FRUIT SLICES

At times fruit cake may taste awful especially the mass produced ones but a homemade version can be truly delicious. Generally fruit cake contains a mixture of fruit and nut. If there are certain fruits you don't like, you can always include more or another, some of your favorites.

This recipe makes  quite a moist cake which is not as heavy as a traditional fruit cake. The best part, it is incredibly easy to prepare. Besides sultana and dates, it can easily replaced with chocolate chips, dried apricot, cranberries, dried pineapple or even dried papaya. Feel free to pick and mix to create a cake that's perfect for your family.

FRUIT SLICES
Yield    One 7 in loaf

1 C self raising flour
1/2 C brown sugar
3/4 C hot milk
100g butter
3/4 C dates
3/4 C sultana
flaked almond
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

METHOD

*   Soften dates and butter in hot milk. Allow to cool. Preheat oven @ 170 C and grease 7in pan.

*   In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar and sultana. Pour in dates mixture and vanilla  into the dry ingredients. Mix well, pour into prepared pan.

*   Sprinkle almond over the top and gently press into the surface.

*   Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

*   Cool on pan 10 minutes, transfer on rack to cool.

*   Slice to serve.

PIZZA ROLLS

Everyone loves pizza. Have you tried  Pizza Rolls? These rolls taste exactly as regular pizza but the only difference is that it comes in rolls with a filling of your choice. They are practically great for parties, snack or lunch box.

Home made rolls give you the ability to choose what goes into them so no preservatives or mystery ingredients.  Pizza Rolls  also make a wonderful appetizer, perfect for parties or any occasion.

Mine is very spicy since my kids love them but you can omit the chili paste altogether if you're serving small kid. For filling you can opt for mushroom, bell pepper, olives, pineapple, pepperoni, ham just to name a few but for vegetarian version just minus the meat. These are best pizza roll ever!

MUTTON HARYANI

There are so many ways to cook mutton. Each and every Indian states has its own unique recipe to boot. The spices used play a vital factor to how it will taste.

Now I'm using mutton but can easily substituted with beef or lamb.  It is way more healthier since use of oil and coconut is kept to a minimum. Beside cooking on stove top, you can also use your pressure cooker, cook  up to 4-5 whistles. Adjust the spice level according to your taste. Have added a tablespoon of chili powder to the original recipe. Do you know the difference between lamb and mutton?

Lamb    :     A sheep than is less than a year old. Slaughtered between the ages of 4-12 months, very tender
                   and little fat

Mutton  :     Older sheep, has much stronger flavor, tougher meat, considerable amount of fat

Despite of the changes, this recipe is a keeper, won't feel bored to cook it again and again. Marvellous!

MILK COOKIES

These are perfect cookies for any occasion, whether you're looking for something elegant to serve with your coffee/tea or fun activities with your kid.

Milk Cookies  is not only so easy to make but the cookies retains its shape even after baking. Made using rubbing in method with just a few ingredients and you'll be amazed how this cookies turns out.

 If after adding butter, the dough is too soft to handle, you can add a tablespoon or two flour until soft pliable dough is obtained. Topping is optional and  choice is yours. Keep a close eye on them in the oven as they are easily browned.

These cookies are fantastic, rich  buttery texture and so soft. They are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.  Milk Cookies  are great for Easter too. Enjoy!

RAISIN BREAD RECIPE

I have baked several types of sweet bread but not this classic ones. Since I had all the ingredients in hand, without further delay I mixed the dough using rapid rise yeast. You can also use active dry yeast but this requires a step that you have to activate the yeast by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water, leave for 10 minutes or until frothy before adding them to the dough. For instant yeast you can directly add to the flour.

These were incredible !  So glad  Raisin Bread  was a huge hit with my family.  Just eat on its own or slather with butter for your breakfast or in between snack.