Creating a blog was out of the question for a long time for me, as measuring everything in the kitchen was like biting into an eggshell. I enjoy cooking and don’t want to waste even a slightest bit of enjoyment in that small world of mine. But little did I know that everything will change, when my husband came home with the Oscar nominated film ‘Julie and Julia’( a real life story) where Julie Powell (part played by Amy Adams) challenged herself to make all the 524 recipes from Julia Child's cook book ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ and blogging all her experiences (The Julie/Julia Project). It was an inspiring movie. A few days later when we were discussing this casually with a friend of ours over tea…everything changed dramatically…..” How about you making at least half of it in one year? Not French but your own. 262 recipes that will inspire others and present it as a blog?” For a minute my mind traveled faster than light… With an experience as a helper in my mother in laws kitchen for 6 years followed by a three year everyday struggle to satisfy the palate of my foodie husband, if I cannot do it then why should I cook? But on the other side with an experience in English literature extending no more than expanding outline stories in English grammar class when I was 18 and two small kids that come in handy at times, will a commitment for the next one year work? Anyway my ‘cook's ego’ didn’t allow me to say no...

So my friends …here I am opening my recipe book, trying to perfect and present 262 recipes in the coming 365 days….A Challenge that will of course tastes good. Come.. Have a walk with me along my journey.. Cheering and inspiring….Forgiving and tolerating…Testing and tasting….for ‘A Tasty Challenge’

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Beetroot Squash

Recipe No: 220
I first had this squash from a neighbor of ours on a hot summer day and no wonder why I fell in love with it the second I tasted it and started making it ever since. The use of Tonovin essence gives it a slight grape like taste which kids just adore.
Ingredients
  • Beetroot…………………..1/2 Kg (Peeled and cubed)
  • Sugar………………………1 ½ Kg
  • Citric Acid………………..1 1/3 Tablespoons
  • Tonovin Essence……….1/2 - 3/4 Tablespoon
Method of Preparation
To make the Beetroot Squash Concentrate
  1. Cook the cubed Beetroot pieces together with 2 ½ cups Water for 20-25 minutes on medium high heat until the Beet pieces are a bit soft.
  2. Blend the cooked Beetroot together with the remaining liquid really well.
  3. Strain the blended Beet juice through a cheese cloth taking care to avoid the pulp. Use ½ - ¾ cup Water if it needs more Water to get squeezed. Keep it aside till ready to be used.
  4. Heat Sugar with 1 cup Water until melted. Please strain it if there are any unwanted residues.
  5. Once the Sugar is dissolved and the syrup boils, add Citric acid and switch off the heat.
  6. Add the Beet juice and Tonovin Essence. Mix well and let it cool down completely before bottling. 
  7. Store the squash concentrate in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
To serve the squash
  • Beetroot Squash Concentrate…3-4 Tablespoons
  • Water………………………………….1 Cup
  • Ice cubes……………………………..3-4
Method of Preparation
  • Mix Squash concentrate, Ice cubes and Water well and serve chilled.
Notes:
  • Don’t try to strain it through a strainer as it will not get rid of the pulp. So use a Cheese cloth or a regular cloth with wide meshes that will allow most of the liquid  to pass but prevent the pulp. Do squeeze it lightly to get most of the liquid.
  • Citric acid gives the squash a sour taste and is very essential. It is available in most of the Indian stores.
  • Tonovin Essence has a signature Grape like taste and is available in most of the Indian stores. If you don’t like it, feel free to avoid it, but if you want to give this  squash a slight Grape like taste, do use it and the amount is entirely up to you. (I used ¾ Tablespoons)





Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and 
serve it to your family with love…

16 comments:

Priya Suresh said...

My mom used to make squash with grapes and orange..never had or heard about beetroot squash,looks catchy..

Unknown said...

Healthy And colorful Drink

Sarah Naveen said...

That sounds amazing Asha!!

Lifewithspices said...

Tats amazing one..love the color.. sure try..

Vimitha Durai said...

A perfect cooler...

Reshmi Mahesh said...

Beet squash is new to me...looks perfect drink..

FunWidFud

kitchen queen said...

Hi u have a nice blog.you can visit my blog and give ur valuable comments.

sojo said...

Ash... reminds me of my neighbour in Kerala... they always used to make this squash and I used to enjoy each and every sip!!! this looks heavenly!!!

Anonymous said...

wow...never heard of beetroot squash !got to try it sometimes !

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha, I would like to share Sisterhood of World Bloggers award with you. Please do check out http://indugetscooking.blogspot.com/2011/03/ive-got-award.html for rules to take up the award. Thanks!!!

Umm Mymoonah said...

That's a perfect healthy drink, looks great.

Unknown said...

wow..such a healthy and rich looking drink dear...:)

Dr.Sameena@

http://www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com/

Raga said...

Beet Root Squash Sounds amazing....I think this one of the best ways to have my Hubby take Beetroot.

Ann Mary Tony!!! said...

I have been looking for this one. Just like how my mom makes. Thanks a whole lot!

Healthytips said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Healthytips said...

Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. I hope you will share some more information about beetroot. Please keep sharing. Health Is A Life

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