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Bombay Authentics Vindaloo Curry Sauce
Curry sauce is eaten in countries around the world and varies in style, taste and aroma depending upon the ingredients used to produce it. The base of most sauces includes a sautéed mixture of onion, garlic and ginger. To this base a variety of spices are added. Such spices may include cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, chilies, peppercorns, cumin and mustard seeds. In addition, tomatoes and bell peppers are often included. Depending on the type of recipe followed, the outcome will be extremely different. Some common recipe information follows:
- Korma – mild, yellow in color, with almond and coconut powder.
- Curry – medium, brown, gravy-like sauce.
- Biryani – spiced rice and meat cooked together and usually served with vegetable curry sauce.
- Dupiaza – medium curry using boiled and fried onions as its primary ingredient.
- Pasanda – a mild curry sauce made with cream, coconut milk, almonds or cashews.
- Roghan Josh – medium, with tomatoes and paprika
- Bhuna – medium, thick sauce, some vegetables
- Dhansak – medium/hot, sweet and sour sauce with lentils. This often contains pineapples.
- Madras – fairly hot curry, red in color and with heavy use of chili powder.
- Pathia – hot, generally similar to a Madras with lemon juice and tomato purée
- Jalfrezi – onion, green chili and a thick sauce
- Sambar – medium heat, sour curry made with lentils and lemons
- Vindaloo – a marinade containing wine or vinegar and garlic
- Phaal – extremely hot dish using ground chilies, ginger and fennel
Now that I’ve got my curry sauce, what do I do with it?
Unless you have grown up in a family that uses curry sauce as part of regular cooking, you may be confused about how to use it. Curry sauce is a fantastic cooking ingredient and is versatile and delicious. It can be served over fish, poultry or meat. Recipes that contain no animal stock can be served as a vegetarian sauce mixed with other vegetables, pasta, tofu, or rice. You can also try substituting your favorite curry sauce for your favorite condiment on burgers, hot dogs, as a dressing on salads or as a chip dip. However you choose to eat it, enjoy!
See also:
Cool Down with Curry
Chai Tea at the Indian Restaurant
© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Are you looking for a fun and affordable way to get together with your friends? Do you like to entertain, yet want to be able to relax and enjoy time with your guests? Do you have a daughter who would love to have a party for her little girlfriends? Then consider hosting your own tea party!
Snow Dragon White Tea
Typically held late in the afternoon between 3PM and 4PM, a tea party provides a light snack time between lunch and dinner. Follow these simple steps to host your own party and enjoy quality time with your friends:
- Pick a date and time. Consider what will work best for you and your guests. Do your guests work full-time? Are they all in 3rd grade and attend school during the week? Will a weekend day work best?
- Send out your invitations. Be sure to include the date, time and location of the event as well as an RSVP date. If you are hosting a tea party for your child’s friends, let your child design and/or decorate the invitations.
- Purchase your tea – determine a feasible tea selection which includes black tea, white tea, fruit flavored teas, spiced teas, etc.
- Plan your menu – be sure to include both sweet and savory items. A sample menu could include the following: Asparagus & Prosciutto Tea Sandwiches, Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches, Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Almonds, Raisin Scones, Clotted Cream, Madeleines and assorted chocolates. If you’re hosting a party for younger children, make food adjustments as you see fit – after all, not all kids will like asaparagus!
- Purchase your accessories – plates, cups, silverware, napkins, milk, cream, sugar and lemon wedges.
- On the day of the tea party prepare all of your items before your guests arrive. You will be able to serve the snacks buffet style or by passing around plates of goodies when all guests have arrived. Be sure to allow enough time to brew your teas. Be knowledgeable about your tea selections so that you can tell your guests a little bit about each tea and its flavor.
- Turn on some relaxing music, sit back and enjoy!
© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Orange Blossom Honey
Yesterday we learned how honey bees make honey, and we also talked about a few of its uses, but to get the most out of your honey-experience, it’s often helpful to know a little about honey processing, quality and grading.
Honey can be processed in a wide variety of ways. The following has been collected to give you a quick reference as to the types of processing honey may undergo:
Raw honey – eaten with minimal or, ideally, no processing. This is honey that has been extracted from the hive and then is allowed to settle without adding heat.
Crystallized honey – also known as “granulated honey,” this honey has undergone the spontaneous crystallization of some of the glucose.
Pasteurized honey – is honey that has been heated in a pasteurization process. This reduces the moisture level, destroys yeast cells, and liquefies crystals in the honey.
Dried honey – has the moisture extracted from liquid honey to create a completely solid, non-sticky honey.
Strained honey – honey which has been passed through a mesh material to remove particulate material without removing pollen, minerals or valuable enzymes.
Ultrasonicated honey – honey that has undergone a non-thermal processing which destroys most of the yeast cells. Remaining yeast cells can not grow which reduces the rate of honey fermentation.
Whipped honey – honey that has been processed to control crystallization. The honey contains small crystals which prevents the formation of larger crystals.
Ultrafiltered honey – honey processed by an extra fine filtration under high pressure and high heat. Due to the use of high heat the sugar seed crystals are broken down, the shelf life is extended and the honey becomes very clear.
After the honey has been processed it is graded for quality based on fragrance, taste and consistency. It is said that high-quality honey that is ripe and freshly collected should flow from a knife in a straight stream without breaking into separate drops. In jars, this honey should appear to be a consistent fluid and should not set in layers.
The quality of the honey is then voluntarily graded according to USDA standards including soluble solids, water content, flavor, aroma, clarity, absence of defects, and color. The scale used to grade the honey is as follows:
- Grade A – Good
- Grade B – Reasonably Good
- Grade C – Fairly Good
- Substandard – Poor, Failing
No matter what your favorite honey selection is, be sure to try a variety of different flavors. Keep in mind that the flavor of the honey is derived from the source of the nectar. With this knowledge you should be able to select the best product for you!
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© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
The lovely tasty treats you can make with tea and cherries!
Due to a struggling economy and a limited budget, my family’s gift giving will be somewhat limited this year. We’ve discussed options with our immediate and extended family members such as buying gifts under a certain cost, holding a Pollyanna or purchasing no gifts at all.
Still, I feel obligated to give certain friends, family members and co-workers a small token of my appreciation. Therefore, I will be passing along this inexpensive Cherry-Berry Bread to those I feel will need or deserve a little extra holiday cheer!
To make enough mix to make four (4) loaves of bread (just think – four gifts done!) you will need the following ingredients:
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Quaker oats (quick-cooking or old fashioned), uncooked
- 3/4 cup dried cherries
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
To prepare the mix, first combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Once well mixed, add the remaining ingredients and mix again. Transfer the mixture into a re-sealable bag and store it in a cool, dry place until you are ready to bake your loaves.
When you are ready to bake your bread you will need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup honey (I use Organic Honey by Dutch Goldfor this recipe)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 12 Tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray four 6 x 3-3/4-inch disposable aluminum foil mini loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray. Place bread mix in large bowl. In small bowl, combine honey, milk, butter and eggs with wire whisk or fork; mix well. Add the wet mix to the dry mix all at once; stir until the whole mixture is moistened. Do not over-mix! Pour the bread mix into the pans, dividing evenly.
Bake 22 to 28 minutes or until tops of breads feel firm when touched and wooden pick inserted near the center has few moist crumbs clinging to it. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. The bread can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or can be frozen for longer storage.
Ideas to consider before giving your gifts…
Each loaf can be wrapped in cellophane and given alone or can be included as part of a gift basket. If you choose to make a gift basket you can add inexpensive items such as an assortment of Christmas teas, a teapot, or a variety of chocolates to the basket. The basket can be wrapped and tagged in a fun, festive fashion. Don’t forget to include the recipe to your Cherry-Berry bread!
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© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Acacia Honey
Christmas is always one of my favorite times to bake and share my sweet treats with friends and family. I love the variety of baked goods available and am constantly trying new recipes. This year, for Christmas breakfast I’ll be making our family’s traditional foods, but will also be trying a new recipe for Cinnamon Honey Buns.
Honey is a fantastic baking substitute for sugar and because honey can vary in taste and flavor depending on the source of the nectar, I can create unique flavors just by choosing a different honey!
Why don’t you try something new and treat your family to these sweet buns, too!
Ingredients:
You will need the following ingredients to make 12 buns:
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts, optional
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 lb. frozen bread dough, thawed according to package directions
- 2/3 cup raisins
Preparation:
First, grease 12 muffin cups with 1 Tbsp butter. Set the oven to 375°F.
Topping Preparation: Mix together 1 Tbsp butter, ¼ cup honey and chopped nuts if desired. Place 1 tsp of the topping mix in the bottom of each muffin cup.
Filling Preparation: Mix together the remaining butter (2 Tbsp), remaining honey (1/4 cup) and cinnamon.
Bun Preparation: Roll out the bread dough into an 18 x 8-inch rectangle onto a floured surface. Spread the prepared filling evenly over dough and then sprinkle on the raisins. To roll the dough start with the long side and tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 even slices – about 1 ½” each. Place 1 piece with the cut-side up into each muffin cup. Set the pan aside in a warm place to allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes before cooking.
Baking Instructions: Place the muffin pan on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake the buns for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove the tray from the oven and allow the buns to cool in the pan 5 minutes before removing.
Enjoy!
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Pure Honey
Tea can be sweetened with a number of different substances such as sugar, sugar substitutes and, my personal favorite, honey! Though honey seems to be available in vast quantities (often packaged in cute bottles), we may not all know where honey comes from or how it is made.
The type of honey that humans consume is made by honey bees through a multi-step process. First, honey bees collect nectar from sugar-rich flower sources. Depending on the source of the nectar, the flavor of the honey may vary.
The nectar is then carried back to the hive, where it undergoes a process of regurgitation before being stored in the wax honeycombs inside the hive. This honey is left “unsealed” and requires further processing before completion. Even after the process of regurgitation the honey contains high levels of water and yeast. If the process were to cease at this point the substance would ferment.
The bees then fan their wings creating a strong draft. The draft helps to evaporate much of the excess water which causes the sugar concentration to increase. At such high levels, the sugar prevents fermentation and the honey-making process is complete!
Honey Bee
This delicious, flavorful, versatile honey is then used as a beverage sweetener in tea. It is also used in a variety of different manners. For instance, it is the main ingredient in the alcoholic beverage mead – also known as “honey wine.” Honey is also widely used in cooking, baking and as a spread.
Various medicinal uses for honey have also been discovered. It has been used for more than 2700 years as a topical gel for wound care. More recently it has been used to kill certain strains of bacteria and prevent the growth of bacteria due to its acidity, to treat diabetic ulcers, to aide in the repair of colon damage due to colitis, to soothe sore throats and calm coughs, and potentially to eliminate wound odors, swelling and to reduce scarring.
Now that’s what I call a real “hive” of possibilities!
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Two big holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, are just around the corner, and as we all know, it’s typical to celebrate both with tons of delicious food! I always try to shake our holiday meals up by trying one or two new recipes each year. This year, we’re going to try a recipe for Chai stuffing! This recipe is simple and includes my family’s favorite Chai Spice tea, so there’s no way I can go wrong. If you love Chai tea, this recipe is just the thing for you!
Indian Spiced Chai
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 7 1/2 oz unseasoned bread cubes
- 4 Chai Spice teabags
- 1 Tbs. olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup celery
- 1/2 cup green onions
- 1 green apple, diced
- 1/2 cup shallots
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- Chicken stock as needed
Here’s what to do:
- Allow the Chai teabags to steep for 5 minutes in a half cup (1/2 cup) of boiling water. Remove the teabags.
- Combine the olive oil, celery, onions, apple and shallot in a medium sauce pan. Cook the mixture over medium heat until soft.
- Combine your sauteed vegetables, bread crumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, water and Chai Spice concentrate in a large bowl. Mix well. If more moisture is desired add the chicken stock as needed.
- Spread the mixture in a shallow baking dish and bake at 300 degrees for approximately 30 minutes. The stuffing should be served immediately for best flavor experience.
The stuffing can be served as a side dish or as a meat stuffing. You can also make your own additions to this recipe. Add cranberries, finely chopped walnuts or your family’s favorites to change both the texture and flavor. Enjoy!
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© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Everywhere you look coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops are offering an ever-growing array of coffee and tea based beverages. These are often offered both hot or cold and are designed to appeal to taste buds a plenty. The disadvantage to purchasing from any of these shops is the price, no doubt. After all, these shops are offering what I like to call “over priced coffee beverages”. Though I try to make light of it, I also find that I need to limit the number of purchases I make. So, to make sure I can continue to drink the drinks I enjoy, I have learned to make them at home for next to no cost.
Tea based smoothies are definitely a favorite of mine! Not only does tea have few, if any, calories, I always try to add in fresh fruit to help me reach my nutritional needs. Here are a couple delicious recipes to help you get started…enjoy!
Chai Fruit Smoothie
Serves 2-4
- 1 peach, diced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup frozen, red seedless grapes
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 ½ cup frozen strawberries
- 2 chai green tea bags
Directions:
- Brew Chai Green tea in 1 cup boiling water, steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bags and place all the fruit in the blender and pour in the hot tea. Blend until smooth. The tea gives a great spice taste to the fruit smoothie.
Licorice Spice Smoothie
For each 16 oz. glass:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (frozen yogurt, sherbet, or sorbet may be substituted)
- contents of 2-3 Licorice Spice tea bags
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
- In a blender, mix ingredients until fully blended.
- To Serve: Garnish with whipped cream
Substitutions: You can substitute low fat or fat free yogurt, sherbet or sorbet for the ice cream. Substitute cup per cup.
Wild Raspberry Dreams
For each 16 oz glass:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- contents of 2 Wild Raspberry tea bags
- 1/4 tsp. raspberry syrup (optional)
Directions: In a blender, mix ingredients until fully blended.
Substitutions:
- You can substitute low fat or fat free yogurt for the ice cream. Substitute cup per cup.
- You can add ½ cup frozen or fresh raspberries instead of the raspberry syrup.
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© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
English Breakfast Tea
With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your menu. Why serve the same old drinks when you can try something new? These tea based beverage recipes are just what you need to kick start your party!
Almond Tea Latte
Serves 6
- 8 English or Irish breakfast tea bags
- 4 cups (32 oz.) water
- 1 oz. almond syrup
- 1 cup whole milk
- Ground nutmeg or chocolate
Directions: Steep 8 tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water for 5 minutes to prepare a strong tea. Remove the tea bags and pour 5 oz. of hot tea into each tea cup. Add the almond syrup and stir. Using a espresso maker or steamer, steam the whole milk. Add a bit of froth to each cup. Garnish with whipped cream if desired and ground nutmeg or cinnamon.
Substitution: For an after dinner drink, replace the almond syrup with a jigger of amaretto liqueur.
Tea Sangria
Makes 6 10-oz. servings
- 4 cups boiling water
- 5 English Breakfast teabags
- 2 cups sliced fresh fruit (any combination of apples, peaches, pineapple, oranges or strawberries)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups white grape juice
Directions: Allow 5 tea bags to steep in 4 cups of boiled water for 5 minutes. After allowing the tea to brew, remove the tea bags and then let it cool. In a large pitcher, combine the fruit with the sugar. Pour the tea over the fruit and then stir in the juice. Serve in ice filled glasses.
Substitution: You can substitute 2 cups of red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja reds, Zinfandel, Shiraz for the white grape juice to make an “adults only” version of this tasty beverage.
Sea Captain’s Punch
Makes 16 – 5 oz. servings
- 1 qt. strong English Breakfast tea
- 10 lemons
- 1 fifth (26.5 oz.) dark rum
- 1/2 c. brandy
- 1/4 c. peach brandy
- 2 c. unsweetened pineapple juice
Directions: Combine 1 qt. cold water and 3 teabags of Stash English Breakfast tea in a large container. Let brew in refrigerator about 1 hour. Meanwhile, remove rind from the lemon. Cut the rind into thin strips. Add the rind and juice of the lemons to the brewed tea. Cover and store overnight at room temperature. Just before serving, pour tea mixture, rum, pineapple juice, and both brandies over a block of ice in a punch bowl.
Great recipes from Ashley Horne!
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© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Apple Spice Christmas Tea
If you’re anything like me, you know there are tons of Christmas teas out there. If you’re even more like me, you know very little about what each tea tastes like and often struggle when picking one. So, with the holiday season right around the corner, I’ve put together a brief listing of a variety of Christmas teas and spiced teas to help cut out some of the guesswork! There’s no better time to try a new flavor than with the start of a new season! Enjoy!
Christmas Teas:
Harrisons & Crosfield Christmas Tea – This is a black tea with spicy cinnamon, clove, orange peel, almond, marzipan and rose blossoms.
Stash Christmas Morning Black Tea – This tea is a blend of fine black teas. Unlike many other Christmas teas, it is not filled with spices or minty flavors.
Stash Christmas Eve Tea – A blend of mints and sweet spices. This tea is caffeine free.
Stash White Christmas – A blend of white tea with traces of peppermint and ginger.
Taylors of Harrogate Spiced Christmas Tea – A blend of black Chinese teas with cinnamon, safflower petals, and lemon and orange peels. This tea is best served black with honey.
Spiced Loose Leaf Teas:
Apple Spice (Black Tea) – This blend combines the flavors of fresh apple with cinnamon. This tea base can be used to make mulled wine by adding cinnamon and red wine.
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Orange Spice (Black Tea) – A combination of Florida oranges and fresh cinnamon.
Le Marche Spice (Black Tea) – A blend which includes fruity tones and cinnamon. This is a traditional spiced tea.
Mercedes Apple Spice (Herbal Tea) – An herbal tea blend of fruit and spices. This is a caffeine free tea and is filled with vitamins.
Cinnamon Sibu (Green Tea) – A sweet and spicy blend of cinnamon pieces, rose petals and natural flavors.
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© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
