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A good dessert is something that no meal feels truly complete without. We have come across so many wonderful desserts across the world that please our palate and delight us to no end. Whether it’s the French Pain Au Chocolat or the yummy Thai Mango Sticky Rice – sweet indulgences are found aplenty all over the globe. But one dessert that has indeed crafted a special place in our meals is the Italian Tiramisu. A sinful mixture of coffee, cream and more – this drool-worthy dessert oozes delight with every bite. Have you ever wondered what the word ‘Tiramisu’ actually means and what exactly are the ingredients of this amazing Italian dish? Here’s all you need to know. 

The world-famous dessert Tiramisu literally means ‘pick me up‘ in Italian. The dessert was invented to be an aphrodisiac and invigorate the senses after a long day at work or a heavy meal. So, if you feel this way after eating the dessert – you are not alone! 

Thanks to the rapid expansion of the internet, there are so many amazing recipes that we come across every day from all over the world. From bagels to doughnuts, croissants to muffins – these are some dishes we are now quite familiar with. Another dessert that we have often seen on our social media feeds is the Swiss Roll. The soft and spongy treat is very fondly remembered by people as being an integral part of their childhood. But what exactly is the Swiss roll and what goes into its making? Here’s all you need to know about this humble dessert and its interesting origins.

Swiss roll is basically a light and fluffy sponge cake rolled up with a filling of jam, cream or chocolate smeared inside it and dusted with icing sugar or sometimes even coconut. It is also known as Swiss log cake, Swiss roll cake, jelly roll, yuletide log, cream roll or roll cake. Since the cake is rolled up and not had as is, it looks quite different from the usual cakes and makes for beautiful pictures and overall a very visually appealing dessert.  

Cupcakes and muffins are extremely popular around the world. While we all have a great fondness for these sweet delights, have you ever been in a situation where you’ve mistaken a cupcake for a muffin or vice versa? Many people think that cupcakes and muffins are the same. But this is not the case. Apart from the most obvious dissimilarity of frosting sitting on top of cupcakes, there are several other differences that exist between the two. If you dig deeper, you’ll find that cupcakes and muffins may vary in ingredients, texture, process and even presentation. So, in order to solve this dilemma for you, here we bring you a list of five key differences that set these baked goods apart. Without further ado, let’s get started with the list.

The majority of cupcakes are extremely sweet or fruity, as they typically fall under the dessert category. Popular cupcake flavours include chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter and coffee. Muffins on the other hand, can either be sweet or savoury. You can relish a blueberry muffin as well as a cheese one along with your evening cup of coffee.

The process of making cupcakes and muffins is also completely different. Cupcake recipes follow a creaming method, just like regular butter cakes. This involves beating the batter at high speed. Whereas muffins don’t need a high-speed mixing tool at all as they’re supposed to be denser. 

Drinking tea first thing in the morning is more like a ritual in many Indian households. For many of us, a steaming hot cup of tea is the perfect way to start the day. But do you know what? Starting your day with tea or coffee may not be as beneficial as you may believe. The ‘bed tea’ culture can harm your health in a variety of ways. Wondering how? Both of these beverages, however, contain caffeine. Caffeine should not be the first thing you feed your body when you are hungry. You should fill your stomach with nutrient-rich foods before drinking coffee or tea; otherwise, it may stimulate stomach acids and disrupt your digestion throughout the day. Given this, we’ve compiled a list of 3 time-tested foods to consume first thing in the morning. Rujuta Diwekar, a celebrity nutritionist, recommended these foods on her Instagram handle. Take a look

Banana is one fruit that is widely available all over the world. This potassium-rich fruit also includes fibre, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, copper, manganese, and protein. If you have digestion issues or get sugar cravings post your meals, start your day with a banana. Buy at least 2-3 times per week and carry them home in cloth bags rather than plastic ones.

Raisins are abundant in fibre and, when soaked in water, work as natural laxatives. As a result, eating soaked raisins helps avoid constipation and regulates your digestion throughout the day. If you consider yourself to have PMS or poor energy throughout the day. Have six or seven soaked raisins along with kesar strands for about 10 days before menstruation.

In everyday kitchen life, the distinction between vegetables and fruits may seem clear-cut. But nature has a way of blurring the lines between these two food categories. Prepare to be surprised as we reveal some common foods that you always thought were vegetables, are technically fruits. This confusion arises because certain foods, though biologically classified as fruits, are predominantly used in savoury dishes as vegetables. In botanical terms, a fruit develops from the ovary of a flowering plant and contains seeds, while vegetables encompass other plant parts like roots, leaves, and stems. It’s not necessary that all fruits are sweet and all vegetables are savoury. 

While cucumbers may seem like a regular vegetable, they are actually fruits. With their high water content and crisp texture, cucumbers are a refreshing addition to salads and summer dishes. They offer a cooling effect, making them ideal for hot days. 

The humble tomato, widely mistaken for a vegetable, is indeed a fruit. It grows from the flower’s ovary, housing the plant’s seeds within its juicy flesh. This vibrant tangy food not only enhances salads, sauces, and sandwiches but also fills them with antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients. 

Known for its meaty texture and ability to absorb flavours, eggplant (or brinjal) is surprisingly a fruit. If you slice open an eggplant and observe closely, you’ll find numerous tiny seeds in its flesh. That makes it a fruit belonging to the berry family, and not a vegetable.  

What is an ideal diet for a day? Experts and nutritionists recommend consuming at least five portions of fruits and vegetables each day. These natural wonders are packed with essential micronutrients and fibre, aiding in detoxification and providing our bodies with essential nutrients. But how do we determine the portion size? Knowing what constitutes one portion can be challenging since fruits and vegetables come in various shapes and sizes. We looked at the guide by the National Health Service (NHS) guide to fruit and vegetable sizes, which provided us with an easy way to ensure we meet our daily portion requirements. And we are happy to share it with you.  

For small fruits like plums, kiwi fruit, lychees, apricots, cherries, or strawberries, two or more small-sized fruits count as one portion. 

Approximately 30 grams of dried fruit make up one portion. You can have one heaped tablespoon of currants or raisins, one tablespoon of mixed fruit, three prunes, two figs, or a handful of dried banana chips. Remember that dried fruits are often high in sugar, so it’s wise to swap them for fresh fruit, especially between meals, to minimise the risk of tooth decay. 

The quantity of tinned or canned fruit needed for one portion is similar to that of fresh fruit. Although fresh fruits are better, if you go for the canned ones, always choose fruit canned in natural juice rather than syrup. 

Mindful drinking is the act of being aware of the consumption of the quantity of alcoholic beverages and the reason behind the consumption. It usually changes the manner, mood, and quantity of alcohol consumed by a person. Mindful drinking changes one’s relationship with alcohol and advocates quality over quantity of alcohol consumption. It advocates savoring the experience of drinking rather than just the act of drinking with the end goal of intoxication. Mindful drinking also means understanding the impact of alcohol on our bodies and overall health. This helps us savor the alcohol without experiencing nasty side effects like regrets, hangovers, anxiety, and more.

Mindful drinking is the act of being aware of the consumption of the quantity of alcoholic beverages and the reason behind the consumption. It usually changes the manner, mood, and quantity of alcohol consumed by a person. Mindful drinking changes one’s relationship with alcohol and advocates quality over quantity of alcohol consumption. It advocates savoring the experience of drinking rather than just the act of drinking with the end goal of intoxication. Mindful drinking also means understanding the impact of alcohol on our bodies and overall health. This helps us savor the alcohol without experiencing nasty side effects like regrets, hangovers, anxiety, and more.

Which is the best city for food in Tamil Nadu? This question will likely spark fierce debates and bring regional and city-based loyalties to the fore. Coimbatore is high up on the list. During a recent visit to the city’s newest luxury hotel – O by Tamara, I checked out some of the region’s famous culinary specialities. Coimbatore is in the heart of the erstwhile Kongunad region in Tamil Nadu’s south-western belt (that includes regions like Coimbatore, Salem and Erode). O Cafe, the hotel’s all-day diner offers an authentic Kongunad.

There’s more to Coimbatore’s cuisine than just Kongunad cuisine. Almost every time I’m in the city, I make a stop at Annapoorna for their legendary ghee roast dosa and invigorating filter coffee. The city’s street food and fine dining scene have also evolved over the past decade. From the city’s spin on mushroom to a unique crispy butter appam to a melt-in-your-mouth Mysore pak and a flavourful biryani crafted with small grain rice, we take you through the city’s most buzzed culinary hotspots.

Let’s just agree – vegan milk has totally taken over the beverage game! From oats to almonds, there’s no shortage of plant-based options out there. But, if you have been consuming vegan milk for a long, you would know how the OG of dairy-free milk – soy milk – has been a popular choice among many. This milk has been around for ages, and honestly, for a good reason. It has a smooth texture, subtle flavour and protein content that makes you leave dairy without missing out on the good stuff. But, there’s more to soy milk than its benefits, rich history and easy preparation. Want to know how it actually came into the scene? Then read on to know more about Soy Milk!

No one wants to throw out perfectly good food, but when you spot mould on something in your fridge, how do you know if it’s still safe to eat? While mouldy food often means it’s time to toss it, there are some exceptions. According to the United States Department Of Agriculture (USDA), certain mouldy foods are still edible if handled correctly, while others should go straight into the bin. Here’s your go-to guide on which mouldy foods are salvageable and which ones pose a health risk. Knowing the difference could save you from foodborne illness – and save you money in the process!