Giuseppe Inspired Garlic Cheese Dip

The inspiration of this mouth watering dip is an Italian restaurant Called "Guiseppe's Cucina Italiana" in Pismo Beach,CA. 
I tried to replicate the dip which is served at Guiseppe's along with bread as everyone in my family loves this dip and especially my kiddos. We all crave for this dip, so I thought of recreating it and luckily I got "Thumbs Up" from my kiddos. 
I can say with confidence that if you will try this dip one time, you devour it all in no time.
The best thing about this dip is you can use it as a base for Pizza, Pasta,Soups,Salads...the options are unlimited. You can also store it at room temperature for a long period of time.

Serving size: 20

Ingredients :
1 cup : Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup: Trader Joe's grated Parmesan Romano cheese mix
10 cloves of garlic: Peeled and finely grated
1 tsp: salt 



Directions: Put all the ingredients in a bowl and incorporate everything nicely so that there are no lumps. You can adjust the flavors like add more salt or cheese if you want to  by adding salt or cheese . Store it in an airtight container and enjoy.

Buttermilk with Mint & Spices ( Pudina Masala Chaas)

Chaas or Chaach is a traditional Indian yogurt based drink. It is  commonly taken after meals in many Indian households. It's consistency is thinner and it is mostly consumed cold. It helps in digestion.  It is also a great healthy drink on hot summer days, better than sugary and artificial drinks. I have added a twist by adding mint for a different flavor. Here is one flavorful, healthy, and easy drink for your taste buds.


Serving size: 3-4

Ingredients :
1 cup low fat plain yogurt (I use Trader Joe's plain nonfat yogurt)
1 cup water 
8-10 ice cubes
1/2 tsp :Jeera(Cumin Powder)
1 tsp Rock salt
A pinch of  regular white salt(if needed)
1/2 tsp-1 tsp :chaat Masala* *
5-6  Mint leaves



Directions: Put all the ingredients  and blend it until it's smooth.
Strain the  blended yogurt mix   and ready to enjoy   Taste to adjust the flavors according to your taste  buds by adding salt. Garnish with some some mint leaves and chaat masala.


**: Chaat Masala is blend of  spices .You can find it easily in any Indian grocery store.

Quote to ponder: In life, much like smoothies,you get what you put in it.

Chia-Chayote-Corn MEDLEY

    

This is a recipe I created for a Cook-Off. 

This dish is a fusion of traditional and western flavors. It uses simple ingredients and is ready in minutes. Perfect for a lunch box, picnics or whenever you crave for a flavorful and guilt-free meal. This dish contains whole grains, fruits & veggies full of fiber with the right amount of fat in the form of Olive Oil.

SERVING SIZE: 6-7

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Corn kernels (either frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup Chayote squash diced into 3/4-inch pieces
• 3 Tbsp. Chia seeds
• 1 cup Cracked wheat/ Couscous
• 2-3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 small red onion chopped into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (red, orange or yellow  bell peppers, carrots)
• 1Tbsp Tava fry masala (any brand)*
• 1 tsp. Lemon juice
• 8-10 almonds chopped/toasted pecans
• Handful of cilantro julienned and some more for garnishing
• 1cup Pineapple chunks diced into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup Mango peeled, diced into ¾- inch pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup Pomegranates seeds (optional)
• Salt according to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)                                                                   
• METHOD:
•   Rinse all the vegetables. Pressure cook the cracked wheat   with 3/4 cup of water until two whistles. After taking it out of the pressure cooker let it stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, add lemon juice, little bit of salt and set aside.
•  Meanwhile, in large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium, add minced garlic, chopped onions and chia seeds. Stir fry until onions are translucent. Stir corn, chayote squash and all the other vegetables until cooked for 5-10 mins approx.
•   Now add the fluffed cracked wheat into the vegetables. Stir well. Next add the chopped almonds/pecans, salt if needed, pepper flakes, Tava fry masala, and mango & pineapple chunks and chopped cilantro. Incorporate everything well. Garnish with Cilantro and pomegranates.
• ·       Let it sit for 10-15mins for all the flavors to blend in. Serve at room temperature.
  *Tava fry masala is readily available in any Indian grocery store.