Pot Luck -2 with my Students

August 17, 2016, 4:52 am

≫ Next: Restaurants serving Onam Sadya in Bangalore -2016

≪ Previous: Bake and Craft Sale at Trivandrum

"Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It's not about nutrients and calories. It's about sharing. It's about honesty. It's about identity."

On 9th August 2016, I conducted a Potluck - “Potluck with a Purpose!”, All the students who participated in the potluck event got a packet of lunch separately which was distributed to Regional Cancer Center(RCC), Trivandrum. We were able to give about 30 lunch packets to the needy

Around 25 Students gathered together and had a potluck were the students bought different dishes starting from fish fingers, Unnakaya, fish curry, chicken curry, chocolate cake, date and honey cake and wide range of desserts from Pink lady pie to rice payasam.

It was a platform for the students to share the doubts and queries about baking, Was amazed and surprised that I even had students who were coming from faraway places.

The Creative Hands shared the experience of the sales they had on 6th and 7th July at Women’s Club, Trivandrum. Thanks to all the volunteers who had done an amazing job Rajani Nair Tonia Lawrence Tess Pradeep Bincey Annamma John

It was a joyful event were we could plan bigger in the field of baking and cooking fraternity and also plan for a bigger bake and craft sale in the month of December 2016.

Thanks to everyone who had turned up for this Potluck event. A Special Thanks to Brinda Menon who had organized it in a beautiful way.

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Restaurants serving Onam Sadya in Bangalore -2016

August 29, 2016, 4:02 am

≫ Next: Food License for Home Bakers and Caterers

≪ Previous: Pot Luck -2 with my Students

Chingam Vanne Onam Vanne.. Ohoy..... For Malayalees, Onam is synonymous with grand vegetarian spread called Onam sadya, or the floral decoration which called as attam or the thiruvathira kali, where women perform a unique and slow dance or if you remember the younger days, it was Onam kodi ( new dress) which everyone used to wear during Onam time.

For me, Onam is a mix of all. It's about school vacation, going to my grand mother's house in Kazhakuttam, having siesta under the tree and the carefree and fun times with all the cousins. I feel all us have our share of Onam memories which might be quite different or similar to all of us

Onam Then and Now 2016

Life in 80's or 90's is all different from the current Whatsapp era. Today, it's era of digital and smart phone life, our lifes have become more superficial like the 'likes' we get on Facebook page on our b'days or when we share some update. Well, we know changes is inevitable, but the the changes in the past one decade often look like a science fiction movie.

For Malayalees living in Kerala or those living outside the state, life too have changed. Many of us has prospered, we're going places, we have more comforts, etc. However, there're few things which we cherish. And, one such thing is the Onam Sadhya.

Onam Sadya - at home or restaurant

So, how are Malayalees settled outside or living in cities like Bangalore or Hyderabad or even in far away cities like Dubai or London celebrating Onam?

While it's typical for people have Onam sadya at home. But, the practical difficulty of making all the side dishes, payasam, etc makes them think of the next easy option i.e to have Onam sadya outside at a restaurant or at Kerala samajam or a club.

If you're in Bangalore, there're quite a number of hotels and restaurants which serve Onam Sadya. Apart from the hotels, Malayalee association like East Cultural Association arrange different cultural activities during Onam time and sadya.

So, for those looking for a quick and easy Onam Sadya, here're the popular places to have Onam Sadhya in Bangalore.

1) Ente Keralam

This restaurant located near Ulsoor is a crowd puller during Onam season. For those planning to enjoy the wide onam spread, Ente Keralam brings to you authentic Onam sadya spread to its patrons. If you're planning to visit during thiru Onam day, make sure that you've an early reservation in place.

Onam Sadhya from Sept 5 till 12, Rs 495, plus tax ( serving only for Lunch)

Onam Sadhya on thiru onam day ( Lunch & dinner) 695, plus tax

Takeaway Rs 1,225 ( Serving for two)

Location of Ente Keralam: Old No 12/1 Ulsoor Road , Near Sultan Jewellers, Ulsoor, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008
Phone: 080 3242 1002

Get home delivery through: swiggy.com
Call Ph # +919353039698

2) The Paul Bangalore

Onam sadya at Vembanad at The Paul, Bangalore offers a Onam sadya in the typical onam style ( sadya on ella). The onam sadya has over 14 dishes, and payasm and it's served only on thiru onam day.

14 th Sept lunch 12 to 3:30
1,350 taxes, ( Ella sadya, 14 dishes)

Located at Near Domlur flyover, 39/28, Amar Jyoti Layout, Domlur
Bangalore 500071

Call for reservations: 080 4047 7777

3) The Gateway Hotel Bangalore

Karavali at The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore, located at Residency Rd,

Date: 14th ( Sadya only at lunch time)

Rs 1500 for sadya ( all inclusive)
What's in the sadya: 13 items
Timing: 12:AM to 3:PM

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Food License for Home Bakers and Caterers

September 11, 2016, 10:37 am

≫ Next: Restaurants serving Onam Sadya in Trivandrum -2016

≪ Previous: Restaurants serving Onam Sadya in Bangalore -2016

Akshaya Centre at Kumarapuram ( Apply for license here)

It's a good sign to see that many women are starting home-based baking and catering business. One trend is sure, more women are keen to do something they like doing, or follow their passion or generate a second income. However, starting a home-based baking biz is not a cake walk. In the initial stages, one has to be wear many hats - from being a cleaner, innovator, creator, marketer, delivery person, etc.

In a crowded and competitive market, how will you stand out?
Another important aspect of any biz is to find a niche and claim it. But, often in the race to get started, many people (including me) often try to be everything. It's kind of being jack of all trades. However, it's not a place to stay for a long time (Note to self :)

So, now you got an incredible idea to start a biz: So, what's next?

If you're starting any kind of catering or food related biz, ( from home based to five star), you require food license. Taking a food license may be a hassle, but it's better to on the safe side of law, than to face any kind of problem with the authorities.

What kind of food license is required?

FSSAI license is mandatory for anyone involved in home based food biz to hotels.

Where can I apply for food license?

In the recent past Govt of Kerala has created another agency called Akshya to simplify many task related to applying of govt certificates to many licenses. This agency is a big relief to the public as you don't have to wait in front of dusty corridors to gain permission or certificates. |

So, you can approach Akshya centeres located in your locality for applying the food license.

What documents are required for applying FSSAI license?

Here're the documents which should be submitted at Akshya centres for processing your application:

1) Passport size photo
2) Address proof
3) Photo ID proof
4) If own residence, then the corporation tax receipt. In case of rented building, then you can provide rental agreement

Along with the documents, you need to pay an amount of Rs 100 or Rs 500, depending on the tenure of the license.

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Restaurants serving Onam Sadya in Trivandrum -2016

September 12, 2016, 8:50 am

≫ Next: Next on my Wish List ( Note to Xmas Father)

≪ Previous: Food License for Home Bakers and Caterers

Onam Sadhya in the Capital City

Onam Sadhya - Top 10 Finalists in Trivandrum

It's Onam frenzy in the state capital. If you're in Trivadrum, you can experience Onam shoppers madness more in East Fort locality than in any other spot. The people concentration are mostly in shops like Ramachandra Textiles, Pothy's Super market, Civil Supplies depot in East Fort, vegetable market in Chalai market, and ofcourse all the glittering gold shops are packed with people. More than the shops, there're road side cloth sellers who attract sizable bargain hunters.

Apart from these stores, home appliances stores are making big bucks and attracting scores of people.

What is Onam without Onam sadhya?

Thanks to the choices, you can skip making elaborate Onam sadya in your house. All you need is to order a sadya home or make your way to any of the restaurants serving Onam sadya in your locality.

Restaurants serving Onam Sadhya in Trivandrum
Every year in Trivandrum, more restaurants are putting up Onam sadya. From normal restaurants to five star restaurants are offering Onam sadya, and for every kind of budget.

The range of choices of restaurants is confusing for a cusotmeoften confuses . Here's a list of hotels serving Onam spread in the city. ( Source: entecity.com)

Biverah Hotel & Suits, Kumarapuram

Sept 13 till 16, 2016
Onamsadya Rs 325
Parcel Rs 349 ( Free delivery)

Onasadya & Payasam at Biverah

Onam Special Payasam at Biverah ( 1 ltr and 1/2 ltr)
Semya 200 ltr
Elaneer ( tender coconut) Rs 260 per ltr
Dates Payasam Rs 240 per ltr
Ada Payasam Rs 200 per ltr
Chowaree Rs 200 per ltr
Kadala payasam Rs 200 per ltr

Onam sadhya @ Apollo Dimora

Date: From Sept 5 to 15
Time: 12:00 noon to 3:PM
Rate: Rs 500, plus taxes

Location: Opposite Railway Station,
Thampanoor, Trivandrum
http://www.apollodimora.com/
For details or reservations, call +91 471 3060333, +91 8129114455,

Steampot at Pottakuzhi

Onam Special at Steampot

Sept 13 and 14 ( Only takeaway)
2 pax - Rs 1,200,
5 pax - Rs 1,800
Ph # 0471 2553663, mob 9142134992

Chirag Inn, M.G.Road,

Onam Sadya Rs 279
Home delivery: 299

Till Sept 16
Location: Statue, Trivandrum - 1
Phone : 0471-2555556
http://www.chiraginn.in/

Grand Master's kitchen
Jubilee Hospital Rd, Palayam
GrandMasters Sadya The price per sadya is Rs.250

Onam Sadya at Ruby Arena, Medical College, Tvm

Onam Sadya at Ruby Arena ( Medical College)

Onam Sadya with payasam Rs 275
Rs 300 for takeaway ( Free home delivery for more than 5 pack)
September 12th to15th

Onam Payasam Mela at Ruby Arena ( Sept 12 to 15)

Payasam Mela

( Price for Payasam - 1 ltr Rs 175, 1/2 ltr Rs 90, and 1/4 ltr Rs 45)
Ada Pradhaman
Pazha Payasam
Mathanga Payasam
Chena Payasam
Semya Payasam
Gothambu Payasam
Ambalapuzha Pal Payasam
Aval Payasam

Hotel Arul Jyothi
Onam Sadhya at Rs 250
Time: 12 to 2:30
Available till Sept 15, 2016
Advised to take prior reservation, 0417 2333300

Imperial kitchen
Onam Rs 289, plus tax
30 Rs parcel charges

11:30 to 3:PM
Onam Sadya will be served till 15th
Reservation call +91471 2311 789 or +91471 2311 798

Villa Maya

Onam Sadya at Villa Maya

Rate 750, plus tax
Timing 12:AM to 3:PM
Till Sept 14

Location: 120, Airport Road,

Injakkal, West fort,

Call +91 471 25789 - 01, 02,03,04,05

Hotel Rajadhani

Rajadhani Buildings, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
For Reservation enquiries : Tel. No. +91 -471-2547755,
Mobile: +91 9446046450

Hotel Maurya Trivandrum

Onam Sadya only on Sept 13 and 14
498/ inclusive of tax
Timing 12:30 to 3:00

Windsor Rajadhani Hotel

Onam Sadya only on Sept 13 and 14
498/ inclusive of tax
Timing 12:30 to 3:00

http://www.windsorrajadhani.com/

Park Rajadhani at East Fort and Uloor,

Rate for Onam sadya Rs 260, inclusive of taxes
Timing:12:30 to 3:30

Free Home delivery of Onam sadya - Rs 1,750 per kit ( Serves 5 people)

Arya Nivas

Onam Sadya@ Rs 150
Parcel rate: Rs 270 ( Collect from the hotel)

11:30 to 3:00 PM
Only on Thiru Onam day ( 14/9/16)
Phone 0471 233 0789

Mothers

Onamsadhya spread @ Mothers

Location: Bakery Junction, Near Russian Culture, Palayam
Phone: 0471 401 2255
Hours: Open today · 7AM–11PM
Onam sadya - Rs 160/ (All inclusive)
http://mothersvegplaza.com/

Travancore Aramana restaurant

The Trivandrum hotel

Pls call the respective hotels to make reservation and get all details before you visit.

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Next on my Wish List ( Note to Xmas Father)

November 9, 2016, 3:14 am

≫ Next: Baking Checklist for Newbies

≪ Previous: Restaurants serving Onam Sadya in Trivandrum -2016

Good Morning friends, Have a wonderful day!!!

Few days back I went to Foodhall @ 1MG Mall to kill that evening, and check new items/products kept on display. While walking around the aisle, I went bonkers seeing the red machine on display. It's not the first time I've seen it but this time, I got carried away by the utility of this machine. With this feeling, I put KitchenAid, on my wish list.

:-)

So when I got back home I went through the brochure given by them. On the manual book there was a chocolate cake recipe, then I decided to whiff it up. And, what you see below is the chocolate cake with caramel buttercream icing and chocolate ganache to top it up.

The entire cake was enjoyed by my neighbors, couldn't taste a piece of it due to my health issues.

Love to bake, bake and bake

Chocolate Cake ( Experimental Cake)

Slice of Chocolatey Delight

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Baking Checklist for Newbies

November 25, 2016, 4:30 am

≫ Next: Coconut Cake - Ring of Delight

≪ Previous: Next on my Wish List ( Note to Xmas Father)

Checklist for Newbies

“We learn from failure, not from success!” ― Bram Stoker, Dracula
:
When it comes to learning anything from art to science or to sports, the route to perfection or finish comes with mistakes. So, the question is what did you do wrong today to learn from it. So, just b'cos mistakes is the way the success doesn't mean that you keep making the same mistakes every time. A good practice to avoid repeating mistakes, it's said to keep a checklist or a written note. With a easy to refer note, you can recollect the steps, avoid the no-nos and focus on the end result.

Note: For those looking to perfect the art of keeping checklist, there's a book called - The Checklist Manifesto.

Have a good day!

Marina

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Coconut Cake - Ring of Delight

December 7, 2016, 9:31 am

≫ Next: Smart Marketing Tactic!

≪ Previous: Baking Checklist for Newbies

Coconut Cake

Slice of coconut cake

I grew up with Coconut as my main flavor in food. It's a part of our culture.
And today when I made the Coconut Cake, a familiar flavor whizzed around, waking up an old forgotten memory. This is when I realized how much we are tied to our olfactory senses.

Coconut Cake Experiment
This coconut cake, had coconut milk, coconut essence, coconut oil and dedicated coconut as Icing. Try the recipe given below. When you make this in you home, give a little bit of spin to the recipe or the finish or the final photo. And that becomes your's for sure!

Ingredients:

Maida 180 gms
Egg white 2
Coconut milk 1 Cup
Coconut oil 1/3 cup
Sugar 170 grm
Vanilla essence 1 tsp
Coconut essence 1 tsp
Baking Powder 1/2 tsp

Method

1. Sieve maida and baking powder 3 times

2.Beat egg white to stiff peak ( make sure your bowl and beater blades are oil free)

3.Use a beater and cream the oil and powdered sugar to a creamy texture.

4.Slowly beat in the flour, milk and essence.

5.Gently fold the egg white into the batter

6.Bake it at 180 degree for 40 mts.

For Coconut Frosting

Butter - 1 Cup
Vanilla 1 tsp
Coconut essence 8 tsp
Icing sugar 4 cups
Coconut milk 4 tsp

Method

Cream the butter and icing sugar
Add the essence and milk and beat to a creamy texture.

Note: I have jotted this recipe from a website or blog, but I can't recollect the source. Due to this, I can't give the proper source.

If you get any doubt or confusion while trying this recipe, then you're free to msg or call me for clarification.

Get, Set and Bake!

Marina

P.S: Here's a handy checklist for first-time bakers.

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Smart Marketing Tactic!

December 13, 2016, 11:09 pm

≫ Next: In love with Pathanamthitta City

≪ Previous: Coconut Cake - Ring of Delight

Marketing Tactic - Similar Packaging

Some brand shine, few out shine many other brands and in some cases there are trendsetter brands who carve a niche market from nothing. In this realm, I feel ID brand falls in the category of innovation, and quality.

For a long time, I have been a loyal customer of ID idly batter. I've seen how they have changed their packaging from a ordinary looking one to a more polished brand.

Today, the company has introduced new varieties in the market - Kerala Parotta, Wheat Parotta, etc. While it has grown it's biz volume, it has also attracted more competition.

Sometime last week, I went out late in the evening to buy few things remaining in the shopping list. The last item required was idly batter. I rushed to a near by shop and picked one and rushed into the waiting auto. When I reached home I realized that I picked a different brand and it was not ID brand.

It's apparent that some savvy marketing guys must have cloned the cover. And it made me wonder how customers are influenced by the color, font and packaging.

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In love with Pathanamthitta City

January 27, 2017, 5:06 am

≫ Next: Lost Art of Letter-writing

≪ Previous: Smart Marketing Tactic!

A year back I got a call from PATHANAMTHITTA CITY enquiring about my class details at Trivandrum. I was quite surprised to see her for my one week session. The time, dedication and passion she had in learning was amazing and also found her as very warm person were everyone would love to keep in touch with her.

She came to meet me with her family after my Surgery and invited me to her home, since I wanted a change of place and want to relax for a day, we took this opportunity to be there.

Good food and a warm kitchen are what makes a house a home. I experienced it at Sujo's home, she is so magnificent that she stretch so much to make you feel at home. She valued beautification in every area of her life.

In two days we had a wide spread of cuisine cooked with so much of love by Sujo. And the caring Sajan and kids Mahima and Shobith took us around the Elanthoorr, Pamba River, Adavi EcoTourism Bowl Boat Riding, Konni and Konni Elephant Cage and Sajan's brother Aji runs a Home stay The Mannas Veedu at Elanthoor which is worth staying, check it out for more details http://bit.ly/2fhKbWa

I want to thank the entire family for making us feel at home and looking forward to meet you all again.

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Lost Art of Letter-writing

January 27, 2017, 5:23 am

≫ Next: Gratitude 2016

≪ Previous: In love with Pathanamthitta City

I love writing letters and receiving letters. It's so sad that we've lost the art of letter-writing and the charm of saving correspondence.

Sending Christmas and New year cards used to be a norm before the digital era. The first signs of change came with ecards and then it too disappeared. Ask people about sending cards and you'll hear a common thread - who has the time to buy cards, and post them.

Exceptions Remain

To my surprise this year on 26th Dec 2016, I received a greeting card through post, a cute little Christmas card from my cute little(now she is grown up) cousin Maria Jacob.

Thank you so much dear, I will cherish it forever.

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Gratitude 2016

January 27, 2017, 5:36 am

≫ Next: Cupcake Baking for Beginners in Bangalore

≪ Previous: Lost Art of Letter-writing

I am grateful for a unique experience which happened on 17th December 2016.

It was one of the busiest day, the day of 5 Cakes and 5 Icing workshop which was happening at Trivandrum , when the session was about to finish I heard my door bell, to my surprise one of my old student (Mini) was there. She said I need to speak to you Mam, told her to please wait till the session get over and I got back to my class and completely forgot about her.

About half an hour later someone said there is a gang of girls outside waiting for me. I was shocked to see many of my old students waiting along with Mini to meet me.

They have come to wish me Christmas with a beautiful greeting card , a cup which says –“ The best Teacher” and a wonderful gift – An Air brush, which we use for our spray painting in Icing. I already have one but wanted to buy one more for Trivandrum classes since I carry it up and down all the time.

In the year 2016 Santa Clause had gone through my wish list and blessed me abundantly and gifted me two things which I wanted the most. Kenwood from my bro and Air brush from my students.

I wanted to say thanks for the wonderful year 2016... and share my gratitude for everything I've been blessed with. Family, friends, students and continued support from everyone.

Happy New Year to everyone. Wishing you each a healthy and grateful 2017

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Cupcake Baking for Beginners in Bangalore

March 16, 2017, 4:45 am

≫ Next: Whole Wheat Egg less Chocolate Cake

≪ Previous: Gratitude 2016

Joy of Baking Cupcakes

Cupcake Rising - Oven Baking

Are you new to baking?
Are you familiar with the baking terminology, measurement, process, etc?
Do you know the ingredients used in baking?

So, you bought a new oven or you have a new-found passion/interest to bake. How do you go about baking and learning the rudiments of baking?
If you're new to baking or you feel you need a strong foundation in baking, then I suggest you to start with the beginner level cupcake class.

In this class, I cover from the basics - learn the ingredients used in baking, the importance of measuring using standard measuring cups, setting of oven temperature, folding technique, knowledge on how cake rises, or to avoid common pitfalls of baking.

What's Covered in the Beginner level Cupcake Class?This 3 hr session is suitable for anyone who are new to baking and those who are with half-knowledge on baking or those looking to perfect their cupcake recipe.

Here're the topics covered in the beginner level cupcake class:

5 Types of Cupcake ( Vanilla, Strawberry, Orange marmalade, Chocolate, Dry fruits, )
Basic buttercream icing on cupcake ( Learn to pipe simple design on cupcake)

Practice with Hands-on Experience

In this class, you'll follow the process and recipe and make your own cupcakes. This hands-on practical session will help you to clear your doubts and it will help you to gain confidence in creating perfect cupcakes.

Fee for this 3 hr session is Rs 950 and you'll carry back the cupcakes make in the class. This class will usually have 3 to 6 people in one class. However, each person will get a chance to participate and bake own cupcake.

This class is at Domlur, Bangalore, and it's usually taken on Saturday morning ( 10:AM to 1:PM). However, each week class schedule is keeps changing. So, pls visit my blog to know about the upcoming baking classes in Bangalore.

In case you're are not able to attend this practical baking class, then you can register for the one-on-one online cupcake class. It is conducted through Skype. To schedule a Skype session, you can mail to mennasdelight@gmail.com or msg me at 9379398865.

Learn To Bake From Home - Online Cupcake Lessons ( Skype Class)

In the online class, you'll get a chance to bake along with me. These classes are a convenient way to learn as you can take this class at your own time and place. I also teach other cakes in the online cake class. You can check for the classes by visiting this Facebook Page

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Whole Wheat Egg less Chocolate Cake

March 22, 2017, 4:54 am

≫ Next: Gleeful Xmas Bakes

≪ Previous: Cupcake Baking for Beginners in Bangalore

Slice of Goodness ( Whole Wheat Egg less Chocolate Cake)

Egg less Whole wheat Chocolate Cake

I'm not a person who's comfortable baking cakes without egg. However, I stumbled on this excellent blogger who has a wide range of egg-less cake recipes. This recipe given below is from her, which I did small changes to enhance outcome to come my way. Hats off to Akilla Subramaniam and her pursuit of healthy bakes.

Ingredient

Whole wheat flour 1 and 3/4 cups
Cocoa powder 3/4 cup
Baking powder 2 tsps
Powdered sugar 3/4 cup + 4 tbsp
Milk 1 and 1/2 cups
Oil 1/2 cup
Vanilla essence 2 tsps

Method

Pre heat the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes.
Sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder together thrice.
Cream the powdered sugar and oil add the milk and essence then combine well.
Pour the wet ingredients into the sieved mixture.
Fold in the mixture until you get a smooth batter.
Grease an 8 Inch pan and pour the batter into it.
Bake in the pre heated oven at 180 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Final Result

I'm really surprised to see the find texture and finish of this cake. I bet it will be the same when you bake with this recipe. Pls do try this and thank the recipe maker for her recipe.

Your's in Baking!

Marina

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Gleeful Xmas Bakes

March 23, 2017, 9:32 pm

≫ Next: Thakkaaram Idavazhi Experience

≪ Previous: Whole Wheat Egg less Chocolate Cake

I have dreams of becoming a professional pastry chef and open a little bakery cum cafe some time down the line - that's how much I love baking. I love to cook in general, but my heart lies in baking.

Xmas Season - Yule time Spirit
Every year during this season, I have the same special festive feeling which comes along as we approach Christmas time. It's something that will remain where ever I'm. There're few memories that come along with it - the fragrance of plum cake, the melodious tune from Jim Reeves, and the overall mood of Christmas.

Christmas Bakes in Trivandrum
Trivandrum crowd surprise me each time I conduct classes over there. Love the students and their eagerness to learn new cuisine, which drives me to improve and innovate new things.

Young one giving all attention to the task

After the Xmas Cake Class

All smiles after the cupcake session

This month I had a new person who joined me to assist in my classes at Trivandrum. Gnanakshi Ganesan. She had come down all the way from Bangalore who loves to bakes, and passionate about all kind of bakes. A big thanks to her for helping me run the session in a smooth flow.
Wishing her all the best in her future baking career.

See you Trivandrum City in 2017 with more fun filled baking and cooking sessions.

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Thakkaaram Idavazhi Experience

March 23, 2017, 9:40 pm

≫ Next: Profiterole - Queen of Desert

≪ Previous: Gleeful Xmas Bakes

Rice is great if you're really hungry and that too if you want to have a good meal served in banana leaves

Had an yummy experience recently at

Our Family at Thakkaaram Idavazhi

After the meals, comes banana! Self Service!

Lunch on Banana Leaf ( Like the buttermilk served in clay mug)

Trivandrum is witnessing a renaissance in eateries - from themed restaurants, trendy cafes, and startups. One such place at Thakkaaram Idavazhi which has opened at Statue, Trivandrum. This place is open at 11 to 4 Trivandrum.

It was a simple spread of meal with two types of vegetables, sambar, dal , fish gravy, chamanthi ( killer taste) and payasam ( dessert needs improvement). Apart from the items served here, you can order extra dishes. There are a wide range of sea food ( king fish fry, mackeral, prawns, Chicken, etc) which you can choose. I feel it's worth Rs 100 for the meals. So, give it a try if you're around Secretariat area in Trivanrdrum.

Address to reach this lunch joint:
Kodar Lane, Statue Junction, Opposite to Accountant, General's Office,
Statue,Trivanrum, Kerala 695001
Phone: 085938 14422
Hours: 11AM–4PM

( I think they also cater to large orders or takeaway)

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Profiterole - Queen of Desert

March 23, 2017, 9:47 pm

≫ Next: Learn Baking Online

≪ Previous: Thakkaaram Idavazhi Experience

Profiterole

Oh, profiterole, queen among deserts! With chocolate sauce surrounding it on your plate, it stands out with all its divinity! This pic is from yesterday's class where I covered - Profiteroles, Eclairs and Doughnuts.

Where to Buy Profiterole or Eclairs in Bangalore?

When I made my first set of profiterole and eclairs, I wan't sure if I had made it right. Often, we follow the recipe word-by-word, but the outcome can slightly differ from the ones available in the market. So, to test and prove to myself that I had got it right, I send a messenger to buy these items from any of the upscale bakeries located around my locality.

Well, this two wheeler sporting messenger ( my hubby) came back with a disappointed and nasty look. Disappointed that he could only get eclairs from Lavonee, while all the places like Glen Bake House didn't have it on that particular day. Well, he had a irritated look as he had stop at many many popular bakeries and cafes in and around Indira Nagar locality, only to find none of these outlets have it. Well, I can understand how it's to drive on this no-mercy summer sun.

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Learn Baking Online

April 8, 2017, 12:12 pm

≫ Next: Wings of Guardian Angel

≪ Previous: Profiterole - Queen of Desert

Everything happens for a reason. When I fell sick and could not travel much to other cities to take my classes, Biju gave an idea of online classes and it turned out to be a blessing when my students from Hyderabad approached me with the same and then I started taking online classes. Marina Online Indian Cooking Class, Marina's Online Bread Baking Classes

Liza heard of my online classes, contacted me to do a write up. I am so humbled to have featured in today's The Hindu Newspaper, Trivandrum edition. Thank you Liza for the wonderful write up.

http://www.thehindu.com/…/marina-charl…/article17866372.ece…

Thank you lord for all the blessings. Thanks to all my students and friends who had called up to wish me luck for my new venture.

Wishing, hoping and praying to do many things in the field of baking,cooking and icing.

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Wings of Guardian Angel

April 8, 2017, 12:22 pm

≫ Next: Blooming City... namma ooru bengaluru

≪ Previous: Learn Baking Online

When I look back on my life, I wonder how I survived - when I was small and scared of anything my mom always said I had a guardian angel and she will take care of you and I believed her.

Two years back Chantel from Netherlands had come for my cooking class and it was a two day cooking session. She came back again to Bangalore again for her holidays and she came home yesterday to see me. We spent the whole day together just talking. She gifted me a small statue of an Angel which reminded me of my guardian angel whom I have forgotten as I grew up and I also loved the Dutch cookies she got for me.

The way people come into your life when you need them, it's wonderful and it happens in so many ways. It's like having an angel. Somebody comes along and helps you get right.

Chantel - House Visit - 2017

Guardian Angel - We all Need One!

Chantel - 2 years back

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Blooming City... namma ooru bengaluru

April 8, 2017, 12:52 pm

≫ Next: Happy Birthday Girl

≪ Previous: Wings of Guardian Angel

The canopy of Pink Tabebuia is common in Bangalore city, a spectacle to watch it during the season. Love the sight of it when we went for our morning walk. Love you Bangalore City!!!

Spectacular Bloom Near Home - Domlur

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Happy Birthday Girl

April 25, 2017, 10:08 am

≫ Next: Pondicherry Trip

≪ Previous: Blooming City... namma ooru bengaluru

A big thanks to all who had wished me. Love you all.

It was a big surprise for me when Biju decided to bake a cake for me and it turned out to be yummy. Almond coffee cake. A flourless butter less cake. A big thanks to my mom who made my favorite megoreng noodles.

This year I had Stuti with me to cut the cake, we both share the same date but not the year :-) Wishing her all happiness and joy.

I love my life. I love the age I am. You couldn’t pay me to be any younger; I’d have no interest. 45 had approached me quickly, but the real question is: 45 are you ready for ME?

Eat the cake. Drink the wine. Swim with those sharks. Be on TV. Ride that rollercoaster. Walk on that stage. None of us are getting out of here alive, so why the hell not?

Karma is a wonderful thing. It does work. So be good! Enjoy each moment

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