Plattershare!

I think this fantastic song by the legendary band Guns N’ Roses perfectly sums up the journey of a start up businesses. From the time the idea strikes the mind to the time the idea materializes there are a lot of disappointments along the way. At times you worry so much about delayed time lines, nonexistent finances and so many other petty things that even a small decision like what you should eat for lunch/dinner seems to be a burden of the heaviest order. For us at Plattershare ordering food is the most difficult job of our schedule.

However, there’s another side to the story. We are so happy with what we do that eating food also seems to be a waste of time. This bit is ironical really as we are working on a website that is all about food and beverage. We work for 12- 14 hours a day sitting in front of our respective laptops toggling between different tabs, working on design, development, data etc but we never seem to be tired. I can’t describe in words the feeling at the end of the day. We work from a modest office but so did Google, Apple, Amazon, hp, Walt Disney and numerous other companies. Plus we have beds in our office so we can lie down whenever we want to.

As Ankush sir says the first step is the most difficult, leaving the salary that defines your life style, your aspirations and your limitations is the most difficult. The thought that on the first of the next month you will not have a cushy salary is scary really but let me assure you, and I speak from my current experience money will never be a problem, commitment will be. If your team is passionate and committed and shows up for work even if there is no work then trust me there is no stopping you. Money will come from unexpected sources and if you have the correct mindset so will the good people. You don’t have to worry about a thing except the product and the motivation.

At the end I urge all you fence sitters reading this post, wondering if you should take the dip and start your own business, to go ahead and work with all your heart on your product. What’s the worst that could happen? You would fail? No, only the idea fails not you, not your spirit. You will gain some very good experience and would be a prized human resource to any company. The great Chinese philosopher Confucius said “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life”.

All said and done, who’s ordering food today?

Ever since I started chasing my dreams, I thought of sharing my experiences with the world. Though we are not there yet, however our idea that was conceived two years back has started taking some shape now. The product or I should say our dream (Plattershare’s website) has not been launched yet. We, with our limited but powerful resources are working hard on it.

I am sharing this today as I wanted to vent out some of the frustration which has accumulated lately in my mind. I am a motivated guy and always feel connected to the source that looks after our being. But today I got little sad and frustrated as we have not been able to launch it on time decided by us. So just to boost up my own moral, I decided to pen down my feelings and mixed emotions in the form of this small write up and share the same with you. I am sure that this idea would help me release my inner interference and who knows, it may become a piece of inspiration to someone today or maybe later.

In spite of being very positive and working hard, sometimes things don’t go according to our plans. We apply everything we know, we read positive affirmations, skip family functions, keep working day and night on our product and keep thinking about it all the time but still things don’t work. Our family & friends keep asking about the status and we keep telling them very soon, very soon, very soon and that ‘very soon’ keeps getting postponed. Sometimes things go as smooth as they can and sometimes we feel that circumstances are against us and we are making a fool of ourselves.

So what do we do when things don’t go as per plans? Do we give up? Well some of us may loose hope and give up depending on the level of frustration. However  some us who are full of determination and not at all willing to give up may start to care less about things which create hindrances and divert our mind to reach our predefined goals.  Now as I am writing this, I have been able to speak my heart out and able to fill the vacuum that was created in my heart, body and soul. Of late, there has been so much improvement in designs, right people (exactly the ones we need) are getting on board  The confidence level has gone up 100 times than it was before. We tend to forget (like I did today) that ‘The Divine’ frames a better plan for us once we surrender to it and enjoy what we do.

And what I learnt today – Writing down feelings really does make us feel better. Try it!  Thanks for reading.

Every New Year brings lot of new things, promises, be it a trend, fashion, culture, lifestyle or food. Each one maintains an important place in our lives. New year also means chilly and foggy winters. It’s believed that everyone tends to eat more in winters. So lets know some of the best fruits and vegetables of the season.

1) Mustard Leaves (sarson): Yes we are talking about everybody’s favorite mustard leaves which is commonly known as sarson ka saag when cooked. This is one of the best green vegetables of the season. Fresh mustard greens are an excellent source of several vital antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and carotenes. Include the goodness of these leaves in your diet this winter season.

2) Carrots: Next we have on our list are carrots. This is the most magical vegetable of the season which can be eaten in several ways. You can make gajar ka halwa (a sweet dish cooked using carrots), murabba. Also some people like to have carrot juice which is very good for your glowing skin. So you should all make good use of this vege and have it in various ways you like.

3) Peanuts: Yes, another very interesting winter attraction is peanuts. People love eating specially during afternoon while taking a sunbath. One can mix peanuts with jaggery and relish this. Also peanuts are very good for your hair as its a good source of vitamins, potassium, protein, carbohydrates, calcium and fats. So don’t wait and grab a handful of peanuts and enjoy.

4) Oranges: During winters, citrus fruits are the best ones and orange is the most preferred citrus fruit of all. This tart-sweet fruit is the best source of vitamin C that helps your body fight against germs. And the best part is that it contains less fats and calories. So what are you waiting for, go and have this mouthwatering fruit of the season.

5) Apples: There is a very famous and old phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apples have properties that no other fruits have and its benefits have been proven overtime. You will be able to get the benefits of these properties individually with other fruits, but an apple combines everything and makes it simpler. It helps in preventing various diseases and also gives you lot of energy and a beautiful skin.

So all you beautiful people out there, what are you waiting for? Come on, get up and let your taste buds have some fun with these fruits and vegetables. Life is really amazing, so be happy, sleep well, stay blessed and not to forget JUST KEEP FOODING AROUND

As the holidays are right around the corner, meals are already being planned. Dinner is never complete without dessert, so it is important to find something quick and delicious that includes ingredients already stored or on hand. Sites like foodinsurance.com often offer ingredients that may be included. Here are five easy to prepare homemade desserts.

Image Credit – http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdies100/

Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Ingredients:

1 package of vanilla instant pudding mix

1 cup apple juice

3 cups chopped apples

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Graham crackers for pie crust with 2 tbs melted butter

As the oven is preheating to 375 degrees, the pudding, juice, cinnamon, and apples are combined over medium heat until thick and boiling. Using crushed graham crackers and melted butter, crust is formed in a 9-inch pie pan. All ingredients are placed over the crust and baked for 20 minutes.

Image Credit – http://www.flickr.com/photos/haynes/

Chocolate Pudding Delight

1 pack chocolate instant pudding mix

2/3 cup dry milk powder

1 1/2 cups water

3/4 cup yogurt

3/4 cup whipped topping

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

3/4 cup raisins

In bowl, combine pudding mix and milk powder. Add yogurt and water, while mixing with whisk. Fold in 1/4 cup whipped topping, nuts, raisins, and vanilla. Spoon mixture into small dessert cups. Refrigerate and top with remaining whipped topping when serving.

Image credit – http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart_spivack/

Holiday Spice Cake

1-1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

1-1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup yogurt

1 cup apple juice

1 tsp. vanilla

As oven preheats to 350 degrees, grease an 8 X 8 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon are mixed well. Raisins are added along with the mayonnaise, yogurt, juice, and vanilla. After combining, the mixture is spread in the pan and baked for 35 minutes.

Image credit – http://www.flickr.com/photos/yashima/

Easy Chocolate Nut Cookies

2 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup cocoa

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups walnuts

As oven preheats to 325 degrees, all ingredients are combined and spooned at least two inches apart onto baking sheets. They are baked for 15 minutes and left to cool.

Image Credit – http://lldesserts.com

Turtle Bar Bites

2 cups flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup butter

1 can sweet condensed milk

1 beaten egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup pecans

3/4 cup chocolate chips

1 cup toffee pieces

As oven is heated to 350 degrees, flour, sugar, and butter are combined into a crumb dough. This is pressed into a greased 9 X 13 inch pan and baked for approximately 10 minutes. In the meantime, milk, egg, and vanilla are whisked and poured over the crust. Nuts, chocolate, and toffee are sprinkled on top and the dessert is baked for an additional 25 minutes. It is cooled in the refrigerator before cutting.

About the Guest Author

Agnes Jimenez is a professional blogger and writer. She writes for many online establishments and supports those ones that offer alternative lifestyles to consumers.  She is a frugal living and self-sufficiency advocate, and also a self-proclaimed foodie.  She recommends FoodInsurance.com for those budget conscious home cooks who want to get big savings in shopping for freeze-dried foods and food storage.  You may follow Food Insurance on Twitter.

Around the world, Pancake is the most commonly eaten dish for breakfast (though it can be eaten at any time of the day), majorly in west. This simple dish is so common and famous that it is cooked in every house in west with bit of secrecy followed in its ingredients. And have uncountable food chains dedicated to this culinary only. It is not only delicious but also full of protein and that is the biggest reason that it is still followed religiously in Western Europe. In India it is called as Pooda or (Chilla). It is very crispy if eaten immediately.

Other than following the basic ingredient, this dish has got so many flavors and looks. It varies from the typical flour, cream and egg mixture on pan to different exciting topping or fillings in different sizes. Therefore this one dish is never out of its touch, if you had it once you will end up having it always. I can surely bet on that…. One of the reasons of its popularity is that it does not follow one taste, it can be served with the touch of fruit and sugar or with the pinch of salt and butter, both.

You must be wondering that since this dish is very popular it must contain very expensive and rare ingredients but it’s not like that, in fact it can be cooked very easily without any hassle. So here comes the basic ingredients required for it along with its recipe.

Time Taken: 20 mins.
Ingredients required are:
Flour: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Milk: 1/4 cup milk
Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Butter: 3 teaspoons butter, melted
Eggs: 1-2
Salt: 1 teaspoon salt
Sugar: 1 teaspoon white sugar

Take a large bowl and mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. and then once it is mixed well enough, pour the milk, egg and melted butter in the mixture. And mix it further for another minute till you get a smooth paste.

Then,

Take a frying pan and put light oil over medium heat. Then pour a scoop (1/4 cup) the batter onto the griddle. Then brown it on both sides and serve hot.

You can use chocolate, butter or any homemade sauce for topping and giving different flavors.

In the country like Canada, Australia, U.K., Ireland and New Zealand etc, pancakes are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday as it is a pancake day. So what are you waiting for just try it out and become the part of the people who knows how to fancy their food.