Chickpea flour savory pancakes (Besan pooda)

One of my favorite breakfast dishes growing up was the Besan poode (also called Chilla). Just like pancakes with syrup are a popular choice for breakfast with kids and adults alike in the West, these savory versions of pancakes are … Continue reading

Sweet Lemon/Lime Soda

The phrase “Indian Summers” conjures up a vision of gently swaying in a hammock under a tree, feeling the cool breeze wash over your face! But if you have ever experienced a “true” summer in India, you would laugh at … Continue reading

Vegetarian/Chicken Burrito Bowl

For the days when there are a zillion things going on and unfortunately doesn’t leave much time for cooking, our favorite fast food choice is Burrito Bowls from either Chipotle or Qdoba. But when I do have enough time to … Continue reading

Crispy Baked Cajun Potato Fries

It’s almost 4th of July, and that means the season for some BBQ, and burgers! We try all sorts of different condiments and rubs for them but the side dishes get neglected. We will have the usual fries and coleslaw … Continue reading

EZ Breezy Popcorn

You know that summer vacation has started when late at night, the whole house is filled with the aroma of freshly popped popcorn! Popcorn is the most popular midnight snack at our house during the summer when the kids are … Continue reading

Mixed Berry-Banana Protein Smoothie

Usually, for breakfast, I like to have either oatmeal with fruit, or eggs with toast and fruit. But on the days when I’m in a rush or want something cool and refreshing, then I have this protein smoothie. It keeps … Continue reading

Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Christmas-time is usually when all the cookie baking and exchanging madness starts. But despite the craziness of the season, it is still so much fun! Every year, my daughters and I bake cookies for their school friends. They also do … Continue reading

Veggie Wrap with Ranch dressing

The weather has finally begun to warm up, and no one can appreciate this more than a native New Englander! I can’t get enough of the picnics, barbecues, and beach days. Summer food can seem pretty standard: grilled veggies, hamburgers, hot … Continue reading

Crispy Buffalo Sauce Oven-Fried Chicken

About 4 to 5 years ago, I happened to try one of the frozen spicy chicken fillets at a local grocery store. At that time, it seemed like a good back-up to keep in the freezer for the occasional lazy … Continue reading

Protein: Add Some Muscle to Your Food!

What exactly are proteins?

A big misconception is that consuming protein is mostly important for athletes or people who work out a lot. That is simply not true. Protein is an essential component of our diet, and, is in fact critical for our health.  It is even called a macronutrient like carbohydrates and fats, since all three of these are required in large quantities by the body (unlike vitamins and minerals – micronutrients that are required in smaller quantities). In our bodies, all of our cells, tissues, skin, muscles, blood, bones and organs are mainly comprised of proteins. Even enzymes, hormones and other chemicals are made up of proteins (Osterweil).

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