

Cape Town

Cape Town is situated at the tip of the African Continent. The only way to understand and enjoy Cape Town is by experiencing the unique range of multicultural lifestyles and scenic national surroundings for yourself.

During the summer season, Cape Town is filled with holiday makers enjoying the hot weather, sunny beaches and beautiful scenery. So, if you want to spend your time during holiday season, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible. Before reaching the place, have a rough idea about the places around Cape Town, which you want to visit.

Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon is the steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in Arizona State of United States. The powerful sources that cause an impact on the Grand Canyon is erosion, first is by water and second is by wind.


Nearly 5 million people visit the 1 mile deep Grand Canyon every year. Planning a vacation to the Grand Canyon national park provides a great relief for you and your family.

The best time to visit Grand Canyon is during the summer, fall and mild spring, but most locals agree that winter is the great time to visit. There are various camp grounds both on the top and floor of the Grand Canyon. Camping at the floor of the Grand Canyon needs a permit from the country office.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong, an oriental pearl, is simply amazing. It will be very hard for you to find a more exciting city other than Hong Kong. The best thing about being in Hong Kong is getting confused and fired by the confluences and contradictions of a Chinese city with multi Asian and western elements.

The best period to take a vacation to Hong Kong is in the months of October, November and most of December.


Great Barrier Reef
This is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem. It is one of the top travel destinations in Australia. You can see it from the outer space and it is the world’s largest single structure, which is made of living organisms.



The reef supports 10,000 species which consists of 1500 types of fishes and 200 kinds of birds. This beauty inspires many of the travelers to visit the place.


Florida
This state built its entire identity with tourism. This is the south eastern state in the US. It is a most popular winter destination.



Florida is also called as the Sunshine State. Central Florida is conquered by Orlando and it is well known coterie of theme parks, sea world, universal studios, Disney world, and many more attractions to tourists.


New Zealand South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is characterized by grand open landscapes. The island is well known for spectacular fiords, large beach forests, golden sand beaches and broad plains. Everybody can enjoy the travel to south island.

The south island has ten national parks. These parks incorporate world heritage sites, lakes, glaciers, fiords, native forest, coastline, and world class hiking tracks. The fabulous scenery across the south land attracts many people to plan vacation.



Golden Temple
This temple has a glorious setting and it exists in the middle of the large blue sacred pool. Don’t miss the peaceful and interesting ritual that goes inside the two-story golden temple.

When you take a tour to India, you should visit the golden temple.


Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. This is commonly referred to as entertainment capital of the world. The city has great casino hotels and creates a fantasy like atmosphere. Las Vegas is a great travel destination for honeymooners and travel addicts.

A trip to Vegas is usually a trip to “the strip”, about 20 long blocks of neon lights, public drinking and casinos.


Sydney
Sydney is the economic powerhouse of Australia. The place is full of sun-drenched natural attractions, delicious and daring restaurants, dizzy skyscrapers, friendly folk and wonderful shopping, so most of the travel addicts want to visit the place.

You can take a trip to Sydney at any time of the year.


New York
New York is the USA’s largest metro area. The city is a great center for fashion, culture, finance, research, media, food, art, and trade. The city consists of 5 boroughs and each is differentiated by its own culture.

New York is cinematic. Every year this is a backdrop for about 200 movies.


Taj Mahal
According to most of the travelers, Taj Mahal, most beautiful building, in India is one of the great wonders of the world. This is a hybrid of many artistic styles. Once you visit Taj Mahal, you can enjoy various places near it.

The river side behind Taj Mahal provides a wonderful environment. You can enjoy greatly along with your family.


Canadian Rockies
Canadian Rockies is one of the most spectacular places of the earth. This place has potential outdoor opportunities and world class resorts. Visit the two national parks of Canadian Rockies and find why most of the travelers choose Canadian Rockies as their home away home.

This place offers you the best of the best. It offers you the hikes that you don’t want to miss, scenic drives and many more natural highlights. You can go for the vacation even along with your children.

Winter is a great time to enjoy the place. During this time, you can try sports like skiing, snowshoeing and then relaxing around a roaring fire on every evening.


Uluru
Uluru or Ayers Rock in Australia is one of the world’s great natural wonders. Planning to visit this place is a great way to explore and experience the cultural and physical significance of this Australian icon.

The rock is at its visual best at sunrise and sunset. Most of the travelers like to climb the rock by using an ancient aboriginal trail.


Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a Mayan word. Chichen Itza is one of the largest archeological cities of Mexico and one of the Seven wonders. It is the most visited tourist destination. Travelers like to visit Chichen Itza as a day trip. If you want to enjoy all the activities near by Chichen Itza, it takes 2-3 days stay.

Before entering into the Chichen Itza, you will come across an informative museum, clean rest rooms, a dining room, few vender stands and gift shops. You can visit the site at any time of the year.


Machu Picchu
It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is mystical place and a great spot to divinity. It is the Peru’s most popular place, so most of you like to see the place. People of Machu Picchu feel that they are the creators of god. This place offers you strange forces of nature that permit the individual to attain a contrary cosmic state.

The place is located at 2300 meters above the sea level. So, you can enjoy the vicinity of the place. One day is enough to visit the spots around Machu Picchu.

While planning to visit Machu Picchu, you need to understand a little about the geography of this area, because the location is remote and inaccessible.


Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls can be accessed from both the American and Canadian side, but the best view facing the falls is completely from the Canadian side. When you take a trip to Niagara Falls, don’t forget to take a ride on the famous maid-of-the-mist boats. You won’t get the entire experience of Niagara Falls until you ride one of these boats.

It is the foundation for many interesting places to see and things to do. If you love beautiful landscapes, romantic getaways, family adventures and vibrant nightlife then Niagara Falls is the best place to visit.


Petra
Petra, one of the seven wonders, is fabled rose red city and is a well known earliest Nabataean city in the south Jordan. If you have decided to travel to Jordan, then Petra is at the top of your priority list. The solid red stand stone buildings in Petra are unlike anything that you have ever seen before.

One full day is enough to see everything around Petra. This town offers you a wide variety of hotels to fit your budget.


The Pyramids
Pyramids and wonderful temples are the great things to enjoy in Egypt. Travel to Egypt offers you the nature and desert treks, fishing, golfing, scuba diving and birding groups. You can choose the places like Sinai coasts or red sea to relax.

Winter is the best season to go for a vacation to Egypt. March-May and September-November is the best time to enjoy the warm days of Egypt.


Venice
Venice is one of the Italy’s greatest tourist places. You will be surprised by hearing how the city is built up. The city is built on 317 small islands and has 150 canals which are connected through 409 bridges.

During the spring time, Venice is completely filled with tourists. At that time it is very difficult to find the accommodations.


Maldives
Maldives is a great place for tranquil tropical islands, palm trees, white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons. Maldives is a group of 1190 coral islands. This place is a great destination for scuba divers.

Visiting Maldives between December and April can makes you to spend some extra hours of sunshine. Also this is the main season for tourism.


Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is the travel icon of China and is one of the most popular travel vacation destinations in the world.

It took hundreds of years for its construction. When you have decided to travel to China, don’t forget to see the wall.


Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls was also one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the most beautiful waterfalls in Africa. This is a cheap travel destination and is full of fun. Those who want to try for adventures will find plenty of activities like elephant safaris, bridge swinging, water rafting and so on [Adventure travel].


There are two sides of the falls, one is Zambia and the other is Zimbabwe side. Both sides are awesome and are a year round destination.


Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is located on the western slopes of Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is one of the nation’s most famous national parks in US. Yosemite Valley is the most famous destination in Yosemite. Every year more than 4 million people come to visit Yosemite Valley. It is packed with restaurants, shops and campsites.



This has hundreds of miles of hiking trails. You will find a great variety of wildlife along with mule deer, black bears and various bird species. When you plan your vacation to Yosemite, you can enjoy various activities like hiking, skiing, camping, snowshoeing, horse riding and bicycling.


Hawaii
Going for Hawaii vacation will make you feel very happy by the beauty and hospitality. They want to do the things that they would not do at home. The beautiful Hawaii islands offer you to see world famous beaches closely; offer you peace and calmness somewhere off the beaten path.




During winter season, Hawaii is fully packed with tourists. When you visit Hawaii, don’t forget to enjoy the activities like: Seeing Molten lava flow at Kilauea volcano, hiking through Waipio Valley, visiting the largest Hawaiian religious temple Puukohola Heiau and playing in the snow atop Mauna Kea.


Paris
It is the most beautiful place and also the capital of France. Springtime is the best time to visit Paris. Paris is the city of life, love and light.

You will find romance and magic when you visit Eiffel tower to Mona Lisa and from the bustling Champs Elysees to the winding streets of Montmartre.

ReCIpE CoLLecTioNs;pOpuLaR AsiaN FooD

 Prawns in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients :

800g prawns
3 tomatoes
30g galangal
some cooking oil
120ml tomato puree
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons water

Paste Ingredients
20 dried chillies
4 cloves garlic
150g shallots
5 red chillies
2 teaspoons belacan 

Method :

1. Rinse and de-vein prawns. Cut tomatoes into quarters each. Flatten galangal. Soak dried chillies in hot water for 15 minutes, squeeze dry and grind with the rest of the paste ingredients.
2. Heat up a little oil and pan-fry the prawns till cooked. Set aside.
3. Heat up more oil and saute ground paste till fragrant. Add galangal and tomato puree and stir-fry briefly. Then add salt, sugar, lemon juice, water, prawns and tomatoes and fry well.

 Fried Mutton Satay

Ingredients :

800g mutton

11/2 teaspoon meat tenderizer

about 250g grated coconut

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 tablespoon sugar

11/2 teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons cooking oil

Paste Ingredients

10 dried chillies

8 red chillies

150g shallots

1/2 tablespoons belacan

5 candlenuts

3 stalks lemon grass

Method :

1. Rinse mutton and cut into slices. Marinate with meat tenderizer for 10 minutes. Squeeze grated coconut for thick coconut milk. Soak dried chillies in hot water fro 15 minutes, squeeze dry and grind with the rest of the paste ingredients.
2. Marinate mutton with ground paste, pepper, coriander powder, sugar, salt and coconut milk for 1 hour.
3. Heat up cooking oil and pan-fry marinated mutton over medium heat till cooked.

Notes : If you are using beef or mutton for this dish, it is advisable to marinate them with some meat tenderizer. You can skip it however, if using tenderer meat like chicken or pork. Also, the meat tenderizer is used for marinating meat slices and not meat chunks, as the bigger pieces of meat will become tender when cooked over a longer period of time.

 Pickled Mixed  Vegetables with Fried Eggs

Ingredients :

6 hard-boiled eggs
some cooking oil
150ml water
some salt
1 tablespoon sugar
30ml thick coconut milk
150g pickled mixed vegetables
1/2 tablespoon chopped peanuts

Pickled Mixed Vegetables Ingredients
1/2 cucumber
1 carrot
1 green chilli
1 red chilli
some pineapple chunks

Pickled Mixed Vegetables Seasonings
150ml rice vinegar
150ml water
60g sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Paste Ingredients
80g shallots
4 cloves garlic
5g fresh turmeric
3 red chillies
1 stalk lemon grass

Method :

1. To make pickled mixed vegetables : Cut cucumber and carrot into strips, marinate them with a little salt for about 10 minutes, rinse and drain. Chop green and red chillies. Bring pickled mixed vegetables seasonings to a boil and set aside to cool. Add cucumber, carrots and chillies and marinate for 4 hours.
2. Deep-fry hard-boiled eggs in hot oil till golden brown, prick holes with a toothpick and set aside. Grind paste ingredients.
3. Heat up cooking oil and saute ground paste till fragrant. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add salt and sugar to taste.
4. Add fried eggs and simmer over low heat till the gravy is slightly dry. Add thick coconut mild and cook briefly. Remove then scatter pickled mixed vegetables around and peanuts on top.

Notes : Pricking some hoes on deep-fried eggs will enable the gravy to seep through entirely.

Squids Stuffed With Sambal Fish Paste

Ingredients :

800g squids
1 stalk lemon grass
3 chillies
5 cloves shallots
350g fish meat
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
500g grated coconut
5 tablespoons cooking oil
1 tablespoon tamarind juice
1 teaspoon sugar

Paste Ingredients
10 dried chillies
150g shallots
5 cloves garlic
10g galangal
15g belacan 

Method :

1. Clear squids intestines and rinse. Flatten lemon grass. Chop chillies and shallots (from ingredients) then mix well with fish meat, 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper and set aside. Mix 250ml of water with grated coconut to extract coconut milk. Soak dried chillies in hot water for 15 minutes, squeeze dry and grind with the rest of the paste ingredients.
2. Stuff squids with fish paste and secure their heads with toothpicks.
3. Heat up cooking oil and saute ground paste till fragrant. Add tamarind juice, lemon grass and coconut milk and cook till the gravy thickens.
4. Toss in the squids and cook well. Add sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt to taste.

Notes : The problem of the fish paste getting cooked slower than the squids may occur. Hence, readers are advised to use smaller squids for this dish for more even cooking.

 Peiking Duck

Serves : 6

Ingredients :

1 Duck
1 tablespoon light soya sauce
2 cup of hot water
3 tablespoons honey
4 slices ginger
20 spring onions
1 cucumber
1 packet of frozen small spring roll pastry

Sauce :
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar

 

Method :

1. Marinate the duck inside and out with light soya sauce and refrigerate overnight, uncovered . the cold air will dry out the skin .
2. An hour before dinner , mix honey into hot water until it dissolves. Baste thr duck with the honey glaze , place ginger slices inside cavity and roast in a pre-heated 200 deg C oven for 1 hour until the skin is crisp.
3. While the duck is roasting , cut each spring onion into 10cm-long stalks, discarding the green tops. Slice a cross at both ends and put stalks in iced water until edges curl .
4. Julienne the cucumber and discard the skin and seeds.
5. To make the sauce , put all the ingredients into a small saucepan and bring gently to a boil.
6. Thaw the spring roll pastry by leaving it out for about 15 minutes . Spread a thin layer of sauce on a piece of pastry , then a slice of crispy duck , a slice of cucumber and a stalk of spring onion . Roll and serve.

tip !

If the duck is not dry enough after overnight refrigeration , blow it with a hot hairdryer . Or microwave the duck on low for 30 minutes.

Beef with Broccoli

Quick stir-frying ensures that the calves' liver remains pink and tender inside.

Serves : 2-3
Preparation time : 25 minutes
Cooking time : 4 minutes

Ingredients :

450g rump steak, partially frozen
4 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornflour
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 teaspoon sugar
225g fresh broccoli
6 tablespoons oil
2.5cm piece ginger, peeled and shredded
salt and pepper

 

Method :

• Trim any fat from the meat and cut into very thin strips across the grain.
• Combine the meat with the soy sauce, cornflour, sherry and sugar. Stir well and leave long enough for the meat to completely defrost.
• Cut the broccoli into even-sized florets. Peel the stalks of the broccoli and cut into thin, diagonal slices.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a wok. Add the broccoli and sprinkle with salt. Stir-fry until the broccoli is dark green. Do not cook for longer than 2 minutes. Remove from the wok and set aside.
• Place the remaining oil in the wok and add the ginger and beef. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Return the broccoli to the pan and mix well. Heat through for 30 seconds then serve.

 Prawns with Mixed Vegetables

Serves : 4

Preparation time : 10 minutes

Cooking time : 10 minutes

Ingredients :

4 sliced shelled raw Pacific prawns
3 teaspoons cornflour
Pinch each pepper and sugar
Salt
Good pinch Ve-Tisn
1 dessertspoon sesame oil
3 oz. carrot
3 oz. cucumber
3 oz. bamboo shoots
2-3 water chestnuts
2 tablespoon peanut oil
1/4 pint ( U.S. 2/3 cup) chicken stock (preferably hot)
1 dessertspoon water

Method :

1. Put the sliced prawns (black intestinal lines removed) in a basin and sprinkle them with 2 teaspoons cornflour, a pinch of salt and other seasoning and sesame oil. Mix well together.
2. Cut the vegetables into thin strips and season them with salt only. Fry them, moving them about, for 3 minutes in 1 tablespoon of the peanut oil. Add the stock and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer all to a heated dish.
3. Wipe clean the pan and in it heat the remaining oil. Cook the prawns in the oil for 11/2-2 minutes, moving them about.
4. Drain the liquid from the vegetables into the pan and bring to the boil. Add 1 teaspoon cornflour, blended with the water. Bring to the boil again and simmer for 1-11/2 minutes.
5. Add the vegetables and turn all into a deep heated serving dish.

 Deep-Fried Tofu Appetizer

Serves : 4
Preparation time : 10 minutes
Cooking time : 5 minutes

Ingredients :

300g firm tofu
1 teaspoon potato starch or corn starch, for coating
oil for deep-frying
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon thinly sliced spring onions (scallions)
2 tablespoons bonito flakes
dark soy sauce, to taste

Method :

1. Drain tofu and cut into 4 pieces widthways. Place each piece between 2 clean tea towels and gently place a light weight on top, to help drain excess liquid. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Remove weight from tofu and dust with potato or corn starch, shaking lightly to remove excess.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan or wok over high heat and fry tofu slices until lightly browned, turning once, then drain on absorbent paper. Serve immediately in a small dish topped with ginger, green onion, bonito flakes and drizzled with soy sauce to taste.

Firm tofu is usually sold in blocks in sealed plastic tubs of water. Once opened, store tofu in the refrigerator in a sealed container that has enough water to cover it.

 Miso Soup with Tofu and Shitake Mushrooms

Serves : 4

Ingredients :

4 dried shitake mushrooms
21/2 cups Katsuo Dashi
2 tablespoons white miso
2 tablespoons red miso
1 tablespoon mirin
150g kinugoshi-dofu (silken tofu)
1 whole spring onion (scallion), finely chopped
1 teaspoon chichimi (Japanese seven-spice powder)

Method :

1. Reconstitute the dried shitake mushrooms by soaking in cold water for 30 minutes or until the caps are soft. Cut and discard the stems and reserve the caps.
2. Place the dashi and mushrooms into a pan and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, combine the white miso , red miso and mirin in a bowl. Add the miso to the dashi and mushrooms, and simmer until dissolved. Avoid boiling, or the soup loses its umami (deliciousness).
3. Cut the tofu into 1 cm cubes and add to the soup. Simmer until hot without stirring. Turn off the heat and pour the soup into serving bowls. Add the chopped spring onions on top, and serve hot, with shichimi . 

 Sashimi Tuna on Rice with Roasted Seaweed

Serves : 4
Preparation time : 15 minutes

Ingredients :

5 cups freshly cooked Japanese rice
1/2 teaspoon dashi powder dissolved in 400ml water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons mirin
2 teaspoons wasabi paste, or to taste
1 sheet nori, toasted and cut in thin strips
350g fresh, sashimi-quality tuna, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons red pickled ginger
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

 

Method :

1. Divide rice among 4 medium bowls.
2. Combine dashi mixture, soy sauce, mirin and wasabi in small bowl and pour over the rice. Sprinkle with nori, reserving a little for decoration.
3. Arrange tuna on top of the rice and serve topped with reserved nori, pickled ginger and sesame seeds.

Teriyaki Soba

Serves : 4

Ingredients :

12 ounces soba (buckwheat noodles)
11/2 teaspoons sesame oil
10 ounces turkey (or chicken) breast
12 small whole scallions
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup teriyaki sauce, homemade (recipe follow) or bottled
shichimi (Japanese pepper condiment)

Teriyaki Sauce :
1/3 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
1/2 cup tamari or light soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin ( Japanese sweet rice wine)
2 tablespoons fine sugar

Method :

1. If you were preparing the teriyaki sauce, combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil, add the noodles, and return the water to a boil. Add 1 cup of cold water, then again return the water to a boil, reduce heat slightly, and simmer until the noodles are barely tender. Test them frequently after 21/2 minutes. Pour into a colander to drain, sprinkle with sesame oil, and set aside.
3. Cut the turkey or chicken into thin slices and then into shreds. Trim the scallions and cut into 2 inch pieces. Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. Fry the chicken shreds until done, 11/2 minutes. Remove.
4. Fry the scallions for 1 minute. Add the teriyaki sauce and cook until the scallions are glazed and tender. Add the chicken and glaze with the sauce.
5. Bring a large kettle of water to a boil. Pour over the noodles in a strainer to reheat. Divide the noodles among four appetizer plates or small lacquered wooden trays. Arrange the chicken and scallions over the noodles and sprinkle sparingly with shichimi. Serve.

 Classic Thai Fried Rice

Serves : 4

Preparation time : 20 minutes

cooking time : 12 minutes

Ingredients :

500g cooked rice
4 tablespoons oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
250g chicken, pork or beef, thinly sliced
2 eggs
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced, to serve
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges, to serve
1 lime, halved to serve

Chilli Dipping Sauce
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 bird's-eye chillies, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Method :

1. Make the Chilli Dipping Sauce first by combining all the ingredients in a bowl, stirring to mix well. This makes about 175ml of sauce. Transfer to a serving bowl and set aside.
2. Place the rice in a large bowl and toss it gently to separate the grains. Set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a wok over high heat, turning to grease the sides. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the meat and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the meat changes color, then add the eggs and mix well. Add the rice and stir-fry for several minutes, mixing and tossing constantly until the rice is heated through. Finally add the soy sauce, sugar and pepper. Stir-fry for a further1 to 2 minutes and remove from heat.
4. Arrange the rice on a serving platter and scatter spring onions on top. Serve immediately with cucumber, tomatoes, lime and Chilli Dipping Sauce.

Notes : This dish always works better with cooked rice prepared a day or two in advance. So consider making extra rice whenever you cook for another meal.

 Thai Fried Chicken Wings

Serves : 6
Preparation time : 15 minutes

Ingredients :

12 chicken wigns
1.25 litres cooking oil

Marinade ( blended )

3 coriander roots, finely ground
3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely ground
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
11/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fish sauce ( nan pla )
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon monosodiem glutamate
1 tablespoon crushed pal sugar ( jaggery ) or brown sugar

Dipping Sauce ( Blended )

60ml lime juice
60g sugar
4 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
60ml fish sauce ( nam pla )
1 tablespoon powdered chilli
1 tablespoon crushed palm sugar ( jaggery ) or brown sugar

Method :

1. Rub the chicken wings with the marinade and leave in the refrigerator for 6 hours.
2. Heat the cooking oil and deep-fry about 6 chicken wings at a time for 2-3 minutes. Drain.
3. Serve with Dipping sauce.

Chef's note : The longer the chicken is marinated the more flavorful it is . At a minumum, it should be marinated for atleast one hour. The dipping sauce can also be used to season fish prior to barbecuing.

Tom Yam Soup

Serves : 4

Preparation time : 15 minutes

cooking time : 30 minutes

Ingredients :

11/2 liters chicken stock or 3 chicken stock cubes in 11/2 liters boiling water
2 stalks lemongrass, thick bottom part only, outer leaves removed, sliced
4 to 6 bird's-eye chillies, sliced
3cm galangal root, thinly sliced
8 kaffir lime leaves, sliced
4 tablespoons fish sauce
12 to 16 fresh medium prawns (250g)
250g fresh or canned straw or button mushrooms
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoons Roasted Chilli Paste (see below)

Roasted Chilli Paste
12 dried red chillies
5 whole shallots, unpeeled
8 cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 tablespoons dried shrimp paste
2 tablespoons dried prawns, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to soften
2 tablespoons shaved palm sugar or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons tamarind juice
1 tablespoon oil

Method :

1. To make the Roasted Chilli Paste, dry-fry the dried chillies in a wok or frying-pan over low heat until dark and fragrant, taking care not to burn. When cool, remove the stems from the chillies, discard the seeds and cut the chillies into lengths. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, dry-fry the shallots and garlic over low heat until soft and blistered. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. Peel and slice the garlic and shallots.
3. Roast the shrimp paste over low flame using tongs or aluminium foil.
4. Place the dried prawns into a mortar or blender and grind to a coarse powder. Add the chillies, garlic and shallots and grind until fine. Add the shrimp paste, palm sugar, fish sauce and tamarind juice and grind to a smooth paste.
5. Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the chilli paste and stir-fry until deep brown and very fragrant. This makes about 125ml of paste. When cool, the paste can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
6. To make the soup, bring the chicken stock to a boil in a stockpot over high heat. Add the lemongrass, chillies, galangal and lime leaves and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the fish sauce, prawns and mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium and gradually stir in the lime juice and Roasted Chilli Paste. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the prawns turn pink, but do not overcook. Check seasoning, adding more fish sauce or lime juice for a hot and piquant soup. Serve immediately.

Steamed Omelet

Serves : 3
Preparation time : 20 minutes
Cooking time : 3 minutes

Ingredients :

2 tablespoons raw lean pork
1 tablespoon canned water chestnuts
2-3 spring onions, depending on size small pinch each salt, sugar and Ve-Tsin
2 beaten eggs

Method :

1. Very finely chop the pork, chestnuts and onions. Add the three seasoning and mix together on a plate.
2. Very sparingly oil a shallow heatproof dish, about 6 inches in diameter. Sprinkle the meat mixture into it and very carefully pour in the eggs so as not to disturb it. Place in the steamer and gently steam for 15-20 minutes.

Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Serves : 4
Preparation time : 10 minutes
Cooking time : 5 minutes

Ingredients :

4 oz raw chicken breast
2oz cultivated mushrooms
3 oz canned bamboo shots
1 1/2 pints ( U.S. 3 3/4 cups) chicken stock or 1 chicken bouillon cube and water
Pinch salt
Pinch Ve-Tsin

 

Method :

1. Cut the chicken into small haricot bean-sized pieces. Slice the mushrooms and the bamboo shoots. Keep all three separate. Bring the stock to the boil. Drop the chicken into it and cook for 4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 1/2 minute, then add bamboo shoots and cook together for a further 1/2 minute. Add seasonings and serve.
   

 Indonesian Green Peas with Potatoes

Ingredients :

120g sliced meat or shrimps
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
some salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
some pepper
200g potatoes
100g Indonesian green peas ( stick peas or petai )
1 large onion
2 red chillies
1 tomato
some cooking oil
3 teaspoons sweet dark sauce

  

Method :

1. If using meat slices, marinate with 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce, some salt, cornstarch and pepper for 10 minutes. Peel, dice and deep-fry potatoes. Rinse and halve petai. Cut onion into thick shreds. Remove chilli seeds then slice. Dice tomato.
2. Blanch petai in hot oil and remove. Heat up cooking oil and stir-fry the meat till cooked. Set aside.
3. Heat up more oil and saute onions till they turn transparent. Add potato, petai and meat and stir-fry evenly. Then add tomatoes and red chillies.
4. Add 2 teaspoons of dark soy sauce, some salt and Sweet dark sauce and stir evenly.

ReCIpE CoLLecTioNs;pOpuLaR AmeRican & EuroPeaN FooD

jo Mama's famous world spaghetti

Ingredients:

Serves: 10-14,
4 4

Servings Size

• quarts
  

Yield: 4 quarts

• 2 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
• 3 -4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 cups water (for a long period of simmering for flavors to meld. If you don't want to simmer it as long, add less)
• 3 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup red wine (a good Cabernet!)
• 1 lb thin spaghetti
• parmesan cheese

Directions:

Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 1/2 hrs

1. In large, heavy stockpot, brown Italian sausage, breaking up as you stir.
2. Add onions and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until onions are softened.
3. Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce and water.
4. Add basil, parsley, brown sugar, salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
5. Stir well and barely bring to a boil.
6.  Stir in red wine.
7. Simmer on low, stirring frequently for at least an hour. A longer simmer makes for a better sauce, just be careful not to let it burn!
8. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
9. Spoon sauce over drained spaghetti noodles and sprinkle with parmesan cheese

greek potatoes

Ingredients:

Servings: 6-8
6 6

Servings Size

• 
  

• 8 large potatoes, peeled, cut into large wedges (about 6-7 wedges per potato)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (more garlic is a good thing, less garlic is a no-no for this recipe)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (get the Mediterranean, it's the best!)
• 1 lemon, juice of, to 1 1/2
• sea salt
• fresh coarse ground black pepper

Directions:

Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 1/2 hrs

1. Preheat oven to 420°F A reviewer has suggested spraying the baking pan with Pam - that sounds like a great idea!
2. Put all the ingredients into a baking pan large enough to hold them.
3. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Make sure your hands are very clean and put them in the pan and give everything a toss to distribute.
5.  The garlic will drop into the water/oil solution but its flavour will permeate the potatoes, and this way, it won't burn.
6.  Bake for 40 minutes.
7. When a nice golden-brown crust has formed on the potatoes, give them a stir to bring the white underside up, season lightly with a bit more sea salt and pepper and just a light sprinkling of oregano.
8. Add 1/2 cup more water if pan appears to be getting dry, and pop back into oven to brown other side of potatoes.
9.  This will take about another 40 minutes.
10.  Do not be afraid of overcooking the potatoes- they will be delicious.
11.  Note: I often melt a bouillon cube in the water; if you do, make sure to cut back some on the salt

Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

Servings: 4
4 4

Servings Size

• 
  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 teaspoons butter
• 2 cups spaghetti sauce
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Prep Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 23 mins

1. Pound chicken to flatten.
2. Salt and pepper to taste.
3. Dip chicken in egg; then in bread crumbs.
4. Fry in butter in hot skillet, turning and browning for 10 minutes or until chicken is done.
5. Remove from skillet.
6. To skillet add spaghetti sauce.
7. Heat thoroughly.
8. Add chicken.
9. Place slices of mozzarella on top of chicken.
10.  Sprinkle with parmesan.
11.  Cover and cook until cheese is melted.
12.  Serve with a side of spaghetti

Kittencal's Famous Greek salad

Ingredients:

Servings: 6-8
6 6

Servings Size

• 
  

DRESSING

• 1 cup olive oil (can reduce to 3/4 cup)
• 1 whole large lemon, juice of (about 3-4 tablespoons, make certain that the lemon is at room temperature before squeezing)
• 2 -4 teaspoons dried oregano (start with 2 teaspoons)
• 3 teaspoons fresh minced garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)

SALAD INGREDIENTS

• 1 large romaine lettuce, chopped (or use 2 small)
• 2 -3 plum tomatoes, cut in wedges (use Roma tomatoes)
• 1 English cucumber (peeled, seeded and chopped)
• 1 red onion, cut in slices
• 1 green bell pepper (seeded and cut into rings or sliced) (optional)
• 1/2 lb feta cheese, crumbled (or to taste)
• 1 cup kalamata olive

Directions:

Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins

1. For the dressing; in a processor or use a wire whisk process/whisk the olive oil with lemon juice, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, garlic, dried, basil, red wine vinegar, salt and sugar until smooth (add in more oregano and lemon juice if needed).
2. Season with black pepper.
3. Chill in fridge for a couple of hours before using to blend flavors.
4. Place the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
5. Pour dressing over; toss to combine.
6. If desired allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving, or you can refrigerate for 1 hour (tossing a few time during sitting time

The Best Ever Waffles

Ingredients:

Servings: 6-8
6 6

Servings Size

• 
  

• 1 1/3 cups flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 3/4 cups milk

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins

1.  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
2.  Separate the eggs, adding the yolks to the dry ingredient mixture, and placing the whites in a small mixing bowl.
3.  Beat whites until moderately stiff; set aside.
4.  Add milk and melted butter to dry ingredient mixture and blend.
5.  Fold stiff egg whites into mixture.
6.  Ladle mixture into hot waffle iron and bake

Pancakes

Ingredients:

Yield: 9 small pancakes
9 9

Servings Size

• small pancakes
  

• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins

1. Beat egg until fluffy.
2. Add milk and melted margarine.
3. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
4. Heat a heavy griddle or fry pan which is greased with a little butter on a paper towel.
5. The pan is hot enough when a drop of water breaks into several smaller balls which 'dance' around the pan.
6. Pour a small amount of batter (approx 1/4 cup) into pan and tip to spread out or spread with spoon.
7. When bubbles appear on surface and begin to break, turn over and cook the other side

Crepes

Ingredients:

7 7

Servings Size

• crepes
  

Yield: 7 crepes

• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins

1.  Combine flour, milk, eggs, and oil.
2.  Add salt.
3.  Heat a lightly greased 6 inch skillet; remove from heat.
4.  Spoon in 2 Tbsp batter; lift and tilt skillet to spread evenly.
5.  Return to heat; brown on one side only.
6.  To remove, invert pan over paper toweling.
7.  Repeat with remaining batter.
8.  Fill with your favorite filling.
9.  Here's a few we like: Any flavor fruit jam, sweetened fresh peaches, cream cheese and pineapple, ham and maple syrup

Authentic Italian Meatballs

Ingredients:

Servings: 10
10 10

Servings Size

• 
  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 3 1/2 hrs

1.  Mix all ingredients in a large bowl by hand.
2.  Use your bare hands for best results.
3.  Roll meatballs to about the size of a golf ball.
4.  Drop raw meatballs into large (I use a stock pot) pot of sauce.
5.  (I have an incredible sauce recipe {#92096} I use for my meatballs).
6. Simmer for about 3 hours

Golden Chicken Nugget

Ingredients:

Servings: 4-6
4 4

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning (I use Tony Chachere's creole seasoning)
• vegetable oil (For deep fryer)

Directions:

Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins

1.  Heat deep fryer.
2.  Cut chicken into bite size pieces.
3.  Soak chicken in milk.
4.  Mix Flour and seasoning in large bowl.
5.  Dip chicken into flour.
6.  Cook about 12 pieces at a time in fryer for 360 degrees for 6 to 9 minutes or until golden.
7. Serve with Sweet and Sour sauce or honey mustard

December Salad

Ingredients:

Cooked Chicken - 6
Cabbage - 1 large
Carrots - 1 large
Chopped Celery - 2 sticks
Apple - 1/2 sliced
Sultanas - 1/2 tsp
Lemon Juice - 1/4
Double Cream - 1 tsp
Mayonnaise - 1/2 tsp
Salt
Pepper

Method:

1.Take a bowl mix the chicken,vegetables,apple and sultanas.
2.Take another bowl add lemon juice,cream into mayonnaise.
3.Now pour this over the salad.
4.Cook it for 30-40 mins and serve hot.

Cinnamon-Apple Cake

This 5-star cinnamon apple cake is one of our best-ever recipes and can be served as dessert or a breakfast coffee cake. The cream cheese in the batter gives the cake lots of moisture.

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 3/4  cups  sugar, divided
• 1/2  cup  stick margarine, softened
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract
• 6  ounces  block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened (about 3/4 cup)
• 2  large eggs
• 1 1/2  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  baking powder
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 2  teaspoons  ground cinnamon
• 3  cups  chopped peeled Rome apple (about 2 large)
• Cooking spray

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.
Beat 1 1/2 cups sugar, margarine, vanilla, and cream cheese at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, beating at low speed until blended.
Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Combine 2 tablespoons cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl, and stir apple mixture into batter. Pour batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture.
Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack, and cut using a serrated knife.
Note: You can also make this cake in a 9-inch square cake pan or a 9-inch springform pan; just reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes

Delicious Pista Kaju Sandwich`

Ingredients :

For the Pista Barfi :

1/2 cup Pistachios
¼ cup Sugar
A pinch cardamom powder
2-3 drops Green food coloring

For the Filling :

1 1/2 tbsp Powdered cashewnuts
1 1/2 tbsp Sugar
¼ cup chopped Dry fruits
A pinch cardamom powder
Few saffron strands
Silver varq

Method :

1.Soak the pistachios in warm water for half an hour, drain and peel.
2.Blend the peeled pistachios into a fine paste and keep aside.
3.Prepare sugar syrup from the sugar of one string consistency.
4.Add the pista paste, cardamom powder and green color, cook over a slow flame.
5.Stir well continuously for 5-6 minutes until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
6.Transfer the mixture to a plate and cool slightly.
7.Divide the mixture into equal parts and roll on a sheet of plastic into circle and keep covered.
8.For the filling, prepare the sugar syrup of string consistency with the sugar.
9.Add all the remaining ingredients and stir well for 3-4 minutes and set aside to cool.
10.Arrange one pista barfi circle on a plate and spread the filling mixture evenly on it.
11.Top with the second pista barfi circle and allow to set for 20-25 minutes.
12.Cover with the silver varq and slice the sandwich into wedges and serve.

Jen's Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

Servings: 4-6
4 4

Servings Size

• 
  

• 1 cut up whole chicken (James prefers legs)
• 4 cups flour
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• oil (for frying)

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins

1.  Mix eggs and milk in small container.
2.  Mix flour, salt and pepper in large container.
3.  Roll and press chicken in flour.
4.  Submerge in egg mixture.
5.  Repeat in flour.
6.  Gently add to HOT oil. (will bubble up, so use caution) (Keep oil at a constant temperature. Cook on 5/6 on an electric stove.).
7.  Cook till brown on first side, flip over and repeat.
8.  Cook each side for another 10 minutes or so or till done.
9.  Place on a paper towel lined plate and cover with another paper towel to keep heat inches.
10. ENJoy!