Concrete Words - Dove Chocolate Wrapper

This post is a part of a series where I choose and write about a particular "Concrete Word ". Check my previous posts here .

Concrete words are terms that identify things and events that can be measured and observed. Concrete words are tangible in some way. So I decided to write about such "concrete words ".

Sometimes you need a boost to start the next project . Just a little push to take that leap. This Dove chocolate wrapper message did just that for me . About 10 years ago I moved to Macon to pursue my further studies . It was a bitter sweet moment for me . Bitter because I had to move away from my husband . He was still finishing up his studies in a different city and was not able to move to Macon with me . Sweet because I had worked so hard to achieve this . I wanted to pursue post graduate studies and this was it . A start to my new academic year . On my very first day someone at the new Macon office gave me a Dove chocolate . I am not a huge chocolate lover . But the gesture was sweet and so was the chocolate . I unwrapped the chocolate to eat it . Just then I caught a glimpse of the message inside . I saw Macon first before the message . It was a unique moment with a special message . 

With that silky smooth message ( just like the chocolate ) I embarked on my journey in this new town . The message was a good omen in my mind . All I needed was a boost in my confidence and a little chocolate I guess . 

Do you have any chocolate moment to share ?

Pandemic Pantry - Spinach Quesadillas with Desi Twist

• I love quesadillas as they make quick weeknight dinner . Seriously simple and tasty recipe. It is one of my favorite lunchbox menus as well . I have made them with tortillas in the past . But with no tortillas at hand during pandemic times I decided to try these out with rotis instead of tortillas . And surprisingly they turned out equally good . I make fresh whole wheat rotis daily . Instead of eating rotis with a curry I loved this new option to enjoy fresh rotis .  A desi twist on quesadilla . Savor these quesadillas with salsa and sour cream. Incredibly easy to make and budget friendly recipe .Your family is sure to give you oohs and aahs with these tasty quesadillas . What is your favorite filling inside quesadillas ?
• Ingredients -
• Spinach washed and chopped 3 cups
• Onion chopped finely half of a medium sized one
• Sweet Corn 1/3rd cup ( optional )
• Oil or butter for cooking 
• Garlic powder 1/2 tsp
• Chilli powder or flakes 1/2 tsp
•  Salt as per taste
• Mozarella Cheese 
• Rotis or Tortillas 2
• 
  
• Instructions- 
• 1. In a skillet add butter or oil 
• 2. Once oil or butter is hot add onions and saute till they are translucent 
• 3.Add corn and mix for 30 secs till soft 
• 4.Add spinach and cook until spinach is wilted. 
• 5. Add garlic powder, chilli powder and salt .Cook for a minute or two to mix in the flavors .
• 6. Remove from heat . Add shredded mozarella cheese and mix well .
• 7. Top half of each tortilla with spinach mixture; fold other half over filling. 
• 8. Place on a griddle coated with cooking spray or greased with butter.  Cook over medium heat until golden brown, 1-2 minutes per side. Cut quesadillas in half and serve hot . 
• 
  
  
• Tips -
• 1. Get your fiber serving by using whole wheat tortillas 
• 2. Substitute garlic powder with Taco seasoning for a different flavor 
• 3. It looks like a lot of spinach at first, but it shrinks down a lot in no time during cooking. 
• 4. Switch up the sweet corn with other veggies like black olives or mushrooms 

Pandemic Pantry - Dairy Free Pancakes

I was craving pancakes for past few days. Aah! All the things you wish to eat but can't have easily available in these pandemic times . I was out of my Bisquick pancake mix (pantry panic mode on ) . So I started searching the internet for easy and eggless homemade pancake recipe . A dear friend A D came to my rescue who shared this recipe. And ( wink wink ) the pancakes came out amazing . Easy recipe and yummy results -  what else can I ask for .  Also a healthier version since I used whole wheat flour . Using jaggery instead of sugar made it taste so much better. I could cut down on the added syrup that l otherwise liberally drizzle or just pour over my pancakes. All in all mission accomplished . These pancakes taste good with anything and everything including  maple syrup or whipped cream or peanut butter or just ghee . Numerous delicious options indeed .  You can add fresh fruits / nuts / chocolate chips or M and M's as toppings.  I bet kids will want to eat these pancakes all the time because mine surely do . Make these pancakes a few times and they will become a part of your weekly routine . So are you ready to try this recipe ? What do you eat pancakes usually with ? 

Ingredients -

Water 1 cup

Whole wheat flour 1 cup

Jaggery 1/4th  cup 

Salt - just a pinch

Baking powder - 1/4 tsp

 Instructions -

1. Heat water on stove top or microwave it for a minute.

2. Add shredded jaggery to the hot water and mix well till it dissolves completely 

3. Once water has cooled down add wheat flour slowly while continuous stirring with a spoon to avoid forming lumps. The consistency should be such that you can easily pour the bater .

4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle.  Brown on both sides and serve hot.  

Tips -

1. Use shredded jaggery as it easily dissolves in hot water 

2. Add a pinch of cardammom powder or 1/4 th tsp vanilla extract for added flavor 

3. Adjust heat as necessary . Usually first batch will require higher heat than subsequent batches.