Christmas Is Almost Here!!

 I got a head start on my To Do list this year and already started checking things off. I'm nearly there even though timing is ticking away: 

• Put up lights outside of home - Check
• Decorate Christmas tree with lights and ornaments - Check
• Make edible gifts (Pumpkin Spice Bread & Chocolate Mexican Wedding cookies) and hand out to friends - Check
• Make Corn Flakes Mixture for big sis - Check
• Wrap presents and put under the tree - Check

We would love to hear from you. What do you have planned for the holidays? What treats do you make around this time of year?  

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

A Merry Christmas To All!!

Creamy Cauliflower and Paneer Curry

All bets are off when it comes to dining at parties. At least that's what I tell all my relatives when we invite them over for the holidays. Everyone should indulge in "rich" food every once in a while. It's good for the soul. With that in mind, we decided to cook dishes that were moderately healthy so there are no ifs and buts about what to eat. The following recipe was one of my favorite vegetable curries that was served at our Diwali / Thanksgiving holiday party last month. I love the addition of Paneer (Indian cheese) which added some nutritional value to the dish. Barely any of this dish was remaining towards the end of dinner. It was a great complement to the vegetable biryani and rotis that were also served. 

Ingredients:

- 12 oz Paneer, cut into 1" cubes

- 1 Medium size Cauliflower, cut into small florets

- Two 8oz Tomato Sauce cans (without added salt)

- 1 cup Frozen Carrots and Peas

- ½ Qt Half & Half (use Evaporated Milk for low cal version)
- 2 to 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil

Seasoning/Spices:
- 2½ tbsp Dhanjeera powder (powdered coriander and cumin seeds)
- ½ tsp Garam Masala

- 1 tsp Chili powder

- 1 tsp Turmeric

- 1 to 1½  tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Kasoori Methi (optional)

Procedure:

In a non-stick skillet, heat oil and add paneer cubes. Stir until they are lightly fried. (Hint: Edges of the paneer should be brownish color). Then add dhanjeera powder, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and then toss in the cauliflower florets. Add salt and cook the mixture under closed lid until the florets are cooked all the way through but are still firm. 

Then add tomato sauce and cook for 5 more minutes. Finally, add the frozen carrots and peas and half & half. 

 Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes or until the mixture is thick and the curry will be ready to be served.