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Sunday, July 1, 2012

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.

29 comments:

  1. looks so beautifully presented,adorable starters!!
    Congrats on all your awards,wishing many more:-)
    Erivum Puliyum

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    1. Thanks so much Julie, one of my first blogger friends. Thanks so much for your faithful commenting.

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  2. Tisa, thank you so much for the Awesome Blogger Award. I am honored!!! Also. this appetizer is incredible, I can't wait to try it, but I bet my will not present as well as yours, BEAUTIFUL!!!

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    1. Thank you, Shari! I'm sure you'll put your stamp of greatness on it. I love your blog and congratulations once again :))

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  3. Thanks Tisa for the award... I'm truly flattered... Congrats on ur awards... Such well-deserved ones for sure... And these other blogs that u have pointed to are truly unique and a wonderful collection...

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    1. You are most welcome Sarah. i came upon yours recently and I simply love it. Congratulations, girlie!

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  4. congrats on teh awards.. u deserve more:).. grt clciks again!!

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    1. Thanks Ms. Renu, for your kind words and the award :)

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  5. Thank you so much Tisa...I am really honoured to be considered for this Awsome Bloggers award! Infact your blog is an inspiration to me to begin with, your title, style of writng and of course the drool worthy pictures of your versatile dishes, and the encouraging verses from Scriptures :)

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    1. Aww Leena, you are too sweet. Most awesome you are my dear and inspiration for me, many congratulations.

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  6. Simply stunning! I love how you made these look like roses! Also congrats on the awards - thoroughly deserved! :)

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    1. Thank you so much Nish, very sweet- my salmon roses were wilting, since it took me so long to get a good shot. I'm glad you liked it, friend.

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  7. Congrats on all the awards my friend, you deserve each and every one :D
    And what a stunning appetiser! SO delish no doubt!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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    1. Uru, girl I am touched by your sweet words. A truly encouraging blogger friend- thank you so much. I saw a new post come up and am dying to come over and read it.

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  8. It looks like it came from the Masterchef kitchen.. wow.. beauties..
    Thank you Tisa and congrats.. wishing you many more
    Noel collections

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  9. These are little beauties and I like the purple lettuce peeking out the top. Very nice recipe. Congrats to you on your award and am happy to be a new follower here.

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    1. Thanks much ,Suzi- the recipe calls for arugula, but any lettuce is good,really. Thank you for the follow too.

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  10. Such a beautiful and appetizing fish rolls! Love the presentation.

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    1. Thanks so much Angie and thanks for the follow!

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  11. These look amazing! I'd love to try them.

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    1. Thanks so much- you should they're super easy and super yum :))

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  12. Thank you so much Tisa & congrats on your award. U really deserve it.
    Fish rolls r amazing and appetizing ! Really superb!!!

    - Sarika

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    1. Thank you Sarika- you deserve it, definitely :))

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  13. Thanks Tisa, For the versatility award! I like the little salmon tulips for appetizer.

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    1. Thanks Balvinder and congratulations to you!

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  14. Dear Tina
    Glad to meet you
    And thank you very much for the award and your kind words,
    I’m really honored :)
    The salmon rolls looks delishhh! Just have to try it
    Inbal
    (The Cookie fairy)

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me!