Jalapeno Cheese Shortbread

Preparation time: 20 minutes Flaky appetizers with a jalapeno zing, ideal with tea, they are best served the day they are made. Ingredients:

1. 1/2 cup shredded strong cheddar cheese (125 mL)
2. 1/2 large fresh jalapeno, seeded and chopped coarsely
3. 3/4 cup all purpose flour (175 mL)
4. 1/4 tsp dry mustard (1 mL)
5. 1/4 tsp pepper (1 mL)
6. 1/3 cup Butter (salted), cold and in pieces (75 mL)

Method:

• In food processor, pulse cheese and jalapeno together finely chopped. Add flour, mustard and pepper. Pulse just to combine. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with butter the size of peas.
• Pour in 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of ice water. Pulse just until dough starts to hold together, adding up to 1 tbsp (15 mL) more water if dough seems dry.
• Shape into disc. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, 2 hours or for up to 24 hours (disc can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before rolling).
• Preheat oven to 375F (190C)
• Transfer dough to lightly floured work surface. Dusting with flour to prevent sticking, roll dough to ¼-inch (5mm) thickness. Using 2-inch (5 cm) cookie cutter, cut out rounds. Transfer to parchment paper lined cookie sheets.
• Bake in centre of oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes. Transfer to racks to cool completely.
• Makes about 20 shortbread.

Bajri-Methi ja Dhebra

If you have never tried these, I suggest that you make them - they taste absolutely heavenly when you have it with a hot cup of tea. Ingredients:

1. 2 cups bajra flour (millet)
2. 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
3. 2 tbsp semolina/ravo
4. 3 tbsp gram flour (chane-jo-lot)
5. 2 tsp sesame seeds
6. 1 cup fresh methi leaves (fenugreek)
7. Salt to taste
8. 1 tsp red chili powder
9. 1/3 tsp haider (turneric)
10. 1/2 to 3/4 cup yogurt
11. Oil for frying (for deep frying version)

Make a paste of the following ingredients:

1. 5 green chilis
2. 1/2 tsp ginger paste (1 inch ginger)
3. 1 tsp garlic paste (2 garlic cloves)

Method:

• Add all ingrdients together except yogurt and the ground green chili paste and mix well. This ensures that the spices are mixed properly
• Next add the green chili paste and mix well
• Start making a dough using yogurt. Make a firm but semi-soft dough. You might not need all the yogurt. Set it aside for 30 minutes to an hour
• Make medium size balls and start patting out the balls to make medium size patties. You can use a rolling pin on a plastic wrap. Cover the balls with some whole wheat flour so that it is easier to use the rolling pin
• Heat oil for deep frying.
• When dhebras puff up and turn brown, remove and drain on paper towel to remove excess oil. Let cool.
• You can heat up a frying pan (on high heat). Lower heat to minimum and lay a patty flat over it. Cook until small bubbles appear on the surface. Increase heat to medium. Sprinkle 1/2 tbsp oil around the patty and 1/4 tbsp oil on the surface of the patty. Fry till small brown spots appear on both sides. Remove from the griddle at once. Repeat till all patties done.
• These can be refrigerated and you can re-heat in a microwave before eating
• Serve with yogurt chutney and definitely chai....

Roman Holiday (by Cynthia Fernandes)

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 2 onions (chopped finely)
3. Margarine (for frying onions - as per the amount of onions)
4. 2-3 large tomatoes (chopped)
5. Salt, Pepper, Vinegar & Parsely for seasoning

Ingredients for Cheese Sauce:

1. 1 pint milk
2. 4 oz grated cheese
3. 1 oz flour
4. Spaghetti
5. 1 oz margarine
6. Salt & Pepper for seasoning

Method:

• Boil spaghetti in salted water, drain and set aside.
• Heat margarine in a pan, add chopped onions and fry until golden brown; then add chopped tomatoes and leave to cook for a while. Add ground beef and seasonings. Leave to cook until dry. Arrange in a pie dish and keep aside.

For the cheese sauce:

• Make a roux with flour and margarine. Remove from heat. Gradually add milk stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Return to heat – cook at a simmering point. When sauce begins to thicken, add cheese (save a little to sprinkle over the pie) and seasonings.
• Arrange spaghetti on top of ground beef and pour sauce over. Sprinkle grated cheese and decorate with sliced tomatoes and parsley. Place under a hot grill and cook until golden browned. Serve with a salad.