However, decorating cakes is unfortunately no cake walk! It requires a lot of know-how, patience, time and creativity. Decorating pastries requires even more skill because each slice needs to look and taste as good as the others.

CAKES AND PASTRIES: A step by step guide to easy decorating using readymade sponges is an attempt to guide you step by step through the process of decorating cakes and pastries. From the classic Black Forest and the intoxicating Chocolate Coffee Cake, to the sugar-garnished Peach Praline Gateau, we show you how to create masterpieces, through clear sequential instructions and accompanying photos.

Weve told you how to make the sponges too, so you can make it all in your kitchen itself! Just remember to understand the ingredients and instruments well, and read the instructions carefully (more than once if required), take a good look at the pictures and give it your best try I am sure you will get the hang of it very soon. Wish you many creamy, dreamy moments! (less)

Like most hobbies, although it may be difficult at first, it is ewarding when you see that you have created something beautiful. There is no magic formula except to keep trying patiently and to follow all the instructions carefully.

You will be pleasantly surprised with the results (less)

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and add to that the worry of having put on too much weight and being unable to shed it the healthy way. Besides myriad questions and doubts and fears relating to weight loss during lactation plague you.

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But here's a one-stop solution to all your weight loss issues (less)

. This book is my attempt to relieve you of the daily dilemma of what to pack in your kid's tiffin.

With scrumptious and nutritious recipes to take you through the entire week from Monday to Saturday, there is a wide range of snacks, full lunches and desserts, covering recipes for both short and long breaks that your child will definitely relish. Both traditional and contemporary, the recipes combine various flavours from Indian and Western cuisine that will appeal to young taste buds.

The balanced meal pyramid will be very handy for your meal planning, as will the tips on what to pack and how to pack for tiffin. For all the taste and nutrition, the recipes are simple to make, so you save on time and the hassle of getting up at unearthly hours to prepare them.

Go on, surprise (less)

And what catches their attention is something that is unique and different from the ordinary. It works the same way with food too.

Don't we all know how difficult it is to get a child sit at the dining table and enjoy his food? Although they look adorable with their noses up in the air saying "NO', as parents it is important that we ensure that they eat nutritious meals regularly. At the same time, they seem to relish the junk food available outside, tasty maybe, but not very healthy.

So how do we achieve this exasperating and impossible task of making meal times fun for children? Treat them to fun-filled, delicious and nutritious food in various colours, shapes and textures. Ensure that the food is not messy and very easy for them to pick up and eat on their own and relish the different tastes.

So I present - Finger (less)

Whether it is Aamiri Khaman from Gujarat or Valval from Maharashtra, Dum Aloo from the northern frontiers, Bengali Matarsutir Dal from the east, or Kanchipuram Idly from the south, you will realise within minutes that the microwave is no alien to Indian cuisine (less)

Now, no matter how short you are on time, this book will let you enjoy the pleasures of home - cooking without too much fuss. A few recipes included in this book are:Jhatpat Samosa.

, Potato And Spring Onion Soup, Methi Moong Dal Subzi, Mushroom Curry, Rice Noodles Khowsuey, Achari Paneer, Coconut Pulao, Strawberry Yoghurt Pie, Kesari, Creamy Chocolate Pie (less)

Add to this a range of thoughtful accompaniments, and you can have a wholesome and delectable meal at less than half the price of any restaurant. Indian street food varies from region to region.

However, wherever you are, you will surely find a large selection of scrumptious snacks, each prepared more temptingly than the other. The snacks are prepared right in front of your eyes, enticing you with the wonderful spicy aromas.

The vendor remains unfazed however high the order-load, and continues to serve each customer with a smile -remembering to cater to their individual preferences, whether they want the dish without onions or extra spicy, or by-two! (less)

Skip the aerated drink, and throw in a smoothie. Couple it with an interesting accompaniment, what more can you ask for.

You can woo any age-group, young or old, with your own 'meal combo'! In BURGERS & SMOOTHIES, I offer you recipes for 12 burgers, 12 accompaniments and 24 smoothies. As always, the collection includes both traditional and innovative recipes, including some like the Veggie Burger, page 10, Rajma Burger, page 12, French Fries, page 35, Masala French Fries, page 42, Anjeer Smoothie, page 63, and Apple Smoothie page 69.

Go ahead and try these recipes. You're sure to like them.

Combine them as per your liking to make wonderful meals, and also let your mind conjure up other interesting dishes based on these recipes! (less)

The special requirements of proteins at different stages of our life, depend upon its functions during every age, may it be childhood, old age, or pregnancy. Proteins are critical for a variety of tasks, right from the formation of new cells, strong bones, haemoglobin, to managing the wear-and-tear of body cells, etc.

While it is generally acknowledged that non-vegetarian foods are the richest sources of proteins, there is no reason for vegetarians (less)

In fact, I know some people who would even miss a course of the main meal to save space for an extra dose of the dessert. What is more, nowadays hosts are getting very creative with the desserts.

Although cakes and pastries are everyone's favourite, people are thinking beyond the usual options, and exploring a larger variety including mousses, cheesecakes and cupcakes (less)

Here's a complete diabetic guide for all you food lovers! (less)

Includes 59 recipes which are: EASY TO COOK, YUMMY TO EAT, and NUTRITIOUS too!! (less)

One can get 100 calories by having either two fat-laden sweet cookies or one portion of low calorie mix sprouts bhel. The key to right snacking lies in the right selection of food and the right amount.

This is how the concept of creating a "100 Calorie Snacks" cookbook took sha (less)

Like most hobbies, although it may be difficult at first, it is ewarding when you see that you have created something beautiful. There is no magic formula except to keep trying patiently and to follow all the instructions carefully.

You will be pleasantly surprised with the results (less)

Overseas, wraps and rolls were predominantly associated with the ever-so-popular Burrito. However, with the rise in the demand for quick-eats, people have started experimenting with their own regional cuisines and creating innovative wraps and rolls.

Keeping in mind the needs (less)