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How to prepare Karanji in UK

Well precisely, the question is 'How to prepare Karanji in UK with limited resources and skillsets?'. I wanted to prepare some faral for Diwali on my own and thought of preparing Karanji. Being outside India and had limited resources, the best option was to lower expectations and manage with what was available.

The Ingredients for covering:




  • Wheat Flour


  • Luke warm water


  • Milk


The Ingredients for the stuffing





  • 1.5 cup Desicated Coconut - Since fresh grated coconut was not available


  • 4 to 5 tbs Gud - Jagrey


  • 2 to 3 tbs Honey


  • Luke warm milk


  • pinch of safforn


Oil to fry.



Preparation:



Step 1 : Knead the wheat flour in to dough with help of some Luke warm water and milk. The dough should be slightly thick compare to that of made for chapatis. This will help the Karanji to hold together when frying it in oil. Cover the kneaded dough with piece of cloth and keep it aside.



Step 2: Shred about 5 tbs of Jagrey and mix it with the descicated coconut in the mixing bowl. Add small quantity of milk and try to mix the jagrey with the cocount. If it doesnot mix properly then place the mixing bowl in microwave for 5 seconds. When the mixture gets warm its easy to blend it together. Add some honey and pinch of saffron to it.



Step 3: Next step is to prepare the Karanji. Make small balls of the dough. Prepare small sized chapati out of it. It should be more thicker then the chapati to hold the stuffing inside it. Slowly add the stuffing to it. Fold the chapati into half and press the corners of the chapati to prevent the stuffing to falls off.



Step 4: While filling the Karanji with stuffing, heat oil in kadhai. Add the Stuffed Karanjis in the pre-heated oil. When the Karanji is Golden Brown remove it and place it on kitchen towel.



The Karanjis are ready to eat.





Lentils Rangoli

Staying in Nottingham and commuting to London on weekdays for Hi-Tech Consulting job, I had less time to buy Rangoli and other stuff from Leicester. But this was not enough to dampen by hopes of celebrating Diwali with big pomp. I checked the kitchen rack and picked Mung Dal and Matki. The red lentils - Masoor dal was missing. I immediately baught it from Tesco. Hurray!!! the ingredients for the perfect Diwali Rangoli were ready. I pulled the IKEA side table from one corner of the room and drew a flower on it. I started pouring different colored dals or lentils in the flower petals and the center. I used the painting brush to equalise level of the lentils and to format them in the desired shape. My rangolis center design was complete and was wondering to add something more to it. We had baught tea coaster from Crate and Barrel in Richmond, VA and never used them ever. After a year or so, it was the right time to use them for the first time. I placed the candels in the tea coasters and poured lentils in the tea coaster around the candel. So was my diwali rangoli complete. I left London next day for week to attend my consulting Job at TFL site.

Diwali decoration

We had recently baught a IKEA standing lampshed which almost resembeled a Kandil.
I had baught some glass balls which are attached on the Xmas Tree and a beaded rope from Poundland. I thought of preparing a Toran out of it. I joined the glass balls on the green and red beads rope with strings. And our so called Anglo-Indian Toran was all ready for Diwali.
I literally created something intresting out of nothing. After seeing me doing all this, Abhi to got excited and joined me in the preparations. Next on the list was Rangoli.

Diwali in Nottingham

We moved to UK in October 2006 and were put up in SACO service appartments for month. With most of our home stuff being shipped from US to UK, we celebrated our frist diwali after marraige without to much to do. We moved in the so called permanent rented home in Novemeber 2006. I decided to celebrate our first diwali after marraige in Nottingham in 2007. Its better late then never. :)
One week before diwali, I tried to convince Abhi that we should celebrate diwali. But he was as usual reluctant to follow any Indian Cultural stuff. But I never gave up hope as usual and went down and baught some chirstmas decoration stuff from Poundland and red lentils packet from Tesco. When I reached home back he was still wondering what I am all up to. I started preparing for the diwali decoration.

Luray Caverns


Luray Caverns visit was my first weekend trip outside Richmond with Abhi after marriage. The Luray caverns are huge caves underneath the ground level. The caves have many speleothems - columns of limestones and mud flows. I moved to Richmond, VA, in June 2006 on H4 Dependent Visa. And had visited many Desi (Indian) homes and Desi kids birthday parties. I was completely lost in the new world and wanted a break from all this. So was the visit to Luray Caverns planned on Weekend.
The drizzling water in the caves left behind the limestone and mineral deposits on the cave walls. These deposit over a period of time formed huge columns of various sizes and structure over period of time.
One needs to buy entrance tickets at the office. There are guided tours available. But we did not opt for one.

Leicester Rath Yatra


After deciding to leave UK for good, we invited our friends in Nottingham for Lunch in Indian Restaurant in Leicester. Leicester Rath Yatra happend to be on the same day of our visit and was a pleasant surprise for us. It was good to see one of the Indian festivals being celebrated in UK at such a large scale. This procession was organized by the Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Temple in Leicester. There were 3 or 4 Raths included in the yatra.

Rath Yatra = Lords Carriages Procession.

The carriages holds the idol of the God and there is procession of these God Idols along a the city. The devotees participating in the processoin chant prayers. As tribute to Lord Krishna, some of the devotees were dancing on the Bhajans(prayers) in front of the Raths.

Neasden Temple

I had always heard of the Neasden Temple in London back in India and intented to visit the same one day. I had the seen the temple on TV show, The World This Week by Pranay Roy for the first time in 1990's. The show covered visit of Princes Diana to the temple. After being in UK for almost two years, I never had time to visit London and the temple on weekend. After moving to Kenton, London, I had planned visit to temple several times but it was always post-poned due to bad weather or health. Ultimately, I visited the temple on Sunday, 14th December 2008, in the morning. The weather forecast was predicted to be foggy all day long and was not good day to take nice pictures. Well, I never intented to visit the temple for pictures though. I do strongly belive in God but do not belive in praying and chanting for long hours. So was my visit to the temples a short and sweet one.
Temple is huge structure made of Marble and other precious stones. According to the Posters mounted on the walls inside the temple, it holds Guiness Record for one of the biggest temples outside India. Many other Guiness World Records set by the Swami Narayan Mandir are displayed inside the temple.

Tulip farms in Grantham, UK

While on our way from Nottingham to Norwich, we had sited a Tuplip farm on the road side. It was quiet a pleasant surpise for us. We had no clue that we will visit a Tulip farm on our first sea side holiday in UK. There was absolute no need to get a Schenghen Visa processed to visit Tulip farm in Rotterdam, Holland. No guesses, we took a halt and visited the mini tulip farm. It was fun to site many varieties of the tulips in barely small piece of land. And yes it was free of charge. :D. Unfortunately our Canon 3.2 Mega Pix camera was not working so we were not able to take pictures for the first time. However on our way back to Nottingham, the camera was had started functioning and we again halted at the same site and took some amazing pictures.

Hunstaton Sea shore Excursion

After exploring the shores at south of Deep dale, we decided to explore the north on our way back to home in Nottingham on A149. We parked our car and started enjoying the wonderful view of Hunstaton Seashore from the top of the cliff. There was light house on the cliff surrounded by well maintained lawn. We then walked down the cliff towards the sea shore. It was beautiful sunny day and the beach was crowded with many families. We could see many kids playing in sand and building castles. Some were enjoying walk along the sea side and so did we. I did dare to wet my feet in the cold sea-water. However it was too cold and I reverted back to shore immediately. We then climbed the sand dunes and came back on the cliff. We then enjoyed fish and chips for lunch on the sea side café, followed by ice-cream. Immediately post lunch we started our journey back to Nottingham, to avoid long weekend traffic in the evening.

Seal watching near Norwich

One of Abhis colleague had recommended us visit to Broads and Seal watching at Morston or Blakeney Quay. We had booked morning seal watching tour by calling the operators a day in advance. The seal watching trip is scheduled according to the tide timings. This timetable is available on their site and at the Deep dale Farm office. A trip costs you around 8 pounds per person and is worth it. Each trip will be scheduled in small motor boat. This motor boat carries around 10 to 12 people, so a seat in seal tour boat is subject to availability. One should call the operators in advance during peak holidays. For more information visit the Seal trip site http://www.beansboattrips.co.uk/ .

After having tea and some light break fast we were all set to leave Deep Dale farm. We reached Morston for the seal watching event. A team of captain and a sailor will accompany you during the trip and they will give you information about the seals and the surroundings in which the seals stay and mate. The boat takes you around short trip to special area reserved by the National Geographic department. Landing of humans on those islands with seals habitat is prohibited by law. The boat takes you as close as possible to these islands and sand lagoons, so that you get close view of the seals.
Note: One of the fellow room mates in our hostel room told us that sighting of seals at near by sea-shore. You need to be lucky to sight the seals on shore though.

Pisa and Tuscany Wine tasting - Florence Day 2

Florence Day 2:
Day 2 was planned for Leaning tower of Pisa and Chinati Tuscany wine tasting tour. We had decided to chill out after tight schedule of attractions in Florence, Italy. Got up late bit late and had our breakfast at the hotel.

Leaning Tower of Pisa:
We took Local train at 9 o clk from Florence terminal to Pisa Central. The train journey is one or one and half hour depending on train service you select.
On reaching the Pisa central, exit the station and cross the road to catch bus to the Leaning tower of Pisa. The ticket cost you around 1.5 Euros for Day. Inform the bus driver or fellow passengers that you want to get down at the Pisa tower. It takes almost 10 minutes to reach the site. The site is huge open ground which hosts Cathedral of Pisa City and bell tower (leaning tower) next to it. For more details you can visit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa). As any one else you will be tempted to take your picture with tower, either helping it from falling down or applying full force to make it fall. The farer you take the picture the better effect it gives to it. If you want to climb the Leaning tower of Pisa you have to book tickets in advance or depend on your luck to get one. As limited number of people are allowed to enter the tower at given time. Usually people who plan to take flight back from Pisa airport to home country and visit Tower on the way. After spending hour at the Pisa tower we decided to return back. The bus stop for Pisa central railway station is across street. We climbed in the bus and reached the station to take train to the Florence.

Afternoon Lunch Break:
Just walk out of the Florence station and cross the road. There’s Mac Donald’s in front and there are few cheap and really good Pizza Bars. As the saying goes, ‘If you are in Rome be Roman’, we had our lunch in Pizza Bar. Then headed for the Tuscan Wine tasting tour.

After the wine tasting tour, it was end of day two in Florence. We reached hotel and had dinner. It was time to prepare our self to leave for Venice next morning.

Uffizi & Academia Advance Bookings

These are few essentials to plan your Florence,Italy trip.


  • Advance Ticket Booking for Academia
  • Advance Ticket Booking for Uffizi

  • How to book them?

    This can be done though some local travel company in Florence. You can either book them through internet or by calling them.

    Time Slots

    You need to provide them with suitable timeslots. On confirmation they will send you vouchers. You need to carry printout of those vouchers with you. The timings quoted on your voucher should be strictly followed else you will not be granted entry to the attraction.

    Vouchers Exchanged for Tickets at enterance

    These vouchers will be exchanged for tickets on arrival. Otherwise you will waste couple of hours standing in queue at each attraction.
    Having done this you are all set for day trip to Florence.

    Rome Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station or Florence SMN Station

    Getting to Florence From Rome

    We caught a 6:30 am Euro Star train from Rome termini to Milan. To reach Florence, the destination train station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station. There are many stations in Florence with similar name.

    As the breakfast in hotel was served from 7 o clk in the morning, we decided to skip it. We had baught few croissants and nestle Choco milk from the Local super market located in the Rome termini. On our way to Florence we had breakfast in the train while enjoying the Tuscany country side.

    The weather in early morning is very pleasant. Abhi doubted on our choice of our clothes and was keen to change to something warm. Unfortunately it didn’t last for long. It was soon bright and warm.

    Hotel near Florence Station:

    Its advisable to book hotel which is near to the station. We had booked an apartment with kitchen. We checked in the hotel and dumped our luggage. By then it was 8:30 am and we had to rush to Academia.

    Attraction of Florence, Italy

    After spending a day in Rome,Italy , we headed to Florence the next day.
  • Day 1 Walking plan for Florence, Italy – AcademiaDuomoUffizi and Ponte Vecchio and Arno RiverPlazzo VecchioPiazza Pitti or Pitti Palace.
  • Day2 Leaning tower of Pisa, Pisa in morning.
  • Day 2 Wine tasting tour in Chinati Tuscany country side in afternoon.
  • So the plan was to stay in Florence for two nights.
    Please check for Uffizi and Academia Advance Bookings section.

    We took Euro Star from Rome Termini to Florence at 6:30 am.


    Day 1: Start your day with nice tourist map. We grabbed one from the hotel.

    • Afternoon Lunch:
      On our way to Uffizi, it was bit difficult but not impossible to find a cheap eat out. There are some cheap eat outs near the exit of the Uffizi. Or you have to search one in the near by small lanes. Ideal it should cost you around 4 to 5 Euros person in such eat outs. It was difficult to find water fountains in the area and we had to buy mineral water bottles. Therefore it’s advisable to fill up all the water bottles at the hotel early in morning.

    End of the Day 1:
    We reached hotel and had shower. Since it had kitchen facility and garden with table and chairs set up. We cooked some instant noodles & boiled eggs. We enjoyed it with some cheap wine bought from near by grocery shop. Next day we went to Pisa and Wine tasting tour in Chinati, Tuscany .

    Essentials: things to know before you go to Italy

    Essentials:
    1) Cash: Most important one. We travelled italy while residing in UK and had British bank debit cards. Last year we had been to swizzterland and had used the HSBC UK
    debit card to withdraw money. Since there were no issues we were relectant to carry any cash. The ATM or the Bankomat machine allowed us to sucessfully withdraw 100 Euros at the Ciampino airport. In evening we tried using the ATM at Rome termine and our transactions were declined for all the cards. Even after calling up HSBC and Natwest call centers but the cards were rejected. Ultimately we exchanged few GBP at high rate to pay the Hotel bill for tonight. In the hostel we learnt that there were other tourist who had similar experince. However the good newz was that the British chip and pin cards were declined. Since we had US banks debit card with us, we had to withdraw our emergency funds from that bank. Moral of the story is that one should carry enough traveller cheques while travelling to Italy.
    2) Summer clothes, petties, shorts, cotton T-shirts
    3) Water bottles: There are lots of drinking fountains around rome. You can fill up your waterbottles using them. The shopkeepers near tourist attractions will try to sell you mineral water for 2 Euros and cold drinks for 4 Euros each. Which is too costly. At the waterfountain, splash bit of water on your hands, face and hair to keep you cool. This prevents you from dehydration and keeps you cool. Remember do not wipe out that splashed water.
    4) Snack bars: There is lot of walking involved in these 2 to 3 days so stuff your sack with some snack bars.
    5) Sun screen, Sun glasses, Caps, scarfs, fans, umbrella are helpful.
    6) Locks and Keys: Italy is famous for pick pokecters and thiefs who snatch valuables from you. So its handy to lock your bags with small travel locks or use safety pins in case you have hand bag.

    Rome Tourist Pass for 3 Days

    Rome pass: It covers all the Rome attractions and also the local travel for metro and bus network in Rome , Italy. It is valid for 3 consecutive days after its first activated and is very helpful while visiting attractions in Rome , Italy.
    Once you reach the Rome terminie you have to head to Platform number 24 to the Rome tourist Information Center. There are many private bus company stalls which might mislead you. You can also get Rome pass at various other tourist information centers located in the city.

    The Rome pass has two options: 20 Euro and 25 Euros.
    The first option gives you first two Rome attractions free and concessions or discounts on the next onces which you visit. It also includes local travel using metro and local buses. Its advisable to take road map of Rome either from the hotel reception which is sponsered by walking tours. The road map provided by Rome pass is not detailed enough. Trade secret of Rome pass is that we used it to see all attractions and were not charged single penny.

    The second option covers first three Rome attractions free and has concession or discounts on others. The local travel is included.

    Rome Pass does not cover Vactican Museum though.

    With Rome Tourist Pass in your pocket you are now all set to explore the Rome attractions.

    Attractions of Rome Italy, Rome in 2/3 Days

    If you have plenty of time then rome can be covered in 3 days else two days is enough to see the important stuff.
    1) Coloseum,Roman Forma and Palentine Hill,Arch of constantine, ,Pizza Venezia


    2) Vactican Church, Vactican Museum,Campidogli, Roman Baths of Carcara.

    3) Free stuff - Pantheon,Campo-de-Fiori and Area of Sacara ,Piazza Novona,Sant'Ignazio di Loyola a Campo Marzio,Piazza Colona,Fontana Tevori,Piazza di spagna or Spainsh steps.


    Before you read the blog contents, I will advise you to please check the Rome pass section as its big money saver tip.
    Day1: Since our return flight was from rome we had decided to see the stuff

    which is available for free on the first day. If you have only 2 days then you can skip this section.
    From Rome termine we took bus number 40 and headed to the Pantheon.
    End of Day1: Next day we caught train to Florence. We visited Florence and Venice and then come back to Rome for last two days. We used our Rome pass on the last two days.

    Day 2: Early morning, we flew from Treviso (a cheap flight airport near Venice) to Rome Campiano Airport. Took Bus->Anangina->Metro->Rome Termine->Dumped bags in Hostel->Rome Termini ->Metro-Coloseum.

    End of Day2: Took metro straight to Rome termine and headed to our hostel.

    Day 3: The thrid day as usual started early morning at 6 o clk. We took metro from Rome termine to metro Ottaviano.
    End of Day 3: All ready to pack bags. Get up early next day to catch flight next day to East midlands airport.

    Getting to Rome Terminie from Ciampino Airport

    Getting to Rome Terminie: We arrived in Rome in morning 10:30 at Ciampino airport. From the airport we had to take Cortal bus (1.2 Euro) which took us to Anangina Metro station. Then took metro A to Rome termini. There are other private bus operaters who quote themselves as 'Offical tour operaters' and have direct connection to Rome City. However they will charge you upto 15 Euros per trip. Also check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_Ciampino_Airport

    Cromer

    The small country roads started widening when country side came to an end. The A4 map indicated that we were approaching city named Cromer. After driving for few minutes, we hit the main road. And we were surprised to see next to road a huge cliff followed by Sea.
    Spontaneously we took decision to halt and enjoy the view of sea face with cup of hot tea. We entered the café on the cliff edge and ordered tea and some scones. The Café provided amazing views of the Pier and the rough waves dashing the sea-coast. As the sun set, the sky gradually changed its colour from pink and its reflection was seen on the sea waves.
    We moved out of the café and decided to check what is available at the bottom of the cliff.
    There were some ice-cream and candy shops, rides and amusement shops at the bottom of the cliff. We entered the amusement and I tried my luck for the first time on 2 penny machine.
    After spending two pounds, I earned one key chain.

    We made our way back to Deep Dale farm after that. Self cooked dinner followed some leisure time spent on Deepdale farm common area ended our second day in Deep Dale.

    Drive through Country side

    Our aim in this trip was to explore the England country side . While our way back to Deepdale farm, we decided to drive along the small country roads rather then taking quicker route using A149. We could sight many lush green farms, farmhouses, barns, wind mills.
    There were some local pottery shops selling British hand made pottery and much more exciting things on our way back to Deepdale.

    Broads - Norwich

    Broads are few man made lakes near Norwich, UK . The Broads lakes are connected to each other. One can swim, sail and fish in these Broads. We reached one of the Broad lakes. After our first experience of motor boat sailing at Lake District, I was all set for next sailing adventure. We reached the centre at around 3:30 pm. Since the boat rental service closes at 5 o clock in the evening, we could hire boat only for an hour. This was one more reason to convince Abhi to hire Motor Boat. The other one was I was did not wanted to do any heavy exercise by rowing or paddling the boats. We drove the boat for hour long. Abhi tried few stunt by jumping over the boat. We sighted some windmills farms on the other end of the Lake. Unfortunately due to time constraints, we had to return back to the shores.

    Lunch - Fairhavens Garden

    We decided to have lunch at the garden cafeteria. It was almost lunch time till over visit to the Garden was over. The cafeteria had some seating arrangement with spectacular views of the Garden. We ordered scones, hot soup and sandwiches. We had hearty meal in midst of the nature. There was a Botanic shop next to the Cafeteria selling flowers, seeds and seedlings etc. Some people went and baught Rose boqute and gifted there loved once while having the lunch. After lunch, we were all set to explore the Broads shores.

    Fairhaven Gardens

    Visit to Fairhaven Gardens was nice pleasant surprise. It was our first visit to an English garden and we were mesmerised by the variety of Flora and Fauna available in the garden.

    After a short drive through Norwich City centre, we discovered the city is similar to Nottingham. On our way to Broads, we came across tourist information signs which pointed to Botanic Garden. Followed by some heated arguments, we took unanimous decision to head towards Fairhaven Gardens and then Broads. We reached the garden after a few twists and turns around country side roads.

    There is an entrance fee of 5 GBP per adult. It is free for some Nature Trust members though.

    The garden is divided into very small islands, by the incoming water inlets from near by lake. These small islands were connected to each other with help of small wooden bridges. Since there was lot of moss grown on these wooden bridges, they were covered with mesh of wires to avoid slipping of visitors. It was fun to hop from on island to another exploring the surrounding nature. Needless to say, we could hear some birds chirping among the dense trees in the gardens, making it an unforgettable experience.

    We captured the memories deep in our brain cells as our Cannon Camera was malfuntioning.

    Evening Barbeque

    The Deepdale Farm has an attractive free Barbeque offer to the tourist staying over there. Well, you guess it wrong. Its just the charcoal and the Grill is sponsered by the Farm. The food should be brought in by the tourist. There is one more cliche to the offer, its only on Sundays of the last day of the Bank Holiday or Long Weekend. On other days you can just sit in the patio using your own Barbeque.

    On our way to Deep Dale, I had picked up disposable barbeque from ASDA. By now we had become pro in having barbeque. We had barbeque for dinner, accompanied by chill white wine from next door Cost Cutter Super market. The temperature dropped as it became darker. So we moved in the Leaving area next to the kitchen of the Deepdale farm. The Deepdale farm has provided lots of indoor games and leisure facilities in the Leaving area. There is a Television with local channels. After spending some time in common area, we went for sleep. There was pin drop silence and we had sound sleep on the bed-bunkers.