The New Nation - Internet Edition

Add sparkle to your home decor

Farizaa Sabreen

Eid is a time filled with fun and laughter. Eid décor adds a tinge of excitement and warmth to the holidays. While decorating your house, you need to be careful about each and every corner.

With little bit of creativity and imagination one can make interesting décor for his/her home. A few decorations here and there in the house change the look of the house to a great extent.

And while more and more people are looking for fresh and innovative ways to express a unique sense of style with their holiday décor, many are simply not quite sure where to begin. That is why we have developed a list of foolproof decorating tips of Eid.

Flowers and candles are always an elegant match as well, and a candlescape can add classic style to your holiday décor. Display candles in various shapes and sizes on a decorative tray and accent them with your favorite holiday flowers, fresh evergreens, ribbons, or small ornaments. Candlescapes create warm sparkling light in any space and are particularly lovely on a coffee table, credenza, or dining table.

Find a Focal point

Before you start designing your living room, always decide on a focal point. This helps you to add furniture and other decorative items that will go along with the flow of the room. If living in apartment houses, you can choose a wall, a window or a balcony that comes attached as the main attraction of the room. You can start by concentrating on that focal point. Use your creativity with colors, paintings, lightings and make it the most striking feature in the room. All other things like sofas, coffee table, lampshades and decorative items should just compliment that. So you do spend too much of your energy trying to balance or even out the room. There are many wild bohemian, contemporary styles you can explore.

Personalize your space

A house should be a reflection of your tastes, styles and personality. When you enter your house, a feeling of warmth and belongingness should be experienced. If you do not put in things that does not exude comfort, you might end up staying in sterile environment, where you wouldn't relax or lie down on a sofa for fear of spoiling the upholstery.

Put up family pictures or any of your collector's items. Also try some fusion like hanging up wind chimes or a colorful mirror work on the walls. Drop an ethnic touch by adding silk curtains, cushions or a Persian carpet on the walls.

Colors on the walls

Selecting the colors for the walls again should be an extension of your personality. Today paint companies like Asian Paints provide good painting sessions and free samples to the customers to see and decide on a color.

Wallpapers are another very useful and cheaper options than paints.

Mix and match

When looking for quick and unusual ways to display flowers, gather unique containers that help you go beyond the typical flower combinations. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and textures. If it doesn't work, you can always take the arrangement apart and start again.

Striking look

Combining a tall bulb flower with a squat bloom lets you create a striking look that's appropriate as a centerpiece. Look for a large, shallow bowl with a flat bottom. Cluster the bulbs in the middle and prop them in place with sponges or a hand towel while you stuff the shorter blooms all around it.

Floral decoration

Roses tucked into a bowl of apples make a quick, temporary table decoration. Flowers shouldn't stand too long near fruits and vegetables, however. Ethylene gas, emitted by produce as it ripens, causes blooms to wilt prematurely.

Blooming buckets

A humble garden pail gets dressed up when you fill it with vivid-colour flowers. Trim the stems to the depth of the bucket so the blooms just peek out the top. Tie a bow around the bucket using wire-edge ribbon, and extend a piece of ribbon up and over the top like a handle.

Glass containers

Gather a bunch of flowers that are the same hue and assemble them in themed containers of various shapes and sizes. This mantel arrangement features rosy-cheeked pink roses in an assortment of clear glass containers-from a cut-glass candy dish, to stemware, to a florist's vase, to a vintage bottle. The elements are unified on a lace runner that's draped along the mantel. To keep it casual, leave some of the containers empty.

Mixing greenery

Give half-a-dozen single-colour blooms greater impact by mixing in greenery and arranging them in a standing vase. Think beyond baby's breath and florist ferns. Florists also stock more natural-looking greens, such as asparagus fern and seeded eucalyptus. Or, explore your own yard for options. These peach roses are nestled into a vintage silver vase amid pine branches and lemon leaves.

Decorating Nooks and Corners Corridors

Decorating corridors is more or less the problem of every household. The first thing one needs to remember when working on corridors is; this is one place of your house that is alive and active. People are always moving in and out of your corridors. So give your corridors a picture gallery look. You can put paintings, family photographs and murals as wall decor. Add lamps at little distances to give a soft and dramatic look to your corridors.

If you find this decorating tip not so appealing then how about adding some artifacts and flower arrangements complete with soft yellow lighting. If your corridor is wide enough, one can even go for a bookshelf. To complete the feel, put some heavy drapes at the end of the corridor.

Staircases

Most of the times, the space below the staircases are turned into a storage area giving a shabby appearance to your decor. If you really require a storage space, build a sliding cabinet with racks to store your brooms and shoes. This will give your space a neater look and at the same time give you adequate space to keep your stuff.

If space is not a problem, then do something more creative with that empty space. You can put a wallpaper of scenery to give a feeling of depth. Go for some dim lighting, according to the theme of your wallpaper.

One can also create a recreation corner below the staircase. Throw in some cushions, proper lighting and a potted plant or two and build a world of its own. If there is space, then put a small coffee table and chair and snuggle up with a book.

Lofts and Landings

Generally spacious loft areas are utilized as storage space. You can easily change a loft area as a kid's room or a guest bedroom. If there is not that large a space then how about making a build in wardrobe? Deck it up with some tall flower vases and indoor plants.

Another challenging area around the house is the landing immediately at the end of the staircase. One can have a long bookshelf in this area or a place to display your holiday snaps.

Table setting

This is an opportunity to get creative about ways to get what you need without spending an arm and a leg, and also discover new ways to make your life simpler. Bring your family together and brainstorm some innovative ways of doing things.

Plan your Eid menus now if you will be serving meals in your home. From the menus, plan what things you will need to purchase. Start purchasing ahead.

Freeze the extra food for meals over the next few weeks. This will help tremendously when you are faced with cooking for the Eid. Make simple meals.

Seating arrangements can be sketched out in advance. If you have ample space in your home, a good idea may be to serve your Eid dinner courses in different rooms. Then, set up the place settings of small platters, napkins, and salad forks with plenty of serving pieces or finger foods already neatly pierced with toothpicks.

Serve the main course at the formal dining table, set in all its glory with fine linen tablecloth, napkins, candelabras, soup tureens, your best porcelain or stoneware, matched or mixed flatware in gold plate or silver, and goblets of glass or crystal. Think of the festive table as the canvas on which you are creating an elegant work of art!

It's also appropriate to fill water goblets about three-fourths full ahead of time, perhaps with small ice cubes or cracked ice to keep it fresh and cold. Keep a water pitcher on the table or on a nearby buffet cabinet.

Bulky candelabras may have to be moved to the piano top and replaced by a pair of slender tapers or individual small candles.

If formal isn't your style, try a buffet setting for a much more casual atmosphere. Sturdy stoneware would be recommended. But it's a good idea to keep the napkins and silverware wrapped together or placed at the diner table with the water goblets, thereby avoiding most dropping and spilling accidents. And if you love using napkin rings, by all means do so, but be prepared to lose one or two with any large gathering.

Create an artful arrangement of an eclectic mix of tabletop settings, putting that extra effort into the planning and creative design of your tabletop this season will add to the warmth and cheer of your Eid festivities.

When choosing a centerpiece, you want to make sure that it will add to the beauty of your table without overpowering it or blocking conversation. Fresh Flowers in low arrangements and candles are always beautiful, but switch it up sometimes by getting creative. Edible centerpieces, such as fancy desserts or a mosaic of colorful candies can add a whimsical and delicious touch. Shallow bowls filled glass marbles in colors that complement your linens are also an option. The decorations and style of your table should be a reflection of you.

Best Hairdo for Eid

Model Tisha

Sharmin Shama

Women put a lot of attention and care to their hair for Eid. Hair can either make or break our overall appearance. They can make us look neat or dirty, classy or shabby, glamorous or plain.

Remember though that what looks good on others will not necessarily look good on you. This is an error a lot of the ladies make.

They try to achieve a trendy look only to look worse because the style does not fit them. As with most anything, you should make sure that the style fits you for this Eid. In this case, make sure that your hairdo is right for the shape of face you have.

Remember that your hair basically frames your face. Choose a hair style that flatters the best features of your hair. The following tips should give you the guidance you need.

If you have a long face, or something that shapes like an oblong, you can remedy your problem by creating an illusion of width. You can do this by getting chin-length bobs or side-swept bangs. You can also use your waves or curls for a better framing. Two things you should keep away from-extremely long hair and extremely short hair. Both will make your face appear longer.

As opposed to the oblong-faced, women with a round face should create an illusion of length hiding as much width as possible. You can achieve this by cutting your hair in graduated layers starting from beneath your chin. Avoid bluntly cut, one-length short hair. They emphasize the round shape of your face.

For women with a square face, an angular jaw that is, you should add extra texture to your hair. You can achieve texture through short curls or long layers. Your layers should start from beneath your jaw line. Hairstyles to keep away from - one-length bob and bluntly cut bangs. Your goal is to hide your angular jaw, not emphasize it.

If you have a heart shaped face, chances are that your pointed chin is drawing attention away from a pair of pretty eyes. The solution is to wear a fringe on your brow or some side-swept bangs. You can also cut long layers at the top. A long hair with layers at the cheekbones should also do the trick.

Finally, you may have the perfect oval face. Any type of hairstyle should do but avoid those that add volume to the top as they create illusions of length ruining your perfect oblong face. What you want to do is emphasize the perfection. You can opt for layers that will draw attention to your cheekbones or chin.

Hairdos for Long Hair

Choppy layers are good retort to long hair. The hairs are steeply layered from the bottom, but not much layered from the top. It gives a dramatic effect to your hairs.

Multiple ponytails and braids are popular hair do's for people who have long hair.

If the texture of your hairs is good, go for separately crimping the multiple pony tails. Leave some hair to flow around the neck as well.

Once the different multi-pony tail look is created, you can also go for braids. Put each of the separate ponytails in to one braid or different braids, as desired.

You can go for curls, which looks elegant on any occasion. They add bounce and texture, giving that fascinating look you awe for.

An easy way to do the long hairstyle is a simple ponytail, with a French twist. This hairstyle gives a classic and exotic look that can be achieved in just a few seconds.

If you are in for a wavy look, get your tress blow-dried and create that perfect look.

simple hair cut or a simple change in hair style can entirely transform our personality. Of course, as there are two sides of the same coin, there are two consequences of changing your hairstyle - Good and Bad! You may look like a trendy chic and even inspire a couple of your friends to copy your hairstyle or you may look like you have just plucked out your hair in frustration! It is recommended that before going in for a drastic change of hairstyle, you must evaluate whether or not it would look good on you.

Hair cut trends of the season

Short Bob

Predicted to be one of the hottest trends for the coming year, short bobs are planning to make a comeback with immense elegance and style. The cuts can be layered and a lot of texture look can be used.

Soft Wedge Haircut

Another hot hair style trend for this Eid is the soft wedge haircut. This short hairstyle adds much sparkle to your face and shows the playful side of your personality. Since a lot of texturing and layering is used, your hairstyle looks soft and very smooth, in case of cut-style. Even people with thin hair can go in for this short cut, as it adds volume. It is suitable for almost every face cut and adds charm and confidence to the personality.

Razor Cuts with Layers

The Razor cut has always been around, on and off. But for 2008, a razor cut with a lot of emphasis on layering is being predicted to be absolutely in. You may have short or long hair and the razor style can be implemented beautifully, without compromising on length. Get a cut that enhances your facial features, adding much softness and playfulness to your look. Try to get more layering around the ears and on hair that falls on the side of your cheeks. With a short razor cut, a messy look can also be adopted, especially if it suits your relaxed and carefree lifestyle!

The Fringe

Fringe hairstyle also started in the beginning of the 2007 and is still going steady, with likes of famous actress Kate Moss flaunting it. Fringe has a dual possibility. While it can give that elegant look, it can also stand to make a bold statement. Soft and wispy fringes, casual choppy edges and strong bold lines will all be hot in the summer of 2008. You can vary the length of the fringe, making it either full length or up till the eye. The only thing which matters is that it should be a reflection of your personality.

The Crop

Cropped cuts are in this season. All you need is oodles of attitude to carry the hairstyle. Crops are holding their own in summer 2008, with short unregimented lengths adding textures and bounce to this cut. While for some, the hair cut screams independence and boldness, the rest believe they are young and funky. Paired with a graceful dress, cropped cuts can even denote elegance.

Poker Straight

Curls and waves will be transformed into straight and smooth flowing hair. Even if you love to keep those waves, make sure they just gather at the ends of your hair and the rest of the hair is absolutely straight. Sleek and smooth texture is the keyword for 2008. So, get prepared to straighten out those curled locks for a sleeker and newer you!

Strategy: Coping stress during the holidays

Stress and depression can ruin your Eid holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.

For some people, the holidays bring unwelcome guests - stress and depression. And it's no wonder. In an effort to pull off a perfect Eid holiday, you might find yourself facing a dizzying array of demands - work, parties, shopping, cooking, cleaning, caring for elderly parents or kids on school break, and scores of other chores.

Actually, with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress and depression that often accompany the holidays.

The three main trigger points of holiday stress or depression:

Relationships: Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time. But tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify - especially if you're all thrust together for several days. Conflicts are bound to arise with so many different personalities, needs and interests. On the other hand, if you're facing the holidays without a loved one, you may find yourself especially lonely or sad.

Finances: Like your relationships, your financial situation can cause stress at any time of the year. But overspending during the holidays on gifts, travel, food and entertainment can increase stress as you try to make ends meet while ensuring that everyone on your gift list is happy. You may find yourself in a financial spiral that leaves you with depression symptoms such as hopelessness, sadness and helplessness.

Physical demands. The strain of shopping, attending social gatherings and preparing holiday meals can wipe you out. Feeling exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep - good antidotes for stress and fatigue - may take a back seat to chores and errands. High demands, stress, lack of exercise, and overindulgence in food and drink - all are ingredients for holiday illness.

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if you know the holidays have taken an emotional toll in previous years.

Tips you can try to head off holiday stress and depression:

Acknowledge your feelings. If a loved one has recently died or you aren't able to be with your loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness or grief. It's OK now and then to take time just to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.

Seek support. If you feel isolated or down, seek out family members and friends. They can offer support and companionship. Consider volunteering at a community or religious function. Getting involved and helping others can lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. Also, enlist support for organizing holiday gatherings, as well as meal preparation and cleanup. You don't have to go it alone. Don't be a martyr.

Be realistic. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Hold on to those you can and want to. But accept that you may have to let go of others. For example, if your adult children and grandchildren can't all gather at your house as usual, find new ways to celebrate together from afar, such as sharing pictures, e-mails or videotapes.

Set differences aside. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Practice forgiveness. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. With stress and activity levels high, the holidays might not be conducive to making quality time for relationships. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too. Stick to a budget. Before you go shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items. Then be sure to stick to your budget. If you don't, you could feel anxious and tense for months afterward as you struggle to pay the bills. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.

Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make one big food-shopping trip. That'll help prevent a last-minute scramble to buy forgotten ingredients - and you'll have time to make another pie, if the first one's a flop. Expect travel delays, especially if you're flying.

Learn to say no. Believe it or not, people will understand if you can't do certain projects or activities. If you say yes only to what you really want to do, you'll avoid feeling resentful, bitter and overwhelmed. If it's really not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a dietary free-for-all. Some indulgence is OK, but overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and schedule time for physical activity.

Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Steal away to a quiet place, even if it's to the bathroom for a few moments of solitude. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

Rethink resolutions. Resolutions can set you up for failure if they're unrealistic. Don't resolve to change your whole life to make up for past excess. Instead, try to return to basic, healthy lifestyle routines. Set smaller, more specific goals with a reasonable time frame. Choose only those resolutions that help you feel valuable and that provide more than only fleeting moments of happiness.

Forget about perfection. Holiday TV specials are filled with happy endings. But in real life, people don't usually resolve problems within an hour or two. Something always comes up. You may get stuck late at the office and miss your daughter's school play, your sister may dredge up an old argument, your partner may burn the cookies, and your mother may criticize how you're raising the kids. All in the same day. Accept imperfections in yourself and in others.

Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for several weeks, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. You may have depression.

Take back control of holiday stress and depression

Remember, one key to minimizing holiday stress and depression is knowing that the holidays can trigger stress and depression. Accept that things aren't always going to go as planned. Then take active steps to manage stress and depression during the holidays. You may actually enjoy the holidays this year more than you thought you could.

WESTECS introducing eye catching women products

WP Reporter

More than 8 years after introducing women products in WESTECS, it has decided to officially launch on September 18, 2008 "Women Collection" in WESTECS. Since its initiation in 1990 WESTECS has developed itself into a high street retail brand with an unwavering desire to lead today's corporate fashion world. WESTECS is country's leading corporate wear brand with the mission to grow their business globally by providing their consumers high end products augmented with their premium services.

WESTECS Women collections are inspired by winning. In house unique designs are complemented by state of the art production technology. WESTECS WOMEN collections are offered in such a manner that exclusivity through limited production is ensured. Women collections have products like women suits, blazers, over coats, shirts, formal and denim pants, tops, zahra, abaya, leather hand bags, scurfs, ponchos and a lot more.

WESTECS Women products represent a combination of the east and the west which is loved by all the contemporary modern women. WESTECS is confident in setting up a strong and bold trend for modern day corporate women while opening the trendy and stylish horizon for educated women. Always courteous sales associates and their smiling faces will definitely give you an impression which will last long after you have left WESTECS.

Elevate you senses with Westin Eid offer

WP Reporter

Elevate your senses with special Eid offer of Tk. 8888 per room per night at The Westin Dhaka between 25 September & 5 October 2008, where your sense of Eid celebration with friends and family will be reenergized. Indulge in one hour complementary body or foot massage at the Westin spa. Feel the flavors of life with one/two buffet breakfast per room per night. Feed the body with 20% discount on buffet lunch and buffet dinner at Taste restaurant.

Reconnect with friends and family and through free internet access and inspire those around you to celebrate their best. Revitalize in our temperature controlled pool side recreational area that offers spa facilities, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi separate for both ladies and unisex. Our state of the art Westin Workout offers endless possibilities to your wellness!!

The Westin Dhaka's spacious guest rooms are refreshing and sense of contemporary style with the best in modern hotel amenities. Each designed to surpass expectations of comfort and ease of use. Restore the body and expand the mind with the pure relaxation of signature Heavenly Bed. The oversized 4 fixture bathroom with Heavenly Shower ensures you feel refreshed.

Discover a place where you can be at your best. Upon entering at The Westin Dhaka, we will welcome you with sights, sounds and scents to stir your soul and replenish your spirit. Leave the outside world behind and allow your senses to be elevated. You have found your place to relax, revive and experience renewal.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 9891988.

Yummy recipes for Eid

Murgh mussallam

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cleaned and washed thoroughly

2 tbs ghee

2 cups water

Half kg yogurt, beaten to a creamy consistency

4 large onions, sliced and fried, golden brown for garnish

To make the paste you will need:

1 tbsp poppy seeds for paste

8 sticks of cinnamon

1 tbsp cumin seeds or jeera

1 tbsp shah jeera or black cumin seeds

10 black peppercorns

2 large black cardamom

7 green cardamoms

7 cloves

A 4 inch piece fresh ginger

1 whole garlic

6-8 whole red chilies

Salt to taste

Preparation :

Grind the spices into a paste. Chop up the heart, liver, into small pieces. Marinate the whole chicken by smearing the ground masala, both inside, as well as outside the chicken as well as on the chopped up heart, liver for at least an hour. In a large vessel heat the ghee. Pour in the marinade and chicken, and fry till well browned. Add water and cook covered till tender. Add the yogurt, salt and golden fried onions. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve hot with naan.

Paneer Jalfrazie

Ingredients

Paneer 300 gm

(Cubed)

Cumin seeds 1 tsp

Onion 1/2 cup

(Chopped fine)

Capsicum 100 gm

(Cut into cubes similar to paneer)

Onions 10 nos

(Shallots-peeled and halved)

Tomato puree1/4 cup

Ginger paste 1 tsp

Garlic paste1 tsp

Kashmiri chili powder 2 tsp

Garam masala 1 1/2 tsp

Tomatoes 3 nos

(Cut into quarters)

Coriander leaves to garnish

Green chilies-chopped fine

Salt to taste

Preparation

Mix the cumin and oil in a dish. Cook covered, for 2 minutes. Mix in the onions and cook, uncovered at HI for 6 minutes, stirring once, to a light brown. Mix in the capsicums, button onions, tomato puree, ginger-garlic pastes, green chilies, salt and chili powder. Cook covered, at HI for 5 minutes. Add paneer and tomato and again cover and cook at 70% for 7 minutes. Stir and sprinkle the garam masala and cook at HI for 3 minutes. Serve garnished with coriander leaves.

Mutton Pepper Fry

Ingredients

1/2 kg Mutton

2 tbsp Chilly powder

1 tsp Garam masala powder

1 Sprig curry leaves

1 tsp Turmeric powder

6 Green chilies

1 tbsp Ginger

1 tsp Mustard seeds

1 tbsp Pepper

1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste

Salt to taste

1 Cup shallots

2 tbsp Coriander powder

1/4 Cup coconut oil

How to make

Wash and cut the mutton into small pieces.

Cook it in a pressure cooker along with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chilly powder, coriander powder, curry leaves and salt.

Heat coconut oil in a pan.

Seethe mustard seeds in it.

Add shallots, ginger, green chillies and curry leaves. Fry till the mixture turns golden brown.

Now add cooked mutton. Cook again till it gets roasted.

Mix garam masala and pepper. Saute again for about 2 minutes.

Mutton Pepper Fry is ready to serve.

Garnish it with curry leaves.

Biryani Badshahi

Ingredients

1/2 kg Mutton

250 gms Rice parboiled

311/2 tbsp Lemon Juice

10 blanched Almonds

1/2 tbsp Mint Leaves

1 cups Butter

1 handfuls chopped Coriander Leaves

1/2 tbsp Cumin Seed

2 large sliced Onion

2 Brown Cardamom

1 tbsp Oil

4 pods Garlic

2 Cloves

1 " long piece Ginger

1/2 tbsp Saffron

1/2 tbsp Green Chilly chopped

1/2 tbsp Red Chili Powder

1/2 " Cinnamon

1/2 kg Curd

125 gms Milk

3 cups Water

Directions

First wash and soak rice.

Then fry sliced onions to a golden brown color.

Soak saffron in water.

Now grind ginger, red chilies, garlic and almonds and fry these in butter.

Add it to the mutton and salt and stir for 5 minutes.

Now add water and cook on low flame till meat becomes tender and about 1 cup of gravy is left.

Boil rice with salt in another pan.

Put curd into a piece of muslin cloth and let the water drain away.

Add cloves, cardamoms, cumin seed, mint leaves, chopped chilies and coriander in drained curd.

Strain the saffron water and add lemon juice.

Add all this to mutton.

Sprinkle half of the boiled rice over the mutton and then spread a layer of fried onion and then of rice again.

Now pour milk and some butter and cover the vessel.

Seal the edges of the pan with flour paste.

Place the can on flame for one hour.

Serve it very hot with some curry.

Shikampuri Kebab

Ingredients

Mutton pieces (from the leg) 1/2 kg,

Chana dal (split gram)1/3 cup,

Green chilies, whole 3-4 or to taste,

Ginger-garlic paste 1 tablespoon,

Chili powder 2 teaspoons or to taste,

Black cardamom 4,

Bay leaves 4,

Cinnamon sticks 4,

Cloves 6,

Salt to taste,

Yogurt 1/2 cup,

Mixed spices powder 1-1/2 teaspoons,

Green chilies, finely chopped 2-3,

Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped 1/3 cup,

Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 2 tablespoons,

Fresh cream or hung yogurt 1/2 kg,

Lime juice 3 or 4 tablespoons,

Eggs, lightly beaten 2,

Oil or ghee(clarified milk) to fry.

Method

Place cream or hung yogurt in the refrigerator overnight or until firm. Put the meat along with the spices ,covered with water, into a pot. Boil until the meat is tender and make sure that all the water has evaporated. Remove from the pot and discard the chilies and whole spices. The meat needs to be ground into a fine paste without adding water. Add the yogurt, garam masala(mixed spices) powder, coriander leaves, mint leaves and lime juice to the ground meat and mix well. Divide the meat mixture into equal parts. Take a portion of the paste and roll it into a ball between your palms. Flatten slightly and make an indentation in the centre of the meat which is to be filled with a spoonful of the cream or yogurt. Fold the ground paste over to seal. All the kebabs are to be made in this way and dipped in beaten egg. Shake off any excess. They are to be fried in hot clarified milk or oil until the color changes into a golden brown.

Sufi malpua

Ingredients:

1 litre Milk

1/4 cup Maida

1/4 cup Suji

Ghee

Water

Method:

Boil the milk till it reduces to ½ its quantity.

Roast the rava till light brown.

Add to the milk along with maida. There should be no lumps.

It should be a smooth pouring consistency. Heat the ghee.

Take the batter in a glass. Pour in circular movements into the ghee to form a small pan cake. Turn over.

Take care that it does not become crisp and hard.

Make sugar syrup of 1 thread consistency. Dip the malpura's in the syrup and lay out on a plate.