Happily Cooking

Skip to Recipe 2020 has been a very different year. The pandemic has wreaked upheaval across the globe and made us examine the fragility of our mortality. As our worlds suddenly shrank, and we were confined mostly to our homes, it brought in us a renewed appreciation for the simple things in life- the joy of stepping out of our homes without fear, the joy of meeting our friends, and the joy of the heartfelt hugs from our loved ones. Much like the other holidays, New Years´ Eve will look different this year. But that is no reason not to celebrate. Getting through such a crazy year is still worth celebrating — even if it is just over Zoom or a small celebration within the family. Get your New Year’s celebration off to a rocking start with this mouth-watering appetizer. Buffalo Chicken Wings are fried chicken wings that are tossed in a homemade “Buffalo Sauce”, which is a mixture of hot sauce, butter, and honey. Extra crispy on the out...

Skip to Recipe "What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare?" These are lines from the poem Leisure that I had read in my childhood. Though they didn't mean so much to me as a kid, I understand their relevance now. Living in a world full of chaos and cacophony, we tend to ignore the simple blessings of life and sometimes even ourselves. The month of December, for me, is a time to escape from the hustle-bustle of everyday life, a time to dream, a time to pause and reflect. I generally take this as an opportunity to be with myself, turning inward for reflection and contemplation. Taking a break from the rhythm of rush, not only gives me peace of mind but also allows me to focus on myself and my goals. With the holiday mood in full swing, I like to spend more time in the kitchen baking something that cheers me up. Since oranges are in bounty during these colder months, I decided to...

Skip to Recipe The holidays are gearing into full swing, and I am looking forward to some relaxing time at home along with some good food. Sometimes, even scrolling through the food pics on Instagram makes my mouth drool and my tummy rumble. There are so many tempting recipes that I want to try my hands at, but at the same time, I don´t want the holiday blues to derail my diet. Hence, I am always on the lookout for food that is healthy yet delectable. I love potatoes unconditionally and in all forms- mashed, fried, baked. And why not? You can never go wrong with them – they’re nutritious, filling, and of course, delicious. The recipe today is for all those friends who share the same affinity for potatoes. The Garlic Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and have a bold garlic flavor. Every bite is packed full of flavors. It is easy to make, and most important of all, you can enjoy this appetizer without worr...

Skip to Recipe Well, it was our 7th Wedding Anniversary last weekend. Though I was disappointed for not being able to carry out our travel plan, I was grateful that my husband and I were together. And that was all that mattered. Our relationship has evolved so much over these years, and so have I as an individual. What I have realized in these years is that marriage is not always being mushy-gushy in love, but the small and thoughtful gestures of care and adoration. We spent the whole day together, enjoying good food, playing cards, watching an old movie that we both love, and going through our old travel memories. With all the restaurants closed at the moment, I decided to create a gourmet dinner to surprise my significant other. For the celebratory meal, I chose recipes that were simple yet elegant. The Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken is a one-pan skillet recipe that comes together within half an hour and is sure to become you...

Skip to Recipe There are days when I am full of energy and motivation, and there are days when I feel that my interior flame of energy is flickering out, and I become emotionally jaded. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I try to cook something that would uplift my mood and cure my tired soul. And I believe that nothing works better than a bowl of hot piping broth. The Chicken Taco Soup that I am sharing today is hearty, healthy, and bursting with bold Mexican flavors. Loaded with juicy shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all swimming in a spiced broth, this soup is something that will keep you insulated against this chilly winter. This recipe is quick and easy, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Just combine all the ingredients, turn on the heat, and voila, your flavourful soup will be ready to serve in no time!Just before serving, top it up with your favorite toppings, lik...

Skip to Recipe It seems like yesterday we were celebrating the pleasant summer, the long days, and sipping into the chilled glasses of mocktails. I can’t believe it is almost the end of November. As I look outside my window, the trees have lost their beautiful lush greenery, and the bare branches stand naked against the wind and the cold. It is fascinating how each season brings its charm and keep reminding us of how change is an inevitable part of our lives. And even though we cannot control the changes happening outside, we can always change our way of looking at things. There is nothing cosier than baking inside my kitchen while it is cold and dreary outside. Crispy and flaky on the outside and juicy inside, these vegetable puffs straight out of the oven will warm you up on a cold winter evening. These are so addictive that you will end up losing count of how many you eat. This recipe is also a gre...

Skip to Recipe Growing up in a time when people did not spend their days glued to their smartphones and social media accounts, as a kid, I used to find joy in the simpler things of life. Every lane in our locality had a sweet shop that boasted of their lineage and their prowess of making the best sweets. It was part of my Sunday ritual to visit the sweet shop with my dad. My eyes would sparkle with joy at the mere sight of those scrumptious and colorful sweets on display at all eye levels. God, it was so difficult to pick a favorite! Consumed by busy schedules and a cluttered mind, these little pleasures now feel just out of reach. Kalakand (or Milk cake) is one such Indian dessert that has a special place in my heart and elicits feelings of nostalgia. It is a creamy milk fudge delicately perfumed with cardamom and adorned with chopped pistachios and nuts. Traditionally made with cottage cheese, it is moist, tender, and mel...