Happily Cooking

Skip to Recipe Every one of us has those days when we’re just not feeling it. The last few days were such for me. I was mentally and physically exhausted, and the last thing I wanted to do was crawl out of bed and tackle the day. I was standing near my window when I saw few kids enjoying themselves in the park. Looking at them reminded me of my childhood when life was much simpler and happier, and embracing the small things of life brought a sense of deep contentment. As we grow older, we seem to be in an endless pursuit of happiness, and yet happiness keeps eluding us. Maybe because we keep seeking it in the wrong places and start ignoring the simple joys of life. I decided to treat myself to one of my favorite breakfasts. And, I was surprised to see how the simple act of making a meal for myself brightened up my gloomy mood and brought a big smile to my face. The Croissant French Toast Casserole combines buttery, f

Skip to Recipe This morning I found myself in a quandary, standing in front of an open fridge and wondering "What do I cook today?" I asked the man of the house what his preferences would be, and like most of the times, “anything” came the reply. Downhearted to hear the answer, I decided to put on my thinking cap. After an elaborate meal on the weekend, my refrigerator was loaded with mashed potatoes. Though my love for mashed potatoes is profound, I do have to admit that the joy of the first day’s eating vanished by the second day, and by the third day, I vowed not to eat them for the next few months! It was time to give them a makeover and turn them into an exciting breakfast. The Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes are indulgent, super easy to whip up, and make for a great breakfast or appetizer that everyone will go crazy for! Crispy fried on the outside, soft, and so cheesy on the inside! Can it get any better than this?

Skip to Recipe The season of love is here, and the whole world is gearing up to celebrate Valentine´s Day. Many people believe that a single day is not enough to celebrate the spirit of love. True! But here's the thing: if we don't celebrate special occasions, what would separate one day from the other? I'm always on the lookout for a reason to celebrate. I am a firm believer that once in a while life concedes elusive moments. They're moments just waiting to be celebrated and cherished! And, embracing these moments of sheer happiness make the story of our lives meaningful. One of the ways I like to pamper the person I love is by preparing a thoughtful meal at home. It may sound cliche, but good food is the way to my husband´s heart. Since every celebration deserves a decadent finale, I am sharing today an easy and delicious dessert that will sweep your better half off their feet. Chocolate Panna Cotta

Skip to Recipe While growing up, my parents always stressed the importance of food and how we were lucky to have it on our plates in a world where food crisis was a stark reality. At the dining table, my Mom ensured that nothing got wasted. Being a resourceful home cook, she was very good at improvising with whatever she had on hand and could magically transform any leftovers into memorable meals. This trait of being resourceful in the kitchen is something that I have imbibed from her. I keep on scouring the refrigerator every single day, making sure that nothing goes wasted. Whenever I have a random assortment of veggies calling out to be eaten, I make these Vegetable Teriyaki Noodles. A quick and easy vegetarian meal of crisp vegetables and noodles tossed in a simple homemade teriyaki sauce- this is scrumptious. The Teriyaki sauce comes together in minutes with simple ingredients that you already have in your pantry. You can st

Skip to Recipe Although I enjoy my share of refined cuisine and elaborate meals at restaurants, nothing piques my palate as much as street food. As a kid, the crowded street food stall near my house would manage to draw my attention every time I passed through it. It would become nearly impossible to control the urge to dig into the mouthwatering dishes. Years have passed, and my love for street food persists. When I travel to a new country, I make sure that I explore the street foods as it gives me an insight into that culture. This week let us take a virtual stroll through the bustling streets of Thailand and pick up some of the delectable Thai Fish Cakes. Thai Fish Cakes or Tod Mun Pla are a quintessential part of Thailand’s street food. With just a handful of ingredients, it is easy to recreate the same version at home. What makes these unique is their light and fluffy texture. Each bite of the fish cakes is bursting with flavor

Skip to Recipe My kitchen is my place of joy-it is my cozy haven and a place that unleashes my creative spirit. There is nothing as satisfying to me as waking up and preparing breakfast in a clean kitchen. It sets the tone for a happy and productive day ahead. My husband is a real egg lover, and when I say that, I mean that he can have eggs for every single meal! So our pantry is always well-stocked with these wondrous shells of goodness. But, there are times when having the same scrambled eggs or boiled eggs for breakfast becomes pretty monotonous to me, so I try to switch things up for variety. The Vegetable Frittata takes the spot as my favorite breakfast. A frittata is an egg-based Italian dish that is pretty much like a fancy omelette, and there’s absolutely no flipping involved at all, such a hearty and flavorful way to start the day. Loaded with veggies, packed with protein and healthy fats, this is ideal for breakfas

Skip to Recipe We all have been in a similar situation. After a whole day of healthy eating, when you think that you have turned a corner, the clock strikes 3 p.m, and even before realizing, you are halfway through a bag of crisps or a big block of chocolate. When it comes to healthy eating, there’s one strategy that works time and again, and that is meal prepping. It has been a life-changer for me. Amidst hectic weekday schedules, it not only saves a lot of my time but also opens a world of healthy treats that are readily available when hunger strikes. These Carrot Cake Bliss Balls take the flavors of a traditional carrot cake and turn it into a healthy snack! Packed with fresh carrots and oats and naturally sweetened with dates, these Carrot Cake Bliss Balls satisfy your hunger and give you an instant energy boost. This no-bake recipe comes together in no time and makes for a healthy and delicious snack you can grab