Strawberry and Banana Sandwich ...

Our friends from Brussels stayed with us during summer and their little dear Neha was coming to India for the first time. Both sides were little concerned as to how she would like to play with two boys and how she would take to Indian food. Kids indeed surprised us because it was instant friendship and they got along so well. Food also was an interesting exchange where my twins started to eat Banana sandwiches and Neha had Poori everyday. So this is a recipe which was a contribution from her . 'Boys have added several other things and tried several versions and finally we have sort of standardised to this one. I did a small variation this time. I used Malabar Plantains instead of the regular ones . That is another favourite with my kids. Sliced Plantains toasted in dollops of ghee or butter. They taste delicious and is a common snack in kerela.

You will need :

2 slices of sandwich bread ( I used Whole wheat bread)

2 tsp softened butter

2 tbsp peanut butter

1/2 banana sliced

4 to 5 strawberries sliced

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp jam of your choice ( I used Apricot jelly)

1 Tbsp choco chips

1. Butter both the breads ...

2. Slice the banana and toast them in a griddle ...Add a small dollop of butter...

3. Cook till they are golden brown.

4. Now sprinkle the choco chips for the first layer.

5. Place the toasted banana ...

6. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the Banana slices.

7. Spread the second bread with one layer of Apricot jelly. Next mix honey and peanut butter together and spread over the Apricot jelly.

8.Sandwich both the slices and place it on a griddle and toast for few mins on both sides till crisp and browned.

9.Banana and strawberry sandwich served.....

Verdict : It is something even adults will enjoy. The melted chocochip with strawberry and banana is surely delicious . It is also a healthy snack which can be fixed instantly.

swedish tosca cake...

'P' is a huge fan of pastries and cakes.... and he has an impeccable sense to pick the right ones too. I guess that is because everytime we decide to travel i dig the books to discover culture and places to visit ,while he has just one mission - that is 'food'and places to eat.
When we were in Stockholm we had this lovely swedish tosca cake in a bistro.Actually he called for the cake and i being the fusspot that iam, called for green tea and shamelessly ended up gobbling most of it. What i liked about this one was that
it was light and had this amazing chewy flaked almond topping ...

It took me less than five mins flat to put it together .... You will know why....

Ings :
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1tsp baking powder
1 cup melted butter
1tsp almond essence



Topping:

1/2 C sugar
1/2 C butter
1/2 C flaked almonds
1tbsp milk
1 tbsp flour

Method:

1. Whisk together the eggs and sugar to a nice creamy mix..
2. Add the flour and melted butter and combine well.
3. Now add the almond essence and pour it in a lined 9 " spring tin.
4. Bake for 30 mins in a 180 degree oven.

For the topping ...

Melt butter and put all the other ingredients and mix it.. Dont let it boil though.
Quickly pour it on top of the cake and broil it. Dont step aside , keep a watch and remove when it turns golden brown on top. Actually the sugar caramalizes at this stage and the almonds get mildly roasted and the result is this....




Enjoy it with a nice cup of tea or coffee... I had mine with a refreshing green tea.



Tosca anyone???...