Wednesday, September 10, 2014

[ Try This.]

Making Limoncello Liqueur From Scratch.

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello (pronounced lee-muhn-CHELL-oh) is a liqueur from southern Italy made with lemons, vodka, water, and sugar. It's served ice cold in tiny, thin glasses as an after dinner aperitif, or digestivo. Only the zest is used to make this delicious drink. It has no bitterness at all, in fact, it is most refreshing!

Lemon Peels in Vodka.

10 lemons, just peels, no pith (I've seen anywhere from 8-17 in various recipes)

3 ½ cups sugar (This amount is entirely up to you. You may prefer it more or less sweet.)
3 cups water
3 cups vodka

1.) Don't worry about getting too picky about your lemon zest, the syrup that you'll be mixing in later will disguise any minor bitterness brought by a little pith.
2.) Pour the vodka over your peels. This part isn't precise, your basically marinating here. Every recipe is different with regards to this. Lemons are strong, they won't let you down.
3.) Let this sit for at least a week. They won't turn bad in the high-alcohol environs of the vodka.
4.) When the vodka smells refreshing and citrus-y and you're ready to make the syrup, boil the water and sugar (stirring to prevent any sugar scorching on the bottom of the pan.). Reduce this to a simmer, dissolving to a thin syrup. Set this aside to cool.
5.) Strain the vodka from the peels. Dry or compost your peels. Julienned and dried, you may yet use them in myriad recipes.
6.) Stir together the lemon-flavored vodka with the cooled syrup. Bottle and age for a few more weeks.

Limoncello

Source: Lani's Kitchen

Cocktail Recipes With Limoncello

Sperone Sunrise
1 1/2 oz. Limoncello
3 oz. Orange Juice
Serve over ice with a dash of grenadine syrup.
Limoncello Ice Cream
3 Cups Good Vanilla Ice Cream
1/2 cup Limoncello
Blend and serve. Garnish with lemon zest.
Cherry Lemonade
1 1/2 oz. Limoncello
1 1/2 oz. Cherry Vodka
2 oz. Lemon Sour
Shake and serve over ice.
Lady Cello
1 oz. Limoncello
1 oz. Rum
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
Sugar
1 tsp. Grenadine
Shake with ice. Serve with sugar-rimmed glass. Garnish with cherry.
Limoncello Baba
8 cups Flour
4 cups Butter
12 Eggs
1/2 cup Honey
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 cup Corn Syrup
1 cup Limoncello
Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix all the ingredients, (except for the syrup and the limoncello) into a smooth batter. Pour this mix into 12 cupcake papers. Bake for 25 minutes. Mix the syrup and the limoncello together. Soak the cupcakes. Serve these chilled. Serves twelve.

Trying Other Options

Vodka is a neutral-base alcohol. The strength is mostly up to the individual. Most recipes call for between 80-100 proof. It doesn't interfere with the flavors that you may wish to infuse for your liqueur. Steeping is the process that infuses the flavors that you're looking for. And filtering removes the solids. Finally, you just make a simple syrup by heating sugar and water. Cool this down and stir it in to your lovely new spirits. Funnel this into sterilized, pretty bottles, let it mellow a couple of months, et Voilà! You have liqueur!
I had some vodka left after pouring it over my lemon peels. I had a small yield this year with my plum tree, (after two amazing years of fruit!) so I opted to pit a few into a jar and pour the vodka that was left over these. These took a bit longer to steep than did the lemon peels, but in time they emited a lovely, rich, fruity smell. Next time I may add a clove or ginger root and a slice of apple, or a vanilla bean and a lemon peel. I may be onto a great gift idea.
Experiment with fruits, herbs, and spices. Fill your jars or bottles with fruit, but take it slow, perhaps, with your spices. Keep notes and refer to these as you may or may not wish to keep, or tweak a recipe.
This recipe would be delicious with orange peels or lime peels. Think of an orange-vanilla combination, or lime-mango-mint. The possibilites are fun and refeshing to think about, and people will be asking for more of your delightful liqueurs year after year!

Making Limoncello Liqueur From Scratch.

What is Limoncello?

Lemon Peels in Vodka

Source: Lani's Kitchen

Lemon Peels in Vodka

Source: Lani's Kitchen

Recipe to Make Limoncello

10 lemons, just peels, no pith (I've seen anywhere from 8-17 in various recipes)
3 ½ cups sugar (This amount is entirely up to you. You may prefer it more or less sweet.)
3 cups water
3 cups vodka

1.) Don't worry about getting too picky about your lemon zest, the syrup that you'll be mixing in later will disguise any minor bitterness brought by a little pith.
2.) Pour the vodka over your peels. This part isn't precise, your basically marinating here. Every recipe is different with regards to this. Lemons are strong, they won't let you down.
3.) Let this sit for at least a week. They won't turn bad in the high-alcohol environs of the vodka.
4.) When the vodka smells refreshing and citrus-y and you're ready to make the syrup, boil the water and sugar (stirring to prevent any sugar scorching on the bottom of the pan.). Reduce this to a simmer, dissolving to a thin syrup. Set this aside to cool.
5.) Strain the vodka from the peels. Dry or compost your peels. Julienned and dried, you may yet use them in myriad recipes.
6.) Stir together the lemon-flavored vodka with the cooled syrup. Bottle and age for a few more weeks.

Limoncello

Source: Lani's Kitchen

Cocktail Recipes With Limoncello

Trying Other Options

Recipe to Make Limoncello.

10 lemons, just peels, no pith (I've seen anywhere from 8-17 in various recipes)

Limoncello

Source: Lani's Kitchen

Cocktail Recipes With Limoncello

Trying Other Options

Vodka is a neutral-base alcohol. The strength is mostly up to the individual. Most recipes call for between 80-100 proof. It doesn't interfere with the flavors that you may wish to infuse for your liqueur. Steeping is the process that infuses the flavors that you're looking for. And filtering removes the solids. Finally, you just make a simple syrup by heating sugar and water. Cool this down and stir it in to your lovely new spirits. Funnel this into sterilized, pretty bottles, let it mellow a couple of months, et Voilà! You have liqueur!
I had some vodka left after pouring it over my lemon peels. I had a small yield this year with my plum tree, (after two amazing years of fruit!) so I opted to pit a few into a jar and pour the vodka that was left over these. These took a bit longer to steep than did the lemon peels, but in time they emited a lovely, rich, fruity smell. Next time I may add a clove or ginger root and a slice of apple, or a vanilla bean and a lemon peel. I may be onto a great gift idea.
Experiment with fruits, herbs, and spices. Fill your jars or bottles with fruit, but take it slow, perhaps, with your spices. Keep notes and refer to these as you may or may not wish to keep, or tweak a recipe.
This recipe would be delicious with orange peels or lime peels. Think of an orange-vanilla combination, or lime-mango-mint. The possibilities are fun and refreshing to think about, and people will be asking for more of your delightful liqueurs year after year!

[ For my next Home Plan Reserved. ]

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

[ Must watch this Video.]

Sunday, July 20, 2014

[ Subject: Housewife in general and Indian Housewife in particular.]

All Indian men to understand and appreciate these facts and should keep their better half very happy.

An excellent tribute to all House Wives and particularly to Indian Housewives.

An article was recently in circulation that had appeared in The Hindu Newspaper on the Marriage Caterers and how they could be an apt case study for the IIMs on their excellent Management skills.Just like Businesses& calls for qualified IIMs and the like for running the show, has anyone thought of Home Management particularly of a traditional Indian household.Has anyone thought of the Conventional middle-class Indian Housewife.Is she not the best Manager that could ever have set foot on this earth - in real life???although many are of the opinion that women are relegated to mundane household functions, has anyone ever thought of the activities that she carries out 24 x 7? most management skills that are taught of which the IIMs boast and for which they are highly paid, are also essential for running a traditional home.The Indian traditional middle-class. The husband is mostly a (literally) sleeping partner - only financing the requirements.He comes into the picture mostly as a Consultant or for major Project Planning needs like Purchasing a house or for children's marriage.

The housewife plans all daily/weekly/monthly/yearly actions for the benefit of the household / her family. All her plans are her mind Forget a Business's Annual Plans and Long Range Plans - everything relating to the future requirement of the family is already well thought out in her mind and she goes about executing it with her meager resources,including all course corrections.She is the best organizer that you could ever come across not only for the day to day cores for her and her family, but also for the future actions.

She directs all actions relating to the household every day.Whether she has servants or not, whether other family members help her or not.whether her finances would help her have additional hands or not, all daily needs of the household are met without fail - thanks to her.

She is the main center-pin for coordinating for all the actions of the family - for getting things done, for complaints resolution etc. Everything/everyone revolves round her.

Very rarely does the husband ever know or get involved in controlling things at home - it is the wife who is the monarch of all that she surveys - directly or indirectly.

She could probably be the best Time Manager.Her duty hours are 24 x 7 all the year round life long. She does not get Casual Leave or Sick Leave or Annual Leave nor does she get paid forOvertime.

She manages the finances, all the expenses&ensures that the monthly requirements are met. Whatever her husband gives her, she manages the entire show within that. She also creates reserves for the future major expenses like education/marriage/medical etc

She might not be educated but her cash flow management is always exemplary.

Man Management:

Every housewife could be an example of an excellent Man Manager- she has to tolerate her husband and his office worries that he carries home, her children's problems, her inlaws'etc., resolving all issues without any demur and to the satisfaction of all.She could beat any HR Manager hands down in Human Relations.Sense of belonging:

Who can ever dispute herselfless dedication to the well being of her family ? She is "there" always partaking in everything whether it be happiness or sorrow.Love and Compassion.

Who can ever dispute the love and compassion that she showers on her family. Her shoulders are always available for all the family members to lean on. She is the best solace be it for the children or the husband.

She knows the likes and dislikes of everyone and satisfies one and all. She meets surprise demands of visitors/guests.

With whatever is available within her resources/budget she meets all demands, the best Works Manger you could come across.

Her Inventories which include many perishables are always well controlled Most family members do not even know what is in the Quality:

Her food is always appreciated for taste and rarely does she waste or produce rejects.

She maintains the entire house very well and in an orderly fashion.

Has she undergone any special training on TQM or Six Sigma or 5S or qualified for ISO or other Management concepts?

She has to wear different caps for different roles that she plays every day from morning to night:

As a family member - as a daughter (daughter-in-law), as a wife to her husband, as a mother to her children, as the housewife to meet all her daily cores etc.

As the CEO, as Works Manager, as a Works Manager, as a Materials Manager, as a HR Manager, as an Admin Head, as a Quality Head, etc etc.

Whatever be her woes she rarely exhibits them - probably her only solace is the Puja room!

Most earlier housewives never got the so-called Degrees - She probably could never go to a Bank or a Post Office or use a computer So what her deeds are far far greater- her Universal Knowledge is far far superior.

The typical Indian Housewife not only manages the household exceptionally well, she also brings up her children as good citizens inculcating all good values, see to it that they settle properly in life and above all continues to serve one and all for ever in life, tirelessly without a demur.

The greatest thing about her is that her actions are never for "Returns" except that she longs and prays for the well-being of everyone to be Healthy and Happy in Life....... This list is never ending.

I may further add that this is applicable even more to our India.In these countries they have to work much Harder than India. No maids and No Drivers available unlike India.

Long Live the Conventional Indian middle-class Housewife.

She is the Greatest MANAGER that the World would ever see.

Sunday, June 01, 2014

[ Vastu for your Home.][ Vastu and Building Formulae by Niranjan Babu Bangalore ]

There has been extensive boom in the construction of housing, industrial, commercial buildings in big cities . Because of the complexity in the architecture and construction methods, there has been lot of confusion about the proper application of Vastu Shastra based building formulae. Appropriate application of various Vastu based formulae is possible when one clearly understands the concepts and significations embedded in the Vastu based formulae.I have indicated in my earlier articles and in books the importance of the building formulae referred to as Ayadi Shadvarga by the ancient masters of wisdom.
Ayadi is a group of six formulae Aya, Vyaya, Yoni, Rksha, Vara and Tithi that are used to determine the dimensional conformance of a building. The six formulae are divided in to three sets and each set consists of two formulae. A specific set of formulae is used to work out the length, breadth and height of the building or the structure. The length and breadth are the outer measurements of the foundation (bhumilamba) or its base (adhistana). The height of the building is considered to be from the bottom of the foundation or the bottom of the base to the topmost point of the building. The remainder obtained by using these formulae determines the gain or loss accruing, the constellation compatibility and the lunar and solar days that conduce to one's well being.

Vastu Shastra clearly emphasizes the importance of orienting the constructions to the cardinal directional. Therefore, the orientation of the building to be one of the four cardinal directions (north, east, south or west). As far as possible, buildings facing angular directions are to be avoided. But in rare situations, if the site is oriented in the angular directions, the orientation (or Yoni) formulae can be worked out in such a way so that the remainder is 1. The ancient masters were aware of the power of monsoon winds and other energies (physical and metaphysical). These energies were also considered in the orientation and construction of the buildings.

The unit of measurement used is generally the Kisku Hasta that equals 24 angulas. The hasta conversion is done diversely in different regions. One school of thought equates a hasta to two feet and nine inches and an angula to 1 3/8th inch. Another school of thought equates a hasta to 72 cm (28.3 inches) and an angula to 3 cm (1.2 inches). Here, the hasta is measured from the shoulder to the tip of the middle finger.

A third school of thought, which this writer follows, equates a hasta to 18 inches (and an angula to 0.75 inches) Here, hasta is the length of the arm from the bottom of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The Ayadi Shadvarga is calculating by taking any of the standardized hasta measurements or using the actual hasta length of either the master, his/her spouse, eldest son or the architect (or contractor) designing the house.

Further research on the definition or usage of the Hasta measurement is needed to specifically determine whether 18 inches, 2.75 feet, 72 cm or the actual arm length from the elbow (or the shoulder) to the tip of the middle finger is appropriate. This scribe generally uses the 18-inch Hasta, based on measuring the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.

Manasara recommends working out nine different lengths and breadths and five heights for a building. The Yoni formula defining the breadth measurement very clearly reinforces the importance of proper orientation. Most religious buildings, palaces, cities, villages and roads of ancient India and many other parts of the world faced the cardinal directions. In fact, the Giza and Great pyramids of Egypt are oriented to the north

The table below summarizes the six formulae.

Aya = Remainder of Length x 8 / 12
Vyaya = Remainder of Breadth x 9 / 10
Rksha (Nakshatra)= Remainder of Length x 8/27
Yoni = Remainder of Breadth x 3 / 8
Vara = Remainder of Height x 9 / 7
Tithi = Remainder of Height x 9/ 30

Table 1

Vastu regulates the primary elements in an enclosure with reference to its length, breadth and height. By having the dimensions worked out using the Ayadi formulae, the residents can, to a certain extent, experience material and spiritual awareness. Living in such spaces can contribute harmony with the gross (sthoola) and subtle (sookshma) energies leading to both physical and metaphysical well being of the individual(s).

Aya, also known as aadhayam, means income and Vyaya means loss or expenditure. When these formulae are applied Aya should be greater than Vyaya (Ayam Adhikyam, Vyayam Hinam) in order that the dimensions worked out positively energizes the structure or building.

The Yoni and Rksha (Nakshatra) formulae are applied for finding the breadth of the building. The Yoni formula should be worked out to always get an odd remainder.

Angular Orientation Relative Cardinal Direction    Yoni   Number
    Northeast               East                   Dhwaja   1
    Southeast              South                    Simha   3
    Southwest              West                    Vrshaba  5
    Northwest              North                    Gaja    7

The 1, 3, 5 and 7 remainders are referred to as Dhwaja, Simha, Vrshabha and Gaja indicating the directions East, South, West and North, respectively. Generally orientation to any direction can have the Dhwaja Yoni worked out. The Yoni can be calculated, for sites not oriented to the cardinal directions, based on the above table.

Table 2
The Rksha (or Nakshatra) formula should be worked out such that the remainder indicates a constellation that is compatible to the master's (or spouse's) constellation.

The height of the building can be fixed based on the Vara and Tithi formulae. After calculating the negative or paisacha zones of the site, the proposed length of the available space is converted into hasta and then the formulae applied. An example, utilizing the various formulae, is given below:

Consider a site measuring 45 feet by 63 feet. We first find the paisacha or non-habitable area by dividing each side into nine parts. On the 63 feet side, the paisacha works out to 7 feet each on either side giving us 49 feet of Vastu approved land for construction. On the other side of 45 feet, the non-habitable area works out to 5 feet on either side and we have 35 feet of Vastu compatible land for construction.

The Ayadi table given in the end of the article is worked out equating a hasta to 1.5 feet or 18'. The formulae can be applied to both rooms (inner) and buildings (outer).

Let us now look at the Aya and Rksha (E and F) columns to arrive at the proper length. Aya for 49 feet works out to 9 and Rksha works out to 18 (Jyeshta). If we need a smaller measurement we can accordingly trace a dimension that gives higher figure of Aya and a compatible figure of Rksha.

Divide the 27 constellations into three sets of nine each and count the nakshatra obtained from your nakshatra. The count as per following table indicates the compatibility or otherwise.

  
Count from your Nakshatra - Referred to as -   Indicates  
                   1           Janma            Danger
                   2          Sampath       Wealth and Prosperity
                   3          Vipath        Danger, Loss, Accidents
                   4          Kshema           Prosperity
                   5         Pratyak           Obstacles
                   6         Sadhana         Realization of Ambitions
                   7         Naidhana            Danger
                   8          Mitra             Favorable
                   9       Parama Mitra       Very Favorable

Table 3.
Let us now arrive at the proper breadth dimension by referring to columns G and H. Locate the nearest measurement to 35 and check on its compatible Vyaya and Yoni. The table indicates dimensions 32.5 and 32.25 showing the Yoni as 1 and Vyaya as 5 & 4 respectively.

On similar lines the height of the building can also be identified from the table. Where normal foundation is used, the height from its base can be considered and for pillar foundation, the height from the bottom of its base over which the building is constructed can be considered. The height is with reference to the highest point of the building be it the overhead tank or the skylight of the building. The columns to be referred to are I and J.

The dimensions of length, breadth and height can be worked out for residential and business buildings, layouts, religious buildings, swimming pools and underground and overhead water tanks too.

It would be indeed be a contribution to the people if city developers and builders allot sites to the public with the dimensions worked out on at least three formulae, viz., Aya, Vyaya and Yoni.

Continued...

8-Apr-2006 More by : Niranjan Babu Bangalore.

Niranjan Babu Bangalore has degrees in both science and commerce and post-graduate education in journalism. Actively associated with THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE (of his father Dr. B. V. Raman) for over thirty years, he is its CEO and Publisher. Is a senior and distinguished contributor..

Niranjan Babu is a well-known international consultant in Vastu and is the author of the international best sellers Handbook of Vastu, Vastu Relevance to Modern Times and Vastu FAQs Answered. His forthcoming book is Vastu - Directional Influences on Human Affairs. He has several books in the regional languages of India.

Many well-known individuals, businesses and industries have utilized his services. He is also a Vastu Consultant for well-known temples, complexes and religious institutions. He has attended several conferences of American Council of Vedic Astrology, as the principal speaker on Vastu Shastra. . Is the senior faculty advisor for Vastu at The Bhaktivedanta College (BVC) in North Carolina. He has lectured, conducted workshops and provided counseling on Vastu Sastra in Chicago, Peoria, Dallas, Atlanta, North Carolina, Tampa, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, San Diego, Seattle, Tampa. Sedona and other places in U.S.A.

See more at: http://www.boloji.com

Monday, May 26, 2014

[ Prime Minister of Pakistan in India his one charming smile made millions of Indians smile.]

Mr.Nawaz Sheriff Prime Minister of Pakistan was welcomed in India while he entered the Rastrapathi Bhavan premises to represent his country on the occasion of the swearing in ceremony function of our new Prime Minister Mr.NarendraModi.He also released from Pakistan Jail as a good will gesture before his departure from Pakistan over 60 prisoners who were caught fishing in Pakistan seas. The prisoners of Pakistan in India and the Indian Prisoners in Pakistan Jail must all be released if there is no case against them. Will our Prime Minister make arrangements for this to happen as all are only Indians but in a different mam made place.

Indian in Pakistan Jail being visited by his mother and Wife.

As he met his family for the first time since his arrest and death sentence in Pakistan, Kulbhushan Jadhav "parroted Pakistani propaganda" and kept saying he was a spy, according to Indian officials. Chilling details have emerged of the 40-minute meeting between Mr Jadhav and his mother and wife in Islamabad on Monday. The meeting across a glass screen and through intercom, tightly controlled by Pakistani officials, has left the family "horrified and depressed", according to relatives.

My Life & Wife.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

[ Try This.]