Kadappa Recipe / Kumbakonam Kadappa

 

My native being Kumbakonam, I do not know why it took me this long to post this wonderful dish that is so apt as a side dish for idli and dosa. Kadappa is a cross between sambar and kurma and is dal based where in the tangy factor is incorporated by adding lemon juice instead of tamarind as we do for sambar. My grandma makes this so well and it is a pleasure to dig into the hot steaming idlis dunked in kadappa served on freshly plucked banana leaves from the backyard. I love to have this with Puris as well. Unfortunately I don’t get to make this as often as I wish to because Hubby is not so keen on this and prefers sambar. Recently I made this for the guests at home and simply loved the aroma while it was cooking.

 

Chikoo Milkshake

The heat is killing me... I know, I know... I have said that many times before... I have never been known to survive well during cold season and the hot weather is okay for me usually but this season it is too much even for me. Did you all see the match between CSK and MI yesterday. My, what a match. Unfortunately when there were just 5 over left there was a major power fluctuation and finally the power went off.

I sat at the verandah hoping for a cool breeze but not a single leaf moved. Everything was standstill and all I could do was gulp down 2 full bottles of water. Everything and anything cold did rounds in my head while I sat dozing on and off. Finally the power came back at around 1.30 a.m. One of the worst nights in the whole summer season. I guess we have to wait for another 2-3 days for the “Agni Natchathiram” to get over, to expect a respite from the heat.

Strawberry Lemonade

I have been gone a week now and it feels so good to be back after a break. I have had lot of guests at home and I did not get a moment to sit down and draft a post despite having this recipe in my drafts for over a month now. Here is a refreshingly cool drink to beat the heat and to bring in some respite from the hot sun. This drink is also called as “Pink Lemonade” or “The Pink Lady” in restaurants that specialize in beverages.

Cantaloupe Salsa / Muskmelon Salsa

As the kids are enjoying their summer vacation at their grand parents place, the kitchen at my home is getting a much needed break especially on the days when H decides to eat out with his colleagues during the day. I’m looking around for ways to take this opportunity and detox myself by eating more salads and drinking more fruit juices. Last week I made this salsa and enjoyed it immensely. 

The ripe juicy melon cubes when jazzed up with lemon juice was so refreshing and was a treat to the senses. I’m sure you will love it too when had chilled on a particularly hot day. I would rather dig into this salsa sitting under the fan watching my favorite show than cook an elaborate meal standing near the hot stove.  

Chocolate Banana Milkshake

This is yet another combo that I tried for my younger one who refuses to eat banana no matter what and for my elder one who refuses to drink milk. I have asked both my MIL and SIL to make sure they make this for them when they are staying over there for the holidays. It seems not only the boys but their cousins also have become hooked to this milk shake now and are demanding it as many times a day.