Happily Cooking

Skip to Recipe I can never say no to Chinese food! Whenever I am feeling down in the dumps or just having a bad day or running low on energy, an order from the Chinese takeways never fails to uplift my mood. At times though, I love recreating my favorite dishes at the comfort of my own home. Because homemade always tastes so better! This is my take on the classic Firecracker Chicken found at Wagamama, a Japanese restaurant. This Firecracker Chicken features crispy chicken bites and crunchy veggies that are coated in a fiery, sweet and tangy sauce. Serve this with some rice for an addictive dinner that your whole family will devour! Why You Need To Try This Recipe Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together very quickly making it the perfect weeknight meal. Bold and Fiery Flavors: This Firecracker Sauce has an incredible balance of sweetness and kick that creates a...

Skip to Recipe This blog post has been created in partnership with LN Gold Saffron. But all the thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are my own. Persian cuisine, a lso known as Iranian cuisine, is ancient, rich and one of the world's finest. From savory stews to succulent grilled meats and luscious desserts, the gastronomy celebrates taste and traditions which have been lovingly passed down through generations. Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh (Persian Saffron Chicken with Barberry Rice) is a dish with a rich history that reflects the diversity and complexity of Persian cuisine. Its combination of flavors and textures has made it a beloved dish in the country and is served often at weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. Zereshk Polo ba Morgh is a Farsi term that means "Barberry Rice with Chicken". Tender chicken cooked with saffron and other aromatics served on a bed of saffron rice with caramelised...

Skip to Recipe As autumn begins to make its way into the picture, it is natural to feel depressed at the thought of losing those extra hours of sunlight, cold gloomy weather, and dark mornings and evenings. If you are already plotting how to escape the frigid drudgery of Winter, it is the best time to embrace the Danish lifestyle of Hygge. At its core, the Scandinavian term Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) cannot be translated to a single word in English but encompasses a feeling of coziness, contentment, and an appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. The warm and cozy lifestyle that hygge promotes has been a key part of Danish culture since the early 1800s and has over the years been adapted by rest of the world. For me, fall hygge is all about taking the time to slow down, enjoying the company of loved ones and creating my own cozy haven. This Hot Spiced Apple Cider is the perfect companion to celebrate the apple season and...

Skip to Recipe As the days start to cool and the wind stirs the leaves, nothing feels cozier than snuggling up with a blanket and a mug of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Ever since Starbucks developed the seasonal beverage way back in 2003, the world has fallen head over heels in love with it. And, now it is hard to imagine the arrival of autumn without the cozy comfort of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. There’s no denying the deliciousness of a Pumpkin Spice Latte of Starbucks and it is perfectly fine to indulge once in a while. However, I’m much more partial to making it at home as it is lower in calories, budget-friendly and is as good as Starbucks if not better! And, the best of all, is that you can customize this recipe endlessly to your taste as well. Creamy, mildly spiced, full of pumpkin flavors and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this Pumpkin Spice Latte warms your body and soul on a cool crisp autumn afternoon. What is a PSL? ...

Skip to Recipe Hello September! Days are getting shorter, but there’s still plenty of warm days left for backyard grilling and pool parties while transitioning into Fall flavors. With the hot weather of July and August behind us , and the chilly nights of Fall on the horizon, September is the best of both the worlds. Ring in the cozy season with a luscious,hearty and comforting, Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup. It is guaranteed to satisfy your soup cravings – without any guilt on busy fall weeknights. You’re going to LOVE the indulgent flavor and texture. The cauliflower is roasted that imparts a nutty flavor resulting in a thick and ultra-smooth soup. You’ll want to eat this all fall and winter. Why You Need To Try This Cauliflower Soup Amazing flavors: Featuring deeply caramelized cauliflower and garlic, this soup is cozy and bursting with robust flavors! ...

Skip to Recipe It is said that all good things in life are meant to be shared, so should a meal be any different? Eating together is so much more than getting food on the table and feeding hungry stomachs, it is about the conversations, laughter and the lasting memories that are created around the table. Charcuterie Boards are all the rage and rightfully so! They are such a beautiful way to bring people together and are extremely flexible. But the main reason they have become a centerpiece of social gatherings is that they require minimal culinary skills to assemble. WHAT IS A CHARCUTERIE BOARD? A Charcuterie Board (pronounced shahr-koo-tuh-ree) that originated in France features an assortment of cured meats and cheeses, arranged in a visually pleasing way, paired with different accompaniments like crackers, fruits, cheese, nuts and different spreads. Over the past few years, it has evolved to signify almost any sort of s...

Skip to Recipe Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, and has become increasingly popular in recent years. One of the hallmarks of this culinary tradition is the wide variety of dips that grace the Mediterranean tables. They’re flavorful, delicious and embody the richness of the country's food culture. Baba Gounash is a silky, luscious dip that is made with roasted eggplants and flavored with a generous amount of tahini , garlic, lemon juice, cumin and salt. The unique, smoky taste of Baba Ghanoush comes from roasting the eggplants which gives it a deep, earthy flavor creating nothing short of divine. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, this can be enjoyed by everyone! WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HUMMUS AND BABA GANOUSH? Hummus and Baba Ganoush are both Middle Eastern dips traditionally eaten as part of a meze platter. Though they might seem similar in origin and ...