Wine Chiller Table

If you have known me for DONKEYs years... you would know what my FAVOURITE cuisine is... For if I have not yet made it that obvious it is ITALIAN... That with a glass of chilled white wine on the outdoor patio of a Winery in the South of France is what my dream holiday comprises of. Of course with a new wine world in emerging Australia, South Africa and California.. with similar sunshine + Breeze Condition.. they can also easily become my DREAM Holiday Locales !!!

And so, on a hot summery afternoon when i am trying to finish off all the work load and I come across this wine Chiller Table - i am quite easily transported to my 7th heaven. Ofcourse I now have Kunal Shah to share this dream with.. Only problem is that Mr Shah hates sunshine... and fancies the COLD and the Mountains !!! I can see how our vacation sweet spots are going to always vary depending on who gets the upper hand in deciding holiday destinations ; )

La Boom Shadow Boxes

Tatiana lives on the small cycladic island of Antiparos, wakes up every morning to gaze out at the Agean Sea, and makes delightful little shadow boxes. What a beautiful life!

Swedish Hasbeens

This retro gym workout editorial for Swedish Hasbeens is so darn cute. Doesn't it make you want to get in shape for Spring... wearing high-heeled saddle shoes?

Ben Giles Floral Collages

Every week should begin with a Ben Giles floral collage. Aren't they the loveliest?

A Coldplay Inspired Shoot

Music is inspiring, and I’m sure you can all agree to that. Whether it be a catchy guitar riff, a bad ass drum solo, or the lyrics of a song, the inspiration chord can easily be struck when the listener is engaged. For Priscila, the photographer behind this beauty, it was a particular Coldplay song (A Rush of Blood to the Head) that rang in her ears during this romantic photography session. It’s elegance mixed with epic.

Oh I’m gonna buy this place and start a fire
Stand here until I fill all your heart’s desires

13 Cheeses Everyone Should Know

It's only too Silly to even think about CHEESE right now. But When I came across the Directory for Cheese Lovers I had to jump at the oppurtunity to atleast take a sneak peak - just to Brush my knowledge you know. And little did i know its going to send me into a Cheesy-Dream quite literally.

you maybe have to know 13 cheeses -- but since this is my blog - I'm going to give you a low down on the cheeses you have to know for mysake !!!

Camembert

Country of Origin: France (Normandy)
Type of milk: Cow
Aging: At least three weeks
Best Uses: Eaten as is, on sandwiches, baked in a crust, breaded and deep-fried (giddy-up!)



Chèvre

Country of Origin: France
Type of milk: Goat
Aging: Varies
Best Uses: Crumbled in salads, breaded and fried, in sandwiches, in macaroni and cheese.



Feta

Country of Origin: Greece
Type of milk: Sheep and goat
Aging: About 3 months
Best Uses: Broiled with olive oil. Crumbled in salads. Sandwiches. Use in place of Cotija in tacos and other Mexican dishes.



Mozzarella

Country of Origin: Italy (Campania)
Type of milk: Cow or Water Buffalo
Aging: None
Best Uses: Fresh with a drizzle of olive oil, coarse salt and pepper. With tomatoes in a sandwich. Pizza!

Cheddar

Country of Origin: England
Type of milk: Cow
Best Uses: As is, in sandwiches, grilled cheese, casseroles.









Monterey Jack

Country of Origin: United States of America (California)
Type of milk: Cow
Aging: About one month
Best Uses: Melted in casseroles, grilled cheese, over chili, cheese dip, any time you want a good melting cheese.

Black Bean Avacado Salad

Kuki and I have over-loaded on Calories this past weekend. First my friend got married in Jaipur , then his friend got married in Bangalore... It seems all high-flying... but it has put us on a huge set back in terms of the Weight we have been trying to loose. The universe has consipired against us by letting us loose in Food-World and ending up in a Food and Drinks Coma.

So when I think what I will cook this weekend as a new Dish for my Kuks... This receipe came to look as PERFECT !!! Colourful and yet really tasty... and looks low cal. It says Feta Cheese, but I am going to try it with Paneer instead. Hopefully I will give a twist to it and come out with a spin off of my own.


BLACK BEAN AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE
makes 4 servings

prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 5 - 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
6 pieces of Paneer/ Feta Cheese, if Paneer lightly toss the cubes
1 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 mango, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1 lime, squeezed
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 avocados, halved and pit removed
cilantro for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a frying pan, cook the paneer on low-medium heat until crispy. Let cool.

2. In a strainer, rinse the black beans.

3. In a large bowl, combine the paneer, beans, tomatoes, mango, red pepper, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

4. Cut the avocados in half and remove the seeds. Scoop a generous serving of the black bean salad onto each avocado half. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Drawings On Plates

Yes, I'm a fully grown A-dult and yes, I sort of want to put these plates on my wishlist. You're never too old to play with food!

Wine Bottle Chandelier

This wine bottle chandelier both excites and scares me. It looks very heavy. What if it falls down? But it definitely adds a touch of whimsy to a minimalist space, don't you think?

A Path In The Forest

Architect Tetsuo Kondo built this fascinating elevated pathway that winds through the Kadriog Park in Tallinn, Estonia. Wouldn't you love to walk within the trees instead of under them?