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Covid has acted as spoiler for many birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations. But was hoping that things would be better for my daughter's birthday in July. Simple because young kids (and adults too) need some sunshine after all these gloomy months. As a mum, I was prepared to a no-guest birthday too, but was confident that I would still make it special.


(Please ignore the quality of pics, since this was not a planned post.
But the recipe had to be shared :)

From this came the idea of "Ice Cream" Party. Summers and ice-cream are a combination made in heaven. And it would add a festive feel, to any celebration. And if some kids can join in, then it would be extra special. Thankfully few of her friends did come over and made the party totally rocking.


As a fellow mum, you would know the hysteria that goes in a mum's mind when she puts her 'part planner' mode. The degree of hysteria and planning might vary from mum to mum, but you know how it goes...





Since I had already done and dusted the Barbie, Elsa, candy world, etc themes, this theme came as a breath of fresh air. Very easy to execute and totally fun. I have created a Pinterest board for all ideas and inspiration on this theme. Do check it out, and you would find some nice printable designs too.


All you need are:

  • A table for setup

  • Ice Cream Banner/ buntings. Name tags

  • 3 (or more) types of Ice cream - we chose Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry

  • 4-8 types of toppings. We went all out - Marshmallow, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, gummies, wafers, chocolate sprinkles, nuts (avoid if any allergy). And of course Chocolate syrup

  • Serving cones and cups. We had wafer cones too, and they were a big hit

  • Ice Cream scoop, napkins and spoons


Once decor and theme were taken care of, I got baking. And made a simple but delicious chocolate cake with Fudge Frosting. What I loved about cake was how stable it was for a layer cake. Definitely a keeper. And the sour cream made it a moist one too.

But the best part was the amazing frosting. So easy to whip and so stable and delicious. This is going to be my go-to recipe for frosting from now.





SOUR CREAM CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH FUDGE FROSTING

(Print Recipe)


Makes 2 9" or 3 8" cakes

Serves 10


Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (1 ¾ is also fine)

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 cup sour cream, room temperature

  • 1/2 cup canola oil

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee



Directions:

  • To prepare the cake, preheat the oven to 350F. Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

  • In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 

  • Crack in the eggs, spoon in the sour cream, and pour in the oil and the vanilla. Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined.

  • Pour in the hot coffee, slowly mix until smooth and liquidy.

  • Pour batter in the prepared pans, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. (Mine was done at 40-45 mins)

  • Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then invert it and let cool completely.





FUDGE FROSTING:

1 Minute Chocolate Frosting .


- 3 1/4 cups Powdered Sugar

- 2/3 cups unsweetened Cocoa Powder

- 150 gm Softened Butter

- 100 gm Boiling Water (1/3 cups + 1 1/2 tbsp)

- 60 gram Melted Dark Chocolate (75% cocoa )

- ½ tsp vanilla

- Pinch of Salt



Directions:

  1. Mix cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Add Softened butter.

  2. Add hot water. And mix with a hand-mixer till blended.

  3. Then add melted chocolate and vanilla. Your tasty frosting is ready to use.


Now simply layer the cooled cakes, with half the frosting. And decorate with the other half. And enjoy.


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Nothing can beat the aroma of freshly baked bread or the satisfaction of having something fresh out of the oven. I wonder why I don't breads as often as I should. I guess getting the right texture and crumb of the bread is bit tricky. And if it's not accepted by kids then whole task becomes a duhh...
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Effective Social Media Tips



When visual stimulation is flooding our eyeballs every second, creating a feed that is not attractive enough, is not an option. To create a mark in this small square grid on a mobile screen, within a fleeting scrolling second is really a challenge. So let’s take up this challenge, with the right and FREE tools up your sleeves. With these easy tips, I'm sure you will soon be acing your social media game with panache.


Social Media Strategy Tips



  1. DESIGN BETTER LOOKING CONTENT - 


One of the most critical parts of having a good instagram social media account is the aesthetics of it. Of course after content, but they both go hand-in-hand. And good content can get killed


  • You can do this too, without hiring a graphic designer or paying to an agency or buying an  expensive software to do that. Simply get familiar with some of the free but highly efficient apps/ websites to create amazing looking content. 


  Our favorite is Canva. Canva is one of the most widely used platform. It offers you an   exhaustive list of templates for all kinds of requirements - from facebook cover, to invite, to poster to instagram story, to social media posts, to animated posts - it has it all. Simply choose the category, the template, upload your images and logo. And customize the design the way you like. 

   

   There is also a mobile app to use it for quick layouts. And simply download the layouts as jpg, png or pdf.


Other apps that you can explore are Pixlr, Pablo, Desygner and Fotor. 


  • Be sure to create content in the best resolution and recommended sizes. This will ensure that your content gets posted, without any unnecessary cropping. 
  • Be consistent with your choice of fonts and color schemes, to give your feed a unique character and easy recognition. Don’t forget that clutter is a spoilsport in this visual curation and try and keep it light on the eyes, with keeping your feed clean. This will help in your viewers revisiting you again and again. 



2.  SCHEDULE YOUR POSTS - 


You have created the perfect posts. But have no idea of when to post. Well take the stress out of posting, by scheduling your posts on the best days and time for your business. Go to your instagram insights and see under the ‘audience ‘tab,  when exactly your audience is online. You can use a scheduling platform like Later which is free to use for unto 1 login.  And link your instagram, facebook and twitter easily on it.


It gives you an opportunity to think through your post descriptions well in advance, upload all your content, add and save your hashtags for future use, schedule it on your preferred date and time. And best part is that you get to view your feed on how it will look with all the content planned. Thus giving you a chance to make some tweaks in your future posts. 


This scheduling and visualizing your content, ensures that your feed is well thought through and hence no need to scurry your brain at the last minute for random posts.


There are many other Free apps that you can use like  Planoly, Unum, Preview and Plann (only available on IOS)



Tips for Social Media Strategy


3.  Use Hashtags effectively : 

     

    Hashtags are like group names given to individuals and if we need to find a certain type, we know which group to find it in. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. Finding the right hashtag for your post, ends up being a guessing game or a creative outlet , like #mymondaymorningsucked or #letsmakeindiancurrytonight. But is your audience really searching with that hashtag?


  • Find Relevant Hashtag - For this purpose, use the website - Display Purposes - type 2-3 of your chosen keywords, and it will showcase wide selection of relevant keywords with their search volume. So you can pick and use the most effective ones. And see what difference that makes to your visibility.
  • Follow Hashtags. Yes you follow people and accounts but might not be aware of following the hashtags relevant to your business or profile. For example for a graphic designer in London, it would be of great help to see posts from different accounts about #graphicdesigntrends or #graphicdesignerlondon to stay up-to-date on both trends and competition. And also to get inspiration for future content. For this simply type a hashtag in search tab, and click on the hashtag which has most search volume, and click the follow button. 
  • Keep a watch - Lastly keep a watch on the content of the ‘thought-leaders’ and micro-influencers of your domain. What keywords and hashtags they are using. In simple terms, what works for them; will be helpful to you too if the goals are similar.



4. USE STORIES MORE EFFECTIVELY:


     We all love browsing right and left on all the fun and quirky stories that pops up freshly on our feeds everyday. While the posts have a more curated and refined aesthetics and appeal, stories are more real and slice of life. Guess for the fact that it has lower shelf life (till its saved in highlights), makes it more spontaneous. And gives an opportunity to play with gifs, videos, and adding different layers of creativity.


  • Use Location and trending hashtags, to increase reach. 
  • Tag other people and brands (as and when relevant), to increase chances of reposts. Like tagging the restaurant where you dined, the school where your kid studies, the show that you attended etc
  • Create more engaging content - Stories are THE best way to start conversations (because hello “reply to Stories” feature 👋). Just don’t post your images but try and have a conversation going. Like having polls, ask a question, have a countdown, going live, etc
  • Save your stories in nicely curated highlights, for future viewing. Create a visually appealing highlight cover in few minutes on canva and see how it uplifts your feed.


5. START INVESTING IN BUILDING YOUR COMMUNITY: 


  I know it’s easy to talk about oneself and keep promoting your products or brand. But it’s equally vital to have an external communication as well. Because unlike your website, instagram is a social media, where the intent should be to have a social communication and to build your community.


  • Follow like minded people and accounts. Also follow key influencers and micro-influencers to get relevant content
  • Share content of others as well on your feed. Example recipes you liked of someone, designs you liked of another designer, etc to keep the spirit social and positive and open
  • See if you can find a group or challenge or activity that’s happening in the insta world that you can participate in. Like as a photographer, I found many such like minded photographers on the challenge groups. It gives an excellent opportunity to learn, as we well build my community on the gram.
  • Comment and like content of others on regular basis, to show your appreciation. Engage with their stories too.


Now go and explore it and share your thoughts in the comment section below. ⚡😊


Note - This is Part 1 of the series of posts on blogging and Social Media.



    



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Chocolate Mud Cake



"The only thing constant is change. But comfort is in being wrapped with familiar."


How do we bridge this gap, of being surrounded by our sense of the known as we tread towards the unknown, every passing day. Specially in today's times, as we face the trying times and turbulence, we can bring little nuggets of joy, through our food and kitchen. 

I love a good brownie and I love rich chocolate cake. And what happens when these two get combined in a sinful combination. Well this rich, dense, dark chocolate mud cake.


Chocolate Mud Cake

Honestly I came back to blogging because I missed my online diary, of recipes, of sharing and creating memories. It's so easy as well to just click on the website and find a recipe I loved and had made, than to browse through tons of notebooks. Specially when you are in the kitchen and inspired to make something. What about you? how do you like to save and find your favorite recipes?


Chocolate Mud Cake


I have been making this recipe for last 8 years, and it has always warmed my heart with its simplicity. But be sure to use really good quality chocolate, since that's what gives all the flavor to the cake.


Chocolate Mud Cake





Cadbury's Mud Cake Recipe


A dense chocolate cake, almost brownie like. I'm sharing recipe of small quantity, since its quite a rich cake. Double the recipe for larger amount)

Ingredients:
Makes 6" cake
  • Butter - 125 gm, chopped
  • Brown Sugar - 1 cup 
  • Strongly Brewed Coffee - 3/4 cup
  • Dark Chocolate - 100 gm, Coarsely chopped (I used 70%)
  • Egg - 1 (Or 1/4 cup yogurt)
  • All purpose flour - 3/4 cup  + 2 tbsp
  • Baking Powder - 1/8 tsp
  • Salt - Pinch
  • Cocoa Powder - 1/8 cup 

Method:

  1. Preheat oven at 150C. Grease a 6" cake pan pan. Keep aside. 
  2. In a saucepan, add butter, sugar, coffee and chopped chocolate and let it all melt on medium heat. Keep stirring and do not let the mixture boil. Once sugar is dissolved and chocolate melts, remove from the heat and let it cool completely. You can keep in fridge to cool faster.

  3. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder and keep aside.

  4. Add egg to the cooled chocolate mixture. Beat well. Now add the flour mixture in 2 batches and fold well after each addition, till all the flour mix is well combined. 

  5. Pour this batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for about 50-60 mins, or till the tester comes clean from the centre of the oven.

  6. Let it cool, before removing from pan. Dust lightly with cocoa or icing sugar.

Chocolate Mud Cake

Sinful Dark Chocolate Mud Cake


Notes:
- Can replace egg with yogurt, to make it eggless
- Is quite rice. Flavor is determined by the chocolate, for lighter and sweeter flavor go for milk chocolate or 60% chocolate
- Can be served warm, with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.
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Hope you have kickstarted your 2018 on a vibrant note and settled well into the routine as well. For me life has been swinging in different directions, for last few years, but coming back to my home, is what keeps me rooted and composed. Its my space of heaven!! Welcome and have a glimpse.



After spending a good number of years in Middle East, we finally bought our apartment in Dubai. We had been living in this area - JLT, for three years and loved the comfort and peace that it offered. A dynamic society with lots of activities for the kids, huge parks and generally a great vibe. Apart from the excitement of new ownership, it was the best project to get my home decor love flowing. The only glitch was we hardly had much time post possession of the apartment and shifting. Precisely 10 days to get the painting, wallpaper, some woodwork and all finished. That meant planning it well ahead of what we wanted, and shopping it in advance so that it gets all balanced out when we shift.









  Let's chat over a glass of tea







            Shades of Blue - Living Room







  Pop art style buffet table, next to the dining table








 View of the dining cum living room. Bright and airy to uplift the mood.












A work corner in bedroom with park view for calmness 


The few things that I learnt in the process of creating this space were the importance of having a moodboard. Even if end result is different, a moodboard is the perfect springboard to get started and to have your ideas in place.














Above are my moodboards which I kept coming back to while picking furniture and accessories. And it was of immense help. Now I'm doing the same while I'm renovating my kitchen and bathroom, which would be in next post.


My second learning was the importance of accessories. They need not be expensive or theme bound, but they definitely should make you feel happy when you see them. 


Thirdly not to be afraid of colors. In a surrounding when whites and neutrals adorn the interiors, I chose to have multiple shades of blue in a single room and it works. So do play around, after all its decorative element, not a life threatening one. So do what you please, since its your piece of heaven!




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raees promotion

Yesterday was a special day for me. And for lots of other Shahrukh Khan fans in Dubai. The King Khan visited Bollywood Parks, Dubai for the promotion of his upcoming movie, 'Raees' and I was there for its press conference. Definitely a special day when you get to meet the king of romance in real.




Shahrukh Khan in Dubai


Shahrukh Khan, dressed casually in jeans and t-shirt was his usual charming, warm and witty self. Even though the press conference was directed at the whole team - the director Rahul Dholakia, the producer - Ritesh Sidhwani and his co star - Nawazuddin Siddiqi, the superstar stole all the limelight. His friendly and easy banter with the media left everyone feeling excited about the movie.





He shared that Dubai was like his second home and his villa in Jumeirah is one of the most blissful place. And that he loves to simply chill and relax there with his friends and family. On being asked about his relationship with the Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and the heroine of the movie, he shared that due to lack of time, not much of personal exchange happened.








Nawazuddin Siddiqi, an acclaimed actor was his humble modest self and shared how he's intimidated by Shahrukh Khan in real life. At the end of the press conference, Sharukh Khan also shared the Arabic version of the popular song 'Zalima' from the movie. 





After the media meet, Shahrukh and the team went to meet his fans waiting at Bollywood Park  eagerly for him. The crowd were in their most excited form to see their superstar on satge.







Raees, an action thriller revolving around a clever bootlegger, played by Shahrukh Khan is a much awaited potboiler. Releasing on 25th January, go ahead and watch your favourite star in and as Raees.








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With all the dwindling interests of mine, there’s only one that has stood the test of time. And that is my faithful sleep. It’s my favourite companion. In joy, in sorrow, when I’m tired or even when I'm sad, my love for sleep never leaves my side. Thankfully there’s lot of solace in knowing that.

Sometimes when I’m wide asleep I dream of waking up to hot breakfast served in bed, by my dear hubby. See I told you laziness has no limits. It even enters the domain of my dreams.  But then even God knows when I’m being dreamy and when I’m being plain lazy, so anyways this desire has yet not been rewarded by hubby in this way. Though he has made breakfasts for me on many occasions, as and when I lovingly requested him to. I guess I should be happy for that!

So on such days when you desire for a simple breakfast in the bed or on dining table to start your day on good note, I would highly recommend trying ‘namkeen seviyan’. A delicious savoury Indian breakfast with a hint of sweetness and warmth of cardamom and nuts. Have it with green tea or ginger tea and your smile will be back for a great morning!




 Namkeen Seviyan is vermicelli (a bit thicker variety) combined with mild spices and nuts or veggies to make a hearty breakfast or even a light lunch. Great for packing in lunchbox of kids or to serve when you have unexpected guests.



Namkeen Seviyan/ Vermicelli Pulao Recipe



Ingredients:

Seviyan - 1/2 pack or 1 cup (I used MTR pack, which is bit thick and lightly toasted)

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves - 3-4

Green chilly - 1 slit

Onion - 1 small, finely chopped

Oil - 1/2 tbsp

Boiled veggies - 1/4 cup (optional- like carrots, peas, potatao)

Nuts - 1-2 tbsp (I used cashews, raisins and peanuts)

Salt to taste 

Black pepper - to taste

Cumin powder - 1/4 tsp

Sugar - a pinch

Lemon juice - 1/4 tsp

Coriander leaves for garnishing






 Method:


1. There are many ways the vemicelli is used for this. Some like to toast it before adding to spices. Since I use thicker mildly toasted one. I prefer to put it boiling water for 2 mins to soften it. And then drain it, just like regular pasta.


2. Heat a pan and add oil/ghee to it. Then add mustard seeds and let it splutter. Add curry leaves and green chilly. Now add the chopped onion and saute it for a min or two, till its translucent. No need to brown it.


3. Now add chopped veggies, if using. Let it cook for a while and when almost done add the drained vermicelli. Add salt, black pepper, sugar and cumin powder and toss it all nicely.


4. Add toasted peanuts and other nuts. Add little lemon juice (optional) and garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Ready to serve . Relish it!


And next time teach your husband too to make this dish. You never know when you get woken up to this tasty breakfast in bed by him!

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