Pistachio Almond Cake - Guest Post By Kitchen Serenity

I asked one fellow blogger to do a guests post for me and I am so glad that she agreed to do it. Nilu, blogs at Kitchen Serenity is a very passionate blogger and she blogs almost every day. She has been born and brought up in Mumbai and is now in Coimbatore and that is why you will see many western and south Indian inspired recipes in her blog. Her blog is only 3 months old but within that time she has achieved a lot of following and loyal readers. Some of my favourite recipes from her blog are-Home made pav bhaji masala, Pina colada cupcakes and Corn and capsicum quiche. She made AlmondPictachio Cake for my blog and I am so happy announce that Merry Tummy loves KitchenSerenity.

Over to our chit chat session!

Shweta-You are a busy mom and kids generally choose junk food. How do you manage to cook food for his taste also keeping in mind the needs for nutrients? Is there any tip that you will like to share with other mothers?

Nilu-Luckily, my son is not a fussy eater. He eats all types of foods. Although, I've seen some of the parents asking kids what do they prefer for lunch or dinner. But I don’t think that’s a good idea. As moms we are the best ones to decide what will be good for them at this age. Indeed, he has home-made food at all times, but I do make his favourite foods like pizzas or pastas with lots of vegetables and cookies or cakes with fresh fruits or nuts to balance his diet. I also allow occasional treats in form of outside food but very rarely. I believe that instead of munching on chips/wafers while watching a movie, try giving your kid an apple or a handful of almonds. Variety is the spice of life, so try to re-create your old dishes with a slight twist each time you make them again. Trust me the possibilities are endless. You should say yes to a cupcake, but not every day!

Shweta- I am sure many mothers will agree with you. Anyway  what made you start blogging? How long have you been blogging? Is there any particular etiquette that you like to maintain while blogging?

Nilu-The main reason I started blogging is that I simply wanted to share my passion for cooking & baking. I also wanted to connect with other people who share the same interests in cooking and make new friends along the way. Blogging to me seemed like a close knit group of people who really support and uplift each other.  I wanted to be part of that. I’ll never forget the feeling when I received my first comment on my first post and since I’ve gradually been building up a small group of friends of which I appreciate every single one of them. I’m motivated each day by my fellow blogger’s comments and now I love blogging. Regarding etiquette, I always reply to each and every comment on my blog, even if it's a simple 'Thanks a lot'. I try to apply the same rules I follow in life; being polite and regard people with respect.

Shweta- That is so sweet of you, now tell us which is your favourite ingredient in the kitchen and why?

Nilu-It is so difficult to pick just one ingredient. I don’t actually have a favourite ingredient but I love cooking with Eggs! There are number of ways to use them while cooking or baking – be it in a savoy or a sweet dish.

Shweta- Hmmmm, now which ingredient scares you the most and why?

Nilu-Mushrooms. I hate everything about them - the look, taste, texture and smell. Even though I make it for my son, I just can never eat it.

Shweta- That’s like a good mother! How do you spend your time other than cooking and blogging? 

Nilu-Whenever I'm not cooking or blogging, I love spending time with my family, talking about each and everything with my hubby, playing with my son, talking on phone with my mom and sisters and hanging out with my friends. I also like a relaxed evening with a good book or a movie.

Shweta- Hey I too love reading books :-) Well, like any other profession, I am sure cooking also has its share of difficult instances. Any such awkward moment?

Nilu-Yes, I did have my share of awkward moments during my early days of cooking.  Once I was making French toast for breakfast. My Mom instructed me how to make it and she said you can add little orange red colour. I added a teaspoon of the colour and made the toast. My family was really sceptical to have that blood-red coloured French toast.(LOL)

Shweta- That must have been so funny! Okay, So after blogging for 3 months and being so successful, is there anything you do not like about blogging?

Nilu- Yes, it’s been 3 months of blogging and I'm loving every bit of it.. It's only after I started blogging, I realized how much hard work all my co-bloggers and friends put in to reach out to us in everyday life.. It's incredible.. Kudos to all the bloggers… If I really had to mention one thing I do not like about blogging is ‘spam comments on my blog.’  Kinds of frustrates me whenever I see them in my blog!

Shweta- I too hate that spams, but which is your most proud moment in the blogging? 

Nilu-Whenever someone tries my recipe and then leave a note saying that they liked it. It makes me really proud and very happy too.

With warm welcome over to Nilu.

Today is a very special day for me; as it is my first ever guest post. When Shweta asked me for the guest post I agreed immediately. I was so excited and kept thinking what to make for her. I wanted to bake something special as Shweta loves baked goodies. At last, I decided to go with “Pistachio Almond Cake” This cake seemed to be apt for the very sweet and special Shweta.  She has a great blog with so many delectable recipes.

Ingredients:

150 grams all-purpose flour/maida

2 eggs

¾ cup sugar grounded

½ cup milk

½ cup butter

½ cup pistachios (skinned & sliced)

3 tbsp almonds (powdered)

2 ¼ tsp baking powder

2 tsp vanilla essence

¼ tsp salt

Few drops of green food coloring

Method:

Grease and dust an 8" round pan and set aside. Preheat oven to 170 degrees Celsius.

Sift the flour thrice along with baking powder and salt. Keep aside.

Beat the butter with the sugar powder until light and creamy.

Then add the eggs one at a time. Beat well.

Now add one-third of the flour and beat until combined.

Then add half of the milk and beat the batter again until milk is mixed well.

Add one-third of the flour again and beat till well combined.

Then add the remaining milk. Beat the batter till mixed well.

Finally add the last portion of the flour along with vanilla essence and color. Beat till well combined.

Then add the powdered almonds and beat the mixture again.

Pour into prepared cake tin.

 Spread the pistachio slices all over the top of the cake.

Pat them down very gently so that they stick well.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until done.

Keep on a wire rack and let it cool completely before removing from tin or slicing.

Thank you from Merry Tummy