Strawberry jam

Recently I started making our own jams / preserves, as DIY projects impresses me a lot. This recipe can yield a 3/4 of a jar of this jam. (If using 3 tbsp pectin and more sugar, we will get 2 jars of jam, but I made a small batch). Store bought pectin can be replaced by 1 apple. After tasting the chunks of  fruits in this jam, I realized the importance of making them at home:)  The Strawberry jam is a quick one and I enjoyed preparing this very much. Hope my readers love this version too!

Ingredients:
Strawberry - 15 number
sugar - 1 1/2 cup
water - 1/4 cup
pectin - 1 tbsp (or) apple - 1

Method: 
Remove the stem and leaves from the fruits. Wash well and slice them into small pieces. (If not using pectin, then peel, core, shred an apple and add it the sliced strawberry). Cook the strawberry and apple in 1/4 cup water. After 5 minutes, add the sugar and cook till a candy thermometer reads 220 F. (If apple is not added, then add the pectin and check the temperature). (or) Take cold water in a bowl, put a drop of jam and see if it stays without dissolving. That is the stage we need. Switch off. Let cool completely and store in fridge or do the canning. Stays good in fridge up to 2 months, if handled with care.
(Time taken - 20 minutes).

Serving suggestions:
Serve with bread toast, cake / ice cream topping.

Spicy Shrimp roast

I learned this recipe from my cousin Madhu, when she visited us recently. On that day I wanted to make something special for both of us after giving hubby his lunch box. After talking some family stories, we both rushed to the kitchen exactly at the lunch time and then I wanted some quick side dish for our chicken briyani:) Then I asked her for a simple and quick recipe for shrimp. She shared with me her mom's (my Susila athai's) eral varuval recipe and I absolutely love it. I could make that spicy shrimp fry within 20 minutes and we both had a delicious lunch with this fry and chicken briyani:)
Thanks Madhu, now I know 'how to make a quick delicious shrimp fry' !

Recipe source: I got this recipe from my cousin Madhumitha. This is her beautiful amma Susila athai's recipe. 

Era varuval / roasted prawn.

Ingredients:
Large Raw shrimp - 15
oil - 2 tbsp
turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
red chilly powder - 1 tsp
coriander powder - 3 tbsp
curry masala powder - 1/2 tsp
salt - to taste

Method:
Peel and devein the shrimp.
Mix all the powders and salts mentioned above. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Heat oil in a wok. Add the marinated shrimp. Stir well. Cook covered with a tbsp of water for 10 minutes.
Shrimp roast is ready!

Note:
Serve as side dish with any rice or chapati.
Sometimes I add lemon juice also while marinating.
Curry leaves and fennel seeds (sombu) can also be added while frying the shrimp.