Chocolate Walnut Blondie

Blondies are rich dessert bars which are chewy like brownies and crunchy like cookies. They have vanilla instead of cocoa and brown sugar. The only cocoa element is chocolate chips which again is optional. These can be made with any type of chocolate or butterscotch chips and nuts of our preference. The options are endless.
My lil' baker wanted to bake something for one of their friend who visited for the break. But the friend doesn't like chocolate flavors a lot, so she went for these blondies. A quick and easy to put together recipe but the taste was amazing. So soft in the center and very crunchy on the outside. Give it a try and you will be happy you did because anyone can master this recipe even at the first try.

INGREDIENTS:
Makes 16 4" squares
8 Tblsp unsalted room-temperature butter, melted
1/3 Cup granulated white sugar
1/2 Cup packed light-brown sugar
1 Egg
1 Tsp vanilla extract
1 Cup all purpose flour (leveled)
1 Tsp salt
1/2 Cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 Cup chopped walnuts

METHOD:
   Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare an 8" square baking pan, lining with buttered parchment paper. Leave the paper to overhang on the sides so it will be easy to take them out after baking.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and both sugars until smooth. You can use a hand beater, stand mixer with whisk attachment or feel free to give some exercise to your hands and use your whisk.
Add egg and vanilla and beat together. Add the flour and salt, mix until combined. Take care not to over mix. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts.
Pour this into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The top is slight golden and the toothpick inserted comes out clean. You can increase the baking time for another 5 minutes if you like your blondies very crunchy.
Cool the blondies completely and remove from pan and cut into sqaures before serving.

Mutton Kothu/ Fried Shredded Meat

Meat kothu curry is a dry fried shredded mutton dish. I usually make a similar recipe from my mom but recently came across this recipe from a blogger. But made a few changes to fit our palette. A very good side for rice, chapathi or naan. You can also make chapathi rolls or sandwiches with a dash of hot sauce or mayo and few lettuce pieces for lunch box. If you love meat then this is a must try recipe and can be tried using lamb or beef too.

INGREDIENTS :
Makes 3 serving
For the meat:
1 Lb boneless meat (goat/lamb)
2 Tsp ginger garlic paste
1/4 Tsp turmeric powder
1 Tsp black pepper powder
Salt to taste
For the spice:
2 Tsp oil 
5 Dried red chilies
3/4 Tsp cumin seeds
2 Tsp coriander seeds
1/4 Cup coconut powder
For curry:
2 Tbsp oil
1 Small onion thinly sliced
10 Mint leaves
Salt to taste

METHOD :
  Clean and cut the meat into medium pieces. Mix it along with the spices given under "for the meat" and pressure cook them with a tablespoon or two of water at medium high heat for 2 whistles and reduce flame to medium low and cook for 10 minutes. Switch off the stove and wait for the pressure to subside.
Heat a pan at medium flame and fry the spices given under "for the spice" until lightly brown and raw smell is gone. Let it cool down a little and then coarsely grind in a dry/coffee grinder.
Open the pressure cooker and check if the meat is cooked completely.  It's better if they are falling apart or you can shred them with the wooden spoon.
In another deep pan heat 2 tablespoons of oil at medium heat fry the onion until brown but take care not to burn them. Add the cooked, shredded meat along with any liquid in it. Fry for a minute and then add the powdered spice, mix well and let the liquid dry if any. Check for salt and add more if needed. Add the mint leaves and fry them until the meat has fallen apart completely and looks dry.


METHOD :

Clean and cut the meat pieces into small cubes. Rub the spices into meat pieces and cook them until its almost cooked through but not falling apart. The water from the meat itself will help in cooking if the meat is fresh or else add a tablespoon or two as needed. Separate the meat and the stock.
Fry the spices along with coconut given to fry and grind until golden brown in oil. Let it cool and powder the spice mix.
Heat a frying pan at medium heat and add oil. When hot enough fry the thinly sliced onion along with a pinch of salt until golden brown. Add the powdered spice mix and the stock from cooked meat. Mix well add the meat pieces and fry for a minute. Using a flat wooden spoon try to finely shred the meat. Make it shredded and dry. Check for salt and add more if needed. Add a tablespoon of oil and chopped mint leaves and give a final stir.
Remove to a serving plate and serve with rice, naan or bread.