Indian cooking site with illustrated instructions

Although I must admit with embarrassment that I was not able to give credit to the original poster for the recipe below because I have no idea where did I see it, I did give it a try to find it again. I was not successful, but in the process I discovered a wonderful site where the recipes are accompanied with detailed photo instructions. It is called Spice India Online, and if you did not visit it before, make sure you do so now. :)

Red lentil dish

I just discovered a particularly flavourful dhal recipe. It was so successful with the family that I immediately had to repeat it, and was made to promise that I will not loose this recipe (something I often do...). The masala mix is very nicely balanced, with just the right amount of "bite". Even my East European octogenarian mom-in-law likes it (!). So I encourage you to give it a try and let me know how did your family react to the experience.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
1 teaspoon fenugreek
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
6 whole cloves
4 cardamom pods
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 onion
3 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon ginger
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup red lentils
5 plum tomatoes (canned OK)
juice of 1 lime
handful chopped coriander or parsley

Put the first six of the spices in a pan and dry roast them until they start darkening, mustard seeds start popping, and you can smell their lovely roasted aroma. Then pulverize them in a spice grinder, or with a mortar and pestle, adding to it the chili powder and cinnamon, too.

Chop the onion, saute it in oil until it softens, add the ginger, press in the garlic and saute a few minutes more. The add the spice mix with the salt and stir this for about 5 minutes.

Now slowly add 4 cups of water, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pot, add the tomato paste and dump in the washed lentils. Simmer for until almost ready, about 20 minutes (mine was ready sooner!).

Dice the plum tomatoes, add them to the pot, squeeze in the lime juice, add the coriander/parsley and add some more water if you like it thinner. Finish cooking it to the desired doneness.

I served it with cashew rice, yoghurt and mango chutney.

The final dish has a dark chocolatey hue from the roasted spices. Although my older son (a serious calorie counter) was pleased with the relatively low calorie count, but becried the fact that he couldn't stop himself from having seconds...

Miss Carrie's cookbook

Caroline Watkins lived in Lawson, Missouri, in the second half of the 1800s. Her handwritten recipe collection was found in a dusty old trunk in the attic. Now it is in the library of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri.

It is fun to leaf through it online. You can see the actual pages, but they are typed out, too. There are also biographical notes, photos of her and her kitchen. I had a good time visiting the site. :)

VideoJug - learn to do anything by watching it on video

What a great discovery! I for sure will be a faithful visitor there. :)))
VideoJug is a UK website for sharing how-to information and knowledge by using video instructions. Anybody can post. Of course it is moderated, no X rated stuff allowed. Instead you can see instruction on how to do things around the house and garden, care for your pet, how to make drinks, and a long list of recipes, from the simple to the elaborate. Great!

It is based on the concept of YouTube, except here every video has to be useful, instructional. They also explain how to prepare and upload your video, should you find skill you have a burning desire to share.

Apple-coconut squares

I am uploading this recipe here because I have it in an old cookbook that is already on its last leg and I wouldn't like to loose my favourites in it. But I am sure if and when you try these lovely cookies you will feel the same way, too... :)

Apple-coconut squares

Bottom:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup flour

Topping:
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4 oz (100 gr) flaked coconut
2 1/2 cups sliced apples
1 cup chopped nuts

Work together the ingredients for the bottom layer until crumbly. Pat the dough into a 9"x9" pan (no greasing necessary). Bake it at 350F for 20 minutes.

While that is going on, beat eggs, mix in the rest of the ingredients. When the 20 minutes are up, pour the whole thing on top of the bottom layer, put the pan back in the oven and let it finish baking - for another 30 minutes or so.

Be patient, wait at least three minutes before cutting and trying it. Great alone, or served with whipped cream or ice cream on top.