Of Versatility, Awesomeness and an Appetizer

Before I start off, I must mention my gratitude to all the people who follow and read my blog. Because of your readership and subsequent comments, my inspiration is sparked, influencing many a kitchen experiment and concomitant post. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

Last week, I was very honored and greatly pleased to be nominated for the Versatile Blogger award by my new friend, a Kerala sister, herself, Renu of Renu's Foodigest.  Renu has some coastal goodies happening over in her space. I highly recommend you go through her recipes, especially, manga kaalan, signature dish that she seems to have mastered quite well. Thanks so much Renu, I'm overjoyed  that you see some versatility here at Blessings.

To comply with rules , I shall begin ~

• Thank my blogger friend. (✔)
• Include a link to their blog. (✔)
• Paste the award on your blog. (✔)
• Share 7 things about yourself. ( I've done it here and here.)
• Pass this award on to as many as 15 blogs you enjoy reading and let them know about the award. (I consider many more than 15 for this award, for sure. But, I am listing 5 for the time being.)

Now, on to the fun part - passing on the torch to the following bloggers: 
1. Gluten Free Food, Balvinder blogs versatilty indeed, quinoa pilaf is delectable goodness for everyone.
2. The Cookie Fairy, you may need the translator to read Inbal's wonderful recipes, but not for the drool worthy photographs.
3. Recipe World is exceptional Indian fare, the author bearing her distinct lip smacking stamp on each dish.
4. Real Food Runner Blog. In line with the title, Katherine loves to run. Wholesome recipes as well as  lovely pics, a most beautiful blog haven.
5. Spoonful Of Delight. Sarah blogs here and chronicles not only her culinary aptitude, but her photography skills as well. Proof is in the picture.

Congratulations, you versatile gems. Thank you for being super inspiration to me.

Now, bear with me I have another award that my friend Reshmi, spoiled me with; the Awesome Blogger Award. Besides being an encourager in this wide world of blogs, she, herself is a generator of some awesomeness over at Noel Collections  recently celebrating a sweet 100 posts. Check out her zebra cake how-to, I promise you'll love it.  Thank you Ms. Reshmi, I consider it an honor that you consider me awesome ;-)

As with all awards etiquette, I get to recognize 5 totally awesome good reads. Drum roll, please...
1. The Saucy Gourmet. Simply great recipes. You'll never need to order take out again after trying Shari's General Tso's chicken .
2. Quest For Delish. Going through Andrea's blog might bring a full stop in your quest for delicious eats.
3. Sweet Frosting. Annie's the business major with a burning passion for utterly jaw dropping recipes, sweet and otherwise.
4. Easy Flavors. Leena's experiments in the kitchen are comparable to top chef standards. One look at her dishes and lamb meatballs may be your menu tonight.
5.Cosmopolitan Currymania. Heritaged delights straight from our common Indian heartland. Purabi makes a mean almond kulfi and conducts cooking classes to boot.

Congratulations, awesome ladies. It is a privilege to be able to nominate all of you.

These awards are supposed to be fun, and by no means, a mandate of set conditions and rules for those being nominated. It's just a great way to open out other blogs and convey some blogger love. There is a lot of amazingness out there waiting to be discovered. So to all you marvelous reads, versatile, awesome and otherwise, you really do rock. Thank you.

Now, for your patience in sitting through my awards ceremony, I shall embark upon the third part of my post title. No surprise it is a recipe, an appetizer that is as health filled as it is flavor filled. A platter of these elegantly filled bundles will be a guaranteed hit for any dinner party.

Smoked salmon rolls ~
If you love the combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese you will adore this short eat.

Ingredients:
(Adapted from The Best Of America's Test Kitchen cookbook)

• 1 tbsp Neufchâtel cheese
• 1 tbsp lowfat sour cream
• 1 tsp lemon juice
•  dash of pepper
• 1 scallion, minced
• 1 tsp capers, rinsed and minced fine
• 1 tsp minced fresh chives
• 9 slices smoked salmon, halved into 18 long slices
• 18 small lettuce leaves of choice

Method:

• Mix together all ingredients from cheese to chives. Combine well and set aside.
• Spread 1 tsp of mixture over each salmon slice. 
• Starting at one end, roll salmon over filling.
• Garnish with lettuce leaf.

Notes:

The recipe calls for lowfat cream cheese, I used Neufchatel which works really well and has a clean, light taste. Pickled banana peppers or even jalapenos,  serve as tangy substitutes for the capers and the lemon juice.

Awards aside, once again, I can't thank enough all of you who read and go through this small space of mine. Your follows and comments are encouragement fodder to my recipe penning soul. You truly make weblogging a joy. God bless you.

******

One of my favorite Scriptures in the Bible, my motivating heartnote, ~

 ^"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."  John 8:36 ( NIV)

You are not bound by circumstances, inabilities, mindsets, the external factors of the world. No one and nothing can close what He's opened up. For the risen Christ is your liberator. He has set you free.