Macaroni Cheese Nuggets and Jalapeno Cheese Bites By Godrej RealGood Yummiez

Hi Friends, I recently attended Godrej Realgood yummiez product launch and cookout, Followed by Hightea organized by the Food Bloggers Association India- FBAI at Cafe Mangii.  I was thrilled to be associated with the brand, Since we are huge fans of real good products specially the chicken, breakfast meats and french fries.

I also got a chance to meet celebrity Chef Micheal Swamy, who actively took part creating few stunning tea time snacks. I keep following his work regularly on social media, and enjoy his creations, meeting him in person was a dream come true. 

Coming to the Real Good Yummiez Snacking option segment, They've launched two new vegetarian cheesy snacks Jalapeno Cheese Bites and Macaroni Cheese Nuggets. 

Both snacks come in 200 grams packs. Priced at 99/- Rupees per packet. The product contains cheese and wheat also few spices and chilies added. Afordable and quick snack to prepare if your hosting a party. 

All of us at home would indulge in such snacks only during weekends. I like to serve such easy snacks with hot ginger tea. Overall a wonderful offering on a budget.

The high tea kick started with some finger licking good crostini. Its very simple to prepare. Take few slices of rusk or baguette. Spread some onion chutney or basil chutney I have posted both the chutney recipes on my blog. Fry the cheesy Jalapeno bites place it on the crostini and serve right away with hot cuppa coffee or chai. Chef also topped the crostini with butter fried mushroom for added flavor and taste.

Second dish was cheesy macaroni sliders. Chef Micheal nailed this dish it was my favorite. All that we need is a tangy pasta sauce click the hyper link for the recipe. Spread the pasta sauce on tiny buns or toast. Fry the macaroni cheese nuggets and place it on the bun...serve right away and enjoy.  

The Third and final dish was consomme with cheesy maccaroni. This was a meal on its own very tasty, crunchy and tangy. We enjoyed interacting with the chef and Realgood team. Do try all the products from yummiez its affordable and very tasty.

Mediterranean Feast @Verve-Howard Johnson, Bengaluru

The Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing at Howard Johnson, made for a nice little treat this weekend. I was invited by the restaurant for the bloggers table. The Mediterranean Food festival starts, August-19th, 2016. 

The Tasting session was held at Verve, with a 16 seater capacity the cafe lounge is the perfect perch for those who swear by caffeine. Verve is the ideal venue to host private parties for more information visit: http://hojobangalore.com

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Executive Chef Dev Bose joined us at the bloggers table and said, I've specially crafted a modern Mediterranean menu for this Festival, from countries like France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal along the north; Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel on the east; and the African countries of Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia on the south. When we think Mediterranean its always hummus or pita bread. 

My thought process was different I wanted to pick one or two ingredients from all the countries and incorporate in my dishes. It was a challenging task to procure many ingredients for this festival. Overall I wanted guests to experience the food which feels special, and is reasonably priced.

We started our tasting session with a welcome drink a sangria shot.

The food was paired with Fratelli Chenin blanc 2013 Wine. A pale gold wine which compliments many Mediterranean and Asian dishes. 

 Fratelli Chenin blanc 2013 Wine

Mediterranean Fig and Mozzarella Salad

The fruity salad was hearty and a great start to begin the meal. The salad was dressed with fig reduction and topped pine nuts.

Dehydrated Tomato Salad with Crispy Black Forest Ham.

Our second salad arrived which was Roasted Artichokes, sun dried tomatoes and crispy ham, tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette was an excellent meaty salad paired well with the wine.

Freshly Baked Bread Rolls and Soup Sticks.

Roasted Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup

After tasting scrumptious salads it was time for some soup. Roasted bell peppers and tomato basil soup. The soup was wholesome and soothing.

Roasted Aubergine with Tzatziki  Sauce

We progressed to main course. Grilled Aubergine with Tzatziki Sauce is a delicious and creamy dish of eggplant served with light yogurt based sauce. This Greek dish has always been my favorite it was prepared and presented perfectly.

Stuffed Chicken Roulade

Chicken roulade looked best served with a chunky tomato bell pepper sauce and sauteed vegetables. The spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken was very tasty and tender.

Cous Cous Polenta

Cous Cous cooked with herbs and tossed with saute seafood was tangy visually appealing and most importantly a very healthy dish. All the dishes paired lovely with white wine. we enjoyed our meal and progressed to desserts.

Greek Yogurt Cheese Cake with Ouzo Poached Figs

This was the first time I've tasted a greek yogurt cheese cake and throughly enjoyed every bite.

Guava Sorbet 

Overall I was pleased with the food tasting event. After all, what’s not to love about spending your afternoon eating delicious food, exploring new-to-you wines, and making new friends? With decent portions and an interesting wine, the Mediterranean Food and Wine Pairing made for a nice little treat. I must thank the Restaurant and PR Company for a lovely indulgence. 

Pic Courtesy: Sudarshan Sampath

Crispy Vegetables in Chilly Basil Sauce

Crispy Vegetables in chilly basil sauce is something I've tasted across many restaurants. The sauce is so versatile, we can add meats and vegetables as per choice or spread some sauce over a slice of bread add cheese and grill toast. This dish is an excellent starter or can be served as side dish with fried rice or noodles. 

After posting crispy basa in chilly basil sauce, I received so many requests for egg-less snacks. Since I've already prepared chilly basil sauce from my previous recipe, this recipe is another version using veggies hope everyone enjoys this dish.

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Ingredients:

Mixed Vegetables of your choice I chose to use( cubed, paneer, capsicum, mushrooms, babycorn, and baby potatoes)

4 Tbsp Corn Flour,

1/4 Cup Maida (All purpose flour)

1 Tbsp Chilly Flakes

1 Tbsp Pepper Powder

Oil for frying 

Salt as per taste...

To Prepare Chilly Basil Sauce:

1 Cup Washed and Chopped Spring Onions

1/2 Cup Washed and  Chopped Coriander with Stems 

1/2 Cup Basil Leaves Washed and Chopped

1 Whole Garlic Peeled 

1 Tbsp Peppercorns

5 to 6 Chilies

4 Tbsp Black Bean Sauce or Soya Sauce

1/4 Cup Sesame Oil...

Prepare Basil Sauce:

In a mixer jar add garlic, chilies, pepper and shallots grind to form a coarse paste. Add greens little at a time and grind to create a coarse paste...reserve. 

Heat a wok with sesame oil on medium flame, add the ground paste to the oil and fry for a minute. Add black bean sauce or soya sauce fry until the oil surfaces on the sauce check for salt add if needed remove from heat and allow to cool.

Bottle the sauce and use as required we can serve this sauce instead of ketchup its yummy and very tasty when served with veg cutlets or french fries.

Method to Prepare Crispy Vegetables:

• Wash and prep all the vegetables. I've cooked the potatoes, peeled and cut into halfs and reserved.
• Make sure to chop all the vegetables into even bite size cubes.
• Sprinkle 2 tbsp of corn flour over the veggies and reserve.
• In a mixing bowl add corn flour, maida and salt as per taste. Using a whisk gradually add cold water and whisk to create a smooth batter.
• Add chilly flakes and pepper powder to the veggies toss to coat.
• Pour the batter over the veggies toss to coat and reserve.
• Heat enough oil for frying. 
• Once the oil starts to smoke gently drop the vegetables one at a time and fry on low to medium flame util the coating turns light golden brown in color.
• Heat a wok on medium flame add 1 tbsp oil. Add 1 Tbsp oil once the oil is hot. Add 2 tbsp of chilly basil sauce toss the vegetables in the sauce.
• Garnish with chopped basil leaves and lime juice serve right away...Enjoy:)

Crispy Basa Fish In Chilly Basil Sauce Recipe Link