DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE

      "There is no metaphysics on earth like Chocolate" - as written by Portuguese Poet Fernando Pessoa.  Chocolate - it's Magical, Mythical & Medicinal.  And one of the most commercialized Food item and highly romanticized, getting synonymous with Valentine's Day. Chocolate is one of the major flavour preferred by most of the people around the world along with Vanilla and Strawberry.

 For the Love of Chocolate

                                                   
                                                   
     Maybe the Chemical compounds in chocolate is making me moody and expressive.  Got a bit poetic on the go.  I feel, even thinking of Chocolate triggers sensations. Though not a big Chocolate Lover or am I succumbing myself, I am not sure.  Chocolate flavour has always been devoured hands down at home.  I feel the other three at home are in a CHOCOHOLIC ZONE. To be a birthday or celebration there pops up a chocolate flavoured cake as a default. It is not that I don't like them, but once in a while, it is fine for me. I love those Black Forest Cakes with Chocolate Cake as the base and Chocolate dipped Nuts.

     This is a foolproof recipe and if done properly it turns out to be one of the moist and perfectly aerated cake.  From lots of trial n errors and from trying out quite a number of recipes, I finally stuck to this one.  This Dark Chocolate Cake is a twist from my original version of  Chocolate Cake. The only change I have made is with the amount and quality of Cocoa Powder used.  I have substituted normal Cocoa Powder with Dark Cocoa Powder, which yields a lot more of a brown and slightly bitter cake.  But the amount of sugar used balances the taste perfectly.

     The smell of hot Cake wafting from the oven is rich & chocolaty and as normal as it is my brain waves trigger relaxation as Chocolate is a 'Love Drug'  giving out pleasurable effects along with a satisfaction of a perfected Cake Recipe.

For more CAKE RECIPES, Click here...

Recipe Type - Cake, Dessert
Difficulty - Medium
Yields - 1 Medium Sized Cake
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 25-30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 45 Minutes - 1 Hour

HOW TO MAKE DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE

INGREDIENTS :

All-Purpose Flour - 11/2 Cup
Dark Cocoa Powder - 1/2 Cup
Baking Powder - 2 Teaspoons
Salt - 1 Teaspoon
Sugar - 11/4 Cup
Egg - 3 Nos.
Butter - 1/2 Cup
Milk - 2/3 Cup
Vanilla Extract - 2 Teaspoons
Boiling Water - 3/4 Cup

METHOD :

• Preheat the oven at 180 Degree Celsius for about 10 - 15 Minutes.
• Powder the Sugar and keep it aside.
• Sift the Flour along with Dark Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder and a pinch of Salt thrice.
• In a large bowl beat Butter until soft, add powdered sugar and beat until it's well combined and soft.
• Add Eggs one at a time into the butter mixture and beat well until soft and fluffy, for about 5-6 minutes on medium speed.
• Next, pour in Vanilla Essence and beat it well.
• Add the sifted Flour Mix and Milk in batches. 
• Alternate between Flour and Milk - starting with flour and ending with flour.
• Beat after each batch until the flour is well combined into the mix.
• Slowly pour in the Boiling Water to the cake batter carefully and beat on low speed for a minute or two.
• Grease the Cake Tins and dust them up with Flour. 
• Pour the Cake Batter into the prepared tins and smooth the tops.
• Bake the cakes in the preheated on the centre rack of the Oven at 180 Degree Celsius for about 45 Minutes to 1 hour or until the skewers' comes out clean.
• Let cool in the Cake Tin on the rack.
• Remove cake from pan carefully.
• Cut the cake into the desired shape and store them in airtight containers.
• Stays good for a week at room temperature.

NOTES :

• Eggs and Butter should be at room temperature.
• I have used DARK COCOA  in this recipe, can also use normal cocoa powder.
• For a normal Chocolate Cake, use 13/4 Cups of Flour and 1/4 Cup of Normal Cocoa Powder.
• Can substitute, Brown Sugar instead of White Sugar.
• Adding boiling water to the Cake batter will result in a moist cake.
• Adjust the baking time according to your oven settings.
• I baked the cake for 50 minutes at 180 Degree Celsius. 

• Peel the tapioca and wash it.
• Then cut it into pieces of the desired size.
• Wash it well until the water is clear.
• Boil tapioca in water by adding salt and turmeric powder.
• Cook until the pieces are soft.
• Drain and discard the water.

For Tapioca Vadai :

• Mash the steamed Tapiocas, remove the veins if any and make sure there are no lumps.
• Add the flours and finely chopped Onions, Green Chillies, Ginger and Fennel Seeds to the mashed Tapioca.
• Finally, add chopped Curry Leaves and Coriander Leaves.
• Heat Oil in a pan.
• Take lemon sized Vadai mix and flatten them with your hands.
• Make a hole in the centre of the flatted Vadai with your finger.
• Drop the shaped Vadai mix into the hot oil and deep fry them until they turn into golden brown colour.
• Drain them on paper towels.
• Serve them hot with Coconut Chutney or any condiments of your choice.
• Goes well along with hot-hot Coffee or Tea. 
• Can also be served along with Steamed rice, Curry and Rasam.

NOTES :

 

Important : Food Safety 

• Tapioca naturally produces cyanide*, which is poisonous to humans; however, the cyanide may be removed during processing.
• So peel and wash it thoroughly with enough water.
• Also, can soak them in water overnight and then discard the water and wash them again before cooking.
• Cook Tapioca with enough water to cover them, and then discard the water once it is cooked.
• These steps ensure that the little amount of toxin present in it are removed.

      *Cyanogenic glycosides present in tapioca,  releases hydrogen cyanide during enzymatic hydrolysis by beta-glucosidase. These are transformed within humans and animals after the plant tissue has been macerated. Above steps can cut down the effects of the toxin.

 

USES & BENEFITS OF COCONUT MILK

     Coconut Tree is considered as 'KALPA VRIKSHA', which means, 'DIVINE TREE' which can fulfill all wishes. But in real terms, it could be termed as ' a tree which provides all that is necessary for a living'.  From the root to its leaves, each and every part of a coconut tree proves useful and is loaded with therapeutic benefits.
     Coconut Milk is often called as 'Miracle Liquid' - because of its high nutritional content and it's great ability to fight and prevent diseases and build up the body’s immunity. Coconut milk is a liquid naturally found in mature coconuts. When a coconut is cracked open, the thin liquid which is inside the coconut is the COCONUT WATER.  But the COCONUT MILK is what you get when you blend the white coconut flesh and then strain it.
     Coconuts are highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. coconut Milk can be used as a milk substitute for people with lactose tolerance.
    Coconut Milk is one best Vegan choice and can be used in various recipes from curries, desserts, ice creams, smoothies, milk shakes etc., Coconut milk is higher in healthy saturated fatty acids and especially the lower fat variety and is advised to use in moderation. 
     Coconut Milk has loads of health benefits and innumerable culinary usage.  It enhances the taste and flavour of the dish it is added into.  Giving fresh note and slightly sweeter tinge to the dish.For homemade Coconut Milk recipe, click here...

1 Cup of Coconut Milk contains...

• Calories: 552.
• Fat: 57 grams.
• Protein: 5 grams.
• Carbs: 13 grams.
• Fiber: 5 grams.
• Vitamin C: 11% of the RDI.
• Folate: 10% of the RDI.
• Iron: 22% of the RDI.
• Magnesium: 22% of the RDI.
• Potassium: 18% of the RDI.
• Copper: 32% of the RDI.
• Manganese: 110% of the RDI.
• Selenium: 21% of the RDI.

*RDI - Recommended Daily Intake

BENEFITS OF COCONUT MILK :

FOR HEALTH :

Strong Bones : 

     Coconut milk contains Calcium and Phosphorus, the two major minerals which help to strengthen the bones.

Treatment of Arthritis:

     Selenium an antioxidant, found in coconut milk controls free radicals and thus relieves arthritis symptoms and decreases the risk of inflammation in joints.

Lowers Cholesterol:

     Though Coconut milk contains saturated fat it can reduce cholesterol levels, as it has Lauric Acid which boosts HDL (good) cholesterol. Coconut milk is easily broken down during digestion and metabolizes healthy fats such as omega 6, which is an essential fatty acid.

Source of Magnesium:

     Coconut milk is a rich source of Magnesium. This mineral helps to calm the nerves and maintain normal blood pressure as well as prevent nerve cells from becoming overactive. Magnesium also reduces muscle contraction and makes you feel more relaxed.

Aids Weight Loss:

If taken in moderation, can help to control weight. Though coconut milk is rich in saturated fats (fattening agent), it is also rich in Fiber, which makes you feel full for a longer time.

Stronger Immune System:

     Coconut milk contains Lauric Acid, Antimicrobial Lipids and Capric Acid which possesses Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral properties. This lauric acid is converted into a compound called Monolaurin when it enters the body, which is believed to fight the viruses and bacteria that cause Herpes, Influenza and even HIV.

FOR SKIN & HAIR

     Coconut milk can be beneficial for your hair like Coconut Oil. It is used in hair masks as it nourishes our hair with Proteins.

Nourishes the Hair :

     Coconut milk cools the scalp and nourishes the hair by naturally moisturizing the root ends, hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.  Massage fresh coconut milk into your scalp for 3-5 minutes and leave it for at least 15 minutes before washing it off, which can prove beneficial in restoring dry & damaged hair.

Prevents Balding :

   Massaging the scalp with Coconut Milk diluted in water along with Camphor solution is a very good home remedy for balding. Massage your scalp including the bald spots with this mixture and leave it for a couple of hours. Rinse it off with warm water.

Helps in detangling the Hair :

    Apply some Coconut milk through your hair before combing. It acts as a natural detangler for your hair.

As Hair Conditioner:

    Coconut milk is a great hair conditioner, use it as a leave-on conditioner. Coconut Milk provides you with longer and thicker hair and also gives an added volume to your hair without making them greasy. Rub the coconut milk on your hair from roots to ends and leave them or wash it off with warm water after few hours.

Coconut Milk For Skin

     Coconut Milk is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and natural proteins which contribute to a smooth and radiant skin.

Moisturizer:

    Coconut milk replaces moisture in the dehydrated skin and is a great moisturizer. Rub some coconut milk on your skin and leave it for 30 minutes to get absorbed. This will combat dryness and promote healthy and glowing skin. Fresh homemade coconut milk serves best for this purpose.

Treatment of Sunburns:

     Coconut Milk can be very effective in treating skin damaged by harsh sunlight.Apply a thin layer of cool coconut milk to the area, leave it overnight or for few hours before washing it off. It helps in easing the pain of burns and rashes and gradually lightens the darkened scars formed due to sun burns.

Anti-ageing Benefits:

     Applying topically and using them in your diet improves skin conditions.  Nutrients in it help to slow down the ageing process of your skin and body by maintaining flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels. Thus, it prevents wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots.

Treatment of Skin Ailments:

     The moisturizing properties of coconut milk can soothe the symptoms of psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. The natural fatty acids in this milk can help treat dry and irritated skin and also help remove harmful bacterias from your skin.

     From a part of the world where coconut, coconut and more coconuts with a name so synonymous to go along KERALA - GODS OWN COUNTRY / LAND OF COCONUTS. We use it as grated coconut, coconut milk, coconut oil - it is been in our daily diet and lifestyle for ages. Coconut in grated form and as Milk is used in a variety of dishes.  Coconut Oil, on the other hand, is used for cooking and also as hair & body oil and in the preparation of medicated oils in Ayurveda. Oil prepared from the roots of Coconut Tree proves beneficial to get rid of joint pains. Nothing new as far as we know.  With new dimensions of Virgin Coconut Oils in stores with an unimaginable price for a small bottle - make me wince a bit. But the very name 'KALPA VRIKSHA' or Divine Tree which can fulfil any wish - would have been named by wise men of the ages who lived along with 'Nature' and who has understood the basic nature and benefits of Coconuts and its products from time immemorial.

______________________________________________________________

*DISCLAIMER:

Please remember these options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This is for information purposes only.

HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE IN RICE COOKER

     Equally good and perfect as authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice is this easy 'Rice Cooker Chicken Rice'.  Though a shortcut method of the original version this method proves handy when cooking in a small batch.  If you are in short of time and really in a quest for something special, then go ahead with this lazy method of cooking.
      I have already posted the recipe and method for Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice. As this dish is one of my family favourites, I have started to frequent it and usually, we do not need a full chicken for this rice, and then I started to ponder for easier versions and came up with this.
     Cooking Chicken Rice in Rice Cooker does total justice to the dish too. Even the texture and aroma of the rice also turns out equally good. Instead of full Chicken, Chicken Pieces are used in this recipe along with home made Chicken Stock. You can also use store bought Chicken Stock Concentrate or Cube for the purpose. For Home-made Chicken Stock Recipe, click here...
     Cook the Jasmine Rice and Chicken Pieces together and as for serving suggestion serve it along with the heavenly add-ons to drench the chicken and rice - the Sauces & Soup

          - Dipping Soup
          - Ginger-Garlic Sauce &
          - Soy Sauce


Cuisine : Chinese (Hainanese)
Course : Main Course
Difficulty : Medium
Spice Level : Low
Serves : 3-4
Author : SM

Preparation Time : 10-15 Minutes
Cooking Time : 25 - 30 Minutes

HOW TO MAKE HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE IN RICE COOKER

INGREDIENTS :

Chicken Pieces - 400 Gms
Rice - 2 Cups
Chicken Stock - 11/2 Cups
Garlic - 6-8 cloves
Ginger - 1" Piece
Screw Pine/Pandan Leaves - 2 Leaves
Salt - To Taste
Chicken Fat/Oil - 2 Tbspn

METHOD :

• Clean, Wash and pat dry the Chicken Pieces, Sprinkle some salt and pepper over it and leave it aside. 
• Rinse and wash the Rice until water runs clear.
• Drain the Rice and keep it aside.
• Heat a pan, add the Chicken Fat/Oil and allow it to melt.
• Saute finely minced Garlic & Ginger in a low flame for few minutes.(It shouldn't burn)
• Add the Rice and fry this for about two minutes on a low flame.
• Turn off the heat and scoop the rice into the rice cooker.
• Place the marinated Chicken Pieces into the rice cooker.
• Boil the Chicken Stock along with Salt and pour it into the rice.
• Tie the Screw pine Leaves into a knot and drop it into the rice cooker
• Close the lid and press START.
• Allow it to cook until the switch falls to WARM UP mode.
• Fluff it up with a fork, and close the lid.
• Let it sit in warm-mode for another 15-20 minutes.
• Switch off, fluff the rice with a fork. 
• Serve individual portions with Rice, sliced Chicken Pieces, Dipping Sauces and Soup.

NOTES:

• Rice Water Ratio for cooking in Rice Cooker is usually 1:11/2 Cups, but use only half the amount of water, as the chicken pieces tend to ooze out water while cooking. I have used only 11/2 Cups of Chicken Stock for 2 Cups of Rice.
• I have used Jasmine Rice in this recipe, which is fragrant and gives a nice aroma to the dish.
• Adjust the amount of water, if you feel the rice is too dry.
• Alternatively, it can be cooked in a sauce pan too.  
• If Cooking in a Pressure Cooker, follow the above instructions as for the rice cooker with an extra 1/2 Cup of Chicken Stock and cook for a whistle on a high flame.  Leave it aside until the pressure releases, fluff the rice.  Rice & Chicken Pieces tends to become softer when cooked in Pressure Cooker.

 

GINGER & GARLIC SAUCE FOR HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

GINGER & GARLIC SAUCE FOR HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

INGREDIENTS:

For Ginger Garlic Sauce:

Ginger- 1" Piece.
Garlic - 2 Cloves
Chicken Stock - 2 Tbspns
Sweet Chilli Sauce - 2 Tbspns
Sriracha Chilli Sauce - 2 Tbspns
Rice Wine vinegar - 1 Tspn
Lemon Juice - 1 Tbspn
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - 1 Tspn

METHOD :

• Pound Ginger & Garlic with a mortar & a pestle into a fine paste.
• Alternatively can finely chop the ingredients.
• Add Chicken Stock, Sweet Chilli Sauce and Sriracha Sauce to the above.
• Add Salt, Sugar and Lemon Juice and Mix well.
• This dipping Sauce is a bit spicy version, as I have used Sriracha sauce.

 

SOUP FOR HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

SOUP FOR HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

INGREDIENTS :

For the Soup:

Vegetable Oil - 2 Tspns
Garlic - 2 Cloves
Chicken Stock - 1 Cup
Light Soy Sauce - 1 Tspn
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - a Pinch

For Garnishing:

Spring Onions - Few

METHOD :

• Heat Oil in a pan and saute minced Garlic until aromatic.
• Pour in the Chicken Stock, Light Soy Sauce, Salt and Sugar.
• Allow it to boil for few minutes.
• Garnish with Spring Onions and serve it along with Hainanese Chicken Rice.

HOW TO SERVE HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

SERVING SUGGESTION :

     To plate it up - scoop out a bowl of rice, serve it along with thinly sliced chicken pieces, soup and sauces.  Can add some cucumber and tomato slices, if preferred.  Can serve hot or cold - both ways Hainanese Chicken Rice taste heavenly.

HOME MADE BUTTER

     Origin of Butter dates back to more than 10,000 years and it has been in the lifestyle of civilizations from the time animals were domesticated and reared for dairy products. Butter by its nature has been enhancing the flavours and textures with its versatility to be compatible in various dishes converting them into a delicacy. Not only as a food, it is also valued cosmetically and also highly esteemed for its healing properties.
     Butter can be prepared by churning fresh cream or yogurt/curd.  Mostly butter is prepared from Cow's Milk, but it can also be prepared with Buffalo/Sheep/Goat/Yak Milk. Churning process produces small grains of solidified butter separating the whey or butter milk from it.
     Imagine the old fashioned churning method, sitting all the way and churning butter from a large pot of cream or curd with a butter churn, the swirling and swooshing splish-splash, splish-splash sound.  Though reminiscent of stories of Gopikas' churning butter and Krishna stealing it from the pots, sounds quite good.  But the idea really makes me wince a bit.  For one reason, you need a lot of cream or butter and another reason the time and labour it takes.  But this was the method my grandmother and almost for years, my MOM had followed.  There was a big herd of cows and buffaloes in my grandmother's house that preparing Curd, Butter, Buttermilk and Ghee was a part of their daily routine.
     But with small batches of milk, we buy these days, it is easy and fast to churn it up in a blender or a food processor. Even Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer can be used for the purpose.  The idea behind the method is to separate the fat from the milk/cream/yogurt.  I usually use my blender for the purpose and use the whipping option available in it. If you do not have the whipping option you can just agitate the milk by switching on the lowest speed button for few seconds, switch it off and again continue with the process until fat globules start to coagulates over the milk.
     Butter can be made by collecting :
         - the thick layer of cream from Curd
         - heavy sheet of cream from Milk
     Homemade butter is one routine in our kitchen.  My MOM and my MIL both prepare it so frequently that we never buy butter or ghee from the market. We usually prepare Butter from thick layer of cream from Curd. Or just collect the heavy sheet of cream from milk which floats over it. Collect it in a bottle, close the lid tightly and store it in the freezer until use.  When there is enough cream may be around three to four cups then we can go ahead with the process of making Butter.  Thaw the cream before the process.
      The options and uses with this home-made Butter is vast enough. But the highlight of home made butter is that it has no additives, preservatives or colouring agents.

HOW TO MAKE BUTTER :

Ingredients :

Fresh Cream - 3-4 Cups
Ice Water - 2 Cups

Method :

• Pour the fresh cream into the jar of your blender.
• Add Ice Water to the above and close the lid of the jar.
• Turn on the whipping option in your blender or turn on to the lowest speed for few second i.e for about 10 - 20 seconds.
• Switch off and again do the above process until small fat globules solidify above the milk.
• The total process may take about 3-5 minutes.
• When you feel that all the fat from the milk has solidified, pour it out through a strainer.
• Or simply remove it using a slotted spoon or with your hands.
• Collect all the solidified butter into a wide bowl.
• Rinse the Butter in ice water and remove any remaining butter milk out of it.
• Repeat the process and rinse the butter with ice water until the water runs clear.
• Can store the butter in airtight containers.
• For Salted Butter - Can add a dash of salt and mix it well into the butter before storing. 
• Can spread this fresh butter over Toasts, or serve hot rotis or parathas with a blob of butter over it.
• Can use this butter to prepare cakes, cookies and pastries or while baking potatoes, for basting chicken or meat.
• Or simply heat it up to make Ghee/Clarified Butter.
• Can flavour the butter to your fancy like Garlic Butter, Lemon/Lime Butter, Herb flavoured Butter or mix it up with some spices like Cayenne or Pepper to it.
• Mix along with some Preserved Fruits or Honey/Maple for a sweeter flavour.
• Home-made Flavoured Butter can be stored in the refrigerator for a week and in the freezer for about two months.

NOTES :

• Store the collected cream in the freezer and thaw it up before making butter.
• Ice cold water will help in solidifying the butter soon. 
• If using a hand mixer or stand mixer the butter will stick on to the beater. 
• Rinse and store the Solidified Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 
• Do not throw the whey or otherwise called Butter milk.
• Season it up with shallots, green chillies, ginger, lemon juice and curry leaves to make Sambharam/Moru or simply add a dash of salt into it.
• This makes a very good drink on a sunny day.

*TIPS & TRICKS :

     Cleaning the blender jar is one mess of a thing in the process of making Butter. Pour slightly hot water (not boiling water, which can spoil the blender jar) into the jar, close and beat it up on low speed for few seconds in the blender. Can add few drops of dish wash liquid and beat it up again. Pour out the warm water and wash it as usual.

     Pour hot water into the bowls used for making butter and leave them aside for few minutes. Then wash it up as usual. Hot water helps to remove the grease from nook and corner making the process easy and clean.