Most of the times, I purchased a bread loaf from outside for breakfast or sandwiches, for one reason or another, it doesn't get finished. I feel very bad when I throw into the bin, there's nothing worse than watching bread waste away.

Instead of letting it go to waste, I decided to play with it and make a "Cinnamon Sugar Bread Crust". The whole concept of left-over Bread Crust is very simple and easy to prepare. 

Serve it in any form as you like. This is best snack for breakfast or I can munch it anytime, either reading or writing my post (box of bread sticks is near to my laptop, enjoying it with writing my post :D).

They taste like cinnamon doughnuts, only crunchy and a lot healthier and faster to make.

Bread is one of the pretty fantastic food. It's incredibly versatile, which means if you have a lot of it left over, you can use it in ways you've probably never thought to before.

They’re ready in 11 minutes. These are great to pop into school lunch boxes (or work lunch boxes!) in little zip lock bags. 

Or pour them into a bowl and snack on them like popcorn for movie nights in or enjoy your bread sticks with the chocolate sauce, kids will loved it, I am sure or you can enjoy with your tea or coffee.

Are you looking for simple ways to use up your leftover Bread. Use your leftover bread crusts or stale bread for these treats that taste like cinnamon doughnuts. 

Cinnamon and Sugar goes well with these bread sticks, I feel they are made for each other, it taste like lightly sweet-salty bread crust sticks, personally I really loved it...totally awesome !!

I have taken this Ground Cinnamon bottle from Australia, they have natural flavors of cinnamon...A mildly sweet and delicate fragrant flavour, I am very happy of using this product of MasterFoods, hope I'll get this product easily available in India otherwise I need to use it very small quantity of it..LOL !!

You can make it with any kind of bread either a day old or stale bread. Stale bread is dry and leathery. 


I have used that stale one because it doesn't soak up the butter as much, which means it gets distributed better.
 
!! SAVE MORE BY WASTING LESS. YOU JUST NEED TO BE GET A BIT CREATIVE !!

Let's start this easy and crunchy recipe of cinnamon sugar bread crust treats with step by step photos.

Ingredients :

Day-old/Stale Brown bread crusts, cut into sticks - 2 cups
Melted salted/unsalted butter - 2 tbsp / 50 gm (I used Amul butter)
Sugar - 2 tbsp (separate 1/2 tbsp)
Ground Cinnamon - 1/2 tsp

Preparation Method :

1. Preheat oven to 180 deg C.

2. Cut crusts into 3cm/1.5" pieces. Place bread crusts in a large bowl. 

3. Drizzle over butter, tossing the bread crusts as you go (with your other hand) to evenly distribute as best as possible.

4. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the bread sticks and and toss through.

5. Arrange the bread-sticks in a single layer on a baking tray.

6. Bake it, until golden brown and crunchy (check the ones in the middle of the tray). The tray on the top rack will be ready first, it will take 5 minutes. The bottom rack will take a couple of minutes longer approx 6 minutes. 

7. While hot, sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 tbsp of sugar. This is mainly for appearance purpose.

8. Store it in a air-tight container.

~ Important Note ~

* The amount of sugar and cinnamon depends on your preference so adjust accordingly to what you like. You can also use olive oil to replace the butter as a healthier alternative.

* Stale bread works better than fresh because it doesn't soak up the butter as much, which means it gets distributed better.

If you are looking for more leftover recipes then do check
Lemon Rice using leftover rice
Leftover Sambar Paratha
Bread Rolls in appe pan using leftover mashed potato
Mango Sorbet out of Juice using leftover mango juice

Happy Cooking & Enjoy !!

Stir Fried Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce Recipe with step by step photos - It's a good Chinese gravy is worth dying for, it's perfect with the balance of a variety of flavors. It is the main course dish that pairs very well with stir-fry noodles or fried rice. If you're craving for Asian flavors, try vegetables in hot garlic sauce 

There are many people who love Chinese cuisine. From Noodles to Manchurian, there are a lot of dishes in Chinese cuisine that are a must try. A lot of people find it hard to prepare the exact Chinese flavored dishes at home....absolutely yummmmm !!

Small Story behind my this Chinese dish
 
Last Thursday my husband is taking off from office and we both decided will go outside for dinner and menu is also decided that where we go and what will have..he said me will go for Chinese this time....

So, I thought why should we go outside and will made it at home only, he said me don't do it, it take lot's of time to prepare plus so much hot in kitchen..I'm really touched ♥♥ I said ya ok but will prepare at home only, he said ok fine I'll help you in this, I said no LOL :D :P...I made this is in 1 hr if you help in this I'm sure it will take 2 hrs time (double) and I know my kitchen will messed up..He is good cook too like me, he's specialized in non-veg varieties but whenever he made something after that I feel it's not my kitchen :D totally messed up :( :D

So, I finally made this without my husband help :P Stir Fried Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce
where vegetables are tossed in a garlic flavored tomato garlic sauce and to best compliment it was Vegetable Hakka Noodles. A satisfying complete meal loaded with vegetables and starch.

This a homely recipe of an Indo-Chinese vegetarian recipe where colorful varieties of vegetables are stir fried added to this absolutely aromatic and flavorful hot garlic sauce.

First I have stir the vegetables and making the sauce with it, I didn't make both of them separately, I prefer to all use it in one method and see how taste will come, I am sure you'll loved it just like us :) :)

Our today's Foodie Monday Bloghop theme is based on "Indo-Chinese Cuisine" and I love Indian Chinese fusion cooking, my recipe is perfect for this theme is "Chinese style vegetables in hot garlic sauce".


Do try out the recipe and you would be surprised by how much texture and flavor can a good assortment of veggies and that sauce offer.

The best part about this Chinese inspired dish is, it is prepared in the Indian style.  

Here is a simple and classic recipe of how to make Fried Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce which can be easily prepared at home. Take a look...

Serves: 3-4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-45 minutes
Author : Jolly Makkar

Ingredients :

Red onion - 1 no (cubed)
Finely cubed Yellow Bell pepper - 1/4 cup
Finely cubed Red Bell Pepper - 1/4 cup
Finely cubed Green capsicum - 1/4 cup
Finely chopped Cabbage - 2 tbsp
Broccoli - 2 tbsp
Finely cubed Paneer - 1/4 cup
Finely chopped Spring onions(green part) - 2 tbsp
Finely sliced Spring onions(white part) - 2 tbsp
Chopped Garlic cloves - 3 no
Chopped Ginger - 1 tsp
Vinegar - a few drops
Red chilli powder to taste
Tomato sauce - 1/4 cup
Good dark soy sauce - 2 tbsp
Corn flour - 1 and 1/2 tbsp
Water - 1 and 1/2 cups (approx)
Salt to taste
Pepper powder - 1 tsp
Oil - 1 tbsp
Spring onion greens to garnish

Preparation Method :

1. Heat oil in a wok, add chopped garlic and ginger fry for a seconds in high flame till little brown, then add chopped onion and Add the paneer cubes (paneer cubes should be kept immersed in hot water till use).

2. Now add all vegetables - all 3 types of capsicum(red, yellow, green), broccoli, chopped cabbage, chopped spring onions(white bulbs) and saute for few minutes.

3. Add soy sauce, tomato sauce, pepper powder and give it a mix.

4. Add approx 1 and 1/2 cups of water into stir fried vegetables. Sprinkle salt and add few drops of vinegar.

5. Once it start boiling, then dissolve the 2 tbsp of corn flour in half cup of water and pour it Keep stirring until the mix starts boiling and changes into dark color. 

6. Once the gravy is thick and shiny, add the chopped spring onion(green part) and mix well.

7. Switch off the flame and transfer to the serving bowl. 

Is there any better comfort food than baked macaroni and cheese with full of veggies in tomato sauce? I think not. It's easy to make with tons of rich tomato sauce and a secret ingredient making it extra delicious!

Pasta is my all time favourite for breakfast. It easy to whip up and filling for the morning & evening dose. Though I have tried different types of pastas. This is an easy, delicious, and satisfying vegetarian pasta recipe. 

The ingredients were all familiar from the popular Italian dishes and I though it was good enough a substitute for me to get started with try to some Italian recipe. 

This is the recipe of Roasted and Baked method, roasted means the pasta is cooked with vegetable in sauces and baked with cheese, if you have less time, you can cook and bake the pasta with vegetable in your choice of sauce in one method only.

I thought to surprise my husband with his favorite macaroni pasta in this new cheesy baked style :D yesterday I made this baked pasta and served him, He just loved it so much :)

It turned out to be such a wholesome, hearty and finger-licking-delicious dish.

If you are looking for more pasta recipes then do check

veg macaroni-pasta in tomato sauce 
pasta tomato sauce
vegetable shell pasta in tomato sauce
penne pasta in white sauce
fusilli pasta in tomato sauce


Let's start to make this easy and quick recipe with simple step-by-step process.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients :

Macaroni Pasta - 1 and 1/2 cups
Green Capsicum - 1/3 cup
Yellow Bell pepper - 1/3 cup
Red Bell Pepper - 1/3 up
Pasta Sauce - 1/3 cup
Finely chopped onions - 1 no
Garlic – 4 pods, minced
Tomatoes – 1 large, chopped
Corns - 1/2 cup
Tomato puree - 1/2 cup
Tomato sauce - 3 to 4 tbsp
Italian seasoning – 1/2 tbsp or to taste
Pepper – 1/2 tsp
Butter – 3 tbsp
Salt to taste
Oil – 2 tbsp
Grated Mozzarella cheese - 1 cup
Grated Cheddar cheese - 1 cup
Oregano - 1/4 tsp
Basil leaves for garnishing

Preparation Method:

Cooking the macaroni pasta:

It’s the same method for any pasta.

1. Heat water in a cooking pot and bring to a boil. Add salt & oil to season the pasta.

2. Add the pasta and let it cook it for 8-10 minutes (you can check it if you suspect it is done by taking one out with a fork – the pasta shells should be soft enough to pinch and cut open but not mushy or mash-able).

3. Turn off the heat & drain pasta well in a bowl. Place the drained pasta in the running cold water to stop the cooking process. You could add a few drops of oil and toss-up the pasta if you feel it might stick together.

Making the vegetables and tomato sauce :

1. While the pasta is cooking you can start working on the sauce.

2. Heat some butter in a heavy bottomed pan. On medium heat, add the chopped garlic and saute for 30 seconds until cooked, Once garlic will infuse its flavor then add the chopped onions & saute till translucent pink.

3. Add the vegetables, cook for 4-5 minutes on medium heat till crunchy. I used all 3 types of bell pepper(green, red, yellow).

4. Add the corns, tomatoes, salt, chilli flakes, pepper & oregano. Mix well & cook covered for 5 mins. Tomatoes will turn slightly soft.

5. Add the tomatoes puree, Cover it with lid & cook it on for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid in the sauce would reduce down over time.

6. Add the tomato sauce, check and add more salt if needed. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables are done but have a little bit crunch left in them and the liquid in the sauce has reduced to desired consistency.

Baking the Pasta
 
1. Preheat oven at 200 deg C for 10 mins. Grease a deep baking dish (oven-proof) - 
step 1 - Spread a layer of macaroni pasta. 
step 2 -Sprinkle half of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

2. Repeat the layers from step 1 to 2. I used 2 layers.

3. Now transfer the dishes to the wire-rack at 200 deg C for 10-12 mins or until it’s golden brown and bubbling.

4. Serve hot baked macaroni pasta, garnish with basil and Enjoy! You can even pack it in tiffin after it cools slightly.

~~Important Notes~~

* Do not bake for more time as the pasta may become very hard and chewy to eat.
* You can use either store bought pasta sauce or make your own sauce at home.
* I liked the idea of baking in individual portions especially if your kids like pasta then its easy to serve individually.
* Use only oven proof dish.
* I used colored capsicum alone, you can add any veggies of your choice.


Enjoy this cheesy pasta with your family and friends on this weekend. Happy Weekend !!

Happy Cooking & Enjoy !!

Marble Coffee Muffin Recipe with step by step photos - An easy recipe for Ultimate Marble Coffee muffins feature a two-tone batter that has distinct vanilla and coffee flavors. 

The muffins are moist and tender, but they’re not looks as rich as vanilla-chocolate swirled marble cake would be.  

If you love your coffee in the morning, you'll be sure to love these coffee flavored muffins. 

Some recipes use espresso coffee powder but I like instant coffee powder because it gives a nice strong flavor without adding more sweetness.
 
This is my first trial experience in muffins and I never made in my life. So this time, my batter would be more liquid form, so shape doesn't came out properly...but it came out very soft texture, light, not dry and yummy taste everybody in the house loved it :)

Marble muffins are simple yet special - to me, anyway.  You get the best taste of both the worlds: vanilla cake and some coffee at the same time.

The coffee portion comes together from the same batter of vanilla, with a mixture of coffee stirred in it. 

Use instant coffee powder for a more robust coffee flavor. I love a muffin for dessert, actually.

Marble Coffee muffins are the contribution of my today's Monday blophop theme and its "PincnicSpecial", I think they're just right for picnic because they are very handy, you can enjoy the games as well as food side by side and 

It's a summer time so its better avoiding store-bought dips and snacks in favour of your own homemade versions is the perfect way to know exactly what is going into your kids' and family tummies.

These are my kind of simple snack cakes to have around the house, to enjoy any time of day.

Just arrange a small picnic party at my home....last weekend saturday evening, as I don't have big grassy lawn at my home, so arrange a small picnic inside the home only, give a small surprise to husband..we played so many games of UNO(cards game) ;). I have arranged a small light tea-time menu for this picnic

Cute coffee cupcakes, chocolate flavored wafers sticks, namkeen, white wine for my husband and mango juice for me, some fruits...I enjoyed my book reading and he enjoyed his music, later on we dance together..we really enjoyed evening...it was a cute + romantic picnic party ♥♥

Later we enjoyed Coffee muffins with a scoop of Caramel Ice Cream drizzle with chocolate sauce on top and serve with chocolate flavored wafers and garnish with mint leaves ♥♥ Best summer treat :D


Romance is in the air, so spice it up any picnic with a romantic spin! Celebrate this summer with an easy potluck picnic and enjoy!

Follow this simple recipe of coffee muffin and arrange a small picnic party with your family members and enjoy this beautiful time.

Ingredients :

Makes 12

All Purpose Flour/Maida - 1 and 1/ cup or 280 gm
Baking powder - 1 tbsp
Pinch of Salt
Caster Sugar - 1/2 cup or 115 gm [I didn't used more sweetness into it because I want the flavor of more coffee into it]
Eggs - 2 no
Milk - 250 ml
Oil / Butter - 6 tbsp
Vanilla Essence - 1tsp
Coffee Syrup / Espresso Coffee Powder - 2 tbsp
Silicon Muffin Mold and muffin wrapper

For Coffee Syrup

I have used Instant coffee powder of 2 tbsp in 1 tbsp of warm water, mix it well and used in a batter. Cool it and use this syrup into muffin. You can used Espresso Coffee Powder

Preparation Method :

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degree C/ 400 degree F. Add the muffin wrapper into the silicon muffin mold or grease a muffin tin with butter.

2. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the sugar.

3. Put the eggs in a large bowl and beat lightly, then beat in the milk, oil and vanilla essence.

4. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the beaten liquid ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not over-mix.

5. Divide the mixture between two bowls. Add the coffee syrup in to one bowl and mix together.

6. Using tablespoons, spoon the mixtures into muffin molds or tin, alternating the coffee mixture and the plain mixture. I made muffins in two-batches, if you can you can make all at one time only

7. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 20 minutes, or until well risen, golden brown and firm to the touch. You can insert a toothpick to check it is baked or not.

8. Leave to cool in the molds for 5 minutes, then serve warm or transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Enjoy Coffee muffins with a scoop of your choice of Ice Cream drizzle with chocolate sauce on top and serve with chocolate flavored wafers and garnish with mint leaves ♥♥



If you are looking for more easy picnic recipes then do check

Lemon Rice

Cumin Cookies

Kordois - a crunchy snack

Rava Appe

Enjoy the perfect family picnic this summer with these homemade version snacks.

Happy Cooking & Enjoy !!