Zesty Guacamole

Avocado is one of the most valuable foods which nature has given. Avocados are widely considered as a vegetable, since it is commonly used in salads. However, it is actually a fruit that tastes like vegetable. They are used not only in salads and the ever popular guacamole, but also in breads, desserts, main dishes and in non-culinary creams for facials and body massages.

Avocados are a good source of Vitamin E, with mono and polyunsaturated good fat. Avocados are a delicious way to bring more "wow" to any meal.

Here's a quick guacamole recipe for you all - 

Ingredients 

2 medium sized ripened avocados

1/2 a small red onion diced

1/2 small tomato diced

1/4 green bell pepper diced

1 jalapeno finely chopped (de-seed it if you cannot handle the heat)

1/4 cup raw or boiled and drained corn (Optional)

1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder

1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional) for that extra zing 

A handful of cilantro chopped

Salt, pepper and lime juice to taste which 

You can adjust according to your personal preferences

Method 

Peel and mash the avocado with a fork into a bowl. Mix in the chopped onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapenos, cilantro, lemon zest and corn into the mashed avocado. Season to taste with cumin powder, salt, pepper, lime juice and mix well.

 

Note 

Though lime juice keeps the guacamole from turning dark, you can also keep the avocado pit in it. Your guacamole will stay green for a couple days longer. It doesn't stay around my house long enough to change colors...haha

Walnut & Dates Pound Cake

This is the first recipe post on my own blog and I am on a high. This blog was long due, and here I am finally !!! All thanks to a few of my friends who have been truly inspirational and encouraging. Thank you peeps :) 

P.S. Pardon me on my poor photography skills :P

A cake rich in dates and nuts is a must bake for every baker. It is delicious, simple, quick and easy to bake. Many healthy variations can be made with this cake. For instance, the all purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour and walnuts with pecans. It is one of my all time favorite breakfast cakes. It also serves as a healthy snack.

Ingredients 

200g Pitted Dates 

100g Walnuts 

100g Brown Sugar 

100g All Purpose flour 

100g Butter 

1/4 tsp Cinnamon 

1/4 tsp Nutmeg(Optional) 

1 tsp Baking powder

1 tsp Honey 

1 tsp Vanilla extract 

2 Eggs - 2

Salt - a pinch

Method 

• Soak the dates in warm water and let it sit aside. This will help them soften and become moist

• Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl. Just when it is light and fluffy, add in the eggs and mix well

• Add the vanilla extract and honey into the mixture

• Sift in the Flour , Baking powder, Salt, Cinnamon powder, Nutmeg and fold it all together

• When it is all well incorporated, add in the chopped walnuts. Drain the dates at this time and add them. Fold them all together

• Grease a 8inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper

• Pour in the prepared mix into the greased loaf pan and spread it evenly.

• Pre-heat the oven at 180 C / 350 F

• Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 45mins to 1 hr

Note

Baking time varies depending on the make of the oven. So take care to look at the cake after around 35mins