Fall is one of the special times of the year. The vibrant colors, the sparkling sun (which is very very soothing after the the burning summer sun of Texas), the light breeze with an occasional nip which reminds you that winter is not far away but at the same time makes you breathe in and soak up the warmth of the daylight, that sudden rustle you hear that gathers up all the fallen leaves to a heap at the corner – it is like the nature is whispering and planning to make everything around look and feel beautiful!
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A delightful week night side dish; quick, easy with a slight hint of spice. The cauliflower florets are cooked in the pan till tender and then sprinkled with nuts, dried fruits, green onions and some dressing.

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Christopsomo (Christ’s Bread) is  the traditional Greek Anise flavored Christmas Bread.  Baking a Christopsomo is considered a religious task in an Orthodox Greek household. The baker begins by crossing himself & asking for blessings for the household. The bread is baked on the Christmas eve and eaten on the day of Christmas. Only the best and the most expensive ingredients are used to bake this bread. Ropes of dough are used to adorn the bread with cross. Unshelled walnuts are used for decorations too. Here is the original recipe, I have almost followed it all except for the glaze.

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I just finished putting up my Christmas Tree & the lights. This time the kids are big enough to help me with decorating the tree. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of work, but we are finally done. The only thing we need to do is wait for Santa. On that note, my little one, pulled out a red stocking from the box and came and told me that “Santa Claus lost a sock” & she found it! She has a funny bone.

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My hubby celebrated his birthday a couple of days back. Our 3 year old woke up in the morning -hugged, kissed & wished him. She also reminded him “Don’t forget to wear your crown”, just as he was walking out of the door for work, with no doubt in her mind that he is going through deal of crown, birthday song, cupcakes and cheers…. (more…)

This is a refreshing drink as good as a dessert. Try it as a healthy & nutritious breakfast drink too.

Ingredients:

1. 8 Almonds soaked overnight and peeled.
   

   Almonds

2. 4/5 strands of saffron
3. 1 teaspoon honey & 1 teaspoon sugar ( can be substituted for all honey OR all sugar)
4. 5 oz fat free milk
5. Seeds of one small green cardamom (crack the cardamom open and take out the seeds from inside)
6. 1/2 cup ice

Preparation:

Soak the saffron threads in the milk for about 15 minutes to release the color and flavor.

Add all ingredients including the milk and saffron in the blender and blend till frothy.

Note: The longer the saffron soaks, you will get a light yellowish color.

Enjoy!