Happily Cooking

Skip to Recipe Every time I go grocery shopping, I end up buying a lot of bananas. They are a healthy snack and make a nice addition to a bowl of cereal, yogurt, and smoothie. However, they do not get eaten fast enough, and in the blink of an eye, that bunch of bananas on the kitchen counter turn brown and soggy. Last week, my husband was almost going to toss them out when I said at the top of my voice, ''Don't throw them, I'm going to bake some Banana Walnut Bread''. On hearing this, his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. But this time, I wanted to make a healthier version. Made with 100%whole wheat and naturally sweetened with honey, this healthy Banana Walnut Bread tastes just as flavorful as the regular one. This Banana Walnut Bread is moist, soft, and so addictive - best of all, you can enjoy it without all the guilt! One bite, and you’ll be hooked! Ripe banana is the star of this r

Skip to Recipe Having spent two beautiful years of my life in Ireland, I was utterly captivated by the country, its natural landscapes, the friendly people, and the lively celebrations. St Patrick's Day is one such event that is held on March 17 every year in Ireland, something most look forward to! Though it started as a religious holiday, over time it has become a celebration of Irish culture. The festivities revolve around parades, dance, music, and family and friends enjoying great meals and drinks that have been part of the traditions of the Emerald Isle. Shepherd's Pie is one of the favorite meals during St. Patrick's Day! It is a classic layered casserole that has creamy mashed potatoes slathered on top of well seasoned minced meat and vegetables and then baked till golden brown. This is also a hearty, filling, and delicious meal that drives the winter blues away and brings comfort during the colder months.

Skip to Recipe Apart from its myriad castles and museums, Germany is also well known for its large number of bakeries. Almost every street has a bakery that has mastered the craft of bread making, passed on for many generations. Strolling through the streets, you can smell the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting out of the door that can make you salivate and arouse your appetite. And once you step inside, you will be spoilt for choice. I remember the first time I tried the traditional German specialty Apple Strudel (or Apfelstrudel) and fell in love with its amazing taste. It is a flaky pastry filled with brandy-soaked raisins, cinnamon-scented apples, and chopped walnuts. Since then every time I had it, I wanted to make it at home, but the idea of making it from scratch seemed beyond my reach as a novice home-baker. The recipe that I am sharing today is inspired by the classic Apfelstrudel. Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastries are cr

Skip to Recipe Rainy and cold weather seems to demand a bit of comfort food, and hence I have been making a lot of soups and stews lately. When it comes to vegetarian cooking, lentils are a favorite of mine and are always present in my pantry. They are packed with plant based protein and a great way to make filling and healthy meals. Not to forget, they are budget friendly too! This Vegetable and Lentil Stew is hearty, comforting and satisfying as it is loaded with a lot of vegetables and it is a nutritional powerhouse. If you are looking to transition to a vegetarian diet or simply looking for meatless meals, then this stew is perfect for you! Even my meat loving husband approved of it and relished it with gusto. I have used brown lentils for this recipe as they hold their shape, and at the same time, absorb all the flavors. What I love about this stew is that it is incredibly versatile and customizable. I have